Lebron to opt out then resign with Lakers

[Up-And-Coming]

So... it was reported that Bron would take less if it would result in an MLE signing that would help the team.... so, by taking the max with a no-trade and option he's saying that the team is not getting better but he wants to stay until the end.

Think that through for a second...

Looking further into it I think once Klay Thompson turned them down the Lakers immediately moved into their backup plan. They're trying to compete for championships and I believe they didn't feel any of the deals including Valanciunas were enough to get them over the hump so they didn't commit to give Jonas his long-term contract (3 years $30 mil w/ the Wizards). Starting 2025-26 season w/ the new TV deals the Salary Cap is expected to take a big jump (10%; Projected Cap roughly $155,100,000 w/ the 1st Apron $196,520,000).

Lebron showed a willingness to take a pay-cut but I believe they agreed to give him his money this season and have him consider taking a significant cut next season with the increased salary cap for a potential Max-player plus the ability to use the Room Exception. I think in the coming days/weeks we'll see the Lakers look to NOT take on more long-term salary this season which means NO Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson or Kuzma. I think they'll look at names like Bruce Brown Jr, Chris Boucher, Malcolm Brogdon, Corey Kispert, Marvin Bagley, Dennis Schroder, Day'Ron Sharpe and possibly Clint Capela, Dorian Finney Smith (player option 24/25) and Brook Lopez (harder to acquire as the Bucks are a 1st Apron team meaning a 3rd team would have to get involved w/ D'Lo and long-term salaries going out (possibly Vincent/Rui/Vanderbilt). I believe they will try to balance out players that can help them now w/o added long-term salary.

I think they're going to clear their 2025-26 books for cap-space for a Max-Player (Irving? Markkanen? etc) taking into account Lebron takes a significant pay-cut which he's showed a willingness to do.

Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis and Bronny James all have marginal salaries and I think all of them except maybe Bronny/Lewis could be considered bargain deals as rotation players for the 2025-26 season. I think that's also why there's an emphasis to get Max Christie and Dalton Knecht firmly established as role-players this season with the added pressures of the new CBA increasing the importance for quality rotation players on cost-controlled rookie/low-salary deals.

Laker's expected salaries for AD, Reaves, Knecht, Christie and Bronny is $81,743,777 and w/ a Project Cap of $155,100,000 that leaves room for Lebron to work with the Lakers on a new deal that can also potentially help them land another Max Player + Room Exception.

Unless the trade market softens to a point where they feel they can get a player(s) that can truly vault them into contention I think they'll do a couple trades on the margins that can potentially help now and open up some cap-space next offseason at the same time. Also think they're waiting for the Markkanen situation to resolve because if he's not traded or re-signed he may be their main target next offseason as a free agent **shrugs** If he comes off the board then I'm not sure who they may target but the new CBA is going to force more teams like the Nuggets who will be in position to lose one of their main players again next offseason if they don't get off some salary (Aaron Gordon most likely as I'm sure they'll prioritize Jamal Murray).

[Up-And-Coming]

My best guess based on fit and the way free agency is panning out is that Klay Thompson signs with the Lakers via the NTP-MLE that Lebron creates with a pay-cut then sequentially the Lakers trade for Bruce Brown Jr via a couple of their contracts (possibly D'Angelo+filler). To me this just makes the most sense with Bruce Brown Jr's fit and versatility as another secondary/tertiary ball-handler in the starting lineup that Redick has hinted at that also provides point of attack defense and rebounding that the starters lacked. He's also not as big a liability on offense in the playoffs like Vanderbilt has been.

Austin Reaves
Bruce Brown Jr
Klay Thompson
Lebron James
Anthony Davis

Would be cool to add Klay but not super exited about an offensive wing/PF. I would rather add a good 3&D wing that can be a killer 3 AND D guy.

How great would Holmes have been for us?

Cannot complain about Knecht tho. And resigning Max at 8/per. Now, let’s get a cam or a long wing PLUS backup Center for playoff series against Spurs/OKC/Denver.

