Official Build around Luka thread for Lakers.

[Beethoven]

Remember right now our team is 1/3 comprised of all centers/big men:


koloko jemison kleber len hayes morris


We talk about getting a bona fide big man, but we trade away other positions like AR and such... we'll end up a team of just big men
Hope we do something about these centers above. I mean, i dont care how "locker room presence" Morris is, if we need to use him to trade or something we must.

[stan francisco]

Steven Adams Is

Via Trade, of course we can get a big, for who and when, that's another question.

I like Adams and I'm fine if we can have him as a back up C.

Get him and keep Hayes, while looking to get Gafford In 2026 In FA

Lopez plays both ways. Adams only plays defense.

[danfantastk32]

I like Adams and I'm fine if we can have him as a back up C.

Get him and keep Hayes, while looking to get Gafford In 2026 In FA

Lopez plays both ways. Adams only plays defense.

Guys, guys, guys.....come on! We gotta do better than this! Lopez is 37. Adams is only 31...but the guys getting 4 points and 5.5 rebounds. We gotta get out of this desperation "anything to make some noise" mindset. These guys are all fodder. You stick Adams out there for 12-15 min a game, and hope he plays decent enough defense, and that you don't fall way behind, while your real center is taking a breather. We need that guy...the real center! This mindset is why we're sitting here with no appreciable salary space, all moveable picks gone, and honestly, a pretty crumby roster, with huge holes, and tons of sub-par players unsuccessfully trying to fill them.

[Beethoven]

Get him and keep Hayes, while looking to get Gafford In 2026 In FA

Lopez plays both ways. Adams only plays defense.

Guys, guys, guys.....come on! We gotta do better than this! Lopez is 37. Adams is only 31...but the guys getting 4 points and 5.5 rebounds. We gotta get out of this desperation "anything to make some noise" mindset. These guys are all fodder. You stick Adams out there for 12-15 min a game, and hope he plays decent enough defense, and that you don't fall way behind, while your real center is taking a breather. We need that guy...the real center! This mindset is why we're sitting here with no appreciable salary space, all moveable picks gone, and honestly, a pretty crumby roster, with huge holes, and tons of sub-par players unsuccessfully trying to fill them.

I like Adams (character-wise) but having him is like having prime Shaq without the Diesel part.

[SlimShady83]

Lopez plays both ways. Adams only plays defense.

Guys, guys, guys.....come on! We gotta do better than this! Lopez is 37. Adams is only 31...but the guys getting 4 points and 5.5 rebounds. We gotta get out of this desperation "anything to make some noise" mindset. These guys are all fodder. You stick Adams out there for 12-15 min a game, and hope he plays decent enough defense, and that you don't fall way behind, while your real center is taking a breather. We need that guy...the real center! This mindset is why we're sitting here with no appreciable salary space, all moveable picks gone, and honestly, a pretty crumby roster, with huge holes, and tons of sub-par players unsuccessfully trying to fill them.

I like Adams (character-wise) but having him is like having prime Shaq without the Diesel part.

As I said above, If anyone here Is expecting BIG changes In the offseason, I think you'll be dissapointed "this offseason" Lakers are waiting for 2026 offseason where there are more better players out there.

I just went on facebook for the first time IN ages, normally go on there like once a month for like 10 minutes (nothing changes for me). Very first post I seen was on Laker Nation, they've stated that "REPORTEDLY" Lakers have no Interest In trading Reaves this offseaon.

I mean anything can change between now and the start of the season, but If this Is true and Lakers stick by this, then you all can most likely forget about Giannis, KD and I can probably forget about Kessler/Collins and other trades - I think they're waiting for 2026 to make major moves.

So getting Adams even to have as a big body can be good. You can't just have Hayes as your only center, you can't and If Lakers not trading Reaves In a trade, I don't see any valuable center Lakers can really get via trade.

Heck maybe they get someone like Day'Ron Sharpe or Duren which would be awesome, but even feel like they'll be hard to get.

Myles Turner would be awesome, but I think Pacers will sign him

This offseason won't be exciting for us Laker fans, many, many rumors will be there but don't see much going on.

2026 what I'm after.

[danfantastk32]

As I said above, If anyone here Is expecting BIG changes In the offseason, I think you'll be dissapointed "this offseason" Lakers are waiting for 2026 offseason where there are more better players out there.

