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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreThe clock is ticking and the Lakers have 24 hours left to find a playmaking, volume 3-point shooting, impact guard to replace LeBron James and a big rim protecting, athletic, shot blocking center to replace Anthony Davis.
The recent media take is the Lakers are willing to move some combination of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol to find a playmaking, 3-point shooting guard to turbo charge their flailing offense. While their current position is they’re not willing to part with young Talen Horton-Tucker or their 2027 first round pick as part of any deal, it’s hard to see that preventing them from pulling the trigger on a promising trade.
The Lakers also seem committed to waiting for the buyout market after the trade deadline to sign Andre Drummond to protect the rim and stop the bleeding of opponent points in the paint that’s undermined their defense. The Cavs are almost certainly going to have to buyout Drummond and the opportunity to become the Lakers’ starting center and win a championship alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis make LA the heavy favorite.
So let’s take a closer look at the guards whom the Lakers may be targeting, how they would help solve the team’s current offensive woes, who are the major competitors, and what it might take for the Lakers to trade for them.
1. LONZO BALL
New Orleans Pelicans, PG, 23 yrs, 6′ 6,” 190 lbs
TYR$11,003,782, NYR $14,359,936 QO
14.2/4.2/5.6, 42.5/38.5/76.7%, 7.8 3PA
Lonzo is perfect point guard for the Lakers without or with LeBron. Adds playmaking and volume 3-point shooting. KCP is better option than Bledsoe or Redick at shooting guard and brings defense for 28th ranked Pelicans. If needed, Lakers should be willing to include THT or 2027 first round pick.
2. VICTOR OLADIPO
Houston Rockets, SG, 28 yes, 6′ 4,” 210 lbs
TYR $21,000,000
20.8/5.0/4.7, 41.1/33.3/76.7%, 7.7 3PA
Victor would be a great fit on both ends of court short and long term for Lakers if healthy. Playmaker, volume 3-point shooter, and elite defender. KCP is able replacement at the two and Rockets have cap space to re-sign Trezz. Trading for Oladipo is a gamble but could get coveted third superstar.
3. TERRY ROZIER
Charlotte Hornets, 27 yrs, SG, 6′ 1,” 190 lbs
TYR $18,900,000, NYR $17,905,263
20.2/3.8/3.3, 47.3/41.8/84.7%, 7.9 3PA
Terry would give the Lakers a playmaking, high scoring, high volume 3-point shooting guard they need to pair with Schroder. Harrell would give the Hornets the front court scorer they need and KCP an able replacement for Rozier. Trade could be expanded to include centers Gasol and Biyombo.
4. MALCOLM BROGDON
Indiana Pacers, 28 yrs, PG, 6′ 5,” 229 lbs
TYR $20,700,000, YR2 $21,700,000, YR3 $22,600,000
21.6/4.7/6.1, 46.0/39.8/87.7%, 6.5 3PA
Brogdon would be a terrific fit on the Lakers for the season and the playoffs. Excellent playmaker, volume 3-point shooter, and defender. KCP would be a good 3&D addition to the Pacers and Harrell the scoring backup to Sabonis and Turner they need. Lakers take advantage of Pacers cutting payroll.
5. KYLE LOWRY
Toronto Raptors, 34 yrs, 6′ 0,” 196 lbs
TYR $30,500,000
17.6/5.6/7.4, 43.8/39.1/88.4%, 7.2 3PA
Lowry would be the perfect point guard for the Lakers. True point guard who’s also a volume 3-point shooter, team leader, and proven defender. Raptors get young point guard replacement in Schroder, elite backup in Harrell, dump Baynes for return of Gasol, and quality guard depth in KCP.
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Trade for Lowry and sign Drummond and you get…
PG; LOWRY, THT, Thomas
SG; KUZMA, CARUSO, Matthews
SF: JAMES, McKinnie
PF: DAVIS, MORRIS, Dudley
CE: DRUMMOND, BAYNES, JonesThat’s a great starting lineup and 9 man (ALL CAPS) playoff rotation.
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5. KYLE LOWRY TRADE
Lowry would be perfect for Lakers. True point guard, volume 3-point shooter, team leader, proven defender.
Raptors get young replacement in Schroder, elite backup in Harrell, dump Baynes for return of Gasol, and quality depth in KCPhttps://t.co/wjdbUX0GTN pic.twitter.com/gjI5RdQN9v
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 24, 2021
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Kyle Lowry turns 35 tomorrow. One thing to note is he is still playing at a championship level.
