Zach LaVine

Three Compelling Reasons Why The Lakers Should Trade For Zach LaVine

July 13, 2024 By LakerTom 10 Comments

Unable to find a trade worth giving up picks, the Los Angeles Lakers are now facing a critical decision whether to stand pat and run it back next season with the same roster or go all-in to win a long-shot championship.

The pressure is growing for Rob Pelinka to upgrade the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotation to give new coach JJ Redict a roster that can compete and LeBron James and Anthony Davis an opportunity to win another ring. Rob has no one but himself to blame for the lack of trade opportunities as his overuse of player options has left the team with zero open roster spots and his poor cap management has them stuck just under the second apron.

The Lakers desperately need a major trade to create cap space under the second apron so they can use the $5.4 million TX MLE to sign a backup point guard like Spencer Dinwiddie or shooting guard like Gary Trent, Jr.
If they want to be a real championship contender, the Lakers also need to upgrade their starting lineup and rotation with a strong point-of-attack perimeter defender, bigger 3&D wing, and rim-protecting backup center.

The pressure on Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to use their 2 first round picks and 3 pick swaps to make a major trade grows every time another available player or free agent coveted by L.A. gets traded or signed.
While the asking price of every Lakers target seems to be multiple draft picks, the Chicago Bulls recently announced that they would be willing to give up two second round picks in a Zach LaVine superstar salary dump.

Zach’s market value has plummeted partly due to his injury history but mostly due to the 3-years and $138 million left on his contract, which limits playoff quality teams from building out their rosters under the new CBA.
But the opportunity to acquire a first round pick, which could be flipped for another starter, as compensation for taking Zach LaVine’s contract could change everything as he’s a great fit on the court for the Lakers.

Here are three compelling reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers’ best option to upgrade their starting lineup and rotation is to trade with the Chicago Bulls for shooting guard Zach LaVine and an unprotected first round pick.

1. Opens Door for Another Lakers NBA Championship

The first compelling reason for the Lakers to trade for Zach LaVine and a Bulls’ first round draft pick is it opens the door for the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron James and Anthony Davis to win another NBA championship.

Paying maximum contracts to superstars James, Davis, and LaVine makes it almost impossible for the Lakers to surround their three superstars with a championship caliber roster without going over the dreaded second apron. But adding a legitimate superstar guard like Zach LaVine in his prime who perfectly complements LeBron James and Anthony Davis, plus a first round draft pick to be used for a second starter, is a deal L.A. should not pass up.

The Lakers could use the Bulls’ first round pick to trade for the strong point-of-attack perimeter defender, bigger 3&D wing, or rim-protecting backup center they desperately need to become legitimate contenders.
They could target point-of-attack perimeter defenders like Marcus Smart, bigger 3&D wings like Jerami Grant or Cam Johnson, or rim-protecting defensive backup centers like Walker Kessler or Wendell Carter Jr.

One trade option the Lakers should explore is using the Bulls’ pick to trade with the Jazz for Walker Kessler to be the coveted second big they need to better defend bigger low-gravity centers like Jokic, Sabonis, and Embiid.
The Lakers could offer the Jazz the equivalent of two first round picks for Kessler, giving them the first round pick from the Bulls as well as removing the 1–4 protection from their 2027 first round pick already owned by Jazz.

The Lakers would start a lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Walker Kessler with a bench mob of Spencer Dinwiddie, Max Christie, Dalton Knecht, Chris Wood, and Jaxson Hayes.
That would be a dramatically stronger starting lineup and rotation than the Los Angeles Lakers currently have and should elevate them to legitimate championship contender status in what will be a wild Western Conference.

Trading with the Chicago Bulls for Zach LaVine and a first round pick to be turned into another starter is the best trade option available to transform the Los Angeles Lakers into legitimate NBA championship contenders.

2. Preserves Important Draft Capital for Future Growth

Preserving their current draft capital of two tradable first round picks and three pick swaps is the second compelling reason why the Lakers should trade with Chicago for Zach LaVine plus a Bulls’ first round draft pick.

The Lakers’ ability to respond when player signings or trade opportunities pop up or unexpected team crises suddenly demand action could depend on whether they possess the draft capital needed to make adjustments.
The Lakers’ greatest vulnerability should they trade for Zach LaVine is they would then have three superstars with very troublesome injury histories. Having the draft capital to make a key move if a star goes down is critical.

While it’s not a sure thing the Bulls would be willing to include a first round draft pick as compensation to dump Zach LaVine’s bad contract, Chicago is clearly done with LaVine and vice versa and L.A. may be the only buyer.
The Lakers have a unique opportunity not only to trade for a long coveted third superstar in LaVine, who’s a perfect complement to James and Davis, but ironically be rewarded for doing so with a Bulls’ first round draft pick.

