The plans of the Los Angeles Lakers for the NBA Trade Deadline

Los Angeles Lakers still lack three of the best available centers in the NBA free agency market, even though star Anthony Davis expressed hope that the team strengthens its frontcourt. NBA insider Marc Stein reported on Monday that league sources emphasized over the weekend that Californians are not expected to join the pursuit of Nikola Vucevic from the Chicago Bulls or Jakob Poeltl from the Toronto Raptors. He added that a substantial push toward a deal for Jonas Valanciunas from the Washington Wizards has not materialized yet.

Earlier this week, Davis told ESPN's Shams Charania that he would like to see Los Angeles land another big man before the NBA Trade Deadline on February 6. "I feel like I've always been at my best when I've been the 4, having a big out there," he said. More broadly, Charania reported that AD and LeBron James have expressed their desire for the franchise to make moves to contend for a championship, with the superstars believing the Lakers are potentially one or two pieces away.

None of Vucevic, Poeltl, or Valanciunas appears to come at a high cost for the Lakers. Stein reported that the Bulls are seeking a first-round pick for Vucevic, but the Golden State Warriors, one of the strongest suitors for the two-time All-Star, are not willing to meet that asking price yet. Regarding Valanciunas, meanwhile, Josh Robbins and David Aldridge of The Athletic reported earlier this month that there is a feeling Washington may have to settle for a second-round compensation.

Rob Pelinka's Dilemma

It's one thing for Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka to be cautious and avoid relinquishing all the organization's top assets for what would likely be an elusive quest for a championship. There's no star on the market worth mortgaging the future for, and the long-term damage of such an approach would be substantial.

However, if Pelinka resists another half-measure move like trading Dorian Finney-Smith, players and fans alike also run the risk of some disappointment. L.A. sits at 25-18 with the fifth spot in a tough Western Conference. Even if the team isn't seen as a championship favorite, they are clearly a contender and capable of reaching at least the second round of the NBA playoffs. Refusing to address a glaring need despite having the resources to do so will not paint a good picture for the front office.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los planes de Los Angeles Lakers de cara a la NBA Trade Deadline