Photo: Peter Baba

The Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly unlikely to make a significant move as the trade deadline approaches, according to sources who spoke with ESPN.

Recent discussions between the Lakers and other teams have shown little evidence of an aggressive push from the front office to significantly shake up the roster.

Despite the team’s current position, both LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been vocal in urging management to bolster the roster.

They believe that the Lakers are just one or two key players away from becoming serious contenders for a deep playoff run.

However, the Lakers’ reluctance to part with their future first-round draft picks remains a sticking point in trade negotiations.

Sources indicate there has been no sign of a shift in this stance, which continues to limit the team’s options for impactful acquisitions.

Although the Lakers recently attempted to make a “win-now” move by pursuing Dorian Finney-Smith, offering multiple second-round picks in the process, this transaction also involved sending out D’Angelo Russell.

By trading Russell, a key piece for salary matching, the Lakers have lost a valuable asset that could have been used as trade ballast in larger deals. This has further diminished their chances of completing a blockbuster trade before the deadline.

The team appears to be prioritizing long-term flexibility over immediate upgrades, which aligns with their cautious approach in preserving future assets.

Nevertheless, the lack of urgency from the front office may lead to frustration for James and Davis, who remain focused on competing for a championship in the present.