Posts

The Lakers, league sources say, have explored trading away JaVale McGee to create more financial flexibility to make a more competitive financial offer to Marc Gasol

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 22, 2020

Markieff Morris reportedly has interest in re-signing with Lakers https://t.co/ozKUiGN906 via @LakersSBN

— LakerTom (@LakerTom) November 22, 2020

So, if Morris wants to re-sign with the Lakers for more than the veteran’s minimum, the Lakers would likely need to find a taker for JaVale McGee, who’s set to make $4.2 million next season. Doing so would allow them to give Morris 120% of his minimum salary using his non-Bird rights, and fill out the rest of the roster with veteran’s minimum contracts.

However, the $2.8 million the Lakers would be able to offer Morris still wouldn’t be more than the $3.6 bi-annual exception, which many contenders still have. If it’s a check Morris is after, Los Angeles might not be the place for him — or should I say, the Lakers might not be the team for him.

The Clippers can offer Markieff the bi-annual exception if they waive Joakim Noah and Justin Patton, and his twin brother Marcus just re-signed with the Clippers. It’s safe to assume he’d consider that option if it became available.

Top remaining free agents: Anthony Davis, Brandon Ingram, Marc Gasol, Hassan Whiteside, Dario Saric, Aron Baynes, Austin Rivers, Markieff Morris, DeMarcus Cousins, Langston Galloway, Glenn Robinson III, Evan Turner, Taj Gibson, Chris Boucher. https://t.co/4WVobxNMg6

— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) November 22, 2020

Marc Gasol is narrowing his focus to the Lakers and Raptors, and L.A. is working market place to find way to improve offer, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Mavericks are not expected to be destination.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 22, 2020

Lakers hitting on all cylinders for a change was a welcome relief. Easiest 5 things this season, Jamie. Just need to remember that the Dubs are not the Clippers, Jazz, or Nets.

1. Trezz was beasting last night. Always in the right spot and aggressive knowing he was going up against a rookie rim protector. Whether you want Trezz to show how valuable he can be as a Lakers or to raise his value as a trading chip to a team like the Pacers, his play was great news.

2. We talked a lot about Kuz on the podcast and how the game has finally slowed down for him. Shooting 5 threes per game now at 37.8%, averaging 6.8 rebounds 3rd on team after AD and LeBron, and posting a 103.0 3rd best defensive rating on team after Caruso and LeBron, Kuzma is now cementing his position as the Lakers 3rd most valuable player and the trading chip that could bring back Myles Turner.

3. LeBron taking the bull by the horns to carry the Lakers and also taking advantage of the opportunity to win his 5th regular season MVP now that AD and Embiid are both out with injuries. The King looking great and the team having fun despite missing three key players.

4. I said the other day that the game saving steal and free throws might be exactly what Kenny needed to get untracked and he finally nailed 3 of 4 threes so hopefully this is a sign of him coming out of this slump. Really happy for him although I would still start Kuz at the two.

5. Just when you start worrying about the kid, he comes through in spades with a double-double and 10 assists, many of them leading to Trezz and Kuz dunks or wide-open threes. The third player in the Myles Turner sweepstakes that has to have the Pacers salivating at what they might be able to get from the Lakers.