Lakerholics

A Lakers Fan Community

Victor Oladipo

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

By 9 Comments

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.

Ten Laker Trades for Third Superstar, Volume Threes, and/or Rim Protection

By 3 Comments

Struggling with Anthony Davis’ subpar play and injury, players out due to Covid protocol, cratering 3-point shooting, and faltering rim protection, the Lakers desperately need a big trade to keep their championship hopes alive.

They need a third superstar to match the Nets’ Superstar Big Three, some volume 3-point shooters to match the Clippers, Nets, and Jazz who shoot 10 more threes per game, and an elite rim protector to anchor their defense. Finding players to fill those needs is going to require the Lakers to give up valuable components of the roster than won the NBA championship last season. The reality is the bar to win the NBA championship has been raised.

Other than LeBron and AD, Kuzma is the only other Laker close to being untouchable as he’s become exactly what the Lakers are trying to trade for, a high volume, high percentage 3-point shooter who could be a third star. Keeping Dennis Schroder should also be a high priority but the rest of the Lakers’ roster have to be considered fair game in a major trade, even fan favorites like Alex Caruso, Montrezl Harrell, and Talen Horton-Tucker.

While the Lakers will be monitoring the buyout market, they’re not likely to find a third star or superstar, volume 3-point shooter, or elite rim protector there. The one exception may be former Houston center DeMarcus Cousins. What separates Cousins from the other center buyout candidates is his willingness and ability to shoot the three. Boogie shot 33.6% on 4.6 threes per game this season and 35.4% on 6.1 threes per game at his peak in 2018.

The challenging part of proposing trades is figuring out who’s available that fits your needs, what competing teams are likely to offer, and what’s the right package to offer to entice the other team to actually agree to the trade. Fortunately, there’s TRADENBA.COM’s virtual trade machine that not only allows anybody to play NBA general manager but also projects which team wins the trade and number of wins the trade should statistically produce.

Here are ten proposed trades that could give the Lakers a coveted third superstar, volume 3-point shooters to keep up with the Nets, Clippers, and Jazz, and/or a rim protector to anchor the Lakers’ top ranked defense.

1. TRADE FOR VICTOR OLADIPO & PJ TUCKER

Lakers get third superstar, add volume 3-point shooting and perimeter defense but give up valuable depth, scoring, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Victor Oladipo
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 10.2 vs. 6.6 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Oladipo > THT, Tucker > KCP
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade.

Starters: Schroder, OLADIP0, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, TUCKER, Kuzma, Morris, COUSINS

2. TRADE FOR KYLE LOWRY

Lakers get third superstar, add volume 3-point shooting and perimeter defense but give up valuable depth, scoring, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Kyle Lowry
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes,7.1 vs. 5.2 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Lowry > KCP
Trade Machine Verdict? Raptors+3 Wins

Starters: LOWRY, Schroder, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, Kuzma, McKinnie, Morris, COUSINS

3. TRADE FOR KRISTAPS PORZINGIS

Lakers get potential third superstar and modern two-way center but give up valuable depth, scoring, perimeter defense, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Kristaps Porzingis
Volume 3-Point Shooting? No, 6.2 vs 8.2 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Porzingis Averages 1.5 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, Kuzma, James, Davis, PORZINGIS
Bench: Caruso, Matthews, McKinney, Morris, Gasol

4. TRADE FOR MYLES TURNER

Lakers get perfect modern center who can protect the rim and stretch defenses but give up volume threes, depth, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? Yes, Myles Turner is a superstar for his position
Volume 3-Point Shooting? No, 4.6 vs. 7.1 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Turner Leads NBA With 3.3 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Pacers+3 Wins

Starters: Schroder, Caldwell-Pope, James, Davis, TURNER
Bench: Caruso, Matthews, McKinney, Morris, Gasol

