Lakers failed at the NBA's trade deadline, Pelinka's next plans for the roster

Unlike what many believed after the LA Lakers stood pat in the NBA trade deadline, GM Rob Pelinka was active in seeking deals in the days leading up to the deadline and determined any feasible trade would be a marginal upgrade, at too steep a cost.

According to information by ESPN's Dave McMenamin, the Lakers' plan is now to be aggressive in the buyout market with more money to offer than others from the saved portion of MLE. LA is now among the front runners to sign guard Spencer Dinwiddie when he clears waivers. The 30-year-old LA native averaged 12.6 points, and 6 assists for the Nets this season.

By standing pat, the hope for the coaching staff and front office is that once point guard Gabe Vincent and Forward Jarred Vanderbilt return to the court can become impact players this season. D'Angelo Russell remains to be the only point guard available for coach Ham so far.

Pelinka is also looking ahead to this season, as he is already thinking about the 2024-25 campaign. The Lakers have three 1st round picks available to trade come draft night to make a run at an All-Star caliber player next offseason.

The Lakers pitched for players on the buyout market after the NBA trade deadline closed

LAL pitch to players on the buyout market will be: We are built for the playoffs, be a part of that. We can offer $1.5m prorated because of the money we held onto when not giving Vincent full MLE. Other teams can only offer $1m prorated. Finally, the Lakers could also sell the idea of living in Southern California.