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Lonzo Ball

Building A Championship Defense Around The Lakers’ New Big Three

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Dalton Knecht’s emergence as the generational 3-point shooter the Los Angeles Lakers have long-coveted now gives them a New Big Three and frees them to trade their picks to upgrade their starting lineup defense.

Redick’s decision to make Dalton Knecht the Lakers’ starting shooting guard was a clear sign the Lakers view the talented young rookie as part of their backcourt of the future and an emerging star around which to build. While moving Russell to the bench was a big success, Reddish was never able to provide enough defense to offset his liability on offense. Replacing him with Knecht fixed the mistake and turbo charged the starting lineup.

Though the Lakers knew Russell and Reaves could not be a championship backcourt defensively, they decided they had no option but gamble on a Reaves and Knecht backcourt, even though it’s not optimal defensively.
While an offense-first starting backcourt of Reaves and Knecht might survive regular season, they’ll be hard pressed defensively to win in the playoffs, which is why Dalton starting could change Lakers’ trade plans.

Sooner rather than later, the Lakers need trades to pair Dalton Knecht with a new defense-first point guard who can defend the perimeter and pair Anthony Davis with a new defense-first center who can protect the rim.
Their assets to make those trades include their two available first round picks, three available first round pick swaps, and three second round picks. Russell, Hachimura, Hood-Schifino, and Lewis are logical salary filler.

As L.A. continues trying to thread the needle between winning now and building for the future, committing to Knecht as a part of their new long-term core should empower the Lakers to focus on trading for defense.
With a New Big Three of Davis at the four, James at the three, and Knecht at the two, Lakers need to trade for a defensive center who can legitimately start and a defensive point guard who can’t be played off the court.

Here are three top trade targets for new Lakers’ defense oriented starting point guard and center to provide championship caliber defensive help for New Big Three of Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Dalton Knecht.

1. Defensive Center Who Can Legitimately Start

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ three top trade targets for a defensive center to start next to AD should be the Portland Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III, the Utah Jazz’ Walker Kessler, and the Milwaukee Bucks’ Brook Lopez.

  • Robert Williams III, 27 Years Old, 6′ 9″, 249 lbs, 2 Years @ $12M
    9.6 pts, 6.0 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.9 blk, 1.1 stl in 18.7 mpg
    71.1% on 5.4 FGA, 50.0% on 0.3 3PA, 92.3% on 1.9 FTA pg
  • Walker Kessler, 23 Years Old, 7′ 0″, 245 lbs, 2 Years @ $4M
    9.7 pts, 10.4 reb, 1.4 ast, 2.8 blk, 0.4 stl in 27.7 mpg
    69.9% on 6.1 FGA, 0.0% on 0 3PA, 51.9% on 2.3 FTA pg
  • Brook Lopez, 36 Years Old, 7′ 1″, 282 lbs, 1 Year @ $23M
    12.3 pts, 5.2 reb, 1.8 ast, 2.3 blk, 1.3 stl in 32.7 mpg
    47.7% on 9.6 FGA, 36.5% on 5.3 3PA, 74.2% on 1.7 FTA pg

While all three defensive center options would help elevate the Lakers to legitimate championship contenders, Williams has greatest potential and risk, Kessler best long-term upside, and Lopez best short-term outlook.

Of the three options, Robert Williams III has the greatest ceiling as he has elite ability both to protect the rim and defend in space. Pairing him with Anthony Davis would give the Lakers the best front court in the league.
Trading for Williams would surely cost the Lakers one of their two available first round picks plus maybe Vincent and Hood-Schifino as salary filler. While Williams doesn’t stretch the floor, he’s still a big force offensively.

The obvious pluses of trading for Walker Kessler are his age and salary, which means his cost in terms of matching salary and cap impact are minimal. The negative is the Jazz are asking two first round picks for him.
Trading Kessler to L.A. could also undermine what Utah receives for the Lakers’ 1–4 protected 2027 pick they own. The Lakers may need to remove the 2027 protection plus include 2028 swap and 2029 pick to land Kessler.

