Lakers aren't planning on big moves until offseason

At the news conference to introduce Doncic, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka told reporters that he wasn't trying to replace the departed Anthony Davis before the trade deadline, saying that trading for a starting center was "unrealistic."

That's a reasonable position for the executive to take, especially given how suddenly the Doncic trade came together. In fact, when Mavs GM Nico Harrison mentioned trading Doncic to the Lakers, Pelinka initially thought he was joking.

But this does mean that the Lakers' playoff chances with 40-year-old LeBron James may have taken a hit this season. With Doncic still dealing with a calf strain that's kept him out since Christmas, the Lakers could very well struggle with All-Defensive center Anthony Davis being replaced by some combination of Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Koloko. Or, the team could punt on defense entirely and play James at the five.

Still, the Lakers future looks bright with Doncic on board long-term. It looks even brighter with the report that Pelinka managed to get the trade done without sacrificing rookie Dalton Knecht and surrendering just one first-round pick. That should give the Lakers draft capital to reshape the roster. It helps that Doncic will earn $11M less than Davis next season.

The Lakers may not have a legitimate center this season, but they do suddenly have a high-powered offense and an exceedingly bright future. After pulling off an incredible trade, Pelinka can be forgiven for only making small moves the rest of the way.