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

[dcstanley]

That’s dramatic and there’s no point expecting anyone to hit 100% in the draft. Presti traded three 1sts to draft Ousmane Dieng in 22 at 11 who turned ok to be a lemon and picked Jalen Williams with the very next pick, who looks like a stud. It’s an inexact science even for the best.

He was known as a project at the time of his selection and was drafted by a team with two aging stars (one of which is quite literally the oldest player in the league). On top of that, he possessed a skillset the team could use but didn't really need. Even those that were optimistic on his upside didn't see him being a contributor on this iteration of the Lakers and lo and behold it's year 2 and he looks like G-league fodder. It was a predictable whiff if your goal is for this version of the Lakers to be competitive and especially stings when the opportunity cost is players like Smart and Caruso.

JHS will be in Lakers best 9 come playoffs. Watch.


He became a strong shooter towards end of last season and then got injured, he's just come back and is bringing back his form. He playmakers well and defends well. I think he earns his spot over Vincent and Vincent deal is traded for a backup big (Val) before the ASB.

If JHS is in the rotation then The Lakers were devastated by injuries and not making the playoffs. He's not an NBA player right now.

[The Master]

If we aren't willing to trade any pics post 2027, just blow it up. No point in being a play in team.

1. NBA is not a win-or-bust enterprise on financial level, Lakers with LeBron are probably pretty beneficial for the owners with being just 'good' level-wise. In small market, it works differently, but Lakers still have all the media coverage and the biggest star in the NBA, that's one of the reasons why after Westbrook was moved we haven't seen any moves happening there.
2. Lakers would be willing to trade post-2027 picks, but only under special circumstances (e.g., if a star becomes available). But that seems unlikely, as we've learned from the last trade deadline.
3. From strategic perspective, the best outcome for the Lakers is to try to be 'good' until 2026 or 2027, then trade AD (assuming he'll re-sign, with current era even 34yo AD would cost plenty of firsts if dealt) and go into full rebuild mode ('27 pick is only top4 protected, that's tricky).

Depth: I think 9-10 guys is fine when it comes to the playoffs

Poa defender: We have Gabe, but I don't love Gabe that much. I think his Heat run was a bit of a fluke. Takes too many poor shots for the shooter he is. Would love to go after NAW if possible

3&D wing: Christie may be that guy, but lets see. He does decent when out there with multiple ball handlers and doesnt have to do much but shoot or easy plays. He is a horrific playmaker though. If you mean a 3/4, then we do lack that unless Rui becomes a good defender somehow

Backup C: This is the easiest fix. But may need to pay up with some 2nds, a 1st, swap, and or JHS all depending on who it is. Tons of targets already names like Kessler, Isaiah Jackson, Jonas V, Goga, etc

Playoff performers as 4th and 5th options: I agree here. Reaves, Dlo, and Rui? is not a great 3-5.

If we cant figure out multiple deals to fix these holes, then we may need to swing high for high potential guys, like Lavine

Or can go look at someone like Robert Williams as a high upside guy. Gabe, Hayes, and a 2nd?

Try to build around a great defense

Re: depth

Lakers have:

LeBron, AD
Reaves, Russell
Hachimura
Knecht

then:
- Vincent was playing lower minutes than Christie in the preseason for a reason, I guess
- Christie isn't a potent shooter
- JHS is trash
- Redish is trash offensively
- Hayes isn't a rotational back-up C, nor is Wood
- Bronny is trash
- Vanderbilt can be useful in RS/specific matchup in the playoffs, but his last season was lost and now at the beginning he's not available neither
- Lewis didn't make it to the preseason rotation

Am I forgetting someone? I can imagine making out of this playable rotation that is an improvement over last season (healthy Vanderbilt and Vincent/Christie, Knecht as an upgrade over Prince), but for now Lakers improved with rookie Knecht (who's still a question mark, but it looks promising) and that's it, and yes, injuries will most likely happen.

Re: PoA defender and 3&D wing

Offense is a part of defense for these defense-oriented role players in terms of how many minutes they can play - and while Christie can be a nice addition there, without a 3pt he won't get big minutes. The same with Vanderbilt, especially if Redick wants to play 5-out (AD was shooting quite a lot for him in the preseason, wasn't he?), shooting-oriented offense. Vincent played low minutes in the preseason and either he's slowly put into playing time or he's just not good during camp. Redish can't play basketball on the offensive end.

