The Los Angeles Lakers have a real shot to win a championship this season, but only if Rob Pelinka makes the right move before the trade deadline in this upcoming season. The roster, as it stands, is not quite enough. Pelinka will get his chance with the window open, but it will not stay that way for long.
The way the Lakers have constructed their current squad, they are left with multiple expiring contracts and a few movable pieces. The Lakers have the tools to chase the right deal, whether that player is a two-way wing, a playoff-ready center, or maybe even both. What matters now is timing and precision.
Trevor Lane said it best as a guest on Buha’s Block: “The Lakers plan to be aggressive this season. They want to win a championship this year with LeBron James and with Luka Doncic… that means when the right trade comes along, they’ve got to be ready and willing to push those chips in.”
Rob Pelinka needs to get the next deadline trade right
The Lakers do not need to make a major splash that blows up their entire roster. That is not what their plan should be about.
It should be about finding the missing piece. Even though James is still playing at an elite level, and Doncic is in his prime, the West is deep and pretty unforgiving.
Standing still with their current roster is not going to help them accomplish their main goal, which is bringing home another Larry O’Brien trophy. Lane also noted that across the league, front offices are prioritizing flexibility, but the ones that actually win are the ones that know when to strike.
“When the right move becomes available… You have to be ready to strike,” Lane said. “And you have to be willing to identify what that move is.”
Pelinka has been more comfortable making moves midseason than during the summer. Just take a look at his previous track record. He has waited before, let things develop, then flipped the script at the deadline. He may need to do exactly that again.
The Lakers can address multiple needs, but their biggest issues consist of depth in shooting and defense. If they were smart, they would target a physical wing who can defend and hit shots, or another big man who can protect the rim and stay on the floor late in games. Anyone who helps this team survive the West and thrive in the Finals.
It is important to remember this is not just another regular season. Chances are, this is possibly LeBron’s last year repping the purple and gold. Even though they extended Luka, he is just way too good to waste time.