I’m going to be completely honest here. I’ve little clue what to think about the Lakers as they head into this free agency period.
Teams can start to come to agreements with players in just four days and, really, that should be an something to get excited about — especially for a team like the Lakers that is looking to improve. But with so many moving parts surrounding this roster’s construction, it’s difficult to really formulate a clean course of action when there are some key open questions about the direction of the roster.
Are the Lakers going to trade for Paul George? Are they going to do anything about their glut of PF’s and C’s? How are they going to manage Tarik Black and his non-guaranteed contract for next season? Are there any players from the end of last year’s rotation who deserve a longer look (Tyler Ennis, Thomas Robinson, etc)? Is this front office willing to commit any money this off-season that will be on next year’s books?
Answering any of those questions one way or the other re-routes the Lakers down a different path, like one of those choose your own adventure books I read when I was a kid. Do the Lakers trade for Paul George? Yes => Advance to Page 327. Do the Lakers pick up Tarik Black’s option? No => Advance to Page 285.
So, unlike previous seasons where this team would enter free agency with a specific set of needs and then a certain number of resources to pursue those needs, this year is different. I can say that right now the Lakers have a need in the backcourt for a secondary ball handler and that they have too many bigs, but what if a trade for Paul George ends up including Julius Randle, Luol Deng, and Ivica Zubac while bringing back Paul George, Monta Ellis, and Al Jefferson? Do the Lakers still need another guard with Ellis in the mix and Clarkson still on the roster?
One could drive themselves crazy going down a rabbit hole of fake trades and roster changes which could impact free agency, so I’d rather not even begin to do so.
Instead, then, I think the bigger question is whether the Lakers will commit to paying any free agent guaranteed money that stays on the books heading into the summer of 2018. Remember, Rob Pelinka called the Lakers’ cap space next summer “sacred” and Magic Johnson said that he wouldn’t have made the Russell trade (to dump Mozgov) if he didn’t think he could spend the money. The team is on the hunt for two max-salaried players and they’ll need to be prudent if they’re going to create the $60-65 million needed to sight two veterans to huge deals next year.
After spelling all that out, I will operate under two assumptions when considering players. First, I will look at team needs as they are right now, with no consideration of changes due to potential trades. Second, any FA added will either 1). be on a one year deal w/ either a team option or non-guarantee for any season(s) beyond that or 2). be a star player who fits into the mold of being a high level contributor on a team that could be a contender.
Last thing before we dive into some names, here is what a potential depth chart would look like if including all players under contract and were drafted last Thursday:
PG: Lonzo Ball, Jordan Clarkson (including him here because that’s where he ended the season)
SG: Josh Hart, David Nwaba
SF: Brandon Ingram, Corey Brewer
PF: Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr., Luol Deng, Kyle Kuzma
C: Brook Lopez, Ivica Zubac, Tarik Black, Thomas Bryant
That’s 14 players. A full roster is 15 and, under the terms of the new collective bargaining agreement, the team can also have two “2-way” contracts for players who will shuffle between the newly branded “G-League” and the parent club (so, in this case the “South Bay Lakers” and the Lakers).
Sorry, one last thing, this list is only guys who are “likely” to be FA’s or have a chance of leaving their current team*. So, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and Andre Iguodala are not listed (though another Warrior is). Now, with all of that out of the way, let’s get to potential FA options…
Guards and Wings
This is the shallowest area of the team and regardless of what position you think is best for Jordan Clarkson, the Lakers likely need at least two players here. The first is a pure PG type who can initiate the offense reliably and, at the very least, be injury insurance or a guy who can suitably fill in should there be foul trouble. The team also needs more experience on the wing, preferably a guy who can play both SG and SF. Note, the market here is not robust, which will become clear as we get into the names.
1. Gordon Hayward. I don’t think the Lakers chase Hayward, but he’s the archetype (along with Paul George) that the Lakers are after long term. He’s an all-star caliber guy, is only 27, continues to improve, and is an excellent two way player. He’d cost a max salary which means more maneuvering to open up that space (trading Clarkson or stretching Deng). I think this is a year too early to sign a max guy in FA, but if he came out in the days leading up to 7/1 saying (via back-channel communications) that he was interested in coming to the team, the Lakers should be having that conversation.
