My Lakers Offseason With Trades

[Lakers24gm]

You hit on most the Lakers needs and were realistic in value, maybe too much in other teams' favors, but that C rotation is pretty suspect.

I tend to agree but I don’t see any other centers out there. I don’t want to give up a 1st for the Clayton deal just don’t think he’s worth it. The only person I’d give that up for is Walker Kessler and I don’t see the Jazz doing it.

[facothomas22]

I don't see any scenario where any team is placing any amount value into Dalton Knecht after he got benched during the playoffs and even before that. The Magic have no reason to do this deal at all. Also the Heat are not doing this. A pick swap that unlikely to convey is not bridging the gap in value between whatever garbage the Lakers are sending out and Andrew Wiggins(even if he's a bit overpaid). This just feel a Lakers bail out package with other teams are not getting fair value.

Goga was benched during the playoffs as well. Dalton brings something they desperately need in shooting and they trade away a position of some what strength in Center with Carter, Wagner coming back and Issac off the bench.

Goga can atleat sometime start during the regular season, even if they're real concerns about how viable he actually is during the playoffs. There's still major questions if Dalton brings anything to the table as a player or if he's even going to be NBA within the next 3-4 years. It doesn't matter if he supposedly brings in shooting that the Magic need if he's not a NBA level player in other areas.

[Texas Chuck]

You hit on most the Lakers needs and were realistic in value, maybe too much in other teams' favors, but that C rotation is pretty suspect.

I tend to agree but I don’t see any other centers out there. I don’t want to give up a 1st for the Clayton deal just don’t think he’s worth it. The only person I’d give that up for is Walker Kessler and I don’t see the Jazz doing it.

Some of us don't think Clayton requires a first to get. I've proposed expiring contracts plus Knecht as fair value for the Nets and it makes sense directionally. Claxton fits a need for LA and is worth giving up Knecht for. But no 1st rounder should be needed.

[BBallFreak]

I don't see any scenario where any team is placing any amount value into Dalton Knecht after he got benched during the playoffs and even before that. The Magic have no reason to do this deal at all. Also the Heat are not doing this. A pick swap that unlikely to convey is not bridging the gap in value between whatever garbage the Lakers are sending out and Andrew Wiggins(even if he's a bit overpaid). This just feel a Lakers bail out package with other teams are not getting fair value.

Goga was benched during the playoffs as well. Dalton brings something they desperately no need in shooting and they trade away a position of some what strength in Center with Carter, Wagner coming back and Issac off the bench.

I was worried about this not being enough value for Miami. But that cap space they clear is massive.

Wiggins can fetch that elsewhere, in my opinion, and probably with a bit of value returning. I'm just not seeing enough value here.

[BigGargamel]

Nice to see a Lakers fan realize they aren't trading their junk for an All Star center for once.

This looks realistic for the most part, even though I don't see the Heat interested in moving Wiggins for that package.

[scoobs07]

Turning Rui into Wiggins would be good for LAL because they have too many 3/4s and Wiggins is more of a 2/3, which they could use.

[Karmaloop]

Goga can atleat sometime start during the regular season, even if they're real concerns about how viable he actually is during the playoffs. There's still major questions if Dalton brings anything to the table as a player or if he's even going to be NBA within the next 3-4 years. It doesn't matter if he supposedly brings in shooting that the Magic need if he's not a NBA level player in other areas.

Dalton Knecht played in 78 games and averaged 19.2 MPG while Goga played in 70 games and averaged 20.4 MPG. I guess if you're going to arbitrarily throw out a qualifier like that, sure you're right. Let's at least start to look at things objectively.

[Karmaloop]

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but I can't help myself.

Player A: 80 GP (31 GS), 18.9 MPG, 8.6 PPG, 45.4% FG%, 36.1 3P%, 3.5 RPG, 1 APG, 1.9 WS, -0.2 VORP
Player B: 78 GP (16 GS), 19.2 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 46.1% FG%, 37.6 3P%, 2.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 2.7 WS, 0.1 VORP
Player C: 81 GP (2 GS), 15.6 MPG, 6.4. PPG, 47.4% FG%, 23.8 3P%, 2.7 RPG, 1 APG, 1.8 WS, -0.1 VORP

Care to guess who each of these are? I'll give you the easy one, Player B is Dalton Knecht. Player A is Matas Buzelis and Player C is Ron Holland. But somehow I sincerely doubt that you're ready to write those two off just yet.

