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30 Jul 2017 19:47:14
Trade Candidates (Expiring Contracts):
D-Wade - $23.5 million
J.J Redick - $23
Greg Monroe ~ $17.1
Derrick Favors ~ $11.7
Amir Johnson - $11
Joe Johnson ~ $10.7
1. Lakers get D-wade. Bulls get Deng, Randle, and their 2019 second rounder.
2. Lakers get J.J Redick, Amir Johnson. Sixers get Deng, Clarkson, and Randle.
3. Lakers get Greg Monroe and Spencer Hawes. Bucks get Deng, Randle, Bryant, and Denver's 2018 second round pick.
4. Lakers get Derrick Favors and Joe Johnson. Jazz get Deng, Randle, and Denver's 2018 2nd round pick.
In every scenario the Lakers don't take on salary past this season. This frees up either $30.5 or $43 mil (including Randle's $12.5 mil cap hold) for the Lakers next summer. Please add more trade options regarding the list of players above in the comments.
1.) 31 Jul 2017 20:18:30
I would prefer option 4.
27 Jul 2017 18:10:00
1. Lakers trade Julius Randle and Luol Deng to the Hawks at the trade deadline for Marco Bellineli, Ersan Illyasova, and Mike Muscala.
The Hawks capitalize on their expiring veteran contracts by adding a new building block to their recent rebuild. Lakers clear $30.5 mil off the cap next summer (including Randle's $12.5 mil cap hold).
2. Lakers trade Jordan Clarkson for a late 1st or early 2nd rounder.
Lakers go into 2018 free agency with just over $80 mil to spend. Sign George and Cousins to the max and resign KCP if LeBron won't take a pay cut at nearly 34 years old with a billion dollar Nike contract...
Ball - Ennis - draft pick
KCP - Hart
George - Kuzma
Ingram - Nance Jr.
Cousins - Zubac - Thomas
1.) 28 Jul 2017 17:30:45
Didn't see much in Hart for him to replace Clarkson as backup SG. Ingram isn't strong enough for PF, he will get bullied.
2.) 28 Jul 2017 22:40:41
Did you watch Hart play in college? He improved every year and his game will translate to the NBA. He will become one of the more reliable bench players in the league by the time he enters his prime. Considering that Clarkson was traded primarily as cap relief in this scenario, the $11 mil in salary cap difference between the 2 players allows us to have about $20 mil on top of 2 max contracts and is well worth the minimal difference in skill between the two as a backup SG.
In regards to Ingram, you're correct at the moment. Given this is 15 months into the future and that may not be as significant an issue, especially with the constant increase in small ball/ positionless lineup emphasis. The reason I said Ingram at the 4 is because Paul George complained when the Pacers tried to utilize him there, but in this situation I would expect the Lakers to have him guard opposing power forwards that play within 15 feet from the basket.
22 Jul 2017 23:00:17
Kyrie Irving asked the Cavs for a trade; which of our assets is worth trading for him (comment below)?
Lakers get Kyrie Irving
Cavs get Ball, Randle, and Clarkson
We go into 2018 free agency with ~$57 mil to spend after stretching Deng's contract. Pair Kyrie with Paul George and Demarcus Cousins and you got a contender with the average age of 23.5 (George would be the oldest at 28).
Irving - Ennis?
Ingram - Hart
George - (Mid-level Exception)
Nance Jr. - Kuzma
Cousins - Zubac - Bryant
1.) 23 Jul 2017 00:03:42
The good thing about players asking to be traded is that you don't have to give a lot even though they are an elite player. When players ask to be traded, it takes all the power away from the original team and into the other teams hand. It's either the original team takes what they are offered or they just let the player walk and they get nothing. So we don't need to trade those 3 players together. Maybe a Clarkson, Randle and Brewer.
2.) 23 Jul 2017 03:04:39
I understand where you're coming from, but Kyrie Irving is a clutch champion and 4 time all-star at the age of 25. He has the best handles in the league and is on a team friendly contract for 2-3 more years. He is a top 3 Point Guard and debatably the best player in the league that hasn't entered his prime. The Cavs could receive the most assets in a trade since Carmelo to the Knicks. Don't kid yourself thinking Randle, Clarkson, and Brewer can realistically get you that kind of talent. Ball can't be traded till December 15th anyways so it's unlikely a Kyrie trade hasn't happened by then.
3.) 23 Jul 2017 03:53:09
Englago I know your one of the guys trying to push Kyrie Irving for the Lakers. It would be a mistake trading for him. Magic Johnson traded Russell because he wasn't a leader. Kyrie Irving is not a leader. His first 3 season before Lebron James got to Cleveland the team had a winning percentage of under .350 This year without Lebron the team went 0-9. Not 1 game won. Irving can't be the main guy. Lebron James made what Kryie Irving is today. Without him Irving isn't as good. Let the Knicks have him. Lonzo Ball is a team player. He can lead and developed good chemistry with the other players. Lakers have a better chance with the roster they have then that deal for Irving.