I just went on facebook for the first time IN ages, normally go on there like once a month for like 10 minutes (nothing changes for me). Very first post I seen was on Laker Nation, they've stated that "REPORTEDLY" Lakers have no Interest In trading Reaves this offseaon.

I mean anything can change between now and the start of the season, but If this Is true and Lakers stick by this, then you all can most likely forget about Giannis, KD and I can probably forget about Kessler/Collins and other trades - I think they're waiting for 2026 to make major moves.

So getting Adams even to have as a big body can be good. You can't just have Hayes as your only center, you can't and If Lakers not trading Reaves In a trade, I don't see and valuable center Lakers can really get via trade.

Heck maybe they get someone like Day'Ron Sharpe or Duren which would be awesome, but even feel like they'll be hard to get.

Myles Turner would be awesome, but I think Pacers will sign him

This offseason won't be exciting for us Laker fans, many, many rumors will be there but don't see much going on.

2026 what I'm after.

I agree with you about all of this. We have no picks and no real cap-space this offseason. I think we're incredibly limited.

Lebron, Reeves, Rui, and I believe it's Vincent come off the books next year. We'll also have our FRP.

So sure....if you can get Adams on a one year deal, then great. He just made $12.6mil last year. You could offer him $10...but it's 1 year. I'm totally fine with that. Go big...get whatever you want. But all need to be 1-year deals.

[SlimShady83]

Naz Reid Is a Free Agent and has player option - Wonder If Lakers can talk to him In the offseason? https://www.spotrac.com/nba/free-agents/_/year/2025

[stan francisco]

As an ideal C pairing with Luka? Joker, Giannis, Adebayo, Kessler, Porzingis, Sims, Lopez, Gafford, Zubač, Adams. For the long term I like Edey, Lively etc.

First let’s find out what Bron will do.

[SlimShady83]

As an ideal C pairing with Luka? Joker, Giannis, Adebayo, Kessler, Porzingis, Sims, Lopez, Gafford, Zubač, Adams. For the long term I like Edey, Lively etc.

First let’s find out what Bron will do.

Actually It's all about Luka first

- August 2nd I believe Is when Lakers can sign Luka contract according to Lakernation?
- Then see what Bron does with contract, doubt he does anything.
- Then target any centers via trade/FA
- Then Target FA.
- After that wait for 2026

Not counting my chickens on trades, but curious to know who's Sims?

[Mavrelous]

Mavs fan here who followed Luka his entire career.
I think Claxton is the C you need, and you need a 3&D guard who can navigate screens and recover for close outs, DJJ fit real well with Luka, I'm not sure he's avalable, maybe Okoro from the Cavs is worth rolling the dice, DFS can cover for 3&D wing until you have the assets for one, PJ on the Mavs was a great fit with Luka.

[TylersLakers]

The core with this roster is:

- Luka
- Reaves
- DFS
- Rui
- Vando (no one will trade for him)

Trade Chips:

- Kleber
- Vincent
- Knecht
- Draft assets
- Shake Milton’s non guaranteed

Back end of roster who will be back:

- Goodwin
- Bronny

I would look to re-sign DFS. He’s extension eligible and I’d be going to him right now and offer him a 3 year deal starting at $12M a season. He takes a slight haircut but signs for 2 extra guaranteed years.

If you include Luka, Reaves, DFS, Rui, Vando, Goodwin, Bronny = $106M

LeBron: We need to do everything we can to get him to take a pay cut to $35M. If he takes that amount, we’ll have the full MLE available. Around that core we need:

- An athletic, two-way wing who can defend guards
- A couple bigs

With the current assets that we have, we can certainly acquire Claxton without giving anyone from the core. However - can Claxton play in the biggest moments of the biggest playoff games or does it make more sense to put that money towards a defensive guard and use the MLE for the bigs? I think the latter.

Bigger question: who are the athletic wings that can be had on the trade market?

[TylersLakers]

Mavs fan here who followed Luka his entire career.
I think Claxton is the C you need, and you need a 3&D guard who can navigate screens and recover for close outs, DJJ fit real well with Luka, I'm not sure he's avalable, maybe Okoro from the Cavs is worth rolling the dice, DFS can cover for 3&D wing until you have the assets for one, PJ on the Mavs was a great fit with Luka.

