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

[nzahir]

If AD wants to get traded all he needs to do is request it. Hopefully Rob doesnt waste anymore assets. No trade out there that moves this team to legit contenders. Not when the duo consists of a 40 year old and an inconsistent 1st option. Timeline for contending with this team is ovah.

Main thing needs to be avoiding giving up a great pick to the teams we owe. Keep the assets and tell lebron and AD to deal with what they have.

Could pick up Dwight we wont have to give up anything for him

Lakers can use a pick on a young guy that willing be there anyway in 2028-29 season. Don't think Lakers need to bottom out.

I think Lakers have enough talent to win a championship but there are a couple things:
- Davis and LeBron played Olympics and it was expected that they have a down RS, at least to begin.
- The team has lacked crispness and focus, they could get that by seasons end, who knows.
- They need another playmaker who can defend.

Dont think there's been one instance or even flash this season where we looked like a legit team so i dont know where people get us being able to win a chip comes from.

Majority of laker fans know this team has too many holes to plug. I think people are still stuck on Lebron/AD being good enough to be that difference and they're just not.

Yes we dont have a ton of quality wins

We keep on beating Memphis who is pretty good

If we didnt have a horrendous 1st half vs Hou and had a real backup C, we would have beat Hou

We beat the Wolves

OKC doesnt worry me a ton if we get another C in the playoffs for some reason. Think they may be 1-2 years away from really dominating

[mademan]

Lakers can use a pick on a young guy that willing be there anyway in 2028-29 season. Don't think Lakers need to bottom out.

I think Lakers have enough talent to win a championship but there are a couple things:
- Davis and LeBron played Olympics and it was expected that they have a down RS, at least to begin.
- The team has lacked crispness and focus, they could get that by seasons end, who knows.
- They need another playmaker who can defend.

The Lakers just arent good enough defensively and dont have the players to be good enough defensively to win a championship. The rotation has like 3-4 guys who play D...thats just not enough. They can probably beat most teams in the West if things go their way, but thats something you can say about 6-7 different squads

I see no way they can put up a challenge against OKC tho. OKC has problems scoring at times, so a strong defense and a strong offensive pairing like Luka/Kyrie or Ja/Bane might be able to push them on games where both teams score under 100. A bad defense like the Lakers cant grind out those wins tho

PG: Reaves (38) | LeBron (10)
SG: Christie (32) | DFS (16)
SF: DFS (22) | Rui (18) | Vando (10)
PF: LeBron (28) | Rui (10) | Vando (8)
C : Davis (40) | Rui (8)

12 mins: Reaves, Christie, DFS, LeBron, Davis
10 mins: Reaves, Christie, Rui, Vando, Davis
10 mins: LeBron, Christie, DFS, Rui, Davis
8 mins: Reaves, DFS, Rui, LeBron, Davis
8 mins: Reaves, DFS, Vando, LeBron, Rui

In a tight playoff rotation, if the above guys are all healthy, I think Lakers have more than enough dynamic size and defense mixed with scoring to be a true contender. I'd have them as 4th most likely after OKC, BOS, CLE


Lakers are struggling gin RS because LeBron and Davis are low motor in RS, they will turn it up in playoffs.
Lakers also don't have great players beyond the above 7 you'd have in a playoff rotation.

The backups are Vincent, Milton, Reddish, Knecht, Wood, Hayes. They can play spot minutes but none of them are particularly impactful. Wood has best chance to be an impact piece when he is healthy.

I'd be happy to turn Vincent, JHS, Knecht in to an 8th man in the playoffs rotation. Doesn't need FRPs.

I get doubting Houston and Orlando, but its crazy to put them ahead of Dallas/Memphis/Knicks.

[nzahir]

I think Lakers could get the Cavs 2025 FRP from the Jazz if they unprotected the 2027 FRP.

I think maybe that's an asset Lakers could add to Vincent+JHS to get someone decent.


Or a trade like Vincent+JHS+unprotecting2027FRP for Jordan Clarkson. I think Clarkson as a 6th man for the Lakers could make sense, that's the sort of move I'm expecting to actually happen.

