LeBron James is not interested in wasting the 22-23 season in hopes of reinforcements arriving for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2023 offseason, sources tell Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. Other core players with the Lakers feel similarly in their preference that the front office actively seek upgrades by offering their future first round picks.

With the Lakers struggling to start the season, the front office is concerned that any trade involving those picks will not make a meaningful difference in the outcome of their season. For example, there is skepticism that a trade for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield would turn them into title contenders. 

James signed a two-year, $97.1 million extension in August that makes him ineligible to be traded this season.

At the start of training camp, Rob Pelinka pledged that the Lakers would do everything possible to maximize the roster around James.