The Lakers decision that predicts Pelinka doing a minor move this trade deadline

NBA Insider Jovan Buha of The Athletic believes the Lakers could be standing pat or only making minor moves after what has occurred this week despite all the rumors and controversy created by tweets of some Lakers players.

While fans expect a trade or two that can make the team a contending one in this NBA season, it doesn’t help that the Lakers have played some of their best basketball over the last three games, getting big wins over the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks while securing their first three-game win streak since early December. That stretch of great play has the Lakers re-evaluating their deadline plans and reportedly has made it more likely they stand pat on Thursday, according to Buha:

"Though James has made it clear that he’d like for the organization to approach this deadline with the all-in approach he prefers, the likelihood that the Lakers stand pat or make a marginal move has somewhat increased in recent days, according to team and league sources. Their 2029 draft pick is valuable; if they keep it, they’ll be armed with three first-round picks to trade this summer. The market continues to favor sellers rather than buyers. The Lakers have also grown more confident in their potential for internal improvement.

Even so, with roughly 48 hours until the deadline, the Lakers remain active on the trade market in hopes of striking the right balance between giving themselves a chance to make another improbable playoff run and prioritizing the state of the franchise over the rest of the decade."

The Lakers could be saving their assets for the next offseason

According to the report, this decision is not only about the Lakers’ improved play but also the flexibility it gives L.A. to make a bigger move this summer. By not dealing a draft pick at this deadline, they would have three first-rounders to trade over the summer, putting them in the conversation for All-NBA level talents.