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

[TroubleS0me]

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[nzahir]

Shams reporting Bron and AD losing faith in FO making large enough moves

Deadline is in 2 weeks basically

Its put up or shut up time

PUSH IN SOME CHIPS OR BLOW IT UP

If LA is gona move 1sts, it should only be for guys that are 26 or under

Can’t protect the jazz first and get the CLE 1st anymore

Any names we maybe haven’t discussed for guys 26 and under that make sense?

[zimpy27]

Vando is back.

But yeah, Lakers need playmaking urgently. You either go for a defender that is a playmaker but not an iso scorer or you go for a playmaker and iso scorer that isn't a defender. Lakers need to pick one. Top 5 O and middling D or Top 5 D and middling O.

[TroubleS0me]

Vando is back.

But yeah, Lakers need playmaking urgently. You either go for a defender that is a playmaker but not an iso scorer or you go for a playmaker and iso scorer that isn't a defender. Lakers need to pick one. Top 5 O and middling D or Top 5 D and middling O.

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[zimpy27]

The Vandolorian


He'll probably play 15 mpg but the energy will be much needed.

[nzahir]

Vando is back.

But yeah, Lakers need playmaking urgently. You either go for a defender that is a playmaker but not an iso scorer or you go for a playmaker and iso scorer that isn't a defender. Lakers need to pick one. Top 5 O and middling D or Top 5 D and middling O.

Hadnt listened to a Lakers pod in a while, but listened to LFR today and they made some good points

We are a bad rebounding team, yet our 4 most expensive guys are Bron, AD, Rui, and DFS. Rui and DFS are not good rebounders. So you probably need to move Rui to address this concern

Rui is pretty effective, but low volume, a bad rebounder (which is annoying considering he has the tools), and a bad perimeter defender

Our offense has a ceiling as well. Lebron w/o AR lineups struggle and same for AD without a playmaker.

Gabe is not good enough and the miami playoff run was more of a fluke.

They liked Kessler, Rw3, or Vuc the most for a big

Vuc is the only guy who can help your rebounding and scoring though

But also mentioned needing a playmaker

Vuc, Ayo, Jevon, for Rui, Gabe, JHS, and Cam/Hayes and a swap and 2nds/protected 1st? Ayo rates out pretty poorly in advanced stats, but I dont see CHI moving him for nothing

Having a tough time finding a good #3 playmaker/scorer. But need another guy to have play when AR sits

Our team has no identity, I think getting another C would help us play bigger and maybe thats what we lean into

[zimpy27]

Vando is back.

But yeah, Lakers need playmaking urgently. You either go for a defender that is a playmaker but not an iso scorer or you go for a playmaker and iso scorer that isn't a defender. Lakers need to pick one. Top 5 O and middling D or Top 5 D and middling O.

Hadnt listened to a Lakers pod in a while, but listened to LFR today and they made some good points

We are a bad rebounding team, yet our 4 most expensive guys are Bron, AD, Rui, and DFS. Rui and DFS are not good rebounders. So you probably need to move Rui to address this concern

Rui is pretty effective, but low volume, a bad rebounder (which is annoying considering he has the tools), and a bad perimeter defender

Our offense has a ceiling as well. Lebron w/o AR lineups struggle and same for AD without a playmaker.

Gabe is not good enough and the miami playoff run was more of a fluke.

They liked Kessler, Rw3, or Vuc the most for a big

Vuc is the only guy who can help your rebounding and scoring though

But also mentioned needing a playmaker

Vuc, Ayo, Jevon, for Rui, Gabe, JHS, and Cam/Hayes and a swap and 2nds/protected 1st? Ayo rates out pretty poorly in advanced stats, but I dont see CHI moving him for nothing

Having a tough time finding a good #3 playmaker/scorer. But need another guy to have play when AR sits

Our team has no identity, I think getting another C would help us play bigger and maybe thats what we lean into

Yeah that's what I've been trying to say as to why Vando matters and Rui is moveable.

