Rob Pelinka searched for ‘star role players’ in free agency

The Los Angeles Lakers stood out for the enormous depth of their roster on their way to the franchise’s 17th NBA Championship in the Orlando bubble.

The triumph wouldn’t have been possible without the formidable performances of LeBron James and Anthony Davis throughout the season. The two All-Stars complemented each other perfectly in their first season as teammates, creating a formidable duo reminiscent of the Kobe Bryant-Shaquille O’Neal era.

But they’ve received tremendous help from the Los Angeles cast, especially during the playoffs – X-factor Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka believes the group has separated from the rest of the league. “I think the term ‘role actor’ can be avoided and sometimes be demeaning,” he said.

“We feel like we have star actors. What Rondo Did, What Caruso Did, Danny Green, Dwight, JaVale, Markieff, KCP; I could go down a list. These guys performed their roles and were star actors.

Pelinka emphasized “depth” and “versatility” as key ingredients to the success of the Lakers’ title pursuit last season. And he hinted that those features would be high on the front office’s priority list when looking for additions to this free agency’s list.

“I think that will be a hallmark of how we keep this group together or add more, having star actors is going to be important and essential,” Pelinka said.

The Lakers general manager then came out and put the money where it was, trading for Oklahoma City Thunder sixth man Dennis Schroder. LA lacked an offensive guard of its kind, who can injure opponents both by penetrating the paint and shooting from the perimeter, on the roster last season.

The Lakers also signed Wesley Matthews and Montrezl Harrell, and selected Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Markieff Morris. LA is also said to have struck a deal with Marc Gasol.

Lakers trade JaVale McGee

One of the “star actors” Pelinka alluded to, JaVale McGee, has pledged to the Lakers by exercising his $ 4.2 million player option for the 2020-2021 season. However, McGee ended up being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell.

The trade ended up helping the Lakers cause under a strict salary cap to reach a deal with Gasol.

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