Los Angeles Lakers Admit Failure In Big Man Search Ahead Of NBA Trade Deadline

The Los Angeles Lakers, following their blockbuster acquisition of Luka Dončić, have acknowledged the need for further roster improvements to maximize their championship potential.

While the acquisition of Dončić represents a significant step towards achieving their long-term goals, Lakers Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager Rob Pelinka emphasized the need for continued roster enhancements. He acknowledged that, despite the addition of Dončić, the team still requires further reinforcements to compete at the highest level, particularly at center.

“We know that our roster has continued work to do to become complete,” Pelinka said during an introductory news conference with Doncic on Tuesday morning. “We know we have a need for a big.”

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The Lakers have been knocking on this door for quite some time, having been rumored to be in contact with teams across the league seeking to trade for everyone from Walker Kessler to Jonas Valanciunas.

Since then, nothing has budged. As the NBA trade deadline approaches the Lakers have even widened their search. Finding the right replacement for Anthony Davis is no small task.

Davis, widely regarded as one of the most impactful two-way players in the NBA, provided a dominant presence on both ends of the floor. His departure leaves a noticeable gap in the Lakers’ interior defense and offensive firepower.

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When asked what kind of skill set he is looking for in a big man, Pelinka said: “Versatility, mobility, a vertical lob threat, I think that’s a key to the spacing that Luka likes to play. Competitive. I think that those are some of the core things there. Those players are hard to find. But we’ll accomplish the task that’s before us. We’ll find a way.”

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With Thursday’s NBA trade deadline fast approaching, Pelinka cautioned that the Lakers may not be able to land the perfect fit for the position this season.

“We know we have a need for a big — the market for bigs right now leading into the last two or three days of the trade deadline is very dry,” Pelinka said. “There’s just not a lot available. So maybe we’ll be able to do some stuff around the margins. I would say, in terms of a big move for that position, it’s probably more realistic that would be something that comes in the offseason.”

Pelinka added: “If there’s not a championship big on the market, I can’t wave a wand and create that opportunity. We’ll continue to work and look for areas that we can complete and fill out the roster.”

The Lakers have painted themselves into a corner in this search. They want a player of Davis’s caliber, they aren’t willing to pay top-dollar, and are seemingly just now coming to the realization that many of their top targets are not available. Even if they are able to make the trade, they will end up unsatisfied with the results.