Should the Lakers not want to risk trading for Williams or pay the price to trade for Kessler, Brook Lopez could be the ideal short-term option for the Lakers to pair with Anthony Davis in a modern two-bigs starting lineup.
While giving up a first round pick for a short-term solution like 36-year old Lopez is not ideal, there may be no better big to play alongside AD than Brook, who’s the only defensive center candidate who stretches the floor.

The Lakers need to trade for a defensive center like the Trail Blazers’ Robert Williams III, the Jazz’ Walker Kessler, or the Bucks’ Brook Lopez to pair with Anthony Davis in the best defensive front court in the league.

2. Defensive Guard Who Can’t Be Played Off Court

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The Los Angeles Lakers’ three top trade targets for a defensive point guard to play with Dalton Knecht should be the Memphis Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart, the Chicago Bulls’ Lonzo Ball, and the Brooklyn Nets’ Dennis Schroder.

  • Marcus Smart, 30 Years Old, 6′ 3″, 220 lbs, 2 Years @ $21M
    9.2 pts, 2.4 reb, 3.9 ast, 0.7 blk, 1.3 stl in 20.0 mpg
    38.2% on 7.6 FGA, 31.7% on 4.6 3PA, 85.7% on 2.3 FTA pg
  • Lonzo Ball, 27 Years Old, 6′ 6″, 190 lbs, 1 Year @ $21M
    TYR: 5.0 pts, 2.3 reb, 3.5 ast, 0.8 blk, 1.0 stl in 15.5 mpg
    35.6% on 5.6 FGA, 20.5% on 3.0 3PA, 71.4% on 0.5 FTA pg
    LYR: 13.0 pts, 5.4 reb, 5.1 ast, 0.9 blk, 1.8 stl in 34.6 mpg
    42,3% on 10.9 FGA, 42.3% on 7.4 3PA, 75.0% on 0.8 FTA pg
  • Dennis Schroder, 31 Years Old, 6′ 1″, 175 lbs, 2 Years @ 12M
    18.6 pts, 3.2 reb, 6.3 ast, 0.2 blk, 1.2 stl in 34.2 mpg
    43.4% on 11.9 FGA, 41.7% on 6.7 3PA, 88.1% on 3.7 FTA pg

While the three defensive point guard options would help catapult the Lakers to legitimate contenders, Smart has the safest ceiling and floor, Ball the greatest upside and risk, and Schroder the best short-term bet.

Former Boston Celtic Marcus Smart should be the Lakers’ top defensive point guard target. While not an elite 3-point sniper or playmaker, Smart’s point-of-attack defense, constant motor, and gritty leadership are elite.
Pairing an All-Defensive quality 1-on-1 point-of-attack defender like Marcus Smart with a generational 3-point shooter and scorer like Dalton Knecht is exactly what the Lakers need to compete for a championship.

Should L.A. be unable to interest the Grizzlies in trading Marcus Smart, the Lakers should turn to the tanking Bulls and see whether they’re interested in trading injury-prone point guard Lonzo Ball and his expiring contract.
While L.A. would need to have their doctors examine Ball and review his medical records, Lonzo Ball could be exactly what the Lakers need as a defensive point guard and Bulls may be willing to give him up for seconds.

If L.A. cannot trade for Smart or Ball, they should pivot and target the Nets’ current and Lakers’ former point guard Dennis Schroder, who’s elevated his play at both end in the Olympics for Germany and in the NBA for the Nets.
While he’s not the bigger point-of-attack defensive point guard Smart and Ball are, Shroder does have elite speed, quickness, and ability to hound opposing ball handlers full court and is also shooting over 40% from deep.

The Lakers need to trade for a defensive point guard like the Grizzlies’ Marcus Smart, the Bulls’ Lonzo Ball, or the Nets’ Dennis Schroder to pair with Dalton Knecht in one of the best two-way backcourts in the NBA.