The only player that rebounds better than his position average is Vando.
Vando above average rebounder for PF, elite for SF
LeBron average for PF, above average for SF
DFS and Rui, below average for PF, average for SF
Davis average for C, above average for PF

Vuc does fix the rebounding and helps with playmaking while maintaining the 3 threat.

Vuc is an average rebounder for a C.
But he allows Davis to be above average from PF and LeBron to above average for SF.

Defense suffers though.

[nzahir]

Vando is back.

But yeah, Lakers need playmaking urgently. You either go for a defender that is a playmaker but not an iso scorer or you go for a playmaker and iso scorer that isn't a defender. Lakers need to pick one. Top 5 O and middling D or Top 5 D and middling O.

Hadnt listened to a Lakers pod in a while, but listened to LFR today and they made some good points

We are a bad rebounding team, yet our 4 most expensive guys are Bron, AD, Rui, and DFS. Rui and DFS are not good rebounders. So you probably need to move Rui to address this concern

Rui is pretty effective, but low volume, a bad rebounder (which is annoying considering he has the tools), and a bad perimeter defender

Our offense has a ceiling as well. Lebron w/o AR lineups struggle and same for AD without a playmaker.

Gabe is not good enough and the miami playoff run was more of a fluke.

They liked Kessler, Rw3, or Vuc the most for a big

Vuc is the only guy who can help your rebounding and scoring though

But also mentioned needing a playmaker

Vuc, Ayo, Jevon, for Rui, Gabe, JHS, and Cam/Hayes and a swap and 2nds/protected 1st? Ayo rates out pretty poorly in advanced stats, but I dont see CHI moving him for nothing

Having a tough time finding a good #3 playmaker/scorer. But need another guy to have play when AR sits

Our team has no identity, I think getting another C would help us play bigger and maybe thats what we lean into

Yeah that's what I've been trying to say as to why Vando matters and Rui is moveable.

The only player that rebounds better than his position average is Vando.
Vando above average rebounder for PF, elite for SF
LeBron average for PF, above average for SF
DFS and Rui, below average for PF, average for SF
Davis average for C, above average for PF

So whats your preffered couple of moves at this point?

I think seeing what Vando can bring for a week or so is useful, but cutting it super close here

The weird thing about a #3 playmaker is that we just had DLO

So either need a guy who is more of a defender or more of a downhill attacker

Scorers: Poole, Sexton, Cam Thomas?

Poole and Cam take some horrible shots though, worries me

Other option is to go star hunting, but not seeing a lot of options:
Fox: I dont see them moving him this year
Trae Young: I dont see them moving him rn
Lamelo: Same as Trae
Tyler Herro: Same as above

Lavine is the only realistic "star" but the fit with AR is not great and no more Vando. Unless we want to move AR and get value back to get Lavine and Kessler?

Like could AR, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and vet min get us Lavine and Kessler (or more even?)

Lavine, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Knecht, Vando, Kessler

Still have draft capital for a cheap role guard

[zimpy27]

Hadnt listened to a Lakers pod in a while, but listened to LFR today and they made some good points

We are a bad rebounding team, yet our 4 most expensive guys are Bron, AD, Rui, and DFS. Rui and DFS are not good rebounders. So you probably need to move Rui to address this concern

Rui is pretty effective, but low volume, a bad rebounder (which is annoying considering he has the tools), and a bad perimeter defender

Our offense has a ceiling as well. Lebron w/o AR lineups struggle and same for AD without a playmaker.

Gabe is not good enough and the miami playoff run was more of a fluke.

They liked Kessler, Rw3, or Vuc the most for a big

Vuc is the only guy who can help your rebounding and scoring though

But also mentioned needing a playmaker

Vuc, Ayo, Jevon, for Rui, Gabe, JHS, and Cam/Hayes and a swap and 2nds/protected 1st? Ayo rates out pretty poorly in advanced stats, but I dont see CHI moving him for nothing

Having a tough time finding a good #3 playmaker/scorer. But need another guy to have play when AR sits

Our team has no identity, I think getting another C would help us play bigger and maybe thats what we lean into

Yeah that's what I've been trying to say as to why Vando matters and Rui is moveable.

