We're being prepped for another season of Westbrook

[zimpy27]

If Lakers do keep Russ/LeBron/Davis then I want to see this deal:

Melton, Kenrich, Muscala to Lakers
THT, SRPs(via Lakers) to OKC
TPE and FRPswap to MEM

Get Gary Harris with TaxMLE.

I'm pretty happy with this team and would move Westbrook to bench.

Melton, Harris, LeBron, Davis, Muscala -- Westbrook, Nunn, Reaves, Kenrich, Howard -- Augustin, Rookie, SJ, Gabriel, Rookie

[sonnyhill]

It looks like Phil is advising Jeanie to keep Westbrook, trade away LeBron, and to build the team around Westbrook.

How and where does AD fit onto a Westbrook-centric Laker squad?

Also, what team would make sense to trade LeBron to and what would the Lakers get back in return?

[Lakers24gm]

My plan for the lakers if they keep Westbrook would be to move THT.

First Trade THT to OKC for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams.

I think you can keep Monk promise him a starting spot and one more year with lakers we can pay him more next off-season when Russ is off the books.

I’d resign Bazemore I think he can be a lot better.

I’d give the tax MLE to Jalen Smith. He can start for us and move AD to the 4 and can spread the floor and protect the rim. He was really good down the stretch for Pacers this year.

PG-Russell Westbrook - Kendrick Nunn - Mac McClung

SG- Malik Monk - Austin Reaves - Kent Bazemore

SF-Kenrich Williams -Stanley Johnson -

PF-Lebron James - Jalen Smith - Weynen Gabriel

C-Anthony Davis - Derrick Favors - Mike Muscala

Overall I like the versatility of this team. You could easily start Smith and Ad or Ad and Favors. Have Williams, Johnson and Gabriel can all play the 3 next to Bron. Allows us to possibly move Westbrook and the trade deadline.

[sonnyhill]

My plan for the lakers if they keep Westbrook would be to move THT.

First Trade THT to OKC for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams.

I think you can keep Monk promise him a starting spot and one more year with lakers we can pay him more next off-season when Russ is off the books.

I’d resign Bazemore I think he can be a lot better.

I’d give the tax MLE to Jalen Smith. He can start for us and move AD to the 4 and can spread the floor and protect the rim. He was really good down the stretch for Pacers this year.

PG-Russell Westbrook - Kendrick Nunn - Mac McClung

SG- Malik Monk - Austin Reaves - Kent Bazemore

SF-Kenrich Williams -Stanley Johnson -

PF-Lebron James - Jalen Smith - Weynen Gabriel

C-Anthony Davis - Derrick Favors - Mike Muscala

Overall I like the versatility of this team. You could easily start Smith and Ad or Ad and Favors. Have Williams, Johnson and Gabriel can all play the 3 next to Bron. Allows us to possibly move Westbrook and the trade deadline.

Interesting roster, indeed!

Where does Carmelo Antony fit (he is a LeBron guy and would probably need to be on the roster if the Lakers do not trade away LeBron)?

[Lakers24gm]

My plan for the lakers if they keep Westbrook would be to move THT.

First Trade THT to OKC for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams.

I think you can keep Monk promise him a starting spot and one more year with lakers we can pay him more next off-season when Russ is off the books.

I’d resign Bazemore I think he can be a lot better.

I’d give the tax MLE to Jalen Smith. He can start for us and move AD to the 4 and can spread the floor and protect the rim. He was really good down the stretch for Pacers this year.

PG-Russell Westbrook - Kendrick Nunn - Mac McClung

SG- Malik Monk - Austin Reaves - Kent Bazemore

SF-Kenrich Williams -Stanley Johnson -

PF-Lebron James - Jalen Smith - Weynen Gabriel

C-Anthony Davis - Derrick Favors - Mike Muscala

Overall I like the versatility of this team. You could easily start Smith and Ad or Ad and Favors. Have Williams, Johnson and Gabriel can all play the 3 next to Bron. Allows us to possibly move Westbrook and the trade deadline.

Interesting roster, indeed!

Where does Carmelo Antony fit (he is a LeBron guy and would probably need to be on the roster if the Lakers do not trade away LeBron)?

Left roster at 14 maybe they can sign Melo and McClung can be two way player and still be at 14 when buy out season comes.

[danfantastk32]

It might be the case, and it'll likely really suck, but I rather deal with another year of Westbrook vs giving up assets to get rid of him, or trading him for toxic contracts, or doing something damaging like stretching him.

Totally agree

[sonnyhill]

It might be the case, and it'll likely really suck, but I rather deal with another year of Westbrook vs giving up assets to get rid of him, or trading him for toxic contracts, or doing something damaging like stretching him.

Totally agree

Phil seems to be the only one in the org who wants to go this route.

It makes sense to ride it out with Westbrook this upcoming season, and with his contract expiring at the end of next season, the team can go after free agents with that salary cap space.

It will, however, be tough for the fanbase to have to stomach another season of horrible outside shooting, poor defense, and lots of turnovers.

[DNP-Old]

My plan for the lakers if they keep Westbrook would be to move THT.

First Trade THT to OKC for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams.

I think you can keep Monk promise him a starting spot and one more year with lakers we can pay him more next off-season when Russ is off the books.

I’d resign Bazemore I think he can be a lot better.

I’d give the tax MLE to Jalen Smith. He can start for us and move AD to the 4 and can spread the floor and protect the rim. He was really good down the stretch for Pacers this year.

PG-Russell Westbrook - Kendrick Nunn - Mac McClung

SG- Malik Monk - Austin Reaves - Kent Bazemore

SF-Kenrich Williams -Stanley Johnson -

PF-Lebron James - Jalen Smith - Weynen Gabriel

C-Anthony Davis - Derrick Favors - Mike Muscala

Overall I like the versatility of this team. You could easily start Smith and Ad or Ad and Favors. Have Williams, Johnson and Gabriel can all play the 3 next to Bron. Allows us to possibly move Westbrook and the trade deadline.

Not bad. I like it but if you give Smith the MLE, how are you paying Monk?

[Lakers24gm]

My plan for the lakers if they keep Westbrook would be to move THT.

First Trade THT to OKC for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams.

I think you can keep Monk promise him a starting spot and one more year with lakers we can pay him more next off-season when Russ is off the books.

I’d resign Bazemore I think he can be a lot better.

I’d give the tax MLE to Jalen Smith. He can start for us and move AD to the 4 and can spread the floor and protect the rim. He was really good down the stretch for Pacers this year.

PG-Russell Westbrook - Kendrick Nunn - Mac McClung

SG- Malik Monk - Austin Reaves - Kent Bazemore

SF-Kenrich Williams -Stanley Johnson -

PF-Lebron James - Jalen Smith - Weynen Gabriel

C-Anthony Davis - Derrick Favors - Mike Muscala

Overall I like the versatility of this team. You could easily start Smith and Ad or Ad and Favors. Have Williams, Johnson and Gabriel can all play the 3 next to Bron. Allows us to possibly move Westbrook and the trade deadline.

Not bad. I like it but if you give Smith the MLE, how are you paying Monk?

Just the minimum again. Then we have his bird rights. Kind of like what the Heat are doing with Oladipo. You promise him a starting spot and next season when Westbrook is off the books you can pay him more.

[DNP-Old]

My plan for the lakers if they keep Westbrook would be to move THT.

First Trade THT to OKC for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams.

I think you can keep Monk promise him a starting spot and one more year with lakers we can pay him more next off-season when Russ is off the books.

I’d resign Bazemore I think he can be a lot better.

I’d give the tax MLE to Jalen Smith. He can start for us and move AD to the 4 and can spread the floor and protect the rim. He was really good down the stretch for Pacers this year.

PG-Russell Westbrook - Kendrick Nunn - Mac McClung

SG- Malik Monk - Austin Reaves - Kent Bazemore

SF-Kenrich Williams -Stanley Johnson -

PF-Lebron James - Jalen Smith - Weynen Gabriel

C-Anthony Davis - Derrick Favors - Mike Muscala

Overall I like the versatility of this team. You could easily start Smith and Ad or Ad and Favors. Have Williams, Johnson and Gabriel can all play the 3 next to Bron. Allows us to possibly move Westbrook and the trade deadline.

Not bad. I like it but if you give Smith the MLE, how are you paying Monk?