Re: back-up C

Yeah, this part is fixable, but even here, without future 1st rounder being moved (and I doubt it will be), JHS being trash (stop mentioning him in context of being an asset, he's unplayable soph for now), it may be tough to get someone actually decent. If Knecht and Christie are good, then they're vital part of rotation, so it's hard to imagine them being traded for another rotation piece in that scenario, if not - they're not that much valuable as assets. Russell on a contract year has neutral value, Hachimura has probably a neutral/negative one as well.

Re: high upside guy

I don't see any interesting option for the Lakers: LaVine doesn't address defensive issues and with Hachimura, Reaves/Russell and filler being dealt in such scenario, the rotation problem would be big as f, he earns 50 mil a year until 2027 as well, I don't think DLo in CY and Hachimura hold any real value in the league as well.

I just don't see it, really. That's why I said maybe a minor move can be a surprising steal or some special occasion occurs, but that's why all these discussions about reshuffling roster are kind of pointless in my eyes, with all due respect, as it's hard to predict those happening. I wouldn't overreact with JHS being worthless for now (he may finally improve, who knows, and it's not like he was a high-profile draft pick to start with), not to mention stuff like that regularly happens and no one scrutinizes any organization for wasting non-lottery 1st round pick - but in Lakers' situation (no depth, limited amount of moveable assets), wasting #17 and #40 picks a year ago may be actually harmful.

[nzahir]

If we aren't willing to trade any pics post 2027, just blow it up. No point in being a play in team.

1. NBA is not a win-or-bust enterprise on financial level, Lakers with LeBron are probably pretty beneficial for the owners with being just 'good' level-wise. In small market, it works differently, but Lakers still have all the media coverage and the biggest star in the NBA, that's one of the reasons why after Westbrook was moved we haven't seen any moves happening there.
2. Lakers would be willing to trade post-2027 picks, but only under special circumstances (e.g., if a star becomes available). But that seems unlikely, as we've learned from the last trade deadline.
3. From strategic perspective, the best outcome for the Lakers is to try to be 'good' until 2026 or 2027, then trade AD (assuming he'll re-sign, with current era even 34yo AD would cost plenty of firsts if dealt) and go into full rebuild mode ('27 pick is only top4 protected, that's tricky).

Depth: I think 9-10 guys is fine when it comes to the playoffs

Poa defender: We have Gabe, but I don't love Gabe that much. I think his Heat run was a bit of a fluke. Takes too many poor shots for the shooter he is. Would love to go after NAW if possible

3&D wing: Christie may be that guy, but lets see. He does decent when out there with multiple ball handlers and doesnt have to do much but shoot or easy plays. He is a horrific playmaker though. If you mean a 3/4, then we do lack that unless Rui becomes a good defender somehow

Backup C: This is the easiest fix. But may need to pay up with some 2nds, a 1st, swap, and or JHS all depending on who it is. Tons of targets already names like Kessler, Isaiah Jackson, Jonas V, Goga, etc

Playoff performers as 4th and 5th options: I agree here. Reaves, Dlo, and Rui? is not a great 3-5.

If we cant figure out multiple deals to fix these holes, then we may need to swing high for high potential guys, like Lavine

Or can go look at someone like Robert Williams as a high upside guy. Gabe, Hayes, and a 2nd?

Try to build around a great defense

Re: depth

Lakers have:

LeBron, AD
Reaves, Russell
Hachimura
Knecht

then:
- Vincent was playing lower minutes than Christie in the preseason for a reason, I guess
- Christie isn't a potent shooter
- JHS is trash
- Redish is trash offensively
- Hayes isn't a rotational back-up C, nor is Wood
- Bronny is trash
- Vanderbilt can be useful in RS/specific matchup in the playoffs, but his last season was lost and now at the beginning he's not available neither
- Lewis didn't make it to the preseason rotation

Am I forgetting someone? I can imagine making out of this playable rotation that is an improvement over last season (healthy Vanderbilt and Vincent/Christie, Knecht as an upgrade over Prince), but for now Lakers improved with rookie Knecht (who's still a question mark, but it looks promising) and that's it, and yes, injuries will most likely happen.

