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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreIt’s only taken a year and a half for the Los Angeles Lakers to go from champs to chumps, from winning a championship in the bubble to losing in the first round last year and possibly missing playoffs completely this year.
The Lakers lost their way by forgetting who they were and throwing away what won their championship. Rob cracked and traded for Russ, ownership suddenly got cheap, and Vogel got a roster that exposed his flaws. Everyone in the Lakers’ organization shares the blame for where the Lakers are right now, will have to be held accountable, and will need to participate in any solution to get the organization in sync and everybody on the same page.
The front office executive who will get the opportunity to fix the Lakers’ roster problem this summer will be the same Rob Pelinka who was responsible for the problems in the first place by agreeing to trade for Russ. You can blame LeBron and AD but it’s Rob who is paid big bucks to make those tough decisions like should we trade for Russell Westbrook, should we re-sign Alex Caruso, should we promise Andre Drummond a starting role?
Bottom line, here are the six steps Rob must take as head of basketball operations to get everybody in the Lakers’ organization in sync and on the same page and fix the roster problems caused by the Westbrook trade.
1. Accept Responsibility for the Lakers’ Current Mess
The first thing Rob needs to do is accept responsibility for the Westbrook trade. That LeBron and AD wanted Russ and pushed for the trade doesn’t matter. The final decision was Rob’s and it was clearly a poor decision.
Accepting responsibility for the Westbrook trade would clear the decks for everybody to stop assessing blame and instead allow ownership, front office, and coaching to work together to create game plan for this summer. Most importantly, it would show that Rob is the man in charge and will be the one making the final decision when it comes to terminating the Westbrook experiment and upgrading the roster to championship level.
The Lakers are at a major crossroads. They still have two superstars and could rebuild and come back as a legitimate contender next season…or they could continue making wrong moves and fumble LeBron James transition. Rob Pelinka needs to create a overall vision for how to get the best out of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and next year’s Lakers just like Jerry Buss did for the Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Showtime Lakers.
Rob has an opportunity to redeem himself as the Lakers general manager and fix the problems caused by the Westbrook trade. The first step is him accepting responsibility for the Lakers’ current roster mess.
2. Convince Jeanie Buss to Open Lakers’ Purse Strings
Once Rob has accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ current mess, he needs to sit down with Jeanie and convince her paying luxury taxes has become just the basic price of admission to compete for NBA championships.
With a market value of $5.5 billion, the Lakers will likely end up paying just $3 million in luxury taxes, 11th lowest amount among tax payers and considerably less than the $60 million due from top taxpayer Warriors. Jeanie’s unwillingness to pay luxury taxes ended up costing the Lakers one of their best defensive players when they refused to match an offer Alex Caruso received from the Chicago Bulls because of potential luxury taxes.
What Rob Pelinka needs to do is convince Jeanie and her brothers and sister that winning championships is what’s made the franchise worth $5.5 billion today and that the Lakers need to spend money to make money. The Lakers need to be willing to pay the same level of luxury taxes as their competitors: the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers. You can’t lose quality players like Caruso due to tax concerns.
The ability to compete financially is a basic requirement if the Lakers are to be able to compete on the hardwood. Pelinka needs to convince Jeanie Buss that paying luxury taxes is just an investment on future championships.
3. Recruit Quin Snyder as the Lakers Next Head Coach
The biggest challenge Rob will have this summer will be replace Frank Vogel as head coach. Before he can do that, he needs to decide what kind of coach the Lakers need to best optimize LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The head coach candidate Rob Pelinka should pursue this summer is Quin Snyder, current head coach of the Jazz, who have new ownership and word is the new ownership may want a new head coach after eight years. Snyder is a former Lakers assistant coach who possesses the same defensive DNA as Frank Vogel but has fully embraced the 3-point revolution that’s taken over the NBA, which is what the Lakers need to complement LeBron and AD
Defensively, Snyder favors a two-bigs defense anchored by an elite shot blocker like Gobert, which is style similar to Frank Vogel’s defense. Quin’s Jazz defense was 3rd in the league last season but just 13th this season. Offensively, Quin Snyder has the Jazz taking and making the second most 3-point shots in the league this season, after leading the league in both last season. Quin is Mike D’Antoni on offense and Frank Vogel on defense.
Pelinka and the Lakers should go all-in to sign Quin Snyder as their next head coach. He has the championship experience both as a player and coach and the X’s and O’s chops superstars James and Davis will respect.
4. Rebuild the Partnership with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports
Once Pelinka has signed Snyder to replace Vogel as the Lakers next head coach, he needs to turn his attention to repairing and rebuilding his alliance with Klutch Sports and getting LeBron James to sign a two-year extension.
While James won’t be eligible to sign an extension until August 4th, Pelinka needs his verbal approval once the season ends so he can move forward to surround LeBron and AD with a championship roster when summer starts. Were James unwilling to sign an extension, the Lakers might then be forced to consider trading him in order not to lose him to free agency this summer without getting anything in return. James signing an extension is critical.
The extension James will likely approve would be for two years with player options for the second year, which would then line up LeBron and AD so their last guaranteed seasons would be 23–24 with player options for 24–25. That would then set the Lakers up with maximum cap space and no players under contract for the 2024–25 season, giving them the flexibility to re-sign superstars James and Davis or look for a superstar to replace LeBron James.
