Lakers get better (w/CHI and UTA)

[babyjax13]

Getting the protections removed is nice and all. But people are over valuing what that is worth IMO. The chance the Lakers are so bad in 2027 that they are in the top four is pretty damn low. LeBron will probably be gone. But AD will probably be there and some new free agent will have signed that offseason as LeBron comes off the books. I wouldn’t be surprised if multiple free agents have signed that offseason.

Getting any value out of Collins on his contract is a win. Getting some value for swapping his contract with slightly worse ones is also a win. I don't think either of those things would result in much substantial, so having the very small chance at a high pick seems like a good result, IMO.

[vxmike]

Wouldn’t Vucevic be a better pick up for LAL?

I think Collins is a better player who can play PF or C, so in my opinion, no.

I actually meant Vucevic from CHI instead of White, sorry. The Bulls want to trade Vuc and he’s not worth a lot. He’s not a bad fit next to AD and gives the Lakers great insurance if AD misses games.

[babyjax13]

Wouldn’t Vucevic be a better pick up for LAL?

I think Collins is a better player who can play PF or C, so in my opinion, no.

I actually meant Vucevic from CHI instead of White, sorry. The Bulls want to trade Vuc and he’s not worth a lot. He’s not a bad fit next to AD and gives the Lakers great insurance if AD misses games.

As a low-cost option I think Vucevic could be good. I'd assume if LA could choose between he and Collins for the same package they'd choose Collins though. re: Vucevic vs. White, I think Russell is really a terrible fit with LeBron, possibly the worst fit at guard in the league other than Westbrook --- so replacing him should be really high on their list, too.

[vxmike]

I think Collins is a better player who can play PF or C, so in my opinion, no.

I actually meant Vucevic from CHI instead of White, sorry. The Bulls want to trade Vuc and he’s not worth a lot. He’s not a bad fit next to AD and gives the Lakers great insurance if AD misses games.

As a low-cost option I think Vucevic could be good. I'd assume if LA could choose between he and Collins for the same package they'd choose Collins though. re: Vucevic vs. White, I think Russell is really a terrible fit with LeBron, possibly the worst fit at guard in the league other than Westbrook --- so replacing him should be really high on their list, too.

Agree on Russell. The Bulls could also send Carter over who fits with LeBron as a low-usage PG with decent defense.