Wing Defender or POA?

[Anderson Hunt]

The consensus is that the Lakers need a wing defender like Herb Jones, but unless they trade one of Doncic, James, Hachimura, LaRavia, or Reaves, there aren't enough minutes to go around for a guy like Herb Jones.

Doncic, Reaves, James, and LaRavia aren't going anywhere, so unless it's a trade of Hachimura for Jones, I don't see any room in the rotation for a guy of Jones' stature. He'd only play 15 minutes a game.

In my opinion, if they keep all their players, they don't need a rotational wing defender, they need a rotational POA defender.

With the team as presently constructed, this team needs an impactful backup to Smart who can effectively guard at the point of attack and score and shoot better than Smart with more quickness and athleticism than Smart as well.

The team's biggest need, as presently constructed, isn't a wing defender. They need a dynamic and energetic guard who can guard point guards and add offensive punch.

Out of all the available players on the market, the Lakers need Malik Monk.

Is he known as a defender? No, but I believe he can guard when motivated, especially as understudy for Smart.

What he offers is shooting, speed, and athleticism in the backcourt. He's the guy the Lakers should be targeting:

Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht
for
Monk and Devin Carter

PG - Doncic - Monk - Smith (tw)
SG - Smart - Carter - James
C --- Ayton - Hayes - Koloko (tw)
PF - James - Hachimura - Thiero
SF - Reaves - LaRavia - Vanderbilt

The Lakers get two athletic guys in their backcourt, one as immediate impact guy (Monk) and one (Carter) as a future defensive replacement for Smart. The Lakers also get 3 million under the cap for a future signing.

This is negative for the Lakers because Monk is a 20 million dollar guy for the next three seasons and probably wouldn't be an easy guy to trade. He also doesn't have defensive pedigree, and they need him to defend, so there are definite risks.

[danfantastk32]

The consensus is that the Lakers need a wing defender like Herb Jones, but unless they trade one of Doncic, James, Hachimura, LaRavia, or Reaves, there aren't enough minutes to go around for a guy like Herb Jones.

Doncic, Reaves, James, and LaRavia aren't going anywhere, so unless it's a trade of Hachimura for Jones, I don't see any room in the rotation for a guy of Jones' stature. He'd only play 15 minutes a game.

In my opinion, if they keep all their players, they don't need a rotational wing defender, they need a rotational POA defender.

With the team as presently constructed, this team needs an impactful backup to Smart who can effectively guard at the point of attack and score and shoot better than Smart with more quickness and athleticism than Smart as well.

The team's biggest need, as presently constructed, isn't a wing defender. They need a dynamic and energetic guard who can guard point guards and add offensive punch.

Out of all the available players on the market, the Lakers need Malik Monk.

Is he known as a defender? No, but I believe he can guard when motivated, especially as understudy for Smart.

What he offers is shooting, speed, and athleticism in the backcourt. He's the guy the Lakers should be targeting:

Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht
for
Monk and Devin Carter

PG - Doncic - Monk - Smith (tw)
SG - Smart - Carter - James
C --- Ayton - Hayes - Koloko (tw)
PF - James - Hachimura - Thiero
SF - Reaves - LaRavia - Vanderbilt

The Lakers get two athletic guys in their backcourt, one as immediate impact guy (Monk) and one (Carter) as a future defensive replacement for Smart. The Lakers also get 3 million under the cap for a future signing.

This is negative for the Lakers because Monk is a 20 million dollar guy for the next three seasons and probably wouldn't be an easy guy to trade. He also doesn't have defensive pedigree, and they need him to defend, so there are definite risks.

I don't disagree with your analysis....but I think the Lakers should not do anything committal until James leaves, and they see what they can get with that money. Is it just shifting to Reave's pocket?? I certainly hope not. He's having a fine season...but his disappearing act against OKC last week shows me he's still not worth anything close to the max. So hopefully something like a $25 to $30mil contract for Reaves can be worked out. That's gonna leave some real $$ there for the Lakers to go get someone. I'd rather not be tethered to Monk's long contract, should we sign someone who makes Monk obsolete.

Now I make this decision because I don't think we are a legit contender. I think we are quite good...don't get me wrong, but OKC showed us that they are playing in a whole different league.

Your trade idea does not force us to give up anything consequential...so I like that. But since A) you admit yourself, that this idea of Monk embracing and thriving at the defensive end, is purely a leap of faith...and B) We're locked in with a 3-year deal that will be hard to move...I think we're best just holding pat.