2. Shaun Livingston. Livingston checks off a lot of boxes. He can initiate the offense, can defend, is a good passer/playmaker, has a high BBIQ, and knows the system Luke wants to run. He does not shoot the ball with range, but you can’t have it all with players in his price range. It’s unclear if Livingston will leave the Warriors (how much will they pay him?) and whether he’d be open to a 1-year deal with the Lakers (where, in theory they could use a non-Bird salary structure to pay him more in 2018). But, if he does depart the Bay Area, I’d want the Lakers to take a hard look at him.
3. Joe Ingles. From strictly a fit standpoint, Ingles may actually be higher than Livingston — though the latter’s scheme experience gives him the edge. Ingles can initiate the offense, is a fine defender who has positional versatility, is a really smart player, and can shoot the hell out of the ball. The only problem with Ingles is, really, his status as a restricted free agent. Under the previous regime, I doubt the Lakers even look at Ingles due to this simple fact. However, under Magic/Pelinka, we’ll see if that approach changes. Due to his RFA status, it’s unlikely the Lakers would be able to create a contract scenario that is advantageous to their own parameters which would also discourage the Jazz from matching, but I’m including him on this list anyway. I like Joe that much and would love to add him to the fold.
4. Darren Collison. I’m not in love with him as a player (he also carries some personal baggage that offer character concerns), but he’s a good PG who can fill in as a starter or be a good reserve option. He’s a good shooter and is capable enough playmaker. Unlike the two players above him on this list, he’d purely be a 1-year option, which likely requires an overpay. Still, though, for a team with a real need for another ball handler/facilitator, Collison would be worth a look.
5. Justin Holiday. Many thought the Lakers might be in the running for his brother Jrue, but the Pelicans are likely to open up the vault to keep him in New Orleans. Justin, while not nearly as good as his brother, is an intriguing wing option, however. He has good size for a SG (6’6″, 185lbs), shot 35.5% on 3’s for the Knicks last year, isn’t awful defensively, and has a history playing in the Lakers’ scheme (he was on the Warriors title team in 2015). Holiday will likely be among the 2nd and 3rd tier of free agents, so his price tag should be reasonable. Again, though, he’s likely only a one-year option so you likely have to overpay to get him.
6. Omri Casspi. As a pure wing who has some shooting ability, rebounds his position, and not terrible on defense, Casspi is a guy worth looking at. He’s not yet 30 and, due to injury issues over his career, he might have a depressed value on the open market. I would imagine he’d want to play for a better team than the Lakers, but, again, if the market goes away from him a 1-year deal with a consistent role as a back up SF could entice him. I like his game and feel like he just needs a steady role to show he can be a stead contributor. The other side of that, though, is that coaches have often gone away from him which leads to questions about why it keeps happening. Still, though, I’d welcome him as a floor spacing wing who knows how to play team ball.
7. KJ McDaniels. I’m going to be honest here: I have no idea of McDaniels is any good. He was one of those “shows flashes” guys, but has unceremoniously been dropped by several teams who would seemingly want a wing who is young, has some athleticism, defensive potential, and can still improve as a shooter. From that angle, then, I am skeptical. That said, he should be relatively cheap and could be a guy who would be happy to take a 1-year “prove it” contract on a team where it looks like there could be some minutes available on the wing. From the Lakers side, McDaniels has some tools to work with and the hope is that those could be sharpened under Walton and his staff.
