After Thursday’s NBA draft, Lakers’ General Manager Rob Pelinka spoke to the press about the selections the team made and what his plans for the future would be. At one point, when speaking about the D’Angelo Russell trade, Pelinka pivoted to wanting to maintain cap flexibility in order to sign two max level free agents in the future.
This prompted ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne to ask the following question:
The ability to add two max salaried guys, that’s thinking big; that’s swinging big. And they did that here once, what makes you think you can actually get those guys?
Rather than transcribe Pelinka’s answer, which was quite long, I think I can summarize it thusly: with Magic now at the head of basketball ops, there’s a new energy in the building that inspires a sense of confidence. Pelinka noted that this feeling isn’t just limited to the team, its staff, etc, but could be felt during the pre-draft workout process via prospects giving off a vibe of wanting to play for the Lakers; to wanting to be a part of where this organization is going. Pelinka also gets the sense this is true of players around the league and, via conversations and anecdotally, he believes the new energy and believing positively in what they’re doing is going to work out for them.
If this sounds somewhat familiar, it should.
I remember (then head coach) Byron Scott saying players were telling him during games that they wanted to play for the Lakers. I remember Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak clearing cap space to sign marquee free agents, confident that they’d reel them in. I mean, I remember Jim Buss being so confident in his ability to get stars to join the team that he actually told his siblings that he would step down if the team wasn’t a “contender” in the next three seasons.
Of course, 3 years later Jim Buss was relieved of his duties by his sister. So, it didn’t really work out for Jim now, did it?
I’m not coming to bury Magic and Pelinka. Stevie Wonder can see the difference in charisma and gravitas they bring in comparison to their predecessors. Plus, Magic Johnson really is a legend in and around the league. He is Showtime personified, flashing a million dollar smile and making you feel like you belong right there next to him as basketball royalty. He can pour it on a little thick sometimes, but he’s always selling you on what greatness can be around the corner and making you believe you can not only be a part of that, but be a key part in bringing it to fruition.
Another point that isn’t made enough is that the previous regime’s efforts to hoard cap space was, in essence, misguided in a lot of ways. I was a firm believer that as Kobe declined the Lakers should have been looking to add value contracts for mid-tier players who could help move the needle in the win/loss column steadily, rather than in huge chunks like superstars. With the team’s cap situation and how much money they’d dedicated to Kobe, they could never really add the number of stars they needed to anyway, which really hurt their chances when in the room with the biggest names.
Those failures, then, only served to taint the perception of them as recruiters. They couldn’t close. They focused too much on off-court opportunities. And on and on. After a while they couldn’t get meetings at all. And then, in the wake of that, they signed veterans to outsized contracts to make up for their inability to not lure the big names they chased in the first place.
For Magic and Pelinka, then, I can understand them believing they’ll have a better shot than Jim and Mitch. First of all, they actually have some young players who have the chance to be good. There is a foundation now and even if you have questions about how good some of these guys will be, it’s a discussion you can actually have and argue your side in the affirmative without coming off like a crazy person. Managing to keep nearly all off these players in house (to this point only Russell, which still upsets me, has been traded), while having cap space can be meaningful and shouldn’t be taken lightly.
I mean, just listen to Magic’s response to a question about whether the clearing of cap space and taking this approach is him betting on himself:
After the recent Lakers free agent whiffs I asked Magic if clearing cap space for A
another run was a bet on himself… pic.twitter.com/yN8XgQTr1D— J.A. Adande (@jadande) June 23, 2017
(video via ESPN’s J.A. Adande)
I mean, I want to believe him. Look at him! He’s so confident! Here’s the thing, though. And maybe I’m repeating myself, but it bears repeating — it needs to work this time. There’s really no other way to say it. Magic just undid one of the previous regime’s biggest mistakes by trading away one of their most promising young players. And now he’ll have the cap room and spending power to execute his plan. Just like he said, he wouldn’t have done the move if he didn’t think he’d be able to spend the money.
Let’s just hope he’s not spending it on another Deng or Mozgov. Because when you listen to Magic’s words, they sound a lot like those of the guys who did just that.
