Only 15 games remain in the 2016-17 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers. As it has been made abundantly clear over the past few weeks, the Lakers brass and coaching staff are in the evaluation process with their focus now being on the upcoming offseason.
With the end of the season drawing near, new general manager Rob Pelinka and Magic Johnson plan to sit down with the all the players on the Lakers roster individually, according to Mark Medina of the OC Register:
Pelinka also told the players that he and Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson will meet with them individually. During those discussions, the Lakers’ front office will provide feedback on their development as well as solicit their insight on the franchise’s direction.
Although Pelinka admits developing the young players on the current squad is a priority for this team moving forward, the new general manager also made it clear moves will be made in NBA free agency this summer to upgrade the roster, via Medina:
“Developing those guys are key,” Pelinka said. “But we have to add significant players to that through free agency. That’s something we’ll work really, really hard to do.”
Along with bringing in free agents this summer, the Lakers brass will also focus on the 2017 NBA Draft. If the team can hold onto their top-3 protected pick in the first round, the Lakers will have a great shot at landing another talented young player like Lonzo Ball (UCLA), Markelle Fultz (Washington), Josh Jackson (Kansas), Malik Monk (Kentucky) or Jayson Tatum (Duke).
Pelinka and Johnson will be keeping a close eye on the NCAA Tournament with the majority of the players mentioned set to showcase their talents on the biggest stage in college basketball over the next few weeks.
