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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreLess than eighteen months ago, the Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th NBA championship in the bubble by surrounding superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis with a roster with great length and size at every position.
Since then, the Lakers made a series of major strategic decisions to improve the team’s offense and versatility that subsequently backfired, resulting in throwing away the system and personnel that had won the championship. The Lakers top priority this summer will be to use Russ’ $47 million expiring contract and their 2027 and 2029 first round picks to rebuild their roster with players who better complement LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers need new front office leadership, a new head coach with modern offensive chops, and serious upgrades to their starting lineup. Here are six steps to transform the Lakers from chumps to champs this offseason:
1. Hire Magic Johnson as Consultant and Visionary
The Lakers front office needs new leadership that can create a vision for the kind of team to build, coach to hire, and players to pursue and sell that vision to owner/governor Jeanie Buss who’s not willing to give up power.
The mess the Lakers find themselves in is a direct result of the chaos and dysfunction undermining the decision making process since Rob Pelinka took over from Magic Johnson as head of basketball operations 3 years ago. Instead of a normal management structure, Jeanie Buss listens to a ‘kitchen cabinet’ that includes VP of Basketball Operations Rob Pelinka, trusted advisors Kurt and Linda Rambis, and former GM Magic Johnson.
Right now, the Lakers’ brain trust lacks leadership and vision. Jeanie Buss needs to respond to the concerns and criticism of the job being done by Rob Pelinka and consider hiring Magic Johnson as a consultant and advisor. Magic’s role would be to help Rob and Jeanie formulate and implement a vision for the Lakers team to be built for LeBron’s final years in purple and gold and the transition plan for moving on once James decides to retire.
Unlike three years ago, Magic would not work full-time or give up any of his current pursuits. Instead, he would help Rob and Jeanie create a team built around an achievable vision for creating the next Lakers dynasty.
2. Hire Rajon Rondo as Lakers’ New Head Coach
The Lakers need a new head coach who has the respect and confidence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and the basketball intelligence, instincts, and competitive drive to develop and coach an NBA championship team.
With Frank Vogel’s 3-year reign as the Lakers head coach coming to an end, the Lakers need to move quickly to hire a new head coach this summer. The goal is to replace Vogel with a coach with better offense/defense balance. Whom the Lakers turn to to coach next season will be one of the most important decisions the front office makes this year. The Lakers should look to hire a new young head coach with upside rather than a retread.
The candidate whom I think would be the perfect head coach for the Lakers and for LeBron James and Anthony Davis is former Lakers point guard Rajon Rondo, who was third best Lakers player during the bubble championship. Rajon not only has the basketball smarts and Hall of Fame resume with two NBA championships but is also intimately familiar with what it takes as role players to optimize LeBron James and Anthony Davis as superstars.
The Lakers need to hire a new, inspirational voice to lead the team over the next decade. Rondo would be the perfect hire as the head coach to help the Lakers win their 18th NBA championship and launch another dynasty.
3. Reach Agreement with LeBron James on Extension
The key to the Lakers having a shot to win their 18th NBA championship next season is getting LeBron to sign a 1+1 extension that would guarantee the Lakers at least two more years with superstars LeBron and AD.
Since James will not be eligible to sign an extension until August 4th, the Lakers will need him to give them a verbal guarantee that he will sign the extension so the Lakers can make needed roster moves first week of July. Should LeBron decide not going to sign an extension at this time, the Lakers would then face a critical franchise decision: trade Klutch Sports clients’ LeBron James and Anthony Davis now or risk losing them for nothing.
All signs point to the Lakers and LeBron already having resolved any issues related to their close alliance with LeBron ready to sign the extension and the Lakers ready to spend whatever they need to make LeBron a winner. While there’s a chance the Lakers might opt to keep Russ and then use his $47 million expiring contract to create up to $35 million in cap space for summer 2023 so Lakers could sign a free agent superstar to replace LeBron.
The Lakers need to reconfirm their alliance with Klutch Sports not only to get LeBron to sign the extension but also to continue to building an NBA team that can win multiple championships with multiple Klutch clients.
4. Trade Russ and Two Picks for Three Rotation Players
The Lakers greatest priority this summer is to convert Russell Westbrook’s lucrative $47 million expiring contract and their 2027 and 2029 unprotected post-LeBron James first round draft picks into two or three starting players.
There are two potential options to the Lakers’ need to get bigger and better at every position: they can acquire a proven modern center who can protect the rim and stretch the floor or a bigger 3&D small forward or stretch three. The Lakers should pursue a trade for a stretch five to go with James, who would play the four, and Davis, who wants to play the three. Adding a third big at center rather than forward would make the Lakers more dangerous.
The top stretch five candidate the Lakers to pursue should be the Indiana Pacers’ center Myles Turner, who has been among the top shot blockers and rim protectors while also averaging four to five 3-point attempts per game. The other center target should be the Rockets’ center Christian Wood, who’s a more dynamic offensive player (17.9 ppg vs. Turner’s 12.9 ppg) but not as good on defense (1.0 bpg and 0.8 spg vs. Turner’s 2.8 bpg and 0.9 spg).
The Lakers greatest priority is ending the Westbrook experiment. They have multiple options to yield two or three starters for Westbrook and two first round picks from the Pacers, Hornets, Rockets, Knicks, and Thunder.
5. Trade THT and Nunn for Bigger 3&D Wing
Besides Westbrook and their two available first round draft picks, the Lakers also need to find a trading partner for Horton-Tucker and Nunn, two players the Lakers need to swap for a bigger 3&D small forward.
While the Lakers will try to find a deal for Russ and their first round picks that delivers three starters to complement LeBron and AD, they may need to trade THT and Nunn to land that third elusive starter they desperately need. The ideal trade target for the Lakers Horton-Tucker and Nunn duo would be a bigger 3&D wing earning between $10 and $15 million like the Knicks’ small forward Cam Reddish or a stretch center like the Pistons’ Kelly Olynyk.
While trading for a stretch center to start alongside LeBron and AD would enable the Lakers to play two-bigs like they did to win the championship in the bubble but with the added advantage of having a 3-point shooting big. Adding Reddish or Olynyk would unlock the same small-ball-on-steroids lineups with Anthony Davis at the five that were the key to the Lakers dominating play and winning their 17th NBA championship in the bubble.
Having the versatility to play super big or small will make the Lakers a better, more dangerous team than they were in the bubble. The addition of a forward like Reddish or a center like Olynyk will supersize the Lakers.
6. Bring Back Reaves, Johnson, Gabriel, and Monk for Continuity
After turning over their entire roster the last two seasons, the Lakers need to bring back three players with team options in Austin Reaves, Stanley Johnson, and Wenyen Gabriel and re-sign Malik Monk to create continuity.
While the lack of continuity has been a killer to the Lakers last two seasons, the Lakers need to be careful not to turnover the entire roster like they did last season and the season before. Turning over the roster kills continuity. The Lakers need to bring back six players from this year’s team: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, Stanley Johnson, Wenyen Gabriel, and Malik Monk. James and Davis would be starters, other four off the bench.
