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. This installment will focus on finding the middle ground towards building a winner.
The Lakers are in one of the more unique situations in the history of the organization. With no established star on the roster, there is no singular player to “sell” to fans. They are also coming off three of their worst seasons in franchise history and have just said goodbye to one of (if not the) greatest players in franchise history. Viewed through this prism, the Lakers are in a really rough spot.
On the other hand, they have just hired a young coach who fans are excited about. They just found out they would retain their lottery pick — the 2nd overall selection in a draft which many analysts say has two very strong prospects. They also have two additional former lottery picks already on the roster as well as a former 1st and 2nd round pick — all of whom have games which offer a fair amount of flair and excitement. Add to this an abundance of cap space (projections say around $60 million) on July 1st and it’s easy to see the Lakers as a team on the rise.
This makes the next steps the franchise takes crucial. The path they take to try and turn a doormat into a contender is worth discussing, then. We have already looked at the slow and steady approach and what a potential rapid race back to the top might look like. And while both of those paths have merit (one more than the other, in my opinion), I think the most realistic approach is one which lies in the middle.
The Lakers are tasked with building a winner, but that’s a long term goal. In the short term, they are seeking incremental improvements which come from strategic roster upgrades and the organic development of their young players. Here is what going about building a team that way might entail…
1). Keep the draft pick and select the best player left on the board. The assumption is that either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram will be this player, but it could also be Dragan Bender. We’ll get into that type analysis at a later date, but the point is simple: while the Lakers already have young players who play the position Simmons/Bender do (both are projected to be PF’s early in their careers, the same position Randle and Nance play), they should still select the best talent and worry about fit later. The goal is to upgrade the talent base and whoever is selected does that once his name is called. The Lakers can then start to worry about minute allocations, a specific development plan, etc. Ultimately, if you have make a trade later, you do it after you know more about what you have — both in the new pick and in the players already on the roster who you are trying to develop.
2). Chase a long term answer at Center who fits a specific profile. The Lakers need a big man who can protect the paint defensively, every once and a while switch in a P&R defensively and not get destroyed, dive to the rim on the P&R offensively, set good screens, and finish inside on duck-ins and rim runs. He should be young-ish and athletic. If he can pass well, play with good feel, and be a good scoring threat in on-on-one offense, those things are bonuses, but not requirements. If it takes a boatload of money to sign this player, so be it. Big men almost always get overpaid. It’s the premium of being tall/having size. This is the biggest hole on the roster and there is not an answer for this player at the top of the draft. Of all the ways to upgrade the roster, this position really should be the highest priority.
3). Find wings — yes, multiple wings — who can play defense and hit the occasional 3-point shot. The Lakers have simply lacked defensive options on the wing over the past several seasons and it has shown up in their efficiency rankings. The last two years they finished 29th and 30th in the league, that needs to improve and it’s going to have to be a combination of upgrades on the wing and finding the big man mentioned in point #2. This is especially true when you consider the Lakers are already heavily invested in Russell (and will also likely be in Clarkson – more on that next) who have not yet shown they can be plus defenders. The team needs wings who can help cover up for these players’ shortcomings on that end of the floor. And it needs to be prioritized. It should be noted that if the #2 pick turns into Brandon Ingram, this becomes less a priority, but still matters. I would not suggest spending the max on a wing, but Ingram cannot be expected to fully carry the load and be a defensive answer on the wing as a 19 year old. He will need experienced guys to not only play with, but to learn from.
4). Re-sign Jordan Clarkson. We have written extensively about Clarkson’s free agency and how the Lakers are in the driver’s seat. They simply need to follow through and lock him into a contract. Remember, the Lakers can always try to trade Clarkson down the line if their roster construction ends up needing tweaking. But I do not think voluntarily letting him walk — especially when the Arenas Rule protects them in the first two years of his contract should he sign an offer sheet — is a good idea.
5). Roll over some cap space for the the summer of 2017. The cap is projected to go up to $92 million this summer and to upwards of $110 million in the summer of 2017. Holding back anywhere from $7-12 million in cap space this summer (this number should account for salary increases of guys already on the roster due to annual raises) would translate to about a max contract slot for the summer of 2017 when the crop of free agents is projected to be much stronger than the one this summer. I’m all for chasing a star or two this summer, but the reality is that the success of the Thunder these playoffs removes Durant as an option and LeBron is not leaving. This leaves a nice crop of players who can all help a team (DeRozan, Batum, Horford, etc), but who also have individual question marks (something we will dive into in the future). Holding some of that cap space back allows for continued flexibility into the regular season (where the Lakers can still make trades) and the summer where they will want to be a major player in free agency again.
