The Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell. And while I’ve tried to make sense of it, both in long form and with our buddy Pete Zayas in our latest podcast, the fact is that there’s actually little to try to actually analyze here.
The Lakers traded a highly talented young player who, for reasons that will likely leak over the next several weeks and months, the team no longer believed in to be a long term piece for the franchise. We can debate those reasons all we want or, more precisely, debate how much those reasons should matter considering the return value netted, but I’ll save you that for now. My cliff-notes opinion is pretty straight forward: I think the Lakers sold low and if this was the best you could do in a trade right now the Lakers would have been better off not dealing him even if the ultimate goal was to actually deal him.
What’s done is done, though. Oh, I’ll surely wring my hands over how the team managed this situation and Russell as a player — not to mention his own faults which impacted the approach they took — but to worry about that now is somewhat secondary.
The more pressing question is what do the Lakers actually do now?
I started to touch on this in my analysis of the trade:
The Lakers are getting out from under one of the worst contracts in the league and acquiring a good (but not great) starting big man who can serve as a one year place holder. They clearly have some irons in the fire for future moves, ranging from Paul George lined up to plays on bigger free agents in the future. They also get the 27th pick overall, in a draft where there is likely to be some decent talent available at that point in the draft. They could also try to package the #27 and #28 picks to move up to the middle part of the draft, thought it’s unclear whether that is part of a plan or not. Also, it would not surprise me if the team used both of those picks in a deal for George.
It would make sense that the George deal is lined up, though there are multiple murmurs about how close the team is to actually making that deal. NBA.com’s David Aldridge reported that the Lakers reached out to the Kings about acquiring the 5th and 10th picks in Thursday’s draft in a swap for the #2 selection, then off-loaded one of those picks with the aforementioned numbers 27 and 28 picks for George. But that won’t work if the Kings say now. Meanwhile, Mark Medina reports that the teams are at a standstill over an offer that includes one of Julius Randle or Jordan Clarkson along with the #27 and #28 picks.
So, are the Lakers going to deal for George or not? We’ll just have to wait and, at this point, I won’t speculate either way or worry about what happens if they don’t. What I will say, though, is that trading for George actually has little to do with the Russell trade and brings me back to the original question in the title of this post.
The Lakers have successfully cleared cap space for the summer of 2018. Mozgov and Russell would have counted for a combined $23 million on the cap that summer and now that is replaced with Lopez’s expiring deal. The Lakers will have spending power that summer and, with some salary cap maneuvering, can approach upwards of $60 million in cap space to entice free agents. Granted, this number dramatically decreases if the Lakers actually trade for Paul George, but, again, I can’t worry about that now.
All of this speaks to a confidence the team has in being able to recruit a star player (or two) next summer. Which, if we’re being honest, sounds a lot like the plan the previous regime had but was not able to execute. Of course Jim/Mitch aren’t Magic/Pelinka. The latter duo offers a charisma and cachet which has altered the perception of the team moving forward. They’re supposed to be able to reel in the big fish and are acting like they will be able to.
My only point here is that they actually better be able to. Because, when it comes right down to it, the Lakers traded one of their best young players for the right to chase a more established star. Similar to how the Celtics balked on selecting at #1 overall in favor of drafting at #3 and picking up a future pick, the Lakers need to be right about their ability to turn what they’ve gained into something as good or better than what they gave up. Regardless of what anyone thinks of Russell, he’s actually a productive NBA player while cap space never won a game for anyone.
So, for now, we wait. We wait to see if the team can turn financial flexibility and cap space into multiple star players. We wait to see if they can creatively build a contending roster. We wait to see if their player evaluations and projections on players kept vs. the ones sent away turn out to be on the money. We wait to not only see the other shoe to drop, but to see if it brings an upward trajectory to push this franchise forward.
