Lakers interested in trading for affordable 3-and-D forward with career high of 51 points

The Lakers are aware that LeBron James' time with the team is nearing an end, one way or another, so they are going to try to maximize the time they have left.

Reports suggest they'll be active ahead of the 2026 NBA Trade Deadline, looking to offload certain players, while also bringing in more impactful players who can contribute to winning come playoff time.

A long list of names have come up as trade targets, but none seem like a more realistic trade candidate than one particular player who is playing exceptionally well on an extremely affordable contract.

What player with a career high of 51 points are the Lakers targeting?

NBA insider Michael Scotto reported a list of 3-and-D players the Lakers are targeting, including Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey.

Bey has bounced around the league over the past few seasons and has dealt with injuries, but is finally playing elite basketball again this season.

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In 42 games, he's averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 steals.

Bey is making just over $6 million a year on his contract and is under contract next season.

This would be an effective addition for the Lakers, who could easily match Bey's salary in a trade.

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Outside of the small list of players the Pelicans claim are untouchable, much of the roster is up for grabs in trade talks, which makes trading for Bey all the more realistic.

In Bey's second season in the league, he scored 51 points in a game, which shows how high his ceiling can be when he finds a rhythm.

He's a jack of all trades and can be one of the missing pieces the Lakers are looking for, which could elevate in the West during the second half of the season.

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