Re: PoA defender and 3&D wing

Offense is a part of defense for these defense-oriented role players in terms of how many minutes they can play - and while Christie can be a nice addition there, without a 3pt he won't get big minutes. The same with Vanderbilt, especially if Redick wants to play 5-out (AD was shooting quite a lot for him in the preseason, wasn't he?), shooting-oriented offense. Vincent played low minutes in the preseason and either he's slowly put into playing time or he's just not good during camp. Redish can't play basketball on the offensive end.

Re: back-up C

Yeah, this part is fixable, but even here, without future 1st rounder being moved (and I doubt it will be), JHS being trash (stop mentioning him in context of being an asset, he's unplayable soph for now), it may be tough to get someone actually decent. If Knecht and Christie are good, then they're vital part of rotation, so it's hard to imagine them being traded for another rotation piece in that scenario, if not - they're not that much valuable as assets. Russell on a contract year has neutral value, Hachimura has probably a neutral/negative one as well.

Re: high upside guy

I don't see any interesting option for the Lakers: LaVine doesn't address defensive issues and with Hachimura, Reaves/Russell and filler being dealt in such scenario, the rotation problem would be big as f, he earns 50 mil a year until 2027 as well, I don't think DLo in CY and Hachimura hold any real value in the league as well.

I just don't see it, really. That's why I said maybe a minor move can be a surprising steal or some special occasion occurs, but that's why all these discussions about reshuffling roster are kind of pointless in my eyes, with all due respect, as it's hard to predict those happening. I wouldn't overreact with JHS being worthless for now (he may finally improve, who knows, and it's not like he was a high-profile draft pick to start with), not to mention stuff like that regularly happens and no one scrutinizes any organization for wasting non-lottery 1st round pick - but in Lakers' situation (no depth, limited amount of moveable assets), wasting #17 and #40 picks a year ago may be actually harmful.

1) You are right that the Lakers will make money being good or bad? But whats that have to do with anything? If they push in some chips its not like theyll be paying more money, they are basically capped out here for the year due to apron.

Also if we aren't a great team, no playoff game money. Being better can get you 2 rounds+

2) We wont trade both picks unless for a star it looks like, but we may move 1 for a role guy or two

3) I think when you have AD in his later prime and Lebron, you still have two of the top 10 playoff guys and should be going for it

Lavine is a better defender than Dlo and gives athleticism in the guard rotation to attack downhill

I think moving #17 and #40 was worth it. Got us a run to the WCF

And like you said, its not about winning it all every time. But the Lakers made money with playoff games and more itnerest in the team after a horrific year before and a bad start to the year

Also who knows what happens in a series. 3/4 games were incredibly winnable and came down to 1-2 plays. What if we make those plays or Denver misses a shot or Denver gets hurt?

I actually think we should have pushed in more chips and gotten a backup C then as well

Lavine and RW3 have biggest risks due to contracts and injuries, but highest upside guys

[zimpy27]

If we aren't willing to trade any pics post 2027, just blow it up. No point in being a play in team.

1. NBA is not a win-or-bust enterprise on financial level, Lakers with LeBron are probably pretty beneficial for the owners with being just 'good' level-wise. In small market, it works differently, but Lakers still have all the media coverage and the biggest star in the NBA, that's one of the reasons why after Westbrook was moved we haven't seen any moves happening there.
2. Lakers would be willing to trade post-2027 picks, but only under special circumstances (e.g., if a star becomes available). But that seems unlikely, as we've learned from the last trade deadline.
3. From strategic perspective, the best outcome for the Lakers is to try to be 'good' until 2026 or 2027, then trade AD (assuming he'll re-sign, with current era even 34yo AD would cost plenty of firsts if dealt) and go into full rebuild mode ('27 pick is only top4 protected, that's tricky).

Depth: I think 9-10 guys is fine when it comes to the playoffs

Poa defender: We have Gabe, but I don't love Gabe that much. I think his Heat run was a bit of a fluke. Takes too many poor shots for the shooter he is. Would love to go after NAW if possible

3&D wing: Christie may be that guy, but lets see. He does decent when out there with multiple ball handlers and doesnt have to do much but shoot or easy plays. He is a horrific playmaker though. If you mean a 3/4, then we do lack that unless Rui becomes a good defender somehow

Backup C: This is the easiest fix. But may need to pay up with some 2nds, a 1st, swap, and or JHS all depending on who it is. Tons of targets already names like Kessler, Isaiah Jackson, Jonas V, Goga, etc

Playoff performers as 4th and 5th options: I agree here. Reaves, Dlo, and Rui? is not a great 3-5.

