Welcome to a new series for FB&G for the 2016 off-season. This series will focus on team building and various paths the Lakers have open to them for the upcoming off-season. We will try to cover a variety of scenarios the Lakers could feasibly take and what moves might be involved with that specific approach. Our first installment will focuses on taking a slow and steady approach.
It’s funny how the perception of a team’s potential trajectory can be impacted in such a short amount of time. A month ago, on April 23rd, Byron Scott was still the Lakers’ head coach, Luke Walton was probably stressing out about Steph Curry’s knee injury and thinking about the Dubs losing game 3 to the Rockets, and the Lakers (and their fans) were still sweating about whether the team would keep their top-3 protected lottery pick.
Of course, a month later, things are entirely different and the general perception around the team is that they are a team on a major upswing. They now have a charismatic and young new head coach, they have the 2nd pick in June’s draft and the ability to draft one of two players considered to be in the upper tier of prospects, and still have all that cap space staring at them in the face waiting to be spent on July 1st.
It’s good to be a Lakers fan right now.
It’s best to remember, though, that this process is still starting. While the team is coming off multiple down years and have changed course, patience is still needed.
The Lakers have the ability to reshape their roster and build, essentially, an entirely new team from almost scratch. They only have 6 players under contract heading into July. If you add Jordan Clarkson (who is expected to return, but we will get to that), it would be 7 players. This means they can add up to 8 new players (and maybe more) to the team and several of those will be key members of a revamped rotation.
One way to build up that roster is through an approach which is not only mindful, but driven by the organic development of the team’s young players. A blueprint for such a plan would include:
1). Drafting either Ben Simmons or Brandon Igram and slotting him into a role where he plays 25-30 minutes a night. This wouldn’t mean the newly drafted player would have to be a starter, but he would be put into the rotation and given the rope to succeed and fail while being given encouragement from the coaching staff to develop and grow his game. Be conscientious about using this asset on a player who can be a key part of the team’s future and then invest in him with minutes, an established and consistent role, and the type of support which nurtures his growth.
2). Give the rest of the young players the bulk of the minutes at their respective positions while forming lineups which maximize their time on the floor. What might this look like? Starting D’Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson in the backcourt. Starting Julius Randle at PF. Playing Nance and/or Randle at Center for stretches to see how that pairing works while attempting to build chemistry between them as a duo. Find minutes for Anthony Brown at either SG or SF so he can get floor time while seeing if he can actually be an NBA level 3-and-D wing. In other words, do a lot of the things Byron Scott seemed hesitant to fully commit to until the final quarter of the season.
3). Save for a couple of exceptions, don’t go big game hunting in FA. Instead chase quality veterans who can play starter level minutes, but who would also be okay with reduced roles while maintaining leadership voices in the locker-room. If you can sign Kevin Durant, you do it. Maybe you even gamble on Hasan Whiteside who plays a position of need and would not be taking minutes from an incumbent. But unless either are willing to sign on, you do not spend wildly on players who might block the development path of players you are already invested in and need minutes to show what they can truly become. Sure, a guy like Harrison Barnes (who is also young) or DeMar DeRozan might be enticing to upgrade the talent base while offering established strengths which the team could really use. But those players might also take away key minutes from Clarkson, Russell, or, potentially, a Brandon Ingram in the process.
4). Back off on public discussions of a “timeline” to compete deep into the playoffs while showing a commitment to the coach and players in place as long term fixtures. Ease off on leaks about trading the young players (or the #2 overall pick). Commit as much as possible to a rhetoric which encourages growth and development of the young pieces on hand, giving the sense that the team is invested in them as the future of the team. While this doesn’t have to resemble a Philly level “trust the process” campaign, the young guys need to be given the rope and be provided an atmosphere which promotes them as the future of the team, not just placeholders until the next great player comes to replace them. You want them to be the next great players, so act like it.
**
While this sort of “plan” wouldn’t need to be followed exactly, the Lakers could easily plot this type of course and sell it to fans as what is best for the team. Yes, it might be an acknowledgement that winning is not the ultimate priority for the next season (or more), but it would also signal a long term plan which would hope to maximize results over the course of what would hopefully be long careers of several young players.
