Projected 2020-21 Lakers Roster

[MAMBAEMD]

Bring back Kief and we have a killer 1-10

AD
LBJ
KCP
Wes
Gasol
Schroeder
Harell
Carushow
Kuz
Kief

I am also excited about THT. I think he will be a pleasant addition to the rotation and will be needed in the reg season so the vets log less minutes.

We need to get through the reg season in good shape. That means load management for our key players (AD and LBJ) and older vets (Gasol)

once we get into the playoffs, there will be heavy minutes for the top 8 and by then our rotation will be set.

Let's go!!!

[DanishLakerFan]

This is already an insane roster.

Lebron / Schroeder
KCP / Caruso / THT
Wes /
AD / Kuz
Gasol / Harrell

These guys are easily the favorites to win it all next season, and it'll be interesting to see how the round out the roster. Boogie and/or Kieff. Maybe a few of the buy-out guys (Batum?) and maybe they hold on to Bell and McKinnie.

[EArl]

Watch on YouTube

[Beethoven]

No matter what happens this year this is the craziest roster bron has ever had assembled for him.
Like a pseudo-USA Olympic team (where if schroder plays for usa)

[snaquille oatmeal]

Bell got waived

[lazybatman]

No matter what happens this year this is the craziest roster bron has ever had assembled for him.
Like a pseudo-USA Olympic team (where if schroder plays for usa)

Fact! Even Riley didn't do 10% of what Pelinka has done around him during his 4 years there.

[lazybatman]

Bell got waived

Another Center coming...

[Sedale Threatt]

Man, if we can stay relatively healthy and don't get too much slippage from the old guys, I really like this roster. A closing lineup of LeBron, AD, Schroder and then whatever you need matchup wise from KCP/Caruso and Gasol/Harrell should be f*cking tough. I'd have to go back through every roster, but off the top of my head I'm not sure LeBron has ever had a better group than that since he was in Miami. I think the regular season is going to be frustrating given the amount of rest we're probably going to need to survive. But if we've got a relatively good seed and we're healthy going into the playoffs, we should have another good shot.

Even if we fail, every move makes sense. You can definitely question Harrell over Ibaka, if that was even a choice. But when he's on his game, Harrell is a damn, damn good player; he scored in double-figures in 59 of 63 regular season games and then struggled in the playoffs. The price obviously speaks to the hit his rep took around the league. But given that his grandmother had just died, with whom he was apparently extremely close, I think there's every chance he bounces back. Plus, his defense isn't nearly as bad as advertised; he's no AD, but he just got exposed by an extremely bad matchup. (Imagine, say, Kuzma trying to handle significant stretches on Jokic.) Bottom line, he's an energy player who should have no shortage of motivation to get his rep back and earn the payday he thought he was going to get midway through last year.

I will say this: I don't think we're as good as everybody seem to think we are. We caught an enormous break with how many quality teams got knocked out and we didn't have to deal with in the playoffs. Not that we couldn't have, certainly, but we didn't and that was a big, big break. During the three-peat we only usually had to knock off one great team to secure the title, whoever was the big gun in the West that year. But I wouldn't put any of the teams we beat in that category, not even close. (Our four opponents ranked 7th, 8th, 10th and 16th in SRS. Compare that to, say, completely demolishing 1, 2, 5 and 7 in 02.)

With that said, man, it feels like we might have taken a significant step forward, which is extremely impressive given that we didn't really have any major assets. In no short order, Pelinka:

* Added the top 2 bench scorers (roughly 19 points per game apiece) and finishers in Sixth Man of the Year voting, addressing our biggest weakness by a large margin with inconsistent secondary/bench scoring. (Added benefit: Schroder and Harrell push Kuzma further down on the pecking order so he's now just a guy, and anything we get from him will be a bonus.)

* Got rid of Green's salary for what should be a comparable player, perhaps even better; Matthews ranked 2nd in the league in DRPM among SGs last season and is an adequate shooter.

* Swapped out a non-playoff player in McGee for one of the most experienced and smartest players in the league, who is also elite defensively (5th in DRPM among centers) and can space the floor, if not spectacularly.

We lost some good players. Rondo completely redeemed himself after two crappy regular seasons with an essential performance in the playoffs, and Dwight was one of the best free agent signings we've ever made. (Compare the value we got out of him to Mozgov and Deng, and it will make you want to cry.) Green is an experienced vet who epitomizes the value of doing the little things, particularly playing sound, extremely unspectacular team defense. And McGee was a solid citizen who helped us eat minutes in the regular season, which is an underrated role.

