Other teams are reportedly taking advantage of an “inept” Lakers front office

The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2024 offseason as one of the teams needing a significant upgrade. With LeBron James turning 40 later this year and Anthony Davis also already in his 30s, the front office had the unenviable task of building a supporting cast that should help the Lakers return to contention.

But as it turned out, Los Angeles might be starting the regular season with a less talented roster than it had at the end of the last campaign. It wasn't for lack of trying, though, as the front office seemed to have plenty of plans for this summer. Unfortunately, other teams might have wanted to exploit the Lakers' supposed ineptitude and desperation, per franchise insider Anthony Irwin.

"Another major factor in the Lakers' stagnant summer: a league that feels it can take advantage of what it considers an inept and desperate organization," wrote Irwin of Lakers Daily .

A look back at the Lakers' options

Los Angeles reportedly had several targets in the 2024 offseason, including Dejounte Murray, Klay Thompson, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Kuzma, Jerami Grant, Jonas Valanciunas, and Cameron Johnson.

That list might have included more big-time names, but the franchise's options were scarce, considering that it had few trade assets and only the full midlevel exception to offer free agents.

The Lakers' only notable roster additions were draft picks Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. They lost Spencer Dinwiddie and Taurean Prince.

A trade might still be possible, especially since the Portland Trail Blazers could be looking to get some assets in return for Grant. However, the Blazers are apparently asking the Lake Show for two first-round picks for the veteran — an example of Irwin's report that other organizations want to take advantage of L.A.'s desperation.

"Joe Cronin (Blazers general manager) asking for two first-rounders for Jerami Grant is hilarious," a scout said . "Portland traded one first for him and then gave him that terrible contract. Why would he be more valuable now than he was when they landed him two years ago? But it's what you can do when you feel like the other team is desperate."

Pelinka still not on the hot seat?

If that's the case, Lakers president Rob Pelinka has done an acceptable job of practicing patience and resisting the urge to mortgage the team's future to make win-now deals that might not pan out well.

Austin Reaves is satisfied with the Lakers' offseason moves and believes his crew has everything it needs to contend for a title. LeBron shares this sentiment.

Irwin also pointed out how shrewd Pelinka has been amidst the past months of Purple and Gold's moves and non-moves. He has purportedly allowed the higher-ups to be involved in the decision-making, possibly to escape culpability or share the accountability with others in the top brass when things go sideways.

For instance, the hiring of JJ Redick and the construction of the rookie head coach's staff were reportedly heavily influenced by the couple Kurt and Linda Rambis, both of whom have executive roles inside the organization. Jeanie Buss has also purportedly had a significant voice in making roster decisions.

So, even if Los Angeles cannot improve its performance from last season, Pelinka's job will probably be safe. Unfortunately, sticking with the status quo might mean more years of mediocrity for the Lakers.

Related: “I think we have what we need to compete for a championship” - Austin Reaves speaks on the Lakers’ offseason moves