LA Lakers general manager opened up on the team’s recent trades and revealed how the front office purposely targeted the players who could stay with the team in the long run.
Los Angeles Lakers laid heavy hopes on the trade window as the team struggled with the existing lineup. They made several successful and unsuccessful attempts ahead of the deadline. For starters, the club welcomed Rui Hachimura after trading Kendrick Nunn to the Wizards. However, the Kyrie Irving trade went against them as the trade offer proved unsatisfactory for the Brooklyn Nets.
Meanwhile, the Lakers sealed a monumental trade last week as they finally bid adieu to Russell Westbrook in a three-team-trade deal. They acquired D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt from the Minnesota Timberwolves and shipped Westbrook to the Jazz. The purple and gold also sacrificed Patrick Beverley to bring in Mo Mamba from Orlando Magic. Amidst all this, the Lakers GM reveals the team’s strategy behind the acquisition of these chosen players.
Rob Pelinka Pleased With The Trades, Reveals The Club’s Long Term Plans With The New Players
LA Lakers’ general manager, Rob Pelinka, addressed the club’s latest trade developments buzz and revealed the front office has a long-term plan set in motion. Rob started by saying he is extremely happy with the trades that have happened so far. Furthermore, the GM elaborated on the front office’s plans and said the team purposely targeted young players who could fit into the club’s future plans. Rob termed it as “Pre-Agency” and said the team is in control of all the contracts, which will give them an upper hand.
Rob Pelinka further added the Lakers would test the players in the remaining tournament, and the data collected would eventually help the team build a better strategy for the off-season. Hence, Rob clearly hinted the players are brought in considering the future and just the ongoing season. Moreover, the Lakers bossman said the team would look for more options in the buyout market, but as of now, the club stays focused on the 14 guys present in the locker room.
“I think a deep dive into this, you can almost look at it as ‘pre-agency,” said Rob Pelinka.
Lakers GM Admits Acquiring Russell Westbrook Was A Mistake
LA Lakers breathed a sigh of relief after Russell Westbrook was traded to the Utah Jazz in a three-team trade deal. Westbrook’s association with the purple and gold was nothing but painful. Even Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka agrees with the opinion. Rob said the front offices took a risk while acquiring Westbrook. Moreover, the Lakers hoped the point guard would lead the team to the championship. However, that certainly did not happen, as Russell and the Lakers failed miserably last season.
Rob Pelinka further added that the club had to cut ties with the point guard as he no longer contributed to the team’s winning cause. The GM concluded by saying the team’s focused on turning the current season around. With the arrival of the young brigade, the Lakers are backing themselves for the playoff berth. As of now, the team stands 13th on the Western Conference points table.