4 realistic resolutions for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 30: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on December 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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Lakers Moves
Rob Pelinka and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)

3. Make a splash in the summer

While it is not essential that the Lakers go out and acquire any major reinforcements during the season, this offseason there will not be any excuses. With Russell Westbrook’s colossal contract coming off the books, Rob Pelinka will have a bit more flexibility when dealing with the salary cap and roster construction for next season.

There will be a lot of quality names hitting free agency, and there will certainly be some trade chatter involving some other big names (wink wink Bradley Beal, Zach Lavine, etc) if no major trade fireworks erupt prior to February’s trade deadline.

Regardless of what goes down or how it goes down, there is no mistaking that the Lakers require people that can actually help move the needle.

Rob Pelinka may not have the most top-notch track record in his time running the show, but he still has a chance to shift the public’s perception of him. He is, however, running very slim on chances as LeBron’s age increases each day.