(Lock Thread)The LeBron James- 23-24 NBA Playoffs & Off-Season Thread -(NO PERSONAL ATTACKS & BAITING)

[zimpy27]

Also, I'm expecting JHS to be a playoff rotation guy this season. He looked really good last season in the G league.

22ppg on 65.5% TS (43% on 3s), 5rpg and 5apg over 15 games with good defense in the g league before injury.

[nzahir]

Haha pretty much coping. I was annoyed at Rob but without the emotions I se the logic.

I do think it makes sense to keep the team consistent while bring in Redick and a new coaching staff.
The strength of the existing roster is that it is loaded with archetypes around Reaves/LeBron/Davis that Redick can play around with:
Stretch big (Wood), a 3rd on-ball guy (DLo), movement shooter (Knecht), 3+D wing (Christie), POA defender (Gabe), Elite wing defender (Vando), Iso scorer wing (Rui), rim running big (Hayes), young guys that could pop (Bronny, JHS, Lewis)

JHS was great in the G league, I think he leaps to being a rotation PG.
Vando and Gabe were injured all season, they will be better with health.
Wood was awful under Ham, worst season je ever had.
Redick could make this team a lot better depending on the system.


Anyway, I think it's smart to go in with this team and then make upgrades of archetypes that work in Redick's system.

I can see that reasoning, but 2 things

1) The center stuff isn't excusable. A C who can handle bigger bodies and rebound is needed.
We blow leads when AD sits a lot of times due to no rim protection and what if AD misses like 5-10ish games or so? Can't allow bad losing streaks to happen if we want to contend

2) Trying basically the same core isn't horrible since we were a legit very good team, arguably a contender if we had a backup C and Vando. But it helps to have the main guys in during training camp.

Trading for a guy like Lavine may be difficult, but I can see it working out well since he would be similar to Dlo.

Trading for someone like BI would even be more difficult since he is a big change in terms of play style to who he would be mvoed for

Trading for a solid guy, but not a super high ceiling raiser, like CamJ or Grant only works if we are a near contender anyways with a top 5/6 seed already

I think Wood has potential. He had a bad season yet he had awesome +\- with LeBron.
I think DLo+Christie+LeBron+Vando+Wood could be an excellent lineup without Davis.

LaVine could be the answer but his salary is hard to match. But you have to give up Rui to get LaVine, where as you can keep Rui if going for BI. I think BI is the much better player and he's 2 years younger. BI has intangibles, like he can defend 1-5 at an average level, he seems to perform well in playoffs and he provides rebounding pressure. I'd be going for BI even though the adaptation is bigger. I'd go for BI right now.

CamJ or Grant are tough trades because Lakers need to upgrade DLo to a playmaker in the playoffs primarily.

BI fit can sink the team, but the defense is a plus.

But I can see the Pels holding onto him and just paying him. Then ship out CJ in the summer maybe

If we are moving Dlo and not Rui for say CamJ, then we better hope JHS or Vincent are enough there or going for Fultz and hoping he works out

I have little hope JHS will contribute enough this year....but lets see

Tyus Jones wold have been ideal

Some low cost (salary) trade options would be:
TJ McConnell
CP3
Coby White

Vincent and something small

[Heej]

Alright, if Tom Brady is out here dunking at 47, LeBron is going to be dunking through his 70s

Read on Twitter

lol to be fair, that was like an 8 foot rim.

What? Tom Brady is 6'4 with full extension cuz he can completely palm the ball. He probably doesn't even need 20 inches to dunk on a regulation rim

[therealbig3]

Alright, if Tom Brady is out here dunking at 47, LeBron is going to be dunking through his 70s

Read on Twitter

lol to be fair, that was like an 8 foot rim.

What? Tom Brady is 6'4 with full extension cuz he can completely palm the ball. He probably doesn't even need 20 inches to dunk on a regulation rim

lol I think he FaceTimed his kid right after that and they said something about how it’s like an 8.5 foot rim, and he was like, still dunked.