This type of approach would need buy-in from everyone within the organization and, in turn, would need to be somewhat sold to a fanbase which is hoping for a winner to root for sooner or later. Still, though, if the Lakers trust in their talent evaluation and remain patient in how they use their cap space by not splurging all in one summer, they can still flex their spending power to add to their core in coming summers.
Delaying the FA push might also mean their current youngsters are better equipped to be part of a contending team and come at a time when the crop of free agents has more high profile targets worth the type of max money the exploding cap has made available.
It’s hard to know if the Lakers front office would really take this approach. If they do, it certainly feels as though it would be a fall-back option should their chase of marquee free agents fail. Still, though, there’s an argument to be made that this path could yield the best long term results even though it’s likely to be the hardest to swallow in the short term.
Gary says
Color me concerned about spending max dollars on Barnes (and yes, to pry him away from GS we’d have to overspend). Just once, I’d like to see him show that he’s more than a glue guy and that he can truly be a #1 or a #2 on a team. Yesterday was a perfect opportunity for the Warriors to allow him to get off and they did not deviate from their game plan.
If the Lakers select Ingram, they’d likely start him out at a SG until he fills out. So there would be a need/fit for Barnes at the Three. He’s especially a good fit because he could be an extension of Walton in practice and on the floor in games.
But let’s be honest, a max deal for an 11 pts and 5 reb guy with a 12 PER does not sound like a good investment. Games like yesterday, where nothing was working for the Warriors should have been a chance to turn Barnes loose yet Kerr did not deviate away from Thompson and Curry. Isn’t that telling? Is Barnes ceiling just a 5th option?
The other expensive FA option is DeRozan and he shot 1 3pt shot in the Raptors win. Without a center and with a PF (Randle) who can’t spread the floor next year defenses will be begging us to shoot outside. This issue would be compounded with drafting Simmons who I love but he can’t shoot either. I think drafting Simmons means some pieces will need to be traded to bring in outside shooting.
I think this is going to be a process and the FO will need to be careful how they draft, trade and spend cap space. Success is not a given
Ricky says
Ingram is a 3, at 6-9 he’s too tall for a 2. Plus Clarkson plays the 2.
Ddub says
He,s 6’9 but isn’t strong enough yet, so like KD he may need to start out as a two.And Clarkson may be moved to the bench depending on who is on the roster.
Rome says
I agree with your concerns about overspending for Barnes. The Derozan issue, not so much. He isn’t even a threat from 3. But remember, Russell is a threat from 3 and Clarkson has shown that he can be effective from long range. Therefore, a possibility of a small ball lineup, albeit occasional, where they run with Russell/Clarkson/Derozan/Randle/Nance for example, that wouldn’t be too bad of a line-up. It would be even better with Ingram in place for Derozan. With three threats from 3pt range opposed to just two
elijah ali says
If only those @ the top are more interested in the development of the team & not there own spots, mitch & Jim need to step back & let some young blood take over with fresh ideas
Ricky says
Problem is Jim is on a self imposed time line and needs to win now or he’s out. Mitch feels it too so both guys could panic and make bad trades or overspend to keep their jobs. Sad but true
BigCitySid says
– Absolutely slow and steady would be the way to build a serious longterm contender in the Lakers present condition. The question is will they be allowed to do it? The Lakers, like the Knicks (and to a slightly lesser degree the Clips & Nets) have such high ticket prices and operate in cities that offer so many other options for the casual fans entertainment $$’s, that they appear to be under more pressure to have big name(s) on their rosters, who also play an exciting brand of ball. And take shortcuts to get there, even if it’s temporary.
– The reality is teams like the Lakers know their hardcore fans will be there, thru thick and thin. It’s the casual fans that really drive the financial variable. It’s a factor in why a jazzy pg like Russell is chosen over a solid but unspectacular center like Okafor.
– Here’s hoping the basketball people outrank the entertainment people when decisions are on the table.
Kevin says
The FO should take the pick fill in around the edges in free agency but not feel the need to spend $50 of the $60 mil in cap space on two of Barnes, DeRozan or Whiteside.
Don’t trade the pick. Paul George would require the pick and a youngster. And if we get him our roster would be so thin we’d have to spend in free agency. And suddenly you’ve created a team with a window that would definitely be much shorter than if you kept the kids and allowed them to grow and fill in with free agents as needed over the next few years.
This is a marathon not a sprint.
Ricky says
I agree but Jimmy and Mitch are fighting to keep their jobs and might screw that plan up
matt says
Have yall seen the durant / ingram comparison videos made by draftexpress, there is like 5 different videos,
I like this approach to building a team, I’ve said before, there are only a couple free agents i would feel comfortable giving the max deal to, lebron, durant, drummond, and maybe derozan. Other than that it’s a risky list (if we are talking max deal), whiteside, batum, barnes, beal, and i guess parsons.
Ingram or simmons, both are great prospects worthy of keeping spots open for. So maybe just sign a role player at this spot (lance thomas or solomon hill)
Russell is not yet proven but does have great potential, he could excel into beyond deron williams, but if not we have next offseason that is full of point guards. So we keep that spot open for a least one more year.
Randle is looking good out there, nance looked ok as a back up, and deserves one more year to prove he’s a role player, plus there’s nothing at his spot in free agency, maybe a trade
Clarkson is the only one that likely will be back that might need to be upgraded, he’s got offensive skills, but defensively lacking and probably serves best as a backup.
Center is the open spot and i like the concept of signing multiple bigs who are young and moblie enough to help defend
With the young coaching staff, a slow rebuild looks best, i don’t see anyway to turn the team into a championship contender this year and I’m sure that the FO knows that too.
Doc says
Derozan is worth a max in today’s market but he may decide to stay in Toronto
Roger says
Jim the ‘put your foot in your mouth VP of Basketball Operations should listen to Jim the Owner and craft a team that will win for the long term.
As a fan I can take losses as long as there is young talent that will improve. I don’t want to spend our young assets on a team that competes for 5 years then has to be rebuilt in the fashion of the last three years.
Things look better now but we haven’t even finished paying for this rebuild — we still owe a few draft picks to the 76ers and Magic. Let the kids develop. This year is a honeymoon year for Walton and we’ve got another top pick. We can’t possibly be as bad as last year so we’ll have made progress and I’m sure there won’t be any real fan unrest. No need to do anything but let the kids play and then get a better idea of what we have/need next summer.
The key thing is for Jeanie and Jim to figure out a smooth transition for Jim. Make him executive chairman and elevate Mitch to President while bringing in a younger guy to be GM. Jim would essentially oversee Mitch and the new GM but the heavy thinking and lifting should be done by Mitch and the new GM.
I wonder what people think of Sam Presti and his top lieutenant, Troy Weaver, now that they have developed a team that put San Antonio away and have the Warriors on the ropes. Weaver would be a nice fit in a new Lakers FO.
matt says
The only problem with this approach is, you’re going to have criticism from people like jeanie, magic, max Kellerman, ect. And it’s gonna drive me nuts
Ddub says
Magic has no credibility because he has criticize all the other coaches and Jim…. But he didn’t critic B. Scott or Jeannie….. Because he is jealous of Jim and can’t give constructive analyst of his friends then his word is nothing but dust….He’s beloved but it’s true anyway.
Doc says
Other people have criticized jim so its not just magic and is part of league perception which is a big problem with free agency along with the pressure and media in la….not many guys want that scrutiny
Laker4ever says
Hi
I’m a diehard Lakers fan writing from Verona, Italy.
I’ve been following the blog for quite a long time and I took this chance to fully support the general idea about slow time rebuilding, which is definitely the best way to build a competitive team. The right moment to spend max contract money occurs only when the young stars reach 75% of their potential . This season is definitely too early unless one of the proven stars decide to play for us.
I am also fan of one football team in Italy, namely AC Milan, who have had repeatedly losing seasons and try to resurrect by spending big money on aging but famous stars. This approach has revealed 1000 wrong, the only healthy part of the players are the young yet unmature players. Let me finish by saying to Darius that I appreciate the insight, knowledge and measured approach of his topics and also never miss any of the comments of you guys.
I’ll be watching!
JeffT says
One big thing might get in the way of this approach, ratings. The Lakers have been riding the wave of popularity that comes with having one of the most exciting players of all time. Now that Kobe is gone, there is a very good possibility that the Lakers ratings drop to even lower uncharted territories. It is for this reason I think that the owners may want to try and prop the team up with some less than desireable but known players. I support the Darius plan, but I am not sure that the owners do.
Ddub says
I disagree about the fans or ratings drop off, there fans that couldnt wait for the new era. Without Kobe… I have Seen it before… After west, after magic, after Shaquille, and now Kobe…. The team is free to build now and on a good wave.
Doc says
I agree totally that the media thirsts for lakers news and ned la to be somewhat relevant to the nba
Chris J says
JeffT’s point is valid… I agree in the positions outlined, but there has to be some visible progress to keep people’s attention focused on what’s going on. Otherwise the fans don’t watch TWC and they don’t shell out for tickets at high prices.
The Lake Show 1994-95 team was a perfect blend of “We’re building around the youth” but still with some pizzazz and semi-competitive play on the court. If that can be the new paradigm, I’d be perfectly content. But no more treading water with retreads like Boozer or Lin, and no more playing so poorly that the tanking rumors have legs. We’re past that point; it’s now time to let the youngsters show what they can do, and if they can’t cut it, we reevaluate a year from now.
Measurable improvement from Russell, Randle, Clarkson and the draft pick showing he can play at an NBA level warranting No. 2-pick status would be sufficient for me. If that doesn’t occur under Walton, there are bigger issues that’ll have to be addressed. I’m confident that won’t be a problem, however.
rr says
and semi-competitive play on the court.
—
I see your overall point, but that team won 48 games. Those teams were sort of like an offense-first version of what Boston has now and Boston is, like the Lake Show teams, looking to leverage their situation into a superstar.
Thomas Rickard says
I think the fans will except slow rebuild as log as the games are fun to watch, I wasn’t a big “Magic Mike” fan, but they certainly were better than the last 2yr, I’m looking forward to Walton and hope he brings a little of the GS experience with him.
change says
With the 2ed pick the Lakers will have 4 of 5 starters with hardly a dent in their cap space.
They have to spend 90% of the cap or be forced to spend to spend the underage on existing players.
The model I hope they use is to go all out for Whiteside and if they strike out fine. To fill out the roster use a lot of 1+1 deals. Sure they will overpay, but the deals expire in 2017 in time for another big leap in the salary cap and more free agents and the Lakers will again be loaded with cap dollars.
A Horse With No Name says
Okay, I’ll fess up to a likely recency bias, but wouldn’t the great “Bismarck” Biyombo look good good in purple and gold? The guy is built like a tank, blocks shots, has good feet, competes hard and like most athletes from Africa, is fearless. Plus he is only 23 and still developing. He’ll be a UFA next summer (yeah, that seems light years away right now), but he’s a guy to keep an eye on going forward. In the meantime I like low risk vets on good deals for the five spot, as opposed to maxing a talented, but seemingly psychologically immature Whiteside. In any business proposition, good risk assessment is key to making sound decisions, and it never ceases to amaze how often businesses/investors fail in this regard. Let’s hope the lakers have learned from the Nash deal fiasco . . . .
Anonymous says
I have read nothing coming from Jim’s or Mitch’s mouth to suggest they are panicked or threatened or concerned about the self impossed deadline many here (and Jeannie) obsess over. If you can for a second assume that those words were never uttered by Jim (and for the sake of argument, just please play along), then you would see ta slow steady climb back to the top is a good approach here and one could not fault the FO for taking such approach at this point in time. Whether you have faith that the Jim/Mitch duo can make it happen is a different story, but the top two complaints up to know has been (1) bad coaching hires and (2) bad free agent signings. Well, Luke seems to be a good attempt at addressing #1 and assuming these guys don’t crazy with the purse strings, #2 is also possible to address this offseason. In short, things are not looking as bad as one may think.
JeffT – There was not a single Clipper game this season that beat the Lakers in the ratings. Not a single one. Ratings are a non-factor for this team – at least at the time being. In terms of season ticket sales, even in these trying times the wait list still stands at thousands deep. Add that to the fact that season tickets only account for about $15 million of the Lakers $300+ yearly revenue, and you see how little impact those concerns are for the organization as a whole. Having said that, the team cares about winning and getting better. But not because of ticket sales or ratings. If that were the case, then I would advocate firing anyone in the front office that thinks that way because ticket sales and ratings have never won a championship.
Ddub says
Before Jeannie can push her brother out with his poor choice of unwise words, so that she could try and get Phil in to Mess up a good
Momentum she would need a vote from the siblings and if there is a real noticeable improvement I don’t think Jim goes anywhere… I know the Phil lovers will have a fit…. But he hasn’t done anything running the Knicks…. As a coach no questions… As a team top exec???? Let Jim and Mitch finish the rebuild if this summer goes well.Come on Phil lovers and Jim haters here I AM.
Serg says
I think batum makes perfect sense as he can guard 1-4 positions and he’s a playmaker. Reminds of iguodala. I think if Noah is healthy would be great, he cannot shoot but great playmakers from the elbows ala bogut. I think both players can be have for less than max. They would probably have enough money for a max this year or next year!!
Ddub says
No on Noah, he breaks down too much and there are better options. At 12:01 free agency the first call should go to Whiteside an un restricted f/a, and P.Riley cannot go over the cap to sign him. Meaning he has to use cap space to sign him. And the time to respond is shorter this year, so you won’t have that D. Jordan situation.
Clay Bertrand says
Slow grow is the tem-po!!
When you trade for a star because the star wants OUT of his current situation, you can get value out of that leverage. Kareem and Pau are the prime examples. Harden to a degree could be in this category as well with his Sign and Trade. But trading because a team NEEDS (or thinks they need) a star usually ends up with the team OVERPAYING for that “star”. Carmelo to the Knicks is the best recent example I can think of.
For a team as Asset poor as the Lakers are at this point, overpaying with cash you ain’t got is an ill advised approach and should be avoided bandwagon fans be damned!!!!!
Ddub says
The lakers are no longer asset poor?
Anonymous says
You right Clay, no proven assets.
And we should learn heavily esp.
from the nash and coward
Experience!!
People say don’t do the Minn.
Timberwolves thing, wrong!
Let’s do what they’re doing!
I hope Ingram can impact like Wiggins
will and their center! Their almost
set, yeah it took time!
Go for Ingram, and if Randle can
shoot one day, he’s something like
K.Malone, because all he did at first
was drive the lane, attack the rim and rbound too,
he developed his proficient shooting.
DRussel he’s the key, he has that
upside, he’s know Magic! But I think
He’s good! playing pg 19yrs. nba scoring like he did at times, Kobe didn’t consistently look good at first, the flashes of Greatness were their for sure! Dangelo with Walton the keys!
Look what Stevens has done with
The green, Scott wasn’t getting it done
Byron was just trying to set them straight, What it means to be Laker!
Drussel he’s a Showboat, just like Kobe’s nickname!
I hope he makes us eat s…
For the Lakers I might do it, for sure!
rubenowski says
I really like this approach and I hope it’s the path we take.
Furthermore, I really hope we land Ingram. Of course I wouldn’t be unhappy with Simmons, but I just think Ingram has the right attitude. I think people are underestimating Ingram. I don’t mean this when it comes to draft order because most people say they wouldn’t be surprised if Ingram is taken 1st. What almost everyone does say, however, is that Simmons has a much higher ceiling than Ingram. I disagree with this and I really don’t understand how people are saying this without giving it a second thought. I think that Ingram has a really high ceiling, but not only that. I also think that he has a higher chance of hitting his ceiling than Simmons. The part about reaching your ceiling has to do with attitude/personality. I think Ingram has the right attitude.
Some people may have already linked to this sports illustrated piece but I’ll link to it just in case no one has.
http://www.si.com/longform/brandon-ingram-2016-nba-draft
As of now Ingram is my guy. I might change my mind down the road, like I did last year a day or two before the draft when I changed my pick to Russell (which I still do not regret!), but right now I’m with Ingram and I would love to live in a world where I can see Luke coach Russell, Randle and Ingram a few years.
Damn.
barry_g says
Interesting Bender article: http://thelab.bleacherreport.com/the-next-porzingis/. Appears to have a similar game to Ingram, will be interesting to hear the feedback from the Lakers when he comes in to work out.
A Horse With No Name says
As of now Ingram is my guy. I might change my mind down the road, like I did last year a day or two before the draft when I changed my pick to Russell (which I still do not regret!), but right now I’m with Ingram and I would love to live in a world where I can see Luke coach Russell, Randle and Ingram a few years.
Damn.
This! Four star post!
Anon @ 3:08: Very good thinking.
Anonymous says
In other news, Carmelo Anthony is looking forward to playing faster under his new coach…… Gee, I wonder what he had to say when he was being coached by Mike DAntoni .
http://sports.yahoo.com/m/65bdf8a5-18c0-3090-ae0b-bc60b3e00345/carmelo-anthony-says-he%E2%80%99s.html?nhp=1
bluehill says
Barry – thanks for the link to the article about Bender. Impressive. His skill set relative to his height is definitely Porzingis-like, but what really stood out is his desire. That kid will do well.
Chris J says
Those teams were sort of like an offense-first version of what Boston has now and Boston is, like the Lake Show teams, looking to leverage their situation into a superstar.
————–
Indeed. And hopefully, just as the Lake Show set the stage for 1996’s Shaquille O’Neal signing — when he knew he was coming into a somewhat stocked cupboard in L.A. with Jones, Van Exel, Ceballos on board — let’s hope the current cast of (hopefully) up-and-comers at Staples Center can likewise attract interest from other established players to join their ranks in the years to come.
When I wrote “new paradigm” I meant for the next season, maybe two. I definitely don’t want to be in the 48-win, first or second round of the playoffs stage three years from now.
While we’re at it, let’s also hope Boston’s plethora o’ draft picks again falls flat on its face, like it did when putting all its chips in the “We’ll draft Tim Duncan” basket in ’97 but instead would up with 51 games worth of Chauncey Billups, and the great Ron Mercer.
Marlon Brando says
Bismack Biyambo has been very very impressive these last few games. It’s not a good strategy obviously to put too much stock in a few playoff games (*cough/barf* Jerome James), but his intensity and commitment on the defensive end and ability to protect the rim is eye opening. I’m not sure what his value will be on the FA market, but at 23 years old he could potentially be a cost effective steal.
matt says
Chris j
Like your take on Boston draft
Mocks have them taking 2 international players in the 1st round, maybe they take nick young for a pick
Fern says
I was harping for months about Ingram when almost everybody else was in love with Simmons glad to see some people coming around. I favor the semi slow rebuild. Like Darius just said and it’s another thing that i was saying the Lakers can rebuild pretty quick, not contender level but playoff level unless the Lakers do a KD level coup in free agency which i really doubt. We have the pick and tons and tons of cap space. Perfect situation for a fairly quick rebuild. If it was up to me i bring in Whiteside straight up max him, why? Guess what, because he haven’t play a lot in the league he is basically a newcomer and his max will be around 17-18 mill not 25 million, he is not in that pay scale yet. Barnes is restricted and i really doubt he will get max money je can stay in GS and im not sold on Derozan. I would love to get Whiteside and i put Ingram in the starting lineup right away and fill the bench with better personnel that what we have. This oportunity won’t happen again, we have to make the most of it. Everything is falling in place.
matt says
Biyombo has a player option for next year (3 mil i think) he’s playing great in the playoffs against the cavs right now, not much of a scorer, but had 26 rebounds and 4 blocks in game 3, and 13 rebounds and 3 blocks today. He’s a backup, the starting center valanciunas has a 4 year deal 14, 15, 16, and 17 mil
A Horse with no name says
Thanks Matt! I was just going to post that Biyombo has a PO on his deal, so he will almost certainly test free agency. He’s going to get paid–Lakers should be in the hunt.
joseph diaz says
What do you guys think of picking up ryan anderson?
Anonymous says
Just an FYI
– Biyombo can’t shoot or pass but he can rebound.
– Anderson can shoot and pass but can’t rebound
Both will be expensive this summer. FO has to be carefull not to overspend on role players.
A Horse with no name says
@ Darius: your Tweet: anyone know if Adrian Griffin is staying with the Magic? –No idea. But does anyone know if Conner Henry is staying with Magic? Hired by the lakers to coach the defenders, but decided instead to join Skiles in Orlando. Former d-league coach of the champion Mad Ants, and was d league coach of the year in 2014. Played at UCSB, (where he was a teammate of my cousin). Great coaching talent. Very smart guy. Love to see Luke add him to his staff.
Johnson says
@matt Max Kellerman actually supports the long plan, as do other ESPN Radio personalities. The dudes who know the team, have been forced to watch and talk about it, they’re down with the rebuild.
It’s Colin Cowherd and those non-local “Hot Take” pundits like Stephen A Smith that want ratings and clicks and poke at the real fanbase, so they put stuff out there like “trading the pick for a star! meeting the timeline is the #1 priority! Fire Buss!” They only look at the box score and listen to “sources within the organization”. Anyway, I tend not to listen to those fools and I believe the F.O. doesn’t either.
Marlon Brando says
Biyambo can also defend, Ryan cannot. Anderson also has injury issues, and is older. I’m not saying we should overspend for guys that have major holes in their games, but Biyambo (backup or not) has outplayed Thompson, and even had a great block on JR Smith at the three point line. I loved Ed Davis and was sad to see him go, if we could get Bismack for a similar (most likely higher) price, I’d be intrigued. I wouldn’t overspend, just keep him on our radar
Chearn says
The quick-hitting notion is exactly why the Lakers are in their current position. If those in charge of making decisions have failed to learn from those mistakes when will they?
Indeed, slow and steady is the recipe for the organization. Coach Walton needs time to shape the culture of the unit by developing an air of teammate dependency, confidence, work ethic, and defensive acumen. I hope Luke discovers one player on the team that epitomizes his strategy to the team on the floor. Bringing in win now players like Durant or George transfers unfair expectations on a rookie head coach. The only way Pat Riley became a rookie head coach champion was with Hall of Fame players. As the Lakers head coach, let’s not age Coach Walton in the manner of those who hold the POTUS position.
Retain the pick and place all of the rookies on the floor together, allow the players time to jell together. By January 2017, if it becomes apparent that two players in the starting lineup are redundant then at that point the Lakers should shop the player for pieces that move the team progressively towards a winning combination.
In filling out the roster, let’s hope the Lakers chose players that challenge the starting lineup in practice because we all know that iron sharpens iron.
Vasheed says
The slow plan to me represents a last resort. It means the Lakers could not find any reasonable trade offers and they could not sign the most desirable free agents.
I would like to see a few more faces in their mid twenties to 30 and under. Given the way the CBA makes sure a 1st round pick will likely be with their team for 7 years before becoming an unrestricted free agent, most good free agents will be at least in their late 20’s.
I would probably prefer a more balanced approach than slow and steady.
matt says
Toronto is interesting to watch, 2 scorers and 3 defenders on the floor, they completely clogged the middle forcing the cavs to rely on the 3 point shot. Lebron would not take it to the hoop at all. I hope the FO sees how these mobile bigs are important for team defense. Toronto and okc are showing this.
Craig W. says
If Magic were the ‘canary in the coalmine’ I could listen to his comments, but he is simply piling on and – because he is such a big part of Laker lore – he should be keeping his mouth shut.
