As the trade deadline approaches, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka may have to pick up the phone to inquire about a couple of role players.
We’re slightly past the halfway point of the season for the Los Angeles Lakers. The February 6th trade deadline approaches. How should Lakers’ general manager Rob Pelinka approach a crucial time for transactions?
Between the deadline and the buyout market, the Lakers can add a veteran or two to strengthen the roster. Does this team absolutely need help?
That question came up after the Lakers’ 128-113 victory over the Brooklyn Nets last week.
ESPN’s Dave McMenamin tweeted LeBron James‘ response.
With the trade deadline coming up on Feb. 6th, LeBron was asked if the Lakers are "one piece away" from cementing their championship contender status. LeBron's answer was both confident, and savvy, preserving team chemistry by not suggesting weakness: "We have enough right now"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 24, 2020
As expected, James didn’t say anything that would give the media a juicy story two weeks before the trade deadline, but the Lakers have a couple of glaring holes that raise some concerns.
In a 108-91 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, James and Anthony Davis combined for 60 points. No other Laker scored more than seven. Despite the Lakers’ late push for a comeback, they didn’t have enough to complete the task.
While we can point to Danny Green‘s poor shooting performance (one of seven from the floor) and an off day for Kyle Kuzma in the loss to the Sixers, it’s clear the offense needs a little more firepower.
Head coach Frank Vogel doesn’t have a strong defender in the second unit playing 20-plus minutes. Pelinka should acquire a veteran role player to fill that void as well.