LeBron James noted afterward that they "have to play close-to-perfect basketball" in order to win because "that's the way our team is constructed." It was harsh yet timely criticism of his roster, a nudge to the front office to make improvements ahead of the trade deadline.

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to scour the trade market for some help. They are looking to make some moves before the trade deadline passes in a couple of weeks. This trade idea for Jerami Grant from Doug McKain of The Big Lead would help them.

The Lakers are currently 9-12 on the road with a point differential of -1, while the Hornets have a 3-7 record in their last ten games at home.

Analyzing Monday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

SportsLine's model has simulated the Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers matchup 10,000 times and revealed its NBA picks for Monday

This mock trade would give the Lakers not only a serviceable starting center next to Anthony Davis, but one who could be a game-changer.

Davis believes they are just a couple of players away from being title contenders, and he hopes the front office can add a center before the Feb. 6 trade deadline.