FA's or trades the Los Angeles Lakers should pursue in the offseason

[shopson67]

Oh I understand. You gots the issues. Nothing new with you. I said the Lakers were a favorite to get to the Finals and Celtics weren't. I didn't make that up. But you wanna take a legit comment and turn into something else. Good for you.

I think you put your tampon in wrong this morning.

 

[trojanfan12]

Finally, a Lakers writer that isn't trying to push some nonsense FA deal/trade move and instead talking about why one can't happen. It was in response to #DametoLA trending on the Twitter.

The writer basically said that Dame to the Lakers is fun, but has a 0.01% chance of happening.

He says that for even a remote possibility for that to happen, the best package they could put together would be s&t for Schroder (assuming he'd even agree), THT, Kuzma and first round picks (the first of which wouldn't be available in 2025). Even if they could put all of that together That is scraps when trying to trade for a player of Dame's caliber. So, he'd essentially have to try to force his way out ala AD which is unlikely to happen or even work since he just signed a new 5 year deal.

 

[shopson67]

Finally, a Lakers writer that isn't trying to push some nonsense FA deal/trade move and instead talking about why one can't happen. It was in response to #DametoLA trending on the Twitter.

The writer basically said that Dame to the Lakers is fun, but has a 0.01% chance of happening.

He says that for even a remote possibility for that to happen, the best package they could put together would be s&t for Schroder (assuming he'd even agree), THT, Kuzma and first round picks (the first of which wouldn't be available in 2025). Even if they could put all of that together That is scraps when trying to trade for a player of Dame's caliber. So, he'd essentially have to try to force his way out ala AD which is unlikely to happen or even work since he just signed a new 5 year deal.

The more likely scenario is that they try to re-arrange the roster around Dame, with their best bait being CJ. And no, the Lakers don't have the assets to get him either (although he would also be a nice fit). Blazers would need a stud forward IMO; having your two best players as guards isn't a proven formula for success. The Warriors have done well with it, but the Blazers don't have that Draymond type point forward and defensive stalwart. Could CJ get Simmons?

 

[trojanfan12]

This is an interesting option. Not sure if it can be done, but if it can be, it would solve several issues.

The Los Angeles Lakers should sign Derrick Rose this offseason

Derrick Rose would be a great fit for the Los Angeles Lakers. Come to Lake Show Life for all of your Lakers news, rumors and more!

lakeshowlife.com

TL/DR

It suggests that if the Lakers choose not to bring Schroder back, they should look to sign Derrick Rose. The idea being that he would be a better fit than Schroder was. Plus he showed that he still has a lot left in the tank.

The idea behind this is that along with being a player who can come off the bench or start and who can really help the team, he would also be an excellent mentor for The Bald Mamba and THT.

I see 2 issues: The first is that he signed a 2 year deal for the MLE, but has played well enough that he likely will be looking for more than that which the Lakers may not have. He may, however, be willing to take the MLE again for an opportunity at a ring.

Which brings me to the 2nd issue...

If I understand the Arenas Provision correctly, if they keep THT, they will only have the small MLE available to them, which I can't see him signing for, even for a ring. So, if they want to sign Rose, it likely costs them THT who is one of the players that the Lakers would want him to mentor and whom they are hoping can develop into a player that can be part of the future.

 

[wildturkey]

This is an interesting option. Not sure if it can be done, but if it can be, it would solve several issues.

The Los Angeles Lakers should sign Derrick Rose this offseason

Derrick Rose would be a great fit for the Los Angeles Lakers. Come to Lake Show Life for all of your Lakers news, rumors and more!

lakeshowlife.com

TL/DR

It suggests that if the Lakers choose not to bring Schroder back, they should look to sign Derrick Rose. The idea being that he would be a better fit than Schroder was. Plus he showed that he still has a lot left in the tank.

The idea behind this is that along with being a player who can come off the bench or start and who can really help the team, he would also be an excellent mentor for The Bald Mamba and THT.

I see 2 issues: The first is that he signed a 2 year deal for the MLE, but has played well enough that he likely will be looking for more than that which the Lakers may not have. He may, however, be willing to take the MLE again for an opportunity at a ring.

Which brings me to the 2nd issue...

If I understand the Arenas Provision correctly, if they keep THT, they will only have the small MLE available to them, which I can't see him signing for, even for a ring. So, if they want to sign Rose, it likely costs them THT who is one of the players that the Lakers would want him to mentor and whom they are hoping can develop into a player that can be part of the future.

I think they're stuck with the smaller 5 mil MLE regardless of what happens. They can technically pay a player the larger 9 mil MLE, but it'll hard cap them which basically makes re-signing (like Caruso) our own players impossible. Rose could a decent option. He's a little more of a slasher still so it's not the best absolute fit next to Lebron, but he's probably the best PG the Lakers could afford if Schroder leaves. I very much doubt Lowry or Conley are coming for 5 mil just to get a ring (or another one in Lowry's case).