Strengthening the Klutch Sports alliance should be apriority for Pelinka. It not only solidifies the Lakers’ relationship with LeBron and AD but also opens the door for the Lakers to acquire another Klutch Sports superstar.
5. Trade Russell Westbrook to Rockets for John Wall
Once Rob has accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ mess, convinced Jeanie to loosen the purse strings, hired Quin Snyder as the next head coach, and rebuilt the alliance with Klutch Sports, he’s now ready to wheel and deal.
Finding a new home for Russell Westbrook will be Rob Pelinka’s first roster priority and undoubtedly the greatest challenge he will face this summer. The Lakers refused to give up a first round pick to move Russ at deadline. While the Lakers will be hoping to find a trading partner willing to take on Russ’ $47 million expiring contract, their best option could very well be to trade Westbrook and a first round draft pick to the Rockets for John Wall.
The Lakers are not interested in waiving and stretching Russell Westbrook. While Rob will try to find a team willing to trade the valuable players with multiple year contracts in return for Russ, the Lakers may still strike out. There’s no question that replacing Westbrook with Wall will be ‘addition by subtraction’ since Wall can at least be counted on to play under control and not create the chaotic rollercoaster ride Russ inevitably turns games into.
The first roster move Rob has to make this summer is trading Westbrook. Rob should be willing to give up one of the Lakers’ two first round picks to get a team to take Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract.
6. Trade THT, Nunn, and Pick for Stretch Five Center
The Lakers are at a critical crossroads where the decisions they make this summer will not only impact next season but could also the transition of the team once LeBron James retires and the success of post-LeBron future.
The last three years, the Lakers alternated between two-big lineups with traditional centers like JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard and small-ball-on-steroids lineups with Anthony Davis or LeBron James as stretch fives. Considering how the Lakers’ small lineups have been getting killed in the paint and on the boards and the persistent injuries to James and Davis, the Lakers should seriously consider returning to the two-bigs formula.
Rather than bringing in another traditional center, the Lakers should look to for a center with the size to protect the rim, the bulk to handle power centers like Embiid and Jokic, and the shooting stroke to stretch defenses. Adding a modern center like Christian Wood or Myles Turner would enable the Lakers to be able to play big or small. It would also give them the ability to have an elite shot blocker on the court for all 48 minutes of the game.
Considering injuries that have derailed this and last season’s teams, the Lakers should rethink their front court and look to trade for a modern stretch five center who can both protect the rim and stretch defenses.
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LakerTom2 years, 7 months ago
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Aloha Tom, my thoughts on your post. While I would love Rob to take responsibility for the mess he created. Some how though I think we will get the same old song and dance about injuries etc.
As for Jeanie, a big yes on spending what it takes. Although because of the construction of the current roster, we can’t really add a lot of salary. Last year the only way we could have added more salary was if we kept Alex. Considering we replaced him with a minimum player we only would have made it about a 7 mil increase which makes it even more painful for me. This year we can take back a little more back then we send out in a trade. And if Nunn opts in we can increase salary another 6.2 mil with the MLE. So we aren’t going to be able to spend our way out of this mess.
I’m on board with Quinn. The chatter is that the Lakers will be interested if he is available. He would be an excellent choice.
As for Klutch, I really don’t have enough insight into what is actually going on behind the scene to have an opinion.
I would rather keep Russ then give up a first for Wall. I’m not in favor of trading for another ball dominate, non shooting, poor defending PG. Wall may not make as many boneheaded plays as Russ, but probably can’t do as many of the positives as Russ brings. I’m hoping after Dennis and Russ, that Rob learns that he needs someone who can play off the ball and shoot. A little defensive ability wouldn’t hurt either.
As far as Turner. We won’t get him. Period. First I doubt the Pacers trade him. This is a team that had very little quality size before they traded Sabonis. They are not going to trade him for another guard, which they have plenty. They already turned down your proposal once. Turner is young and fits with their other younger players. If for some reason they put Turner on the block. The Hornets will snap him up. Or perhaps the Warriors will revisit Turner because their small ball is hurting them. Both have better assets to offer then us.
As for Wood, you mentioned we needed a center with the bulk to handle big centers. Wood is 6’ 10” and weighs a whopping 214 pounds. I’m 6’ 4” and weigh 215. And that’s mid range for my height. AD out weighs by Wood by 40 pounds. Wood might be a shot blocker but he also gets shoved around. LeBron bullied him without mercy. Besides they will be able to get more then your offer for wood. He will make a good PF for someone. Hey if he could defend the wing, I would like him better. I really don’t want LeBron chasing athletic wings at 38 and 39. I’m mean he can’t defend them now. It would be worse the older he gets. One other thing to remember. Nunn has a player option. He took less money to come to the Lakers. Would he opt in to go to the Rockets? Even though he didn’t play he could probably find the same 5 mil elsewhere.
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Aloha, Michael. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Rob may not come out and accept responsibility for the Lakers’ current mess but internally, he has to be disappointed and eager to make amends and come out as the hero. I hope he realizes that the key is listening to all of his stakeholders but keeping the right to make the final decision solidly in his hands. Last time, I think he let it slip and agreed to something I don’t think he thought was best. Hopefully, he’s learned from that and will be more assertive. He knows this is on his head to fix.
