After a first-round exit in the 2021 NBA playoffs, change was inevitable for the Los Angeles Lakers and their roster.
Injuries were the primary culprit for the Lakers’ disappointing finish in their title defense, but even so that team had several clear flaws on it. Shooting was a glaring problem for the Lakers as they did not have many reliable 3-point shooters, so Rob Pelinka went above and beyond in free agency to address this by signing several players who can shoot like Wayne Ellington, Carmelo Anthony and Kent Bazemore. Los Angeles was also short on playmakers outside of LeBron James, so Pelinka also executed a blockbuster trade for Russell Westbrook, who will absolutely be able to take over more ballhandling and playmaking duties.