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LakerTom wrote a new post
KESSLER STILL LAKERS IDEAL CENTER TARGET!Eric Pincus says Lakers likely center targets are Daniel Gafford and Walker Kessler. Gafford: 6' 10", 265 lbs, 26-years old12.3/6.9/1.4 with 1.9/0.4 stocks in 21.9 mpg7.1/0.0/3.4 shooting 69.9%/0.0%/69.9%Kessler:7' 0", 245 lbs,… https://t.co/FUZpuVmOP7 pic.twitter.com/GBdG1hBfJa— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 17, 2025
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Lakers could ditch Austin Reaves in free agency for Jazz's $13.3 million star center https://t.co/K1slAhgM7D— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 17, 2025
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LOL. I love Reaves but I wouldn't trade him for Kessler. Only way you give up Reaves at this point would be if some team offered another Luka type deal for Giannis or Jokic or Wemby or something totally crazy. AR has become as untouchable as Anthony Davis was.Not sure by next… pic.twitter.com/7C0dQcnH4o— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 17, 2025
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I just saw an article ….those rampant ones that are just clickbait….”trade proposals”…it mentioned Austin Reaves for Kessler…..saw an article yesterday about Austin Reaves for Michael Porter (Jr…..”who’s yo daddy???”)….I feel these articles are truly worthless…I should be paid to read them…..I tried a trade on the ESPN NBA Trade Machine….Knecht for Kessler would work…..but I still would not do it….I would not…
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Predicting Every NBA Team’s Top 3 Offseason Trade Targetshttps://t.co/QgZabwc6g4 via @BleacherReport— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 17, 2025
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FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:
Los Angeles Lakers
Cap level: Near the first apronKey free agents: LeBron James (PO), Dorian Finney-Smith (PO), Jaxson Hayes
Primary trade bait: Dalton Knecht, Maxi Kleber, Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jared Vanderbilt, Shake MiltonPotential targets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Daniel Gafford, Walker Kessler
The Lakers already landed a dream target in Luka Dončić, but the franchise is greedy. If Antetokounmpo demands out, a combination of salaries, talent and picks could get him to Los Angeles. It’s a stretch, but it’d be remiss to leave him out if this is a team’s wish list.
Otherwise, LA is less likely to send out key players like Reaves, Hachimura, etc. Instead, look for the franchise to target a center with Knecht as bait—similar to the failed Mark Williams deal with the Charlotte Hornets (the Lakers didn’t clear Williams’ physical).
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LakerTom wrote a new post
MY FIRST LAKERS GAME AT CRYPTOMy grandson Nick and I flew to LAX from SFO yesterday morning and took an Uber to Crypto for the Phoenix Suns game. We had terrific seats almost directly across from the Lakers’ bench, the arena and fans were crazy and wild, Luka and Austin shone… pic.twitter.com/UgrdZ5Dyml— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 17, 2025
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Luka Doncic drops 33 PTS, 11 REB, 8 AST as the Lakers take down the Suns without LeBron 😤 pic.twitter.com/1wp7SquwKE— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) March 16, 2025
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🪄 pic.twitter.com/o2XEBumf5X— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) March 16, 2025
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Austin Reaves has averaged 28.4 PTS, 8.7 AST & 6.7 REB in games without LeBron this season 💪 pic.twitter.com/PxI6SUTd94— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) March 17, 2025
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AUSTIN REAVES TONIGHT 🌟 39 minutes 🌟 28 points 🌟 6 assists 🌟 4 rebounds 🌟 +14 +/-COLDEST WHITE BOY IN THE NBA 🥶 pic.twitter.com/oWMDbZycX2— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 16, 2025
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LakerTom wrote a new post
JAXSON HAYES TONIGHT 🔨 29 minutes 🔨 19 points 🔨 6 rebounds 🔨 8/10 FG🔨 +7 +/-WELCOME BACK JAX 😃 pic.twitter.com/ZjZRJgBLdd— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 16, 2025
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Jaxson Hayes back from injury and he picked up right where he left off- 19pts, 6reb, 3ast, 1stl & blk in a Lakers victory🔥Listen to his walk-off interview with Lakers’ PxP John Ireland & Lakers legend Mychal Thompson! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/3CIZ9tdr1a— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) March 16, 2025
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Jaxson Hayes went from just another backup center to start the season to the Lakers X-FACTOR 💯SHOW OUR CENTER SOME LOVE 💛💜 pic.twitter.com/0fWNszHLpI— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) March 17, 2025