5. TRADE FOR DEVONTE GRAHAM, MALIK MONK, BISMACK BIYOMBO

Lakers get two volume 3-point shooters and capable rim protector but give up depth, perimeter defense, budding young star, and first round pick.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 15.4 vs. 4.9 Threes Per Game
Add Better Defense? No, Graham > Caruso
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, GRAHAM, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caldwell-Pope, MONK, Kuzma, Morris, BIYOMBO

6. TRADE FOR LONZO BALL & JJ REDICK

Lakers get second playmaker and elite perimeter defender, two volume 3-point shooters but give up depth, scoring, and budding young star

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 16.2 vs. 5.9 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Ball > KCP
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade.

Starters: BALL, Schroder, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, REDICK, Kuzma, Morris, COUSINS

7. TRADE FOR NERLENS NOEL & REGGIE BULLOCK

Lakers get elite rim protector and volume 3-point shooter but give up scoring, depth, budding young star, and second round pick.

Third Superstar? No, but Nerlens Noel is elite rim protector
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 4.7 vs. 2.1 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Noel Averages 2.0 Blocks & 0.9 Steals Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Knicks+3 Wins

Starters: Schroder, Caldwell-Pope, James, Davis, NOEL
Bench: Caruso, BULLOCK, Kuzma, Morris, Gasol

8. TRADE FOR BUDDY HIELD & HASSAN WHITESIDE

Lakers get high volume 3-point shooter and elite shot blocker but give up scoring, depth, perimeter defense, and second round pick.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 10.4 vs. 6.3 Threes Per Game
Add Better Defense? Yes, Whiteside 1.3 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, HIELD, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Horton-Tucker,Caldwell-Pope, Kuzma, Morris, WHITESIDE

9. TRADE FOR EVAN FOURNIER & MO BAMBA

Lakers get volume 3-point shooter and playmaker and young shot blocker but give up scoring, depth, and budding young star.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 6.7 vs. 5.9 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? Yes, Bamba 0.9 Blocks Per Game
Trade Machine Verdict? Even Trade

Starters: Schroder, FOURNIER, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, ROSS, Kuzma, Morris, BAMBA

10. TRADE FOR WAYNE ELLINGTON & DELON WRIGHT

Lakers get two volume 3-point shooters but give up depth, budding young star, and second round draft pick.

Third Superstar? No
Volume 3-Point Shooting? Yes, 8.9 3PA vs. 2.1 Threes Per Game
Better Defense? No Difference
Trade Machine Verdict? Pistons +3 Wins

Starters: WRIGHT, Schroder, James, Davis, Gasol
Bench: Caruso, ELLINGTON, Kuzma, Morris, COUSINS

Lakers Gamble on Victor Oladipo To Create Their Own Superstar Big Three

By 11 Comments

If folks wanna recognize The Covid Cup as a legitimate title then they can’t turn around and call for Vogel’s head after an injury-plagued season. I feel like the bubble situation served us well but the quick turnaround, condensed follow-up season wasn’t good for us. Stuff always seems to balance out. I think we definitely need to make adjustments but I don’t see us blowing everything up in what could be Lebron’s final season here. It’s just not what the organization has done in the past.

Why Los Angeles Lakers Must Build a Superstar Big 3 to Win Championship!

By 19 Comments

The Brooklyn Nets’ Superstar Big 3 has raised the bar and upped the ante for what’s needed to win the NBA championship and may ultimately force both the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers to pursue a third superstar.

Make no mistake, the Los Angeles Lakers’ and Clippers’ front offices not only view the Nets as their likely opponent should they make the Finals but also as the biggest challenge and obstacle to their winning the championship. The Utah Jazz may dominate the regular season but the NBA playoffs have always been about superstars and the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving are the greatest Superstar Big 3 ever assembled.

