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

[trickshot]

Agree with most of that. All I'd add is I'm no longer more confident in Rui being a more qualified starter on a contender. Shoots great, is a decent backup for Lebron/AD and is carving out a niche on the offensive boards but I don't think I've ever seen a young hungry PF so regularly bitxh out of contesting layups, rebounds or just protecting the paint. Can count up to 3 instances where he acted like a kid who just seen a spider. Never noticed it was that bad. Then again I guess that's why a 5 is badly needed. Frontcourt is kinda soft and reliant on AD or Lebron doing dirty work.

[Joao Saraiva]

I think defensive playmaker is still main need or at least a wing playmaker.

Ingram, Butler, Brown, Lonzo, Simmons

One of these guys.

I know lakers are keen on Brogdon+Val, it's tempting I think because Brogdon might be better in 6th man role since he won a 6MOY once.

You can't bring non shooters to play with Bron and AD. LA has shown what it is like to play in today's NBA with Bron being their best shooter. It just doesn't work.

Backup C is definitely the most urgent issue. Guards are kind of ok, if any defender who can shoot comes up they should trade, but the last thing you want is letting the defense clog the paint and live and die by the 3 of LeBron and Davis. Yes they can have great nights. That can't be the plan tough.

[zimpy27]

I think defensive playmaker is still main need or at least a wing playmaker.

Ingram, Butler, Brown, Lonzo, Simmons

One of these guys.

I know lakers are keen on Brogdon+Val, it's tempting I think because Brogdon might be better in 6th man role since he won a 6MOY once.

You can't bring non shooters to play with Bron and AD. LA has shown what it is like to play in today's NBA with Bron being their best shooter. It just doesn't work.

Backup C is definitely the most urgent issue. Guards are kind of ok, if any defender who can shoot comes up they should trade, but the last thing you want is letting the defense clog the paint and live and die by the 3 of LeBron and Davis. Yes they can have great nights. That can't be the plan tough.

So backup C needs to be a shooter in your opinion?

[nzahir]

Gotta give it to Christie. His recent play has been one of the main reasons why LAL looks solid

Yeah he's been good.

Christie, Reaves, Rui, LeBron, Davis has a +20 rating per 100 possessions in 70 minutes of play so far.

The lineup has been killing it.

Lakers need some bench help

I still dont know if Rui is good enough to close out games vs top playoff teams

But the question is who is the upgrade?

[nzahir]

I think defensive playmaker is still main need or at least a wing playmaker.

Ingram, Butler, Brown, Lonzo, Simmons

One of these guys.

I know lakers are keen on Brogdon+Val, it's tempting I think because Brogdon might be better in 6th man role since he won a 6MOY once.

You can't bring non shooters to play with Bron and AD. LA has shown what it is like to play in today's NBA with Bron being their best shooter. It just doesn't work.

Backup C is definitely the most urgent issue. Guards are kind of ok, if any defender who can shoot comes up they should trade, but the last thing you want is letting the defense clog the paint and live and die by the 3 of LeBron and Davis. Yes they can have great nights. That can't be the plan tough.

Does it not work well b/c of Russ or in general?

I wonder how we would look with Jimmy since he is a good defender and does some dirty work. Not low iq like Russ

This team needs some sort of an upgrade though besides just backup C.

Not sure our final 5 has enough talent

Honestly an ideal target for fit would be Wiggins or even Dillon Brooks if one of those teams trade for Jimmy.

Help us build around a defensive identity

Not sure what guards make a ton of sense that are available:
Sexton is probably an upgrade over Dlo at this point, but also a poor defender. But at least he can attack the rim and his 3 point shot is better this year by Dlo by a lot. The question is what happens more off ball/in a smaller role

Immanuel Quickley is an underrated target. I dont see Toronto moving him for what we would offer, but worth a call. He is only 25

Brogdon is meh, too injry prone for what he is imo.

Can also look at Myles Turner or even Brook Lopez as well. Would love a stretch 5 who can play with AD or w/o

[Joao Saraiva]

I think defensive playmaker is still main need or at least a wing playmaker.

Ingram, Butler, Brown, Lonzo, Simmons

One of these guys.

I know lakers are keen on Brogdon+Val, it's tempting I think because Brogdon might be better in 6th man role since he won a 6MOY once.

