The Los Angeles Lakers are not anticipated to make further roster changes before training camp, according to multiple reports.
Team officials have already completed three offseason acquisitions, bringing in forward Jake LaRavia, center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart. Ayton and Smart were recruited by star guard Luka Dončić, while guard Austin Reaves persuaded LaRavia to join, DallasHoopsJournal reported.
The lone significant departure so far is forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who was traded to the Houston Rockets.
Limited trade assets
As noted by The Athletic’s Dan Woike, Los Angeles currently has one first-round pick, one second-round pick and a few low-value pick swaps available for trades. Franchise decision-makers reportedly view sacrificing either draft asset or a veteran contributor as unjustified unless a clearly superior player becomes available.
“I don’t think another move is coming for the Lakers before the season starts,” Woike wrote, adding that the club prefers to evaluate its retooled group once games begin rather than expend its limited draft capital now.
Projected opening lineup
Second-year head coach JJ Redick is expected to start Dončić, Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James and Ayton when camp opens. Los Angeles finished last season with a first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games despite holding home-court advantage.
The organization believes its collection of stars can compete in the Western Conference, though internal discussions continue regarding overall roster balance.
Source: Hoops Wire
