Where do the Lakers go from here...?

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Serious question:

Say LeBron goes to Philly, Lakers or Rockets but DOESN'T win a championship there....

Outside of Cleveland, would he get a Statue?

We know Wade will get one in Miami.

Will LeBron?

He wasn't there long. But, he won 2 rings.

So, I think he should.

 

[Raw_Bee808]

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

H

I think Houston could be a destination for PG possibly. He might fit better than James (as silly as that sounds) because he doesn't need the ball like Harden, CP, and James do to be effective.

I agree.

But, that road to George is even more difficult than the one to LeBron because James could opt in.

George is ufa.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

Who would the Cavs take off that roster though? Capela is a RFA, so that would limit the terms of the trade via S&T rules.

I had a lot to drink last night....

Math make brain hurt.

But, I would assume they'd have to get at least one other team involved.

There was a article I posted a few days back that laid out a way to keep Capela, Chris and Harden.

But, decimating the rest of the roster.

I refuse to look for that Shit right now...lol.

The crux of it said, Morey would have to do the salary cap equivalent of this to pull it off...

 

[DJ Fieri]

No cap space, unless CP3 takes a HUGE discount. His $35.3M cap hold is a killer.

We already discussed this regarding James. They'd have to make some moves but it's not impossible.

 

[LogicMan]

I just can't see it. He would basically negate what Simmons does. It's not like Ben can spread the floor for him.

Simmons wont be a generational player without a shot. Lebron can teach him (albeit even Lebron had a better shot as a rookie). With pressure off of Simmons it might work. That said, sixers have two PGs who cannot shoot so not sure what they do about that. Personally I would trade Simmons for Kwahi and place LBJ, Kwahi and Embid together

 

[shopson67]

We already discussed this regarding James. They'd have to make some moves but it's not impossible.

It basically is, unless he opts in and gets the Cavs to trade him. Harden/CP3/Lebron plus roster spot cap holds is $108.6M, over the $101M cap. So, even if the Rockets gave away everyone else and got nothing but picks in return, they would still need to convince Lebron and CP3 to take a combined pay cut of $7.6M below CP3's cap hold and Lebron's estimated $35.6M (which he's set to earn with the Cavs in 2018/19).

 

[shopson67]

Simmons wont be a generational player without a shot. Lebron can teach him (albeit even Lebron had a better shot as a rookie). With pressure off of Simmons it might work. That said, sixers have two PGs who cannot shoot so not sure what they do about that. Personally I would trade Simmons for Kwahi and place LBJ, Kwahi and Embid together

That's also expecting Lebron to tie himself to another (albeit younger) injury prone big.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

It basically is, unless he opts in and gets the Cavs to trade him. Harden/CP3/Lebron plus roster spot cap holds is $108.6M, over the $101M cap. So, even if the Rockets gave away everyone else and got nothing but picks in return, they would still need to convince Lebron and CP3 to take a combined pay cut of $7.6M below CP3's cap hold and Lebron's estimated $35.6M (which he's set to earn with the Cavs in 2018/19).

They have a few options.

Every one of them problematic.

But, possible.

Let Ariza walk, trade off Gordon, Tucker without bringing in salary and they have the option to stretch Anderson, like the Lakers with Deng, in a worst case scenario if they can't bribe anyone to take him.

I read Dallas is open for dumps. But, they want picks, which Houston doesn't have.

How the Rockets Can Land LeBron James Without Sacrificing Everything Else

 

[shopson67]

They have a few options.

Every one of them problematic.

But, possible.

Let Ariza walk, trade off Gordon, Tucker without bringing in salary and they have the option to stretch Anderson, like the Lakers with Deng, in a worst case scenario if they can't bribe anyone to take him.

I read Dallas is open for dumps. But, they want picks, which Houston doesn't have.

How the Rockets Can Land LeBron James Without Sacrificing Everything Else

That link is a whole lot of speculation without much detail. No mention of roster spot holds whatsoever. Plus how far is Houston willing to go over the cap? Why would Cleveland trade Lebron for Gordon, Tucker, Nene, and Onuaku? Why would anyone take Anderson?

I don't see how it works, basketball wise, even if they find a miracle to make it work cap wise. Three guys used to dominating the ball. The Rockets made it work with two by staggering them so one was always on the court. How do you do that with 3? And zero depth?

 

[tlance]

I would be very surprised to see LeBron James come to the Lakers this summer. The Lakers are not playoff ready with the young players. I think the problems are as such

1. The young players are still young, inexperienced and need more development.

2. LeBron already will see that these players need more time on the floor to develop and grow. He went through that with Irving and this point he doesn't want to be the 40 year old woman starting a new family

3. LeBron needs two really good players who like him, have some talent playing isolation ball and are willing to adjust their games. Houston has all of that and a coach who will gladly utilize talents

4. If the Lakers were to have a discussion with LeBron, I think a discussion about sharing the ball and letting the players develop and grow would have to be on the table. LeBron doesn't have the time to be a babysitter. I like the players we have, but unless you're going to trade them for serious veterans like Paul George and Leonard - the possibility of LeBron coming to the Lakers is dead on arrival.

