Lakers GM Rob Pelinka aiming to keep 'core group' together entering 2021-22 season

The Los Angeles Lakers are faced with many questions entering the offseason after a disappointing first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. 

According to Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka, the goal is to keep the core group intact. 

"I'm convinced that, again, without some of the unforeseen circumstances this year, the challenges that we had to face, that we'd be a championship-caliber team," Pelinka told ESPN's Dave McMenamin. "So the goal is to try to keep that core group together."

It's unclear what Pelinka views as the Lakers' core group. However, the franchise has committed more than $100 million to LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Calwell-Pope for next season, so those players probably aren't going anywhere. 

L.A. has a slew of players headed for free agency, including Dennis Schroder, Alex Caruso, Markieff Morris and Jared Dudley, among others. Montrezl Harrell also has a $9.7 million player option for next season and Andre Drummond's deal expires this summer. 

Schroder admitted to the media that he would love to return to the Lakers next season, but franchise legend Magic Johnson isn't a fan of having him come back, saying he lacks a winning mentality and attitude.

Harrell, meanwhile, admitted he hasn't made a decision on his future yet. 

It's unclear how the Lakers plan to upgrade this offseason, but they certainly will need to do so if they have hopes of contending for another title next season.