If something crazy falls in our lap (after last year....I'll never say never!!) then by all means. Otherwise...let's just get through this season. Continue to grow as a team and build good habits and familiarity. Once Lebron leaves...we can try and get someone who will really elevate the team. Because I do think we need to still make that large step, before we're a legit threat to OKC.

[Anderson Hunt]

The consensus is that the Lakers need a wing defender like Herb Jones, but unless they trade one of Doncic, James, Hachimura, LaRavia, or Reaves, there aren't enough minutes to go around for a guy like Herb Jones.

Doncic, Reaves, James, and LaRavia aren't going anywhere, so unless it's a trade of Hachimura for Jones, I don't see any room in the rotation for a guy of Jones' stature. He'd only play 15 minutes a game.

In my opinion, if they keep all their players, they don't need a rotational wing defender, they need a rotational POA defender.

With the team as presently constructed, this team needs an impactful backup to Smart who can effectively guard at the point of attack and score and shoot better than Smart with more quickness and athleticism than Smart as well.

The team's biggest need, as presently constructed, isn't a wing defender. They need a dynamic and energetic guard who can guard point guards and add offensive punch.

Out of all the available players on the market, the Lakers need Malik Monk.

Is he known as a defender? No, but I believe he can guard when motivated, especially as understudy for Smart.

What he offers is shooting, speed, and athleticism in the backcourt. He's the guy the Lakers should be targeting:

Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht
for
Monk and Devin Carter

PG - Doncic - Monk - Smith (tw)
SG - Smart - Carter - James
C --- Ayton - Hayes - Koloko (tw)
PF - James - Hachimura - Thiero
SF - Reaves - LaRavia - Vanderbilt

The Lakers get two athletic guys in their backcourt, one as immediate impact guy (Monk) and one (Carter) as a future defensive replacement for Smart. The Lakers also get 3 million under the cap for a future signing.

This is negative for the Lakers because Monk is a 20 million dollar guy for the next three seasons and probably wouldn't be an easy guy to trade. He also doesn't have defensive pedigree, and they need him to defend, so there are definite risks.

I don't disagree with your analysis....but I think the Lakers should not do anything committal until James leaves, and they see what they can get with that money. Is it just shifting to Reave's pocket?? I certainly hope not. He's having a fine season...but his disappearing act against OKC last week shows me he's still not worth anything close to the max. So hopefully something like a $25 to $30mil contract for Reaves can be worked out. That's gonna leave some real $$ there for the Lakers to go get someone. I'd rather not be tethered to Monk's long contract, should we sign someone who makes Monk obsolete.

Now I make this decision because I don't think we are a legit contender. I think we are quite good...don't get me wrong, but OKC showed us that they are playing in a whole different league.

Your trade idea does not force us to give up anything consequential...so I like that. But since A) you admit yourself, that this idea of Monk embracing and thriving at the defensive end, is purely a leap of faith...and B) We're locked in with a 3-year deal that will be hard to move...I think we're best just holding pat.

If something crazy falls in our lap (after last year....I'll never say never!!) then by all means. Otherwise...let's just get through this season. Continue to grow as a team and build good habits and familiarity. Once Lebron leaves...we can try and get someone who will really elevate the team. Because I do think we need to still make that large step, before we're a legit threat to OKC.

Good wisdom, sir.

Unfortunately, Reaves will ink for north of 35m.

Do I like that number? No, but if he finishes the year at 40% from three, at this point, I'd do it.

If he can't prove himself as an off-ball shooter compliment to Doncic, I'd sign and trade him for an expiring LaVine this summer. One year of LaVine at 50m is better than four years of Reaves at 40m.

LaVine compliments Doncic better, and when he expires after a year of winning for the first time in his career, I think he accepts sub-30mill to resign, so he'd be much cheaper than Reaves long-term.

As far as signing another free agent this summer with Reaves' low cap hold this summer, it's a great idea and a great luxury, but there's no one to sign. It's horrible timing. There are no impact players of consequence available this summer, so unfortunately there is no way to take full advantage of Reaves' low cap hold this summer.

As far as LeBron James, they need to let him walk or sign and trade him to a team for a few role-players on decent contracts.

Ironically, I think Dallas could really use James, as they need a leader and primary facilitator for Irving, Davis, Flagg, and Christie. They could really, really use him, and James would vastly improve them right away, which would be attractive to him for the narrative of "his greatness".

