Get a C for the Lakers

[Doug_12]

Not a direct proposal, more an open question: Is there a realistic trade target for the Lakers this summer? If so, who would be that?

Available is Knecht, Maxi, (maybe Vincent), the '31 FRP and pick swaps. The target should be more valuable than a tax MLE signing from FA (as that is the second best alternative).

[Astaluego]

I've been mulling this over..
My favorite is Zubac by a wide margin...good contract, perfect fit, friend of Luka, locked up for years, knows the franchise and the city...my doubts are if he'd be available, even if the Lakers make an offer above his value with everything in.. I imagine something like..
Knech/Vincent/Swap 2030/FRP 2031 to the CLIPPERS...
The Clippers get assets for the future and could sign someone with good chemistry like Hardem in FA, like Capela..
Although I repeat doubtful realism..

Kessler?? I don't think they'll accept anything the LAKERS can offer..

Then I'm intrigued by Claxton, I think he'd fit very well in JJ's defensive system of energy and changes.. I imagine something like Maxi/Vincent/Knecht+FRP swap 2030?

[NYG]

Not a direct proposal, more an open question: Is there a realistic trade target for the Lakers this summer? If so, who would be that?

Available is Knecht, Maxi, (maybe Vincent), the '31 FRP and pick swaps. The target should be more valuable than a tax MLE signing from FA (as that is the second best alternative).

Knecht, Maxi, Vincent, Rui and '31 1st for Embiid?

[juanc]

Karlo Matković

[Doug_12]

Karlo Matković

He is a vet min caliber player, I don't think anyone offers a recently drafted mid-late 1st pick for him (Knecht), let alone a future first. We already have Trey Jemison III offering the same as Matkovic.

[Doug_12]

Not a direct proposal, more an open question: Is there a realistic trade target for the Lakers this summer? If so, who would be that?

Available is Knecht, Maxi, (maybe Vincent), the '31 FRP and pick swaps. The target should be more valuable than a tax MLE signing from FA (as that is the second best alternative).

Knecht, Maxi, Vincent, Rui and '31 1st for Embiid?

Embiid is in a very strange situation: On the hand hand I think the 76ers would want way more than that. On the other, I wouldn't trade for him even this package as I suspect he is basically done and in 1-2 years he will have the worst contract in the league...

[ReggiesKnicks]

1) DeAndre Ayton

We saw Ayton play extremely well in Phoenix prior to getting paid, but an overlooked or undermentioned aspect of Ayton in Phoenix was veteran leadership and coaching. Phoenix had CP3 who, without giving him all the credit, molded Ayton into a good player. LeBron and Luka could extract a similar effort level from Ayton.

Additional Pros:

+Low asset cost
+High salary number
+expiring salary

What do all these mean? If Ayton doesn't work out, the Lakers can add assets they didn't use to acquire Ayton, which should be most of their assets, to his salary to get an actual upgrade.

How does this trade look?

Some combination of Rui + Vincent/Kleber/Vanderbilt or exclude Rui and add the other 3 guys. Probably a 3-teamer here as Portland is already going to be at 11-12 guys not including their draft pick(s) and using the MLE if they desire.

2) Nic Claxton

Claxton sort of stikes the middle-ground between Ayton and TJD. Higher salary, multi-year contract, under-performing on a bad team. Ranked 4th in Dunks in 2023 and was Top 10 in 2024. His defensive metrics were good when he had a strong cast around him but have been poor without the support. The Lakers have a good defensive foundation and good coach, meaning I trust Claxton will be a positive impact player.

Additional Pros:

+Declining Contract
+Multiple years remaining
+Good P&R Center with excellent finishing ability on dunks and lobs

How does this trade look?

I think Brooklyn is looking for a 1st and expiring salary, while the Lakers have this.

Claxton + #26 for Vincent + Kleber + 2031 1st (Unprotected)

Brooklyn gets a higher-variance 1st for the future and expiring salary.

3) Trayce Jackson-Davis

Seemingly lost in the GSW rotation with the emergence of the Post-Man himself. High Dunk Rate, decent defensive instincts and plays hard. On the shorter size for a Center but he is still Top 15 in Dunks on the season in limited minutes (Only player in Top 15 in Dunks with < 1000 Minutes).

Additional Pros:

+Low salary
+Low asset cost
+2 additional years at a minimum value

Unsure of the deal here. A 1st is too much, a single 2nd isn't enough. Maybe Knecht for TJD + 2nds?

[ReggiesKnicks]

Clint Capella is a free agent. Does he come over for the Tax-MLE and a guaranteed starter role on a title contender?

Precious Achiuwa is a free agent. I don't think he is worth more than the Tax-MLE but I don't know how great the fit is and he is undersized.

