Lakers Fans - Who Would You Like LA to Pick Up Now

[Godfather13]

Kessler should be the target. For Hayes, Lewis, JHS and a pick.

Fits well in lineups next to Lebron, Rui, Wood and AD.

Gives LA a legit defensive anchor at all times. Is regular season insurance in case AD goes down. Gives LA a much needed 2nd big man to throw at Denver, Minny and Sixers.

Kessler was a real target for us, and it seems Ainge wanted a First for him, so LA moved away from the deal. He is an extremely great back up choice as you point out though. I wonder if we can get him added to a bigger trade we make with Utah.

I don't mind us walking away from these Grant and Kessler overpriced deals, as much as I hated the Russ trade, followed the following year by the DLo+Vando trade, all while we had Myles Turner + Brogdon/Buddy just sitting there to be snapped up for 1.5-2 picks.

They just lack the courage to go for broke even when they get the right deals. I just wish Buss family sells more stake to Guggenheim to make them the majority owners, so they can bring some semblance of competence to running this franchise like they run the Dodgers.

[LakersSoul]

You think AR is a PG? lol

This isn’t the 80s, players are interchangeable.

Dlo is more of a prototypical point-guard but fits more as SG whereas AR is SG but plays more as PG alongside Bron since Dlo is not our closing PG because of his poor defense.

Guys have to stop thinking about “point guard”. It’s all interchangeable and most play both SG and SF (and some pg) as wings.

Typing all that instead of admitting a minor error is hilarious.

AR doesn't have the handles, ball security or the playmaking chops to be listed as a PG - with or without Lebron. Gabe is the same.

And Bronny is a PG too now? Let's hear your explanation for that too

Not a mistake. My preferred closing rotation in 4Q and in playoffs that I have stated multiple times:

AR
MAX
KNECHT
BRON
AD

Shooters surrounding AD/Bron and good enough defenders at each position. This also makes Dlo expendable at trading deadline or not resign next year.

As for Bronny, I see him becoming Gabe-esque. Work on his handles and become next Gabe/Payton Jr. Pg/Sg, again, doesn’t matter.

[Godfather13]

This isn’t the 80s, players are interchangeable.

Dlo is more of a prototypical point-guard but fits more as SG whereas AR is SG but plays more as PG alongside Bron since Dlo is not our closing PG because of his poor defense.

Guys have to stop thinking about “point guard”. It’s all interchangeable and most play both SG and SF (and some pg) as wings.

Typing all that instead of admitting a minor error is hilarious.

AR doesn't have the handles, ball security or the playmaking chops to be listed as a PG - with or without Lebron. Gabe is the same.

And Bronny is a PG too now? Let's hear your explanation for that too

Not a mistake. My preferred closing rotation in 4Q and in playoffs that I have stated multiple times:

AR
MAX
KNECHT
BRON
AD

Shooters surrounding AD/Bron and good enough defenders at each position. This also makes Dlo expendable at trading deadline or not resign next year.

As for Bronny, I see him becoming Gabe-esque. Work on his handles and become next Gabe/Payton Jr. Pg/Sg, again, doesn’t matter.

I admire the commitment.. lol

[TylersLakers]

I can't say there's anyone else I really want. I don't want to give up Rui + a 1st for Grant. Rui and a couple seconds for Grant? Sure. Rui and a 1st pick swap? Sure. But Rui PLUS an unprotected 1st is a no for me. I think Grant's the better player but by how much? Marginal. Grant rebounds worse and his appetite for defense is just as bad.

How do you guys still feel about Zach Lavine?... I'm not a huge fan esp the contract, but I think eventually Bulls will cave and just trade him either b4 the season OR via deadline.

LaVine’s contract is awful. If we had a bloated, brutal 1 year contract like Westbrook, I’d have a different answer but just to meet his money we’d have to throw in Rui, D-Lo plus Gabe or Vando. Not worth it.

[DanishLakerFan]

Kessler should be the target. For Hayes, Lewis, JHS and a pick.

Fits well in lineups next to Lebron, Rui, Wood and AD.

Gives LA a legit defensive anchor at all times. Is regular season insurance in case AD goes down. Gives LA a much needed 2nd big man to throw at Denver, Minny and Sixers.

Kessler was a real target for us, and it seems Ainge wanted a First for him, so LA moved away from the deal. He is an extremely great back up choice as you point out though. I wonder if we can get him added to a bigger trade we make with Utah.

I don't mind us walking away from these Grant and Kessler overpriced deals, as much as I hated the Russ trade, followed the following year by the DLo+Vando trade, all while we had Myles Turner + Brogdon/Buddy just sitting there to be snapped up for 1.5-2 picks.

They just lack the courage to go for broke even when they get the right deals. I just wish Buss family sells more stake to Guggenheim to make them the majority owners, so they can bring some semblance of competence to running this franchise like they run the Dodgers.