Getting a first round pick for a player for whom you would usually give multiple first round picks tells you everything you want to know about how the new CBA has caused a massive revaluation of NBA player contracts.
While three superstar teams will still happen, their shelf life may well be limited to one or two seasons. In this new NBA world, even the luxury tax immune Golden State Warriors are projected to pay zero taxes next year.

Rob Pelinka should be able to read the tea leaves and see that the financial and competitive landscape of the NBA is changing. Being able upgrade the Lakers while still preserving their current draft capital is a gigantic win.
It not only gives the Lakers the trading chips needed should a chance to get better suddenly emerge but also the insurance that they can make moves should LeBron, Anthony, Zach. or another key player suffer an injury.

Trading for the Bulls’ Zach LaVine and a first round pick to be used to add another quality starter is the Lakers’ best trade option because it preserves their tradable two first round picks and three first round pick swaps.

3. Solves Critical Issue of LeBron James’ Replacement

The third compelling reason the Lakers should trade with the Bulls for Zach LaVine and a first round pick is it solves the critical issue of who is going to replace LeBron James when he retires in two or three years.

The two toughest transitions for NBA teams to successfully manage are replacing a head coach or a superstar due to the challenge of coordinating the timing of the departure of the old with the pending arrival of the new.
While LeBron continues to play like a top-ten NBA player, it’s difficult to imagine him playing more than two or three years, which increases the Lakers’ urgency to find another superstar to replace him and pair with AD.

Frankly, it could be years before the Lakers see a better opportunity to land a legitimate superstar to replace LeBron James than trading with the Bulls for Zach LaVine and being giving a first round draft pick as compensation.
It’s an out-of-the-box move that allows the Lakers to upgrade to contender, save their draft capital, and trade for LeBron James’ superstar replacement. Getting that Bulls’ draft pick changes the overall dynamic of the trade.

Trading for Zach LaVine and a pick does not lesson his risk of injury or lighten the financial load his contract has on the team’s cap situation but landing LeBron’s replacement before he retires is franchise-changing.
LaVine has always been a great fit to play as third star with James and Davis and then to pair with AD when LBJ retired. It’s always been the risk of injury with no resources to adjust that negated trading for Zach LaVine.

As the Lakers continue to do nothing as free agency continues, there’s a growing sense Rob Pelinka and the Lakers may not be able to find any viable trades worth gambling their future and giving up their draft capital.
Hopefully, the Lakers will then take a second look at calling up the Bulls and discussing a trade for LaVine where Chicago give Los Angeles a future first round pick as compensation for taking on Zach’s bad contract.

Trading for 29-year old Zach LaVine would give the Los Angeles Lakers the opportunity to replace 40-year old LeBron James with the perfect co-star to pair with 30-year old Anthony Davis when LeBron James eventually retires.

Three Trades To Transform Lakers Into Contender And Preserve Picks

July 7, 2024 By LakerTom 8 Comments

Like the NBA itself, the Los Angeles Lakers are in the midst of a major changing of the guard with JJ Redick taking over the head coaching duties and superstar LeBron James approaching what could be his final seasons.

For Los Angeles Lakers fans and followers, the franchise goal as usual is championship or bust, which is why they’ve been so disappointed with Pelinka’s overly patient excuses and artfully minimized expectations. The struggles the front office has encountered have essentially paralyzed the Lakers and made them the only franchise out of 30 NBA teams that has not added a single player since the start of the current free agency period.

With the re-signing of team co-captain LeBron James to a 2-year near-max contract for $101 million, the Lakers are now safely below the tough second luxury tax apron and are now able to proceed with upgrading their roster.
The Lakers need a point-of-attack perimeter defender, a bigger legitimate 3&D wing who can shoot the three and guard the West’s big high-scoring wings, and a rim protecting backup center for when AD is on the bench.

The challenge facing the Lakers right now is each of the trade options to specifically fill those three needs will cost one or more picks and aren’t guaranteed to raise the roster to legitimate championship contender status.
The Lakers are currently evaluating whether their best move at this point in time might be to run it back with the current roster and save their draft capital until a better opportunity arises rather than going all-in right now.

The Lakers need to start thinking outside-of-the-box to find a way to still compete to win a championship while LeBron James and Anthony Davis are still playing at a high level without giving up their valuable draft capital.
The solution is to take on Zach LaVine’s bad contract in return for the Bulls’ 2027 unprotected first round pick and then trade that pick to upgrade the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotation to legitimate championship contender.

