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LakerTom wrote a new post
Unable to find a trade worth giving up picks, the Los Angeles Lakers are now facing a critical decision whether to stand pat and run it back next season with the same roster or go all-in to win a long-shot championship.
The pressure is growing for Rob Pelinka to upgrade the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotation to give new coach JJ Redict a roster that can compete and LeBron James and Anthony Davis an opportunity to win another ring. Rob has no one but himself to blame for the lack of trade opportunities as his overuse of player options has left the team with zero open roster spots and his poor cap management has them stuck just under the second apron.
The Lakers desperately need a major trade to create cap space under the second apron so they can use the $5.4 million TX MLE to sign a backup point guard like Spencer Dinwiddie or shooting guard like Gary Trent, Jr.
If they want to be a real championship contender, the Lakers also need to upgrade their starting lineup and rotation with a strong point-of-attack perimeter defender, bigger 3&D wing, and rim-protecting backup center.The pressure on Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to use their 2 first round picks and 3 pick swaps to make a major trade grows every time another available player or free agent coveted by L.A. gets traded or signed.
While the asking price of every Lakers target seems to be multiple draft picks, the Chicago Bulls recently announced that they would be willing to give up two second round picks in a Zach LaVine superstar salary dump.Zach’s market value has plummeted partly due to his injury history but mostly due to the 3-years and $138 million left on his contract, which limits playoff quality teams from building out their rosters under the new CBA.
But the opportunity to acquire a first round pick, which could be flipped for another starter, as compensation for taking Zach LaVine’s contract could change everything as he’s a great fit on the court for the Lakers.Here are three compelling reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers’ best option to upgrade their starting lineup and rotation is to trade with the Chicago Bulls for shooting guard Zach LaVine and an unprotected first round pick.
1. Opens Door for Another Lakers NBA Championship
The first compelling reason for the Lakers to trade for Zach LaVine and a Bulls’ first round draft pick is it opens the door for the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to win another NBA championship.
Paying maximum contracts to superstars James, Davis, and LaVine makes it almost impossible for the Lakers to surround their three superstars with a championship caliber roster without going over the dreaded second apron. But adding a legitimate superstar guard like Zach LaVine in his prime who perfectly complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis, plus a first round draft pick to be used for a second starter, is a deal L.A. should not pass up.
The Lakers could use the Bulls’ first round pick to trade for the strong point-of-attack perimeter defender, bigger 3&D wing, or rim-protecting backup center they desperately need to become legitimate contenders.
They could target point-of-attack perimeter defenders like Marcus Smart, bigger 3&D wings like Jerami Grant or Cam Johnson, or rim-protecting defensive backup centers like Walker Kessler or Wendell Carter Jr.One trade option the Lakers should explore is using the Bulls’ pick to trade with the Jazz for Walker Kessler to be the coveted second big they need to better defend bigger low-gravity centers like Jokic, Sabonis, and Embiid.
The Lakers could offer the Jazz the equivalent of two first round picks for Kessler, giving them the first round pick from the Bulls as well as removing the 1–4 protection from their 2027 first round pick already owned by Jazz.The Lakers would start a lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Walker Kessler with a bench mob of Spencer Dinwiddie, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, Chris Wood, and Jaxson Hayes.
That would be a dramatically stronger starting lineup and rotation than the Los Angeles Lakers currently have and should elevate them to legitimate championship contender status in what will be a wild Western Conference.Trading with the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine and a first round pick to be turned into another starter is the best trade option available to transform the Los Angeles Lakers into legitimate NBA championship contenders.
2. Preserves Important Draft Capital for Future Growth
Preserving their current draft capital of two tradable first round picks and three pick swaps is the second compelling reason why the Lakers should trade with Chicago for Zach LaVine plus a Bulls’ first round draft pick.
The Lakers’ ability to respond when player signings or trade opportunities pop up or unexpected team crises suddenly demand action could depend on whether they possess the draft capital needed to make adjustments.
The Lakers’ greatest vulnerability should they trade for Zach LaVine is they would then have three superstars with very troublesome injury histories. Having the draft capital to make a key move if a star goes down is critical.While it’s not a sure thing the Bulls would be willing to include a first round draft pick as compensation to dump Zach LaVine’s bad contract, Chicago is clearly done with LaVine and vice versa and L.A. may be the only buyer.
The Lakers have a unique opportunity not only to trade for a long coveted third superstar in LaVine, who’s a perfect complement to James and Davis, but ironically be rewarded for doing so with a Bulls’ first round draft pick.Getting a first round pick for a player for whom you would usually give multiple first round picks tells you everything you want to know about how the new CBA has caused a massive revaluation of NBA player contracts.
While three superstar teams will still happen, their shelf life may well be limited to one or two seasons. In this new NBA world, even the luxury tax immune Golden State Warriors are projected to pay zero taxes next year.Rob Pelinka should be able to read the tea leaves and see that the financial and competitive landscape of the NBA is changing. Being able upgrade the Lakers while still preserving their current draft capital is a gigantic win.
It not only gives the Lakers the trading chips needed should a chance to get better suddenly emerge but also the insurance that they can make moves should LeBron, Anthony, Zach. or another key player suffer an injury.Trading for the Bulls’ Zach LaVine and a first round pick to be used to add another quality starter is the Lakers’ best trade option because it preserves their tradable two first round picks and three first round pick swaps.
3. Solves Critical Issue of LeBron James’ Replacement
The third compelling reason the Lakers should trade with the Bulls for Zach LaVine and a first round pick is it solves the critical issue of who is going to replace LeBron James when he retires in two or three years.
The two toughest transitions for NBA teams to successfully manage are replacing a head coach or a superstar due to the challenge of coordinating the timing of the departure of the old with the pending arrival of the new.
While LeBron continues to play like a top-ten NBA player, it’s difficult to imagine him playing more than two or three years, which increases the Lakers’ urgency to find another superstar to replace him and pair with AD.Frankly, it could be years before the Lakers see a better opportunity to land a legitimate superstar to replace LeBron James than trading with the Bulls for Zach LaVine and being giving a first round draft pick as compensation.
It’s an out-of-the-box move that allows the Lakers to upgrade to contender, save their draft capital, and trade for LeBron James’ superstar replacement. Getting that Bulls’ draft pick changes the overall dynamic of the trade.Trading for Zach LaVine and a pick does not lesson his risk of injury or lighten the financial load his contract has on the team’s cap situation but landing LeBron’s replacement before he retires is franchise-changing.
LaVine has always been a great fit to play as third star with James and Davis and then to pair with AD when LBJ retired. It’s always been the risk of injury with no resources to adjust that negated trading for Zach LaVine.As the Lakers continue to do nothing as free agency continues, there’s a growing sense Rob Pelinka and the Lakers may not be able to find any viable trades worth gambling their future and giving up their draft capital.
Hopefully, the Lakers will then take a second look at calling up the Bulls and discussing a trade for LaVine where Chicago give Los Angeles a future first round pick as compensation for taking on Zach’s bad contract.Trading for 29-year old Zach LaVine would give the Los Angeles Lakers the opportunity to replace 40-year old LeBron James with the perfect co-star to pair with 30-year old Anthony Davis when LeBron James eventually retires.