Russell Westbrook and Kendrick Nunn have both opted to accept player options of $47 million and $5 million respectively for next season and both are likely to be traded since they are not good fits next to LeBron and AD. Ideally, the Lakers should receive three rotation players for Westbrook and Nunn, so let’s add two more players to bring the roster to eight players with seven openings for free agents or possible multiple player trades.
Building a championship roster that benefits from continuity is a critical to legitimately compete for a championship in today’s NBA. Continuity means Lakers bringing back Reaves, Johnson, Gabriel, and Monk.
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20 Comments-
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1) hard for me to see Magic returning to the fold while Rob is still here in any capacity and since Jeannie has all but said Rib isn’t getting fired this summer (and given how Magic bailed on the Lakers during warm ups a couple years back) I don’t see this happening.
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2) I’m all in on this one. My first choice given his relationship w/AD and LBJ but would also mean the Lakers will find some way to move Russ. It’s not lost on me that we played worse as a team after we let Rajon go. While we were never good, we got worse for not having Rondo in people’s ear. I also don’t think he and Russ got along (as it seems Russ got along with roughly zero Lakers) and that helped pave his way out of town. A sub plan, for me, would be making Rondo 2nd in Command and promoting Handy.
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Good points about Russ and Rondo on same team. I love the idea of Rondo and think he may be finally ready to hang up his players’ sneakers for a set of coaches’ shoes. I just love his feistiness and BB smarts.
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3) No opinion either way. Like Stan and others have observed LeBron alone is no longer enough for even regular season wins. Unlike in season’s past I would at least take calls on potential LeBron trades at the deadline. I’m not anywhere near all in on Kontinuing or Klutch Konnection.
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4) The crux of our off-season. I would lower your expectations for what will come back in a Russ trade based on the tepid play, lack of teams that truly need to simply clear cap space this summer and the plain simple fact that nobody wants to do us any favors. Having said that As each leaked article emerges I am less inclined than ever to try and make it work with West brook on the roster.
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5) …Probably? I think we may just see THT brought back and Nunn traded to OKC or another team w/cap space to create enough of a room exception to retain Monk. Because he’s a URFA after next season and his poor play I think it will a lot harder to get good value for THT and it might be best to see if another coach can crack the THT code for the regular season.
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We’ll see. I see Russ expiring contract so attractive that the Lakers themselves might opt to keep him so they can replace LeBron with a free agent after the summer after next. I think Lakers will have multiple options to move Russ this summer.
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6) Wrong group of guys for continuity. We’re talking end of the bench players when we mention WG, SJ and McClung. Reaves could/should get minutes and maybe another coach would better utilize him. Monk has always been the number one “guy we gotta keep” and as such, w/no Bird Rights, will be the most challenging to do so. I think we can but we need to move quick.
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You’re right that Rob is not going to get fired this summer but he is on the hot seat because of how this season ended. Rob would quit if Magic was brought back over him but I think he would accept Magic in an advisory role to help him and Jeanie create and implement a vision for the last few years of LeBron’s reign as a Laker and the transition when he eventually retires. Too big of questions to leave to Rob and Kurt. We need Magic’s vision and salesmanship with free agents to fix the current problems and chart a path to another dynasty.
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Perhaps I missed something but what is Magic’s “vision”? That our star players should play a lot? He didn’t convince LeBron to sign here, James and Klutch chose LA. Vision? Like the vision to let Randle walk for nothing? To quit on TV before the team he was in charge of was going to play? He’s already in a bin-paid advisory role, Jeannie has said as much. The Magic thing makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. It’s a retread of a bad idea brought back to life for no reason. We don’t need another nebulous big idea personality just like we don’t need a cadre of high energy, gritty role players. We need someone who is going to put real work. No more lame sloganeers.
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We’ll have A2D, Jamie. I want to give more importance to Magic’s whispers to Jeanie to make sure Rob does the right thing. We saw this season how the ‘get the players and then find the system’ approach works. Now it’s time to create a system or identity or vision and then go out and get the players and coach who best fit that vision.
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Thanks, Jamie. No doubt there are monster issues to be resolved and probably numerous options still to come up to be addressed. We all want the same thing but have different prayers and hopes how we get there. Going to be a wild and wacky summer for sure.
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My biggest fear is Jeanie. She has admitted that she doesn’t really know the ins and outs of the basketball operations, so she relies on people she trusts and that hasn’t worked out well.. In a perfect world she would turn it over to Jessie and Joey who have proven that they understand the game. Let them decide on a GM, a coach and approving trades.
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She’s the head of the snake as far as the Lakers go at this point. Frankly, she’s the reason why bringing back Magic makes sense. Of all of the kitchen cabinet cooks, Magic is the one she listens to the most, more than Rob, Linda, or Kurt.
Truth is Lakers aren’t going to bring in a pro like Ujiri so our best bet is to insert somebody who at least has a vision for the Lakers and the ability to sell it to free agents. Just don’t clog him up with running the department or managing the salary cap You can hire others or let Rob do that.
Seriously, you want to get Jeanie under control, give her Magic to be the visionary she needs. Rob showed he can’t be the visionary. That has opened the door for Jeanie to ask Magic to return in a different capacity this time. It’s something that could and should happen imo.
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Instead of arguing about points I don’t agree with I’ll stick to the points I do, I mean I’ve pretty much stated the areas of disagreement 😂 First, while I am not chomping at the bit to bring Magic back, he is a better option than Rob. Considering like you stated they are unlikely to bring an outsider in, I’m more comfortable with Magic. I also like the idea of Rondo, he wouldn’t be the first to go straight from playing to coaching. Although I would want to surround him with some experience. Would Handy stay on? I certainly hope so. He’s a very good teacher and we will likely have several young players on next years roster. Which brings me to the young guys, unlike Jamie I have seen enough from them to think they could be valuable rotation pieces. Especially Stanley who was probably our best perimeter defender this year. He even showed some offense. Iike Austin he needs to bring his 3 point shooting at least up to the league average of .35ish percent. Sometimes it just takes longer for players to develop. Caruso spent 3 years in the G league and a two way contract before he got his varsity contract at 25, same age as Stanley and Gabriel is only 24. So I believe there is optimism to be had there. If THT isn’t traded I’m of the belief that at 21 he can be developed as well. He seemed to be either really good or bad. So I saw a lot of promise in him. Frank didn’t do a good job of using him. He needs the ball and he usually was out there with either Russ or LeBron. As far as trading Russ I’m between your sky high optimism and nothing happening. I believe they will find a deal, and it may makes us better but I don’t see anything that will lift us to the top of the west. A healthy Clippers and Warriors along with the Suns and a Grizzly team that went 20 and 2 without Ja all seem to me better then what we can land in a trade.
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Aloha, Michael,
Like I said somewhere today, the blog and social media are most active when controversy rules as it has with the Lakers this season.
