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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Pistol Pete” Maravich with the lightning quick hands
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    August 24, 2025
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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Happy Mamba Day 🐍💜💛
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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Lakers Should Start Marcus Smart While Staggering Doncic & Reaves
    Articles, Posts
    August 24, 2025
    13

    Before the 2025–26 season begins, JJ Redick needs to start Marcus Smart and stagger Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves as point guards to restore the balance between offense and defense for the Lakers’ starters and bench.

    While Redick is going to give Reaves and Hachimura the opportunity to prove they should still start, he also realizes the Lakers dramatically need better defense from their starters and better offense from their backups. Last season, the Lakers’ starters were the fifth worst defensive lineup in the NBA, ranked 25th out of 30 teams in defense, while their bench was the third worst offensive bench, ranked 28th out of 30 teams in offense.

    Starting Smart in place of Reaves, moving Austin to the bench as its lead guard, and staggering him and Luka so one was always on the court would be the simplest way to upgrade the starers’ defense and bench’s offense.
    Starting Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton with Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, and Jaxson Hayes as backups would be the Lakers’ ideal rotation.

    Marcus Smart and Deandre Ayton would be huge defensive upgrades as starters over Austin Reaves and Jaxson Hayes, whose moves to reserves should transform the 28th worst bench into an offensive juggernaut.
    Hopefully, a lighter, quicker, and faster Luka will also give the Lakers’ starters a boost defensively while the young legs and athleticism of LaRavia and Thiero could help the non-starting lineups be better offensively.

    So let’s take a closer look at why the Lakers should move Reaves to the bench rather than Hachimura, how not starting could impact Austin’s Reaves’ future with team, and what happens with Rui with no extension.

    Why Reaves Needs To Move To Bench?

    …

    The Lakers are planning to begin the season with an offense-first Luka Doncic/Austin Reaves’ backcourt in the hope they can duplicate the success the Mavericks had with Doncic/Brunson and Doncic/Irving backcourts.

    Now that the Lakers locked up Luka Doncic, their next challenge is to figure out what to do with Austin Reaves, who declined 4-year $89 million deal but will be eligible this summer for 5-year $247 million extension.
    Reaves wants to stay with the Lakers and is seeking at least $30 million per year. Pelinka’s decision to start him is probably an effort to find out as quickly as possible whether a Doncic/Reaves backcourt could succeed.

    To be honest, a Doncic/Reaves backcourt probably won’t work for the Lakers as well as the Doncic/Brunson and Doncic/Irving backcourts did for the Mavs because L.A. does not have Dallas’ front court talent and depth.
    Pelinka would be smarter to use the first half of the season to see if starting Smart alongside Doncic could improve the starting lineup’s defense and having Reaves run the point on the bench could boost the bench’s offense.

    Bottom line, a Doncic/Smart backcourt paired with Austin Reaves-led bench has a better chance to become a legitimate championship rotation than a Doncic/Reaves backcourt paired with a Marcus Smart-led bench.
    The Lakers need to make a consolidation trade before the trade deadline and must determine whether there is a viable long-term role on Luka Doncic championship team for a $30 million per year Austin Reaves.

    Austin Reaves needs to begin the season as lead guard off the bench to improve the offense of the Lakers’ bench and to allow Marcus Smart to start next to Luka Doncic to improve the defense of the starting lineup.

    How Bench Move Impacts Reaves’ Future?

    …

    It won’t be easy selling Austin Reaves that his best role with the Lakers would be coming off the bench and being staggered with Luka Doncic so that one of them was always on court the full 48 minutes of each game.

    Here’s where Mark Walter’s billions and Austin Reaves’ love for the Lakers come in with a deal that works for everybody. Austin goes to the bench but gets starter minutes and a 4-year extension starting at $30 million per year.
    While Reaves is not worth a max contract, $30 million per year will be less than half of what superstars will be making and Austin is the exact kind of player who’s willing to make personal sacrifices for the good of his team.

    Frankly, I would not be completely surprised if Austin Reaves were to volunteer to turbo charge the bench’s weak offense so that Marcus Smart could start next to Luka and transform the staring lineup’s poor defense.
    There’s probably no player on the team today who appreciates being a Los Angeles Laker more than Austin Reaves or who would be more eager and willing to make individua sacrifices for the success and good of the team.

    At any rate, the Lakers most important goal right now is to find the ‘right’ starters to optimize Luka. By the end of training camp, it will be obvious that Marcus Smart should start and Austin Reaves should lead the bench.
    While the Lakers will not be able to announce the extension until next summer when Reaves becomes eligible, there is no way with Walter’s wealth that the Lakers are going to lose another young star over money.