Just the minimum again. Then we have his bird rights. Kind of like what the Heat are doing with Oladipo. You promise him a starting spot and next season when Westbrook is off the books you can pay him more.

You're still asking the young man to give up (up to) $10m over the next 3 years. Seems like a tough row to hoe.

[tamaraw08]

My plan for the lakers if they keep Westbrook would be to move THT.

First Trade THT to OKC for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala and Kenrich Williams.

I think you can keep Monk promise him a starting spot and one more year with lakers we can pay him more next off-season when Russ is off the books.

I’d resign Bazemore I think he can be a lot better.

I’d give the tax MLE to Jalen Smith. He can start for us and move AD to the 4 and can spread the floor and protect the rim. He was really good down the stretch for Pacers this year.

PG-Russell Westbrook - Kendrick Nunn - Mac McClung

SG- Malik Monk - Austin Reaves - Kent Bazemore

SF-Kenrich Williams -Stanley Johnson -

PF-Lebron James - Jalen Smith - Weynen Gabriel

C-Anthony Davis - Derrick Favors - Mike Muscala

Overall I like the versatility of this team. You could easily start Smith and Ad or Ad and Favors. Have Williams, Johnson and Gabriel can all play the 3 next to Bron. Allows us to possibly move Westbrook and the trade deadline.

Not bad. I like it but if you give Smith the MLE, how are you paying Monk?

Just the minimum again. Then we have his bird rights. Kind of like what the Heat are doing with Oladipo. You promise him a starting spot and next season when Westbrook is off the books you can pay him more.

I agree with DND-OLD, You are asking Monk to take a huge risk and financial sacrifice after being ONLY 1-2 bright spots last season aside from Reaves. He can struggle and/or God forbid get injured and now what? If he says no? Would you let him walk away because you choose a 21 yr old guy who struggled in Phoenix and got "moderately"hot in Indiana from the 3pt line?
He is an athletic 6-10 guy who according to bb-ref played 70% at center, 81% at Indiana and for your lineup, they already have AD, Favors and Muscala. Can he truly play PF? next to these centers?

[Lakers24gm]

Not bad. I like it but if you give Smith the MLE, how are you paying Monk?

Just the minimum again. Then we have his bird rights. Kind of like what the Heat are doing with Oladipo. You promise him a starting spot and next season when Westbrook is off the books you can pay him more.

I agree with DND-OLD, You are asking Monk to take a huge risk and financial sacrifice after being ONLY 1-2 bright spots last season aside from Reaves. He can struggle and/or God forbid get injured and now what? If he says no? Would you let him walk away because you choose a 21 yr old guy who struggled in Phoenix and got "moderately"hot in Indiana from the 3pt line?
He is an athletic 6-10 guy who according to bb-ref played 70% at center, 81% at Indiana and for your lineup, they already have AD, Favors and Muscala. Can he truly play PF? next to these centers?

Your right it’s probably unlikely. But Monk has made comments about wanting to learn to be a professional and how Lakers were the only team to keep calling and that meant a lot to him and his family. Monk could get hurt but he could also play even better as being a starter full time. Making his next contract that much bigger. So my idea for a roster is extremely far fetched but something I would be trying to do.

The problem with keeping Westbrook is it also makes it unlikely we are able to you the Tax MLE because it would hard cap us and with Bron, Ad and Russ and trying to fill out a roster we are right back where we were this past season with a bunch of minimum players.

As far as Jalen smith goes from what I saw of him I feel like he could work extremely well. Him playing the 4 with his shooting I think he can. Especially playing with AD. Getting Favors gets the Lakers an expiring contract who they could move at the deadline and add picks to it. I always wish Lakers would take more shots on players like this. By not having picks signing these younger players seems like the way to go.

[tamaraw08]

Just the minimum again. Then we have his bird rights. Kind of like what the Heat are doing with Oladipo. You promise him a starting spot and next season when Westbrook is off the books you can pay him more.

I agree with DND-OLD, You are asking Monk to take a huge risk and financial sacrifice after being ONLY 1-2 bright spots last season aside from Reaves. He can struggle and/or God forbid get injured and now what? If he says no? Would you let him walk away because you choose a 21 yr old guy who struggled in Phoenix and got "moderately"hot in Indiana from the 3pt line?
He is an athletic 6-10 guy who according to bb-ref played 70% at center, 81% at Indiana and for your lineup, they already have AD, Favors and Muscala. Can he truly play PF? next to these centers?

