Rob Pelinka Preaches Continuity for the Lakers Roster, Patience as LeBron James Considers Retirement
Description
The big news setting the table for this Lakers' offseason came Monday night, after the team lost to the Nuggets in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, and LeBron James indicated he's considering retirement. Like for real. Now maybe it's a leverage play, maybe it's just the fatigue (and the likely need for foot surgery) talking. But maybe he really is mulling it over (a possibility that too many are underselling).
One thing, though, was clear at Tuesday's exit interviews - Rob Pelinka, Darvin Ham and everyone else on the roster were taken by surprise when LeBron said what he said. Nobody had an inkling this was on his mind. And the Lakers, as you'd expect, plan to give him every ounce of time he needs to make a decision. (Whether that means simply deciding he has the juice to keep going, or exerting the influence he wants to exert, or a little of both.)
Pelinka also made it clear that the Lakers, heading into the offseason, are inclined to keep the core of this team together. Obviously that doesn't mean everyone returns (it never happens that way), but something similar to what we saw after the deadline, as opposed to the "clear the decks" approach to bring in someone like Kyrie Irving or Trae Young (who is also floating around in rumors).
Does that mean the front office is learning its lesson, when it comes to the value of real roster construction vs. top heavy star-bleepery? We'll see, but the signs point to yes. Is that the right call? We explain.
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: The Lakers react to LeBron's surprising retirement talk.
SEGMENT 2: Pelinka says the Lakers are inclined to run it back.
SEGMENT 3: Why "run it back" is the right call setting the table for the offseason.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
eBay Motors
For parts that fit, head to eBay Motors and look for the green check. Stay in the game with eBay Guaranteed Fit. eBay Motors dot com. Let’s ride. eBay Guaranteed Fit only available to US customers. Eligible items only. Exclusions apply.
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Last minute tickets. Lowest Price. Guaranteed.
Built Bar
Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.
PrizePicks
First time users can receive a 100% instant deposit match up to $100 with promo code LOCKEDON. That’s PrizePicks.com – promo code; LOCKEDON
FanDuel
Make Every Moment More. Don’t miss the chance to get your No Sweat First Bet up to ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in Bonus Bets when you go FanDuel.com/LOCKEDON.
Birddogs
Go to birddogs.com/lockedonnba and when you enter promo code, LOCKEDONNBA, they’ll throw in a free custom birddogs Yeti-style tumbler with every order.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In Sunday's preseason loss to the Suns, the Lakers took 40 3-pointers. JJ Redick says it was a nice start, but he'd like to see even more of them!
Well, the Celtics led the NBA last year, with just over 42 attempts per game. So there's not a ton of space above 40, at least by last year's...
Published 10/08/24
It was a big night for LeBron James. First, he made his preseason debut, and looked excellent in the process. 19 points in 16 minutes on 8-12 shooting, plus five rebounds and four assists to go with a pair of blocks. But more importantly (certainly for him) was sharing the court with Bronny James...
Published 10/07/24