Averaging 17.6/5.6/7.4 – all better than career averages
Shooting 43.8/39.1/88.4% – all better than career averages
Taking 7.2 3PA per game – also higher than career average. -
Heat’s offer for Lowry is Goran Dragic, Avery Bradley, and Duncan Robinson. Lakers could easily better than offer with Dennis Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell.
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GO BIG OR GO HOME! That’s where Lakers are at right now.
I’ve looked at what is being proposed by the 76ers and Heat and the Lakers can certainly beat those offers if they want. Bottom line, it’s up to Rob Pelinka to complete this trade and set the Lakers up for a three-peat and LeBron’s fifth and six rings and team’s 18th and 19th championships.
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I’m not with ya LT on giving up too much for Lowery. Not sure why you want to rid of Harrell? He plays harder and better than anyone on the team, besides LBJ.
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With you there. Old guards are risky. And why trade for Dennis if you’re going to dump him for a rental? And doesn’t Jeanie’s hug count?
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreMultiple NBA cognoscenti have confirmed centers Marc Gasol and Montrezl Harrell have been put on the trading block, which means Andre Drummond has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers once his Cavs’ buyout is complete.
While the timing could still be tricky, there’s no way the Lakers would be shopping the only two centers on their roster unless they were completely confident Andre Drummond was going to be available and sign with them. While nothing is certain until all the contracts are signed, it appears the Lakers are looking to go all-in on revamping their roster in the wake of the recent ankle injury that’s likely going to keep LeBron James our for weeks.
In addition to Gasol and Harrell, reports confirm the Lakers have also been shopping starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who signed a 3-year extension this offseason but has been mired in a horrendous slump. While Gasol’s and KCP’s trade values have plummeted, Montrezl Harrell’s value as a trading chip has never been higher as he’s expanded his game at both ends of the court and will be in line for a major raise in free agency.
The big question now is what will Rob Pelinka to be able to acquire in trade for Montrezl Harrell, Marc Gasol, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to help the Lakers both until LeBron and AD return and to repeat as NBA champions? Assuming Drummond solves the starting center rim protection issues, the Lakers’ top priority short term has to be a true lead or point guard to run the offense and make plays for teammates until LeBron James returns.
Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Marc Gasol represent $23.8 million in potential outgoing salary. Since the Lakers are only $2 million below the hard cap, they can bring back $25.8 million in salary. With the Lakers looking for a true point guard and extension talks with Schroder possibly stalled, it’s not impossible the Lakers might be willing to include Dennis’ $15.5 million salary to pursue a player like Kyle Lowry.
Dennis Schroder, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Marc Gasol to the Raptors for Kyle Lowry might be a real possibility. Lowry and Drummond could keep the Lakers winning in the short term until LeBron and AD can come back. The Lakers could then trade Harrell, Matthews, McKinnie, and Dudley to the Hornets for Terry Rozier. Lowry and Rozier would be give the Lakers a dramatically upgraded backcourt with two volume 3-point shooters.
The Lakers would not only be able to thrive in the short term but would be better positioned to repeat as NBA champions with a starting lineup of Kyle Lowry, Terry Rozier, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Andre Drummond. They’d also have a strong bench and deep roster by keeping Talen Horton-Tucker, Alex Caruso, Kyle Kuzma, and Markieff Morris to back up the guard and forward positions and re-signing Damian Jones to backup center.
These are, of course, just two of the options Rob Pelinka and the Lakers might be considering. They would be smart to be looking at Lonzo Ball at point guard and Bogdan Bogdanovic and Victor Oladipo at shooting guard. The one thing that seems certain is the Lakers appear to have reached an agreement in principle with Andre Drummond and have now put Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Marc Gasol on the trading block.
And that is great news for Lakers fans as it show that Rob Pelinka realizes they simply cannot stand pat in the wake of LeBron’s injury. Instead, they must embrace this as a chance to rebuild the roster short and long term. While you never want to see a superstar player suffer an injury, this could turn out to be a blessing for the Lakers. The silver lining could be LeBron getting needed time off and the Lakers getting a roster building mulligan.
There’s nothing more exciting than NBA free agency and the trade deadline. Rob Pelinka has an opportunity to turn what appeared to be disaster that threatened the Lakers championship hopes into a brilliant transformation.
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I have to say I’m impressed with the logic and process behind the moves being attributed to the Lakers. We would not be shopping Trezz and Marc unless we had Andre in the bag.
Like that Klutch relationship is not stopping KCP from being shopped. Most importantly, nobody but LBJ and AD are untouchable. If we need to move THT or Caruso, so be it. This is about not wasting a championship opportunity.
I think we have some great opportunities to get a guard to help carry the load until LeBron and AD return. Would love to see both guard spots upgraded with volume 3-point shooters. Two guys who shoot the three, defend well, and are playmakers would transform this team. Along with Drummond.
