Lakers GM Rob Pelinka discussed the team’s plans for the offseason, emphasizing the importance of adding size to the frontcourt, particularly at the center position.
Rob Pelinka said trying to rebuild the roster in-season after the Doncic trade is like “trying to build an airplane in the sky.”
The trade for Doncic required the Lakers to send away their starting center, Anthony Davis, a move that created an immediate void in the frontcourt.
“When you make a huge trade at the deadline where you trade your starting center for a point guard, of course, that’s gonna create a significant issue with the roster, and we saw some of them play out,” he explained.
Looking forward to the offseason, Pelinka outlined a clear priority for the team’s future.
“This offseason one of our primary goals is gonna be to add size in our frontcourt at the center position, and that’s just gonna be a part of the equation,” he said.
“We have multiple free agents, too. Obviously, those questions will be answered in July and in August, but we know we have a lot of work to do on the roster. It’ll look different next year for sure,” GM added.
Per Jovan Buha, Pelinka said beyond adding a center this summer, the Lakers are looking to improve defensively, particularly on the wings.
In the first round series against the Timberwolves, which the Lakers lost 4-1, Doncic averaged 30.2 points, 7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 45.2% from the field.