The Los Angeles Lakers are in a critical offseason, and much work needs to be done to build a championship roster around Luka Doncic and LeBron James. In a recent chat with the media following this week's NBA Draft, GM Rob Pelinka shed some light on the thought process this summer and revealed why they ultimately settled on Adou Thiero at No. 36 with their lone draft pick.
"We were super aggressive to begin the day, knowing we didn't have a first-round pick," said Pelinka via Spectrum. "Adou was projected by our scouts as a first-round talent, so we were able to convert 55, which is a late second-round pick to a high second-round pick to pick a player that we had projected in the first round. So it's almost like having the first-round pick that we traded out."
The Lakers had to trade up to ensure that they could draft Thiero, and while they are keeping expectations reasonable for the young swingman, Pelinka says he sees great potential in the former Arkansas forward.
"We just felt like one of the things we needed to address was to get younger and more athletic on the wings," said Pelinka. "Getting a player like Adou that can catch lobs from the corner when Luka is making paint decisions, I think, is gonna be special. Big shoulders, big chest, a guy that's going to play defense and add some physicality and athleticism to our roster. So, super excited about that."
Pelinka agrees that Thiero is comparable to OG Anunoby, but he knows that it won't be enough to get his team where they want to be. Without a proper center, the Lakers can only go so far, and it's why they intend to dedicate these next few weeks to filling the position as best they can.
"Coming off the draft, we'll be digging deep in meetings upstairs, just prepping for free agency," Rob said. "As I said at the end of the year, we know one of the things we have to address is the center position, and that's clearly going to be one of our focuses as we begin the free agency period. We're looking forward to putting in the hard work and making sure we take care of all the needs on the roster to give JJ all the tools he needs to be great next season."
Finally, the Lakers' GM spoke on the trade market and confirmed that they will be very active in doing whatever they can to improve the team.
"We're going to be super active and turn over every stone. Whatever resources the collective bargaining gives us, we're going to use them to the utmost; that's what we're gonna do. We have a couple of players with player options, and we'll get those decisions in a handful of days, and at that point, we'll know the tools we have to go out in free agency and full out the roster."
Pelinka gave up Anthony Davis in the Luka Doncic trade, and now it's time to capitalize on the deal by going all-in on the championship pursuit. With limited flexibility, the Lakers might have to get creative to make the necessary upgrades, but Pelinka has shown that he's willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
In just the first few weeks of the offseason, he's been busy with three notable signings, and there will likely be many more on the way.
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