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LakerTom1 month, 2 weeks ago
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If they want to be a real championship contender, the Lakers also need to upgrade their starting lineup and rotation with a strong point-of-attack perimeter defender, bigger 3&D wing, and rim-protecting backup center.https://t.co/WaDYCPwIm7 pic.twitter.com/jppRID9uP4
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 13, 2024
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Three Compelling Reasons Why The Lakers Should Trade For Zach LaVine
1. Opens Door for Another Lakers NBA Championship
2. Preserves Important Draft Capital for Future Growth
3. Solves Critical Issue of LeBron James’ Replacementhttps://t.co/WaDYCPwIm7 pic.twitter.com/e0bIiqiwcO— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 13, 2024
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1. Opens Door for Another Lakers NBA Championship
Trading with Bulls for Zach LaVine and first round pick to be turned into another starter is best trade option available to transform the Los Angeles Lakers into legitimate NBA championship contenders.https://t.co/WaDYCPwIm7 pic.twitter.com/me95ejAosf
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 13, 2024
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I’m a big DLO fan despite his terrible playoff play but he’s the only player I have not heard JJ even say one thing about so it’s obvious the Lakers don’t want him despite how difficult it is going to be to trade him.
The problem with running back the same lineup is that lineup had serious deficiencies even with everybody healthy. They have no POA perimeter defender, no bigger wing to defend West wing scorers, and no backup center. Sure, better coach and health will make a difference.
But let’s be honest, Austin, DLO, and Rui are frankly not starters on an NBA championship team. They should be the 6th, 7th, and 8th best players on this team, not the 3rd, 4th, and 5th best players.
Unfortunately, the Lakers don’t have tradable salaries other than these guys to pair with draft capital to trade for a new 3rd, 4th, and 5th best players on the team, who should include a POA perimeter defender, bigger 3&D wing, or backup center.
So you can’t just look at DLO, Rui, and Reaves stats and declare them untouchable because the truth is they are all three just one-way players. Reaves is a keeper because of his contract but not untouchable. Rui and DLO are gone if we can find a viable trade partner.
Standing pat just wastes LeBron’s best chance, puts JJ on the hot seat, and doesn’t give AD the kind of starting lineup or rotation to be his best. Lakers need to make moves. They cannot stand pat.
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I understand that when healthy, Lavine can be one of the most electrifying player in the NBA. However, he has not been healthy in the last couple of seasons. DJ is correct, DLo played more games and shot over 40% from 3 last season. The unprotected 1st round pick is absolutely tempting especially if ever Lavine becomes healthy this season. It will indeed allow the Lakers to get Cam Johnson or a center that can help bolster the roster. Then again, the contract of Lavine is hard to fathom especially his injury history. 3 seasons with over $100M left on his contract is hard to swallow. Even makes it harder for LA to build for the future with his massive contract. This really depends on how Rob Pelinka values the 1st pick and what he can get with that pick. He must also understand how massive of a gamble this would be if ever he makes the trade for Lavine. If there is a way that Lavine can go to Utah and LA giving up all of their picks and pick swaps for Markannen, then that will be an ideal option. If giving up reeves for Markannen is the trigger to make the deal happen then go with it.
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Havoc, there’s no doubt trading for LaVine is a big gamble but it’s probably also the only move the Lakers can make to legitimately compete for the championship if healthy, keep their 2 FRPs and 3 Swaps, and get a third superstar who complements AD and LBJ and can eventually replace LBJ. As a bonus, LaVine is an excellent volume 3-point shooter like DLO. Pick c/b used to get a bruising center and makes it easier to build a winning lineup with 3 max players. It’s probably a long shot and last option but I’ve grown to like it and think it gives the Lakers the most upsdie and financial and roster flexibility. If Zach can stay healthy next season, his contract will suddenly not be a bad one but an affordable one as the cap jumps up each year.
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2. Preserves Important Draft Capital for Future Growth
Trading for Bulls’ Zach LaVine and first round pick to be used to add another quality starter is Lakers’ best trade option because it preserves their tradable 2 FRPs and 3 FRP swaps.https://t.co/WaDYCPwIm7 pic.twitter.com/hU52EgmUXU
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 13, 2024
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3. Solves Critical Issue of LeBron James’ Replacement
Trading for 29-year old Zach LaVine would give Lakers opportunity to replace 40-year old LeBron James with perfect co-star to pair with 30-year old Anthony Davis when LeBron James eventually retires.https://t.co/WaDYCPwIm7 pic.twitter.com/pFqY2tVOWu— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 13, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Like the NBA itself, the Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a major changing of the guard with JJ Redick taking over the head coaching duties and superstar LeBron James approaching what could be his final seasons.
For Los Angeles Lakers fans and followers, the franchise goal as usual is championship or bust, which is why they’ve been so disappointed with Pelinka’s overly patient excuses and artfully minimized expectations. The struggles the front office has encountered have essentially paralyzed the Lakers and made them the only franchise out of 30 NBA teams that has not added a single player since the start of the current free agency period.
With the re-signing of team co-captain LeBron James to a 2-year near-max contract for $101 million, the Lakers are now safely below the tough second luxury tax apron and are now able to proceed with upgrading their roster.
The Lakers need a point-of-attack perimeter defender, a bigger legitimate 3&D wing who can shoot the three and guard the West’s big high-scoring wings, and a rim protecting backup center for when AD is on the bench.The challenge facing the Lakers right now is each of the trade options to specifically fill those three needs will cost one or more picks and aren’t guaranteed to raise the roster to legitimate championship contender status.
The Lakers are currently evaluating whether their best move at this point in time might be to run it back with the current roster and save their draft capital until a better opportunity arises rather than going all-in right now.The Lakers need to start thinking outside-of-the-box to find a way to still compete to win a championship while LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still playing at a high level without giving up their valuable draft capital.
The solution is to take on Zach LaVine’s bad contract in return for the Bulls’ 2027 unprotected first round pick and then trade that pick to upgrade the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotation to legitimate championship contender.While trading for LaVine is a calculated gamble because of his contract and injury history, it’s also an opportunity to find LeBron James’ replacement and go for a championship right now while saving our picks for the future.
Unlike most of the Lakers’ other potential trade options, the Lakers would still have the security of all of their current draft capital in case trading for LaVine and another starter with the Bulls’ first round pick did not work.Slowly but surely, we’re starting to hear rumors that the Lakers may be rethinking their options and a trade with the Bulls for Zach LaVine and a first round pick is starting to appear as a smart out-of-the-box option.
Frankly, when you consider how talented and impactful LaVine could be and whom the Lakers might also be able to get with that first round pick, a 3-team trade with the Bulls could end up being the Lakers’ best option.With that in mind, here are three blockbuster trades that could not only transform the Los Angeles Lakers into legitimate championship contenders but also preserve their existing draft capital for better future opportunities.
1. Trade for Zach LaVine and Brook Lopez
PG: REAVES, Dinwiddie, James Jr.
