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I read this earlier on Bleacher report. Made me laugh out loud. Kings trade a quality defender, shooting 42% from 3 for a non defender shooting 32% from 3. For only a pick swap? Ludicrous. Ellis will be unrestricted this summer and he should be a target for the Lakers but the Kings won’t give him up for that.
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Lakers aren’t going to get any value from swaps unless it’s in a trade with the Thunder or Spurs. I would be willing to give up our one tradable first round pick for Ellis in a swap for Knecht. I think that’s a deal that would be good for both teams.
Since Ellis is going to be a UFA, I woud prefer getting a legitimate small forward with our first round pick, either Wiggins or Brooks. We can still compete for a championship if we can fill the starting wing spot.
I think Hayes plus LeBron can handle the backup center untl next summer, when we may want to upgrade from Ayton to get a legitimate rim protector and/or floor spacer at center. Like Kessler and Olynyk in free agency.
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FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:
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TEAMS WITH PROJECTED CAP SPACE:
Washington Wizards: $80.9 million
LA Clippers: $67.6 million
Los Angeles Lakers: $55.6 million
Utah Jazz: $48.4 million
Brooklyn Nets: $44.4 million
Chicago Bulls: $35.0 million
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In order for the Lakers to get here with cap space, they’ll have to cut ties with LeBron James. Or, of course, James could make that decision for Los Angeles by retiring.
This would also mean clearing the books of every other free agent, minus Austin Reaves’ cap hold and Marcus Smart opting in.
But that doesn’t mean all of the other Lakers would be gone. They’d just take care of them using cap space or the Room Exception.
Or, as we’ve seen before, that cap space could be used to get a co-star for Doncic and Reaves.
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KEY 2026 SALARY CAP SETTINGS:
Salary Cap: $166 million
Salary Floor: $149.4 million
Luxury Tax: $201.7 million
First Apron: $210.3 million
Second Apron: $223.1 million
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Read MoreThe whole Lakers team was available to play last night. Against a Jazz team that is built to bomb away from distance, the Lakers hit them inside then out as they started the game cold from three but warmed up after the half. Returning to the court was the NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer, LeBron James, and his presence did nothing to disrupt the team’s mojo. He simply added a massive IQ, talent and skill infusion to the team and looked a lot like himself by the 2nd half. The Lakers are rolling and hopefully we can keep the healthy vibes going and see what we really have to work with.
- LeBron’s seamless inclusion. He had some 1st quarter rust. He had some 2nd quarter adjustments. By the time the ball was inbounded to start the 2nd half LeBron was grooving. He didn’t force his offense one iota (11 points on 7 shots, 2-3 from three) and used the defensive focus the Jazz deployed against them at every opportunity. In a league where almost every team is looking to push the pace, LeBron is a cheat code in the half court off his IQ alone. Doubles came, the ball was delivered into the hands of a shooter. Paint defense collapses on his drive, LeBron dishes to a teammate for an easy bucket at the rim. He had the 3 ball working (2-3) the only issue, and he was far from alone, were the free throws (1-4). Other than that he seemed fairly on point with his defensive rotations, especially after the half where we did a better job of forcing George into tougher looks and putting a body on Lauri. He did all of his damage in 30 minutes which, if we could keep him around that mark for the season, would do wonders for his end-of-season health.
- Luka’s eruption. You could tell Luka was pissed after the travelling call. From there he chirped at the refs as much as I’ve seen him do this year. I think it’s something that he does try and contain but that, in the moment, can be difficult. He ended up baiting the Jazz defenders into some pretty silly fouls and turned a halftime deficit of 4 into an end of the 3rd lead of 11 we would never really come close to losing. His 17 points in the 3rd came from a variety of ways but it was clear he wanted to set an aggressive tone out of the locker room and make sure the Jazz didn’t stretch a small halftime lead into something bigger. His 4 steals helped to offset his 8 turnovers and he, along with every Laker, missed some free throws. His 34 minutes are also right in the happy place for what I think we’d all like to see his MPG land around.