If we cant figure out multiple deals to fix these holes, then we may need to swing high for high potential guys, like Lavine

Or can go look at someone like Robert Williams as a high upside guy. Gabe, Hayes, and a 2nd?

Try to build around a great defense

Re: depth

Lakers have:

LeBron, AD
Reaves, Russell
Hachimura
Knecht

then:
- Vincent was playing lower minutes than Christie in the preseason for a reason, I guess
- Christie isn't a potent shooter
- JHS is trash
- Redish is trash offensively
- Hayes isn't a rotational back-up C, nor is Wood
- Bronny is trash
- Vanderbilt can be useful in RS/specific matchup in the playoffs, but his last season was lost and now at the beginning he's not available neither
- Lewis didn't make it to the preseason rotation

Am I forgetting someone? I can imagine making out of this playable rotation that is an improvement over last season (healthy Vanderbilt and Vincent/Christie, Knecht as an upgrade over Prince), but for now Lakers improved with rookie Knecht (who's still a question mark, but it looks promising) and that's it, and yes, injuries will most likely happen.

Re: PoA defender and 3&D wing

Offense is a part of defense for these defense-oriented role players in terms of how many minutes they can play - and while Christie can be a nice addition there, without a 3pt he won't get big minutes. The same with Vanderbilt, especially if Redick wants to play 5-out (AD was shooting quite a lot for him in the preseason, wasn't he?), shooting-oriented offense. Vincent played low minutes in the preseason and either he's slowly put into playing time or he's just not good during camp. Redish can't play basketball on the offensive end.

Re: back-up C

Yeah, this part is fixable, but even here, without future 1st rounder being moved (and I doubt it will be), JHS being trash (stop mentioning him in context of being an asset, he's unplayable soph for now), it may be tough to get someone actually decent. If Knecht and Christie are good, then they're vital part of rotation, so it's hard to imagine them being traded for another rotation piece in that scenario, if not - they're not that much valuable as assets. Russell on a contract year has neutral value, Hachimura has probably a neutral/negative one as well.

Re: high upside guy

I don't see any interesting option for the Lakers: LaVine doesn't address defensive issues and with Hachimura, Reaves/Russell and filler being dealt in such scenario, the rotation problem would be big as f, he earns 50 mil a year until 2027 as well, I don't think DLo in CY and Hachimura hold any real value in the league as well.

I just don't see it, really. That's why I said maybe a minor move can be a surprising steal or some special occasion occurs, but that's why all these discussions about reshuffling roster are kind of pointless in my eyes, with all due respect, as it's hard to predict those happening. I wouldn't overreact with JHS being worthless for now (he may finally improve, who knows, and it's not like he was a high-profile draft pick to start with), not to mention stuff like that regularly happens and no one scrutinizes any organization for wasting non-lottery 1st round pick - but in Lakers' situation (no depth, limited amount of moveable assets), wasting #17 and #40 picks a year ago may be actually harmful.

1) You are right that the Lakers will make money being good or bad? But whats that have to do with anything? If they push in some chips its not like theyll be paying more money, they are basically capped out here for the year due to apron.

Also if we aren't a great team, no playoff game money. Being better can get you 2 rounds+

2) We wont trade both picks unless for a star it looks like, but we may move 1 for a role guy or two

3) I think when you have AD in his later prime and Lebron, you still have two of the top 10 playoff guys and should be going for it

Lavine is a better defender than Dlo and gives athleticism in the guard rotation to attack downhill

I think moving #17 and #40 was worth it. Got us a run to the WCF

And like you said, its not about winning it all every time. But the Lakers made money with playoff games and more itnerest in the team after a horrific year before and a bad start to the year

Also who knows what happens in a series. 3/4 games were incredibly winnable and came down to 1-2 plays. What if we make those plays or Denver misses a shot or Denver gets hurt?

I actually think we should have pushed in more chips and gotten a backup C then as well

Lavine and RW3 have biggest risks due to contracts and injuries, but highest upside guys

DLo is a more efficient scorer than LaVine when you remove FTs.. Problem is this efficiency of his drops in playoffs.

