The 2024 NBA Trade Deadline came and went this week with the Los Angeles Lakers making no moves whatsoever.
After a lot of hype and hoopla, L.A. opted to stay pat and not expend any of its draft capital. The long-term plan, it appears, is signing one particular big-name superstar this summer.
In the meantime, the Lakers are turning their focus onto the buyout market.
Team president Rob Pelinka confirmed as much during a session with the media on Thursday.
Here’s Rob Pelinka explaining the Lakers’ approach to the trade deadline. “You can’t buy a house that’s not for sale.”
Pelinka stressed the two additional first-round picks the Lakers can trade this summer. pic.twitter.com/MMUth40DBU
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) February 9, 2024
”It’s a thoughtful and tricky calculus at times when the trade deadline is upon us,” he said.
“Our fans understand that this season is incredibly important and we will be very aggressive with our open roster spot.
“There’s a really good group of names available on the looming buyout market. … So we’re gonna look for ways to upgrade our team there.”
Three players are clear frontrunners for the Lakers at the moment. The first is Spencer Dinwiddie.
After being traded to the Toronto Raptors by the Brooklyn Nets, Dinwiddie was waived in a salary-saving maneuver. That leaves him free to join another team, and L.A. seems to be the favorite.
Dinwiddie appears to be a fan of the idea:
Looks like Spencer Dinwiddie likes the idea of going back home to LA pic.twitter.com/jGwEAuWPvA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 8, 2024
Dinwiddie averaged 12.6 points per game on under 40 percent shooting from the field for the Nets this year. He also chipped in 3.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists per outing. A change of scenary might help him in a lot of ways.
If not Dinwiddie, Kyle Lowry is another option. The Philadelphia 76ers have made adding him a priority, but he would make for a really natural fit in Los Angeles as well. Currently, 7 teams are banned from adding him – but the Lakers aren’t one of them.
Chiefs Fan Taylor Swift Suffers Wardrobe Malfunction During Show: https://t.co/xkaIZGcTp0
— Game 7 (@game7__) February 8, 2024
Finally, don’t sleep on Danilo Gallinari. L.A. expressed interest in him just a few days ago. Although he has obviously been besieged by injuries as of late, when healthy, he has a healthy offensive repertoire and the ability to knock down the three-ball.
One way or another, the Lakers likely aren’t done making moves. Who will they add in the coming days and weeks? Time will tell.
Related: Patrick Beverley Explains Why Lakers Have The Worst Fans
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
