Lakers Trade News - JJ Redick drops subtle clue on Lakers’ decision to hold off on big deals this season

As the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline fast approaches, optimism abounds regarding the LA Lakers' prospects of making a blockbuster deal. However, according to Lakers coach JJ Redick, pulling off such a move is easier said than done and may not be in the franchise's best long-term interests.

Amid an up-and-down season, LA (23-18) entered Wednesday positioned sixth in the Western Conference, just inside the play-in picture. Nevertheless, the squad ranks 22nd in the NBA in defensive rating (115.0) and 13th in offensive rating (112.8), seemingly suggesting it isn't a true contender.

Many fans have called for the Lakers to complete a sizeable deal to bolster their roster around superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. With James turning 40 last month, this season could be one of the organization's last chances to go all-in on its present core.

LA general manager Rob Pelinka reinforced his team's bench late last month, acquiring two-way forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets. While some viewed the move as a potential precursor to a bigger trade, per Redick, that may not be the case.

On Wednesday, the rookie coach stressed the difficulty of teams getting deals done under the league's new collective bargaining agreement's tax restrictions. He added that the Lakers are also weighing whether to mortgage their future for a win-now move.

"There's a lot of factors that go into making any trade. I think the new CBA makes it more complicated, particularly just to do a straight-up two-team trade," Redick said. "And then you certainly have to factor in what our group is now and the value of keeping future assets. But we talk every day."

If Redick's comments are any indication of LA's trade deadline plans, it appears Lakers fans should temper their expectations.

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JJ Redick on Lakers' outlook entering second half of season

While the Lakers may not be a big player at the trade deadline, JJ Redick appears confident in his squad's outlook.

Following Tuesday's 111-88 home victory over the Washington Wizards, Redick was asked to assess LA's performance at the season's midway point. After noting that his team is "still searching for more consistency night to night," he commended his players' continued buy-in to their roles.

"I like our group, and I like (how) guys are really starting to not just accept roles but embrace roles," Redick said (Timestamp: 2:31). "Bad teams, they reject their roles. Good teams accept their roles. Great teams embrace their roles, and we're trending in that direction."

Redick and Pelinka have seven more contests to evaluate their roster and target possible areas of improvement before the trade deadline. The Lakers resume play on Thursday when they host the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics (30-13).

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