With the Lakers poised to have slightly over $60 million in cap space burning a hole in their pocket, they have several paths they can take to try to reshape their roster. With all that cap space, they have been linked to nearly every top FA in some way shape for form, even if only from the standpoint they would be “interested” in signing him.
One name where there was supposedly mutual interest, though, was with Toronto Raptors shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. Whispers around the league were that the Compton native and former USC Trojan would love to play for the franchise while it was long believed the Lakers would be willing to shell out the max in order to lure DeRozan back to his native Los Angeles. The thought was that the Lakers need a huge infusion of talent and DeRozan offered a player who could step into the rotation spot Kobe Bryant vacated after retiring.
Well, it seems like that position has changed, and from both sides.
From @KevinDing with us @br_radio on #Lakers: “There’s a lot of presumption about Derozan and I’m told the Lakers aren’t that high on him"
— Noah Coslov (@NoahCoslov) May 29, 2016
Of course, the Lakers’ side is only one piece of the puzzle. I would imagine that, if DeRozan really showed interest in playing for the Lakers, the two sides would meet in free agency and see if they could work out a deal. DeRozan, after all, is a talented player — with a questionable fit, but more on that in a minute — and considering the Lakers only won 17 games last season, they aren’t in a position to simply rebuff the interest of talented players.
But, per Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star, it does not seem like DeRozan has that interest:
“I grew up in L.A.,” said DeRozan, who averaged 20.9 points on .394 shooting in 20 playoff games, with low points and peaks. “That’s my home. There’s not a part of L.A. I haven’t seen. I don’t get caught up into (talk of his wanting to be a Laker). I let whoever comes up with that say what they want to say. Only thing appealing to me is the things I’ve done in this organization and the things that can be done here. And that’s always been my mindset since I’ve been here.”
Can you ask for more than what Toronto gives you, he was asked.
“I don’t think so . . . my mindset has always been Toronto. I always preached it. I was passionate about it when we was losing. When we was terrible, I said I’m going to stick through this whole thing and I want to be that guy who brings this organization to where it is now. I definitely don’t want to switch up after we win.”
This may be the perfect example of both sides having a better understanding of what is best for them than what many might give them credit for. From DeRozan’s side, it was always assumed the allure of home and being a “star” for the Lakers would be enough to get him to leave the Raptors. However, with a run to the Conference Finals, an amazing friendship and on court partnership with backcourt mate Kyle Lowry, and the desire to want to try and continue to build a legacy with the Raptors, it seems DeRozan understands the grass isn’t always greener.
As for the Lakers, while DeRozan could certainly help in a variety of ways — his scoring, ability to get to the FT line, and strong mid-range game are all very useful to the Raptors and would be for the Lakers too — I don’t believe he’s the ideal type of player to chase in the off-season. I would much rather the Lakers explore wing options with more of a defensive pedigree and, if he is a high usage player like DeRozan, that he be more of a shot creator for others and natural ball mover.
This isn’t to dismiss DeRozan’s talent at all. While he’s not a stopper, he can hold his own against many of the wings he would be asked to defend on a nightly basis. And while he’s not known as a great shot creator for others, he has grown as a playmaker out of the P&R and has shown the ability to make good reads out of that action. Also, his ability to create in isolation both on the wing and out of the post can be valuable weapons in any offense — even the one Luke Walton will install next season.
That said, DeRozan’s another wing who likes the ball in his hands and he would be joining a group of young Lakers where that is already true for multiple guys. And while DeRozan is, right now, better than those players as an NBA-level fulcrum of an offense, that does not mean it’s the best idea to throw him into the mix and take away touches from those guys. The fact is the Lakers still need those players to grow into what they will become and that requires touches and patience.
Ultimately, then, this looks like to be a case of the timing not being ideal as much as it is the fit not being what it could be. Maybe if the Lakers weren’t about to add the #2 pick in the draft or if they didn’t have two ball-dominant guards who they are highly invested in already on the roster, things would be different for them. And maybe for DeMar, if he wasn’t coming off a long playoff run and hadn’t forged real relationships with teammates while becoming a franchise anchor, he might be ready to make a leap.
All those things are true, though. And it looks like both sides recognize that well enough that what was assumed a natural partnership earlier this year won’t happen after all.
Fern says
Yep, that conference finals run changed everything and honestly im glad. I like Derozan as much as the next guy but he is not what i consider a superstar. He would be stupid if he leaves that nice situation in Toronto. I know we only won 17 games but we have a young core and we need to get pieces that fit what’s in place already…
Keith says
Thank goodness! That would have been a huge dollar commitment for a bad fit.
Dorian says
While I agree that DeRozan isn’t an idea fit, I do think that some fans myself included keep talking about the perfect fit and for we are a 17 win team that needs to start adding some real talent. And DeRozan is very talented! I too would much rather see the Lakers go after Guys who can play defense and hit jump shots and spread the floor in Luke’s system. But adding a All-Star player just can’t be dismissed on a whim. Man this off-season is so critical to the future.
Joel says
Good news. Very overrated player.
Chibi says
All-Euroleague player and free agent http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2015/11/02/gibson-jan-vesely-reinventing-himself-as-a-center-in-turkey/
Chris J says
DeRozan is a better version of Lou Williams, and I doubt that level of better would be commensurate in cost-to-value ratio of what DeRozan would cost vs. what Williams is under contract to be paid. As Darius wrote, this is a case where both sides are better off never having linked.
Craig W. says
This is an interesting discussion because it is taking place with absolutely no input from the Laker front office. We fans, and the talking heads, have been talking about DeRozan and his fit with the Lakers. How we were afraid the front office was in danger of signing a ‘home town’ guy because Kobe was gone. All we have really done is to invest our own fears in the front office and, since we don’t really care for them, we ascribe our fears to what we think the front office will do.
When word leaks out – perhaps – that the Lakers see the situation much the way many fans do, we have a large sigh of relief. Let’s admit that all this conversation is us talking to ourselves. We don’t really know the motivation or inclination of the front office.
Mid-Wilshire says
I admit to being somewhat relieved.