You can't bring non shooters to play with Bron and AD. LA has shown what it is like to play in today's NBA with Bron being their best shooter. It just doesn't work.

Backup C is definitely the most urgent issue. Guards are kind of ok, if any defender who can shoot comes up they should trade, but the last thing you want is letting the defense clog the paint and live and die by the 3 of LeBron and Davis. Yes they can have great nights. That can't be the plan tough.

So backup C needs to be a shooter in your opinion?

No. But wings or guards yes. The backup C will exist in a lineup with bron, wing and two guards. Or even with Davis as PF, Bron SF and 2 shooters. It's playable, like it was with McGee or Howard. But the perimeter players definitely need to shoot the ball. I know Rondo worked but Rondo was actually bananas from 3 in the bubble, so despite him not being a shooter I don't think there is any evidence those lines could work without Rondo shooting the ball well (and also Davis was crazy from 3).

For the C it's not a must, but for a perimeter player it is. Jimmy is passable, Simmons is unplayable. Lonzo I just have questions about his health, saw nothing from him this season. If a 2nd playmaker is needed I particularly wouldn't like Ingram and his shot is suspicious, despite hitting at a good rate this year.

I would largely agree on Lonzo if I knew he was capable of playing good defense and shooting. Playmaking is definitely there, he's that type of special guy. But Idk how many minutes he can give, play any good defense or something.

[zimpy27]

Gotta give it to Christie. His recent play has been one of the main reasons why LAL looks solid

Yeah he's been good.

Christie, Reaves, Rui, LeBron, Davis has a +20 rating per 100 possessions in 70 minutes of play so far.

The lineup has been killing it.

Lakers need some bench help

I still dont know if Rui is good enough to close out games vs top playoff teams

But the question is who is the upgrade?

He has nearly doubled his O rebounding and it's made him valuable. He gets you 2 extra possessions per 100 and is above average efficient at scoring.

And he's shown to be better in playoffs than RS.

You could replace him with CamJ. But not sure how much you want to pay for that.

[dcstanley]

Agree with most of that. All I'd add is I'm no longer more confident in Rui being a more qualified starter on a contender. Shoots great, is a decent backup for Lebron/AD and is carving out a niche on the offensive boards but I don't think I've ever seen a young hungry PF so regularly bitxh out of contesting layups, rebounds or just protecting the paint. Can count up to 3 instances where he acted like a kid who just seen a spider. Never noticed it was that bad. Then again I guess that's why a 5 is badly needed. Frontcourt is kinda soft and reliant on AD or Lebron doing dirty work.

Read on Twitter

His awareness is comedy. Steph freaking Curry is teeing up an open three and he half-heartedly stunts at him and follows Andrew Wiggins

He's been playing a lot better recently, mostly because of some really hot shooting but he's been more of a difference maker defensively and on the boards than he ever has been as a Laker. With that said, he's a back up PF on a serious team. Still think the Lakers should use DLO's expiring to grab a starting level wing.

[dcstanley]

Yeah he's been good.

Christie, Reaves, Rui, LeBron, Davis has a +20 rating per 100 possessions in 70 minutes of play so far.

The lineup has been killing it.

Lakers need some bench help

I still dont know if Rui is good enough to close out games vs top playoff teams

But the question is who is the upgrade?

He has nearly doubled his O rebounding and it's made him valuable. He gets you 2 extra possessions per 100 and is above average efficient at scoring.

And he's shown to be better in playoffs than RS.

You could replace him with CamJ. But not sure how much you want to pay for that.

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

[nzahir]

I still dont know if Rui is good enough to close out games vs top playoff teams

But the question is who is the upgrade?

He has nearly doubled his O rebounding and it's made him valuable. He gets you 2 extra possessions per 100 and is above average efficient at scoring.

And he's shown to be better in playoffs than RS.

You could replace him with CamJ. But not sure how much you want to pay for that.

