Lakers go all in (LAL/NOP/Utah)

[dcstanley]

LAL in: Brandon Ingram and Walker Kessler
NOP in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Svi Mykhalliuk, 2031 LAL unprotected FRP, 2025 LAL SRP
UTA in: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, protections removed on 2027 LAL FRP, 2028 LAL pick swap, 2029 LAL unprotected FRP

Lakers fortify their team with a strong top 8 of LBJ, AD, Ingram, Reaves, Kessler, DFS, Christie, and Knecht.

Reaves/JHS
Christie/Knecht
Ingram/Reddish
Bron/DFS/Wood
AD/Kessler/Koloko


Pelicans get a unprotected first and a PF with some value for Ingram, who appears to have a barren market.

Murray/CJ/Alvarado
Murphy/Hawkins/Boston
Jones/Green
Zion/Rui
Missi/Theis


Utah takes on Vanderbilt's contract and parts with their prospect center for the right to essentially own the Lakers draft picks from 2027 through 2029. Also clears the way for a more aggressive tank.

George/Clarkson/Collier
Sexton/Williams/Juzang
Sensabaugh/Vanderbilt
Markannen/Potter
Collins/Flipowski/Eubanks

[nzahir]

1) I think this is an overpay to Utah. If we can do Kessler for JHS/Wood or Cam and Hayes, 29 1st with light protections and unprotect 27 thats fine.

2) Unsure how the BI fit. Our current starting is pretty good. If we load up on the bench, say with Kessler and a decent backup pg who can defend, then we may be good enough to even compete.

Say you can get Lonzo/Bruce Brown and Kessler by giving up 29 1st, unproteting 27, giving up a 28 swap and 1-2 2nds (Vando, Vincent go as salaries)

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo/Brown, Knecht, DFS, Kessler
10th man would be Wood, Cam, or Milton

BI could give you a high upside if it works out, but may also crash the team

Rui has fit in decently well

I wold need to see some more data on how BI would fit and if he can play off ball. His Team USA experience worried me

[SkyHook]

LAL in: Brandon Ingram and Walker Kessler
NOP in: Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, Svi Mykhalliuk, 2031 LAL unprotected FRP, 2025 LAL SRP
UTA in: Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, protections removed on 2027 LAL FRP, 2028 LAL pick swap, 2029 LAL unprotected FRP

Lakers fortify their team with a strong top 8 of LBJ, AD, Ingram, Reaves, Kessler, DFS, Christie, and Knecht.

Reaves/JHS
Christie/Knecht
Ingram/Reddish
Bron/DFS/Wood
AD/Kessler/Koloko


Pelicans get a unprotected first and a PF with some value for Ingram, who appears to have a barren market.

Murray/CJ/Alvarado
Murphy/Hawkins/Boston
Jones/Green
Zion/Rui
Missi/Theis


Utah takes on Vanderbilt's contract and parts with their prospect center for the right to essentially own the Lakers draft picks from 2027 through 2029. Also clears the way for a more aggressive tank.

George/Clarkson/Collier
Sexton/Williams/Juzang
Sensabaugh/Vanderbilt
Markannen/Potter
Collins/Flipowski/Eubanks

Definitely an all-in move for the Lakers, though one that I seriously doubt they make. I'd prefer not to move Kessler at all, but Utah would easily accept this overpay; the Lakers shouldn't offer it.

[SkyHook]

1) I think this is an overpay to Utah. If we can do Kessler for JHS/Wood or Cam and Hayes, 29 1st with light protections and unprotect 27 thats fine.

2) Unsure how the BI fit. Our current starting is pretty good. If we load up on the bench, say with Kessler and a decent backup pg who can defend, then we may be good enough to even compete.