[aguiar95]

Hachimura/filler for Gafford/Naji

[Texas Chuck]

2) Nic Claxton

Claxton sort of stikes the middle-ground between Ayton and TJD. Higher salary, multi-year contract, under-performing on a bad team. Ranked 4th in Dunks in 2023 and was Top 10 in 2024. His defensive metrics were good when he had a strong cast around him but have been poor without the support. The Lakers have a good defensive foundation and good coach, meaning I trust Claxton will be a positive impact player.

Additional Pros:

+Declining Contract
+Multiple years remaining
+Good P&R Center with excellent finishing ability on dunks and lobs

How does this trade look?

I think Brooklyn is looking for a 1st and expiring salary, while the Lakers have this.

Claxton + #26 for Vincent + Kleber + 2031 1st (Unprotected)

Brooklyn gets a higher-variance 1st for the future and expiring salary.

This target is my favorite. I think he's the right archetype in that he's a vertical threat to play with Luka and we've seen him defend well on solid teams before. And he's affordable in terms of assets to acquire and without hurting the current rotation any. And Brooklyn should absolutely be willing to move on from him. I might try and push Vandy into the deal in lieu of Kleber but that might cost additional assets they probably don't want to spend.

[kobe_vs_jordan]

Think lakers try free agency first then make an in season move for a player lol

[Texas Chuck]

Think lakers try free agency first then make an in season move for a player lol

Who do you think the primary free agent target(s) would be? Capela seems obvious as he likely just costs the exception and is solid. I would definitely call Brook and see if he is interested in a return. Not seeing an obvious path to a S&T for Naz or Turner and beyond that the pickings seem pretty slim.

[Mavrelous]

Claxton makes most sense, but Ayton and Luka having the same agent, I think Ayton buyout where he leaves 10-15M and signing for the MLE with the Lakers is not far fetched.

[Godaddycurse]

Claxton makes most sense, but Ayton and Luka having the same agent, I think Ayton buyout where he leaves 10-15M and signing for the MLE with the Lakers is not far fetched.

Don't think they can operate below 1st apron next year

[Mavrelous]

Claxton makes most sense, but Ayton and Luka having the same agent, I think Ayton buyout where he leaves 10-15M and signing for the MLE with the Lakers is not far fetched.

Don't think they can operate below 1st apron next year

It's a possibility, if LeBron likes the targets, he opts out and signs low enough to make room for MLE + BAE

[Godaddycurse]

Claxton makes most sense, but Ayton and Luka having the same agent, I think Ayton buyout where he leaves 10-15M and signing for the MLE with the Lakers is not far fetched.

Don't think they can operate below 1st apron next year

It's a possibility, if LeBron likes the targets, he opts out and signs low enough to make room for MLE + BAE

yea i dont think Lebron would do that for Ayton

[Mavrelous]

Don't think they can operate below 1st apron next year

It's a possibility, if LeBron likes the targets, he opts out and signs low enough to make room for MLE + BAE

yea i dont think Lebron would do that for Ayton

He was willing to do it for Jonas

[Texas Chuck]

Don't think they can operate below 1st apron next year

It's a possibility, if LeBron likes the targets, he opts out and signs low enough to make room for MLE + BAE

yea i dont think Lebron would do that for Ayton

LEbron has also famously said that while he respects guys like Duncan and Dirk who took less for their teams that he owes it to other stars to never ever do that so teams can't guilt guys into doing the same citing him.

Maybe Lebron is willing to soften that stance, but I hope not. I respect the hell out of him for knowing who he is in the league and that he feels an obligation to his fellow players to protect their money.

[Doug_12]

Think lakers try free agency first then make an in season move for a player lol

Who do you think the primary free agent target(s) would be? Capela seems obvious as he likely just costs the exception and is solid. I would definitely call Brook and see if he is interested in a return. Not seeing an obvious path to a S&T for Naz or Turner and beyond that the pickings seem pretty slim.

Not I was asked, but next to Capela and Brook I can imagine both Looney and Achiuwa to be targets.

[Texas Chuck]

Think lakers try free agency first then make an in season move for a player lol

Who do you think the primary free agent target(s) would be? Capela seems obvious as he likely just costs the exception and is solid. I would definitely call Brook and see if he is interested in a return. Not seeing an obvious path to a S&T for Naz or Turner and beyond that the pickings seem pretty slim.

Not I was asked, but next to Capela and Brook I can imagine both Looney and Achiuwa to be targets.

Oh anyone should always chime in.

Looney and Precious both underwhelm me. I don't hate adding either guy but to be a backup. I think the Lakers should aim as high as possible. This is a good roster missing a center. I'd try and plug that while Lebron is still both this effective and this willing to keep playing.