While trading for LaVine is a calculated gamble because of his contract and injury history, it’s also an opportunity to find LeBron James’ replacement and go for a championship right now while saving our picks for the future.
Unlike most of the Lakers’ other potential trade options, the Lakers would still have the security of all of their current draft capital in case trading for LaVine and another starter with the Bulls’ first round pick did not work.

Slowly but surely, we’re starting to hear rumors that the Lakers may be rethinking their options and a trade with the Bulls for Zach LaVine and a first round pick is starting to appear as a smart out-of-the-box option.
Frankly, when you consider how talented and impactful LaVine could be and whom the Lakers might also be able to get with that first round pick, a 3-team trade with the Bulls could end up being the Lakers’ best option.

With that in mind, here are three blockbuster trades that could not only transform the Los Angeles Lakers into legitimate championship contenders but also preserve their existing draft capital for better future opportunities.

1. Trade for Zach LaVine and Brook Lopez

PG: REAVES, Dinwiddie, James Jr.
SG: LAVINE, Christie, OPEN
SF: JAMES, Knecht, Lewis
PF: DAVIS, Wood, OPEN
CE: LOPEZ, Hayes, OPEN

The trade for Zach LaVine and a Bulls’ first round pick not only gives the Lakers a third superstar who can eventually replace LeBron James but also the draft pick they needed to trade for veteran stretch center Brook Lopez.

The net result is Los Angeles trades 6 Lakers for 1 Bull and 1 Buck, creating a dynamic starting lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Brook Lopez and opening up 4 roster spots for other talent.
The beauty of trading with the Bulls is the Lakers do not have to give up either of their 2 tradable first round picks or 3 tradable first round pick swaps, allowing them to keep their draft capital to use in the future.

The pros of the LaVine/Lopez trade include getting a third star to replace LeBron, building a championship caliber starting lineup, and improving the Lakers overall size, rebounding, rim protection, and 3-point shooting.
With Brook Lopez starting at center, the Lakers will have the big body they need to deal with big low gravity centers like Jokic, Sabonis, and Embiid and Anthony Davis can move to his preferred power forward position.

The cons are LeBron James has to play and defend the three, the Lakers gave up 6 players, including two starters, so bench depth and diversity will be heavily dependent on inexperienced and minimum salary players.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should be able to use their TX MLE to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie as backup point guard to pair with Max Christie as backup shooting guard and Dalton Knecht as the backup small forward.

Bottom line, trading for shooting guard Zach LaVine and center Brook Lopez offers the Lakers the most of the 3 proposed blockbuster Bulls trades and should be the top priority on their offseason trade big board.

2. Trade for Zach LaVine and Cameron Johnson

PG: REAVES, Dinwiddie, James Jr.
SG: LAVINE, Christie, OPEN
SF: JAMES, Knecht, Lewis
PF: JOHNSON, Wood, OPEN
CE: DAVIS, Hayes, OPEN

The trade for Zach LaVine and a Bulls’ first round pick gives the Lakers a third superstar who can replace LeBron James as well as a first round draft pick to use to trade for talented young 3&D wing Cameron Johnson.

The net result is Los Angeles trades 6 Lakers for 1 Bull and 1 Net, creating a dynamic starting lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, Cam Johnson, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis and opening up 4 needed roster spots.
The beauty of trading with the Bulls is the Lakers do not have to give up either of their 2 tradable first round picks or 3 tradable first round pick swaps, allowing them to keep their draft capital to use in the future.

The pros of the LaVine/Johnson trade include getting a third star to replace LeBron, building a championship caliber starting lineup, and improving the Lakers overall size, rebounding, wing defense, and 3-point shooting.
With Johnson starting at small forward, the Lakers will have the bigger wing they need to defend the bigger high scoring wings in the West like Durant, Leonard, and DeRozan and James won’t have to play the three.

The cons are the Lakers gave up 6 players, including two starters, so bench depth and diversity will be heavily dependent on inexperienced and minimum salary players. Also, Anthony Davis will have to play the five.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should be able to use their TX MLE to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie as backup point guard to pair with Max Christie as backup shooting guard and Dalton Knecht as the backup small forward.

Bottom line, trading for shooting guard Zach LaVine and forward Cam Johnson offers the Lakers a chance to find a superstar to replace LeBon, win another championship, and preserve draft capital for the future.

3. Trade for Zach LaVine and Kelly Olynyk

PG: REAVES, Dinwiddie, Vincent,
SG: LAVINE, Christie, James Jr
SF: JAMES, Knecht, Lewis
PF: DAVIS, Wood, OPEN
CE: OLYNYK, Hayes, OPEN

The net result is Los Angeles trades 5 Lakers for 1 Bull and 1 Raptor, creating a dynamic starting lineup of Austin Reaves, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kelly Olynyk, and opening up 3 roster spots.
The beauty of trading with the Bulls is the Lakers do not have to give up either of their 2 tradable first round picks or 3 tradable first round pick swaps, allowing them to keep their draft capital to use in the future.

