Instant Reaction: What Do The Lakers Do This Off-Season?

[Ron Swanson]

I'll second that idea. They do seem like one of the few teams that makes sense as a Beal destination. Phoenix needs depth and Beal/Lebron/AD is more of an ideal roster construction for your best 3 guys (guard/wing/big). Then use whatever assets they can scrap together for a 3&D guard/wing trade. Something like the roster below would be a realistic, best-case-scenario offseason:

Beal/Dinwiddie (re-sign vet minimum)
Caruso/Christie
???/Reddish
Lebron
AD/Drummond (vet minimum)

Pretty big hole at wing still, but that's probably something you can feasibly talk yourself into being a dark-horse contender type roster if you're not completely blowing it up.

[Felixians4]

AD to power forward more! They need two way side better and mentally stronger man instead of Dlo at "1". Right now just disappointment, take a time

[SkyHook]

1. Draft Bronny with the 17th pick
2. ?
3. Profit

[Colbinii]

1. Draft Bronny with the 17th pick
2. ?
3. Profit

If they want to draft him, they will just use #55.

Also, Profit is typically #4.

[SkyHook]

1. Draft Bronny with the 17th pick
2. ?
3. Profit

If they want to draft him, they will just use #55.

Also, Profit is typically #4.

With the #54 pick, Boston could/should just do the greatest troll job ever.

[mg]

Putting aside all the Lebron drama here are a few things they can do over the offseason to improve assuming they don't put all their eggs going after a star:

1. Draft or sign a big center. Jonas should be available in FA or preferably draft someone like Edey.

2. If they draft a big center they need a perimeter defender to replace the Vincent role. They could sign Kris Dunn and instantly add a bigger better perimeter defender.

3. They need a backcourt scorer. Maybe Beal could be an answer, no I don't consider him to be a current star, but they would likely need DLo to opt in to match such a big salary in a trade. Regardless they should have enough picks+filler salary to add a dependable scoring guard in a trade.

[JB2]

I think this offseason starts with a very blunt conversation with Lebron James. I think in a perfect world Lebron wants to stay with the Lakers and the Lakers want Lebron to remain a Laker. I also think both Lebron and the Lakers want the Lakers to back up the truck for a 3rd star to pair with Lebron/AD over the next few years, but it's out of the Lakers control if that opportunity presents itself. In the event it does, this is an easy conversation, but if it doesn't it raises questions. If Lebron wants to continue to maximize his salary, it's hard to justify spending future draft capital on marginal upgrades because it likely does not make you a contender. But if Lebron is willing to settle for a salary in the $20MM range, it allows the Lakers to operate below the 1st apron, opens up the non taxpayer MLE, and creates a world of opportunity.

There is definitely a middle ground where Lebron opts in, the Lakers move this years pick for to upgrade the roster, and this team is a slightly better version of the 2024 Lakers. And maybe Lebron and the Lakers are fine being a middle of the pack playoff team to round out his career.

There is also the possibility of trading him to a place where he can compete for a title, but the return will be underwhelming relative to his on court value given his age.

But let's explore a world where Lebron takes less money ($15-20MM per year) and a no brainer trade for a guy like Donnovan Mitchell does not present itself.

I would explore a Brad Beal trade if the cost was low. I have a vision of a 3 way deal where D'Angelo Russell is sent to Brooklyn in a sign and trade in a 2 year deal starting at $23.1 MM (2nd year declines to $22.06MM) and Dennis Schroeder and Rui end up in PHX. Day'Ron Sharpe would need to be included for matching purposes (along with filler MIN salary OR the Lakers would give Russell a lower contract and include Maxwell Lewis in the deal). Another version of the deal is Dorin Finey-Smith ending up in PHX with Schroeder and PHX's 2024 1st rd pick ending up in Brooklyn.

From the Lakers standpoint - they are now left with the following roster:
Starters - Beal-Reaves-Vanderbilit-James-Davis
Bench- Vincent- Hood-Schifino-2024 1st rd pick (#17 - which should be used on a 4th year player who can contribute right away), Maxwell Lewis
Ways to add talent - non-taxpayer MLE ($12.859MM), Taureen Prince bird rights (up to $5,419,200).