[Ducklett]

I don't see any scenario where any team is placing any amount value into Dalton Knecht after he got benched during the playoffs and even before that. The Magic have no reason to do this deal at all. Also the Heat are not doing this. A pick swap that unlikely to convey is not bridging the gap in value between whatever garbage the Lakers are sending out and Andrew Wiggins(even if he's a bit overpaid). This just feel a Lakers bail out package with other teams are not getting fair value.

Goga was benched during the playoffs as well. Dalton brings something they desperately no need in shooting and they trade away a position of some what strength in Center with Carter, Wagner coming back and Issac off the bench.

I was worried about this not being enough value for Miami. But that cap space they clear is massive.

Goga was "benched" long before the playoffs because there was some concern over a hip injury from the middle of the season and concussion protocol.

[giberish]

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but I can't help myself.

Player A: 80 GP (31 GS), 18.9 MPG, 8.6 PPG, 45.4% FG%, 36.1 3P%, 3.5 RPG, 1 APG, 1.9 WS, -0.2 VORP
Player B: 78 GP (16 GS), 19.2 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 46.1% FG%, 37.6 3P%, 2.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 2.7 WS, 0.1 VORP
Player C: 81 GP (2 GS), 15.6 MPG, 6.4. PPG, 47.4% FG%, 23.8 3P%, 2.7 RPG, 1 APG, 1.8 WS, -0.1 VORP

Care to guess who each of these are? I'll give you the easy one, Player B is Dalton Knecht. Player A is Matas Buzelis and Player C is Ron Holland. But somehow I sincerely doubt that you're ready to write those two off just yet.

If Knecht was a one and done rookie his first year would be very solid and he'd have a lot of trade value. As an older rookie it's much less impressive (and defense doesn't show up much in those stats). I still wouldn't say that Knecht has no value but it's more rotation guy than credible hope for a long-term starter.

[facothomas22]

I shouldn't respond to a troll, but I can't help myself.

Player A: 80 GP (31 GS), 18.9 MPG, 8.6 PPG, 45.4% FG%, 36.1 3P%, 3.5 RPG, 1 APG, 1.9 WS, -0.2 VORP
Player B: 78 GP (16 GS), 19.2 MPG, 9.1 PPG, 46.1% FG%, 37.6 3P%, 2.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 2.7 WS, 0.1 VORP
Player C: 81 GP (2 GS), 15.6 MPG, 6.4. PPG, 47.4% FG%, 23.8 3P%, 2.7 RPG, 1 APG, 1.8 WS, -0.1 VORP

Care to guess who each of these are? I'll give you the easy one, Player B is Dalton Knecht. Player A is Matas Buzelis and Player C is Ron Holland. But somehow I sincerely doubt that you're ready to write those two off just yet.

This proves nothing. Ron Hollard and Matas Buzelis are under 21 years old and are have shown to be quality defenders. Matas Buzelis also began to show more offensive upside as we later into the season.Dalton Knecht on the other is 24 years old who can't play defense, struggles with playmaking, a poor rebounder and a streaky shooter. Even his own coach was annoyed about his basketball IQ at times. What happened with him supposedly "being the most NBA ready prospect" in the class? If Dalton Knecht was performing well, yall would be saying he was adjusting to the NBA well and about what we should expect out of a older rookie. However since he struggled, you want to make excuses that he needs more time.Sorry, but 24 year old rookies don't get to have that benefit of doubt. There's only so much development we should be expecting out of older rookies and from what we have seen, I don't see a realistic path where Dalton can develop into a quality player.

[Lakers24gm]

You hit on most the Lakers needs and were realistic in value, maybe too much in other teams' favors, but that C rotation is pretty suspect.

I tend to agree but I don’t see any other centers out there. I don’t want to give up a 1st for the Clayton deal just don’t think he’s worth it. The only person I’d give that up for is Walker Kessler and I don’t see the Jazz doing it.