We likely only have one swing left for a player in the $20-$30M range. I’d rather spend that money on a wing who fits next to him - someone like Jones Jr that used to play with you guys. Lakers need a guy like that.

We definitely need a couple C’s and if we could open up the full MLE, I like:

- Capela, 1 year, $6M
- Larry Nance Jr, 1 year, $8M
- Re-sign Hayes, 2 years, $5M a season

[SlimShady83]

Mavs fan here who followed Luka his entire career.
I think Claxton is the C you need.

I never mentioned Claxton mostly because of his contract and even Nets fans have said what the heck does he do during gamethreads.
I'd rather wait for 2026 and sign Gafford In FA , Nets will also want FRP for Claxton as well no doubt and don't think his worth any pics.

[Mavrelous]

Mavs fan here who followed Luka his entire career.
I think Claxton is the C you need.

I never mentioned Claxton mostly because of his contract and even Nets fans have said what the heck does he do during gamethreads.
I'd rather wait for 2026 and sign Gafford In FA , Nets will also want FRP for Claxton as well no doubt and don't think his worth any pics.

Lakers shouldn't pay a FRP for Claxton, if that's the price then yeah I'd hesitate

[SlimShady83]

Mavs fan here who followed Luka his entire career.
I think Claxton is the C you need.

I never mentioned Claxton mostly because of his contract and even Nets fans have said what the heck does he do during gamethreads.
I'd rather wait for 2026 and sign Gafford In FA , Nets will also want FRP for Claxton as well no doubt and don't think his worth any pics.

Lakers shouldn't pay a FRP for Claxton, if that's the price then yeah I'd hesitate

Lakers wouldn't offer It, but that's what Nets would want most likely or SRP's either way pics not worth for Claxton IMO.
Maybe If they Include Cam Johnson?

[stan francisco]

Needs around Luka

Combo guard:
Elite D is a must. So is a good 3pt%. Marcus Smart would help Luka’s defense tremendously. Who is a better option on offense and plays Smart level D?

Wing:
I’d oversize this position to help Luka’s D. JJJ, Nas Reid, McDaniels, Kuminga, Cam? Reaves is playing like an undersized SG/wing on this team but… He gets hunted on switches because he’s easy to bump around. The starting wing size we need is that of a Jimmy Butler, a bruiser.

Four / wing:
Bron. Hmm. We’ll see what he does. Luka’s “dawg” DFS is a great role player and I expect him back. Had a great season on the defensive end and knocked down his threes. Had one bad series against a bad mismatch. Re-sign! Perfect role player next to Luka. If he’s our second stringer, great!

Depending on what Bron does, I’d keep Vando, but trade Rui. Targets: JJJ, Reid etc.

Centers:
An inside out C to go with Luka. If he can’t play elite defense, it’s a no go. Must be a beast around the rim. If he can knock down threes, cool. If not, no big deal because inside out play. I know it’s not possible to get Jokic, but Jokic, Adebayo, Giannis, Kessler, Sims, Lopez, Zubac are the types I’m looking at.


Bron:
I expect him to wait and see what Rob builds before deciding.

Luka:
I expect him to be a Laker for a long time. He’s a savant passer and offensive genius. Petrovic, Pistol Pete, Magic levels. And it’s also true that he’s not a defender who at all tries hard because he just dribbled too much on offense — every possession. See Minnesota sweep.

So, A) we need Luka to get in better shape and play defense(!).

B) he needs to be surrounded by defensive specialists who also play solid offense by moving well off the ball, soccer style.

So, all we need is four all stars. In Rob I trust. Let’s go!

[danfantastk32]

Bron:
I expect him to wait and see what Rob builds before deciding.

Luka:
I expect him to be a Laker for a long time. He’s a savant passer and offensive genius. Petrovic, Pistol Pete, Magic levels. And it’s also true that he’s not a defender who at all tries hard because he just dribbled too much on offense — every possession. See Minnesota sweep.

So, A) we need Luka to get in better shape and play defense(!).

B) he needs to be surrounded by defensive specialists who also play solid offense by moving well off the ball, soccer style.

So, all we need is four all stars. In Rob I trust. Let’s go!

