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![Profile picture of therealhtj]()
Chinese league in 4 years it is!
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Jamie Sweet wrote a new post
With nothing but the contracts of Hachimura (semi-valuable), Gabe Vincent (barely played), Jarred Vanderbilt (barely played but with still decent upside) and the Tax-Payer MLE were basically running it back. Could we see some trades in a week? Maybe, but Rob is either too slow to pull the trigger or teams aren’t interested in our talent and/or picks still 5 years out. Compounding the issue is we still can’t offer salary relief the season after next for anyone except Russell, whom we have all acknowledged would be difficult to replace.
4 Comments-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Not even sure if we have the MLE either…
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Apron restrictions
1st: Cannot take back more money in a trade
2nd: Cannot take back more money in a trade, aggregate contracts sent out and send cash. 2032 1st pick is frozen (cannot trade), if you finish the 2024-25 season over the 2nd apron. pic.twitter.com/Ppc7edK9DS
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 29, 2024
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Rumor found the water mill is LBJ considering opting out and taking less. How much less being the question. Likely not enough for the full MLE.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Waiting on Cam. If he opts in, that’s 15 players and another headache for Rob. We are so close to the 2nd apron even stretching Lewis hurts. He didn’t look good in G league so we might not even be able to pay a team to take him. Hood-Shapino might have some value but an injury riddled rookie season ending in back surgery isn’t helpful.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
That would be great if LeBron agrees to do that.
Would only cost him around $12M.-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
I read that too but he better hurry. Some of the best targets could be gone by Monday.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Question is who are the ‘right targets?’
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![Profile picture of DJ2KB24]()
Yeah, who is gonna take that that can really help us?
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
If the Lakers opened up the full MLE, here’s players I’d target:
Unrealistic:
– Klay Thompson
– Buddy Hield
– Patrick Williams
– DeMar DeRozanRealistic:
– Kris Dunn
– Andre Drummond
– De’Anthony Melton
– Jonas Valanciunas
– Royce O’Neale
– Gary Trent Jr.
– Markelle Fultz pic.twitter.com/BdNQHE2BRf— 𝙉𝘼𝙅 (@najeeadams_) June 29, 2024
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![Profile picture of DJ2KB24]()
No thanks. Oh, and did AD give us a discount? Uh, that’d be NO!
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Gary Trent, Jr. would be great. Klay Thompson would be cool.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
New ESPN story: LeBron James will opt out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in order to sign a new deal with the team, a source familiar with his intentions told ESPN https://t.co/ImI49TKWCE
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) June 29, 2024
LeBron James intends to opt out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $51.4 million for next season and work out a new deal with the team, a source familiar with his plans told ESPN.
James, 39, has until 5 p.m. ET on Saturday to inform the Lakers of his official decision.
The Lakers are committed to keeping James with the franchise and would be interested in offering the four-time MVP up to the maximum three-year, $162 million contract he is eligible for, sources told ESPN.
L.A. drafted James’ eldest son, Bronny James, with the No. 55 pick in the second round of the NBA draft Thursday.
James averaged 25.7 points, 8.3 assists and 7.3 rebounds in 71 games this past season — the most games he has played in six seasons with the franchise. He shot 54% from the field and a career-best 41% from 3 as he was named to the All-NBA Third Team and became the first player in league history to surpass 40,000 points.
Lakers star big man Anthony Davis, who has played five of those six seasons with James in L.A., said he has purposefully not put pressure on James regarding his decision this offseason. The two will pair up in the Paris Olympics this summer, too.
“I’m just respecting his space,” Davis told ESPN this week. “I know we’ll be together all summer and I know if he decides to do something — whether stay with the Lakers, opt in or opt out and resign or opt out and choose a different path, I know he’ll tell me before he makes any [official] decision just because we have that relationship. So I’m pretty sure I’ll know before anybody else besides, like, his family and Rich [Paul].”
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
If the Lakers have their guaranteed salaries on the books, plus Knecht's salary, I have them at $49.9M under the first apron for 11 players.
Assuming they want to fill out the roster at 15, let's add:
$12.9M for Non-Tax MLE signing
$1.1M for Bronny James on rookie minimum
$2.1M…— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 29, 2024
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
https://x.com/LakerTom/status/1807080088426692993
Lakers get:
-Lauri MarkkanenJazz get:
-Rui Hachimura
-Jalen Hood-Schifino
-2027 FRP Remove 1-4 Prot
-2028 FRP Swap
-2029 FRP Unp
-2030 FRP Swap
-2031 FRP UnpPG: Russell, Vincent, James Jr
SG: Reaves, Knecht, Christie
SF: James Sr, Vanderbilt, Lewis
PF: Davis, Wood,
CE: Markkanen, Hayes,![Profile Photo]()
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6 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
This is trade the Lakers need to push for. Would still like to trade one-way players like Lewis or Vando for bigger backup center like Kelly Olynyk or Robert Williams.
