After winning the NBA championship in the 2019-2020 season, the Lakers are looking to repeat.
The challenge will be bigger, as the team has multiple players who are free agents.
So, what moves can the team make?
Photo: AFPExecutive Rob Pelinka told reporters on Thursday that he doesn’t want to just “run it back”, but he wants to make this team better. Well, Pelinka has already begun to make some moves.
The Lakers acquired guard Dennis Schröder for Danny Green and the 28th pick of this year’s draft. In addition, the team signed Wesley Matthews on a 1 year $3.6M deal. These moves came after the rumors of guards Rajon Rondo potentially leaving and Avery Bradley opting out of his deal. Schröder can replace one of the two guards, while Matthews can fill Green’s role on a much cheaper deal.
The shocking move of free agency so far has been the Lakers signing reigning Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell from the Los Angeles Clippers.
He comes to replace Dwight Howard who is going to Philadelphia. Harrell signed a two year $19M deal with an option.
It’s key for the team to re-sign two out of Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Coldwell-Pope, and Avery Bradley. These three guards helped the team a lot in the post-season and regular season. It would be really tough for the team to replace at least two of them with the salary cap situation the team will face trying to resign Anthony Davis.
That is why it’s crucial for the team two try to retain at least two of these three players.
Another player that the team hopes to retain is Markieff Morris. He played a key role in the Lakers’ championship while playing on a minimum contract. After proving his value last season, Morris is expected to receive bigger offers, while the Lakers hope to re-sign him on a team-friendly deal.
The Lakers have Kyle Kuzma and JaVale McGee under contract. They can play a role in a potential sign and trade or just come back to the championship team.
Rob Pelinka has a lot of decisions to make to a roster that looks to repeat as NBA champions
Featured Image: AFP
