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It’s Draft Day!

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It’s NBA draft day and honestly, my head is spinning. While Wednesday was a bit calmer on the NBA news front, several deals have already been made and there are so many rumors about potential deals it’s impossible to keep track. To recap, this is what has happened and what people are reporting will (or in some cases, won’t) happen:

Real

Rumors

This isn’t even a comprehensive list, either. But it shows how active this period is, turning the week of the draft into a mini free agency all its own.

The question I think most of us have, though, is what will the Lakers do next? I shudder to make a prediction, honestly. We simply have too little data on this front office to even guess. Logically speaking, though, I would imagine that:

1. The Lakers draft Lonzo Ball. I just don’t see trading Russell and then also passing on Ball. The Lakers need a lead ball handler and, even if a trade for George happens, you still need a point guard and, no offense to him, it’s not Jordan Clarkson.

2. They continue to work the phones on Paul George. If what Windhorst is reporting above is true, the Pacers list of viable suitors is down one of the most intriguing options for George as a long term destination. George’s agent is reportedly telling teams that whoever trades for his client can expect it to be a rental, but that being true today doesn’t make it true a year from today. Other teams are still going to put their bids in and I think the Lakers will be one of them. Now, if I were making an offer, I would not include Randle (though I can understand an argument for doing so), with my “take it or leave it” proposition including Clarkson, a 1st rounder this year (27 or 28), and a future (heavily protected) 1st rounder. Again, if I were the Pacers, that wouldn’t move the needle enough for me, but if I’m the Lakers, I’m not sweetening it more than that.

Of course, all of that could be wrong. For all I know the Lakers will trade the #2 pick or look to get in on the Porzingis sweepstakes or do something drastic on George. Again, I just don’t have a feel for this FO and after they moved on from Russell, I’m taking a step back to acknowledge that they are too unpredictable for me at this stage and I need more data.

Which, honestly, is one of the things I am looking forward to today and over the next few weeks. The first major decision the team has made (I don’t count the Lou Williams trade) is one that I do not really agree with, but beyond that it gives us a peek into what their potential plan is. Today/tonight, with the draft, we get another peek. And another in free agency. Etc, etc. So, not only am I excited to welcome the newest member to the team and get excited about that, I’m anxious to see the outcome of this process leading up to today.


Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. WWL says

    Wizards have traded their 2nd rounder, #52 for Tim Frazier. Underrated but awesome move for them.

  2. Tar Baby says

    Don’t think Indy is posturing….think it’s a calculated risk that they’ll get a better offer than Randle/Clarkson + 2 late firsts from a contender at the deadline.

    They’re probably also thinking the Lakers will make a comparable offer at the deadline as well – and that’s their fall-back position.

    Looking at your own Cap Tracker (which is AWESOME, btw) it’s not too risky….it really behooves the Lakers to acquire George’s Bird Rights via trade vs. sign as a FA – they know the Lakers will make a deal.

  3. R says

    Porzingas can play in the NBA and is likely to get still better once he’s out of PJ’s funhouse.
    It’s unknown if Ball’s game, enticing as it is, will translate to the big show. (I really wonder if he’ll be able to get that weird jump shot of his off against adults).
    If PJ is looking for #4 to move ‘zingas, well I haven’t taken math in school for awhile, but 2>4. Fine that Clarkson isn’t the Lakers PG of choice, but again, they can find one of those.
    The caveat would be, like the old cliche, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That’s why Pelinka/Magic were hired.
    We’ll know soon enough.

    • KevTheBold says

      As we all know all too well, Jackson is no fool. He knows something about Porzingas that we don’t.

      I’d rather take a chance of a transformative player, than one who is being traded away.
      Better to have hope for a bright future, than someone else’s used merchandise.

      Anthony Irwin: “He – {Ball} still has the highest upside and would fit quite well with guys like LeBron James or Russell Westbrook should they come next summer. Even if they don’t come, if he lives up to his full potential, the Lakers would have arguably the best player in the draft. ”

      I Agree !