Ten Reasons Why Lonzo Ball Is Perfect Point Guard for LeBron and Lakers

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There’s no former Lakers’ player who is more polarizing or misunderstood than Lonzo Ball, who was drafted #2 overall by Los Angeles back in 2017 where he played his first two seasons before being traded to New Orleans.

Over hyped by Magic Johnson and the LA media and hounded by his father LaVar Ball’s antics, Lonzo Ball spent a good portion of his two seasons with the Lakers fighting injuries and trying to live up to inflated expectations. But being exiled to New Orleans via the Anthony Davis trade allowed Lonzo the time and opportunity to work on honing his game, especially his 3-point and free throw shooting and overall decision making as a point guard.

Now that it appears the Pelicans are committed to pursuing Kyle Lowry as their starting point guard going forward, here are ten reasons why Lonzo Ball is the perfect point guard for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers:

1. EXCEPTIONAL BASKETBALL IQ

One of intangible LeBron and the Lakers value is basketball IQ. Lonzo’s greatest talent is his vision and anticipation at both ends of the court. Like Caruso, Lonzo does the little things that don’t show in the box score.

2. ELITE VOLUME 3-POINT SHOOTER

The Lakers need volume 3-point shooters. After shooting just 31.5% on 5.3 attempts per game his two years with the Lakers, Lonzo shot an impressive 37.6% from deep on 7.2 attempts per game in two years with the Pelicans.

3. SAVVY AND VERSATILE DEFENDER

At 6′ 6″ with a 6′ 7″ wingspan, Lonzo has all the instincts and tools to be an elite defender who can guard ones, twos, and threes and provide defensive savvy and versatility that few NBA point guards are capable of doing.

4. GIFTED PASSER AND PLAYMAKER

From high school to UCLA to the Lakers and then the Pelicans, Lonzo has always been a ready made playmaking highlight reel. While he still needs to improve his P&R passing, Lonzo is an elite outlet and lob playmaker.

5. BALL NEVER STOPS OR STICKS

With LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the lineup, the Lakers don’t really want a ball dominant point guard. Lonzo is a great fit because the ball doesn’t stop when it gets to him. Lonzo’s elite at moving the basketball.

6. EXPERIENCE PLAYING WITH LEBRON

While Lonzo struggled at times during his 2-year stint in LA, he had a great relationship with LeBron James, who always respected his game and knew and understood the pressures Lonzo faced with all of the media hype.

7. FAMILIAR WITH BRIGHT LIGHTS OF LA

You hear Lakers fans and media always talking about how players struggle to play or shoot as well in LA as other cities because of the bright lights. Lonzo has been here before and that will help him adjust to playing in LA.

8. GREAT UPSIDE AT 22-YEARS OLD

Just 22-years old with 4 years of NBA experience, Lonzo has already shown he is nowhere near the player he has the potential to become. He needs to learn to run pick-and-rolls and to attack the basket with drives and floaters.

9. REASONABLE SALARY AND BIRD RIGHTS

With Kyle Lowry, Dennis Schroder, and Spencer Dinwiddie now demanding much of the attention and $30 million per year, the Lakers may have an opportunity to sign-and-trade Lonzo for $20 to $22 million per year.

10. MEMBER OF KLUTCH SPORTS’ FAMILY

Don’t disregard how important being a Klutch Sports client could be to Lonzo Ball ending up on the Lakers. Rich Paul and Rob Pelinka already have an impressive track record at directing Klutch talent to the Lakers.

This is going to be one of the most dynamic offseasons in NBA history. The Play-In Tournament has suddenly transformed a leauge that used to be split fairly evenly between sellers and buyers. Now it’s like everybody’s a buyer.

