Los Angeles Lakers had an incredible run in the 2022-23 NBA season. They were nowhere near the top six of the Western Conference at a point. Evidently, it did not look like they were going to make the postseason, even as they were not even among the top ten. But the February trade deadline was the time around when things changed for the Lakers. Apparently, the front office of the 17-time champions made some key trades that helped bring balance to their roster.
Eventually, the Los Angeles Lakers did not only make the postseason but also reached the conference finals. There was even a point when it started looking like the team was on its way to clinching the 18th title. However, perhaps it was not meant to be. Now, the front office is busy planning to prepare the best team before the next season commences. Clearly, Rob Pelinka and the front office have a lot of hurdles to overcome, as many players on their roster will enter free agency in the offseason. Moreover, the Lakers missed a chance to acquire John Collins from the Atlanta Hawks. But now they have a better chance to acquire Kelly Olynyk from the Utah Jazz.
Big Man Kelly Olynyk Will Be A Great Choice To Play Alongside Anthony Davis
The Utah Jazz made headlines as they got Collins from the Hawks on Monday. The Lakers must regret missing out on this trade. Moreover, the Jazz got Collins practically trading nothing. The Utah Jazz is not re-routing John Collins anytime soon, but the Lakers have another chance to acquire Kelly Olynyk. Throughout the last season, the Lakers suffered due to a solid core size, mainly someone who can play alongside Anthony Davis. Hence, they need another big man who can take care of AD’s business when he will rest. And looks like Kelly Olynyk is perfect for the job. After acquiring John Collins, the Jazz must opt to trade Kelly Olynyk.
The 32-year-old center averaged 12.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, and 3.7 apg in 28.6 minutes every game. Apparently, the LA side would be lucky to get someone like Olynyk, who can space the floor. Anthony Davis will get more time as a center and can freely roam four on the defense. Moreover, Utah Jazz has no use for Kelly Olynyk as they have got John Collins and Walker Kessler at present. Adding to that, if the Jazz is looking for someone to increase the space, then the Lakers can trade Mo Bamba plus future second-round picks to acquire Olynyk. Later, Jazz can waive Bamba if they like. Hence, in conclusion, the Lakers have the means to make this trade. Moreover, if they have to pay more than $10 million to acquire a big man, then it better be Kelly Olynyk than Mo Bamba.
The Lakers Don’t Have A Reliable Cap Space
Apparently, key players like Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Dennis Schroder, and D’Angelo Russell will enter free agency. On top of that, the Lakers cannot rely on their cap space because it is not very big. Due to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the LA side have less than $30 million in their cap space. Hence, it is a tricky offseason ahead for the LA side.
The front office had set up a package that includes Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba, and the overall 17th pick of 2023. But the Lakers might not trade the overall 17th pick of 2023. In that case, they can trade any future second-round picks. This package should help them get a star-level player besides LeBron James and Anthony Davis.