Lakers’ and Clippers’ fans can hope the Nets won’t be able to build a quality supporting cast, won’t have enough time to jell, or won’t be able to defend but the reality when it comes to superstars is three is greater than two. We’ve already seen in the regular season how losing one of their superstars to injury or pandemic contract tracing impacted the Lakers or Clippers far more than it did the Nets. Now imagine that happening during the playoffs.

The Brooklyn Nets’ Superstar Big 3 is going to transform the midseason trading period into an arms race like the NBA has never seen before as both the Lakers and Clippers will be actively chasing that elusive third superstar. Superstars duos like the Lakers’ LeBron James and Anthony Davis or the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard and Paul George may no longer be enough to win the championship now that the Nets boast a legitimate Superstar Big 3.

There are also other potential competing teams who understand that they need major upgrades to their lineups in the form of star or superstar players just to remain in second tier right below Lakers, Clippers, and Nets. The Philadelphia 76ers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Dallas Mavericks, and Golden State Warriors will also be looking for a star or superstar player to upgrade their rosters to compete with tier 1 teams.

In a perfect world, the Lakers and Clippers would both love a center as the third superstar to complement their current two superstar while the Lakers need a volume 3-point shooting guard and the Clippers a true point guard. Unfortunately, neither the Lakers or the Clippers have the draft picks that are often essential when trading for a superstar player so they’re both going to have to get creative to outbid the second tier teams for a third superstar.

But the Lakers and Clippers do have multiple proven high quality role players under team friendly contracts that could be appealing to teams that opt to become sellers and trade a star or superstar as the deadline nears. Whether they can find a trade partner and deal is uncertain but both understand the Nets have jumped ahead of them in terms of superstars and they may be challenged to keep their championship windows open.

So who are the stars and superstars who could be on the move before the March 24th trade deadline? And which ones would have enough impact to qualify as the needed third superstar to give the Lakers or Clippers a Big 3?Here are the top candidates who make the most sense as third superstars for the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers, ranked according to what it would take in the form of trading chips for the Lakers or Clippers to acquire them:

1. BRADLEY BEAL, WASHINGTON WIZARDS SHOOTING GUARD

Bradley would be the perfect candidate to level the playing field between the Lakers and Clippers versus the Nets. Unfortunately, it’s doubtful Beal will be available or either Los Angeles team has the chips to pull off a deal.

2. ZACH LAVINE, CHICAGO BULLS SHOOTING GUARD

Zach would also be a perfect candidate as the third superstar to go with LeBron and AD or Kawhi and PG. Like Beal, it’s doubtful the Lakers or Clippers could outbid what tier 2 teams could offer to pull off a trade.

3. KRISTAPS PORZINGIS, DALLAS MAVERICKS CENTER

Kristaps would also be a great fit on the Lakers or the Clippers and an elite upgrade at both ends over Marc Gasol or Serge Ibaka. If the Mavs decide to move Porzingis, he would be the perfect third superstar for the Lakers.

4. KYLE LOWRY, TORONTO RAPTORS POINT GUARD

While the Raptors are struggling, Kyle has been enjoying a great year and would immediately close the superstar gap between the Lakers or Clippers and the Nets. He would be the perfect third superstar for the Clippers.

5. VICTOR OLADIPO, HOUSTON ROCKETS SHOOTING GUARD

Victor might be the most attainable trade option as a third superstar for the Lakers or Clippers because of the injury and free agency concerns. He’s a better roster fit on the Lakers than the Clippers because of position.

6. NIKOLA VUCEVIC, ORLANDO MAGIC CENTER

Nikola is the wild card third superstar option for the Lakers and Clippers because the Magic have not shopped him despite their losing record and it’s likely they would want draft picks neither LA team has in a trade for him.

There are a multitude of minor tweaks the Lakers and Clippers can make to try and close the current gap between them and the Nets but they may find themselves competing with each other and the Nets for the same players. Should the Lakers and Clippers be unable to land one of the above six superstars, they will then have to settle for less impactful moves such as upgrading role players or picking up someone from the waiver wire.