Agreed. I liked Holmes as well and Klay's defense has certainly been lacking which is why I felt they needed to also acquire a player like Bruce Brown Jr who is a capable point-of-attack defender/rebounder/playmaker to balance out the lineup. Unfortunately we got spurned by Klay and that ship has sailed.

Looking further into it I think once Klay Thompson turned them down the Lakers immediately moved into their backup plan. They're trying to compete for championships and I believe they didn't feel any of the deals including Valanciunas were enough to get them over the hump so they didn't commit to give Jonas his long-term contract (3 years $30 mil w/ the Wizards). Starting 2025-26 season w/ the new TV deals the Salary Cap is expected to take a big jump (10%; Projected Cap roughly $155,100,000 w/ the 1st Apron $196,520,000).

Lebron showed a willingness to take a pay-cut but I believe they agreed to give him his money this season and have him consider taking a significant cut next season with the increased salary cap for a potential Max-player plus the ability to use the Room Exception. I think in the coming days/weeks we'll see the Lakers look to NOT take on more long-term salary this season which means NO Jerami Grant, Cam Johnson or Kuzma. I think they'll look at names like Bruce Brown Jr, Chris Boucher, Malcolm Brogdon, Corey Kispert, Marvin Bagley, Dennis Schroder, Day'Ron Sharpe and possibly Clint Capela, Dorian Finney Smith (player option 24/25) and Brook Lopez (harder to acquire as the Bucks are a 1st Apron team meaning a 3rd team would have to get involved) w/ D'Lo and long-term salaries going out (possibly Vincent/Rui/Vanderbilt). I believe they will try to balance out players that can help them now w/o added long-term salary.

I think they're going to clear their 2025-26 books for cap-space for a Max-Player (Irving? Markkanen? etc) taking into account Lebron takes a significant pay-cut which he's showed a willingness to do.

Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Max Christie, Maxwell Lewis and Bronny James all have marginal salaries and I think all of them except maybe Bronny/Lewis could be considered bargain deals as rotation players for the 2025-26 season. I think that's also why there's an emphasis to get Max Christie and Dalton Knecht firmly established as role-players this season with the added pressures of the new CBA increasing the importance for quality rotation players on cost-controlled rookie/low-salary deals.

Laker's expected salaries for AD, Reaves, Knecht, Christie and Bronny is $81,743,777 and w/ a Project Cap of $155,100,000 that leaves room for Lebron to work with the Lakers on a new deal that can also potentially help them land another Max Player + Room Exception.

Unless the trade market softens to a point where they feel they can get a player(s) that can truly vault them into contention I think they'll do a couple trades on the margins that can potentially help now and open up some cap-space next offseason at the same time. Also think they're waiting for the Markkanen situation to resolve because if he's not traded or re-signed he may be their main target next offseason as a free agent **shrugs** If he comes off the board then I'm not sure who they may target but the new CBA is going to force more teams like the Nuggets who will be in position to lose one of their main players again next offseason if they don't get off some salary (Aaron Gordon most likely as I'm sure they'll prioritize Jamal Murray).

[danfantastk32]

Lakers Didn’t Miss Out on Klay Thompson; They Dodged a Bullet

I get it...my post wasnt about whether we wanted Klay or not. The part underlined was the part where we were in negotiations with Klay, along with Lebron personally talking to him, and Lebron willing to take a cut to allow the Lakers to use the MLE.

[danfantastk32]

So... it was reported that Bron would take less if it would result in an MLE signing that would help the team.... so, by taking the max with a no-trade and option he's saying that the team is not getting better but he wants to stay until the end.

Think that through for a second...

Well yeah, it makes total sense to me. He's clearly worth the max. There's no reason he shouldn't take it. The fact that he was willing to come down....if the Lakers were to provide a good reason for him to...but failing that, he got what was coming to him. I don't see anything wrong with that. His new contract is structured so he can opt out next year...but it will be up to him. Again...I don't see anything wrong with that.

I'm not asking you to kiss the ground he walks on, or knight the guy......but maybe we can admit he tried to play ball here, and perhaps there weren't games within games within games....but instead a good faith effort to bring in some help?