Oddly, however, by the end of the season, most informed Lakers fans generally agree on most things, fav or hated players being the exception.
How full or empty the glass is really the major difference in opinions in most cases when it comes to me. I can’t help loving out-of-the-box solutions or ideas. And my goal is to create interest more than collect confirmation.
Conversations always inform and educate. I’ve changed my opinion of LeBron playing the three after listening to you although my solution and yours are still not the same.
Anyway, no need to not post where you disagree with me but it’s also nice to know when we do agree. Gracias.
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1. Magic should be at most a figurehead, to take meetings with marquee free agents. Shouldn’t need his services for some time, but I’m all for keeping Buck happy and at arm’s length.
2. Rondo has managed to burn bridges and piss off everyone he’s ever had the opportunity to work with. Why anyone would think he should just jump into the head coaching role anywhere, much less the NBA’s flagship, is puzzling to say the least. Let him make his bones as an assistant, and if history holds, at least you can quietly send him packing.
3. If Lebron would like to take a Duncan-esque extension, hey I’m down! If it’s 97 million of untradeable albatross deal for a guy going into his 20th season with more mileage on him than any player in history, has shown no willingness to loosen his grip on roster influence, can be counted on to miss 20-30 games a year, play no defense, pick his spots on offense, and passively aggressively lay blame for everything that goes wrong elsewhere, yeah, it’s a no for me dawg.
4. From the sound of it, sacrificing every asset might get the team rid of Russ and get back 2 quality rotation players. Probably won’t move the needle to get this team a puncher’s chance. If they can get back 3 starter caliber guys, then jump at the chance.
5. Hopefully some GM saw his 40 point outlier and gets excited.
6. Sure, someone has to round out the roster.
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Good response, Stan. It would obviously take a miraculous outcome for a team that missed the playoffs this season to transform themselves into a championship contender this summer but I think we have a shot if LeBron and AD can stay healthy. However, we do need to upgrade the other starting positions. Reaves, Monk, Johnson, and Gabriel are great reserves but not championship level starters.
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Lakers Go From Chumps to Champs!
1. Hire Magic as Team Visionary
2. Hire Rajon Rondo as Head Coach
3. Agreement to Extension with LeBron
4. Trade Russ & Picks for Three Players
5. Trade THT & Nunn for Bigger 3&D Wing
6. Bring Back Players for Continuity
https://t.co/lxI32hYjAA— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 11, 2022
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read More
The Los Angeles Lakers will face major challenges this summer as they try to fix the roster and coaching problems that derailed this season and left the Lakers a shocking and disappointing 11th out of 15 NBA teams in the West.
More troubling than their record is the Lakers lack of valuable trading chips heading into a critical summer where they desperately need to rebuild their roster back to championship caliber with LeBron James’ retirement looming. Besides finding and hiring a new head coach and staff, the Lakers must find a trading partner willing to salary dump three rotation players for Russell Westbrook’s expiring contract and two post-LeBron first round draft picks.
Here are the four questions to which the Lakers will need answers to before they can decide exactly what to do to fix their roster in terms of specific players and find a new head coach who fits the needs of the new roster.
1. Can Lakers Still Win Championship with LeBron James and AD?If yes, the Lakers should move forward to convince LeBron James to sign a two-year extension with a player option for second year, lining up his and AD’s contracts and guaranteeing the Lakers two more years of both superstars.
Note that LeBron not signing an extension sends the Lakers on a different set of options that include moving forward but returning to the subject before the trade deadline or possibly trading LeBron and even AD if the Klutch alliance is broken.
If no, the Lakers should consider trading LeBron James and/or Anthony Davis this summer. The two superstars could generate enough young talent and draft picks for the Lakers to jumpstart building their next championship team.
2. Does LeBron Signing Extension Change What Lakers Do This Summer?
If yes, the Lakers will then have the security of LeBron James and Anthony Davis under contract for two more years, enabling them to make a major investment in more salaries and luxury taxes to upgrade the roster to championship level,
If no, the Lakers can either decide to gamble the moves you make will be enough to convince LeBron to sign the extension or decide to cut your losses and trade LeBron James and/or Anthony Davis this summer or at the trade deadline.
Just a note about timing. Since LeBron is not eligible to sign an extension until August 4th, the Lakers may require him to verbally agree to sign the extension before making any long-term moves dependent upon him being a Laker.
3. Is There a Chance Lakers Keep Russell Westbrook Next Season?
If yes, it would be because they would not give up a first round draft pick to move him or decided to take advantage of the cap space when Russ’ $47 million comes off the books the summer after next when LeBron and AD will be the only Lakers.
If no, the Lakers should trade Russ and their two first round picks for three quality rotation players, for example the Pacers’ Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, and T.J. McConnell. They should not spend a first round pick to move Russ.
If the Lakers make their two first round picks unprotected, they might be able to get more for Russ and his expiring contract than Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrez Harrell, and #22 draft pick who was Isaiah Jackson.
If the Lakers couldn’t find an acceptable trade partner to take Russ without giving up a pick and keeping him for his expiring contract was not worth it, the Lakers last option would be to waive-and-stretch Westbrook’s $47 million contract.
4. Do the Lakers Need to Hire a New Head Coach Right Away?
If yes, it would be because the Lakers did not want an ongoing coaching search get in the way of signing free agents and negotiating trades and because there was a candidate like Quin Snyder or Rajon Rondo whom they wanted to get locked up.
Ideally, the Lakers can sign their choice as their next head coach as soon as the season ends and before free agency and the offseason trade period open up. Could be important for free agents to know who is going to coach them on the Lakers.
If no, it would be because the Laker did not have a candidate they were ready to sign or because they wanted to wait to see what the final roster looked like before deciding on who would be the best coach for the roster the Lakers ended up with.
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Four Questions To Which The Lakers Need Answers To Decide What To Do
1. Can Lakers Still Win with LeBron &AD?
2. Does LeBron Extension Change Things?
3. Is There Chance Lakers Keep Westbrook Next Season?
4. Do Lakers Need New Head Coach Right Away?https://t.co/3TvxR0fA4O— LakerTom (@LakerTom) April 6, 2022
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1. Not at a high level without a significant upgrade of supporting cast which is now next to impossible.
2. Only if he extends at a steep discount.
3. Sure, mostly due to lack of options.
4. Yes, if for nothing more than to breathe some fresh air into the building.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreThere’s a case to be made the smartest thing Jeanie Buss could do right now is bring back Magic Johnson as President of Basketball Operations and the bold visionary the Lakers need to navigate the risks of the next few years.
While that may seem like a totally crazy idea considering how his last stint running the Lakers front office unceremoniously ended, Magic Johnson could be the visionary leader the team desperately needs going forward. Pelinka would remain as VP of Basketball Operations and handle the daily general manager and salary cap duties and responsibilities while Johnson would oversee the Lakers’ front office roster building and decision making.
