At his end-of-season press conference, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka spoke about the front office’s desire to build the roster around superstar Luka Doncic this offseason. The Lakers understand that they have one of the best players in the world in his prime and are motivated to not waste that.
Doncic has proven that he can lead a team to the NBA Finals with the right players around him just a couple seasons ago, and the Lakers are reportedly eyeing some of those same types of players to surround him this offseason, via Sam Amick and Dan Woike of The Athletic:
Those priorities remain, according to league sources. There is a desire for better center play, true lob threats who mimic the skills of Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II (with cleaner injury histories). There is a desire for true two-way defensive players, wings with athleticism and energy on the defensive end and a sweet shooting stroke on the offensive side of the ball. And there’s a desire to lock in a long-term secondary playmaker next to Doncic.
Austin Reaves would fit that secondary playmaker role perfectly and the two have already shown that they play together extremely well. Pelinka has said that both Reaves and the Lakers have interest in him coming back, so the two sides will just have to work out a new contract to ensure Doncic’s backcourt mate remains in purple and gold.
Improving the center position makes sense as Deandre Ayton was an odd fit for much of the season and backup Jaxson Hayes, who fits that lob threat mold, often played better. And the Lakers have long been in the market for true two-way wings as those on the roster have tended to be a negative on one side of the ball.
The Lakers will have may different avenues in which to add those kinds of players as they have plenty of salary cap space as well as multiple draft picks to add in a trade. They also could add someone in this year’s draft as they own the 25th overall pick. Whatever way they choose to go, the Lakers must figure out a way to bring those players in so they can take that leap into true championship contention around their superstar.
Luka Doncic impressed with level of communication with Mark Walter
Ever since acquiring Doncic, the Lakers have made a huge effort in staying in constant communication with him and that has not changed with new owner Mark Walter taking over. Walter himself is reportedly talking with Doncic regularly and that consistent communication has impressed the superstar guard.
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