I’m excited about the possibilities. Next two days going to very exciting. Hopefully, even better than the offseason. We’re lucky Bron got injured before the deadline. This is going to end up helping the team repeat rather than hurting us. BB gods on Lakers side last season and in the end this season.
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Not trying to ruin the party or dim your vibe but the Lowry trade will not work per NBA roster rules. Once we ship out 3, or 4, players we are well below the league roster minimum…which we are already at: 14. We have 14 players on the roster which is the lowest we can carry (there is a 2 week grace period once you drop below 14). We can’t add any salary of any kind once we hit the hard cap so the Lowry trade wouldn’t even allow us to sign Drummond. You seem to gloss over this and throw out these home run trades that won’t make it to the warning track my man.
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per Larry Coon’s CBA FAQ:
79. What roster size limits exist? What is the Inactive List? What is Injured Reserve? Do any other such lists exist?
Normally an NBA team can have a maximum of 15 players on its roster during a season (and up to 201 during the offseason, starting on the day after the team’s season ends). A team normally has 12 or 13 players on its Active List, who are eligible to play in games, and can have as few as 11 for up to two weeks at a time. Any remaining players must be on the team’s Inactive List, and are ineligible to play in games. Teams temporarily can have four players on their Inactive List (bringing their roster size to 16) with league approval in the event of a hardship2.
Teams must suit-up at least eight players and have two players on its Inactive List for every game. The following table summarizes the allowable compositions of team Active and Inactive Lists:
Inactive
Active With 0 Two-Way With 1 Two-Way With 2 Two-Ways Notes
13 2 3 4
13 1 2 3
13 0 1 2 Two week limit
12 3 4 5
12 2 3 4
12 1 2 3 Two week limit
11 2 3 4 Two week limit
11 1 2 3 Two week limit
A team gets two roster spots exclusively for Two-Way players (see question number 82). A Two-Way player must be on his team’s Active List or Inactive List while playing in the NBA. For each Two-Way player on the team’s Active List or Inactive List, the number of players required to be on the team’s Inactive List increases by one, as indicated in the above chart. For example, if a team can have 13 active and two inactive players if it does not have any Two-Way players; 13 and three if it has one Two-Way player; or 13 and four if it has two Two-Way players.———-
The vet min Drummond can sign for is $2,564,753 due to his NBA service time (10 years unless they don’t count the current season, not sure on that one…) but let’s say it doesn’t count. Still it’s $2,331,593, not a big difference. Kyle Lowry makes $30 million (plus a $500,000 incentive bonus which I believe must be accounted for in regards to the hard cap). With 2 million dollars in wiggle as currently stands the Lakers would need to send out more salary than they take back to even have a shot at signing a Drummond or IT. So in regards to your trade:
Gasol: $2,564,753
KCP: $12,073,020
Schroder: $15,500,000
Total: $30, 137, 773That doesn’t even cover Lowry’s incentive of 500K, nor is it enough after the fact to sign a 9 or 10 year service NBA player. That’s Isaiah Thomas, too, btw. All of that and you’re below the roster size limit by 2 players. The Lowry trade will be vetoed in every scenario one can conjure. Any trade that sends out more players than it brings back and doesn’t include the cap space for X number of vet minimum contracts will get vetoed. If you don’t account for the roster size rules a lot of these trades w/multiple players going out are just pipe dreams.
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LMAO. You always want to rain on any parade. There are always solutions. As I said above, these were just examples of the kinds of trade the Lakers might make. I wasn’t trying to get into a detailed salary cap rules discussion. However…if you insist, consider the following:
First, all the Lakers have to do is adjust the trade to include another player. So let’s say it’s KCP, Schroder, Gasol, and Matthews. That’s $33.7M out and 30.0M in. Creates another $3.7M below the hard cap. Or $3.2M if Lowry has a 500K incentive.
Second, “a team subject to the hard cap can also sign players to Rest-of-Season contracts during the season, as long as the salary pro-ration keeps the team below the Apron.” So Drummond, Thomas, and Cousins or guys the Lakers sign to replace open roster spots will only count for percentage of games remaining.
Third, “for players who have been in the NBA for three or more seasons and are playing under a one-year, 10-day or Rest-of-Season contract at the minimum salary, the minimum salary for a two-year veteran is used in place of the player’s actual salary (see question number 22).” FYI, that amount is $1,517,981. So all Drummond, Thomas, Cousins, or any vet the Lakers sign to fill out their roster will only cost $1,517,981 each. The NBA pays the rest of their salaries.
My point, as I said in the article, is “These are, of course, just two of the options Rob Pelinka and the Lakers might be considering.”