The only player that rebounds better than his position average is Vando.
Vando above average rebounder for PF, elite for SF
LeBron average for PF, above average for SF
DFS and Rui, below average for PF, average for SF
Davis average for C, above average for PF

So whats your preffered couple of moves at this point?

I think seeing what Vando can bring for a week or so is useful, but cutting it super close here

The weird thing about a #3 playmaker is that we just had DLO

So either need a guy who is more of a defender or more of a downhill attacker

Scorers: Poole, Sexton, Cam Thomas?

Poole and Cam take some horrible shots though, worries me

Other option is to go star hunting, but not seeing a lot of options:
Fox: I dont see them moving him this year
Trae Young: I dont see them moving him rn
Lamelo: Same as Trae
Tyler Herro: Same as above

Lavine is the only realistic "star" but the fit with AR is not great and no more Vando. Unless we want to move AR and get value back to get Lavine and Kessler?

Like could AR, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and vet min get us Lavine and Kessler (or more even?)

Lavine, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Knecht, Vando, Kessler

Still have draft capital for a cheap role guard

I think Rui+JHS for Vuc is a deal I'd do if Bulls are interested.

I think Vincent in to salary space with Wizards using SRPs or a swap in 2028 is a good option too. Let's lakers be a player for buyouts of Simmons or Brown, which would complement the Vuc addition.

I am still open to an Ingram+Theis addition for Rui+Vincent+Vando+FRP. But the above 2 moves are better.



So ideal might be:

Lakers give Rui, JHS, Vincent, SRPs
Lakers get Vucevic, Simmons/Brown (buyout)

Simmons/Brown, Reaves, LeBron, Davis, Vucevic
Christie, Knecht, DFS, Vando, Wood

[nzahir]

Yeah that's what I've been trying to say as to why Vando matters and Rui is moveable.

The only player that rebounds better than his position average is Vando.
Vando above average rebounder for PF, elite for SF
LeBron average for PF, above average for SF
DFS and Rui, below average for PF, average for SF
Davis average for C, above average for PF

So whats your preffered couple of moves at this point?

I think seeing what Vando can bring for a week or so is useful, but cutting it super close here

The weird thing about a #3 playmaker is that we just had DLO

So either need a guy who is more of a defender or more of a downhill attacker

Scorers: Poole, Sexton, Cam Thomas?

Poole and Cam take some horrible shots though, worries me

Other option is to go star hunting, but not seeing a lot of options:
Fox: I dont see them moving him this year
Trae Young: I dont see them moving him rn
Lamelo: Same as Trae
Tyler Herro: Same as above

Lavine is the only realistic "star" but the fit with AR is not great and no more Vando. Unless we want to move AR and get value back to get Lavine and Kessler?

Like could AR, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and vet min get us Lavine and Kessler (or more even?)

Lavine, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Knecht, Vando, Kessler

Still have draft capital for a cheap role guard

I think Rui+JHS for Vuc is a deal I'd do if Bulls are interested.

I think Vincent in to salary space with Wizards using SRPs or a swap in 2028 is a good option too. Let's lakers be a player for buyouts of Simmons or Brown, which would complement the Vuc addition.

I am still open to an Ingram+Theis addition for Rui+Vincent+Vando+FRP. But the above 2 moves are better.

Rui+JHS for Vuc works for me, but need to figure out the 3rd playmaker

Also I am only open to Vuc if Vando looks to be useful. Going to need him helping out defensively with Vuc

I dont think Simmons or Brown get bought out, cant rely on that. And who even knows if they come here and dont go elsewhere if they did

Not sure I really want BI, dont think hes a very good ceiling raiser. Not a good defender. Not a good rebounder and expensive

If we get a C like Kessler or RW3, more open to a guard like Sexton or even Poole

Really struggling to find a 2 way guard who can attack and shoot a bit

If its Bruce Brown, then no Vuc or no Vando

[zimpy27]

So whats your preffered couple of moves at this point?

