LaMarcus Aldridge along with Ball and a first-round pick... Ingram and other things going to the Spurs.nate33 wrote:WallToWall wrote:Reportedly, the Lakers are wanting to build around LBJ with tough players. LBJ sees the evolving of Kobe and Magic's game such that they became more post players later in their career, and he believes his game needs to evolve and that can bring more of a power game to the post. Given LBJ's size, power, and skill set, there's no doubt about that. That said, the Lakers want to build a team of facilitators who can also play perimeter defense. I cant think of a better role for Wall! Wall would excel in that role, as he is a good 1 v 1 defender on the perimeter, and he is a great facilitator. With the Spurs asking for the sky (Kuzma + Ingram + two #1's + swap of picks + more) in a trade for Leonard, and the Lakers more than content to wait it out (sign him next year, if they cant trade), I think Wall is the best target for the Lakers. Looking at the Wizards, there is no way that the team is going to be achieving greater goals than last years team. That means an early exit in the playoffs, at best. I dont think this is going to be looked at a successful season by Wall. He will want to be traded, because his chances to win an NBA championship are lessening as the years go. This is probably the best time for the Wizards to trade Wall, and get something good in return. I think Wall can be traded after Jul 26th (correct me if I am wrong), and that gives the Lakers some time to explore the options before they make a push for him. I can still see Wall + Morris + #1 for Ingram + Kuzma + Deng. Works in the trade checker, FWIW. Wizards could get younger and solidify the backup PF/SF position, and get a starting PG in return. The Wizards can work on drafting a C next year. Retool, and restart...
If the Lakers' ultimate goal is to acquire Kawhi, then they can't trade for Wall first. The problem is, Wall's ballooning contract will make it impossible for them to sign Kawhi next offseason, which destroys their negotiating leverage when trying to lowball the Spurs right now.
This is why I proposed a 3-way trade with Wall and Kawhi going to the Lakers at the same time. But as long as San Antonio intends to hold out and gamble that they can rebuild their relationship with Kawhi, any John Wall deals are off the table.
Oh, and we're not getting Ingram, Kuzma and a #1 for Wall. Not when Wall is about to be paid $42M a year. I think we'll get Lonzo and Deng, and that's it. (We'll also include Jason Smith as filler.)
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