8. Tyler Ennis. Positives about Ennis: he’s still young (23 in August), he has experience under coach Walton, and in his last 20 games of the year he was a viable backup PG posting a line of 8.3 points and 2.5 assists while hitting 39.2% of his threes in 19 minutes a night. He also shows good effort (and some skill) defensively and, by all accounts, is a good kid who works hard. Considering his pedigree as a former 1st round pick and the fact that it typically takes point guards a bit longer to develop, bringing Ennis back might offer some value. It’s also worth noting that the Lakers can only pay Ennis what his 4th year option would have had it been exercised, so there’s a built in ceiling in his cost that could aid in negotiations. Asking him to come back to see if he can improve on where he left off could be worth the chance, all things considered.
Power Forwards/Bigs
I only included that header there to say this: I don’t think there’s a single PF/C in free agency who the Lakers should consider signing with their current roster construction. If anything, they have a decision on their own FA in Tarik Black, rather than concerns about who on the market can improve their team while also being a viable target/player who they can actually sign.
I mean, the PF market has some nice names – Blake Griffin, Serge Ibaka, Taj Gibson — who could really help the Lakers in a vacuum. But, in reality, all of those guys will either be too expensive, require too much of a long term commitment, or a suspect candidate for the “star” player you want for shelling out the money they’ll command. When you add in the Lakers depth at that spot, there’s no need to go further.
As for C, the Lakers just traded for Lopez, still have Zubac, drafted Bryant, and have the aforementioned Black decision to make (which I will write on in the next couple of days). The team will also continue to slide up either Randle or Nance to play some small-ball C, which pretty much eliminates any minutes for a potential FA. So, that’s that.
Conclusion
Unless a major deal happens and the Lakers shake up their current roster, they should be looking at lower tiered FA’s who play specific roles and fill some very narrow needs on the perimeter. Ideally you want players who can shoot/pass/defend, but in the price range the Lakers are operating in, getting all that in a single player isn’t very likely. Further, I do not expect the Lakers to offer any guaranteed long term money to anyone who is not a clear star. That means a bunch of straight up 1-year deals or 1+1 contracts to players who do not mind jumping into the free agent fray again a year from now.
This creates some real limits on the team’s approach and, overall, is likely to impact the market they see. They’re operating out of a small corner, with specific goals, which naturally reduces the number and type of players they’re going to attract. This doesn’t mean the Lakers are destined to fail or that they can’t exhume some value in this market. But patience will be key. As will a targeted approach with the right type of recruiting/messaging to convince guys to come on.
In theory, this is one of the things Rob Pelinka should excel in as a former agent. We’ll see how things go come July 1st.
*There are other players who deserve mention who did not appear on my list for a variety of reasons. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Otto Porter both fit the bill of player types the Lakers could surely use, but both will be wildly expensive and are restricted free agents and unlikely to leave their respective teams. Tony Snell is another RFA, but one who might be gettable, but I just don’t see the right intersection between value contract to the Lakers while also dissuading the Bucks from just keeping him. Mo Speights, Patrick Patterson, and Jonas Jerebko are potential stretch big men, but as I noted already, I just don’t see how you fit more bigs onto this roster as it’s currently constructed. Ian Clark is a name many fans are likely to bring up due to his history in this scheme and shooting ability, but I’m not as high on him as others. I’ve seen quite a bit of Clark and feel he’s likely to get massively overpaid (if he leaves the Warriors) for a skill set that is quite limited while not offering any semblance of defense.
M says
I think Lakers should bring back Ennis and T. Rob.
I wish we could dump Deng, Clarkson and Black.
Heavy says
Keep Ennis. Try dumping deng clarkson randall n 2020 1st rd for pg13… let T Rob go (i hate saying that), n let black go…
Anonymous says
Where is Tyler Ennis??
Darius Soriano says
Read the article, he’s listed in the FA section.
Heavy says
What about Roberson? If we could steal him frm okc. Hes young, great defender n slasher. Can learn to shoot better… oh did i mention hes young n a great defender lol
Artemis says
What about Arron Afflalo? A guard-forward, and a career 39% from 3. Is over 30 also, so would be open to a 1+1 deal.
Lance says
No Ben Mclemore ?
Darius Soriano says
No.
Cyborg Spider says
Kyle Korver on a 1-year big money deal perhaps? Thabo Sefalosha, prototypical 3-and-D? Maybe a flyer on Tony Allen, D-and-D (dunk and defense)?
I just hope there’s no hot stove rumors about Dion Waiters, even as a 1 year rental, ugh
dxmanners says
I think everybody should back off Deng for awhile, he may turn out to be a valuable player this year, think he has something left for 20-22 minutes a night. Forget the contract, if he can contribute let’s give him a chance. It’s a veterans league after all.
Nothing against Tyler Ennis, but I think drafting of Josh Hart makes him expendable. Backcourt of Ball, Clarkson, Hart, and Nwaba-with Ingram playing some point from time to time-could be worse.
Bring back Tarik Black. Hustle is invaluable, does well against other teams 2nd units..
Kevin says
I would like the pick up of Shaun Livingston. That would create a veteran presence behind Lonzo because it looks like a lock for him to start Day 1. My dream free agency for LA would be to somehow obtain PG. If we have to give up Randle in the trade, I think we should go after Blake Griffin, even though his injury history scares me. To see a lineup of: Lonzo, PG, Ingram, Blake, Lopez would be kinda crazy. Then we would have JC (if he’s not traded in the PG deal), Nance, Zubac, Hart, Black off the bench to provide depth.
drrayeye says
I like the alternative players and priorities you’ve identified, but I don’t share the assumptions. We’ll get our first clue with the Tarik Black decision. I feel very strongly that the Lakers will focus on trades that cascade after free agent signings.
I see one year rentals as a weak last resort. They neither share the commitment nor the history of players from last season. Tarik and Tyler can serve much the same cap sensitive role–and they’ve already been Lakers–so I think it gives them the edge. Robinson may still get considered–but not right away.
The younger players of obvious interest for Laker trades include Clarkston and Randle.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Deng retained and used during at least the first half of the season.
R says
Then, there’s this:
http://www.mercurynews.com/2017/06/27/could-klay-thompson-be-talked-into-leaving-warriors-for-l-a/
Renato Afonso says
I’d love to see Shaun Livingston in Purple and Gold. It just feels right when you watch him control a team. He’s tall, plays defense and all but he just has something as a player that all teams should want…
Robert says
Regarding PF/C – put Thomas Bryant on a G-League contract that retains his rights, let’s him develop, and opens up a roster spot for now. Pick up tarik Black’s option because his 2017-18 salary is 6,555,325 and could be useful come mid season trade time to make numbers work. If Randle is traded you are still covered with Nance, Kuzma, Deng, and Black.
Since Tyler Ennis did well last season, he should get another shot on a 1+1.
You didn’t mention the undrafted SG PJ Dozier who the Lakers signed.
And SG Randy Foye could probably be had on a 1+1 and would provide veteran presence.
Chris J says
I’d like to see Ennis return. He did some good things when given playing time at the end of last season and would seemingly be a good piece for what’s now a thin backcourt.
Even with Hart and his NCAA experience, it’s still a lot to ask with two rookies as your only point guards. Ennis isn’t much older than Hart, but he’s had some run in the NBA and that counts for something, especially as rookies hit the wall while an 82-game season runs on.
FredP says
Where would PJ Dozier fit in?
A Horse With No Name says
Fred: PJ is a great development project. Tremendous physical tools, especially as a 1-3 defender with his height and wingspan. If they like what they see, he’s a likely two-way G league signing. (Not sure what kind of deal he signed, we’ll know more soon.) Anyway, think of a lesser Livingston as a ceiling. That would be a very useful player in different lineups. I watched him in the NCAA run this year and liked his defensive versatility and flashes of athleticism.
Mid-Wilshire says
Darius,
Excellent write-up. I very much like your summary of the various options.
I concur that it’s very difficult to read the collective mindset of the current FO. I did not entirely oppose the recent trade of Russell/Mozgov for Lopez + draft pick; but, I admit, it did surprise me. As a result I’m poised for any other surprises. Right now, I keep telling myself — Anything could happen (although Magic has said that they’re not close to any other deals).
