Despite a lot of noise, the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make any moves at the trade deadline, electing to stand pat with their roster instead of making a change to try and improve their position in the standings. But according to Lakers insider Jovan Buha, the Purple and Gold have already shifted their focus to the summer, where they plan to pursue a third star to place next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The trade deadline officially passed and the Lakers stood pat,” wrote Buha in a tweet. “The organization will now turn its attention to the buyout market. In the long term, they plan to pursue a third star via trade this summer with their three movable first-round draft picks.”
Many Lakers fans were desperate for the team to make a move. At just 27-25 this season, the team has performed well below expectations and popular thinking was that only a major trade could turn their situation around. Thanks to several factors, including an offensive resurgence from guard D’Angelo Russell, that thinking changed in recent days and the Lakers decided against any major changes. For now, it seems the Lakers are going to roll with their current roster as they prepare to re-assess the situation this summer. At 39 years old, LeBron James needs to be in a position to win and if the Lakers can’t do that now, you can bet that LeBron will be putting all the pressure in the world on them to make it happen next season. But with so many unknowns heading into the summer, including LeBron’s potential free agency, nobody knows how the Lakers’ roster will look come next season or what they’ll have to offer in a potential trade…
Los Angeles Lakers Have Big Ambitions For The Summer Of 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers could have gone star-chasing last summer when players such as Damian Lillard and James Harden were trying to force their way out of their respective teams. Instead, the Lakers doubled down on their role-players, and it’s a mistake they are still paying for. Obviously, it’s far too late to salvage this season but the Lakers are aiming to correct their mistake in a few months, when 2024 free agency officially kicks off. With a player option in his final year, LeBron James could join the free-agent class this summer if he opts out of his deal.
But whether LeBron stays or goes, the Lakers have a number of stars in mind to pursue this July. At the top of the list is Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, who has been swirling in trade rumors for months now. With the right offer and some help from Mitchell himself, the Lakers may be able to pry him from the Cavs and add the perimeter-oriented star they’ve been seeking for years. If the Lakers really get desperate, they could take another look at Zach LaVine, who (even for all his flaws) is still a capable scorer and shooter for the Bulls and would provide a major boost for the Lakers. So by saving their assets and stocking up for the offseason, the Lakers may be in a better position to improve their team in a significant way.
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