SG: LAVINE, Christie, OPEN
SF: JAMES, Knecht, Lewis
PF: DAVIS, Wood, OPEN
CE: LOPEZ, Hayes, OPENThe trade for Zach LaVine and a Bulls’ first round pick not only gives the Lakers a third superstar who can eventually replace LeBron James but also the draft pick they needed to trade for veteran stretch center Brook Lopez.
The net result is Los Angeles trades 6 Lakers for 1 Bull and 1 Buck, creating a dynamic starting lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Brook Lopez and opening up 4 roster spots for other talent.
The beauty of trading with the Bulls is the Lakers do not have to give up either of their 2 tradable first round picks or 3 tradable first round pick swaps, allowing them to keep their draft capital to use in the future.The pros of the LaVine/Lopez trade include getting a third star to replace LeBron, building a championship caliber starting lineup, and improving the Lakers overall size, rebounding, rim protection, and 3-point shooting.
With Brook Lopez starting at center, the Lakers will have the big body they need to deal with big low gravity centers like Jokic, Sabonis, and Embiid and Anthony Davis can move to his preferred power forward position.The cons are LeBron James has to play and defend the three, the Lakers gave up 6 players, including two starters, so bench depth and diversity will be heavily dependent on inexperienced and minimum salary players.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should be able to use their TX MLE to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie as backup point guard to pair with Max Christie as backup shooting guard and Dalton Knecht as the backup small forward.Bottom line, trading for shooting guard Zach LaVine and center Brook Lopez offers the Lakers the most of the 3 proposed blockbuster Bulls trades and should be the top priority on their offseason trade big board.
2. Trade for Zach LaVine and Cameron Johnson
PG: REAVES, Dinwiddie, James Jr.
SG: LAVINE, Christie, OPEN
SF: JAMES, Knecht, Lewis
PF: JOHNSON, Wood, OPEN
CE: DAVIS, Hayes, OPENThe trade for Zach LaVine and a Bulls’ first round pick gives the Lakers a third superstar who can replace LeBron James as well as a first round draft pick to use to trade for talented young 3&D wing Cameron Johnson.
The net result is Los Angeles trades 6 Lakers for 1 Bull and 1 Net, creating a dynamic starting lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis and opening up 4 needed roster spots.
The beauty of trading with the Bulls is the Lakers do not have to give up either of their 2 tradable first round picks or 3 tradable first round pick swaps, allowing them to keep their draft capital to use in the future.The pros of the LaVine/Johnson trade include getting a third star to replace LeBron, building a championship caliber starting lineup, and improving the Lakers overall size, rebounding, wing defense, and 3-point shooting.
With Johnson starting at small forward, the Lakers will have the bigger wing they need to defend the bigger high scoring wings in the West like Durant, Leonard, and DeRozan and James won’t have to play the three.The cons are the Lakers gave up 6 players, including two starters, so bench depth and diversity will be heavily dependent on inexperienced and minimum salary players. Also, Anthony Davis will have to play the five.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should be able to use their TX MLE to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie as backup point guard to pair with Max Christie as backup shooting guard and Dalton Knecht as the backup small forward.Bottom line, trading for shooting guard Zach LaVine and forward Cam Johnson offers the Lakers a chance to find a superstar to replace LeBon, win another championship, and preserve draft capital for the future.
3. Trade for Zach LaVine and Kelly Olynyk
PG: REAVES, Dinwiddie, Vincent,
SG: LAVINE, Christie, James Jr
SF: JAMES, Knecht, Lewis
PF: DAVIS, Wood, OPEN
CE: OLYNYK, Hayes, OPENThe trade for Zach LaVine and a Bulls’ first round pick not only gives the Lakers a third superstar who can eventually replace LeBron James but also the draft pick they needed to trade for dynamic stretch center Kelly Olynyk.
The net result is Los Angeles trades 5 Lakers for 1 Bull and 1 Raptor, creating a dynamic starting lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kelly Olynyk, and opening up 3 roster spots.
The beauty of trading with the Bulls is the Lakers do not have to give up either of their 2 tradable first round picks or 3 tradable first round pick swaps, allowing them to keep their draft capital to use in the future.The pros of the LaVine/Olynyk trade include getting a third star to replace LeBron, building a championship caliber starting lineup, and improving the Lakers overall size, rebounding, playmaking, and 3-point shooting.
With Kelly Olynyk starting at center, Anthony Davis will be free to be the team’s hub on offense and free safety roamer on defense. Olynyk is both a great 3-point shooter as well as elite playmaker who will be a great fit.The cons are LeBron James has to play and defend the three, the Lakers gave up 5 players, including 2 starters, so bench depth and diversity will be heavily dependent on inexperienced and minimum salary players.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should be able to use their TX MLE to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie as backup point guard to pair with Max Christie as backup shooting guard and Dalton Knecht as the backup small forward.Bottom line, trading for shooting guard Zach LaVine and center Kelly Olynyk could transform the Lakers’ offense into a virtual juggernaut that plays fast, dominates the paint and free throw line while raining threes.
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The Lakers need a point-of-attack perimeter defender, a bigger legitimate 3&D wing who can shoot the three and guard the West’s big high-scoring wings, and a rim protecting backup center for when AD is on the bench.https://t.co/IwCRBPnwtR pic.twitter.com/zota03Q096
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 7, 2024
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The challenge facing the Lakers right now is each of the trade options to specifically fill those three needs will cost one or more picks and aren’t guaranteed to raise the roster to legitimate championship contender status.https://t.co/IwCRBPnwtR pic.twitter.com/hVA4BCv0u2
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 7, 2024
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The Lakers are currently evaluating whether their best move at this point in time might be to run it back with the current roster and save their draft capital until a better opportunity arises rather than going all-in right now.https://t.co/IwCRBPnwtR pic.twitter.com/8rSgREmkB3
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 7, 2024
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The Lakers need to start thinking outside-of-the-box to find a way to still compete to win a championship while LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still playing at a high level without giving up their valuable draft capital.https://t.co/IwCRBPnwtR pic.twitter.com/2HglYxs03P
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 7, 2024
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The solution is to take on Zach LaVine’s bad contract in return for the Bulls’ 2027 unprotected first round pick and then trade that pick to upgrade the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotation to legitimate championship contender.https://t.co/IwCRBPnwtR pic.twitter.com/3ubBrIFsh1
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 7, 2024
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You have been click baited Tom. There isn’t a single indicator that the Lakers are looking at LaVine. Buha spoke about what the Lakers could do after Derozen signed. He mentioned that the Lakers could look at Zach if they wanted and mentioned that the Bulls are dangling a first for any team dumb enough to take on the worst contract in the NBA. No where did Buha say that the Lakers are in talks of any kind. What’s amusing is several other click baiters posted Buha’s remarks. Now I have little faith in the Lakers front office so anything is possible but for now there doesn’t appear to be anything going on with LaVine. When one measures what we gain against what we would have to give up, we would lose that trade.
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I agree. No Lavine. Plus he is always injured. not worth it to get the extra 1st rdp just to acquire him..what we could do is try to trade AR + Players and all of our 1st rdp and pick swaps for Markannen and Kesslar..Try to keep DLo from this trade so that we can still have a great shooter and can also bring the ball
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Nobody is saying it but it’s looking more and more like the coming NBA season could be LeBron James’ last dance as Rob Pelinka continues to resist going all-in to give the King one final chance to win his fifth championship.
