NBA trade deadline fast approaches, optimism abounds regarding the LA Lakers' prospects of making a blockbuster deal.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick revealed Dorian Finney-Smith has been on a minutes restriction since he was traded.

The game was put to bed by the final minutes, which allowed Lakers head coach JJ Redick to empty out his bench. This allowed their No. 55 pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, Bronny James, to participate in the 11th game of his NBA career. James appeared for the last two minutes of the game; however, he did not record a single point.

The Washington Wizards, who have won a league-low six times, were the cure for the Lakers after a loss Sunday to the Clippers exposed a number of their weaknesses. The postgame morale was low, LeBron James and JJ Redick openly discussing how their roster wouldn’t be able to organically improve an already narrow margin for error.

Although the Lakers got thoroughly outclassed by the Clippers on Sunday, head coach JJ Redick saw some positives.

Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick looks on during the first half on an NBA basketball game against the Washington Wizards Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP

LeBron James has his first triple-double as a 40-year-old, Anthony Davis has 29 points and 16 rebounds and the Lakers hand Washington its 11th consecutive loss, 111-88.

Anthony Davis recorded 29 points, 16 rebounds, five assists and four blocked shots to help the Los Angeles Lakers post a 111-88 victory over the visiting Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

The poster dunk drew a humorous reaction from Bronny James on the bench, and following the game, Austin Reaves spoke about the continued development of his on-court chemistry with LeBron James that dates back to when Reaves first joined the Lakers.

The Lakers are now at the midpoint of the first season under coach JJ Redick. The team is sitting in sixth place in the Western Conference with a current record of 23-18. The Los Angeles Lakers have had plenty of highs and lows early on this season.

All-Star voting ended Monday, and for the first time, this Power Rankings host was given a ballot. The coming weeks will see a slow reveal of all the All-Star Weekend participants, with starters set to be announced Thursday night.