The Lakers entered the offseason needing to reshape their roster around Luka Doncic following LeBron James’ departure after eight seasons in Los Angeles.
Rob Pelinka’s priorities included retaining Austin Reaves, finding a long-term center and adding younger players who could handle, pass and shoot.
“We felt like we accomplished all those things,” Lakers general manager and president of basketball operations said Thursday in his first availability since last season ended.
Pelinka, however, stopped short of suggesting the roster was a finished product or already established among the Western Conference’s top teams.
“As [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] pointed out, there’s no off-season where you can check every single box you’re hoping to check,” he said.
“But we felt like the major ones we did, and the work continues. But we feel like we’re on the path of being a really competitive championship-level team.”
JJ Redick was more confident about where the revamped Lakers could eventually end up.
“I’m confident we’re going to develop as a team into a championship-level team this year,” the Lakers head coach said.
Los Angeles retained Reaves, made a major investment in Walker Kessler and added several new pieces around Doncic.
The team still has concerns, including perimeter defense and the challenge of developing chemistry with a significantly changed roster.
That process started during the offseason when Doncic hosted teammates for a minicamp in Slovenia. The Lakers will now try to turn that early chemistry into results while navigating a difficult Western Conference.
Pelinka sees the roster moving toward championship contention, while Redick is unwilling to put too much weight on preseason expectations.
“The games are not played on paper,” Redick said.