If the two parties — DeMar DeRozan and the Lakers — go their separate ways, I think it will be all for the best. DeMar, although, he’s a fine basketball player, doesn’t quite seem to be a fit. And, furthermore, there would be a very clear risk that he would take playing time away from one of the younger players (Jordan Clarkson at the 2 or Ben Simmons / Brandon Ingram at the 3).
Even though the Lakers will probably have $60 Million + in cap space, that does not mean that they should spend it frivolously. They should make careful, thoughtful decisions as they progress further into their re-build.
I expect the Lakers, then, to make one max offer this summer while extending another offer to Jordan Clarkson (rightly so), and then making smaller offers to a role player or two who can back up one or two of the younger guys. Below is a possible scenario:
Hassan Whiteside (C) — $21 Million (Max Offer)
Jordan Clarkson (SG) — ? (retained under the Arenas Provision)
Solomon Hill (SF) or a similar role player — $5 – $6 Million
Bismack Biyombo (C) — $16 Million (Plan B in case Whiteside goes elsewhere)
Another role player if needed — $5 – $6 Million
This will allow the Lakers to continue to evaluate their “backcourt of the future,” Clarkson and Russell, and will permit a player such as Solomon Hill to share playing time with Brandon Ingram or Ben Simmons as the younger player comes up to speed without usurping his playing time. Also, they would be doing all of this without breaking the bank.
If this happens, then the Lakers will be fully embracing a major youth movement and the emphasis this next season will be on mentoring the young players (hence the new coaching staff) and helping them learn one another’s games.
In such a scenario, there would be no room for a player such as DeMar DeRozan, even if he is a near-All Star. If the Lakers look elsewhere for talent, I believe that they would be doing the right thing.
rr says
We don’t really know the motivation or inclination of the front office
—
No, but we do know that:
1. The FO has made some very suspect personnel decisions seemingly based in part on PR considerations.
2. The FO put together a very dysfunctional roster that had too many high-usage guards.
3. The head of the FO is on a self-imposed timeline which, if adhered to, demands immediate and dramatic on-court improvement.
4. DeRozan grew up in LA as a Kobe fan.
So, putting those things together, it was more than reasonable to speculate about DeRozan coming here.
KevTheBold says
I’m on the side that hopes he stays in Toronto.
17 wins or no, we are officially in rebuild mode; fresh, bright and scrubbed, and under no pressure to make desperate, expensive moves.
Altemawa says
I like DeRozan, and before they went to East Finals, I thought maybe we can lure him to Lakerland, him being a big Kobe fan even patterning his game to Kobe’s and maybe come play for his hometown. I actually like his game, there were times when he’s letting others play and just be on attack mode if the team needs him to, showing that he can work with other high usage guard like Lowry. I actually thought that he’ll be a better fit with our team, with his game-play and how he instantly creates shots/FTs for himself, he was something above star level, and can be superstar level. he’s only 26 about to enter his prime, and to me, that’s the kind of players we need to have.
Anyway, now that he indirectly said that he will stay with The North, we can safely say that we have run out of a star potential signing this FA… Unless Durant changed his mind and come here and be the man.
We need a STAR to come here and provide guidance for our young guys. Kobe left with no one to pass the torch on, so I think we’re heading now in the full Draft mode rebuild, waiting for 2017 FA to come here and anchor our young guys.
LordMo says
Lol… I’m dying laughing really. This article should be titled “Lakers have NO CHANCE in signing DeRozan!” He is a star in a beautiful international modern city with a very good young team. Kid is a player period. Showed off the best “Mid-Range” game in the league and got to the line consistently. He is better by himself than all the bums you listed together!
Anonymous says
Signed… DeRozan’s mom
grumpy says
Very good news. Like others have said, DeRozan is a good (but not great) player that the Lakers should not be chasing. While I understand the argument that you have to pay someone and that cap space doesn’t win games, it’s still very important to spend wisely and not on talent that doesn’t mesh well with (or worse, take playing time away from) the pieces your team is trying to build around.
Assuming the Lakers draft Ingram and retain Clarkson, the only position of need in the starting five is a center. For that reason, I don’t mind the Lakers trying to swing for the fences to get a Whiteside. From there, I think the Lakers should be trying to fill the roster with role players who can challenge and teach the young guys, but ultimately not hinder the development of the core.
For me personally, I think the Lakers’ priorities should be:
1. Organic growth of their young guys
2. Offering max deals to top-tier free agents, which I don’t consider DeRozan
John Citizen says
I think JC can do whatever DeRosan can do and even more, JC can shoot the 3s. What the lakers need is a mobile center and a 3 and D wing. I gathered from the few bits and pieces of Mitch conversations that he is really looking into a mobile center. He went overseas to watch Bender and keep telling people it isnt a big drop between 2nd and 3rd in the draft, meaning Bender is not far, and even better, from Ingram.
Last year most people, including me, were hyped for Okafor while Mitch gave many indications really early that they will go for Russell. This year i am hyped for Ingram, so lets see how the things will turn out.
dice8up says
I am not for Derozan.. and I agree he should stay in Toronto.. what I believe would be better for the Lakers is to get Harrison Barnes, Bazemore, Biyombo, and Horford.. while not a championship roster.. it is certainly exciting with our young guys and considering Luke’s offense.
DLO/JC
Bazemore/JC
BArnes/Ingram/Bazemore
Randle/Nance
Horford/Biyombo
What do you guys think?
Josh says
Someone should remind LordMo what old is because Toronto’s core is older. Also that best midrange game in the league shot 39% in the playoffs. So we should be lucky to have him? I’m glad we have no chance at signing a poor man’s version of old Kobe. Also Toronto itself isn’t a plus when o e of the major stories of the all-star game was the cold and how it ruined all the festivities.
Fern says
I think the Lakers were really high on Derozan, until they saw his performance in the playoffs…
BigCitySid says
– While I agree with our Lakers not being high on acquiring DeRozen, two things come to mind. 1st, it’s amazing how picky a 17 win team and it’s fans are, & 2) I’m not sure I believe this public statement. I mean if it’s true, why mention it? Wouldn’t be surprised at all if a Laker plan has DeRozen slotted as the 2nd offensive option to a 1st option to be chosen later.
– Pretty sure Harrison Barnes plays his last game as a Warrior tonight. Also feel he’s ready to compete for a bigger role on a team.
– Understand today, May 30th is both Harrison Barnes & Billy Donovan’s birthdays. By the end of the game, one will be very happy, the other one…not so much.
– July 1st, 12:01am, hoping Mitch is visiting wherever Mr Whiteside will be or making arrangements for him to visit L. A.
Craig W. says
Whiteside will remain in Miami, unless Mr. Riley decides his cost is above his value. I still say we are better off with the less expensive – tho less talented Biyombo. Younger and less ‘head case’ history. If we are going to sign a really max guy, he should be a leader, not a follower. Team perception may be almost as valuable as sheer talent – look at Dwight Howard.
No, I am not saying Biyombo is a leader, but he is also a mini-max guy, not a max-max guy (CBA definition of younger max player).
Anonymous says
dice–
Congrats … You just spent the Lakers $60 mil in cap space in one off season to create a perpetual 8th seed team.
John Barber says
I always said that the Lakers should stay away from the big names and go for mid tier free agents like Marvin Williams or Jared Dudley, and Jeremy Lin ( it was Kobe and Byron why he didn’t do well) or emerging stars like Harrison Barnes or Solomon Hill. I also love Kent Bazemore because he’s so versatile and Gerald Green because he’s a highlight film. For center, the Lakers should pursue either Bismarck Biyombo or Hassan Whiteside. For guard insurance, mentoring and for only about a million, take Jordan Farmar. All of the aforementioned FA can play more than one position
Robert says
DeRozan: I am not heartbroken over this, however I agree with some of the points about our lack of talent. Let’s not celebrate letting FA’s go by us until we see what we are going to end up with.
Chris J: “what DeRozan would cost vs. what Williams is under contract to be paid” We certainly do not want to sign another shot hoisting type until we resolve the Young + Williams situation.
Craig W: “Let’s admit that all this conversation is us talking to ourselves.” Well yea – but that is true about anything we speak about that is in the future. Certainly, you would agree the discussion of the future is better than discussing the past : )
Anon: ” to create a perpetual 8th seed team.” Well we could probably get up to “6th” with that group. However the mountain between there and contending is huge. Man I miss 2012. We had the “6th” best team in the league even though we were terrible.
matt says
If we have 65 mil in cap space why would we resign marcelo huertas
We already have 3 players russell, clarkson, and williams who can run the point
Not responding to anyone, just my own thoughts
LordMo says
@Anon
Thank you! If even that more like 9th or 10th seed.
Rebuild on and that is pretty much the plan….because NO FA of worth is coming here so quit dreaming.
In regards to JC becoming DeRozan sorry but no… For a guy who is playing out of position and is not the ideal height for SG to be compared to a guy who is bonafide All-Star is just plain ridiculous and shows that most of you really are just casual fans with just shallow knowledge of the game. Derozan has averaged 20+ a game for the last 4 season pretty much. Short of DAR I really see no one of the Lakers current young core that even projects to that current output and more importantly can do it consistently. All MOOT anyway like I said no one of any worth is coming so quit dreaming. If they did not come last year with Kobe and cap space… you think they are going to line up to play with this group of kids, bums and rejects? Let us get a grip on reality people we will be lucky to win 17 games without Kobe.
@Matt
Because he is a better PG than all 3 you mentioned at this point. Not a better player but a better PG. He is the only one who truly knows how to run play the position on this roster. JC growth has been retarded by the idiotic move to SG, Russell is really a SG who can play some PG and Lou Williams has no business being on this team.
Clay Bertrand says
Jeanie seems to have changed her tune for the BETTER!!! Nice!!!!
Things really are looking up with this organization!!!!! Last time Jeanie Buss was interviewed it was to say she was blindsided by the Byron firing. The time before that she said she wanted Phil to be back in L.A. because it would make her job easier etc. Every time she has spoken in the last year or so, she has stoked the fire of FO discord by maintaining a snide attitude while airing dirty laundry and personal feelings. She has never seemed to be the leader she is supposed to be. Until today………….
To her credit, in the Shelburne interview today Jeanie seems to be pretty darn PROFESSIONAL!!! She maintained a semblance of a united front in the FO and she was emphatic about saying Phil is not in the Lakers future plans. No raw emotions or spiteful comments. Just good vibes.
It takes time to learn even for ownership that is still growing into what their father left them. Good for Jeanie!!! I rip her when she makes us look bad. She gave a solid account of the team today. She sounded like a team player and like someone rooting for the team to truly succeed even if that means her brother shares in bringing about that success.
When measuring improvement, baby steps count!!!
Mid-Wilshire–I think the EXECUTIVE MENTORSHIP/TRAINING is working!!! ; )
A Horse With No Name says
“Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss was our guest, in studio, on ESPN radio this morning. I asked if her fiancé, and Knicks president, Phil Jackson would ever join her back in LA.
“No,” Buss said, “To visit, yes..but in terms of basketball, he’s committed to New York for many years. He’s building something there. He has a mission, he’s on that journey to get the team back to where he believes it can be and it will be. He’s a former Knick…he loves New York, he loves the fans, he wants to make them proud. In terms of the Lakers, we have a front office. They’re putting together a team…they have a vision. I’m excited to see what the future holds for us. So, to answer your question….no, there’s no plans for Phil to come back here.”
Many here desperately wanted to believe that Jeanie could and would fire her brother. I said all along that she didn’t have the unilateral authority to do so–but we can’t settle that point, right? The bottom line is that Phil isn’t ever coming back, Jeanie just said so. Does that mean that Jimmy Buss will be aloud to continue as head of basketball operations? Very, very, likely. Read and rejoice; or read and weep if that helps you get through it . . . .
A Horse With No Name says
“allowed” not “aloud” lol. . . I guess I was a bit giddy at the news. . . .
Anonymous says
Horse: wanting Jimmy out does not mean we want Phil in. Phil is too rear window. Elevate Mitch hire a young stud to be GM and move this forward.
BTW, Jeanie won’t have to fire Jim. All she has to do is repeat his promise in the press and let the media and public hold him to it. Absent her letting him off the hook he’d be forced to stick by his words and resign. If he refuses then the press/public would turn on him.