Trading him to Dallas would look like this:

LeBron James and Bronny James
for
Gafford, Thompson, and Naji Marshall

This type of sign-and-trade would allow LeBron James to sign a new deal at around 38mill. I think he'd be willing to take that haircut for a role where he can be recognized as a savior.

Gafford makes around MLE money for the next three seasons after this one, so if Ayton is back, Gafford would serve as a great upgrade to Jaxon Hayes at backup center.

Thompson and Naji Marshall would serve as expiring rotational bench players. They'd be making around 27mill combined, and combined with Vanderbilt's expiring (next year) would give the Lakers nearly 40mill in expirings going in to summer 2027. That number allows the Lakers to trade to a team with a decent player looking to clear space. If you use Reaves to trade for LaVine, that number balloons to almost 90mill in expirings.

Needless to say, if you want LeBron James gone, keep an eye out for Dallas. They are a natural trade partner, considering their needs, and the Lakers have a need for Marshall, Thompson, and, especially, Gafford.

Right now, the Malik Monk trade makes sense to me because I've seen Monk play good defense in his first year with Sac, and I think Smart will bring that out of him again. If Monk plays solid defense, he's exactly what this current team needs (speed and athleticism in the backcourt) to make a run this year.

Trading for Monk also diminishes Reaves. Diminishing Reaves by being a better compliment to Doncic (as a shooter, defender, and speedster) will shine a light on Reaves' limitations and drive his price down, so acquiring Monk and Carter (a key piece in my proposal as Smart's eventual successor) serves many purposes at once, including making the team demonstratively better right away.

In my opinion, it's a good trade for both parties, and I'd be willing to include one 2nd round pick to seal the deal.

[DanishLakerFan]

The consensus is that the Lakers need a wing defender like Herb Jones, but unless they trade one of Doncic, James, Hachimura, LaRavia, or Reaves, there aren't enough minutes to go around for a guy like Herb Jones.

Doncic, Reaves, James, and LaRavia aren't going anywhere, so unless it's a trade of Hachimura for Jones, I don't see any room in the rotation for a guy of Jones' stature. He'd only play 15 minutes a game.

In my opinion, if they keep all their players, they don't need a rotational wing defender, they need a rotational POA defender.

With the team as presently constructed, this team needs an impactful backup to Smart who can effectively guard at the point of attack and score and shoot better than Smart with more quickness and athleticism than Smart as well.

The team's biggest need, as presently constructed, isn't a wing defender. They need a dynamic and energetic guard who can guard point guards and add offensive punch.

Out of all the available players on the market, the Lakers need Malik Monk.

Is he known as a defender? No, but I believe he can guard when motivated, especially as understudy for Smart.

What he offers is shooting, speed, and athleticism in the backcourt. He's the guy the Lakers should be targeting:

Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht
for
Monk and Devin Carter

PG - Doncic - Monk - Smith (tw)
SG - Smart - Carter - James
C --- Ayton - Hayes - Koloko (tw)
PF - James - Hachimura - Thiero
SF - Reaves - LaRavia - Vanderbilt

The Lakers get two athletic guys in their backcourt, one as immediate impact guy (Monk) and one (Carter) as a future defensive replacement for Smart. The Lakers also get 3 million under the cap for a future signing.

This is negative for the Lakers because Monk is a 20 million dollar guy for the next three seasons and probably wouldn't be an easy guy to trade. He also doesn't have defensive pedigree, and they need him to defend, so there are definite risks.

Not a fan of Monk with the way the team is constructed right now.

If you are keeping Reaves and Doncic, you need a top-tier defender in the back-court (in addition to Smart). Herb would be ideal. His contract is such that in a non-Lebron 2026-27 you can chase 30M+ FAs and still keep Reaves.

As an alternative, you could try to get a guy like Keon Ellis from the Kings.

[Anderson Hunt]

The consensus is that the Lakers need a wing defender like Herb Jones, but unless they trade one of Doncic, James, Hachimura, LaRavia, or Reaves, there aren't enough minutes to go around for a guy like Herb Jones.

Doncic, Reaves, James, and LaRavia aren't going anywhere, so unless it's a trade of Hachimura for Jones, I don't see any room in the rotation for a guy of Jones' stature. He'd only play 15 minutes a game.

In my opinion, if they keep all their players, they don't need a rotational wing defender, they need a rotational POA defender.

With the team as presently constructed, this team needs an impactful backup to Smart who can effectively guard at the point of attack and score and shoot better than Smart with more quickness and athleticism than Smart as well.