I do think Rob will get Jeanie to loosen the purse strings. Both know this is a critical summer that will setup LeBron’s final years and set the stage for the post-LeBron years. Can’t handicap the team with financial constraints against its main competitors. One thing they need to consider is there are lots of opportunities to make moves to reduce taxes later in the year. Highest tax turned out to be dubs with $60M. Earlier projections had them at $200M. Same with Nets and Clippers around $40M vs. $100M projected. Lakers panicked on Caruso and made a major mistake. He would have only cost $10M in taxes not $30M like originally projected.
Quin Snyder would be perfect. Lakers roots, defensive background but totally embraced the 3-point shot. Perfect fit for this team. Probably too good to be true but Lakers should go all-in to get him. His modern approach offensively would be great. Next to Dubs, Jazz run great offensive sets. Think LeBron and AD would be aboard too. Let’s hope they make an effort to get him.
I obviously think Klutch is important, not only because they can be an exclusive source of talent but also for their input and judgment on players. Frankly, I trust them maybe more than the Lakers when it comes making decision and I like that the alliance gives LeBron and AD a bigger say in what we do. Now, that didn’t work out well with Russ but in general, they have to be in the loop. That they were should make them secure in their value and relationship. Will be easier for Rob to get true consensus and support this summer.
I’ve come to the conclusion we need to package both picks with Russ’ expiring contract to get the best return in trade. Rob needs a deal the Pacers, who reportedly are willing to trade Turner for two firsts or a first and a promising young player, or the Knicks, who might want to trade Randle, or the Rockets, who were willing to trade Wall and Wood for Russ, THT, and the 2027 first round pick. There were lots of deals if we were willing to give up the pick. Funny how the pick had great value while Russ, THT, and Nunn turned into trade filler.
I still think we can get a deal for Turner, Brogdon, and Hield or Wood, Gordon, and Wall or Randle, Rose, and Redding for Westbrook, two unprotected post-LeBron first round picks, and filler. Need to package Russ’ expiring with our two first rounders to get best return while dumping Russ.
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Do you really want to pay Lebron near 100 mil for a two year extension for seasons 21 & 22?
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1. There’s plenty of blame to go around. It does no good to dwell on it.
2. She probably won’t and with the nucleus they have, it wouldn’t matter.
3. The greatest coaches of all time couldn’t have resolved this mess of a roster.
4. No, no, and HELL NO. Lebron is fading fast and there’s absolutely no reason to believe this is going to change. Only if he extends for like 2yrs/40mil total, not the near 100mil he’d want for his year 21 and 22 seasons. ABSO-F’ING-LUTELY NO. Not to mention is Mr. Glass sidekick. Him playing just long enough just to get hurt again isn’t the outlier, it’s who AD is. Trade him while he still has some value. Another beat up season, and he’ll also be untradeable, damaged goods. Which brings us to your next ridiculous notion . . .
5. WTF for? So head LeKlutch weasel little Richie can milk more money out of yet another franchise for one of his sorry clients? Maybe when James could carry a weak team on his own, but now? Naw, the juice ain’t worth the squeeze. Possibly if they’d include Gordon AND Wood, but not straight up, and definitely not with one of the only assets they have left in that draft pick a million years away.
6. Your Turner obsession would be funny at this point if it weren’t so misguided. No way they want THT after the season he’s had, and Nunn is opting out of this mess, no doubt. Plus throwing away the last draft pick they have for near a decade to suffer even longer is just bad team management.This version of Lebron is not a championship centerpiece. AD is not to be counted on. He’s that guy who gets his ring and his money, and stops caring. You’ve been around this game long enough to have seen that countless times, so I’m not sure how you’re missing it now. Making all these moves just puts you in deep, prolonged NBA purgatory AT BEST. Bron and AD have another injury-riddled season and they’re right back where they started from.
Best to tear it down and start over. Anything else is just a fool’s errand.
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A lot depends on what Nunn does, actually. Seems odd he would opt out (to me) since there’s not a ton of FA money this summer and we just happily allowed him to rehab all season long. Either as a trade piece or just his cap space if Nunn walks that will be yet another player we spent money on who walked while we got nothing back in return. If he doesn’t opt in we don’t really get back what we invested last season so add that to another Rob Blunder.
I think we can all see how poorly Rob has done, will Jeannie? I kind of doubt it and I don’t see anyone saying it was all on them. Frank and injuries will be excuse enough to cover their azzes (in their minds) so I kind of expect at least another season essentially like this one. Rob has mismanaged most of his tools away and in the process left Frank with a nigh uncoachable team.
In terms of specific trades I don’t really see any of these working out either in getting made (except the terrible one for John Wall which is just a lateral move that costs us future assets, at best) by the opposing teams. Indy would have to really value THT who pans out as mediocre right now. Plus his deal is expiring with no added ability or the team to keep him so Indy would basically just be looking at him walking away after the season just to move Turner. Don’t see how it benefits them, even if you add in Nunn. Now, if one of the 1st rounders comes their way in that deal that might be a different story.
But I don’t think we need to focus specifically on a stretch five. Would it be nice? Sure but the defensive issues we have should be addressed as a priority and so we need to bring back the best defensive center we can, however that gets done. If they can shoot, wonderful. If not, they can probably dunk the ball which is enough for me.
All in all, I don’t really see us having enough assets to get back to what we had in the banner season. There aren’t the players available in free agency, we don’t have much to ship out (cue the slew of “Laker fans vastly under value their assets!” articles) and I don’t think Jeannie will suddenly embrace spending. So I see us basically treading water this summer and making a band aid move or two, cycling in different old guys, and hoping for health.