**
Of all the plans presented, this is the one I would most support. Considering the players available in free agency and their individual circumstances, the chances the Lakers make a leap from 17 wins to a total approaching 50 are very slim. If that is the goal, the team is likely chasing an apparition. The best course of action, then, is to try and continue to grow the young talent into high level players who can be key performers on a top team down the line. That type of development takes teaching and it takes reps; it takes these players trying, failing, and learning from those failures.
Grabbing the right types of players to help fill in the gaps on the roster is important, however. So chasing a big man (or two), some defensive wings, and filling out the roster with the right amount of young and veteran players who can simultaneously help build a culture of competitiveness and structure should be the ultimate priority.
This doesn’t mean the Lakers should avoid taking meetings with the top free agents (you always take those meetings), but it does mean they should also be exploring alternatives to those players and actively looking to improve the roster in other ways. They have enough cap space to do so and enough young talent to not be reliant on top tier free agents in order to build a roster which can be improved next year.
Now comes the hard part of actually executing this plan.
Comrade says
I really like this approach. It gives us another season to evaluate the Russell/Clarkson backcourt and decide if they mesh well or their skills overlap too much. They may well find that one or both would be better served as a shooting guard and trade the other. The extra year also happens to coincide with another La natives free agency who is one heck of a point guard.
I do wish you had mentioned specific targets you would like to see the Lakers go after this summer. Due to Miami not having Whitesides bird rights and Wades free agency, if we throw a max offer at Whiteside the heat couldn’t match, but who are other guys you could see fitting in with this group? Horfords age doesn’t seem to line up with our cores projected development and would seem to be a waste, Noah’s best years seem behind him, and it seems like Ezeli is going to get paid much more than he’s worth.
Assuming we draft Ingram, throwing max money at Harrison Barnes or Nicolas Batum doesn’t seem like a good long term plan either but there’s no way Ingram will be physically up to the task of guarding the elite small forwards in the league (Ingram looks like Lebron could literally rip him in half). Good write up but I want more specifics!
Laker Fanatic says
With the move and groove style Walton will implement (ie Golden State motions and passing), I can see JC DR JR LNJ and TARIK BLACK all becoming highly productive and surprisingly efficient players on OFFENSE. Now the real question is on defense, and assuming no trades are made I can see two of those players making a jump on that end LNJ and TB. Black hasnt been mentioned much but he was an integral part of JC being dubbed Baby Westbrook in his rookie campaign. Lost amongst the Scott ball last year I expect big things from him this year with Walton.
Anonymous says
Mike D has been hired in Houston. Could this mean that a certain Center will be shopped around this offseason too?
DancinMarkMadsen says
To anon- if by a certain center you mean Dwight Howard, he will not be shopped because he has an opt out and will be a free agent. If you meant Clint Capela, then, no, he will not be shopped.
John says
The Lakers don’t don’t need Dwight Coward not Howard but coward he’s a cancer on the floor he’s a cancer in the locker room he is past his prime he will be total garbage
Chibi says
I believe in Russell and Clarkson and I would build around them right away. We have a big, talented backcourt, so add one more big playmaker to the guard rotation, and we will always have a size advantage.
Lakers & Law says
This is a great plan and absolutely what the Lakers should do- short of KD and LeBron deciding to team up on the Lakers (not going to happen). This reminds me of the approach Golden State took- 4 young players they drafted with Curry, Thompson, Green and Barnes, and things took off when they got a defensive veteran center (Bogut) and a veteran with multiple skills (Iggy).
The question that I have been trying to work out- who are the comparable veterans that could take a similar path with the Lakers? The young players need a couple of seasons to develop before we know if they can be stars in this league. I agree that a defensive center is priority number one- Whiteside, Ezeli would be great, but Horford would be best (although he is much more than a defensive center). What veterans would want to come to the Lakers and play together? DeRozan and Horford? Barnes and Ezeli? Whiteside and Batum? There is not a clear set of vets who may want to team up due to some earlier relationship.
But if we can add defense on the wing and at the 5, take Ingram and let him grow with the young core, and leave some cap room for next year, this would be a successful summer! Exciting time to be a Lakers fan.