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

This

I like Rui at times, but sometimes he is horrible out there

His defensive awareness can be horrible at times, but he has all the tools to be a very good help defender and rebounder, but he isnt for some reason

He is a bit too big to be a perimeter defender, not his fault, just a bad fit with an older lazy Lebron

I think if he was a bench PF, that would be great

The reason I like a Butler deal is b/c he is a SF that can defend and hustle, while being able to playmake, get to the basket, and get fts

The issue is his contract. But now it looks like Miami doesn't even want to move him

If he was to be moved to Hou or GS, Brooks or Wiggins would be ideal starting SFs

But if he isnt moved and those guys or Butler aren't available, I really am unsure who makes sense as a SF

Is DFS even a good defender anymore or reputation based?

CamJ doesnt help with rebounding or help defense really either. But a great shooter

BI doesnt give you much spacing, but a solid iso guy. But can be a negative off ball. Defense should be very good with length, but it isnt usually

Grant has looked worse than Rui and on a horrible deal, pass

So who are the wing options?

Haywood highsmith?
Jaden Mcdaniels if MInny wants to get weird? But I dont see that

[dcstanley]

He has nearly doubled his O rebounding and it's made him valuable. He gets you 2 extra possessions per 100 and is above average efficient at scoring.

And he's shown to be better in playoffs than RS.

You could replace him with CamJ. But not sure how much you want to pay for that.

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

This

I like Rui at times, but sometimes he is horrible out there

His defensive awareness can be horrible at times, but he has all the tools to be a very good help defender and rebounder, but he isnt for some reason

He is a bit too big to be a perimeter defender, not his fault, just a bad fit with an older lazy Lebron

I think if he was a bench PF, that would be great

The reason I like a Butler deal is b/c he is a SF that can defend and hustle, while being able to playmake, get to the basket, and get fts

The issue is his contract. But now it looks like Miami doesn't even want to move him

If he was to be moved to Hou or GS, Brooks or Wiggins would be ideal starting SFs

But if he isnt moved and those guys or Butler aren't available, I really am unsure who makes sense as a SF

Is DFS even a good defender anymore or reputation based?

CamJ doesnt help with rebounding or help defense really either. But a great shooter

BI doesnt give you much spacing, but a solid iso guy. But can be a negative off ball. Defense should be very good with length, but it isnt usually

Grant has looked worse than Rui and on a horrible deal, pass

So who are the wing options?

Haywood highsmith?
Jaden Mcdaniels if MInny wants to get weird? But I dont see that

Cam Johnson's Defensive rebound percentage is 14%, Rui's is 12.5%. Rui is a better offensive rebounder but Cam's shooting/scoring juices the offense and produces a bigger impact than Rui's offensive rebounding.

I like Cam J cause his salary isn't huge + he can guard 2/3s adequately leaving Max to guard 1/2s and Reaves to take the worst remaining offensive player on the perimeter. Remember, with the DLO/Reaves/Rui/Bron/AD lineup Reaves was often tasked with guarding the best offensive player.

If not, I like the idea of Ingram provided we can keep Rui and send out DLO/Vando/expirings. Would need a third team to facilitate this.

Reaves/Vincent
Christie/Knecht
Ingram/Reddish
Bron/Rui
AD/Koloko/Hayes

Ingram's shot quality in New Orleans is atrocious and he has the tools to be a good defender in the right environment and with more engagement on that end.

Ultimately, I think they're gonna do DLO/minimum for Kessler/Sexton. Seems like a Rob deal. Get two players 25 and younger, only send out one expiring and a vet min, and you can probably make the deal by removing protections from a pick that was already traded and adding another protected pick.

[zimpy27]

I still dont know if Rui is good enough to close out games vs top playoff teams

But the question is who is the upgrade?

He has nearly doubled his O rebounding and it's made him valuable. He gets you 2 extra possessions per 100 and is above average efficient at scoring.

And he's shown to be better in playoffs than RS.

You could replace him with CamJ. But not sure how much you want to pay for that.

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

Well Rui was 60% TS across 3 games.

He then had one 50% TS game and a 19% TS game. Those 2 games were bad, the rest were fine.

Main issue was scheme, he wasn't put in position to score.

[zimpy27]

He has nearly doubled his O rebounding and it's made him valuable. He gets you 2 extra possessions per 100 and is above average efficient at scoring.

And he's shown to be better in playoffs than RS.

You could replace him with CamJ. But not sure how much you want to pay for that.

