The Los Angeles Lakers struck out on all of the summer’s top free agents and they have yet to make any significant trades. However, according to team insider Jovan Buha, Rob Pelinka still plans to pursue upgrades via last-minute trade deals with teams such as the Trail Blazers, Nets, Jazz, Raptors, and Magic.
“The Lakers’ inactivity has not been due to a lack of trying. They struck out with Klay Thompson, were unable to land other impact-free agents like Jonas Valanciunas and DeMar DeRozan, and have failed thus far to find common ground in trade talks with Portland, Brooklyn, Utah, Toronto, and Orlando. Now, according to league and team sources, the Lakers are expected to remain patient in their quest to improve their roster.”
After finishing 7th in the West last season, the Lakers showed that they could be a formidable team under the right conditions. Unfortunately for them, a matchup against the Denver Nuggets in the first round canceled any hope of a long playoff run.
In response, the Lakers opted for change right away, starting with the firing of Darvin Ham. They eventually settled on JJ Redick as his replacement and brought in Bronny James and Dalton Knecht with their two draft selections.
The Lakers also pursued some of the top free agents on the market, guys like Paul George, Klay Thompson, and DeMar DeRozan. They tried to trade for players like Dejounte Murray and others despite being repeatedly turned down.
With most of the top players already secured in other places, the Lakers are running out of options to upgrade their roster. And with LeBron James at 39 years old, he needs all the help he can get to take this Lakers team above the play-in line next season.
As far as potential trade candidates go, the Lakers will likely look to teams who are ready to go younger. If they can offload some of their own draft capital, and pair what they get in return for a player like D’Angelo Russell, Rui Hahimura, or Austin Reaves, it could turn the tides of their standing in the West.
One of the primary targets right now is Jerami Grant of the Trail Blazers. The 30-year-old forward has never made an All-Star team, but he’s the kind of offensive wing player who could open up the floor for the Lakers. As a 36% career shooter from deep, Grant could be a great addition for the Lakers at the right price.
The Nets could be another potential trade partner. In the wake of parting with Mikal Bridges, the consensus around the league is that they are looking to rebuild. The situation is prime for veterans like Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson, and Dennis Schroder to be sent to new teams and any of them would be a prized acquisition for the Purple and Gold.
With only so many assets to spare, the Lakers are somewhat limited. in the kind of players they can add but it might not take much to make this Lakers team a real threat in the West. With a new coach and a healthy season from LeBron and Davis, and franchise may only need some support from role players to become a truly formidable opponent. Either way, the Lakers are not giving up just yet and they may still have a few tricks up their sleeve to salvage this critical offseason.
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