I dont think a FRP for Kessler is overpriced at all and i think they should make that deal, if they can. Kessler would really balance the front court rotation.

As for Grant, i agree. He's fine, but way overpriced. If i had to choose between having Grant or having Vando AND Rui i'm not convinced he's going to be that much of an upgrade - even less so when factoring in the picks that the Blazers want as well.

[DanishLakerFan]

I can't say there's anyone else I really want. I don't want to give up Rui + a 1st for Grant. Rui and a couple seconds for Grant? Sure. Rui and a 1st pick swap? Sure. But Rui PLUS an unprotected 1st is a no for me. I think Grant's the better player but by how much? Marginal. Grant rebounds worse and his appetite for defense is just as bad.

How do you guys still feel about Zach Lavine?... I'm not a huge fan esp the contract, but I think eventually Bulls will cave and just trade him either b4 the season OR via deadline.

Nobody wants to trade for LaVine. He's fine as a player and probably a slight upgrade offensively from D'Lo, but much like D'Lo he gives up as much on the defensive end as he brings offensively. And his contract is just horrible.

[LakersSoul]

Kessler should be the target. For Hayes, Lewis, JHS and a pick.

Fits well in lineups next to Lebron, Rui, Wood and AD.

Gives LA a legit defensive anchor at all times. Is regular season insurance in case AD goes down. Gives LA a much needed 2nd big man to throw at Denver, Minny and Sixers.

Kessler was a real target for us, and it seems Ainge wanted a First for him, so LA moved away from the deal. He is an extremely great back up choice as you point out though. I wonder if we can get him added to a bigger trade we make with Utah.

I don't mind us walking away from these Grant and Kessler overpriced deals, as much as I hated the Russ trade, followed the following year by the DLo+Vando trade, all while we had Myles Turner + Brogdon/Buddy just sitting there to be snapped up for 1.5-2 picks.

They just lack the courage to go for broke even when they get the right deals. I just wish Buss family sells more stake to Guggenheim to make them the majority owners, so they can bring some semblance of competence to running this franchise like they run the Dodgers.

I dont think a FRP for Kessler is overpriced at all and i think they should make that deal, if they can. Kessler would really balance the front court rotation.

As for Grant, i agree. He's fine, but way overpriced. If i had to choose between having Grant or having Vando AND Rui i'm not convinced he's going to be that much of an upgrade - even less so when factoring in the picks that the Blazers want as well.

Grants contract is really FUgly too. 4 years left at around 32-34/per. Yuck!!

[Michael Beasley]

Rui > Grant. Send D'Lo and Gabe for Ant Simons instead.

[Godfather13]

I dont think a FRP for Kessler is overpriced at all and i think they should make that deal, if they can. Kessler would really balance the front court rotation.

As for Grant, i agree. He's fine, but way overpriced. If i had to choose between having Grant or having Vando AND Rui i'm not convinced he's going to be that much of an upgrade - even less so when factoring in the picks that the Blazers want as well.

I agree to both points, except that Center is the one position I feel there's always Vet min value available for simply backing up AD. Hear me out.. Since AD's gonna play 40 mpg in the playoffs and even a player of Kessler's prowess wouldn't be able to get more than 20ish minutes. I just feel our resources(draft capital) are better spent on solidifying the non-AD/Bron positions with legit contender level role players at guard / forward positions.

As it stands now, Austin(our best role player) would not start for most of the top teams in the league like Bucks, Pacers & Clippers are the 3 out of 16 playoff teams that will probably give Austin a starting spot. These are not great teams that have any chance of winning a chip anytime soon as composed.

AD & Bron outplayed Joker and Jamal quite thoroughly this year, which wasn't the case last year. But the gap between MPJ, Gordon & KCP and our role players was a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon. That's where I'd wanna spend the picks and every ounce of salary. Not too hopeful about Rob getting his thumb out of his *ss tbh, but C'est la vie.

[Godfather13]

I can't say there's anyone else I really want. I don't want to give up Rui + a 1st for Grant. Rui and a couple seconds for Grant? Sure. Rui and a 1st pick swap? Sure. But Rui PLUS an unprotected 1st is a no for me. I think Grant's the better player but by how much? Marginal. Grant rebounds worse and his appetite for defense is just as bad.

How do you guys still feel about Zach Lavine?... I'm not a huge fan esp the contract, but I think eventually Bulls will cave and just trade him either b4 the season OR via deadline.

Nobody wants to trade for LaVine. He's fine as a player and probably a slight upgrade offensively from D'Lo, but much like D'Lo he gives up as much on the defensive end as he brings offensively. And his contract is just horrible.

