Lakerholics

After trading for elite 3&D wing Dorian Finney-Smith, the ‘right players’ whom the Lakers should next target are Grizzlies’ former DPOY point guard Marcus Smart and Jazz’ shot-blocking defensive center Walker Kessler.

While it will require major draft capital, Smart and Kessler are the ‘right players’ for the Lakers to target because they would transform the Lakers into a defense-first team and dramatically upgrade depth and continuity. Smart and Kessler earn just $23 million per year so the Lakers would only have to give up Hachimura, Hood-Schifino, Reddish, and Wood while still keeping valuable backups like Vincent, Vanderbilt, Christie and Milton.

Trading for Smart and Kessler would cost the Lakers serious draft capital in the form of 2 first round picks, 1 first round pick swap, and 2 second round picks but only 1 starter and 3 bench players who are not part of the future.

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In comparison, if the Lakers traded for Pelicans’ point guard Dejounte Murray and Pacers’ center Myles Turner, who combined earn $50 million per year, they’d have also had to give up Vincent, Vanderbilt, and Christie.

While Murray and Turner might have the ‘highest ceiling’ of any point guard and center duo the Lakers might trade for, a Smart and Kessler trade has almost as much upside but clearly allows greater depth and continuity.
Being able to retain Vincent, Vanderbilt, and Christie not only dramatically strengthens the Lakers’ backups but leaves them with multiple tradable salaries that could be used to make additional moves to upgrade the roster.

While costly in terms of draft capital, here are the four reasons why Marcus Smart and Walker Kessler are the ‘right point guard and center duo’ for the Lakers to target to transform their roster into a championship contender.

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1. Transform Lakers Into Defense-First Team

Starting Smart at point guard and Kessler at center alongside Davis at power forward would transform the Lakers into a legitimate defense-first NBA team with three elite defenders starting and three coming off bench.

Starting Marcus Smart with Austin Reaves in the backcourt and Walker Kessler with Anthony Davis and LeBron James in the front court would transform the L.A.’s starting lineup into a legitimate defensive juggernaut.
Suddenly, the Lakers rotation would boast six proven defense-first players including starters Anthony Davis, Marcus Smart, and Walker Kessler and reserves Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dorian Finney-Smith.

The Lakers now have the 13th best offense and 8th worst defense in the league. Their problem in a nutshell is they can play top-5 offense or top-10 defense for stretches but can’t figure out how to do both at same time.
While the Lakers have claimed they’re totally committed to a defense-first style of basketball, the question remains whether Rob Pelinka is willing to spend the valuable draft capital it’ll take to transform the Lakers’ defense.

Replacing 6 one-way players in Russell, Lewis, Hachimura, Hood-Schifino, Milton, and Reddish with 3 legitimate two-way players in Finney-Smith, Smart, and Kessler would transform the Lakers into a defense-first team.
With every rotation lineup boasting a majority of solid defenders, the Lakers will suddenly become one of the top defensive teams in the NBA. Even mediocre defenders like Austin Reaves will become better defenders.

Having three elite defenders in the starting lineup and three plus defenders in their bench rotation should immediately transform the Los Angeles Lakers from an offense-first to a deep and talented defense-first team.

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2. Transform Starting Lineup Into Juggernaut

Starting Marcus Smart at point guard and Walker Kessler at center would immediately transform the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting lineup from an offense-first fivesome to what could be a legitimate defensive juggernaut.

Right now, the Lakers’ starting lineup of Reaves, Christie, Hachimura, James, and Davis has posted an excellent Offrtg of 109.6, Defrtg of 104.0, and Netrtg of +5.6 for 105 minutes in 10 games played for the season.
While those are actually good numbers for a starting lineup, replacing Christie and Hachimura with Smart and Kessler would greatly upgrade their perimeter point-of-attack defense and low post rim protection.

Pairing former DPOY Marcus Smart with Austin Reaves instead of young unproven Max Christie would dramatically upgrade the Lakers’ point-of-attack perimeter defense, especially in playoffs where experience counts.
Similarly, pairing Walker Kessler with Anthony Davis instead of offense-first Rui Hachimura would immediately upgrade the starting lineup’s size and physicality, particularly against teams who play two-bigs lineups.

While there could be teams where starting two bigs might not be the best matchup, the Lakers will always have the option of starting Finney-Smith at small forward and moving James and Davis to power forward and center.
That alternative Lakers’ starting lineup would include Marcus Smart and Austin Reaves as backcourt guards and LeBron James and Dorian Finney-Smith as front court forwards with Anthony Davis reverting to center.

Trading for Marcus Smart and Walker Kessler to replace Max Christie and Rui Hachimura would transform the Lakers’ starting lineup into both an offensive and defensive juggernaut that would among best in league.