Joe Black says
Until Magic gives a 4 year contract to a Mosgov or Deng I wouldn’t say he sounds like Jim. In reality the last regime were on the right track until they signed those 2 head scratching deals (which were made in truth due to the Buss family infighting). So far Magic and Rob have made good moves (including trading away Dlo).
bmcburney says
The Mosgov contract was a bad idea and the Deng contract was a low percentage bet that turned out to badly. Neither of those moves compares to trading Dlo. There is a good chance that Russel will be an All Star in the next three years when he is 24 (something Magic admitted in the Ball press conference). At worst, he will be a very good NBA starter. You don’t get better by trading players like that for $6.5 million in net cap relief and a late first round draft pick.
Worse than that alone, however, is that Dlo was a perfect partner for Ball at least on the offensive end and now, unless Jason Hart turns out great, you have nobody on the team (except the center you have to get rid of to get the sacred cap room) who can make an effing shot. And if your cap room is “sacred” there is nothing you can do about it.
bmcburney says
Obviously, I meant Josh Hart. Jason Hart is somebody else.
Marco says
Dlo is the ultimate good stats on a bar team player, slow footed, avoids contact like the plague, no defense – Just a nice stroke. Better trading him and hope to sign anyone actually good than waste the cap on him in 2 years.
Joel Jacoby says
The first basketball game I ever watched was Magic’s first game a a Laker. I was mesmerized. I’ve been watching the Lakers religiously since. If anyone on this planet can take the Lakers back to the top it’s Magic. If Magic didn’t believe Russell could take them there I trust him. Magic doesn’t need this job. I believe he’s doing this because he loves the Lakers. When the Lakers traded away Eddie Jones, I felt very much like you do now. Don’t worry the sting will go away once the winning returns. I’m just loving the ride. 🙂
Busboys4me says
Losing Eddie hurt like hell.
LT Mitchell says
The Jim Buss era is over folks. That means the days of false promises, overconfidence, poor strategies, being a laughingstock, poor communication, no respect, bad luck, and ineptitude are in the rear view mirror. There is a new sheriff in town. Let’s not mix up the two regimes simply because both wanted superstars on the roster.
Tar Baby says
Yes, it sounds the same but, as you noted, they now have a clean slate as opposed to an aging star and no young players.
Yes, everybody will give Magic and Pelinka the credit, but the truth of the matter is that the table was largely set for them – even with the Deng/Mozgov contracts – by the previous regime…..in a way, they almost HAVE to close a big name.
Concerned says
Umm..the centerpiece of Jim/Mitch rebuild was considered expendable and just dumped as grease to trade away a dead weight contract (Mozgov) that was signed seconds into last year’s free agency. The other jewel signing from last summer (Deng) is widely considered the worst contract in the NBA.
Yeah, the table was set for Magic /Pelinka…
Clay Bertrand says
“The other jewel signing from last summer (Deng) is widely considered the worst contract in the NBA.”
_________________________________________________
Two Words: Joachim Noah
I believe we share the same sentiment though. If the table was set, it was set with the double POOPOO PLATTER for sure. Now only one POO remains but it took alot to get rid of the first POO.
Tar Baby says
I like how you conveniently ignore Ingram, Randle, Clarkson, LNJ, Zubac and the $20m in cap space they had even with Deng and Mozgov contracts….
But you do make a good point about Russell: he’s good enough that somebody was willing to absorb a terrible contract to get him….
Anonymous says
Also forgetting that one of the reasons DLo was traded was character. Magic didn’t think he was the right guy. I agree. He was a me first guy.
Hindi says
I think you are confusing him with Clarkson. Russell was always trying to run the system no matter if his instinctual scoring ability was taking a hit.
Chutch says
The previous regime overestimated their abilities to deliver A+ talent by relying almost exclusively on location, cap space and tradition while under estimating the fact that talent draws talent.
Magic and Luke seem to be focused on the culture of demanding excellence, fielding a competitive team and cap space to go along with their ability to draw all star talent.
