Lakers’ Next Moves

The Los Angeles Lakers thought they had a deal in place for Mark Williams, only for it to fall apart at the last moment. Now, with the trade deadline behind them, Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office must pivot, explore the buyout market, and set their sights on the offseason. So, what are their next moves? Let’s break it all down.

The Fallout of the Mark Williams Trade Collapse

It seemed like a done deal. The Lakers were set to acquire promising young center Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets, a move that would have bolstered their frontcourt depth. However, a failed physical led to the deal being rescinded, leaving the Lakers back at square one.

This setback means they’ll have to explore alternative routes to improve the roster. While they did bring in Spencer Dinwiddie on the buyout market, there are still glaring needsespecially in the paint.

Options on the Buyout Market

The Lakers rarely sit still after a trade deadline. With that in mind, expect them to be active in the buyout market as they look to reinforce their roster for a postseason push.

Who’s Available?

A few intriguing names are floating around as potential buyout candidates:

• Thaddeus Young – A veteran forward who brings defensive versatility and rebounding.
• Danilo Gallinari – A seasoned scorer with size, though defensive concerns linger.
• Bismack Biyombo – A shot-blocking big who could provide some interior presence in a limited role.

While none of these options are game-changers, they could serve as depth pieces that help the Lakers maintain stability when Anthony Davis takes a breather.

What Comes Next in the Offseason?

The D’Angelo Russell Conundrum

One of the biggest decisions ahead involves D’Angelo Russell. The Lakers opted to keep him at the deadline despite trade rumors swirling. Will they re-sign him long-term, or will he be a sign-and-trade candidate this summer? His strong play in recent weeks has made this decision a bit more complicated.

The Pursuit of a Third Star

Every offseason, the Lakers find themselves at the center of trade speculation for another star. With LeBron James nearing the end of his prime, adding another elite talent next to him and Anthony Davis remains a priority.

Potential names that may surface in trade talks include:

• Donovan Mitchell – If Cleveland flames out in the postseason, does he become available?
• Trae Young – The Hawks could look to shake things up, and the Lakers have long been linked to the All-Star point guard.
• Zach LaVine – Health concerns aside, he fits the scoring mold LA could use.

LeBron’s Future Looms Large

Of course, the biggest factor in everything the Lakers do is LeBron James. As he nears 40, the question remains: How much longer does he stay in purple and gold?

His son, Bronny James, will be eligible for the 2024 NBA Draft, and LeBron has stated multiple times that playing alongside him is a career goal. If the Lakers can draft Bronny or attract him via free agency down the line, that could keep LeBron in Los Angeles for the foreseeable future.

Final Thoughts

The Lakers may have missed out on Mark Williams, but that doesn’t mean they’re out of options. The buyout market still offers opportunities for reinforcement, and the offseason will present chances to make bigger moves.

In the end, as long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy, the Lakers remain a threat in the West. Now, it’s up to Rob Pelinka to make the necessary tweaks to turn them into a legitimate contender.

Stay tunedbecause in LA, the drama never stops.