    The Lakers and Austin Reaves both need to sacrifice to build a legitimate championship caliber roster. The Lakers have to be willing to pay Reaves what he deserves and Reaves has to be willing to come off the bench.

    What Happens To Rui With No Extension?

    …

    Despite playing well in last year’s playoffs, offense-first Rui Hachimura did not receive an extension offer from the Lakers, who reportedly also were looking to trade for an elite defensive small forward like Andrew Wiggins.

    So while Rui will retain his starting small forward position to begin the season, he will be under extreme pressure to perform well, especially on defense, or suddenly find himself on another team come the deadline.
    Hachimura’s problem is he is not quick or fast enough to stay with the dynamic athletic wing scorers a small forward has to defend in the West. He should be playing power forward, but that’s LeBron James’ position.

    A Lakers fan favorite, Rui Hachimura is primarily a one-way offense-first player who needs to be replaced by a two-way defense-first starting small forward via a consolidation trade before the February 5th deadline.
    Realistically, there’s no way the Lakers are going to give Hachimura an extension since he already earns $18 million per year. The Lakers cannot afford to let Rui walk for nothing as a free agent so they will trade him.

    With an $18 million expiring contract, Rui should be highly coveted by teams looking to elevate their roster with an elite 3-point shooter who has excellent size and athleticism and is just entering the prime of his career.
    Ideally, the Lakers will reopen discussions with the Heat once we get into December and January about trading Hachimura, Vincent, and Knecht for Wiggins, who should be the Lakers’ #1 starting small forward target.

    Bottom line, the end of Rui Hachimura’s stint with the Lakers is rapidly approaching. Hopefully, Rui will enjoy a strong start to the season and be the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade with the Heat for Andrew Wiggins.

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    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months ago

    • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
      Jamie Sweet
      8 months ago

      OK, a lot to un pack here.

      It Doesn’t Matter How Rich Mark Walters Is

      Let’s start with the obvious: it doesn’t matter how rick Mark Walters is, there’s a salary cap. The Lakers, like every other team that has a billionaire owner(s), will cut cost to stay under the cap for more than a season. If that. Having draft picks frozen for a team that waits for the years to tick by so we can get access to 1 solitary pick makes zero sense any kind of way you look at it. The Lakers will, smartly, see what the market will bear for Reaves and Rui and make a choice. They will easily let both walk without compensation just like we let Randle and Clarkson walk for nothing because the Laker brass has ultimate faith in the brand luring top tier talent like it always has been able to.

      Why Reaves Won’t Come Off the Bench

      I’m not sure what tea leaves you’re reading but the ones I’m looking at say that the Lakers are all in on Reaves taking another step forward at 27 years old. He’s already done everything they’ve asked for him and that resulted in fair compensation. I won’t pencil a number that Reaves will get signed for because it could be straight max money. Might not be with the Lakers but a team like Miami can clear the books and offer him max money and a starting role on team with clear championship culture and defensive stalwart to help him out. Same with Boston , Milwaukee.

      All this “Reaves LOVES the Lakers SO MUCH” rah rah jazz isn’t worth the time to type it when the money comes into play. You don’t throw away $10 million or more dollars because you like the team that gave you a shot. Maybe $5 mil. Maybe. But this is Austin’s best shot at creating what can only be described as a generational wealth moment for his family. To say otherwise…you’re just fooling yourself.

      Now, there is one area where I think Reaves and his agent would more than happy to work with the Lakers and that would be to facilitate a sign and trade to a team that is willing to offer him the most money next summer. I do believe there is that level of good will between the two camps. But throwing money away good will? I don’t think so.

      • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
        Jamie Sweet
        8 months ago

        There are basketball reasons, too. While there is some validity to the idea that we need to better spread out the offense and the defense and create more balanced rotations that doesn’t necessarilly mean changing up the starting five. Factor in SMart’s injuries the last couple seasons and his streaky as all get out threepoint shooting and you can see a flip side of the coin where the defense of one player doesn’t make up for the fact that we’ll be cvreating a 5 on 4 situation at the other end of the court.

        The last basketball reason is Coach Reddick. This is a scenario where trust is a HUGE factor. I know all the winderful things Austin and JJ have said about one another to the media but let’s, for a moment, just consider that kind of everyday NBA niceties that get said to reporters because what else is someone going to say? “I don’t know…isn’t he a podcaster?!” “Well…he IS undrafted so…” That shit is never said in public. So let’s look at a fact, instead.

