In recent weeks, coach JJ Redick and James have both noted that the Lakers have no margin for error in games due to a thin roster. Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood were expected to be key pieces of the team's rotation but have missed the entire season so far.

The chances of the Lakers making the type of big trade that would make them contenders or near-contenders any time soon may be slim.

The NBA trade deadline puts pressure on several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers. However, they could land Lonzo Ball during the deadline, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic and Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight.

In a last-ditch effort to acquire a two-way point guard with a solid three-point shot, the Lakers' front office may reach out to Chicago to inquire about a deal centered around the Lakers' former No.