      • Fern says

        I dont think how PJ cannot be considered a fool when he allowed that no-trade clause in Melo’s contract and he’s willing to trade a player that he should be building around. Porzingus is REALLY good and is going to get better. PJ might not be a fool but what he is is petty. He is salty because the kid blew the exit interview. Why? Becaude the Knicks are horribly run and full of drama. And people were clamoring for him to come back and run the Lakers. We dodged that bullet…

    • Pantherhare says

      Number 2 pick by itself will not be enough. ESPN is reporting the Celtics are offering the number 3 AND a lottery pick they hope to acquire for Porzingas.

      “The Celtics have offered the Knicks a deal for Kristaps Porzingis that includes their No. 3 pick, an additional lottery pick that they think they can acquire tonight and a player, executives familiar with Boston’s offer told ESPN. Obviously, the trade would be contingent on Boston acquiring that pick, which would likely be ahead of the Knicks’ No. 8 pick. It is unclear at this point if the Knicks have interest in the trade. Phil Jackson said the club is taking calls on trades for Porzingis.”

  5. R says

    PJ talking two starters and a draft pick, or more, for ‘zingas.
    So nevermind – it’s Phil being Phil. He can’t help himself.

    • Jeremy G says

      I think Porzingas is and will continue to be better than Ingram throughout their careers. I’d trade Ingram, Randle, and the 27th pick for him. Adding PG as a FA next year puts us in competitive mode quick. With Ball, Zingas, and PG in our starting line up, we’d have a strong core with a 6 year window till PG loses a step. (10+ years with Ball and Zingas though.) If we can clear up more cap and get rid of Deng, than maybe we can add even another star as well and really get in “win now mode.” I think a trade for Zingas while keeping the number two pick could really get the “Ball rolling.” ?

  6. Terrets says

    CAP SPACE QUESTION.
    Assume Paul George comes to the Lakers via a trade. The Lakers would own his Bird Rights for next year, no? So, how does that play into our recently opened Cap Space with respect to 2018 free agents?

    Specifically, if we get Paul George via trade, extend him via Bird Rights, can we still offer TWO free agents the MAX??? Anyone know?

    • Clay Bertrand says

      Generally speaking, Bird Rights allow the team holding the rights to exceed the salary cap to resign the player they hold the right on. I believe that in such a scenario with Paul George, if the Lakers acquire him via trade and therefore acquire his Bird Rights, they COULD conceivably act to sign OTHER free agents with their available Cap Space, and THEN they can exceed the cap (incurring luxury taxes) to resign George using the Bird Rights provision.

      That is how it has worked in the past. However, I never see anyone mention much about this way of maneuvering around the Cap for the Lakers next Summer. I don’t know if things have changed but that is the way Bird Rights have worked in the past.

    • DMW says

      No. They’ll have a cap hold for George if they want to use their Bird rights, so that will eat up all of the cap except for enough for one max contract.

      There is NO WAY for the Lakers to get George and two max contracts. The cap is roughly $100 Million. To get 3 max players, the Lakers would have only about $10 Million in contracts. That would mean getting rid of everybody except for whoever they draft this afternoon.

      • Lakers17 says

        Yes, the cap holds prevent teams from getting around that loop hole of first signing other free agents then signing their own players.

        There is actually one way. That’s to acquire the Bird Rights to all three. They would need to get PG for the two late first round and Clarkson/Randell. If OKC isn’t doing well, and they think they’ll lose Westbrook in free agency, Lakers could get him with with Ball plus Lopez expiring plus fillers, and if Cleveland thinks Lebron really is leaving, rather than lose him for nothing in 2018, possibly trade him for Ingram, Randell, maybe even 2020 1st rounder, maybe even Clarkson to make salary match. This is assuming BI and Ball make significant strides and show promise, the two late picks pan out and is worth it to Indy, etc. Then the Lakers would hold the Bird Rights to Westbrook, LBJ, and PG and can re-sign them to go over the cap. Without these guys taking a major salary cut, there’s no other way. Doubt this will happen however. It’s like an 7-8 NFL team hoping to make the playoffs and need six other games to go their way, and they haven’t even won their own game.

      • Anonymous says

        I agree. 3 Max players is an impossibility at this point. I think that they COULD carve out space for 2 though. What would George’s Cap Hold figure be I wonder?? Its not the Max contract rate. For the right players, they could clear the decks to create space. At least, that’s the hope.