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Not always. Just when you make propositions and hypothesis sound like final products. I just want to make sure we all stay grounded in reality. I think we all agree SOME kind of move has to be made. I’m sure the Lakers have some lines in the water, now to see who bites on which one.
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Also all of the above is exactly why I don’t really dabble in trades. It gets complex and burdensome. I’ll change the rain to a light drizzle 😉
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Always funny to see (and hear if you listen to our show) LakerTom swing one way or another depending on which way the trade (or buyout) winds go. One week he doesn’t want Andre Drummond on the team, the next week he does. Now mind you as fans, we all do a flip-flop at some time (Heck even I did on Rondo at the VERY end). If Drummond does come it’s an upgrade from what we have now, so if it does happen it will be welcomed.
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LOL. The difference, as you obviously know, Gerald, is what’s potentially available at each point in time and the ‘inside’ information to which we have access. Is Andre Drummond a viable or available long term fit for the Lakers as a center? Definitely not on both counts, which is why my focus long term has always been on Myles Turner or Nerlens Noels, two modern centers each of whom is a significantly better fit as a rim protector than Andre. Myles has the offensive advantage of being a stretch 5 while Nerlens’ switch-ability keeps him from being played off the floor.
Right now, however, we’re leaking points in the paint badly because we have no size and don’t want to commit to Damian Jones for the rest of the year. Drummond can help fix that problem on both ends. He has the size to limit opponent points in the paint and the score a lot of points on the other hand. Plus he can swing the rebounds back into our favor.
While he can’t defend on the perimeter, he can at least match points in the paint at the other end, something neither McGee or Howard could do, which helps keep him from being able to be played off the floor. Will he get as many minutes in the playoffs? Probably not but I still think he will help and, bottom line, he’s the best option we have at this point.
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There’s literally nothing this team can do to increase its odds of winning even a single game until at least one of its superstars comes back. Gutting what little nba-caliber players the have to get a capable starter back in the short term changes nothing.
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I disagree, Stan. First, the absence of LeBron and AD have exposed both short term needs until they return, which could be another 4 weeks, and long term needs that could derail us in the playoffs.
We need a playmaker who can run the offense right now. That’s not Dennis, Caruso, or THT. And we will need that in the playoffs unless you’ve forgotten about the impact of Playoff Rondo. So trading for a player like that is in my mind our number one priority.
Second, we need volume 3-point shooting. Last year, we shot 30 threes per game during the regular season but jumped that to 34 per game in the playoffs. This year, we’re shooting less than 30 per game and making fewer of them. Meanwhile, the teams we’re going to have to go through this year – Clippers, Jazz, and Nets – shoot 40 threes per game. Other than the Rockets last year, our competition was only averaging 35 threes per game. This year’s playoffs won’t be as easy as last year.
Third, we’re getting killed by opponent points in the paint this year because Gasol and Harrell can’t protect the rim as well as McGee and Howard did. In the short term, we need Drummond to solve that. In the long term, AD will have to carry the load but he’s going to need more help as we know he can’t and won’t play center all the time. So we need Drummond badly both short and long term.
Bottom line, there’s a lot we not only need to do to help in the short term but that will be absolutely necessary if we want to win in the playoffs and repeat as champs.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreOne thing the Lakers have learned playing without their two superstars is which role players can still do their job, fill their role, and provide value and which players don’t have the talent and confidence needed to go it alone.
Watching the Lakers regroup after losing Davis to injury and then trying to do the same after losing James has been an illuminating experience for the team, it’s front office and coaching staff, and the other teams in the NBA. Any lingering sense of invincibility the defending champions may have had has been rudely dismissed as opponents see a wide open opportunity with the injured Lakers either limping into or possibly even missing the playoffs.
Fortunately, the Lakers still have 3 days until the March 25 trade deadline to to fill their needs for a legitimate lead guard, volume 3-point shooters to turbocharge the offense, and better rim protection to anchor the defense. Unfortunately, their best trading chips to get help until LeBron and AD return are point guard Dennis Schroder and center Montrezl Harrell, who also happen to be the two most needed players to help weather the storm.
Without LeBron and AD, the Lakers find themselves in a conundrum where their third and fourth best players — Schroder and Harrell — while gamely playing their hearts out may just not good enough to survive this stretch. The issue is the Lakers need more playmaking and 3-point shooting at point guard than they’re getting from Schroder and more rim protection and pick-and-roll defense from the center position than they getting from Harrell.
