In recent weeks, coach JJ Redick and James have both noted that the Lakers have no margin for error in games due to a thin roster. Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood were expected to be key pieces of the team's rotation but have missed the entire season so far.

At 22-18, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves firmly ensconced in the middle tier of the Western Conference pack — they're currently the No. 6 seed, although that could change depending on the result of their Tuesday clash against the 6-35 Washington Wizards.

The chances of the Lakers making the type of big trade that would make them contenders or near-contenders any time soon may be slim.

In a last-ditch effort to acquire a two-way point guard with a solid three-point shot, the Lakers' front office may reach out to Chicago to inquire about a deal centered around the Lakers' former No.