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JAXSON HAYES TONIGHT 🔨 29 minutes 🔨 19 points 🔨 6 rebounds 🔨 8/10 FG🔨 +7 +/-WELCOME BACK JAX 😃 pic.twitter.com/ZjZRJgBLdd— Lakers Lead (@LakersLead) March 16, 2025
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LakerTom wrote a new post
#WorthyClap 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 https://t.co/AlWInOIkHM— James Worthy (@JamesWorthy42) March 17, 2025
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LUKA DONCIC TODAY:33 PTS – 11 REB – 8 ASTAUSTIN REAVES TODAY:28 PTS – 6 AST – 4 REBTHIS DUO. 🍿🍿 (via @realapp_) pic.twitter.com/DgPDpY5BBL— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 16, 2025
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JJ Redick has the Lakers SMOTHERING Kevin Durant when he has the ball on offenseLuka, Vando & Gabe Vincent are not letting him breathe making it really hard on himJarred Vanderbilt is trying his best to annoy him and so far its working as Lakers are up big on the Suns early pic.twitter.com/PYfuEXdvg3— LakeShow Highlights (@LSH_lakeshow) March 16, 2025
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The Lakers stop the bleeding, beat the Suns 107-96 to improve to 41-25. Luka 33p 11r 8a 2s; Reaves 28p 6a 4r; Hayes 19p on 8-of-10 6r 3a; Finney-Smith 10p 7r 3a. LAL hosts PHX on Monday for Game No. 4 of their six games in eight days stretch.— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 16, 2025
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The backcourt couldn't be stopped today! pic.twitter.com/YxRD159g0L— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) March 16, 2025
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Michael H wrote a new post
Aloha,
This was a very needed win to stop the bleeding from that disappointing road trip. It didn’t really feel like we were ever in danger of losing this one. I really don’t know, what’s going on with the Suns. They have a lot of talent and they should be in panic mood, while battling just to make the play in. But it was the Lakers that brought the energy, especially on the defensive end.
I believe if we had everyone healthy except LeBron, we would still be a solid playoff team. With Luka demonstrating why he is a generational talent, we are always in the game. And add in Austin who is proving to be a quality 2nd option when needed. Add LeBron into the mix and we become a legit contender.
It really is our defense that has made us so dangerous. DFS, Vanderbilt and Gabe are all great defenders . And now we have added Goody to the group. JJ went out of his way to praise Goody’s defense on Booker who had a poor game. I am interested in what the rotation looks like. With Dalton’s offense also deserving of playing time. I am sure they will probably will cut Cam and added Goody but I think they will wait until right before the playoffs to see if there any injuries that need to be filled. I don’t know what happened to Cam. He has fallen out of the rotation and when he got playing time against the Nuggets, he was the only guy that played poorly.
Jackson continues to impress. I think he’s grown more than anyone else during the season. He has turned into quite a lob threat. But it’s not just that, he’s very good at sealing guys that allows the guards to get to the rim for layups. He just brings the energy that the others feed off of. We should be able to keep him. We have early bird rights and we could pay up to 12 mil, I don’t we will have to pay that much but he should be back next year. While we will need to add another decent center I don’t think they need a star. I’m not sure about Koloko. He has issues finishing lobs. He really needs to get better at that if he wants to make it.
Just a side note, watched the South Bay lakers and they have a couple of familiar faces on the team with Stanley Johnson and Cole Swider back. That was kind of cool to see.
We have a tough stretch coming up. The good news is we are tied in the loss column with The Nuggets, Griz and Rockets. So we need to get healthy quickly. I’m hoping we can have at least Rui back for the Nuggets game. It would have been nice to coast a little before the Playoffs but it doesn’t look like it will happen But we play the Thunder toward the end of the year. Hopefully they will be coasting. Hopefully we will continue to play this hard down the stretch. Go Lakers.
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Jamie Sweet wrote a new post
Haven’t even been able to see any of the games on the roadie, got sick and busy at the same time. Awesome combo.
1) We’re really missing Rui. Like Kuzma a couple years before him, Rui is a great “plug and play” guy. Works in a bunch of different lineups, steady production and can bust out for a big game. We miss his spacing and defense. A lot.
2) Missing Hayes. The 7 foot Antelope has carved himself a solid role on this team. At times placed behind the erratic Koloko in terms of ability, Hayes has distanced himself from the other bigs. When paired with Luka and Reaves he helps to create offense through lobs and rebound tap outs. On defense, while certainly not elite, he’s solid and plays big.