        Fact: Coach Reddick straight paniced in the NBA playoffs, round one and went as far away from what worked in the regular season as can be imagined. That’s not to say that playing Goodwin and Hayes would have altered the outcome of that series, but at least the players would have seen a coach that trusts in the guys that got the team to where it was. Instead key players got benched and the series was over by game 3, for all intents and purposes. If I’m Reaves and someone like Pat Riley or Gregg Popovich or Phil Jackson is asking me to come off the bench (like Riles did with Coop, Pop did Ginobli and Phil did with Lamar Odom) that’s one thing. But if Captain Panic comes asking I’m going to be dubious. At best. More likely insulted. That is not a path the Lakersd want to tread because, given the assets at hand, we can’t really afford to mismanage any of them. Marcus Smart is not an asset, by the way, he’s a hope and a dream. We hope it works out and dream it works out really well.

        • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
          Jamie Sweet
          8 months ago

          Lastly, on the topic of Rui Hachimura, I’m not 100% certain he gets the starting spot. I think that will be a hotly contested poition between Rui, Jake and Vando.

          If Vando hits shots and is scoring in camp and still defending at a high level I could see him getting the nod. We’re talking 10-12 ppg here, nothing crazy. His defense is that game changing, IMO. Needs to be available and score, though.

          If Jake shows he can defend better and bigger than his size (kind of unlikely but you never know) it’s easy to see him with his touch, passing and all around game could be like a talented version of Luke Walton back in the day. Can’t get bullied in the post or on switches, though.

          Is there a world where Reddick starts Smart over Rui? …I kinda doubt it. Like Reaves there is an onus on the Lakers to keep the relationship cordial and positive as Rui is a likely as Reaves to re-up with LA or be a aprt of a sign and trade. That requires buy-in from the player side of the equation.

          Rui, on paper, is the best candidate to start at the 3. I thjink the Lakers are betting a lot on Ayton being the missing piece on defense. Which is a mighty risky bet but not a crazy one. I think that Reaves would have to either be hurt or gutter ball terrible to get knocked out of the starting five. Rui could lose his spot in camp if someone shows up hungry enough and can put it all together on the court.

          • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
            Jamie Sweet
            8 months ago

            In conclusion, there will be no consolidation trade. This concludes my TED Talk.

            • Profile picture of Michael H
              Michael H
              8 months ago

              I would like to see Smart play first before inserting him into the starting line up. Besides you do a lot of things through rotations. I mean having offensive firepower out there for 5 or 6 minutes at the beginning of the 1st and 3rd quarter isn’t going to kill you. We fell behind early more often when we had AD and Max than we did after Luka trade. Even in the playoffs it was the 4th quarters that killed us because the starters were overplayed.

              As far as Rui is concerned, I don’t know where this not bull crap is coming from. Rui had no trouble staying in front of people. Especially with that 7′ 2″ wingspan. He was even assigned to Ant Man at times in the playoffs and did as well as one can expect to do against a super star. The knock on Rui and his defense has always been his rotations. He had a tendancy to get lost in the rotations. That is something he improved on this last year. He’s not Lou Dort but he is solid. We don’t have the assets to land an ellite shut down wing defender anyway.

    • Profile picture of Lakers Fast Break
      Lakers Fast Break
      8 months ago

      Good article, Tom. This is something we’ve been discussing since the acquisition, but we’ll reference your latest article this evening when we discuss it tonight on the LFB.

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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    8/24 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KOBE! 🎂🎉
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    August 23, 2025
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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    WILT WAS MY VERY FIRST FAVORITE NBA PLAYER
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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Some Luka Magic To Excite You About Next Season
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    August 20, 2025
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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Does Luka look faster with his thinner body?
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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Andrew Wiggins back on the Trade Block
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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    What’s Austin Reaves Really Worth? Four Possible Blockbuster Answers!
    Articles, Posts
    August 19, 2025
    11

    While the Los Angeles Lakers have no intention of trading Austin Reaves at this time, we should remember the Lakers said the exact same thing about Anthony Davis before he was suddenly traded for superstar Luka Doncic.

    It’s obvious the Lakers want to see how the new and returning players fit before they make any major trade deadline decisions, which is why they are essentially starting the same players as last season except for center. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton will begin the season as starters with Gabe Vincent, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Jaxson Hayes as primary backups.

    With Luka Doncic now locked up with a new extension, the Lakers must shift their attention to Austin Reaves, who declined a 4-year $89 million offer and will be eligible for a 5-year $247 million extension next summer.
    After last season’s disappointing playoff performance, Reaves will be under intense pressure to show that he’s the right defensive fit next to Luka and that he and Doncic can develop into a championship caliber backcourt.

    So what would the Lakers’ Austin Reaves really worth in a blockbuster trade? Last regular season, Reaves was one of just twelve NBA players that averaged as much as 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
    That Reaves accomplished this as literally the third offensive option on the Lakers behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James is even more remarkable. The big question for the Lakers is whom could they turn Austin into?

    With the Lakers committed to being able to offer three first round draft picks on draft day next summer, it’s time for Rob Pelinka to find out exactly what Austin Reaves would be worth in a blockbuster offseason trade.

    …

    1. THUNDER’S LUGUENTZ DORT!

    LUGUENTZ DORT, SG, 6′ 4″, 220 lbs, 26-yrs old, 2-yr $36M contract
    10.1/4.1/1.6/0.5/1.1 on 29.2 mpg, shooting 43.5/41.2/71.7%

    Could the Los Angeles Lakers turn rising star Austin Reaves and young shooting prospect Dalton Knecht into the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 26-year old All-Defensive First Team point-of-attack guard Luguentz Dort?

    There may not be a more perfect shooting guard fit next to Luka Doncic than Luguentz Dort, who’s alpha defensive physicality and elite shooting skills are exactly what the Lakers need to complement their superstar.
    Trading Reaves and Knecht for Dort would transform the Lakers’ starting lineup and pair Luka Doncic with an elite physical point-of-attack guard to give the Lakers a legitimate championship caliber quality backcourt.

    For the Thunder, Austin Reaves would give them a second elite All-Star quality scorer/playmaker to complement Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Austin would join Alex Caruso as the OKC Thunder’s purple and gold alumni.
    With their incredibly deep roster and treasure chest of draft capital, the Thunder dance to a different drummer than the rest of the league. They have enough defense now and coming to easily replace Luguentz Dort.

    Dort is such a great fit next to Doncic that the Lakers should be willing to include some draft capital as part of the package. Fortunately, OKC could still value a Lakers swap because they’re confident they’ll finish higher.

    …

    2. CLIPPERS’ KRIS DUNN & DERRICK JONES JR.

    KRIS DUNN, SG, 6′ 3″, 205 lbs, 31-yrs old, 2-yr $11M contract
    6.4/3.4/2.8/0.4/1.7 on 24.1 mpg, shooting 43.0/33.5/68.2%

    DERRICK JONES JR, SF, 6′ 6″, 210 lbs, 28-yrs old, 2-yrs $20M contract
    10.1/3.4/0.8/0.4/1.0 on 24.3 mpg, shooting 52.6/35.6/70.3%

    Could the Los Angeles Lakers turn rising star Austin Reaves and young shooting prospect Dalton Knecht into the Los Angeles Clippers’ dynamic defensive duo of guard Kris Dunn and forward Derrick Jones Jr?

    Trading two one-way offensive players in Reaves and Knecht for two elite two-way players with proven defensive credentials in Dunn and Jones Jr. would dramatically upgrade the Lakers’ defensive depth and diversity.
    Dunn, who was among the top-10 leaders in steals per game last season could be a perfect backcourt mate for Doncic while Jones Jr. could step right in as the Lakers’ starting small forward and elite wing defender.

    For the Clippers, stealing future All-Star lead guard Austin Reaves from their crosstown rivals for two good role players is another savvy front office move that could someday become as ‘beloved’ as the Ivica Zubac trade.
    The inter-city trade also provides the Clippers with some desperately needed insurance in Austin Reaves for the older James Harden and Chris Paul and a promising young 3-point shooting prospect in Dalton Knecht.

    Trading Reaves and Knecht for Dunn and Jones Jr. would transform the Lakers’ starting lineup from offense only to a balanced offense and defense by replacing two offense-first starters with two defense-first starters.