The Lakers want to reduce the workload on 36-year old LeBron by acquiring a ‘difference-making playmaker’ so James can move to the four and Davis to the five. Lonzo’s 7 assists and 7 attempted threes per game are a pefect fit. The Lakers don’t need a ball-dominant point guard like CP3 or Russ. They need a point guard who can quickly get the ball in the right player’s hands, take and make a high volume of threes to create spacing, and play defense.

Lonzo Ball may not be the old school ball-dominant point guard but he has the potential to become the prototype future modern NBA point guard and is the perfect point guard for LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Could Benefits of Being Hardcapped Outweigh the Negatives for Lakers?

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There’s a reason why more than half of the teams in the NBA opted to be hardcapped this past season. While hardcapping limits what a team can spend on salaries for the season, it also gives teams other advantages.

The first advantage is hardcapped teams can sign-and-trade for other teams’ free agents. For teams like the LA Lakers who don’t have cap space, sign-and-trades are the only way they can acquire a high priced free agent. The Lakers’ priority this summer is to find a ‘difference-making playmaker.’ Since the top point guards this summer will be free agents, the Lakers may have to accept being hardcapped to land the elite playmaker they covet.

The second advantage is hardcapped teams get the full $9.5 million MLE to sign one or more free agents from other teams. The full MLE gives the Lakers a huge competitive advantage versus teams that are not hardcapped. Non-hardcapped teams only get the $5.9 million taxpayer MLE or the $4.9 million room MLE so the Lakers would be able to offer the best MLE candidates a greater annual salary than non-hardcapped teams can offer.

Landing an elite veteran point guard via sign-and-trade and a deadeye 3-point shooting guard or small forward via the full MLE could give the Lakers two starters superior to any players available if not hardcapped.

What makes being hardcapped a smart strategy for teams without cap space is the access to star free agent players. Sign-and-trades and the full MLE are powerful tools to accelerate building a caliber championship team.

The Lakers’ top sign-and-trade point guard target is Kyle Lowry, whom they tried to trade for at the deadline. Lonzo Ball, Chris Paul, Devonte Graham, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Derrick Rose are also sign-and-trade candidates. The Lakers’ top point guard trade target is Malcolm Brogdon, whom the Pacers have now put on the trade block. Russell Westbrook, Kemba Walker, Collin Sexton, and Terry Rozier are other point guards available via trade.

The Lakers’ top shooting guard candidate for the MLE is the Hornets’ Malik Monk, an unrestricted free agent sharpshooter. Other shooting guards for the MLE are Victor Oladipo, Alex Burks, Terrence Davis, and J.J. Redick. The Lakers’ top small forward target for the MLE is the Pelicans’ Josh Hart. Will Barton, Josh Hart, Furkan Korkmaz, Kelly Oubre, Kent Bazemore, Otto Porter, Jr., and Reggie Bullock are other small foward MLE candidates.

Being hardcapped would be worth it if the Lakers could sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry and then sign a second quality starter like Malik Monk or Josh Hart with the full MLE. The #22 pick also becomes valuable if hardcapped.

There are severe limits to what a team can do if hardcapped. A sign-and-trade for Kyle Lowry or any free agent cannot exceed $25 million per year or the Lakers might not be able to re-sign Caruso and Horton-Tucker.

There’s a misconception teams can build better, deeper rosters by paying luxury taxes rather than being hardcapped. The reality is luxury taxes are structured so that progressive penalties rapidly limit what teams can do. Should the Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook, the annual salaries of LeBron, AD, Russ, Gasol, eight players for the vet minimum, and Deng’s $5 million waive-and-stretch total $142.0 million or close to the tax apron.

The luxury tax bill for using the taxpayer $5.9 million MLE to add a 13th player would be expensive. The total luxury taxes would cost the Lakers $12.5 million, bringing the annual pay for that player to $18.4 million. From there, the taxes become even more exorbitant. Adding 14th and 15th players who earn just the veteran minimum salary of $1.7 million would cost the Lakers another $15 million in taxes to completely fill out the roster.