The team's biggest need, as presently constructed, isn't a wing defender. They need a dynamic and energetic guard who can guard point guards and add offensive punch.

Out of all the available players on the market, the Lakers need Malik Monk.

Is he known as a defender? No, but I believe he can guard when motivated, especially as understudy for Smart.

What he offers is shooting, speed, and athleticism in the backcourt. He's the guy the Lakers should be targeting:

Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht
for
Monk and Devin Carter

PG - Doncic - Monk - Smith (tw)
SG - Smart - Carter - James
C --- Ayton - Hayes - Koloko (tw)
PF - James - Hachimura - Thiero
SF - Reaves - LaRavia - Vanderbilt

The Lakers get two athletic guys in their backcourt, one as immediate impact guy (Monk) and one (Carter) as a future defensive replacement for Smart. The Lakers also get 3 million under the cap for a future signing.

This is negative for the Lakers because Monk is a 20 million dollar guy for the next three seasons and probably wouldn't be an easy guy to trade. He also doesn't have defensive pedigree, and they need him to defend, so there are definite risks.

Not a fan of Monk with the way the team is constructed right now.

If you are keeping Reaves and Doncic, you need a top-tier defender in the back-court (in addition to Smart). Herb would be ideal. His contract is such that in a non-Lebron 2026-27 you can chase 30M+ FAs and still keep Reaves.

As an alternative, you could try to get a guy like Keon Ellis from the Kings.

Absolutely no motivation for the Kings to trade Ellis. They'd want to dump Monk's contract, but Ellis will be resigned this summer. Keon Ellis is not being traded.

Malik Monk is definitely not a top-tier defender. You're right. I'd argue that they need much more than a defender though. They need a guy who is a much better point of attack defender than either Reaves, Hachimura, or LaRavia, and they need a guy who offers superior speed, athleticism, and shooting. With Smart (and Devin Carter) already in tow setting an elite defensive tone, defense is only one part of what the Lakers need, so a shooting, high-flyer with erratic defense is more valuable than a purely defensive POA-guy like Kris Dunn who is a much better defender but doesn't offer the same game-breaking speed and athleticism.

Herb Jones is a 6'8 elite defender who, in my opinion, guards the average PF better than a point guard, the main position he'd be guarding on this team. It's not an ideal role for him unless the Lakers get rid of Hachimura.

Also, and most importantly, Herb Jones, despite his paltry numbers and contract would be highly, highly coveted on the open market.

New Orleans could get top-dollar for him, including at minimum two 1st round picks.

Long-story short, do the Lakers have what it would take to secure Jones?

I don't think so. When/if Jones becomes available, there will be at least 10 other teams (probably more) angling for his services.

It doesn't seem realistic at all. His skill set is the most coveted archetype in the NBA. THE Lakers aren't stealing him with Hachimura and a first.

[danfantastk32]

Well, I think your right that a defensive PG would be just what the doctor ordered. That and a true PF who can get in there and bump around, and get rebounds. (Minus the defense....Lebron has always been a pretty good rebounder)

I think our scoring is just fine. Luka is Luka, no need to expand on that. Reaves seems to have actually taken that next step for real. He's a great creator, hits 3's....and is a wonderful compliment to Luka. At this point, you can't call it a hot-streak. He's for real. Between the two, I think we are fine with scoring. I would like to see Lebron play the type of game he had last night.....get himself 16-ish points, when the looks are good, but mainly focus on those 11-12 assists. You'll get scoring out of him as well..especially when needed, but if he keeps guys like Smart, Ayton, etc fed....dare I say it, but we're a pretty potent team.

So concentrating on offense is not what we need. We want our PG to be able to drain a 3...keep the opposing defense honest. If I'm getting greedy (Im gonna need to be greedy, if I'm trying to build a title-winner) it would be very nice if he can create as well. Someone who can press for fast-breaks..but also pull it back if it isn't there, and let Luka and Reaves control offense at that point. But firstly....someone with gritty defense who can make the opposing PG work his arse off for everything they get.....that would be extremely valuable. I would concentrate on a PG over a PF, as Lebron will most likely play the PF position alot with Reaves and Luka out there at the 2 and 3. I know these positions don't mean what they used to...but I'd rather throw a solid defensive PG out with that squad...along with Ayton, over putting a PF in there. Note though, that that would be my preference.....but if we got a good defensive/rebounding PF...I'll take it.

