Lakers Trade Update: LA Makes Absolutely No Moves At the Deadline
By Eric Yee
The Los Angeles Lakers, among many other teams, decided to stand pat at the trade deadline
With the 2016 NBA trade season coming to a close February 18 at noon Eastern Time, fans were frustrated once again as they realized that their Los Angeles Lakers had decided not to make a trade for nearly the fifth consecutive season.
Unlike past years where the Lakers didn’t have any assets to trade, this year is the most frustrating in recent memory because the pieces were there for the taking. From Roy Hibbert‘s rim protecting ability to Lou Williams‘ instant offense off the bench, the pieces were available.
Though some may argue that the Lakers may have a plan for the future, considering their current circumstances, it seems less than likely. According to reporters around the league, Los Angeles did get offers for the players they had placed on the trade block, as well as others they didn’t.
Thus far most calls Lakers have heard on Bass/Hibbert involve them taking back a contract, which holds no appeal.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 18, 2016
While the trade realm didn’t pan out, the possibility of a buyout remained, but Ramona Shelburne quickly shut those pipe dreams down.
Lakers have taken calls Hibbert, but don't intend to buy him out if they don't find a trade today.
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) February 18, 2016
Must of the chagrin of fans has been directed at head coach, Byron Scott, and rightfully so, but this time the blame must be aimed at the front office. According to LA reporter, Eric Pincus, Mitch Kupchak had plenty of options in regards to making a trade at the deadline.
Most of the Lakers decisions are from Mitch, Jim has final approval but gives Kupchak a wide berth https://t.co/GQhVKERObG
— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) February 18, 2016
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At this point, it has been proven that Byron Scott isn’t willing to adjust his rotations himself, granting the younger players more time to play, so a trade would have been obvious guidance towards the path the front office wanted him to go.
However, seeing that there was no trades made, as mentioned previously, maybe the front office is just as confused as their head coach and that is a scary thought.
Next: Gilbert Arenas Hilariously Trolls the Lakers Organization
The Lakers organization is as lost as ever and for fans this should be cause for concern. What are some moves that you would have liked to see the Lakers pull off at the deadline?