The pros of the LaVine/Olynyk trade include getting a third star to replace LeBron, building a championship caliber starting lineup, and improving the Lakers overall size, rebounding, playmaking, and 3-point shooting.
With Kelly Olynyk starting at center, Anthony Davis will be free to be the team’s hub on offense and free safety roamer on defense. Olynyk is both a great 3-point shooter as well as elite playmaker who will be a great fit.

The cons are LeBron James has to play and defend the three, the Lakers gave up 5 players, including 2 starters, so bench depth and diversity will be heavily dependent on inexperienced and minimum salary players.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should be able to use their TX MLE to re-sign Spencer Dinwiddie as backup point guard to pair with Max Christie as backup shooting guard and Dalton Knecht as the backup small forward.

Bottom line, trading for shooting guard Zach LaVine and center Kelly Olynyk could transform the Lakers’ offense into a virtual juggernaut that plays fast, dominates the paint and free throw line while raining threes.

How Lakers Acquire Third Superstar, POA guard, & Modern NBA Center

May 12, 2024 By LakerTom 8 Comments

The challenge for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer will be how to add the third superstar, elite perimeter defender, and modern two-way center they need to win a championship without exceeding the second tax apron.

The bad news is the Lakers most likely don’t have enough trading chips to solve all three of their major roster needs this summer, which means they may have to choose between third star, POA guard, and modern center.
The good news is the Bulls may be desperate enough to trade superstar Zach LaVine to the Lakers for just matching salaries, allowing L.A. instead to use their newfound draft capital for a POA guard and modern center

The Bulls salary dumping Zach LaVine could open a door for the Lakers to pull off an stunning blockbuster trade for a third superstar, POA guard, and modern center as starters alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
If the Lakers could trade for Zach LaVine without giving up a pick, they could then use the picks and swaps not used for a third superstar to trade for a POA guard like Alex Caruso and modern center like Jonathan Isaac.

A Lakers’ starting lineup of Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jonathan Isaac could be the best two-way starting lineup in the league and make the Lakers one of the league’s top teams.
The Lakers would also have a solid bench anchored by three rotation players from last season in Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, and Max Christie as well as possible rookies like Zach Edey and Bronny James.

While the Los Angeles Lakers still believe they can build a championship caliber team around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they also know the clock is running out and they soon need to find a replacement for James.
The Lakers also know competition is only going to get tougher as the league is in the middle of a generational changing of the guard with the younger and more athletic stars and teams now replacing their older counterparts.

Here’s what a blockbuster trade for a third superstar, POA guard, and modern center to transform Lakers into champions would look like plus the team’s resulting depth chart and cap space and luxury tax status.

The Blockbuster Trade

The above three-team trade has the Lakers trading six players — Russell (S&T), Lewis, Hachimura, Reaves, Vincent, and Hood-Schifino — for two players from Bulls — LaVine, Caruso — and one player from Magic — Isaac.

Assuming the Bulls are willing to trade LaVine to the Lakers for just matching salary, what’s missing from the above trade is the draft capital L.A. would have to give the Chicago for Caruso and Orlando for Isaac.
Since the Lakers included Reaves in the trade for LaVine, the Bulls should be satisfied with L.A.’s 2029 or 2031 first round draft pick as additional compensation for Alex Caruso. Pick should have at least top-5 protection.

The other key to the Lakers being able to pull off a blockbuster three-team trade to add a third star, POA guard, and modern center is getting D’Angelo Russell to accept his player option so he can be included in the trade.
What the Lakers may need to do is guarantee D’Angelo Russell a new 3-year contract with 3rd year player option for at least $23 million per year via either a sign-and-trade or new contract if actual S&T cannot be negotiated.

The bigger question for the Los Angeles Lakers would be what kind of draft capital would they have to offer the Orlando Magic to motivate them to trade Jonathan Isaac, who’s become an extremely valuable rotation player.
Although only 26-years old, Isaac has essentially missed almost three full seasons due to injury so the Lakers trading for him or the Magic re-signing him to a bigger contract could be a major gamble despite his elite talent.

Ideally, the Lakers’ offer to the Magic should include a sign-and-trade for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and L.A.’s 2029 or 2031 first round pick plus and an additional pick swap but not the Lakers 2024 first round pick.
Assuming the Pelicans will opt to allow the Lakers to keep #17 pick in this draft and instead take their 2025 first round draft pick, L.A. could then use their #17 pick on Zach Edey as backup center and the #55 pick on Bronny.