Other candidates include the Hawks’ John Collins, Nuggets’ Michael Porter, Jr., Rockets PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon, Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick, Spurs’ DeMar DeRozan or LaMarcus Aldridge, or Bulls’ Lauri Markkanen. Possible targets also include Magic’s Mo Bamba, Khem Birch, or Evan Fournier, Thunder’s George Hill and Trevor Ariza, Kings’ Buddy Hield and Nemanja Bjelica, Pistons’ Wayne Ellington, or Hornets’ Devonte Graham.

The only thing certain is the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will need to make moves before the March 34th trade deadline if they want to be able to match up against the Nets’ Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.

Top 4 Moves Lakers Could Magically Pull Off to Repeat as NBA Champions

By 9 Comments

While we discussed the Top 4 Moves Lakers Could Realistically Pull Off to Repeat as NBA Champions in our last article, we can’t ignore the possibility the Lakers will be able to pull off a blockbuster trade for a third superstar.

While pundits constantly remind us the Lakers gave up most of their trading chips in their mega deal for Anthony Davis, winning a championship may have elevated the value of several of the remaining players on their roster. Championship resumes for young players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, and Talen Horton-Tucker and expiring contracts of proven vets like Danny Green, Avery Bradley, or JaVale McGee may be worth more.

The economic landscape in the NBA has also changed dramatically due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the shortened 2021 season being sacrificed as teams and players make moves hoping to setup a normal 2022 season. Suddenly, there are rumors of big name players like Jrue Holiday, Chris Paul, Gordon Hayward, Victor Oladipo, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, James Harden, and Giannis Antetokounmpo possibly being on the move.

With that in mind, here are the top four moves, with the help of the basketball gods, savvy negotiations, and competitors focusing elsewhere, the Lakers just might magically pull off to repeat as NBA champions:

1. Trade for Jrue Holiday

The top magical move the Lakers could make to improve their chances of repeating as NBA champions would be to trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for 30-year old, 6′ 3,” 205 lb All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday.

Since Holiday will make $26.2 million next season, the Lakers will have to send out $20.1 million in salaries for the trade to be legal. The problem for the Lakers will not be matching salaries but making a good enough offer. Holiday will be one of the top trade targets on the market and the competition for him will be intense so the Lakers need to put together their best offer to have any chance at landing the Pelicans’ elite point guard.

The competitors may include the Brooklyn Nets who may offer Caris LeVert, the Golden State Warriors who may offer Andrew Wiggins and the 2nd pick in the 2020 draft, and the Boston Celtics who may offer Gordon Hayward. But there are so many elite players on the market the Lakers could get lucky as there’s a good chance the short offseason NBA free agency period could turn into a form of musical chairs where Jrue Holiday falls to the Lakers.

Since Holiday would be a perfect fit alongside LeBron and AD, the Lakers should go all in with an offer that includes Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($15M S&T), and their 2020 first round pick. That would give the Lakers a third superstar to go with LeBron and AD and the ability to bring back Rondo, Morris, and Howard to go with Green, Bradley, Horton-Tucker, McGee, and whomever they sign with their MLE.

Holiday would give the Lakers the third superstar, reliable third scorer, and elite second playmaker to defend their championship as well as a two time All-Defensive player with solid experience playing with AD and Rondo.

2. Trade for Myles Turner

While trading for Holiday would transform the Lakers, pulling off a mega trade for 24-year old, 6′ 11,” 250 lb Indiana Pacers’ center Myles Turner could have just as great an impact on the Lakers’ championship window.

Like Holiday, Turner has attracted great interest and will be one of the most sought after trade targets this offseason as the Pacers look to retool their front court around players who better fit with rising star Domantas Sabonis. The Lakers’ major trade competition for Myles Turner will be many of the same teams and same offers they would need to beat to acquire Jrue Holiday: the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Boston Celtics.