Air Lance says
We never had the cap space to go after 2 major free agents. Kobe’s (deservedly) contract prevented that. Before the lottery balls fell our way we had Russell and Mozgov’s crazy contract. Now we have arguably a better point guard and the cap space. I love Russell but this makes a lot of sense. This will give us great flexibility moving forward, I think we can now even spread out Deng’s contract if needed to dramatically lower the cap.
Air Lance says
We never had the cap space to go after 2 major free agents. Kobe’s (deservedly) contract prevented that. Before the lottery balls fell our way we had Russell and Mozgov’s crazy contract. Now we have arguably a better point guard and the cap space. I love Russell but this makes a lot of sense. This will give us great flexibility moving forward, I think we can now even spread out Deng’s contract if needed to dramatically lower the cap.
Archon says
Magic is my guy but if they ever sign a stiff and a guy who is finished to 4 year contracts with big money I’ll be done with Magic just as I was with Jim and Mitch after those indefensible signings
KevTheBold says
There is a difference, which I believe speaks to the validity of Magic and Pelinka’s claims.
The are: Paul George – Damian Lillard – and though Lebron hasn’t confirmed his interest, he hasn’t denied it either, and the story is pervasive with big name sports writers.
I see these names as only the tip of an era change, and attitude shift.
On top of which: The myth about our legacy being meaningless, was only that, a myth which other teams which lack one, wanted to believe.
Legacy counts a great deal, in a players history, no matter what anyone says; and it always will.
sam surloff says
x Spot on — everyone should watch today’s press conference — they talk about lonzo being a transcendent talent and leader
but watch magic — he is all of that and with a transcendent personality and charisma
all comparisons to the prior group isn this regard are ill founded
stats says
I enjoyed the press conference introducing Lonzo, particularly the stories from Magic and Pelinka about visiting the Ball household. In terms of personality, Magic and Pelinka are light years away from Jimbo and Mitch (whom I respect greatly but who is, frankly, a shade beyond taciturn). I have hope, glorious hope.
Doug says
It’s up to Russell now to prove his doubters wrong…if he really is what he thinks he is. If I’m him I’d be hitting the gym twice a day, building muscle, ready for a breakout season. I’d make Magic eat his own words.* (I hate saying it, but it looks like the Nick Young incident had lingering effects. This was very unfortunate for everyone–Russell, Nick, Iggy, the team, and the fans.)
I expect Ingram to have a great second season. With Russell gone he should be the one taking the most shots, and with Lonzo running things I’m sure he’ll get plenty of good looks. We’ll be fine with two max players next summer. Lonzo and Ingram are the real deal. I believe in them more than I believe in Russell (and I still believe in Russell’s game, his character is a different story.)
*I’m referring to Magic’s comments on Russell, not to the video above.
Eric R says
The plan is the same as Jim/Mitch, but I actually feel it’s reasonable this time around. When Jim/Mitch tried to get Dwight to re-sign, Lakers were trending down and didn’t have the right team or coach to surround him. In 2014, they were trying to sell Melo and Lebron teaming up with a post-achilles Kobe and nothing else. In 2015, they had nothing to sell but the allure of LA.
Magic and Rob got a major bone thrown their way with Paul George saying he prefers playing for LA. (granted, he could be saying that because of Magic’s presence) Like others have said, talent attracts talent.I don’t think the league in general is high on D’lo, Randle, Clarkson, but I think players, coaches, and the media are intrigued by Ingram and like Luke as a coach. Having a pass-first guard that gets compared to Jason Kidd also certainly helps.
With young talent on rookie contracts, a good coach, (finally) a stable front office, and cap flexibility, I think it’s reasonable to chase after big star players. I feel pretty confident in Magic and Rob after the D’lo trade and the draft. I know some people are upset with the trade and I agree they sold kind of low on D’lo, but they used a surplus and turned it into other assets and cap flexibility.
drrayeye says
Since Magic and Pelinka took over, they’ve changed the Lakers one way or another on almost a week by week basis. They’ve both talked the talk and walked the walk. Magic appeared in public right away with the promise, as the team and management were simultaneously being reformed and reinvented. Some of it has already formed itself enough to go on display.
