RealGM

Vanderbilt for JV

Why for LA? I think they need to add at least 2 centers this summer. A defensive/lob threat, and a big body who can score inside. JV still looked solid for the Kings this past year, he can rebound, hes massive, and hes a solid ft shooter. This would be the first one, Capela is a nice target for the 2nd center?

Why for Sac? Perry claims he wants to shift to a defensive first team. We are likely rolling with LaVine/Sabonis next year, so need to add realistic defenders around them.

is he starting? taking laravia's spot in rotation off the bench?

I think LA can get a center to fill the role you envision for JV using an exception or maybe even just a min salary. I don't hate this for them after they do more important stuff and didn't need JV's matching, but only as that.

Seems okayish for the Kings. Again, they should try and use JV's salary for something better, but if they strike out, yeah I like Vanderbilt better for them.

Godaddycurse wrote:is he starting? taking laravia's spot in rotation off the bench?

Sadly I don't think we will be able to retain LaRavia, although I hope we do.

Demar shouldnt be on the squad under any circumstances next year if LaVine is here. In an ideal world we make a trade with Dallas where we get Naji/Martin/Hardy for Demar. And IMO the off chance we can retain LaRavia, I still like the deal.

Sabonis/
Naji/Vando
Keegan/LaRavia

This is a team that has been starved for length and athleticism. Would be a breath of fresh air to have that as my forward rotation as sad as that is. And if you need to find extra minutes for these guys, I think you can play big or small with 3 at a time.

JV is not a good fit for the Lakers and isn't a fit on either end of the court. However, the list of centers who are free agents is scarce.

Here is a list of FA Centers the Lakers should be able to acquire for TMLE or below:

Clint Capella

Moving to actual trade candidates:

DeAndre Ayton
Nic Claxton
Mitchell Robinson
Goga Bitadze
Nick Richards
Walker Kessler

I say all this, and there aren't a lot of available players. Jonas Valanciunas is probably next, which puts him 8th on the list, definitely Top 10, which makes the proposed trade possible. I would be bummed if I were a Lakers fan and I came out of the off-season without addressing the Center position.

Texas Chuck wrote:I think LA can get a center to fill the role you envision for JV using an exception or maybe even just a min salary. I don't hate this for them after they do more important stuff and didn't need JV's matching, but only as that.

Seems okayish for the Kings. Again, they should try and use JV's salary for something better, but if they strike out, yeah I like Vanderbilt better for them.

I had envisioned the exception going to Capela after this deal. At which point they still have Kleber/Knecht to add another guy who can shoot 3s next to Luka. Without getting too lost in the weeds, Knecht/Kleber to PHX for Allen.

Capela/JV
Rui/DFS
Lebron
Reaves/Allen
Luka/Vincent

That's how i'd envision them rounding out the roster. Far better fitting 9 man rotation for next years playoffs, with a ton more size.

I like Vandervilt for the Kings (I've suggested him before, too), as they're loaded with scorers to surround him. I hope the Lakers aim higher or use another center archetype, though. The Kings could continue with DDR for Wiggins and sign Simmons to the FA and suddenly be a strong defensive team.

Simmons/Lavine/Wiggins/Murray/Sabonis
Carter/Monk/Ellis/LaRavia/Vandervilt

Or

Monk to MAGIC
KCP/Carter to CELTICS
Jrue to KINGS