Los Angeles Lakers president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka knows the importance of frugality between now and the Feb. 5 trade deadline. It’s not that the Lakers lack the capacity to make a blockbuster move; it’s that waiting until the offseason to do so is the much wiser play.
That’s when a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade might be attainable for Pelinka. It’s also when the Lakers can consider adding a free agent or two on the wing. Norman Powell, Anfernee Simons, Kevin Huerter, and Luke Kennard are all potential fits.
Once the season ends, the Lakers will have to make a decision about LeBron James. Rui Hachimura’s contract will also be up, along with that of Gabe Vincent, Jaxson Hayes, and Maxi Kleber.
Tim MacMahon reminded everyone why Lakers aren't about to make a deadline splash
Pelinka will have a lot more flexibility to work with during the offseason, provided he doesn’t clog up that flexibility before Feb. 5 by taking on any long-term salary. The best move for the Lakers is to avoid a splash over the next two weeks. Lakers fans are well aware of this.
So, too, is ESPN’s NBA writer Tim MacMahon. Appearing on the Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective podcast on Monday, MacMahon reiterated that Pelinka’s priority is the future, starting with the next transaction cycle at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
“You don’t wanna take back long-term money (before the deadline) because if there’s any team that can build with free agency as a primary part of their plan, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers,” MacMahon said.
MacMahon also reminded viewers that the Lakers and Miami Heat are the two NBA franchises that have had the most success in recent years when it comes to reeling in superstar free agents (see: LeBron).
Thus, if Lakers fans aren’t at peace with the current roster on the floor for JJ Redick, too bad. This is the roster Redick will be rolling with for the rest of the campaign, with the exception of possibly some minor tweaks in the form of minimum-contract guys.
That’s nothing to be depressed about, by the way. This is a team with three All-Star-caliber players in its starting lineup, not to mention one of the five best players on Earth in Luka Doncic.
Redick’s task is to do a better job maximizing this roster than he’s done over the first half of the season. The Lakers’ 25-16 record is better than their play has deserved, although a 13-1 record in clutch games might be a harbinger of an effective playoff team. LA’s defense screams otherwise. There’s work to be done and plenty of massive improvements to be made, but not via trade.