Lakers' Pelinka Teases Big Move in NBA Free Agency, Market 'Dry' at Trade Deadline

Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka acknowledged the roster still has one glaring weakness despite the arrival of Luka Dončić in one of the biggest blockbusters in NBA history.

During Dončić's introductory press conference on Tuesday, Pelinka told reporters that "we know that our roster has continued work to do to be complete," and he cited adding another center specifically.

At this point, we can't totally rule out Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić or even Victor Wembanyama winding up in Southern California. Nothing's off the table when the Mavericks willingly give up a transcendent talent on a Hall of Fame trajectory.

Once the shock subsided, one immediate reaction from the Dončić/Davis trade was that the Lakers really need another center.

Right now, Los Angeles is looking at Jaxson Hayes as the starting 5, with Trey Jemison III behind him as the backup. Hayes is averaging 5.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.9 blocks through 26 appearances, while Jamison has logged a total of 36 minutes with the team since signing a two-way contract in January.

Pelinka somehow managed to get Dončić while retaining some valuable assets that can facilitate another impactful trade. The Lakers can move their 2031 first-round pick right now, and the pair of Austin Reaves and Dalton Knecht could be attractive to outside suitors.

Any combination of the three could be leveraged to help Los Angeles reinforce its frontcourt.

However, Pelinka may not be feeling the kind of urgency he was this time last week.

Even if the Lakers take a step backward this season, Dončić's arrival significantly altered the organization's timeline and long-term outlook. The incentive to go all in and chase a championship right now is a lot less.

For as much as L.A. could clearly use an upgrade at the 5, The Athletic's Fred Katz, Joe Vardon and Sam Amick reported Monday that "not many centers whose names are prevalent on the market appeal to them." To that end, the Lakers "have no plans to give their best remaining draft asset away for a patch-up role player."

If push comes to shove, it's far more sensible to make do with Hayes and Jamison if it means leaving the door open for the pursuit of another star in the summer.