In other words, we wait to see if whatever comes next is actually worth it. Because the Lakers had the opportunity to be patient, but they passed on that to pursue this path and make (or at least set up) their move now.
csi says
I still haven’t seen any official news on either the Lakers or the Nets team websites about the Russell-Lopez trade, so I’m going to hold on to my irrational hope that it was contingent upon a subsequent trade with the Pacers for George (since that was the rumor that immediately followed the Russell news). With news that a deal for George is no longer “imminent” before the draft, I’m letting myself believe that means Russell is still a Laker, for now. It’s a fool’s hope, I know, but what are fans if not fools for the teams they love.
Carlos Ortega says
Just like in Free Agency, where terms are agreed and broken by Woj on July 1st and July 2nd, it’s not until the moratorium is lifted, like seven or ten days later, when the contracts are officially signed, and THEN teams can make official announcements.
This situation is similar, even Woj said the trade will be completed Thursday. I think Draft Day is the “legal” definition of when Brooklyn’s 27th pick becomes “official” and can be traded. No reneging to be found here, sadly and unfortunately. Gotta hope Brook or Mozgov fail a physical and maybe this is all a joke on DLO to make him shape up for the upcoming season… grasping at straws here… sigh.
karen says
Russell was the sacrifice lamb to dump the overpaid big guy. Someone had to go and he was expendible because magic was hellbent on drafting ball. Thats it, nothing more
FredP says
The only way this trade makes sense is if the Lakers can get George in a trade before the draft. Otherwise, they traded Russell for a late #1 pick before giving him a chance to show what he can do on the court. Unfortunately, Indiana has turned down the extra draft pick and apparently did not want Russell. Magic has a big serving of egg on his face if George stays a Pacer beyond tomorrow or if he goes elsewhere. At the same time Magic cannot afford to give up Ingram or the #2 pick without seriously gutting the team. It looks like Boston will decide the Lakers fate on this one.
Tom Daniels says
This is a risky move. But the uproar among Laker fans seems to me to be an over-valuing of Russell as a player. On a horrible team he was the most effective young player. Absolutely. He could develop into more. But there are lots of warning signs – two completely different Laker regimes (coach and front office) had very real reservations about him. His value around the league is much less than Laker fans seem to think.
So the Lakers dealt him for enough cap room to replace him with someone they like better. Yeah, there is a risk they fail and he succeeds. It’s nothing like the risk West took breaking up the Lake Show to pursue Shaq with no guarantee of getting him. But it is a risk. Still, if you really don’t believe he is part of the future and you can clear star level cap space….
Plus they clear space for two stars. Which serves notice to anyone who might pursue George hoping to keep him. Which might scare Butler off going to the Cavs, with James making noises about leaving. It is a statement of intention and positions the Lakers as a leading free agent destination.
There may be more moves in the next few weeks, we may have to wait until next summer. It is nowhere near time to evaluate this deal.
George Best says
lets see …its kevin love aldridge carmelo coming to LA..nope..hell we couldnt even resign a jerk like Dwight Howard so its wait until next year for big FAs for like four years in a row and we are so confident we trade Russell for nothing really…With this history we think we can get George and even LeBron? Magic Johnson shouldnt be a GM of anything. Hes a public relations guy nothing more. Its going to get worse as we have no pick next year. We are going to sign another Mozgov or Deng type contract this summer..just watch.
RR says
Like most things in the NBA, this is complicated on one hand and simple on the other. Basically, assuming that they are taking Ball, the FO needs to be right about him and he needs to have a short learning curve. Then, they need to sign/acquire two big-time players within the next 12-14 months–Paul George and someone else. If those things happen, then this will look like a good move, no matter what Russell does or does not do. If they don’t, it won’t.
The thing is, though, that as noted most high-end PGs over the last 10-12 years, save for Kyrie Irving and Chris Paul, do not have especially short learning curves. Irving and Paul were 21-22 PER guys as rookies; almost all of the other top guys, including Westbrook, Wall and Curry–took at least a couple of years to get to that level. Ball is 19 years old and he is a not a killer jock. I think the FO is counting on his court vision and basketball IQ to make the transition fast, or maybe they are in love with Dennis Smith Jr. But I expect it will be Ball as does everyone.
