With their team sitting at 3-10, Lakers fans have already done their evaluations, and have decided this team needs a great deal of help, and fast. So when more reports emerge the Lakers are in wait-and-see mode—this time from Marc Stein, who notes they want to see what it looks like when Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant return to the lineup, likely on Friday vs. Detroit—it understandably gets them upset.

So two questions: First, what exactly will the return of Bryant and Schroder do for Darvin Ham and the rest of the roster? How big an impact can they make? Because we're not talking about All-Stars, here, no disrespect intended.

Second question: What exactly is motivating Rob Pelinka and crew to wait? Is it because they believe these guys, with a health Anthony Davis and a returning LeBron James, are enough to help the Lakers climb out of their hole and back into playoff contention, even if they don't make a move? Or is it to see if those guys, in combination with whatever they could get in a trade, would be enough?

Both require some tough questions be asked. Because with 69 games remaining, the Lakers do in fact have time to get themselves back into postseason contention. Maybe not into the top eight in the West (not without a major change in the quality of their play), but certainly into the top 10. That's not great, but it puts you in the show. From there, you have a puncher's chance, at least, right? On the other hand, 69 games is a lot of time for LeBron and Davis to stay healthy, because even if you have Buddy Hield and Myles Turner in the fold (ignoring for a moment the health history Turner brings) it doesn't really matter what trade the Lakers make if either star is out for an extended period of time. Not when you're 3-10.

So what would you do? Wait for the summer, and risk punting this season, or pull the trigger on a trade that might not get the Lakers where they want to be (not even talking championship, just playoffs) but undercut the chances of serious improvement long term? Do you believe this braintrust is even capable of parlaying next summer's assets into something good?

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1 : The Lakers are waiting and seeing... again.

SEGMENT 2: What is the calculus Rob Pelinka is performing, here?

SEGMENT 3: You're the GM. Would you push in the chips now, or wait?

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

BetOnline

BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!

LinkedIn

LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNBA

PrizePicks

First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON

SweatBlock

If you or someone you love is experiencing embarrassing sweat or odor try SweatBlock. Save20% with promo code Locked On at sweatblock.com. Also available on Amazon.

RocketMoney

Cancel unnecessary subscriptions with Rocket Money today. Go to RocketMoney.com/LockedOn

BetterHelp

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. As the world’s largest therapy service, BetterHelp has matched 3 million people with professionally licensed and vetted therapists available 100% online. Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA

MasterClass

With MasterClass, you can learn from the world’s best minds - anytime, anywhere, and at your own pace. his holiday, give one annual membership and get one free! Go to MASTERCLASS.com/LOCKEDON today.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices