“It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to trade for a player of Luka’s caliber in his prime.” JJ Redick could not hide his excitement while talking about the addition of Luka Doncic! Obviously, acquiring arguably the most lethal offensive force in the game today is a massive boost for the Lakers. Now, it’s time for JJ to do his job and come up with the best possible rotation that ensures the team’s success.

As expected, the Slovenian sensation has his spot booked in the starting lineup whenever he returns from injury. Yes, he has not suited up since Christmas Day. The reason? A left calf strain. But Luka is making decent progress and will go through 5-on-5 practice on Wednesday. So, a comeback does not seem too far. A safe guess would be the Feb 8 game against the Pacers at Crpto.com Arena.

Apart from Luka Doncic, JJ Redick confirmed “he and his staff will evaluate the entire group,” as per Jovan Buha. In the same stretch, the head coach said that “he is open to making larger changes” to the starting lineup now that permanent starters, Anthony Davis and Max Christie, are no longer available. While the Slovenian brings all the offense they need, AD’s departure leaves a major void on the defensive end. The Brow was having a dominant all-round season, averaging 11.9 rebounds and over two blocks.

Christie had also become a key part of the rotation, averaging 8.5 points and nearly one steal. With them traded, JJ acknowledged that the defensive importance of players, including Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jaxson Hayes, has increased massively.

Obviously, the LA team will need these role players to step up and make up for LeBron and Luka’s lack of defense. But while Redick is ready to work with what’s available, Pelinka is eyeing another big move as he didn’t seem fully sold on the current Lakers bigs.

Rob Pelinka acknowledges Lakers’ weakness amid “dry” trade market

Sure, Davis’ departure is a massive blow. But the LA franchise still has four big men available. Jaxson Hayes, Trey Jemison III, Christian Koloko, and Christian Wood. But these players are yet to prove their mettle in high-pressure playoff situations. And it looks like Pelinka does not have complete faith in the four stars, as he said during the presser, “We know we have a need for a big.”

Well, they also added Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris in the Luka Doncic trade. Although they are both big men, the duo were mere role players on the Mavs roster and do not move the needle for the Lakers.

So, Pelinka’s concern is understandable. However, the Purple and Gold GM also detailed the issue in acquiring a star big man, “The market for bigs right now leading into the last two or three days of the trade deadline is very dry. There’s just not a lot available.”

Yes, a lot of franchises are in desperate need of an elite big man. However, Nikola Vucevic and Cam Johnson are among the few names that have been making the rounds so far. But Rob is still optimistic about making something happen at the deadline.

“Maybe we’ll be able to do some stuff around the margins,” he said. Well, this is his chance to form a championship-caliber roster around Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and he will likely do everything in his power to make that happen. One thing is certain: The Lakers are not done yet and you can expect another trade before tomorrow’s deadline. Who do you think Rob Pelinka should pursue?