Assuming Lebron takes $15MM per year, the NTMLE is used on one player, and Prince is resigned at the full amount, LA is sitting with 11 players on the roster and +/- $8.4MM remaining below the 1st apron - enough to add a few vet mins, a 2-way and keep a lot open for a buyout guy.

While Beal struggles fitting in with Durant/Booker in PHX, I think he fits the Lakers roster much better - especially if Lebron embraces being a facilitator (which he is more than capable of) and letting Beal/Davis carry the scoring load. He's a big upgrade over DLo. The key here, this only works with Lebron sacrificing financially.

Torn on the Beal deal but in terms of approach, it's the best the Lakers can possibly do this summer but the entire premise (as you said) is contingent on LeBron taking a pay cut. A massive pay cut. Probably not the only one to feel this way but I cannot see a world where LeBron gives up nearly $35-40M season and what could equate to $80M over two years. He knows his value to everyone's pockets.. why should he take the cut so they can make more?

[LightTheBeam]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

[Colbinii]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

Ran its course?

The Lakers were the 2nd best post-season team last year and are likely the 4th/5th best playoff team this season.

There is no reason to think they can't make some minor adjustments and be a title contender next year, just as they were this year and last year.

[LightTheBeam]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

Ran its course?

The Lakers were the 2nd best post-season team last year and are likely the 4th/5th best playoff team this season.

There is no reason to think they can't make some minor adjustments and be a title contender next year, just as they were this year and last year.

I disagree with this. Think they would have lost to any of the top 5 teams in the West this year pretty easily. Denver seemed to take this as a pre-season series and won all 4 games playing half a quarter (while Lakers clearly had ref help at minimum 2 of the games). That's just my opinion of it.

Last year they had a very fortunate path with Memphis being hurt and JA crap + Kings losing game 7 to Warriors (Kings 7/8 against Lakers last 2 years). And by time they ran into a real team they got swept.

[R-DAWG]

I think this offseason starts with a very blunt conversation with Lebron James. I think in a perfect world Lebron wants to stay with the Lakers and the Lakers want Lebron to remain a Laker. I also think both Lebron and the Lakers want the Lakers to back up the truck for a 3rd star to pair with Lebron/AD over the next few years, but it's out of the Lakers control if that opportunity presents itself. In the event it does, this is an easy conversation, but if it doesn't it raises questions. If Lebron wants to continue to maximize his salary, it's hard to justify spending future draft capital on marginal upgrades because it likely does not make you a contender. But if Lebron is willing to settle for a salary in the $20MM range, it allows the Lakers to operate below the 1st apron, opens up the non taxpayer MLE, and creates a world of opportunity.

There is definitely a middle ground where Lebron opts in, the Lakers move this years pick for to upgrade the roster, and this team is a slightly better version of the 2024 Lakers. And maybe Lebron and the Lakers are fine being a middle of the pack playoff team to round out his career.

There is also the possibility of trading him to a place where he can compete for a title, but the return will be underwhelming relative to his on court value given his age.

But let's explore a world where Lebron takes less money ($15-20MM per year) and a no brainer trade for a guy like Donnovan Mitchell does not present itself.

I would explore a Brad Beal trade if the cost was low. I have a vision of a 3 way deal where D'Angelo Russell is sent to Brooklyn in a sign and trade in a 2 year deal starting at $23.1 MM (2nd year declines to $22.06MM) and Dennis Schroeder and Rui end up in PHX. Day'Ron Sharpe would need to be included for matching purposes (along with filler MIN salary OR the Lakers would give Russell a lower contract and include Maxwell Lewis in the deal). Another version of the deal is Dorin Finey-Smith ending up in PHX with Schroeder and PHX's 2024 1st rd pick ending up in Brooklyn.

From the Lakers standpoint - they are now left with the following roster:
Starters - Beal-Reaves-Vanderbilit-James-Davis
Bench- Vincent- Hood-Schifino-2024 1st rd pick (#17 - which should be used on a 4th year player who can contribute right away), Maxwell Lewis
Ways to add talent - non-taxpayer MLE ($12.859MM), Taureen Prince bird rights (up to $5,419,200).

Assuming Lebron takes $15MM per year, the NTMLE is used on one player, and Prince is resigned at the full amount, LA is sitting with 11 players on the roster and +/- $8.4MM remaining below the 1st apron - enough to add a few vet mins, a 2-way and keep a lot open for a buyout guy.

