The two paths the Lakers have to choose from this summer

Even when the Lakers superstar LeBron James hinted at the possibility of retirement, the truth is that he will be playing the next season with the Lakers; the same goes for Anthony Davis.

Now that the GM Rob Pelinka has said they want to keep their young core of players, the purple and gold essentially have two paths this summer: Run it back with this group or pursue a third star (in free agency or trade.)

Pelinka is thinking of keeping the team as best as possible and making slight changes to improve it. One rumored option is to insist on re-signing D'Angelo Russell and upgrading the PG position by bringing Kyrie Irving or Trae Young.

On Tuesday, LA brass clarified their preference, emphasizing the importance of continuity and their confidence in this team. But some players underperformed and could be traded to strengthen their positions, like Mo Bamba, Malik Beasley, and D'Angelo Russell.

What the Lakers should be doing this summer

They can run it back with the same group but trade some non-core pieces and retool—D'Lo, Bamba, and Beasley's contracts, in particular, along with draft capital. A quality center should be at the top of the priority list after resigning from Reaves and Rui.