LeBron James has to be sad and discouraged that Rob Pelinka failed to take advantage of his willingness to give up as much as $20 million per year so the Lakers could receive access to the $12.9 million NT MLE to add depth. With media reports the Lakers may not trade their two available first round picks until next summer, Pelinka may now be focusing on making small moves on the margins and preserving his draft capital for next season.
Frankly, it’s hard to believe a Los Angeles Lakers team that cultivated an image as place where superstars close their careers and establish their legends could bail out and not go all-in on LeBron James’ last dance.
It’s just embarrassing watching the franchise that rewarded 35-year old Kobe Bryant with a 3-year max deal after suffering a torn Achilles not being willing to spend their available draft picks and swaps to upgrade this team.The Lakers apparently believe paying LeBron James a near max contract for the next two years and using their #55 pick in the 2024 draft for his son Bronny James was all they were obligated to do for their iconic superstar.
It’s hard to imagine James not being disappointed in Rob’s repeated failures to make moves needed to surround James and Davis with a championship caliber starting lineup and rotation for the 5th time in 6 years as a Laker.If there’s anything other than Father Time that might make LeBron James call it a career after the coming season, it’s watching Rob Pelinka and his clown crew of associates waste what could be the last year of his career.
At their core, the Lakers front office has apparently lost confidence that LeBron James and Anthony Davis can still be a championship caliber duo and don’t see any of the feasible upgrades as being worth gambling on.Frankly, I’m totally tired of hearing Rob Pelinka parrot the same lame excuses for not spending his draft capital and upgrading the roster. The Lakers’ offseason plan was poorly conceived and horribly executed.
Unlike how their clumsy coaching search was saved by hiring JJ Redick, the Lakers offseason upgrade plan was essentially dead on arrival and its corpse has drained Pelinka and the Lakers front office of any decisiveness.In the end, I would be happier if the Lakers took a giant gamble and traded their cap sheet for a Lakers’ Big Three with LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Trae Young or Zach LaVine. Problem is Westbrook took Pelinka’s balls.
Lakers just need to use the picks and swaps to trade with the Blazers for Jerami Grant and Robert Williams or the Nets for Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith or the Jazz for Walker Kessler or the Wizards for Kyle Kuzma.There are still multiple difference-making players available who would be great fits on the Lakers and would help elevate them to contender status. As usual, Pelinka can’t find a deal he likes while available options decrease.
After failing to find a player who would meet LeBron’s standard and accept the NT MLE, Rob seems to be paralyzed, simply hoping the Jazz, Blazers, or Nets will change their mind and take less for the players the Lakers covet.That’s at least the more charitable explanation for why Rob Pelinka has not made any moves in free agency other than re-signing Max Christie. Is Rob simply incompetent or has he decided to just ride out LeBron’s last dance?
It’s hard as a Lakers fan not to expect Rob to come out and announce at any moment that the Lakers are not going to trade either of their two available first round picks because that will not be enough to win a championship.The only silver lining from Pelinka failing to find a quality MLE candidate is we no longer have to worry about ending up with DeMar DeRozan via either the NT MLE or a S&T since we will be over the first luxury tax apron.
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Lebron couldn’t carry a squad 3 years ago and convinced them to waste the remainder of his still effective, post-prime with the Westbrook deal. Everything’s been window dressing ever since. So unless there’s a top-5 MVP candidate gettable (quick tip, there isn’t), this team is stuck in playin purgatory, regardless of the moves around the fringes. Lebron would do everyone a great service, himself included, by moving on to a contender.
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We are currently 1.8 mil over the 2nd apron, meaning we need to shed salary before we can even consider most deals you have suggested Tom. We can’t combine two contracts. If we say trade Dlo at has to be for a player making the same or less than DLO. Now LeBron could take slightly less. Maybe a couple of mil. There is rumors that he might. But until we get under that 2nd apron, we can’t make any big trades.
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My understanding is we’re not officially over the second apron until July 6 so we can still shed salary, aggregate players, sign buy-outs, and reshape roster. If we want.
If we do nothing, however, we will be over the second cap unless LeBron takes a couple of million less. At the least, we will do enough to avoid the second apron penalties.
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That’s based on his cap hold, not his new contract. Although his new contract is only slightly over his cap hold.
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We’re in a moratorium. None of these deals can be finalized until Jul 6.
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Based on the rumors i have read, lakers are reluctant to give the nets 2 1st rdp for cam johnson and dorian finney smith..they only wanted to give 1 1st and 2 2nds for both players..for bruce brown lakers are reluctant to give a 1st for bruce brown and olynik..to the blazers, the lakers do not want to give 2 1st rdp for grant..they want to give 1 1st and 2 2nd..to the utah, lakers do not want to give up austin reaves, 3 1st rdp for markannen
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Yes, the Lakers could get out from under the apron restrictions, but that would mean salary-shedding trades where they take back zero money or significantly less money in a deal.
Certainly possible, with a couple of teams still sitting on significant cap space, but those teams… https://t.co/6hj9KUb3j8
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 3, 2024
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The only silver lining from Pelinka failing to find a quality MLE candidate is we no longer have to worry about ending up with DeMar DeRozan via either the NT MLE or a S&T since we will be over the first luxury tax apron.https://t.co/mgKo1lxU2h pic.twitter.com/HgdR2Bw2D1
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) July 4, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Whom the Los Angeles Lakers draft, pursue in free agency, and trade for this summer will give us revealing first glimpses into the vision new head coach J.J. Redick has for the 2024–25 version of the purple and gold.
The Lakers finished last season 7th in the West with a 47–35 record. Their 115.4 offensive rating was 15th in the league and their 114.8 defensive rating 17th. Combined, the Lakers +0.6 net rating was 19th in the league. While the initial perception was the Lakers’ greatest need was to improve their defense, the reality is they need to improve both their offense and defense to top-ten status to be a legitimate championship contender.
Heading into the offseason, the Lakers need to upgrade both their starting lineup and rotation. They simply have too many one-way players who only excel on offense or defense and need to be replaced by two-way players.
The Lakers need to emulate what the Celtics and other top NBA teams are doing and build out a roster capable of rolling out lineups with five players who can shoot the three on offense and switch everything on defense.Offensively, the Lakers simply need to take and make more threes. Last season, they made 11.8 threes per game (28th in the NBA) on 31.8 attempts per game (24th in the NBA) despite shooting 37.7% (8th in the NBA).
The Celtics and Mavs led the league with 42.5 and 39.5 3PA per game and 16.5 and 14.6 3PM per game. Playing those teams, the Lakers would face a negative 3-point differential of 14.1 ppg vs. Boston and 8.4 ppg vs. Dallas.Defensively, the Lakers need an elite point-of-attack defensive guard to slow down opposing point guards, a legitimate bigger 3&D wing to guard opposing scoring wings, and a backup center who can protect the rim.
The Lakers also need a bigger bulkier defensive center who can bang with larger more physical centers like Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, or Joel Embiid, who can overpower and bully starting center Anthony Davis.Since the new CBA makes it hard to build championship rosters if paying maximum salaries to three superstars, the Lakers would be smart to use their draft capital to fill their specific needs rather than chasing third star.