Thats a waste of everyones time if thats all we are doing

Clarkson is better than Shake though, but not a 2 way guy and had a bad playoff run with CLE in 2018, but he has improved

Also you are a bit too optimistic if you have us as the 4th team

OKC BOS and CLE are clearly tier 1 (OKC doesnt fear me a ton if we add a C at least though since AD actually shows up vs them)

But Dallas is ahead of us clearly, they just beat us without Kyrie and Luka lol

If we dont get a C, idk if we would beat Denver

I think we would beat the Grizz in the playoffs

Should also beat Hou when the game slows down and if we add a C or Vando is impactful like a couple years back

I think we should beat NY as we can match up decent with KAT and Brunson I think

But you are correct in that Bron and AD will give more effort and that should help

This is why I say I like the core, but some glaring holes

For sure need to flip Gabe and JHS into something though, at least 1 playoff role guy. That isnt negotiatable. Even if its a small move, has to be done

Rui is moveable in the right deal

Vando is moveable in the right deal/if we get a C and a 2 way/more defensive minded guard/wing as well

Knecht isnt ready yet to contribute to the playoffs sadly. Would trade him in a deal for another young player if that was a possibility

[zimpy27]

The Lakers just arent good enough defensively and dont have the players to be good enough defensively to win a championship. The rotation has like 3-4 guys who play D...thats just not enough. They can probably beat most teams in the West if things go their way, but thats something you can say about 6-7 different squads

I see no way they can put up a challenge against OKC tho. OKC has problems scoring at times, so a strong defense and a strong offensive pairing like Luka/Kyrie or Ja/Bane might be able to push them on games where both teams score under 100. A bad defense like the Lakers cant grind out those wins tho

PG: Reaves (38) | LeBron (10)
SG: Christie (32) | DFS (16)
SF: DFS (22) | Rui (18) | Vando (10)
PF: LeBron (28) | Rui (10) | Vando (8)
C : Davis (40) | Rui (8)

12 mins: Reaves, Christie, DFS, LeBron, Davis
10 mins: Reaves, Christie, Rui, Vando, Davis
10 mins: LeBron, Christie, DFS, Rui, Davis
8 mins: Reaves, DFS, Rui, LeBron, Davis
8 mins: Reaves, DFS, Vando, LeBron, Rui

In a tight playoff rotation, if the above guys are all healthy, I think Lakers have more than enough dynamic size and defense mixed with scoring to be a true contender. I'd have them as 4th most likely after OKC, BOS, CLE


Lakers are struggling gin RS because LeBron and Davis are low motor in RS, they will turn it up in playoffs.
Lakers also don't have great players beyond the above 7 you'd have in a playoff rotation.

The backups are Vincent, Milton, Reddish, Knecht, Wood, Hayes. They can play spot minutes but none of them are particularly impactful. Wood has best chance to be an impact piece when he is healthy.

I'd be happy to turn Vincent, JHS, Knecht in to an 8th man in the playoffs rotation. Doesn't need FRPs.

I get doubting Houston and Orlando, but its crazy to put them ahead of Dallas/Memphis/Knicks.

I do think Lakers would beat those teams in a series as is. As long as they were healthy.

[Tracymcgoaty]

Lakers can use a pick on a young guy that willing be there anyway in 2028-29 season. Don't think Lakers need to bottom out.

I think Lakers have enough talent to win a championship but there are a couple things:
- Davis and LeBron played Olympics and it was expected that they have a down RS, at least to begin.
- The team has lacked crispness and focus, they could get that by seasons end, who knows.
- They need another playmaker who can defend.

Dont think there's been one instance or even flash this season where we looked like a legit team so i dont know where people get us being able to win a chip comes from.

Majority of laker fans know this team has too many holes to plug. I think people are still stuck on Lebron/AD being good enough to be that difference and they're just not.

Yes we dont have a ton of quality wins

We keep on beating Memphis who is pretty good

If we didnt have a horrendous 1st half vs Hou and had a real backup C, we would have beat Hou

We beat the Wolves

OKC doesnt worry me a ton if we get another C in the playoffs for some reason. Think they may be 1-2 years away from really dominating

OKC has no weaknesses. They had one in giddey last year and promptly replaced him With Caruso.
And Chet before the injury was a monster. Only team that can beat OKC is a healthy Dallas team. Again the duo just isn't at that level anymore. They just ain't.