- Reaves and his quiet 26. At one point I was watching the game thinking “man I don’t know where Austin’s offense is going to come from…” he was the leading scorer, at the time and ended with one of the more quiet 26 points on just 11 shots you’ll see in the NBA this season. Like Luka he turned the ball over way too much (4 TO’s to just 1 dime) but he made up for it efficiency and points from the stripe.
- Rui starts, Smart off the bench. One of the major mysteries was, for a game at least, cleared up when Redick tapped Rui Hachimura to start over Marcus Smart. For myself this was always the best route because Rui’s shooting helps keep the defense from smothering Luka and Reaves. The defensive pairing of he and LaRavia has also been an issue, so having Jake backup Rui just makes a lot of sense on both ends. Still, I won’t be too surprised if this part of the lineup gets the most tinkering going forward. I expect that, should this lineup hit a rough patch, we’ll see Redick pivot to any number of players based on what feels like the starting five is lacking. Hard to read too much into this starting unit against a team like Utah where you really do have to switch everything on account of how aggressively they shoot threes.
- DeAndre Ayton continues his dominance. It’s really nice having a center that can play from the 15′ range on down to the rim. There’s nothing like a Jaxson Hayes dunk, don’t get me wrong, but watching Ayton and our playmakers dissect the Utah defense, especially in the second half, was a lot of fun to watch. Ayton popped, he caught lobs, he scored off of putbacks and he continued to show just how good he can be on a team that has above average playmakers. The Lakers have 2 elite playmakers in LeBron and Luka and a bevy of secondary playmakers led by Reaves. This makes the Lakers fairly deadly in the halfcourt which is what you need to be able and fall back on in the playoffs where fastbreaks go to die.
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FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
This week was all about LeBron James’ return, and it couldn’t have gone any better for the Lakers.
James made his season debut and immediately put his stamp on a decisive 140–126 win over the Utah Jazz. It’s a week full of positives in Los Angeles: LeBron is back, the Lakers finally have a fully healthy roster with real practice time ahead, and they’ve now won three straight to improve to 11–4.
The two-game mini-series against the Jazz, a lower-tier opponent but not a true cellar dweller, is the right opponent for JJ Redick and the Lakers to reintegrate James and establish a new rotation hierarchy. And in the first half of that task, they did exactly that.
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Lakers are in a good space. 11-4 record, LeBron back, everybody healthy, time to practice, easy schedule to feast upon… Everytning coming up LAKERS!!!
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More from Iztok:
1-LeBron back, fitting in seamlessly (
VIDEO)LeBron James is a basketball supercomputer who processes everything on and off the court. In his first game back, you could tell he was fully aware of the questions about whether his return might disrupt the Lakers’ good vibes and flow. So he made sure to set the tone with the ultimate fit-in game.
James played almost 30 minutes in his return but took only seven shots, waiting patiently for his on-ball turns and making his biggest imprint with his passing and unselfish play. He finished with just 11 points, but added 12 assists and only one turnover.
Like it often did last season after the trade, his turn to take over came at the start of the fourth quarter with Luka Dončić on the bench. The Lakers have struggled in these stints at times this season, so seeing James shred the Jazz with his passing (half of his 12 assists came in this short stretch) and essentially seal the win was a reminder of the impact that comes from adding another elite playmaker to the rotation.
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More from Iztok:
2-Another manipulator, another advantage creator, another pressure point
In my notes after the Hornets game, I wrote that the offense looked casual but the results were awesome. This was another example of how high the offensive ceiling is for the Lakers. It was by no means a perfect game. Dončić had eight uncharacteristic turnovers and missed eight of his ten three-point attempts, and the Lakers collectively shot only 34 percent from three. But they still scored at an absurd rate of 138 points per 100 possessions.
