Lakers GM Rob Pelinka got busy last year for the NBA trade deadline. With the Lakers at rock bottom, and without any hope of recovery, Pelinka pulled off a series of trades to change the roster and improve the situation. This year, while no trades are imminent, there are signs that they have something in the works and it’ll be something to watch all season long.
“I think they’re getting ready to trade because the fact that you didn’t play Rui [Hachimura] or [D’Angelo Russell lets us know you’re shelving them to probably make a move,” said Gilbert Arenas. “I think [the Lakers] are trying to make some type of trade to get some shooters here because they are benching players that should be playing
“I think they’re getting ready to trade because the fact that you didn’t play Rui [Hachimura] or [D’Angelo Russell lets us know you’re shelving them to probably make a move,” Gilbert Arenas said. “I think [the Lakers] are trying to make some type of trade to get some shooters here because they are benching players that should be playing.”
The Lakers’ rotation on Wednesday appeared to be missing both Russell and Hachimura, which further fueled the never-ending trade rumors. Although there has been no word on when or whether they will return to the Lakers lineup, they cannot afford to be absent for too long given how badly the team is currently doing.
One word to describe the situation in Los Angeles is volatile. The Lakers still have time to turn things around, as they are just one game below.500, but it won’t happen by itself. The Lakers are simply not playing well as a team internally, and their lack of confidence has been clearly shown by their bad body language over the last week on both sides of the ball. Worse, there’s no indication that the Lakers’ tensions will go down due to Darvin Ham’s incessant (and dubious) lineup changes.
After Miami’s rout, not even LeBron James could provide some comfort. He walked straight out of the arena, ignoring the media in a rare show of frustration. Needless to say, the situation is Not exactly how they had envisioned LeBron’s 21st season unfolding. Starting over and trying again with a fresh group of players might be the only way to find redemption at this point. The Lakers are open to any and all opportunities in that regard.
Which domino will fall first? Rob Pelinka seems like he’ll act eventually, but when will that happen? D’Angelo Russell is a strong candidate to be moved right now given his quickly dwindling role in the rotation, and his perimeter skills could bring in a respectable return in a trade. The Lakers may also swap Jarred Vanderbilt or Rui Hachimura, who are both valuable enough to be exchanged for wing sharpshooters.
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