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3. Upgrade Rotation Depth and Versatility

Trading for Marcus Smart and Walker Kessler to start at point guard and center would enable the Lakers to dramatically upgrade their rotational depth and versatility to better matchup against different opponents.

Being able to retain valuable rotation players like Vincent, Christie, Vanderbilt, Finney-Smith, and Hayes when trading for Smart and Kessler is key to the Lakers being able to win the minutes when their superstars rest.
Having two elite shot blocking defensive centers who together can essentially put a lid on the the Lakers basket for all 48 minutes of every game will also dramatically improve the Lakers’ non-starting lineups.

The Lakers would have experienced, trustworthy backups at all 5 spots with Gabe Vincent at the one, Max Christie at the two, Jarred Vanderbilt at the three, Dorian Finney-Smith at the four, and Jaxson Hayes at the five.
That would leave the Lakers with three young development projects in Shake Milton, LeBron James Jr., and Dalton Knecht plus two open roster spots that could be filled by free agents or by L.A.’s two-way players.

Opening up two roster spots will give the Lakers the opportunity to convert one of their two-way players to a standard contract, upgrade one of their backup players, or sign a promising new young player to be developed.
Ideally, the Lakers need strong backups at all five positions in case a starter gets injured or is in foul trouble and development players who can step up when needed when one of their backups suffers injury or foul problems.

Being able to retain Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Max Christie is critical to building the strong 9 or 10-man rotation the Lakers will need if they want to legitimately compete for their 18th NBA championship.

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4. Optimize Other Roster Opportunities

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One of the other benefits of the trades for Marcus Smart and Walker Kessler is it still leaves the Lakers with two open roster spots, around $8 million in cap space under 1st apron, and multiple tradable salaries.

While the Lakers would have used much of their draft capital to trade for Smart and Kessler, they still have several players like Gabe Vincent, Max Christie, and Jarred Vanderbilt who could be swapped in another trade.
The post trade depth chart clearly shows that the Lakers could use a modern center who could stretch the floor and a bruising power forward who could extend their positional size advantage in the front court.

There are also a group of viable bigs that earns around $10M/yr and another group who earns less than $5M/yr, whom the Lakers could still swap Vincent, Vanderbilt, or Christie for more roster depth and versatility.
The Lakers could trade Gabe Vincent ($11M/yr), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7M/yr), and/or Max Christie ($7.1M/yr) for a center like Kelly Olynyk ($12.8M/yr), Robert Williams ($12.4M/yr), or Day’Ron Sharpe ($3.9M/yr).

Olynyk would give the Lakers a invaluable modern offensive center who’s an elite 3-point shooting, playmaking four or five while Williams would give them an all-world defender who could be a star if he can stay healthy.
Both would be massive upgrades that would give the Lakers’ front court major positional advantage and critical insurance against Anthony Davis or Walker Kessler becoming injured or getting into serious foul trouble.

The Lakers learned the hard way this summer why building a roster with maximum positional and financial flexibility is an absolute necessity for the team to be able to respond to the market and emerging opportunities.

After trading for Finney-Smith and Milton, the Lakers reportedly plan to wait until the trade deadline to see what they have when new players get integrated and injured players return before deciding their final moves.

The Los Angeles Lakers three greatest roster needs have been a legitimate 3&D wing to free James to play the 4, an elite alpha-dog 3&D POA guard to pair with Reaves, and a 2nd defensive big to play with and/or backup Davis. After almost two years of not making a single trade, Rob Pelinka surprised everybody by beating out the Memphis Grizzlies to trade for highly coveted 3&D wing Dorian Finney-Smith along with combo guard Shake Milton.

While Lakers fans may be skeptical of Pelinka’s ability to make the right moves, trading for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton was a winner that not only filled a critical need but also did not cost a first round pick.
Being able to land a legitimate 3&D wing like Finney-Smith without giving up one of their two tradable first round picks gives L.A. opportunities to pursue their two other needs: 3&D POA guard and shot blocking center.

The Finney-Smith and Milton trade for second round picks could be a precursor to bigger moves just like the Hachimura trade for second round picks turned out to be two years ago. Keeping both picks opens doors.
The better the team plays, the more likely Pelinka will use at least one and hopefully both of the first round picks to upgrade the starting lineup with a legitimate point-of-attack 3&D guard and/or bruising rim protecting center.

Let’s take a closer look at what Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ trade deadline strategy and options are and whom the Lakers might target as the needed point-of-attack defensive guard and shot blocking defensive center.

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IS PELINKA READY TO PULL TRIGGER?

Regardless of how well they play over the next five weeks with the addition of Finney-Smith and Milton and hopeful return of Vanderbilt and Wood, the Lakers are still likely to need a trade or two before the trade deadline.