None of this changes the fact that I want a rebuild, and I would have not resigned him. So it's not like I'm shilling for the guy. But I just try to be fair....and give a little credit where it's due. This seems like he was willing to take a cut if they could bring someone in, but they couldn't...so of course he wasn't just gonna leave it on the table.

I walk away with a little more respect for the guy (a little) after this. Maybe it's just me.

[Landsberger]

So... it was reported that Bron would take less if it would result in an MLE signing that would help the team.... so, by taking the max with a no-trade and option he's saying that the team is not getting better but he wants to stay until the end.

Think that through for a second...

Well yeah, it makes total sense to me. He's clearly worth the max. There's no reason he shouldn't take it. The fact that he was willing to come down....if the Lakers were to provide a good reason for him to...but failing that, he got what was coming to him. I don't see anything wrong with that. His new contract is structured so he can opt out next year...but it will be up to him. Again...I don't see anything wrong with that.

I'm not asking you to kiss the ground he walks on, or knight the guy......but maybe we can admit he tried to play ball here, and perhaps there weren't games within games within games....but instead a good faith effort to bring in some help?

None of this changes the fact that I want a rebuild, and I would have not resigned him. So it's not like I'm shilling for the guy. But I just try to be fair....and give a little credit where it's due. This seems like he was willing to take a cut if they could bring someone in, but they couldn't...so of course he wasn't just gonna leave it on the table.

I walk away with a little more respect for the guy (a little) after this. Maybe it's just me.

We all knew Bron was taking the max... it was just bluster. My point is that he doesn't think the team is going to get better so rather than move to a situation where he can win... he'll just ride it out... here.

Seems to me the legacy of this franchise hasn't been connected to players like this in the past.

[tamaraw08]

Lakers Didn’t Miss Out on Klay Thompson; They Dodged a Bullet

I get it...my post wasnt about whether we wanted Klay or not. The part underlined was the part where we were in negotiations with Klay, along with Lebron personally talking to him, and Lebron willing to take a cut to allow the Lakers to use the MLE.

I appreciate Lebron and the FO making an effort, but I just want to share that it’s not doomsday because this team has failed to land Klay… yet. If they fail to make moves and acquire players they need, then yes I will be concerned but right now, there are options Imo.

[danfantastk32]

We all knew Bron was taking the max... it was just bluster. My point is that he doesn't think the team is going to get better so rather than move to a situation where he can win... he'll just ride it out... here.

Seems to me the legacy of this franchise hasn't been connected to players like this in the past.

We'll just have to disagree on this one. I don't know that he was always going to take the max. Sounds like they thought they could land Klay, and right or wrong...they were gonna figure out 4-years $80 large. And that woulda meant a pay cut for Lebron. I don't think Klay gets them too far....but it's not out of the realm of possibility. I can certainly understand them thinking it would be something.

And for what it's worth, I'm sure Kobe knew his body was falling apart those last 4-years or so...and knew that team he had was pretty crap. Didn't stop him from taking that 3-year $90mil extension. Lebron could have done the "honorable" thing, and walked away...but why? That certainly doesn't make the team better. Not at this point. It also doesn't sell tickets....which is ultimately what ownership wants. They would freak if he just up and quit. His own ego and personal reasons aside....you've got ownership trying to stuff money in your pockets. Where's the shame in sticking around while you are still effective....maybe if not lethal?

I certainly don't blame Lebron for wanting to still play. And we both know the Lakers were gonna do whatever it took to make sure it was in the P&G....so that's not on him. The fact that our FO sucks, and has no plan other than "give the star what he wants" should be squarely on their shoulders. Lebron averaged 27points, 7 assists and 8 boards of 54% shooting last season. Playing over 35 min a game, and getting over 1800 points on the season. So those are not the numbers of a farce. It's not like he's pulling a scam on us. He's still really, really, good. I don't hold it against him for one second that he wants to be out there, and thinking he deserves to be out there. Or for asking for the max.

