So far this season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the better teams in the Western Conference.
Currently, sitting at 23-13, they have encountered a slump of injuries, resulting in an 8-9 record since the start of December.
Trade rumors are starting to pick up in the league, with the Lakers being a team to watch for defensive anchors like the New Orleans Pelicans' Herb Jones and the Sacramento Kings' Keon Ellis.
As the deadline is under a month away, insiders believe that Los Angeles could be the team holding back blockbuster deals from taking place.
Bontemps and Windhorst: Lakers are one example of 'why this deadline might be quiet.'
In a piece updating the rest of the league after the Trae Young to Washington Wizards trade, ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst broke down the Los Angeles Lakers' current situation.
"One of the teams involved in the (Luka) Doncic trade -- the Lakers -- are a prime example of why this deadline might be quiet," the insiders wrote. "Despite the team's glaring flaws, particularly on defense, the Lakers have limited draft assets and are just a million dollars below their first-apron hard cap for the season."
These factors are playing a role in why the Lakers have little room to make booming trades and make much-needed roster improvements to become a contender in the West.
Of course, even if the Lakers wanted to move the biggest name in basketball, 41-year-old LeBron James, this can't happen due to his no-trade clause.
Also, Jaxson Hayes can't be moved by Los Angeles due to the same clause being linked to his contract. This is something of a burden due to Hayes's inconsistent play throughout the years.
Los Angeles has just $1.1 million in first apron cap space, according to Spotrac.
Although there are a lot of rumors involving the Lakers, it's difficult to imagine a big-name deal taking place this year.
More Lakers news:
Lakers' Deandre Ayton's quiet heroics for Luka Doncic could cement long-term future in LA
- Luka Doncic, Lakers get disappointing trade news less than a month before deadline
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