-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
Happy birthday to the leader of the #Lakeshow, head coach JJ Redick 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/TCCn7hImZ6— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
BAM WOULD BE PERFECT CENTER FOR LAKERSThere are rumors Bam may request a trade this summer before his new extension even starts next season. It's been a tough year for the Heat and it's possible they might decide to trade Bam. There are probably offers out there that would beat… https://t.co/OMgLUmwpxE pic.twitter.com/sxaMT8n6Rv— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 25, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
![]()
Read MoreThe Lakers make the Jazz a Godfather offer that includes Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and their 2027 and 2031 unprotected first round picks for Walker Kessler, Jordan Clarkson, and Utah two second round picks.
The Jazz have refused to consider trading Walker Kessler unless they get an offer they can’t refuse. Because of his age, size, salary, and skillset, Kessler is clearly the Lakers’ best option to be their starting center of the future. Utah reportedly wants a minimum of two picks for Kessler. The Lakers’ offer arguably is equal to four picks since the Jazz could easily flip Reaves and Knecht for two more first round picks to go with Lakers’ 2027 and 2031.
We saw the Orlando Magic use the exact same strategy of making a Godfather offer to the Memphis Grizzlies to turn Desmond Band from untouchable to tradable. That is exactly what the Lakers need to do.
Identify the one player who’s critical for your next season. For the Lakers, that player is 23-year old Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, who averaged 11.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 30.0 minutes per game.While the Lakers also need to upgrade their perimeter defense against guards and wings, their top priority was to trade for a dynamic young starting center to fix their rim protection and rebounding problems.
There is no other available starting center other than Kessler for whom the Lakers would consider including Austin Reaves and there is probably no way Austin and Danny Ainge would trade Kessler without getting Reaves.The Lakers cannot start another NBA season without a legitimate starting center. Nothing is more important for L.A. this summer than trading for the ‘right’ center. Winning the offseason starts with Walker Kessler.
WHY GO ALL-IN ON WALKER KESSLER?
…
Walker Kessler is not only the ‘right’ player for the Lakers to risk going all-in on and offering Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and two first round picks but his low salary also leaves room to trade for two other new starters.
Even with Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, one first round pick, and four pick swaps, the Lakers simply don’t have enough tradable contracts and/or draft capital to swap for three new starters unless one’s on a rookie deal.
Aside from playing the center, Walker Kessler is still on his rookie contract, which means the Lakers would still have enough room under the first tax apron to trade for two new starters earning around $25 million per year.While the Lakers would like to keep Reaves, they also understand that he’s likely the key trading chip to get the Ainges to agree to trade Walker Kessler to the Lakers at all. Reaves can be flipped for more than a first round pick.
And Walker Kessler is clearly the best fit as starting center available to the Lakers right now. His elite size, rim protection, lob threat, and rebounding will quickly help them dramatically improve at both ends of the court.The Lakers cannot open the 2025–26 season without a legitimate starting center, not after failing to fix their center rotation the last four years and having their asses handed to them by the Timberwolves in the playoffs.
With LeBron eligible to become a free agent this summer and Luka slated to do the same next summer, Rob Pelinka is facing extreme pressure to find both legitimate starting and backup centers before the season starts.Trading Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and two first round picks for Walker Kessler is the Los Angeles Lakers going all-in to start Luka’s purple and gold era and end LeBron’s with their Celtics-matching 18th NBA championship.
TRADE FOR TWO CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENDERS
…
Once the Walker Kessler trade is complete, the Lakers will still have $50 million in matching salaries and four first round pick swaps to use to trade for former championship defenders Andrew Wiggins and Marcus Smart.
To compete for the NBA championship, the Lakers must surround their two superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James with three elite starters who are legitimate two-way players who can’t be played off the floor in the playoffs.