I think Los Angeles Clippers would be a bigger consideration then the Lakers. They have a coach who can win, they have an owner who would happily build around LeBron quickly and the Clippers is a team that could easily get the players LeBron needs

The irony of this post is that the current Laker roster is almost exactly what the Cav roster was when LeBron returned there.

The Lakers have the assets to build a legit superteam, or to pair LeBron and another max player with some nice young pieces.

Almost the exact same situation actually. If LeBron wants to play in LA it is a realistic possibility.

 

[tlance]

I had a lot to drink last night....

Math make brain hurt.

But, I would assume they'd have to get at least one other team involved.

There was a article I posted a few days back that laid out a way to keep Capela, Chris and Harden.

But, decimating the rest of the roster.

I refuse to look for that Shit right now...lol.

The crux of it said, Morey would have to do the salary cap equivalent of this to pull it off...

Looks comfortable.

 

[True Lakers Fan]

The irony of this post is that the current Laker roster is almost exactly what the Cav roster was when LeBron returned there.

The Lakers have the assets to build a legit superteam, or to pair LeBron and another max player with some nice young pieces.

Almost the exact same situation actually. If LeBron wants to play in LA it is a realistic possibility.

I think if he changes, he want's something better - but if he really wants to win and not just make it to the finals - then I think he will need to take less money - I really do think the Rockets would be a better fit - Hardin, LeBron and CP would be a fantastic team and they all play the same type of isolation ball that their talents fit the best.
As much as Magic Johnson wants to jump into the finals - I think baby steps with getting to the playoffs is a better fit. Resign Julius Randle and if they can get Paul George, good, but wait one more year for the bigger moves

 

[tlance]

I think if he changes, he want's something better - but if he really wants to win and not just make it to the finals - then I think he will need to take less money - I really do think the Rockets would be a better fit - Hardin, LeBron and CP would be a fantastic team and they all play the same type of isolation ball that their talents fit the best.
As much as Magic Johnson wants to jump into the finals - I think baby steps with getting to the playoffs is a better fit. Resign Julius Randle and if they can get Paul George, good, but wait one more year for the bigger moves

They can't all isolate at the same time.

Also, what Cleveland has now is nowhere near as attractive as what Cleveland had 4 years ago.

 

[True Lakers Fan]

They can't all isolate at the same time.

Also, what Cleveland has now is nowhere near as attractive as what Cleveland had 4 years ago.

My concern with LeBron to the Lakers is the development and growth of the young players. I think they would
not reach their full potential under LeBron's leadership. The alternative is to trade and veterans who would get old quickly and only be good for one or two runs at the finals and truthfully - I think the Lakers are better off waiting for a serious run at the title until their players are developed and the Warriors have gotten older with some players leaving one by one.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

That link is a whole lot of speculation without much detail. No mention of roster spot holds whatsoever. Plus how far is Houston willing to go over the cap? Why would Cleveland trade Lebron for Gordon, Tucker, Nene, and Onuaku? Why would anyone take Anderson?

I don't see how it works, basketball wise, even if they find a miracle to make it work cap wise. Three guys used to dominating the ball. The Rockets made it work with two by staggering them so one was always on the court. How do you do that with 3? And zero depth?

We will find out this Summer how far they are willing to go.

If they max Cp3 with his brittle ass, why not go a step further with Lebron?

As for speculation...

Isn't all this speculation?

Him to the Lakers, 76ers or Rockets all fall in that category.

His camp has recently said none of the options are perfect.

So, who's to say he won't see pairing with Paul and Harden as the lesser of the evils?

Who's to say Chris won't be the guy to take the pay cut?

If it's true that he is only willing to meet with 4 teams, he obviously thinks there is a chance to coexist, or at least discuss the possibility to see if it can work.

Yes, all 3 are ball dominant.

But, the situation is better than going to the 76ers because at least all 3 can hit a jumper.

Can't say that about Ben 10.

Shit, if they don't keep JJ , Embiid might be the best shooter on that roster next year.

But, they won't have to do any cap gymnastics.

So, maybe he likes the depth?

Who the blue hell knows....

 

[The Q]

Yeah, LeBron can pick up his option and get traded there.

I don't know the path to get George unless the Thunder want Ariza in a sign and trade.

I'm guessing they don't.

They could take Gordon...

 

[trojanfan12]

I'm just not a fan of building these kids up only to be trade chips. I want their potential realized as Lakers, not elsewhere.

The problem is, if they don't develop, then you're stuck.

I don't think they should be trade chips for just any good player. But if you can get a guy like Kawhi, who is a top 3 or 4 player in the league and is still young...you have to do it, imo.

 

[trojanfan12]

I don't get the fascination with DeRozan. He's an overpaid midrange shooter in a 3 pt shooting league.

He's a good player and I think his 3 point shot has improved. He's just not a guy that you give up an Ingram, Ball or even Kuzma for.

 

[Mecca of the “B” Team]

They can't all isolate at the same time.

Also, what Cleveland has now is nowhere near as attractive as what Cleveland had 4 years ago.

They lost all appeal as soon as they traded Irving.

Lebron can't win on his own.

Nobody can.

But, that market makes it far worse.

I'm not shitting on Ohio.

But, how many people you know consider that a hotspot?

We are talking about young, rich Dudes.

Nah....