Los Angeles Lakers icon Robert Horry admitted that he's disappointed in the franchise for not making moves to improve its current roster this summer. Horry, who currently works as an analyst for Spectrum SportsNet, revealed why he thinks players didn't choose to sign with the Purple and Gold this summer.
" To be 100 percent with you, I'm really disappointed that they didn't make any moves or add another veteran piece. When I say that, that's not pointing any fingers at them but sometimes guys just don't want to come to L.A. or don't want to pay those taxes. Even if they got some good draft picks, when you're in a position to make some real moves in the NBA, you've got to make some real moves ," Horry said during his visit to the Philippines.
True contenders make key moves
Horry is among the majority who are surprised by Rob Pelinka and co.'s decision not to make drastic moves this summer, considering how the team performed last season. After drafting two rookies, Dalton Knecht and Bronny James Jr., Los Angeles signed Christian Koloko. The franchise missed out on signing notable free agents this summer, such as Klay Thompson, Jonas Valanciunas, DeMar DeRozan, and more.
Like current ESPN analyst Richard Jefferson, who believes the Lakers are three All-Star caliber players away from being championship contenders , the seven-time champion also feels the team lacks key players to put them over the top. That's why Horry praised the Oklahoma City Thunder for showing that they actually want to be championship contenders based on their moves this summer.
" Think about what the [Boston] Celtics did by acquiring [Kristaps] Porzingis to push themselves on top. That's why you look at what the Milwaukee Bucks had done last year with the coach and players. For me, the only team that made real moves because they know what they needed was OKC. If you think about OKC, they added everything they needed, and so, for me, that's the team to beat. You didn't ask that question, but I'm just pointing out that you gotta add pieces. If you don't win a chip, you have to assess your teams in terms of what you need to be better ," Horry added.
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The Lakers are banking on continuity
The fact that the Lakers are running it back with the same core this summer goes to show that they're banking on continuity again, which Pelinka and former head coach Darvin Ham consistently preached last summer was a significant factor in their pursuit to win a championship — which obviously didn't work out. There are pros and cons in attempting to bank on continuity again, but the question remains if the Purple and Gold have enough to compete in a stronger Western Conference?
"Big Shot Bob" implied that he doesn't think so, and it seems the consensus is with him. Maybe Pelinka eventually makes moves before the trade deadline or squeezes in one or two before the season starts next month, but right now, suffice it to say that disappointment seems to be a common theme amongst former Lakers players and fans toward the organization.
Related: Byron Scott explains why he is now okay with JJ Redick being the Lakers head coach: "I think he will do just fine"
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