The Los Angeles Lakers have always been a franchise willing to shoot for the moon and never afraid of thinking big. The Lakers need a third star, POA defensive guard, and modern two-way center to win a championship.

The Lakers’ Depth Chart

The strength of the Lakers’ new roster is the starting lineup of Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jonathan Isaac, which boasts three elite defenders and five players who can shoot the three ball.

There was no question that surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis with D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura did not provide enough size or defense for the Lakers to compete for a championship.
But replacing Russell and Reaves with Caruso and LaVine and moving James and Davis down a position from power forward and center opens a lineup spot for Isaac to start at center next to AD in a two-bigs lineup.

The Lakers’ new starting lineup of Caruso, LaVine, James, Davis, and Isaac should be a dramatic improvement in offensive firepower and scoring over last season’s starting lineup with LaVine being the main difference maker.
LaVine should thrive as the Lakers’ third superstar, alongside James and Davis and when replacing one of them in the lineup. Ideally, the Lakers should be able to have at least two superstars on the court all the time.

Defensively, the Lakers’ new starting lineup would boast an elite point-of-attack defensive guard in Alex Caruso as well as a second elite switchable defensive big to protect the rim alongside Anthony Davis in Jonathan Isaac.
What’s impressive about the Lakers’ starting lineup is every player defends. There’s no DLO or Reaves or easy mark for teams to target and the lineup has championship size and length with three All-Defensive quality starters.

The Lakers’ reserves provide a diverse mix of versatile skills that can help contribute at both ends of the court and include three valued returnees from last year in Max Christie, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood.
Add the players the Lakers select with the #17 and #55 picks in the draft, (for example, center Zach Edey and guard Bronny James) and the Lakers would start free agency with a solid 10-man rotation and five open spots.

By taking on LaVine’s bad contract, the Lakers acquired the third superstar they need without giving up picks, which then allowed them to expand the LaVine trade to use their draft capital instead to acquire Caruso and Isaac.

The Lakers’ Salary Cap

The above salary cap shows how the Lakers can add a third superstar, POA defensive guard, and modern two-way center and still have a deep and diverse roster without exceeding the dreaded second luxury tax apron.

While the new CBA makes it nearly impossible to build a championship team with three superstars earning more than $40 million per year, it can be done by targeting the right superstar, POA guard, and modern center.
For the Lakers, the key is the Bulls willingness to move LaVine with no draft capital in return, which would enable L.A. to use their available 3 picks and 4 swaps to trade for the POA guard and modern center they need.

Despite the salary cap hit and worrisome injury history, the opportunity to trade for a legitimate superstar like LaVine for just matching salary is hard to resist, especially if you then use the draft capital for Caruso and Isaac. With LeBron turning 40 next season, the Lakers would be smart to find his replacement sooner than later. LaVine would give L.A. the third superstar James wants while still keeping the trading chips for a guard and center.

The trades for Caruso and Isaac were specifically structured to give the Lakers cap space room for the dump of LaVine’s salary. The Lakers most L.A. Afford was Caruso‘’s $9.8 million and Isaac $17.4 million per year.
Were the Lakers to trade for players with combined salaries greater than $27.2 million, they would then exceed the second tax apron, which next season brings draconian financial taxes and non-competitive penalties.

Of course, Alex Caruso as the POA defender could easily be Marcus Smart, or Luguentz Dort, or Herb Jones and Jonathan Isaac as the modern two-way big could be Lauri Markkanen, Alperen Sengun, or Myles Turner.
The key is finding a starting elite point-of-attack defensive guard and a starting modern two-way center with combined salaries not greater than $27.2 million who would perfectly complement James, Davis, and LaVine.

Even if the Lakers decide not to trade for Zach LaVine, they should use their available draft capital to trade for an elite starting POA defensive guard and a starter quality modern two-way center rather than on a third superstar.

Why Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine Could Join Lakers As Soon As Monday

January 14, 2024 By LakerTom 7 Comments

While the Hawks and Bulls could optimize trading their stars by dragging the process out until February 8 trade deadline, fierce competition to be first could result in a blockbuster trade with the Lakers soon as Monday.

While the Hawks and Bulls would like to leverage the Lakers’ interest in Dejounte Murray and Zach LaVine to improve the offers they receive from other teams, the Lakers are still both teams’ most coveted trade partner.
Rather than opting to drag out the process, there’s a excellent chance the Hawks and Bulls will instead both be looking to strike first and reach a quick deal with the Lakers to trade for Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine.

The Lakers’ rumor mills are on full throttle. The Lakers and Hawks have been talking about a possible Murray trade while lack of interest may force the Bulls to treat LaVine like a salary dump to get L.A. to trade for him.
Adding spice to all the rumors and anticipation is the reality that both Dejounte and Zach have been playing like legitimate superstars, shooting lights out from beyond the arc, and using their athleticism to defend well.