A move for LaVine won't improve Lakers in RS but might in playoffs.

Lakers really need someone like Lonzo or Caruso to either pair with Reaves in starting lineup. Then they could start Knecht

[nzahir]

1. NBA is not a win-or-bust enterprise on financial level, Lakers with LeBron are probably pretty beneficial for the owners with being just 'good' level-wise. In small market, it works differently, but Lakers still have all the media coverage and the biggest star in the NBA, that's one of the reasons why after Westbrook was moved we haven't seen any moves happening there.
2. Lakers would be willing to trade post-2027 picks, but only under special circumstances (e.g., if a star becomes available). But that seems unlikely, as we've learned from the last trade deadline.
3. From strategic perspective, the best outcome for the Lakers is to try to be 'good' until 2026 or 2027, then trade AD (assuming he'll re-sign, with current era even 34yo AD would cost plenty of firsts if dealt) and go into full rebuild mode ('27 pick is only top4 protected, that's tricky).


Re: depth

Lakers have:

LeBron, AD
Reaves, Russell
Hachimura
Knecht

then:
- Vincent was playing lower minutes than Christie in the preseason for a reason, I guess
- Christie isn't a potent shooter
- JHS is trash
- Redish is trash offensively
- Hayes isn't a rotational back-up C, nor is Wood
- Bronny is trash
- Vanderbilt can be useful in RS/specific matchup in the playoffs, but his last season was lost and now at the beginning he's not available neither
- Lewis didn't make it to the preseason rotation

Am I forgetting someone? I can imagine making out of this playable rotation that is an improvement over last season (healthy Vanderbilt and Vincent/Christie, Knecht as an upgrade over Prince), but for now Lakers improved with rookie Knecht (who's still a question mark, but it looks promising) and that's it, and yes, injuries will most likely happen.

Re: PoA defender and 3&D wing

Offense is a part of defense for these defense-oriented role players in terms of how many minutes they can play - and while Christie can be a nice addition there, without a 3pt he won't get big minutes. The same with Vanderbilt, especially if Redick wants to play 5-out (AD was shooting quite a lot for him in the preseason, wasn't he?), shooting-oriented offense. Vincent played low minutes in the preseason and either he's slowly put into playing time or he's just not good during camp. Redish can't play basketball on the offensive end.

Re: back-up C

Yeah, this part is fixable, but even here, without future 1st rounder being moved (and I doubt it will be), JHS being trash (stop mentioning him in context of being an asset, he's unplayable soph for now), it may be tough to get someone actually decent. If Knecht and Christie are good, then they're vital part of rotation, so it's hard to imagine them being traded for another rotation piece in that scenario, if not - they're not that much valuable as assets. Russell on a contract year has neutral value, Hachimura has probably a neutral/negative one as well.

Re: high upside guy

I don't see any interesting option for the Lakers: LaVine doesn't address defensive issues and with Hachimura, Reaves/Russell and filler being dealt in such scenario, the rotation problem would be big as f, he earns 50 mil a year until 2027 as well, I don't think DLo in CY and Hachimura hold any real value in the league as well.

I just don't see it, really. That's why I said maybe a minor move can be a surprising steal or some special occasion occurs, but that's why all these discussions about reshuffling roster are kind of pointless in my eyes, with all due respect, as it's hard to predict those happening. I wouldn't overreact with JHS being worthless for now (he may finally improve, who knows, and it's not like he was a high-profile draft pick to start with), not to mention stuff like that regularly happens and no one scrutinizes any organization for wasting non-lottery 1st round pick - but in Lakers' situation (no depth, limited amount of moveable assets), wasting #17 and #40 picks a year ago may be actually harmful.

1) You are right that the Lakers will make money being good or bad? But whats that have to do with anything? If they push in some chips its not like theyll be paying more money, they are basically capped out here for the year due to apron.

Also if we aren't a great team, no playoff game money. Being better can get you 2 rounds+

2) We wont trade both picks unless for a star it looks like, but we may move 1 for a role guy or two

3) I think when you have AD in his later prime and Lebron, you still have two of the top 10 playoff guys and should be going for it

Lavine is a better defender than Dlo and gives athleticism in the guard rotation to attack downhill

I think moving #17 and #40 was worth it. Got us a run to the WCF

And like you said, its not about winning it all every time. But the Lakers made money with playoff games and more itnerest in the team after a horrific year before and a bad start to the year

Also who knows what happens in a series. 3/4 games were incredibly winnable and came down to 1-2 plays. What if we make those plays or Denver misses a shot or Denver gets hurt?

