The Los Angeles Lakers took some big risks with their roster heading into the 2021-22 NBA season. Unfortunately for them, the biggest risk that they took, which was acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards, didn’t pan out as they had hoped.
That trade could lead to some big changes in the front office and coaching staff this offseason. Rob Pelinka and Frank Vogel are both on the hot seat as the team has regressed in a big way this season.
Los Angeles is currently 31-42, barely holding into a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament, far away from where the Lakers, who had title aspirations, thought they would be. Nothing broke their way during the season, as everything that could have gone wrong, has.
Carmelo Anthony and Malik Monk have been bright spots, but outside of those two, there haven’t been many positives. LeBron James continues to be dominant when on the court, but has played in only 54 games. Anthony Davis has appeared in even fewer, playing only 37.
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This is a roster that needs some changes this offseason, as Pelinka was unable to finish any deals ahead of the trade deadline. Who could he target this offseason? Here is the one player that the Lakes should already be targeting this offseason.