The Los Angeles Lakers, per usual, will be at the forefront of what is expected to be a massive NBA offseason.

Although the NBA Finals are underway, the NBA offseason is at the forefront of many people’s minds, including on the side of the Lakers. L.A. was eliminated earlier than many expected in the playoffs, but now the page has flipped to improving that team for next season and beyond. 

The Lakers have a pivotal summer ahead of them, one that many believe they will make drastic changes ot their roster for the better. While that is the expectation, it may be easier said than done. 

According to NBA analyst and writer Jake Weinbach, many around NBA circles believe that the Lakers were ‘gifted’ Luka Doncic prior to the trade deadline and that it will be difficult for them to make a trade without giving up a ridiculous amount of assets. 

“League executives believe the Lakers were handed a “gift” after acquiring Luka Dončić from Dallas,” wrote Weinbach. 

“It’s important to note — this league-wide sentiment is expected to make it more challenging for the Lakers to negotiate with other teams. If the Lakers engage in trade discussions, the organization may have to “overpay” for certain players of interest on the market.” 

Many believe that Doncic was gifted to the Lakers due to the relationship between L.A. president of basketball operations, Rob Pelinka, and Mavericks' general manager Nico Harrison. The two are close friends, and many believe that Harrison did a solid for Pelinka and the Lakers. 

As a result of that deal, the Lakers awarded Pelinka an extension and upgraded his title from vice president of basketball operations to president. 

Gift or not, Rob Pelinka made the move he felt was best for the Lakers’ long-term future — and he’ll be looking to do more of the same this offseason. This is now Doncic’s team, and Pelinka, along with his front office, will be aggressive in trying to put the right pieces around their new franchise cornerstone.

Doncic, 26, is widely expected to sign an extension he becomes eligible for in early August. As for Pelinka, he's pulled off the improbable before, and building a true contender around Doncic could be his next major challenge.

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