The team oriented decision making style was on display during the drafting–and it was impressive and convincing. There was no talk of Magic’s choice, Joey’s choice, or Luke’s choice, or any one teammate’s choice. Management by consensus at it’s best.
Counting the predraft trade, the high intelligence, high character choices included 1. Brook, the Stanford man, 2. Lonzo, the UCLA man who made his teammates better, 3. Josh Hart, the Eagle Scout, NCAA champ, and college graduate, and three other players in which the Lakers had impressively done their homework.
From the beginning, Magic has been everywhere, watching the team in games and in practice, giving advice, giving suggestions for the summer–bringing in Kobe, Kareem, and other vets. It is an infectious positive atmosphere–almost too infectious and positive at the end of the season. Pelinka often hung out with the younger basketball nerds, including Joey Buss.
The Paul George rumors have actually led to trade negotiations with Indiana in which the Lakers–surprise–have the leverage. Suddenly, almost no rumor involving a star and the Lakers is ridiculed. Doesn’t mean that any of them will happen–even Paul George. Just because the Lakers may have enough cap space next year for two superstar free agents doesn’t mean that’s the plan.
What matters is our Laker brand is re-emerging: and we get to watch.
MT87 says
What was the major obstacle to the Lakers acquiring major free agent talent the last handful of years? It was the lack of talent on the roster. Now, if PG actually comes over in FA next year that problem will be largely resolved but I think Darious is completely right to point out that the plan of the new front office is basically the same as the old front office except the roster is now down one young talent on a cost-controlled rookie contract. Now, I’m a results guy and I’m happy to wait to see what the FO is able to achieve over the next couple years, but this team is going to suck next year. I see that lots of people are full of hope for the future but I can’t help but feel that we have taken a big step back in favor of cutting corners and banking on Lakers exceptionalism in place of building a solid core. That hasn’t worked in the era of the new CBA and I just don’t see any concrete reason to believe that Magic is special in this regard.
Jeremy G. says
On the topic of moving forward and signing big names to the Lakers, I’d like to pose this question: Why is there no talks of the team utilizing cap space to make a sign and trade for Paul George? I’ve heard talks prior to the draft of sending the #2 pick. I’ve also heard rumors of sending Randle or Clarckson plus picks… but so far there has not been one word about us pursuing a sign and trade for him. I find it odd that it’s almost like that method isn’t even being explored. It would be great if someone could shed light on it for me so I could find out if I’m missing something. Thanks
Ryan says
Under the current CBA sign and trades are not advantageous to the side signing the big name. So instead of getting Paul George just by using cap space, we would have to use the cap space and lose players/assets.
Jeremy G says
Thanks for the clarification. Sounds weird nonetheless. I mean, if say CP3 or Blake we’re willing to go through with the sign and trade and that’s what the pacers want, it would already be pretty even. Wouldn’t see why the Lakers would have to add in more players or more considerations (draft pick/ money) to make the deal happen… I guess it’s most likely off the table if that’s the case though.
Jeremy G says
On the topic of moving forward and signing big names to the Lakers, I’d like to pose this question: Why is there no talks of the team utilizing cap space to make a sign and trade for Paul George? I’ve heard talks prior to the draft of sending the #2 pick. I’ve also heard rumors of sending Randle or Clarckson plus picks… but so far there has not been one word about us pursuing a sign and trade for him. I find it odd that it’s almost like that method isn’t even being explored. It would be great if someone could shed light on it for me so I could find out if I’m missing something. Thanks
FredP says
First of all, I believe that Ball will be the best player from this draft and has a terrific skill set to build around. His numbers on offense were crazy good and that does not happen by accident. I also do not think that Magic is Jim Buss without the hat. Having said that, Magic and Pelinka did try to trade the #2 pick to Sacramento for the #5 and #10 picks so that they would have a better chance to trade for George. Fortunately Sacramento, unlike previous years, was quite sane this draft and held onto their picks. Now Magic can say nice things about Ball but it could have ended up with no Ball and no George. Russell also has tools in his offense that you do not usually see in a young player. They were on display right at the end of the season when he did not have to carry Deng on his back while he tried to be a wing. He will be sorely missed if the Lakers fail to bring in George for next season. It also shows a lack of confidence in Luke being able to get two stars (such as they are) to play together. What will Luke do if he gets Westbrook and anyone else? As it is, I am excited going forward and do not mind watching young players develop. The FO will have to learn a little patience and not chase every butterfly they see.
