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

[zimpy27]

New Dan Woike report has us reportedly wanting to be more athletic and dynamic and the DFS may have ended the real search for a big

More of a focus on the wing/guard spot

I still prefer the Kessler trade as the #1 trade of those that are somewhat realistic (Myles Turner is also a guy I would love if available)

We need a good C for multiple reasons

1) Matchups vs larger teams, many of which are contenders or could be contenders
2) Great rim protection all game long
3) Reg season insurance if AD is out for a game or two
4) Lets AD not have all the responsibility on D. Can see he cant give full effort all the time due to having such a big load (Max's emergence and adding DFS helps a lot though)

I dont view Jalen Smith as the solution, but if we dont want a legit big 5, then Lonzo+Jalen Smith for Vando, Vincent, JHS, Wood, and Milton works

Have multiple roster spots to sign guys and we have the cap space to do it I think without going into 2nd appron since we saved a lot of $ with the DFS trade

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo, Knecht, Cam/FA, DFS, Jalen Smith

I dont want Bruce Brown, fit isnt great and I prefer Rui over him for us

Kessler+Clarkson/Sexton is the easiest deal. But Kessler+big guard like Lonzo/Brogdon/etc is the ideal deal

DJM is a weird high risk high reward option if he wants a 6th man role. Gabe, Vando, JHS, Shake, and Cam for DJM and Matkovic/Antonio Reeves. If NOLA wants to salvage some value, but selling low. Would trade 1 1st and a swap in 28 with some protections.

Also reported that we want to see the 2nd unit play a bit together before rushing into anything. Gives me some concern. I dont think Vincent is good enough. That miami playoff run was mroe of an outlier. And I am unsure if we can wait on Vando at this point

Need to see 2-3 more pieces come in if we want to be a GREAT team. If we dont do much then well be good, but likely not good enough

It'd be Rui+Vincent+JHS for Lonzo+Smith, Lakers then have roster spot open and ability to use TaxMLE on a buyout or get a couple buyouts. I think this is the best trade to cover both needs and stay dynamic.
Reaves, Christie, DFS, LeBron, Davis
Lonzo, Knecht, Vando, Smith

Bruce Brown is definitely a target.
Fox is a target but likely out of reach.
DJM won't be traded this season by Pelicans.

Lakers need more playmaking off the bench, not ruling out a Rui for DeMar flip but that trade would need Lakers bringing in a backup big or Wood comes back and looks great.

[nzahir]

New Dan Woike report has us reportedly wanting to be more athletic and dynamic and the DFS may have ended the real search for a big

More of a focus on the wing/guard spot

I still prefer the Kessler trade as the #1 trade of those that are somewhat realistic (Myles Turner is also a guy I would love if available)

We need a good C for multiple reasons

1) Matchups vs larger teams, many of which are contenders or could be contenders
2) Great rim protection all game long
3) Reg season insurance if AD is out for a game or two
4) Lets AD not have all the responsibility on D. Can see he cant give full effort all the time due to having such a big load (Max's emergence and adding DFS helps a lot though)

I dont view Jalen Smith as the solution, but if we dont want a legit big 5, then Lonzo+Jalen Smith for Vando, Vincent, JHS, Wood, and Milton works

Have multiple roster spots to sign guys and we have the cap space to do it I think without going into 2nd appron since we saved a lot of $ with the DFS trade

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo, Knecht, Cam/FA, DFS, Jalen Smith

I dont want Bruce Brown, fit isnt great and I prefer Rui over him for us

Kessler+Clarkson/Sexton is the easiest deal. But Kessler+big guard like Lonzo/Brogdon/etc is the ideal deal

DJM is a weird high risk high reward option if he wants a 6th man role. Gabe, Vando, JHS, Shake, and Cam for DJM and Matkovic/Antonio Reeves. If NOLA wants to salvage some value, but selling low. Would trade 1 1st and a swap in 28 with some protections.