I think seeing what Vando can bring for a week or so is useful, but cutting it super close here

The weird thing about a #3 playmaker is that we just had DLO

So either need a guy who is more of a defender or more of a downhill attacker

Scorers: Poole, Sexton, Cam Thomas?

Poole and Cam take some horrible shots though, worries me

Other option is to go star hunting, but not seeing a lot of options:
Fox: I dont see them moving him this year
Trae Young: I dont see them moving him rn
Lamelo: Same as Trae
Tyler Herro: Same as above

Lavine is the only realistic "star" but the fit with AR is not great and no more Vando. Unless we want to move AR and get value back to get Lavine and Kessler?

Like could AR, Rui, Vincent, JHS, and vet min get us Lavine and Kessler (or more even?)

Lavine, Christie, DFS, Bron, AD
Knecht, Vando, Kessler

Still have draft capital for a cheap role guard

I think Rui+JHS for Vuc is a deal I'd do if Bulls are interested.

I think Vincent in to salary space with Wizards using SRPs or a swap in 2028 is a good option too. Let's lakers be a player for buyouts of Simmons or Brown, which would complement the Vuc addition.

I am still open to an Ingram+Theis addition for Rui+Vincent+Vando+FRP. But the above 2 moves are better.

Rui+JHS for Vuc works for me, but need to figure out the 3rd playmaker

Also I am only open to Vuc if Vando looks to be useful. Going to need him helping out defensively with Vuc

I dont think Simmons or Brown get bought out, cant rely on that. And who even knows if they come here and dont go elsewhere if they did

Not sure I really want BI, dont think hes a very good ceiling raiser. Not a good defender. Not a good rebounder and expensive

If we get a C like Kessler or RW3, more open to a guard like Sexton or even Poole

Really struggling to find a 2 way guard who can attack and shoot a bit

If its Bruce Brown, then no Vuc or no Vando

I think Simmons is definitely bought out. He's winning Nets games, same with DLo.

[SK21209]

I'm anti trading for Vuc, when you look at his career I just don't see much evidence that he's a winning player. I also don't think it makes sense to invest significant resources in a center that you wouldn't really trust to play without AD. Vuc at the 5 with no AD and our complete lack of athleticism on the perimeter is just asking to get ran off the court. And even if you're playing Vuc with AD, what's even the theory of those lineups? Are you really going to be force-feeding Vuc touches near the basket when AR, LeBron and AD are also on the court? If I'm the other team I'm breathing a sigh of relief every possession you do that. Vuc is shooting the three well this year but is a career 35% guy, no one will think twice about leaving him to collapse on AD rolling to the basket.

I'm approaching Kessler or bust territory. With Kessler playing significant minutes next to AD while also anchoring the defense while AD is on the bench, I think you raise the floor and the ceiling defensively. All of a sudden you have two guys that provide high end rim protection while also holding up on the perimeter (Kessler has actually been pretty good at that too). It would be a challenge offensively, but if JJ can push the right schematic buttons I think you could be middle of the pack offensively and potentially really, really good defensively. They do need to pick a path like zimpy said because we have too many holes and too few assets to compile a roster that can be great on both ends. I'd rather make trades to lean into a size and defensive identity, and then hope LeBron and AD's talent can give us a high enough floor offensively.