And, of course, George isn’t here yet. LeBron James will be 33 going on 34 and that seems like a pipe dream. Westbrook and Cousins would both come with question marks and fit concerns in Westbook’s case as well. And all of these guys and anyone else they may be thinking of, like Blake Griffin, will have another year of mileage on his legs when the Lakers are trying to get them. So, this is a risky bet.
As to Russell, my opinion on him has not changed. I think there is ample evidence that, bad attitude or no, he will be good to very good and I think he will be around the NBA for a long time. I do not think he is going to be a franchise cornerstone and he does seem to have an entitled vibe and seems to rub power the wrong way.
Chris J says
The points made here are solid. I hated this Russell deal the second I saw it, and I hate the idea of dealing another young player and possibly two late first-rounders to the Pacers to land George even more.
Like or dislike Russell, he likely would have fetched more value on the trade market had that been explored. But in today’s NBA I can’t fathom why the Lakers wouldn’t have at least made the effort to see how he’d have fared at the two this coming season alongside Ball, assuming he’s the pick. You need shooters to win in the NBA and I see Russell’s potential to be a solid NBA marksman going forward. There’s got to be some skeleton in his closet the public doesn’t yet know, otherwise this deal makes little sense.
If the learning curve for PGs is real, as you noted, the Lakers just reset the clock by two seasons in starting over with a rookie (again, assuming the choose Ball), rather than holding onto Russell as a third-year guy. To me, this feels like Boston and Chauncey Billups; the drafting team gave up too soon, and it’ll regret it as the player matures and gets better. Time will tell.
Regardless, if they now move ahead and deal Randle/Clarkson and two No. 1s to land George, the Magic-led front office will have turned Russell, Randle/Clarkson, Lou Williams and Mozgov (and his bad contract) into a one-year rental (Lopez), cap space a year from now, and a chance to own the Bird rights and one-year’s earlier service from a player who’s already told the world he hopes to sign with L.A. next summer anyway.
I don’t believe dealing that much for George now is worthwhile. Having him alongside Ball, BI and Lopez isn’t enough to topple the Warriors; it may not be enough to win an eighth seed next season. And if the long game is to have cap space for LeBron or Westbrook or Cousins come 2018, why not stay the course this coming season and go for broke by dealing young assets next summer? As was noted, this feels like an “all or nothing” play the prior front office used to no effect. I’m just flabbergasted.
Dana says
Everyone is talking like things are static. They’re not; they’re dynamic.
Playing in a slow back court next to Ball could devalue Russell even further by the end of next season, or his attitude could do it, or another stupid mistake, or even an injury. It’s not as if he has shown a propensity for becoming a better teammate, or more consistent in his work ethic. He’s a work in progress with an attitude problem, who is not liked in the locker room by players, staff or management. On the Lakers, he could be at peak value right now (though on NJ he really does have a second and better chance to blossom).
And while it would be one year shorter, there’s no guarantee that anyone would be in position to take Mozgov’s contract after this season, nor would they be particularly motivated to, knowing what the Lakers want to do next summer. It happened to work out that NJ had Lopez’ expiring contract to deal. They did the Lakers a favor by taking on Moz’s contract. The Lakers had to do the Nets a favor by giving them a young, promising guard. A year from now, that deal is not available, and NO ONE KNOWS if another deal would come the Lakers’ way. Sometimes you just have to take an opportunity when it presents itself.
Brook Lopez is for real. He’s going to be a help to the team and to Zubac for a year. And if the Big Plan falls through, you can re-sign him, and he’ll be a very good player for several more years. And the dude is a for real threat from 3, just the kind of “stretch 5” Walton wants.