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

This

I like Rui at times, but sometimes he is horrible out there

His defensive awareness can be horrible at times, but he has all the tools to be a very good help defender and rebounder, but he isnt for some reason

He is a bit too big to be a perimeter defender, not his fault, just a bad fit with an older lazy Lebron

I think if he was a bench PF, that would be great

The reason I like a Butler deal is b/c he is a SF that can defend and hustle, while being able to playmake, get to the basket, and get fts

The issue is his contract. But now it looks like Miami doesn't even want to move him

If he was to be moved to Hou or GS, Brooks or Wiggins would be ideal starting SFs

But if he isnt moved and those guys or Butler aren't available, I really am unsure who makes sense as a SF

Is DFS even a good defender anymore or reputation based?

CamJ doesnt help with rebounding or help defense really either. But a great shooter

BI doesnt give you much spacing, but a solid iso guy. But can be a negative off ball. Defense should be very good with length, but it isnt usually

Grant has looked worse than Rui and on a horrible deal, pass

So who are the wing options?

Haywood highsmith?
Jaden Mcdaniels if MInny wants to get weird? But I dont see that

Yeah the knock on Rui is that he's not a perimeter defender, more of a big body defender. He suits going up against double big lineups.

CamJ can defender in perimeter and is a much more versatile shooter. CamJ is a proper movement shooter.

But the only way you can play CamJ, Rui, LeBrons, Davis together is if you play Davis full time C.
SF: CamJ (36) | Rui (12)
PF: LeBron (36) | Rui (12)
C: Davis (40) | Energy big (8)

Even then you only get Rui 24 minutes, unless Rui can play backup C (something that is just being experimented with now, worked well against Kings and GSW but not against Pistons).

But then you have another guard spots to work out still.
PG: Reaves (36) | Christie (12)
SG: Christie (18) | Guard spot (36)

So a CamJ move doesn't really upgrade the most important spot, which is a guard that can play 30+ minutes in playoffs for lakers. Currently that player is DLo/Vincent.

[zimpy27]

You can't bring non shooters to play with Bron and AD. LA has shown what it is like to play in today's NBA with Bron being their best shooter. It just doesn't work.

Backup C is definitely the most urgent issue. Guards are kind of ok, if any defender who can shoot comes up they should trade, but the last thing you want is letting the defense clog the paint and live and die by the 3 of LeBron and Davis. Yes they can have great nights. That can't be the plan tough.

So backup C needs to be a shooter in your opinion?

No. But wings or guards yes. The backup C will exist in a lineup with bron, wing and two guards. Or even with Davis as PF, Bron SF and 2 shooters. It's playable, like it was with McGee or Howard. But the perimeter players definitely need to shoot the ball. I know Rondo worked but Rondo was actually bananas from 3 in the bubble, so despite him not being a shooter I don't think there is any evidence those lines could work without Rondo shooting the ball well (and also Davis was crazy from 3).

For the C it's not a must, but for a perimeter player it is. Jimmy is passable, Simmons is unplayable. Lonzo I just have questions about his health, saw nothing from him this season. If a 2nd playmaker is needed I particularly wouldn't like Ingram and his shot is suspicious, despite hitting at a good rate this year.

I would largely agree on Lonzo if I knew he was capable of playing good defense and shooting. Playmaking is definitely there, he's that type of special guy. But Idk how many minutes he can give, play any good defense or something.

Well Simmons would play the backup C role.

PG: Simmons (28) | Reaves (20)
SG: Reaves (18) | Christie (30)
SF: Rui (36) | LeBron (12)
PF: LeBron (26) | Wood (22)
C: Davis (40) | Simmons (8)

[dcstanley]

He has nearly doubled his O rebounding and it's made him valuable. He gets you 2 extra possessions per 100 and is above average efficient at scoring.

And he's shown to be better in playoffs than RS.

You could replace him with CamJ. But not sure how much you want to pay for that.

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

Well Rui was 60% TS across 3 games.

He then had one 50% TS game and a 19% TS game. Those 2 games were bad, the rest were fine.

Main issue was scheme, he wasn't put in position to score.

He was the fifth option and took mostly uncontested shots. He shot 38% at the rim and missed some absolute bunnies. His rebound percentage was atrocious and he struggled navigating screens which allowed MPJ to torch them.

He was really bad in that series, I remember replacing him with a two way wing was one of the biggest takeaways.

[zimpy27]

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

Well Rui was 60% TS across 3 games.