Starting next Wednesday, the Lakers trading chips will include three first round picks and three first round pick swaps plus five second round picks. They should use that draft capital to upgrade their starters and rotation.Financially, the Lakers will likely have to go over the first luxury tax apron to cover raises to players under contract and upgrades to the starting lineup and rotation but must stay under the harsh second luxury tax apron.
That will mean the Lakers will be once again be a luxury tax repeater who will essentially be hard capped by the NBA’s new second luxury tax apron of $190 million to avoid its anti-competitive penalties and disadvantages.Let’s take a closer look at whom the Los Angeles Lakers with J.J. Redick as their new head coach might target to upgrade their starting lineup and roster via the upcoming NBA Draft, free agency, and trade season.
1. Lakers Draft Targets
The Lakers would be smart to keep rather than trade the #17 pick in the draft because its potential player value is greater than its trade value and it boasts multiple modern two-way bigs who would be great back up centers.
While several NBA teams want to trade their first round picks in this draft, there will be a half dozen quality big men prospects available between the 16th and 30th picks, which makes this draft a great opportunity for L.A.
The Lakers desperately need a backup center when Anthony Davis is on the bench and there are three or four bigs in this draft who could immediately play as backup centers and eventually alongside AD in a two-bigs lineup.The big questions hiring JJ Redick as head coach raises is what he plans to do with Anthony Davis. We know JJ wants to be a volume 3-point shooting team and would like a modern offense with five guys who shoot the three. Redick will likely have Davis as well as everybody on the team take more threes but will also see this draft as an opportunity to fill the backup center vacancy and also find a modern stretch five who could play alongside AD.
Four potential modern two-way bigs who have been linked to the Lakers in various NBA draft news and mock drafts include Dayton’s DaRon Holmes, Indiana’s Kel’el Ware, Duke’s Kyle Filipowski, and Purdue’s Zach Edey. Holmes, Ware, and Filipowski have all been linked to the Lakers because they shoot the three. Edey is the exception as he has only taken two threes during his career at Purdue but did show 3-point range at the combine.
DaRon Holmes may be the best option as he can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and defend in space. His best NBA comparison is Naz Reid. Zack Edey, whose potential best NBA comp is Brook Lopez, is also very possible. Kel’el Ware, whose best NBA comp is Myles Turner, would also be a great selection as would Kyle Filipowski, whose best NBA comp is Kelly Olynyk. Unless a coveted wing drops, the Lakers and JJ will draft a stretch five.
For a more detailed review of each of these four candidates and how they would fit in a modern Los Angeles Lakers offense and defense, please read 4 Modern Two-Way Centers Lakers Could Select With #17 Pick In Draft.
2. Lakers Trade Targets
The Lakers would be smart to use their draft capital to trade for legitimate two-way players in their mid-twenties who earn mid-twenty millions per year, and can become bigger stars in bigger roles than a third superstar.
Recent early reports have the los Angeles Lakers reopening talks with the Atlanta Hawks regarding a possible mega trade for guard Dejounte Murray, whom the teams previously discussed before last season’s trade deadline.
The big reason the Lakers didn’t pull the trigger for Dejounte Murray at the trade deadline wa they were not willing to include Austin Reaves in the deal. Based on recent reports, Reaves may no longer be untouchable.The Lakers would be wise to leverage the Hawks’ desire to acquire Austin Reaves by expanding the trade to include Bogdan Bogdanovic, who’s exactly the kind of two-way modern high volume 3-point shooting guard they need.
An offer of Hachimura, Reaves, Vincent and an unprotected 2029 first round pick and an unprotected 2030 first round pick swap for Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic should be an offer Atlanta accepts.Should the Laker be able to trade for Murray and Bogdanovic, they would then have the the elite modern 3&D backcourt they need to become a top-five volume 3-point shooting team that no longer loses the 3-point battle.
Look for the Lakers and JJ to have Murray, Bogdanovic, and James all take 8 to 10 threes per game in an effort to raise the number of threes L.A. takes from last year’s 31.8 per game to over 40 per game for next season.For a more detailed review of each of these four candidates and how they would fit in a modern Los Angeles Lakers offense and defense, please read 4 ‘Affordable’ Stars Who Could Be Superstars On Los Angeles Lakers.
3. Lakers Free Agent Targets
While the Lakers need to upgrade their starting lineup and roster, they also should prioritize developing talented young players with two-way potential who showed progress last season and might grow more under JJ Redick.
Focusing on player development due to the restrictions in the new CBA, there are four players about whom the Lakers have major decisions to make as to whether to keep and develop or whether to move on from.
Those four players are D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, Max Christie, and Jaxson Hayes. Russell and Hayes have player options that many believe they will exercise. Prince is an UFA while Christie is a RFA this summer.Deciding what to do with D’Angelo Russell is the Lakers first priority. D’Angelo has until June 29 to decide whether to accept his player option. The last thing the Lakers should want is to lose DLO to free agency.
Lakers should offer DLO a new 2-year deal with player option for $20 million per year either in the form of a new Lakers contract or a sign-and-trade deal with another team like the Orlando Magic who needs shooters.The Lakers should re-sign Taurean Prince to a new contract for around $5 million per year. He’s not a starter but proved to be a valuable two-way wing who was essentially misused by Darvin Ham. He’s just not a starter.
Hayes will likely decline his player option and seek a raise in free agency. Christie is a player whom the Lakers will need to re-sign since he is a restricted free agent. Max should thrive under new head coach JJ Redick.The Lakers need to figure out how to optimize Russell, Prince, Christie, and Hayes should them end up being part of next season’s roster. They need to keep Russell, Prince, and Christie to maintain their depth and diversity.
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Heading into the offseason, the Lakers need to upgrade both their starting lineup and rotation. They simply have too many one-way players who only excel on offense or defense and need to be replaced by two-way players.https://t.co/FXuiRS44Lh pic.twitter.com/jcItRZFoBH
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 26, 2024
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The Lakers need to emulate what the Celtics and other top NBA teams are doing and build out a roster capable of rolling out lineups with five players who can shoot the three on offense and switch everything on defense.https://t.co/FXuiRS44Lh pic.twitter.com/L38ZUj3sAq
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 26, 2024
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Offensively, the Lakers simply need to take and make more threes. Last season, they made 11.8 threes per game (28th in the NBA) on 31.8 attempts per game (24th in the NBA) despite shooting 37.7% (8th in the NBA).https://t.co/FXuiRS44Lh pic.twitter.com/YKOQ3kL82o
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 26, 2024
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In no known universe is Bogdanovic a two way player. He will be 32 and is leaving his prime. Yet you would trade Rui who is 26 and entering his. Rui is a much better defender and can guard 3 through 5. Yes Bogdanovic shot 37% on 8 attempts but that was in a system that featured the 3. Rui shot 43% as a starter on 4 attempts in a system that didn’t. If you believe we need an upgrade over Rui, fine, but it ain’t Bogdanovic. By the way I would start DLO over him. Better shooter and no worse as a defender.