Your right it’s probably unlikely. But Monk has made comments about wanting to learn to be a professional and how Lakers were the only team to keep calling and that meant a lot to him and his family. Monk could get hurt but he could also play even better as being a starter full time. Making his next contract that much bigger. So my idea for a roster is extremely far fetched but something I would be trying to do.

The problem with keeping Westbrook is it also makes it unlikely we are able to you the Tax MLE because it would hard cap us and with Bron, Ad and Russ and trying to fill out a roster we are right back where we were this past season with a bunch of minimum players.

As far as Jalen smith goes from what I saw of him I feel like he could work extremely well. Him playing the 4 with his shooting I think he can. Especially playing with AD. Getting Favors gets the Lakers an expiring contract who they could move at the deadline and add picks to it. I always wish Lakers would take more shots on players like this. By not having picks signing these younger players seems like the way to go.

But you didn't answer my question. If Malik passes on that Min contract offer, would you pick him to get the MLE OR Smith?

[Lakers24gm]

I agree with DND-OLD, You are asking Monk to take a huge risk and financial sacrifice after being ONLY 1-2 bright spots last season aside from Reaves. He can struggle and/or God forbid get injured and now what? If he says no? Would you let him walk away because you choose a 21 yr old guy who struggled in Phoenix and got "moderately"hot in Indiana from the 3pt line?
He is an athletic 6-10 guy who according to bb-ref played 70% at center, 81% at Indiana and for your lineup, they already have AD, Favors and Muscala. Can he truly play PF? next to these centers?

Your right it’s probably unlikely. But Monk has made comments about wanting to learn to be a professional and how Lakers were the only team to keep calling and that meant a lot to him and his family. Monk could get hurt but he could also play even better as being a starter full time. Making his next contract that much bigger. So my idea for a roster is extremely far fetched but something I would be trying to do.

The problem with keeping Westbrook is it also makes it unlikely we are able to you the Tax MLE because it would hard cap us and with Bron, Ad and Russ and trying to fill out a roster we are right back where we were this past season with a bunch of minimum players.

As far as Jalen smith goes from what I saw of him I feel like he could work extremely well. Him playing the 4 with his shooting I think he can. Especially playing with AD. Getting Favors gets the Lakers an expiring contract who they could move at the deadline and add picks to it. I always wish Lakers would take more shots on players like this. By not having picks signing these younger players seems like the way to go.

But you didn't answer my question. If Malik passes on that Min contract offer, would you pick him to get the MLE OR Smith?

I’d pick Smith to be honest. I think getting another big would solve a lot of our issues. Microwave scorers like Monk are a little easier to find then bigs who can protect the rim and spread the floor IMO.

[danfantastk32]

It might be the case, and it'll likely really suck, but I rather deal with another year of Westbrook vs giving up assets to get rid of him, or trading him for toxic contracts, or doing something damaging like stretching him.

Totally agree

Phil seems to be the only one in the org who wants to go this route.

It makes sense to ride it out with Westbrook this upcoming season, and with his contract expiring at the end of next season, the team can go after free agents with that salary cap space.

It will, however, be tough for the fanbase to have to stomach another season of horrible outside shooting, poor defense, and lots of turnovers.

Well, I think Phil wants to go a different route than I do, and (I think) TheHartBreakKid. Phil actually WANTS him here, and to do a bunch of nonsense in trading Lebron, and building around Westbrook. Thanks Phil.......great coach / sh## GM. Go ride your motorcycle in Montana please.

HartBreak and I are not talking about wanting Westbrook. We're talking about not destroying our future in an attempt to get out from under him. If it were up to me....I'd just sit his ass the whole season. I certainly don't want him on the floor. But I also understand that we have him for just 1 more year. So don't do something idiotic in an attempt to "make this all better".

Look, if we can trade him for something semi-decent, I say go for it. But failing that.....just eat the next year, and move on. Let him sit on the bench....or better yet, tell him to stay home. Someone mentioned that you can't bench a "star" (wow....how loose that word has become) for no reason, or you'll get fined. Great. Start him.....when the first time-out, or out of bounds or whatever is called, sub him out. There. He played. Nice humiliation for the worlds priciest scrub. If he won't go in.....perfect! No salary that game. win/win.