A quick look at the team’s post-trade depth chart when everybody is healthy shows the Lakers still desperately need a better backup than Jaxson Hayes at the five and are probably overly reliant on young Max Christie at the two.
The Lakers also have too many shooting guards and not enough centers and lack open roster spots to sign a free agent like Markelle Fultz, even though they opened up cap space below the second apron to afford him.

Ideally, the Lakers want a 15-man roster with 5 elite two-way starters, 5 solid proven backups, and 5 young players who have development upside. That should be the goal of any trades the Lakers make before the deadline.
Los Angeles’ two most critical needs right now are for a point-of-attack 3&D guard to pair with Austin Reaves in their starting backcourt and a legit shot blocking defensive center who can play with and/or backup Anthony Davis.

After trading D’Angelo Russell and Maxwell Lewis, the Lakers still have multiple players whose salaries could be packaged with a first round pick to trade for a starting POA 3&D guard and starting/backup defensive center.
Lakers assets include 2 first round picks, 2 swaps, 2 second round picks, and 5 players: Rui Hachimura ($17M), Gabe Vincent ($11.0M), Jarred Vanderbilt ($10.7M), Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3.8M), Cam Reddish ($2,4M).

While the Lakers have two tradable first round picks, there are also options that would only require a second round pick. Let’s take a look at whom the Lakers might target as their POA guard and/or their bruising second big.

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Point-Of-Attack Guard To Pair With Austin Reaves

Ideally, the Lakers should pair Austin Reaves with a true lead point guard who can replace D’Angelo Russell’s and LeBron James’ elite playmaking and 3-point shooting while providing solid point-of-attack perimeter defense.

The top four 3&D point-of-attack defense-first guards whom the Lakers could pair with Austin Reaves include the Pelicans’ Dejounte Murray, Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart, Bulls’ Lonzo Ball, and Raptors’ Bruce Brown.
Although they’ve struggled so far this season, Murray and Smart would likely require the Lakers to include a first round pick plus matching salary. Ball and Brown could probably be acquired with second round picks.

Landing Dejounte Murray or Marcus Smart for one first round pick would be a huge win for the Lakers as both point guard are the alpha dog point-of-attack perimeter defenders Los Angeles needs to pair Austin Reaves.
Trading for Lonzo Ball or Bruce Brown would be smart moves that should only cost matching salaries and second round picks and would serve as insurance in case Max Christie falters later in the season or in the playoffs.

There’s an argument to be made the Lakers may not need to trade for a point-of-attack perimeter defender once Jarred Vanderbilt is healthy. The problem is Vando hasn’t played all season and still has no set return date.
At best, Vanderbilt is unfortunately still a one-way defense-first player and an offensive liability that struggles to navigate screens and can’t shoot the three-ball or score well enough to be the Lakers’ starting shooting guard.

How the Lakers solve their need for a legitimate 3&D point-of-attack guard will likely depend on whether they need both first round picks to trade for the second big they need to pair with and/or backup Anthony Davis.

1. Dejounte Murray, 6′ 4″ 180 lbs, 28 yrs, $29.5M 4-years
16.0 pts, 6.8 reb, 7.5 ast, 0.5 blk, 2.6 stl in 34.0 mpg
36.5% 16.3 FGA, 27.1% 5.3 3PA, 78.8% 2.4 FTA pg

2. Marcus Smart, 6′ 3″ 220 lbs, 30 yrs, $20.2M 2-years
9.2 pts, 2.3reb, 3.8 ast, 0.3 blk, 1.3 stl in 21.2 mpg
36.5% 16.3 FGA, 27.1% 5.3 3PA, 78.8% 2.4 FTA pg

3. Lonzo Ball, 6′ 6″ 190 lbs, 27 yrs, $21.3M 1-year
5.4 pts, 3.1 reb, 3.6 ast, 0.5 blk, 1.2 stl in 18.2 mpg
33.3% 5.1 FGA, 31.7% 4.3 3PA, 80.0% 0.7 FTA pg

4. Bruce Brown, 6′ 4″ 202 lbs, 28 yrs, $23.0M 1-year
12.0 pts, 3.0 reb, 1.0 ast, 0.0 blk, 1.0 stl in 19.0 mpg
50.0% 12.0 FGA, 0.0% 0.0 3PA, 0.0% 0.0 FTA pg

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Second Big To Pair With Or Backup Anthony Davis

Ideally, the Lakers should pair Anthony Davis with a second big who can both protect the rim while also spacing the court and unleashing AD to play his preferred power forward so he can roam free on defense and offense.

The top four defensive center candidates to start alongside and/or back up Anthony Davis when he rests include the Pacers’ Myles Turner, Jazz’ Walker Kessler, Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III, and Bull’s Nikola Vucevic.
The asking price for Turner and Kessler is probably two first round picks while Williams and Vucevic could likely be had for just a single first round pick, which could be the most the Lakers are willing to pay for a center.

