The Lakers have been quiet so far in free agency. Could DeMar DeRozan change that? https://t.co/JjJba1QKCX
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 2, 2024
It’s too early to write the Lakers off, of course. There’s always a chance they pull a rabbit out of a hat with a trade or signing. They have been active in recent days, discussing potential deals with Portland, Brooklyn and Utah, among other teams, according to league and team sources. Vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka tends to operate in the shadows — more so this summer than ever, according to league sources. It’s certainly possible he has a contingency plan that saves the offseason.
But the Lakers are running out of time. Free agents are flying off the board. Teams are making moves that will tie up their cap space and make it harder to trade. James wants to have his contract situation resolved by the start of the Team USA Olympics practice on Saturday in Las Vegas. That’s an unofficial deadline for Los Angeles, at least on the free-agency front.
It’s reaching the point where the Lakers need to do something — and sooner than later.
DJ2KB24 says
I don’t see Derose helping. I would rather keep DLO and Reaves.