The championship attribute the Lakers’ organization is missing right now is a visionary leader with a clear idea of the kind of team the Lakers should build around LeBron and AD and strong interpersonal skills to execute his vision. The greatest concern for Lakers fans right now is the franchise will face several major franchise defining decisions right at a time when ownership, the front office, and coaching staff appear to be on different pages.
That’s where Magic Johnson comes in. If there’s anybody in the Lakers family of former coaches and players who is best qualified to provide the vision, it’s Magic Johnson, who recruited LeBron James to kick start the Lakers revival. Think about the big moves the Lakers made during the last three years. Signing LeBron James and trading for Anthony Davis were both moves that were part of Magic Johnson’s vision for the Lakers, not Rob Pelinka’s.
In a way, the Lakers have not had a visionary since Dr. Buss died. Neither Jim Buss or his sister Jeanie were visionaries and the only thing Rob Pelinka accomplished in his three years was finishing the AD trade Magic started. While Rob deserves credit for the bubble championship, he’s spent the last two years essentially discarding a proven championship formula for failed attempts to upgrade the Lakers that wasted two years of LeBron’s career.
Bringing back Magic is the only move Jeanie is capable of making at this point. She’s not going to fire Rob, although he very well could resign due to the Lakers bringing back Magic Johnson to be his direct boss once again. Frankly, Rob resigning wouldn’t be the end of the world although the Lakers would need to replace him with a hands-on general manager who could handle the day-to-day duties and salary cap responsibilities of the job.
Unlike last time, the Lakers and Magic would have an understanding that his position as President of Basketball Operations is to be the franchise’s visionary, their idea man, their guide for strategizing and building a team. Magic will be paid for his ideas and leadership, not for the hours or days he spends working at Lakers’ facilities or on Lakers’ projects. His value is the vision he can provide the franchise as it transitions from LeBron James.
Magic Johnson may not be the smartest one to represent the team on social media or handle the daily general manager workload or critical front office salary cap calculations but he’s exactly what the Lakers’ front office needs.
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There’s no doubt the Lakers need direction and frankly I trust Magic Johnson to make better big time decisions regarding coaches and players more than Rob Pelinka, Kurt Rambis, or anybody else in the Lakers front office.
Nobody’s perfect, especially when it comes to evaluating players, but I think Magic has as sound a basketball mind as anybody the Laker could get when it comes to style of play and players.
You just have someone like Rob running the front office day to day and keeping Magic posted. Magic is the Lakers paid Idea Man. I don’t think the Laker can come up with a better solution to fix their front office than bringing back Magic as President of Basketball Operations.
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Well, when you’ve got LeKlutch dictating dumbass moves like not trading Talentless Tucker for Lowry, or giving up anything for Westbrick, anyone will end up looking stupid. Do we really think Buck’s any more ready for this gig than he was last time around?
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Everybody acts like knowing the ins and outs of the salary cap is what’s important for a general manager or PBO or VPBO. That’s stupid because you have lawyers and cap experts to advise you on that.
What Magic gets is how you win championships. I certainly trust him to decide strategies like do we go two big or play small or do both? Do we go for a third star or use the money for a better starting lineup and roster.
And judging which players are better and who fits and who doesn’t fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis? For sure, I trust Magic more than Rob or Jeanie or Kurt or Linda.
Hiring Magic is probably the only way to get rid of Pelinka. It’s the perfect part-time, board level type gig for Magic, who loves the Lakers and would love a chance to make up for how things ended last time.
And If anybody can convince Jeanie Rob has to go, Earvin is the man. He’s the Magic Man.
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Rob has to do whatever LeKlutch dictates in your dream scenario. Didn’t work out so hot when he had to give Talentless a nice contract to make LeKlutch happy as opposed to going for Lowry. He also had to agree to the Westbrook debacle because he had a nice sitdown with the LeKlutch brainstrust. There’s no scenario where the can get out of this mess and put enough around a quickly dwindling Lebron and his oft-injured running mate. There’s no reason to believe Magic will be any better at making basketball decisions than he has in previous iterations. Brilliant with the ball in his hands. Making personnel decisions? Notsomuch.
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I have zero confidence in Magic. Everything he did after landing LeBron was a disaster. He traded DLo at the height of his trade value as a salary dump. At least he admitted that was a mistake. He allowed Randle to walk for nothing. He allowed Lopez to walk when he would have stayed for 5 mil. He drafted Lonzo over Tatum even though the NBA and his own scouting department had Tatum as the best of his class. He said he did it because Lonzo would be a great Hollywood story. And then there is the endless tweets that makes one wonder if he can even evaluate talent or understand the modern game. I’ll pass on Magic.
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I don’t think Magic is perfect when it comes to evaluating players but I have a lot more confidence in him than in Rob. And I do credit Magic for getting LeBron to sign and setting up the AD trade with Rich Paul.
Would I rather we had an extensive search and decided upon a proven elite front office professional like Masai Ujiri? For sure but we all know that’s not going to happen.
Lakers are a nepotistic exteneded family. Only realistic solutions have to come from within Jeanie’s network. Right now, the best option is Magic Johnson as we head to critica crossroads. Trust Magic way more than Rob.
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The video you you posted Tom also demonstrates That I understand the nba and salary cap better than he does. Derozen wasn’t going to play for the MLE. We would have had to trade Kuzma who Pop likes for him. Pop would not have helped the Lakers for nothing. So of course we would have been unable to trade for Buddy. He’s right we would have still had KCP and could have kept Alex. But there is no way we could have had both Derozen and Buddy. I would love for Jeanie to hand over the basketball decisions to Jesse and let him choose a new GM and coach. Unfortunately I don’t see it happening.
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I 100% agree with anyone who says Pop liked Kuzma. Yes the Lakers could have done 2 deals with those players for separate packages. Yes they could have done 1 deal and kept some folks. They messed up and what’s done is done. What Magic said today that wasn’t perhaps dollar for dollar right doesn’t matter. Magic has many balls in the air in his life. He comes in ESPN to make TV. If he is the Lakers President with a GM and those young Buss boys, he will definitely be on time and on target about what he DOES more than what he says. I feel like he executed on that last time as well.
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Spurs fans have two priorities, the Spurs and hating the Lakers. They’ve even forgiven Kawhi because he screwed the Lakers few summers ago.
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I’m right with ya in wanting Masai Ujuri. I really like how he builds a roster even when he may not win the Title right now
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The knock on Magic was that he couldn’t really commit to the job full time along with all his other business interests. He took the heat in his last stint but Rob was running the day-to-day and he came off relatively unscathed. Now we’re seeing what he’s all about and it ain’t great. I think Earv might be best served as a consultant/advisor similar to what Jerry West has become. Not sure who’s available out there to run the operation full time and would be considered a ‘visionary”. Those dudes are hard to find and even harder to pry away from their current job. Especially when we’ll have an empty cupboard and no draft picks in the near future.
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Timing of availability is always the wild card in trying to matchup the Lakers with an elite head coach or transcendent general manager. Lakers always seem to have a limited list of acceptable candidates whenever they have an opening.
I think hiring Magic as a consultant to head this summer’s coaching search and roster rebuilding process would work. Everybody knows the Lakers don’t have a typical corporate structure so sectioning off final say in head coach and roster changes as special consultant to Jeanie Buss. Rob or his replacement takes care of the daily stuff and detail of running the front office.
Don’t see any other way we can get Rob out of making the big decisions. I would trust Magic over him.
Magic works when we need him too, which would certainly be part-time and project oriented.
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Per Magic the visionary
“I think they have to bring it back. That’s No. 1,” Johnson said (1:57). “Because you can’t attach a first-round pick to Westbrook to try to get him out. He actually played a lot better the last three weeks.”-
LOL. I saw that. Did make me think twice about supporting Magic over Rob. Not sure that is the best solution but it definitely is an option that should be explored. He would be an easy trade at the trade deadline. And we do need a point guard.
One other factor in favor of Magic returning is there is nobody who can do a better job of selling the Lakers as a free agent destination than Magic. LeBron may have wanted to come to LA, but it was Magic who got him to sign.
So yeah, I would support Magic even if he wanted to keep Russ this summer to avoid wasting a pick to move him.
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Now we talking LT. Playing Chess and that’s exactly what Magic is talking too. Chess behind the scenes while he talks in front of curtain.
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At this rate we’re going to start trading our own players to ourselves but give a draft pick to OKC cause awwww hell, why not? From trash GM to savior? This kind of thinking is what created the shit show that is this season. We don’t need a sloganeering personality we need someone who is willing to work, to butt heads with Jeannie, to have an actual vision beyond “Hey, we’re the Lakers and we are super destined to be super great you guys!!!” I’d rather hire Coach K as GM or something outside the box like a mechanical monkey clapping its hands over Magic. We need to go forward not back…again…for the umpteenth time…again. Like sending WW2 vets into a modern battle zone.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreThe bad news is the Lakers’ tradeable players have played so poorly their only value this summer will be as salary filler. The good new is Russ’ expiring deal will have value and the Lakers will have two draft picks to trade this summer.
This summer, the Lakers will need to combine Russell Westbrooks $47 million expiring contract with their unprotected 2027 and 2029 post-LeBron first round picks to create the best possible trade package to upgrade their roster. The Lakers saw at the trade deadline how Westbrook, Horton-Tucker, and Nunn had lost trade value but also how even their 2027 first round pick had greater value than expected. It was key to every failed deal at the deadline.
Packaging Westbrook’s expiring contract with their two first round picks dramatically expands what the Lakers should be able to get in a trade as salaries become easier to match when the total dollars involved is higher. Considering the trades that were available to the Lakers at the deadline for one first round draft pick, imagine what Pelinka might be able to negotiate if he offered two post-LeBron unprotected first round picks with Westbrook.
NBA teams make trades for different reasons, often to clear cap space for the future or avoid luxury taxes. Here are three trades of Russell Westbrook and their 2027 and 2029 first round picks the Lakers should target this summer.
1. Trade with Indian Pacers for Turner, Brogdon, and Hield
The Lakers have always been interested in Myles Turner and now that the Pacers are in the middle of a major rebuild, the timing could be right for them to trade Russ’ expiring contract and their two first round picks for Myles.
Per HoopsHype, the Pacers are still looking to trade Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield this summer and would consider including center Myles Turner for “two first-round picks or a promising young player and a first-round pick.” The Lakers should offer Westbrook, Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, and their 2027 and 2029 first round draft picks for Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, and Buddy Hield, each of whom would immediately start for the Lakers.
Indiana should be at the top of the list of possible trading partners for Russell Westbrook since they’re looking to move multiple long-term contracts to clear up cap space down the road and acquire first round picks and young talent. While the Pacers will have to pay Westbrook, Horton-Tucker, and Nunn $62 million for next season, they will save over $125 million over the next three years by getting out of Turner’s, Brogdon’s, and Hield’s player contracts.
The Pacers’ Myles Turner, Malcolm Brogdon, and Buddy Hield should be the Lakers top trade target this summer. It would add championship quality starters to complement James and Davis without increasing annual salaries.
2. Trade with Houston Rockets for Wood, Gordon, and Wall
If the Lakers can’t pull off a trade with the Indiana Pacers for Myles Turner, they should turn their attention to trading with the Houston Rockets for Christian Wood, a stretch five center who can block shots and shoot threes.
Per Brian Windhorst, the Lakers turned down a potential mega deal with the Houston Rockets at the trade deadline “involving Russell Westbrook, Talen Horton-Tucker, and 2027 first round pick for John Wall and Christian Wood.” The Lakers should offer Westbrook, Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, Stanley Johnson, and their 2027 and 2029 first round draft picks for Christian Wood, Eric Gordon, and John Wall, each of whom would be a starter for the Lakers.
The Lakers also know they could have traded Russell Westbrook and their 2027 first round draft pick to the Rockets at the trade deadline for John Wall so the proposed trade with two draft picks could be attractive to Houston. Word from Houston is the motivation to trade Wall for Westbrook is the Rockets believe Westbrook will be more willing than Wall to buy his way out of the last year of his contract, which could save the Rockets some money.
Targeting a trade for Wood, Gordon, and Wall should be the Lakers second priority this summer. While it would dramatically increase the $3 million in luxury taxes the Lakers will play this year, it would be a championship team.
3. Trade with New York Knicks for Rose, Randle, and Reddish
If the Lakers can’t make a trade for Myles Turner or Christian Wood, then they should focus their attention on Julius Randle of the New York Knicks, who is rumored to have asked the Knicks to trade him to another team this summer.
According to sources, Julius Randle and the Knicks are headed for a divorce because he “feels the FO hasn’t supported him through tough times this year and promises about how the offense would go through him has stopped.” The Lakers should offer Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract and their 2027 and 2029 first round draft picks for Julius Randle, Derrick Rose, and Cam Reddish, each of whom is an excellent fit next to LeBron and AD.
While the Knicks supposedly have no interest in trading for Russell Westbrook at the trade deadline, the lure of his $47 million expiring contract and two post-LeBron first round draft picks could change their mind and direction. Russ would be great playing in Madison Square Garden and knows the East well after his time with the Washington Wizards. The trade would allow the Knicks to move on from the Randle mistake while getting two great picks.
Trading Westbrook for Randle, Rose, and Redding not only gives the Lakers three starting quality players for Russ but also breaks Russ’ $47 million into three smaller more easily tradeable contracts of $14, $26, and $6 million.
6 Comments-
Like #3 but NY already said they don’t want Russ so not sure why it’s even being theorized. They know what his contract situation is, ain’t no secret so if they’ve already put it out there that they have zero interest why bother wasting time saying “but how about now?”. They can get something of value for Randle beyond expiring salary and some picks years out, something the Lakers seemingly were unable to do.
#1 but I still don’t see Indy making that move. Basically means they’re really doing a rebuild which they seem philosophically opposed to. Maybe the Nunn/THT trade but not Russ.
#2: Just say ‘No’ to players who rely on speed with Achilles injuries. Better to run it back.
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Several article detailing that Turner is on the trading block. Pacers have rebuilt backcourt. Brogdon on the block. Now looking to do same w/front court. Turner on the block. Want two first round picks.
Knicks will rethink Russ because it’s a way to get out of Julius $67 million extension plus other long-term contracts. Knicks made a mistake and paid Julius for an outlier year. Russ lets them get out of Julius.
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I think Indy will try to trade Turner, honestly wouldn’t surprise me if Indy and NY did a Randle for Turner/what have you deal, but I just have a hard time seeing Rob able to make good deal happen. Too many blown opportunities to be ignored. You pin a lot of hope on Russ’ expiring deal. If the best offer is Russ and our picks for Wall I would prefer to ride it out. That’s not a deal any sane person should advocate for since we haven’t seen John Wall play in over a year. You at the very least get chemistry overlap with Russ, Wall is like starting over with a broken wheel. Russ and his deal might be here until the trade deadline next season.
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Personnel decisions are always a crap shoot. I mean Jerry West loved Kobe but hated Magic.
While Rob hasn’t done well the last couple of years, I think it’s been partly because of other factors like unwillingness to pay luxury taxes or take back long-term commitments that did not allow Rob the freedom to make the right moves. In general, I like the players he has recently targeted like Turner or Wood. Hopefully, he has worked with Jeanie and Rich and has everybody on the same page for what they’re going to do this summer. I think Russ’ expiring contract and two draft picks will be a package several teams will have interest in.
That’s also the other reason besides pride that I think it’s important for the Lakers to make the Play-In Tourney and the playoffs. It will give Russ, THT, and maybe even Nunn a chance to improve their trade value by playing well in the playoffs. And obviously, getting playoff experience for Monk, Reaves, Johnson, and Gabriel woud be a big plus.”
Los of reasons not to throw in the towell or wave the white flag.
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#2, the Houston guys to me, aren’t winners. I like Wood size but that deal doesn’t feel like winners. #3, the Indy deal has some inteiguing guys and the guys NY could add to Randle are intriguing. HOWEVER, I feel like the deal with Indy or NY could be captured for a cheaper price at the Trade deadline, especially with NY. The Indy GM is onery and he can wait because of that pitiful market. NY cant wait and they would move Randle for Russ at Trade deadline if relations and winning isnt happening. it would NOT cost 2 and maybe not even 1 first round pick. I repeat, NO COST. Thats what patience Buys.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreIt’s only taken a year and a half for the Los Angeles Lakers to go from champs to chumps, from winning a championship in the bubble to losing in the first round last year and possibly missing playoffs completely this year.
The Lakers lost their way by forgetting who they were and throwing away what won their championship. Rob cracked and traded for Russ, ownership suddenly got cheap, and Vogel got a roster that exposed his flaws. Everyone in the Lakers’ organization shares the blame for where the Lakers are right now, will have to be held accountable, and will need to participate in any solution to get the organization in sync and everybody on the same page.
The front office executive who will get the opportunity to fix the Lakers’ roster problem this summer will be the same Rob Pelinka who was responsible for the problems in the first place by agreeing to trade for Russ. You can blame LeBron and AD but it’s Rob who is paid big bucks to make those tough decisions like should we trade for Russell Westbrook, should we re-sign Alex Caruso, should we promise Andre Drummond a starting role?
Bottom line, here are the six steps Rob must take as head of basketball operations to get everybody in the Lakers’ organization in sync and on the same page and fix the roster problems caused by the Westbrook trade.
1. Accept Responsibility for the Lakers’ Current Mess
The first thing Rob needs to do is accept responsibility for the Westbrook trade. That LeBron and AD wanted Russ and pushed for the trade doesn’t matter. The final decision was Rob’s and it was clearly a poor decision.
Accepting responsibility for the Westbrook trade would clear the decks for everybody to stop assessing blame and instead allow ownership, front office, and coaching to work together to create game plan for this summer. Most importantly, it would show that Rob is the man in charge and will be the one making the final decision when it comes to terminating the Westbrook experiment and upgrading the roster to championship level.
The Lakers are at a major crossroads. They still have two superstars and could rebuild and come back as a legitimate contender next season…or they could continue making wrong moves and fumble LeBron James transition. Rob Pelinka needs to create a overall vision for how to get the best out of LeBron James and Anthony Davis and next year’s Lakers just like Jerry Buss did for the Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Showtime Lakers.
Rob has an opportunity to redeem himself as the Lakers general manager and fix the problems caused by the Westbrook trade. The first step is him accepting responsibility for the Lakers’ current roster mess.
2. Convince Jeanie Buss to Open Lakers’ Purse Strings
Once Rob has accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ current mess, he needs to sit down with Jeanie and convince her paying luxury taxes has become just the basic price of admission to compete for NBA championships.
With a market value of $5.5 billion, the Lakers will likely end up paying just $3 million in luxury taxes, 11th lowest amount among tax payers and considerably less than the $60 million due from top taxpayer Warriors. Jeanie’s unwillingness to pay luxury taxes ended up costing the Lakers one of their best defensive players when they refused to match an offer Alex Caruso received from the Chicago Bulls because of potential luxury taxes.
What Rob Pelinka needs to do is convince Jeanie and her brothers and sister that winning championships is what’s made the franchise worth $5.5 billion today and that the Lakers need to spend money to make money. The Lakers need to be willing to pay the same level of luxury taxes as their competitors: the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers. You can’t lose quality players like Caruso due to tax concerns.
The ability to compete financially is a basic requirement if the Lakers are to be able to compete on the hardwood. Pelinka needs to convince Jeanie Buss that paying luxury taxes is just an investment on future championships.
3. Recruit Quin Snyder as the Lakers Next Head Coach
The biggest challenge Rob will have this summer will be replace Frank Vogel as head coach. Before he can do that, he needs to decide what kind of coach the Lakers need to best optimize LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The head coach candidate Rob Pelinka should pursue this summer is Quin Snyder, current head coach of the Jazz, who have new ownership and word is the new ownership may want a new head coach after eight years. Snyder is a former Lakers assistant coach who possesses the same defensive DNA as Frank Vogel but has fully embraced the 3-point revolution that’s taken over the NBA, which is what the Lakers need to complement LeBron and AD
Defensively, Snyder favors a two-bigs defense anchored by an elite shot blocker like Gobert, which is style similar to Frank Vogel’s defense. Quin’s Jazz defense was 3rd in the league last season but just 13th this season. Offensively, Quin Snyder has the Jazz taking and making the second most 3-point shots in the league this season, after leading the league in both last season. Quin is Mike D’Antoni on offense and Frank Vogel on defense.