While Beal struggles fitting in with Durant/Booker in PHX, I think he fits the Lakers roster much better - especially if Lebron embraces being a facilitator (which he is more than capable of) and letting Beal/Davis carry the scoring load. He's a big upgrade over DLo. The key here, this only works with Lebron sacrificing financially.

Torn on the Beal deal but in terms of approach, it's the best the Lakers can possibly do this summer but the entire premise (as you said) is contingent on LeBron taking a pay cut. A massive pay cut. Probably not the only one to feel this way but I cannot see a world where LeBron gives up nearly $35-40M season and what could equate to $80M over two years. He knows his value to everyone's pockets.. why should he take the cut so they can make more?

I don't think it's why should he take a pay cut so they can make more - it's given the limitations of the new CBA, does Lebron taking less best position the Lakers to compete for a title under the new CBA. And in the event the Lakers can't trade their picks for a star, why should the Lakers mortgage the future for marginal upgrades if they don't make the Lakers a title team.

Assuming DLo opts in and the Lakers use their pick, the payroll is at $173MM. Assume they use the taxpayer MLE and resigning Prince (because you don't want to lose the salary slot) - your at 12 players on the roster and +/- $5MM below the 2nd apron. And say what you want about DLo, but the Lakers can't afford to lose him and his salary slot for nothing. So improving this roster becomes very challenging.

An example is - the Lakers would be a better team if they had Alex Carusso instead of Gabe Vincent. But your not giving up a future, unprotected 1st (and your chance at another star over the next few years) unless your in position to make a title run. But if Lebron sacrifices positions the Lakers to land Beal plus add another piece with the NTMLE, paying that cost for Carusso now becomes palatable.

At the end of the day, does Lebron care more about money or winning. The Lakers would be fine keeping him on the roster and keeping the chips dry for the next star.

[gswhoops]

Hasn't LeBron been on record that he isn't going to take a pay cut/he feels obligated to use his unique position in the league to protect other players from the expectation that they take pay cuts to "help win"?

[R-DAWG]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

The Vando/Vincent piece did make a difference, maybe only a handful of games difference. And 3 more wins could have been the difference between being the #5 seed and being the #7 seed. As the #7 seed LA was playing Denver in round 1. Had they been the #5 they go up against a Clippers team without Kwahi followed by a Thunder team that they match up very well with. So yes, 3 more regular season wins could have been the difference between getting back to the WCF and losing in the first round.

The bigger concern is you got 71 games out of Lebron and 76 out of Davis combined with a best version of D'Angelo Russell and you were a play in team that lost in 5 games in the first round. NBA windows don't tend to last much longer than 4-5 years and Lebron/AD are entering year #6 together. The window might have closed.

[LightTheBeam]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

The Vando/Vincent piece did make a difference, maybe only a handful of games difference. And 3 more wins could have been the difference between being the #5 seed and being the #7 seed. As the #7 seed LA was playing Denver in round 1. Had they been the #5 they go up against a Clippers team without Kwahi followed by a Thunder team that they match up very well with. So yes, 3 more regular season wins could have been the difference between getting back to the WCF and losing in the first round.

The bigger concern is you got 71 games out of Lebron and 76 out of Davis combined with a best version of D'Angelo Russell and you were a play in team that lost in 5 games in the first round. NBA windows don't tend to last much longer than 4-5 years and Lebron/AD are entering year #6 together. The window might have closed.

Well that was kind of my point. Say that Lebron plays his normal 55, AD plays his normal 50, even if they got 70+ games from Vando/Vincent, they aren't winning as many games. This was truly the perfect storm where they had health from the 2 superstar, and great play from the top 3 role guys and still got nearly swept.

[gswhoops]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

The Vando/Vincent piece did make a difference, maybe only a handful of games difference. And 3 more wins could have been the difference between being the #5 seed and being the #7 seed. As the #7 seed LA was playing Denver in round 1. Had they been the #5 they go up against a Clippers team without Kwahi followed by a Thunder team that they match up very well with. So yes, 3 more regular season wins could have been the difference between getting back to the WCF and losing in the first round.

The bigger concern is you got 71 games out of Lebron and 76 out of Davis combined with a best version of D'Angelo Russell and you were a play in team that lost in 5 games in the first round. NBA windows don't tend to last much longer than 4-5 years and Lebron/AD are entering year #6 together. The window might have closed.