The bottom line is there are advantages and disadvantages for teams willing to be hardcapped or pay luxury taxes. Which route a team chooses will depend on the specific roster needs and financial landscape of the team.

Could a Lonzo Ball S&T This Summer Be the Lakers’ Answer at Point Guard?

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There are good reasons why a Lakers and Lonzo Ball reunion are unlikely this summer, including Ball preferring not to return to the team that traded him and the Lakers not wanting to be hardcapped due to a sign-and-trade.

But there are also compelling reasons why Lonzo Ball today could be the perfect point guard to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis and a better option as a playmaker, shooter, and defender than Dennis Schroder. Lonzo is also a better complement for 20-year old Talen Horton-Tucker, whom the Lakers project as part of their backcourt of the future who needs to be paired with a guard who can shoot the three and take care of the ball.

The 23-year old 6′ 6″ Ball shoots 38.4% on 8.1 threes and makes 5.7 assists to 2.0 turnovers per game whereas the 27-year old 6′ 3″ Schroder shoots 34.1% on just 3.3 threes and averages 5.4 assists to 2.8 turnovers per game. The younger and bigger Ball also has greater upside as a player and is more versatile as defender than the older and smaller Schroder. Ball averages 0.6 blocks and 1.4 steals per game vs. 0.2 blocks and 1.2 steals for Schroder.

Like Schroder, Ball is going to be looking for a big raise in free agency this summer. He knows his days in New Orleans are over and because he’ll be a restricted free agent, the Pelicans will be looking to sign-and-trade him. Spending more than $20 million for Lonzo Ball, even though it would hard cap them, would be a smarter move than spending that much for Dennis Schroder, who’s nowhere near as good a fit for what the Lakers need.

But there may be strong competition for Ball, who’s dramatically improved his shooting over the last two years. He’s not only become an elite high volume 3-point shooter but is now also shooting almost 80% from the line. With Zion dominating the ball for the Pelicans as a point forward, Lonzo has learned to thrive off the ball, becoming a true 3&D guard whom the Pelicans would like to keep but not at the cost of going into the luxury tax.

Should Lonzo be interested, the Lakers should jump at the opportunity. They could move some long term salary commitments to open up space under the hard cap to give Horton-Tucker and Caruso well deserved raises. The Pelicans might be receptive to receiving Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in return for Lonzo Ball. Kuzma and KCP are both young, proven, championship quality rotation players on team friendly contracts.

A sign-and-trade with the Pelicans for Lonzo Ball on a 4-year deal starting at $20 million for Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s combined $26 million per year would end up saving the Lakers $6 million salary per year. Lonzo Ball would become the starting point guard and Talen Horton-Tucker the starting shooting guard, giving the Los Angeles Lakers a dynamic young backcourt of the future to complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

As for being hardcapped again, there’s a sense from writers following the Lakers like Eric Pincus the Lakers might welcome financial constraints to prevent them from overspending and incurring stratospheric luxury taxes. There was talk from Woj and other pundits that the Lakers were looking for ways to get out of some of their future commitments to create flexibility this summer to re-sign their own free agents Horton-Tucker and Caruso.

Another wrinkle of a Lonzo Ball and Lakers reunion is Ball’s agent is now Rich Paul of Klutch Sports. It’s no secret Rob Pelinka and Rich Paul have a history of making moves to mutually benefit the Lakers and Klutch clients. There’s something karmic about Lonzo signing with the player agent who engineered his trade to New Orleans. What better story than the prodigal son returning to lead the team that drafted him to more championships.

At 23, Lonzo has become his own man, no longer tethered to the whims and opinions of a dominant father. He’s put his career in the capable hands of Rich Paul and worked hard to become a better and more valuable player. While New York is tempting, Rich Paul surely knows the best landing spot for Lonzo Ball and his career would be back at Staples next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He’s the perfect point guard for the LA Lakers.