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Jamie,
I think we may need to make both of our picks totally unprotected. If you remember at the trade deadline, nobody was complaining about the Lakers first round pick being not until 2027. Everybody realized it was a post-LeBron first round pick which considering how the Lakers were doing could end up being solid platinum.
We turned down several deals that would have helped, including one for Christian Wood, that having two first round picks should give us additional trading power this summer. I also think people are underestimating how valuable a $47M expiring contract is. That can fuel a complete rebuild for most NBA teams.
Anyway, I remain optimistic that Rob will get everybody on the same page and we will make a mega deal to trade Russ for three starters to kick us back into championship contention.
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The fact that we didn’t run a banner winning squad back is borderline criminal. To not run it back because of some perceived offensive issue are indefensible since, as has now been pointed out to me numerous times, we have to out score the opposition to win which we actually did to the tune of an NBA banner. Then, to not maximize all available tools to improve a roster that led the league in Def. Efficiency while subsequently shipping out literally every defensive player except AD is beyond mind-boggling. Time to face the reality that Rob has no clue how to assemble a winning basketball team and is going to make us all suffer for hoping he can. We over-corrected ourselves into quite the cap situation. No good path forward from where I’m sitting, either. Already buckling up for a dismal next season or until whenever Jeannie actually does something, anything about this dysfunctional mess.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreThe Los Angeles Lakers are on the precipice of finishing outside of the top-ten teams in the West and missing the play-in tournament and playoffs or being the most dangerous #8 playoff seed this side of the Brooklyn Nets.
Whether it’s the wacky nature of this polarizing Lakers team or the rising parity and changing of the guard in the NBA, the line between a season becoming a stunning disaster or shocking success has never been thinner. Heading into today’s marquee matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans, the Los Angeles Lakers are 1.5 games away from being the #11 seed in the West, which would mean missing the Play-In Tournament and playoffs.
With just 9 games remaining, the Lakers are in a brutal 3-way battle with the Pelicans and Spurs for the #9 and #10 seeds in the West. The Lakers lead the Pelicans by just a half game and the Spurs by just one and a half games. Adding to the chaos of the situation is the reality many of the remaining games for the Lakers, Pelicans, and Spurs will be against teams for whom those games won’t matter, making it hard to predict who will prevail.
Here are the nine remaining games on the Lakers’ regular season schedule:
What jumps out right away about the Lakers schedule are the two games ]against the Pelicans, today March 27th in New Orleans, and on April 1st in Los Angeles. Win those two games and Lakers championship quest is alive. Lose both games and the Lakers will likely finish an embarrassing 11th in the West and miss ]the Play-In Tournament and playoffs. That could lead to major changes in both the Lakers’ front office and coaching staff.
The Los Angeles Lakers have played their best basketball of the year the last four games. Their game today against the Pelicans is the most important game of the season. In many ways, the Lakers’ season is on the line today. Winning this game will transform the Lakers from a season-long embarrassment to a dangerous team no other team wants to meet in the playoffs. Lakers are the last team the Suns want to face in the first round.
This is hopefully the third and final Covid colored NBA season. The Lakers have an opportunity to win their second championship in the last three years. Today, we’ll get a glimpse of just how possible that dream could be.
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Reality time meets dream weaver, only room for one. Lose this one and the way forward just keeps getting harder and harder.
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I think the Lakers season is on the line tonight.
This is as close as you can get to a must win game. -
Gary Wright sings; “I believe we can make it through the night.” Dream Weaver
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I look at tonight’s game as a must-win. Even Russ said it the other day. My worry is are the Lakers going to be affected by the 3-day layoff? They don’t seem to respond well to a long playoff all season long. Hope they recognize the importance of this game and come out and play with purpose and a sense of urgency. The season is on the line. Go Lakers!
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreWhile it’s only three games, there are signs the ageless LeBron James, the recently redeemed Russell Westbrook, and the young Los Angeles Lakers’ resurgent roster may have finally figured out how to win playing together.
The Lakers may have found a rhythm and strategy on offense and defense that’s not only working now but could be even better once Davis and Nunn return and replace Howard and Bradley in the starting lineup and rotation. Basically, the Lakers have surrounded superstars LeBron James and Russell Westbrook with bigger young wings like Stanley Johnson and Wenyen Gabriel and Swiss Army knife guards Austin Reaves and Malik Monk.
The combination of more size, youth, and energy has led to the Lakers playing the best basketball of the season over the last three games. Whether there is still time for the Lakers to turn around their season is the question. There are still doubts Anthony Davis and Kendrick Nunn will be able to recover from their respective injuries in time to become available for the remainder of the regular season, the play-in tournament, or the playoffs.
While it may be a case of too little too late, there are definitely signs LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, and the Los Angeles Lakers have finally started to figure out how to actually win playing together. Let’s look at those signs.
The Never-Ending Greatness of LeBron James
There’s a reason why no NBA team wants to meet the Lakers in the playoffs and that fear starts with the never-ending greatness of LeBron James, who would be having his fifth MVP season if the Lakers had a winning record.
Now playing in his 19th NBA season, the 37-year old James is finally showing occasional hits from Father Time as his explosiveness sometimes wans and injuries appear to be happening more often and taking longer to heal. Averaging a league best 30.0 points with 8.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists in 37.1 minutes per game while shooting 52.3%/35.4%/75.8%, LeBron is playing like the best player on the planet with two 50-point games last week.
