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https://x.com/LakerTom/status/1803540878251999406
A stretch five
The ideal pairing next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt is a center who can protect the rim and stretch the floor. Enter Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II. Holmes II was excellent in his three seasons with the Flyers but especially so last year. He averaged a career-best 25.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per-40 minutes with a 62.7% true shooting percentage and and 58.4% effective field goal percentage.
https://x.com/NoCeilingsNBA/status/1802796863390654775
He has a similar play style to a Myles Turner or a current version of Al Horford. The Lakers need just about everything those two provide their respective teams, so that should be music to their ears. They have been lacking a solid backup center for the last three seasons and have never featured a true stretch five next to Anthony Davis since he got there.
Holmes fixes all of those problems. He can shine in big lineups with Davis and LeBron James and can hold down the fort when Davis needs a breather. Holmes isn’t the flashiest name, but there aren’t many players who would fit the Lakers’ roster better than he can with the 17th pick.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
While I agree in principle, I have concerns. All of these stretch 3’s weight between 225 and 230. Jackson Hayes was just a little over 220. While a stretch big works for a lot of the league, there are a few monsters in the league. Guys like the Joker and Embid come to mind. AD would still be the guy to guard them. Rui weighs 230 and I doubt any of the candidates are stronger than him. The Joker was still able to back him into the paint. This crop of candidates would not solve that problem.
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The dilemma is the Lakers need to have a big bruiser center to matchup against Joker, Sabonis, and Embiid types but they also need a stretch big like Brook Lopez or Naz Reid to pair with Anthony Davis for proper spacing.
There are several candidates who have promise.
Edey is a player who could develop into a better version of Brook Lopez. What sets him apart imo is his aggressiveness. He takes 8 free throws per game and shoots a solid 70+%. Has 3-ball potential. Could be great as backup center until he develops more.
Ware is a Myles Turner clone and Holmes is a Naz Reid clone. Both can shoot the 3-ball and protect the rim. Holmes has the additional ability to defend in space. Both would be excellent defenders who could play with AD in a two-bigs lineup.
Filipowski is another big who is an excellent 3-ball shooter and pick-and-pop center prospect. He’s more of an offensive option than defensive option but could end up being a great stretch five.
Then there are other prospects like lefty Tyler Smith who could be perfect 3&D additions for Lakers. It will be interesting to see which way the Lakers go. I do think they want to draft a backup center but it depends on who’s available.
Other option imo is trading back to get two first round picks as there are some good players in the second half of the first round that could help the Lakers.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Hard to believe Irwin about anything but this rings so damn true. Effing Lakers have to do it the hard way. It’s a miracle we survive.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
I suddenly have a tiny bit of respect for Linda Rambis.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Hell….If I’m JayJay then I might be the one hitting pause right about now. Who really wants to be involved with this dysfunctional front office that is one of the laughing stocks of the league? The more I think about it, the more I believe this kinda bullshit is why Hurley pulled himself out. Same bullshit that cost us T.Lue as well. What serious person walks into a meeting with these clowns and walks away thinking “Yeah…I definitely think these folks are on the right track!”??
Maybe he should take an interview with the damn Pistons. New, proven team president and a buncha young talent under good contracts to try and build something.
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![Profile picture of humanomaly]()
What has Linda and Kurt Rambis done positive for the team lately, other than fondue with Jeannie????
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
"I haven't gotten the sense that Monty Williams is gonna be in the picture for the Lakers"@ShamsCharania #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/5nKuINjOL3
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 19, 2024
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I'm scared of how realistic I think an 11th-hour Monty pursuit for the Lakers is because the absolute last thing this team needs is the coaching world's biggest mid-range devotee. https://t.co/6r2yNGHb6V
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) June 19, 2024
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Jamie Sweet wrote a new post
Put the Hurley deal on the table. It’s criminal not to.
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That would be the dumbest possible move the Lakers could make. Monty is obviously not in any kind of mental state to coach an NBA team. Lakers will not be placing any calls to Monty.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Man…you’re right, let’s put the keys to the franchise in a man who has a cute little show and has coached 9 year olds. What was I thinking?!
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
I don't see Monty Williams getting another NBA job. Flamed out with a contender, flamed out in a rebuild, what would be the need to hire him?