That means the Lakers need to replace Jaxson Hayes with a starting center who can defend the rim, Rui Hachimura with a starting small forward who can defend wings, and Austin Reaves with an alpha dog 3&D POA defender.The Los Angeles Lakers’ proposed trade for Andrew Wiggins would send Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, and their 2026 and 2030 unprotected first round pick swaps to the Miami Heat for Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins won an NBA championship ring with the Warriors in 2022 and would be a perfect fit on Lakers as starting small forward. Besides shooting 37.4% on 5.8 threes per game, Wiggins remains an elite wing defender.The other proven championship caliber perimeter defender the Lakers should trade for is Marcus Smart, who’s now stuck on the rebuilding Wizards and could be acquired for Hachimura, Milton, and a pick swap.
Marcus has struggled with injuries since being traded and needs to be on a contending team where his great heart, hustle, and elite defense matters. Smart still posted 9.0/2.1/3.2 with 1.1 steals in just 20.0 minutes per game.Besides the mega trade for rim protecting center Walker Kessler, the Lakers transform their starting lineup into a defensive juggernaut by trading for defense-first two-way wing Andrew Wiggins and guard Marcus Smart.
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
11 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Lakers Make Godfather Offer For Walker Kessler Jazz Cannot Refuse WHY GO ALL-IN ON WALKER KESSLER?Walker Kessler is not only the ‘right’ player for the Lakers to risk going all-in on and offering Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, and two first round picks but his low salary also… pic.twitter.com/gu7RCYqC6u— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Lakers Make Godfather Offer For Walker Kessler Jazz Cannot Refuse TRADE FOR TWO CHAMPIONSHIP DEFENDERSOnce the Walker Kessler trade is complete, the Lakers will still have $50 million in matching salaries and four first round pick swaps to use to trade for former championship… pic.twitter.com/YRhn0Efp0G— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
That’s a terrible trade Tom. The Bane trade kind of set the bar for an Austin trade. They are the same size, play the same position and their stats are nearly identical. Bane shoots 39% from 3 to Austins 37% but that is about the only difference. Bane is only slightly better defensively. Keep in mind that the Griz defense was one of the worst in the league. The Magic sent KCP and Cole Anthony, two good defensive players and 4 first round picks and a swap. You want to send Austin, Kneckt, and our first for Kessler. I know you believe in over paying but come on man. We have to do better in a Austin trade then that. Try looking for a 3rd team that could use Austin before giving up most of our few assets for one guy.
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LMFAO. You would have to wait until hell freezes over before any team is going to offer what the Grizzlies got for Desmond Bane for Austin Reaves. No team is going to even give the Lakers 2 first round picks for him.
While I would not have given 4 picks and a swap for Bane, he’s a far more valued player than Reaves, a proven high volume, high percentage 2-point shooter with a physicality and strength that Reaves cannot match defensively. There were several writers who proposed Bane as a possible 3&D replacement for Reaves.
If the trade is so horrible, then the Jazz should love it.
The trade is supposed to be a trade the Jazz cannot refuse. My guess is they probably will refuse it. Unless they draft a center in the first round Thursday.-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Of course the Jazz would love it because its a terrible trade that the Lakers would never make.
Austin Bane
20.2 PPG 19.2
2’s % .583 .534
3’s % .377 .392
Assits 5.8 5.3
steals 1.1 1.2
rebounds 4.5 6.1
FT% .877 .89While Bane is a little better defender he’s not a lock down all NBA type defender. Only way the Lakers trade Austin is if they recieve a good return. I don’t see them giving him away. And you want to add a first and Dalton? Danny would love you.
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
I love Austin Reaves but you are crazy to think he is worth anything close to what Desmond Bane got in trade.
Two good players and 4 picks and 1 swap for Austin Reaves. LMFAO.
-
-
-
-
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
This sh!t is like Godfather III with Andy Garcia.
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Tom, he may not be worth 4 1st round because I think the Magic over paid. But he’s worth at least 2 and a foundational player. What makes your trade even worse is giving up our only first and Dalton as well. The Lakers will NEVER do your trade.
