Getty Cam Thomas during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in October 2024 After adding Luke Kennard at the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers appeared well-positioned to add more firepower through the buyout market. Several notable names became available following buyouts, including Mike Conley Jr., Lonzo Ball , and Haywood Highsmith , all of whom were viewed as potential fits in Los Angeles. Instead, general manager Rob Pelinka bypassed external options altogether. He chose to promote from