I’ll go into more technical details on that outcome in one of the next points, but the big-picture takeaway from this game was how adding a third elite manipulator on the floor basically eliminates the stretches where creating advantages becomes a struggle (something Mavs fans know very well at the moment).
Redick kept experimenting with different pressure points: Dončić and LeBron in the post, empty-side pick actions that created a wing isolation against a smaller defender, and all three ball-handlers running pick-and-roll. It was constant pressure on the Jazz defense, with no real letdown during the rest periods for one or even two of them. Dončić had a relatively casual game by his standards, but he took over in the third quarter, scoring 17 points and putting the Lakers up by 11 after they had trailed for most of an uninspiring first half. James then finished the job by taking over in the fourth. Reaves filled the gap all night with what is now almost a given 26 points. The same goes for Ayton’s 20/10 nights now. The big man finished with 20 and 14 at elite efficiency.
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More from Iztok:
3-New starting five and a new rotation hierarchy
The key question I raised in my preview was whether Redick might surprise everyone and start Marcus Smart or someone else over Rui Hachimura. In the end, predictably there was no surprise. Redick stuck with the starting five we saw last season, only with Ayton in Jaxson Hayes’ place. The starting five didn’t eliminate the defensive and energy deficit concerns. The Lakers started the game slowly and didn’t look great in either of the opening stints to start the two halves.
In addition to James, Gabe Vincent was back as well, and a fully healthy rotation brought some clear cascading effects. Hachimura, Smart, and LaRavia, all of whom played extended minutes early in the season, saw their minutes reduced. And Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber fell out of the rotation.
This game was a clear indication of the nine-man rotation Redick trusts at the moment. A healthy, deeper roster is certainly a luxury he did not have last season, but it also means a lack of playing time for certain players.
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1) Don’t push it. It’s a long season, you’ll make history in your 1st game and then continue to pile up the accolades. So ease into it, man. Whether planned or not, this could truly be the last season in a number of different ways. The team has gelled and there’s no real reason to upset the apple cart.
2) In the starting line up. If LeBron can improve our transition scoring and catch and shoot three’s it will go a long way towards making this look elite. We’re the worst team in the league on catch and shoot threes, I believe.
3) Augment the playmaking. Now there is no excuse: one of Luka, Reaves or James should be on the court at all times. Staggering their minutes shouldn’t be too difficult. Adding Smart snd, eventually, Gabe Vincent to that trio should help us become a solid team in offense.
4) Captaining the D. When he was leading the way on defense last season we saw a glimpse, albeit a small one, of what this team could be capable of and that was with only 3/4 of Luka. Some guys down the roster will take a minutes hit but if LeBron can help make us just a top ten defense through IQ, reads and talking we have a much higher ceiling.
5) Small ball 5. There will be games where we need Ayton and Hayes but, if LBJ can play he should be the 2nd “center”, especially in small ball lineups where he’s both strong and fast enough to cover and rotate. Toss in that he’d be an elite stretch five in a small ball lineup and one of our big weaknesses becomes a strength.
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Read MoreIt seems unfair to the rest of the NBA that the 10–4 Lakers, 4th in the West and 5th in the league right now, can now add LeBron James, the ultimate jack-of-all-trades basketball superstar, to their already impressive roster.
Rob Pelinka said at the start of the season that he’d wait until 20 to 25 games to see what the team needs before making decisions about possible trades. Now 14 games into the season, the Lakers’ needs have still not changed. Despite a strong overachieving start, to win a championship, the Lakers still need a 3&D starting small forward who can shut down high powered wing scorers and a shot blocking backup center who can protect the rim.
When ready, JJ Redick should start LeBron James and move Rui Hachimura to the bench for more firepower. The Lakers’ starting lineup would then be Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, LeBron James, Deandre Ayton.
The Lakers bench would be Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber with Adou Thiero pushing for minutes. Jarred Vanderbilt, Bronny James, and Jaxson Hayes would be outside the rotation.The one question the Lakers hope to answer in the next 9 games before December 15th is whether LeBron, in short bursts, could be the lockdown wing defender and backup shot blocking center they desperately need.