— CL Owens 🏀 🇺🇸 (@CSmoove_Sports) June 19, 2024
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Common thread already being ignored in favor of who knows what: both owners took over their teams very recently, come from a business background where pushback isn’t the norm and Monty has a strong willed approach.
It would be criminal to not reach out. I didn’t say “give him the job NOW!” Or “Monty should be the next coach” or some other hyperbolic, out of pocket statement. They should just do their due diligence and reach out.
It makes sense from so very many angles: no deal in place with JJ yet, Monty is the only available coach (besides Vogel) who has gotten a team to the NBA Finals, he’s a great X’s and O’s guy. He doesn’t take BS from ownership .
If he needs a break he’ll say so…on the call…the Lakers should definitely make.
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The Lakers have screwed around enough. Last thing they need to do right now is start dithering because Jeanie or Linda has a jag up their ass about JJ about something or let’s keep an open mind when they just effing need to decide. Too many cooks. Nobody with a vision. We all know the problem. JJ is their best possible solution.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Lakers fans the most casual fanbase in the league. Monty was fired for a reason, and you guys are begging for him because he's a "name"
— Kareem (@Kareem_is_it) June 19, 2024
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Begging? Hardly, just want an ownership with a long track record of bad decisions made from the gut to do the basics of their job and call him.
JJ Reddick is a name with zero résumé, Monty has been to the NBA Finals and lost with a young team. If Dallas fires Kidd for the same reasons everyone’s reaction would be “What?!”
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Monty wasn’t fired because of the losing. He was fired because he wasn’t developing that young group. He made decisions that had a lot of people around the league scratching their head. One of the stated goals of the Lakers was to have a coach that can help develop young talent. I would be surprised if the Lakers call him.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Reading that he didn’t even plan on coaching LAST season as his wife was battling breast cancer (after tragically losing his 1st wife to a car accident a few years ago). But they threw so much money at him I guess he couldn’t refuse. I can’t see him immediately coming here…especially with 5yrs & 65mill still owed to him. Maybe after Lebron is gone and JayJay flames out he’d be a good choice for the rebuild.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Lakers players LeBron James ($51.4 mil), D'Angelo Russell ($18.7 mil), Jaxson Hayes ($2.5 mil), and Cam Reddish ($2.5 mil) have until June 29th to make a decision on their player options for next season. If they decline to pick up their options they will become free agents
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) June 19, 2024
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
$76.1 million questions..
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
I’m getting effing tired of great old people dying left and right.
RIP, Willie. You and Mickey were the greatest. -
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Another great one moves on. What a career.
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
I was fortunate to see him play a few times when I was a kid. He was amazing.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
ESPN Sources: After one season, the Detroit Pistons have dismissed coach Monty Williams — who leaves with five years and $65M-plus left on his deal. New President Trajan Langdon will move to make his own coaching hire now. pic.twitter.com/QHKivQS5o2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 19, 2024
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
The Motor Cjty rebuild continues to stall out.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
While I highly doubt he’d come here it’s not outside the realm of possibility. Feels like we need to at least make a call to measure his interest.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Probably needs to take next year off.
Could be candidate for JJ’s top assistant. -
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
"With Monty Williams available, that is a situation the Los Angeles Lakers should look at."
Stephen A. Smith with a last ditch effort to keep JJ Redick at ESPN? pic.twitter.com/QHdKn9CXkj
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 19, 2024
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Agree with Stephen A for once. Oh look, a flying pig!
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LakerTom wrote a new post
The Lakers don't need Anthony Davis to move to power forward permanently but they can't leave the summer without a center who will allow him to shift over when the situation calls for it…click for the full breakdown: pic.twitter.com/p6bQXHl8fz
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) June 18, 2024
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Despite talk of Edey, Lakers need modern center who can stretch court like Ware or Holmes. Cannot pair AD with a center who cannot shoot. That would kill half-court spacing.
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![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Been thinking, we got Wood and it’s not likely he moves the trade needle in any way at all. Got Castleton whom I was high on since last summer. We also have Jax possibly picking up his option but you never know. Feeling more to me like we need to draft a PG. or trade the pick.