And C's lke Hartensten absolutely dominate AD with sheer effort. They're clear favorites in the west for a good reason.

One poster said to just enjoy whats left of Lebrons time and thats what you should do. Like doing trades to get Jordan Clarkson back Are you guys trying to give us PTSD??

Maybe they pick up a C like Nick Richards if they dont have to give up assets. Or Val or whoever. But Anything that involves giving up any type of assets should be avoided.

[zimpy27]

Dont think there's been one instance or even flash this season where we looked like a legit team so i dont know where people get us being able to win a chip comes from.

Majority of laker fans know this team has too many holes to plug. I think people are still stuck on Lebron/AD being good enough to be that difference and they're just not.

Yes we dont have a ton of quality wins

We keep on beating Memphis who is pretty good

If we didnt have a horrendous 1st half vs Hou and had a real backup C, we would have beat Hou

We beat the Wolves

OKC doesnt worry me a ton if we get another C in the playoffs for some reason. Think they may be 1-2 years away from really dominating

OKC has no weaknesses. They had one in giddey last year and promptly replaced him With Caruso.
And Chet before the injury was a monster. Only team that can beat OKC is a healthy Dallas team. Again the duo just isn't at that level anymore. They just ain't.

And C's lke Hartensten absolutely dominate AD with sheer effort. They're clear favorites in the west for a good reason.

One poster said to just enjoy whats left of Lebrons time and thats what you should do. Like doing trades to get Jordan Clarkson back Are you guys trying to give us PTSD??

Maybe they pick up a C like Nick Richards if they dont have to give up assets. Or Val or whoever. But Anything that involves giving up any type of assets should be avoided.

Jordan Clarkson is just what I expect Pelinka to do or a move of that level. A slight upgrade at a backup position in the 1-3 position.

Lakers are actually a dangerous playoff team, they are better than last 2 seasons. I think they will threaten teams if they get the last good pieces. I'm hoping it's Lonzo+Smith or Murray+Smith or something. Then you just wish for health in the playoffs.


OKC is flawed offensively, great defense on perimeter but they can be outscored and especially by an inside team like Lakers.

[mademan]

PG: Reaves (38) | LeBron (10)
SG: Christie (32) | DFS (16)
SF: DFS (22) | Rui (18) | Vando (10)
PF: LeBron (28) | Rui (10) | Vando (8)
C : Davis (40) | Rui (8)

12 mins: Reaves, Christie, DFS, LeBron, Davis
10 mins: Reaves, Christie, Rui, Vando, Davis
10 mins: LeBron, Christie, DFS, Rui, Davis
8 mins: Reaves, DFS, Rui, LeBron, Davis
8 mins: Reaves, DFS, Vando, LeBron, Rui

In a tight playoff rotation, if the above guys are all healthy, I think Lakers have more than enough dynamic size and defense mixed with scoring to be a true contender. I'd have them as 4th most likely after OKC, BOS, CLE


Lakers are struggling gin RS because LeBron and Davis are low motor in RS, they will turn it up in playoffs.
Lakers also don't have great players beyond the above 7 you'd have in a playoff rotation.

The backups are Vincent, Milton, Reddish, Knecht, Wood, Hayes. They can play spot minutes but none of them are particularly impactful. Wood has best chance to be an impact piece when he is healthy.

I'd be happy to turn Vincent, JHS, Knecht in to an 8th man in the playoffs rotation. Doesn't need FRPs.

I get doubting Houston and Orlando, but its crazy to put them ahead of Dallas/Memphis/Knicks.

I do think Lakers would beat those teams in a series as is. As long as they were healthy.

Dont know what the Lakers have shown to make you believe that. Memphis and Knicks...ok. I see no reason to believe the Lakers could beat Dallas. Dallas is better top down. Better best player(s), better depth and more offense/defense balance (top 10 in both when healthy)

It's difficult to believe in a Lakers team that is bottom 10 defensively. And this isnt even schematic...they just dont have the players to be a top defense without sacrificing a lot of offense (playing Vando,Vincent,Christie big minutes)

[trickshot]

If possible, Kessler is the best. Have a historical paint defense. You instantly get a demon twin tower you can run for a portion of the game, your drop coverage lineup you can use to hide personnel and/or let Lebron roam and wreak havoc as free safety and your AD at the 5 lineup for select matchups. People forget but the team that fast tracked the small trend had Andrew Bogut as a huge contributor, who, in 16 frustrated Lebron/Kyrie in the paint and whose injury was as big a factor in the 3-1 comeback as Dray's suspension or Iggy's back injury.