Temporarily overshadowed by his younger brother LaMelo’s sensational rookie season, Lonzo has an opportunity to return to Los Angeles, rejoin LeBron, and become the first Ball brother to win an NBA championship.

Ranking the Lakers Trade Deadline Options With Only 24 Hours to Go!

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The clock is ticking and the Lakers have 24 hours left to find a playmaking, volume 3-point shooting, impact guard to replace LeBron James and a big rim protecting, athletic, shot blocking center to replace Anthony Davis.

The recent media take is the Lakers are willing to move some combination of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Marc Gasol to find a playmaking, 3-point shooting guard to turbo charge their flailing offense. While their current position is they’re not willing to part with young Talen Horton-Tucker or their 2027 first round pick as part of any deal, it’s hard to see that preventing them from pulling the trigger on a promising trade.

The Lakers also seem committed to waiting for the buyout market after the trade deadline to sign Andre Drummond to protect the rim and stop the bleeding of opponent points in the paint that’s undermined their defense. The Cavs are almost certainly going to have to buyout Drummond and the opportunity to become the Lakers’ starting center and win a championship alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis make LA the heavy favorite.

So let’s take a closer look at the guards whom the Lakers may be targeting, how they would help solve the team’s current offensive woes, who are the major competitors, and what it might take for the Lakers to trade for them.

1. LONZO BALL

New Orleans Pelicans, PG, 23 yrs, 6′ 6,” 190 lbs
TYR$11,003,782, NYR $14,359,936 QO
14.2/4.2/5.6, 42.5/38.5/76.7%, 7.8 3PA

Lonzo is perfect point guard for the Lakers without or with LeBron. Adds playmaking and volume 3-point shooting. KCP is better option than Bledsoe or Redick at shooting guard and brings defense for 28th ranked Pelicans. If needed, Lakers should be willing to include THT or 2027 first round pick.

2. VICTOR OLADIPO

Houston Rockets, SG, 28 yes, 6′ 4,” 210 lbs
TYR $21,000,000
20.8/5.0/4.7, 41.1/33.3/76.7%, 7.7 3PA

Victor would be a great fit on both ends of court short and long term for Lakers if healthy. Playmaker, volume 3-point shooter, and elite defender. KCP is able replacement at the two and Rockets have cap space to re-sign Trezz. Trading for Oladipo is a gamble but could get coveted third superstar.

3. TERRY ROZIER

Charlotte Hornets, 27 yrs, SG, 6′ 1,” 190 lbs
TYR $18,900,000, NYR $17,905,263
20.2/3.8/3.3, 47.3/41.8/84.7%, 7.9 3PA

Terry would give the Lakers a playmaking, high scoring, high volume 3-point shooting guard they need to pair with Schroder. Harrell would give the Hornets the front court scorer they need and KCP an able replacement for Rozier. Trade could be expanded to include centers Gasol and Biyombo.

4. MALCOLM BROGDON

Indiana Pacers, 28 yrs, PG, 6′ 5,” 229 lbs
TYR $20,700,000, YR2 $21,700,000, YR3 $22,600,000
21.6/4.7/6.1, 46.0/39.8/87.7%, 6.5 3PA

Brogdon would be a terrific fit on the Lakers for the season and the playoffs. Excellent playmaker, volume 3-point shooter, and defender. KCP would be a good 3&D addition to the Pacers and Harrell the scoring backup to Sabonis and Turner they need. Lakers take advantage of Pacers cutting payroll.

5. KYLE LOWRY

Toronto Raptors, 34 yrs, 6′ 0,” 196 lbs
TYR $30,500,000
17.6/5.6/7.4, 43.8/39.1/88.4%, 7.2 3PA

Lowry would be the perfect point guard for the Lakers. True point guard who’s also a volume 3-point shooter, team leader, and proven defender. Raptors get young point guard replacement in Schroder, elite backup in Harrell, dump Baynes for return of Gasol, and quality guard depth in KCP.