December was not a great month for the Los Angeles Lakers, but even so, one would imagine a 20-11 record at the turn of the calendar year would be enough to warrant some investment in this group. Instead, it sure sounds like the Lakers will be taking a strategy many are far too familiar with.
Los Angeles has been expected to be involved in the trade deadline antics. However, there is also skepticism emerging about just how hungry the front office will be. That has frustrated fans over recent seasons. Jake Fischer discussed the matter on a recent livestream for Bleacher Report.
The NBA insider hinted at potential inaction or caution coming from the Lakers when discussing the prospects of pursuing Keon Ellis. Rob Pelinka and the front office will reportedly be holding on very tight to what assets they have available to them at present.
Fischer said, "It's going to take the, just, perfect right player for them to even put a first round pick on the table right now. They'll be a little more conservative in terms of going after 3-and-D wing help if they don't see themselves as a clear-cut contender [who are] just one piece away."
Lakers' trade deadline plan may signal a quiet surrender for this season
Fischer added that if the Lakers are not right behind the pack of the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, there was doubt as to how aggressive they would be. This sends a troubling message about how the prime years of Luka Doncic could be handled by the front office in Los Angeles.
On one hand, yes, the Lakers should not be willing to just settle for a half measure and call it a day. There should be a desire to ensure long-term success, and not just short-term patchwork fixes. To that extent, their approach is understandable.
However, the feeling here is just too reminiscent of recent years involving a hesitancy to really commit to what they have. Waiting for the right opportunity instead of making one for yourself is always a dangerous strategy in every aspect of life. The same is true here.
Doncic is 26 years old, getting ready to turn 27 in February. That should still give the Lakers a handful of seasons to get it right with their superstar.
However, the idea of potentially punting on a season with him playing elite basketball is worrisome. The supporting cast is not perfect. If it were, there would be no talk of needing trades.
Despite that, there should be just enough here to envision the pieces coming together with just enough polish to the foundation. If the rumors are true, the Lakers front office sounds unwilling.