Lakers’ Quest for a Third Star: Hopes, Rumors, and Realities

The Los Angeles Lakers have been hinting at the possibility of pursuing a third star this summer. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers’ vice president of basketball operations, stated after the trade deadline that the franchise could make an impactful move “potentially in June and July.” Now that June is here, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the team’s plans.

In his latest mailbag piece, Jovan Buha of The Athletic discussed the likelihood of the Lakers acquiring a third star, suggesting that this option may be more theoretical than inevitable. Buha highlighted the difficulties involved in trading for a star, noting the competition and uncertainty surrounding which stars might be available.

Buha explained, “There’s going to be a lot of competition this offseason. If a star demands a trade and only wants to go to the Lakers or has a short list that includes the Lakers, then the team can compete with others on that list. But there’s uncertainty regarding which stars will be available closer to the draft and free agency.”

Fans are keen on the Lakers pursuing Donovan Mitchell, but his availability remains uncertain. Mitchell had a sensational season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and while he is a prime target, there are no guarantees he will be available for a trade.Rumors have linked the Lakers to Dejounte Murray and Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks since January. However, no significant progress has been made, and it’s unclear if this summer will bring any changes.

Mikal Bridges is an intriguing trade target, having averaged 19.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists with the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets’ future direction is uncertain, and if they decide to become sellers, Bridges could be a valuable addition to the Lakers. However, the cost of acquiring him might be substantial.

Buha suggested that the Lakers might focus more on upgrading the supporting cast rather than pursuing a three-star model. “It’s difficult to trade for a star,” he said, emphasizing the challenges and uncertainties. If the Lakers opt to improve their supporting players instead, it raises questions about how much this can elevate the team’s performance compared to its current state.

The Dallas Mavericks could serve as a blueprint for the Lakers. Despite missing the playoffs a year ago, they kept Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving together and built around them, leading to an NBA Finals appearance. The Lakers might consider a similar strategy, focusing on strengthening their roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Ultimately, any trade will require mutual interest from both teams involved. Pelinka’s role will be crucial in negotiating deals that improve the team without mortgaging its future. He demonstrated patience during the trade deadline, and fans hope he will apply the same approach this summer, making moves that bring the Lakers closer to a championship.

As the Lakers navigate the offseason, the anticipation of landing a third star continues to captivate fans. Whether through a blockbuster trade or strategic upgrades to the supporting cast, the goal remains the same: to give LeBron James and the Lakers the best chance at another championship. The next few weeks will be critical as Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office work to make impactful decisions that shape the team’s future.