Brian Windhorst on a big impediment for the Lakers on the trade market

The Lakers are aggressively looking to make a trade, but Brian Windhorst says one thing has prevented them thus far from closing a deal.

The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and teams have until 3 p.m. Eastern on Feb. 8 to complete any deal.

The urgency is growing for the Los Angeles Lakers to do something to salvage their season. They are 24-25 after back-to-back losses against the Houston Rockets and Atlanta Hawks, and they badly need a shot in the arm in more ways than one.

They have a number of rumored trade targets, including, of course, the Hawks’ Dejounte Murray. The Hawks reportedly don’t want D’Angelo Russell in a potential Murray trade, so the current sticking point is the need for a third team to get involved.

But Russell doesn’t seem to be wanted on the trade market, according to Brian Windhorst (h/t Lakers Daily).

“The Lakers have shown a willingness to trade that first-round pick, but they still haven’t been able to close a deal because there is not a lot of excitement about D’Angelo Russell,” Windhorst said. “That would be the guy in the deal. He’s got an option in his contract for $18 million next year, and teams aren’t excited about him.”

Russell has had an impressive hot streak in January during which he has shot an extremely high percentage from 3-point range, although he may be starting to flame out. But his player option for next season dents his attractiveness, as teams can’t be sure he would stick around.

In addition, he has a history of being streaky, especially in the playoffs, and his defense is lackluster.

Windhorst said L.A. has two assets that are attractive right now on the market: its 2029 first-round draft pick and guard Austin Reaves. However, the front office is reportedly very reluctant to give up Reaves, whose shooting efficiency is down this season, unless it receives a bona fide star in return.