OKC showed the NBA a different way to win a title. They don't have that Kobe-Shaq duo...or Curry-Klay-Durrant. It's SGA who's clearly top-level, and the undisputed leader of the team, and then you have like 6-8 guys who are all really competent at their roles. There is no "Pippen" on that team. I think we're built in a similar fashion. With Lebron in his 40's now.....this is Luka's team. If Lebron embraces the "facilitator" role....you have some decent depth...with Smart, Ayton, Hayes, Reaves, Lebron, etc...all chipping in and doing their part.

But we're not very good defensively. So you are right...a PG and PF who are very good defenders would really take the team to the next level. I would also add that I think we need a couple upgrades peppered in there. Rui is just far too streaky IMO. Dalton is very raw, and I'm not sure that I see another plateau for him....if we could upgrade those two, for a PG and PF mentioned above....then I think we have a team that would be in the conversation.

Can we build this team before Lebron leaves/falls totally off the cliff? Would it be enough to dethrone OKC? I have my doubts. But it's what we should strive for.

Rome wasn't built in a day......let's go find this PG/PF and get them. BUT.....let's not go getting antsy, and make dumb moves like crossing our fingers that a guy like Monk will make the shift, and do something he's never done before. I think we need to be patient and build this correctly. IMO...we are not just a 'good defensive PG away" from toppling OKC. Maybe I'm wrong about that last part...but I don't think I am. I think we need a good 2-3 upgrades.

[Anderson Hunt]

The defensive PG you described is already on the roster. His name is Marcus Smart.

I'm describing a simple backup to Smart. A guy who can push Smart to be better offensively and who Smart can push this backup to be better defensively.

Everything you mentioned that the Lakers need from a defensive PG they already have in Marcus Smart, so that box is already checked, my friend.

They need another guy who can guard at the point of attack, someone other than Smart. This second guy, Smart's backup, should be a better shooter and more explosive than Smart, but he WILL NOT be better than Smart defensively. This guy who is a better shooter and more athletic than Smart we can only hope that he'd be simply above-average defensively.

That's my point in this proposal, to suggest that Malik Monk fits this archetype quite well, nearly perfectly, and that with a stout point of attack defender like Devin Carter included and with Vanderbilt already on the roster, there would be ample support in case Monk isn't satisfying his defensive expectations.

Simply put, Monk would be a dynamic wildcard, a game breaker who, when flanked by defensive dogs in Vanderbilt, Carter, and especially Smart, would be pressured into becoming the kind of defender I saw him become two seasons ago in Sacramento.

I don't share your desire for this team to add a PF. I believe Hachimura is a lethal weapon. He's already won them a couple of games with his remarkable efficiency. Sure, a better defender would be great, but they will sorely miss Hachimura's efficiency if they let him go.

He is, quietly, one of the most efficient jumpshooters in the league and fits well with Doncic.

They'll have a shot to replace Hachimura with PJ Washington this summer, in my opinion, but even though Washington is the better defender, I'm pretty sure I'd rather have Hachimura.

[loveshaq007]

davion Mitchell is the prime target we should have!!!

but I can only see us trading LeBron to get him because we're definitely not giving up first round picks for him

LeBron, gave Vincent, Bronny.... for Andrew Wiggins, Norman Powell, and davion Mitchell with two second round picks

we should try to trade Rui and Hayes and the two second round picks for NAJI and gafford

[loveshaq007]

if we have to add vando and Dalton for Klay...to sweeten the package for them, I would do it

then I would see if somebody like the clippers or the nets want him for free and just shed that salary. I could also see Miami opening that trade up a little bit more to take Klay and Maxi cleaver for Terry rozier's expiring contract

[danfantastk32]

I don't share your desire for this team to add a PF. I believe Hachimura is a lethal weapon. He's already won them a couple of games with his remarkable efficiency. Sure, a better defender would be great, but they will sorely miss Hachimura's efficiency if they let him go.

He is, quietly, one of the most efficient jumpshooters in the league and fits well with Doncic.

They'll have a shot to replace Hachimura with PJ Washington this summer, in my opinion, but even though Washington is the better defender, I'm pretty sure I'd rather have Hachimura.

Nah man....we def disagree here. Rui is a lethal weapon one day....and the blunt side of an oar the next 3 games....followed by another lethal game...followed by 2 disappearing acts. The guy is all over the map, and completely unreliable in the postseason....unless you wanna be mean and say you can rely on him under-performing when the lights are brightest.

I like Smart, but I think his reputation as a good defender is carrying him somewhat. But we can disagree there.