I mean, hell......Kobe's numbers certainly weren't half that good his last 3-4 years. So no...I don't think this is a new low. I think the FO needs to grow a pair and rebuild. They didn't with Kobe (I was against that last extension...as much as I loved Kobe) and they aren't now with Lebron. That's a "them" problem

[Landsberger]

We all knew Bron was taking the max... it was just bluster. My point is that he doesn't think the team is going to get better so rather than move to a situation where he can win... he'll just ride it out... here.

Seems to me the legacy of this franchise hasn't been connected to players like this in the past.

We'll just have to disagree on this one. I don't know that he was always going to take the max. Sounds like they thought they could land Klay, and right or wrong...they were gonna figure out 4-years $80 large. And that woulda meant a pay cut for Lebron. I don't think Klay gets them too far....but it's not out of the realm of possibility. I can certainly understand them thinking it would be something.

And for what it's worth, I'm sure Kobe knew his body was falling apart those last 4-years or so...and knew that team he had was pretty crap. Didn't stop him from taking that 3-year $90mil extension. Lebron could have done the "honorable" thing, and walked away...but why? That certainly doesn't make the team better. Not at this point. It also doesn't sell tickets....which is ultimately what ownership wants. They would freak if he just up and quit. His own ego and personal reasons aside....you've got ownership trying to stuff money in your pockets. Where's the shame in sticking around while you are still effective....maybe if not lethal?

I certainly don't blame Lebron for wanting to still play. And we both know the Lakers were gonna do whatever it took to make sure it was in the P&G....so that's not on him. The fact that our FO sucks, and has no plan other than "give the star what he wants" should be squarely on their shoulders. Lebron averaged 27points, 7 assists and 8 boards of 54% shooting last season. Playing over 35 min a game, and getting over 1800 points on the season. So those are not the numbers of a farce. It's not like he's pulling a scam on us. He's still really, really, good. I don't hold it against him for one second that he wants to be out there, and thinking he deserves to be out there. Or for asking for the max.

I mean, hell......Kobe's numbers certainly weren't half that good his last 3-4 years. So no...I don't think this is a new low. I think the FO needs to grow a pair and rebuild. They didn't with Kobe (I was against that last extension...as much as I loved Kobe) and they aren't now with Lebron. That's a "them" problem

How does Kobe fit into this? His situation was just a little different don't you think? He gave his entire career to the Lakers.

Now I know why when I came back here after a couple years why you were on ignore.

[tamaraw08]

We all knew Bron was taking the max... it was just bluster. My point is that he doesn't think the team is going to get better so rather than move to a situation where he can win... he'll just ride it out... here.

Seems to me the legacy of this franchise hasn't been connected to players like this in the past.

We'll just have to disagree on this one. I don't know that he was always going to take the max. Sounds like they thought they could land Klay, and right or wrong...they were gonna figure out 4-years $80 large. And that woulda meant a pay cut for Lebron. I don't think Klay gets them too far....but it's not out of the realm of possibility. I can certainly understand them thinking it would be something.

And for what it's worth, I'm sure Kobe knew his body was falling apart those last 4-years or so...and knew that team he had was pretty crap. Didn't stop him from taking that 3-year $90mil extension. Lebron could have done the "honorable" thing, and walked away...but why? That certainly doesn't make the team better. Not at this point. It also doesn't sell tickets....which is ultimately what ownership wants. They would freak if he just up and quit. His own ego and personal reasons aside....you've got ownership trying to stuff money in your pockets. Where's the shame in sticking around while you are still effective....maybe if not lethal?


I mean, hell......Kobe's numbers certainly weren't half that good his last 3-4 years.

I'm pretty sure Lebron haters ALSO whined on this board about Kobe getting paid way too much that ate up the team's cap space.... or did they?
but but but... it's different situation, right?
Lebron is selfish and Kobe is not.

[danfantastk32]

How does Kobe fit into this? His situation was just a little different don't you think? He gave his entire career to the Lakers.

Now I know why when I came back here after a couple years why you were on ignore.

