The Los Angeles Lakers are currently fifth in the West at 24-18, are exploring upgrades to strengthen their playoff push. The Lakers have already made a move on the margins to improve their championship chances by acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith for D’Angelo Russell. While, this is a step in the right direction, you’ll be hard pressed to find unbiased voices that have the Lakers coming out of the West. That’s why the Lakers want to make another move as the trade deadline approaches. However, there’s building tension about how the Lakers should go about doing this, which will be covered in these notes.
Lakers Notes: Hesitancy, $208m, LeBron/Davis Vs Pelinka
Lakers Have Interest in Robert Williams III and Jerami Grant
The Lakers reportedly have trade interest in Robert Williams and Jerami Grant from the Portland Trail Blazers. According to Evan Sidery of Forbes, the Lakers recently inquired about the price for both players. Portland could move players like Grant and Williams for younger assets and draft capital. The Lakers can offer movable contracts, including Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Gabe Vincent, but are hesitating to trade first-round picks.
Grant, averaging 15.1 points and 3.5 rebounds this season, has a $29.79 million cap hit with three years remaining after this season. His contract could become more team-friendly as the salary cap rises. Statistically, this is a down year for Grant. Grant has shown that he is capable of being a 20 points per game scorer, averaging 20.8 points over the last four years. The Lakers need someone to take the scoring load off LeBron James he can pace himself for the playoffs.
Williams, averaging 6.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks on 73.9% true shooting, has a $12.42 million cap hit with one year left after this season. Despite injury concerns, his relative youth and defensive impact make him appealing to Lakers. Portland, ranked 13th in the Western Conference, are tanking and are looking to maximize trade returns. While the Blazers value Williams for his defensive skills, they are willing to move him for the right offer. Williams will fulfill Anthony Davis‘ long-standing request for a big, bruising big beside him.
Pelinka Hesitates to Use Picks Without Championship Guarantee
Rob Pelinka has shown reluctance to trade first-round picks unless the deal guarantees a championship. Recent discussions with teams suggest a cautious approach, prioritizing the Lakers’ long-term future. Despite acquiring Finney-Smith in December, the team still needs significant upgrades to contend. However, Pelinka remains hesitant to sacrifice future assets for short-term gains. Reports from Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst highlight this hesitation, with no signs of the Lakers aggressively pursuing trades.
Pelinka faces the challenge of balancing LeBron’s and Davis’ prime years with preserving future flexibility. This strategy may lead to minor moves rather than a blockbuster trade, aligning with the front office’s unwillingness to mortgage the future. While a good role player could improve the roster, Pelinka’s approach risks missing opportunities to strengthen the team for a playoff run.
Superstars Push Back, Potential Toxicity Looms
LeBron and Davis have made their frustrations clear, creating tension with the front office. Davis has repeatedly asked for a center, emphasizing his preference to play power forward. LeBron, after a recent game, delivered a pointed message about the team’s construction:
“Nah. That’s how our team is constructed. We don’t have room for error — for much error,” James said. When asked how the team can handle the pressure of needing near-perfect play, LeBron responded:
“We don’t have a choice. That’s the way our team is constructed, and we have to… We can’t combat [mistakes] on multiple possessions in a row or if we’re turning the ball over. Defensively, we can’t have breakdowns… We have to play close to perfect basketball.”
LeBron’s comments signal frustration and a clear demand for upgrades. Both superstars want improvements to the roster, adding to the pressure on Pelinka as the trade deadline approaches. If the Lakers suffer a bad loss before the deadline, expect LeBron and Davis to echo these sentiments, potentially escalating tensions.
Lakers Notes: Will Pelinka Cave into His Superstars’ Demands
The Lakers are committed to maximizing what remains of their championship window. However, Pelinka and his superstars have different ideas about how this should happen. It remains to be seen if the Lakers’ star tandem can convince Pelinka to go all out. Otherwise, things could take a passive-aggressive turn.