Juce says
Difference between last front office and now = culture. This front office is changing the culture.
Dom says
Young cores dont win championships or make the playoffs. Look at the perennial playoff teams. They have a few young players, exceptional young players and veteran leadership. Yes GS had steph klay and draymond, but they also had iggy leandro barbosa andrew bogut shawn livingston david lee and other vets to set the tone and teach culture professionalism and maturity. I dont get why people are tripping because DLO got traded, he is an immature talented child. He may or may not grow up. His friend swaggy P is a 30+ something child. I hope he has an exceptional career but he wasnt making anyone around him better. All of us who have worked have been with companies who had a great culture, Work was fun and productive when everyone contributed and thrived. We all have also had times where people were only there for the check. Mindset matters. Vision matters. Magic Rob and Luke seem to have both and are instilling it throughout the organization. Its ironic that 30 years ago a lot of Laker fans were pissed off that NIck V got traded. Hmmmm deja vu
Hindi says
If you would have ever watched him play, you would know the difference between when Russell was on the court vs off the court. If we had anyone close to a floor general then it was D’Angelo. Dude was putting up elite numbers for a point guard of his age. He was the best player on our team the last season and there is no reason why he would not have improved. He was already looking bulked up, saw him working on his euro step last season etc.
People are constantly bringing up the maturity issues but they forget that it was his 2nd year in the league. And it’s not like we are in a win-now mode that we trash him with a salary dump.
I’d argue we took away who could have been the best teammate for Ball. Russell was a scorer at heart who just happened to have great passing ability. His full scoring potential could have been unlocked with Ball acting as the person getting him sweet buckets.
I guess I would stop ranting now that what’s done is done. I would hope that we can really sign some big names in the next FA who aren’t just ageing vets coming here for the LA glitz.
A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.
Serik says
Previous Front Office did everything right (well, most of it) until Dengov signings. So blaming Magic & Rob and saying they sound familiar is similar to blaming the worker that works very much the same way as the guy a year ago that was fired after that for unrelated reasons.
And regarding Russell trade, yes, we send away our best player (actually, we did the same thing with Lou Williams), but we (a) received the Nets best player in Lopez, (b) cleared bad contract in Mozgov and (c) got Nets pick that gave us two players (let’s see how they pan out). Add to that the “not a leader” characteristic from Magic, and this trade looks like a win win scenario.
Anyway, we won’t know for sure who won this trade at least until somewhere next season or even next summer. But, regarding Russell’s good play, stats, potential and all, remember Tyreke Evans or Brandon Jennings?
Serik says
Darius, what free agents do you think we should target in a week? I would be great to have a post on this issue. I think Magic & Rob will target 5-10 million guys looking for (a) their current production as players, (b) veteran leadership, (c) potential to be a part of a future contender.
(a) and (b) will increase our winning percentage and establish winning culture.
(c) will add potential future contributors.
Though while do have enough of potential future pieces, you should always look for opportunities to add great prospects.
A Horse With No Name says
Serik: You are right to identify FAs that won’t doom our cap flexibility. First things first. Lakers have to determine whether or not there’s a deal for George in the free agency window. There very well may be, as the rumored deal to the Celtics sounds like it is predicated on two hypothetical steps: first is seeing if they can sign Hayward, then if so, offering PG a three year extension to sign upon being traded to the Celtics. Doesn’t sound like Ainge wants to rent and hope PG signs. If you are PG, why give up your options? He’s going to hold fast to his chance at freedom. The potential for off court earnings as the bonafide laker star are tantalizing. Thus I think he passes on this and will likely continue to advise all suitors of his intention to play for LA.