Say you can get Lonzo/Bruce Brown and Kessler by giving up 29 1st, unproteting 27, giving up a 28 swap and 1-2 2nds (Vando, Vincent go as salaries)

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo/Brown, Knecht, DFS, Kessler
10th man would be Wood, Cam, or Milton

BI could give you a high upside if it works out, but may also crash the team

Rui has fit in decently well

I wold need to see some more data on how BI would fit and if he can play off ball. His Team USA experience worried me

And that's just not going to happen.

[zimpy27]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

[SkyHook]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

Yep, Jokic is amazing. He's absolutely dominated Utah in each of their three games this season. Interestingly enough, Kessler has had better performances in all three games vs Joker than Anthony Davis did in his one matchup—where he absolutely got bitch-slapped, punked, and humiliated.

Happy to hang on to Walker.

[zimpy27]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

Yep, Jokic is amazing. He's absolutely dominated Utah in each of their three games this season. Interestingly enough, Kessler has had better performances in all three games vs Joker than Anthony Davis did in his one matchup—where he absolutely got bitch-slapped, punked, and humiliated.

Happy to hang on to Walker.

Yeah Davis struggles against Jokic, Lakers are looking to improve that.

Kessler doesn't help that so it's not worth spending FRPs on him.

Lakers dar better going for a big body player that can hit 3s like Vucevic or Olynyk.

[SkyHook]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

Yep, Jokic is amazing. He's absolutely dominated Utah in each of their three games this season. Interestingly enough, Kessler has had better performances in all three games vs Joker than Anthony Davis did in his one matchup—where he absolutely got bitch-slapped, punked, and humiliated.

Happy to hang on to Walker.

Yeah Davis struggles against Jokic, Lakers are looking to improve that.

Kessler doesn't help that so it's not worth spending FRPs on him.

Lakers dar better going for a big body player that can hit 3s like Vucevic or Olynyk.

Outside of the occasional outlying performance, it's rare to find a center who doesn't struggle vs Jokic.

I agree that the Lakers should focus on more appropriate targets. Though he hasn't looked great so far this season, I think that Olynyk would be an interesting fit in LA.

[dcstanley]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

Jokic was 14/33 last night against Kessler. That's about as well as you can do against a guy that averages 31 PPG on 66 TS%.

Jokic's last five games:
36 points on 14/33 shooting against Utah
37 points on 11/17 shooting against Detroit
27 points on 12/19 shooting against Cleveland
25 points on 11/19 shooting against Phoenix
32 points on 12/17 shooting against Phoenix

Kessler guarding Jokic with AD helping off Aaron Gordon is superb defense against Jokic.

[dcstanley]

1) I think this is an overpay to Utah. If we can do Kessler for JHS/Wood or Cam and Hayes, 29 1st with light protections and unprotect 27 thats fine.

2) Unsure how the BI fit. Our current starting is pretty good. If we load up on the bench, say with Kessler and a decent backup pg who can defend, then we may be good enough to even compete.

Say you can get Lonzo/Bruce Brown and Kessler by giving up 29 1st, unproteting 27, giving up a 28 swap and 1-2 2nds (Vando, Vincent go as salaries)

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo/Brown, Knecht, DFS, Kessler
10th man would be Wood, Cam, or Milton

BI could give you a high upside if it works out, but may also crash the team

Rui has fit in decently well

I wold need to see some more data on how BI would fit and if he can play off ball. His Team USA experience worried me

And that's just not going to happen.

The big difference between the OP and that deal is a swap to take on Vando's contract.

Vando's on the books until 2028, I think the Lakers would be keen to add a swap to get off of that.

[SkyHook]

1) I think this is an overpay to Utah. If we can do Kessler for JHS/Wood or Cam and Hayes, 29 1st with light protections and unprotect 27 thats fine.

2) Unsure how the BI fit. Our current starting is pretty good. If we load up on the bench, say with Kessler and a decent backup pg who can defend, then we may be good enough to even compete.