While it’s been a frustrating and injury plagued season, James has remained motivated due to achieving career benchmarks in playmaking and scoring and remains completely confident the Lakers can pull off a playoff run. Assuming LeBron’s knee injury doesn’t get worse, the Los Angeles Lakers know to a man they’re never out of the championship conversation as long as LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain healthy, rested, and engaged.
As long as the Los Angeles Lakers have a healthy LeBron James, they will always have a puncher’s chance to win any series. If the Lakers can load manage LeBron so he’s healthy and rested, they can still win another ring.
The Miraculous Redemption of Russell Westbrook
After a disappointing year where the Lakers and Westbrook agreed to part ways at the end of the season, Russ pulled off a miraculous steal and game-tying three that led to a Lakers’ overtime upset of the Toronto Raptors.
As unlikely as it might be, Westbrook ‘plucking’ that game out of the loss column and ‘putting’ it into the win column was the kind of miracle that could turn a team’s entire season around. It was redemption for Westbrook. Russ has struggled playing with LeBron and AD as opponents mercilessly pack the paint to prevent Lakers’ superstars from attacking the rim. The lack of spacing has been a problem up until the Lakers’ last three games.
Averaging 21.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.7 assists in 37.7 minutes per game while shooting 53.2%/50.0%/66.7% the last three games, Russ finally figured out how to post and take advantage of defenders who sag off him. Russ posting up is the perfect counter fore paint packing by other teams and usually leads to Russ scoring or forcing the opponent to double, which opens up space for shooters to spot up and lanes for cutters to cut.
While the Lakers will still likely move on from Russ, his redemption and the new offensive strategy of posting him up to force teams to double and open up shots for cutters and shooters has given new life to Russ’ game.
The Unlimited Potential of Anthony Davis
Less than a year and a half after helping LeBron win their 17th NBA championship, Anthony Davis has become the forgotten Laker superstar, nicknamed “Street Clothes” because of his propensity to get injured.
Integrating Anthony Davis should go a long way towards solving the Lakers size problems as well as defensive woes. Having their elite shot blocker who can guard all five positions back should quickly cure the Lakers’ defense. That’s why the progress the James and Westbrook have made is the silver lining in Anthony Davis getting injured. Not only did it give James and Westbrook time to jell but also Davis time to rest and get healthy,
Despite the frustration of this year’s injuries, the way Anthony Davis was playing before suffering the knee injury is incredibly encouraging for the Lakers as he was hitting shots from everywhere and playing great defense. The key for Davis when the Lakers won their championship in the bubble was the months off he head to rest and get healthy before the playoffs. Don’t look now but the Lakers may once again have a healthy, rested AD.
Anthony Davis had just 8 games to get ready for the playoffs in the bubble. If LeBron and Russ can figure out how to win without AD, then adding Davis for the playoffs will make the Lakers the team nobody wants to play.
The Surprise Upside of the Young Lakers
The wild card as the Lakers finish this agonizing regular season is how the older proven veteran players who were expected to dominate the rotations lost their place to better, more energetic and versatile younger players.
Offensively, the Lakers have doubled down on small ball, gambling the elite playmaking of superstars LeBron James and Russell Westbrook surrounded by talented young players who constantly move their bodies and the ball. The result is an offensive chemistry and cohesiveness we have not seen before with this team that’s posted the second best offensive rating and second highest assists in the league in winning two of the last three games.
What the Lakers have discovered is a smart way to use ball and player movement to create scoring opportunities when opposing teams are able to successfully pack the paint against James, Davis, and Westbrook. Surrounding LeBron and Russ with young energetic players who can attack the rim on cuts or splash wide open threes when left alone has been a lethal counter to teams packing the paint to force Lakers to shoot jumpers.
The energy, effort, movement, and chemistry from young Lakers like Austin Reaves, Malik Monk, Stanley Johnson, and Wenyen Gabriel has given the team’s superstars the perfect cast of savvy, talented, energetic role players.
The Lakers Amazing 18th NBA Championship?
How good could the Los Angeles Lakers be if LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook really figure out how to win playing together? Good enough to win their second NBA championship in the last four years.
Still missing superstar Davis and top summer recruit Nunn, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by the the ageless LeBron James and the rejuvenated Russell Westbrook, have finally started to figure out how to win games together. Russ is playing like a redeemed man who just woke up from a nightmare where his shot, handle, and brand had been badly damaged and sees an opportunity to launch a total redemption and revenge tour for the Lakers.
The resulting mix of elite veteran playmaking and energetic young talent and the resulting chemistry and cohesion has the Lakers finally looking like the team many thought they could be when the Westbrook trade happened. The players are starting to play on a string at both ends of the court, cobbling together 30-assist games, winning the rebounding and points in the paint battles, and playing their championship small-ball-on-steroids.
The Lakers will have to win two games in the Play-In to win the right to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs but there’s no question the Lakers will be the team nobody wants to meet in the NBA playoffs.
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Let me be clear, I loved how the Lakers continued to pay the same style on offense and defense despite missing both LeBron James and Anthony Davis. It was the fourth game in a row where the team played hard, smart, and better than all season long. A few less turnovers by Russ and 3-point makes and we would have had a great upset. Lakers showing why nobody wants to meet them in the play-in or the playoffs.
