The LeBron James All-NBA (2nd) and Luka Doncic - 24-25 Thread

[PistolPeteJR]

The Lakers are 2-0 vs the Kings in the JJ Redick era.

LAL needs to get moving on a center ASAP. More and more we’re seeing teams hunt AD in the PnR in order to draw him out of the paint and there’s not much the Lakers can do about that. They need a viable defensive center they can use to counter that.

Sharpe from Brooklyn perhaps.

For a PoA, any interest in Davion Mitchell from Toronto? Doubt he’d be expensive, look what Schroeder just went for.

[TroubleS0me]

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[dcstanley]

Quiet as kept, they're now 13-7 when Lebron, AD, and Reaves all play.

Im still optomistic about us with some fixes

Christie and Gabe have been playing better (now is the time to move Gabe if we are getting a defensive minded pg in another deal)

Biggest quick fix is a backup C that can play when AD sits. I hate those non C minutes

I dont want Jonas V. Get a defensive minded guy like Sharpe, RW3 or Kessler

Then it comes down to figuiring out the "bigger move" with the same usual suspects thrown around

Any thoughts on more random names like MPJ or Wiggins if they are traded?

If Den goes after CamJ and or DFS, could we get in on a 3 way deal or go after MPJ after?

If GS goes for Butler or another "star" and Wiggins is moved, can we get it on that/get him after?

I'm not convinced Lebron is good enough to be the second best offensive player on a championship team so Lavine is still somewhat intriguing.

I like the idea of MPJ but I feel like they should just part with the extra assets for Cam J and Sharpe. Something like DLO/JHS/Hayes/Lewis/2028 swap/2029 unprotected first/two seconds for Johnson/Sharpe. Just the cleanest deal to make-- you don't have to pay anyone to take on Gabe or Vando, Rui bolsters the bench and can play more of his minutes at his natural position, you get a back up center and starting wing, etc.

Reaves/Gabe
Christie/Reddish
Johnson/Knecht/Vando
LBJ/Rui/Wood
AD/Sharpe

[zimpy27]

Quiet as kept, they're now 13-7 when Lebron, AD, and Reaves all play.

Im still optomistic about us with some fixes

Christie and Gabe have been playing better (now is the time to move Gabe if we are getting a defensive minded pg in another deal)

Biggest quick fix is a backup C that can play when AD sits. I hate those non C minutes

I dont want Jonas V. Get a defensive minded guy like Sharpe, RW3 or Kessler

Then it comes down to figuiring out the "bigger move" with the same usual suspects thrown around

Any thoughts on more random names like MPJ or Wiggins if they are traded?

If Den goes after CamJ and or DFS, could we get in on a 3 way deal or go after MPJ after?

If GS goes for Butler or another "star" and Wiggins is moved, can we get it on that/get him after?

I'm not convinced Lebron is good enough to be the second best offensive player on a championship team so Lavine is still somewhat intriguing.

I like the idea of MPJ but I feel like they should just part with the extra assets for Cam J and Sharpe. Something like DLO/JHS/Hayes/Lewis/2028 swap/2029 unprotected first/two seconds for Johnson/Sharpe. Just the cleanest deal to make-- you don't have to pay anyone to take on Gabe or Vando, Rui bolsters the bench and can play more of his minutes at his natural position, you get a back up center and starting wing, etc.

Reaves/Gabe
Christie/Reddish
Johnson/Knecht/Vando
LBJ/Rui/Wood
AD/Sharpe

Yeah I prefer CamJ+Sharpe over MPJ.

But without a defensive playmaker coming back you have to know that Christie will be a starter and Lakers will struggle at times to get offense going by relying on LeBron and Reaves to playmake.