What I hope they do (besides letting Drummond walk), is dump Kuzma for whatever serviceable guard you can get and sign Carmelo Anthony for the vet min or MLE if need be. He's close friend with Lebron, might want to chase a ring. Melo is a much better fit off the bench that Kuzma would be. Says a lot about how little Kuzma has grown his game that he's not better than oldass Melo at this point, but all I know is Melo wouldn't have been out there vs PHX bricking 3s looking like he's never played basketball.

 

[WiggyRuss]

The more likely scenario is that they try to re-arrange the roster around Dame, with their best bait being CJ. And no, the Lakers don't have the assets to get him either (although he would also be a nice fit). Blazers would need a stud forward IMO; having your two best players as guards isn't a proven formula for success. The Warriors have done well with it, but the Blazers don't have that Draymond type point forward and defensive stalwart. Could CJ get Simmons?

they s hould trade for K. Love.- the Blazers.

hes only signed for 2 more years.

Gives them another shooter/rebounder/passer.

K. Love can still play WHEN HEALTHY. Problem of course is he is barely ever healthy. With less responsibility maybe he stays healthier?

 

[WiggyRuss]

the stagnant cap and the Davis trade really have backed the Lakers into a corner on how much they can change this roster.

I think they are stuck with Schroeder. I cant see them finding someone better considering the situation they are in. And really- Schroeder isnt a bad fit- he had a couple bad playoff games.

Problem is that Kuzma/KCP and Deng count for over 30M dollars on the cap- and I dont think KCP or Kuzma are much better than replacement level- and of course Deng was stretched long ago.

also- no one has any idea what Harrell is doing.

As i said- I am sure he can do worse than playing in LA for 10$ million guaranteed for one year while waiting for the cap to jump back up after it has been stangant because of the pandemic. If Harrell opts in- that even more seriously limits the Lakers options

 

[WiggyRuss]

How is this even a discussion?

Both seasons, regardless of where the teams were predicted to finish, were derailed by injuries. Both are disappointing for that reason, but you also can't exactly call either season a failure. A failure would be if they were completely healthy and didn't live up to expectations. That didn't happen in either case.

I gotta say LeBron losing in the first round for the first time in his career while not hitting 30 points in any game- and the way that role players like Schroeder, Kuzma and KCP came up so small makes it somewhat of a failure.

If they fought harder and just lost- okay.

But i saw Kuzma, KCP, Schroeder pretty much shit the bed and those are 3 of your top 5 most important players and all of them failed to step up. that- and becuase of the cap situation and the contracts they are signed to- all 3 have a good chance of staying put in LA.

if thats not a failure it certainly smells like one.

 

[WiggyRuss]

This is an interesting option. Not sure if it can be done, but if it can be, it would solve several issues.

The Los Angeles Lakers should sign Derrick Rose this offseason

Derrick Rose would be a great fit for the Los Angeles Lakers. Come to Lake Show Life for all of your Lakers news, rumors and more!

lakeshowlife.com

TL/DR

It suggests that if the Lakers choose not to bring Schroder back, they should look to sign Derrick Rose. The idea being that he would be a better fit than Schroder was. Plus he showed that he still has a lot left in the tank.

The idea behind this is that along with being a player who can come off the bench or start and who can really help the team, he would also be an excellent mentor for The Bald Mamba and THT.

I see 2 issues: The first is that he signed a 2 year deal for the MLE, but has played well enough that he likely will be looking for more than that which the Lakers may not have. He may, however, be willing to take the MLE again for an opportunity at a ring.

Which brings me to the 2nd issue...

If I understand the Arenas Provision correctly, if they keep THT, they will only have the small MLE available to them, which I can't see him signing for, even for a ring. So, if they want to sign Rose, it likely costs them THT who is one of the players that the Lakers would want him to mentor and whom they are hoping can develop into a player that can be part of the future.

its not impossible they keep THT but if they do itll be sacrificing flexibility elsewhere. Because of that it wouldnt surprise me if they let him go- or possibly traded him. Really- he might have some value as a sign and trade somewhere.

I gotta think the priority is to try and win while LeBron is still a top 10 guy. Hes 37 next year. It would be great to develop THT and bring him along- but i gotta think the priority is win now while LeBron is still an elite guy.

 

[trojanfan12]

I gotta say LeBron losing in the first round for the first time in his career while not hitting 30 points in any game- and the way that role players like Schroeder, Kuzma and KCP came up so small makes it somewhat of a failure.

If they fought harder and just lost- okay.

But i saw Kuzma, KCP, Schroeder pretty much shit the bed and those are 3 of your top 5 most important players and all of them failed to step up. that- and becuase of the cap situation and the contracts they are signed to- all 3 have a good chance of staying put in LA.

if thats not a failure it certainly smells like one.

Had they played together all season and come into the playoffs healthy, you might have a point. But that's not what happened.

