L.A. Lakers Struggling with 3-1 Deficit Due to Rob Pelinka's Alleged Abandonment of LeBron James and Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Lakers find themselves on the brink of elimination in the NBA Playoffs, and it seems the chain of events leading to this predicament can be traced back to the team's management. The team opted to stand by LeBron James and Anthony Davis without reinforcing their core, thus ending up in a precarious spot.
Lakers coach JJ Redick showed desperation in Game 4, playing only five players in the second half – a move Lakers Hall of Famer Magic Johnson criticized. But before anyone jumps to conclusions, it's important to note this isn't about second-guessing the Luka Doncic trade. That move makes sense, given its price, but the problem lies in the Lakers' poor preparation for the level of competition they now need to meet.
Prior to this season, Rob Pelinka and the organization discussed internal investment and growth with a focus on the future. Brooklyn Nets coach JJ Redick being added to the team was a move in this direction too, as the organization was distancing itself from James and Davis. However, their lack of readiness for competition following the acquisition of Doncic is glaring.
Lakers' Ignored Anthony Davis' Requests for Center Depth
For years, Davis had requested more depth at the center position, but the Lakers balked during his final days with the team. Instead, they rotated an ineffective band of veteran minimum players in the center rotation. Lakers owner Jeanie Buss herself cited Davis' center request as one of the reasons they were ready to part ways.
Entering the postseason with only Jaxson Hayes as their only playable traditional center is nothing short of absurd. After securing Doncic, Pelinka quickly pivoted to bring in Mark Williams, but Williams' failed physical landed the team in a tight spot, with Redick's trust in him limited to a few minutes in crucial playoff games.
Lack of Centers Not the Only Problem
The Lakers' issues don't stop at the center position. For years, Pelinka's obsession with scoring combo guards took a championship-caliber team, filled with two-way talents, physicality, and athleticism, and nearly stripped it bare.
The Lakers traded Danny Green for Dennis Schroder, sent Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Oklahoma City for Russell Westbrook, allowed Alex Caruso to walk, and opted for Talen Horton-Tucker over him. If Pelinka had been willing to trade Dalton Knecht for more center help earlier, he wouldn't have been limited in his options, and the timing wouldn't have been as crucial, ensuring Williams could have been brought in without risk.
Lakers Lacking in Athleticism and Depth
The Lakers' struggles don't end there. Had Pelinka invested in more practical athleticism instead of a carousel of combo guards, they may not face the shallow roster situation they now find themselves in. Perhaps the rotation wouldn't be as thin, and the team could have fielded a player with the speed to keep up with Anthony Edwards without compromising defense.
However, some NFL fans may argue that these decisions were necessary to make the Doncic deal possible. But this argument holds no water, as Nico Harrison was only focused on acquiring Davis, no matter the cost in terms of draft capital. Pelinka could have still secured the necessary athleticism and shooting the team desperately needs.
Felicitous Finney-Smith Arrival
It wasn't until Pelinka traded D'Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith that they took a step in the right direction. Finney-Smith's arrival impacted the team immediately, as Redick himself admitted. Even with Finney-Smith, though, the Lakers waited until his price fell below a first-round pick before making the move.
The thing about two-way athleticism in the NBA is, it doesn't come cheap. If Pelinka had understood the direction the league was headed and invested in more athleticism around James and Davis, the rotation might not be as shallow, and the Lakers just might have a player fast enough to keep up with Anthony Edwards.
Sources:1. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2023-05-04/dorian-finney-smith-trade2. https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/2023/05/01/lakers-draft-missed-mark-window-closing3. https://www.sbnation.com/2023/5/8/23718509/lakers-nba-draft-knecht-byron-nash-anze-bellemare-trades4. https://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/story/2023-04-26/lakers-dont-want-to-get-into-whirlwind-around-center5. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/36461967/source-lakers-expected-struggle-depth-after-not-signing-center-jael-bryant
- The Lakers' inability to address Anthony Davis' request for center depth has led to a shallow center rotation, with only Jaxson Hayes as a playable traditional center entering the postseason.
- Pelinka's obsession with scoring combo guards has resulted in a championship-caliber team lacking in two-way talents, physicality, and athleticism.
- The Lakers' roster situation is thin, in part due to trades such as sending Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to Oklahoma City for Russell Westbrook.
- Had Pelinka invested in more practical athleticism, the Lakers might not be facing the shallow roster situation they are in now.
- The acquisition of Dorian Finney-Smith has been a step in the right direction, but it came at a price lower than a first-round pick.
- If Pelinka had understood the direction the league was headed and invested in more athleticism around James and Davis earlier, the Lakers rotation might not be as shallow, and they could have fielded a player with the speed to keep up with Anthony Edwards.