Some of us don't think Clayton requires a first to get. I've proposed expiring contracts plus Knecht as fair value for the Nets and it makes sense directionally. Claxton fits a need for LA and is worth giving up Knecht for. But no 1st rounder should be needed.

Two things. If we can get Claxton without giving up the first then I’m ok with it. But I’m worried about getting wing help. I thought about trades and ways to get wings if we traded for a center like Claxton and it was extremely doubtful difficult. That’s why my focus shifted to Wiggins and a lower end center. Simone is someone I’d really like to target for the Lakers.

[Apz]

Goga is not a starting C, Lakers should aim higher

I don't know that the Lakers have the assets to aim higher. Adding Luka pushed their timeline much further out so they really shouldn't be in desperate win right now mode. I don't even like giving up the swaps here.

Personally if anything I'd go smaller. Gogo's probably the best center option available for Knecht and filler. Add a cheap FA guard or two and a backup C and go from there. The team will have more flexibility for moves in 2026 and a better idea of what they need to do.

Did it? Or is it maybe the other way around? I doubt luka want to waste his best years on a team not trying to win. 2nd august is the earliest he can sign an extension, so things need to look a lot better then. But he isnt in a hurry, he can sign that extension as late as 28th june 2026 iirc. Tbh, i dont see any reason for him to sign it prior to that date. Gives lakers plenty of time to show what the team looks like for the future. Dont see why he would put his eggs in the basket on what could be empty promises

[giberish]

Goga is not a starting C, Lakers should aim higher

I don't know that the Lakers have the assets to aim higher. Adding Luka pushed their timeline much further out so they really shouldn't be in desperate win right now mode. I don't even like giving up the swaps here.

Personally if anything I'd go smaller. Gogo's probably the best center option available for Knecht and filler. Add a cheap FA guard or two and a backup C and go from there. The team will have more flexibility for moves in 2026 and a better idea of what they need to do.

Did it? Or is it maybe the other way around? I doubt luka want to waste his best years on a team not trying to win. 2nd august is the earliest he can sign an extension, so things need to look a lot better then. But he isnt in a hurry, he can sign that extension as late as 28th june 2026 iirc. Tbh, i dont see any reason for him to sign it prior to that date. Gives lakers plenty of time to show what the team looks like for the future. Dont see why he would put his eggs in the basket on what could be empty promises

Going full Ishbia and dealing everything that can possibly be moved for win right now help feels like a terrible way to convince Luka to stay - as he'll know that the future will only get worse.

The Lakers were good but not that good (only 8th in the west in SRS - their W/L record was deceptively good in a way that can't be expected to repeat). Given their limited assets they're not a win right now offseason away from a title. They need to be patient, get some better fits (obviously post-trade there were roster imbalance issues) bargain hunt and be willing to not make deals or just make secondary moves if a good move isn't available.

Granted I assume that players want to see FO competence, rather than flashy, ineffective moves. But given the moves other players often push for that may not be the case with Luka.

[Michaellam1987]

Claxton is a young athletic C, who can defend reasonably well out to even the perimeter, and is under contract for 3 more years, of 23M in average per year. His overall deteriorated performance is significantly related to the mess situation of BKN, given him a better environment, and good PG who can pass him the ball in the paint. He will be fine.

[giberish]

Claxton is a young athletic C, who can defend reasonably well out to even the perimeter, and is under contract for 3 more years, of 23M in average per year. His overall deteriorated performance is significantly related to the mess situation of BKN, given him a better environment, and good PG who can pass him the ball in the paint. He will be fine.

The bigger issue is how much the Nets value him at. They've got no reason to just clear salary. I really doubt a Knecht and filler deal even gets close. Is he worth trading the Lakers last tradable 1st for?

[Michaellam1987]

Claxton is a young athletic C, who can defend reasonably well out to even the perimeter, and is under contract for 3 more years, of 23M in average per year. His overall deteriorated performance is significantly related to the mess situation of BKN, given him a better environment, and good PG who can pass him the ball in the paint. He will be fine.