Pelinka and the Lakers should go all-in to sign Quin Snyder as their next head coach. He has the championship experience both as a player and coach and the X’s and O’s chops superstars James and Davis will respect.
4. Rebuild the Partnership with Rich Paul and Klutch Sports
Once Pelinka has signed Snyder to replace Vogel as the Lakers next head coach, he needs to turn his attention to repairing and rebuilding his alliance with Klutch Sports and getting LeBron James to sign a two-year extension.
While James won’t be eligible to sign an extension until August 4th, Pelinka needs his verbal approval once the season ends so he can move forward to surround LeBron and AD with a championship roster when summer starts. Were James unwilling to sign an extension, the Lakers might then be forced to consider trading him in order not to lose him to free agency this summer without getting anything in return. James signing an extension is critical.
The extension James will likely approve would be for two years with player options for the second year, which would then line up LeBron and AD so their last guaranteed seasons would be 23–24 with player options for 24–25. That would then set the Lakers up with maximum cap space and no players under contract for the 2024–25 season, giving them the flexibility to re-sign superstars James and Davis or look for a superstar to replace LeBron James.
Strengthening the Klutch Sports alliance should be apriority for Pelinka. It not only solidifies the Lakers’ relationship with LeBron and AD but also opens the door for the Lakers to acquire another Klutch Sports superstar.
5. Trade Russell Westbrook to Rockets for John Wall
Once Rob has accepted responsibility for the Lakers’ mess, convinced Jeanie to loosen the purse strings, hired Quin Snyder as the next head coach, and rebuilt the alliance with Klutch Sports, he’s now ready to wheel and deal.
Finding a new home for Russell Westbrook will be Rob Pelinka’s first roster priority and undoubtedly the greatest challenge he will face this summer. The Lakers refused to give up a first round pick to move Russ at deadline. While the Lakers will be hoping to find a trading partner willing to take on Russ’ $47 million expiring contract, their best option could very well be to trade Westbrook and a first round draft pick to the Rockets for John Wall.
The Lakers are not interested in waiving and stretching Russell Westbrook. While Rob will try to find a team willing to trade the valuable players with multiple year contracts in return for Russ, the Lakers may still strike out. There’s no question that replacing Westbrook with Wall will be ‘addition by subtraction’ since Wall can at least be counted on to play under control and not create the chaotic rollercoaster ride Russ inevitably turns games into.
The first roster move Rob has to make this summer is trading Westbrook. Rob should be willing to give up one of the Lakers’ two first round picks to get a team to take Russell Westbrook’s $47 million expiring contract.
6. Trade THT, Nunn, and Pick for Stretch Five Center
The Lakers are at a critical crossroads where the decisions they make this summer will not only impact next season but could also the transition of the team once LeBron James retires and the success of post-LeBron future.
The last three years, the Lakers alternated between two-big lineups with traditional centers like JaVale McGee or Dwight Howard and small-ball-on-steroids lineups with Anthony Davis or LeBron James as stretch fives. Considering how the Lakers’ small lineups have been getting killed in the paint and on the boards and the persistent injuries to James and Davis, the Lakers should seriously consider returning to the two-bigs formula.
Rather than bringing in another traditional center, the Lakers should look to for a center with the size to protect the rim, the bulk to handle power centers like Embiid and Jokic, and the shooting stroke to stretch defenses. Adding a modern center like Christian Wood or Myles Turner would enable the Lakers to be able to play big or small. It would also give them the ability to have an elite shot blocker on the court for all 48 minutes of the game.
Considering injuries that have derailed this and last season’s teams, the Lakers should rethink their front court and look to trade for a modern stretch five center who can both protect the rim and stretch defenses.
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10 Comments-
Six steps Pelinka must take this summer:
1. Accept Blame for Current Mess
2. Convince Jeanie to Open Purse Strings
3. Hire Quin Snyder as Head Coach
4. Rebuild Klutch Sports Alliance
5. Trade Russ for Wall
6. Trade for Stretch Centerhttps://t.co/RD5SahCLVL— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 30, 2022
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Aloha Tom, my thoughts on your post. While I would love Rob to take responsibility for the mess he created. Some how though I think we will get the same old song and dance about injuries etc.
As for Jeanie, a big yes on spending what it takes. Although because of the construction of the current roster, we can’t really add a lot of salary. Last year the only way we could have added more salary was if we kept Alex. Considering we replaced him with a minimum player we only would have made it about a 7 mil increase which makes it even more painful for me. This year we can take back a little more back then we send out in a trade. And if Nunn opts in we can increase salary another 6.2 mil with the MLE. So we aren’t going to be able to spend our way out of this mess.
I’m on board with Quinn. The chatter is that the Lakers will be interested if he is available. He would be an excellent choice.
As for Klutch, I really don’t have enough insight into what is actually going on behind the scene to have an opinion.
I would rather keep Russ then give up a first for Wall. I’m not in favor of trading for another ball dominate, non shooting, poor defending PG. Wall may not make as many boneheaded plays as Russ, but probably can’t do as many of the positives as Russ brings. I’m hoping after Dennis and Russ, that Rob learns that he needs someone who can play off the ball and shoot. A little defensive ability wouldn’t hurt either.
As far as Turner. We won’t get him. Period. First I doubt the Pacers trade him. This is a team that had very little quality size before they traded Sabonis. They are not going to trade him for another guard, which they have plenty. They already turned down your proposal once. Turner is young and fits with their other younger players. If for some reason they put Turner on the block. The Hornets will snap him up. Or perhaps the Warriors will revisit Turner because their small ball is hurting them. Both have better assets to offer then us.
As for Wood, you mentioned we needed a center with the bulk to handle big centers. Wood is 6’ 10” and weighs a whopping 214 pounds. I’m 6’ 4” and weigh 215. And that’s mid range for my height. AD out weighs by Wood by 40 pounds. Wood might be a shot blocker but he also gets shoved around. LeBron bullied him without mercy. Besides they will be able to get more then your offer for wood. He will make a good PF for someone. Hey if he could defend the wing, I would like him better. I really don’t want LeBron chasing athletic wings at 38 and 39. I’m mean he can’t defend them now. It would be worse the older he gets. One other thing to remember. Nunn has a player option. He took less money to come to the Lakers. Would he opt in to go to the Rockets? Even though he didn’t play he could probably find the same 5 mil elsewhere.
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Aloha, Michael. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Rob may not come out and accept responsibility for the Lakers’ current mess but internally, he has to be disappointed and eager to make amends and come out as the hero. I hope he realizes that the key is listening to all of his stakeholders but keeping the right to make the final decision solidly in his hands. Last time, I think he let it slip and agreed to something I don’t think he thought was best. Hopefully, he’s learned from that and will be more assertive. He knows this is on his head to fix.