Well that was kind of my point. Say that Lebron plays his normal 55, AD plays his normal 50, even if they got 70+ games from Vando/Vincent, they aren't winning as many games. This was truly the perfect storm where they had health from the 2 superstar, and great play from the top 3 role guys and still got nearly swept.

This is where I think the "third star" approach has some legs. If you go out and get a Beal or Lavine or DeRozan, you can probably win more regular season games and thus get a better seed even with fewer games from Bron/AD. But that was the theory with Russ and we all know how that went.

[jbk1234]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

Getting ahead of a closing window is always better than trying to deal with the fallout after that's already occurred. The problem I see is the window may have already closed. I think AD probably still has solid trade value, but the chances of getting back the type of return they surrendered for him are non-existent.

LBJ is going to opt-out and ask for a new deal so you're looking at S&T options while LBJ reportedly wants at least two fully guaranteed years at max money AND a NTC. If I'm the Lakers, it's time to start negotiating with him in earnest rather than having Rich Paul present the contract he's willing to sign. If he wants to walk to Philly, so be it, but you can't trade him under those circumstances and you can't add a 3rd start via FA with AD and LBJ taking up that kind of money.

[Colbinii]

What is left to do with this core honestly?

AD played 76 games, a career best. Unlikely he ever repeats that
Lebron played 71 which is his most since 2017
DLo/Reaves/Rui all played really great seasons, and stayed healthy for the most part.

You could hope a better year from Vincent/Vando health wise, but I'm not convinced that makes a huge difference or that the top 5 play as good/healthy as they did this year. Or potentially trade those 2 with some picks to go get a Dejounte type player.

Still it seems this core has ran its course. And now you are basically talking about drafting a non NBA player in order to keep 40 year old Lebron. Just keep selling tickets till Lebron decides to retire.

Ran its course?

The Lakers were the 2nd best post-season team last year and are likely the 4th/5th best playoff team this season.

There is no reason to think they can't make some minor adjustments and be a title contender next year, just as they were this year and last year.

I disagree with this. Think they would have lost to any of the top 5 teams in the West this year pretty easily.

Easily? They barely lost to Denver and were fingertips away from being up 3-2 after 5 games, lol.

I can't see the Kawhi-less Clippers having any luck against this Lakers team nor do I think OKC or Dallas would be clear favorites over the Lakers.

Denver seemed to take this as a pre-season series and won all 4 games playing half a quarter (while Lakers clearly had ref help at minimum 2 of the games). That's just my opinion of it.

That isn't true. Denver tried, Lakers defense was excellent and the Lakers played Denver to a stand-still in 4 of the games.

Last year they had a very fortunate path with Memphis being hurt and JA crap + Kings losing game 7 to Warriors (Kings 7/8 against Lakers last 2 years). And by time they ran into a real team they got swept.

Okay, so who was the real team? Denver? Denver didn't play a single real team last post-season. They played Reid/McDaniels less Wolves with injured Towns/Gobert, they played an injured Suns team and then this Lakers team and Miami who wasn't hot from 3.

So Denver wasn't a real team either last year since they didn't play any "real teams", right? Or do you only use stipulations when you assess the Lakers?

[HadAnEffectHere]

Denver pretty clearly wasn't trying at all in this series, Jokic and Murray played real bad.

(I don't think this is good for Denver to have done, but they put forward as little effort as is possible to win every time)

[BlazersBroncos]

Denver pretty clearly wasn't trying at all in this series, Jokic and Murray played real bad.

(I don't think this is good for Denver to have done, but they put forward as little effort as is possible to win every time)

Denver was clearly trying lol.

They just were not playing that well, and they still won in a gentleman's sweep.

I presume LAL will make a move for a fake 3rd star like Beal or Jerami, run it back (Sans any real depth as they churn their role players into said fake 3rd star) and get bounced in R1 or R2 at best.

[Texas Chuck]

We really need to stop just posting wild narratives. If this is your thing the General Board loves you. Go be a star there. But saying things like an entire team(the defending champs no less) aren't trying just because they didn't win every game by 40 like you irrationally insist they do is just trolling. And derailing. And its every thread at this point with these hot takes.

Simmer them down, or seriously relocate to a board where that is the vibe. We are going for serious discussions please.