He then had one 50% TS game and a 19% TS game. Those 2 games were bad, the rest were fine.

Main issue was scheme, he wasn't put in position to score.

He was the fifth option and took mostly uncontested shots. He shot 38% at the rim and missed some absolute bunnies. His rebound percentage was atrocious and he struggled navigating screens which allowed MPJ to torch them.

He was really bad in that series, I remember replacing him with a two way wing was one of the biggest takeaways.

He was great the series prior though against Denver.

He's not the best and CamJ is better. The question is about what trade makes the most impact for Lakers. A trade to upgrade Rui won't have the same impact as a trade to upgrade DLo to a 2-way guard.

[nzahir]

Rui was horrendous in the 2024 playoffs. If you replace him with a league average forward, the Lakers probably push that series to 6 or 7. 47 TS% and comically awful defense.

This

I like Rui at times, but sometimes he is horrible out there

His defensive awareness can be horrible at times, but he has all the tools to be a very good help defender and rebounder, but he isnt for some reason

He is a bit too big to be a perimeter defender, not his fault, just a bad fit with an older lazy Lebron

I think if he was a bench PF, that would be great

The reason I like a Butler deal is b/c he is a SF that can defend and hustle, while being able to playmake, get to the basket, and get fts

The issue is his contract. But now it looks like Miami doesn't even want to move him

If he was to be moved to Hou or GS, Brooks or Wiggins would be ideal starting SFs

But if he isnt moved and those guys or Butler aren't available, I really am unsure who makes sense as a SF

Is DFS even a good defender anymore or reputation based?

CamJ doesnt help with rebounding or help defense really either. But a great shooter

BI doesnt give you much spacing, but a solid iso guy. But can be a negative off ball. Defense should be very good with length, but it isnt usually

Grant has looked worse than Rui and on a horrible deal, pass

So who are the wing options?

Haywood highsmith?
Jaden Mcdaniels if MInny wants to get weird? But I dont see that

Cam Johnson's Defensive rebound percentage is 14%, Rui's is 12.5%. Rui is a better offensive rebounder but Cam's shooting/scoring juices the offense and produces a bigger impact than Rui's offensive rebounding.

I like Cam J cause his salary isn't huge + he can guard 2/3s adequately leaving Max to guard 1/2s and Reaves to take the worst remaining offensive player on the perimeter. Remember, with the DLO/Reaves/Rui/Bron/AD lineup Reaves was often tasked with guarding the best offensive player.

If not, I like the idea of Ingram provided we can keep Rui and send out DLO/Vando/expirings. Would need a third team to facilitate this.

Reaves/Vincent
Christie/Knecht
Ingram/Reddish
Bron/Rui
AD/Koloko/Hayes

Ingram's shot quality in New Orleans is atrocious and he has the tools to be a good defender in the right environment and with more engagement on that end.

Ultimately, I think they're gonna do DLO/minimum for Kessler/Sexton . Seems like a Rob deal. Get two players 25 and younger, only send out one expiring and a vet min, and you can probably make the deal by removing protections from a pick that was already traded and adding another protected pick.

If its a BI deal, easiest deal (just salaries) is Rui, Dlo, Cam for BI and Javonte Green

Any more info on his shot quality? He just doesnt shoot enough 3s and the issue is Reaves and Christie aren't snipers exactly from 3

If we kept Rui, then you need to move Dlo, Vando, Vincent. I bet they would ask for both 1sts though if theyre taking back Vando and Vincent

Not sure I trust the defense and off ball. He wasnt good with team usa

But BI does have defensive potential and he is a guy who can hit tough shots down the streth of games

My issue with using up our assets on the big trade for a pg (who isnt a 2 way guy) and a C (at least a non spacing C) is that there is a good chance they both cant close games if AD is at the 5 and Reaves is in

So were still stuck with AR, Max, Rui, Bron, AD

Not horrible, but likely not enough

BI is a big change though to how we play, if we are confident enough in the team and think a backup C, a better backup pg, and maybe a 2nd option at the wing is enough, then thats the other route

For example last game shoulnt have even gotten close if we had a backup C honestly to play when AD was out

Imagine we could get Sexton and Kessler for 29 1st with limited protections and unprotecting 27
3 team deal:

Bkn gets Dlo and 2-3 2nds from us
LAL gets Sexton, Kessler, DFS
Utah gets Vincent, JHS, Hayes, 29 1st, 27 unprotected

Is that enough?