Even with the team now as constituted (plus the rookie Ball), I think they have a much better year next year. Let’s recall that the Lakers tanked as hard as they could last year, and lost as many games as they could. The team as it is today (with Lopez and Ball, and without Russell) will post a better record than last year’s. Plus, Ball’s game is pretty NBA ready right now. He’ll have a learning curve, but he will be effective immediately. (My guess is he will start off looking good, become less effective as teams scout him, and finish the season on an upswing.) This team, while not challenging for the conference finals, is putting a 26-win season in the rear view mirror.
And if they can add George, and mesh, it looks like a 5 to 8 seed playoff team.
I’m very optimistic about Brandon Ingram. I like him much better than most people do, and think he’s going to have a break-out season, playing at a high level by next April, even if he doesn’t put on much weight (which he shouldn’t). Pair him with George and Lopez, and if Ball lives up to the hype the Lakers won’t be a championship team, but they will be dangerous.
Chris J says
Lots of “what if’s” there on Russell’s value 12 months from now. Yes, it could slip, though it’s much more reasonable to believe a player’s numbers would go up from year three vs. year two, especially after his play trended upward from year one to two. He’d also back be in a familiar system in year two under Luke, and having Ball (if he’s chosen) distributing the ball, that would likely have made Russell a more effective scorer, as well, since Ball is supposedly the passing savant who’ll make everyone better.
To say Russell wasn’t well liked in the locker room discounts the warm goodbye message Nance Jr. posted last night, or his workouts with Clarkson this summer; the birthday party dinner Mozgov hosted for Russell earlier this year, etc. None of us are in the locker room, but there’s a good bit of evidence to refute claims Russell was unpopular among the players. Hell, even Nick Young seemed to mend the fence with him last year.
I like Lopez, but much of his value — especially if Zubac is viewed as the future — lies in a contract that expires just in time for next year’s free agency festival. At least that’s the narrative running at the moment.
I like Ingram too and hope he improves markedly this season, but Ball, Ingram, George, Lopez (not to be confused with George Lopez) and Clarkson/Randle, with a bench of Nance Jr., Ennis (maybe), Nwaba, Brewer, Deng and Zubac? That roster would severely lack for outside shooters that are so needed in today’s NBA, with little left to deal to improve if the two late first-round picks are dealt to land George.
I still would have preferred to stretch Deng or Movgov, hold on to Russell and the first round picks and then play the odds that George meant what he said and can be had in free agency next season. If they need to shed money a year from now, there would be options to do that.
But banking on a soon-to-be 34-year-old LeBron in 2018? Or that Westbrook would come home again? Straight-up Jimmy Buss moves, there. What’s next – banners with their faces adorned by the word “Come”?
RR says
Sure, and since things are dynamic, maybe by this time next year, George will no longer want to be a Laker and Russell will have had a breakout year in Brooklyn. No one knows how this will work out, as the fact that your post revolves around words like could, if, and I think attests.
So, the question is whether this move looks like it moves the needle and the percentages in the Lakers’ favor. And there are many specific reasons to believe that it doesn’t.
Vasheed says
The Lakers have been shopping the 2nd pick in what appears more than due diligence. If the Lakers were enamored with Ball this would not be the case. Even worse is that no one seems to want Ball badly enough to trade up.
Martin says
I live in Columbus and watched him play quite a bit and thought DLo was fools gold, just like Evan Turner before him. The lakers should have never drafted him to start with. I think they had legit concerns with his leadership void and apparent lack of work ethic. Plus he has two years left on his deal before he starts posturing for an extension. I wish i was wrong in my original misgivings because all we did was throw away one high draft pick to cover another past failure. This move was a win all around in terms of culture, financial reasons and serving as a wake up call to the other young fellows. It should be viewed as a privilege to pull on the purple and gold. These young guys have taken it for granted.
bluehill says
I don’t disagree with the issues that the FO are rumored to have with DLo. I think the question for me continues to be the timing of the Mozgov/DLo trade. I haven’t read anything that would suggest they couldn’t do this trade during the season. It seems like Magic and Rob want to get this PG trade done before the draft and we’ll see how much they are willing to pay to make it happen. If this is the case, the pressure is now on Magic and Rob to get Indy to bite, so they have less leverage.
