Lakers
The Lakers don’t appear interested in standing still this offseason.
According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, there is pressure within the organization to make meaningful roster upgrades after another season that fell short of championship expectations.
The challenge, of course, is finding the right moves.
Woike reported that there doesn’t appear to be a particularly strong market for trade packages built around Jarred Vanderbilt, Dalton Knecht and draft assets.
The Lakers also seem more focused on getting younger and more athletic in the frontcourt.
That could make it more likely they retain Marcus Smart than Deandre Ayton, while continuing to explore other options at center. Robert Williams III is one name that has surfaced, though Portland is reportedly interested in keeping him.
Meanwhile, the front office continues its search for an assistant general manager as the offseason gets underway.
Pacers
The Pacers made a major bet on Ivica Zubac. Now they need it to pay off, writes Tony East of Circle City Spin.
Indiana gave up significant assets to acquire Zubac, but injuries limited him to just five games with the team after the trade.
That means much of the adjustment process is still ahead.
Speaking recently about the transition, Zubac said the brief time he spent with the Pacers helped him begin learning Rick Carlisle‘s system and understanding how Indiana wants to play.
The veteran center now has the entire offseason to prepare for what figures to be an important year alongside Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of the Pacers’ core.
Pistons
The Pistons won 60 games last season. Now they’re looking for ways to get even better.
According to Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press, Detroit’s biggest priorities remain adding shooting and another playmaker to complement Cade Cunningham.
Several big names have already surfaced in speculation.
Tyler Herro continues to be linked to the Pistons as part of a possible three-team Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster. Trey Murphy III and Kyrie Irving have also been mentioned as potential targets.
Each player would address needs in different ways, though all would likely require Detroit to give up meaningful assets.
One thing seems clear: after last season’s breakthrough, the Pistons aren’t acting like a team content to simply run it back.
The post NBA Rumors: Lakers, roster, Pacers, Ivica Zubac, Pistons appeared first on Hoops Wire.