Ignore me again then....I don't care. We disagree on this....grow up

[LakersSoul]

Lakers Didn’t Miss Out on Klay Thompson; They Dodged a Bullet

I get it...my post wasnt about whether we wanted Klay or not. The part underlined was the part where we were in negotiations with Klay, along with Lebron personally talking to him, and Lebron willing to take a cut to allow the Lakers to use the MLE.

I appreciate Lebron and the FO making an effort, but I just want to share that it’s not doomsday because this team has failed to land Klay… yet. If they fail to make moves and acquire players they need, then yes I will be concerned but right now, there are options Imo.

Don’t mind the FO deciding to wait for trading deadline to add a 3&D or backup after seeing half season of the team and how JJ utilizes the roster and shooters.

It’s really the long game for dynasty and no more of these adding aging shooters as if that’s the best path forward.

Look at what OKC and Boston has done. Even Denver. Don’t add useless aging offensive guys. Hard pass on Klay and whoever if it’s not them signing for team friendly minimums.

More excited to see what Max, Knecht and even Hinson plus Bronny can do as role players.

[tamaraw08]

I get it...my post wasnt about whether we wanted Klay or not. The part underlined was the part where we were in negotiations with Klay, along with Lebron personally talking to him, and Lebron willing to take a cut to allow the Lakers to use the MLE.

I appreciate Lebron and the FO making an effort, but I just want to share that it’s not doomsday because this team has failed to land Klay… yet. If they fail to make moves and acquire players they need, then yes I will be concerned but right now, there are options Imo.

Don’t mind the FO deciding to wait for trading deadline to add a 3&D or backup after seeing half season of the team and how JJ utilizes the roster and shooters.

It’s really the long game for dynasty and no more of these adding aging shooters as if that’s the best path forward.

Look at what OKC and Boston has done. Even Denver. Don’t add useless aging offensive guys. Hard pass on Klay and whoever if it’s not them signing for team friendly minimums.

More excited to see what Max, Knecht and even Hinson plus Bronny can do as role players.

Lakers ranked 16th in DRTG last season, a healthy Vando will certainly help but they will absolutely suffer on offense because he is a horrible shooter.
Rui and DLo are also bad defenders and this is this roster’s biggest concern , all 4 players including Reddish can’t play well on both sides of the court.
Nets are on rebuild and might be interested in dumping DFS AND Cam Johnson’s salary for Dlo’s, Reddish, Hayes’ expirer. I’m hoping they won’t demand 2 FRP’s for them. BTW those players are better shooters than Kuzma. If they can dump salaries, they can use MLE for another shooter who can defend like Trent Jr
Wizards are the favorite trade partners of the Lakers but they can’t trade JV And Brogdon right away

[LAKESHOW]

As a side note, i do like Cam Johnson. I think he has a quality skillset. But I have no idea where or even if he would fit on this team. I'm like, yeah, he looks cool from afar. But adding him to this squad brings what? I don't know

[zuju]

I appreciate Lebron and the FO making an effort, but I just want to share that it’s not doomsday because this team has failed to land Klay… yet. If they fail to make moves and acquire players they need, then yes I will be concerned but right now, there are options Imo.

Don’t mind the FO deciding to wait for trading deadline to add a 3&D or backup after seeing half season of the team and how JJ utilizes the roster and shooters.

It’s really the long game for dynasty and no more of these adding aging shooters as if that’s the best path forward.

Look at what OKC and Boston has done. Even Denver. Don’t add useless aging offensive guys. Hard pass on Klay and whoever if it’s not them signing for team friendly minimums.

More excited to see what Max, Knecht and even Hinson plus Bronny can do as role players.

Lakers ranked 16th in DRTG last season, a healthy Vando will certainly help but they will absolutely suffer on offense because he is a horrible shooter.
Rui and DLo are also bad defenders and this is this roster’s biggest concern , all 4 players including Reddish can’t play well on both sides of the court.
Nets are on rebuild and might be interested in dumping DFS AND Cam Johnson’s salary for Dlo’s, Reddish, Hayes’ expirer. I’m hoping they won’t demand 2 FRP’s for them. BTW those players are better shooters than Kuzma. If they can dump salaries, they can use MLE for another shooter who can defend like Trent Jr
Wizards are the favorite trade partners of the Lakers but they can’t trade JV And Brogdon right away

I will not care too much if not the majority of the team can't shoot 3s. You can cut, slash, be a secondary facilitator, screener or roller etc to contribute on offense. I put blame on ham for missusing players in this regards. Look how Arron Gordon punish us when we left him wide open. He did not shoot 3s, he dunked every chance he could get by slipping to the dunker spot.

