Lakers: 3 reasons why potentially missing the playoffs is a blessing

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 18: LeBron James #6 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 18, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers Rob Pelinka
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

3. It gives the Los Angeles Lakers front office a head start

The Los Angeles Lakers had to deal with the shortest offseason in American sports history after they won the NBA Championship in 2020. At the time, it seemed like Rob Pelinka knocked that offseason out of the park but in hindsight, it became clear that he didn’t.

And quite frankly, that was the turning point of his job as the GM. Everything before that offseason was great for Pelinka and the Lakers. Everything during and after that offseason has been less than ideal for the team.

The Lakers have a huge offseason coming ahead as they look to fix a massive problem that the roster has so they can capitalize on an ever-shrinking title window. It is not like the Lakers are a young team with time on their side. They are actively working against the clock.

A lot can happen in the NBA and it tends to happen extremely quickly. Having those extra several weeks to really get into the weeds of the offseason and make some phone calls might be more important to the team than making the second round of the playoffs.

Sure, Pelinka can still do all of that if the Lakers are still alive and there definitely is some offseason planning already going on. But once the team loses is when things really kick into overdrive and the Lakers may really benefit from that extra time.