Los Angeles Lakers will not take a shortcut to make NBA Playoffs

Jeanie Buss recently talked about what the plan for the Los Angeles Lakers might be heading into the trade deadline.

As the NBA Trade Deadline gets closer for the Los Angeles Lakers, many are wondering what they will be doing.

Prior to Christmas, the Lakers were exceeding all expectations. They were the fourth seed in the Western Conference, and they were able to beat the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.

However, with that win came the loss of LeBron James and Rajon Rondo. Both players have been out since Christmas, and the Lakers have been under .500 since then. Despite having a talented young core, the Lakers have simply been missing too much with James and Rondo out.

With James and Rondo both out, the Lakers have fallen out of the playoffs in the Western Conference as of now. Unfortunately, a bad stretch in the Western Conference can be the difference between making the playoffs as a Top 4 seed, or missing it completely.

Recently, Jeanie Buss spoke about the Lakers’ plan on “The Lowe Post”. He’s what she had to say with text via LakersNation.com.

"“I think that Magic has been patient, I think Rob Pelinka has done amazing things in terms of giving our roster flexibility and not taking a shortcut to try to just make the playoffs, only to lose in the first round. They see the picture and they’re taking those steps. You have to be patient because things can’t change overnight. Although, in two years, I find it very remarkable where we are. I think they’ve exceeded my expectations in turning the program around and they’re not going to take a shortcut to try to get a quick fix just to try to make the playoffs and shortchange any of our assets.”"

After a tough stretch the past few seasons, the Lakers have been very patient the last few years. Not making mistakes in free agency and also not giving away draft picks has resulted in the Lakers having a great young core.

However, with LeBron also comes expectations. So far, the Lakers haven’t made a move to get him another superstar via a trade, as they seem willing to wait for free agency. Even though the Lakers could very well make the playoffs this year with or without making a move, they don’t want to rush things and think short-term.

Even though James is not in his 20s anymore, the Lakers are trying to build sustained success with him and after he is gone. In order to do so, being patient now makes a lot of sense for Los Angeles.