Kevin says
Clarkson is on the small side for a Two, 6′ 3.25″ without shoes. He also gives up some weight to the larger Twos: Klay and DeRozan. Remember he was drafted as a One but really is a combo guard. I think he would kill it off the bench as a 6th man. Of course his new contract will likely put his average annual salary above $10 mil a year (although his Lakers cap hit will be lower).
In the short term the Lakers have very little salary to hit the cap so Clarkson’s contract won’t be an issue. But, long term the question might be asked if paying your sixth man that much money is prudent. But then again we’re in a world where Harrison Barnes is likely a max player — so the answer may be: yes.
Bottom line for me is that signing Clarkson to a big deal this summer is an investment in asset retention because Jordan will have nice trade value should the Lakers need to deal him in the future.
barry_g says
A more than decent free agent pool for 5s right when we’re in the market for one and have the money to spend. Everything just seems to be swinging our way this summer… **knocks vigorously on desk**
Archon says
I’m at a loss that D’Antoni is getting another NBA head coaching job.
Fern says
I don’t think MDA is a bad coach. He was a bad hire. He’s a better coach than Byron Scott that’s for damn sure.I actually think the Rockets minus Dwight are more suited to his style.
Fern says
Im all for this aproach Darius! Good analysis
Travis Y. says
Couldn’t agree more that the slow and steady approach should be the route.
In order for us to stop being the second worst team in the NBA, we need to figure out how to play better defense!
We need a defensive coordinator a la what Tom Thibodeau used to be on the Celtics. What scheme do we use and what players fit this role. It’s similar to finding players who can fit within the Warriors/Spurs offense.
My question to the forum is, who are the best defensive head coaches still out there?
The second item to address to be welcomed to the modern NBA is our apparent lack of 3-pt shooting. we need to address We definitely need help finding 3-pt shooters after ranking 29th and 30th over the last two seasons. Think of all the ball dominant players we have. Then think of a player that would fit this role. I’m thinking of the Danny Green, Jodie Meeks type of catch and shoot player.
Current free agents fitting this role would be:
Evan Fournier (pay the man his money)
Courtney Lee (great defensive player with a 3-pt shot)
Alan Crabbe (up and comer with a 3-pt shot)
Other players I hope the Lakers go for consist of Nicolas Batum and Ryan Anderson.
Then save the salary cap spending for the future.
This will get our team to respectability aka 40-45 wins per season. Then that gets us needing a superstar….
So I hope everyone realizes what the “middle ground” approach is and come to the truth….championships are a decade away and playoffs is now where we need to aspire.
Chearn says
If Byron Scott is maligned as a coach because his only successful years were when Jason Kidd and Chris Paul were on his team, then Mike D’Antoni has to be evaluated similarly. The one team that reached the pinnacle as a team was when Steve Nash manned the offense on the floor. D’Antoni was an abject failure in New York even when the core of his talent surpassed Byron’s this season. His lone miraculous run in New York was actually attributed to Jeremy Lin (Linsanity) during a 12 game run. By any reach one cannot proclaim a coach or his system competent or satisfactory predicated on 12 games. So his methodology is only useful with a coach-point guard on the floor just as Scott’s. Houston will have to convince Harden to be a coach-point guard for the entire season. Good luck with that notion.
As for the Lakers, any veteran that voluntarily joins this team with this makeup will not be worth the investment. Stick with the manner in which the CBA allows an organization to build a team. Find young players to be role players until the team starts winning at least 30 games then look to bring in a couple of all-stars and veterans to move the team into contention.
Anonymous says
If Houston loses Howard, they will go after Noah. Not saying Dwight should come back to LA, just speculating he will want to leave because he does not like the offensive approach of Mike D and will not play second fiddle on this team for another coach – yet again.
Irony is that a guy like him, if his head were in the right place, would be an excellent fit for this team, with this roster, and under Luke.
Comrade says
What I’ve been reading is that Houstons main target this summer will be Al Horford, who I think will be a great fit with the D’antoni offense.
Nick says
I hope we keep the pick and land Ingram. At that point I would go in on DeRozan to play the 2 and also the 3 to take pressure off (and give rest) to Ingram if I get my wish and he’s the pick. In this circumstance I’d like LA to invest in someone like Bazemore as well. Both Baze and DeRozan can switch from guard to SF if needed. All about versatility. With Center being the other massive priority….. If Simmons is the pick I go after shooters in FA. I’d even look at someone like Ryan Anderson to go small ball with Randle and Ben. Anderson can stretch the floor while Julius and Ben work the mid range and in. Simmons and Randle both crash the boards and Anderson is average in that department. We wouldn’t have the classic shot blocker but they wouldn’t give up many offensive boards
Lloyd says
I really like this approach. Of course KD is our priority, but if he’s staying, Whiteside would be my next guy to offer a max contract. Batum fits in well too. The Lakers need to surround our young core with defensive-minded players. And Ingram is a better fit.
