Lakers GM Comments on Future of Team's Core

The Los Angeles Lakers played the 2020-21 NBA season a tired bunch after the shortest offseason in sports history. The Lakers didn't get much for time off after their championship season and dealt with a ton of injuries this year as they were bounced in the first round by the Phoenix Suns. While there's expected to be some changes to their roster for next season, Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka admitted he would love to keep the 'core group together'.

Pelinka met with the media over the weekend and had this to say about where he sees his roster going next season:

I'm convinced that, again, without some of the unforeseen circumstances this year, the challenges that we had to face, that we'd be a championship-caliber team. So the goal is to try to keep that core group together. I think when you fall short of the goal that you set, it has to drive you. It has to be the fuel that drives your passion, and I think us falling short as a team, that in some sense is going to be part of our motivation and putting in the work to getting back at it, and start training camp next year with a strong roster.

Look for the Lakers to have LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope back next season as the foursome is signed for more than $100 million. After that is really anyone's guess though because the likes of Alex Caruso, Talen Horton-Tucker, Wesley Matthews, Markieff Morris, Ben McLemore, Dennis Schroder and Jared Dudley are eligible for free-agency. Another name to watch out for is Andre Drummond, who is also a free-agent. According to some, James and Davis want Drummond back for next season and beyond.

Lots of decisions to be made for Pelinka when it comes to the Lakers roster next season. With the amount of players headed for free-agency, there's going to be some fresh faces surrounding LeBron and company. Maybe he should call up some of his Tune Squad?

Photo credit:  Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports