The Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday introduced their newest acquisition Luka Doncic to the media. The addition of Doncic to the Lakers’ roster was welcomed news for the team’s fans and widely celebrated by the purple and gold faithful. However, the latest comments from general manager Rob Pelinka may leave Lakers fans disappointed.
The Lakers already had a need for a center prior to their trade for Doncic. That need is even more pressing now that the team has lost Anthony Davis. But Pelinka told reporters on Tuesday that a move for a notable big man may have to wait until the offseason.
“We know our roster has continued work to do to become complete,” Pelinka said. “We know we have a need for a big. The market for a big … is very dry.”
Pelinka said that any move the team makes prior to Thursday’s trade deadline will likely be around the margins.
We know our roster has continued work to do….Pelinka says. Says the team will build a roster in JJ Redick's vision. Says team knows it needs a big but the market is "very dry." Says a big move at that position, more realistically, will come in the summer.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) February 4, 2025
Will the Lakers be able to compete for a championship this season without addressing the center position? Maybe not. They’re still 28-19 entering play on Tuesday and right in the middle of the race among the best teams in the West. Doncic will be returning from his calf injury soon, so that will add another layer of interest to determine how the team’s offense will run.
Lakers fans want to win every season. While they may be celebrating the addition of Doncic, they’ll still want the team to add a big man sooner than later.