1st: Russell, Ingram, Batum, Randle, Whiteside
2nd: Clarkson, LouWill, MarvWill, Nance, Anderson
3rd; ?, Young, Brown, ?, ?
Imagine Russell’s vision mixed with wings who can do everything, and rebounding hoggers down low.
The only concern I have is Ryan Anderson lacking D, but he brings instant offense. I say bring in a defensive big for the remaining center spot. Finally, bring in another star player next year..
Clay Bertrand says
Not to be Captain Obvious the Bearer of Bad Tidings here, BUT…….
Hassan Whiteside is going to be PAGING through his max offers come July 1st.
As it currently sits, there are only 4….FOUR teams that WILL NOT have the cap space to offer Hassan Whiteside a MAX deal this summer. One of those teams is San Antonio and they are only about a $2 Million blink of an eye away from also being able to offer him a Max. Of the teams that have this available Cap Space, some teams are pretty much set at the 5 spot. However, many more teams LACK a decent 5 than have one.
I honestly think that Whiteside will receive in the neighborhood of 10 MAX contract offers (give or take) from the likes of: The Lakers, Celtics, Mavs (tho I think they are silently eyeing Howard too even without the Donald Fegan-Mark Cuban friendship), Rockets (MikeD = No Dwight Player Option–they prefer Horford but also like Whiteside as a fallback), Blazers, Charlotte (only minutes from his home town), Miami (SOMEHOW, those slimy bastards will have some sort of intriguing/illegal offer—MARK MY WORDS), and potentially from the Wizards (once they whiff on Durant,they’ll still have enough for Beal and Whiteside at the MAX), the Pacers, the Bucks, the Hawks (IF they lose Horford), and on paper at least, the Spurs (altho I doubt they have interest in what’s between his ears).
In other words, STIFF competition from better teams that could also offer other intangibles like Miami being the team that believed in him and Charlotte being his HOME TOWN team, willing to overpay players, and also having turnover at the 5 spot (along with enough Cap Space to Max or nearly Max both Batum AND Whiteside).
IOW, It’s all HASSAN’s WORLD this summer!!!!!!! Who knows where he may choose to go. That said, of all the available options, Whiteside seems to be the best fit for what we need even with his warts. His numbers may be somewhat empty but if you want to REALLY see EMPTY, check out most of Roy Hibbert’s box scores!!!!
Regarding the other options, Ezeli isn’t the player Whiteside is even if Whiteside is a little Kooky. Ezeli missed a season and a half or so with surgeries to both knees and this was his first couple of years in the league. He will command $10-$15 million IMO. Noah is clearly not the player he once was and unless he is just a veteran backing up a younger 5, he isn’t the answer IMO. Mozgov is White Hibbert. Biyombo is interesting as a selfless rebounding and D playing soldier but Rodmanesque rebounding numbers in the playoffs have pushed his price tag closer to $20 million than $10 million…..aaaand his numbers away from Toronto are shockingly mortal. Miles Plumlee is the Khloe Kardashian of the Plumlees.
Essentially, its almost WHITESIDE OR BUST as far as making a significant impact by signing a 5 this summer. We are going to have to hope he would want to come here. Unfortunately for us, looking at the NBA landscape, I think that could be a much much longer shot than many people realize.
Clay Bertrand says
Off Topic, but I predict Thon Maker will be a first round pick and will not fall past the Celtics at the 31st pick (AT THE VERRRRRYYYY LATEST!!). I see one of the teams with Multiple first rounders taking a chance on him late in the first round. That would mean FOSTON, (Bucking Foston!!), Phoenix, and Denver.
With Denver already having 2-3 young 7 footers, I don’t see them grabbing him necessarily.
At any rate, I’d be shocked to see him available at 32.
Comrade says
I would really like to see Zhou Qi with the 32nd pick if he’s still available. He has a lot of upside and he’s that rare unicorn 7 footer who can knock down 3s and block shots. He would also be very popular in the La market
Fern says
on a sidenote the Duns are doing everything in their power to choke this game away…
LKK says
This is a very sensible approach. I like Mosgov as a center. I think his skillset is better than Ezeli or Biyombo and he may come cheaper. I like Whiteside, of course, but can’t shake the feeling that he wouldn’t pan out. I’m glad I don’t have to make these decisions.
matt says
Dwight howard is the most skilled big available, but with injuries, 25+ mil per year, and that ego, he is not worth the headache.