        • Tar Baby says

          Check the spreadsheet I posted above. It’s from this site and it pretty much covers all realistic scenarios and assumptions.

          The Lakers can definitely do 2 Max (PG+ or 2 others) but they’d have to make some sacrifices.

          Best case looks like trading for George now and then signing a max in 2018.

  7. Travis Y says

    Entirely agree with Darius’ perspective and many others who feel that we sold too low on Russell. Let me ask a few questions…

    Does he have maturity issues? Yes
    Does he have a quick first step? No
    Is he a defensive liability?
    Is he a PG?
    Does he make his teammates better?

    The answer to these last three questions should shape the way you view Russell.

    He was tasked to be a PG, but in reality he’s a SG in the NBA. He doesn’t have the first step to blow by his defender and draw the defense. Thus, it limits his ability to get assists. By being 6’5, he’s tall by PG standards and gets blown by on a consistent basis on defense, which causes our bigs to give up layups, offensive rebounds or easy assists.

    All this being said, he’s on his way to becoming a solid offensive player and needs to be on a team that allows him to match up against SGs! Having him guard elite and athletic point guards is a recipe for disaster (why we are ranked 30 in defensive efficiency). And this is a point that I hope the Lakers realize when we draft Lonzo. If Lonzo plays PG on offense, then that’s fine. But you better get a defensive guard to help a rookie who is 6’5 and not ready to defend elite and athletic point guards (Kyrie, Lillard, Westbrook, CP3, etc.).

    I just don’t understand why we make this move now if we aren’t able to a larger haul in return (Porzingis anyone?) The Nets are in 0 position to demand anything and if this was a trade to get assets to get PG13, then make the trade. But if the assets you get from the Russell trade are not enough to get PG13, then WAIT until Russell’s value goes up and see how it goes with Lonzo and Russell. His value couldn’t get any lower and the Nets still make this trade at the end of the year.

    • Old Timer says

      Supposing Russell was not traded, can he guard/stop Kyrie, Lilliard, CP3, Westbrook, Parker, Bledsoe, Lowry, Isaiah etc. at 2. So he can be relied offensively but not on d and wastes 24 seconds with the ball possession based on his dribbling style. On Russell moved, the Nets AGREED in absorbing Mozgov monstrous contract plus giving away a more efficient center in Brook Lopez. Next move, based on Magic/Pelinka statements, they will engage in trade with the intention of improving the team. LouWill was a great acquisition but traded for the purpose in protecting draft pick this year plus clearing caps. If that is the case, Clarkson or Randle will be moved only if they can get George or better player, if no move occurs, good for the Lakers, then wait for 2018 maybe James, George, Westbrook or Cousins are the next target without cramming in clearing cap space. What’s good in this FO, there is a vision to be great not just dependent in chasing the best players in the market. Franchised players wanted rings, true worth, 2nd money and fame. I think Magic/Rob is in the process of creating that environment compared to Jim/Mitch moves.

  8. Gman says

    If LAL trade Clarkson in wake of trading Russell, with Swaggy P opting out, who is their starting 2 guard alongside rookie Lonzo? Seems to me it would have to be Paul George, whom I always thought was a forward, so that we have backcourt covered and have Ingram starting. Then, you are thin at small forward. Though I don’t like idea of trading Randle, it seems to me that spot is where they have more depth with Nance, Deng, and Ingram capable of playing there, plus option of resigning possibly TRobinson. That said, I think Randle is set up to be a stud. I would prefer they offered them the two lower draft picks and, at most, Nance and kept Randle, if I have to pick. I wouldn’t want to give up BOTH Russell and Clarkson. But that’s just me.

    • Clay Bertrand says

      People discount Brandon Ingram’s ability to slide into the 2 spot. Some talent people pegged the 2 as his best fit coming into the league last year. I could see Ingram at the 2 if the Lakers acquired George. Clarkson would still come off the bench in that scenario.

  9. Hale says

    Pacers saw the Nets get a recent number 2 draft pick for a salary dump. Why would they assume their multi-all star asset should get them less? Maybe it was an effective move but the Russell trade looks bad from the outside.