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The Celtics and Mavs led the league with 42.5 and 39.5 3PA per game and 16.5 and 14.6 3PM per game. Playing those teams, the Lakers would face a negative 3-point differential of 14.1 ppg vs. Boston and 8.4 ppg vs. Dallas.https://t.co/FXuiRS44Lh pic.twitter.com/Ejz7SazGQu
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 26, 2024
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Defensively, the Lakers need an elite point-of-attack defensive guard to slow down opposing point guards, a legitimate bigger 3&D wing to guard opposing scoring wings, and a backup center who can protect the rim.https://t.co/FXuiRS44Lh pic.twitter.com/0e5zmBW95c
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 26, 2024
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The Lakers also need a bigger bulkier defensive center who can bang with larger more physical centers like Nikola Jokic, Domantas Sabonis, or Joel Embiid, who can overpower and bully starting center Anthony Davis.https://t.co/FXuiRS3wVJ pic.twitter.com/cek3bIV7cy
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 26, 2024
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Hi Tom,
Great article. I hope the Lakers will draft either Kel’el Ware or Kyle Flipkowski. In my opinion Flip is the best prospect so far among those 4. Kel’el will need more development. Searched highlights and opinions about these 4 kids and Flip comes out as the best among the 4. He has the range and mobility to really have the chance to defend the center position. He will be a good addition to the Lakers roster.
For trading two-way players, what happened with the Mikal Bridges trade will make it more difficult for us to secure Dejounte Murray. Atlanta will now ask the Sun and the Moon from the Lakers just for them to trade Murray. Bridges has not even been named in the All-Star selection and Knicks have given 5 1st round picks and pick swaps for him. It is absurd and crazy but it has set the bar high for this season to acquire two-way players. We will not be able to afford it. Gabe Vincent, Rui and JHS with 2 1st Round Picks will be too much to give for Murray.
I aggree to sign DLo. There is no good PG in the market that will be able to replicate his production unless we get lucky in trades. Even if we trade for an All-Star or someone like Murray, it is still nice to have DLo in the line-up. Prince can still be signed for a minimum deal and play as a reserve role. he is good but not as a starter.
The best scenario is try to get Markannen. He can be a great stretch 4 or 5 for our team. Try to draft a Wing or a Center. Sign a Wing or Center that can be affordable. Retain DLo and some of our young guys. We can only dream
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Thanks, Havoc. It was so damn exciting to see Knecht fall to us. Here’s what I would like Lakers to do next:
Jazz own #2 pick in second round of 2024 NBA draft.
Jazz own Lakers 2027 top-four protected FRP.
Lakers should offer to remove 2027 protections and add 2028 first FRP swap for Jazz' second round pick.
Lakers use pick for Filipowski as b/u center.
Leaves 29,30, & 31 picks for DJM https://t.co/AulcpTR1MX— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 27, 2024
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Was a bummer that we didn’t get a center but Lakers made right move by grabbing Dalton and not missing out on a lottery pick like last year. Knecht is JJ Redick clone.
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Lakers did not make a trade for the 2nd round draft. Knecht was indeed a good pick. He may lack some defense but was said to be a 3 level scorer. I would like the Lakers make a move at Markannen which includes Filipowski. Give utah 3 FRP Rui, JHS and Vincent. make all picks unprotected to make it more enticing for the Jazz. Sign Dlo and maybe find someone cheaper in FA for a defensive guard who can score as well
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The other second round option is for Lakers to buy SRP to use on a backup center. Two prospects who would be great additions to Lakers as backup center w/b lefty Tyler Smith or UCLA's Adem Bona, both projected to go around 10th. We missed on JJJ last year. Don't miss on Bona! https://t.co/EXi0PX0B2P pic.twitter.com/wLQAe1tsSm
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 27, 2024
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Depends on how confident you are the Lakers will still be a winning team in 2027 and 2028 and that the Jazz will not, in which case you got a backup center for nada.
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 27, 2024
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Wanted to wait until after the draft just to reduce the number of hypothetical situations. We now know that the Lakers didn’t draft a big with either pick and instead chose the best player available at 17 and a bonafide project with high upside at 55 who likely slots in as a defensive specialist with the ability to hit the open shot and make the play in front of him. I think these were the right moves. Frankly anyone you draft at 55 is a project. If Bronny has a role on the team it likely means someone has gotten hurt.
I think we’re still going to have an identity of attacking the paint. It’s the strength of our 2 best players, although I expect LeBron to average 8-10 three pointers/game.
I’m not sure what trades are actually available but, with just 2 picks to trade (and bevy if swaps…I know) I don’t see us being major players in most of the trade scenarios out there that I’ve seen. That’s not to say we won’t make a move but I think the Lakers are bringing in Reddick to work with the majority of the current roster. Vincent and JHS are filler, at best. Rui is a decent enough trade chip but if the rest of the league has been watching what we’ve been watching he’s a mid grade starter/above average bench player. Reaves seems nigh-untouchable and Vando was hurt so much last season that his value is fairly low. While you may be if the opinion that the quality of the player involved in a trade doesn’t really matter and that’s it’s more about the money and the picks, I am not. I think that few teams are in the business if shopping out good players just for filler and a few picks that may or may not be favorable. It’s just not good business.
I think we’re seeing teams who are on the cusp of contention making small tweaks and teams that are facing potential tax bills and are not on a clear path to contention shedding good players but the Lakers are unwilling or unable to get in on that action…so far.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Rather than chasing older max-contract third superstars, the Los Angeles Lakers would be wise to target younger, more affordable, two-way stars with the upside to become superstars with bigger roles on a better team.
Targeting a player in their mid-twenties earning less than $25 million per year will cost major draft capital but leave the Lakers with the matching salaries and space below second tax apron to build a deep, diverse roster. The new CBA with its second luxury tax apron and new unprecedented financial and competitive penalties has made it almost impossible to build championship caliber rosters if paying max salaries to three superstars.
The Lakers have refused in the past to trade first round picks for elite role players like Myles Turner and Dejounte Murray, preferring instead to save those picks to trade for superstars like Anthony Davis or Russell Westbrook.
The time’s now come for the Lakers to change that strategy. They learned firsthand how trading first round draft picks for elite role players instead of superstars has transformed Celtics, Nuggets, and Mavs into contenders.The Lakers must see that the NBA is undergoing a changing of the guard with younger stars and teams taking over from older stars and teams and an evolution of the game where size, length, and athleticism dominate.
The Lakers need a roster building strategy that targets rising stars who could function as the team’s third star for the next two or three years and take over as AD’s co-superstar when LeBron James retires from the league.The Los Angeles Lakers portfolio of available trading chips is their best in years and includes their 2024, 2029, and 2031 first round draft picks, 2026, 2028, and 2030 first round pick swaps, and five second round draft picks.
Ideally, the Lakers would keep the #17 pick in the draft for a backup center and then use draft capital to trade for two of these four young affordable two-way prospects without giving up Austin Reaves or Max Christie.Here are four affordable young two-way stars with superstar upside who are 26 or 27 years old, earn between $17 to $25 million per year, and are available for right trade package of matching salaries and draft capital.