 

[trojanfan12]

I gotta think the priority is to try and win while LeBron is still a top 10 guy. Hes 37 next year. It would be great to develop THT and bring him along- but i gotta think the priority is win now while LeBron is still an elite guy.

That's kind of how I see it too. I think that, at least with THT, they are trying to set the team up to have competitive pieces/tradeable assets in place around AD when Lebron retires or moves on to whatever team takes Bronny. But imo, they should just do whatever they have to try to get titles every season they have him and deal with the consequences after.

If they're smart with their signings, they can set things up so that they can at least have some significant cap space to put players around AD once Lebron is gone.

 

[shopson67]

they s hould trade for K. Love.- the Blazers.

hes only signed for 2 more years.

Gives them another shooter/rebounder/passer.

K. Love can still play WHEN HEALTHY. Problem of course is he is barely ever healthy. With less responsibility maybe he stays healthier?

Nice try. Olshey just hung up on you laughing.

 

[trojanfan12]

K. Love can still play WHEN HEALTHY. Problem of course is he is barely ever healthy. With less responsibility maybe he stays healthier?

The bold is the problem though. When is he ever healthy?

His first 2 years in Cleveland, he played in 75 and 77 games respectively. He hasn't topped 60 since then.

$30 million per year is an awful lot of money for a 32 year old who can't stay on the court.

I'm not one who necessarily think Love is washed and can't help a team. His skill set is one that tends to age well and he's never depended on athleticism. But he has to be able to stay healthy to help.

 

[WiggyRuss]

The bold is the problem though. When is he ever healthy?

His first 2 years in Cleveland, he played in 75 and 77 games respectively. He hasn't topped 60 since then.

$30 million per year is an awful lot of money for a 32 year old who can't stay on the court.

really though- at the price- what do they care when they are over the cap? not like they can create cap room.

 

[trojanfan12]

really though- at the price- what do they care when they are over the cap? not like they can create cap room.

I'd say that they'd care because they can probably get a guy around that price that can stay on the court.

The best ability, is ability. Love has that.

But the 2nd best ability is availability and that's what he lacks.

 

[WiggyRuss]

I'd say that they'd care because they can probably get a guy around that price that can stay on the court.

The best ability, is ability. Love has that.

But the 2nd best ability is availability and that's what he lacks.

but would they have to give something substantial up to get someone around that price with love's possible potential?

I am just saying that with only 2 years left, the price of assets it would take to get him, and the fact that the team is capped out anyway- you could do worse.

and honestly - in some ways - he is really fresh- not like he has had a torn achilees or rebuilt knee and that he will be effected on teh court.

we shal lsee.

 

[fightinfunbags]

but would they have to give something substantial up to get someone around that price with love's possible potential?

I am just saying that with only 2 years left, the price of assets it would take to get him, and the fact that the team is capped out anyway- you could do worse.

and honestly - in some ways - he is really fresh- not like he has had a torn achilees or rebuilt knee and that he will be effected on teh court.

we shal lsee.

Love is untradeable because of the contract. You can do a deal for a 2nd rounder and a player but that isn’t going to salary match. As soon as you start having to throw in guys to match 30 million you likely aren’t getting fair value back. Love may have value when he’s an expiring contract to teams looking to get out of a longer deal that’s also as bad as Love’s deal.

 

[tlance]

they s hould trade for K. Love.- the Blazers.

hes only signed for 2 more years.

Gives them another shooter/rebounder/passer.

K. Love can still play WHEN HEALTHY. Problem of course is he is barely ever healthy. With less responsibility maybe he stays healthier?

If the Cavs attach their unprotected first, then maybe.

Even then, the salaries the Blazers would have to give up to match are more productive and reliable players than Love.

Like we all said 3 years ago, it was an awful mistake by the Cavs to sign that extension.

You were wildly wrong.

 

[The Q]

I think they're stuck with the smaller 5 mil MLE regardless of what happens. They can technically pay a player the larger 9 mil MLE, but it'll hard cap them which basically makes re-signing (like Caruso) our own players impossible. Rose could a decent option. He's a little more of a slasher still so it's not the best absolute fit next to Lebron, but he's probably the best PG the Lakers could afford if Schroder leaves. I very much doubt Lowry or Conley are coming for 5 mil just to get a ring (or another one in Lowry's case).

What I hope they do (besides letting Drummond walk), is dump Kuzma for whatever serviceable guard you can get and sign Carmelo Anthony for the vet min or MLE if need be. He's close friend with Lebron, might want to chase a ring. Melo is a much better fit off the bench that Kuzma would be. Says a lot about how little Kuzma has grown his game that he's not better than oldass Melo at this point, but all I know is Melo wouldn't have been out there vs PHX bricking 3s looking like he's never played basketball.

they may need to use the big mle to keep tht.

but that rule is so damn confusing

 

[shopson67]

really though- at the price- what do they care when they are over the cap? not like they can create cap room.

Why pay luxury taxes for a guy in street clothes?