This could all turn to dust with another untimely injury but, after a season of disastrous events, the Lakers suddenly seem to be getting their act together. Is it probably too little too late? Could be but there’s also the reality that this team could be big trouble with LeBron playing like the best player on earth, AD playing like Bubble AD, and Russ finally figuring out how to undermine the paint packing by posting up his man.
If the Lakers can pull this off, it would be the greatest championship run in NBA history. I predict the Lakers will at least make the Western Conference Finals this season, maybe even saving Frank Vogel’s job as head coach.
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Great article, Tom! Even though the Lakers lost to the Sixers yesterday, they came very close to a W without Bron, which is great!
One thing your article didn’t adddress is the effectiveness of DJAugustin and DHoward. I’m super impressed with the way DJ is able to play off the ball, so we can have him play at the same time as Russ, and they seem to have good chemistry. His shooting is terrific, and Bron should be happy to have him too. Finall, Dwight is still excellent when he’s able to play; his game against the potential MVP Embiid was phenomenal, and Mark Jackson commented on him too. Dwight will be very helpful against teams using big centers. He’s not as quick as Jokic, but he’s good against almost any other 5. We’ll need AD to defend against Jokic, if the chance arises! The biggest problem I’ve had with Vogel was his stupidity in playing Deandre Jordan over him, suggestive of a brain aneurism!-
Great to see you joining the blog, Dean. I’ve loved communicating with you on Twitter and it’s going to be fun having your input and takes on Lakerholics.Com.
You’re absolutely correct that a fourth element should have been the contributions of DJ, Dwight, and Melo. Those guys are going to be instrumental in any run we get in the playoffs.
To me, the turning point for this season was Russ literally stealing a game that had already been recorded as a loss and putting it the win column. That game changed everything for Russ and Lakers.
I love the late comments by the announcers that if the Lakers players play like this when LeBron and AD come back, nobody is going to want to play LAL in the playoffs.
Winning #1 seed in the East and West is a dicey affair this year as the Nets and the Lakers look as their respective first round opponents. Believe it or not, the Lakers have a path to a title.
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Dwight coming up big was really important to Lakers’ chances in the playoffs against the teams from the East. I was worried after his previous game that Dwight was washed. It was great to see him do well, especially on offense finishing at the rim and hitting his free throws. He’s going to be indispensable in the playoffs.
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I hope this year will be a reminder of the bubble championship, where Frank made some shaky game 1 decisions but then made the right calls to roll to the championship.
It’s almost criminal how much time it takes him to stop trusting a veteran player who is playing poorly. Jordan, Drummond, Bradley. Ironically, most of the scenarios where the Lakers make a deep playoff run or even win a championship, are also scenarios where Russell Westbrook and Frank Vogel both might save their jobs.
That clearly makes this the wackiest NBA season ever. I could even see the Lakers winning their 18th NBA championship in this wacky season. Winning the #18 while coming from the #10 seed in the West.
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Tom, I think the team is finally finding some cohesion and chemistry that could be the turning point of the season. It all began when Russ sent the game to overtime against the Raptors and help pull victory from the jaws of defeat.
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Welcome to the blog Dean!!! Happy to have new voices and opinions. Sorry it had to be during such a slog of a season but it is what it is.
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Welcome to the blog, Dean. Love your take on DJ Augustin and Dwight. Great points.
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The only thing this affects is will it be enough to nix a potential trade of Russ this summer. For the “trade Russ” advocates you kind of don’t want them to figure it out at this point. That opens the “well we now have a bunch of excuses NOT to trade Russ!” door. Even I, who had high hopes early on, don’t think this is a union that should last past this season but as we now know the talent evaluation ability of the front office is…shall we say flawed.
I don’t think we can hope for anything other than a brave showing in the playin, maybe a lengthy battle before 1st round exit at best. I’d certainly love to be proven wrong on that score but it’s just hard for me to believe in this team given the quality of their play from preseason to now. Worst case scenario at this point is obviously getting knocked out of the 10th spot by the Spurs.
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Now you’re scaring me, Jamie. Although I was kidding earlier that a Western Conference Finals finish could save both Frank’s and Russ’ jobs, I didn’t really consider the impact of that happening. Please, God, no.
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It’s anyone’s guess what Rob will do. Other than slowly dismantling a championship nucleus season-by-season since they won it’s hard to pin down how he wants the team to look.
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One of the things I dislike about Rob is he doesn’t seem to have a preference for style of play. There’s no consistent vision of the kind of team we’re trying to build. It changes every season with the players.
I prefer a GM who has strong belief in playing modern basketball. I don’t like GM’s who claim they can build teams to play any style and don’t have a preference. Same with coaches. Philosophy is important. It matters for GM’s and coaches. Rob has no philosophy while Frank has an outdated and unbalanced basketball philosophy.
Anybody who’s watched and studied the game has to have some understanding of how to play the game the right way. Fundamentals. Share the ball. Play smart. Shoot the three. Defend all three levels.
You build teams that fit the vision. What’s Rob’s vision? Frankly, nobody knows. It’s like having a handyman designing your dream home rather than an architect.
Take ‘Winning Time!’ Jerry Buss had a vision and turned it into Showtime. Phil Jackson had a vision and turned it into 5 titles. What this team lacks is an owner of PBO and coach who have a modern vision for the Lakers. It sure isn’t Jeanie and Rob. They’re just tinkers not tailors.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreFor a franchise that won the championship a year and a half ago by being the physically bigger and more athletically dominant team, the Lakers seem to have forgotten how much size matters, even in today’s positionless NBA.