If the the Lakers end up keeping the 27th pick, then the FO has traded the incremental value DLo could have created next year through improved play for the value of a 27th pick. Despite the issues I have with DLo’s effort, I do expect him to be better especially going into his 3rd year than a late-first-round rookie.
CraigW. says
More than Deng – who can play the #4 – the Mozgov contract was the single most unmovable contract the Lakers had. Russell was going to be usurped by Ball as the Laker leader and primary ball handler. Russell’s maturity and attitude was not beloved by either Byron Scott or Luke Walton – never mind Magic Johnson.
I agree, running down Russell and lowering his value was a rather dumb move. However, all the GMs in the league were not unaware of DLO’s foibles – see numerous blogs, articles, and quotes.
Now we are able to get Lopez on a one-year contract and a first round pick (why not #22 is something I do question) is not nothing for solving two problems.
CraigW. says
Listen to the Mason/Ireland podcast from ESPN LA. A good bit of information from someone (John Ireland) who is very happy with the trade. Podcast will be up after 2pm PDT.
Dan says
Mason and Ireland are a joke. The fact these two bit unfunny “broadcasters” actually still have a show is unbelievable. It shows you that no one actually listens to radio anymore. Their ratings are so low they don’t even crack the top 20 stations in LA.
Ireland is easily the worst play by play guy in the NBA. It was about $$ I grew up listening to Chick. This is a travesty this clown even has a job in sports
Marcos Guedes says
Trade for Paul George now.
Sign CP3 in july.
Wait for their buddy.
Joe Black says
This was a great trade. Dlo isn’t a franchise cornerstone hence dispensable.
Old Timer says
Well, Russell trade meant clearing salary caps, getting a nimble center with shooting touch outside the perimeter plus D and preparing more room to operate for the new PG. I don’t know why others put so much value on Russell when he ball hogs and gets into hotdog fancy passing leading to TO’s. His former Coach communicated this to him, his new Coach tolerated it but just kept quiet about it, in since Lakers were tanking in order to protect the first three picks.
Mozgov is slow and out of place in a fastbreak tempo, Brooks Lopez is better replacement and if it doesn’t pan out, it is just one year plan. He will be challenged to perform knowing the tradition of this team in producing great Centers. This is the best opportunity for Brook to shine and get a quantum leap from moribund teams before. In the end, Russell was the key in clearing salary caps and getting BL. Should we be expecting a follow up from FO, not that easy. No teams want to help the Lakers while other players loved to talk about the Lakers to beef up their values. In retrospect, Magic and Rob provide them too with fake interests and more rumors to waste their salary allowances by overpaying their players.
Dana says
I like the deal. If you listen carefully, you hear from all directions that Russell is not well-liked, has an attitude problem and is not a good leader. And frankly, he’s just not good enough to be worth those anchors. Plus, I think he has a good chance to start over and thrive in NJ, with a coach that might be able to get the best from him.
Unloading Mozgov was a huge blessing, and not just for the cap space. Moz does not fit in Walton’s system. And let’s not forget that Brook Lopez is for real, and just the kind of “stretch 5” that Walton will love. Rent him for a year, it can only be good. Re-sign him if you don’t get George and a second max player. He’s only 29, and he’ll be around for a long time, and he can stretch the floor and give you 18/10 every night. Plus he’s a real 3-pt threat.
