76ers guard Ben Simmons, top, shoots as Lakers forward Markieff Morris defends during the first half of Thursday’s game at Staples Center. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, right, shoots as Philadelphia 76ers forward Danny Green defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers center Marc Gasol, left, is fouled by Philadelphia 76ers forward Mike Scott as he shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia 76ers forward Danny Green, left, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard, right, is hit in the mouth as Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schroder, left, shoots as Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Fans watch after Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma, second from left, scored against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. This was the first time that the Lakers allowed a small number of fans to attend games. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Fans celebrate after the Los Angeles Lakers sacred against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. This was the first time that the Lakers allowed a small number of fans to attend games. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, left, has his shot blocked by Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, left, and Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard battle for a rebound during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard, left, and Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell jockey for position during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, right, shoves Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard as they jockey for position during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard, left, is shoved by Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell after Howard walked into Harrell during a timeout in the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard, left, smiles after being hit in the mouth on a play as Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard, right, questions referee Scott Twardoski after being ejected from the game following an altercation with Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Dwight Howard #39 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after he is ejected from the game at the end of the first quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Marc Gasol #14 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts as he is fouled by Mike Scott #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket past Tobias Harris #12 and Seth Curry #31 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives past Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers to score during the first quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his 3-pointer with Marc Gasol #14 and Wesley Matthews #9, after a stop in play during the first quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
The 76ers’ Danny Green looks to pass as the Lakers’ Dennis Schroder, right, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope defend during the second quarter of Thursday night’s game at Staples Center. Green scored a game-high 28 points and made eight 3-pointers to help beat his former team. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls a rebound in front of Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers controls a rebound in front of Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to play during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers loses a rebound to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers scores on a dunk past Mike Scott #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Dennis Schroder #17 of the Los Angeles Lakers reaches for the ball from Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Alex Caruso #4 of the Los Angeles Lakers helps Dennis Schroder #17 up from the floor during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, right, shoots as Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. The 76ers won 109-101. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, left, is fouled by Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul Reed as he tries to take a pass during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. The 76ers won 109-101. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers center Montrezl Harrell, right, is fouled by Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons as he shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. The 76ers won 109-101. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, top, shoots as Los Angeles Lakers guard Wesley Matthews defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. The 76ers won 109-101. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates a Shake Milton #18 three pointer, to end the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts to his foul on Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Paul Reed #44 of the Philadelphia 76ers scores as he is fouled by Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers is fouled by Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Kyle Kuzma #0, Alex Caruso #4 and Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers react as they leave the floor after a timeout, trailing the Philadelphia 76ers during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers scores on a jumper in front of Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempt to use the screen from Ben Simmons #25 on Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to his foul during the fourth quarter in a 109-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Frank Vogel and Jason Kidd react during the fourth quarter in a 109-101 Philadelphia 76ers win at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempts a shot over Dennis Schroder #17 and Wesley Matthews #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in a 109-101 76ers win at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers attempt attempts a shot between Talen Horton-Tucker #5 and Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Tobias Harris #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots a jumper over Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in a 109-101 76ers win at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Dwight Howard #39 of the Philadelphia 76ers pushes Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers behind Paul Reed #44 during the first quarter at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with Seth Curry #31, Danny Green #14 and Paul Reed #44 during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Dwight Howard #39 and Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for a picture as they receive their championship rings from the Los Angeles Lakers before the game at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Philadelphia 76ers center Dwight Howard, left, and forward Danny Green pose with their NBA Championship rings prior to an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, March 25, 2021, in Los Angeles. Both players were members of the Lakers last season. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: Dwight Howard #39 and Danny Green #14 of the Philadelphia 76ers react as they receive their championship rings from the Los Angeles Lakers before the game at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: A moment of silence in honor of Elgin Baylor, who passed away 3 days prior, before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: A moment of silence in honor of Elgin Baylor, who passed away 3 days prior, before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 25: A moment of silence in honor of Elgin Baylor, who passed away 3 days prior, before the game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on March 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

LOS ANGELES — Some 30 feet to the right of the Lakers bench, Rob Pelinka perched in a chair on a viewing podium, surveying his works.

The Lakers’ general manager has done his share of swinging big deals in the two years since he fully took the reins of the organization, and Thursday’s trade deadline showed him again making a defining choice: making no deals at all.