Having said that, I predict the following:
1) The Lakers will stand more or less pat for the rest of the off season. (I could easily be proven wrong on this.) There will be no trades involving centers or PFs.
2) The Lakers could bring in another wing player to spell Brandon Ingram.
3) The Lakers, although they’re limited in what they could offer, will attempt to bring back Tyler Ennis. He actually played rather well in his 20 games with the Lakers and, for all we know, could be on the verge of maturing into a serviceable backup PG. Also, he probably won’t be in great demand. So I expect that the Lakers could make an offer to him.
4) The Lakers will attempt to bring in a veteran, backup SG such as Shaun Livingston. He knows Luke and the new Laker system. And he might be available (although he could easily say that he wants to stay with Golden State and win as many championships as he can).
5) The Lakers will not renew Tarik Black. Personally, I love his energy. But, at this point in his career, Tarik may cost more than the Lakers want to pay.
6) The Lakers will make Thomas Bryant one of their 2-way players. If Dave Nwaba makes the team, Dave will be the other 2-way player. (P.J. Dozier could be another candidate if he were to make the team.)
If the Lakers were to acquire a Shaun Livingston and a Tyler Ennis, that would help fill out the backcourt rotation. In fact, this is probably their highest priority right now. That’s what I’ll be looking for this summer in terms of their roster development.
I’d be stunned if they tried to make a major trade in the next few months. But then again…anything could happen.
Anonymous says
Nwaba will be part of the roster full time. The two-contracts allow the Lakers to have potentially 17 players on the roster. I think Thomas Bryant will be like Zubac last year. Majority of the time in G-League unless he shows something more. Personally feel the two-way contract will be for P.J. Dozier, who’ll be given minutes at the end of the season and potentially someone like Vander Blue as a back-up SF in case of injuries.
LT Mitchell says
Patrick Beverly – Houston needs cap space to go after some big fish (i.e. Chris Paul) and Beverly can be had for cheap. Lakers would have to take on salary, but at less than $6 million a year with two years left on his contract, he would be a bargain. What a nice fit he would be alongside Lonzo on both ends. His three point shot has also improved the last couple years, averaging 39%.
Jello's Jigglin' says
+1 LT re: Beverly
Appears second year on remaining deal is team option also.
Vasheed says
I’d take Beverly in a snap. I’d toss in a 2nd rounder to get it done.
Minor Threatt says
+1. I’d vote for Beverly as our best option. Better than anyone we can realistically get in FA, the right contract and the right skill set. Hate losing Black but the move makes too much sense.
I’ve liked Beverly ever since we drafted him. I remember a quote from Jay Bilas on draft night: he said something to the effect that if Beverly were in a room with 30 other guys and only one could get out, he’d bet on Beverly. He was right.
Jello's Jigglin' says
Too bad, Beverly just went to the Clips in the Chris Paul deal….
Vasheed says
Well, that looks like the beginning of the end of the Clippers. Kinda messed up after begging Jordan to stay to scram. Firesale on Clippers players soon to follow I guess.
FredP says
The Lakers need to commit to what they will be next season. Are they trying to develop the young players or are they trying to win games? Last season was a great example of not having a plan other than to hope of a top 3 pick. Playing time went to players with zero future on the team (Young, Williams, Deng, Mozgov) and the growth of the youth was held back. It will be tough to duplicate that next season so why not go all in on the youth? Hart is an older player and the only way to find out if he has a future with the team is to play him alongside Ball. Ingram needs reps with Ball as do Randle and Nance. Zubac will get enough time given that Lopez has chronic foot problems and will need to have his time restricted. Dozier can split time at backup PG with Clarkson. I agree that a wing SF/SG would help coming off the bench but not one who is worried about putting up stats for his next job. I am still on the youth train until the Lakers get their superstars and need to start winning.
Wil says
Trade Tarick Black to Houston for Beverly, Rockets will release Black right after, plus the Rockets and Lakers have dealt before. Sign George Hill to a short deal if not.
