Report: LeBron, Davis Concerned Lakers Can't (Won't?) Upgrade Roster?

It was a busy Wednesday for the Lakers, no question. Jarred Vanderbilt has been cleared to play, and will be in uniform Saturday in San Francisco. How much he'll actually play is up in the air, but barring any late setbacks Vanderbilt will be active. Meanwhile, ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Anthony Davis and LeBron James are getting a little antsy as the trade deadline approaches, writing: "But with the Feb. 6 trade deadline a little more than two weeks away, league sources told ESPN that James and Davis are growing concerned about the Lakers' ability to make significant roster upgrades with their two tradeable first-rounders. James, a four-time champion, and Davis, a one-time champ, have expressed that they want the franchise to make moves to contend for a championship, with the co-stars believing the Lakers are potentially a piece or two away, sources said." Of course, the Lakers have already shown themselves as willing dealers, sending D'Angelo Russell to Brooklyn for Dorian Finney-Smith. But that, to a large degree, was a low consequence transaction. The type of thing LeBron and AD are talking about? That has much more risk. And reports indicate the Lakers will go "all in" should they find players that fit a LeBron/AD core now, and also make sense down the road to pair with Davis once James is gone. A young potential cornerstone piece, or pieces. And it has to work financially. And we're not including Austin Reaves. Hit those benchmarks, and the Lakers are ready to go big. Fine, but what exactly are we talking about, here? Are there any realistic scenario at the deadline that matches what Pelinka is talking about? Maybe Walker Kessler and Collin Sexton in Utah, if the Jazz really are willing to trade Kessler... which feels totally illogical, given Kessler's age (23) and obvious defensive talent? So is Pelinka really just setting folks up for the Lakers to do nothing truly significant at the deadline? Is he willing to make something less than the obviously ideal trade? Something with more risk? That doesn't tick every box, but still would provide the kind of immediate boost his stars (and the team's fans) seem to want? We're not even at the part where we talk about what's smart and what's not. Just the language of what's being reported sends signals that if in fact James and Davis are unhappy... they might stay that way. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Vando is coming back on Saturday. SEGMENT 2: Is there a deal out there the Lakers would actually make? SEGMENT 3: Why this deadline is set up for inaction. Your favorite podcast now has a newsletter! In One-stop for ultimate team and league coverage delivered right to your in box. Sign up for free now, at lockedondaily.com . Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Prizepicks Now’s the perfect time to join.Download the app todayand use code LOCKEDONNBA to get $50 instantly when you play your first $5 lineup! That’s right—no need to win to get the bonus, it’s guaranteed. PrizePicks—Run Your Game! TALKSPACE Therapy is a game-changer. To match with a licensed therapist today, go to Talkspace.com/LOCKEDONNBA and enter promo code SPACE80 to get $80 off your first month and show your support for the show. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel From the first whistle to the final drive, FanDuel makes the NFL Playoffs even more exciting! Right now, new customers can bet FIVE DOLLARS and get THREE HUNDRED BUCKS in BONUS BETS – if you win your first bet! Visit FANDUEL.COM t o get started. Make this playoff season unforgettable with FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the NFL. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) SEGMENT 1: Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.