Bruce Brown and Lonzo are interesting IMO. I think Lakers will take one

[zimpy27]

I really like this trade:


Lakers get Lonzo, Smith, THT

Bulls get DLo, Vincent, Hayes


Lonzo, Reaves, LeBron, Rui, Davis
Christie, THT, Knecht, Vando, Smith
JHS, Bronny, Reddish,.Lewis, Wood

THT and Smith have been great on the Bulls this year, THT can step in for Lonzo if injuries happen and Smith can start alongside Davis since he stays on perimeter (he takes same 3 volume as LaVine per minute).


Lakers need to add pick compensation. Perhaps a lottery protect FRP.

[dcstanley]

I really like this trade:


Lakers get Lonzo, Smith, THT

Bulls get DLo, Vincent, Hayes


Lonzo, Reaves, LeBron, Rui, Davis
Christie, THT, Knecht, Vando, Smith
JHS, Bronny, Reddish,.Lewis, Wood

THT and Smith have been great on the Bulls this year, THT can step in for Lonzo if injuries happen and Smith can start alongside Davis since he stays on perimeter (he takes same 3 volume as LaVine per minute).


Lakers need to add pick compensation. Perhaps a lottery protect FRP.

Not seeing it with Lonzo at all. He's only played 11 games this season, In the games that he has played he hardly ever plays over 20 minutes (averaging 17 on the season) and 83% of his shot attempts are from 3 (indicates that he's not able to get separation in the halfcourt). He's only shooting 30% from 3 and 48 TS% on the season.

He might not be any better than Gabe is at this point. He was out for nearly three years. I think his days of being a starting PG on a playoff team are finished.

[zimpy27]

I really like this trade:


Lakers get Lonzo, Smith, THT

Bulls get DLo, Vincent, Hayes


Lonzo, Reaves, LeBron, Rui, Davis
Christie, THT, Knecht, Vando, Smith
JHS, Bronny, Reddish,.Lewis, Wood

THT and Smith have been great on the Bulls this year, THT can step in for Lonzo if injuries happen and Smith can start alongside Davis since he stays on perimeter (he takes same 3 volume as LaVine per minute).


Lakers need to add pick compensation. Perhaps a lottery protect FRP.

Not seeing it with Lonzo at all. He's only played 11 games this season, In the games that he has played he hardly ever plays over 20 minutes (averaging 17 on the season) and 83% of his shot attempts are from 3 (indicates that he's not able to get separation in the halfcourt). He's only shooting 30% from 3 and 48 TS% on the season.

He might not be any better than Gabe is at this point. He was out for nearly three years. I think his days of being a starting PG on a playoff team are finished.

Well he's definitely already better than Gabe. He has 2nd best impact stats on the Bulls and he's matching all his same numbers except 3%. If his 3% was 39% (his average for the 3 seasons prior to injury) then his ts% would be 60% TS.

So yeah he just needs his shot back and it's the same impactful Lonzo.

[nzahir]

I really like this trade:


Lakers get Lonzo, Smith, THT

Bulls get DLo, Vincent, Hayes


Lonzo, Reaves, LeBron, Rui, Davis
Christie, THT, Knecht, Vando, Smith
JHS, Bronny, Reddish,.Lewis, Wood

THT and Smith have been great on the Bulls this year, THT can step in for Lonzo if injuries happen and Smith can start alongside Davis since he stays on perimeter (he takes same 3 volume as LaVine per minute).


Lakers need to add pick compensation. Perhaps a lottery protect FRP.

I dont mind this move, but has to be done with more trades on top of it

The best move that is a non star move is getting an upgrade on the wing, so DFS, CamJ, Dillon Brooks?, Wiggins?

Getting a legit good backup like RW3, Sharpe, Kessler, etc

And upgrading from Dlo at the pg spot/get a more defensive minded guard. Lonzo, Marcus Smart, DJM?, Sexton? (not even sure hes an upgrade)

[nzahir]

Im still optomistic about us with some fixes

Christie and Gabe have been playing better (now is the time to move Gabe if we are getting a defensive minded pg in another deal)

Biggest quick fix is a backup C that can play when AD sits. I hate those non C minutes

I dont want Jonas V. Get a defensive minded guy like Sharpe, RW3 or Kessler

Then it comes down to figuiring out the "bigger move" with the same usual suspects thrown around

Any thoughts on more random names like MPJ or Wiggins if they are traded?

