Aloha,
Anyone who watched yesterdays game knows we are in desperate need for size on the wing. These taller long wings are working into the paint and shooting over our guards, pretending to be be small Forwards. But how can we find the size we need?
The Knicks and Lakers have something in common. We both have an abundance of small guards but need forward help. It appears that the Knicks are trying to accommodate a very unhappy Cam Reddish with a trade. But the Knicks will not be interested in adding our small guards.
So what team in the NBA needs guard help more then any other team? We just played them. The Raptors. It has gotten so bad that they moved Trent Jr, a shooting guard to the 2nd unit as the PG. They didn’t play another PG until the last 2 minutes. They are literally running Van fleet into the ground.
The Raptors have an abundance of long wings. Including OG Anunoby who has been unhappy for awhile. Now normally I would say go after OG. I would even give up a 1st for him. But I don’t think our guards solve their problem. But Derek Rose might.
The Knicks send Derek to the Raptors. They send Reddish to the Lakers.
The Raptors send OG to the Knicks.
The Lakers send Nunn and perhaps a 2nd to the Raptors.
While Nunn hasn’t been great, he is better then any of their other guards with a better then average chance of improving once he gets his confidence back after missing an entire season.
Everyone’s happy.
Next step is dealing with the Hornets. They should be looking to add assets and completely tank. Lakers send PatBev and Max Christie who at 19 has showed real potential on the defensive side of the ball and a 2nd. The Hornets send us Kelly Obre.
We keep Russ and our 2 first round picks to keep the front offices fever dream of landing a star alive.
Cam has a 8 mil qualifying offer for next season. If he does well they can negotiate a new deal. If he doesn’t, they can cut him loose. But that cap hold isn’t high so we can still negotiate a new deal with Lonnie.Kelly has a team option of 15 mil. Again it gives us cap flexibility.
These are not earth shattering moves but it would help our size issue. We could even use Troy at the 2 at times if needed.
While I am still convinced that we probably can’t trade our way into contention, a trade like this is wouldn’t cost a lot and would definitely improve our chances. Could that happen? Odds are not great but better then most of the proposals out there.
Is do these but would prefer a path that lands us OGA
I would too. But Neither Pat or Nunn has played that well and I don’t feel Rob would give up a 1st. I would in a heartbeat because he’s only 24 and would actually be playing in 2027. But they have that star pipe dream that they keep hitting hard which will never happen.
Aloha, Michael,
I also like the small moves but it’s obvious that Anunoby is the best legitimate two-way 3&D wing available and the Lakers should offer an unprotected first round pick for him. He’s young, talented, and could potentially be an All Star down the road.
These are the kinds of moves the Lakers have to be willing to make if they want to win. Even if it doesn’t make us champions, it gets us a lot closer. It’s a move that should be made. I just don’t understand Pelinka’s logic or overall strategy. Why do I feel we are destined to get a third star regardless of how he fits again?