My only real concern is having the 27 and 28 picks and no one to take them. Lakers do not need 3 more kids, nor the cap hit, and “draft and stash” foreign players is still a bad option. Magic got the extra pick hoping Indiana would bite. They may yet, but it’s not looking good. I hope Magic has another deal on the string so he doesn’t go into draft night with them both.
drrayeye says
On a big list of “to do” items the Lakers faced was not only to free up cap space, but to have an experienced quality big that is mobile and can shoot the 3. Seemed almost impossible. Only a few in the NBA. Brooke Lopez was one of the few. Now we have him for next year . . .
Until Lonzo became available, Russell was almost untradeable. Now, he’s redundant: maybe he’s better off where he can develop under the protective mentoring of Jeremy Lin.
It appears that the Pacers will continue to dither–and the offers for Paul George will continue to decline. They now know that the Lakers will have the assets to win him outright as a free agent next year.
I saw the Lakers doing at least one trade and bid on one free agent this year. If it’s a free agent, I don’t think the bid will be at the level of a Griffin or Howard unless a sign and trade. I expect at least one more trade–even if Paul George isn’t traded to the Lakers this season.
I think that Magic and Pelenka have a big picture Laker concept they are working toward that focuses their team building activities: IMO, it’s not a “build from the ground up.” Nor is it a “swing for the fences” to get LeBron. It’s step by pragmatic step.
So far, I like what they’ve done.
Lakers17 says
For those of you who think Brook Lopez has any future with the Lakers, he’s a below average defender and rebounder for his size. If the Lakers commit any salary long term to him as some are suggesting if the Lakers can’t sign two better max free agents in 2018, in 2-3 years when he starts his decline, and he doesn’t have very much to fall, the Lakers will be saddled with a worse problem than Mozgov.
SamSinister says
Zubac … is The Future ! (I hope, anyway … I like the guy..)
Concerned says
Likely that, if Lopez stays, he’ll play a lot of stretch 4. Little known fact is that he hit just 1 fewer 3 pt shot that Russell last year (135 to 134).
Since they have Brook’s Bird Rights its possible for the Lakers to sign him and go over the cap. If the Lakers can get a hometown discount (Lopez is from the greater LA area) then it wouldn’t surprise me if he stayed.
Agreed, though, that signing him to a max extension would be very bad business — he’s more of an offensive player than a defensive one.
Lakers17 says
Actually, Brook Lopez cap hold would prevent Lakers from signing two max agents. That loophole was closed so that teams couldn’t just sign a bunch of free agents, then sign their own players.
What Lakers would have to do is renounce his rights first, which would remove his massive cap hold. But they would lose his Bird Rights, so they couldn’t then go over the cap.
A Horse With No Name says
You are correct about Lopez’s defense and rebounding–especially his rebounding. If Lopez remains a laker this coming season (who knows), and Randle isn’t traded away, this could be very a very complimentary paring as Randle’s rebounding and movement would offset Lopez’s limitations and open the floor offensively to driving to the hoop for the wings.
Archon says
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’m actually Bearish on Randle’s potential but I think his skill set might match perfectly with Lopez’s skills (and limitations).
Ed says
Cap space never won anything,and you have to have enough assets to make it attractive for multiple max FA`s to sign up.The rumors about giving up both Clarkson and Randle to sign PG this year is not a good sign,or this deal could be part of a package which isn`t finalized yet,and might or might not involve PG.
CraigW. says
If I understand it correctly, the deal was for either Clarkson or Randle, not both of them.
Mid-Wilshire says
I’d be rather surprised if the Lakers were to trade Clarkson at this point. They have already traded Lou Williams and D’Angelo Russell and will probably let Nick Young walk into the land of Free Agency.
As a result, they are officially very thin at the guard position. In fact, currently their guards consist of Jordan Clarkson (a probably starter next year), Cory Brewer, David Nwaba (if the Lakers keep him), and Tyler Ennis (if the Lakers keep him). That’s it.
Right now, the Lakers would be ill-advised to trade a canary let alone Jordan Clarkson. Of course, the draft has yet to occur. (I expect the Lakers to take 2, even 3 guards in the draft.) But even so, the Lakers guard position currently is not deep. I’m sure they’re aware of that.