[Heej]

lol to be fair, that was like an 8 foot rim.

What? Tom Brady is 6'4 with full extension cuz he can completely palm the ball. He probably doesn't even need 20 inches to dunk on a regulation rim

lol I think he FaceTimed his kid right after that and they said something about how it’s like an 8.5 foot rim, and he was like, still dunked.

Damn I guess the angle got me. It's impressive how easily he palmed that ball tho. Definitely helped him sling as a QB

[nzahir]

Thoughts on us going after Draymond if GS is falling apart early and wants to retool in Dec/around the deadline?

I don't know what our identity is

I dont feel like we have the offensive weapons overall to compete with the top end teams there

And we aren't going to be an elite defense likely, especially with Vando's status once again unknown

Going after a guy like Lavine should push us up with a higher offensive ceiling

But going after a guy like Draymond can make us an elite defense

He would also be able to cover for Lebron's lazy reg season defense

Rui+Vando for Draymond basically would be the trade. Need a 3rd team I think for salaries to work since I dont think any team can take more in a trade

Main playoff core I can see

Dlo, Christie, Bron, Draymond, AD
Vincent, Reaves, Knecht, Wood

I would see if there is an upgrade for Vincent

Also need to get a backup wing. Someone who can play the 3 and 4 or even the 2/3

Dean Wade
Tari Eason
DFS
Batum
Pat C
Lu Dort

Some combo of JHS+Wood/Cam/Hayes or Vincent+JHS or Vincent +JHS+1 of Cam/Hayes/Wood

[parsnips33]

Keep your dirty paws off him

[nzahir]

Keep your dirty paws off him

You know you want to trade him

Is Rui+Vando fair/enough even?

Idk if its far off, but does it make sense for GS

Add a protected 1st/JHS?

I dont see a full blow up by GS unless Curry asks out and GS is failing hard, so getting 2 guys who are 25-26 and can play now and in a few years may make sense

GS needs to then move other guys and picks for an all star

Or GS is blowing it up and we need to send guys elsewhere and get some value back

[zimpy27]

Watch on YouTube

Worth a watch

[Dr Positivity]

The #1 was what I guessed. Probably a little bit of a fluky period in terms of not having a younger Wade or Grant Hill type.

[zimpy27]

The #1 was what I guessed. Probably a little bit of a fluky period in terms of not having a younger Wade or Grant Hill type.

Yeah I thought similar and always have. I think JB is underrated, he would have worked exceptionally well with LeBron and I'd still like to see it if he is moved.

[nzahir]

Thoughts on the Koloko signing?

I like it while we figure out next steps

Numbers show he was a very good shot blocker and rim protector (88th% for fg% at the rim)

Any hope we make any trades before this reg season or this is likely it?

[zimpy27]

Thoughts on the Koloko signing?

I like it while we figure out next steps

Numbers show he was a very good shot blocker and rim protector (88th% for fg% at the rim)

Any hope we make any trades before this reg season or this is likely it?

Yeah I think Koloko is really fighting to be better than Hayes, probably fits better with Wood than Hayes though as he's mobile and can defend perimeter well. But being a poor rebounder has me suspect on his value for Lakers, Lakers need rebounding.

This signing does nothing for me right now. Bringing in a guy like Butler or Ingram is really the only way I see this team upgrading from DLo (who sucks in playoffs).

Reaves, LeBron, Butler/Ingram provide enough playmaking and can bring it defensively in the playoffs (though likely lack over the RS).
Mix in Christie and you have 1-3 covered in playoff rotation. Davis, LeBron, Wood fill most of the 4-5 time.. Lakers can keep Vando or Vincent in a trade for Butler/Ingram, so they offer the 7th man in a playoff rotation.

[tsherkin]

Thoughts on the Koloko signing?

I like it while we figure out next steps

Numbers show he was a very good shot blocker and rim protector (88th% for fg% at the rim)

Any hope we make any trades before this reg season or this is likely it?