The Lakers need to meet with Bron ASAP....and find out if he intends to play next year. If he does...will he renegotiate his contract? The issue with renegotiating, is that he'll prob want more money...spread over 2 years (for instance, he gonna make like $54 next year....he'll instead want a 2-year $70mil contract..something like that). They should def not do that! In all likelihood, the Lakers will have to wait next year out, and start building in 2026. But you can always try. Maybe Lebron is over it. And maybe he will just take a cut, and remain 1 year. Gotta ask

It really all comes down to that. If Lebron stays....well then the facts are that we have no tradable picks, and almost no cap space. You can try and move your guys like Rui, Reeves, Vincent, etc....but your gonna find there's a pretty unenthused market out there for sub-par players. Don't expect too much there. People are just gonna need to be patient for a couple seasons.

[TylersLakers]

Bron:
I expect him to wait and see what Rob builds before deciding.

Luka:
I expect him to be a Laker for a long time. He’s a savant passer and offensive genius. Petrovic, Pistol Pete, Magic levels. And it’s also true that he’s not a defender who at all tries hard because he just dribbled too much on offense — every possession. See Minnesota sweep.

So, A) we need Luka to get in better shape and play defense(!).

B) he needs to be surrounded by defensive specialists who also play solid offense by moving well off the ball, soccer style.

So, all we need is four all stars. In Rob I trust. Let’s go!

The Lakers need to meet with Bron ASAP....and find out if he intends to play next year. If he does...will he renegotiate his contract? The issue with renegotiating, is that he'll prob want more money...spread over 2 years (for instance, he gonna make like $54 next year....he'll instead want a 2-year $70mil contract..something like that). They should def not do that! In all likelihood, the Lakers will have to wait next year out, and start building in 2026. But you can always try. Maybe Lebron is over it. And maybe he will just take a cut, and remain 1 year. Gotta ask

It really all comes down to that. If Lebron stays....well then the facts are that we have no tradable picks, and almost no cap space. You can try and move your guys like Rui, Reeves, Vincent, etc....but your gonna find there's a pretty unenthused market out there for sub-par players. Don't expect too much there. People are just gonna need to be patient for a couple seasons.

If LeBron was cool for 2 for 70, I’d do that right now. One more “all in” year and one “Farewell Tour” year.

With LeBron at just over 30M, you can put together a contending roster.

Luka: $46M
LeBron: $32M
Rui: $18.3M
DFS: $12M (re-signed)
Reaves: $14M
Vando: $11.5M
Goodwin: $2.4M
Bronny: $2.0

= $138M

If Kleber, Gabe, Knecht and the picks are dealt for a player or multiple players, they also would have the full MLE and bi-annual.

If those players are Claxton, NAW, Nance - here’s the rotation:

Reaves, NAW, Luka, LeBron, Claxton
Vando, DFS, Rui, Nance
Goodwin, Bronny
Hayes (1 year, $5M)
Brogdon (vet min), Amir Coffey (vet min)

Coffey, Hayes both have the same agent as Luka.

I think that’s a roster that can absolutely contend.

[stan francisco]

Remember right now our team is 1/3 comprised of all centers/big men:


koloko jemison kleber len hayes morris


We talk about getting a bona fide big man, but we trade away other positions like AR and such... we'll end up a team of just big men
Hope we do something about these centers above. I mean, i dont care how "locker room presence" Morris is, if we need to use him to trade or something we must.

This. We also have PFs Rui, Vando, Bron, so there’s too many spots taken up by big bodies.

One thing: Luka, Bron AND Reaves is a lot of the same. I love the idea of Reaves, Bron and an elite big. I love the idea of Reaves, Luka and an elite big, too. Not all three. It didn’t work.

I certainly don’t believe in what we tried against Minny. Three starters can’t suck on defense. Should’ve tried a hockey change where Reaves and Bron wrecked their second unit, let Luka run with Vincent, Knecht, DFS, Vando against their starters for stretches. It didn’t work, and hopefully JJ will never use a five man offense only rotation again.

Still a bit dumbfounded by Redick’s erratic strategy in round one. JJ Erratic.

Knecht is our future SF/wing. Keep him.

Bron and Bronny to Cleveland for Mobley and Okoro.

[Liam_Gallagher]

What about Mitchell Robinson? I can see New York trying to get an asset for him and he barely plays big minutes.

Dalton, Vando, three seconds for Mitchell.

Boom.