The Lakers’ lack of front court size other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be at the heart of their plans to rebuild their roster this offseason. The question is whether to acquire more size via a small forward or center? While pursuing a small forward like Jerami Grant makes sense, trading for a modern center who can protect the rim and stretch the floor like Christian Wood or Myles Turner could be a smarter strategic move for the Lakers.
Trading for Christian Wood or Myles Turner has distinct advantages over trading for Jerami Grant. Most importantly, it lets Anthony Davis and LeBron James play their preferred power forward and small forward positions. Adding a center like Christian Wood or Myles Turner would also give the Lakers the versatility to play play big or small and empower them to have a leading shot blocker protecting the rim for all 48 minutes of every game.
While many expect the Lakers to pursue Jerami Grant, the Lakers should surprise everybody and zig while the rest of the league zags. Dominating size was a big part of the formula the Lakers used to win their 18th title. They need the intimidating rim protection of their title run in the bubble but updated with a modern center who can not only block shots but also create desperately needed spacing by pulling opposing big men out of the paint.
The Los Angeles’ Lakers objective this summer should be to trade Russell Westbrook and rebuild the team’s starting lineup with elite 3-point shooters and defenders to complement superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Ideally, the Lakers need to find a trading partner to take Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and their 2027 and 2029 first round picks in return for a new starting point guard, shooting guard, and center.
Here are two proposed mega trades to give the Lakers three new starters. They acquire Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, and Buddy Hield from the Pacers or Christian Wood, John Wall, and Eric Gordon from the Rockets.
Pacers’ Trade for Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, and Buddy Hield
The Lakers logical trade partner this summer should be the Pacers, who are in the middle of a total rebuild, having already traded Sabonis, LeVert, Holiday, Lamb, and Craig with Turner, Brogdon, and Hield still on the block.
The core of the Lakers and Pacers trade is Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract in a salary dump for the $40.5 million over two years owed Buddy Hield and the $44.3 million over two years owed Malcolm Brogdon. The Lakers would move to expand the trade by adding Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and their 2027 and 2029 first round draft picks to the deal to convince the Pacers to include Myles Turner’s $18 million expiring contract.
For the Lakers, the trade transforms their starting lineup at both ends with Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield becoming the starting guards and Myles Turner the starting center playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Suddenly, the perimeter defense, rim protection, playmaking, rebounding, points in the paint, 3-point shooting, ball security, and floor spacing for the Lakers starting lineup dramatically improves over this year’s starting lineup.
The beauty of the Pacers trade is the Lakers total payroll remains about the same as this season as will the team’s luxury tax bill. The team also gets younger with the 26-year old Turner and 29-year old Brogdon and Hield. Winning with LeBron requires surrounding the King with high volume, high percentage 3-point shooters and adding Turner, Hield, and Brogdon should move the Lakers’ 3-point attempts and percentage to top five.
While Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, and Buddy Hield are not superstars, they’re the three legitimate championship quality starters the Lakers need to complement superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis and win #18.
Rockets’ Trade for Christian Wood, John Wall, and Eric Gordon
The Lakers other top trade partner this summer should be the Rockets, who are undergoing a major rebuild and will be looking to move veterans like Eric Gordon, John Wall, and Christian Wood for young prospects and draft picks.
The core of the Lakers and Rockets trade is a swap of Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract for John Wall’s $47 million expiring contract as the Lakers and Westbrook mutually agreed to part ways the end of year. The Lakers would expand the trade by adding Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, Stanley Johnson, and their 2027 and 2029 first round picks to get the Pacers to include Christian Wood and Eric Gordon in the deal.
For the Lakers, the trade transforms their starting lineup at both ends with John Wall and Eric Gordon becoming the starting guards and Christian Wood the starting center playing with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Suddenly, the Lakers become a more versatile and dangerous team that can play five-out small-ball-on-steroids with three of the best small ball centers in the league in Anthony Davis, Christian Wood, and LeBron James.
The one negative to this trade is that the Lakers total salaries increase by $16.3 million, which could result in extra luxury taxes unless the Lakers move Wall, which they will have the opportunity to do before the deadline. There’s a good chance they could use Wall’s $47 million expiring contract to pick up some bench depth much like the Clippers were able to do this year at the deadline with their great midseason trade for Powell and Covington.
While Christian Wood, Eric Gordon, and John Wall are not superstars, they’re the three legitimate championship quality starters the Lakers need to complement superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis and win #18.
LAKERS POST-TRADE DEPTH CHART liked this
6 Comments-
The more LeBron and AD get injured, the more I think bringing in a young stretch center like Turner or Wood makes a lot of sense. It would let the Lakers still play the same small ball style of play with Turner or Wood stretching the floor.
What’s ironic about the entire situation is if the Lakers had made that decision last year, head coach Frank Vogel might not be fighting for his coaching life right now. Anyway, time for the Lakers to invest in starting center for the future in either Myles Turner or Christian Wood.
The Lakers have shown interest in Turner last summer and in Wood at the trade deadline so there’s clearly some interest by Pelinka in adding a stretch five center to strengthen the Lakers front court situation. Both players are 26-years old, although Turner is the more proven product and is much bigger. Wood may be a better 3-point shooter and more explosive finisher attacking the rim.