Say you can get Lonzo/Bruce Brown and Kessler by giving up 29 1st, unproteting 27, giving up a 28 swap and 1-2 2nds (Vando, Vincent go as salaries)

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo/Brown, Knecht, DFS, Kessler
10th man would be Wood, Cam, or Milton

BI could give you a high upside if it works out, but may also crash the team

Rui has fit in decently well

I wold need to see some more data on how BI would fit and if he can play off ball. His Team USA experience worried me

And that's just not going to happen.

The big difference between the OP and that deal is a swap to take on Vando's contract.

Vando's on the books until 2028, I think the Lakers would be keen to add a swap to get off of that.

That and the fully unprotected 2029 FRP.

[zimpy27]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

Jokic was 14/33 last night against Kessler. That's about as well as you can do against a guy that averages 31 PPG on 66 TS%.

Jokic's last five games:
36 points on 14/33 shooting against Utah
37 points on 11/17 shooting against Detroit
27 points on 12/19 shooting against Cleveland
25 points on 11/19 shooting against Phoenix
32 points on 12/17 shooting against Phoenix

Kessler guarding Jokic with AD helping off Aaron Gordon is superb defense against Jokic.

22 rebounds. 7 offensive.

[SlimShady83]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

And so he should, Kessler 23 Jokic Is what 29 ish and classed as one of the top 20 ever

Go take a look at Kessler's previous games stats vs Jokic and tell me that adding Kessler with those stats helping AD out what not wouldn't make It harder for Jokic, not saying you gonna stop Jokic, great players will always find ways, but you can always make It damn hard for them.

Edit: To save you the trouble https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/walker-kessler-stat-log-vs-denver

Then go add In AD Kessler/AD block party baby

[zimpy27]

Yep, Jokic is amazing. He's absolutely dominated Utah in each of their three games this season. Interestingly enough, Kessler has had better performances in all three games vs Joker than Anthony Davis did in his one matchup—where he absolutely got bitch-slapped, punked, and humiliated.

Happy to hang on to Walker.

Yeah Davis struggles against Jokic, Lakers are looking to improve that.

Kessler doesn't help that so it's not worth spending FRPs on him.

Lakers dar better going for a big body player that can hit 3s like Vucevic or Olynyk.

Outside of the occasional outlying performance, it's rare to find a center who doesn't struggle vs Jokic.

I agree that the Lakers should focus on more appropriate targets. Though he hasn't looked great so far this season, I think that Olynyk would be an interesting fit in LA.

Yeah Olynyk makes most sense. Doesn't need an FRP to acquire so lakers don't go all in on the upgrade.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

He shot 42 percent against the jazz?

[dcstanley]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

Jokic was 14/33 last night against Kessler. That's about as well as you can do against a guy that averages 31 PPG on 66 TS%.

Jokic's last five games:
36 points on 14/33 shooting against Utah
37 points on 11/17 shooting against Detroit
27 points on 12/19 shooting against Cleveland
25 points on 11/19 shooting against Phoenix
32 points on 12/17 shooting against Phoenix

Kessler guarding Jokic with AD helping off Aaron Gordon is superb defense against Jokic.

22 rebounds. 7 offensive.

The two other games they've played against each other this season:

Jokic had 10 rebounds, Kessler had 12 rebounds
Jokic had 16 rebounds, Kessler had 14 rebounds

Jokic had a couple of buckets last night off of tip ins from his own misses after Kessler forced a miss and his teammates didn't crash. He did a good job on him.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Jokic just destroyed Kessler and any chance of a trade where Lakers give an FRP for Kessler.

Jokic was 14/33 last night against Kessler. That's about as well as you can do against a guy that averages 31 PPG on 66 TS%.

Jokic's last five games:
36 points on 14/33 shooting against Utah
37 points on 11/17 shooting against Detroit
27 points on 12/19 shooting against Cleveland
25 points on 11/19 shooting against Phoenix
32 points on 12/17 shooting against Phoenix

Kessler guarding Jokic with AD helping off Aaron Gordon is superb defense against Jokic.

22 rebounds. 7 offensive.

