Pelinka makes a tough statement: The Lakers are trying their best to satisfy James! The "Jandongli" trio will never trade

On May 2, Lakers General Manager Robert Pelinka said at the season summary meeting that the offseason will be strengthened around LeBron James, and clearly stated that James, Doncic and Reeves are "not selling products", which triggered discussions from the outside world. The following is the specific speech at Pelinka's summary meeting:

Pelinka: Meeting James is the top priority

The Lakers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs this season, but Pelinka said that the team will still focus on James: "We know that LeBron has high requirements for the lineup and will do his best to satisfy him. No matter how the lineup changes, he will play desperately in every game - scoring, assisting, defense, leading the team, and he has always been like this."

For James, 2 In the 025-26 season, Pelinka said: "We respect his decision, but we will also communicate with him to ensure the consistent goals."

From Pelinka's words, we can see that the Lakers management is still optimistic about James and is full of confidence in James' future state. In fact, James' performance this season is really good. Perhaps the biggest problem compared to before is that his physical strength is really not up to par at the last moment of the game.

"Jandongli" will never trade. The Lakers bet on the potential of the Big Three

Then Pelinka clearly stated that James, Doncic and Reeves are the core of the Lakers: "We fully trust these three people, and their combination has great potential. The focus of the offseason is to find a suitable helper and strive for the championship."

This decision caused controversy - Doncic is averaging 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.5 assists this season, but his performance in the playoffs is unstable; Reeves averaged 16.9 points, 4.6 assists per game in the playoffs, but his defense is poor. The Lakers management believes that the three players' offense is strong enough, and the key is to strengthen other players.

As far as I go, Xiaoli lacks the key psychological qualities of the competition. In fact, he still has ability. He cannot adapt to the rhythm of the game in high-intensity games and fails to shoot correctly. In fact, when the offense is efficient, it can make up for the defensive shortcomings, just like Curry. Doncic is mainly because he has just arrived at the Lakers and must be a little uncomfortable. Needless to say, Lao Zhan is just older.

The main reinforcement of the inside line: admitting that the trade was wrong

Pellinka admitted that the mid-season trading error: "Swap the starting center to Doncic caused the inside height to be insufficient, which affected the playoffs to the Timberwolves." The Lakers wanted to replace Hornets center Mark Williams before, but failed the physical examination.

Pellinka said that the center should be strengthened in the offseason: "We need height and depth, which is the biggest problem now." In the free market, Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen, Raptors Pelter, etc. are the Lakers' targets.

Pellinka is right. Take Game 5 for example. The Lakers' inside line was directly beaten by Gobert, and Gobert's net worth has increased again. At present, it is the most important thing for the Lakers to introduce a center with strong defensive capabilities.

The Lakers are now facing salary difficulties: the maximum salary pressure is high

If James executes a $50.6 million contract, the Lakers' salary space will be locked, leaving only $6.4 million in the middle class special case available. Even if James cuts his salary and renews his contract, how to balance the "father-son team" plan (the second son Bryce may draft in 2026) and Doncic's core position is also a problem.

In addition, in the current lineup of the Lakers, Reeves, Hachimura Shizuo and other contracts are cost-effective, but they lack top defensive players. Pelinka said: "We may need to trade or train young people to solve the defensive problems." In the 2023 offseason, Pelinka renewed Reeves with 56 million in four years and 51 million in three years and 51 million in three years and 4 years and 51 million in Yamura. These operations were praised for "using limited wages to keep the core." But the change to Doncic this season caused the inside crash, which also exposed problems with his risky strategy.

But if it were me, I would probably change it. Who can reject a super giant with unlimited potential in the future? Even if the price is to give away thick eyebrows, after all, Thick eyebrows' injuries have always been a potential hidden danger. Who can guarantee how long he can fight?

What's more, Doncic is younger and more comprehensive, and there is no problem in being the cornerstone of the team building! Of course, Doncic also has problems, but it is not self-disciplined, but this can be corrected.

Conclusion: I personally think that Lakers management has no reason to trade these three people in terms of business value and team competitiveness. Many people from the outside world have doubts about James' current competitive skills and can no longer keep up with the times.

Indeed, if it is according to the standards of the boss, James is no longer that strong now, but as the second boss, James can be an excellent helper. The organization can share Doncic's pressure. He has good offensive ability when he is physically strong. It should not be a big problem to play for another year or two! Do you think the Lakers retain "Tong Zhanli" is the right choice? You can discuss it in the comment area.