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

[zimpy27]

Feels like Ainge keeps trying to make a Kessler deal happen. I've never seen so many trade updates on a player with zero market. They just got out of Gobert hell and he's raising their floor under a GM that traditionally has his teams tank hard for higher ceiling talent. He needs to get real on who's doing who the favour. I think he'll take any asset still available in February.

If report posted was true pick will be used to hunt a deal that flips Rui's contract for an improvement but also cap saving solution.

Which report?

some report about tax savings being a goal. Makes sense or Dlo's contract would have been a more valued asset to the FO if the goal was to be cap aggressive. For once I can't blame them because every team not named Phoenix is trying to trade down the tax ladder.

Being an above apron team means you have to pretty much save money in trades.

[trickshot]

Feels like Ainge keeps trying to make a Kessler deal happen. I've never seen so many trade updates on a player with zero market. They just got out of Gobert hell and he's raising their floor under a GM that traditionally has his teams tank hard for higher ceiling talent. He needs to get real on who's doing who the favour. I think he'll take any asset still available in February.

Which report?

some report about tax savings being a goal. Makes sense or Dlo's contract would have been a more valued asset to the FO if the goal was to be cap aggressive. For once I can't blame them because every team not named Phoenix is trying to trade down the tax ladder.

Being an above apron team means you have to pretty much save money in trades.

It seems they still want to trend downwards in savings. Beyond the apron and the season.

[zimpy27]

Feels like Ainge keeps trying to make a Kessler deal happen. I've never seen so many trade updates on a player with zero market. They just got out of Gobert hell and he's raising their floor under a GM that traditionally has his teams tank hard for higher ceiling talent. He needs to get real on who's doing who the favour. I think he'll take any asset still available in February.





some report about tax savings being a goal. Makes sense or Dlo's contract would have been a more valued asset to the FO if the goal was to be cap aggressive. For once I can't blame them because every team not named Phoenix is trying to trade down the tax ladder.

Being an above apron team means you have to pretty much save money in trades.

It seems they still want to trend downwards in savings. Beyond the apron and the season.

For a playoff team to stay under tax you should be looking for...

Top 2 players for under 60% of cap
top 4 players under 88% of cap
top 6 players under 102% of cap
top 10 players under 116% of cap

Lakers are currently at 85% for LeBron, Davis, Reaves, DFS.. that's great.

Then they 17% for Rui+Christie, so they are still at the threshold at 102% of cap for 6 players.

It's the extra 20% on Vando, Vincent, Knecht, Wood that takes Lakers over the tax threshold at top 10 players. If you changed Vincent to a vet min then the Lakers would be on track to duck the tax.

Lakers have made mistakes but they have done ok. Exchanging Rui+Vincent for a 3rd or 4th option with a vet minimum like if Lakers did get CamJ+Sharpe then I think Lakers would be a solid team.

[trickshot]

They've definitely done okay. Drafting your own backcourt is always amazing. Asides JHS, A+ drafting. The only drawback was betting on four chronically unavailable frontcourt players. Pray the team doesn't come to regret wasting AD/Lebron being healthy for the first 4 months of the season. We're entering the window when stars start dropping left and right.

[zimpy27]

They've definitely done okay. Drafting your own backcourt is always amazing. Asides JHS, A+ drafting. The only drawback was betting on four chronically unavailable frontcourt players. Pray the team doesn't come to regret wasting AD/Lebron being healthy for the first 4 months of the season. We're entering the window when stars start dropping left and right.

Yeah I think Reaves, LeBron, Davis is a contending level top 3. And priced well because of Reaves.

Main weakness of big 3 is perimeter defense. But I think DFS, Christie, Vando are solid defensive pieces to boost perimeter defense.