[nzahir]

I get doubting Houston and Orlando, but its crazy to put them ahead of Dallas/Memphis/Knicks.

I do think Lakers would beat those teams in a series as is. As long as they were healthy.

Dont know what the Lakers have shown to make you believe that. Memphis and Knicks...ok. I see no reason to believe the Lakers could beat Dallas. Dallas is better top down. Better best player(s), better depth and more offense/defense balance (top 10 in both when healthy)

It's difficult to believe in a Lakers team that is bottom 10 defensively. And this isnt even schematic...they just dont have the players to be a top defense without sacrificing a lot of offense (playing Vando,Vincent,Christie big minutes)

Last 11 games (Since we put Christie int he starting lineup) were 16th in Def rating, 11th in overall. Somehow 8th in offensive rating

Not having a 2nd big hurts a lot defensively

I still think the right move is Kessler+2 way guard. Helps both timelines

[dcstanley]

I think Lakers could get the Cavs 2025 FRP from the Jazz if they unprotected the 2027 FRP.

I think maybe that's an asset Lakers could add to Vincent+JHS to get someone decent.


Or a trade like Vincent+JHS+unprotecting2027FRP for Jordan Clarkson. I think Clarkson as a 6th man for the Lakers could make sense, that's the sort of move I'm expecting to actually happen.

Thats a waste of everyones time if thats all we are doing

Clarkson is better than Shake though, but not a 2 way guy and had a bad playoff run with CLE in 2018, but he has improved

Also you are a bit too optimistic if you have us as the 4th team

OKC BOS and CLE are clearly tier 1 (OKC doesnt fear me a ton if we add a C at least though since AD actually shows up vs them)

But Dallas is ahead of us clearly, they just beat us without Kyrie and Luka lol

If we dont get a C, idk if we would beat Denver

I think we would beat the Grizz in the playoffs

Should also beat Hou when the game slows down and if we add a C or Vando is impactful like a couple years back

I think we should beat NY as we can match up decent with KAT and Brunson I think

But you are correct in that Bron and AD will give more effort and that should help

This is why I say I like the core, but some glaring holes

For sure need to flip Gabe and JHS into something though, at least 1 playoff role guy. That isnt negotiatable. Even if its a small move, has to be done

Rui is moveable in the right deal

Vando is moveable in the right deal/if we get a C and a 2 way/more defensive minded guard/wing as well

Knecht isnt ready yet to contribute to the playoffs sadly. Would trade him in a deal for another young player if that was a possibility

As currently constructed,

lose in 4-5 to the Celtics and Cavs
lose in 4-6 to Denver and OKC
lose to the Mavs and Knicks
50/50 chance against Memphis, Orlando, Milwaukee, Clippers, Wolves, Houston

Ceiling is a WCF loss. Most likely outcome is another fist round loss.

[trickshot]

I do think Lakers would beat those teams in a series as is. As long as they were healthy.

Dont know what the Lakers have shown to make you believe that. Memphis and Knicks...ok. I see no reason to believe the Lakers could beat Dallas. Dallas is better top down. Better best player(s), better depth and more offense/defense balance (top 10 in both when healthy)

It's difficult to believe in a Lakers team that is bottom 10 defensively. And this isnt even schematic...they just dont have the players to be a top defense without sacrificing a lot of offense (playing Vando,Vincent,Christie big minutes)

Last 11 games (Since we put Christie int he starting lineup) were 16th in Def rating, 11th in overall. Somehow 8th in offensive rating

Not having a 2nd big hurts a lot defensively

I still think the right move is Kessler+2 way guard. Helps both timelines

FO really damaged the frontcourt betting on so many disgusting bigs with no court awareness

[zimpy27]

I think many of you just forget how Vando makes this team look. He's coming back soon, by March you will be singing a different tune.