Also reported that we want to see the 2nd unit play a bit together before rushing into anything. Gives me some concern. I dont think Vincent is good enough. That miami playoff run was mroe of an outlier. And I am unsure if we can wait on Vando at this point

Need to see 2-3 more pieces come in if we want to be a GREAT team. If we dont do much then well be good, but likely not good enough

It'd be Rui+Vincent+JHS for Lonzo+Smith, Lakers then have roster spot open and ability to use TaxMLE on a buyout or get a couple buyouts. I think this is the best trade to cover both needs and stay dynamic.
Reaves, Christie, DFS, LeBron, Davis
Lonzo, Knecht, Vando, Smith

Bruce Brown is definitely a target.
Fox is a target but likely out of reach.
DJM won't be traded this season by Pelicans.

Lakers need more playmaking off the bench, not ruling out a Rui for DeMar flip but that trade would need Lakers bringing in a backup big or Wood comes back and looks great.

I realistically don’t see us moving Rui for a non shooter

Already did that with Russ. I believe Demar is a better fit, but moving depth for a non shooter is not going to happen while we’re playing well with this team

If we are only going to go after a C if we’re moving Rui then maybe I’m more inclined, but I think there’s time for Rui and a C (need to move Vando though). We’re just going to play bigger more often

Not moving Rui in a Zo deal, too much risk for a guy with injury history and unsure how Snith is as the lone 5

This is why the Kessler deal makes the most sense

Myles Turner even a better fit

RW3 my next target. I think 2 2nds and Vincent could work. Or maybe they like Vando as a project plus 2nds. Or Vando+salary+lotto protected first for RW3 and Camara

[zimpy27]

New Dan Woike report has us reportedly wanting to be more athletic and dynamic and the DFS may have ended the real search for a big

More of a focus on the wing/guard spot

I still prefer the Kessler trade as the #1 trade of those that are somewhat realistic (Myles Turner is also a guy I would love if available)

We need a good C for multiple reasons

1) Matchups vs larger teams, many of which are contenders or could be contenders
2) Great rim protection all game long
3) Reg season insurance if AD is out for a game or two
4) Lets AD not have all the responsibility on D. Can see he cant give full effort all the time due to having such a big load (Max's emergence and adding DFS helps a lot though)

I dont view Jalen Smith as the solution, but if we dont want a legit big 5, then Lonzo+Jalen Smith for Vando, Vincent, JHS, Wood, and Milton works

Have multiple roster spots to sign guys and we have the cap space to do it I think without going into 2nd appron since we saved a lot of $ with the DFS trade

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo, Knecht, Cam/FA, DFS, Jalen Smith

I dont want Bruce Brown, fit isnt great and I prefer Rui over him for us

Kessler+Clarkson/Sexton is the easiest deal. But Kessler+big guard like Lonzo/Brogdon/etc is the ideal deal

DJM is a weird high risk high reward option if he wants a 6th man role. Gabe, Vando, JHS, Shake, and Cam for DJM and Matkovic/Antonio Reeves. If NOLA wants to salvage some value, but selling low. Would trade 1 1st and a swap in 28 with some protections.

Also reported that we want to see the 2nd unit play a bit together before rushing into anything. Gives me some concern. I dont think Vincent is good enough. That miami playoff run was mroe of an outlier. And I am unsure if we can wait on Vando at this point

Need to see 2-3 more pieces come in if we want to be a GREAT team. If we dont do much then well be good, but likely not good enough

It'd be Rui+Vincent+JHS for Lonzo+Smith, Lakers then have roster spot open and ability to use TaxMLE on a buyout or get a couple buyouts. I think this is the best trade to cover both needs and stay dynamic.
Reaves, Christie, DFS, LeBron, Davis
Lonzo, Knecht, Vando, Smith

Bruce Brown is definitely a target.
Fox is a target but likely out of reach.
DJM won't be traded this season by Pelicans.