    …

    3. SUNS’ DILLON BROOKS & NICK RICHARDS

    DILLON BROOKS, SF, 6′ 6″, 225 lbs, 29-yrs old, 2-yr $40M contract
    14.0/3.7/1.7/0.2/0.8 on 31.8 mpg, shooting 42.9/39.7/81.8%

    NICK RICHARDS, CE, 7′ 0″, 245 lbs, 27-yrs old, 1-yr $5M contract
    9.3/8.2/0.9/1.0/0.2 on 22.0 mpg, shooting 59.1/0.0/74.4%

    Could the Los Angeles Lakers turn rising star Austin Reaves and sharp shooting power forward Rui Hachimura into the Phoenix Suns’ pair of elite defensive small forward Dillon Brooks and backup center Nick Richards

    Trading Reaves and Hachimura for Brooks and Richards could immediately solve the Lakers glaring needs for an elite starting small forward who can defend wing scorers and a bruising backup center who can protect the rim.
    The Lakers would begin the season starting Luka Doncic, Marcus Smart, Dillon Brooks, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton with Gabe Vincent, Bronny James, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, and Nick Richards as backups.

    For the Suns, Austin Reaves immediately gives them an better starting point guard option than forcing Devin Booker to be the lead guard since Tyus Jones’ didn’t work out as a starter. Booker can now play two guard.
    Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura can step right into Dillon Brooks starting power forward role and newly acquired Mark Williams and rookie first round pick Khaman Maluach have made Nick Richards expendable

    Trading Reaves and Knecht for Brooks and Richards would immediately fill the Lakers two most glaring roster needs: an elite starting small forward to defend scoring wings and a backup center to protect the rim and paint.

    …

    4. PELICANS’ HERB JONES

    HERB JONES, SF, 6′ 7″, 206 lbs, 26-yrs old, 2-yr $27M contract
    10.3/3.9/3.3/0.5/1.9 on 32.4 mpg, shooting 43.6/30.6/82.5%

    Could the Los Angeles Lakers turn rising star Austin Reaves and young shooting prospect Dalton Knecht into the New Orleans Pelicans’ 26-year old former All-Defensive First Team point-of-attack small forward Herb Jones?

    Herb Jones could be the ideal premier point-of-attack wing defender the Lakers need as starting small forward. While not the 3-point shooter Luguentz has become, Herb is capable of shooting over 40% from deep.
    Trading Reaves and Knecht for Jones would give the Lakers starting lineup another elite 3&D small forward as well as opening up starting shooting guard for Marcus Smart to play alongside Luke Doncic in the backcourt.

    For the Pelicans, Austin Reaves would give them a young future All-Star to help mentor and develop young players and a great pick-and-roll partner for Zion Williamson, whose salary the Pelicans are going to guarantee.
    Dalton Knecht could be an important piece for the Pelicans to develop. Right now, New Orleans needs stability and having a rising star like Austin Reaves who plays hard every night could be exactly what Pelicans need.

    Like with Luguentz Dort, Herb Jones might cost the Lakers more than just Reaves and Knecht. While he had a disappointing last year, Jones is such a great fit for the Lakers they likely would have to include some draft capital.

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    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

    • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
      Jamie Sweet
      8 months, 1 week ago

      Maybe Herb only because NOLA seems to have no clue what they’re doing. Not seeing us trade Reaves in-conference, either, which wipes most of these out. I still think we make zero moves unless the move is so good you’d be a fool to say no. We won’t be including that pick this season, either, not when a small amount of discipline nets you 3 picks on draft day and $40+ mil in expiring money. That fact, that we could be a real mover and shaker on draft day next summer, is what I’m basing every analysis on. 3 is better than 1, it’s simple analytics which should be right up the modern NBA lover’s alley. Those deals expire in late June…after Draft Day (unless I’m missing something which is entirely possible) and would allow for the entirety of the playoffs to have concluded thus paving the way for a disgruntled superstar to ask out. We could then do one of two things. Offer expiring money and 3 picks on draft day or wait a weekish and offer sign and trades plus 2 picks. Knecht (which is $4+ mil on a team option so could be treated as expiring money) could be added then just as easily. It’s funny how this level of, what seems to me to be a simple calculus, proves so elusive in the summer when everyone gets “TRADE THE WHOLE $&#%ING TEAM!!!!” mania, something I’ve never suffered from.

    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

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      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

    • Profile picture of MongoSlade
      MongoSlade
      8 months, 1 week ago

      The fact that can’t be accounted for in these fantasy trade machine deals is that any team trading for AR has to turn around and triple his salary next summer to keep him (IF he wants to stay there). That’s a HUGE consideration….

      • Profile picture of Michael H
        Michael H
        8 months, 1 week ago

        Some of these trades can’t even be done. The Dort trade couldn’t happen because we wouldn’t have enough cap space to sign a 14 mandatory player. Besides that OKC has 15 guys under multiple year contracts that would make it expensive to wave a player.

        • Profile picture of Michael H
          Michael H
          8 months, 1 week ago

          Trade machines never tell the whole story.

          • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
            Jamie Sweet
            8 months, 1 week ago

            I gave up on any trade posted here making sense years ago. They’re all wishful thinking exercises in inagineering a fake team that won’t ever happen. The truth is that no reporter or fan has any clue what a team is actually considering. It’s, at best, an educated guess. At worst, it’s something that’s just fun to waste time on so bo real harm done other than the time it took. One reason I’m not a bigger advocate of trades (fake or otherwise) is that we rarely predict the ones that actually happen and the track record of a trade magically solving every problem a team has is not great. It’s like defense: you have to give up something whether it’s a three pointer, midrange jumper or a layup you can’t stop everything.

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    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Lakers Deal Austin Reaves To Spurs In Proposed Mega Trade
    Posts
    August 18, 2025
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    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

      From the above article:

      Spurs Receive
      -Austin Reaves
      -Gabe Vincent
      -Jarred Vanderbilt
      -Maxi Kleber
      -2nd Round Pick

      Lakers Receive
      -Devin Vassell
      -Stephon Castle
      -Jeremy Sochan
      -1st Round Pick

      Why The Trade Makes Sense For The Spurs

      The Spurs add Reaves and go all in to win now with Victor Wembanyama and D’Aaron Fox. Reaves has proven he can serve as a strong third option and show up in the brightest moments. They also add a handful of role players who can fill the void of what they are trading away. Vanderbilt is an elite defender when healthy, and Vincent is another proven big game player who can drain threes. This trade could turn San Antonio into legitimate contenders this season if everything falls into place.

      Why The Trade Makes Sense For The Lakers

      The Lakers get a talented young player in Vassell, and also upgrade their role players, adding Castle and Sochan. The first round pick could also be utilized as a trade piece in the future. This team simply isn’t good enough as currently constructed, and they need to make some moves. LeBron James has a year or two left in his career, and this franchise knows they can’t just waste them. They also need to show Luka Doncic why he should want to stay in Los Angeles.

    • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
      Jamie Sweet
      8 months, 1 week ago

      In what wackadoo dimension would the Spurs do this…zero.

      • Profile picture of LakerTom
        LakerTom
        8 months, 1 week ago

        Lakers might be surprised what other teams are willing to give up for Reaves. They should at the least find out what other teams would be willing to give for him. Trading him immediately opens up great opportunities to dramatically improve the starting lineup’s defense. Luka and Austin are not a championship backcourt.

        • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
          Jamie Sweet
          8 months, 1 week ago

          Neither are Fox and Reaves.

          This all ignores what has been stated publicly and verified, to the degree anything can be verified in the NBA which ain’t much, by Insider “sources”: Reaves is nigh untouchable.

          I expect that is basically true, similar to AD in the way that it would have to be a deal that seriously benefited the Lakers now and in the future. Nobody is truly untouchable if a fool shows up with a no-brainer, yes of course offer. Those aren’t the norm.

          I would do this offer every day and twice on Sunday. There is no way in Hell the Spurs will, not for a guy who is going to turn around and ask for big money next summer and all these guys are on rookie scale deals with team friendly extensions built in. makes absolutely no sense to anyone who has been paying attention.

          Also we get a FRP?!?!?! Getthefukouttahere man….c’mon.

    • Profile picture of MongoSlade
      MongoSlade
      8 months, 1 week ago

      Soooo…The Spurs want to get older, less athletic, and more expensive? Oh, and give up a #1 pick just for shits & giggles? This makes absolutely no sense for them. There’s no need for them to go “all in to win right now”. I think they’ll make the playoffs with this roster and be in position to make a little noise the following year. They’re one of the few teams who can actually follow the OKC blueprint. I agree that the Luka/Reaves backcourt is a nightmare on the defensive end but at least be realistic about the options available. This ain’t one of em…..

  • Profile picture of LakerTom

    LakerTom wrote a new post

    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    LAKERS AND THUNDER MEGA TRADE: REAVES AND KNECHT FOR DORT?
    Posts
    August 18, 2025
    9

    Should be able to go 9-0. Will be at the Clips game.

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    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

      From the above article:

      The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming off a season in which they won the NBA Championship, but for them they are going to be looking to advance their team for the future to make sure that they can create a sustainable future and more championship runs.