I actually think we should have pushed in more chips and gotten a backup C then as well

Lavine and RW3 have biggest risks due to contracts and injuries, but highest upside guys

DLo is a more efficient scorer than LaVine when you remove FTs.. Problem is this efficiency of his drops in playoffs.

A move for LaVine won't improve Lakers in RS but might in playoffs.

Lakers really need someone like Lonzo or Caruso to either pair with Reaves in starting lineup. Then they could start Knecht

Lavine and Caruso was the ideal trade for Dlo, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and Reddish or Dlo, Rui, Vincent, and Vando for those 2 and salary filler

Idk if Knecht is a starter yet, lets even see how he plays in a role off the bench first in reg season games

Lavine was a legit all star a few years back and imagine him with Bron and AD

He is a better shooter than Dlo from 3 when you account for volume, difficulty, movement, and ability to shoot from deep

Better at getting fta, which is important

Better at attacking the basket and wont get shut down as easily due to being more athletic

Also a better man defender than Dlo

If we want to have an identity as a top 5 defense, then you go looking for a very good defensive guard like Lonzo or Smart and go get RW3 or Kessler

Vincent and Vando for Lonzo?

Lonzo, Reaves, Rui, Bron, AD
Dlo, Christie, Knecht, Wood, Koloko

And possibly look to swap Rui if possible? Cam Johnson deal is tricky with Rui. Would need to be JHS and Wood. But prefer to keep Wood. Can also do JHS, Reddish, and Maxwell Lewis

Still also need a backup C

I dont know if I would move Dlo for nothing really, unless he is the piece to move in a Cam Johnson deal?

[PistolPeteJR]

Lonnie Walker was just waived. Lakers should pursue.

[zimpy27]

1) You are right that the Lakers will make money being good or bad? But whats that have to do with anything? If they push in some chips its not like theyll be paying more money, they are basically capped out here for the year due to apron.

Also if we aren't a great team, no playoff game money. Being better can get you 2 rounds+

2) We wont trade both picks unless for a star it looks like, but we may move 1 for a role guy or two

3) I think when you have AD in his later prime and Lebron, you still have two of the top 10 playoff guys and should be going for it

Lavine is a better defender than Dlo and gives athleticism in the guard rotation to attack downhill

I think moving #17 and #40 was worth it. Got us a run to the WCF

And like you said, its not about winning it all every time. But the Lakers made money with playoff games and more itnerest in the team after a horrific year before and a bad start to the year

Also who knows what happens in a series. 3/4 games were incredibly winnable and came down to 1-2 plays. What if we make those plays or Denver misses a shot or Denver gets hurt?

I actually think we should have pushed in more chips and gotten a backup C then as well

Lavine and RW3 have biggest risks due to contracts and injuries, but highest upside guys

DLo is a more efficient scorer than LaVine when you remove FTs.. Problem is this efficiency of his drops in playoffs.

A move for LaVine won't improve Lakers in RS but might in playoffs.

Lakers really need someone like Lonzo or Caruso to either pair with Reaves in starting lineup. Then they could start Knecht

Lavine and Caruso was the ideal trade for Dlo, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and Reddish or Dlo, Rui, Vincent, and Vando for those 2 and salary filler

Idk if Knecht is a starter yet, lets even see how he plays in a role off the bench first in reg season games

Lavine was a legit all star a few years back and imagine him with Bron and AD

He is a better shooter than Dlo from 3 when you account for volume, difficulty, movement, and ability to shoot from deep

Better at getting fta, which is important

Better at attacking the basket and wont get shut down as easily due to being more athletic

Also a better man defender than Dlo

If we want to have an identity as a top 5 defense, then you go looking for a very good defensive guard like Lonzo or Smart and go get RW3 or Kessler

Vincent and Vando for Lonzo?

Lonzo, Reaves, Rui, Bron, AD
Dlo, Christie, Knecht, Wood, Koloko

And possibly look to swap Rui if possible? Cam Johnson deal is tricky with Rui. Would need to be JHS and Wood. But prefer to keep Wood. Can also do JHS, Reddish, and Maxwell Lewis

Still also need a backup C

I dont know if I would move Dlo for nothing really, unless he is the piece to move in a Cam Johnson deal?