Lakers need more playmaking off the bench, not ruling out a Rui for DeMar flip but that trade would need Lakers bringing in a backup big or Wood comes back and looks great.

I realistically don’t see us moving Rui for a non shooter

Already did that with Russ. I believe Demar is a better fit, but moving depth for a non shooter is not going to happen while we’re playing well with this team

If we are only going to go after a C if we’re moving Rui then maybe I’m more inclined, but I think there’s time for Rui and a C (need to move Vando though). We’re just going to play bigger more often

Not moving Rui in a Zo deal, too much risk for a guy with injury history and unsure how Snith is as the lone 5

This is why the Kessler deal makes the most sense

Myles Turner even a better fit

RW3 my next target. I think 2 2nds and Vincent could work. Or maybe they like Vando as a project plus 2nds. Or Vando+salary+lotto protected first for RW3 and Camara

Well Lakers see Rui as frontcourt size. DFS has also added to that.

I think Lakers would trade Vincent+Vando for the backup playmaker. Both of them for Lonzo is a simple trade I think. Problem is how other teams value Vando. He might be too expensive to trade, Vincent already takes a couple SRPs to move.

I think you're looking at moving an FRP if you're trading Vincent and Vando, which I don't think Lakers should do unless it's a serious upgrade.

Kessler for Knecht and unprotecting the 2027 FRP is something I'd do. Not sure beyond that.

[trickshot]

Knecht made 31% of his season total 3s in a 3 game heater. That's very inconsistent for a guy who's best skill is shooting and is already 23

True. In his defence also often feel, as a rookie, he doesn't get touches unless he starts hot. He became an afterthought in the offense but I can see a resurgence now the Lakers are going back to more motion stuff instead of playground ball as JJ called it last press conference. One reason was a big fan of the Dlo trade was to declutter the scoring ladder and move guys like him, Christie and Reaves higher in the shooting and usage hierarchy. I won't push my luck if I was coaching but I often wonder if he could one day play Rui's current role better than Rui ala Dlo to Reaves. Depend on what else he can bring besides shooting but that bar is low because Rui is like a 15/5/zeroes guy albeit with decent shooting eficiency and stronger frame.

Knecht is too small to guard 3s/4s. He also in general a terrible defender

Yea he's an awful defender. He needs to work on that. His shooting when he gets going is among the most impactful on the team, he needs to develop everything else to be the type of starter a contender will need. The team doesn't need more guys who only do shooting.

[nzahir]

AD STOP **** SETTLING JESUS

Needs to start blowing by these slower bigs and punishing the wings

[Fadeaway_J]

This is looking like a Pistons game redux

[nzahir]

This is looking like a Pistons game redux

Need to upgrade from Melton/Gabe. Someone who can handle some pressure and athleticism

Excited to see Vando soon. He would have been ideal to have for this game or move him for a C who would have helped AD (and not let Hayes play)

[trickshot]

Go full grit and grind/traditional and get a 5 already. It's a team whose 3 best players are 40 year old Lebron (age compromised motor), AD who isn't the physically strongest and Reaves who has his own athletic challenges. Some matchups are an insta flogging.

[zimpy27]

Go full grit and grind/traditional and get a 5 already. It's a team whose 3 best players are 40 year old Lebron (age compromised motor), AD who isn't the physically strongest and Reaves who has his own athletic challenges. Some matchups are an insta flogging.

Nah, Lakers are getting destroyed on glass because of athletic guards/forwards getting rebounds. Do you see a traditional 5 starting on the Rockets?

Lakers need rebounding though for sure.

LeBron is a great rebounder for an SF, average for a PF. Both Rui and DFS are average for SF, below average for PF.


Rui+Vincent for Lonzo+SMith trade fixes all this, Lakers would be winning with that trade.

[Fadeaway_J]

Go full grit and grind/traditional and get a 5 already. It's a team whose 3 best players are 40 year old Lebron (age compromised motor), AD who isn't the physically strongest and Reaves who has his own athletic challenges. Some matchups are an insta flogging.

