The Los Angeles Lakers are embarking on a critical offseason as they attempt to rebuild their once-great franchise. While the NBA Draft is currently getting the most attention right now, and for good reason, how the Lakers navigate the trade market and free agency will also be extremely important.
Magic Johnson has taken over as the president of basketball operations since mid-February, and brought in Rob Pelinka to be the team’s general manager. While both are extremely well-versed in the NBA world from their previous roles, neither has any front office experience.
As such, there is going to be a bit of a learning curve heading into their first offseason. Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports that they have been listening to offers for just about every player on their roster:
Lakers have kicked the tires and listened to offers on most of their roster as they chart a path forward. It’s a big summer for the Lakers https://t.co/Aip6tzaFA3
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 6, 2017
Kyler also makes note, however, that the Lakers aren’t close to trading anyone, but rather gauging the value of their players:
I also wouldn’t classify the Lakers as being close to trading anyone at this point – they are gauging value and options – first off-season https://t.co/Aip6tzaFA3
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) June 6, 2017
This makes sense as with both Magic and Pelinka coming into their jobs and not being front office guys, they don’t really know how their own players are viewed around the league. Getting an idea of that is important for them moving forward.
Rumors have persisted that they are open to dealing guard Jordan Clarkson, but it’s possible that they won’t find an offer that they like but it appears that, for now, Johnson and Pelinka are simply gauging the value of their players. It’s always possible however, that preliminary, fact-finding conversations may turn into more serious negotiations.