Lakers GM Rob Pelinka got busy last year for the NBA trade deadline. With the Lakers at rock bottom, and without any hope of recovery, Pelinka pulled off a series of trades to change the roster and improve the situation. This year, while no trades are imminent, there are signs that they have something in the works and it'll be something to watch all season long.
"I think they're getting ready to trade because the fact that you didn't play Rui [Hachimura] or [D'Angelo Russell lets us know you're shelving them to probably make a move," said Gilbert Arenas. "I think [the Lakers] are trying to make some type of trade to get some shooters here because they are benching players that should be playing."
Both Russell and Hachimura were mysteriously missing from the Lakers' rotation on Wednesday, adding fuel to the constant stream of trade rumors. So far, no word yet has been passed on when or if they will return to the Lakers' lineup but for a Lakers team that is in total free fall, they can't afford to have these guys missing for too much longer.
Unstable Locker Room
The situation in Los Angeles can only be described as volatile. Just one game below .500, the Lakers still have time to get back on the right track but it won't happen on its own. Internally, the Lakers are just not healthy as a unit, and poor body language over the past week has really exposed their lack of confidence on both sides of the ball. To make matters worse, Darvin Ham's constant (and questionable) lineup adjustments have sparked tensions for the Lakers with no signs of letting up.
Following the blowout to Miami, not even LeBron James could offer some solace. In a rare display of frustration, he ignored the media entirely and headed straight out of the arena. Needless to say, circumstances are grim for the Lakers right now and this is hardly the way they saw things going for LeBron's 21st season. At this point, the only path to redemption may be to start over and try again with a new cast of players. In that aspect, the Lakers are open to all opportunities.
Who Will Be The First To Go?
It seems like only a matter of time before Rob Pelinka makes a move, but which domino will be the first to drop? Considering D'Angelo Russell's rapidly declining role in the rotation, he's a prime candidate to be moved right now, and his talents on the perimeter could net a nice return on the trade market. The Lakers could also trade somebody like Rui Hachimura or Jarred Vanderbilt, who have enough value to be flipped for valuable wing sharpshooters.
The important thing for the Lakers right now is to and more shooting alongside their two stars. Without the proper spacing to operate, LeBron and Davis have not been able to carry the Lakers to wins like we've seen them do before. Hopefully, Pelinka can find something that works fast before they lose too much ground in the standings.
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