Aloha,
Like I posted before, I never believed this team was not as bad as their early record. We competed even when losing. I thought the ceiling for this team was perhaps playin or 6th seed tops, with a first round exit. Then a funny thing happened, even with all the injuries we have went 17-11 since the bad start. And we have went toe to toe with some of the best teams in the league.
Could this stretch change the front offices mind about giving up a 1st round pick? Yes, I think it could. But not the huge block buster trade that everyone was looking for. Because honestly we don’t need that.
First I have went from trade Russ to keep Russ. And I think they will now. He is playing again at an all star level. He is one of the reasons we are where we are. Will he turn in an occasional bone head play? Absolutely. But he has been a driving force in this run. If you have noticed, LeBron and Russ have finally learned to play with each other. LeBron defers to Russ a lot now and their pick and roll has been deadly.
Thomas Bryant is also playing at an all star level. Once AD returns, they have to find this guy 25 minutes or more a game. This can happen by playing them together when LeBron rests. LeBron mused about the 3 playing together and maybe they should try it if they can’t find a trade for a sF but Lebrons defense has not been great. If LeBron could defend the 3 in 5 to 7 minute bursts. Maybe.
Dennis has also been playing at an all star level. I had heard the rave reviews of of his Euro championship tournament and now we are seeing why. His numbers will go down some if we ever get healthy but he needs to maintain his aggressive play and it’s better then trading for someone else. It’s a shame he missed the first month, we might have a few more wins.
Once everyone is back we could have a solid rotation. Still we are one guy away from making some real noise in the playoffs. Unfortunately that one guy is a wing with size, that’s something everyone covets. But there are targets.
If you have read my posts you know I’m a big OG Anunoby fan. Of all the players rumored to be available, he is the only one I would give up both 1st round picks for. And that’s what it would take. He is playing all NBA level defense and he is a good shooter as well. The bonus is he is under contract at 18 mil for 2 more years. And at 25 he would still be in his prime when that 2027 pick rolled around. It’s the old bird in the hand scenario. Unfortunately he would probably cost us Lonnie as well, but he’s worth it.
Bogdanovic 3 point shooting would go a long way in helping this team. While he isn’t a lock down defender, he is smart and is serviceable on that end. He would also cost a first and possibly Lonnie as well.
We all know and love Kuz. He would bring size and defense on the wing that we lack. My only problem with Kuz is that he is in a contract year. While I don’t believe he has any animosity towards the Lakers and I think he enjoyed being a Laker, he has talked glowingly about his expanded role with the Wizards. He likes being the number 2 option and showing what he can do. I’m not sure he would resign with the Lakers this summer but that would be a must if we were going to spend a first rounder on him.
With the way the others have been playing, and if we are healthy anyone of these 3 could give us a real chance of making some noise in the playoffs.
Good post, Michael. I’d give up both picks for Anunoby too. I think either he or Bojan would be difference makers. Doubt Pelinka would have the balls to make that trade though.
Odd as it might be, I’m also now thinking Lakers may decide to keep Russ. Every game, there are a dozen shots, assists, blocks, or steals that no other guard in the league could make. What really swung me around was the physical defense Russ has been playing.
LeBron and Russ functioning as the Lakers point guards running pick and rolls with Davis and Bryant is rapidly becoming unstoppable. Add an Anunoby, Bogdanovic, or Turner and this team is a legitimate contender.
“LeBron and Russ functioning as the Lakers point guards running pick and rolls with Davis and Bryant is rapidly becoming unstoppable. Add an Anunoby, Bogdanovic, or Turner and this team is a legitimate contender.”
There you have it, Tom. Excellent point!
I’d like Bojan and Miles please and thanks you!
Hell has frozen over…
@Micheal
“First I have went from trade Russ to keep Russ. And I think they will now. He is playing again at an all star level. He is one of the reasons we are where we are.”
I have said before, he is the engine that propels this team. Last year, he, Lebron and AD only played in 21 games and there was no chemistry to be had.
At this point I am getting the feeling that this team should be given a chance to gel more. They have been playing hard even in losses. The emergence Thomas Bryant and Dennis Schroeder plus the rest of the supporting cast will only serve as a warning to any team out there.
Of course little trades here and there would be more than welcome, but care should be taken not to mess with the synergy being developed.