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Another thing to consider. Austin got his numbers as the 3rd option. Bane had to carry a heavy load with Ja missing 30 games.
-
-
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
This is the Lakers best offer, not the best offer they could get lol.
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
WIGGINS SHOULD BE PRIORITY FOR LAKERS!We have long coveted a legitimate small forward who guards other legitimate small forwards and Andrew Wiggins is the perfect fit for the Lakers and Luka.Elite defender who can shoot the three and has championship experience. While Lakers… https://t.co/au6yTOqHxx— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
3 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LAKERS 'NO SETTLE' STRATEGY!First, Identify and prioritize what you need:1-Rim protecting, lob dunking young center2-Point of Attack 3&D 2-Way small forward3-Point of Attack 3&D 2-Way shooting guardSecond, Identify #1 Targets for each need:1-Walker Kessler2-Andrew… https://t.co/w3YX65frpW pic.twitter.com/pLDRmkDHgF— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Hard pass, too pricey for too little. Next season, when he’s basically an expiring contract, thus more valuable, is a whole other story. He and Rui put up very similar numbers and Rui costs about $10 mil less. Wiggins is better at the rim, probably a better on-ball defender. Rui can switch onto bigger guys better and is more efficient. Especially from three.
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
We also have DFS who it sounds like we will resign. He brings the same level of perimeter defense. wiggins hasn’t been the same since the last Warriors championship. I don’t know what happened to him but if you follow the Warriors at all, Wiggins took a lot of heat for the Warrior black slide the last couple of years. He fell off in almost every catigory, including his defense. Rui is our only true PF to give Lebron a rest. Both DFS and Vando our better at defending wings than power forwards and Centers.
-
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
Is everything going to change with the Lakers? How is Luka Doncic handling the offseason? What's going on at center? For the Lakers, some of the questions are the same as they ever were https://t.co/yTC4lMZbJO— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) June 24, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
1 Comment-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:
Three slammed beers combined with the high from winning a Game 7 led Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso to sarcastically proclaim that he’d finally won an NBA championship that could count, that the NBA Bubble jewelry’s new big brother in the family safe had already become his favorite.
Los Angeles Lakers fans, of course, didn’t take this well.
Caruso’s a beloved figure in Los Angeles, the one who got away, the developmental success that helped bridge the bad old days to the 2020 championship in Orlando. The Lakers, sort of infamously now, chose to let Caruso leave in free agency to keep Talen Horton-Tucker — the younger player who they believed had more upside.
They were, of course, wrong.
Why bring all this up now, five years later? This is exactly the kind of situation that Lakers fans think will be avoided once the team is in new owner Mark Walter’s control. And eventually, they could be right. The massive news last week that the team would be under majority control by someone other than a member of the Buss family was viewed as a lifeline. But what does it mean right now?
What changes with the Lakers will fans notice?
Let’s get right into the question I’ve been asked most since Jeanie Buss shockingly agreed to sell the Lakers at a $10 billion evaluation to Walter and his partners. And to be clear, people are shocked, including sources inside the organization and inside the NBA, people who thought this day could eventually come but who didn’t think it would happen so quickly.
The Buss family has had their hands in the Lakers’ biggest successes and wildest failures over the last four-plus decades, and with them taking on minority ownership, their influence will be absent in ways that haven’t been felt in generations. And that’s all over.
Right?
The changes coming for the franchise are sure to be severe, but when those changes actually start is still the big question. It’s reasonable to expect the franchise to operate in functionally the same manner as it has been this offseason, even as it’s set for this massive infusion of cash. The Lakers, of course, won’t be able to retroactively beef up their infrastructure, to build out a modern pro scouting staff, to scour the G League for hidden gems like Caruso. They won’t be able to just fire money at free agents because of the NBA’s second apron essentially functioning as a hard cap.
As the Lakers enter a new era, Walter’s leadership style with the Dodgers offers a glimpse of what to expect.
