What Should Lakers Do Next?

nzahir · Post #1 » by **nzahir** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 3:59 pm

What do you guys think the lakers should do next?

I think they have at least 6 playoff rotation guys: Luka, Lebron, Reaves, Ayton, Smart, Rui

2 fringe/potential guys with LaRavia and Gabe

Who could they get with expirings in Gabe and or Kleber and Knecht

Can also move swaps and a 2nd

Who are some guys with 1-2 years left that a team may move off for expiring(s) and Knecht

Portland seems ideal with Thybulle and RW3
Kcp could make sense, but not a tall defender
Wiggins
Derrick jones jr?

the_process · Post #2 » by **the_process** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 4:01 pm

Embiid?

Post #3 » by **gswhoops** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 4:03 pm

Two questions that are going to determine the answer here:

(1) Are they willing to take on salary?
(2) Are they willing to trade lightly-protected/unprotected future picks?

Knecht is fine, but he's not the needle mover that most Lakers fans think. If they want to pursue someone serious they've gotta put picks on the table.

kobe_vs_jordan · Post #4 » by **kobe_vs_jordan** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 4:07 pm

Likely have to wait to see which team stumbles at the start of the season.

Patrick Williams probably the best they can currently do.

KembaWalker · Post #5 » by **KembaWalker** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 4:08 pm

Miles Bridges

BK_2020 · Post #6 » by **BK_2020** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 4:44 pm

Luka for Jaylen Brown

Post #7 » by **Mavrelous** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 5:04 pm

Looks like Luka is extending if he's recruiting players, I'd say do nothing and be a cap space player next year, unles a deal you can't pass on becomes available at the deadline.
They also shouldn't be star hunting, Reaves is good enough as 2nd guard next to Luka and backup playmaker, they should target 3&D players/rim runner if Ayton doesn't work.

SlimShady83 · Post #8 » by **SlimShady83** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 7:10 pm

Step 1 sign Luka August 2nd
Step 2 destroy the NBA
Step 3 first round = Clippers clean sweep, 2nd round Denver, 3rd = Dallas If healthy.
Step 4 win the championship, thank Nico and laugh at the rest of the league

Lakers/Knicks finals
Step 5 Say good bye to Bron, waive Bronny and be done with the Lebronny faze finally.
Step 6 sign another star after Lebronny = Giannis :nod:

Realisticallly and speaking of trades, I think Lakers might be done, until mid season.

Unless someone wants Maxi, Knecht and Gabe.

Astaluego · Post #9 » by **Astaluego** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 7:24 pm

I think they should ask for D. Brooks,
alternatively I personally really like something between Reaves for Eason/Adams for both teams, I'm not sure how the trade would balance out but I think both teams have the pieces to get the deal done, if they were interested.

Jody Smokz · Post #10 » by **Jody Smokz** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 8:11 pm

Mid year they should look to move Reaves unless they plan on paying him. I just think he's a terrible fit with Luka defensively and offensively they don't need Devin Booker lite when you have Lebron and Luka. Reaves is not as impactful as an off ball shooter and that's what the Lakers need wedged between Luka and Bron.

Apz · Post #11 » by **Apz** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 8:30 pm

Mavrelous wrote:Looks like Luka is extending if he's recruiting players, I'd say do nothing and be a cap space player next year, unles a deal you can't pass on becomes available at the deadline.
They also shouldn't be star hunting, Reaves is good enough as 2nd guard next to Luka and backup playmaker, they should target 3&D players/rim runner if Ayton doesn't work.

Dont know why people thinks that. Its most likely a 1 year deal. Who else got 1 year deals atm? Lebron and Luka and Reaves and Ayton. Its not like he recruited a 25yo to a 4 year deal.

Not saying he wont resign. But dont see how the recruitment of smart affects his decision

daoneandonly · Post #12 » by **daoneandonly** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 8:52 pm

Hopefully, go to sports hell

Post #13 » by **Mavrelous** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 9:29 pm

Apz wrote:
Mavrelous wrote:Looks like Luka is extending if he's recruiting players, I'd say do nothing and be a cap space player next year, unles a deal you can't pass on becomes available at the deadline.
They also shouldn't be star hunting, Reaves is good enough as 2nd guard next to Luka and backup playmaker, they should target 3&D players/rim runner if Ayton doesn't work.

Dont know why people thinks that.

Because it makes sense and fits all reporting.

nzahir · Post #14 » by **nzahir** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 9:53 pm

Astaluego wrote:I think they should ask for D. Brooks,
alternatively I personally really like something between Reaves for Eason/Adams for both teams, I'm not sure how the trade would balance out but I think both teams have the pieces to get the deal done, if they were interested.

I would love Brooks, but I don’t see a realistic deal

If Hou needs something it’s another playmaker and I’m not trading Reaves for Brooks

nzahir · Post #15 » by **nzahir** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 9:55 pm

gswhoops wrote:Two questions that are going to determine the answer here:

(1) Are they willing to take on salary?
(2) Are they willing to trade lightly-protected/unprotected future picks?

Knecht is fine, but he's not the needle mover that most Lakers fans think. If they want to pursue someone serious they've gotta put picks on the table.

1) 1-2 year salary
2) No picks, only Knecht+expirings

SlimShady83 · Post #16 » by **SlimShady83** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 10:26 pm

nzahir wrote:
Astaluego wrote:I think they should ask for D. Brooks,
alternatively I personally really like something between Reaves for Eason/Adams for both teams, I'm not sure how the trade would balance out but I think both teams have the pieces to get the deal done, if they were interested.

I would love Brooks, but I don’t see a realistic deal

If Hou needs something it’s another playmaker and I’m not trading Reaves for Brooks

Lakers fans don't like Brooks, hope they stay away

DNP-Old · Post #17 » by **DNP-Old** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 10:34 pm

nzahir wrote:
Astaluego wrote:I think they should ask for D. Brooks,
alternatively I personally really like something between Reaves for Eason/Adams for both teams, I'm not sure how the trade would balance out but I think both teams have the pieces to get the deal done, if they were interested.

I would love Brooks, but I don’t see a realistic deal

If Hou needs something it’s another playmaker and I’m not trading Reaves for Brooks

Brooks is on the Suns.

babyjax13 · Post #18 » by **babyjax13** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 10:50 pm

I think they should see what the team looks like after 30 games. Is LeBron the same? Is Knecht anything? Is Smart washed? Does Ayton still suck unbelievably? If they get good answers maybe they make some moves around the edges, if they get a bad answer (or answers) address the thing that isn't working out. My bet is Ayton still sucks and they'll need to look for a center.

Crazy-Canuck · Post #19 » by **Crazy-Canuck** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 11:15 pm

They need wings, especially 2 way or 3 and D types.

The current roster is dearth of them.

ffaacc03 · Post #20 » by **ffaacc03** » Wed Jul 23, 2025 11:28 pm

IMHO they should try these trades:

They get Dosunmu (G) and Phillips (F) from CHICAGO, they give them Knetch (Wing) and Kebler (FC), this last one gets buyout.
A same offer could be made to PORTLAND for Thybulle (Wing) and Reath (FC).

They get Isaac (FC) from ORLANDO, they give Vincent (PG) and a pair of/if available 2nd picks or even their 1st. Thus guy is young, can defend anywhere on the court and can catch layups and I believe can develope hitting open shots from the corners.

Plus, they can wait and see how Reeves does this next season and in playoffs to decide to trade him, with Rui, for a 2-way star that become available and fits better.