We will obviously have to prove it. That's a lot of old guys to keep in one piece in what should be a grueling season. But I think you can argue that we might have upgraded in all four spots, in a couple of places significantly so. Regardless of how it all shakes out, I appreciate how strategically and decisively Pelinka moved. Whatever happens, you cannot say we rested on our laurels. We have an extremely small window given LeBron's age, so the time is now. And none of these are lengthy, expensive deals that could turn out to be millstones if they don't work out (still looking at you, Mozgov and Deng).

So from what we know right now, that's an A offseason for me.

[lazybatman]

Man, if we can stay relatively healthy and don't get too much slippage from the old guys, I really like this roster. A closing lineup of LeBron, AD, Schroder and then whatever you need matchup wise from KCP/Caruso and Gasol/Harrell should be f*cking tough. I'd have to go back through every roster, but off the top of my head I'm not sure LeBron has ever had a better group than that since he was in Miami. I think the regular season is going to be frustrating given the amount of rest we're probably going to need to survive. But if we've got a relatively good seed and we're healthy going into the playoffs, we should have another good shot.

Even if we fail, every move makes sense. You can definitely question Harrell over Ibaka, if that was even a choice. But when he's on his game, Harrell is a damn, damn good player; he scored in double-figures in 59 of 63 regular season games and then struggled in the playoffs. The price obviously speaks to the hit his rep took around the league. But given that his grandmother had just died, with whom he was apparently extremely close, I think there's every chance he bounces back. Plus, his defense isn't nearly as bad as advertised; he's no AD, but he just got exposed by an extremely bad matchup. (Imagine, say, Kuzma trying to handle significant stretches on Nokola Jokic.) Bottom line, he's an energy player who should have no shortage of motivation to get his rep back and earn the payday he thought he was going to get midway through last year.

I will say this: I don't think we're as good as everybody seem to think we are. We caught an enormous break with how many quality teams got knocked out and we didn't have to deal with in the playoffs. Not that we couldn't have, certainly, but we didn't and that was a big, big break. During the three-peat we only usually had to knock off one great team to secure the title, whoever was the big gun in the West that year. But I wouldn't put any of the teams we beat in that category, not even close. (Our four opponents ranked 7th, 8th, 10th and 16th in SRS. Compare that to, say, completely demolishing 1, 2, 5 and 7 in 02.)

With that said, man, it feels like we might have taken a significant step forward, which is extremely impressive given that we didn't really have any major assets. In no short order, Pelinka:

* Added the top 2 bench scorers (roughly 19 points per game apiece) and finishers in Sixth Man of the Year voting, addressing our biggest weakness by a large margin with inconsistent secondary/bench scoring. (Added benefit: Schroder and Harrell push Kuzma further down on the pecking order so he's now just a guy, and anything we get from him will be a bonus.)

* Got rid of Green's salary for what should be a comparable player, perhaps even better; Matthews ranked 2nd in the league in DRPM among SGs last season and is an adequate shooter.

* Swapped out a non-playoff player in McGee for one of the most experienced and smartest players in the league, who is also elite defensively (5th in DRPM among centers) and can space the floor, if not spectacularly.

We lost some good players. Rondo completely redeemed himself after two crappy regular seasons with an essential performance in the playoffs, and Dwight was one of the best free agent signings we've ever made. (Compare the value we got out of him to Mozgov and Deng, and it will make you want to cry.) Green is an experienced vet who epitomizes the value of doing the little things, particularly playing sound, extremely unspectacular team defense. And McGee was a solid citizen who helped us eat minutes in the regular season, which is an underrated role.

We will obviously have to prove it. That's a lot of old guys to keep in one piece in what should be a grueling season. But I think you can argue that we might have upgraded in all four spots, in a couple of places significantly so. Regardless of how it all shakes out, I appreciate how strategically and decisively Pelinka moved. Whatever happens, you cannot say we rested on our laurels. We have an extremely small window given LeBron's age, so the time is now. And none of these are lengthy, expensive deals that could turn out to be millstones if they don't work out (still looking at you, Mozgov and Deng).

So from what we know right now, that's an A offseason for me.

I enjoyed reading that mate. Great stuff.

About the seeding of the teams we beat - I totally disagree. The best teams made the conference finals and finals. Don't think the Clips or Bucks were better / more complete teams than Miami / Denver / Raptors. The Denver series was way closer than 4-1. Could've easily gone 7 games, but for a few refereeing decisions or game winners here and there. That Miami team will get your stamp of approval as those boys grow into all stars over the next 2 years.