Having desirable trading chips for the positions you’re looking to upgrade can be a good thing in most situations. Teams need other players to fill the positional holes in the roster made whenever they trade a rotation player. Unfortunately, when a team is already shorthanded when it comes to point guards and centers as the Lakers are, it makes it hard to trade Schroder without getting a point guard back or Harrell without getting a center back.
The Hornets have three quality point guards in LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and Devonte Graham and are interested in Montrezl Harrell but the Lakers can’t trade Trezz unless they have a center replacement lined up for him. That’s why Pelinka is going to have to set up a series of two or three trades to successfully revamp the roster to survive this period and fill the holes to make the Lakers a better team at both ends of the court before the playoffs.
There’s always a hesitancy and reluctance, especially among fans, to break up a championship roster but the Lakers’ current situation right now is so dire they need major changes to avoid falling completely out of contention. That means making multiple trades to fix their needs for more playmaking, volume 3-point shooting, and improved rim protection. It’s like President Biden’s position on Covid relief: the bigger gamble is not doing enough.
There are opportunities out there for Rob Pelinka and the Lakers to take advantage of. The Pelicans want to move Lonzo Ball. The Hornets are interested in Montrezl Harrell. The Pacers may be willing to trade Turner. Drummond may find starting center for the Lakers his best option. Harrell’s and Schroder’s trade value may be peaking and the Lakers have KCP as salary ballast and THT and their 2027 first round pick as sweeteners.
Best of all, LeBron James’ injury has suddenly given Rob Pelinka the freedom to make dramatic moves without great fear of blowback, not unlike a player given the chance to launch a half court shot at the buzzer.
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I will say that if Dennis is looking for the kind of payday he’s indicated he needs to step up in a huge way and he needs to do it right now. That being said, I consider he and Trezz to be our best trading chips. On expiring deals and can help a small market team like Charlotte or Indy get over the hump. The NBA…nothing like it.
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To be honest, I hate the idea of trading Dennis, Trezz, and THT, Other than LeBron and AD, they’re our best three players. I’d much rather trade KCP, Matthews, Gasol, and even Caruso, who has been a huge disappointment the last 15 games and ain’t the bench GOAT in my opinion. Dennis, Trezz, and THT are our only players who can change games from losses to wins with or without LeBron and AD. All the others are simply role players who are great within their roles but limited when forced to do more.
Role players are fine in the regular season but come the playoffs, winning comes down to the superstars and players like Dennis, Trezz, and THT who can do more. We don’t have many of them and it’s a crime we may have to trade one, two, or all three of them to upgrade this roster but that’s just how the game works today. Nobody’s going to give us anything valuable for KCP, Matthews, Gasol, or Caruso. They’re just salary ballast in a deal. Lose Dennis, Trezz, or THT and the Lakers will miss them. All the others are replaceable pieces. Not fair but that’s reality. And you’re not going to matchup with the Net’s three superstars with any combination of KCP, Wes, Marc, or Alex. Dream on.
Anybody who still thinks we’re going to be fine and should stand pat at this point is frankly in fantasy land. Lakers are just two losses from being in the play-in tournament and now our best hopes are LeBron and AD back in a month. 15 games to go and 2 losses from being 7th place in the West or lower. The math is not that difficult to calculate. Now is the time for Rob to try and pull off a grand slam because anything less is not going to work. Go big or kisss this season goodbye.
Trade KCP and THT to Pelicans for Lonzo. Get commitment from Andre Drummond. Trade Dennis and Trezz to Hornets for Rozier and Graham. Trade Wes and a second for Ellington. 4 in for 6 out. Opens cap space to sign IT and Boogie to fill openings. Get players who can impact games.
Don’t worry about chemistry. LeBron and AD and coaching staff will take care of that. We still keep Caruso, Kuzma, Morris, Gasol, McKinnie, and Dudley. Build a team that can play winning basketball. Don’t waste this season. Be bold. We need playmakers, shooters, and shot blockers.
My Trade Deadline Dream Depth Chart.
PG: BALL, GRAHAM, THOMAS
SG: ROZIER, Caruso, ELLINGTON
SF: James, Kuzma, McKinnie
PF: Davis, Morris, Dudley
CE: DRUMMOND, Gasol, COUSINSWe lose some continuity but suddenly have two three true point guards who can run the offense, shoot volume 3-point shots, and defend. We get size in Drummond and a couple of wild cards in IT and Boogie. The Lakers need something dramatic like this at this point in time. Period.
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While I think you’re mainly focused on offensive impact and not defensive J do believe we need to do something to shore up the team’s roster.
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Yes, we are giving up some defense for offense but not that much. Drummond is the key because he allows us to trade Trezz. I also contend Lonzo is a big plus defensively. He may not be as good on the ball on opposing point guards as Dennis but he has a better team defense sense and can defend the 1, 2, and 3.
