Aloha,
I have read so many articles on the Lakers inaction that I have drawn the conclusion that all of these writers do not understand that the league has changed and it will probably never be the same again. The 3 things that changed everything are:
1. The new CBA with all of its punitive penalties for exceeding the various caps. And rules that make trades more difficult.
2. The play in game. This has given many teams hope of cracking the playoffs making them more reluctant to trade good players. While it’s championship or bust for the Lakers, making the play in game would be a huge win for many franchises.
3. The new lottery odds that discourages teams from tanking.
I guess I am less disappointed than many Laker fans because my expectations were so low going into the off season. This was a relatively weak free agent class but the bigger issue is the lack of sellers and the abundance of buyers.
It’s Econ 101. Supply and demand. Is Walter Kessler worth 2 first round picks? Please. Jamari Grant is a name linked to the Lakers. The Trailblazers want 2 firsts for him. He’s a good player but he’s not worth 2 firsts and a couple of good players.
I’m sure the Lakers are doing a cost analysis, I know I am and I don’t see any of the names mentioned that move the needle enough to justify the cost. Perhaps a big center like Wendell Carter would be worth a first because he is only making 11 mil but a lot of other teams think so too.
I think the Lakers are smart waiting. There will be a new system. I believe Austin, Rui, Vando and Max all have room to grow. Of course Darvins miss management of the roster hurt. When Rui became a starter, the Lakers went 21-10 with the toughest schedule in the league over that period. This is a good team. I think it makes sense to see who they are with better health, especially Vando and Vincent. We didn’t get a chance to see that last year.
For me the biggest win of the summer is that we haven’t done anything stupid yet. But Rob is the GM so I do worry. The worst thing the Lakers can do is overpay for a move that doesn’t really elevate the team. A trade just to make a trade would be stupid. .
Love it. Agree 100%
Thanks Jamie
That’s what we got. Now we roll with it.
Hi Michael, it is good to know that we are both on the same page on the Lakers situation. For one, you won’t be disappointed if you are not expecting much. The same goes for me. You just don’t make a trade just for the sake of trade if the returns don’t move the needle. Three, we still have a team that went to the Western Conference finals just the year before. Fourth, we haven’t seen what the players you mentioned could have been. So, instead of rushing to make changes in this free-agency class that is not very solid, waiting for the right opportunity might be the best option even though that may get on so many fans’ nerves. I agree 💯 %.
Thanks Buba.