As LeBron himself said, he has no problem doing whatever the Lakers need from him to help the team win, whether it be spacing the floor, cutting back door, defending at point-of-attack, or protecting the rim.LeBron could transform Lakers into a championship team by empowering Luka and Austin’s playmaking, helping Deandre by spacing the floor and protecting the rim, and turbo-charging the bench with Austin and Rui.
LEBRON ‘OFF-BALL’ EMPOWERS LUKA & AUSTIN ‘ON-BALL’
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In the NFL, great quarterbacks sometimes need great receivers to win. The same is true in the NBA. JJ Redick believes LeBron’s all-world off-the-ball skills could be what unleashes the on-ball wizardry of Luka and Austin.
Unlike last season when the Lakers’ three stars often appeared to be taking turns on offense, JJ Redick has been staggering Luka and Austin so one of their elite point guards is always on the court for 48 minutes of every game.
That rotation strategy as well as their ‘next-man-up’ mentality have been why the Lakers’ have the fifth best record in the league despite posting average offensive rating (#17), defensive rating (#17), and net rating (#16).LeBron missing the first 14 games of the year gave Austin the opportunity to take his game to another level and the Luka and Austin pairing the opportunity to show they can be a championship caliber backcourt.
Despite the chaotic start, staggering Doncic and Reaves has given Redick his championship blueprint. Create an unstoppable synergy between LeBron’s off-ball GOAT skillset and Luka’s and Austin’s super playmaking.Keeping the ball in Luka’s and Austin’s hands while LeBron plays almost exclusively off the ball is the perfect move to transform the Lakers from a finesse to a power team. LeBron James will be unstoppable off the ball.
Imagine James cutting back door, crashing the offensive boards, setting picks for Luka and Austin, then rolling to the basket where he can dunk, throw a lob for Deandre, or fire a pass to the corner for an open three.LeBron James’ superstar ‘off-ball’ skills and talent could empower Luka Doncic’s and Austin Reaves’ on-ball magic and turn the Los Angeles Lakers into a legitimate contender for the NBA championship this season.
LEBRON AT POWER FORWARD HELPS DEANDRE AT CENTER
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Replacing Rui Hachimura with LeBron James would transform the Lakers’ starting lineup from a mostly finesse team into more of a power team that attempts to win by ratcheting up the physicality at both ends of the court.
While offense-first Rui Hachimura is a better power forward than small forward, he’s not the perfect match front court next to offense-first Deandre Ayton since he cannot stretch the floor or protect the rim.
James replacing Hachimura would immediately upgrade the Lakers’ starting lineups’ size, athleticism, physicality, and toughness. Meanwhile, Rui gets a bigger role and the Lakers’ bench gets needed firepower.LeBron is actually the perfect power forward to complement Deandre Ayton, who’s played great for the Lakers but lacks the ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor, which are skillsets needed to complement Luka.
Remember the version of LeBron we’re going to see is an off-ball monster. Giving point guards Luka and Austin the lethal 100% off-ball version of LeBron would be like giving your quarterback an all-world wide receiver.Adding James to the front court and keeping Smart in the backcourt gives the Lakers’ starting lineup two elite defenders for better starting balance and versatility while moving Rui to the bench gives them needed scoring.
For now, Lakers still need to start Marcus Smart. They need a blockbuster trade for an elite 3&D small forward like Andrew Wiggins or Dillon Brooks, who would then replace the smaller Marcus Smart in the starting lineup.LeBron James starting at power forward will make Deandre Ayton a better center and give the Lakers a legitimate championship caliber front court that can run the pick-and-roll, stretch the floor, and protect the rim.
AUSTIN ‘ON-BALL’ & RUI ‘OFF-BALL’ TURBOCHARGE BENCH
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Right now, the Lakers’ bench ranks dead last in the league averaging just 24.2 points per game. Adding Rui Hachimura to the bench would instantly raise the team’s bench points to 40 points per game and a top10 rank.