Knecht, Rui, Wood are decent offense pieces but I don't think you need 3. Rather it is sensible to use Rui salary with Vincent+JHS to bring in a defensive playmaker and defensive backup big to round out the 10 player rotation:

PG: Reaves | Defensive Playmaker
SG: Christie | Knecht
SF: DFS | Vando
PF: LeBron | Wood
C : Davis | Defensive Big

That's the perfect balance IMO.

[nzahir]

They've definitely done okay. Drafting your own backcourt is always amazing. Asides JHS, A+ drafting. The only drawback was betting on four chronically unavailable frontcourt players. Pray the team doesn't come to regret wasting AD/Lebron being healthy for the first 4 months of the season. We're entering the window when stars start dropping left and right.

Yeah I think Reaves, LeBron, Davis is a contending level top 3. And priced well because of Reaves.

Main weakness of big 3 is perimeter defense. But I think DFS, Christie, Vando are solid defensive pieces to boost perimeter defense.

Knecht, Rui, Wood are decent offense pieces but I don't think you need 3. Rather it is sensible to use Rui salary with Vincent+JHS to bring in a defensive playmaker and defensive backup big to round out the 10 player rotation:

PG: Reaves | Defensive Playmaker
SG: Christie | Knecht
SF: DFS | Vando
PF: LeBron | Wood
C : Davis | Defensive Big

That's the perfect balance IMO.

Few issues though, which is what makes this so hard

1) Rui is one of our best 3 point shooters
2) The bench doesnt have a lot of scoring. I dont think Knecht is ready yet, he can be a sparkplug at times, but a very bad defender and not consistent enough of a shooter
3) Still a question mark for Vando and Wood

Any underrated defensive playmakers youre seeing besides Banton?

I wonder if Nembhard could be had from Indi, wold prefer him to Lonzo or Smart

[tone wone]

Lebron and AD being so available the last year and a half and LA not having much to show for it is what drives a lot of the disappointment.

2021-2023 they were always hurt and missing chunks of time. Davis especially. '20-'21 & '21-'22 were the 2 worst years of his prime and the reason his standing league wide is noticibly lower than when he arrived in LA. We dreamed for those 2 being this healthy

[zimpy27]

They've definitely done okay. Drafting your own backcourt is always amazing. Asides JHS, A+ drafting. The only drawback was betting on four chronically unavailable frontcourt players. Pray the team doesn't come to regret wasting AD/Lebron being healthy for the first 4 months of the season. We're entering the window when stars start dropping left and right.

Yeah I think Reaves, LeBron, Davis is a contending level top 3. And priced well because of Reaves.

Main weakness of big 3 is perimeter defense. But I think DFS, Christie, Vando are solid defensive pieces to boost perimeter defense.

Knecht, Rui, Wood are decent offense pieces but I don't think you need 3. Rather it is sensible to use Rui salary with Vincent+JHS to bring in a defensive playmaker and defensive backup big to round out the 10 player rotation:

PG: Reaves | Defensive Playmaker
SG: Christie | Knecht
SF: DFS | Vando
PF: LeBron | Wood
C : Davis | Defensive Big

That's the perfect balance IMO.

Few issues though, which is what makes this so hard

1) Rui is one of our best 3 point shooters
2) The bench doesnt have a lot of scoring. I dont think Knecht is ready yet, he can be a sparkplug at times, but a very bad defender and not consistent enough of a shooter
3) Still a question mark for Vando and Wood

Any underrated defensive playmakers youre seeing besides Banton?

I wonder if Nembhard could be had from Indi, wold prefer him to Lonzo or Smart

Well you could keep Rui but that means instead of $32m (Rui+Vincent+JHS), the Lakers have $15m to salary match the backup big and playmaker.

So yeah the trade of Vincent+JHS for RW3+Banton fits, you can keep Rui there.

I think THT+Smith is a decent combination. Tht has been impressive this season. Shooting 40% from 3.

Nembhard is not on the market, he showed he can lead Pacers last playoffs. I don't think Lakers have the assets it would cost.

Lonzo is a strong target IMO but you have to lose Rui. CP3 is a great target.

