The Los Angeles Lakers are unlikely to make a major splash before the February 5, 2026, NBA trade deadline expires, but the buyout and post-deadline free-agent market could still offer low-risk, high-upside additions. One name that has surfaced as a potential “fan favorite” return is Lonzo Ball — the former No. 2 overall pick by the Lakers in 2017.
According to Silver Screen and Roll writer Edwin Garcia (February 5 report), Ball — recently traded from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Utah Jazz but expected to be waived shortly — could be a smart, sentimental, and potentially useful depth piece:
“From the one who got away to circling back on a former player, here comes Lonzo Ball. He was recently traded from the Cavs to the Jazz, but Utah is expected to waive him. Ball has battled injuries throughout his career and struggled this season in Cleveland, but he did average 7.6 points on 34.4% shooting from three in Chicago last season. Plus, he’s still a fan favorite. Ball won’t have his jersey hanging in the rafters like Magic Johnson envisioned, but he could still contribute to the Lakers’ success if he returns.”
Lonzo Ball’s Current Situation
Ball was traded from Cleveland to Utah on February 5, 2026, but Shams Charania (ESPN) quickly reported that the Jazz plan to waive him, making him an unrestricted free agent almost immediately.
In limited action with Cleveland this season: 4.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.9 APG, 30.1% FG (very low minutes due to ongoing knee management and conditioning).Career highlights: Elite passer, plus defender when healthy, and once a 42.3% 3PT shooter (2021-22 with Chicago).
Major caveat: Ball has been plagued by severe knee injuries (multiple surgeries, including cartilage damage) and has played only sparingly since 2021-22.
Why a Lakers Reunion Could Make Sense
Familiarity & low risk — Ball knows the organization, the city, and the pressure of playing in L.A. A minimum or near-minimum deal carries almost no financial risk for the Lakers.
Defensive upside — When healthy, Ball is a long, instinctive perimeter defender who could spell Derrick White-like minutes off the bench (especially with Austin Reaves back but the backcourt still thin after recent moves).
Playmaking depth — His vision and passing could help stabilize second-unit offense alongside Payton Pritchard or Lonzo Ball-style connective pieces.
Nostalgia & fan appeal — As Garcia notes, Ball remains a “fan favorite” in Los Angeles. He was drafted with huge expectations in 2017; a redemption story would resonate emotionally.
Magic’s early vision — The Hall of Famer once envisioned Ball as a Lakers lifer; a short-term return would be a poetic (if minor) full-circle moment.
Realistic Role & Expectations
Ball would not be a starter or major rotation piece. At best, he could:
Provide 12–18 MPG as a backup guardOffer elite transition playmaking and defenseHit spot-up threes if the shot returns even partially
At worst, he remains a roster filler who doesn’t play due to health — still harmless on a minimum deal.
Why It’s Not a Game-Changer
Ball’s injury history is severe — he’s played only sporadically since 2021-22. At 28, he’s no longer the high-upside prospect the Lakers drafted. This would be a depth flyer, not a needle-mover.
The Lakers’ bigger priorities remain:
Internal health (Reaves back, LeBron management)Possible buyout additions (e.g., perimeter defense or shooting)Summer flexibility around Dončić and the young core
Bottom Line
A Lonzo Ball return on a minimum deal would be low-risk, emotionally resonant, and potentially useful for depth — especially if his shot and defense show any flashes in workouts. It won’t “fix” the Lakers, but it could add a feel-good story and a defensive-minded guard off the bench.
Lakers fans: Would you welcome Lonzo back on a cheap deal for nostalgia and upside? Or do you think the injury history makes it a waste of a roster spot? Drop your thoughts below — the buyout window is just beginning!