So, a deal may or may not happen during free agency, but the lakers will quickly know where they stand. Concurrently, they should be getting a meeting with Gordon Hayward. They have a very strong argument to make to him I think. Likely he signs elsewhere but they have to take that shot. If neither big fish is landed at this time, (likeliest outcome) they take aim at positions of need first: a two-way big guard with superior shooting is at the top of my list. Best guys to target are Tony Snell and Cantavious Caldwell Pope. Both guys are RFAs, but both the Bucks and Pistons have serious cap issues. It would take some coin to get either one, and the lakers would probably want to off-load a player for cap purposes. They are both also in the sweet spot age-wise for the young laker roster: both 25 or under.
Probably the best deal that makes sense for the lakers is paying Nick Young a large salary on a one year deal. Really. A vet back up pg could also be a consideration too.
Tar Baby says
Magic and Pelinka have no excuses:
1) they didn’t have to deal with Kobe
2) they didn’t have to hire a coach
3) they already had three lottery picks to deal or sale as building blocks
4) they still had $20m in cap space even with the Deng/Mozgov contracts
5) they had an easy contract to move in Lou Williams
6) their first draft is the deepest in years
If they don’t sign a big time FA they’re even WORSE – especially after all the smack they’ve been talking – than Mitch and Jim, who literally had nothing but a name to sell.
And no, that doesn’t mean Mitch and Jim did a GREAT job, it just means fools like to pretend the team was an unmitigated disaster
George Best says
Absolutely correct. They did not need to trade Russell and if you do you better get as much or more talent in return. We have gone backwards but let’s see what happens as Magics ability to talk will buy him a lot of time:
RR says
Buss and Kupchak had one excuse, and it was a very good one: the Veto. Everything else that happened, good and bad, the last five years ultimately is on them, so attempts to rehabilitate and re-litigate the performance of the Jim Buss FO will ultimately founder, which is why you have to use all caps and call people fools: your arguments are biased and vapid.
That said, I share some of the skepticism that some are feeling about the Magic/Pelinka FO, would have preferred a different type of hire, and think that the Russell deal is very questionable, although I am not a huge fan, subjectively speaking, of either Russell as a guy or of his game. So we will see.
MT87 says
I just want to say that while I am supremely skeptical of this FO and have been since the beginning it is entirely possible that the moves they have made to this point lead to the success that we all want to see. It is possible that Ingram and Ball become franchise players and PG comes over in FA and we pick up another max free agent and look like a team that can get at least a couple rounds into the playoffs. It is possible that Russel never figures it out while Brook Lopez sticks around providing the spacing the offense needs to be successful. It is possible that the entire franchise is turned around entirely because of Magic’s charisma.
I just think it is more likely that most of those things don’t happen and this team remains out of the playoffs for the next handful of years. To my eye the Lakers are worse now than they were a year ago and that wouldn’t even bother me except we don’t have a draft pick next year.
Lakers Future says
There is more optimism for sure. But that could quickly fade. Next year’s team will be bad. With Young, Russell, and Lou all gone the Lakers have no shooters. Ball’s best talent is passing. If he has no shooters he will look very disappointing as a player. In getting no immediate talent back for Russell the Lakers set themselves back. They most likely are in for another 25 to 30 win season. And 30 may be pushing it.
Losing Russell hurts only because the team is so devoid of talent already.The return of the “two max free agents” gospel is an admission by Magic and co. that this team team will be terrible next season. And no matter what Paul George has said the stench being terrible for yet another year could change his mind.
Lastly, I wish Magic would let Pelinka do more of the talking.
R says
Yes, imagine PG as a Celtic, going to and – and maybe even – god forbid – winning the finals. Then, he’s gonna ship out to LA because he grew up in Palmdale? Well, I guess stranger or at least equally strange things have happened (see: LBJ).
But I wouldn’t hang my hat on it.
david h says
darius: I know it’s way, way too early to say but as laker’s best pitch man, Magic hopefully will have a bit of the midas touch the late, great Dr. Jerry Buss had. And listening to Rob Pelinka’s assessment of Lonzo Ball in front of 87 million viewers, the jest of it was that Lonzo Ball has the capability of being a great two (defensive) way player. Luck and psychological insight; I’m a firm believer.
Summer league just around the corner, it keeps getting better and better. Thank you Darius for keeping our interests piqued by continuing to bring all things laker’s to this site.