[nzahir]

I'm anti trading for Vuc, when you look at his career I just don't see much evidence that he's a winning player. I also don't think it makes sense to invest significant resources in a center that you wouldn't really trust to play without AD. Vuc at the 5 with no AD and our complete lack of athleticism on the perimeter is just asking to get ran off the court. And even if you're playing Vuc with AD, what's even the theory of those lineups? Are you really going to be force-feeding Vuc touches near the basket when AR, LeBron and AD are also on the court? If I'm the other team I'm breathing a sigh of relief every possession you do that. Vuc is shooting the three well this year but is a career 35% guy, no one will think twice about leaving him to collapse on AD rolling to the basket.

I'm approaching Kessler or bust territory. With Kessler playing significant minutes next to AD while also anchoring the defense while AD is on the bench, I think you raise the floor and the ceiling defensively. All of a sudden you have two guys that provide high end rim protection while also holding up on the perimeter (Kessler has actually been pretty good at that too). It would be a challenge offensively, but if JJ can push the right schematic buttons I think you could be middle of the pack offensively and potentially really, really good defensively. They do need to pick a path like zimpy said because we have too many holes and too few assets to compile a roster that can be great on both ends. I'd rather make trades to lean into a size and defensive identity, and then hope LeBron and AD's talent can give us a high enough floor offensively.

Vuc without AD would need 2 of DFS, Vando, and Max.

I can see guard (need a #3 guy who is better than Gabe or play AR), Max, Vando/DFS, Bron, Vuc being ok on D if Lebron is giving effort

Vuc can space the floor, play in the post and elbows, and is a good rebounder. He is higher volume than Rui and a better rebounder

He wont help us in transition as Rui could, but gives us an identity of going big if we want

Also can have some rebounding vs a team like Denver

I still prefer Kessler since hes cheaper and then we can use salaries on others, he can make us a very good defense, and he is young so the FO shouldnt bitch about trading future draft capital

But if we cant meet Utah's demands or if hes actually not available, then I want RW3 or Vuc

Both very different types of guys, but need ceiling raisers here

The real issue here is not figuiring out our #3 playmaker. Need some names...cant rely on buyout

[trickshot]

I'm anti trading for Vuc, when you look at his career I just don't see much evidence that he's a winning player. I also don't think it makes sense to invest significant resources in a center that you wouldn't really trust to play without AD. Vuc at the 5 with no AD and our complete lack of athleticism on the perimeter is just asking to get ran off the court. And even if you're playing Vuc with AD, what's even the theory of those lineups? Are you really going to be force-feeding Vuc touches near the basket when AR, LeBron and AD are also on the court? If I'm the other team I'm breathing a sigh of relief every possession you do that. Vuc is shooting the three well this year but is a career 35% guy, no one will think twice about leaving him to collapse on AD rolling to the basket.

I'm approaching Kessler or bust territory. With Kessler playing significant minutes next to AD while also anchoring the defense while AD is on the bench, I think you raise the floor and the ceiling defensively. All of a sudden you have two guys that provide high end rim protection while also holding up on the perimeter (Kessler has actually been pretty good at that too). It would be a challenge offensively, but if JJ can push the right schematic buttons I think you could be middle of the pack offensively and potentially really, really good defensively. They do need to pick a path like zimpy said because we have too many holes and too few assets to compile a roster that can be great on both ends. I'd rather make trades to lean into a size and defensive identity, and then hope LeBron and AD's talent can give us a high enough floor offensively.

Been on the Kessler wagon for a solid minute because it's the only improvement that doesn't create a hole elsewhere and still leaves Rui for something else. He is lowkey making up for the lack of bench scoring since the Dlo trade. Just his 10ppg doubles the offense of that 2nd unit. Going to really feel it if he isn't replaced with a scorer. You could actually have done a lot with those future picks if Rob had trade creativity that wasn't the basic, flat 1 for 1 exchange. Wheel and deal till you fleece someone on an overpay. It's night and day from watching David Griffin on the Cavs pull out creative trades.