      For that, they aren’t going to be able to pay everyone of their star key players down the line and will have to make tough decisions regarding their roster. One of those players they will have to make a decision on is Lu Dort.

      For the Thunder, they would be able to trade Lu Dort to a championship contender that is trying to win-now and get enough back in return as far as star players go to still have a strong future themselves. The team they can accomplish this trade of Lu Dort with is the Los Angeles Lakers.

      Oklahoma City Thunder Trade Lu Dort to the Los Angeles Lakers

      The Los Angeles Lakers have one priority still this offseason to address and that is the defense of their team. With needing a lockdown perimeter defender, this leaves the Lakers with the ideal chance to end up trading for Lu Dort.

      Their offense is already steady as it is anchored by Luka Doncic and LeBron James, by adding Lu Dort as the third star on the team, they would have a well-rounded top three players that can officially cause problems for numerous teams.

      While Lu Dort isn’t necessarily a great scorer, Los Angeles doesn’t need him to be that due to James and Doncic. They just need Dort to continue being the All-Defensive First Team player he was last season to cause issues for the opponents top scorer.

      Lu Dort isn’t horrible shooting either, so he can still provide an impact in that area as well as he shot 41.2% from the three-point range last season.

      Los Angeles would most likely have to give up a player like Austin Reaves, but for the Lakers to get someone that can help them achieve a championship this season like Lu Dort, it would end up being worth it.

      • Profile picture of Michael H
        Michael H
        8 months, 1 week ago

        Okay, let me get this straight. OKC has Dort for 2 more years at a very team friendly 17 mil. So they would trade for a guy that could demand 30 mil. Yes they do need to make salary decisions down the road but those extensions don’t kick yet. I got a feeling they will want to run it back and shoot for another ring while the roster is still reasonable price wise.

        • Profile picture of LakerTom
          LakerTom
          8 months, 1 week ago

          If you looked at the Thunder’s roster and depth chart, they really do not have a second guard who can distribute. They have bigs who can dish out assists but no guards who can other than SGA. Reaves is the perfect player to plug right in to go with Alex Caruso.

          Reaves is a perfect fit on the Thunder whereas he’s not a good fit on the Lakers. They have Wallace and Caruso backing up Dort so they do not need his defense the way the Lakers do. Dort is the perfect backcourt mate for Luka.

    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

    • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
      Jamie Sweet
      8 months, 1 week ago

      Man…these trades just get funnier and funnier dude.

      • Profile picture of LakerTom
        LakerTom
        8 months, 1 week ago

        I do agree the Spurs trade is kind of crazy and wild but I actually love the Reaves and Knecht for Dort trade. When you look at the two rosters, it really makes great sense. The Thunder have so much defensive talent they can trade Dort and Reaves is perfect selfless player who would be a great fit as the second playmaker on the team. Reaves and Caruso were meant to play for OKC.
        Luguentz Dort would be perfect backcourt mate for Luka Doncic.

        • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
          Jamie Sweet
          8 months, 1 week ago

          I’m totally sure you love the trade…you made it lol.

          But I disagree that OKC needs Reaves on an expiring contract. There are plenty of players of Austin’s caliber that can be had for more guaranteed years and be an offensive focal point.

          Plus you really think Reaves gets traded to OKC and is cool being a backup? I don’t think so, man. That ends up being an expensive one season rental for OKC when they have a guy who already fits perfectly into everything they do as-is. They don’t have to worry about Lu and his extension until next summer at the earliest. They will wait until then if not the following trade deadline.

    • Profile picture of MongoSlade
      MongoSlade
      8 months, 1 week ago

      If the goal is salary management, then why on God’s Green Earth would OKC trade Dort for a MORE expensive player? They might as well just keep Dort…. There’s gotta some type of algorithm or AI to block this kinda nonsense off of Al Gore’s Internet….

  • Profile picture of LakerTom

    LakerTom wrote a new post

    • 8 months, 1 week ago
    Projected Lakers Starting Lineup and Backups
    Posts
    August 18, 2025
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    • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
      Jamie Sweet
      8 months, 1 week ago

      I’m not so certain Rui starts…camp may have a say in that but he is certainly the projected starter.

    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 1 week ago

      • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
        Jamie Sweet
        8 months, 1 week ago

        Are you basing these grades on anything concrete or just your unstoppable urge to make a trade every 6 minutes? Because the offense takes a step back with Wiggins, and a fairly big one because he’ll be the 4th option and an expensive one, at that. The defense doesn’t take a massive step forward, either so I’m calling BS on these made up grades. Unless they’re graded in a curve.