Lakers should consider drafting a older center, in the 2nd round. Other veteran centers through free agency depends on asking price and length of contract.
matt says
Is thon maker going to be this years robert upshaw.
R says
Matt – yes
LKK says
I just hope that the youngsters on the team are watching this WCF and learning how hard they have to work and how hard you have to play to win big in the NBA. You gotta play D, you gotta hustle, you gotta sacrifice your personal agenda. Championship teams are forged in the white heat of competition. It takes a helluva lot to hoist the O’Brien trophy. Potential and speculation don’t count as much as effort, hard work and grit.
Anonymous says
The Warriors may also be in the Whiteside sweepstakes. KD is staying in OKC. Bogut had a nice game but his stats, health and age are not good. They’d have to dump Bogut (one year left on his deal) but Whiteside allows the Warriors to keep the same offensive scheme and extends their window.
Anonymous says
I think we’re at least a year away from being attractive to tier one free agents. I’m not opposed to asking but I really think the answer will be, ‘Sorry, my career time clock is ticking and I need to go to team where I can win.’
matt says
What free agents would be considered a 3&d wing player.
Lol mosgov is white hibbert, funny i saw a YouTube video of a guy (who was being serious ) said lakers should bring back hibbert and sign mosgov
matt says
I liked thon maker the first time i saw the videos but then i started to think about it, and the and1 mix tapes came to mind.
rr says
This site has FAs listed by position:
http://hoopshype.com/2016/05/03/nba-free-agency-2016-small-forwards/
matt says
Clay
I have an answer to your center dilemma, obviously you pursue whiteside, (although i believe that the best free agent for us is derozan,) if no whiteside, you sign a veteran for a 2 year deal, then you go after boogie cousins in 2018, at that time our team is established and the missing piece is there.
Chris J says
These suggestions that Howard may be an option for the Lakers are laughable. I’d rather see Bynum attempt a comeback than watch that a-hole defile the purple and gold again. Neither will happen, thankfully.
If we really want to consider bringing an ex-Laker big man back into the fold, I’d love to see Kupchak make a call to Pau and see what his thoughts are. Another long shot, but with an ex-teammate as coach and a motion style of play, Pau’s passing and savvy would be a good fit. (Their defense would be abysmal, but short of landing Whiteside that may be the case next season, regardless.)
As to playoffs, I’m finding myself hoping the Warriors lose to OKC. All of this “dynasty” garbage after one title is getting annoying, and as great as Curry is the whole “I’ll turn around before the shot is halfway there” act is growing old, too. It would be nice to see that squad and their bandwagon fans receive a comeuppance, even if that means Durant will stay put. He was never going to L.A. anyway.
Clay Bertrand says
Matt,
“…if no whiteside, you sign a veteran for a 2 year deal, then you go after boogie cousins in 2018…”
_______________________________________________
Agree with you somewhat. I DO think we should pursue Whiteside at 12:01 July 1st (although he’s far from perfect). If we miss there, we need to get creative. I had earlier suggested offhandedly signing Mahinmi and Noah to platoon at Center with Black. I really don’t think Noah has interest in us though and will have other suitors. I see him staying in the East. Maybe Mahinmi and draft a guy at 32??? We will need to get creative and likely overpay some. Ezeli’s health really concerns me…………….
I don’t recall Mitch mentioning erasing SACRE’s name off the white board……….Will Bobby S return as the Longest tenured Laker in 2016-17???????????????????????????
dxmanners says
Dragan Bender and Batum, and pray that DAR develops into something above an average NBA point…
Clay Bertrand says
dxmanners,
Don’t get me started on Bender. Lol. He’s 7 feet but man, I’m not sold on him AT ALL. The sample size is minuscule and I’m not saying the guy won’t eventually pan out to be a good player, but I really don’t see Bender’s assertiveness as an alpha type at all. I’m not talking Kobe Alpha—just alphaISH……and he doesn’t have that at his young age. I think his personality is very deferential in that he doesn’t seize moments and seize control of the game at all. Not even in any one facet.
He is really more Toni Kukoc than Porzingis and he’s not athletic. He is mobile for a 7 footer but Ingram is light years ahead of him IMO. People are not even sure he will become more than a really good role player because he doesn’t really excel in anything at an elite level. His outside shot is good for a 7 footer but HIGHLY overrated at this point.
