RealGM

I really don't like what happened with NOP, the negociations were a hoax, but there are still plenty of things that can get done and improve talent, chemistry and balance.

First of all, the starting 5 is not suited for starting games, because BI is not suited as a SG, Lonzo is still inconsistent as a shooter and Kuzma is not yet strong enough to handle all the PF's and penetration in general ('though he has improved his footwork).

Trading for Reggie Bullock helps, and I'd demote BI to the bench (more on that later).

One trade that is necessary is for Nikola Vucevic - he's got improving footwoork, even on Defense, which allows him to play efficiently (scoring, rebounding, even passing this year).
KCP, Stephenson, FRP, maybe even Bonga (I'd try to hang on the Wagner, plus his trade value isn't high) - could potentially satisfy Orlando, knowing that the pick will be in the 15-20 range.

This particular trade also clears roster spots for the FA's after buyouts (more on that later, as well).
I'd also look for PF with girth, the kind who will do the dirty work in the paint (the only other player with that profile on the roster is Tyson Chandler). Maybe Noah Vonleh (NY wants max FA's this summer so he knows he's going away) or Bobby Portis.

So with a starting 5 of Ball - Bullock - James - Vonleh - Vucevic, you know you'd get enough shooting to maximize the talents of Lonzo and LBJ.
Those 5 can be subbed entirely, for example, for Rondo - Hart - Ingram - Kuzma - Zubac, with McGee, Chandler or Beasley contributing spot minutes.

Vucevic has had a great season, but would probably be even more efficient in 26-28 mpg. Bullock and Vonleh are not worth more than 16-20 mpg, but their presence would balance things (spot up shooting, defensive assignements). And then bring the subs in, I'd imagine they'd all be a bit pissed (let's hope it's gonna be in a positive way) and run the other team out of the gym. Ingram and Kuzma would still finish games as they have more talent than the others, and overall the team play would improve.

Best-case scenario with this group: 4 or 5 seed.
Worst case scenario: 8 or 9 seed.
Realistic scenario: 6 seed, maybe a second round exit but with clear improvements to show for the year.

Roster issues have been a problem since the exits of Kobe & Pau. Now the Laker Management has to fix the problem they have help to create. The induction of these new players can help the rebuilding process. Let us wait and see what happens. I believe Anthony Davis could be apart of the solution but how much is one player worth and will obtaining him does this trade translate to a championship. What are the alternatives for other players to build a championship? The NBA 2019 teams at the top are loaded with talent. Majic & Rob Pelinka have to make better personnel decisions and look at retention of good players example: Lopez, Nance, Clarkson, Bryant and Randle. Don't make the coach punching bag when management makes mistakes on players Michael Beasley.

thomas1897 wrote:Roster issues have been a problem since the exits of Kobe & Pau. Now the Laker Management has to fix the problem they have help to create. The induction of these new players can help the rebuilding process. Let us wait and see what happens. I believe Anthony Davis could be apart of the solution but how much is one player worth and will obtaining him does this trade translate to a championship. What are the alternatives for other players to build a championship? The NBA 2019 teams at the top are loaded with talent. Majic & Rob Pelinka have to make better personnel decisions and look at retention of good players example: Lopez, Nance, Clarkson, Bryant and Randle. Don't make the coach punching bag when management makes mistakes on players Michael Beasley.

The previous management was not performing well. And they got unlucky with the Nash trade (with picks going out etc.).
They've drafted pretty well, trades have been mostly positive.
And I don't regret anyone, although Randle had some talent, but he too needed the ball to go to the post, without having a real post up game. He just wasn't a good fit.

The other players that were let go, I'm not worried. They're not bad, but just average or with certain faults to their game.
Beasley was a gamble, but humanly speaking you have to acknowledge he went through some difficult things this year (I think his mother passed away).

It's a process. It will take time. This year doesn't really count because it's not the timeline of the roster.