What about Dennis Smith Jr or Fultz? I wonder what happened to these guys as they aren't signed but defended quite well.

[nzahir]

Yeah I think Reaves, LeBron, Davis is a contending level top 3. And priced well because of Reaves.

Main weakness of big 3 is perimeter defense. But I think DFS, Christie, Vando are solid defensive pieces to boost perimeter defense.

Knecht, Rui, Wood are decent offense pieces but I don't think you need 3. Rather it is sensible to use Rui salary with Vincent+JHS to bring in a defensive playmaker and defensive backup big to round out the 10 player rotation:

PG: Reaves | Defensive Playmaker
SG: Christie | Knecht
SF: DFS | Vando
PF: LeBron | Wood
C : Davis | Defensive Big

That's the perfect balance IMO.

Few issues though, which is what makes this so hard

1) Rui is one of our best 3 point shooters
2) The bench doesnt have a lot of scoring. I dont think Knecht is ready yet, he can be a sparkplug at times, but a very bad defender and not consistent enough of a shooter
3) Still a question mark for Vando and Wood

Any underrated defensive playmakers youre seeing besides Banton?

I wonder if Nembhard could be had from Indi, wold prefer him to Lonzo or Smart

Well you could keep Rui but that means instead of $32m (Rui+Vincent+JHS), the Lakers have $15m to salary match the backup big and playmaker.

So yeah the trade of Vincent+JHS for RW3+Banton fits, you can keep Rui there.

I think THT+Smith is a decent combination. Tht has been impressive this season. Shooting 40% from 3.

Nembhard is not on the market, he showed he can lead Pacers last playoffs. I don't think Lakers have the assets it would cost.

Lonzo is a strong target IMO but you have to lose Rui. CP3 is a great target.

What about Dennis Smith Jr or Fultz? I wonder what happened to these guys as they aren't signed but defended quite well.

If this team is gona cheap out on picks, I like Rw3, my favorite target that shouldnt cost any of our 1sts

I wonder if Indy would take Knecht for him? They already have Haliburton (and TJ as a backup)

I think Wood has Jalen Smith potential anyways on this team, I dont view Smith as a pure 5 who can anchor the defense without AD, needs to be next to AD

You can get Lonzo and keep Rui, but its Vincent and Vando basically. The issue is the trade value. Would Chicago take the CLE 1st if we unprotected Utahs and they sent it in a 3 teamer?

Ideally could then send Utah 29 and 31 (protect one if possible or a swap on one of them with protections) for Kessler

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo, Knecht, DFS, Wood, Kessler

Wood and Knecht get less/no min in playoffs depending on matchups

Lonzo off the bench is nice since he can be that #3 playmaker I think, but he needs to always be out there with either one of Bron or Reaves

Cp3 is solid as well, but idk if see the spurs moving him rn

Random trade thought I had if we go for Vuc is Vuc and Ayo for Rui, Vincent, and some sort of draft comp. A protected 1st/swap/CLE pick from Utah? Unsure if Ayo is even a positive, doesnt rate out very well. Still have JHS and a minimm to try and get a backup 3/4 for depth

Reaves, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Ayo, Knecht, Vando, Vuc

[zimpy27]

Few issues though, which is what makes this so hard

1) Rui is one of our best 3 point shooters
2) The bench doesnt have a lot of scoring. I dont think Knecht is ready yet, he can be a sparkplug at times, but a very bad defender and not consistent enough of a shooter
3) Still a question mark for Vando and Wood

Any underrated defensive playmakers youre seeing besides Banton?

I wonder if Nembhard could be had from Indi, wold prefer him to Lonzo or Smart

Well you could keep Rui but that means instead of $32m (Rui+Vincent+JHS), the Lakers have $15m to salary match the backup big and playmaker.

So yeah the trade of Vincent+JHS for RW3+Banton fits, you can keep Rui there.

