The Los Angeles Lakers have a somewhat disappointing record this season despite relative good health and play from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Davis has played in 35 of 37 games, while James has played in 34.

Sources tell ESPN's Dave McMenamin that "James' patience has been tested" this season. But James is attempting to focus on maximizing his role.

The Lakers have one future first round pick available to them to trade at this point, which they could package along with the contracts of players such as D'Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura. 

The Lakers made a massive mistake in trading for Russell Westbrook in 2021, which wasn't rectified until the 2023 trade deadline. Sources tell ESPN that every member of the Lakers involved in the Westbrook trade, including James, will admit they misjudged that decision.