My issue is this then: You wanna POA defender up front breaking up play, screens etc....so who else other than the PG? You gonna take Reaves, or Luka, or Lebron out? I mean...that leaves the PG or Ayton...no? I suppose you could make Reaves defend the PG and get a KCP type (He's past it though)...but I think Reaves is gonna get tore up against a proficient PG. And even if you did that you'd be replacing Smart no?

We are gonna have to improve somewhere if we wanna beat OKC...let's just start with that. They carved us up nice and clean (yes we were short) a couple weeks back. So where do you go from here?

I do think we can improve at the Reaves position. He's good. He works well with Luka. But....if that salary demand starts to go north of 30mil, then I think that's a definite contender for upgrade. But for now....I think he's what we got, and he needs to stay out there.

Luka? Hell no.

Lebron? If Lebron plays this style of game he's promoting...and played that first game, then I don't know that we do much better. Obviously he will have to be replaced quite soon. But for the immediate, I don't think management will....or can move him. And I don't think your gonna do better without some major deal.

Ayton? Guys tearing it up. We're not gonna get better without a major deal. Def don't wanna replace him. Also...bigs worth half a sh** are pretty hard to come by. We REALLY lucked out with Ayton...and let's admit it...we took a bit of a risk. Prob due to lack of any other real option. A big won't fix your POA defense anyhow...so Ayton's gotta be out there.


So that really leaves Smart hanging, right?

Other than that...you try and replace Rui with a consistent...and better PF, and start rotating Luka, Lebron and Reaves (our offensive creators) so you have 2 in at any time...and all 3 for limited time while this mythical PF is resting....and have Lebron play the 4.

I mean right? Other than some major move (Lebron for Giannis....or...Reaves for Levine, as you said)....I don't see a path to any appreciable improvement to the team.

Now I do admit....I don't know how we get this amazing PF I'm proposing either. Rui does make like $18 mil. I would also def have a talk with Reaves, and if his number is something sizeably north of $30mil....I would try and move him. But even that has to be weighed. How north of $30 mil are we talking? I don't wanna pay Reaves over $25-$30 mil...but then again I think NBA salaries are completely nuts. And Reaves does pair really, really well with out Superstar. Something that definitely needs to be factored in. You can get a better player, but will it work?? Reaves def seems to work.

So in a long, long about way.....I guess I'm circling back to my original opinion, which is unless we can make a Lebron move...I think we just stay pat. I don't think your gonna find anything that improves our team unless you make a major deal, or commit to a long contract.

The Monk deal isn't so bad. If your idea actually worked...and we got him for role-players....the 3-year $20 mil isn't a deal breaker. But does that really get us there? Are we now ready for OKC? I don't think much, if anything just changed...so prob best off if we keep our options.

[Anderson Hunt]

As of right now, you cannot call Hachimura offensively inconsistent.

You just can't.

He's shooting 56% from the field and 48% from three.

Right now, he might just be the most efficient shooter in the whole damn league.

I'm only giving facts.

Talk about his lack of defense and rebounding. Talk about his lack of toughness, but has been EXTREMELY consistent on offense this season

[Anderson Hunt]

Even when James leaves this summer (I think he's definitely leaving), I still don't think the Lakers have a need for a new PF.

After James leaves, Hachimura and LaRavia have that covered.

Thiero and Vanderbilt (next year) can fill any PF shortfall if need be.

They need a dynamic guy who can platoon with Smart at the defensive PG position.

They need more speed, toughness, shooting, defense, athleticism, and game-breakability coming off the bench in the backcourt, and Monk fits that description more than anyone else in the league.

Devin Carter adds even more speed, athleticism, toughness, and defense.

To me, it's a no-brainer, and the best part about it is that the Kings would absolutely sign-off on it.

This is a savvy move. Does it move them to OKCs level. Absolutely not. You're right, but they get demonstratively better, and the extra money spent won't matter as James makes his exit this summer.

[danfantastk32]

As of right now, you cannot call Hachimura offensively inconsistent.

You just can't.

He's shooting 56% from the field and 48% from three.

Right now, he might just be the most efficient shooter in the whole damn league.

I'm only giving facts.

Talk about his lack of defense and rebounding. Talk about his lack of toughness, but has been EXTREMELY consistent on offense this season

Ok I hear it....but 2 things: 1) I'm not gonna let 15 games suddenly rewrite what we've seen over the last few years. 2) Look at his last game: 6 points on 3-8 shooting...in like 26min on the floor. 4 rebounds. <------could that be because Lebron came back, and sorta steals the Rui's oxygen? Or was that just one of those inconsistent nights?