Yeah I think Koloko is really fighting to be better than Hayes, probably fits better with Wood than Hayes though as he's mobile and can defend perimeter well. But being a poor rebounder has me suspect on his value for Lakers, Lakers need rebounding.

Well, he definitely brings 6 fouls. He's young, he's rusty, he hits the O-boards well, he has no range to speak of and sucks at the line.

I dunno. He's forgettable, and wasn't awesome on the defensive boards. He also SUUUUUCKED at finishing in close, albeit over only 58 games. Foul-prone. Unremarkable in college. He doesn't strike me as a difference-maker of any sort. He can block some shots and hit the offensive boards, which is good, but he doesn't really do a lot else. He's depth, and he isn't expensive.

Clearly we need to see him play more to have any real bead on him. But he's not someone who is likely to move the needle much.

[Dr Positivity]

I thought Koloko had a chance to make it as a rim runner type big before health issues.

[nzahir]

Thoughts on the Koloko signing?

I like it while we figure out next steps

Numbers show he was a very good shot blocker and rim protector (88th% for fg% at the rim)

Any hope we make any trades before this reg season or this is likely it?

Yeah I think Koloko is really fighting to be better than Hayes, probably fits better with Wood than Hayes though as he's mobile and can defend perimeter well. But being a poor rebounder has me suspect on his value for Lakers, Lakers need rebounding.

This signing does nothing for me right now. Bringing in a guy like Butler or Ingram is really the only way I see this team upgrading from DLo (who sucks in playoffs).

Reaves, LeBron, Butler/Ingram provide enough playmaking and can bring it defensively in the playoffs (though likely lack over the RS).
Mix in Christie and you have 1-3 covered in playoff rotation. Davis, LeBron, Wood fill most of the 4-5 time.. Lakers can keep Vando or Vincent in a trade for Butler/Ingram, so they offer the 7th man in a playoff rotation.

The isse with bringing on a guy like Butler or Ingram around the deadline is they will make us change the way we play a lot

And with how JJ likely wants us to play, may not be a great fit

If we are making mid season deals it will likely be for more plug and play guys like Cam, Grant, etc and a C

Feels like Lavine is the most simple big name trade if done in the reg season since he is an easier fit

[zimpy27]

Thoughts on the Koloko signing?

I like it while we figure out next steps

Numbers show he was a very good shot blocker and rim protector (88th% for fg% at the rim)

Any hope we make any trades before this reg season or this is likely it?

Yeah I think Koloko is really fighting to be better than Hayes, probably fits better with Wood than Hayes though as he's mobile and can defend perimeter well. But being a poor rebounder has me suspect on his value for Lakers, Lakers need rebounding.

This signing does nothing for me right now. Bringing in a guy like Butler or Ingram is really the only way I see this team upgrading from DLo (who sucks in playoffs).

Reaves, LeBron, Butler/Ingram provide enough playmaking and can bring it defensively in the playoffs (though likely lack over the RS).
Mix in Christie and you have 1-3 covered in playoff rotation. Davis, LeBron, Wood fill most of the 4-5 time.. Lakers can keep Vando or Vincent in a trade for Butler/Ingram, so they offer the 7th man in a playoff rotation.

The isse with bringing on a guy like Butler or Ingram around the deadline is they will make us change the way we play a lot

And with how JJ likely wants us to play, may not be a great fit

If we are making mid season deals it will likely be for more plug and play guys like Cam, Grant, etc and a C

Feels like Lavine is the most simple big name trade if done in the reg season since he is an easier fit

I don't like plug in play because I'm really trying to upgrade DLo to a better playmaker. LaVine is possible but he never has good impact metrics and I think it's because he is poor in intangibles. Butler/Ingram would be much better.

I guess plug and play guy like CamJ is possible if Lakers can also get a playoff level playmaker at the same time.