I'd have just done Vincent+FRP for Caruso.

Now I think I'd do Vincent+Vando+SRPs for Lonzo.


Lonzo, Reaves, LeBron, Davis
With either DLo, Knecht, Rui, Wood

Hayes and SRPs get you Reath as backup C

[Slava]

Vando for Lonzo is about the level of risk I’d take on him. May be throw in Reddish plus cash and 2nd round picks to free up some roster spots. Vincent is one of the few proven bench players on the lakers.

[nzahir]

DLo is a more efficient scorer than LaVine when you remove FTs.. Problem is this efficiency of his drops in playoffs.

A move for LaVine won't improve Lakers in RS but might in playoffs.

Lakers really need someone like Lonzo or Caruso to either pair with Reaves in starting lineup. Then they could start Knecht

Lavine and Caruso was the ideal trade for Dlo, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and Reddish or Dlo, Rui, Vincent, and Vando for those 2 and salary filler

Idk if Knecht is a starter yet, lets even see how he plays in a role off the bench first in reg season games

Lavine was a legit all star a few years back and imagine him with Bron and AD

He is a better shooter than Dlo from 3 when you account for volume, difficulty, movement, and ability to shoot from deep

Better at getting fta, which is important

Better at attacking the basket and wont get shut down as easily due to being more athletic

Also a better man defender than Dlo

If we want to have an identity as a top 5 defense, then you go looking for a very good defensive guard like Lonzo or Smart and go get RW3 or Kessler

Vincent and Vando for Lonzo?

Lonzo, Reaves, Rui, Bron, AD
Dlo, Christie, Knecht, Wood, Koloko

And possibly look to swap Rui if possible? Cam Johnson deal is tricky with Rui. Would need to be JHS and Wood. But prefer to keep Wood. Can also do JHS, Reddish, and Maxwell Lewis

Still also need a backup C

I dont know if I would move Dlo for nothing really, unless he is the piece to move in a Cam Johnson deal?

I'd have just done Vincent+FRP for Caruso.

Now I think I'd do Vincent+Vando+SRPs for Lonzo.


Lonzo, Reaves, LeBron, Davis
With either DLo, Knecht, Rui, Wood

Hayes and SRPs get you Reath as backup C

Only question I have with moving Vando is will our defense be good enough on the perimterer vs the elite wings

Other option is to move Rui

Can also go Rui (17), Dlo (19), Vincent (11) for Lonzo (21.4) and CamJ (23.6) and filler/sign vet min

Lonzo, Reaves, CamJ, Bron, AD
Christie, Knecht, Vando, Wood, Koloko?
JHS, Reddish, etc

But now need to sign a backup pg for the vet min or trade JHS and filler for a backup pg

Can also just keep Dlo due to Lonzo's health concerns and likely shouldnt play b2bs or a ton of min

But I like that we have some flexibility here. Lonzo may be a high risk high reward guy due to his defense

[nzahir]

Vando for Lonzo is about the level of risk I’d take on him. May be throw in Reddish plus cash and 2nd round picks to free up some roster spots. Vincent is one of the few proven bench players on the lakers.

Salary wont work, hes at 21.4m

Also is Vincent proven? 1 good year with miami and really just the playoff run

[zimpy27]

Vando for Lonzo is about the level of risk I’d take on him. May be throw in Reddish plus cash and 2nd round picks to free up some roster spots. Vincent is one of the few proven bench players on the lakers.

Yeah I think you have to trade Vando for Lonzo because of the injury risk cancelling out. Bulls might also like Vando, younger piece from Lakers.

I too am worried about losing Vincent. He was so good on the Heat in playoffs. Started on the squad that got to the finals. I think he's underrated because of the injury. I expect JJ play calling to be closer to Spo, a guy like Vincent that just does what you need might be even more useful

[ShaqAttac]

how we lose by 50. is jj frauding

[zimpy27]

Lavine and Caruso was the ideal trade for Dlo, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and Reddish or Dlo, Rui, Vincent, and Vando for those 2 and salary filler

Idk if Knecht is a starter yet, lets even see how he plays in a role off the bench first in reg season games

Lavine was a legit all star a few years back and imagine him with Bron and AD

He is a better shooter than Dlo from 3 when you account for volume, difficulty, movement, and ability to shoot from deep

Better at getting fta, which is important

Better at attacking the basket and wont get shut down as easily due to being more athletic

Also a better man defender than Dlo

If we want to have an identity as a top 5 defense, then you go looking for a very good defensive guard like Lonzo or Smart and go get RW3 or Kessler

Vincent and Vando for Lonzo?