[nzahir]

I'm anti trading for Vuc, when you look at his career I just don't see much evidence that he's a winning player. I also don't think it makes sense to invest significant resources in a center that you wouldn't really trust to play without AD. Vuc at the 5 with no AD and our complete lack of athleticism on the perimeter is just asking to get ran off the court. And even if you're playing Vuc with AD, what's even the theory of those lineups? Are you really going to be force-feeding Vuc touches near the basket when AR, LeBron and AD are also on the court? If I'm the other team I'm breathing a sigh of relief every possession you do that. Vuc is shooting the three well this year but is a career 35% guy, no one will think twice about leaving him to collapse on AD rolling to the basket.

I'm approaching Kessler or bust territory. With Kessler playing significant minutes next to AD while also anchoring the defense while AD is on the bench, I think you raise the floor and the ceiling defensively. All of a sudden you have two guys that provide high end rim protection while also holding up on the perimeter (Kessler has actually been pretty good at that too). It would be a challenge offensively, but if JJ can push the right schematic buttons I think you could be middle of the pack offensively and potentially really, really good defensively. They do need to pick a path like zimpy said because we have too many holes and too few assets to compile a roster that can be great on both ends. I'd rather make trades to lean into a size and defensive identity, and then hope LeBron and AD's talent can give us a high enough floor offensively.

Been on the Kessler wagon for a solid minute because it's the only improvement that doesn't create a hole elsewhere and still leaves Rui, who is lowkey making up for the lack of bench scoring since the Dlo trade. Just his 10ppg doubles the offense of that 2nd unit. Going to really feel it if he isn't replaced with a scorer.

[Charania] The Los Angeles Lakers have had conversations with the Utah Jazz around the availability of C Walker Kessler. The Utah Jazz have an asking price that is “really high” for the big-man that is averaging 11.5 RPG and leading the league in FG% (72.7%) this season.

Rui wasnt great off the bench last year though, thats the issue

If we are playing more 2 big lineups and are raising DFS min, then I am unsure if Vando and Rui will have big enough roles to justify their salaries

We NEED a #3 playmaker/scorer

So if we get Kessler, we have a lot of salary, but who is the target

Rui:17
Vincent:11
Vando:10.7
JHS:4
Vet min:2.5-3

CJ Mccollum: reminds me of Dlo, but a slight upgrade
Jordan Poole: Dlo like, worse playmaker, but gets more fts and can attack the basket with some speed and score in transition
DJM: I dont see NOLA selling him this low, also I doubt we have the assets post a Kessler deal
Sexton: Easiest deal to make with Kessler, but a poor defender and small. Cant play with AR well
Lavine: Would cost Rui, Vincent, Vando, JHS and a vet min. I dont see it anymore post DFS and DLo deal
Lonzo: Not sure hes a good enough scorer, btu a solid defender and can help speed us up at times when were playing slow

I wonder if the Spurs wold trade Vassell, but no Kessler deal, need to give them draft capital

[SK21209]

I'm anti trading for Vuc, when you look at his career I just don't see much evidence that he's a winning player. I also don't think it makes sense to invest significant resources in a center that you wouldn't really trust to play without AD. Vuc at the 5 with no AD and our complete lack of athleticism on the perimeter is just asking to get ran off the court. And even if you're playing Vuc with AD, what's even the theory of those lineups? Are you really going to be force-feeding Vuc touches near the basket when AR, LeBron and AD are also on the court? If I'm the other team I'm breathing a sigh of relief every possession you do that. Vuc is shooting the three well this year but is a career 35% guy, no one will think twice about leaving him to collapse on AD rolling to the basket.

I'm approaching Kessler or bust territory. With Kessler playing significant minutes next to AD while also anchoring the defense while AD is on the bench, I think you raise the floor and the ceiling defensively. All of a sudden you have two guys that provide high end rim protection while also holding up on the perimeter (Kessler has actually been pretty good at that too). It would be a challenge offensively, but if JJ can push the right schematic buttons I think you could be middle of the pack offensively and potentially really, really good defensively. They do need to pick a path like zimpy said because we have too many holes and too few assets to compile a roster that can be great on both ends. I'd rather make trades to lean into a size and defensive identity, and then hope LeBron and AD's talent can give us a high enough floor offensively.