Landing Turner or Kessler would be huge for the Lakers and would likely elevate them to legitimate championship contenders. Turner would be the perfect veteran stretch five and Kessler the perfect young shot blocker.
Williams and Vucevic offer completely different but attractive options for the Lakers. If he can stay healthy, Robert Williams is a potential DPOY candidate and Nikola Vucevic the stretch five answer for JJ Redick.

There’s an argument the Lakers don’t need to add a second big since a healthy Christian Wood could be the perfect second big to play next to Anthony Davis. Wood if healthy is an elite 3-point shooter and rebounder. Considering his injury history and poor percentage from three last season, the Lakers would be smart not to overly rely or count upon Christian Wood to be the second big they can pair with or backup Anthony Davis at center.

In the end, the Lakers would love to be able to trade for Myles Turner or Walker Kessler, even if it cost them two first round picks and even if it only left them with second round picks to trade for a legit 3&D POA guard.

1. Myles Turner, 6′ 11″ 250 lbs, 28 yrs, $19.9M 1-year
14.9 pts, 7.1 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.1 blk, 0.8 stl in 31.3 mpg
48.4% 11.1 FGA, 39.2% 4.9 3PA, 72.3% 3.0 FTA pg

2. Walker Kessler, 7′ 0″ 245 lbs, 23 yrs, $2.9M 2-years
10.4 pts, 11.0 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.8 blk, 0.5 stl in 29.8 mpg
69.3% 5.7 FGA, 66.7% 0.1 3PA, 52.3% 2.6 FTA pg

3. Robert Williams, 6′ 9″ 249 lbs, 27 yrs, $12.4M 2-years
6.8 pts, 4.9 reb, 1.1 ast, 1.5 blk, 0.7 stl in 16.5 mpg
72.1% 3.9 FGA, 33.3% 0.3 3PA, 92.3% 1.2 FTA pg

4. Nikola Vucevic, 6′ 10″ 260 lbs, 34 yrs, $20.0M 2-years
20.6 pts, 10.0 reb, 3.3 ast, 0.7 blk, 0.8 stl in 32.2 mpg
56.8% 14.6 FGA, 45.3% 4.7 3PA, 83.1% 2.2 FTA pg

The Lakers have a unique opportunity, without giving up their two first round picks, to trade with the Bulls for a starting center and point guard who can transform the team into a legitimate championship contender.

With the Bulls committed to a complete teardown and rebuild, Rob Pelinka may finally have found a trade safe enough for him to pull the trigger after a helpless and hapless stretch of 22 months without making a single trade. Paralyzed by the disastrous Russell Westbrook trade, Pelinka has resorted to kicking the can down the road and moving the goalposts each offseason and trade deadline with platitudes like “you can’t buy what’s not for sale.”

The Lakers’ indecisiveness the last two years has been the direct result of ownership and front office not having a vision for the team or a strategic blueprint to guide them when building starting lineups and rotations.
Unlike teams like the Warriors, Suns, and Celtics, the Lakers have no clear plan or precise target to pursue. While other teams go after players whom they covet, the Lakers seem content with what the market might give them.

That’s not enough to save this season or give LeBron James and Anthony Davis the offensive and defensive weapons to win a ring or rookie head coach JJ Redick the chance to be the Lakers’ next Pat Riley or Phil Jackson.
But there is a point guard/center combination the Lakers could trade for that could not cost them a first round pick that has a lower floor but higher ceiling and better fit fit at both ends than Brogdon and Valanciunas.

The point guard/center duo the Los Angeles Lakers should be able to get without giving up a first round pick are the Chicago Bulls’ 3-point shooting, rim protecting center Nikola Vucevic and 3&D point guard Lonzo Ball.

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LAKERS-BULLS TRADE

While the Lakers need to trade for a point-of-attack guard or wing and a starting or backup shot blocking center, they also must be sure to trade for genuine two-way players who create needed spacing and/or playmaking.

The surprising reality of the Lakers’ situation is their defense has been steadily improving, ranking 7th in the league the last 10 games and 1st the last 4 games, with key defensive players like Vanderbilt soon returning.
Meanwhile, their once-vaunted offense has since been cratering. While currently ranked 17th in offensive rating for the season, the Lakers have fallen to 27th over last 15, 29th over last 10, and 30th over last 2 games.

What the Lakers need is to replace offense-only players with legitimate two-way players who can defend their position as well as space the floor. What they do not want is to trade offense-only for defense-only players.
The Bulls are seeking a first round pick for Vucevic and a second round pick for Ball. Three second round picks plus Russell, Hachimura, Vincent, Hood-Schifino, whom they could re-route, should be enough for Bulls.