This team has no chance of scoring with a traditional 5 alongside AD.

[Fadeaway_J]

Not the greatest defensive night for Christie...

[nzahir]

Go full grit and grind/traditional and get a 5 already. It's a team whose 3 best players are 40 year old Lebron (age compromised motor), AD who isn't the physically strongest and Reaves who has his own athletic challenges. Some matchups are an insta flogging.

Nah, Lakers are getting destroyed on glass because of athletic guards/forwards getting rebounds. Do you see a traditional 5 starting on the Rockets?

Lakers need rebounding though for sure.

LeBron is a great rebounder for an SF, average for a PF. Both Rui and DFS are average for SF, below average for PF.


Rui+Vincent for Lonzo+SMith trade fixes all this, Lakers would be winning with that trade.

Adams is destorying us now...wtf is AD doing

We could use another big vs these athletic teams to deter them from just going to the rim or attacking the glass

I want us to be BIGGER

[zimpy27]

Go full grit and grind/traditional and get a 5 already. It's a team whose 3 best players are 40 year old Lebron (age compromised motor), AD who isn't the physically strongest and Reaves who has his own athletic challenges. Some matchups are an insta flogging.

Nah, Lakers are getting destroyed on glass because of athletic guards/forwards getting rebounds. Do you see a traditional 5 starting on the Rockets?

Lakers need rebounding though for sure.

LeBron is a great rebounder for an SF, average for a PF. Both Rui and DFS are average for SF, below average for PF.


Rui+Vincent for Lonzo+SMith trade fixes all this, Lakers would be winning with that trade.

Adams is destorying us now...wtf is AD doing

We could use another big vs these athletic teams to deter them from just going to the rim or attacking the glass

I want us to be BIGGER

So you want to spend FRPs to go up against a backup C?

Lakers need athletic guys to go for these boards at all positions.

[Fadeaway_J]

What is Jalen Green thinking there? Asinine foul.

[trickshot]

actually a really decent game

[nzahir]

Go full grit and grind/traditional and get a 5 already. It's a team whose 3 best players are 40 year old Lebron (age compromised motor), AD who isn't the physically strongest and Reaves who has his own athletic challenges. Some matchups are an insta flogging.

This team has no chance of scoring with a traditional 5 alongside AD.

This is why I would love if Turner was available

I would consider moving Rui to a team that would add some value to him or if Indy values him they can have him

But Kessler and AD can work if you got

AR, Max/Knecht, Bron

I think you need 2 guys who can create in those lineups

So even if you got a guy like Lonzo/Brogdon/etc with Bron, thats fine or if its AR, then need Knecht with him or a wing like Rui

Great close to the 3rd Q......but better start well here Why tf we keep going to Hayes?

[Fadeaway_J]

Hayes has been completely pointless tonight. I was hoping JJ wouldn't give him a second shift.

Also hard to justify Knecht as a rotation player if he's not making shots. His defense is comically bad.

[nzahir]

Hayes has been completely pointless tonight.

Also hard to justify Knecht as a rotation player if he's not making shots. His defense is comically bad.

I dont want to hear anyone here ever say again that we dont need another C

Those 2 min alone may have just cost us the game

Yup Knecht needs to be more consistent or hes useless

Missed a WIDE open 3 and then Whitmore hits 1 ofc

I would move Knecht in a Kessler deal as well

[Fadeaway_J]

Hayes has been completely pointless tonight.

Also hard to justify Knecht as a rotation player if he's not making shots. His defense is comically bad.

I dont want to hear anyone here ever say again that we dont need another C

Those 2 min alone may have just cost us the game

Yup Knecht needs to be more consistent or hes useless

Missed a WIDE open 3 and then Whitmore hits 1 ofc

I would move Knecht in a Kessler deal as well

A better backup is absolutely required. Hayes is a waste of time.

[Fadeaway_J]

Why did Christie not call a TO there? That's the game.