Rebounding a team effort? Kessler is suppose to contest the shot and box out at the same time? Maybe one of those offensive rebounds were on Kessler not boxing out.

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&ContextMeasure=OREB&EndPeriod=0&EndRange=28800&GameID=0022400445&PlayerID=203999&RangeType=0&Season=2024-25&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&StartPeriod=0&StartRange=0&TeamID=1610612743&flag=1&sct=plot&section=game

[zimpy27]

Jokic was 14/33 last night against Kessler. That's about as well as you can do against a guy that averages 31 PPG on 66 TS%.

Jokic's last five games:
36 points on 14/33 shooting against Utah
37 points on 11/17 shooting against Detroit
27 points on 12/19 shooting against Cleveland
25 points on 11/19 shooting against Phoenix
32 points on 12/17 shooting against Phoenix

Kessler guarding Jokic with AD helping off Aaron Gordon is superb defense against Jokic.

22 rebounds. 7 offensive.

Rebounding a team effort? Kessler is suppose to contest the shot and box out at the same time? Maybe one of those offensive rebounds were on Kessler not boxing out.

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&ContextMeasure=OREB&EndPeriod=0&EndRange=28800&GameID=0022400445&PlayerID=203999&RangeType=0&Season=2024-25&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&StartPeriod=0&StartRange=0&TeamID=1610612743&flag=1&sct=plot&section=game

Point is that it's not worth it at all for the Lakers to add a defensive big because they can't stop Jokic anyway. That is not how they will beat the Nuggets. It's not worth FRPs to the Lakers.

Size down low and offense is how they beat the Nuggets.

[zimpy27]

Jokic was 14/33 last night against Kessler. That's about as well as you can do against a guy that averages 31 PPG on 66 TS%.

Jokic's last five games:
36 points on 14/33 shooting against Utah
37 points on 11/17 shooting against Detroit
27 points on 12/19 shooting against Cleveland
25 points on 11/19 shooting against Phoenix
32 points on 12/17 shooting against Phoenix

Kessler guarding Jokic with AD helping off Aaron Gordon is superb defense against Jokic.

22 rebounds. 7 offensive.

The two other games they've played against each other this season:

Jokic had 10 rebounds, Kessler had 12 rebounds
Jokic had 16 rebounds, Kessler had 14 rebounds

Jokic had a couple of buckets last night off of tip ins from his own misses after Kessler forced a miss and his teammates didn't crash. He did a good job on him.

Precisely.

Kessler did a good job and it meant nothing. Jokic was +22 and was everywhere, put up one of his biggest Game scores of the year.

Lakers would be moronic to spend FRPs on a position that doesn't help much to stop Jokic while stalling their offense. They give themselves less of a chance.

[zimpy27]

Jokic was 14/33 last night against Kessler. That's about as well as you can do against a guy that averages 31 PPG on 66 TS%.

Jokic's last five games:
36 points on 14/33 shooting against Utah
37 points on 11/17 shooting against Detroit
27 points on 12/19 shooting against Cleveland
25 points on 11/19 shooting against Phoenix
32 points on 12/17 shooting against Phoenix

Kessler guarding Jokic with AD helping off Aaron Gordon is superb defense against Jokic.

22 rebounds. 7 offensive.

The two other games they've played against each other this season:

Jokic had 10 rebounds, Kessler had 12 rebounds
Jokic had 16 rebounds, Kessler had 14 rebounds

Jokic had a couple of buckets last night off of tip ins from his own misses after Kessler forced a miss and his teammates didn't crash. He did a good job on him.

Precisely.

Kessler did a good job and it meant nothing. Jokic was +22 and was everywhere and still destroyed him in the matchup, put up one of his biggest Game scores of the year.

Lakers would be moronic to spend FRPs on a position that doesn't help much to stop Jokic while stalling their offense. They give themselves less of a chance.

They need a big that can play with Davis on the court and make them a strong offense still.