LeBron James and Anthony Davis have been vocal about their desire for significant improvements to the Lakers’ roster. In fact, LeBron was even willing to take a pay cut to help facilitate a worthwhile signing using the nontaxpayer midlevel exception. However, despite their efforts, the Lakers have yet to make any moves of consequence in free agency, leaving fans and players alike frustrated.
The Lakers did manage to re-sign Max Christie to a four-year, $32 million deal, but this move alone is not enough to satisfy the team’s needs. With summer league approaching, the Lakers also need to hire an assistant coaching staff around JJ Redick, adding to the pressure of improving the roster.
One of the Lakers’ major targets was Klay Thompson, but he ultimately turned down their offer in favor of joining the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers have now shifted their attention to DeMar DeRozan, with the Miami Heat considered slight favorites to land him. The Lakers have been actively engaged in trade talks with teams like Portland, Brooklyn, and Utah, signaling their determination to make roster upgrades.
Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka acknowledges the team’s aggressive approach to improving the roster. He stated, “We’re gonna always be aggressive to try to make roster upgrades and will be relentless to continue to look at what we can do.” Pelinka also mentioned that discussions often continue during the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, where general managers gather and deals can be finalized.
While the Lakers have faced challenges in upgrading their roster, they remain optimistic about their future. They are also focused on developing their young talent, including Bronny James, LeBron’s son, who has shown promise in his basketball career. The Lakers are confident that with patience and strategic moves, they can build a team capable of contending for championships in the future.
In conclusion, the Lakers’ pursuit of roster improvements has been met with challenges and setbacks. However, they remain determined to make upgrades through free agency and trade discussions. The upcoming NBA Summer League presents an opportunity for further negotiations and potential deals. The Lakers understand the importance of building a strong roster to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and they are committed to doing whatever it takes to achieve that goal.