The Lakers who were on the court for Thursday night’s 109-101 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers are going to be the team for the foreseeable future – for better or worse. Even though their fourth consecutive loss was an ugly game for much of the night, holding onto all their cards demonstrated how much the organization believes that things will turn around, presuming they get All-Stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis back in time.

“There’s a strong belief in the team that we have here when we’re at full strength,” said Lakers coach Frank Vogel, who said only “five percent” of his energy was focused on the deadline. “And there’s a strong belief that we can win enough games to keep the ship afloat so to speak while Anthony and LeBron are out.”

Major moves were on the table: The Lakers were one of the teams reportedly involved in talks with the Toronto Raptors for 35-year-old guard Kyle Lowry, a deal that would have required extracting a chunk of their starting lineup, including Dennis Schröder and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The reported sticking point, according to multiple media outlets, was 20-year-old Talent Horton-Tucker, who the Lakers believe has tremendous promise, but whom they’ll also have to pay this offseason to keep.

Some of those players had redemptive individual performances against the 76ers, but the still-struggling team didn’t validate the front office’s confidence short of its superstar duo. The Lakers couldn’t stay in front of Philadelphia’s 3-point shooters, nor could they keep control of the ball, coughing up 20 turnovers in a game that featured 40 turnovers and 45 fouls. A 35-17 third-quarter swing for the Sixers was a particularly revealing stretch.

James and Davis aren’t expected back for weeks yet – with Vogel saying pregame that Davis was “a ways away” from returning from the right calf injury that has sidelined him for 17 consecutive games since Feb. 14. Aside from a buyout market that could help them land a difference-maker, the Lakers’ top priority is simply getting healthy.

Early hopes rested on Schröder, who has been the lead tempo-setter on offense since James’ injury. He was aggressive early, and Caldwell-Pope found the bottom of the net early too as the Lakers battled to a 54-all tie at halftime.

The Lakers’ frontcourt got a much-needed boost from the return of veteran center Marc Gasol who was active from the start: After missing nine straight games under the COVID-19 protocols, he had an assist on the Lakers’ second basket of the game, then made their third from behind the 3-point line. But the Lakers were reluctant to lean on him after such a long layoff, riding out his 15-minute restriction through just early in the third quarter.

At least one player who the Lakers have traded away made them hurt: After receiving his championship ring alongside Dwight Howard pregame, Danny Green led the charge for the 76ers, scoring a game-high 28 points and going 8 for 12 from 3-point range.

Green hit six 3-pointers in the first 2½ quarters and added a game-clincher with 30.4 seconds to play in the type of superb shooting performance he rarely achieved during his sole season with the Lakers. The 33-year-old even pulled up from far behind the arc at times, all too happy to burn his former team, which dealt him to Oklahoma City for Schröder in November.

Schröder had 20 points and a season-high 11 assists for Lakers, who are on their second four-game skid since mid-February. Kyle Kuzma scored 25 points and Montrezl Harrell added 20, but the defending champions remained winless since James sprained his ankle last Sunday and joined Davis on the sidelines.

Philadelphia led by 18 points in the second half, but the Lakers made a late 18-6 run to trim the margin to 102-98 with 2:20 to play. They got within three points in the final minute before Green beat the shot clock with a sideline 3-pointer to ice it.

Former Laker Dwight Howard had a much shorter night than Green, earning two technical fouls for jawing with Montrezl Harrell by the first-quarter buzzer.

Seth Curry scored 19 points and Tobias Harris added 17 for the Eastern Conference-leading Sixers, who have won 10 of 11 overall and seven of eight without injured All-Star Joel Embiid.

The Lakers did have something that they haven’t had all year: fans. Some 50 spectators were permitted into the lower bowl of Staples Center, which a team spokeswoman said came with an agreement with the L.A. County Health Department based on guidelines for TV and awards show productions. The Lakers said they are working on allowing more fans for upcoming games.

It was also the first home game since the death of Elgin Baylor, the Hall of Fame forward who was L.A.’s first NBA star. The Lakers wore throwback blue jerseys with a black “EB” band on the shoulder in Baylor’s memory. The team played a tribute video for the 11-time All-Star and had a moment of silence for him before the game, and throughout the night a spotlight shone on his No. 22 retired jersey that hangs on the wall.

More to come on this story.

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76ers hold off struggling Lakers, who are hoping for health

Written by signsanaheim