Some of these decisions, though, haven’t been saving cash. Over the last year or so, the team has focused on sealing off organizational leaks that it felt were detrimental. Tightening the circle around the very top decision-makers allowed the team to pull off a trio of major surprises — their pursuit of UConn coach Dan Hurley, their stunning trade for Luka Dončić and the record-setting $10 billion sale. There’s been an obvious preference to do business more in the shadows, and that has its advantages.
The team has also invested more into developmental and medical technologies, player services and analytics over the past year as they’ve worked to modernize.
The sale might’ve happened overnight; the effects of it will probably move a little slower.
OK, so how are they going to get better?
One, they’re going to have time.
Asked about moving forward with LeBron James and Austin Reaves by his side, Dončić pointed to the gains made in his first offseason with Kyrie Irving, a season that would end with the Dallas Mavericks playing in the NBA Finals.
“It’s tough to get that chemistry on the court without any practices. So I’m really excited to have the preseason with those two, so we can learn about each other on court a lot,” Dončić said after the Lakers were eliminated in late April. “I look back with Kyrie, when he got traded to the Mavs, we didn’t really connect on the court. We didn’t really know each other’s games. Obviously, we see the game, but we don’t see in-game as teammates. So we can see next year, we kind of just had a preseason together. It was just amazing.”
And with Dončić on the court, the Lakers were pretty good — 18-10 in the 28 regular-season games that he played. And when he started with Rui Hachimura, James, Reaves and Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers were 10-3. So, building on that is a good start. Which is good — because the pathways outside of internal growth aren’t all that exciting right now.
Two, Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason. He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan. In a shift from his normal offseason, he spent a month away from on-court work to focus more on his body. Dončić has looked visibly slimmer in photos and is now back working out with Slovenia readying for EuroBasket competition later this summer.
Who is going to play center?</B<
The Lakers are absolutely committed to finding a center — the lack of a high-quality big man, along with injuries, was the biggest reason their playoffs ended after just five games. Who that center is, though, is still a big question — and the long-term answer might not even be an option as of right now.
In free agency, the Lakers have limited resources — a $5.7 million taxpayer exception and veteran minimum salaries to offer. In deals, they have one tradable first-round pick, some first-round swaps that got a whole lot less valuable after they landed Dončić. We know Dalton Knecht, a first and a swap was good enough to get a deal done with Mark Williams. And since 29 teams know that’s what the Lakers are willing to pay for a big, you bet that’s where the asking price is going to start. It is also a hint at the kind of play the Lakers prefer — a young center with room to develop alongside Dončić.
Wednesday’s NBA Draft first round — The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie currently has seven bigs mocked in the first 30 picks — could reset the market a little bit and shake free some of the younger centers the Lakers covet. Maybe Duke’s Khaman Maluach lands in a situation where a team is ready to make him a Day 1 starter, and a reliable player suddenly hits the market at a price the Lakers like.
The talk at the start of the Lakers’ offseason was that Dallas’ Daniel Gafford and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton were the two players who made the most sense. There just remains so much leaguewide skepticism that the Mavericks could optically make another trade with the Lakers after the open revolt of the fan base following the Dončić deal. Claxton isn’t thought of as a shoo-in as the answer at the position, and if he costs you your best trade package, is it a gamble worth doing?
Otherwise, it’s basically the same names that have been out there for months — a list of players who come with red flags, unattainable price tags and poor on-court fits. Still, there’s urgency to find an answer — either short- or long-term.
One thing that won’t happen — another Dončić-Kristaps Porziņģis pairing. There’s no indication that anyone wants to see that sequel.
What else is out there for them?
The template for what works around Dončić is pretty clear. You need an athletic center who can work at the rim on both ends of the court. You need a secondary playmaker who can create on or off the ball. You need shooters who can make open catch-and-shoot opportunities out of rhythm. And you need athletic defenders. The Lakers have the alternate creators — James, at least for a little while longer, and Reaves. Hachimura has shown that he’s got value as a shooter and an improving defender who can guard up in small-ball lineups. Everything else …. needs some work.