He just fits LeBron, Davis, Rui so well.
He will be great with DFS too.

It sounds silly because he will be a 18-20mpg guy but he impacts the intensity so well.

[mademan]

I do think Lakers would beat those teams in a series as is. As long as they were healthy.

Dont know what the Lakers have shown to make you believe that. Memphis and Knicks...ok. I see no reason to believe the Lakers could beat Dallas. Dallas is better top down. Better best player(s), better depth and more offense/defense balance (top 10 in both when healthy)

It's difficult to believe in a Lakers team that is bottom 10 defensively. And this isnt even schematic...they just dont have the players to be a top defense without sacrificing a lot of offense (playing Vando,Vincent,Christie big minutes)

Last 11 games (Since we put Christie int he starting lineup) were 16th in Def rating, 11th in overall. Somehow 8th in offensive rating

Not having a 2nd big hurts a lot defensively

I still think the right move is Kessler+2 way guard. Helps both timelines

Ya need a 2nd big. But Lakers, at their best, are mediocre defensively. Memphis and Dallas have shown the ability to play elite defense and while the Knicks havent this season, they have elite defensive players and should have a defensive anchor returning in Mitch.

I dont think LA can seriously compete with this defense. They might be able to outscore a good team in the playoffs for a couple games or even a series, but you cant do that multiple times. I guess the possibility exists where there's just an incredible draw where its an anemic offense in Houston and an unproven Grizz that catapults LA to the WCF tho

[Tracymcgoaty]

Yes we dont have a ton of quality wins

We keep on beating Memphis who is pretty good

If we didnt have a horrendous 1st half vs Hou and had a real backup C, we would have beat Hou

We beat the Wolves

OKC doesnt worry me a ton if we get another C in the playoffs for some reason. Think they may be 1-2 years away from really dominating

OKC has no weaknesses. They had one in giddey last year and promptly replaced him With Caruso.
And Chet before the injury was a monster. Only team that can beat OKC is a healthy Dallas team. Again the duo just isn't at that level anymore. They just ain't.

And C's lke Hartensten absolutely dominate AD with sheer effort. They're clear favorites in the west for a good reason.

One poster said to just enjoy whats left of Lebrons time and thats what you should do. Like doing trades to get Jordan Clarkson back Are you guys trying to give us PTSD??

Maybe they pick up a C like Nick Richards if they dont have to give up assets. Or Val or whoever. But Anything that involves giving up any type of assets should be avoided.

Jordan Clarkson is just what I expect Pelinka to do or a move of that level. A slight upgrade at a backup position in the 1-3 position.

Lakers are actually a dangerous playoff team, they are better than last 2 seasons. I think they will threaten teams if they get the last good pieces. I'm hoping it's Lonzo+Smith or Murray+Smith or something. Then you just wish for health in the playoffs.


OKC is flawed offensively, great defense on perimeter but they can be outscored and especially by an inside team like Lakers.

Gabe+JHS and a pick for Clarkson? Hard pass i'd rather keep gabe and hope he plays at the level he showed pre injury. I've had enough Clarkson being a laker to last a lifetime.

[Fadeaway_J]

I think many of you just forget how Vando makes this team look. He's coming back soon, by March you will be singing a different tune.

He just fits LeBron, Davis, Rui so well.
He will be great with DFS too.

It sounds silly because he will be a 18-20mpg guy but he impacts the intensity so well.

I remember that Vando was an offensive liablity the last time he played in the playoffs. Assuming he's even the same guy after a year on the shelf, I don't expect him to be changing much in the games that matter.

[zimpy27]

I think many of you just forget how Vando makes this team look. He's coming back soon, by March you will be singing a different tune.

He just fits LeBron, Davis, Rui so well.
He will be great with DFS too.

It sounds silly because he will be a 18-20mpg guy but he impacts the intensity so well.

I remember that Vando was an offensive liablity the last time he played in the playoffs. Assuming he's even the same guy after a year on the shelf, I don't expect him to be changing much in the games that matter.

He was injured in those playoffs, he is a liability without his defense but the defense lifts it all

[trickshot]

The damage of playing only zone and drop for 2 years is also really showing. The team, especially the younger guys have no chemistry executing switches. They look like they've never played together sometimes.