I think THT+Smith is a decent combination. Tht has been impressive this season. Shooting 40% from 3.

Nembhard is not on the market, he showed he can lead Pacers last playoffs. I don't think Lakers have the assets it would cost.

Lonzo is a strong target IMO but you have to lose Rui. CP3 is a great target.

What about Dennis Smith Jr or Fultz? I wonder what happened to these guys as they aren't signed but defended quite well.

If this team is gona cheap out on picks, I like Rw3, my favorite target that shouldnt cost any of our 1sts

I wonder if Indy would take Knecht for him? They already have Haliburton (and TJ as a backup)

I think Wood has Jalen Smith potential anyways on this team, I dont view Smith as a pure 5 who can anchor the defense without AD, needs to be next to AD

You can get Lonzo and keep Rui, but its Vincent and Vando basically. The issue is the trade value. Would Chicago take the CLE 1st if we unprotected Utahs and they sent it in a 3 teamer?

Ideally could then send Utah 29 and 31 (protect one if possible or a swap on one of them with protections) for Kessler

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo, Knecht, DFS, Wood, Kessler

Wood and Knecht get less/no min in playoffs depending on matchups

Lonzo off the bench is nice since he can be that #3 playmaker I think, but he needs to always be out there with either one of Bron or Reaves

Cp3 is solid as well, but idk if see the spurs moving him rn

Random trade thought I had if we go for Vuc is Vuc and Ayo for Rui, Vincent, and some sort of draft comp. A protected 1st/swap/CLE pick from Utah? Unsure if Ayo is even a positive, doesnt rate out very well. Still have JHS and a minimm to try and get a backup 3/4 for depth

Reaves, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Ayo, Knecht, Vando, Vuc

I really think Vando is more valuable than Rui to this team and other teams view Vando as negative, it just doesn't make sense to trade him. Yeah you'd need to give the Cavs 1st if you are moving Vincent+Vando for Lonzo, even that might not be enough. Lonzo is the best guard available for Lakers, but his price is climbing. This last 8 games since he came back from some rest has looked like the break out Lonzo season prior to big injury: 63% TS, 42% from 3, 3.2 steals per 36, 3-1 AST-TO ratio. I really want Lakers to get him.

Just no chance you get Nembhard for Knecht either, I think he's valued much higher than Knecht.

I do think Lakers are sneakily trying to duck the 1st apron so they can get a buyout player that has an above MLE salary. This would be Simmons and Bojan I'd imagine, outside chance of Brogdon or even Lonzo getting a buyout. Lakers just need to move Vincent or Vando or JHS+Knecht+Wood in to capspace or a TPE in order to free up the salary for a big salary buyout player. There was a report of Lakers wanting to cut more salary, I think this would be there goal if possible.

[nzahir]

Well you could keep Rui but that means instead of $32m (Rui+Vincent+JHS), the Lakers have $15m to salary match the backup big and playmaker.

So yeah the trade of Vincent+JHS for RW3+Banton fits, you can keep Rui there.

I think THT+Smith is a decent combination. Tht has been impressive this season. Shooting 40% from 3.

Nembhard is not on the market, he showed he can lead Pacers last playoffs. I don't think Lakers have the assets it would cost.

Lonzo is a strong target IMO but you have to lose Rui. CP3 is a great target.

What about Dennis Smith Jr or Fultz? I wonder what happened to these guys as they aren't signed but defended quite well.

If this team is gona cheap out on picks, I like Rw3, my favorite target that shouldnt cost any of our 1sts

I wonder if Indy would take Knecht for him? They already have Haliburton (and TJ as a backup)

I think Wood has Jalen Smith potential anyways on this team, I dont view Smith as a pure 5 who can anchor the defense without AD, needs to be next to AD

You can get Lonzo and keep Rui, but its Vincent and Vando basically. The issue is the trade value. Would Chicago take the CLE 1st if we unprotected Utahs and they sent it in a 3 teamer?