Been on the Kessler wagon for a solid minute because it's the only improvement that doesn't create a hole elsewhere and still leaves Rui for something else. He is lowkey making up for the lack of bench scoring since the Dlo trade. Just his 10ppg doubles the offense of that 2nd unit. Going to really feel it if he isn't replaced with a scorer. You could actually have done a lot with those future picks if Rob had trade creativity that wasn't the basic, flat 1 for 1 exchange. Wheel and deal till you fleece someone on an overpay. It's night and day from watching David Griffin on the Cavs pull out creative trades.

Yeah, I think Rui is now starting to become a bit underrated. He's frustrating because he has great physical tools but often doesn't play with force or fight for rebounds. He's too slow-footed to defend well on the perimeter and makes too many mental errors. But at the end of the day, he's a wing with good size that knocks down shots. There aren't a ton of those guys. Trade Rui for a center or a guard and all of a sudden you only have one wing besides LeBron that can make shots (DFS), and that guy is already on a minutes restriction because he has a bad ankle. If you trade Rui for Vuc and then run into a matchup that makes playing Vuc untenable (and you absolutely will at some point), now you're **** out of luck. It wasn't so long ago that this team only had guards and centers and we all celebrated when Nunn was traded for Rui. Rui's an imperfect player, but he's a replacement level or slightly better than that level wing. I'd rather have that than a big that can't defend the rim.

[dcstanley]

I'm anti trading for Vuc, when you look at his career I just don't see much evidence that he's a winning player. I also don't think it makes sense to invest significant resources in a center that you wouldn't really trust to play without AD. Vuc at the 5 with no AD and our complete lack of athleticism on the perimeter is just asking to get ran off the court. And even if you're playing Vuc with AD, what's even the theory of those lineups? Are you really going to be force-feeding Vuc touches near the basket when AR, LeBron and AD are also on the court? If I'm the other team I'm breathing a sigh of relief every possession you do that. Vuc is shooting the three well this year but is a career 35% guy, no one will think twice about leaving him to collapse on AD rolling to the basket.

I'm approaching Kessler or bust territory. With Kessler playing significant minutes next to AD while also anchoring the defense while AD is on the bench, I think you raise the floor and the ceiling defensively. All of a sudden you have two guys that provide high end rim protection while also holding up on the perimeter (Kessler has actually been pretty good at that too). It would be a challenge offensively, but if JJ can push the right schematic buttons I think you could be middle of the pack offensively and potentially really, really good defensively. They do need to pick a path like zimpy said because we have too many holes and too few assets to compile a roster that can be great on both ends. I'd rather make trades to lean into a size and defensive identity, and then hope LeBron and AD's talent can give us a high enough floor offensively.

Been on the Kessler wagon for a solid minute because it's the only improvement that doesn't create a hole elsewhere and still leaves Rui, who is lowkey making up for the lack of bench scoring since the Dlo trade. Just his 10ppg doubles the offense of that 2nd unit. Going to really feel it if he isn't replaced with a scorer.

[Charania] The Los Angeles Lakers have had conversations with the Utah Jazz around the availability of C Walker Kessler. The Utah Jazz have an asking price that is “really high” for the big-man that is averaging 11.5 RPG and leading the league in FG% (72.7%) this season.

