Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka recently held a press conference alongside new head coach JJ Redick, addressing the team’s performance and future plans. With the Lakers’ early playoff exit and lackluster offseason, Pelinka fielded questions about the team’s potential for the upcoming season.
When asked if he believes the current roster can compete for a championship, Pelinka expressed confidence in the team’s potential. “I think we’ll have a better sense on after 30 games,” he said, hinting that the team’s performance might take time to assess. Pelinka emphasized the importance of effort, organization, and health in determining the team’s success.
Pelinka seems open to exploring roster upgrades, potentially through trades. He mentioned the possibility of using draft picks to acquire players who can strengthen the team. With the Lakers’ current roster, Pelinka wants to maintain a balance between short-term goals and long-term planning.
Some potential trade targets for the Lakers could include Terry Rozier, Collin Sexton, DeMar DeRozan, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Alex Caruso.
The Lakers will likely prioritize re-signing key players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, while also exploring ways to address roster gaps, particularly at the center position. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis nearing the twilight of their careers, the Lakers must balance short-term goals with long-term planning to ensure future success.
