Lakers Insider Provides Frustrating Update on Trade Talks

The Los Angeles Lakers lost five of their last seven games and are currently 12-9 on the season. LeBron James is in the midst of the worst shooting slump of his career, and injuries have started to pile up already.

There were already major concerns about the depth of this Lakers roster. After the setback to Jarred Vanderbilt and injuries to Jaxson Hayes and Christian Wood, the Lakers are extremely short-handed in the frontcourt. Add the absence of Austin Reaves in recent games and no wonder the Lakers are struggling to win.

Naturally, Lakers fans are clamoring for a trade. The team needs more depth in the big man rotation, as well as improvement in terms of shooting and perimeter defense. Despite the obvious need for upgrades in various spots, the Lakers front office is reportedly waiting to make a move. Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that the team is going to be patient and wait until at least January to make a move.

NBA News: Lakers Not Making A Trade Any Time Soon

"My understanding is that the Lakers are going to be patient. They will likely wait until January, if not closer to the February 6 trade deadline to make a move....I don't expect them to go out of their way to make a move immediately in the next couple of weeks. Lakers fans are going to have to be patient."

- Jovan Buha, The Athletic

It was reported before the season that GM Rob Pelinka wanted to wait 30 games to evaluate the roster. So, this is in line with what the front office has been saying since the beginning. However, it is still disappointing to hear since circumstances have changed.

LeBron James is looking a step slower early in the season and the frontcourt is looking thinner than anticipated. Instead of waiting to see what deals are there at the trade deadline, the Lakers need to act with urgency and upgrade now. Whether Pelinka & co. is capable of doing so remains to be seen.

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