But yes, what we get are four playmaking point guards who can run offenses and who are volume 3-point shooters. The big change is the guards, which frankly is where we were weak but we still have Kuzma, Caruso, and Morris along with LeBron and AD and that’s a lot of firepower.
Also, there’s the financial flexibility. We know longer have to worry about KCP’s contract or overpaying Schroder. Lonzo will be able to be kept for less than Dennis for sure. And he’s a better fit. Rozier and Graham are pure firepower on a LeBron James team. We still need a long term solution at center but we would have a far greater chance of repeating and would have solved our guard and 3-point shooting issues going forward.
No, this is not what’s going to happen but it’s a blueprint of the kinds of trades we need to look at and the kinds of player we need to get back.
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TRADE DEADLINE DREAM DEPTH CHART
PG: BALL, GRAHAM, THOMAS
SG: ROZIER, Caruso, ELLINGTON
SF: James, Kuzma, McKinnie
PF: Davis, Morris, Dudley
CE: DRUMMOND, Gasol, COUSINS* New players all-caps.
7 added include 3 point guards, 6 volume 3-point shooters, 1 rim protector.
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 23, 2021
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LT – Those are some bold moves for sure. I can roll with them except trading Trezz and Dennis for Rozier and Graham.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreThe Los Angeles Lakers got a brutal reminder of how one play could change the destiny of a team’s season when an ankle injury to LeBron James left the team facing the prospect of several weeks without their two superstars.
The good news is the both James and Davis should be recovered before the 2021 NBA Playoffs begin on May 22nd and the Lakers still have four days left to seek help via a trade or buyout before the March 23rd trade deadline. Before the injury, the media consensus was the Lakers were unlikely to make a major move but, with James’ and Davis’ return being unpredictable, there’s an emerging strong case for Rob Pelinka to be bold and think big.
Even healthy, the Lakers faced a tougher challenge to win the championship this season than they did in the bubble last season since the Jazz, 76ers, Suns, Nets, Clippers, and Bucks having improved their rosters over last year. With both superstars suffering major injuries that could linger into the playoffs, the Lakers desperately need help in the form of a star quality playmaker to run the offense and elite rim protector to anchor the defense.
The most optimistic projections would have Anthony Davis and LeBron James possibly returning in two to three weeks, which would still mean the 28–14 Lakers would have to play 7 to 11 games without their superstars. The worst case scenario would have Davis missing up to 4 weeks more and LeBron 8 weeks, leaving the Lakers fighting for playoff positioning and their two superstars fighting to get into shape the last 2 to 4 weeks of the season.
LeBron’s injury could have dire consequences for the Lakers’ playoff hopes. After tonight, the Lakers could own just a 2-game lead in the loss column over the 7th place Spurs and only 5 games over the 10th place Grizzlies. Anything other than a best case scenario could easily leave the Lakers having to participate in the 2-game win-or-go-home Play-In Tournament between the West’s 7th through 10th seeds just to get into the playoffs.
The Lakers have 30 games left in the regular season. In a best case scenario, they’ll only lose their superstars for 10 games and have 20 to make up ground. In a worst case scenario, those numbers could easily be reversed. Complicating the situation, James’ and Davis’ injuries are the kind where the Lakers won’t know when they’re ready to play until they’re ready, which could make it imperative for Rob Pelinka to make a big move right now.
The silver lining is LeBron’s injury has answered the question of whether the Lakers need to make major moves to improve their roster. Now the question becomes what are the specific moves the Lakers should make. Before LeBron’s injury, the Lakers’ major needs were high volume 3-point shooters and an elite rim protector. Now you can add a true point guard capable of creating quality shots for himself and teammates to the list.
While Myles Turner would be the ideal solution as a rim protector, the Lakers would be smart to save their trading chips for a playmaking volume 3-point shooter and get a Drummond or Whiteside via the buyout market. Until LeBron returns, the Lakers will desperately need somebody to replace his elite playmaking and volume 3-point shooting. Three available players who could fill that need are Kyle Lowry, Devonte Graham, and Lonzo Ball.
Lowry would be the perfect solution if the Raptors decide to move him. But Kyle makes $30.0 million and it would cost a package of Schroder, Harrell, and KCP, which is just too much for the undermanned Lakers to give up. Convincing the Hornets to give up Graham is also going to be difficult as he only makes $1.6 million per year, which makes it hard for Charlotte to get value in a trade. Best offer would be THT and a 2027 first round pick.