[Anderson Hunt]

Slightly revised framework of a trade to SAC for two POA defenders:

TWO-PART TRADE
(now)
Vincent, Kleber, and Knecht
for
Monk and Carter

(on draft day)
LAL trades '26 first
for
two SAC '27 seconds and '29 second (via NYK)

PG - Doncic - Monk - Smith (tw)
SG - Smart - Carter - James
C --- Ayton - Hayes - Koloko (tw)
PF - James - Hachimura - Thiero
SF - Reaves - LaRavia - Vanderbilt

Monk is an uber-athletic shooter averaging nearly 13 a game off the bench in 24 minutes shooting 43% from three -- a perfect backup to Smart.

Carter is an uber-athletic, long defensive specialist who will be groomed to replace Smart's role as a primary POA defender.

The Lakers shore up there issue at the point of attack in one fell swoop at the cost of a first.

[Anderson Hunt]

As of right now, you cannot call Hachimura offensively inconsistent.

You just can't.

He's shooting 56% from the field and 48% from three.

Right now, he might just be the most efficient shooter in the whole damn league.

I'm only giving facts.

Talk about his lack of defense and rebounding. Talk about his lack of toughness, but has been EXTREMELY consistent on offense this season

Ok I hear it....but 2 things: 1) I'm not gonna let 15 games suddenly rewrite what we've seen over the last few years. 2) Look at his last game: 6 points on 3-8 shooting...in like 26min on the floor. 4 rebounds. <------could that be because Lebron came back, and sorta steals the Rui's oxygen? Or was that just one of those inconsistent nights?

56% from the field and 48% from three.

All facts.

The problem is that you can't even concede to the fact that he's been consistent THIS year, when in reality (over the span of 14 games) he's not just been a consistent shooter but an elite shooter, maybe the best in the NBA.

The year before in 59 games he shot 51% from the field and 41% from three and in the playoffs (5 games) he shot 49% from the field and 48% from three.

The year before that in 68 games he shot 54% from the field and 42% from three and in the playoffs (5 games) he shot 40% from the field and 35% from three.

He's a very consistent off-ball shooter ... and an erratic defender/rebounder who doesn't play with force.

That's who he is.

[danfantastk32]

Ok, I did concede that he's been good so far...but what's 15 games?

But whatever....he's makes his uncontested 3's at a really good clip. I'll "concede" that point. So what though? It's a nice thing to have...but he only made 1.7 three-pointers a game last year (1.9 so far this year).....so it's not really a "facet" of the Lakers overall game plan. It's nice....and nothing else. It doesn't make him a worthy starter. In fact, he SHOULD be benched for someone with an overall better game (especially on defense). He played 31 minutes a game last year.....meaning he hit what?? a 3-pointer every 18 minutes or something?

His shooting % is interesting trivia.....but it's not why we're winning. And there's more value to be had in 18min than a 3-pointer, and spotty-sub-par everything else.

[stan francisco]

Grimes, Bridges, Dyson Daniels, Herb Jones, Mitchell...

Wiggins trade ideas get a fat no from me. I’d rather keep Rui. Reaves over LaVine, too. Klay is getting old plus Knecht might still become the next Klay, had a 42 point game last season…

Reaves amongst a few players to have posted >27PPG, >5.5RPG, >7APG so far for the season…

[danfantastk32]

Grimes, Bridges, Dyson Daniels, Herb Jones, Mitchell...

Wiggins trade ideas get a fat no from me. I’d rather keep Rui. Reaves over LaVine, too. Klay is getting old plus Knecht might still become the next Klay, had a 42 point game last season…

Reaves amongst a few players to have posted >27PPG, >5.5RPG, >7APG so far for the season…

Reaves is doing great. I just don't think your gonna win a title with him being the #2 (by that I mean 2nd best player overall...he can be the 2nd option, offensively, or whatever). He either needs to be a #3, or if he was the number 2....you would have to have a #3 AND a #4 who were so, so, close that you have debates about who's really the #2.

Look at our team now: I'd say that Lebron is still the better player than Reaves, all around. And we almost all agree that your not winning a title with Lebron eating up that much salary. So it makes no sense to me to give Reaves anywhere near the max. I look at it this way: You get rid of Rui - and you give that salary to reaves....and your at about $31-32mil. Then you take Lebron's salary, and you go get that #2. OR you take Lebron's salary and you go get a #3 and #4.

