17 days until the NBA trade market shuts down and the Los Angeles Lakers are yet to catch a big fish. Rob Pelinka surely acquired Dorian Finney-Smith, who fits well with the Anthony Davis-LeBron James system. But, looking ahead into the future, with Bron’s historical era ending within the next few years, the Purple and Gold still have nothing.

Currently, the Lakers are 22-18 and sixth in the Western Conference. Their record against teams below .500 is brilliant (11-1). However, throw them before a team that’s .500 or better (11-17), they have the worst mark in the West. So, what does this stat mean? Rob Pelinka’s team is enjoying a dominance vs. average-ish team. This should be concerning for a team that walked into the 2024-25 season in the hope of recreating their 2019-20 run.

But looking into the future, when LeBron James won’t be around, Rob Pelinka is running out of plans. Meanwhile, the Lakers insider for The Athletic, Jovan Buha has some interesting information to share. “The sense around the league, when talking to rival scouts and front-office personnel, is that standing pat or making a half-measure trade is more likely,” Buha wrote about Rob Pelinka and Co. “This would likely involve one or two second-round picks. Going all-in and trading both of their future first-round picks that can be moved seems less probable. That’s dependent, of course, on the available players. It also depends on asking prices and the team’s performance through the deadline.”

Rob Pelinka knows there’s no magic fix waiting at the trade deadline. Scouting the market, it’s clear he’s got three big gaps to fill. He needs stronger two-way wings—especially on defense. A backup center who can protect the rim and grab boards wouldn’t hurt either. And let’s not forget another ball handler to ease the load when James or Reaves takes a breather. Becoming a true contender? It’s going to take more than just a quick patch-up.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on LeBron James‘ legendary time in the league. And the assumption around the icon is that he’ll play just one more season, therefore an average group isn’t good enough. After the Lakers’ tough loss to the Clippers, Pelinka’s brightest star didn’t mince words when asked how the team could create more “margin for error.” “Nah,” Bron shrugged, shutting down the idea. “That’s how our team is constructed. We don’t have room for much error.” Pressed further, he doubled down with a knowing smile. “We don’t have a choice,” he said. “I mean, that’s the way our team is built. We have to play close-to-perfect basketball.”

LeBron’s public pressure on the Lakers demands a need for an all-in deal that they couldn’t have with DFS. Thus, the front office is at a crossroads with the Feb. 6 deadline approaching at a lightning-fast speed. Meanwhile, there is someone LA might be looking forward to bringing into the squad. An ex-champ perhaps?

Rob Pelinka is keeping a hawk’s eye on ex-Denver Nuggets star

Keep an eye on the Lakers in the Bruce Brown chase. NBA insider Evan Sidery thinks they might finally make their move. They’ve had their eyes on the Raptors guard for over a year. With the Feb. 6 trade deadline closing in, now could be the time to strike. Rob Pelinka and Co. remain active on the trade market in pursuit of upgrades. Therefore, they are evaluating their roster cautiously with a speck of hope coming from Jarred Vanderbilt’s possible return this season.

Sidery reported: “The Lakers are a team to monitor as a trade suitor for Bruce Brown. Since last year, Los Angeles has coveted Brown as a role player who would fit well alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Brown’s $23 million salary will make trade negotiations complicated with the Raptors.”

The Lakers wanted Bruce Brown in 2023 right after he won the championship with the Denver Nuggets, but missed out. He took a two-year, $45 million deal with the Pacers instead. Fast forward to Jan. 2024—he’s in Toronto, part of the Pascal Siakam trade. Now, with the Raptors hitting full rebuild mode, they’re looking to cash in. Brown’s expiring contract and recent knee surgery should lower his price, but that hefty salary? It’s still a problem.

Rob Pelinka must figure out his priorities. This is the time. The trade market deadline is approaching, and so is LeBron James’ time to hang his boots. The GM’s long-term plans for the Lakers, with a sensible all-in deal instead of half-measured ones, could help. Now it depends on what the front office wants. But well, with their eyes on the ex-NBA champ, surely something is brewing.