Sean says
I think James Young deserves a training camp invite. But 20 other teams will say the same thing. Ben McElmore I think deserves a look as well.
als what do you think of that 1 year 24 mill for dion waiters ?
Old Timer says
Lakers should continue improving the team on short term basis. They have no control of George or James if the conditions are not ripe and their free agency status depends on their home team’s motivation to trade them. If George is not coming, Lakers can’t spoil the season with cap space that could have been used for a player on one year rental basis. Why did I vouch for Tarik Black? He was our 5 at the end of 2016 while Timofey was on the bench and Zu was adjusting to NBA. TA carried the team and was a good rebounder and in my opinion the most matured player in the court last year guiding the reckless and exuberant youth who were inconsistent throughout the year. On the other hand, can’t blame them since tanking was the best course to improve the team. Ennis and Brewer came along after LouWill, we lost a scorer but gained slasher a running game.
Here comes Lonzo new ball game of running and gunning, pick and roll and dunking contest plus newbies reliable on threes. Having said that, pick the players who could ball with Lonzo’s game plan. I think the three former youths Clarky, Julius and Brandon plus Jr are now adults and could run with Ball. Deng could be the voice of reason, consultant but I don’t know whether he got the stamina and legs to pace with the youth movement. Lopez and Zu will be a revelation on the shaded land under Lonzo’s era while the newbies Kuzma and Hart would contribute as wing players drafted for purpose perimeter shooting prowess. That will be the new Lakers identity – speed, efficiency and maturity. No more experimentation or hotdoggin’ from Angelo, no more three point barrage from Swaggy P, doing early celebration while leaving the lane open for the opponent. Players want to win this time, they want to win in order to retain their Lakers contract. If they are traded in mid season, Lakers will gain from their improvement compared to previous seasons. In summary, retain the players that blend with Lonzo’s running game and killer instincts with threes on the wing or easy dunks in the shaded area.
Vasheed says
I think Michael Beasley could be a bargain free agent. He can rebound and shoot the 3 while playing either Forward position. Obviously the Lakers would primarily need him at SF but the ability to play PF for Luke shouldn’t be overlooked. He is also still under 30. Casspi though is also a pretty good choice.
I’d offer Ennis a contract on day 1 of free agency. They con only offer him something a little over 2 million per year due to Houston declining their option. I think he is well worth that.
Black’s contract looks tailor made for a trade. So I’m doubtful he will remain a Laker. However, if they cannot find a trade partner the Lakers don’t have much reason to dump him. Luke likes him, he offers something different from the other centers and Bryant will likely wind up in the G-League to start the season. His salary also comes off the books before 2018 so his salary isn’t an issue really. I’d like to sign T-Rob if the Lakers do trade Black.
Ryan says
I really like the idea of Beverly for black. Houston is looking for cap relief and can just waive black. Beverly’s contract is a team option next year which preserves cap space. Beverly is a good shooter and defender and would be a good pick as a backup PG or even to play beside Ball.
Collison or Holiday would be a good pick up if you could get them to take a 1 year offer with a team option for year 2.
Someone like Jodie Meeks might be worth a look to if some other players cant be had. Hes a good shooter (which the team is severely lacking) and is coming off a major injury and would probably take a 1 year deal to show teams that he has recovered (assuming he has recovered).
Ponch says
Maybe Kuzma could be our Backup SF. His film shows quick feet, fast as a deer, fluid, and nice shooter. And he has some post moves so he could punish smaller defenders.
Peter says
So much talk about the 2018 free agent class, but is it just me or is it not as strong a field as everyone is making it out to be (at least in terms of superstars)?
PG and Leborn would obviously be incredible but that is still a long shot. If George gets traded to Cleveland, Houston or Boston (ugh), he could very easily re-sign with them. We don’t know if Lebron actually does have any interest in us.
So who else does that leave in terms of superstars? Westbrook (gonna re-sign in OKC), Cousins (maybe but we don’t know if he’s interested in us) and Isaiah Thomas (not worth it imo, he will be 30, too expensive and we have Lonzo). There are other solid players who will be available but not superstars.