The bigger issue is how much the Nets value him at. They've got no reason to just clear salary. I really doubt a Knecht and filler deal even gets close. Is he worth trading the Lakers last tradable 1st for?

BKN has 2 main objective, 1) sell asset and get GOOD return, not dump them, and to tank hard for the coming 26 draft, and target to sign big free agent, and become competitive again for the 26/27 season, as they own a pick swap to HOU in 27 draft; 2) smartly use their cap space to acquire more future assets, given that they are the ONLY team with significant cap space to eat contract.

Knecht and filler (e.g. Gabe/Maxi) for Claxton is really bad deal for BKN.

[Lakers24gm]

Claxton is a young athletic C, who can defend reasonably well out to even the perimeter, and is under contract for 3 more years, of 23M in average per year. His overall deteriorated performance is significantly related to the mess situation of BKN, given him a better environment, and good PG who can pass him the ball in the paint. He will be fine.

The bigger issue is how much the Nets value him at. They've got no reason to just clear salary. I really doubt a Knecht and filler deal even gets close. Is he worth trading the Lakers last tradable 1st for?

BKN has 2 main objective, 1) sell asset and get GOOD return, not dump them, and to tank hard for the coming 26 draft, and target to sign big free agent, and become competitive again for the 26/27 season, as they own a pick swap to HOU in 27 draft; 2) smartly use their cap space to acquire more future assets, given that they are the ONLY team with significant cap space to eat contract.

Knecht and filler (e.g. Gabe/Maxi) for Claxton is really bad deal for BKN.

This is kind of my thinking. I just don’t see why Nets take this.

[tiderulz]

I don't see any scenario where any team is placing any amount value into Dalton Knecht after he got benched during the playoffs and even before that. The Magic have no reason to do this deal at all. Also the Heat are not doing this. A pick swap that unlikely to convey is not bridging the gap in value between whatever garbage the Lakers are sending out and Andrew Wiggins(even if he's a bit overpaid). This just feel a Lakers bail out package with other teams are not getting fair value.

Goga was benched during the playoffs as well. Dalton brings something they desperately no need in shooting and they trade away a position of some what strength in Center with Carter, Wagner coming back and Issac off the bench.

I was worried about this not being enough value for Miami. But that cap space they clear is massive.

Goga was "benched" long before the playoffs because there was some concern over a hip injury from the middle of the season and concussion protocol.

and some fascination with Mosely thinking WCJ would "unlock" the offense or something.

[Apz]

I don't know that the Lakers have the assets to aim higher. Adding Luka pushed their timeline much further out so they really shouldn't be in desperate win right now mode. I don't even like giving up the swaps here.

Personally if anything I'd go smaller. Gogo's probably the best center option available for Knecht and filler. Add a cheap FA guard or two and a backup C and go from there. The team will have more flexibility for moves in 2026 and a better idea of what they need to do.

Did it? Or is it maybe the other way around? I doubt luka want to waste his best years on a team not trying to win. 2nd august is the earliest he can sign an extension, so things need to look a lot better then. But he isnt in a hurry, he can sign that extension as late as 28th june 2026 iirc. Tbh, i dont see any reason for him to sign it prior to that date. Gives lakers plenty of time to show what the team looks like for the future. Dont see why he would put his eggs in the basket on what could be empty promises

Going full Ishbia and dealing everything that can possibly be moved for win right now help feels like a terrible way to convince Luka to stay - as he'll know that the future will only get worse.

The Lakers were good but not that good (only 8th in the west in SRS - their W/L record was deceptively good in a way that can't be expected to repeat). Given their limited assets they're not a win right now offseason away from a title. They need to be patient, get some better fits (obviously post-trade there were roster imbalance issues) bargain hunt and be willing to not make deals or just make secondary moves if a good move isn't available.

Granted I assume that players want to see FO competence, rather than flashy, ineffective moves. But given the moves other players often push for that may not be the case with Luka.

So u basicly agree? Lakers got a crap team and no assets. Luka just spent 6 years on mavs in that situation, I doubt he want to spend the next 6 years reliving that and hopefully have a winning team when he is 32. When the option is to just play out the year and sign for a team like spurs that got both assets and a roster for the future.