3) Oh yeah, LeBron. Kinda goes without saying that we miss the NBA’s all time leading scorer. You know what he does, you know what he brings, so here’s hoping he’s an available to play again in the next week or so.
4) The Return of Dalton Knecht. Dude balled out against Denver and showed exactly why the Lakers had second thoughts on the trade. We already had essentially the same player as Williams in Hayes and DK4 has something special in him. If he can start to add some moves off the dribble (and he should look at how Luka uses his body to create space and separation) he’ll be something akin to Khris Middleton, which would be an amazing leap, not expecting that any time soon. But eventually? Yeah, I can see it.
5) Trust Reaves. Yeah, he had a bad turnover down the stretch. He also should have gone to the line 2-3 more times when he was fouled on drives. To his credit, he’s toned down the post-play complaining…a little…and it goes without saying the Lakers are comfortable putting the ball in his hands. Only the elite playmaking of Luka and the advanced age/wear and tear prevention for LeBron keep the ball out of his hands at this point.
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Hey Jamie! I was so sorry to hear you weren’t feeling well—glad to know you’re on the mend now! It’s fantastic to reconnect with you. About the game, you absolutely nailed it—your take on Rui was spot on. He’s such a vital part of the team, and his absence is definitely felt. Can’t wait to see him back in action soon!
And Jaxson Hayes? I’m completely with you there. I’ve been following him since last year and knew he had that potential to soar—he just needed the right setup and teammates to bring out his best. And wow, he’s proving that now! His chemistry with players like LeBron, Austin, and Luka is electric. They’re feeding off each other’s energy, and it’s transforming the game. Your post captured that excitement perfectly! Let’s keep this momentum going!
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Last night’s Lakers vs Nuggets game may have been another Lakers loss but it was far from ordinary. A lot of positives to be encouraged by: pic.twitter.com/ddt1Rzx0yb— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) March 15, 2025
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Lakers look to regroup in Los Angeles after their disastrous 0-4 road trip https://t.co/xzqWxHhCpo— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 15, 2025
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FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
This trip was supposed to be a measuring stick for the Lakers, with matchups against three of the league’s elite teams in mid-March. Instead, it became a trip they’d rather forget.
“We went 0-4, so it’s a pretty bad trip,” Austin Reaves said. “But s—, JJ said a week ago, ‘Everybody’s, like, Lakers in five.’ We just don’t listen to any of it. We know when we’re fully healthy and got everybody on the team that we have a really good chance to beat anybody. I just see this group coming together, locking in on one common goal, and that’s to win.
“I think (Friday was) the biggest testament to that. Very shorthanded and went and played a really good basketball team with, probably, the best player in the world and went toe-to-toe and had an opportunity to win it and just didn’t execute the last 50 seconds. I guess that’s what you take positive.”
Before the loss to the Bucks, the Lakers sent James, Hachimura, Hayes and Maxi Kleber back to Los Angeles to rest and recover. Redick called James, Hachimura and Hayes “day-to-day,” though he also noted that they could return within the next three days to a week, “if not a little bit longer than that for one guy.” That player appears to be James, though Redick did not specify.
Three days from Friday would knock out the trio from Sunday’s game against Phoenix and potentially Monday’s game against San Antonio — two games that are suddenly must-wins for the Lakers if they want to avoid No. 6 Golden State and No. 7 Minnesota nipping at their heels.
One of the silver linings of Friday’s performance was the opportunity it gave to several players, including Reaves (37 points, eight rebounds, 13 assists and four steals) and Dalton Knecht (32 points, his second-highest total of the season). Those two carried the offense, but they also had help from Shake Milton (16 points), Jarred Vanderbilt (nine points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals), Jordan Goodwin (10 points and six rebounds) and Christian Koloko (eight points and seven rebounds). Bronny James played a season-high 16 minutes and looked confident and comfortable with the group.
“I think if you’re looking to make a long playoff run, that’s like another third of the season, and (with) the intensity of playoff games, every possession is significant,” Redick said pregame. “You may have guys banged up in the playoffs and someone who may not be in a playoff rotation may need to come in and help you win a basketball game. That’s nights like (Friday). I did it, you know, my first three years. You’re not in the rotation every night, but when your number’s called, you gotta play well. You gotta play hard and, hopefully, you earn some trust.”
After the game, Redick confirmed that multiple players earned increased trust with the coaching staff.