I do think Rob will get Jeanie to loosen the purse strings. Both know this is a critical summer that will setup LeBron’s final years and set the stage for the post-LeBron years. Can’t handicap the team with financial constraints against its main competitors. One thing they need to consider is there are lots of opportunities to make moves to reduce taxes later in the year. Highest tax turned out to be dubs with $60M. Earlier projections had them at $200M. Same with Nets and Clippers around $40M vs. $100M projected. Lakers panicked on Caruso and made a major mistake. He would have only cost $10M in taxes not $30M like originally projected.
Quin Snyder would be perfect. Lakers roots, defensive background but totally embraced the 3-point shot. Perfect fit for this team. Probably too good to be true but Lakers should go all-in to get him. His modern approach offensively would be great. Next to Dubs, Jazz run great offensive sets. Think LeBron and AD would be aboard too. Let’s hope they make an effort to get him.
I obviously think Klutch is important, not only because they can be an exclusive source of talent but also for their input and judgment on players. Frankly, I trust them maybe more than the Lakers when it comes making decision and I like that the alliance gives LeBron and AD a bigger say in what we do. Now, that didn’t work out well with Russ but in general, they have to be in the loop. That they were should make them secure in their value and relationship. Will be easier for Rob to get true consensus and support this summer.
I’ve come to the conclusion we need to package both picks with Russ’ expiring contract to get the best return in trade. Rob needs a deal the Pacers, who reportedly are willing to trade Turner for two firsts or a first and a promising young player, or the Knicks, who might want to trade Randle, or the Rockets, who were willing to trade Wall and Wood for Russ, THT, and the 2027 first round pick. There were lots of deals if we were willing to give up the pick. Funny how the pick had great value while Russ, THT, and Nunn turned into trade filler.
I still think we can get a deal for Turner, Brogdon, and Hield or Wood, Gordon, and Wall or Randle, Rose, and Redding for Westbrook, two unprotected post-LeBron first round picks, and filler. Need to package Russ’ expiring with our two first rounders to get best return while dumping Russ.
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Do you really want to pay Lebron near 100 mil for a two year extension for seasons 21 & 22?
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1. There’s plenty of blame to go around. It does no good to dwell on it.
2. She probably won’t and with the nucleus they have, it wouldn’t matter.
3. The greatest coaches of all time couldn’t have resolved this mess of a roster.
4. No, no, and HELL NO. Lebron is fading fast and there’s absolutely no reason to believe this is going to change. Only if he extends for like 2yrs/40mil total, not the near 100mil he’d want for his year 21 and 22 seasons. ABSO-F’ING-LUTELY NO. Not to mention is Mr. Glass sidekick. Him playing just long enough just to get hurt again isn’t the outlier, it’s who AD is. Trade him while he still has some value. Another beat up season, and he’ll also be untradeable, damaged goods. Which brings us to your next ridiculous notion . . .
5. WTF for? So head LeKlutch weasel little Richie can milk more money out of yet another franchise for one of his sorry clients? Maybe when James could carry a weak team on his own, but now? Naw, the juice ain’t worth the squeeze. Possibly if they’d include Gordon AND Wood, but not straight up, and definitely not with one of the only assets they have left in that draft pick a million years away.
6. Your Turner obsession would be funny at this point if it weren’t so misguided. No way they want THT after the season he’s had, and Nunn is opting out of this mess, no doubt. Plus throwing away the last draft pick they have for near a decade to suffer even longer is just bad team management.This version of Lebron is not a championship centerpiece. AD is not to be counted on. He’s that guy who gets his ring and his money, and stops caring. You’ve been around this game long enough to have seen that countless times, so I’m not sure how you’re missing it now. Making all these moves just puts you in deep, prolonged NBA purgatory AT BEST. Bron and AD have another injury-riddled season and they’re right back where they started from.
Best to tear it down and start over. Anything else is just a fool’s errand.
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A lot depends on what Nunn does, actually. Seems odd he would opt out (to me) since there’s not a ton of FA money this summer and we just happily allowed him to rehab all season long. Either as a trade piece or just his cap space if Nunn walks that will be yet another player we spent money on who walked while we got nothing back in return. If he doesn’t opt in we don’t really get back what we invested last season so add that to another Rob Blunder.
I think we can all see how poorly Rob has done, will Jeannie? I kind of doubt it and I don’t see anyone saying it was all on them. Frank and injuries will be excuse enough to cover their azzes (in their minds) so I kind of expect at least another season essentially like this one. Rob has mismanaged most of his tools away and in the process left Frank with a nigh uncoachable team.
In terms of specific trades I don’t really see any of these working out either in getting made (except the terrible one for John Wall which is just a lateral move that costs us future assets, at best) by the opposing teams. Indy would have to really value THT who pans out as mediocre right now. Plus his deal is expiring with no added ability or the team to keep him so Indy would basically just be looking at him walking away after the season just to move Turner. Don’t see how it benefits them, even if you add in Nunn. Now, if one of the 1st rounders comes their way in that deal that might be a different story.
But I don’t think we need to focus specifically on a stretch five. Would it be nice? Sure but the defensive issues we have should be addressed as a priority and so we need to bring back the best defensive center we can, however that gets done. If they can shoot, wonderful. If not, they can probably dunk the ball which is enough for me.
All in all, I don’t really see us having enough assets to get back to what we had in the banner season. There aren’t the players available in free agency, we don’t have much to ship out (cue the slew of “Laker fans vastly under value their assets!” articles) and I don’t think Jeannie will suddenly embrace spending. So I see us basically treading water this summer and making a band aid move or two, cycling in different old guys, and hoping for health.
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Thanks for reading and commenting, Jamie,
I think we may need to make both of our picks totally unprotected. If you remember at the trade deadline, nobody was complaining about the Lakers first round pick being not until 2027. Everybody realized it was a post-LeBron first round pick which considering how the Lakers were doing could end up being solid platinum.
We turned down several deals that would have helped, including one for Christian Wood, that having two first round picks should give us additional trading power this summer. I also think people are underestimating how valuable a $47M expiring contract is. That can fuel a complete rebuild for most NBA teams.
Anyway, I remain optimistic that Rob will get everybody on the same page and we will make a mega deal to trade Russ for three starters to kick us back into championship contention.
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The fact that we didn’t run a banner winning squad back is borderline criminal. To not run it back because of some perceived offensive issue are indefensible since, as has now been pointed out to me numerous times, we have to out score the opposition to win which we actually did to the tune of an NBA banner. Then, to not maximize all available tools to improve a roster that led the league in Def. Efficiency while subsequently shipping out literally every defensive player except AD is beyond mind-boggling. Time to face the reality that Rob has no clue how to assemble a winning basketball team and is going to make us all suffer for hoping he can. We over-corrected ourselves into quite the cap situation. No good path forward from where I’m sitting, either. Already buckling up for a dismal next season or until whenever Jeannie actually does something, anything about this dysfunctional mess.
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While we may disagree on the ways by which the Lakers will improve themselves I think there would be nary a soul on the blog that would disagree that there are multiple, some would add massive, issues that need attention. To that I commend your relentless drive to find ways in which they could and maybe even should improve the outlook though some J don’t see as being overly realistic.