Because Turner is only making $18.0 million, the Lakers only have to offer $14.4 million for the trade to work. Like Holiday, however, the Lakers will need to make an offer that’s tempting enough to beat other teams’ offers. The Lakers need to go all-in if they expect the Pacers to trade Turner to them, making an offer similar to their offer for Holiday of Kyle Kuzma, Alex Caruso, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ($15M S&T), and their first round pick.

While Jrue Holiday qualifies a true third superstar, Myles Turner does not. What he would bring to the Lakers starting lineup though could be just as impactful as he’s the ideal modern center to play alongside Anthony Davis. Turner allows Davis to play his preferred power forward position and has the skills as a center to transform the Lakers into a juggernaut at both ends with his elite 3-point shooting, rim protection, and perimeter defense.

The best analogy why the Lakers should trade for Myles Turner is he’s a mini clone of Anthony Davis and would enable the Lakers to play their version of ‘small ball’ for the entire game rather than just half of the game.

3. Trade for Victor Oladipo

Because of risks due to his subpar play coming back from a quad injury, trading for 28-year old, 6′ 4,” 213 lb guard Victor Oladipo isn’t the slam dunk trading for either Jrue Holiday or Myles Turner would be.

But the payoff could be just as great if Victor recovers 100% to become the budding superstar he was two years ago when he was ranked one of the best shooting guards in league, making the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams. While Victor’s trade value is low right now because of concerns about his injury and the ability to re-sign him, there will still be competing teams looking to trade for him, including the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.

Since Victor makes $21.0 million, the Lakers need to include $16.8 million in salaries to make the trade work. The Lakers should offer the Pacers Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, and their 2020 first round pick for Victor Oladipo. Considering there’s some risk due to the injury and his free agency status, the Lakers’ offer should be enough to convince the Pacers to accept the offer. From the Lakers’ perspective, there’s little risk of Victor not re-signing.

One of the most appealing aspects of trading for Victor is his potential as a legitimate third superstar who’s young enough to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis win now and then to co-star with AD once LeBron retires. Because the Lakers would receive Oladipo’s Bird rights in the trade, they would then be allowed to go over the cap to re-sign him to a max contract, which is the only sure way to add a third max player to their roster.

While trading for Oladipo is riskier than trading for Holiday or Turner, the upside is greater since he has the potential to be a genuine third superstar whereas Jrue and Myles were just perfect catalysts for LeBron and AD.

4. Trade for Christian Wood

With Anthony Davis committing to re-signing with the Los Angeles Lakers, Christian Wood becomes the preeminent free agent big man this offseason, which means there’s a good chance there will be a bidding war to land him.

While some free agent pundits established Wood’s market value around $10 million per year, other analysts have suggested he could command as much as $15 to $17 million per year based on his breakout 2020 year with the Pistons. The maximum contract the Lakers should offer Christian Wood is a three-year $48 million deal starting at $16 million per year. Combined with a chance to win a championship, that should be an offer he just can’t refuse.

Assuming the Lakers can come to an agreement with Christian Wood on a contract, all that remains is working out an acceptable sign-and-trade deal the Detroit Pistons will accept as equitable compensation for trading him. The obvious centerpiece to the sign-and-trade deal is Lakers forward and Flint, Michigan native Kyle Kuzma, about whom the Lakers and Pistons had already had trade discussions before the trade deadline last winter.

A sign-and-trade between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers of Christian Wood in return for a package of Kyle Kuzma, Danny Green, and JaVale McGee should be enough compensation to facilitate the deal. The Lakers get a player who could transform their team and clear cap space to give raises to AD, KCP, and Rondo and use their MLE and BAE to further upgrade their roster despite being limited by the $138.9 million hard cap.

Pairing 6′ 10″ Christian Wood and his 7′ 3″ wingspan with 6′ 10″ Anthony Davis and his 7′ 6″ wingspan would give the Lakers unprecedented size and length and a monster front court that would be a nightmare matchup.