Part 4/8:
Bobby Marks, a front office insider, points out that the trade deadline has effectively become the new free agency. Teams are adjusting their strategies accordingly, understanding that marquee free agents are often scarce. For the Lakers, the emphasis is on ensuring they have enough shooting off the bench to complement their starting lineup, with potential losses in shooting ability creating a point of concern.
Moreover, plans to acquire high-profile players like Luka Dončić seem torn between immediate playoff contention and long-term franchise health. It's clear that recent moves were aimed at setting the Lakers up for a championship run this season, while also keeping future stars in mind.