Michael h says
There is a difference between lack of talent and developing talent. Derozen is not impactful enough to abandon the development process for our young core. When you compare Clarksons 2nd year to Derozens he matches up very well. Even though Derozen played more minutes Carkson out rebounded him, had more assists and more steal. Derozen did average 17 to Jordans 15 but then he played more and he didn’t have to endure a farewell tour. Jordan is at least as quick maybe quicker and seems to get into the paint at will. And then there is 3 point shooting that is becoming more important especially with Luke coming over. Clarkson shot a respectable .347. Derozen shot .095 his 2nd year. As a matter of fact this is the first year he was even somewhat respectable at .337. With both Clarkson and Russell at 6′ 5″ it gives us the size to switch everything. While Derozen is better now I don’t think it’s a stretch to think Clarkson can be better in another year or two. We have huge holes at center and SF. I think that’s where we should spend our money.
Robert says
We are having a simple convo about FA and Horse has to go drag in the FO convo again : )
That being the case, I am not clear why you think Jeanie needs approval. How complicated is this trust document? What else needs approval? If she paints the offices, does that need approval as well? I think more likely, is that if it impacts ownership and paying of trustees, then that requires a vote. Operating items would not. But we will see. I will admit I do not know for sure what requires approval. I do not think we can speak with such certainty. And I will rejoice when we become a contender again. As Anon said – this is not an either or situation – as in Jim or Phil – there is – as I have said before – Option C – Neither.
KevTheBold says
DeRozan at age 26 would be past his prime by the time our kids would reach their prime.
In the mean time, he would be wasting his prime years on a losing team.
More importantly for us however, is that DeRozan would be taking valuable growth experience playing time, from the kid in our core who is destined to be our 2 guard.
We are in rebuild mode, thus all players we add should logically fit within that plan.
Shaun says
Huertas was like one of the only reasons to watch last year – made the team and bench fun to watch and love the hiding behind spolestra steal play
I’d actually really like the idea of Howard coming here but I don’t think it happens, I think he definitely leaves Houston – with Harden then becoming the possible trade target for like a boston or our #2 pick – but I think he goes somewhere where he can have chance to win a title and be a central figure on the team
If we would have signed him to that big contract while kobe was still here he would still be the main guy we would have – signing him now would be fine – still the best center out there … I actually liked how he played for us in the playoffs against SA … kept the games close and I was along the lines that craptoni was just ineffective in using him
Teams to look our for in signing him would mainly be Dallas and Boston – both who need a real center and are better positioned to win … but who gives him the money he wants???
A Horse With No Name says
rr/anonymous: First off, if Jeanie starts repeating Jim’s promise to get him to resign, then she will have shown her hand: she doesn’t have the power to fire him, and all bets are off as to what follows. My guess is she doesn’t.
As to your desire for a *cough* “young stud GM to move things forward”; what does that mean? The team has one of the best scouting departments, has recently invested heavily in an analytics department, and most crucially, have hired a new age,young coach to install a modern offense. In Mitch Kupchak, the lakers have one of best, most competent GMs in the league–as Sam Presti has acknowledged. Mitch has the intelligence, patience and maturity to move things forward the right way–as he is doing right now. Sure, he is going to retire one day, but he’s still a top level executive and very much in his prime. (By corporate metrics, he has another five years at least.) Given the forgoing, there is no basis for calling Mitch “rear window.”
I have no attachment to Jim at all–or any of the Buss kids. Phil coming back was the nightmare I dreaded. My best guess (and that of many others) is that Ryan West is being groomed to be GM. I can live with that.
Clay Bertrand says
Will Luke be SUPER Stressed to the Max??
I’m sorta rooting for the Thunder tonight for selfish reasons of course.
While its great that we have made a coaching change to what we think will be a guy with a bright future, this year (specifically this summer) could really be a stressful one and one without much down time for Luke Walton ESPECIALLY IF THE Ws GO TO THE FINALS (as I expect they will).
Due to our very young core, Luke’s limited time around the team this off season, and this being his first year as a head coach, one would have to logically expect him to coach the Lakers’ Summer League team this Summer in Vegas. Luke will also be acclimating himself to his new role and relocating to Los Angeles once he has finished pursuing his Warriors ring. His involvement and necessary presence with the FO, his staff, and the players this summer should be an important part of his transition and the team’s.
My concern is that the scheduling for such a transition really doesn’t leave much downtime for a young coach going through the greatest job promotion of his coaching life. It also doesn’t leave much time for planning and organizing in what is going to be a crucial off season for the Lakers.
The Finals run June 2 – June 19. In a worst case scenario (for us anyway), let’s say the Finals go 6 or 7 games. Luke’s Warriors coaching duties would end June 16 or June 19—assuming they LOSE. Should they WIN, there will be celebrations, parades, rallies etc. in the Bay Area that Luke may be a part of. Luckily Oakland is a 50 minute flight away!!! Communications may be acceptable via text and phone but Luke needs to get down to LA sooner than later to get things going.
If the Finals end with the Ws winning on June 16 (having gone 6 games), with a victory celebration and parade likely June 18-19, Luke would then shoot down to L.A. or maybe to NY for the Draft on June 23. Free Agency opens July 1 and Luke should be a central focus of all recruiting pitches and FA meetings. He will need to be prepared to pitch every guy we go after on his vision for that player’s role and fit with the team etc. Signings can officially take place July 6th (as I recall). The Las Vegas Summer League is the only league the Lakers participate in and it runs July 8-18. It will undoubtedly be Luke’s first hands on experience with his young core players.
My point is that this is going to be a BUSY BUSY SUMMER for poor Luke. He may have to practically spit champagne out of his mouth and start blowing a whistle within the span of a mere couple of weeks!! There will be a lot of things in motion this summer and its very important that Luke get to establish a comfort level personally so that he can do his best professionally.
Luckily, he has been here before so it shouldn’t be TOO TOUGH. However, don’t underestimate the transition and the time crunch within which it will have to occur this summer. As a Head Coach he will be the organizer of his staff, his schemes, his culture, his practices, EVERYTHING basically. It’s not like he’s just gonna slide in and be the 11th guy on the bench with Shaq, Kobe, and Phil here. He’s the BOSS now!! He will need to be here to call the shots.
Summary of Dates:
Latest Possible Finals Game: June 19 (Potential victory celebration June 21-22??)
NBA Draft in Brooklyn NY: June 23
NBA Free Agency Begins: July 1
NBA FA Signings Allowed: July 6
Vegas Summer League: July 8-18
Training Camp Opens: August 17 (approximate date)
Amazing that it will potentially be as little as 19 days between Luke coaching the Ws (in the FINALS), and him coaching the Lakers Summer League team (which should also be the bulk of the Regular season team).
Maybe Luke can take a SPA DAY or two to recharge his batteries!! He’s probably gonna NEED IT!!!!
PS: Bickerstaff to Memphis is the USD connection…………Watch for Mike Brown to surface there too………..Toreros stick together……..
matt says
#32 pick guerschon yabusele, france, 20 yrs, 6’8. 240, post moves, rebounding, blocks, 3 point shooting, good hands, fast break
FA signings
Solomon hill and courtney lee
matt says
Shaun
I hope boston signs Dwight
Lordmo
The point is there has to be a better point out there, we have cap space now
Clay Bertrand says
Dwight will lead Buckin Foston to the Promised Land!!!!! Get him Danny!!!!
Fern says
Ok so people criticize the Buss kids running things because of their last name. So all of a sudden Ryan West is an alternative? It’s the same thing, giving somebody power because of who his daddy is. Could he being groomed? nobody has a clue, maybe, but right now i have more trust on Mitch righting the ship than anybody else. If Mitch leaves the Lakers he will have job offers raining on him from almost every team in the league he is still one of the most capable and respected GMs in the entire league. He deserves a chance to fix the Lakers.
A Horse With No Name says
We are having a simple convo about FA and Horse has to go drag in the FO convo again : )
I so deserve that! 🙂
Clay Bertrand says
So basically, if you believe what the players say, EVERY FA except Rondo and Pau are gonna stay with their teams??!!?? KD, Derozan, Batum, Ryan Anderson, Biyombo, Whiteside, ……..every guy says he’s returning (OK, KD hasn’t SAID it……but…)
These guys give these interviews to their home town reporters fresh off of their teams playing and they are all hyped on their team and their fans etc. Biyombo today says he will take a discount to play in Toronto and that he expects to be there next year and that it’s about FUN not MONEY. Reallllllllllllllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyy??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm………………
It’ll be interesting to see what happens when these guys are by themselves with their agents in rooms and at fancy dinner tables with FO people pitching them and flashing $8 Million more than Toronto is offering in Bismack’s case. No 23 year old takes a $5-8 MILLION DOLLAR DISCOUNT to continue playing a back up position for a team in WINTERLAND!!!!!! C’mon man!!!!
Look at what DeAndre Jordan did last summer. These guys can be pitched, swayed, and sold on the right situations by the right people IMO. I’m not buying all these home town interviews and all the sunshine being blown around by seemingly every FA to be. EVERYONE is NOT staying put this summer.
The unprecedented deluge of dollars will dilute even the most principled of loyal intentions.
Mid-Wilshire says
Two points: first of all, comparing Jordan Clarkson to DeMar DeRozan is, at this point in their careers, almost inappropriate. Clarkson has played 2 years in the league; DeRozan has played 7. At this point, we really don’t know how much Clarkson will improve. Will he learn from his new coaches? Will he dedicate himself to defense? Will he share the ball better and improve his 3-point shot? Could be. But at this point we just don’t know.
I suggest (in terms of comparing DeRozan and Clarkson) that we compare notes in 3 years. We’ll now more then.
Secondly, there have been several commenters who have insisted that Jordan Clarkson is too small for the SG position. This is simply wrong. True, he needs to bulk up a bit and get stronger…which, apparently, he’s doing — even as we speak. But any claims (and there have been several) that he is too short for the position are utter nonsense.
In April, I saw both Clarkson and Russell at a bookstore at the Grove (a shopping center in midtown LA) and I made a point of going up and standing next to them. Now, this is entirely unscientific. But both guys were a good 2 1/2 – 3 inches taller than I. (I’m 6-2.) Clarkson, I assure you, is not too small for his position. If anything, he’s about a half-inch taller than Russell. Believe, they were both the tallest people in the store.
Furthermore, I did some research on the listed heights of several of the starting SGs in the league. Here are the recorded heights of several of those players:
JJ Redick — 6-4
Victor Oladipo — 6-4
Tony Allen — 6-4
Avery Bradley — 6-2
CJ McCollum — 6-3
Gary Harris — 6-4
Dwayne Wade — 6-4
Bradley Beal — 6-5
Wesley Matthews — 6-5
Aaron Afflalo — 6-5
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope — 6-5
Are there some SGs that are taller? Yes. Of course. But my point is that to claim that Jordan Clarkson is somehow “undersized” is bogus. He is not. Please. We should cease making those claims.
rr says
Horsebryan:
rr/anonymous:
Again: I do not post anonymously except by accident, and if I want to say something about the FO, I put my handle on it.
rr says
Ok so people criticize the Buss kids running things because of their last name.
—
No. People criticize because of the team’s performance, some of the decisions, and the infighting.
Clay Bertrand says
Horse & rr,
Only time will tell on the FO…….We have bigger problems here dudes.
Shaun wants us to sign Dwight Howard!!!!!!!!!! I’m guessing he MIGHT be in the MINORITY???
; )
A Horse With No Name says
Horse/Bryan rr/anonymous–cool, whatever man!
Fern says
The Lakers performance we all know it’s been bad and a a lot and i mean a lot of people have criticized the decision of Dr Buss leaving the kids in charge and that’s why the team is where it is. I think i read enough comments stating that im not even gonna argue. Im not even going to get in the rights or wrongs of that decision. My point is that people are mentioning Ryan West because who his daddy is. Isn’t that the same thing?
Fern says
About FAs, right now most of the FAs that are under our radar are just fresh off finishing their season. Emotions still high. Once the season is over and money starts being offered around i expect a lot of tunes to be changed. Right now i font believe anything these FAs say…
Clay Bertrand says
These are the tentative roster “certainties” for me at this point.
Russell
Randle
Clarkson
Nance Jr.
Brown
Lou Will
Black*
Ingram/Simmons
Second Rounder **
Swaggy ***
*I’d like to see Black back as a small ball 5. Its a position of need and he’s young and cheap.
**The Second Rounder could be a draft & stash or could possibly not make the team.
***Swaggy COULD get traded/stretched w a dead money cap hit of $3.86 Mil or so.
This roster would leave 5 players to fill it out if we are to carry 15. Huertas, Metta, Bass etc. would obviously cut into the available spots if retained.
Does anyone see the roster shaping up differently entering Free Agency??
AusPhil says
Harrison Barnes fans – does getting benched to start game 7 make him more available? Does it make him want to move?
Ed says
A defense first C is the first priority. No DD, I`m undecided on Barnes;how well he would play away from GS. I think the Lakers will probably make an offer,but will it be enough so GS won`t match. Bottom line,unless a true all star wing is a possibility for the max,go with mid-range guys who play D and can hit open shots,strengthen the bench.
matt says
Harrison barnes should have took the former offer from the warriors
Sept 2015 , 4 year 64 mil, extention
R says
I’m also hoping that Boston signs Coward. Unfortunately, D Ainge shows no evidence of being that bucking stupid.
KevTheBold says
Well the Warriors made history again.
Walton’s resume has additional luster; lucky for us we snagged him when we did!
matt says
Klay and steph looked like they could make 3s with they eyes closed
Craig W. says
Robert,
Yes, I agree talking about the future is much better than talking about the past – particularly the recent past.
My point was that some posters ascribe positions to Laker front office thinking based on what other fans and ‘talking heads’ say. Then there is comment about how the front office doesn’t know their right from their left. The latter seems to flow from the former. Talk to yourself, convince yourself of the truth of what you say about the front office, then use that as proof that you are right. Sort of like the duck that flies in ever decreasing concentric circles until…you know the end of that one.
Altemawa says
So Whiteside is also not interested in Lakerland.
Another target down and out.
Who else is in our radar?
I am just trusting that Mitch will surprise us with a big trade before the Draft. We really need the Lakers magic this off-season.
And I am rooting for the GSW because West teams are superior , for the past decade… 🙂
Renato Afonso says
While DeRozan is not the best fit for the Lakers, he’s still more talented now (the future remains to be seen) than anyone in the Lakers’ roster. The goal is to win games and talent that plays on both ends of the floor is needed. I’m not happy about a lower probability to sign a good FA but there’s also no need to cry about missing on that. There are plenty of ways to build a winner.
Also, people think about the championship or bust mentality and seem to slot teams into three categories: lottery fodder, perpetual 1st round exit and title contender. The reality is that teams can trade their way out of the situation they are in. Also, some owners simply refuse to go into luxury tax to improve their roster thus making the roster stagnant (hence the perpetual 1st round exit).
Personally, I believe our backcourt needs a lot of help and DeRozan would improve our team. He’s proved more than Russell and Clarkson together who, Byron Scott or not, were part of a 17 win team that didn’t play defense…
KevTheBold says
Renato, the goal right now is to accent and develop our core, in order to win championships in the future.
A few extra games in our win column at the expense of the big picture, is like fast food; taste good now, but you suffer later and regret your short sightedness.
Renato Afonso says
KevTheBold,
But why? Are we sure that in Randle, Russell and Clarkson we’ve found the new Chris Paul, the new Kobe and the new Blake Griffin? Our core may not be as good as we (the Lakers fans) make them out to be. It’s not that I disagree with the approach of slow and steady and the development of young players. It’s that I disagree with the notion that these specific young players will be in the Hall of Fame and, as such, we must wait for them to develop. If we had a talent like Karl Anthony Towns or Anthony Davis who will be All-Stars for years to come then there would be no questions, as those other young players could be seen as pieces that fit around that great individual talent.
Even for those who play the card “if the young players develop then free agents will want to join us, therefore we don’t need to have that talent now” I must ask: develop into what? What if the star free agent needs a PF that can stretch the floor and a lockdown backcourt because we don’t have enough rim protection (thus not Russell, Clarkson or Randle so far)? Would this core still be essential? Obviously they could be traded for players that fit the need but to this I ask: when are these players more valuable in a trade? While on rookie contracts and still lots of “potential” or when all their weakness’ have been exposed and their ceiling is quite obvious while on a much more expensive contract?
Sorry for the semi-rant but I can’t agree with the notion that “only playing the young players and waiting for their development” can the Lakers become title contenders. There are no easy paths there, but there is more than one path as per Darius’ last posts.
Anonymous says
Renato — can’t answer for Kev. From my perspective we will be forced to sit tight for another year. With a limited pool of FAs this summer plus uncertainty (as you correctly point out) about just what we have in the youngsters the Lakers aren’t that attractive. Next year the FO will have a better sense of the kids upside and can better target players in a much larger/deeper pool of FAs.
Renato Afonso says
Anonymous,
That’s a proper argument. Sitting tight for lack of alternatives during this season may just happen…
I do think DeRozan would be a great signing. He’s a really good player who gets dismissed by many for lack of 3pt shooting. Sure, he has that flaw but he’s very good at everything else. And shooting is one of those things that improves throughout your career.
Craig W. says
Renato — I think that’s why Darius put out those three columns on different paths to a contending team. He was hoping for comments like yours to combat the vocal part of the fanbase’s shift to the slow and steady development of our existing talent.
You help us all when you go on your rants. Thanks!
Renato Afonso says
Thank you, Craig.
Darius Soriano says
I agree with a lot of what Renato is saying, but where I disagree is with the idea that we need to be sure that the team’s young players are HOF level players or even sure all-stars for the Lakers to want to hold onto them and/or try to develop them further. One of the most fun Lakers’ teams was the LakeShow group that had NVE, Eddie Jones, Peeler, Lynch, Ceballos, etc, etc. Van Exel & Jones & Ceballos were all-stars, but none will make the HOF. The Lakers ended up building a fun, competitive team with those guys while helping to establish a winning culture. They ultimately traded those every player on that list, but that was down the line.
Fact is, the Lakers’ young players don’t need to be HOF level to end up being useful players. Even if they end up being high level contributors on a winning team, they will serve a purpose. That doesn’t mean swapping them for better players shouldn’t be an option, but I think we should be willing to give them more time to see what they can become first.
fern says
Renato, i don’t even dare to put “Hall of Fame” next to these guys not by a longshot. But they are what we have and we have to see what they can bring. Unless the Lakers make a FA coup for the ages and i mean like historical coup we won’t be challenging GS,OKC or SA anytime soon. Even if we draft the second coming of MJ we won’t be challenging anytime soon.