I could be totally wrong. I could be Chazz the Bartender here just spewing but I urge everyone to do their own research on Bender. There isn’t alot of available footage that isn’t pure crap. Most of his minutes were pure garbage time anyway and his team Maccabi is down right now. Compare him to Ingram and Simmons. I feel there is no comparison…..not at this point.
Rahul says
Great series, Darius. Thank you.
What does FB&G think of Evan Turner or Lance Stephenson (if the team option is declined by Memphis) as potential Lakers? Major negatives are Lance is a bit fickle mentally and both are at their best when they are the focus of the offense. On the plus side, Lance had his best year with Shaw on the coaching staff, both can play 2/3 and guard 1-3, and have been willing to come off the bench even though they are capable of starting. I think either would be a good pick up as a back up 2/3.
In related news, I read somewhere that Batum is keen on resigning with Charlotte, so that’s one potential target off the board.
Alex says
I wouldn’t risk taking Bender at 2 over Ingram. Bender seems like a Kukoc type, not really a star. Ingram has superstar potential and he fits perfectly at the wing considering he can shoot the three and is long. I would take Ingram or if Ingram isn’t there, Simmons. If we end up with Simmons though, we may have to move someone (Randle most likely, although I’d prefer to keep Julius.)
Kbj says
I agree with Clay. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I remember reading that he only played 10 minutes per game. I don’t know how scouts could see that he is worth a top 3 pick with that small of a sample size. I’m guessing they see his potential and the surprise success of Porzingis makes teams want their own Porzingis.
I think we need to see him workout for teams before we come to a final conclusion, but right now, I’m leaning towards him not being worthy of a top 3 pick.
Fern says
I don’t think the time is right for the Lakers to try to think outside the box. It’s either Simmons or Ingram. We aren’t in the position to try to get cute. We have to try to get Whiteside come hell or high water and max the hell out of him and pray. Him or Biyombo. I liked Exely but i realized he make Dwight look like Steve Nash on the free throw line. Pass…
Ray B says
@Clay
I feel u on Bender. He makes me think of Detroit taking Darko at #2 years ago…
Hope we draft either Simmons or Ingram.
Clay Bertrand says
Again not to say Bender won’t pan out. I’m not saying he’s Darko. He’s more invested in Basketball than Darko was……..But he is a WING player. He plays like a perimeter wing guy not a big rim protector rebounder. In fact, Ingram I believe, out blocks AND out rebounds Bender in stats adjusted to 40 min.
People see a lot of potential in Bender. He is after all, the youngest player in the draft. People point out that he IS very young and very raw. Ingram however, is a mere .21 years older and the SECOND youngest in the draft. Ingram is like, 2 and a half months older than Bender yet light years ahead of him IMO so I can’t cut Bender so much of the “He’s Young” slack when comparing him to Ingram. I also believe that Ingram has nearly the same wingspan and standing reach (I think he’s 1 inch shorter) that 7 footer Bender has.
Both guys are still developing and likely physically growing possibly even in height!! But at nearly the same age, Ingram is already the better skilled player (even if Bender may be a very intriguing guy). His #14 and sleepy eyes harken back to Sam Perkins of the 90s………
Below is the DEFINITIVE argument for Ingram outright. I was already a fan but this SI piece is well done and worth the read. Lots of material but presented really well in digestible fashion IMO:
http://www.si.com/longform/brandon-ingram-2016-nba-draft
If Philly reads this, they might just flip a coin if not take Ingram. Very compelling and great facts on him compiled in this piece.
Anonymous says
This guy doesn’t believe Simmons should be the first pick:
http://www.lakersnation.com/lakers-news-lsu-reporter-believes-ben-simmons-should-not-be-the-first-pick/2016/05/26/
I’m inclined to hope that the 76ers disagree. As always, only time will tell who’s right.
314floyd says
What are your thoughts on Bismack as the Center?
Warren Wee Lim says
I’m in the boat of the middle ground and the fast track. I would even trade pick 2 if it means keeping Russell.
1: Russell – Clarkson – Huertas
2: Derozan – Williams
3: Ingram
4: Randle – Nance
5: Whiteside – Black
Focus on signing wings w/ remainder of cap. This should be the simplest, most-obvious path the Lakers take.
Don’t complicate it.
