Lakers Rumors: Mitch Kupchak's Lack of Urgency Should Not Concern Fans

General manager Mitch Kupchak does not appear to be in any hurry to trade any of the Los Angeles Lakers’ key players, but this should not be a cause for concern among fans. 

Kupchak spoke to John Ireland and A. Martinez on 710 ESPN and said the following regarding the situation:

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I would say it’s unlikely we would do something very major. Something major would only involve a select few players on our team. That’s what this time of the year is for. We canvass the league. We try to get a feel for other teams and how they value our players and we do the same thing with other teams. Sometimes the conversation leads to a more serious conversation. You don’t see too many major deals in this league taking place. ...  

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These statements are similar to those made by executive vice president Jim Buss earlier this week (via the Los Angeles Times).

Kupchak also stated in the same interview that the team likely would not be active in free agency, either. He said: “I’d very surprised if we’re going to be very active. Only because of the limitations on this franchise resulting from the collective bargaining agreement.” 

The longtime GM went on to explain that the Lakers are over the salary cap and would only be able to sign players for the mini mid-level exception or for the veteran’s league minimum. The mini-mid will allow the team to add a player for around three million dollars, while the league minimum is usually around one million dollars.

His hands are tied in free agency, but Kupchak can still pull off a trade. If he hopes to win another championship with Kobe Bryant, he must make a deal.

The Lakers were bounced from the playoffs in the second round for the second consecutive year. They were swept by the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and lost in five games to the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. 

Kupchak recognized before the year that the core of the team needed to be changed and he orchestrated a trade to bring Chris Paul to L.A. The deal involved sending Pau Gasol to Houston, but it was vetoed by the commissioner’s office.

He will need to find a way to set up another deal to bring a superstar to the Lakers, and despite his comments, this is likely what he will do.

Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News reported on June 16 that the Lakers were looking to trade Gasol again. If this is the case, it would have been unwise for Kupchak to show his hand on the radio.

He has been the general manager of the Lakers since 2000 and is simply showing tact and caution in his approach as he looks to pull off a trade. The only statement that should cause concern is if Kupchak explicitly states that he will not trade Gasol. 

This has not happened and it is not going to happen. Kupchak is still keeping all of his options open, and if he can find a deal that makes sense, he will make a major trade.