tlance
Kyrie Hater
All I'm saying is you get your guy guaranteed, with extra cap space to further improve the roster. You act like PG going to the lakers is a sure thing, but it isn't. Things change. The Lakers shouldn't give up Ball for PG, which is who the pacers really want, but getting PG for the price mentioned is called trade r*pe. You do it if you can swing it. Clarkson and Randle are nice role players, but this gives you a chance to pick the players playing next to PG, Ball, and Lopez. Plus you get PG another year to acclimate to the LA style of basketball, which is much bigger than it seems. It would be in the best interest of the lakers to make the playoffs and do well to help attract FAs. If LA is a dumpster fire again this year without PG, the man could lose interest and go to an actual established good team. This trade could be the difference of two superstars signing with LA and none signing again.
Here is the problem though. That deal would make the Lakers better. Better isn't enough in the era of superteams. The Lakers need those assets to further improve their roster after signing George. I do not think Clarkson or Russell will be part of the long term plan. Still, you can't give up all your assets to get a guy you can likely sign in FA anyway.
If they lose PG13, it is worth the risk. Because, overpaying now almost eliminates the possibility of assembling a group capable of challenging the Warriors. They need to take some risks in order to potentially be great. Good isn't enough.