Mar 22, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; On the left Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka talks with head coach Darvin Ham (right) prior to the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Another top free agent target has rejected the Lakers
As Western Conference contenders load up on talent on the fifth day of free agency, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to fall short of their goals. In fact, general manager Rob Pelinka has yet to add to the roster this offseason.
Before free agency began, it was believed that LeBron James was willing to accept a pay cut to help the Lakers enhance their roster. Since then, Los Angeles has only managed to miss on their targeted targets, most notably Klay Thompson. According to the latest reports, the Lakers’ situation is worsening.
The Lakers sorely need extra shooting, especially since Klay Thompson turned them down. The apparent next target was Buddy Hield. Despite interest from the Lakers, Hield signed a four-year contract with the Golden State Warriors, as reported by The Athletic.
“Hield chose the Warriors because of the opportunity to win over other interested suitors, including the Detroit Pistons and Los Angeles Lakers.”
Hield’s contract is only for two years and at $21 million. The Lakers could have easily afforded this type of contract if they had structured it as a sign-and-trade, as the Warriors did. Los Angeles’ inability to recruit the 31-year-old shooting guard was clearly not due to financial constraints. In actuality, the story implies that it was “the opportunity to win”.
The Lakers’ real problem is that they are no longer considered the best environment to win. Whether it’s Pelinka’s incompetence, a lack of faith in the roster, or first-year head coach JJ Redick, free agents don’t appear to prioritize the Lakers in talks. This represents a significant divergence from the franchise’s previous trajectory.
If the Lakers continue to lose talent to the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors despite financially competitive offers, they are in trouble. For the Lakers to compete in the heavy Western Conference, the front management must make trade market judgments that are spot on.
