The Los Angeles Lakers are still basking in the glow of the biggest NBA trade in decades, but that doesn’t mean they are done. In fact, their recent acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks is making life a bit more difficult for the Lakers. Now, general manager Rob Pelinka is attempting to find a center to take Anthony Davis‘ place.
But Pelinka’s recent statement about the trade market reminds fans that the team probably won’t experience a huge change before the offseason.
Lakers Still Hunting For A Center Despite A “Very Dry” Trade Market
The Lakers introduced Luka Doncic to the press on Tuesday. This ushered in a brand new era for the team and excited the fans. During that event, Pelinka spoke about the other options in the current trade market.
Pelinka made it clear that the Lakers want to keep making moves, but it’ll be tough. Speaking about adding any centers, Pelinka was honest about what was possible.
“So, in terms of roster decisions, JJ and I collaborate extensively around that and fitting how he wants to play,” Pelinka said. “We know we have a need for a big. The market for bigs right now leading into the last two or three days of the trade deadline is very dry. There’s just not a lot available. So maybe we’ll be able to do some stuff around the margins.”
The Center Search Continues
Despite that statement, other reports have said Pelinka and his staff have been looking at a number of players who fit the bill and might be able to carry the load now that Davis is gone.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the Lakers have had talks about Houston Rockets veteran Steven Adams. It is important to note that the two teams are still far apart in negotiations.
Adams is a well-known veteran big man who would come with an inexpensive salary and plenty of experience. Even though the Lakers and Rockets may not see eye-to-eye on a deal around him, the pursuit of Adams gives an idea of what Pelinka is trying to do. He wants to find a low-cost, high-impact big man who can anchor the defense. Additionally, Pelinka also doesn’t want to part ways with the final first-round draft pick the team has.
Adams has averaged 3.8 points and 5.3 rebounds during his 34 games for the Rockets this season.
Another player to keep an eye on is Robert Williams, currently of the Portland Trail Blazers. Williams is posting 5.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this year. He has only participated in 17 games because of continued injuries. Like Adams, the Lakers could get Williams on a light contract and wouldn’t have to give up a lot of talent in order to acquire him.
In Tuesday’s press conference, Pelinka made it clear he knows a trade needs to happen for the Lakers, but he wants to temper expectations. That is important because fans are still riding high after the Doncic trade. There are many who anticipate another major splash from LA.
The reality is the Lakers don’t have a lot of options. They will still try to bolster the roster around Doncic and James. However, they may settle for incremental changes instead of something massive.