There is no better 3rd star option than Lauri. He gives us third star, second big, more shooting and rim protection. And team still has trading chips they could cash in to get even better.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I’m sure they’ll push for it. I’ll be real surprised if Rob can land this fish.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Robert Williams is not big dude. He’s 6’9” and 240 soaking wet with lead shoes.
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![Profile picture of DJ2KB24]()
Mary Mark might help.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Just wish I had faith that the Lakers would even make an offer for him for 3 unprotected first round picks and 2 unprotected first round pick swaps that would give Utah rights to 5 straight years of post-LeBron Lakers first round draft picks: 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030, and 2031.
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 29, 2024
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Seems to be alotta competition around the league to get this guy. We’re gonna get out-gunned by a team with better assets and a better GM. Plus…we already have one of the best centers in the league.
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![Profile picture of DJ2KB24]()
I think LBJ and Bronny will be in the best condition of their lives this year! So much pressure!
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
MongoSlade wrote a new post
Lakers center Jaxson Hayes is exercising his $2.4 million player option to return for the 2024-25 season, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hayes reunites with new coach JJ Redick. pic.twitter.com/FCmbZAWwoK
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
![Profile Photo]()
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1 Comment-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
This one I’m a little surprised by but it also makes sense for both sides. He showed a lot of improvement last season, if he can build in that he’s in a good position to cash in next summer. Not a ton if money or roles out there better than this situation.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
MongoSlade wrote a new post
Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell is picking up his $18.7 million player option for next season to stay in LA, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/H44wduSZL3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2024
![Profile Photo]()
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4 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Russell has a genuine desire to remain with the Lakers and to see how JJ Redick and his new staff can impact the Lakers’ approach https://t.co/5Q4qrjcqnZ https://t.co/i3OBKe1tuk
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 29, 2024
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![Profile picture of therealhtj]()
Russell checks the NBA landscape and realizes no better offers are coming. Notice how he managed to wait until just after the Murray deal. He clearly didn’t wanna go there. IDK if Ainge wants him for Markinnen along with whatever draft capital the Lakers can muster, but looking like their last hope of an upgrade. Looks like Lakers stuck with him again.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I think that’s a two-way street, pretty sure the Hawks only wanted Reaves. Coulda had DLo at the deadline, he didn’t improve his value in the playoffs and here we are.
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![Profile picture of therealhtj]()
Reaves + Filler + 2 1’s I’d probably do. I’d think the FO would too. So unless they weren’t willing to make that offer, ATL found the Pel’s combo of picks, expiring Nance and promising Daniels on a rookie deal more appealing. I’m inclined to believe the latter. No one besides Tommy boy values those picks enough to give up “all-star” talent.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
MongoSlade wrote a new post
Full trade on ESPN: Dejounte Murray for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, 2025 first-round pick (via Lakers), 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Bucks-Pels) https://t.co/4BLEuDodqT
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2024
![Profile Photo]()
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8 Comments-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
That’s alot less than what I thought it would cost.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Gotta wait now to see what D.Russell decides tomorrow.
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![Profile picture of therealhtj]()
Looks like no one’s super hyped on some draft pick 100 years from now.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
No one was really clear what the Hawks were doing until now. They are rebuilding. The deal makes sense from that standpoint. They get a 6’ 8” 21 year old combo guard that can defend and has a high ceiling. Larry Nance is a 11 million expiring deal that they can also flip. And 2 draft picks, one next year and then in 27. Those picks make more sense for a rebuild than a pick 5 years from now. Ironically, we drafted Nance, the Pels used a Laker pick for Daniel’s and the 2025 pick is the Lakers pick.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Totally agree Michael. The combination of picks in the near future, big chunk of expiring money that is still flippable and an up and coming prospect.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
This tells me the Lakers (and by extension Reddick) value Reaves more than Murray and that expiring $$$ is more valuable than Hachimura, at least to Atlanta.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Which really shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Also that picks still years away are in fact NOT as valuable as picks that come sooner.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Jamie Sweet wrote a new post
For all the folks whining about nepotism in the instance of Bronny James, while turning a blind eye to Giannis and his family team in Milwaukee, all the kids of great players who have jobs on their old teams, and so on: grow up.
It’s the 55th pick, it was always going to be a G-League level prospect. Heck, players who averaged fewer points than Bronny went in the 1st round to other teams. He comes into the league with his head on right, decent defensive skills, and the willingness to embrace the process of improvement rather than the shortcut of entitlement. What more is anyone truly expecting from a late second-rounder?
I think that Bronny will be given the same opportunity to shine as JHS, who did go in the 1st round and looks like a two-way player, at best. He’ll be in camp, maybe play some minor minutes with Pop in preseason, and play a lot in the G-League.