Either would bring dynamic athleticism and shot blocking to the Lakers. While I do like Jerami Grant, I’m not sure he would have the impact that Wood or Turner would have because we would still be relying on AD and LeBron at the five and four full time rather than as a closing lineup because they can platy big with LeBron, AD, and Turner or Wood.
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It’s not serious and he should be fully recovered by start of next season.
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I’d be perfectly fine with an elite defender at the 5, don’t see the need for a stretch five unless one becomes available for the right deal. With the theory being AD and LBJ will be relatively healthy after another long summer I think we need to truly re-focus our identity back to defense. I’d love Turner but don’t see Indy making that deal as they are never in “full rebuild mode” and ownership has said as much. Maybe THT and Nunn for Myles rather than shoot for the Moon with a mega trade. At any rate, give me a young athletic center who can finish at the rim and in the paint if it’s doable rather than hold out for a unicorn type multi-tool player. Honestly, Turner isn’t even that great at shooting the 3 and is hurt a lot, give me a dude who can go 82.
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While both Turner and Wood are 26-years old, Turner is by far the more proven product and a bigger, better rim protector and low post defender due to his 6′ 11″ and 250 lbs. Turner is a career 34.9% 3-point shooter who’s averaging 4.4 3PA per game.
Besides giving you some spacing, Turner is a better low post scorer and lob and pick and roll finisher than Howard at this point. He truly has the size to defend Embiid and Jokic. Unlike Howard and McGee and traditional low post centers, his ability to stretch the floor makes it hard to play him off the floor.
And the Lakers can then switch up on teams and go small with AD or LeBron at the five as a change of pace or better matchup. I love the versatility that Turner would give us.
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Wood is more of a poor man’s Anthony Davis. He’s less experienced than Turner but smaller and lighter at 6′ 9″ and 214 lbs, is a much more aggressive rim attacker and dunker, and a better 3-point shooter: 38.1% on 4.9 3PA per game.
Wood could play stretch four or five whereas Turner is a five. Wood probably has poor man’s AD potential to defend smaller players with his speed, athleticism, and hops.
Only questions about Wood are his motor and character as he can be moody and is still very inexperienced. On the other hand, the Lakers could probably trade for him more easily than Turner and his upside could be greater: a true version of Anthony Davis lite.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreIn every great sports championship, there is a moment when the winning team figures out what they need to do and how they need to play to win. Last night might have been that night for Russell Westbrook and the Lakers.
After an accursed season where injuries undermined promise and the ball never seemed to bounce the Lakers’ way, last night’s inspired overtime win over the Toronto Raptors due to Russell Westbrook’s heroics raises hopes. Russ’ clutch steal with the Lakers down three and ten seconds left in regulation and dagger three to tie and send the game into overtime may have changed everything for him and the Lakers going forward.
It’s easy to ignore last night’s game as just an outlier but there are legitimate reasons to be optimistic that the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook may finally be figuring out how to integrate their games and make it work. There were strong signs LeBron and Russ were figuring out both how to share ball handling duties and make an impact off the ball. The player and ball movement last night was outstanding as the playmaking with 33 assists.
There were also signs the coaching staff may finally be getting it together. Frank Vogel finally put 6′ 8″ Wenyen Gabriel in the starting lineup alongside 6′ 10″ Dwight Howard so the Lakers’ size wouldn’t handicap them all night. Small ball is fine when it’s on steroids with LeBron and AD but micro ball with LeBron and four guards just leaves the team undersized and undermanned. It’s not only dispiriting but also a recipe to lose games.
What are the odds last night’s moment could be a momentum changing moment for the Lakers? That Russell Westbrook was the protagonist and catalyst in last night’s win makes the moment pregnant with possibility. Russ figured out last night how to fit his game with LeBron and the rest of the team. While he had his usual dumb turnovers and missed layups, Russ played like Russ, attacking the paint, making right pass.
There was jerkiness and unpredictability about how the Lakers played on offense and defense last night. We made unexpected plays helping on defense and sharing the ball on offense without relying on micro ball. The key was more ball and player movement and fewer isolation plays. While we lost in transition , our half court offense was best we’ve seen in a while as we posted 33 assists, our second best total as a team this season.
Maybe this is a mirage but there’s a chance last night could have been the moment that changed the season for Westbrook and the Lakers. We’ll find out tonight if last night was a false dawn or a genuine awakening.
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3 Comments-
Adding Wenyen Gabriel to the starting lineup allowed the Lakers to play their small ball style game but with size to not be handicapped in the paint. Did a good job holding their own on the boards and in the paint.
Will this be a turning point for the Lakers. It could be. If we’re going to make any noise in the Play-In or Playoffs, we’re going to need to start learning how to win. Last night was a first good step and the fact that Russ won an unwinnable game is a perfect place to start our comeback.
Tonight, the Lakers won’t let us down. Not this time.
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What we have been lacking in the past games is someone who is going to take charge and be the leadoff person to start games. That’s what we had in Gabriel last night. His energy was contagious and the team woke up.
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No. This is a season of poor choices, missed opportunities and bad luck. There will be no turning point, corner rounded or switch flipped.
This moment is why I don’t laugh off preseason or chuckle away early season losses. Those were the times we were supposed to be forming good habits and instead the team and much of the fan base went ‘La La’ on the process that builds a successful season. Here’s hoping everyone gets the message that preseason matters, every game counts and the habits you establish in the early part of the season are the ones that define you later on.
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