I'm on record somewhere in these forums saying that the Bucks were not getting past either of Celtics, Raptors or Miami in a 7 game series, before the Covid break in the season. Their problem is their coach whom they still haven't replaced.. Welp!

After the March weekend games, I was kinda sure Vogel / Rondo / Lebron had the Clips figured out for good. They won the first two games against the Lakers because -
- Game 1 - Lakers / Lebron were welcoming AD by posting him up a record 17 times like he was Olajuwon in the 90s.
- Game 2 - AD was posted up 13 times(still way too much as we later discovered) and we lost a 9 point lead(I think) in the last 4 minutes cos everyone went cold, and Pat Bev went in thumping his chest after getting that final turnover on Lebron.

Once, Lebron figured out that AD didn't need to be spoon fed, it was Game Over! Bradley totally exposed their lack of playmaking / ball handling within the first 6-8 minutes, after which Doc won't let Bev dribble the ball again in that game. Lebron answered Kawhi's call to guard him. Clips finished that game with 12 assists - 16 TOs. Next game was a kind of the only serious practice game for the Lakers - 17 assists - 22 TOs. All this before Lebron even entered Playoff mode. Not even discounting PG's form and Trez's production, I thought the Clippers would've got slapped around like Miami did to the Bucks. Heck, I thought the Clips should've lost the Mavs series pretty handily, but for a questionable KP tech foul call and injury.

[zimpy27]

PG: LeBron | Schroeder | Cook
SG: KCP | Caruso | THT
SF: Wes | GR3 | McKinnie
PF: Davis | Kuzma | Dudley
C : Harrell | Gasol | Markieff

[lazybatman]

PG: LeBron | Schroeder | Cook
SG: KCP | Caruso | THT
SF: Wes | GR3 | McKinnie
PF: Davis | Kuzma | Dudley
C : Harrell | Gasol | Markieff

Cook gone bro.. Have we signed GR3?

[DNP-Old]

^^

LAL is reported to be interested in GR3, but unsigned as far as I know. Also, since they were unsuccessful in getting out from under the Deng contract, they will likely only be able to carry 14 players (hard capped).

[Beethoven]

What's with all the other guys we got ?
Kostas cacok the two college pick ups mcginnie?
Is dion and Jr gone?

[DNP-Old]

I believe LAL still gets it two 2-way players, in addition to the 14 roster players. And, yes, both Dion and JR are not on the roster at this time.

[Beethoven]

Ok thanks

[lazybatman]

I believe LAL still gets it two 2-way players, in addition to the 14 roster players. And, yes, both Dion and JR are not on the roster at this time.

I hope we can snag 1 more guard defender out of those two spots. Current depth for 1-2 guards is just KCP, Caruso and Schroeder, if Wes slides over to defending elite SFs. Factoring in injuries , Covid and and the nature of the guard dominant league, that feels pretty thin.

I'd like Andre Roberson a lot amongst the remaining FAs for the a backup SF/PF defensive role only, since he's as unskilled as McGee / Dwight on the other end. He can guard the Kawhi, KD, Jimmy kinda SFs and free up Wes for guard duties if required.

[Freighttrain]

Kostas Antetokounpo is back. Project Giannis is still in full effect. I'm kidding. I hope he gets more minutes this year, but it'll be hard considering who we signed in the offseason.

Read on Twitter

[toodarkmark]

PG: Schroeder | Caruso
SG: KCP | Matthews | THT
SF: Lebron| Kuzma | McKinnie
PF: Davis | Markieff | Dudley
C : Gasol | Harrell | K. Ante

I think Schroeder starts at PG, but Lebron runs point while Dennis plays more of a scoring PG role. I also think Kuzma gets a lot more play at SF.

I am just guessing they will bring back Dudley, and I would like for them to sign Pau also, just to have the brothers play together. But re-signing Kostas might have taken that spot.

It looks like all they really need is a 3rd PG?

[Beethoven]

Why even pick up those two undrafted college dudes? They just take up space and won't amount to anything but gleague all season. Am I missing something on nba policy?
Also can't we just waive mcginnis or whoever this dude is and just get Dudley back already ??

[lazybatman]

Why even pick up those two undrafted college dudes? They just take up space and won't amount to anything but gleague all season. Am I missing something on nba policy?
Also can't we just waive mcginnis or whoever this dude is and just get Dudley back already ??

McKinnie could get real minutes during the regular season, considering our depth on smaller guards / wings. Better of saving old man Lebron for the post season.