If the Los Angeles Lakers need to make the most of LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ time in the league, it’s pretty clear that they need to upgrade the roster around the superstar duo. However, despite pressure from James and Davis, Rob Pelinka and the rest of the Lakers management don’t seem to be operating with a sense of urgency.

As per ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, the Lakers “show little sign of aggression” in the trade market. The deadline is just on the horizon yet the Lakers’ management is hesitating to use their draft stock. Moreover, D’Angelo Russell’s trade to Brooklyn has further complicated matters for Pelinka and Co. As they cannot make a move for a bigger fish given a large expiring salary is removed from their books. According to reports, even if they do decide to add some fresh faces to their roster it would be another smaller move along the line of the one they made for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Additionally, they are reluctant to move to Austin Reaves, which makes their trade options even lower.  This wouldn’t help LeBron or Davis’ cause as both the veterans look to make the best of their remaining years in the league. Amid this former Lakers star Dwight Howard has taken to X to make it public knowledge that “It ain’t that hard to find a center.” Suggesting sarcastically that they could make a move for the veteran.

Howard, who played for the Lakers in three different stints showed some support to his former team. On the other hand, it’s not just LeBron James and Anthony Davis who feel that the Lakers need an upgrade, head coach JJ Redick also is on the same page. After their recent win over the Celtics, he subtly urged the management to move some pieces. Let’s hear more.

JJ Redick joins in with LeBron and Davis to urge Rob Pelinka to make some trades before the  February deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers were in great form as they had an impressive win over the defending champions, the Boston Celtics. After the game, head coach JJ Redick spoke to the media and expressed his feelings. While the Lakers coach did not take any names it was quite clear that the message was for Rob Pelinka and Co.

“Hopefully, there’s some belief reinforced here about what we can be.” Said Redick. Suggesting that the team is worth investing in and improving before the deadline. Furthermore, he also gave his higher-ups some credit for the Dorian Finney-Smith move. “I got the job six months ago. I followed this team since I retired… We want to win. It’s a challenging environment to just go out and make trades. I feel very fortunate that we were able to execute and get someone like Dorian Finney-Smith on our team.” 

With that being said, the Lakers need to act quickly. If they want to make any moves and act with some urgency. At the moment, they only have small pieces to move including, Jaden Hood-Schifino, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and Cam Reddish. Interestingly, they have been linked with Cam Thomas and Walker Kessler! Both of whom would require them to give up something more than these mentioned players. It will be interesting to see if Rob Pelinka makes a move and even if he does who will they pick? We’ll have to wait and watch as February 6th approaches.