“It certainly is a reference point,” he said of Friday. “Again, the trust is maintained and sustained when it’s consistent. I thought a lot of guys played at a really high level of energy and fight. When they are able to do that consistently, that trust is going to be there long-term.”
At the same time, there are no moral victories for the Lakers this late in the season. They have proven the post-January group can compete with just about anyone and belongs in the contention conversation once you get past Boston, Oklahoma City and Cleveland. Their standards are higher; they expect to beat the Nets, Bucks and Nuggets without James — or anyone else — no matter how delusional it seems from the outside looking in.
The Lakers return to Los Angeles for a five-game homestand, though it’s not as pleasant as it sounds considering they play two sets of back-to-backs — the first of which starts at 12:30 p.m. PT on Sunday, roughly 36 hours after they get back from their nine-day road trip. The Lakers host the Suns and Spurs in a back-to-back, then the Nuggets and Bucks in a back-to-back, before closing out the homestand with a game against the Chicago Bulls. Then, it’s back on the road for a four-game trip to Orlando, Indiana, Chicago and Memphis.
James’ absence looms large, especially with the Nuggets and Bucks on the slate again. The Lakers have the sixth-hardest remaining schedule, according to Tankathon, and every game James misses is one they can theoretically lose. Potentially getting Hachimura and Hayes back should help bolster their depleted frontcourt, adding size, length and athleticism. The Lakers have sorely missed both.
In the meanwhile, the Lakers are just trying to remain above water in the perilous West. Redick rejected the premise of aiming for home-court advantage and said the goal is to simply advance to the postseason.
“We gotta figure out a way to get in the playoffs, and that’s my focus,” Redick said. “We need to get some more wins to be in the playoffs.”
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LakerTom wrote a new post
JJ Redick on Hayes/Hachimura/LeBron, possibly returning within the next week, whether it’s two days or 7: “They’re all very close to returning.”— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 15, 2025
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LakerTom wrote a new post
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UNDERMANNED LAKERS LOSE THRILLER BUT STILL SHOW CHAMPIONSHIP HEARTDespite missing two superstars, four of five starters, and their two best players off the bench, the undermanned Los Angeles Lakers showed their championship heart and almost pulled off the NBA upset of the… pic.twitter.com/D5TtfzaJ3X— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 15, 2025
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UNDERMANNED LAKERS LOSE THRILLER BUT STILL SHOW CHAMPIONSHIP HEARTWhat We Learned From Heartbreaking Loss to NuggetsLast night, JJ Redick, Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and Christian Koloko showed the Denver Nuggets and the rest of the NBA why the winning road to this year’s… pic.twitter.com/zTejvOGsXJ— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 15, 2025
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UNDERMANNED LAKERS LOSE THRILLER BUT STILL SHOW CHAMPIONSHIP HEARTWhat To Expect From Next 5 & Last 12 GamesWhile the Lakers expect James to miss another week, several Lakers players, including Vincent, Finney-Smith, Hachimura, and Hayes will hopefully start returning… pic.twitter.com/5jarXZikme— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 15, 2025
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UUNDERMANNED LAKERS LOSE THRILLER BUT STILL SHOW CHAMPIONSHIP HEARTWhat To Expect From Los Angeles Lakers In PlayoffsIf the Lakers can pull off their big gamble of playoff health over playoff seeding, they could end up with a 53–29 record and #3 seed in the West, which would… pic.twitter.com/2qDgZm3hip— LakerTom (@LakerTom) March 15, 2025
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Lakers players available Friday:Austin ReavesJordan GoodwinDalton KnechtJarred VanderbiltAlex LenShake MiltonChristian KolokoMarkieff MorrisCam ReddishBronny JamesRedick: “Everybody in uniform will be in the rotation (tonight).”— Underdog NBA (@Underdog__NBA) March 15, 2025
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JJ Redick on Hayes/Hachimura/LeBron, possibly returning within the next week, whether it’s two days or 7: “They’re all very close to returning.”— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) March 15, 2025
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This is, IMO, the right decision due to their 6 games in 8 nights with 3 sets of back to backs stretch. 1 month til the playoffs, can’t burn guys out on a 2nd night of a back to back on the road. https://t.co/4dUWDJA28P— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) March 14, 2025
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Ideally, the Lakers would likely have to give up a young star like Dalton Knecht or even Austin Reaves to land Walker Kessler but he would be the ideal center of the future for the Lakers. Kessler and Hayes plus a stretch five would be the Lakers perfect center rotation.