There’s not a lot of mystery over what a Lakers’ trade for Murray or LaVine would look like. Everybody knows the Lakers desperately need a big trade and can see the players and draft capital comprising their trading chips. Waiting until the trade deadline is not really going to change anything.
What’s going to change the market dramatically is the Lakers making their move. Neither the Hawks or the Bulls want to be the team left at the altar.

Recent reports have both Dejounte Murray and D’Angelo Russell, the two players who would clearly be major parts of any Lakers and Hawks trade, being held out of last night’s game, which could indicate a trade is coming.

LAKERS NEED TO MAKE TRADE RIGHT NOW

While the Lakers proved last season they could rally and make conference finals despite starting as a play-in rather than playoff team, they likely need bigger, better, and sooner trades than last season to win a championship.

The Lakers right now are not even a play-in team, ranking #11 in the West with a 19–21 record and facing the league leading Jazz on Monday night. The Lakers as a team are literally hanging on for life waiting for a trade.
The urgency is even greater this season than last season because James is a year older and this could literally be his last season in purple and gold and because James and Davis are both healthy and playing at an elite level.

Tomorrow, the Lakers must go all-in with their best offer for an expanded DeJounte Murray trade while advising the Hawks they aren’t going to wait and will pursue a Zach LaVine trade with the Chicago Bulls if they decline.
The Lakers need to let the Hawks and Bulls know they’re not willing to wait for the February 8 deadline to trade for Dejounte Murray or Zach LaVine. If Atlanta or Chicago are not ready to trade right now, then L.A. will move on.

While the Hawks have other potential suitors for Dejounte Murray, the Lakers represent their best opportunity to recoup some of the extensive draft capital they gave the Spurs when they traded for Dejounte Murray.
The Lakers have 12 games left before the deadline. If they lose 8 of those 12 games, which is possible, they would be 6 games under .500 at the deadline, which is 1 game worse than where they were at this point last season.

Last season, it made sense for Pelinka to patiently wait for the best trade deals. This season is different. The Lakers need help right now, not later, and they can’t count on another miraculous comeback this season.

LAKERS NEED THREE NEW STARTERS

The Lakers need to surround James and Davis with three championship caliber starters, which Russell, Reaves, Vanderbilt, Reddish, Hachimura, and Prince are not. L.A. must consolidate depth into three new starters.

The good news is there are multiple options for the Los Angeles Lakers to revamp their starting lineup, including the Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls as well as the Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets, and Utah Jazz.
Starting this Monday, players who recently signed new contracts become eligible to be traded. For the Lakers, that means Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura will become eligible to be traded for the first time this season.

The Lakers and Hawks have discussed a possible Dejounte Murray trade, with Atlanta reportedly saying any Murray trade would have to include Austin Reaves and Lakers responding trade would have to be expanded.
The two possible Hawks players whom the Lakers might be interested in would be high volume 3-point shooting two guard Bogdan Bogdanovic and solid veteran defensive center Clint Capela. Trade appears to be possible.

While the Lakers waited until the deadline to make the Westbrook trade last season, everything seems to be pointing to L.A. wanting and needing to act more quickly this year to avoid needing another miraculous comeback.
Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office have been very careful to keep their actions and plans hidden but as recently signed players become eligible to be traded tomorrow, the odds of a mega Lakers trade are rising.

The Lakers appear to be finalizing a blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Hawks for Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic and/or Clint Capela for a package that includes Austin Reaves and L.A.’s 2029 first round pick.

Lakers Must Surround Superstars With Championship Quality Starters

January 10, 2024 By LakerTom 6 Comments

The Lakers’ surprising and abysmal collapse after winning the inaugural In-Season Tournament has made it obvious L.A. needs to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with legitimate championship quality starters.

No disrespect to Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, Can Reddish, Taurean Prince, Rui Hachimura, or Jarred Vanderbilt. While they’re good backups and rotation players, they’re just not championship quality NBA starters.
While there are moves the Lakers could make to tweak or even upgrade positions with slightly better players, the harsh reality is those moves won’t change the overall dynamic and direction of this critical Lakers’ season.

The Lakers’ problem is they have simply failed to surround LeBron and AD with championship quality starters and that’s why the team is struggling right now to find a starting lineup and rotation that can consistently win.
That’s why nothing that head coach Darvin Ham tries changes anything. He simply does not have legitimate championship quality starters to play other than LeBron James and Anthony Davis and possibly Austin Reaves.

