Despite some heavy hints from LeBron James, the Lakers didn’t make a SINGLE trade move before the deadline. Let’s explore why.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka has been fairly active over the last few transaction periods, but this deadline appears to be different.
Multiple NBA insiders have reported that the Lakers’ lack of action is because the franchise is waiting to make big moves in the offseason.
“The probable path for Los Angeles Lakers is standing pat at trade deadline with potential to acquire another star player in the offseason when armed with three first-round picks, league sources tell @NBAonTNT
,@BleacherReport,” B/R’s Chris Haynes reported.
Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times shared similar sentiments.
“Lakers don’t make a move at the deadline,” Woike wrote. “Sources say they’ll be aggressive on buyout market. I’d expect them to have interest in L.A. native Spencer Dinwiddie.”
Many thought some moves by Pelinka were imminent after LeBron put the pressure on.
LeBron posted a cryptic message on X recently, that featured only the hourglass emoji.
Then, after the LA’s win over NY on the weekend, James did his postgame interview with a Knicks towel around his shoulders.
The trade rumors about LeBron leaving were LA were heating up.
Despite his LeGames, Bron’s manager, Rich Paul cleared the air by releasing a statement that made it clear LeBron wasn’t after a trade.
One of the most long-rumored players to be headed to the Lakers was Hawks guard Dejounte Murray.
It was reported in the days leading up to the deadline that the deal with LA for Murray had gone cold.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that “Atlanta Hawks are keeping guard Dejounte Murray, sources tell ESPN. No trade for him.”
The Lakers still have one open roster spot and could nab a player on the buyout market.
But all eyes will be on the offseason, to see how the franchise will upgrade the roster then.
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