With someone like Doncic, the goal should be to win immediately. With him and LeBron James on the roster, the Lakers should prioritize putting together the greatest roster possible for both of them.
However, if the ideal player is not available in a trade or through free agency, it makes little sense for the Lakers to part with any of their limited assets in order to make one.
What Should the Lakers Do to Improve?
Speaking to reporters about what the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for in the offseason, general manager Rob Pelinka revealed that the one area he wants to strengthen is at center.
He stated that he is looking for a center who is a vertical threat and can protect the rim. There aren’t many players like that in the NBA, so the Lakers will have to be inventive to locate them.
“It would be great to have a center that was a vertical threat, a lob threat, and someone who could protect the interior defensively,” Pelinka said, according to Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “I believe those would be crucial. However, there are several different types of centers that can be quite effective in the league. There are also spread centers, which can defend the rim. We will look into those as well. So, while I don’t want to limit the archetype, we know we need a huge man.
In terms of other areas where the Lakers can improve, defense must be at the top of the priority list. Having a defensive-minded wing beside Doncic and James, as well as a defensive-minded center, may benefit this defense significantly.
If there was one weakness in their series with the Minnesota Timberwolves, it was their inability to keep players in front of them and defend attempts around the rim. According to Pelinka, he will also work on that.
“I think in terms of just solidifying our defensive core on the wings and just making sure that we have players that can defend the wing position, that’s an essential need,” Pelinka told the press. “We see it playing out in the playoffs, and anytime you can upgrade your defensive core on the perimeter, I think that’s going to help.”
Are there any assets the Lakers could trade?
The Los Angeles Lakers have little assets, although they can trade their 2031 and 2032 draft picks.
There may not be many teams interested in trade with the Lakers because they know that, even if Doncic eventually leaves Los Angeles, the Lakers can locate great talent in free agency.
Their picks ever being excellent does not appear plausible at this point, but it is also feasible, given where the Lakers have been over the last decade.
Despite this, Buha does not believe their assets will be sufficient.
“The Lakers may trade either their 2031 or 2032 draft picks, but not both. The Lakers have up to five pick swaps (2026, ’28, ’30, ’31, and ’32), but these aren’t expected to have much worth since the team is expected to be a contender with Dončić over the next half-decade.
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