He's a huge upgrade on DLo offensively and defensively, and all the other Lakers role players for that matter. He and Demar play passable defense, which is more than you can say about all but AD, Vando, Cam...(big pause)...Bron & Austin(when they choose to do so). He's definitely a very good player.

But the toxicity of his contract far outweighs his true value, specially considering he's coming off a 25 game season. He was sat some games that weren't because of injury by Chicago. It is risky af, but if it gets you a pick and you're striking out otherwise, I'll consider it as a last option.

[Godfather13]

Grants contract is really FUgly too. 4 years left at around 32-34/per. Yuck!!

Read on Twitter

Don't need that loser energy anyway.

Fwiw, I think this Lakers-Grant talk is 95% fan aggregation and 5% reality. Think Lakers probably called them to inquire about him like 2 months ago and hung up after hearing the 2 picks valuation & that's that.

[DanishLakerFan]

I dont think a FRP for Kessler is overpriced at all and i think they should make that deal, if they can. Kessler would really balance the front court rotation.

As for Grant, i agree. He's fine, but way overpriced. If i had to choose between having Grant or having Vando AND Rui i'm not convinced he's going to be that much of an upgrade - even less so when factoring in the picks that the Blazers want as well.

I agree to both points, except that Center is the one position I feel there's always Vet min value available for simply backing up AD. Hear me out.. Since AD's gonna play 40 mpg in the playoffs and even a player of Kessler's prowess wouldn't be able to get more than 20ish minutes. I just feel our resources(draft capital) are better spent on solidifying the non-AD/Bron positions with legit contender level role players at guard / forward positions.

As it stands now, Austin(our best role player) would not start for most of the top teams in the league like Bucks, Pacers & Clippers are the 3 out of 16 playoff teams that will probably give Austin a starting spot. These are not great teams that have any chance of winning a chip anytime soon as composed.

AD & Bron outplayed Joker and Jamal quite thoroughly this year, which wasn't the case last year. But the gap between MPJ, Gordon & KCP and our role players was a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon. That's where I'd wanna spend the picks and every ounce of salary. Not too hopeful about Rob getting his thumb out of his *ss tbh, but C'est la vie.

I don't think there are quality centers to find at the min at this point and Kessler would be key in playoffs against guys like Joker, Embiid, KAT etc.

I do agree we need more upgrades than at the 5..

[DanishLakerFan]

How do you guys still feel about Zach Lavine?... I'm not a huge fan esp the contract, but I think eventually Bulls will cave and just trade him either b4 the season OR via deadline.

Nobody wants to trade for LaVine. He's fine as a player and probably a slight upgrade offensively from D'Lo, but much like D'Lo he gives up as much on the defensive end as he brings offensively. And his contract is just horrible.

He's a huge upgrade on DLo offensively and defensively, and all the other Lakers role players for that matter. He and Demar play passable defense, which is more than you can say about all but AD, Vando, Cam...(big pause)...Bron & Austin(when they choose to do so). He's definitely a very good player.

But the toxicity of his contract far outweighs his true value, specially considering he's coming off a 25 game season. He was sat some games that weren't because of injury by Chicago. It is risky af, but if it gets you a pick and you're striking out otherwise, I'll consider it as a last option.

That's the thing. I don't buy that he is much of an upgrade on either end of the floor.

Maybe he is a better point of attack defender and better at getting to the rim, but his overall metrics just doesn't show that he has an Impact.

[Godfather13]

I don't think there are quality centers to find at the min at this point and Kessler would be key in playoffs against guys like Joker, Embiid, KAT etc.

I do agree we need more upgrades than at the 5..

I do appreciate Kessler a lot, and he would obviously be a great backup.

Idk if Biyombo & Achiuwa are still on the market, but both would be better than Hayes.

And I just don't rate Wood as a C. He's a Bron backup at PF for me. Not enough size or work ethic to play a non-small ball center

[Godfather13]

Nobody wants to trade for LaVine. He's fine as a player and probably a slight upgrade offensively from D'Lo, but much like D'Lo he gives up as much on the defensive end as he brings offensively. And his contract is just horrible.

He's a huge upgrade on DLo offensively and defensively, and all the other Lakers role players for that matter. He and Demar play passable defense, which is more than you can say about all but AD, Vando, Cam...(big pause)...Bron & Austin(when they choose to do so). He's definitely a very good player.

But the toxicity of his contract far outweighs his true value, specially considering he's coming off a 25 game season. He was sat some games that weren't because of injury by Chicago. It is risky af, but if it gets you a pick and you're striking out otherwise, I'll consider it as a last option.

That's the thing. I don't buy that he is much of an upgrade on either end of the floor.

Maybe he is a better point of attack defender and better at getting to the rim, but his overall metrics just doesn't show that he has an Impact.

