The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and many are expecting the Los Angeles Lakers to make a move that will add another piece to their impending playoff push.
While numerous rumors have stated that the Lakers are indeed looking to make a trade, LeBron James indicated that the Lakers are ready to contend for a title with the team they have right now.
With the trade deadline coming up on Feb. 6th, LeBron was asked if the Lakers are "one piece away" from cementing their championship contender status. LeBron's answer was both confident, and savvy, preserving team chemistry by not suggesting weakness: "We have enough right now"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 24, 2020
“No. We have enough right now, but it’s not about competing or worry about June,” he said when asked whether or not the Lakers are still one piece away. “It’s about January, and if we continue to get better throughout January and we move onto February and continue to get better.
“We’re a really good team, but we’re not a great team yet. We shouldn’t be. We’re just now being put together in September, and from September to now, we’re a better team. And if we continue this trend and continue to put ourselves in position where we can compete for a championship and have a chance — and in this league and in sports in general, all you want is a chance.”
James’ response shows just how savvy of a business mind he can be. Perhaps in his younger years, he may have admitted that the Lakers could certainly benefit from some additional outside shooting or defensive toughness on their roster.
Instead, on Thursday he expressed nothing but confidence in the team he’s playing with right now.
After all, there’s reason to be confident. The Lakers easily handled the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, 128-113. At the moment, they enjoy the best record in the Western Conference at 36-9.
Despite James’ words, L.A. is sure to continue to be involved in trade rumors. Whether or not any of those rumors prove to come true remains to be seen.