I honestly think the only way we’re gonna get back to contention is through our young guys. Thankfully, I believe Ingram will be a superstar and we will see about Lonzo but he has enormous potential. Great players will want to play with those two but it might take awhile before we get there. In the meantime, what do we do with that cap space if we can’t get big name FAs next year? Do we hoard it indefinitely??? I really hope Magic and Rob have a Plan B…
Lakers Future says
Peter you are right. Next summer’s free agent list is basically George, James, and Westbrook. I don’t even count James as a real option. And Westbrook is tailor made NOT to play in Luke’s offense. In terms of true fit its pretty much Paul George or bust.
I agree with you on the young players. This front office has to develop their young players. That will determine how fast this team gets back into contention.
Clay Bertrand says
Knicks not considering hometown boy Mitchy Kupchak!?!?!?!!!!!!!!! How’d THAT be with Mitch replacing Phil???
I don’t believe there is any way the Lakers will get Shaun Livingston. He’s a serviceable player and borderline ring chaser who will not likely be swooning over some ONE YEAR above average pay day with a bottom dweller like the Lakers currently are.
I like Ennis. He single handedly almost derailed the TANK last season a couple of games. Still very young but he’s more pure point than combo guard. Unless a huge Cap Room team like the Nets takes a flyer on him, he could be had for a cheap 1+1 within what the Lakers are allowed to sign him for. I also like that proposed Beverley deal for Black—-its a very “Houston & Lakers” move based on the last couple of years IMO. Morey is looking for cap space.
I also really like TRob on a bargain deal. I DO NOT however like the glut of guys at his position. If a trade thins out the front court some, TRob could be a guy to sign.
Still gotta get some 3 Ball shooting from somewhere too…….
Frankly, I fear the turds in Foston getting a commitment from Hayward on July 1 and then throwing all their assets at getting PG and signing him to a 3 year deal.
Its gonna be a fun weekend for sure!!! At least we aren’t the KNICKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Old Timer says
Phil Jackson is no longer with the Knicks. Expect resurgence of Melo, kristaps, Noah and others to rise above their level of competency now that triangle will be nixed. Rambos may be coming home for good as they will have a new GM with different paradigm. Possible Lowry could join the Knicks he could be recruited by former Raftors FO.
Calle Willis says
The Lakers need to get back to talking to the Pacers because if the clipped took what the rockets offer for Chris Paul then the Pacers should take Randall, Clarkson, and Kuzman, and the 2020 first round pick( After Paul George leaves it will take them 3 to 5 years to rebuild anyways and they could use that pick in a trade). Lakers wake up the rockets are coming for George.
LAkersfan1 says
One of the things that I hear from interviews with Rob and Magic and I cannot overstate this enough is the work ethic and character of the players and I’m thinking even throughout the organization of the people they are bringing in. I’m hoping this will end the immature ways of the organization since the health decline of our beloved owner, Dr. Buss. by Jim.
Organization culture starts from the top and I’m glad that Jeanie finally put an end to the way basketball operations was being run, I’m sure it wasn’t easy as it was her family and the family was already being divided with all the egos involved.
I like Tarik but at his salary he can be used as trade piece but if there are no takers the. We can just waive him since 6.5 million will be a lot considering what the FO is trying to do in order to carve out enough space for the “superstars” next summer.
We cannot bring in guys with character flaws or have a history of being malcontents as that will drag team building and energy down. So no on Beasley, Collison, or even Rondo types.