Part of the reason for that problem is the Lakers’ decision to focus on underperforming, modestly paid players under 30-years old whom they believed their coaching staff could grow and develop into better players. While that allowed them to build a deep and diverse bench, they would have been smarter to add proven, higher-paid veterans to their starting lineup because those players are the key to unleashing their superstars.

While the Lakers were smart to build a deep and diverse roster rather than using all their cap space on just 3 superstars, their mistake was failing to invest enough resources to surround James and Davis with quality starters.
Look at what the Celtics did to surround Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Los Angeles doesn’t have three players to surround their superstars who can match Boston’s Jrue Holiday, Derrick White, or Kristaps Porzingis

While salary and talent aren’t directly tied, teams usually get what they pay for. Boston starts their 5 highest paid players who combined earn $153.5 million per year, including 4 players who earn over $30 million per year.
While LeBron James and Anthony Davis earn $88.2 million per year, the other three Lakers’ starters only earn $18.6 million per year, bringing their total starting salary to 106.8 million per year, far less than the Celtics.

The only way the Lakers can save this season and have a chance at beating the Celtics to win their 18th NBA title is to pull of a series of blockbuster trades deadline moves to add at least two championship caliber starters.

POINT GUARD CANDIDATES

The Lakers’ top priority in building a new starting lineup is finding a new starting point guard since D’Angelo Russell will be traded, Austin Reaves is best off the bench, and LeBron James can’t play the position full time.

Finding an upgrade for D’Angelo Russell will be the Lakers’ greatest challenge as they approach the trade deadline. While Russell played well offensively, neither his offense or defense was championship caliber.
The challenge is exacerbated by the Lakers desperate need to improve the starting lineup’s poor 3-point shooting and offensive rating while also upgrading the quality of the starters’ point-of-attack perimeter defense.

Frankly, the Lakers have struggled since signing LeBron James 4 years ago to acquire an elite point guard who could effectively take over the position. Here are the Lakers’ current top three candidates for starting point guard:

Dejounte Murray, whom the Hawks traded for and extended 2 years ago and are looking to trade because he’s not the right fit with Trae Young, should be the Lakers’ #1 candidate to be their future starting point guard.

Dejounte Murray, 27, 6′ 5″, 180 lbs, $18.2M, 1-yr, Ext $25.5M, 4-yrs
20.9 pts, 4.5 reb, 5.1 ast, 0.3 blk, 1.4 stl in 34.5 mpg

Marcus Smart, former DPOY and elite point-of-attack perimeter defender whom the Celtics traded to the Grizzlies to get Kristaps Porzingis, should be the Lakers’ #2 candidate as their two-way point guard of the future.

Marcus Smart, 29, 6′ 3″, 220 lbs, $18.8M, 3-yrs
13.4 pts, 2.4 reb, 4.3 ast, 0.3 blk, 2.0 stl in 30.3 mpg

Malcolm Brogdon, a proven starting point guard who plays both ends of the court and is a career 39.0% 3-point shooter and former ROY and 6MOY should be Lakers’ #3 candidate as their new starting point guard.

Malcolm Brogdon, 31, 6′ 4″, 229 lbs, $22.5M, 2-yrs
15.4 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.4 ast, 0.1 blk, 0.8 stl in 27.3 mpg

The Lakers should trade for one of these three point guards. Murray adds offensive punch and defensive agility, Smart provides elite point-of-attack defense, and Brogdon brings solid 3-point shooting and perimeter defense.

SHOOTING GUARD CANDIDATES

The Lakers’ 2nd priority in building a new starting lineup is finding a new starting shooting guard to jumpstart the offense with 3 to 4 additional made threes per game to eliminate their 10-point negative 3-point differential.

The Lakers’ current formula for winning games requires them to win the points-in-the-paint and free-throws-made battles by more than 10 points per game to offset their 10-point negative 3-point shooting differential.
Trading for an elite high volume, high percentage 3-point shooter who could give the team 3 or 4 more made threes per game and create better spacing should be the Lakers #2 priority before the trade deadline.

The only way for the Lakers to eliminate their negative 3-point shooting differential is to take and make more threes. Here are three candidates who could deliver 3 or 4 additional made threes per game for the Lakers:

Bogdan Bogdanovic, who’s an elite high volume, high percentage 3-point shooters who’s currently shooting 37.3% on a career high 8.9 threes per game, should be the Lakers #1 candidate as starting shooting guard.

Bogdan Bogdanovic, 31, 6′ 5″, 225 lbs, $18.7M, 4-yrs
17.7 pts, 3.3 reb, 2.8 ast, 0.3 blk, 1.3 stl in 28.3 mpg

Buddy Hield, who’s been on the L.A.’s radar forever and always ranks among the league’s best high volume, high percentage 3-point shooters, should be the Lakers #2 candidate to be their starting shooting guard.