Reaves, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Sexton, Knecht, Vando, Rui, Kessler

I worry about the backcourt defense maybe since Gabe has been doing some decent things there, but the team looks respectable

[nzahir]

Well Rui was 60% TS across 3 games.

He then had one 50% TS game and a 19% TS game. Those 2 games were bad, the rest were fine.

Main issue was scheme, he wasn't put in position to score.

He was the fifth option and took mostly uncontested shots. He shot 38% at the rim and missed some absolute bunnies. His rebound percentage was atrocious and he struggled navigating screens which allowed MPJ to torch them.

He was really bad in that series, I remember replacing him with a two way wing was one of the biggest takeaways.

He was great the series prior though against Denver.

He's not the best and CamJ is better. The question is about what trade makes the most impact for Lakers. A trade to upgrade Rui won't have the same impact as a trade to upgrade DLo to a 2-way guard.

The issue is there arent many 2 way guards that are available and good

I have been also on the Lonzo train, but his 3 point shooting isnt back....may not be worth the risk

Memphis wont trade Smart to us I bet

Bruce Brown is such a big risk since he has yet to play, wouldnt even touch him without seeing like a month of play, and that is likely not to happen by the deadline

Wonder if theres some names we arent thinking of

Would Minny bail on DDV and sell low? Or go afeter NAW if they want to give DDV a bigger role?

[zimpy27]

He was the fifth option and took mostly uncontested shots. He shot 38% at the rim and missed some absolute bunnies. His rebound percentage was atrocious and he struggled navigating screens which allowed MPJ to torch them.

He was really bad in that series, I remember replacing him with a two way wing was one of the biggest takeaways.

He was great the series prior though against Denver.

He's not the best and CamJ is better. The question is about what trade makes the most impact for Lakers. A trade to upgrade Rui won't have the same impact as a trade to upgrade DLo to a 2-way guard.

The issue is there arent many 2 way guards that are available and good

I have been also on the Lonzo train, but his 3 point shooting isnt back....may not be worth the risk

Memphis wont trade Smart to us I bet

Bruce Brown is such a big risk since he has yet to play, wouldnt even touch him without seeing like a month of play, and that is likely not to happen by the deadline

Wonder if theres some names we arent thinking of

Would Minny bail on DDV and sell low? Or go afeter NAW if they want to give DDV a bigger role?

Yeah I agree that's the tough part.

I'd rather go for a Butler or Ingram upgrade I think but then both need to be able to play SG for 15mpg a game.

NAW or DDV is interesting but doubt Minny move either, especially to a competitor in conference.

Bulls, Nets, Raptors, Wizards, Blazers are best trade partners

[trickshot]

Agree with most of that. All I'd add is I'm no longer more confident in Rui being a more qualified starter on a contender. Shoots great, is a decent backup for Lebron/AD and is carving out a niche on the offensive boards but I don't think I've ever seen a young hungry PF so regularly bitxh out of contesting layups, rebounds or just protecting the paint. Can count up to 3 instances where he acted like a kid who just seen a spider. Never noticed it was that bad. Then again I guess that's why a 5 is badly needed. Frontcourt is kinda soft and reliant on AD or Lebron doing dirty work.

Read on Twitter

His awareness is comedy. Steph freaking Curry is teeing up an open three and he half-heartedly stunts at him and follows Andrew Wiggins

He's been playing a lot better recently, mostly because of some really hot shooting but he's been more of a difference maker defensively and on the boards than he ever has been as a Laker. With that said, he's a back up PF on a serious team. Still think the Lakers should use DLO's expiring to grab a starting level wing.

Big fan of Rui but the team has a massive problem holding leads in the last 2 minutes and a lot is having low awareness guys who don't bring enough utility to closing lineups. They were highkey about to botch the christmas game the exact same way they've done all season. Steph's last three 3pas was botched switches. It also shows they have no clue how to switch after 2 years of Ham.

That being said the team is still somewhat overperforming to be where they are after losing all the depth that was supposed to make up the frontcourt rotation. Guys are too damn one dimensional to be paired without a real front court.