The Los Angeles Lakers made a surprising decision to stand pat at the trade deadline, forgoing any immediate roster changes despite speculation surrounding D'Angelo Russell. However, this move indicates the team's strategic approach to the remainder of the season, positioning themselves for potentially significant deals in the upcoming offseason.

Having clinched the ninth spot in the Western Conference with a 27-26 record, there were debates surrounding whether the Lakers should have made a move to improve their standings. However, by preserving their roster, the Lakers now hold three valuable tradable first-round picks for the summer, providing them with a potential opportunity to acquire a star player.

According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, the Lakers have identified three potential targets: Kyrie Irving, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell. Buha reports that the Lakers have long been interested in Irving, falling just short of acquiring him last season when the Brooklyn Nets favored a trade package from the Dallas Mavericks. While Irving re-signed with the Mavericks, a potential trade cannot be ruled out, especially if the Lakers are willing to offer draft picks.

Acquiring Young, who was previously the Lakers' target's backcourt partner Dejounte Murray, is another intriguing possibility. Rumors have circulated that Young could be available for trade this summer, offering the Lakers a chance to add an offensive powerhouse and complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis' skills. At only 25 years old, Young could also provide a foundation for the team's future, even if James decides to leave in the coming years.

However, competition for both Young and Mitchell is expected to be fierce. The New York Knicks, who previously pursued Mitchell when he requested a trade from the Utah Jazz, are likely to aggressively pursue him again. The Knicks, currently the fourth team in the Eastern Conference, have been making shrewd moves and have the necessary draft picks to facilitate a significant trade.

Nonetheless, regardless of their specific target, it is evident that the Lakers are planning to be major players in the offseason. With three first-round picks at their disposal, they have the ammunition needed to potentially land a star player that could propel the team back to championship contention.

The Lakers' inaction at the trade deadline should not be misconstrued as a lack of ambition. Instead, it signifies a patient approach, with the team eyeing bigger moves that can shape their long-term success. As the offseason approaches, Lakers fans eagerly await news of their team's pursuit of a third star player, and only time will tell if their plans come to fruition.