When we took a look at the schedule from Thanksgiving to the end of the year, we kinda knew this was the position we would be in. We’re actually a lil bit better than I thought; going 7-9 so far. We could possibly go 2-1 to close out 2023. Basically, we’re a .500 team…nothing more nothing less.
Now for the month of January….with the exception of a 2 hour flight to Utah, we don’t even play outside of Staples til the 27th. This is the time when the FO will truly have to evaluate what we’re working with and how to proceed. No travel, lots of home time, & practice opportunities.
The good thing is that from the 4th seed on down, nobody is gonna run away & hide. DEN, MIN, & OKC probably have the top 3 on lock but everything else is up for grabs. We’re already starting to see some teams implementing a lil load management. If we play a few games better than .500 then we’ll be right there in the mix. Rob has shown a tendency to keep his powder dry & not panic in this situation and wait for the right deal to come along. I think we still have time to let Jan. play itself out and see what the landscape looks like.
Good points, Mongo. All those home games will surely help. But I think the Lakers already know what they have and what they need. Unless they’re targeting a player who can’t be traded until Jan 15 or planning to trade Rui or Reaves, there’s no reason not to move right now. While the Hawks want Reaves, we should only be willing to give them Christie.
I would not be surprised to see a trade for a player like Murray happen right now. DLO and his expiring contract are the perfect trading piece for Dejounte. Just need to figure out what draft compensation should be included. The Hawks originally gave up 3 picks and 1 swap for him. If he Lakers trade for Murray, they’re treating him as a superstar and as LeBron’s replacement
Rob waited a long time to deal Russ, holding the line on not giving up too much in the process. I can see him doing the same thing here. Murray is a good player but we’re talkin about Dejounte…not Jamal…lol.
The new starting five, they of 18 whole minutes of game action, actually practiced for the first time today. That should help, too.
I agree and I won’t be surprised if Rob does nothing. As mediocre as DLo has been I’d be surprised if the FO was surprised. Like all of us I’m sure they hoped he’d be a better two-way and a more consistent shooter but these guys are what they are once the get close to 30. This is the best version of Russell we’re likely to see. His deal is far more valuable next season, as well.