Report: LeBron James, Anthony Davis ‘Concerned’ with Lakers’ ability to make upgrades | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

Faced with the possibility of having to go through the play-in tournament one more time just to make the postseason, the duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis are uneasy about the Los Angeles Lakers’ chances of making a move before the trade deadline.

According to ESPN’s Shams CharaniaJames and Davis are “increasingly concerned” about the Lakers’ ability to make “significant” additions before Feb. 6.

Charania’s report comes on the heels of The Athletic’s Jovan Buha wrote on Tuesday that the “feeling” from people around the NBA is that the Lakers are more likely to either stand pat or make a “half-goal” deal rather than try to go all-in.

The Lakers have first-round picks available in 2029 and 2031 they could include in a trade, but they have long been reluctant to use them when the subject has come up.

General manager Rob Pelinka told reporters in September, they would have to get a return that helps them achieve “sustained Lakers excellence” to move those draft picks.

Charania noted that both James and Davis have expressed their desire for the front office to make a move because they believe the Lakers are “potentially a step or two away” from competing for a championship.

A big part of the problem for the Lakers — or any team trying to make a big inseason addition — is that there don’t seem to be many significant needle-moving players available right now.

Jimmy Butler is the best of the bunch, but there has been no indication that the Lakers are even trying to get in on the bidding for the six-time All-Star. Cam Johnson would suit any contender as a wing guard who shoots 41.9 percent from three-point range, but the trade market for him appears to be very competitive.

The Lakers have already reached a deal with the Brooklyn Nets to address their wing depth by acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith on December 29th. He’s starting to get comfortable in his new home, averaging 7.1 points on 41.9 percent three-point shooting in eight games after. the bench.

Heading into Thursday’s game against the Boston Celtics, the Lakers (23-18) hold a one-game lead over the Dallas Mavericks for the No. 6 in the Western Conference. They have made the playoffs out of the play-in tournament each of the past two seasons.