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    LakerTom wrote a new post

    • 8 months, 2 weeks ago
    Who's On Your Mount Rushmore?
    Posts
    August 17, 2025
    3

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    LakerTom wrote a new post

    • 8 months, 2 weeks ago
    BLOCKBUSTER PROPOSED REAVES FOR WIGGINS & FIRST TRADE
    Posts
    August 17, 2025
    5

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    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 2 weeks ago

    • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
      Jamie Sweet
      8 months, 2 weeks ago

      Would rather move Gabe than Vando but that’s the most reasonable deal for both sides that won’t get done.

      • Profile picture of Michael H
        Michael H
        8 months, 1 week ago

        It’s kind of funny. After the Norman Powell trade the Heat has told the league that they are not trading Wiggins, Tom continues to trade for him. Perhaps that changes at the deadline but not now.

        • Profile picture of LakerTom
          LakerTom
          8 months, 1 week ago

          LOL. Heat are just posturing. Wiggins will not be on the roster at the end of the year. Heat will not let him walk for nothing. They’re not competing for anything this year but future trades. If they get an offer they like tomorrow, he’s gone.

          • Profile picture of Michael H
            Michael H
            8 months, 1 week ago

            lol. It’s funny you think Wiggins would decline a 30 mil option and walk after the way he’s played the last two years. This ain’t the old days. In a tight money NBA no one will pay him that kind of money.

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    LakerTom wrote a new post

    • 8 months, 2 weeks ago
    3 Reasons Why The Los Angeles Lakers Won The 2025 NBA Draft
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    August 17, 2025
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    • Profile picture of LakerTom
      LakerTom
      8 months, 2 weeks ago

      From the above article:

      Teams like the Kings and Jazz had the benefit of having lottery picks in this year’s draft. However, the Los Angeles Lakers arguably won the draft despite only possessing the 55th overall pick at the beginning of the event. They traded their way into the early second round and drafted Arkansas forward Adou Thiero, who had the talent to be a first-rounder.

      While he didn’t play in Summer League, Thiero has shown himself to be an excellent prospect in college. He can certainly provide great defense, athleticism, and finishing to this current Lakers squad. Let’s dive into three reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers won the 2025 NBA Draft.

      3 Reasons Why The Los Angeles Lakers Won The 2025 NBA Draft

      #1: Money Talks

      One of the primary reasons the Lakers won this year’s draft is their strategic moves. They were able to trade up twice in the draft, jumping up 19 spots for Thiero. They first jumped up from 55 to 45 using only cash to sweeten the pot. Then, Los Angeles did it again, using the 45th pick and more cash considerations to move up to 36. Considering that they started with the 55th pick, the fact that they jumped up so high with only cash as a sweetener is incredible. Teams had only used future picks to move up spots in the draft, but the Lakers never gave up future capital. Given their lack of assets, their retention of future picks in these moves makes them a huge winner.

      #2: Athleticism to the Max

      A second reason why they won the draft is their acquisition of one of the most athletic players in the class. Unquestionably, Thiero has demonstrated throughout his college career that he is an athletic monster. From highlight dunks to big-time blocks, Thiero actively utilized his athleticism to be a dominant force on both ends. His athleticism is even comparable to players like the Thompson twins and Ron Holland. Considering the roster, it’s clear that the Lakers absolutely need an infusion of athleticism. The fact that one of their most athletic players is 40-year-old LeBron James means Los Angeles will have an athletic disadvantage most nights. While Thiero is just one player, his level of athleticism can provide the Lakers with much-needed dynamism on the court. His ability to leverage that athleticism will only be amplified playing next to Luka Doncic for years to come.

      #3: Defensive Menace

      The final reason for the Lakers winning the draft is the excellent defense they’re getting with Thiero. With the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith and the general lack of defensive personnel, Thiero will be a huge boost. Thiero has shown that he is a great defender who can be a versatile defensive piece. Specifically, his size and athleticism allow him to defend across multiple positions. While it remains to be seen whether he plays rotational minutes, Thiero has the skills and talent to replace Finney-Smith defensively. Not only can Thiero defend on the ball at a high level, but he is also a great off-ball defender as well. For a Lakers team in need of defense, Thiero gives them a great defender, both now and into the future.

    • Profile picture of Jamie Sweet
      Jamie Sweet
      8 months, 2 weeks ago

      Hard to argue Dallas didn’t win the draft. Not supposed to pick anywhere near #1 and yet…

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