1. Lauri Markkanen
Lauri Markkanen, PF, 7′ 0″, 240 lbs, 27-years old, 1-yr @ $18.0M
23.2/8.2/2.0 on 16.2/8.0/5.0 shooting 48.0/39.9/89.9% in 33.1 mpg27-year old Lauri Markkanen should be at the top of the Lakers’ offseason trade target board as he is the perfect third superstar to complement James and Davis and pair with Davis when James retires in two or three years.
Markannen’s elite size, length, athleticism, and volume 3-point shooting would transform the Lakers’ starting lineup and half-court offense into a juggernaut. He shot a sizzling 39.9% from deep on 8.0 attempts per game.
Besides giving the Lakers a desperately needed volume 3-point shooter, Markkanen also enables L.A. to double down on dominating points-in-the-paint and free-throws-made while becoming competitive on 3-pointers.Reports indicate the Jazz are likely looking to trade rather than re-sign the 27-year old Markkanen provided they get a significant offer for the Finnish star. Lauri’s in the final year of his contract and will be due for a big raise.
The offer to get the Jazz to trade Markkanen to the Lakers would include Rui Hachimura, unprotected 2029 first round pick, unprotected 2028 first round pick swap, and remove 1–4 protection from 2027 first round pick.This trade would essentially give Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz 3 straight years of totally unprotected rights to the Los Angeles Lakers’ post LeBron James first round draft picks for the 2027, 2028, and 2029 NBA seasons.
Hopefully, that’s the kind of offer that could motivate Danny Ainge to trade Lauri Markkanen to the Lakers. It leverages the top-four protected 2027 first round draft pick Los Angeles previously traded to Utah last year.The Lakers top offseason trade target should be the Utah Jazz’ Lauri Markkanen, whom would immediately and dramatically upgrade our starting lineup and roster to legitimate championship caliber.
2. DeJounte Murray
Dejounte Murray, SG, 6′ 5″, 180 lbs, 26-years old, 1-yrs @ $17.4M NG
22.5/5.3/6.4 on 18.8/7.1/3.4 shooting 45.9/36.3/79.4% in 35.7 mpg26-year old combo guard Dejounte Murray should be second on the Lakers’ offseason trade target big board as he is the perfect two-way third star to upgrade the team’s backcourt and complement superstars James and Davis.
While the Lakers had an interest in trading for Dejounte Murray last season, they were unwilling to include draft picks as compensation. In retrospect, Dejounte enjoyed a clutch breakout season with the Hawks.
Murray showcased his two-way skillsets last season, averaging over 20 points, 5 boards, and 5 assists per game while sharing backcourt duties with Young and shooting 36.3% from deep on 7.1 attempts per game.The pairing of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray has not worked for the Hawks. Recent reports indicate the Hawks are likely to keep Trae Young and their #1 pick in the upcoming NBA draft and trade Dejounte Murray.
That’s great news for the Lakers. Trading for Dejounte, who makes $25.4 million per year, would let them build a deeper, more diverse roster than trading for Trae, whose $43.0 million annual salary would hobble them.The Lakers know Russell and Reaves are not good enough defensively to succeed as a championship backcourt but both are still valuable rotation players who would be hard to replace. The smarter move is keep both.
If the Lakers can trade for Dejounte Murray, they should pair him with D’Angelo Russell while moving Austin Reaves to the bench. The Lakers would then have the elite volume 3-point shooting backcourt they need.The Lakers should send Hachimura, Hood-Schifino, unprotected 2031 first round pick, and 2030 first round pick swap to the Hawks for Dejounte Murray to become their third star next to superstars James and Davis.
3. Jonathan Isaac
Jonathan Isaac, PF, 6′ 10″, 230 lbs, 26-years old, 1-yrs @ $17.4M NG
6.8/4.5/0.5 on 4.9/1.9/1.4 shooting 51.0/37.5/77.1% in 15.8 mpg26-year old Jonathan Isaac is the ‘wild card’ on the Lakers offseason trade target big board. Unlike Markkanen and Murray, Jonathan Isaac has such a rough injury history he should be easily acquired with the right offer.
While health makes Isaac’s floor dangerously low, Jonathan has such a high ceiling and is such a perfect fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis that the Lakers should seriously consider trading with Orlando to get him.
Isaac is without question the best two-way player of the four candidates. Defensively, he is the closest thing to an Anthony Davis clone you can find. He can protect the rim and defend all five positions at all three levels.What makes the Boston Celtics so tough is that they have five guys on offense who can shoot the three and five guys on defense who can switch everything. This is the ultimate extension of positionless basketball.
While the Lakers would need assurances from their medical staff that Isaac is fully recovered, he is the kind of young, affordable two-way star who can stretch the floor, protect the rim, and switch out on the perimeter.Orlando is so stacked with talent that there may no longer be a place for the now healthy and uber talented Jonathan Isaac despite the Magic sticking with him through three complete straight seasons lost to major injuries.
The $17.4 million final year salary of Isaac’s contract is not guaranteed. The Lakers should offer a package of Rui Hachimura and a top-four protected 2029 first round draft pick to the Magic for the 26-year old Jonathan Isaac.Jonathan Isaac is the ‘wild card’ option among these four young affordable stars who could become superstars on Lakers as he has a lower floor but a higher ceiling and may be more attainable than Markkanen or Murray.
4. Mikal Bridges
Mikal Bridges, SF, 6′ 6″, 209 lbs, 27-years old, 2-yrs @ $23.3M
19.6/4.5/3.6 on 15.8/7.2/3.9 shooting 43.6/37.2/81.4% in 34.8 mpgMikal Bridges is the last and probably the hardest of the four affordable young stars for the Lakers to trade for. Recent rumors indicate that the Nets may prefer to keep Bridges and find a second star to pair with him.
The prototype 3&D wing that every NBA team covets, Bridges will likely draw more interest than even Markannen and Murray and will certainly require multiple picks and swaps for a team to pry him away from Nets.
Bridges is a long shot for the Lakers. His greatest advantage is he is a true small forward, which would mean Anthony Davis would play center while LeBron James would be able to play his preferred power forward position.The Lakers desperately need a bigger point-of-attack defender who can guard the 6′ 7″ to 6′ 10″ wing scorers every team in the West seems to have. Lakers need to stop trying to defend these scorers with smaller guards.
Lakers fans are tired of watching bigger wing scorers taking smaller Lakers shooting guards into the paint and easily shooting over them with easy midrange jump shots. That’s why the Lakers need somebody like Bridges.One of the major decisions the Lakers need to make when rebuilding their starting lineup going forward is who plays power forward. If the Lakers opt to start two-bigs, then Davis or the second big will play power forward.
The problem with that scenario is that it forces LeBron James to play small forward, which often involves chasing bigger wing scorers around multiple screens and picks, not what you want your 40-year old superstar doing.Mikal Bridges would be a great fit as the Lakers starting small forward as he would allow Anthony Davis and LeBron James to play the 5 and 4 though they’re still a longshot to trade for him due to heavy competition.