Buddy Hield, 31, 6′ 4″, 220 lbs, $19.2M, 1-yr
12.7 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.5 ast, 0.6 blk, 0.8 stl in 25.8 mpg

Zach LaVine, who’s the greatest trade risk due to injury history and mega contract but has the highest ceiling when it comes to talent and fit with James and Davis, should be Lakers’ #3 starting shooting guard candidate.

Zach LaVine, 28, 6′ 5″, 200 lbs, $40.0M, 4-yrs
20.7 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.4 ast, 0.2 blk, 0.9 stl in 35.0 mpg

The Lakers should trade for one of these three shooting guards. Bogdan is generating 3+ made threes and is best defender, Buddy is sure bet to add 3 to 4 threes per game, and Zach has the greatest upside and contract risk.

SECOND BIG CANDIDATES

The Lakers’ 3rd priority in building a new starting lineup is finding a second big to pair with Anthony Davis in a 2-bigs lineup and back him up when he rest. There are both offensive and defensive second big options.

Playing a second big doubles down on the Lakers’ winning blueprint of dominating points-in-the-paint and free-throws-made, valuable insurance if they can’t find a two guard to give them 3 or 4 more threes per game.
Having a second big who could stretch the floor with their shooting, create opportunities with their playmaking, and protect the rim with their shot blocking would transform the Lakers both offensively and defensively.

The Lakers need to find a second big to play with and without Anthony Davis to be a legitimate contender for their 18th NBA championship. Here are their best three options for a future second big to play with AD:

Kelly Olynyk, who’s on an expiring contract and would be the perfect offensive stretch big to play next to AD, should be the Lakers #1 candidate to be their future second big to play with and without Anthony Davis.

Kelly Olynyk, 32, 6′ 11″, 240 lbs, $17.2M , 2-yrs
8.0 pts, 5.1 reb, 4.6 ast, 0.3 blk, 0.8 stl in 21.5 mpg

Daniel Gafford, who’s a fierce dunker and rebounder and dominant shot blocker and defender against superstar bigs like Nikola Jokic, should be the Lakers #2 candidate as future second big to play with and without AD.

Daniel Gafford, 25, 6′ 10″, 234 lbs, $12.4M, 3-yrs
10.5 pts, 7.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 2.1 blk, 1.8 stl in 25.6 mpg

Draymond Green, who’s completed his 12-game suspension and is ready to return to the Warriors’ lineup but could find himself out of their future plans, should be the Lakers’ #3 candidate as second big to pair with AD.

Draymond Green, 33, 6′ 6″, 230 lbs, $22.3M, 4-yrs
9.7 pts, 5.5 reb, 5.8 ast, 0.7 blk, 0.4 stl in 32.6 mpg

The Lakers should trade for one of these second big candidates. Olynyk would be a dynamic second big to stretch the court, Gafford an elite rim protector and vertical threat, and Green an transcendent two-way star.

TOP-3 TRADE CANDIDATES

Lakers Top-3 Candidates: Dejounte Murray, Bogdan Bogdanovic, Kelly Olynyk

The Lakers need to upgrade the three starters who will surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They need a new starting point guard, shooting guard, and second big to play with and complement their two superstars.

Whom do you like as the Lakers’ new starting point guard? Dejounte Murray, Marcus Smart, or Tyus Jones? What about the Lakers new starting shooting guard? Zach LaVine, Buddy Hield, or Bogdan Bogdanovic?
While replacing their backcourt with new point and shooting guards is the Lakers’ top priority, they also need a second big who can start next to Anthony Davis in a two-bigs starting lineup and cover whenever he rests.

Personally, I favor the Lakers trading with the Hawks for Dejounte Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic and the Jazz for Kelly Olynyk. That would give the Lakers three new starters to play with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Murray, Bogdanovic, and Olynyk earn $54.1 million per year, meaning the Lakers would have to match those salaries, which means giving up Russell, Vincent, Prince, Hood-Schifino, and Hachimura plus major draft capital.

Murray and Bogdanovic immediately become the Lakers backcourt of the future. Dejounte is shooting 38.3% on 6.0 threes per game while Bogdan is shooting 37.5 on 8.9 threes per game. Together, that’s 14.9 threes per game.
Olynyk immediately becomes the dynamic second big who starts next to Davis and gives the Lakers a third high percentage 3-point shooter to create spacing for James and Davis as well as a solid rebounder and playmaker.

As the Lakers near the February 8, 2024 trade deadline, I’ll be looking to see ‘Lakers’ trade bombs’ from Shams or Woj for any of the 9 trade candidates listed in this article, but especially for Murray, Bogdanovic, and Olynyk.