Ideally could then send Utah 29 and 31 (protect one if possible or a swap on one of them with protections) for Kessler

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo, Knecht, DFS, Wood, Kessler

Wood and Knecht get less/no min in playoffs depending on matchups

Lonzo off the bench is nice since he can be that #3 playmaker I think, but he needs to always be out there with either one of Bron or Reaves

Cp3 is solid as well, but idk if see the spurs moving him rn

Random trade thought I had if we go for Vuc is Vuc and Ayo for Rui, Vincent, and some sort of draft comp. A protected 1st/swap/CLE pick from Utah? Unsure if Ayo is even a positive, doesnt rate out very well. Still have JHS and a minimm to try and get a backup 3/4 for depth

Reaves, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Ayo, Knecht, Vando, Vuc

I really think Vando is more valuable than Rui to this team and other teams view Vando as negative, it just doesn't make sense to trade him. Yeah you'd need to give the Cavs 1st if you are moving Vincent+Vando for Lonzo, even that might not be enough. Lonzo is the best guard available for Lakers, but his price is climbing. This last 8 games since he came back from some rest has looked like the break out Lonzo season prior to big injury: 63% TS, 42% from 3, 3.2 steals per 36, 3-1 AST-TO ratio. I really want Lakers to get him.

Just no chance you get Nembhard for Knecht either, I think he's valued much higher than Knecht.

I do think Lakers are sneakily trying to duck the 1st apron so they can get a buyout player that has an above MLE salary. This would be Simmons and Bojan I'd imagine, outside chance of Brogdon or even Lonzo getting a buyout. Lakers just need to move Vincent or Vando or JHS+Knecht+Wood in to capspace or a TPE in order to free up the salary for a big salary buyout player. There was a report of Lakers wanting to cut more salary, I think this would be there goal if possible.

I dont think its wise to hope one of those names get bought out and rely on it (unless we got some very confident intel)

Some scenarios with Chi

Lonzo for Vando and Vincent and draft capital

Lonzo and Vuc, but need to give up Vando, Rui, and Vincent and draft capital

Vuc and Ayo for Rui and Vincent and draft capital

I do think you need a decent 4th scoring option, so if were trading for Zo, we need to keep Rui or get Vuc back (but then Vando is gone)

[dcstanley]

This team is bad on both ends. The offense is such an eyesore.

[Tracymcgoaty]

Yes rob! Waste the rest of those assets on this duo!

[tone wone]

Went up 10 with 3:56 left in the 3rd. Got outscored 52-18 the rest of the way.

52-18!

[Mos_Heat]

Went up 10 with 3:56 left in the 3rd. Got outscored 52-18 the rest of the way.

52-18!

They put a bet on Reaves being the main guard initiator and it doesn't work

[Tracymcgoaty]

Went up 10 with 3:56 left in the 3rd. Got outscored 52-18 the rest of the way.

52-18!

I think Lebron had like 5 turnovers in a row in the 4Q. AD though he can still be a huge piece on a legit team. 30/13 he can keep his head up in this loss. Seemingely the only one trying.

[1993Playoffs]

So many games where in the past he would have scored 25+ this year he’s scored 17-18 pts

[zimpy27]

If this team is gona cheap out on picks, I like Rw3, my favorite target that shouldnt cost any of our 1sts

I wonder if Indy would take Knecht for him? They already have Haliburton (and TJ as a backup)

I think Wood has Jalen Smith potential anyways on this team, I dont view Smith as a pure 5 who can anchor the defense without AD, needs to be next to AD

You can get Lonzo and keep Rui, but its Vincent and Vando basically. The issue is the trade value. Would Chicago take the CLE 1st if we unprotected Utahs and they sent it in a 3 teamer?

