The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been in a good spot lately, watching their standings in the Western Conference slip from the top three to outside the top five. This early-season predicament has resulted in a lack of urgency from the Lakers when it comes to the trade deadline.
“It’s going to take the, just, perfect right player for them to even put a first round pick on the table right now. They’ll be a little more conservative in terms of going after 3-and-D wing help if they don’t see themselves as a clear-cut contender [who are] just one piece away,” NBA insider Jake Fischer said on a Bleacher Report livestream.
The Lakers once again appear poised to hold steady with any moves. However, they must remember the importance of keeping Luka Dončić invested in the organization’s plans. The current strategy, though, could raise concerns for the superstar.
“Waiting for the right opportunity instead of making one for yourself is always a dangerous strategy in every aspect of life. The same is true here. Doncic is 26 years old, getting ready to turn 27 in February. That should still give the Lakers a handful of seasons to get it right with their superstar. However, the idea of potentially punting on a season with him playing elite basketball is worrisome,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote.
This approach goes against the conversation Dončić had with GM Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May.
“Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn’t mean they can slow down and take their time. Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he’s not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote.
Given that understanding, the Lakers’ decision to stay put could frustrate Dončić, who wants to compete for a championship as soon as this year. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to align with the organization’s current plans.
By taking this approach, the Lakers are playing a risky game. With Dončić potentially becoming a free agent in 2028, wasting this season could leave the team only a few short years to prove they are serious about contending. This development is particularly noteworthy given the star player’s expectations, which were made clear before the season even began.
