At 22-18, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves firmly ensconced in the middle tier of the Western Conference pack — they're currently the No. 6 seed, although that could change depending on the result of their Tuesday clash against the 6-35 Washington Wizards.

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to make a move before the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, although one reported possibility is not a likely option.

The chances of the Lakers making the type of big trade that would make them contenders or near-contenders any time soon may be slim.