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![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Honestly, I don’t see anyone at #17 in this draft being a major contributor next season. Jalen Hood Shifino type of pick…
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LakerTom wrote a new post
3 sneaky players Lakers can take with No. 17 pick in 2024 NBA Draft https://t.co/AMFok3EFkw
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 19, 2024
Bolstering Lakers frontcourt with DaRon Holmes II
The ideal frontcourt archetype to pair with Davis in Los Angeles would be a stretch five. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that five of the six best offenses in the regular season featured a center who shot at least 35.8% from three. One of those centers was Myles Turner in Indiana, who the Lakers tried to acquire in a trade a couple of years ago.They missed out on Turner then but could strike gold on a player who plays like him in Dayton’s DaRon Holmes II. Holmes has shined as the hub of the Flyers’ offense the last couple of years. He really stepped his game up during the 2023-24 season. Holmes shot a career-best 38.6% from three. His 25.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per 40 minutes were also the best marks he posted as a college player.
Holmes is also a solid rim protector. His 7.5% career block percentage is above average. He and Davis could form a tremendous frontcourt pairing that can become a major problem for opposing teams on both ends of the floor. Holmes would be a tremendous pick for the Lakers.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
“There isn’t an agreement as far as I know between the Lakers and JJ Redick right now… I’m told the meetings were very impressive and he’s still the frontrunner to be the Lakers head coach.”
Shams on the Pat McAfee Show 👀 pic.twitter.com/d9H5s36YH4
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) June 18, 2024
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LakerTom wrote a new post
New episode of Buha's Block: Lakers mailbag
— ❌ your LeBron trades
— Scenarios in which DLo remains a Laker
— Max Christie's next contract & 3-and-D potential
— Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, DeMar DeRozan?
— JHS's trade value and moreWatch: https://t.co/GEu3k1mUgi pic.twitter.com/5P3eHwPFWI
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) June 19, 2024
1 Comment-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
1) don’t waste your time
2) Multiple since there aren’t a ton of guards we can sign outright.
3) hope stays, new CBA alone makes it nigh imperative.
4) DeRizan feels the most likely.
5) Non-existent, hope he puts in a lotta work and has an awesome summer league.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Sources: JJ Redick Is The Next Coach Of The Los Angeles Lakers https://t.co/EVxr4h6BVh
— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) June 18, 2024
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"There isn't an agreement as far as I know between the Lakers and JJ Redick right now..
He went into LA on Saturday and had meetings with the Lakers brass..
I'm told that the meetings were very impressive and he's still the frontrunner to be the Lakers Head Coach" ~… pic.twitter.com/KbQsS85KxM
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 18, 2024
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![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Kind of wondering what is happening. One would think if the deal was done, the Lakers would announce it to take the spotlight off the Celtics.
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![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
TWO STRAIGHT-UP NO-PICKS LAKERS TRADES:
1) LAKERS-BULLS TRADE:
Lakers get:
-Alex CarusoBulls get:
-Austin Reaves2) LAKERS-MAGIC TRADE:
Lakers get:
-Jonathan IsaacMagic get:
-D'Angelo Russell pic.twitter.com/xjutF1w65M— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 18, 2024
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Here are two possible straight-up trades that do not require draft picks but get the Lakers two elite two-way players who can shoot the three and contribute offensively as well as defensively.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Via @IanBegley.
The Lakers are hunting for another center to pair with Anthony Davis. pic.twitter.com/WtRDMrTpq3
— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) June 18, 2024
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Love to see us draft Holmes, Ware, Smith, or Edey with #17 pick.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Unofficial luxury tax payments per team:
Golden St- $176.9M
LAC- $142.4M
Phoenix- $68.2M
Milwaukee- $52.5M
Boston- $43.8M
Denver- $20.2M
Miami- $15.7M
LA Lakers- $6.9MThe 22 teams below the tax are projected to receive $11.96M each.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) June 18, 2024
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There are a half dozen quality bigs between #15 and #25 in this draft and DaRon Holmes is the guy I hope the Lakers are targeting.
Holmes reminds me a lot of a guy I was super high on last summer, which was Naz Reid. DaRon has the same quick and high release easy 3-ball that Naz Reid and Kegan Murray both have.
You need to pair AD with a stretch five rather than a traditional five. It gets you size, spacing on O, and rim protection on D. Holmes is a true 4/5 and has the mobility and lateral movement to switch everything.
While AD needs the second big to be able to stretch the court, LBJ needs second big to be able to switch everything so he doesn’t have to chase shooters around screens. Instead, he just switches.
That’s why Holmes is the ideal fit. He still allows AD to play some 4, gives him more spacing, helps protect the rim and switch everything, and gives Lakers more size, length, shooting, and defense.