[sonnyhill]

Totally agree

Phil seems to be the only one in the org who wants to go this route.

It makes sense to ride it out with Westbrook this upcoming season, and with his contract expiring at the end of next season, the team can go after free agents with that salary cap space.

It will, however, be tough for the fanbase to have to stomach another season of horrible outside shooting, poor defense, and lots of turnovers.

Well, I think Phil wants to go a different route than I do, and (I think) TheHartBreakKid. Phil actually WANTS him here, and to do a bunch of nonsense in trading Lebron, and building around Westbrook. Thanks Phil.......great coach / sh## GM. Go ride your motorcycle in Montana please.

HartBreak and I are not talking about wanting Westbrook. We're talking about not destroying our future in an attempt to get out from under him. If it were up to me....I'd just sit his ass the whole season. I certainly don't want him on the floor. But I also understand that we have him for just 1 more year. So don't do something idiotic in an attempt to "make this all better".

Look, if we can trade him for something semi-decent, I say go for it. But failing that.....just eat the next year, and move on. Let him sit on the bench....or better yet, tell him to stay home. Someone mentioned that you can't bench a "star" (wow....how loose that word has become) for no reason, or you'll get fined. Great. Start him.....when the first time-out, or out of bounds or whatever is called, sub him out. There. He played. Nice humiliation for the worlds priciest scrub. If he won't go in.....perfect! No salary that game. win/win.

Phil has the courage to try a different (than what the team is currently doing) approach, and that different approach includes building the team around Westbrook's skills, trading away LeBron for a haul of draft picks and player assets in return, and resetting the direction of the franchise.

Phil is also a realist. Because of this past season's $hit show, it is very unlikely that Westbrook can be traded without having to include a future Laker draft pick into the trade.

Why are you opposed to rebuilding the Lakers around Westbrook? It was not too long ago that Westbrook was a dominant player averaging triple-doubles.

[danfantastk32]

Phil has the courage to try a different (than what the team is currently doing) approach, and that different approach includes building the team around Westbrook's skills, trading away LeBron for a haul of draft picks and player assets in return, and resetting the direction of the franchise.

Phil is also a realist. Because of this past season's $hit show, it is very unlikely that Westbrook can be traded without having to include a future Laker draft pick into the trade.

Why are you opposed to rebuilding the Lakers around Westbrook? It was not too long ago that Westbrook was a dominant player averaging triple-doubles.

Man...are you even for real? Westbrook can't (hasn't) lead a team anywhere. Why would he start now? If we could get a kings ransom (pun intended) for Lebron.....I'm down with that. But it still includes pawning off Westbrook, or waiving him. The guy is a negative wherever he goes. He won't listen, and doesn't care/understand teams.....just his stats. And now that he's in his 30's the explosiveness is wearing off....and his shot is pathetic. Go build a team around Monk.....that would be a better option.

Like honestly man! In what universe has WB shown himself to be worth building around? He's not even work keeping around! Like for reals. If we could re-negotiate his contract, and he'd play for only $6mil.....I'd still tell him to get lost. Everyone knew he was gonna suck on the Lakers, and take them down with him.....and that's exactly what happened. So now we triple empower him??? Nah, dude. He needs to take his ass elsewhere.

[sonnyhill]

Phil has the courage to try a different (than what the team is currently doing) approach, and that different approach includes building the team around Westbrook's skills, trading away LeBron for a haul of draft picks and player assets in return, and resetting the direction of the franchise.

Phil is also a realist. Because of this past season's $hit show, it is very unlikely that Westbrook can be traded without having to include a future Laker draft pick into the trade.

Why are you opposed to rebuilding the Lakers around Westbrook? It was not too long ago that Westbrook was a dominant player averaging triple-doubles.

Man...are you even for real? Westbrook can't (hasn't) lead a team anywhere. Why would he start now? If we could get a kings ransom (pun intended) for Lebron.....I'm down with that. But it still includes pawning off Westbrook, or waiving him. The guy is a negative wherever he goes. He won't listen, and doesn't care/understand teams.....just his stats. And now that he's in his 30's the explosiveness is wearing off....and his shot is pathetic. Go build a team around Monk.....that would be a better option.