Gweno says
When FO does nothing, wrong. When does it’s wrong.
It was a risky move, but still a move. In 2015 we’ve got a chance to trade for Boogie and what did happen??
Remember that Magic is a real leader and he talked to Kobe and others…I can miss, however I think PG is coming!
Lakers17 says
What worries me is that my worst fears have been realized. We should never assume that those in authority know what they are doing. When Mitch traded away Odom to the Mavs for a trade exemption, I kept waiting for the second part of that, but it never came. When there were all these crazy rumors the last four weeks, everyone assumed that it must be some genius move by Magic and Rob to gain some leverage in the draft to get Ball AND another asset. But it’s more likely that Magic and Rob were all over the place with their evaluations, with every evaluation completely changing their mind about the player, either positively or negatively.
For instance after they see Fultz, in an instant they try to trade for him. Instead of playing coy and making it look like they’re not really interested.
I get the sense that the other GMs are taking advantage of Magic and Rob’s inexperience.
It’s like that old saying about poker. If you don’t know who the sucker is at the table, you’re probably the sucker.
As for PG, what he should have done if he really wanted to come to the Lakers, is to have told Indy nothing and just left in 2018. Now the Lakers are scrambling and wasting their assets, and he’s going to join a more depleted team, which is exactly what he was trying to avoid. Now, Indy HAS to trade him before opening night because how uncomfortable is it going to be for him on opening night in Indy? Or with his teammates?
CraigW. says
If we make no more trades, then I think we need an older PG who can defend several positions (Josh Hart) and a wing who is a 3&D (Jonah Bolden). Of course I expect D.J. Wilson, Justin Jackson, and Semi Ojeleye to be gone by #27.
Anonymous says
Looks like Nick Young will opt out.
It would be hilarious if the Nets offered him a great contract and he signs with them.
Old Timer says
IMO, bad advice to opt out at this time when his stock has watered down especially coming from a cellar dweller (tanking) team. He hasn’t done anything spectacular yet. He should have taken the option and improve his d and ppg especially under a PG known to be a distributor than a ball hog, then get multi year contract next season. Luv the easy going P who blends with Hollywood but his limited talents would not give him major roles even with other teams.
Chearn says
If Russell’s on court hubris replicated his sound bite and meme “ice water in the veins” mentality I doubt that management or a sector of the fan base would mind his inability to accept direction. But, alas, that is not the case. D’Angelo has an opportunity to gain a new fan base in New Jersey. After all, they are desperate to cheer for someone. Russell can and should be a reserve if not an all-star in the East. If in a few years, he can outplay Kemba Walker or Isaiah Thomas. in a few years.
In regards to Ball, that kid is a hands-down winner.
Does anyone wonder why Zeke was at Lonzo’s home? No doubt, he was there as one of the legendary point guards to enter the league at an early age to access Lonzo’s career arc in that same rigorous position. Moreover, Thomas was there to gauge Ball’s receptivity to tutelage from someone with no power position or connection to the team. This was a slick under-the-radar evaluation from someone outside the organization. The Lakers are doing their due diligence in this draft’s selection. Not that they didn’t in previous drafts but this new regime is also putting in the work.
Calvin says
Agree completely that Isaiah was doing undercover work for his boy Magic. Also have the same gut instinct about Lonzo. I like his quiet, confident demeanor and those cold-blooded eyes. It’s clear to me that he was raised very well by good parents and has a solid core. Don’t fault Lavar one bit – I’m sure he worked (and is working) his ass off raising that family and if he is right about his son, we shall surely discover it in the next 12 months or so. Regarding DLo, the words “We should trade Russell” came out of my mouth countless times last season. I think his talent level has been quite exaggerated -the conclusion i reached from watching him extensively is that he possesses average athleticism and very little grit, fight, killer instinct, versatility in his game, attention to detail etc. etc. Leadership comes directly from those attributes, and I don’t think DLo’s ego would have coped well with being overshadowed by Lonzo in the future. So giving up on him now was a prudent move, before another season allowed his value to depreciate further. Magic and Rob did a good job of protecting him as an asset, but I would suspect they made the decision to move him a long time ago. And Jordan Clarkson, for all the rather undeserved flack he took last season for his shortcomings, is a much better and more entertaining all-around player than DLO, and I expect him to flourish in an off guard position next to Lonzo. So far, a cautious thumbs up to FO with hopes they stay the course, and simply make good draft picks tomorrow night, starting with Lonzo.