Are there lessons from the finals the Lakers should take?
I don’t think there’s real value in the Lakers trying to play like the Thunder or the Indiana Pacers. The lesson of the NBA Finals is the lesson that always exists in modern basketball — you have to accentuate your roster’s strengths while hiding as many weaknesses as you can. Depth was a huge factor for those two teams, and better, more consistent depth will be one for the Lakers.
Simply, they’ll have to do something they did so well when they landed Caruso: find roster upgrades on the margins, smartly and deliberately using roster exceptions in a weak free-agent class to unearth players who would most benefit from new situations and new opportunities.
And while the organization has been undergoing massive change, that need is the same as it ever was.
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
THE CHANGE IS PELINKA WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE!ACCOUNTABILITY IS THE BIG DIFFERENCE!While Woike is right this offseason will be run by the same front office, the significant difference will be that Rob Pelinka will be fully accountable for what he does this summer.… https://t.co/VF3CbYBlhh— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
The Lakers are the betting favorites to land Bam Adebayo in a potential trade 👀 pic.twitter.com/NSYzziMWvK— Basketball Forever (@bballforever_) June 24, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
4 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:- C Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)Miami Heat Receive:- G Austin Reaves- F Rui Hachimura- C Maxi Kleber- 2031 Lakers’ First-Round Pick (unprotected)- 2028 First-Round Pick SwapWho says no?? 👀 pic.twitter.com/yh3iGwsoXL— 👑 (@Lebronin1) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Which side says no? 🤔🤔Via @ToxicLakers pic.twitter.com/2zDAcx8vaz— Playoff LAL (@PlayoffLAL) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
They are also betting favorites to land the Joker and Wemby. Lol.
-
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
– Claxton isn’t thought to be the answer at center-“No indication” of a Luka/KP reunionVia wokieSeems like the Lakers are out on Claxton and KP 😑😬 pic.twitter.com/hxJ1VISFMW— Playoff LAL (@PlayoffLAL) June 24, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
2 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Woike: – “League wide skepticism” that Dallas would trade Gafford to LAL- Claxton isn’t thought to be the answer at center-“No indication” of a Luka/KP reunion— 🎯 (@AustinThreeves) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
The Lakers, Warriors, Spurs and Pelicans are among the teams interested in Kristaps Porzingis, per multiple reportsHeard the Lakers are interested and not interested in the same day😵💫😵💫😵💫Do you like the fit? 🤔🤔Via @LegionHoops pic.twitter.com/VKgKXo0dOF— Playoff LAL (@PlayoffLAL) June 24, 2025
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
Is slim Luka Dončić returning 👀Dončić has been incredibly committed to his conditioning this offseason, writes @DanWoikeSports.He’s dropped significant weight and is working on strict diet and cardio training, according to a source with knowledge of the plan. In a shift from… pic.twitter.com/SsNQnA1xbl— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
Sources: Celtics trading Holiday to Trail Blazers https://t.co/6Jb7JA3f65— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
2 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
What Anfernee Simons brings to Boston Celtics after Jrue Holiday trade https://t.co/nQ7sqQh9uY— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
BREAKING: The Boston Celtics have traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/2ycXQicGkT— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2025
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
DID MAVS JUST CHOOSE GAFFORD OVER LIVELY?The Dallas Mavs may have just made a move that increases the odds of a Dallas/Los Angeles trade.It's getting pretty crowded in the Mavericks front court now with Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively, PJ Washington, and Cooper… https://t.co/gMPYFz9JdA pic.twitter.com/SGRwXejelR— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 24, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
9 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Ladies and gentlemen, we are officially on Dereck Lively watch 👀🍿 https://t.co/cwe7N15YSM
— SleeperLakers (@SleeperLakers) June 23, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
This is the maximum amount Daniel Gafford can extend for within the extend-and-trade limits.He can get a 120 percent raise off his $14.4 million salary in 2025-26, which starts him at $17.3 million in 2026-27.Then with 5 percent raises, it tops out at $54.3 million. pic.twitter.com/1XeH83eEWZ— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 24, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
No earthly idea what Dallas is doing. I guess he can technically still be moved at the deadline but this feels like turning down the opportunity to land an extra asset for a big they won’t have minutes for and a few teams wanted. https://t.co/luKOJniUBl— Anthony F. Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) June 23, 2025
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
This is an interesting development. Makes you wonder how they intend to fill their PG hole. Gafford was the name that was bandied around the most. While he maybe the most logical win now choice. Lively fits well with Cooper Flagg time line. I’m sure the Mav’s has something up their sleeve, it will be interesting to see what it is. Probably signals that they have no interest in a rebuild around Flagg.
