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The LA Lakers ended their 2020-21 NBA season on a disappointing note. While factors beyond their control derailed the Lakers' run for back-to-back NBA championships, the team looked dead in the water against an inexperienced Phoenix Suns side in the first round of the 2021 playoffs.
Undoubtedly, the LA Lakers will seek to have another go at the championship, especially with the dominant pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in their ranks. However, the superstar duo will need the right supporting cast, as their available teammates were inconsistent and undependable during the 2020-21 season.
The offseason is the perfect opportunity for players to rest and for the front office to re-strategize. One could argue that the lack of adequate rest played a role in the LA Lakers' run in the 2020-21 season. The same could be said for the Miami Heat, who had as little rest as the Lakers after the 2020 NBA Finals.
Heading into the 2021 offseason, the LA Lakers are expected to make drastic changes to stay competitive. Rob Pelinka, the vice president of basketball activities, will be responsible for recruiting the right supporting cast for James and Davis.
Although everyone has a good idea of what the LA Lakers need to do to improve their roster, the decision has to be carefully thought out. The Lakers will look to ensure they do not lose their identity, especially as a solid defensive unit.
Taking these factors into consideration, here are three bold predictions for the LA Lakers in the 2021 offseason.
#1 The LA Lakers will aggressively pursue Damian Lillard
The LA Lakers are no strangers to building superteams, as was evident in the early 2000s. The pursuit of the Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard will create yet another of those superteams in addition to solving the Lakers' problem in the backcourt.
Speculation has surrounded Lillard's continued stay with the Trail Blazers after a first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets. The 31-year-old had an outstanding series, setting numerous playoff records, but his individual efforts were not enough to lead his team past the first round of the 2021 NBA playoffs.
Although the LA Lakers do not have enough tradeable assets, they can put together a trade package that would be enticing enough for the Blazers. Before the end of the 2021 season, we might just see Damian Lillard in purple and gold.
#2 A trade involving Kyle Kuzma and Buddy Hield
Kyle Kuzma did not produce for the LA Lakers at the expected level in the 2020-21 season, especially with James and Davis out due to injuries. Despite the star being offered a three-year extension in the 2020 offseason, his status as a Laker is up in the air this time around.
Trade rumors have been circulating involving Buddy Hield as there are reports of unsettlement within the Sacramento Kings. The LA Lakers ranked 21st in 3-point shooting this season, showing an urgent need in that department. Hield is a decent perimeter shooter who could benefit from James' impressive court vision.
Three-point shooting played a significant role in the LA Lakers' championship win in the Orlando Bubble. This could be what the team needs to put together another deep run in the playoffs next year.
Hield could be pushed out of the Sacramento Kings as the franchise are looking to build their team around De'Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton. Pursuing Hield in a trade that involves Kuzma will bolster the LA Lakers' offense and increase overall productivity on the court.
#3 Andre Drummond, Dennis Schroder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will not return for the LA Lakers
Andre Drummond was acquired on transfer deadline day and was an improvement to the LA Lakers' center position. However, his performance in the playoffs was not as impressive, which is reason enough to question his return for the 2021-22 season.
Dennis Schroder was exceptional for the LA Lakers during the 2020-21 NBA season. He controlled their offense in the absence of AD and James. However, he struggled to produce with both superstars on the floor, which is not what the franchise wants in a starting guard.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's future as a Laker is in question, as he was inconsistent on both ends of the court this season. His inefficiency was on full display during the playoffs, as he recorded the worst shooting record of his career, going 4-of-19 from 3-point range.
While all three are incredible talents, their run with the LA Lakers might have come to an end with the 2020-21 season. The Lakers can get good value for them through trades. In Schroder's case, especially, a sign-and-trade is the best way to go.