He had a tough year due to injury, but he's been a 25-5-5 guy for a while now, at really good efficiency, considering he's responsible for a lot of his own shot creation cos Chicago just doesn't have much playmaking other than Demar and him. Also played 65 games per season for 5 years till 2023.

Eitherway, his contract still sends shivers down my spine. I guess where I stand is that I'd prefer getting a pick with him, rather than giving up 2 picks to get Grant, if it boiled down to a choice.

[DanishLakerFan]

I don't think there are quality centers to find at the min at this point and Kessler would be key in playoffs against guys like Joker, Embiid, KAT etc.

I do agree we need more upgrades than at the 5..

I do appreciate Kessler a lot, and he would obviously be a great backup.

Idk if Biyombo & Achiuwa are still on the market, but both would be better than Hayes.

And I just don't rate Wood as a C. He's a Bron backup at PF for me. Not enough size or work ethic to play a non-small ball center

I never understood the Hayes addition at all. Typically when you have a mobile big who cant shoot much, you kinda need them to be able to defend. Achiuwa is on the books in NY, but Biyombo is available.
I do like Wood, though. He was injured last season, but he was relatively effective at times and with his shooting you can more easily fit him into different lineups at both 4 and 5.

[DanishLakerFan]

He's a huge upgrade on DLo offensively and defensively, and all the other Lakers role players for that matter. He and Demar play passable defense, which is more than you can say about all but AD, Vando, Cam...(big pause)...Bron & Austin(when they choose to do so). He's definitely a very good player.

But the toxicity of his contract far outweighs his true value, specially considering he's coming off a 25 game season. He was sat some games that weren't because of injury by Chicago. It is risky af, but if it gets you a pick and you're striking out otherwise, I'll consider it as a last option.

That's the thing. I don't buy that he is much of an upgrade on either end of the floor.

Maybe he is a better point of attack defender and better at getting to the rim, but his overall metrics just doesn't show that he has an Impact.

He had a tough year due to injury, but he's been a 25-5-5 guy for a while now, at really good efficiency, considering he's responsible for a lot of his own shot creation cos Chicago just doesn't have much playmaking other than Demar and him. Also played 65 games per season for 5 years till 2023.

Eitherway, his contract still sends shivers down my spine. I guess where I stand is that I'd prefer getting a pick with him, rather than giving up 2 picks to get Grant, if it boiled down to a choice.

I know i'm lower on LaVine than i should, but that type of player just annoy the hell out of me. He's flashy offensively, but the overall impact is just mediocre. McCollum, Beal, Lillard etc. They will win you games and score points, but its the two-way stars and two-way roleplayers that win you titles, not the scorer being paid the max.

[DanishLakerFan]

Maybe the play is: Pay someone a future 2nd to take Cam and/or Hayes and sign Robert Covingtons earthly remains.

Flip Vando, JHS and Lewis for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Come trade deadline, flip D'Lo, Rui and protected 1st to Washington for Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas.

Brogdon / Vincent
Reaves / Max
DFS / Knecht
Lebron / Covington
AD / Valanciunas / Wood

[danfantastk32]

Maybe the play is: Pay someone a future 2nd to take Cam and/or Hayes and sign Robert Covingtons earthly remains.

Flip Vando, JHS and Lewis for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Come trade deadline, flip D'Lo, Rui and protected 1st to Washington for Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas.

Brogdon / Vincent
Reaves / Max
DFS / Knecht
Lebron / Covington
AD / Valanciunas / Wood

God, I feel like the only guy on that roster who's not in his 30's would be Lebron, cause he's in his 40's...sheesh. Dunno..man, really feels like your shuffling riff-raff around. You clearly have a thing for 30+, lunchbox, so-so players.

Getting a true center and another big PF would be nice...I'll give you that. Would plug a few holes...so you'd already be doing better than our current GM/FO. But this grampa squad of mediocre talent is just gonna fill our IR list...not solve problems.

[Godfather13]

I never understood the Hayes addition at all. Typically when you have a mobile big who cant shoot much, you kinda need them to be able to defend. Achiuwa is on the books in NY, but Biyombo is available.
I do like Wood, though. He was injured last season, but he was relatively effective at times and with his shooting you can more easily fit him into different lineups at both 4 and 5.

Knicks gave up their bird rights on Achiuwa more than a month ago. I'm just not sure he's still available as an FA.

I thought Wood was bad, but he was one of the several role players sabotaged by Ham -
- Inconsistent minutes/rotations/player units
- No play calls to highlight his strengths - pick & pop, off screen actions

Instead he was being tasked with being Bam Adebayo on the defensive end to earn minutes. Asinine, like a lot of Ham's decisions.

I am hopeful he'll come good, but cautious about not extending too long of a leash on the guy as well.

Hayes is a train wreck bro. Such a waste of generational genetics lottery.