L.A. gets a starting center to space the court and protect the rim in Vucevic to let AD to roam free on offense and defense plus a calculated gamble on rehabbing an elite two-way point guard in Ball for zero first round picks.
Significantly, the Lakers trade 4 players for 2 players to open up 2 roster spots plus save over $9 million in annual salaries to be used to fill those two open roster spots with available free agents or their own two-way players.

While Vucevic is not their center of the future and Ball is a calculated risk, landing 2 elite two-way starters for 4 one-way players and 3 second round picks while saving their own 2 first round picks is a big win for the Lakers.

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WHY NIKOLA VUCEVIC?

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Nikola Vucevic, 34-years old, 6′ 10′, 260 lbs, 2 yrs @ $20M
– TYR: 21.1 pts, 9.6 reb, 3.2 ast, 0.8 blk, 0.8 stl in 31.7 mpg
– 58.7% on 14.8 FGA, 47.5% on 4.6 3PA, 85.7% on 2.4 FTA pg

If the Lakers want a bruising big to pair with and backup Anthony Davis in the front court, they should target Bulls veteran center Nikola Vucevic, who can not only protect the rim and defend the post but also stretch the floor.

Rumors are the Lakers want to trade for Wizards’ Jonas Valanciunas to pair with and/or backup Anthony Davis in the frontcourt. Trading for Jonas would be a big mistake as Vucevic would be a better fit as Lakers center.
Vucevic and Valanciunas are both just average rim protectors, averaging 0.8 blocks per game. Nikola may be more mobile as he averages 0.8 steals per game to Jonas’ 0.3 although Jonas only plays 19.7 mpg vs Nikola’s 31.7.

Nikola’s 3-point shooting is why the Lakers should pursue him as their next starting center. He is the latest version of Brook Lopez, a veteran traditional defensive center who smartly developed a 3-point shot to boost his game.
Redick wants the Lakers to shoot 35 to 40 3PA per game. Right now, they’re 27th in the NBA at just 33.4 3PA per game. Adding Vucevic’s 4.6 3PA per game would give the Lakers 38 per game, which would make them top-10.

Besides his volume 3-point shooting, Nikola Vucevic is a better fit than Jonas Valanciunas to play the starter-level minutes that would be required to start alongside Anthony Davis while also backing him up when he rests.
Contract wise, the 34 year old Vucevic is more almost twice as expensive. Nikola currently has 2 years left on his contract at $20.0 million per year whereas Jonas has 3 years left on his contract at $9.9 million per year.

While the Lakers top priority is an affordable defensive center who can play with and backup AD, their top trade target should be Chicago Bulls stretch center Nikola Vucevic, who shoots 47.5% on 4.6 3PA per game.

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WHY LONZO BALL?

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Lonzo Ball, 27-years old, 6′ 6′, 190lbs, 1yrs @ $21.3M
– TYR: 5.5pts, 3.2 reb, 3.7 ast, 0.6 blk, 1.0 stl in 17.7 mpg
32,2% on 5.4 FGA, 30.0% on 4.5 3PA, 100.0% on 0.6 FTA pg
– CAR: 11.6 pts, 5.6 reb, 6.1 ast, 0.6 blk, 1.5 stl in 31.9 mpg
39.9% on 10.8 FGA, 36.2% on 4.5 3PA, 58.8% on 1.1 FTA pg

While risking a second round pick and matching salary to trade for Lonzo Ball is a calculated gamble, the payoff could be reacquiring a player who once was and could still be the perfect point guard for the L.A. Lakers.

First, let’s be clear any trade for Lonzo Ball would be dependent upon the Lakers’ medical staff viewing his records and examining his knee to make sure he was healthy and he could reasonably remain so in the future.
Trading for 27- year old Ball is a low risk, high reward type of deal. If he can’t stay healthy, all the Lakers lose is a second round pick and what they paid him. If he can stay healthy, they could have an All-Star point guard.

While he’s just played in 11 games this season due to a weird wrist injury, the 27-year old Ball has shown tantalizing glimpses of the promising young point guard he had developed into for the Bulls before his knee injury.
Lonzo missed over two years after arthroscopic surgery on his knee didn’t solve his pain issues and ended up having a cartilage and a brand new meniscus transplant to give him a last chance to resume his NBA career.

His high basketball IQ, elite skills as a playmaker, volume high percentage 3-point shooting, and aggressive point-of-attack perimeter defense make a healthy Lonzo the ideal prototype for the Lakers point guard of the future.
The Bulls are obviously undergoing a complete teardown and rebuild so it makes sense for them to move Lonzo rather than losing him for nothing to free agency. For the Lakers, it’s an opportunity to trade for a former star.