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The Los Angeles Lakers portfolio of available trading chips is their best in years and includes their 2024, 2029, and 2031 first round draft picks, 2026, 2028, and 2030 first round pick swaps, and five second round draft picks.https://t.co/h9qP3z61lN pic.twitter.com/R5fDXRaCT1
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 16, 2024
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Ideally, the Lakers would keep the #17 pick in the draft for a backup center and then use draft capital to trade for two of these four young affordable two-way prospects without giving up Austin Reaves or Max Christie.https://t.co/h9qP3z61lN pic.twitter.com/JbPYdLVYYO
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 16, 2024
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Here are four affordable young two-way stars with superstar upside who are 26 or 27 years old, earn between $17 to $25 million per year, and are available for right trade package of matching salaries and draft capital.https://t.co/h9qP3z61lN pic.twitter.com/dnuL1lFXPx
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 16, 2024
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Thanks, Otis.
I'd use #17 pick for young modern two-way backup center like Holmes, Ware, Edey, or Smith.
Then I'd use two unprotected picks plus two swaps to trade for Murray and Isaac.
Start Russell and move Reaves to 6th man or vice versa. Russell/Murray/Isaac/James/Davis
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 16, 2024
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LAKERS SHOULD TRADE DRAFT PICKS FOR…
1) Young players no older than 26 to 27
2) Who can are legitimate plus defenders
3) Who can stretch the floor with 3-point shooting
4) Who earn between $15M to $25M per year
5) Who could be superstars with Lakers
https://t.co/h9qP3z61lN pic.twitter.com/GU017gOI5E— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 16, 2024
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Aloha Tom, I would consider Laurie but there will be teams with better offers(seeOKC) if he comes available. Sometimes I don’t feel like you appreciate talent on your own team. Let’s do a comparison between Rui as a starter last year and Bridges. . Bridges was the Nets number one option. He played around 35 minutes, averaged 19.6 ppg, shot 43% from the field, 37% from 3 on 7 attempts, and 4.5 rebounds. His defensive rating was 117. Now Rui started 39 games. After Darvin stopped dicking him around he averaged16.7 in 31 minutes as the 4 or 5th option. He shot 57% from the field 43% from 3 on 4 attempts and his defensive rating was 113.9. For context Kawhi was 113. Is Bridges a better player? Yes, but is he so much better that you want to give up all those assets? I wouldn’t. I would use a pick to bring in Caruso. And you only give up Vincent. Caruso and Rui makes the Lakers stronger then just Bridges. As for Isaak, he is a very good defender that can make a 3 but he doesn’t shoot them often. He came into the league in the same draft as Lonzo. Lonzo has played 45 more games. Isaak only played 16 minutes a game last year and it was the second most games he has played in his career and he still missed 24 games. If we traded Rui for him, the Magic should be the team sending a first because Rui is a better all around player.
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I like Rui and think he is better offensively than Bridges. Problem is Rui just does not have good defensive instincts imo. He’s obviously our first trading chip imo. The main benefit of Bridges is he’s a true three so LeBron could play the four.
We could always use more shooting but our bigger problem is too many one-way players. Top priority imo is swapping those for legitimate two-way players, including at least one and hopefully two younger stars who could become better with the Lakers.
My goal would be to trade for Murray and Isaac. Both will be on the market. Murray will have a lot of competition but Isaac is probably more feasable because of Jonathan’s injury history and cost to Lakers.
I’m curious as to what JJ will want to do with DLO. Don’t want to let him walk for nothing. I think you re-sign him even if only to trade him at the deadline. Just cannot let him walk. There’s a chance he may end up taking that player option after all. That would be best.
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Obviously you weren’t paying attention to Rui on defense. That 113.9 defensive rating is very good. Arron Gordon from the Nuggets was 114.5. His defensive improvement was noticed by the coaching staff, teammates and media. AD was particularly impressed. And the upside for Rui was he defended the 3 well but could also defend the 4 and even the 5 at times. By the way, so far the Nets have been saying they want to add to Bridges so it’s kind of a moot point. But I also wouldn’t trade Rui for a guard because now you have a big hole at the 3, with not a lot of money to fill it.
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When you look at matching salaries, Rui is the logical trading chip to go first unless DLO opts in, which is possible. Lakers don’t have tradable contracts of $17m to $18M other than them.
Defensive ratings can make sense when comparing teammates but the individual numbers become a lot harder to compare because of the teams a player is on.
Finally, the eye test does tell me that Rui has improved but he’s still prone to ball watching and losing focus. A2D.
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Hi Tom. It has been a very long time since I stopped by. Nice to see the same names in the blog.
I love your Top 4 Trade Targets. LM and DM are my favorites. You are right about MB. He is the toughest and can be considered a pipe dream for us to trade.
However, I would not think that getting Lauri will only require Rui, 1 1st, a pick swap and removing the restriction from the 2027 1st pick. I bet Danny will want more, maybe asked for all 3 picks, Rui and Reaves. Danny is a menace in trades. Look at what he did in Boston. Before he left, those are just finishing trades that were done. He did all the work. Acquired all of those picks to make what the team is right now.
For the Murray Trade, I do not see as well the Hawks allowing us to get Murray for Rui, and 1 or 2 1st picks. They asked for Reaves before and that will still be the starting point to get Murray. The picks they might be okay with but the players that they would want would actually be Reaves to start talking with us again.
Isaac is a nice player to have as well. I would not send Orlando a 1st pick for him as he is too injury prone. Maybe 2-3 2nd would be more than enough and give Vincent.
For Mickal. Again, it is a pipe dream. A trade that is around 97% fiction and only 3% chance to get him.
If in any scenario that we can get Lauri based on the trade offer you have proposed, it will be great and I would aim for the stars and get Murray with our remaining 2 1st picks in a separate trade and build a true team. I would give up Reaves for Murray only if we can get Lauri first. Keep DLo and Rui as much as possible and find role players that are willing to take a veterans minimum with a chance to play for a championship team. I also agree with your Draft Prospects. Those guys can complement the line-up right away.
Imagine if you have Lauri at 5, Davis at 4, Lebron at 3, DLo or Murray at 2 or 1. Those two guys can switch. Even Lebron, Murray and DLo can switch. Since Murray is tall enough and good defesively to guard opposing SF. If we can keep either Reaves or Rui will be added bonus. If we lose both, it will still be fine for the price of Lauri and Murray. We will have our big 3 for the forseeable future.
Cheers. Lovely topic. still reading more of your topics below. Thank you
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Thanks, Havoc. Great to see you stop by. I would hope the Lakers would try to take advantage of the 2027 pick to try and get Danny to bite on controlling the Lakers’ post LeBron first round picks for 2027, 2028, and 2029.
My dream additions would be backup center with #17 and trade for Lauri and DeJounte. While I would try and keep both DLO and Reaves, I would probably trade Reaves first. I think JJ will want to keep DLP.
JJ talked with LeBron on Mind the Game of how DLO transforming himself into a high volume high percentage 3-point shooter turned the Lakers offense into top five. LeBron looked at JJ and asked if he wanted him to shoot more threes. JJ laughed and said “No, you’re fine”.
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You really need to stop overusing the term Superstar. Maybe Markinen and Murray are barely stars, much less super anythings. Bridges is a quality starter. Isaac is a bench player.
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