Go lakers
Ed says
I think the Lakers would have preferred making the deal with Clarkson,but the salaries didn`t match and the Nets wanted Russell.Magic and Pelinka seem like a good pairing,but the really tough decisions lay ahead.The entire Laker organization has to show it knows what it`s doing this year,and the win loss results have to be respectable( 40 wins or better) to attract max FA`s next year.
Jim213 says
PG13’s more of an All Star than Superstar, but I think Magic has a better shot of landing a Superstar in FA than the previous FO. With that said, by the time Golden State’s reign starts to dwindle down PG13 be in his early 30’s.Thus, don’t think it be convenient to put most of your assets (youth) in one basket to acquire PG. Sounds more like wanting to return the brand to some sort of relevancy as opposed to building a future contender down the road. Looking forward to seeing Kuzma in Summer League as opposed to Ball (IMO Ball will be a good point guard but don’t get the sense that he has the mental fortitude to take his game to the ultimate level = Superstar potential). If Kuzma can show consistency he may have a great chance to be a starter (not sure if he may be dealt in a future trade, but best deal Randle first) Kuzma also reminds me of Justin Jackson with JC6 type of athleticism IMO.
Joe Black says
Luka Don?i? and Michael Porter are better prospects than all the prospects in this draft.
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
There is at least one crucial difference between the Buss/Kupchack free agent pitches and what Magic/Pelinka will presumably pitch:
Mitch/Jim: “Come sign with the Lakers. We have a core that consists of an aging can’t-admit-his-limitations shameless gunner former superstar and…um, Kendall Marshall”
Magic/Pelinka: “Come sign with the Lakers. We have a fairly talented young core, a top-notch coach, and we’re probably going to get Paul George”
I suspect the second scenario is a much easier sell, regardless of who the salespeople are.
R says
On the other hand, for example, LaMarcus Aldridge was quoted as saying this about Kobe’s part of the Lakers’ FA pitch to him: “… actually he was the best part of it …”
I found the article very easily online just now; it’s a fox sports article dated November 12, 2015.
In the article, Aldridge states he was more interested in the on-the-court aspects of coming to the Lakers, while the FO pitch emphasized more the advantages of playing for a big market team vs small market Portland.
Old Timer says
With the inclusion of Ball and Brooks plus the remaining roster, I think Lakers will be above .500 about 42 wins. The other three new hires may have some growing pains as rookies although they were all chosen based on their maturity, as winners in their own class and skills as good 3pt shooters. Where is that optimism coming from? It is the new Laker feeling of being winners again than satisfied as a mediocre to protect the pick. The new FO are the players’ FO, who opted for quality and paint a new vision and aspirations for everyone. They set a challenge high and imbibed spirit of winning again. Hopefully expectations will be fruitful not breed jealousy and dissension but more of a good rapport.. My prediction where the Lakers place in the WC at the end of the season:
1. Golden State
2. Spurs
3 Rockets
4 Thunder
5 Blazers
6 Wolves
7 Jazz
8 Lakers
9 Grizz
10 Mavericks
11 Suns
12 Pelicans
13 Kings
14 Nuggets
15 Clippers
Gary says
To much negativity Darius!!! This FO is not close to being like the previous. The culture they’re building, the type of players they want (modernized), their no nonsense attitude they bring (wanting only winner attitudes), to their appeal they bring to future free agents wanting to play here. I remember when Dlo Russell was drafted, he was supposed to have this elite court vision that was going to transcend this Lakers squad into something special but he was a flop compared to the hype that was given him as far as being a floor general and a elite point guard. Almost as many turnovers as assist. We will see how Lonzo fairs as this front offices choice, better by far is my guess. One more point, the whole point of building a team through the draft over many years of patiently waiting as the Warriors have did is silly. The Warriors are 1 team that has been able to do it. How about all the other teams that are still trying and haven’t been successful. More haven’t than have. To build championship caliber teams it takes excellent draft picks, good trades and positional fit free agents, whether their superstars or role players, you need a complete team, not a bunch of mix and match disjointed players.