Los Angeles Lakers didn't execute any trade by February 8th, the past trade deadline. One of the main reasons behind this decision was the fact that the price was too high for deals that didn't worth it, or at least, not so much. They'll have to face this second half of the regular season with the same squad, and deal with the pressure of the fanbase.
Austin Reaves,
Rui Hachimura and
D'Angelo Russell will have to provide the support that
LeBron James and
Anthony Davis need.
Rumors of potential trades were everywhere before the deadline, with many Lakers players seeing their names as possible transfer candidates. However, during that time, Lakers players and coaches continued to say they believed in the assembled roster, and that remains true now that they are on the other side.
Austin Reaves recently spoke about this, saying that nothing has changed within the locker room and that the Lakers have confidence in this team.
"It's great. It's basically been the same all year," Reaves said when asked about the Lakers' locker room after the Trade Deadline. "The atmosphere has been good. Now, just knowing that this is what we have, maybe we'll add a piece even from the guys that aren't under contract and were bought out. But like I said, this is what we have. And we're confident in that. We just have to keep building our unity on the field."
The Lakers did exactly what Reaves said and added someone from the buyout market, bringing in point guard Spencer Dinwiddie. The 10-year veteran and Southern California native will give the Lakers another solid hand and a solid scorer and creator on the court following Gabe Vincent's injury.
The Lakers assembled a solid mix of role players who bring something different to the table, but minutes and rotations have been in flux all season. Still, those within the locker room see the talent and the work everyone puts in, hence the mutual belief Reaves mentioned.
They no longer have to worry about being traded, so now there are no excuses, the Lakers simply must focus and work to reach their potential and, perhaps, make a deep run at the postseason.