Like honestly man! In what universe has WB shown himself to be worth building around? He's not even work keeping around! Like for reals. If we could re-negotiate his contract, and he'd play for only $6mil.....I'd still tell him to get lost. Everyone knew he was gonna suck on the Lakers, and take them down with him.....and that's exactly what happened. So now we triple empower him??? Nah, dude. He needs to take his ass elsewhere.

OK. We get it. You are a Westbrook hater. Phil, Jeanie, and Rob are not; hence, the qualifying question that the potential head coaching candidates are being asked on how each would optimize Westbrook .

And, yes, everyone acknowledges that Westbrook struggled last season; but, he is going nowhere. So, why not embrace Westbrook and go all-in on Westbrook in a manner similar to Phil's "Zen-like" approach?

[SK21209]

Phil has the courage to try a different (than what the team is currently doing) approach, and that different approach includes building the team around Westbrook's skills, trading away LeBron for a haul of draft picks and player assets in return, and resetting the direction of the franchise.

Phil is also a realist. Because of this past season's $hit show, it is very unlikely that Westbrook can be traded without having to include a future Laker draft pick into the trade.

Why are you opposed to rebuilding the Lakers around Westbrook? It was not too long ago that Westbrook was a dominant player averaging triple-doubles.

Man...are you even for real? Westbrook can't (hasn't) lead a team anywhere. Why would he start now? If we could get a kings ransom (pun intended) for Lebron.....I'm down with that. But it still includes pawning off Westbrook, or waiving him. The guy is a negative wherever he goes. He won't listen, and doesn't care/understand teams.....just his stats. And now that he's in his 30's the explosiveness is wearing off....and his shot is pathetic. Go build a team around Monk.....that would be a better option.

Like honestly man! In what universe has WB shown himself to be worth building around? He's not even work keeping around! Like for reals. If we could re-negotiate his contract, and he'd play for only $6mil.....I'd still tell him to get lost. Everyone knew he was gonna suck on the Lakers, and take them down with him.....and that's exactly what happened. So now we triple empower him??? Nah, dude. He needs to take his ass elsewhere.

OK. We get it. You are a Westbrook hater. Phil, Jeanie, and Rob are not; hence, the qualifying question that the potential head coaching candidates are being asked on how each would optimize Westbrook .

And, yes, everyone acknowledges that Westbrook struggled last season; but, he is going nowhere. So, why not embrace Westbrook and go all-in on Westbrook in a manner similar to Phil's "Zen-like" approach?

Because that team will suck even worse than last year. Russ didn't just struggle last year, he declined. He is not the same caliber of player he was 2-3 years ago regardless of the situation around him, and even that version of Russ was extremely hard to build around. He's less explosive and worse finishing around the rim. He's not getting that back. Also, what is this hypothetical haul of assets we'd get back for LeBron. Teams like Orlando or Detroit are not trading for LeBron, it would have to be a team that's close to contending and needs something to get over the hump, like Toronto trading for Kawhi. Something like a Harden + picks from Philly or package based around Tyler Herro + picks from Miami. So, we'd be have a team built around Russ + AD (who very well might want out at that point) with a hard ceiling as a 7 or 8 seed, maybe a pretty good young player and some picks that will in all likelihood end up in the late first round and not amount to much. Why is that a better direction?

And it is far from certain that Russ is staying next season, rumor is that there is a standing offer from the Rockets to trade him and a FRP for Wall. We're rightfully not taking that unless they add more value or we keep the FRP and we're certainly looking around for better offers. Sure, we need to have a contingency plan in case Russ has to be on the team next season. It would be foolish to hire a coach who has no idea how to use him like our last coach. We're conducting these coaching interviews without knowing what the roster will look like this year, so they're trying to get a sense of how the coaches would adapt to different scenarios.

[TylersLakers]

It’s not happening.

Jeanie cares too much about the fans. She knows fans absolutely despise him. There’s a reason (beyond COVID) why this team had a lot of games this season that weren’t sold out. Westbrook was Reason 1.

We’ll send him home for the year before he plays another minute on this team.