Pelinka officially attacked, aimed at the center, trade chips were exposed, and it was Kneckett again

Lakes team reporter Anthony F. Irwin's latest news has been revealed that since he was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, Lakers' basketball operations president Robert Pelinka is pushing the team to strengthen with a rare active attitude, and his primary goal is very clear - at least one top center, maybe even more than one.

According to sources, Pelinka has recently started tentative negotiations with several teams, and based on the chip framework of trading Mark Williams (Mark Williams) last year, trying to find out the market before the draft (June 26).

In the previous trading plan, the Lakers were willing to give out:

rookie forward guard swinger Dalton Knector (2024 first round 17 pick)

wing defender Cam Reddish

2031 unprotected first round pick

2030 first round swap rights, however, the deal ended up missed due to Ma Wei's physical examination problems. Nowadays, Pelinka seems to hope to use similar chips in exchange for other centers with the ability to protect the basket.

Pelinka's sense of urgency is not difficult to understand. The Lakers' inside shortcomings were exposed last season, especially after the Thunder Brow was traded to the Mavericks, the team lacked a reliable penalty area barrier.

Although Doncic's joining has greatly increased the Lakers' offensive firepower, the defensive end is still obvious loopholes, especially when facing top insiders such as Jokic and Gobert.

Pellinka's goal is clear: to find a young and athletic center who can not only provide rebounds and basket protection, but also adapt to fast-paced offense and defense conversions, forming a chemical reaction with Doncic and James. Although no specific name has been leaked yet, combined with the Lakers' past negotiation style, possible candidates include: Walker Kessler of the Jazz (defensive center, excellent rebounds and blocks)

Clint Capela of the Hawks (experienced, good at pick-and-roll and basket protection)

Nick Richards of the Hornets (young and have room for improvement)

Less than a month left before the draft, Pelinka obviously hopes to act as soon as possible to avoid missing target 8 like last year. But the Lakers also face challenges:

Knector's trading value - he is one of the few high-ranking rookies in the Lakers in recent years. Is the team willing to give up?

The Attraction of the first round pick - the unprotected first round in 2031 is extremely tempting, but the Lakers must use it with caution.

The price increase of competitors - many teams are also looking for center forward to strengthen.

Pellinka's operations will directly affect the Lakers' prospects for championship next season.

If he can lock in a high-quality center before the draft, the Lakers will truly have the capital to hit the championship; if the negotiations fail, the team may once again fall into the dilemma of no one available in the interior. The next few weeks will be a key test for the Lakers’ management!