On the flip side, defense is really my concern. It is tge most consistent side of the game whether it'd be good or bad. In the playoff, you are not hiding any of your weak spots. The opponents will expose you every game every play.

Vando = elite defense with improving offense
Reddish = maybe good on defense but also lost it after injury. Bad offensively
Rui = Good offensively. Can only defend the PF position
Dlo = excellent offense (sometimes inconsistent and tended to disappear in big moments). Disastrous defensively

Cam Johndon, Grant and Kuz are more balanced players at this point. I see Vando joining the list next season if he is healthy.

[tamaraw08]

Don’t mind the FO deciding to wait for trading deadline to add a 3&D or backup after seeing half season of the team and how JJ utilizes the roster and shooters.

It’s really the long game for dynasty and no more of these adding aging shooters as if that’s the best path forward.

Look at what OKC and Boston has done. Even Denver. Don’t add useless aging offensive guys. Hard pass on Klay and whoever if it’s not them signing for team friendly minimums.

More excited to see what Max, Knecht and even Hinson plus Bronny can do as role players.

Lakers ranked 16th in DRTG last season, a healthy Vando will certainly help but they will absolutely suffer on offense because he is a horrible shooter.
Rui and DLo are also bad defenders and this is this roster’s biggest concern , all 4 players including Reddish can’t play well on both sides of the court.
Nets are on rebuild and might be interested in dumping DFS AND Cam Johnson’s salary for Dlo’s, Reddish, Hayes’ expirer. I’m hoping they won’t demand 2 FRP’s for them. BTW those players are better shooters than Kuzma. If they can dump salaries, they can use MLE for another shooter who can defend like Trent Jr
Wizards are the favorite trade partners of the Lakers but they can’t trade JV And Brogdon right away

I will not care too much if not the majority of the team can't shoot 3s. You can cut, slash, be a secondary facilitator, screener or roller etc to contribute on offense. I put blame on ham for missusing players in this regards. Look how Arron Gordon punish us when we left him wide open. He did not shoot 3s, he dunked every chance he could get by slipping to the dunker spot.

On the flip side, defense is really my concern. It is tge most consistent side of the game whether it'd be good or bad. In the playoff, you are not hiding any of your weak spots. The opponents will expose you every game every play.

Vando = elite defense with improving offense
Reddish = maybe good on defense but also lost it after injury. Bad offensively
Rui = Good offensively. Can only defend the PF position
Dlo = excellent offense (sometimes inconsistent and tended to disappear in big moments). Disastrous defensively

Cam Johndon, Grant and Kuz are more balanced players at this point. I see Vando joining the list next season if he is healthy.

If Redick can find a way to hide Vando's inability to shoot on offense then I guess they have found a genius of a coach.
OKC used their 6h overall pick on a smart 6-8 smart guy who can pretty much do everything..except shoot and now they just gave up on him.
TWolves also had a tall flexible player who can facilitate, make good decisions and they too let this guy walk for nothing this summer.
Stanley Johnson was a pretty good defender and couldn't find a team to hire him last season.
I can't think of many non shooting wing/ perimeter defenders who are playing more than 24 mins/game.
Denver didn't have much trouble with Gordon Bec his 4 teammates on the floor were shooters and spaced the floor well unlike the Lakers with AD refusing to take more 3's to draw out his defender.

[Godfather13]

See how this works? Players that were never signing for MLE get connected to Bron's supposed calls then he's left in a position of power to negotiate because the Lakers didn't get someone of "impact".