The reality of it is that even challenging for the 8th seed next season will be a monumental triumph. And that would require an improvement of at least 30 wins. Like i said unless we have a FA coup from the ages that’s not gonna happen, unless DAR,Julius,JC, Nance and the pick raise their games on both sides of the court to a unexpected level right away. Possible but unlikely, we also need to get pieces in free agency that can grow together with what is already in place while maintaining cap flexibility for the future. We really don’t have much of a choice. I have faith we will pick up some nice long term additions in free agency and the Draft and we are bound to improve but we are still going to be far from contending right away.
LordMo says
@Renato
Good post bro! Dead on! We have no idea what these youngsters will truly become.
They all have great potential but all have some major flaws. I’m sure some of these guys won’t be here in the future as we add and subtract. We are pretty much locked in on the rebuild at this point.
I’m sure we will try to dangle some big carrots at some big name praying that one or two will bite in the hopes that we can become relevant again. But alas I fear it will be all for naught… might get a mid level FA or role player that we will certainly overpay for but it will not make a difference on a team that lacks both talent and experience.
@Fern, @Kev, @Anon, @matt, @Craig —- Good posts! Enjoyed the reads! Good posts everyone!
fern says
About Whiteside “preferring” to stay with the Heat, Whiteside wasn’t a vaunted ‘can’t miss prospect” he had to scratch his way from the bottom to get in the driver seat he is now. And the Heat are going to give Wade a Kobe “thank you for your services” humongous contract. That’s a given. I seriously doubt that after all that Whiteside went thru to be were he is right now he is going to accept a lowball contract from the Heat.
Like i been saying for months at 12:00.01am on July 1st the Lakers should extend a max offer to him, no questions asked no fancy meetings, just a humongous amount of money take it or leave it. We shouldn’t be waiting around too long either. If he want to be lowballed by the Heat well that’s his problem then, and the Lakers should move swiftly to the next target…
T. Rogers says
I’m not as down on DeRozan as others. I’d take him even at the price he will likely command. The value of “max” contracts is resetting due to the rising cap. In two years DeRozan’s price will be the norm for a player of his caliber. He’s about to turn 27 years old. And he’s a legit 6’7” scorer.
The Lakers have swung for the fences for the last three years. And most on this site agreed that was a flawed approach. However, let’s be careful not to swing the pendulum the other way. Spending the next several years “developing” players is not the move either. I like the middle way. Drafting Ingram and signing DeRozan (if it’s even possible) would represent that well.
A Horse With No Name says
It’s pretty clear that DeRozan isn’t coming, right? So, yeah. Next!
Mid-Wilshire says
Horse,
I agree. DeRozan is not coming. (Why would he?) Neither is Durant nor, apparently, Batum.
I think the best course of action is to stick with our young core, add role players where we can find them, recruit a starting center, and mentor the hell out of everyone. (After all, we’ll have a new coaching staff. Let’s see what they can do.)
In another year we’ll know what we have. Right now, it’s entirely too early to tell.
Chearn says
Why aren’t free agents clamoring to join the elite Lakers organization? I thought the lone detractor was Kobe Bryant and his propensity to “eat first” that made the Lakers an untenable destination?
Kbj says
Don’t worry. If the youngsters don’t turn out to be great (all star or higher) players, then the Lakers can trade them. But before the Lakers get rid of them, lets see how they turn out. If they trade them now, Lakers would be trading them at their lowest value. Even though I’m not on high on the young guys, I do think they can get better. That should be obvious to everyone. Lets wait a couple years and then we can evaluate whether or not to trade them.
Shaun says
so lets say miami resigns whiteside – who do we go after?
mozgov, ezeli, biyombo – are all kind of question marks ….is mozgov too slow, csn ezeli be a starter, can biyombo maintain his level over a year and even moreso is what he does worth 15m per year
which leads me to dwight – at a bare minimum you get mozgov/biyombo level production … at best you get older dwight, engaged dwight – who will be in a fun system and could diminate and possibly help in recruitment
dwight really wants to be featured and might take a 1 year deal to improve his value so who knows what he does … in dallas this is a maybe, boston maybe but pretty good bets which is why i think he goes there but he should be a target
the other 2 targets would be noah and horford…..i’d like noah a lot, horford could give us a mini leap is we sign someone else but the issue with noah,horford and dwight are all that they are getting older with dwight being the youngest on a team that is only going to peak in 3-4 years
Vasheed says
I agree with Renato. I have a great respect for Clarkson’s work ethic yet is he hitting his ceiling? Randle I think is talented but not a very balanced player and if he doesn’t work out some of his worst flaws soon will see his value plummet. Meanwhile Nance is less talented but very balanced and easy to fit into most line-ups. Russell seems to have sky high potential but has demonstrated the immaturity of his youth. Then we will have the number 2 pick plus our early 2nd rounder. All of that adds up to a lot of uncertainty and I believe the Lakers could use a little more certainty in the near future.
Chris J says
Huertas was like one of the only reasons to watch last year
—————-
Seriously?
Perhaps over the last month or so, when Byron finally let them run a system in which he could show his skills. But most of the season Huertas looked like he had no business whatsoever being in the NBA. If watching him was a highlight, good God did last season suck.
But then in your next point you sang the praises of Dwight Howard, so I can only conclude you and I won’t agree on much of anything as related to basketball.
KevTheBold says
Renato, who is ever sure?
Anything can occur when it comes to rookies, including with KAT.
They can start off with the wind at their backs, then a coaching change, an injury or simply unseen flaws can develop.
As our 2015 top pick, D’Angelo, under the circumstances he had to endure, has shown bright enough flashes to justify some faith in further development from the most jaded of fans.
Randle is a double double machine already as first real year player, so what’s to say triple doubles are a pipe dream?
Though I’m not too high on Clarkson, he does have the right mindset and skill set to become a highly useful part of any young core.
Last but not at all least, we will most probably add Ingram to that bunch.
There are no guarantees, yet that Quad alone imo is good enough to build around.
Regarding max free agents; Let’s be realistic.
