The Los Angeles Lakers could use a couple of roster reinforcements if they are to seriously compete for this season’s NBA championship. While they have an 18-7 record and are in fourth place in the Western Conference, plenty of people feel they’re a bit short of being a true championship-caliber team.

What the Lakers need is more perimeter defense, 3-point shooting, speed and athleticism in order to put themselves over the top. They have reportedly called the New Orleans Pelicans about Herbert Jones and Trey Murphy III, but right now, the Pelicans don’t seem to be interested in trading either player.

In general, Los Angeles is looking for young 3-and-D players, according to NBA insider Marc Stein’s Substack.

“League sources say that the Lakers would naturally like to be in the 3-and-D market this Trade Season, but it’s a very limited market at this juncture, essentially headlined by Sacramento’s Keon Ellis despite the fact that Ellis is playing seven fewer minutes per game this season under Kings coach Doug Christie than he did last season.

“We mentioned the other day that the Pelicans would insist on a significant haul to part with Herb Jones. It’s a price point is presumed to be beyond the Lakers’ current trade means.

“Generally speaking, though, my read on the Lakers’ preferences is that they would like to target players in the same age range as stars Luka Dončić (26) and Austin Reaves (27) as they continue building out the roster around them as opposed to surrendering prime trade assets for thirtysomethings. It’s an approach they leaned on in the offseason when the Lakers split their midlevel exception on Deandre Ayton (27) and Jake LaRavia (24).”

There isn’t a good picture of which 3-and-D players will be available via trade this winter right now. Monday, Dec. 15, is the first day that most players signed during the offseason can be included in a trade. The season has almost gotten to the point where teams have had enough of a sample space of games to realistically assess how strong they are and what they need in terms of roster improvements.