If having Bronny around infuses new excitement into The King for the regular season the pick is worth it. If Bronny is better than expected it’s doubly worth it. If Bronny doesn’t work out, oh no….gee whiz…it’s no worse than Maxwell Lewis ended up. Ergo, nothing lost. In short I only see positives from this.
Getting bent outta shape because you see this is as nepotism means you’re just very, very late to the party. It’s been alive and well in America for centuries . Get used to it and find something that matters to get pissed about.
8 Comments-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Sheeeiiiiitttt!!!!….(Clay Davis voice)…..my dad got me my 1st job and I’m STILL in the same industry 40yrs later. So needless to say; I ain’t mad at LBJ! But lets keep it 100. What’s really got a bug up the azz of a certain segment of the population is that they can’t deal with a player (aka “the help”) wielding the type of power LeBron has over a franchise. Ain’t no fun when the rabbit has the gun….lol.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
I agree with everything you said Jamie. My only concern was that we now have 3 roster spots filled by guys that are likely spend most of the time in the G league. If Cam and Hayes both opt in that can create a problem.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I’m not even all that worried about that. Even if everyone opts in and we make no trades that’s only 12 players plus DK and Bronny. Roster size is 15 plus 3 two-ways.
If everyone opts in we won’t have anything but the MLE available, anyhow, so I think it’s fine. If some game-altering vet minimum player did want to come here just cutting Lewis isn’t a big hit. We don’t get the cap space but we do free up the roster spot. Honestly, same for JHS IMO.
If we do end up making a trade it’s either going to be one-to-one (or close to it) or multiple contracts on our end going out for a single player coming back.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Exactly, it’s basically how America works at this point. If that’s the major sticking point for any fans they need to move on.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
As for Bronny’s “impact” on the team? There should be none this season. Sure, he’ll eventually get on the court with Pops in a forced PR move that’ll have him throwing a lob to his dad that’ll be replayed on ESPN a million times. But in reality he should be with the South Bay Lakers the entire season getting court-time and learning where he fits in the NBA. Sitting at the end of the bench, bonding with Shapino & Lewis while getting zero run won’t be productive. Hopefully Lebron realizes this…
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I might go as high 1-2% impact on the regular season (and we did see Captain Long Arms aka THT do well in the playoffs as a rook) but nobody should be counting on it.
I think everyone understands the process he’s embarking on, it’s just fans who get all ruffled and huffy about this stuff. Like you said about the rabbit, nobody wants to see the sheep in charge of the clippers.
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![Profile picture of therealhtj]()
The lob for the highlight segment’s gotta happen in game 1. Can’t count on 40 year old Lebron staying healthy long enough for that hallmark moment to happen later in the season.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Honestly, LeBron can wait to suit up until 2025 if it means he’ll impact the playoffs more (it won’t and he won’t so it doesn’t matter)
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
While I was concerned that being on the same team as his GOAT dad might not be the best situation for Bronny, I thought the Lakers handled this well and I will be rooting for Bronny to show everybody that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, especially when you have been raised to have great work ethic and character. Bronny will be fine. Lakers and LeBron will be fine.
The unknown is how this will motivate LeBron to have maybe the greatest year in his career? Father Time is a tough enemy as we learn every day. I just cannot help but feel that there is something special brewing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Redick, Knecht, Bronny! If we can land Dejounte and a backup center…
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
BS alert. Braun is making 3 mil and Mitchell is making 6 mil. Cam is making 24 mil.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
#Sources – A lot of hot air will be pumped into the atmosphere until free agency ends.
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![Profile picture of therealhtj]()
Welcome to Thomas Wong’s wild summer silly season! Where any harebrained trade that favors the Lakers is a sure thing, trade assets are grossly overvalued, and Lebron James is still a championship player.
Now back to your scheduled programming . . .
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![Profile picture of humanomaly]()
“Thomas Wong’s wild summer silly season! “….that saying reminds me of the Disney ride….”Mr Toad’s Wild Ride”…
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![Profile picture of DJ2KB24]()
Hang in there LT, I gotch-yer back my great friend!
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Hard to see Olynyk getting traded for a smaller player when he’s the only true center on the roster.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I think the Lakers keep Vando until midseason at least. They’ll test the market for Rui & Vincent and likely find it mediocre.
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![Profile picture of humanomaly]()
I feel the Lakers should move Vanderbilt asap. He had near zero positive impact in 23/24….Maybe some GM will remember how he got lucky against Steph in the playoffs the year before…other than that…what has he done for anyone lately? He is obviously weak offensively (in today’s style of game he is a liability)…his defense is inconsistent and is overrated by his group of fans. The contract extension he was given was far too generous, made him untradable this past season, and is still years away from being an expiring contract.
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![Profile picture of therealhtj]()
Must’ve come as such a surprise!
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If he’s still around for the minimum, worth a look.