Even though the Los Angeles Lakers have improved to some degree so far this offseason, their roster still requires some fine-tuning.
The Los Angeles Lakers have had an enjoyable, productive offseason. Although that cannot be denied, the team still has some work to do to solidify the roster.
According to SI writer Matt Dollinger, one area the Lakers are deficient in is the presence of a star. While Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram could be stars down the road, it is far too early to know for sure.
As a result, the team has been constantly linked to some of the biggest names in the NBA. Acquiring such a high profile piece would instantly make Los Angeles respectable once again.
In spite of the speculation revolving around Paul George in particular, the small forward is headed to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Granted the purple-and-gold could still sign George next summer, the presence of MVP Russell Westbrook may make that a more difficult prospect.
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Even though the Lakers missed out this time around, it does not mean their future hopes have been decimated. Next summer’s free-agent class will be every bit as stacked as this summer’s.
By unloading the colossal contract of Timofey Mozgov, the ball club can recruit more than one elite talent when that time approaches. If a suitor exists for the services of Luol Deng, the Lakers would have even more money to make use of. This will not be easy to execute, but if Rob Pelinka manages to do so, the franchise would be in an excellent position.
Albeit a Deng trade may be unfeasible, Pelinka is tinkering with other options as well. SB Nation writer Harrison Faigen brings up a couple different weaknesses Pelinka hopes to address in the upcoming weeks.
"The biggest two areas that we’re focused on are shooting and defense. We have two roster spots left. With those two roster spots, we’re going to be looking at shooting and defense."
On account of the limited spots available (and somewhat limited resources), the Lakers may have a hard time filling up these patches.
Thus, it will be important that the Lakers’ brass remains on the prowl for potential two-way assets. The team partially addressed their desperate need for defense by exercising guard David Nwaba’s option. Certainly, one player can only do so much, needless to say.
With guys like Nick Young being free agents, snagging another sharpshooter would be nice. By virtue of trading sixth man Lou Williams in the winter, the need becomes even more prominent. With that being said, the Lakers will investigate adding guards to deepen the roster.
Rumor has it that the Lakers will not be big players in free agency this summer. That will not transpire until the subsequent summer when more capital is on the table.
However, the chances of getting free agents of any kind should be higher in the time to come. In the past, Mitch Kupchak failed to do so by focusing too much on the bustling nature of Hollywood in his pitches.
In a recent post by OC Register writer Mark Medina, Jeanie Buss explains that the team’s executives will do better in that aspect going forward.
"I’d imagine free-agent pitches will be different. I’m not exactly sure what those plans are. But whatever they do, I will be there at their disposal."
In all likelihood, the pitches will focus on basketball a whole lot more. With an icon like Magic Johnson aboard, conversing in depth about hoops is pretty much a given.
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Defense is definitely the most significant need. The club was literally stuck in the cellar of many defensive categories in 2016-2017. Championship teams are built in a like manner, and the Lakers, in general, have been hard to watch on that end of the floor in recent memory. Suffice to say, this department must be plugged away at.
According to Tania Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times, the purple-and-gold are also on the lookout for veteran leaders. In a perfect world, such veterans could help out some of the younger players on the roster.
"Ball’s development, and the development of the Lakers’ very young roster, is paramount for the organization this summer. In any player they add, they’ll hope to get a mentor to help that process. They’ve placed a premium on character with their additions, which already include draft picks and trade acquisition Brook Lopez."
Speaking of additions, the team expects to possibly resign an already known face, Tyler Ennis, according to Ryan Ward of Lakers Nation. Such a decision would further bolster their bench.
That potential move signifies that Los Angeles is not bound to make a whole lot of big splashes. Due to the Paul George news, that theory becomes all the more plausible.
In Medina’s article, Pelinka outlines the Lakers’ game plan.
"We’ll be very strategic to keep the cap space in 2018. We’ll be very sacred about that. We worked very hard to get into that position. So we’ll be smart in free agency."
This game plan is undoubtedly different when last summer is mulled over. It is a much wiser, more methodical one.
Despite the fact that the Lakers intend to be careful in free agency, they should still keep their options open.
On that note, the trade market should still be perused and not be placed on the backburner. Ball and Ingram should be untouchable pieces without a doubt. Nonetheless, it does not mean that trades, in general, should not be flirted with.
The Lakers’ front office has asserted that they are really gearing up for 2018. Therefore, it is likely that nothing major will be going down anytime soon.
Needless to say, L.A. is where it’s all at and one can never predict what is on the horizon. Johnson and Pelinka may elect to keep it cool, yet it does not mean they will stand pat necessarily.
Next: 5 Under The Radar Free Agents For Lakers
No matter what side of the coin is surveyed, what is discernible is that Lakers basketball is turning a corner. Contending for a title will not happen soon, but the ball club should be more competitive assuming the problem areas are taken seriously.