KenOak says
Looks like Phil is going to trade Porzingis for a bag of chips and a mountain dew. That’s insane.
R says
PJ has gone around the bend, I think. Time has passed him by. Hubris personified. Not the Lakers problem – I’m glad of that. He wants a top 4 pick for Porzingas eh? Well … ‘cmon Magic!
Vasheed says
I will actually be a little disappointed if the Lakers don’t make a trade for Porzingis today. I would not give Phil a chance to change his mind.
R says
Your 2017-2018 LA Lakers:
Porzingas
Ingram
Lopez
Clarkson
PG
Just sayin’
KevTheBold says
Give our 2 pick for Porzingas, and have Clarkson be our point guard?
No, simply No !
Just sayin’
R says
They’ll find a PG if they can land Porzingas!
KevTheBold says
Find one? As if good ones grow on trees.
Point guards are the most important piece of on team; and Ball has the potential to make a team great. He may be the best pg in decades.
Can’t say the same for Porzingas at his position, otherwise he would not be on the chopping block.
Diogo Toscano says
If we trade for Paul George now or sign him next Summer, then Russell’s trade make completely sense. But if we aren’t able to do so by the end of next window, then it will all be for nothing and we will regreat the trade.
But I don’t think we will be able to sign 2 all-stars next year, even with PG really joining us. First of all, it would be wiser to get 2-3 role players with that money, and then there’s the fact that the salary CAP is below what the teams expected, right? With the new CAP’s annoucment we won’t be able to sign 2 max on next summer. Am I right?
Also, how can Paul George and Ingram fit in the same team? Would PG play as PF? Couldn’t his presence decrease BI growing?
Lakers17 says
I agree that we likely won’t get two max free agents. But signing role players and wasting cap space is not a good idea. That will make the Lakers perpetual low to mid playoff team for years.
I’d rather that they develop their youngsters and if they ever pan out, and get close to winning a championship, then add role players.
R says
Yea ‘zingas @ PF.
BI will have to deal.
Renato Afonso says
Is Porzingis really available? I was sooo wrong about him. When he was playing in Spain he didn’t look ready in the NBA. Sure, he had potential but he looked so slow and so weak that he felt like a project. Couldn’t have foreseen how the different rules would help him thrive…
Anyway, is he really available? Or is this all a smokescreen?
A Horse With No Name says
#2 and Randle for Zingis and knicks #9. Trade #9 to Minnesota for Rubio. Throw in one of the first rounders as a sweetener to the knicks. Pursue Hayward with our exciting new talent as a lure. PG can join lakers in FA. Fill in roster with some thick bodied vets. Length and skill for days.
Lakers17 says
Not bad, although in today’s NBA gotta shoot better than Rubio. I can’t figure out why Rubio can’t shoot better. If he could, he’d be an all star.
R says
Who knows with PJ – he’s such a trickster.
Still, if he wants to do something so dumb, the Lakers should facilitate his folly.
FredP says
Slow and weak have been issues for what the Knicks would like Porzingas to do. He arrived in better shape than expected but he is a tweener between a 4 and a 5. He is too slow to defend out to the 3 point line and too weak to defend under the rim. The frustration is that he is the logical post player in the triangle but he is not making anyone forget Shaq. See what the Celtics offer the Knicks to get an idea of how highly he is valued.