[trickshot]

Dont know what the Lakers have shown to make you believe that. Memphis and Knicks...ok. I see no reason to believe the Lakers could beat Dallas. Dallas is better top down. Better best player(s), better depth and more offense/defense balance (top 10 in both when healthy)

It's difficult to believe in a Lakers team that is bottom 10 defensively. And this isnt even schematic...they just dont have the players to be a top defense without sacrificing a lot of offense (playing Vando,Vincent,Christie big minutes)

Last 11 games (Since we put Christie int he starting lineup) were 16th in Def rating, 11th in overall. Somehow 8th in offensive rating

Not having a 2nd big hurts a lot defensively

I still think the right move is Kessler+2 way guard. Helps both timelines

Ya need a 2nd big. But Lakers, at their best, are mediocre defensively. Memphis and Dallas have shown the ability to play elite defense and while the Knicks havent this season, they have elite defensive players and should have a defensive anchor returning in Mitch.

I dont think LA can seriously compete with this defense. They might be able to outscore a good team in the playoffs for a couple games or even a series, but you cant do that multiple times. I guess the possibility exists where there's just an incredible draw where its an anemic offense in Houston and an unproven Grizz that catapults LA to the WCF tho

100%. Rule of thumb I use is AD gives you a chance to win any series with new age Centers. So the Grizz (Edey might change that soon), Warriors, Kings, Wolves, even the Spurs with Wemby, while losing to the likes of the Nuggets, Cavs and whoever else can sap his motor with physicality. This is where it's a huge loss that Lebron can no longer attack 5s. Play them off the floor.

[nzahir]

Last 11 games (Since we put Christie int he starting lineup) were 16th in Def rating, 11th in overall. Somehow 8th in offensive rating

Not having a 2nd big hurts a lot defensively

I still think the right move is Kessler+2 way guard. Helps both timelines

Ya need a 2nd big. But Lakers, at their best, are mediocre defensively. Memphis and Dallas have shown the ability to play elite defense and while the Knicks havent this season, they have elite defensive players and should have a defensive anchor returning in Mitch.

I dont think LA can seriously compete with this defense. They might be able to outscore a good team in the playoffs for a couple games or even a series, but you cant do that multiple times. I guess the possibility exists where there's just an incredible draw where its an anemic offense in Houston and an unproven Grizz that catapults LA to the WCF tho

100%. Rule of thumb I use is AD gives you a chance to win any series with new age Centers. So the Grizz (Edey might change that soon), Warriors, Kings, Wolves, even the Spurs with Wemby, while losing to the likes of the Nuggets, Cavs and whoever else can sap his motor with physicality. This is where it's a huge loss that Lebron can no longer attack 5s. Play them off the floor.

Sadly AD doesnt have that quick burst anymore like he did in NOLA or in his 1st year here

That achilles injury and adding weight changed who he was. Guy used to be so damn fluid, sadly no longer the same guy

We can only compete with those bigger teams if we get another C

Somehow praying we can get Myles Turner or another stretch C

But this requires Lebron to actually rotate on the perimeter and AD can drop some weight

I can see us moving Rui in that type of deal, starting DFS or the C (matchup dependent) and giving Vando min off the bench. Still need a guard better than Vincent, preferably 2 way guard

Main playoff rotation 8 guys. 9th man would be Knecht or Wood I think

Reaves, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
2 way guard?, Vando, Stretch C

[zimpy27]

1-2 vs Suns (Durant-Nurk)
0-2 vs Cavs (Mobley-Allen)
0-2 vs Pistons (Harris-Duren)
2-1 vs Grizz (JJJ-Edey)
0-1 vs Magic (Da Silva-Goga)
0-1 vs Nuggets (MPJ-Jokic)
0-1 vs OKC (Jalen-iHart)
1-2 vs Minny (Randle-Gobert)
0-1 vs heat (Butler-Bam)
1-1 vs hawks (JJ-Capela)
0-1 vs Rockets (Amen-Sengun)
0-1 vs Mavs (PJ-Lively)



List of teams they have lost to aren't bigger than average across the board. You have small and big front courts.

Athleticism seems like more of a factor.