Alex says
Thon Maker – he’s overhyped already and now available for teams’ evaluations. If he’s got any sort of lottery-level talent promise, he won’t last to 32, maybe 16. If that many teams pass, it won’t be because he’s a well kept secret, but because he’s, to Matt’s comment, this year’s Upshaw.
matt says
Bismack is from the east, if we sign him he would be playing against cousins, djordan, towns, mgasol.
He does have great defense stats (espn.com, one game vs indi 18 reb 7 blk, also had 25, and 20 rebounds in other games, but he was a backup so were these stats vs other teams bench
He was drafted 7th overall in 2011, he’s 23 year old, 6’9 240. An incredible 7’6″ wingspan
Gary says
Sure the middle ground is preferable but as annon said above, we don’t have the strongest hand to play with the Tier One free agents this summer.
1) It’s very likely that KD and DeRozan stay put — their teams are in the conference finals and each team will benefit from the rising cap. Plus Toronto has a #9 pick and OKC has young assets to move in trades. In other words those teams are not capped out and asset starved they have avenues for improvement — so why would either player leave.
2) Horford is 30 and his stats are noticeably slipping. Plus he’s missed two of the last 4 years to injury. He’s not a good fit due to age, he’s expensive (4 yrs $100 M) and he likely wants to win. Teams closer to the top will be after him: ie San Antonio
3) Whiteside is going to be offered by likely 15 teams. Him coming here is a reach.
4) Biyombo is having a nice run but his passing and shooting are below par.
That leaves you with Restricted Free Agents where you’ll have to overpay to even have a chance any of them move. Is Harrison Barnes worth the max (6 pts and 1 reb last night)? Is Beal worth the max — he’s injury prone and has missed 80+ games over his four year career.
I think we’re a year away from implementing the middle ground approach. We will be forced to adhere to the slow and steady this summer. That’s not a bad thing. Let’s get the foundation built first then build up from there.
Anonymous says
Whiteside for sure but if not I like Mahinmi and we could draft a C at #32-Damian Jones if available or AJ Hammons or Petr Cornelie as PF/C. I would also sign undrafted Daniel Ochefu from Villanova-could be a steal for a backup C.
(moderated for trade speculation) Sign Courtney Lee/Allen Crabbe. Maybe use A Brown at times.
For SF draft Ingram. Sign as backup Deng, Jeff Green, Matt Barnes or Gerald Green. Buy a 2nd round pick or pick from LouWill trade and draft Dorian Finney-Smith. Then can use A Brown as backup SG. Or just keep A Brown at this position.
Clay Bertrand says
The bottom line with Free Agency at this time in the NBA is that we would all like the Lakers to be able to selectively and prudently spend every dime of their available cap space. The Lakers would indeed like to do just that. But the climate of this windfall of money coupled with a fairly lackluster FA class this summer means that selectivity and prudence will be at the mercy of Market Dynamics.
The craziness is going to be NOT that ONE team will grossly overpay a player, but that MULTIPLE teams are going to LINE UP to overpay multiple players all in the span of about three weeks this summer. There is gonna be blood in the water!!!! The unfolding desperation of teams is going to be fascinating as long as we aren’t one of those teams.
I just hope the Lakers can stick their heads in the trough with all the other pigs this summer and get some talent without going Hog Wild.
matt says
Anyone who would draft bender over ingram is smoking crack
Dean says
Don’t forget McRoberts as a possible acquisition at center. If Miami breaks the bank to keep Whiteside they may want to move the last 2 yrs. on JM’s contract. Say what you will, but he is athletic.
rr says
Gary,
Nice post. What you said about Horford, Whiteside and Biyombo is why, along with his Walton connection, IMO, the Lakers will end up with Ezeli. I think the Lakers will offer enough $ that GS will not want to match.
So, I expect the FO will add Ezeli and a wing in FA, maybe Solomon Hill (Mid’s idea), a backup PG, and may draft a wing at 32, along with taking Ingram.
T. Rogers says
Laker Fanatic,
I think a more efficient offense will lead to better defense. No, the young guns are not about to become the 2004 Pistons. But tweeks on offense can help. A freer offense that leads to easier buckets means less grinding on offense. That leaves more energy for defense. Plus, When the offense clicks and keeps all five guys heads in the game that same awareness and energy spills over into team defense.
Also, they will be more empowered offensively as they won’t have Kobe as a crutch/hindrance. They won’t have to worry about stopping to get him the ball. And they won’t have him to bail them out when the clock gets short. So the defense will improve. Still they need a big to provide some resistance on the back line. Whiteside has his flaws. But getting him would be a major coup for the Mitch Kupchak.