Ideally could then send Utah 29 and 31 (protect one if possible or a swap on one of them with protections) for Kessler

Reaves, Christie, Rui, Bron, AD
Lonzo, Knecht, DFS, Wood, Kessler

Wood and Knecht get less/no min in playoffs depending on matchups

Lonzo off the bench is nice since he can be that #3 playmaker I think, but he needs to always be out there with either one of Bron or Reaves

Cp3 is solid as well, but idk if see the spurs moving him rn

Random trade thought I had if we go for Vuc is Vuc and Ayo for Rui, Vincent, and some sort of draft comp. A protected 1st/swap/CLE pick from Utah? Unsure if Ayo is even a positive, doesnt rate out very well. Still have JHS and a minimm to try and get a backup 3/4 for depth

Reaves, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Ayo, Knecht, Vando, Vuc

I really think Vando is more valuable than Rui to this team and other teams view Vando as negative, it just doesn't make sense to trade him. Yeah you'd need to give the Cavs 1st if you are moving Vincent+Vando for Lonzo, even that might not be enough. Lonzo is the best guard available for Lakers, but his price is climbing. This last 8 games since he came back from some rest has looked like the break out Lonzo season prior to big injury: 63% TS, 42% from 3, 3.2 steals per 36, 3-1 AST-TO ratio. I really want Lakers to get him.

Just no chance you get Nembhard for Knecht either, I think he's valued much higher than Knecht.

I do think Lakers are sneakily trying to duck the 1st apron so they can get a buyout player that has an above MLE salary. This would be Simmons and Bojan I'd imagine, outside chance of Brogdon or even Lonzo getting a buyout. Lakers just need to move Vincent or Vando or JHS+Knecht+Wood in to capspace or a TPE in order to free up the salary for a big salary buyout player. There was a report of Lakers wanting to cut more salary, I think this would be there goal if possible.

I dont think its wise to hope one of those names get bought out and rely on it (unless we got some very confident intel)

Some scenarios with Chi

Lonzo for Vando and Vincent and draft capital

Lonzo and Vuc, but need to give up Vando, Rui, and Vincent and draft capital

Vuc and Ayo for Rui and Vincent and draft capital

I do think you need a decent 4th scoring option, so if were trading for Zo, we need to keep Rui or get Vuc back (but then Vando is gone)

Lonzo is a decent scoring option though, he will get Vando and Wood and any other big a good look. Knecht would be better with Lonzo on the floor.

I'd be happy to lose Rui for Lonzo and I think Rui is very appealing for Bulls.
Bulls need another big wing and they have a $17.5m TPE from Demar that Rui slots in, meaning they get a new $21m TPE for Lonzo.

[nzahir]

Yes rob! Waste the rest of those assets on this duo!

THEN TRADE AD AND BRON JESUS CHRIST

Someone like Kessler can play both timelines

We arent saying trade 2 1sts for a guy like Butler here

If LA isnt willing to give up anything more than a swap/2nd/unprotecting their 27 1st and salaries

Then you need high upside moves

Go get Lonzo and Rw3 or Lonzo and Vuc or Ayo and Vuc

Rui and Vincent are gone. Vando is gone if trading for Zo and Vuc

[Tracymcgoaty]

Yes rob! Waste the rest of those assets on this duo!

THEN TRADE AD AND BRON JESUS CHRIST

Someone like Kessler can play both timelines

We arent saying trade 2 1sts for a guy like Butler here

If LA isnt willing to give up anything more than a swap/2nd/unprotecting their 27 1st and salaries

Then you need high upside moves

Go get Lonzo and Rw3 or Lonzo and Vuc or Ayo and Vuc

Rui and Vincent are gone. Vando is gone if trading for Zo and Vuc

Lebron has a no trade clause. You honestly think if Lebron wanted to leave he wouldn't have done it already? Team owes picks as well so they'll both stay here. Might trade AD for a haul but Lebron will stay. Best case scenario for him with this team is a farewell tour or something.

Lakers aren't holding Lebron hostage.

What is shocking though is JJ hasn't slotted in DFS in the starting lineup. Gotta say im dissapointed with that.