The Lakers are on a quick two-game swing through Texas, and their first stop is Houston, where the Rockets are riding a hot streak. Houston has been on fire, sitting at the No. 2 spot in the Western Conference with a solid 22-12 record. Under the leadership of Ime Udoka, they’ve built one of the best defenses in the league. And the Lakers are already looking in trouble…

Cam Reddish isn’t looking too good on the Lakers’ bench right now—he’s clearly in pain, clutching at his lower back. Unfortunately, this back issue has been lingering for a bit now. He’s finally heading to the back, probably to get checked out. Let’s just hope it’s nothing too major because the Lakers need him at full strength.

He was on the court for only 4 minutes. Looks like the back issue that bothered Reddish against the Sacramento Kings on December 28th has flared up again. He played a few minutes in the first half during that matchup, coming off the bench. But the back spasms forced him to sit out the second half.

Reddish has been putting up 3.5 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game for the Lakers this season. His field goal accuracy sits at a solid 44.9%, though his 3-point shooting could use some work at 29.3%. One area where he’s really contributing is on defense, with 1.1 steals per game.

Injuries have ruined the Lakers in recent years. The LA side has been looking for a big man center but they still want to give their second unit a chance before they make any decisions.

The Lakers looking to add shooting and athleticism

Dan Woike reveals Lakers trade plans. The additions of Finney-Smith and Milton have shifted the team’s vibe. They’ve gone 7-3 in their last ten games and now sit at the fifth spot in the West. After a solid 3-0 start, the Lakers hit a rough patch, but they’re back on track now. Injuries, including Jarred Vanderbilt’s absence, could be one reason Rob Pelinka isn’t rushing to make changes.

As Woike put it, “Instead of frantically hunting for a third star or pushing chips in on a starting-caliber center, the Lakers, rival executives believe, will move in different ways than it might’ve seemed earlier this season.”

With contributions from DFS, Reaves, and Christie, the Lakers are finally looking like the team they should’ve been from the start. The momentum is building, and it seems like Pelinka and Redick are focused on maintaining it. Making a move for a player like Jonas Valanciunas could disrupt their rhythm.

Though the Lakers might still eye the trade market, they’re hesitant to part with any more draft picks after the D’Angelo Russell deal. If they were in a bad spot, Pelinka would likely be more aggressive, but since the team is improving, they’re taking a step back.

Seems logical, doesn’t it?

Woike also mentioned that the Lakers want to add “toughness” to their roster, but they believe they already have it with their current players. Consistency, though, is the key. Honestly, who’s to argue with the way they’re playing right now?