Lakers fans deserve better as insider’s comments reveal sad reality
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers roster is practically set for the 2022-23 season. While there was a spark in interest in a potential Russell Westbrook trade after the team signed Dennis Schroder, new reports have quickly calmed that excitement.
It is important to note that the Lakers are coming off of the most disappointing season in franchise history and have not done much to improve the roster this summer. There are notable holes on a roster that is extremely unbalanced heading into next season.
The result of this offseason has been a roster that is extremely guard-heavy, is lacking any true wings, and cannot shoot or defend. It is hard to see what part of this roster the Lakers’ brass is excited about when in reality, Rob Pelinka and co. likely know that this is a mediocre group of players.
At least, that is what appears to be the case according to Brian Windhorst, who slammed the Lakers’ roster construction on ESPN and claimed that he doesn’t think the basketball people in the Lakers organization believe in this unit.
.@WindhorstESPN did not hold back in his reaction to the Lakers' off-season signings 🥶
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 19, 2022
"And this can be used as receipts later. You can use this against me, I guess, Lakers." pic.twitter.com/oFByVBHYRT
Los Angeles Lakers fans deserve better from this organization.
If this is true that means the Lakers’ front office is actively rolling out a roster that they do not think is capable of accomplishing anything this season. All while they are smiling at the fanbase and trying to pretend like this is a true contender.
This is a multi-billion dollar sports franchise that loves pretending like it is one of the smallest market teams in the league. Let’s not forget this is the team that pinched pennies a year ago and let their best perimeter defender sign with another team when he was willing to give you a discount.
If the Lakers were in a rebuilding phase it would be one thing. They aren’t. They have LeBron James and Anthony Davis and instead of doing everything they can to win in this title window, Pelinka’s front office is knowingly throwing out a unit they don’t believe in.
At least if they believed in this group we could point to them being ignorant. It is even worse considering the front office seemingly thinks that Lakers fans are the ignorant ones.
The positive side of this is the potential for Pelinka to eventually make a Westbrook trade during the season. However, it seems like he is more inclined to hold onto draft picks in the future so he can hold onto his job.