The 3 main challenges the Lakers front office faces this offseason

3. Fill out the rest of the roster

In addition to the two big stars and Westbrook, the Lakers have four players under contract or with cheap team options: Talen Horton-Tucker, who had a disappointing season but is still only age 21, Stanley Johnson, Austin Reaves and Wenyen Gabriel. The latter three are all young, hustling players. Additionally, Kendrick Nunn, who missed the entire 2021-22 season, is expected to exercise his player option.

That’s eight players, although one or more could be traded. Still, that leaves plenty of room for new blood. Last year Pelinka made the major mistake of sacrificing too much defense, as he traded Kentavious Caldwell Pope and Kyle Kuzma and failed to re-sign Alex Caruso.

Instead, the GM signed a host of veterans past their prime mostly for their offensive capabilities. That list included two players who once upon a time had been first-rate defenders, Trevor Ariza and DeAndre Jordan, but neither was physically able to contribute much.

Pelinka’s best signing was Malik Monk, who had career bests in most categories. Although he expressed a desire to return to the Lakers, and said that money wasn’t his primary objective, it is still likely that he will sign elsewhere for more money than the Lakers can offer under the cap.

Carmelo Anthony also had a productive offensive season while fulfilling his desire to play alongside his friend, LeBron. But after the season he made it sound like he would look to play elsewhere next season, although it’s still possible he’ll return.

The Lakers’ biggest need is at center. Fans criticized Vogel for playing a small lineup, yet he was given only two legitimate big men. Jordan was ineffective and eventually released and Dwight Howard is still physically limited by his bad back. So there were long stretches when Vogel had no choice but to go small.

Howard says he’d like to return, but he should only be considered as a backup. Pelinka’s biggest summer challenge is acquiring a younger, at least somewhat athletic starting center.

The Lakers desperately need an influx of youthful energy throughout the roster. The hope is they can sign someone like Monk. But if younger free agents are unwilling to sign for minimum contracts, Pelinka and his staff should comb the ranks of the G League or look overseas for guys who are hungry and willing to play D.

The GM should listen to the advice of his Assistant GM and Scouting Director Jesse Buss, who has done an exceptionally good job identifying college player talent. He was primarily responsible for such Lakers’ late first-round and second-round draft picks as Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance Jr, Ivica Zubac, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart (all since traded but thriving on other teams) as well as the undrafted Reaves.

The outlook for the Lakers is not bright. Raise your hand if you think age 38 LeBron and injury-prone AD can both perform to their capabilities. But maybe somehow the franchise can surprise everyone by turning things around next season.