While trading for injury prone Lonzo Ball is a calculated risk that might take a couple of seasons to pay off, it’s the type of low risk, high reward opportunities that can transform second tier teams into champions.

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POST-TRADE ROSTER

Trading for stretch center Nikola Vucevic and POA point guard Lonzo Ball not only turbocharges the Lakers’ starting lineup’s offense and defense to championship level but also elevates their roster to top-10 in the league.

In addition to the two roster spots opened up by the trade, the Lakers can open up a third roster spot by trading Maxwell Lewis, Jaxson Hayes, and a second round pick to Nets for proven backup center Day’Ron Sharpe.

The Lakers could then use those three open roster spots to sign Markelle Fultz as their backup point guard, trade and convert the two-way contracts of Quincy Olivari and Christian Koloko to standard NBA contracts.

That would give the Lakers a deep, talented, and balanced starting with Lonzo Ball at point, Austin Reaves at shooting guard, LeBron James at small forward, Anthony Davis at power forward, and Nikola Vucevic at center.
The beauty of the Lakers new starting lineup is that all five starters are potentially two-way players who can both space the court with their 3-point shooting and efficiently or adequately defend their individual positions.

The new starting lineup is backed up by an elite bench led by point guard Markelle Fultz, shooting guard Max Christie, small forward Dalton Knecht, power forward Jarred Vanderbilt, and backup center Day’Ron Sharpe.
Besides a 10-man rotation, the Lakers’ player development group includes point guard Quincy Olivari, two guard Bronny James, small forward Cam Reddish, power forward Chris Wood, and center Christian Koloko.

A blockbuster trade for Nikola Vucevic and Lonzo Ball for three second round picks could be the best possible move the Los Angeles Lakers could make to transform themselves into legitimate championship contenders.

With less than two months before the February 6 trade deadline, Rob Pelinka may finally be facing what could be a franchise and career defining decision whether to save his picks or go all-in to win a championship.

After kicking the ball down the road last two summers and midseasons, there’s an expectation Pelinka might no longer believe the current roster is worth investing valuable draft picks that should be used to replace James.
The Lakers’ current tradable draft capital includes two first round picks, two first round pick swaps, and three second round picks. The Lakers also have $50M in tradable salaries, including $30M in expiring contracts.

Pelinka’s constant moving of the goal posts without making needed moves to upgrade the team’s perimeter point-of-attack defense and the lack of size and rim protection in starting lineup and rotation has been inexcusable.
What’s especially frustrating for Lakers fans is that there are moves the Lakers could make using their existing draft capital and matching salaries to clearly upgrade the Lakers to legitimate championship contenders.

The problem is Pelinka has neither the vision or courage needed to make moves in the NBA’s current competitive landscape. Rob fully understands his safe harbor as Kobe’s agent will not survive another Westbrook fiasco.
What he still needs to realize, however, is not taking advantage of what could be the Lakers’ last opportunity to win a second championship with a healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be grounds for firing.

Here are two trades that will dramatically upgrade the Lakers starting lineup offense and defense with a elite pair of two-way starters and fortify the bench with two former starters and a new shot blocking backup five.

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1. Trade for Robert Williams III

While many expect the Lakers to keep their two first round picks and use second round picks to acquire Jonas Valanciunas as backup center, Pelinka would be smarter use one first round pick to trade for Robert Williams III.

Despite a troubling injury history, Williams is the single most important player the Lakers could acquire before the trade deadline. There’s no other available player capable of totally transforming the Lakers starting lineup. Starting Robert Williams III at the five alongside Anthony Davis at the four would dramatically upgrade the Lakers front court defense, giving them two elite defenders who can both protect the rim and defend the perimeter.

Williams would also turbocharge the Lakers’ offense with his aggressive low post scoring and offensive rebounding. Starting Robert Williams at the five would unleash Anthony Davis to wreak havoc at both ends of the court.
Robert is currently averaging 9.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.1 steals in just 18.7 minutes per game while shooting an elite 71.1% on 5.4 FGA, 50% on 0.5 3PA, and 92.3% on 1.9 FTA per game.

The Lakers would be smart keep Williams’ playing time close to 20 minutes per game to keep him fresh and healthy and avoid injuries, which means they still likely need a more experienced backup center than Koloko.
The Lakers also still need to replace D’Angelo Russell with a point guard who can not only help replace his 3-point shooting and playmaking but also give them better 1-on-1 point-of-attack perimeter defense than DLO.

The Lakers’ top-5 protected 2029 first round pick plus Vincent’s $11.0M contract for 2-years and Hayes’ $2.4 million expiring contract should be good enough for the Blazers to trade Robert Williams III to the Lakers.