  10. Roy says

    Clarkson is a ball hog, trade him. If Randle was going to be great, he already would be. let’s think about, trading Lakers first round pick for any super start would be a wise thing to do. When can you rememmber the last time a 1st or 2nd rpick in the draft becamse a super start. Like Jerry west said, that is the unknown. Everyone get’s so hung up on the draft, yea, and look what we got in the last three or four. I would rather have a proven vet., at lease you know what you have. I would trade the 2nd round pick in a heart bet for Paul Geroge. I would trade Imgram in a hearth bet for a star. Why hang on to kids, thinking someday they may be a start, get the stars now, and when now.

  11. csi says

    The Knicks asking price for Porzingis from the Celtics is reportedly as follows:

    1) #3 pick
    2) 2018 first round draft pick from Nets
    3) Jaylen Brown
    4) Jae Crowder

    If we were to reformulate this based on the Lakers assets, it might look like this:

    1) #2 pick
    2) 2019 first round draft pick
    3) Brandon Ingram
    4) Jordan Clarkson

    Is this too much for Porzingis?

    • R says

      Yes it is too much.
      It comes back to gutting an already talent deficient team for a guy who isn’t KAJ or MJ.

    • Lakers17 says

      Definitely too much. Also, they can’t trade 2019 first round pick. They could offer 2020 however. Lakers can’t trade that either because LaVar ball said that they need that to pick LaMelo Ball.

  12. Alexander says

    I hated the trade at first, but it might be a neutral to great, then more I thought about it.
    Ultimately the net of it depends on whether DLO’s value will increase in the next two years. There is little doubt that he will get better, as he’s already a promising player and likely fringe all-star or more in the making. How much better will he get as he comes closer to his payday, which is max? What if he remains a capable player but a team distraction (an immature Dwight) and still no D? What do you do with someone who is not a leader, aka the prototype of what champions are made of? What is his value then? There is a chance Lopez, the piece no one is talking about, could actually fit that mold (and be re-signed, assuming no LBJ or Boogie) better than DLO ever will.

    Darius expressed my feelings as well, we just don’t have enough yet to assess this FO. But, I’ve spent time watching interviews/intonations/unsaids of FO and friends of FO, and I am starting to get a sense of what the FO strategy is. Magic wants to build a champion and a dynasty, not just a playoff team. He expects Pat Riley conditioning, Pop character and defensive focus, Magic lockerroom positiveness, and Kobe gym rat-ness and continuous improvement. He will clear out anyone who doesn’t qualify and will build from there. He’s lucky in starting with several young pieces with real promise of fitting the mold he wants – BI, LNJ, Zu. Those three look like a future all star and two above average starters to me. Paul George is all that and an established talent in his prime. If we can get one more in the draft and one in FA, we’ll get (at the start of) there in 15 months, not some untold number of years.

    We will know Magic’s assessment of LBall later today, how much has been smoke and mirrors and how much true intent. Personally, I disagree with the widely held view of LB being a slow shooter and incapable defender, he’ll be a great shooter and decent defender in time, given his instincts and rapid reactions, while making everyone better with his passing and feel. For the Lakers to win it all in this era, it will take LB quickly becoming a real star, a taller Steve Nash.

    PS: In addition to Zu, I am crazy high on Nwaba, and think he will be the best pairing with LB in our backcourt. The best +/- wherever he plays, he defends smalls and bigs, he cuts and dunks, he’s a winner. He’s my dark horse for 4th on the list of quality youngins, a rotational glue player like Showtime Coop.

    Today is likely the most important day for the future of our Lakers of the next ten years. I wish us a glorious day. If the day is done with LB and all our youngins in place, it will be very good. If it’s LB, PG, and the youth I mentioned staying, it will be great. If we don’t get/keep LB, or Magic guts the core for PG, it will be a sad one. Fingers crossed.

    • Clay Bertrand says

      I am also a Nwaba fan. I think he’s really got potential if he can learn to hit the 3 ball. He’s pure effort and a his D makes him a nice backcourt mate for our defensively challenged guards. AND he’s cheap, young, and a local product.

      I also like Thomas Robinson. For different reasons. I feel like the Lakers DO NOT NEED to draft a Jordan Bell type of raw energy physical 4 because Robinson seemed to really grow into that role. I think he’s hungry and has matured a lot since coming into the league. He plays with an edge too and was ALWAYS prepared coming into the game it seemed. Like Nwaba, he SHOULD be relatively cheap as well.

      • Alexander says

        I agree. TRob played hard and really well at the end of last season. I was assuming he’ll be re-signed as long as he didn’t drive his price above vet min. But his response to his exit interview seemed down, in contrast to Tyler Ennis, who came out beaming, i.e. with a likely assurance he’ll get a modest deal in July. Tyler is practicing with the team now, I haven’t heard a peep on TRob.

        There is also a new structural reason to agree with your comment. The 2017 draft order is tremendously tilted to smalls, with literally dozens of quality (non-stretch) bigs hoping for a break in late 1st or later. The new NBA style of play is not reflected in the big/small incoming funnel, so smalls are at a premium. This suggests it’s better to stockpile and develop smalls or tweeners going forward and grab available bargain bigs as FA’s. TRob is good enough, use the pick(s) on Ferguson, OG, Evans, etc.

    • Charles Forslund says

      From my own unsophisticated perspective, I appreciate Alexander’s comment, and agree. Dudes who want to play, every game – not just when they’re in the mood, are the sort I value. Russell is skilled, no doubt, but his attitude, to me, did not suggest the kind of team player who puts out every time they’re on the floor(like LNJ, or Robinson, or Nwaba, or Black). Perhaps it would have been interesting to see him at the 2 with Ball as point, but I wonder about how his personality would deal with not being the leader and what problems might result. So far, as an average fan, I’m OK with the way things have gone (so far…).

  13. Clay Bertrand says

    Great. Now the Spurs are gonna drive up the price for Paul George. Smh…….. Lakers better not be bluffed into trading the #2 pick to Indy…….

  14. FredP says

    Hey Darius, thanks for all the fresh content the past few days. It is a crazy time to be a Lakers fan and it helps to have some perspective on what is going on. Your post nails today’s drama and the most reasonable actions the FO might take.

    Ball has the potential far too high a ceiling to pass on. He has shown a great feel and understanding of the game so his floor is pretty high as well. He is the epitome of an efficient player and should have little trouble adapting to the shorter shot clock. The only way the Russell trade makes sense to me is if his knee is a real concern. If he has to get the PRP injections during the season, then he will never hold up through the playoffs. Otherwise he has almost all of the boxes checked for a productive guard in today’s NBA. He will be missed.

  15. Alexander says

    This draft class is deep and weird. From Draftexpress, picks 18-41 could almost go in any order, brimming with a typical year’s mid-1st-round talent. Having two picks in the middle of that range (assuming PG deal does not occur today) and our superb scouting department, there is a real chance we end up with a couple of studs tonight. Honestly, my ideal PG trade is JR, RC and the 2020 1st, and neither 2017. We get another $24m in cap relief next year, while backfilling the players with cheaper options, as their minutes will go to BI, Nwaba, LNJ and even Deng till he’s dumped or stretched next summer.

  16. csi says

    I’m still not sure I understand why the Lakers-Nets trade has not been officially announced by either team, when the Celtics-Sixers trade was posted on their web sites the same day.

    Anyone have an insider’s understanding of why this might be?

  22. Chris J says

    Great writing by ESPN.com’s Baxter Holmes in a story headlined: “Lonzo Ball heads to Lakers as No. 2 overall pick”

    Story reads: It’s unclear yet how Ball, whom the Lakers worked out twice, will fit in with the team’s backcourt of D’Angelo Russell, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, and Jordan Clarkson, who is entering his fourth season after averaging 14.7 points in the 2016-17 campaign.

    Either Baxter’s been under a rock this week, or he knows something no one else does about the Lakers-Nets deal falling apart. I suspect the former.

  24. RR says

    Adrian Wojnarowski?Verified account @WojVerticalNBA 8m8 minutes ago
    More
    Indiana and Boston are engaged in serious talks on a Paul George trade, league sources tell @TheVertical.

  25. RR says

    Adrian Wojnarowski?Verified account @WojVerticalNBA 8m8 minutes ago
    More
    Indiana and Boston are engaged in serious talks on a Paul George trade, league sources tell @TheVertical.