“Cant buy a house that’s not for sale,” Lakers top brass Rob Pelinka gives stern response after making no moves in trade deadline

Pelinka addressed the media on Thursday to explain why he refrained from making a trade.

“Cant buy a house that’s not for sale,” Lakers top brass Rob Pelinka gives stern response after making no moves in trade deadline

Los Angeles Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka (via Open Source/X)

During trade season, the Los Angeles Lakers typically dominate headlines with their activity. However, this year was an exception.

Despite expectations, the Lakers opted to keep their roster unchanged, much to the surprise of their fans. Rob Pelinka, the team’s general manager, recently explained their decision to abstain from making any moves. Despite rumors linking them to Dejounte Murray, whom the Atlanta Hawks ultimately retained, the Lakers stood firm in their choice to maintain their current lineup.

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Following a subdued trade deadline on Thursday, Rob Pelinka, Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations and general manager, elaborated on his team’s lack of activity. Before the Lakers’ 114-106 loss to the Denver Nuggets, Pelinka stated,

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You can't buy a house that's not for sale. We spend a lot of time looking for ways to use assets to make our team better. But the right move wasn't there.

Ultimately, Los Angeles opted not to compromise its future. Pelinka emphasized that trading away their sole movable future draft pick (2029) for only a “marginal” improvement wasn’t a favorable option. They preferred to retain the pick to potentially leverage it for a more significant deal in the upcoming summer. 

In terms of what was available at the trade deadline, we had one first-round draft pick. It was our only sort of hook to fish with. And this summer in June, we, at the time of the draft, we'll have three first-round draft picks to look for deals, which I think will really unlock an access to potentially a greater or bigger swing.

In addition to contemplating roster adjustments, the Lakers hold three first-round draft picks for the upcoming summer. Pelinka clarified the Lakers’ stance on this issue, affirming that if the perfect opportunity arises optimally, the franchise is prepared to utilize future assets to its benefit.

Rob Pelinka reveals his conversation with LeBron James regarding the Lakers current roster

Prior to the NBA trade deadline, Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka opted not to make any moves. Shortly afterward, he disclosed what LeBron James conveyed to him regarding the current roster.

LeBron James (Left) and Rob Pelinka (Right) (via Open Source/X)
LeBron James (Left) and Rob Pelinka (Right) (via Open Source/X)

He stated:

The last conversation I had with [LeBron James] was that he was focused on the guys in the locker room and making them the best players and teammates he can be. He said after our last game, 'I love these guys.'

Currently, the Lakers hold the 9th position in the Western Conference standings with a record of 27-26. Their upcoming game is against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Crypto.com Arena.

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