If Den goes after CamJ and or DFS, could we get in on a 3 way deal or go after MPJ after?

If GS goes for Butler or another "star" and Wiggins is moved, can we get it on that/get him after?

I'm not convinced Lebron is good enough to be the second best offensive player on a championship team so Lavine is still somewhat intriguing.

I like the idea of MPJ but I feel like they should just part with the extra assets for Cam J and Sharpe. Something like DLO/JHS/Hayes/Lewis/2028 swap/2029 unprotected first/two seconds for Johnson/Sharpe. Just the cleanest deal to make-- you don't have to pay anyone to take on Gabe or Vando, Rui bolsters the bench and can play more of his minutes at his natural position, you get a back up center and starting wing, etc.

Reaves/Gabe
Christie/Reddish
Johnson/Knecht/Vando
LBJ/Rui/Wood
AD/Sharpe

Yeah I prefer CamJ+Sharpe over MPJ.

But without a defensive playmaker coming back you have to know that Christie will be a starter and Lakers will struggle at times to get offense going by relying on LeBron and Reaves to playmake.

Bruce Brown and Lonzo are interesting IMO. I think Lakers will take one

What about MPJ and Sharpe? Do you view CamJ as a better overall player than MPJ or just a better value due to contract?

MPJ is an injury risk, but CamJ hasnt been the healthiest guy either

[zimpy27]

I'm not convinced Lebron is good enough to be the second best offensive player on a championship team so Lavine is still somewhat intriguing.

I like the idea of MPJ but I feel like they should just part with the extra assets for Cam J and Sharpe. Something like DLO/JHS/Hayes/Lewis/2028 swap/2029 unprotected first/two seconds for Johnson/Sharpe. Just the cleanest deal to make-- you don't have to pay anyone to take on Gabe or Vando, Rui bolsters the bench and can play more of his minutes at his natural position, you get a back up center and starting wing, etc.

Reaves/Gabe
Christie/Reddish
Johnson/Knecht/Vando
LBJ/Rui/Wood
AD/Sharpe

Yeah I prefer CamJ+Sharpe over MPJ.

But without a defensive playmaker coming back you have to know that Christie will be a starter and Lakers will struggle at times to get offense going by relying on LeBron and Reaves to playmake.

Bruce Brown and Lonzo are interesting IMO. I think Lakers will take one

What about MPJ and Sharpe? Do you view CamJ as a better overall player than MPJ or just a better value due to contract?

MPJ is an injury risk, but CamJ hasnt been the healthiest guy either

I think MPJ is a average defender version of Rui. CamJ has much better handles, can playmake a lot better and is an above average defender. Plus CamJ is a legit movement shooter, MPJ is more spot up.

So yeah I think CamJ is better and the contract price difference makes it a no brainer. I think CamJ is worth more.

Lakers need a perimeter guard defender like Christie but more experienced and capable to start (unless Christie is reliable now). Lakers need this player regardless of whether you get CamJ or MPJ. Key though is that these guard defenders all seem to cost around $20m.

I don't think Lakers need both Rui and Knecht if they get CamJ. So one can go in the trade.

[zimpy27]

Rui+Vincent+JHS+LAL29FRP+LAL28swap
For
CamJ+Sharpe

This leaves Lakers ~$1m under hard cap. Enough for Lakers to sign a buyout for 15th man.

Reaves, Christie, CamJ, LeBron, Davis
DLo, Knecht, Vando, Wood, Sharpe
Bronny, Reddish, Lewis, Hayes


DLo expiring gives Lakers more flexibility and they get to keep his playmaking for RS.


Playoffs:
PG: Reaves (38) | DLo (10)
SG: CKRV (34) | DLo (14)
SF: CamJ (38) | CKRV (10)
PF: LeBron (38) | Davis (10)
C : Davis (28) | Sharpe/Wood (20)

Lakers would have flexibility between Sharpe and Wood for 20 mins as well as Christie/Knecht/Reddish/Vando for 44 mins.