-
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
This is hilarious, they simply locked up a young talent. In 6 months they can trade him, which is before the trade deadline. This tells me they’re looking at the injured player exception for Kyrie and will let him rehab for the season, that they’ll take their time and extract a more respectable return on a trade for any of their bigs. It just makes everyone hoping for a “Knecht and wanky draft pick!” go back to the trade machine and put Kleber in which won’t be happening, either.
They need to be under the second apron…at the end of the season.
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
I don’t think they are thinking about the injury exception. Per reports he will be back in January. This team doesn’t have a wide championship window. I think they will look for a PG that can keep them afloat until Kyrie is back.
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Doesn’t mean the Lakers will be involved in that though.
-
-
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Maybe I’m not understanding the problem here. Gafford starts at center with Lively as the backup. AD at Power Forward. PJ Washington and Flagg at Small Forward. And the flexibility to mix & match those guys between the 3 positions. Not sure why they’re even considering trading Lively while he’s making $5mill & $7mill the next 2yrs. Figure out what to do at PG until Kyrie returns…although I wouldn’t rush him back at his age.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
B-b-b-b-but the trade machine?!?!?!
-
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
Thank you Dr. Buss & the Buss Family 💜💛Decades of championships. A legacy that shaped the Lakers and the NBA. pic.twitter.com/fOQfDiLHvs— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) June 23, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
2 Comments-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Dr. Buss….yes.
-
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
10 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
Los Angeles Lakers Receive:
-Derrick WhiteBoston Celtics Receive:
-Rui Hachimura
-Dalton Knecht
-2031 first-round pick -
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Win-Win Lakers/Celtics Trade!Trade needs to also have Shake Milton included to be legal trade. Laker get perfect elite point-of-attack combo guard 3&D defender to pair with Luka Doncic.Celtics get $21M in expiring contracts plus young potential star in Dalton Knecht…. https://t.co/6y4t4AyP7q pic.twitter.com/p1wRReQXtY— LakerTom (@LakerTom) June 23, 2025
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
Boston is looking to move Holiday and possibly Porzingas. Every report I’ve seen is they consider White untouchable., especially if they move Holiday.
-
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
We don’t have the cap space my man. He ain’t playing for the 3 or 4 million we can offer. Sign and trade and you create a whole new problem. Indy doesn’t want Kleber, Shake and other debris one wants to throw onto the bonfire.