Just like LeBron James will be the primary ‘off-ball’ target for Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves in the starting lineup, Rui Hachimura will now become the primary ‘off-ball’ target off the bench for Austin Reaves to optimize.
Moving Hachimura to the bench will be a challenge but Rui loves the Lakers and they need his elite 3-point and midrange shooting off bench. Assuming Rui embraces his role, give him more shots and his extension.Since the Lakers are staggering Doncic and Reaves, it will mostly be Austin who will be paired with Rui off the bench. As a starter, Rui would have clearly been the fifth option after Luka, Austin, LeBron, and Deandre.
Coming off the bench, Rui will be the second option after Luka or Austin defended by a bench player from the opposing team. He should be able to get more and better touches and shots and be a top 6MOY candidate.In addition to adding Rui Hachimura, the Lakers’ bench is finally getting healthy with Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero already back from injury and Gabe Vincent close to returning. Rotation changes are surely coming.
Right now, I like a bench of Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, and Maxi Kleber with Adou Thiero pushing for minutes and Bronny James, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Jaxson Hayes seeing few minutes.LeBron James returning from injury also transform the Lakers into a championship team by replacing Rui Hachimura in the starting lineup and sending him to the bench where he will get more touches and points.
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FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
The Los Angeles Lakers could get Keon Ellis and Devin Carter from the Kings for virtually free if they can convince Sacramento that Dalton Knecht jump-starts their rebuild. Ellis is an elite defender and career 43.1 percent 3-point shooter, but is struggling to get minutes. Carter was a lottery pick in 2024 that the Kings talked about dumping in the offseason (subscription required). One team’s castoffs could quickly turn into gold for the Lakers.
LA is 17th in defensive rating, but has their eyes set on title contention. They hope LeBron James can offer a boost. Betting on a 40-year-old to revamp an entire unit seems foolish even if he is the GOAT. The Lakers want to be top ten and need a strong point of attack defender to realize that.
Ellis could be that option, and Devin Carter has sneaky defensive upside. The Lakers would get younger with two players who fit Luka Doncic’s timeline. They have traded Knecht once before and are likely to do so again. This time, the deal sticks and raises the Lakers’ ceiling.
Lakers should trade for Keon Ellis in less than one month
Here is a look at the specifics of this trade.
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
-Keon Ellis
-Devin Carter
Sacramento Kings Receive:
-Dalton Knecht
-Jaxson Hayes
-2030 1st round pick swap
This could turn into a genius trade by the Lakers. No franchise has been more dysfunctional than the Kings in recent years, so they bet on Sacramento remaining a nightmare by offering a first-round pick swap. Sacramento is not developing either player and clearly would like to move on from both. There is no way they say no.
The Lakers throw in Dalton Knecht and Jaxson Hayes to make the salary work. Knecht was out of the rotation when LeBron James returned. They would be thin at the five behind Deandre Ayton, but this deal allows head coach JJ Redick to go small in the second unit.
Los Angeles wants to put shooting and defense around Luka Doncic. Ellis offers both and gives them a true 3-and-D guard without mortgaging the one tradeable first-round draft pick at their disposal.
Ellis will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason, but the Lakers have a ton of cap space. They could explore his fit before determining if they want to pay him long-term.
LA desperately needs a young talent with upside. Devin Carter has struggled in his first two NBA seasons, but he was a lottery pick for a reason. The Lakers would be buying low and could help the 6’2 guard reach his ceiling.
Fans may not love this trade, but it could turn into Knecht and Hayes for Ellis and Carter straight up if the Kings are worse than the Lakers in 2030. Los Angeles fills a need and gets two young talents as they attempt to build their roster around number 77.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be active and aggressive, and it is an underrated move like this that could lift them into title contention. LA has the top-end talent, but needs the right group of role players. Getting two potential difference-makers at a low cost seems like a no-brainer for the purple and gold.