My guess is that Redick will be trying to improve spacing and movement in Lakers offense. He will have half season to trial this and then Lakers will make a trade based on how it looks.

[nzahir]

Yeah I think Koloko is really fighting to be better than Hayes, probably fits better with Wood than Hayes though as he's mobile and can defend perimeter well. But being a poor rebounder has me suspect on his value for Lakers, Lakers need rebounding.

This signing does nothing for me right now. Bringing in a guy like Butler or Ingram is really the only way I see this team upgrading from DLo (who sucks in playoffs).

Reaves, LeBron, Butler/Ingram provide enough playmaking and can bring it defensively in the playoffs (though likely lack over the RS).
Mix in Christie and you have 1-3 covered in playoff rotation. Davis, LeBron, Wood fill most of the 4-5 time.. Lakers can keep Vando or Vincent in a trade for Butler/Ingram, so they offer the 7th man in a playoff rotation.

The isse with bringing on a guy like Butler or Ingram around the deadline is they will make us change the way we play a lot

And with how JJ likely wants us to play, may not be a great fit

If we are making mid season deals it will likely be for more plug and play guys like Cam, Grant, etc and a C

Feels like Lavine is the most simple big name trade if done in the reg season since he is an easier fit

I don't like plug in play because I'm really trying to upgrade DLo to a better playmaker. LaVine is possible but he never has good impact metrics and I think it's because he is poor in intangibles. Butler/Ingram would be much better.

I guess plug and play guy like CamJ is possible if Lakers can also get a playoff level playmaker at the same time.

My guess is that Redick will be trying to improve spacing and movement in Lakers offense. He will have half season to trial this and then Lakers will make a trade based on how it looks.

Say we go for CamJ or Jerami Grant

Who is a playoff levek playmaker?

Salaries to work with:
Rui, Vando, Vincent, JHS, Hayes, Cam

[zimpy27]

The isse with bringing on a guy like Butler or Ingram around the deadline is they will make us change the way we play a lot

And with how JJ likely wants us to play, may not be a great fit

If we are making mid season deals it will likely be for more plug and play guys like Cam, Grant, etc and a C

Feels like Lavine is the most simple big name trade if done in the reg season since he is an easier fit

I don't like plug in play because I'm really trying to upgrade DLo to a better playmaker. LaVine is possible but he never has good impact metrics and I think it's because he is poor in intangibles. Butler/Ingram would be much better.

I guess plug and play guy like CamJ is possible if Lakers can also get a playoff level playmaker at the same time.

My guess is that Redick will be trying to improve spacing and movement in Lakers offense. He will have half season to trial this and then Lakers will make a trade based on how it looks.

Say we go for CamJ or Jerami Grant

Who is a playoff levek playmaker?

Salaries to work with:
Rui, Vando, Vincent, JHS, Hayes, Cam

That's what I'm struggling with. Could CP3 be a target?
Lonzo Ball if he recovers and looks good.
The only cheaper deals for playoff starter PGs are for injury prone guys.

I mean if Lakers could somehow get CP3, CamJ and Val then I would be happy.

CP3, Reaves, CamJ, LeBron, Davis -- Vincent, Christie, Wood, Val

[zimpy27]

What do you guys think about Simmons in a contract year? He upgrades playmaking from DLO, adds rebounding from PG position which you don't expect, can defend 1-5 legitimately. Seems like an ideal fit except for the lack of shooting but Lakers move on from Vando and Vincent, who aren't adding shooting anyway and DLo hasn't shot well in playoffs, so it's the spacing impact only.

DLo+Vincent+Vando = Simmons

The playoff rotation is pretty solid with the pieces Lakers have remaining:
Simmons (38) | Reaves (10)
Reaves (28) | Christie (20)
Rui (34) | LeBron (8) | Christie (6)
LeBron (32) | Wood (16)
Davis (40) | Wood (8)

This doesn't include young guys like Knecht, JHS, Reddish, Koloko, Castleton, Hayes stepping up their game.