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
Alex Caruso pretty much called it tainted last night…loll
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
I wish we could actually acquire Derrick White. Not sure if BOS gives him up for what we have to offer though. Again…in this “2nd Apron” environment, teams seem to be making it a priority to receive multiple draft picks. We’ve got only 1 to offer and it’ll probably be down in the mid to late 20’s at that.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
No, but if you trade all those guys you got the same problem you have now at 2 or 3 different positions. Knecht is debris, though, at least in the playoffs.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I will always call it the most mentally challenging title ever won. I’m sure Alex has the ring in the same place he’s gonna put this one. Not surprised he’d throw shade our way after how we basically showed him the door so we could keep old Long Arms Horton-Tucker…
But the no travel aspect…and 2-3 months off before the playoffs started…created a never-to-be-seen-again set of circumstances.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
DFS is either picking up his player option (unlikely) or testing free agency (likely) and we’ll be challenged to keep even him on the team. Not a lot of quality free agents so he could end up priced off our squad. Which makes it harder to trade Rui or Vando because who else is gonna play the 3/4? Can’t just play 6 guys all season. Although Reddick would maybe try…
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
It’s constantly called “The Bubble Championship” because everyone knows there’s a huge asterisk next to it. Nobody derides the Spurs ring they won after the strike-shortened season though…..
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
Offseason officially begins.The NBA Draft in three days.NBA Free Agency in eight days.Let’s cook up something good, Rob Pelinka. pic.twitter.com/2iH0nIHOoF— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) June 23, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
8 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
Mark Walter it's time to make a splash, open up the checkbook pic.twitter.com/wUwBOXRiel— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) June 23, 2025
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
2025-26 Lakers offseason prediction:Executive signing:Bob MyersFree Agency:Clint CapelaDorian Finney-SmithDante ExumLeBron JamesTrade:Nicolas ClaxtonAndrew WigginsProjected Starting Lineup -DoncicReavesWigginsJamesClaxtonHow far are these Lakers going?
— Lakers Better (@LakersBetter) June 23, 2025-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
2nd round…maybe
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I don’t understand why Bob would come here now. He had Rob’s job (President of Basketball Operations and GM) in Golden State and left to do TV, why would he take a lesser position to work under an inferior talent?
That trade (whomever is included) likely makes us worse. Wiggins is toast. Looks completely unmotivated on the court now. Whatever went down in his family the last couple years has taken a huge toll and it’s really unfortunate.
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
My question is why would you even keep Pelinka around if you’re hiring Bob Myers? Pay off whatever his contract calls for and send him on his way. That’s where the extra spending power comes into play….buying your way out of bad situations.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
That’s a question I’ve been asking for quite a few years now. Why is “Master Class” even still here? I cannot fathom…
-
-
-
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
Can only “cook” so much with the ingredients we have. Can’t make a steak with only potatoes and bread.
-
![Profile picture of Michael H]()
No doubt that Myers was a solid GM but his claim to fame was drafting well and we don’t have many draft picks. Durant was a fluke. It came with Curry still on a cheap contract because of his early ankle injuries and the cap spiked upwards because of the new. CBA that year. Yes he would be an upgrade but it’s a different situation than what he faced at Golden State.
-
-
-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
LakerTom wrote a new post
BREAKING: THE THUNDER WIN THE NBA CHAMPIONSHIP pic.twitter.com/bd4wtYcvSH— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 23, 2025
![Profile Photo]()
liked this
5 Comments-
![Profile picture of LakerTom]()
This championship could be the start of a dynasty for the Thunder.-Picks at #15, #24, and #44 this week-Every player is under contract next year -Up to four firsts next year (Sixers if 5-30, Jazz if 9-30, two most favorable of OKC, HOU, and LAC)-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will…— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 23, 2025
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
It’ll be interesting to see if Clay Bennett learned anything from the last time he had a potential dynasty…
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
I’m fairly certain they can let every single free agent go this summer, use every pick, and still be under the 2nd apron.
-
![Profile picture of MongoSlade]()
I don’t even think they have any free agents this summer; whole team is under contract. But after that the bills start coming due for extending/re-signing SGA, J-Dub, and Chet…then you have some tough decisions to make.
-
![Profile picture of Jamie Sweet]()
They have some end of roster free agents, nobody who played a meaningful role, though.
-
-
-
-
-
- Load More Posts
LakerTomOffline
-
16.6K
Posts
-
18.2K
Comments
-
58.0K
Views