I think I like the later option, personally....as our biggest issue is our defense. We're pretty crap, honestly. You can improve drastically at our PF and PG positions on the defensive end...and not really lose too much offensively. The other reason is that I don't see Giannis being that big of an improvement over Lebron, honestly. His offense is better...but our offense is fine, and having Giannis get his 25-28 points a night would prob just mean someone else was getting less....so it's not really a net-positive. His defense is better...but he's had a couple serious injuries, and he's gonna be 31 in a minute. I just wouldn't go maxing him at this stage. And if I'm not taking Giannis...then I don't really see anyone worth the max, at the PF position. That's fine....let's find a good defensive PF, who can give you 12-15 points a night...and get a POA defender, like Anderson mentioned in an earlier post.

Then we'd have some depth on the bench as well...with Hayes, Smart, Laravia, etc. If Rui wanted to resign for about half what he's making, I think we could find that somehow, and that would be great.



Could we get someone like Evan Mobley? I just wonder if the Cavs fall short this season, if the owner wouldn't want to get back under the cap. You almost have to root for the Cavs to fall apart here...and then get Gilbert (I historic cheap-o) to decide the 2nd apron isn't for him...offer Lebron, who get's to retire, and all that fanfair...and it's $50 mil off the books. <-------fantasy land sh** I know, I'm just thinking of some sort of potential "Max" player we could get with Lebron's $$$. I think getting 2 lesser (or younger) guys would be the more realistic, and better option.

What we can't do is resign Rui....and just give a chunk of Lebron's salary to Reaves....and think we're gonna be competitive.

[Anderson Hunt]

Grimes, Bridges, Dyson Daniels, Herb Jones, Mitchell...

Wiggins trade ideas get a fat no from me. I’d rather keep Rui. Reaves over LaVine, too. Klay is getting old plus Knecht might still become the next Klay, had a 42 point game last season…

Reaves amongst a few players to have posted >27PPG, >5.5RPG, >7APG so far for the season…

Reaves is doing great. I just don't think your gonna win a title with him being the #2 (by that I mean 2nd best player overall...he can be the 2nd option, offensively, or whatever). He either needs to be a #3, or if he was the number 2....you would have to have a #3 AND a #4 who were so, so, close that you have debates about who's really the #2.

Look at our team now: I'd say that Lebron is still the better player than Reaves, all around. And we almost all agree that your not winning a title with Lebron eating up that much salary. So it makes no sense to me to give Reaves anywhere near the max. I look at it this way: You get rid of Rui - and you give that salary to reaves....and your at about $31-32mil. Then you take Lebron's salary, and you go get that #2. OR you take Lebron's salary and you go get a #3 and #4.

I think I like the later option, personally....as our biggest issue is our defense. We're pretty crap, honestly. You can improve drastically at our PF and PG positions on the defensive end...and not really lose too much offensively. The other reason is that I don't see Giannis being that big of an improvement over Lebron, honestly. His offense is better...but our offense is fine, and having Giannis get his 25-28 points a night would prob just mean someone else was getting less....so it's not really a net-positive. His defense is better...but he's had a couple serious injuries, and he's gonna be 31 in a minute. I just wouldn't go maxing him at this stage. And if I'm not taking Giannis...then I don't really see anyone worth the max, at the PF position. That's fine....let's find a good defensive PF, who can give you 12-15 points a night...and get a POA defender, like Anderson mentioned in an earlier post.

Then we'd have some depth on the bench as well...with Hayes, Smart, Laravia, etc. If Rui wanted to resign for about half what he's making, I think we could find that somehow, and that would be great.



Could we get someone like Evan Mobley? I just wonder if the Cavs fall short this season, if the owner wouldn't want to get back under the cap. You almost have to root for the Cavs to fall apart here...and then get Gilbert (I historic cheap-o) to decide the 2nd apron isn't for him...offer Lebron, who get's to retire, and all that fanfair...and it's $50 mil off the books. <-------fantasy land sh** I know, I'm just thinking of some sort of potential "Max" player we could get with Lebron's $$$. I think getting 2 lesser (or younger) guys would be the more realistic, and better option.

What we can't do is resign Rui....and just give a chunk of Lebron's salary to Reaves....and think we're gonna be competitive.

This summer:

James (40m sign and trade), Bronny James, and Vanderbilt
for
PJ Washington, Gafford, Klay Thompson, and Naji Marshall

[loveshaq007]

we could do better... rui, vando and dalton for klay naji and gafford