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2. Trade for Dennis Schroder and Day’Ron Sharpe

Once the Lakers finalize the trade for Robert Williams III, they should then immediately focus on trading for the Nets’ Dennis Schroder and Day’Ron Sharpe to be starting two-way point guard and backup shot blocking center.

While the Lakers could stop after trading for Williams and start Austin Reaves at point guard with maybe Jarred Vanderbilt at shooting guard for defense, trading with Nets for Schroder and Sharpe fills two big holes.
Dennis Schroder should be the perfect defensive upgrade at starting point guard to replace D’Angelo Russell and Day’Ron Sharpe the perfect upgrade at backup defensive center when Robert Williams is resting on the bench.

Dennis Schroder has been on a tear since playing for Germany in the Olympics last summer and is a legitimate two-way player who would be an excellent upgrade over D’Angelo Russell as Lakers’ starting point guard.
Schroder is averaging 18.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 33.9 minutes per game while shooting 44.8 on 114.3 FGA per game, 38.5% on 6.5 3PA per game, and 88.9% on 3.7 FTA per game.

Since the Lakers should load manage Williams’ minutes, Sharpe would give them another talented rim protector to back up Robert and ensure that the Lakers would have an elite shot blocker on the court for all 48 minutes.
Day’Ron is averaging 5.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals in just 14.7 minutes per game as Nets’ backup five while shooting 36.4% on 3.7 FGA, 50.0% on 0.7 3PA, and 100.0% on 2.0 FTA per game.

The Lakers’ top-5 protected 2031 first round pick plus Russell’s, Hood-Schifino’s, and Reddish’s $24.6M in expiring contracts should be enough compensation for the Nets to trade Schroder and Sharpe to the Lakers.

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3. Lakers Post-Trades Starting Lineup & Rotation

After the two blockbuster trades, the Los Angeles Lakers would suddenly boast a dramatically upgraded starting lineup and deep bench rotation that could catapult the team into top-10 in the league on offense and defense.

Replacing Reaves and Hachimura with Schroder and Williams totally transforms the Lakers starting lineup and bench. Schroder and Williams turbo charge the starters while Reaves and Hachimura upgrade the bench.
Dennis Schroder, Dalton Knecht, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Robert Williams are an elite starting lineup and Austin Reaves, Max Christie, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Day’Ron Sharpe a top-10 bench.

The trades have the Lakers swapping five one-way players and two top-5 protected first round picks for two two-way starters in Robert Williams and Dennis Schroder and one two-way rotation player in Day’Ron Sharpe.
Besides reducing their annual payroll for the year by $9.0M, the two trades opened up two new roster spots so the Lakers can sign two-way players Christian Koloko and Quincy Olivari to become part of the active roster.

That gives the Lakers a promising group of players under development with Quincy Olivari at the one, Bronny James at the two, Maxwell Lewis at the three, Christian Wood at the four, and Christian Koloko at the five.
While injuries will continue to be a huge wild card for the Lakers, the trades for Williams, Schroder, and Sharpe reshaped their starting lineup and rotation, giving them sorely needed size and perimeter defense.

While there is a risk in the Lakers using their only tradable first round picks for an injury prone center like Williams and two-way point guard like Schroder, their upside could easily be the Lakers 18th NBA championship.

The time may have come for Rob Pelinka not only to make a blockbuster trade to save the Lakers’ season but also to commit to a future built around a talented young superstar point guard who can unleash Anthony Davis.

Transitioning from LeBron James has been the monster lurking over every roster decision Rob Pelinka and the Lakers consider that involves trading one of two tradable first round picks. Use picks now or save them for later. With LeBron James finally slowing down a little and looking as if next season just could be his last, the real decision the Lakers may be struggling with right now might not be whether to go big but rather just how big to go.

Frankly, now could be the ideal time for the Lakers to change direction and trade for a young superstar point guard to replace LeBron and complement superstar Anthony Davis and rookie 3-point sharpshooter Dalton Knecht.
There are rumblings around the league that De’Aaron Fox, Trae Young, and LaMelo Ball, three dynamic young superstar point guards who’d be great fits for Los Angeles could become available before the next trade deadline.

The problem the Lakers and ay NBA team faces when a superstar is available is how to win a trade versus loaded teams like Brooklyn, OKC, Utah, and San Antonio, who control 62 first round picks next 7 years.
The Lakers obviously need an edge. Fortunately for them, two of the three young superstar point guards available this trade deadline — Trae Young and De’Aaron Fox — are now clients of Rich Paul and Klutch Sports Group.

Competition for these star point guards, if available, will be fierce but the Klutch connection could ultimately be the difference maker, just as it was when the Lakers and Klutch forced the Pelicans to trade Davis to them.
There have been rumors the Lakers and Klutch might try to repeat the same trade strategy that resulted in the Pelicans trading AD to the Lakers in order to force Sacramento or Atlanta to trade Fox or Young to Los Angeles.

