The NBA trade deadline is not until Feb. 6, but the buzz around notable players and teams is building up. Keep an eye on players such as Jimmy Butler, Zion Williamson and Zach LaVine, who'll be linked to possible trades. One team to watch is the Phoenix Suns, who have stayed busy in January, making two trades while remaining in the mix for Butler.

The chances of the Lakers making the type of big trade that would make them contenders or near-contenders any time soon may be slim.

In a last-ditch effort to acquire a two-way point guard with a solid three-point shot, the Lakers' front office may reach out to Chicago to inquire about a deal centered around the Lakers' former No.