Rui wasnt great off the bench last year though, thats the issue

If we are playing more 2 big lineups and are raising DFS min, then I am unsure if Vando and Rui will have big enough roles to justify their salaries

We NEED a #3 playmaker/scorer

So if we get Kessler, we have a lot of salary, but who is the target

Rui:17
Vincent:11
Vando:10.7
JHS:4
Vet min:2.5-3

CJ Mccollum: reminds me of Dlo, but a slight upgrade
Jordan Poole: Dlo like, worse playmaker, but gets more fts and can attack the basket with some speed and score in transition
DJM: I dont see NOLA selling him this low, also I doubt we have the assets post a Kessler deal
Sexton: Easiest deal to make with Kessler, but a poor defender and small. Cant play with AR well
Lavine: Would cost Rui, Vincent, Vando, JHS and a vet min. I dont see it anymore post DFS and DLo deal
Lonzo: Not sure hes a good enough scorer, btu a solid defender and can help speed us up at times when were playing slow

I wonder if the Spurs wold trade Vassell, but no Kessler deal, need to give them draft capital

bigs:
kessler, vuc, val, williams, gafford?

creators:
lavine, ingram, white, sexton, poole, murray, mccollum, brogdon

three & d(-ish):
lonzo, naw, brown, grant, hunter, cam j, mpj?


Rui/Gabe/JHS/Wood for CJ/Matkovic
Knecht/unprotect 2027 frp/2029 protected FRP for Kessler
Reddish/Hayes/2026 swap for NAW

AR/NAW/DFS/LBJ/AD
CJ/Christie/Vando/Kessler

[nzahir]

Been on the Kessler wagon for a solid minute because it's the only improvement that doesn't create a hole elsewhere and still leaves Rui, who is lowkey making up for the lack of bench scoring since the Dlo trade. Just his 10ppg doubles the offense of that 2nd unit. Going to really feel it if he isn't replaced with a scorer.

[Charania] The Los Angeles Lakers have had conversations with the Utah Jazz around the availability of C Walker Kessler. The Utah Jazz have an asking price that is “really high” for the big-man that is averaging 11.5 RPG and leading the league in FG% (72.7%) this season.

Rui wasnt great off the bench last year though, thats the issue

If we are playing more 2 big lineups and are raising DFS min, then I am unsure if Vando and Rui will have big enough roles to justify their salaries

We NEED a #3 playmaker/scorer

So if we get Kessler, we have a lot of salary, but who is the target

Rui:17
Vincent:11
Vando:10.7
JHS:4
Vet min:2.5-3

CJ Mccollum: reminds me of Dlo, but a slight upgrade
Jordan Poole: Dlo like, worse playmaker, but gets more fts and can attack the basket with some speed and score in transition
DJM: I dont see NOLA selling him this low, also I doubt we have the assets post a Kessler deal
Sexton: Easiest deal to make with Kessler, but a poor defender and small. Cant play with AR well
Lavine: Would cost Rui, Vincent, Vando, JHS and a vet min. I dont see it anymore post DFS and DLo deal
Lonzo: Not sure hes a good enough scorer, btu a solid defender and can help speed us up at times when were playing slow

I wonder if the Spurs wold trade Vassell, but no Kessler deal, need to give them draft capital

bigs:
kessler, vuc, val, williams, gafford?

creators:
lavine, ingram, white, sexton, poole, murray, mccollum, brogdon

three & d(-ish):
lonzo, naw, brown, grant, hunter, cam j, mpj?


Rui/Gabe/JHS/Wood for CJ/Matkovic
Knecht/unprotect 2027 frp/2029 protected FRP for Kessler
Reddish/Hayes/2026 swap for NAW

AR/NAW/DFS/LBJ/AD
CJ/Christie/Vando/Kessler

I like all of this tbh

I actually think this makes us a real contender tbh

But I dont know if its all realistic, but maybe slight variations are

Does NOLA really want Rui? Maybe a 3 teamer where a 3rd team like Toronto gives up a 2nd or two to NOLA or if they value Rui, sure take him. I can see Poole as maye more realistic. We also have some 2nds

I think Knecht, unprotecting that 1st, and a 29 1st with very light protections (like top 2-4) for Kessler is very fair (if not an overpay considering the potential a guy like Knecht has). But does Utah want Knecht or do we need a 3rd team there too?

I dont see Minny giving up NAW for just a swap with us. I think a swap and 2 2nds makes more sense.