Adding the Second Star
A year ago, LeBron James joined the Lakers as a free agent. James remains one of the best offensive forces in the NBA although he is no longer the excellent defender he once was. He represented the first part of the plan that Magic Johnson set into motion, becoming the Lakers first new star, but they wanted to still add at least one more.
As July 1st approached this year, it seemed that more potential star free agents would be available than ever before in NBA history. But it also appeared that the chances the Lakers would sign any one of them was bleak.
Months earlier, Magic had led the thwarted mid-season effort to trade for Anthony Davis, one of the most talented players in the league, who was signed with New Orleans through 2020. Few fans or media members had confidence that Pelinka would now succeed where Johnson couldn’t.
But Rob was determined to make it happen. And he was unafraid to offer the Pelicans a loaded package of players for Davis, including the young, talented Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart along with several draft picks.
This time around, the Lakers were successful in landing AD. Even though some fans assert that Pelinka may have given up too much, the fact remains that the Lakers had acquired their second big star.
The next challenge for Pelinka was how to build a roster around Davis, LeBron and Kyle Kuzma, the only other player left on the team from this past year, and the one player Rob insisted on keeping.