Lonzo, Reaves, Rui, Bron, AD
Dlo, Christie, Knecht, Wood, Koloko

And possibly look to swap Rui if possible? Cam Johnson deal is tricky with Rui. Would need to be JHS and Wood. But prefer to keep Wood. Can also do JHS, Reddish, and Maxwell Lewis

Still also need a backup C

I dont know if I would move Dlo for nothing really, unless he is the piece to move in a Cam Johnson deal?

I'd have just done Vincent+FRP for Caruso.

Now I think I'd do Vincent+Vando+SRPs for Lonzo.


Lonzo, Reaves, LeBron, Davis
With either DLo, Knecht, Rui, Wood

Hayes and SRPs get you Reath as backup C

Only question I have with moving Vando is will our defense be good enough on the perimterer vs the elite wings

Other option is to move Rui

Can also go Rui (17), Dlo (19), Vincent (11) for Lonzo (21.4) and CamJ (23.6) and filler/sign vet min

Lonzo, Reaves, CamJ, Bron, AD
Christie, Knecht, Vando, Wood, Koloko?
JHS, Reddish, etc

But now need to sign a backup pg for the vet min or trade JHS and filler for a backup pg

Can also just keep Dlo due to Lonzo's health concerns and likely shouldnt play b2bs or a ton of min

But I like that we have some flexibility here. Lonzo may be a high risk high reward guy due to his defense

Yeah I understand the concern with the wings.

Right now Lakers have strong offensive pieces: DLo, Reaves, Knecht, LeBron, Rui, Davis and you could add Wood if he gets back to form. Tough part is that collectively they may struggle defensively.

Vincent, Christie, Vando, Hayes are the current defensive focused pieces. Only Vando is an elite defender but he's rarely healthy.


This groups the Lakers 10-man rotation. Personally I think DLo and Christie are the pieces I most prefer to upgrade but don't really know how to do it.

[Slava]

What’s the price on Brandon Ingram right now after the Herb deal? Rui, Vando and a lottery protected first? Seems like a lowest of buy low candidates.

[TroubleS0me]

What’s the price on Brandon Ingram right now after the Herb deal? Rui, Vando and a lottery protected first? Seems like a lowest of buy low candidates.

Want him back in LA?

[TroubleS0me]

New thread tomorrow for the new season.

[Slava]

What’s the price on Brandon Ingram right now after the Herb deal? Rui, Vando and a lottery protected first? Seems like a lowest of buy low candidates.

Want him back in LA?

The price is so low that the talent is worth it.

[Mos_Heat]

What’s the price on Brandon Ingram right now after the Herb deal? Rui, Vando and a lottery protected first? Seems like a lowest of buy low candidates.

Probably top 5-7 protected pick + expiring salary

[zimpy27]

What’s the price on Brandon Ingram right now after the Herb deal? Rui, Vando and a lottery protected first? Seems like a lowest of buy low candidates.

Want him back in LA?

The price is so low that the talent is worth it.

I like Ingram for this team of Knecht isn't a starter, if he is then I aren't as high on Ingram..

Lakers are going to be a top 5 offense. I'm mostly worried about defense and DLo in playoffs. Moving DLo for defender and playmaker like Lonzo is ideal IMO

[Doug_12]

Want him back in LA?

The price is so low that the talent is worth it.

I like Ingram for this team of Knecht isn't a starter, if he is then I aren't as high on Ingram..

Lakers are going to be a top 5 offense. I'm mostly worried about defense and DLo in playoffs. Moving DLo for defender and playmaker like Lonzo is ideal IMO

I'd take that gamble.

Having Lonzo-Reaves-Ingram-Lebron-AD + Vincent, Christie, Knecht, Wood, Hayes (or a proper backup C) for one protected 1st rounder is a deal to take imo. There's not a huge chance that it will result in anything significant, but I've seen worst "Hail Maries".