Ideally, any Lakers trade for a young superstar point guard should be a 3-for-1 trade where the Lakers send out Russell, Hachimura, and either Hood-Schifino or Vincent to match salaries and open up 2 roster spots.
The Lakers would still have enough matching salaries plus first round swaps and second round picks to hopefully trade for an affordable starting center like Robert Williams or Walker Kessler to pair with Anthony Davis.

While Pelinka has obviously been a little hesitant and gun-shy of making a major trade after the Westbrook fiasco, the pressure to do something to save the season to give rookie coach Redick a better roster is mounting.
The Lakers need another younger superstar to give LeBron James and Anthony Davis another chance at winning a championship. The timing could be ideal for the Lakers to consider a mega move to replace James.

Trading for a young superstar point guard to replace LeBron James is theoretically more important than winning the championship for any single season as it could impact the franchise’s success for a decade.
Pelinka knows his next big trade could easily be his last as the Lakers’ general manager, which is why he may finally be forced into a blockbuster trade to save the season and land the replacement for LeBron James.

Here are three proposed Lakers trades for a young superstar point guard along with the current player stats for each of the three trade targets and the projected starting lineup, rotation, and depth chart after the trade.

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1. TRADE FOR DE’AARON FOX

De’AAron Fox, 26-Years Old, 6′ 3″, 185 lbs, 2-years @ $35.6M
26.8 pts, 5.1 reb, 5.8ast, 0.2 blk, 1.9 stl in 37.7 mpg
48.5% on 20.3 FGA, 33.8% on 6.3 3PA, 80.3% on 6.2 FTA pg

The grand prize young superstar point guard target for the Los Angeles Lakers would be Sacramento King point guard De’Aaron Fox, who recently fired his old agent and signed with Rich Paul of the Klutch Sports Group.

A lightning quick speedster, De’Aaron Fox would be the perfect young superstar point guard replacement for the Lakers to pair with Anthony Davis to replace LeBron James’ scoring and playmaking going forward.
While the Lakers’ efforts to force Sacramento to trade Fox are a long shot, the Kings under Mike Brown are floundering for direction and the lure of 2 or 3 post-LeBron James Lakers first round draft picks could be appealing.

After trading for Fox, the Lakers would still have enough available matching salary in Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish plus a first round pick swap or multiple second round picks to trade for Robert Williams.

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2. TRADE FOR TRAE YOUNG

Trae Young, 26-Years Old, 6′ 1″, 164 lbs, 3-Years @ $46.0M
20.7 pts, 3.9 reb, 12.0 ast, 0.1 blk, 1.2 stl in 35.7 mpg
38.4% on 16.5 FGA, 30.6% on 8.3 3PA, 89.1% on 6.2 FTA pg

There’s a strong argument the best young superstar point guard the Los Angeles Lakers could pair with Anthony Davis would be the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young, the best playmaker and 3-point shooter of the 3 candidates.

An elite playmaker and shooter, Trae Young could simply be the best young superstar point guard replacement for the Lakers to pair with Anthony Davis to replace LeBron James’ scoring and playmaking going forward.
While the Lakers’ efforts to force Atlanta to trade Young are a long shot, the Hawks have a loaded and talented young roster for direction and the lure of 2 or 3 post-LeBron James Lakers first round draft picks could be appealing.

After trading for Young, the Lakers would still have enough available matching salary in Max Christie and Jalen Hood-Schifino plus a first round pick swap or multiple second round picks to trade for Robert Williams.

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3. TRADE FOR LAMELO BALL

LaMelo Ball, 23-Years Old, 6′ 7″, 180 lbs, 5-Years @ $48.8M
31.1 pts, 5.4 reb, 6.9 ast, 0.2 blk, 1.1 stl in 34.1 mpg
43.0% on 24.9 FGA, 35.6% on 13.1 3PA, 84.8% on 5.8 FTA pg

There’s no question LaMelo Ball at 6′ 7″ and 23-years old is one of the NBA’s best young point guards who just signed a 5-year monster extension with the hopeless, hapless, perennial bottom feeding Charlotte Hornets.

A unique talent and unicorn, LaMelo Ball joining the Lakers and following his brother Lonzo sounds like a crazy, wild pipe-dream come true but the younger Ball brother has a kind of basketball magic that belongs in L.A.
Without Klutch, the only advantage the Lakers might have in trading for LaMelo might be his personal desire to succeed where his brother failed or the lure of 2 or 3 post-LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers first round picks.

After trading for Ball, the Lakers would still have enough available matching salary in Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish plus a first round pick swap or multiple second round picks to trade for Robert Williams.