The Los Angeles Lakers had multiple opportunities to introduce free agents this summer. However, the franchise couldn’t get close to any of the three possible players they could land. The option to explore the market came after LeBron James decided to opt out of his $51 million player option. While it seemed as if he was ready to take a pay cut so that the front office could make adjustments for the incoming players, none of the plans was optimal. Most of the highlighted free agents have signed their desired deals, leaving the Lakers with nothing but draft picks and major assets like Austin Reaves that they won’t be ready to compromise.
Surprisingly, the Lakers have great draft picks till 2030. Except for the 2025 first-round pick that could be in favor of the Pelicans, the Lakers have a total of six second-round picks and five first-round picks. These picks are divided over the next six years with a confirmed first and second-round pick each year. How optimal are these? For starters, Rob Pelinka can try and go for Zach LaVine who the Dubs could’ve picked earlier.
Nick Wright weighed in on the Lakers’ situation, saying, “The GM, I think is prioritizing those draft picks. Because GMs get complimented and flowers laid at their feet in the media for having ‘Oh, so they have their War chest’. Like I think… Right Savvy GMs.”.
Of course, when any franchise has a good number of picks, they are considered very wealthy. And for a franchise like the Lakers, these picks can get them any player they would want. However, with picks comes an asset. Considering the potential, most teams will demand Austin Reaves in a transaction that would include a superstar.
“Zach LaVine is still available out there, you know, for the whole world to have. Trae Young might be available. I think the Nate McMillan thing might hurt it. But, if the GM doesn’t want to trade the picks and the rest of management says Austin Reaves is almost untouchable, you’re stuck.”, Wright added.
There’s no doubt that Reaves is an attractive asset. Also, he is the only reliable shooter on the roster. The Lakers would never risk bringing any trade deals near his name for the same reasons. However, if they need to have any chances next season, Pelinka may have to sacrifice a few of his beloved picks. But, is protecting these picks worth it? Well, Pelinka isn’t the first GM to prioritize attractive future picks. GMs like Daryl Morey, Sean Marks, and Sam Presti have also used the same strategy in the past.
There is always an alternative way to go around a deal, and the front office might just have to pull a Hail Mary move, considering the market’s quick moves among the highlighted names.
The Lakers won’t have to bother Austin Reaves for any trade deal
A lot of factors play out when it comes to trading for a superstar. LeBron James may call it a career after his new contract ends. The franchise needs younger assets who will show up after James leaves. For now, the Lakers can use D’Angelo Russell and possibly Rui Hachimura along with two picks to bring in a superstar. Hachimura is a crucial player, but the incoming star can compensate for the role.
On the other hand, if the Lakers want to become a title contender before James’ departure, they need to make considerable changes, and they have to be quick. Targeting shooters, Luke Kennard and Gary Trent Jr. can be available assets that they can still trade for. It will be interesting to see whether they make any major moves this offseason.
What are your thoughts on Pelinka protecting draft picks? Do you think he should give it away? Let us know in the comments.
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The post Career-Saving Move & Austin Reaves Dilemma Have Rob Pelinka ‘Stuck’ Amid Free Agency Failure Despite LeBron’s Sacrifice appeared first on EssentiallySports.
