Despite all the noise and speculation, the Los Angeles Lakers let the trade deadline pass without any notable action. The fans, of course, have been less than pleased with the decision, but Anthony Davis says it only brought relief now that the period is finally over.
“That’s obviously for the front office to decide what’s best for the team, currently and for the future,” Davis said, via Lakers Nation. “My job’s to go out there and play with whatever guys are on the team… We are who we are. We have who we have. This is gonna be our team, now. It’s behind us now.”
There was no possibility that Davis was going to be traded this season and the Lakers intend to keep him on the roster for as long as possible. But with the team hovering at .500 on the season, there was a sense that the Lakers needed a trade to have any chance of making a run. Obviously, Davis does not agree with that sentiment.
“I don’t really get too involved in 2027, 2028, 2029,” Davis continued. “My focus is on winning right now. I’m just glad that it’s over. It can kinda be a little wacky around trade deadline time. Guys hear their names in rumors and this is gonna happen, it’s not gonna happen. It can kind of be wacky for guys so I’m just glad it’s over with.”
The Lakers were mixed up in all kinds of rumors this season, allegedly seeking players like Dejounte Murray, Alex Caruso, and other veteran guards. Eventually, the Lakers settled on Spencer Dinwiddie, who they were able to pick up as a free agent this summer. Spencer probably won’t do much to raise the Lakers’ ceiling, but there is confidence internally that they have enough to make a deep playoff run anyway.
The Los Angeles Lakers Are Gearing Up For A Third Star
It’s no secret that LeBron James was clamoring for the front office to make a win-now trade. But either none materialized, or the Lakers elected to ignore LeBron’s wishes to save up their last remaining trade assets. Either way, the Lakers were unwilling to give up any of their own assets to pursue a trade and now their focus has shifted to the upcoming summer. With a free agent class that could include guys like LeBron James, Paul George, Tobias Harris, and more the Lakers will have several options this summer. Of course, they might also go out and sign another star.
Depending on how this season plays out, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka may decide to go all-in on a big three to make a big splash in the offseason. It remains to be seen what kind of star would make for a good for a good fit alongside LeBron and Davis, but potential candidates have already emerged: Kyrie Irving or Donovan Mitchell. With any one of those guys, the Lakers could become favorites in the Western Conference but their success will ultimately depend on the play of Anthony Davis. As their defensive anchor and the torch-bearer for the next generation, Davis is the key to their success, and only through good health and consistent play from the big man can the Lakers make a deep playoff run this year. But now that they know who is staying and who is going, the best may be yet to come for this Lakers team.
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