Reaves, CamJ, LeBron, Davis all play 38 minutes. DLo plays 24 minutes.

[trickshot]

AD is the healthiest player on the team. That's the wrong type of miracle. Don't need more sicknotes. I heard they fired their whole medical staff but I won't be surprised with the amateur injury reporting for the last 2 years. Always at least one perpetually returning player 2 weeks away from being 2 weeks away.

[trickshot]

Loving the renewed defensive identity. Why I hate the Reddick comparisons to Ham. Under Ham it's this team sucks. Under Reddick it's we suck here, here and here so let's try this and that to contain it. Ham's solution to every problem was zone defense and drop coverage everything. You never knew where the problem matchup was. The reason the season isn't over is because there are promising signs when JJ tries new things. Went 5-0 After bringing Cam into the starting lineup, it wasn't sustainable and fell off but has now started Max christie and are 3-0 since. It's glaring AD and Bron's star power are enough to edge certain teams if they just have one or two hustle motor guys and play hard. Don't even need to shoot well. It's not some discovery, we already know because it's the same formula that won in 2020.

[TroubleS0me]

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[IG2]

Quite the defensive renaissance the last 5 games (#1 in DRTG during that stretch), all coinciding with Max Christie being put in the starting lineup 5 games ago. Guy's a straight up stud defensively. Even has LeBron putting in effort on that end. Let's see how sustainable that is at his age lol

[nzahir]

Quite the defensive renaissance the last 5 games (#1 in DRTG during that stretch), all coinciding with Max Christie being put in the starting lineup 5 games ago. Guy's a straight up stud defensively. Even has LeBron putting in effort on that end. Let's see how sustainable that is at his age lol

You guy think Christie can close playoff games vs contenders?

If he is that guy, then our main focus should be a 3/4 who can close games, instead of a more defensive minded 1/2

[trickshot]

Greatest ever season from a 40 year old and people are more pressed that a 40yr old might no longer be in his prime. Like no ****, decline starts at 30. Curry had 2 points the other day, at about that age Lebron was coming off a FMVP and was on the MVP ladder with Jokic and Embiid, then Hill dived on his ankle.

Why I've given up on most fan circles. The shooting epidemic might be getting stale to watch but the game isn't actually objectively worse, it just got more popular and came with an influx of casuals who don't know the history of the game and think inside the Nba is actually constructive.

[zimpy27]

Quite the defensive renaissance the last 5 games (#1 in DRTG during that stretch), all coinciding with Max Christie being put in the starting lineup 5 games ago. Guy's a straight up stud defensively. Even has LeBron putting in effort on that end. Let's see how sustainable that is at his age lol

You guy think Christie can close playoff games vs contenders?

If he is that guy, then our main focus should be a 3/4 who can close games, instead of a more defensive minded 1/2

That's the big question. I think it's to soon to rely on either Christie or Knecht in big games. But it might be a risk the Lakers need to take

[dcstanley]

Quite the defensive renaissance the last 5 games (#1 in DRTG during that stretch), all coinciding with Max Christie being put in the starting lineup 5 games ago. Guy's a straight up stud defensively. Even has LeBron putting in effort on that end. Let's see how sustainable that is at his age lol

Gabe Vincent is also shooting 49% from three in the last 11 games. The defense is a lot better if those two are able to make enough shots to stay on the floor.

[PistolPeteJR]

Quite the defensive renaissance the last 5 games (#1 in DRTG during that stretch), all coinciding with Max Christie being put in the starting lineup 5 games ago. Guy's a straight up stud defensively. Even has LeBron putting in effort on that end. Let's see how sustainable that is at his age lol

Gabe Vincent is also shooting 49% from three in the last 11 games. The defense is a lot better if those two are able to make enough shots to stay on the floor.

Yup. This means setting your defense more = better D