With the trade deadline nearing, a lot of trade rumors have started to become the topic of conversation for fans and has even included some big names in it. While teams that are geared to be part of the dogfight for playoff spots are expected to be active ahead of next month’s deadline, Rob Pelinka's Los Angeles Lakers may not be one of them, but it's not because of being far off from a postseason berth.

The team’s general manager in Pelinka recently shared their plans and said that they are focused on getting better long-term, wanting to see their young players continue to develop. He also added, via Spectrum SportsNet, that they are not stopping in observing and assessing all 29 other teams in the league.

“I don’t know if this is the perfect metaphor but maybe a nod back to Dr. Buss, who we all know loved to play cards. The trade deadline, you almost have 30 GMs sitting around a big card table and they all have their deck of cards. What you’re trying to do as a player is analyze the other 29 players. What may they have, what may they move, what may be their next move in this card game.

Sometimes two players across the table do a trade and reshuffle cards, that changes the scenarios you’re looking at. So, right now, I think everyone is assessing the other 29 teams and what they might do. Usually you see in that last week is when most of the major moves are made. And again, our goal is singular. It’s climbing up the Larry O’Brien trophy mountain and getting to the top. Along the way, we have to show improvement. We’ve got to make moves to get there, we know that. We’re constantly assessing that, and if there’s things this trade deadline that help us take steps up the mountain on that journey, we’ll absolutely do them. But if those things don’t present itself, then we’ll stay the course with what we have.”

The Lakers are always going to be a popular free agent destination as the franchise’s rich history, coupled with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood along with the countless media opportunities, are very difficult for big names to resist. Pelinka’s comments can also be considered good news for the Los Angeles faithful as he assures them that they are on top of their game.

If Pelinka and company won’t make a splash in the coming weeks, it's because understand that they still have this year’s summer as their chance to snag one or more marquee names in free agency — unless they're presented an offer they can't resist.