Aloha,
The year began with a whole slew of desperate calls to trade Russ, to save our season. There were so many different trade proposals floated around out there that it was impossible to keep track of all of them. As it turns out, the trades Rob made were much better than anyone could have imagined and much better than any of the trades that had been discussed. The only question is, were they made in time. It’s a shame that they couldn’t have been made earlier so the team had time to jell. Unfortunately Rob had to wait for the clearance sales to begin, since the asking price for players were high until the last minute.
I guess the thing that impressed me the most was how seamless the team looked in the first game with everyone available. I think it helped that DLO, Beasley and Vandy had played a few years together, leaving the 2nd unit with guys that had played together with the exception of Bamba. I don’t expect it to look that good every game, there will be adjustments that will need to be made and we will be playing some very good teams coming up, but at least we have some hope moving forward.
If we do make the playoffs I think this group is capable of making some noise. But beyond this season I believe we are set up for success at least through the end of Lebrons tenure. We finally landed the perfect PG to play with LeBron. DLO can play on and off the ball. He can run the team or play the 2 and most importantly, he can shoot. He is the perfect 3rd option for this team and should be had for a reasonable contract. And I believe he really wants to be here.
Actually we are in a position to keep everyone except for Dennis, Troy and Lonnie. We do not have bird rights on them and none of them will be playing for the minimum. I would love to keep Dennis but I dont know if he will play for the mini MLE. Everyone else we can keep. For me the must keep players are:
Dlo
Vandy
Rui
Austin
Pippin Jr ( he is in the rising stars and a candidate for rookie of the year and G league MVP. Worth keeping for a 3rd PG on the cheap)
I like Beasley and would not mind him as well but it will really come down to how well he shoots the rest of the way.
We also are in a unique position to add a quality free agent in a sign and trade. Two of the best free agents this summer Gary Trent Jr and Jamari Grant also happen to be Klutch clients. In Beasley, Bamba and Reed we have nearly 30 mil in non guaranteed contracts we could send out with picks at the draft. We could swing sign and trades if the their teams didn’t want to lose them for nothing. Or we could use those contracts for other moves. But I have no problem with keeping all of them.
So many options with moves that have been made and for the first time in two years we can actually return a core group that can compete for a championship. The only thing that could ruin it is trading for an overpriced star. Robb wouldn’t do that? Right?
Great post, Michael. How much more fun was watching the game Wednesday night than the last two years? I just rewatched the game, the only one I have done that to all season.
The real miracle of what Rob was able to accomplish was he won the war of who got the best players but also aced the battle to win the negotiations, something he has not done well in the past. This time, however, he was the one scroring the extra points.
Getting DLO instead of Conley, somehow getting Ainge to include Vando, landing Hachimura and Bamba for second round picks, getting a team to take Jones with his second year team option, getting top-4 protection on the traded pick that turns into second round pick, making sure we have options to keep anybody we want, positioning the team for a potentially active summer.
Rob gets an A. Now it’s Darvin’s turn to show what he can do.
Lakers starting to smell #18 this year or next.
There were two things that could not be anticipated. The TWolves were desperate to get Gorbet more involved and he was great with Conley. And Vandy. What was Danny thinking? That one is still a mystery. He probably could have gotten rid of Conley without losing Vandy. Finally a Celtic rewarded the Lakers.
Rob definitely won that trade. I mean we got three new starters for essentially expiring contracts and a lightly protected first round pick. In the end, a total steal.
Michael says: “But I have no problem keeping all of them.” Buba says: keep all of them at all costs unless something better comes along.
Here is Stephen A. Smith’s take on the new look Lakers: “I like D’Angelo Russell on the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 17 points, 45% shooting. I like Malik Beasley on the Los Angeles Lakers. I like this kid [Jarred] Vanderbilt on the Los Angeles Lakers. They’ve improved their shooting. They’ve been able to spread the floor. They’ve improved their defensive prowess,” Smith said.
“If these guys are healthy, the way the West has looked, I can’t summarily dismiss the possibility that the Los Angeles Lakers could make some noise and, dare I say, potentially advance to conference finals…The Lakers, healthy, are going to the (Western Conference) semifinals — automatic, they will win the first round, they’re going to the semifinals, and I’ll give them a 30% chance (of reaching the conference finals),” Smith added.
No doubt the Lakers are an improved team after the trade deadline. The added depth, outside shooting, and the influx of young talent makes them a team to fear, and should help take the load off LeBron James and potentially allow Anthony Davis to get back to his old self.
That alone should make the team more competitive post-All-Star break. And if they bounce back and secure a postseason spot, no one will want to see them in a seven-game series.
We have 23 games to evaluate.
Yes, I agree, DJ. It’s swim or sink. But I have confidence in this team.
Hey, we’ve got the right players in the right positions and 23 games to make up 4 games? Give me a break. If we’re anywhere near as good as I think we could be, we’re a slam dunk more than a long shot to make the playoffs. Then? Anything is possible.
Yes Sir! I agree, Tom. As you said a few days ago, it is great to be a Laker fan. Thanks to Rob for delivering the unthinkable and the most unexpected during the trade deadline.