I think your overthinking his nefariousness here. He's been in a position of complete power for years. He opted out of his contract, for one, and could have got an extension really at any time. All of which would have been completely ordinary, and acceptable. What's he going to negotiate for now that's above the 3-year super max extension he could have easily got an anytime? And prob anything he wanted after that, tbh. This all seems silly and unnecessary, in the "fight for power" vein......and in fact makes him look, if nothing else, like nobody wants to come play with him - this being "Lebron's team" after all?

Could be wrong....but I think he was just willing to take a cut if they could have landed some decent player at the MLE.

For what it's worth...we prob could have got CP3 for the MLE. Maybe they didnt want him (fine with that). And I think it was pretty close with Klay. Mavericks offered him a bit more....and they are closer to at title than we are currently. But it was certainly worth a shot (in their eyes....I want a rebuild).

And to double down on that - A 2+1 year extension would've paid him 5+ mil more per year(16.8 mil/3yrs) than what he's gonna get paid now.

Notice how Harden & Lillard & Russ & Tatum & Brown make more per year than freaking Lebron James.

[LakersSoul]

Don’t mind the FO deciding to wait for trading deadline to add a 3&D or backup after seeing half season of the team and how JJ utilizes the roster and shooters.

It’s really the long game for dynasty and no more of these adding aging shooters as if that’s the best path forward.

Look at what OKC and Boston has done. Even Denver. Don’t add useless aging offensive guys. Hard pass on Klay and whoever if it’s not them signing for team friendly minimums.

More excited to see what Max, Knecht and even Hinson plus Bronny can do as role players.

Lakers ranked 16th in DRTG last season, a healthy Vando will certainly help but they will absolutely suffer on offense because he is a horrible shooter.
Rui and DLo are also bad defenders and this is this roster’s biggest concern , all 4 players including Reddish can’t play well on both sides of the court.
Nets are on rebuild and might be interested in dumping DFS AND Cam Johnson’s salary for Dlo’s, Reddish, Hayes’ expirer. I’m hoping they won’t demand 2 FRP’s for them. BTW those players are better shooters than Kuzma. If they can dump salaries, they can use MLE for another shooter who can defend like Trent Jr
Wizards are the favorite trade partners of the Lakers but they can’t trade JV And Brogdon right away

I will not care too much if not the majority of the team can't shoot 3s. You can cut, slash, be a secondary facilitator, screener or roller etc to contribute on offense. I put blame on ham for missusing players in this regards. Look how Arron Gordon punish us when we left him wide open. He did not shoot 3s, he dunked every chance he could get by slipping to the dunker spot.

On the flip side, defense is really my concern. It is tge most consistent side of the game whether it'd be good or bad. In the playoff, you are not hiding any of your weak spots. The opponents will expose you every game every play.

Vando = elite defense with improving offense
Reddish = maybe good on defense but also lost it after injury. Bad offensively
Rui = Good offensively. Can only defend the PF position
Dlo = excellent offense (sometimes inconsistent and tended to disappear in big moments). Disastrous defensively

Cam Johndon, Grant and Kuz are more balanced players at this point. I see Vando joining the list next season if he is healthy.

Ham’s reign has got to be one of the most frustrating and non-synergetic period that I could remember. Guy had no idea on how best to run the team.

Keep dumping it to AD. I remember Kareem and Shaq days. That’s what you do with AD.

On D, why not use Max more? Just frustrating overall and how he didn’t give a crap about AD and Bron. What a bad hire that was.

[danfantastk32]

From RealGM:
""LeBron James is now officially back with the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran megastar signed his new two-year contract on Saturday, but according to ESPN's Bobby Marks, there was a little something in there that hadn't been disclosed: a pay cut.

"Little" is the operative word here. He was originally reported to be making the maximum of $104 million on this deal, but the final amount is reportedly $101.35. That's a pay cut of $2.65 million.""



This 'little' pay cut gets them under the 2nd apron. By $45k. I'm not saying the guy should get a parade, and it may seem insignificant compared to the $$ he earns. I'm sure it's worth the press.

But hey....it was a nice gesture. They agreed to $104...he didn't make them. So this was nice on his part.

[KingOverLebronJ]

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