Any who signed with us would be selling out for money, with regards to any championship hopes, as their prime years would be wasted because we will not be ready to seriously compete for at least 3 to 4 seasons.
It seems to me that money is burning a hole if some pockets.
Though still in college, they long for that Ferrari to park outside of their dorm.
Shaun says
Chris – if there are only what 7 centers available that are worth anything …. Dwight is in the top 3 in terms of value and ability … it would be stupid to not think of going after him especially when his value league wide is down – signing him would put us on a better track than signing someone like Biyombo … who was a mirage in the playoffs, he won’t play that well for an entire season and in most cases since he is only 6-9 can’t really manage a lot of the bigs in the west
Huertas later in the season was fun to watch especially when compared to lou chucking the ball everytime he touched it, the lobs to black, bass, randle – the nifty floater in the lane, the attempts to get his teammates involved … was a lot better than most of the season watching JC and DR dribble around a screen to shoot contested 2pt shots from the elbow – watching JC and DAR was both horrendous all year … and in taking in my first game live in LA … it was obvious that DAR needs to grow up and pass the damn ball cause he failed the eye test badly
Vasheed says
Kev,
Fewer of Randle’s passes converted into assists than Nick Young last year. The touted play maker became a “black hole”. I see strengths to Randle’s game but, I also see some glaring weaknesses.
http://www.lakersnation.com/julius-randle-needs-to-rediscover-his-playmaking-skills-for-lakers/2016/03/17/
KevTheBold says
Thanks Vash, however the article states that he needs to ‘Rediscover’ these skills.
Easier to do than develop a totally new one.
We should also look to Scott for a portion of what occurred last season.
A Horse With No Name says
Luke envisions Randle as a play making 4/5, a la Draymond. A guy who rebounds the ball, initiates the fast break by sprinting up the middle of the court and either dishing to wings or attacking the basket. We saw bits and pieces of this potential towards the end of the season, but Randle has just scratched the surface of what he may become. It’s instructive to note that Draymond credits Luke with developing his passing game. I’m going to enjoy the “process.”
rr says
Renato: I am already pretty sure that Randle is not going to be nearly as good as Blake Griffin, but we will see. I am sure that with Walton coming here, we will hear some stuff about Randle becoming the Lakers’ Draymond Green—Walton himself may even say that. I think that Russell can if things go well for him be about as good as John Wall, albeit as a different type of player. Maybe he can be like Ginobili. Clarkson was a great pick at 46, but I still see him as a 6th man/combo guard-a somewhat better/more skilled version of Rodney Stuckey. So like I said yesterday, I disagree with any implication that the Lakers’ young guys have established that going with them will eventually lead to contention. You can never be sure of that with any group of young guys, and Minnesota and Utah can make better cases for having young cores, to use the new catch phrase, potentially of that caliber than the Lakers can. The Lakers may be there in a year or two. They aren’t now.
That said, I am very much on board with the slow and steady approach because that is what the game board dictates doing, for reasons gone over by others and myself. Like I said, if the Lakers had the top pick and that guy were a Shaq-type guy, and Paul George were an UFA—then yeah: Quick trigger. As it is, keep the pick, get a center, and start from ground level.
DeRozan: Is the kind of guy that you get or keep if you need a #2/#3 guy on a contender. He has his faults, but he is a talented and productive player in his prime. But the Lakers are too far down to get max utility out of him right now and as noted by DS and others, they already have high-usage perimeter players. I will be interested to see if Masai Ujiri offers DeRozan the max, or if Ujiri decides that this Toronto group just hit its ceiling. It will be a tough call.
Center: I would be fine with Biyombo. I still think that it will be Ezeli because Walton knows him, though.
rr says
…and there is the Randle/Green stuff right there.
dxmanners says
..and while you’re at it, don’t count on Westbrook either. By the time he would get here, he would be a step or two slower, and primed for a knee injury. Grow your own stars.
The Sonics curse will never die, OKC…
GEMMOL LEWIS says
@rr
I think you and many others keep forgetting one thing, the most important thing, when you compare the young core we have against other established players, you must compare their 1st or 2nd year……every LAker website I go on, people are really comparing a 1st or 2nd year player to a player who played a few years already, and I am wondering why, part of me wonder are you just trying to troll the LAkers, or you really forget every all star player first few years……another thing when people compare they do not compare properly, for example our young core did not play in a offense that cater to them, and the princeton limit the amount of assist our play making guards can get, while a pick and roll offense like Clippers would make a point guard have a high amount of assist……the point where I am getting at…..if you compare Clarkson 2nd year vs Demar 2nd year, our boy Clarkson with the situation we had and what he had to deal with shows he would be a better player than Demar that we see now once Clarkson develop
rr says
Gemmol,
I actually have done very specific and detailed comps of Lakers guys to other guys as rookies, although I would not expect you either to know or to remember that. The fact that you don’t is not your fault, but it does show why the repetitiveness argument is overused as a way to throw shade at people here. As to the rest, it mostly goes back to the same argument: Byron Scott (and to a lesser extent, Kobe) was screwing everything up so badly that the young guys have considerable talent that was being severely held back.
That may be the case, and having Walton here will put it to the test in many ways since GSW’s ascent has in some respects been a triumph of internal development. My own position is that Green is an outlier, Curry is an historically unique player, and that Walton will be a rookie HC, so Lakers fans presuming that Walton will have a gigantic and immediate impact should temper their expectations a bit. I can tell you that other fanbases and media people are mostly not living in fear of the Lakers’ young guys, and that Minnesota is seen as the West lottery team on the rise. People who are dismissive of those things should be able to own the fact that being a Lakers’ fan can affect objectivity as much as being a Lakers’ hater can.
That said, I backed the Walton hire, never wanted Scott hired, and I like Russell’s game, so we will see.
Ovid Mercene says
I know Le Bron James who is the greatest basketball player of our current generation. I know Stephen Curry MVP for the Golden State warriors who shot 76- 3 points on a practice. I know Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook superstars in their own right who nearly toppled the Warriors. Please help me WHO IS DE ROZAN?
Say No To Dero says
I’m not big on Derozan either. His game really got exposed in these playoffs and he often forced things. If it was up to me, I’d pass on him even though we’re (supposedly) in no position to be passing up on talent.