Listening to ‘talking heads’ and fans who’s ideas were not followed does not mean we know what ‘league perception’ is. GMs certainly are not going to make their opinions known – it makes their job harder if they do – but they also don’t mind all the talk swirling around about Laker incompetence – again, because it make their job easier when dealing with the Lakers, not because it is true or false.
Craig W. says
matt,
Nice observation.
Whenever a trend starts in the NBA it takes a while for others to figure it out and find ways to attack it. That is what is going on with GS over the last two seasons. The bandwagon is saying big men are obsolete, but active big men have always thrived in the NBA and – IMO – will continue to do so into the future. They make defending the key so much easier. The key in the middle will always be lateral quickness and eye-hand coordination, not simple speed.
OKC and the Raptors have players who can compete here. Whether they win or not, they point to team compositions and schemes that can combat the type of play GS presents.
T. Rogers says
JeffT,
I think perception plays a big part in ratings. A young, hungry team trying to break through makes for great TV. Make no mistake. They won’t pull in Shaq/Kobe ratings numbers. But a team with Russell, Clarkson, Ingram, Randle, and a decent FA will draw eyeballs. That’s especially true if the Lakers are a threat to win most nights, even though they won’t. If Luke develops them into a young squad that can put a scare into any team in the Association then people will want to watch.
The problem with the team the last few years wasn’t just the losing. Its that you knew they were going to lose. And most times when they lost it was flat out embarrassing.
Hale says
This team will be heavily scrutinized no matter who they draft or acquire in free agency or FO shake ups. It is the aftertaste of monumental success. You have the post-Vitti era narrative. Some other cat retired, also. Add the #2 draft pick and a coach on baby formula, the path and the publicity writes itself.
I believe the FO will do a similarly uneven job: draft well, hit and miss on their lower tier free agents and overloading one position. But they won’t have Vitti to bail them out at the end of the shot clock, eat first or scape goat for the rest of forever. That should enable them to avoid some of their desperation-based errors. After that, it’s all logic and good luck.
matt says
According to basketball insiders, they estimate that the max contract levels will rise along with the cap.
These numbers are just estimates, the official numbers are pending.
Players with 0-6 years , max is 21 mil first year
Players in this category (i don’t know if they all will get max)
Whiteside, h.barnes, beal, drummond, parsons, ezeli, and fournier
Players with 7-9 years, max is 25 mil. First year
Players in this category
Derozan, durant, batum, conley, and horford
Players with 10+ years, 29 mil.
Wade, lebron, dwight howard
Anonymous says
Vitt… glad someone mentioned him. Do we know who is replacing him? This is another opportunity to ‘modernize’ the team that should not be overlooked.
BigCitySid says
– BTW, just how much experience does this franchise have in building “slow & steady”? I mean after all even in the Minneapolis days they won five of the 1st eight titles. Lol, nothing “slow & steady about that.
Anonymous says
– BTW, just how much experience does this franchise have in building “slow & steady”? I mean after all even in the Minneapolis days they won five of the 1st eight titles. Lol, nothing “slow & steady about that.
—
Its a new era in more ways than one.
matt says
Harrison barnes must have thought he was gonna play himself into a better contract then the one he turned down, but he’s not doing it there’s no way he’s getting a max deal
Busboys4me says
Slow and Steady is based upon who we get in the draft. The need is Ingram, but it’s up to Philly. With Ingram, we can share time at the 3 with ABrown. Never should we intimate putting him at the 2 if we expect to keep Clarkson. He (Clarkson) wants to start and we can do that until we find a better combination. I like Clarkson with Sweet Lou off the bench.
Given our starters lack of D, I would look to add a Defensive Center. Whiteside (non-max) would be ok even with his maturity issues. Luke saw Phil with Bynum, he can handle him. The line-up of DRussell, Clarkson, Ingram/Brown, Randle and Whiteside would be more than adequate. Second unit of Clarkson, Sweet Lou, Ingram/Brown, Nance and Bass (pay him) wouldn’t be bad either. Add a mid-level 3 like Crabbe from Portland and another mobile PF/C not named Sacre and you have your foundation.