Clay Bertrand says
rr, I agree that Ezeli will likely be who we end up with mainly due to the Walton connection and the Lakers general MO of not thinking too dramatically outside the box. I hope for a little better scenario perhaps but if wishes were horses then beggars would ride!
As far as a wing pick up, although there is some redundancy with his ability to swing to the 4 some (and us CHOCK FULL of 4s), Marvin Williams is a solid pro and older vet who can play the 3-4 and drop the 3 ball some. I don’t know if he’s looking to leave the East or Charlotte and he did make $7 Million last season. But if we are looking for some veteran leaders or “old heads” to balance the roster, Williams is a pro’s pro, a solid locker room guy and a useful rotation forward and he could be a “bargain” level signing (the word “BARGAIN” will be massively perverted in NBA Free Agency this summer).
bleedpurplegold says
Just thowing a name into that conversation who saif he wants to come back, plays center and was a beast while active:
Who about taking a chance on larry sanders?!?
rr says
Clay,
I support Whiteside, but I think that your points about his situation were well-taken. Also, I think Riley will find a way to keep him. Plus, there is the FL/CA tax angle.
BigCitySid says
– Philly says they are ready to deal. Any reason for the Lakers to call Philly?
Anonymous says
– bleedpurplegold
I like Larry Sanders if he’s ready to come back. Maybe only as a backup for now-depends how he works out. Great mobility and defense/rim protection. He could really thrive in today’s game. Plus could sign at good $$$.
Chibi says
Larry Sanders is an outpatient.
Tom Daniels says
I’m for any of the three approaches. As GM you have to look at what you get in the draft, what you can get in free agency, and what you can get in trades and make the decision that gives you the best roster today AND, more importantly right now, the best roster for the next 3-5 years.
The Lakers can be patient for a year or two building. At some point, though, if you want to start competing for titles, you have add some more mature talent. The NBA is a man’s league, and the best player on a championship team is going to be at least 26-27 years old. It takes that long, mentally and physically, for almost every guy in the league to get there. It took Jordan time. Curry. Shaq. Kobe (who was number 2 on the Shaq teams). Let’s say D’Angelo turns out to be the leader on this team. Or Ingram. It will be a long wait for these guys to be ready to win it all. It’s a 7 year plan, not a 3 year plan.
Chris J says
– Philly says they are ready to deal. Any reason for the Lakers to call Philly?
————–
The better question is what would the Lakers have to offer if they were interested in Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel?
One guy was last year’s No. 3 pick, the other the prior draft’s No. 6. Okafor is 20 and Noel is 22-years-old. The primary reason Philadelphia is looking to deal isn’t because either guy can’t play; it’s because there is a logjam in the front court. But that doesn’t mean the Sixers will just give away either of those assets for a song.
I’d rather have Russell and Randle than either of those guys. There’s no way the Lakers would deal the No. 2 pick for either of them, so what’s left to offer Philadelphia should Mitch believe Okafor or Noel is the Lakers’ next center? I don’t foresee the Sixers believing Clarkson is equal value for either of those players, nor would Clarkson and the No. 32 pick be worth one of those guys, so what’s left to deal? There are other teams that could compile a better offer than the Lakers could.
If the Sixers are looking to deal Embiid, again, there isn’t a young player on the Lakers roster who’s worth offering in exchange for that guy, given the injury history. If Colangelo would somehow be willing to flip Embiid for the Lakers No. 32 pick, that suggests Colangelo suspects the kid’s injuries are significant. So again, what’s to discuss from the Lakers perspective?
Mid-Wilshire says
Here’s a link to an article on assistant coaches that Luke might target for next season:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2642659-luke-walton-la-lakers-need-to-get-this-coaching-staff-right?yptr=yahoo
Here’s another link to an extended video on Jordan Clarkson working on his game recently (including his sporting a more muscular torso) and his working on becoming more physical and shooting 3’s more consistently. Interesting stuff:
http://www.twcsportsnet.com/lakers/videos/20160525/jordan-clarkson-on-his-status-as-restricted-free-agent
Johnny says
The Lakers have some promising young talent. Why? There scouts have done a good job. I hope they keep listing to whoever advised them to look at Clarkson and Nance mostly. Nance was a true steal. Clarkson may become trade bait real soon. He is good , but the Lakers are about being the best. We need one of these two draft picks and Clarkson doesn’t fit with Ingram at all. We need a big man and a shooter.