Game 44: Cleveland Cavaliers (8-35) @ Los Angeles Lakers (23-20)

[Landsberger]

I want a porterhouse steak for dinner everyday but I settle for salmon and salad.

I'd offer a protected 1st and if push comes to shove, one of Svi, Mo or Bonga.

I don't think 20/10 guys that shoot close to 40% from 3 come that cheap. I could be wrong though.

He's an expiring contract, unless Orlando plans to resign him, his value shouldn't be higher than a mid 1st.

I get that but to get to the front of that line we might have to provide something to to sweeten the deal like Zubac. Vuc really seems to be a good complement to Bron and Kuzma. Now..... about Ingram.

[Kilroy]

Javale McGee coming back down to Earth after his hot first month isn't getting enough attention.

He's back to what he always was, a serviceable backup big, when you need some athleticism off the bench...

I honestly think Zu is our best fit for starting Big... His combination of size athleticism and skill fit better with our starters than the other 2 guys we have...
I'm not in any way saying this is a good thing, just that I think the reality is, with all the flaws in Zu's game, he's still a better look than shaky McGee, and tired Chandler...

God, I wish we would have kept Lopez/Randle...

[Dr Aki]

Problem is that noone who could shoot was even available last summer at a reasonable price

Ariza went for 15 mil ffs

Brook Lopez and Shabazz Napier were both league minimum signings, or right above it.

Don't know about Napier, but Bropez should've been brought back.

That was the biggest mistake this off season. It was crazy obvious that having a shooting big man items up so many more driving possibilities for LeBron, Ingram, Zo, Hart etc

[Spens1]

This is why I stay out of the trade thread. Clearly I think a guy entering his prime with the stats he's putting up is worth more than they really are

under normal circumstances, yes, but this is only a stretch and he's not locked in next year, so will Orlando pay to extend him.

[Slink]

He got treatment and shots yesterday, he got treatment and shots today,” Walton said. “I don’t know if he ran today.”

When asked if James has begun running, Walton answered, “Yeah,” adding, “He tells me he feels good.”

That James is running suggests a return could be on the horizon. He’s already been ruled out for Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, and if James is unable to play Thursday or Saturday, the next opportunity would come Monday when the Lakers host the Golden State Warriors.

https://www.lakersnation.com/lakers-injury-update-lebron-james-strained-groin-recovery-running-shooting/2019/01/14/

[Landsberger]

I honestly think Zu is our best fit for starting Big... His combination of size athleticism and skill fit better with our starters than the other 2 guys we have...
I'm not in any way saying this is a good thing, just that I think the reality is, with all the flaws in Zu's game, he's still a better look than shaky McGee, and tired Chandler...

I think he is maximized with Bron and Rondo especially. They both know how to use a guy like him. Oddly enough Clarkson was very good with him too. I'd love to see him start but Luke seems to be stuck in players roles and positions.

[BasketballFan7]

Problem is that noone who could shoot was even available last summer at a reasonable price

Ariza went for 15 mil ffs

Brook Lopez and Shabazz Napier were both league minimum signings, or right above it.

Don't know about Napier, but Bropez should've been brought back.

That was the biggest mistake this off season. It was crazy obvious that having a shooting big man items up so many more driving possibilities for LeBron, Ingram, Zo, Hart etc

With Shabazz, I just tossed out the first name that came to mind. But he's putting up 7 three-point attempts per 36 minutes and hitting them at 37%; 19 points per 36 minutes.

There were probably other players like Shabazz who would have sufficed for the cheap.

[Revived]

Brook Lopez and Shabazz Napier were both league minimum signings, or right above it.

Don't know about Napier, but Bropez should've been brought back.

That was the biggest mistake this off season. It was crazy obvious that having a shooting big man items up so many more driving possibilities for LeBron, Ingram, Zo, Hart etc

With Shabazz, I just tossed out the first name that came to mind. But he's putting up 7 three-point attempts per 36 minutes and hitting them at 37%; 19 points per 36 minutes.

There were probably other players like Shabazz who would have sufficed for the cheap.

Wasn’t LeBron a huge Shabazz fan too or something? Surprising that he didn’t recruit him like he did with Rondo, McGee etc.

[valrond1]

They'd probably want lonzo in return since they need a point guard.

I want a porterhouse steak for dinner everyday but I settle for salmon and salad.

I'd offer a protected 1st and if push comes to shove, one of Svi, Mo or Bonga.

I don't think 20/10 guys that shoot close to 40% from 3 come that cheap. I could be wrong though.

Well, we left a 20/10 guy go for free. He doesn't shoot 40% from 3. Anyway, unless your name is Stephen Curry or Kyle Korver, your 3 point shooting % varies from season to season.