I’m not holding my breath for PG or LeBron because we can team build and add pieces accordingly. We need to get out of this quick fix mentality, I believe that as long as we see a hard working, fun to watch team, the networks will get their advertiser’s worth and we will be a perennial playoff/ championship team in the near future. Most of these players are still learning about the game and Lakers fans must also be realistic. So as Luke continues on to year two of running the team, I have faith in him and the FO being linked up in finding the players that can run the system successfully. I’m sure he was thinking WTH was Mitch and Jimmy doing when signing Mozgov and Deng as neither of these guys can help Luke run his system as well as taking up cap space. Patrick Beverly would be a wonderful addition to the team if Houston really has to dump salary in their pursuit of CP3, I would welcome the former Lakers draft pick back to LA as he will provide the great character and veteran presence for guys like Lonzo and Josh especially on the defensive end. His intensity and feistiness will be most welcome compared to the antics of Nick Young (although I liked the joy he showed playing basketball). As much as I felt conflicted with the trade, D Lo was expendable, he was never going to be the type of player that can be at least neutral defensively/ too much of a liability on that side of the court and Luke needs two way players in his system. Even Steph Curry can be effective on defense despite his physical limitations.
I think with time, PJ Dozier who is technically a FA can fill the PG/SG/SF spot for us if Luke can develop him and PJ puts in the work. His measurements are sound and I’m hoping Kobe will be able to work with the guards. I also think the FO should reach out to Steve Nash, he still lives in the area and currently works with Golden State, I think he would be such an asset in developing Lonzo/ guards especially in the areas of the mid range/ around the basket game. Our players are so young, they need more development coaches to help speed up their Bball skills and IQ.
That would be my focus if I were in Magic and Rob’s shoes. I don’t believe there is a cap in the number of basketball operations employees and that is one area that we can take advantage of and our team can certainly afford to spend on.
Stephen says
Plan C might be use Cap Space and heavily protected 2nds to trade for players on last yr of contract. Ellington(MIa),Lance Stephenson(ha!,last yr team option,IND),Marco Belinelli(Atl,can be re-traded by himself,not as a package),Will Barton(very unlikely,Denver),etc.
Anonymous says
Can Lopez be dumped on July 1st to a team with cap space? I think I’d like to sign Hayward this summer (assuming that PG is coming next summer). PG, Hayward and Ball would be enough perimeter talent to build around and possibly harass the Warriors in a few years. Randle and Zubac round out the starting five in 2018/19.
Remember PG stated that he would love to play with Hayward. Additionally, if you told me that you could trade Russell for Hayward — I’d do the deal. That’s what Trading Russell would ultimately bring to the Lakers –Hayward.
Concerned says
If the plan is ultimately to dump Lopez for space next summer then dumping him now would be OK, if it brought in Hayward now and left room for PG next off season. The only catch is if Gordon wants to take a step back this year on the promise of taking two forward next year (with PG).
Magic may want LBJ but I’m not so keen on signing Lebron next summer for a deal that would likely include the downside of his career. Hayward and PG would be great wings with Ball at the point. Ingram eventually plays the Four but until he’s ready he becomes the wild card wing off the bench. Zubac, Randle, Nance and Deng handle the Four/Five.
Ball, Ingram, Hayward and PG would give you the potential All NBA/ All Star mix necessary to compete for championships. Zubac would be a solid big ball Five with Randle/Nance as your small ball center who would anchor the Lakers version of the death squad. I like it.
Anonymous says
I think the Lakers should seriously pursue Hayward now. I know it might be unlikely, but he’s the type of player the Lakers need – can play offense and defense. If we get him this season, not only will it boost our chances to get another superstar next year, but it will also soften the blow of losing a first round pick next year which is owed to either the 76ers or the Celtics. If we don’t manage to sign him, at least we still have cap space for 2018. A Ball-Hayward-Ingram-Randle-Lopez line up looks promising.
We should let go of Thomas Robinson because we have so many bigs, and eventually use Tarik Black’s expiring contract as a trade chip – even for a draft pick, during the season.
We should sign Ennis, not only because he was a decent backup towards the end of last season, but also because we can get him in a relatively cheap contract.
For SG, why not try Afflalo/Meeks/Foye/Justin Holiday/CJ Miles?
I agree that instead of expediting and forcing the Lakers back in to contention by trading away its young players, they should rather develop the rookies. I do not mind enduring another season of missing the playoffs so long as we grow and groom our players to become superstars (hopefully).