That leaves polarizing former Lakers’ point guard Lonzo Ball, who makes $11 million per year and will become a restricted free agent this summer, as the ideal trade target for Los Angeles to go after to cover for LeBron’s injury. Lonzo is averaging 14.2 point, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.6 assists in 31.7 minutes per game while shooting 42.5% from the field, 38.5% from deep on 7.8 threes per game, and a greatly improved 76.7% from the free throw line.
While Ball is polarizing for many Lakers fans, he’s the perfect point guard to pair with Dennis Schroder and has developed into an excellent 3&D guard who knows how to play off the ball alongside ball dominant star players. The Lakers might be able to trade Lonzo for a package of KCP and THT. A salary controlled KCP could be a great fit as the replacement for Bledsoe and Redick at shooting guard with THT’s elite potential as the sweetener.
A Lonzo Ball and Dennis Schroder starting backcourt with Drummond at center could be exactly what the Lakers need both in the short term until LeBron and AD return as well as in the playoffs when everybody’s healthy. The playmaking, volume 3-point shooting, and defensive switch-ability Lonzo brings would dramatically improve the Lakers starting lineup. As a bonus, trading for Lonzo would prevent him from joining the Clippers.
Rob Pelinka has a big challenge on his hands to make the right decisions to enable the Lakers to weather the short term without LeBron and AD while still making key moves to upgrade the team’s roster for the playoffs. Landing a quality playmaking point guard who’s also a volume 3-point shooter and good defender plus an elite rim protector who won’t get played off the floor in the playoffs is not going to be easy without giving up depth.
There’s no question LeBron’s unfortunate injury has dramatically changed everything. What Rob Pelinka and the Lakers decide to do the next four days could be critical to their chances of repeating as NBA champions.
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I actually think LeBron’s injury happening right now could be a blessing as it should be the final straw to convince Rob and the front office to make a bold move. We need a playmaking volume 3-point shooting guard to run the offense while LeBron is out. It’s as important as an elite rim protector will be in the playoffs.
Looking at the West standings is scary. If we lose tonight, we’ll only be 2 games ahead of 7th place Spurs and 5 games ahead of the 10th place Grizzlies. That’s how tight the Western Conference is and 7th through 10th play in that win-or-go-home 2 game Play-In Tourney. Lakers don’t want to end up in that situation.
LeBron’s injury also changes our priorities. Getting another playmaker become top need right now along with a rim protector. With the deadline only 3 days away, we’re lucky the injury happened now rather than a few weeks later. Otherwise, we might have stood pat and LeBron might not have had time to get back 100% before the playoffs. Even now, both LeBron’s and Anthony’s injuries are the kind that can linger and take a long time. Not what we want to be facing going into the playoffs.
Of course, there’s a solution to the point guard and to the rim protector that won’t give up much depth so read the article and let me know what you think. Time for Rob Pelinka to earn those big bucks were playing him. I’m confident he will make big moves to help us weather the storm.
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Read MoreIn the wake of Anthony Davis’ injury, the Los Angeles Lakers might have discovered how to transform their season with the emergence of a ‘Bench Big Three’ of Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Talen Horton-Tucker.
In the first three games of the second half of the NBA season, Trezz, Kuz, and THT have combined to score 45.7 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 13.3 assists in 17.7 minutes per game as the Lakers swept their first 3 games. During this win streak, the Lakers posted the league’s 5th best offensive and defensive ratings and 2nd best net rating while missing their starting power forward and center in Davis and Gasol and best defender in Caruso.
Harrell led the way, leading the Lakers in scoring followed by James and then Kuzma and Horton-Tucker. The bench’s 64.3 points per game was league best while the decimated starters 59 points was worst in the league. Trezz averaged 23.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.3 blocks in 28.8 minutes; Kuz 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists in 28.1 minutes; and THT 13.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists in 23.8 minutes per game.
While the breakout performances from Harrell, Kuzma, and Horton-Tucker were not against elite competition, they reflected major strategic changes in the Lakers’ half-court offense that could transform the Lakers’ season. Basically, the Lakers replaced their iso-heavy half court offense with a pick-and-roll dominated, share-the-ball approach that unleashed Harrell as a roller, opened lanes for Horton-Tucker, and created open threes for Kuzma.
The heart of the change in the Lakers’ half-court offense was the renewed focus on Montrezl Harrell in pick-and-rolls, which is why he averaged 20 points per game and won 6MOY honors with the Clippers last season. Needing a boost in scoring from the bench with Davis, Gasol, and Caruso out, Frank Vogel turned to Harrell and Trezz delivered. It was a move the Lakers should have taken greater advantage of the first half of the season.
