In the wake of a seismic blockbuster trade, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka spoke on what’s next for his team as they navigate some major changes. With a glaring hole at the center position, Pelinka confirmed that there is still work to be done on building a championship team.
“We know that our roster has continued work to do to be complete,” Pelinka said, via Jovan Buha. “We’re going to build a roster that fits JJ Redick’s basketball philosophy.”
Pelinka recognized the need for a center but he also explained why a deal might be more likely in the offseason than before this year’s trade deadline on February 6.
“We know we have a need for a big, the market for bigs right now leading into the last two or three days of the trade deadline is very dry,” Pelinka said via Dave McMenamin. “There’s just not a lot available. So maybe we’ll be able to do some stuff around the margins. I would say, in terms of a big move for that position, it’s probably more realistic that would be something that comes in the offseason.”
The 10x All-Star Anthony Davis was the centerpiece of the Lakers’ defense with averages of 25.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game on 52.8% shooting. Alongside LeBron James, he helped the Lakers secure a top-six spot in the West before the shocking trade sent him to Dallas.
Now, with 25-year-old Luka Doncic, the Lakers have dreams of establishing a new basketball empire with the young European superstar at the center of it all. With Doncic set to return to action within the next few weeks, he can begin to settle into his new role under head coach JJ Redick.
But without Davis in the front court, the Lakers have a gaping hole in the rotation that will limit their potential as a team. Currently, Christian Wood, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Koloko are the only viable options at the center position, and Rob Pelinka has made it his top priority to fill the frontcourt with elite-level talent.
One potential option for the Lakers is Nic Claxon, a young and versatile center for the Nets who can carry his team’s defense. His speed and mobility should fit well next to Luka as he provides a crucial defensive presence.
There’s also veteran big man Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers. As the anchor to the Pacers’ frontcourt this season, he could have an amazing impact on a new-look Lakers squad led by Luka Doncic. He’d feast off of lobs from Doncic and James while he’s not shutting down the paint with his elite rim protection.
With limited assets on hand, the Lakers can only offer so much in their search for a center but whether it takes them three days or three months, they will not rest until they build a frontcourt worthy of Luka’s elite basketball talent.
With Davis gone, the Lakers have nobody to provide that key rim protection and now it’s become their top priority to fill out the roster with more size and depth in the frontcourt.
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