MY ACCOUNT
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel insists there is alignment and good energy within his roster despite letting the trade deadline pass without making any moves.
The Lakers were one of the big players with player movement during the off-season but have struggled to 26-30 record this season.
Russell Westbrook’s acquisition has not brought the hoped impact and he was linked with a trade but that did not materialise, nor any other potential moves.
The Lakers’ inaction has reportedly led to some friction between vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka and star pair LeBron James and Anthony Davis but Vogel downplayed that, insisting there was good energy within the roster.
“I think there’s just a natural reset energy to our group, knowing that the trade deadline has passed,” Vogel told reporters.
“This is the group that we put together to start the year. This is a group we believe in.”
Vogel had said “if there’s a way to improve our team, we’ll improve our team” ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, while he also acknowledged the team’s energy “isn’t good right now” after Tuesday’s 131-116 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
But the Lakers head coach was buoyed by Friday’s practice and film session ahead of Saturday’s game with the Golden State Warriors and a potential run down the stretch to push for the playoffs.
“I think with that deadline passing and having a refreshed mindset today, our group had really good energy about going out and trying to win a game [Saturday] and understanding and believing in what we can do this year,” Vogel said.