The 3-game result was better ball and player movement, a jump in team field goal percentage from a league 8th best 48.1% to a league best 55.2% and assists from a league 17th best 24.5 to a league 3rd best 31.0 per game. Just as importantly, the Lakers increased their league 25nd 35.1% 3-point shooting to a league 4th best 41.3% and their league 8th best 22.8 free throw attempts per game to a league best 30.7 free throws per game.
Leading the charge to get the Lakers’ ‘Next Man Up’ mentality working was team captain LeBron James, who averaged 21.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 11.0 assists in just 32 minutes per game over the 3-game winning streak. Compensating for Anthony Davis’ injury and taking advantage of Joel Embiid’s injury to regain leadership in the regular season MVP race, LeBron posted back-to-back triple-doubles leading the Lakers to the last two wins.
Damian Jones capably filled in for starting center Marc Gasol averaging 7.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 17.8 minutes while Markieff Morris added 9.0 points and 6.3 rebounds replacing the inured Anthony Davis. Jones is slowly showing the decision to give him a second 10-day contract was prescient as his 108.5 offensive rating, 98.3 defensive rating, and 10.2 net rating were among the best on the Lakers for the 3 games.
The big question, of course, is were these three games just an anomaly? After all, Kuz, Trezz, and THT only averaged 13.8, 11.5, and 7.2 points per game before the last 3 games when they averaged 23.0, 19.0, and 13.3. While it’s doubtful the Lakers’ ‘Bench Big Three’ is going to perform at this level going forward, there is definitely optimism that the Lakers may have discovered how to get their bench going, even without LeBron and AD.
The Lakers have 3 more games before the March 24th trade deadline, including an important rematch Sunday with the rising Phoenix Suns, who beat the Lakers in their first game this season and are second in the West. That will be the big test for the Lakers’ ‘Bench Big Three’ and is likely to be the last game before the trade deadline. If Trezz, Kuz, and THT are able to continue their torrid play, it’s likely they’ll still be wearing purple and gold.
In any event, the last three games have shown the Lakers a potential path towards not only surviving but also winning while Anthony Davis is out. That’s something that could transform the Lakers’ championship hopes.
4 Comments-
While I don’t think Trezz, Kuz, and THT can continue to put up 23.0, 19.0, and 13.3 ppg like they did the last three games, I do think they are capable of putting up more than the 13.8, 11.5, and 7.2 ppg they did the first half of the season, a 77% increase.
While their increased productivity is partly due to their own performance, a big part of it is how the adjustments in the offense has optimized each of their abilities to score. So what could be a reasonable expectation? Maybe 21.0. 17.0 and 11.0, which would still be over a 50% increase.
The Lakers have adjusted the system to fit their talents of the Bench Big Three rather than just asking them to fix into a system designed speciflically to optimize LeBron and AD. In a way, we’re playing more of a Jazz type egalitarian offensive scheme instead of a traditional superstar driven offensive approach.
The other question is what will the return of AD affect things. Right now, Morris seems to be playing well at the four and Jones doing a fine job at the five. AD’s return would certainly solve the starters woe’s of being the lowest scoring starting lineup in the league. And Gasol is likely to be replaced by somebody.
At any rate, the Bench Big Three is something the Lakers need to hang their hat on. In addition to 3-point and PIP differentials, superior bench play can be another way for the Lakers to beat teams, especially those like Brooklyn who lack quality depth.
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100% agree on this idea. Also Caruso’s concussion re-opened the door that had seemingly closed in the backup PG role for THT this season. Curious to see how his addition adds or detracts fro
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M the growth we’ve seen. Only three games and not too rated defenses but still encouraging.
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Problem with writing an article with just 24 hours left until the trade deadline is it’s like you’re in an earthquake and things are changing almost as fast as you can write.
Now seems Lakers are in the Lowry sweepstakes and are willing to trade Schroder rather than look to re-sign him for $25 million per year for 4 years. The right package for Lowry is Dennis, KCP, Trezz, and Marc. Laker also get Baynes as a bonus.
This trade makes great sense for both teams. Lakers get the elite true volume 3-point shooting point guard they need to replace Schroder and Bird rights to re-sign him next season, a backup center who’s a potential volume stretch five in Baynes to replace Harrell, whom might be a poor fit in the playoffs and whom they would lose to free agency this summer for sure, an open spot for Damian Jones to return on a minimum contract by moving Gasol, and a spot to sign Isaiah Thomas by trading KCP, who no longer was good enough to be a starter.
Raps get a younger point guard in Schroder, replace Baynes with Gasol who can mentor Boucher, a great backup center who can score in Harrell and whom they have the cap space next summer to re-sign, and a championship proven 3&D guard in KCP. Win-win for both teams. Would love to see it. The only question is will the Raptors demand THT or our 2027 pick to be included?