After a heartbreaking NBA playoff elimination, the Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for a dramatic offseason as they attempt to restructure their roster.  Following a devastating first-round loss, general manager Rob Pelinka said on Thursday that the team is preparing for a busy summer.

 The Lakers suffered a 4-1 series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a thrilling Game 5 at home, losing 103-96, leaving both players and fans in shock.  The Lakers were eliminated in the first round for the second year in a row, which raised severe concerns about the team’s makeup.

The Lakers’ playoff collapse revealed a number of flaws in a team that had looked impressive after finishing third in the Western Conference.  Despite the regular season being dominated by LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves, the team’s depth was severely tested.

 Although Doncic’s high-profile trade from Dallas gave the Lakers new life, the team’s lack of size and strength following Anthony Davis’s departure was painfully brought to light by the Timberwolves and their towering big, Rudy Gobert.

Pelinka outlined a clear plan for the summer, stressing the need for a more methodical roster-building process.  He explained that in order to fill the voids created by dealing away one of the best big men in the game, the center position needed a major boost.

 “When you make a seismic trade at the deadline, it’s a bit like trying to build an airplane in the sky,” Pelinka said.  “We now have the opportunity to land the aircraft, evaluate everything, and decide what has to be altered.  Our roster clearly needs to be larger.  After the Luka deal, we didn’t have the time to look at every possibility, but now we do.

Pelinka was also upbeat about the prospects of a core that consists of James, Doncic, and Reaves, promising to provide them the assistance they need to challenge for a championship.  “Those three have incredible potential together,” he said.

Pelinka reiterated his belief in rookie head coach JJ Redick’s ability, praising his basketball knowledge, despite some criticism of Redick’s decisions during the series.  Redick himself alluded to a difficult offseason in which he hopes to get the team into “championship shape.”  He acknowledged that whereas some athletes were exceptionally fit, others were not, highlighting the need for development.

Fans and players alike are excited about the possibility of change as the Lakers set out on this pivotal journey.  The course of this legendary franchise will be decided in large part during the next few months.