4.) 23 Jul 2017 12:43:44
I actually don't think we should trade for him, although I could see how you'd assume that given this post. I'd much rather have a good rookie scale contract point guard who shares the ball, than a soon max contract allstar scoring point guard. My posts are just interesting options for the Lakers. In my own opinion, we should be doing whatever possible to get a George and Cousins pairing in free agency by creating cap space through trading Deng and Clarkson (Randle would also be a casualty, but I love his game) .
5.) 24 Jul 2017 20:57:34
Guys, i don t think we should go after Kyrie, but this trade, it s not so bad
BALL + JC + Randle for WALL
THINK about this if we get wall now, cousins will sign with us next year and PG13 will come also cause, he want to play here and he will have more chance to beat warrior with us than Wesbrook .
pg WALL
sg INGRAM
sf PG13
pf LANCE or KUZMA
c COUSINS
and REMEMBER next year warriors have to choose between KLAY and KD, CAUSE klay will ask max deal, nothing less 25 M SO they can t keep him.
i think with this lineup we can make playoff, and maybe beat warrior in 7.
6.) 25 Jul 2017 03:23:27
Denzel- John Wall just signed an extension. That line up isn't beating the Warriors.
22 Jul 2017 20:15:04
4 team trade with Cavs, Knicks, & Rockets:
Lakers Trade: Clarkson, Randle, Denver's 2018 and Chicago's 2019 second round picks.
Lakers Get: Porzingis and Frye
Cavs Trade: Irving, Shumpert, and Frye
Cavs Get: Gordon, Clarkson, Ariza, Black, Knicks 2019 (top 7 protected) 1st round pick, Denver's 2018 and Chicago's 2019 second round pick.
Knicks Trade: Anthony, Porzingis, and 2019 first round pick (top 7 protected)
Knicks Get: Irving, Randle, and Shumpert
Rockets Get: Anthony
Rockets Trade: Gordon, Ariza, Black
This trade allows the Cavs and Knicks to relocate their disgruntled stars immediately, instead of waiting until Dec. 15th for recent signings to become trade eligable. The Cavs maintain athe ability to sign Rose and compete their way into the finals, while also setting a foundation for a rebuild (expect a Love and/or Thompson trade for assets). The Knicks get a superstar in Irving along with 2 starters, all of which are at the beginning of their primes. The Rockets (who are selling the Franchise) will pair Melo with Chris Paul and James Harden to become a true contender, and increase the team's value.
The Lakers go into next summer with ~$60 million to spend (after stretching Deng's contract), giving them a chance to sign both Paul George and Demarcus Cousins. The new Lakers dynasty would be in the 2018-19 Western Conference Finals with an average age of 23 years old.
Ball - Ennis?
Ingram - Hart
George - Kuzma
Porzingis - Nance Jr.
Cousins - Zubac - Bryant
1.) 22 Jul 2017 23:39:18
Knicks have been reported of wanting to trade Anthony, another minor contract, and picks for Irving and Shumpert. There is also a report that Knicks are no longer trading Porzingis.
2.) 23 Jul 2017 02:54:20
Melo is dealing with enough management drama with the Knicks, he's made it clear he prefers the Rockets. It will be an interesting development to see if the Cavs are willing to wait till December for a better trade offer.
3.) 23 Jul 2017 15:35:58
As far as Melo to the Rockets I doubt it happens unless a Knicks buyout happens. Rockets must trade Ryan Anderson to add Melo and nobody wants his contract. So unless some mystery team comes in and takes his contract or the Knicks change there mind on Anderson I doubt a deal gets done. The Cavaliers are in no hurry to trade Irving. Yes teams are calling about him but the Cavs can say to Irving your under contract and we aren't trading you. Yes it will be interesting to see what team come in with an offer that the Cavs like. I think the Wolves, Clippers, Suns, and Nuggets would be teams to come in with offers that would satisfy the Cavs.
4.) 23 Jul 2017 19:34:39
What if the Pacers take him? They get Ryan Anderson, Chinanu Onuaku, and a 2018 first round pick from Houston, in addition to the Knicks 2018 second round pick. Knicks also send Melo to the Rockets, while getting Thaddeus Young, Trevor Ariza, and Joe Young.
Since the report stated LeBron as the main cause of his trade request, I expect the Cavs to make a trade happen by New Years at the latest. How about Cavs/ Spurs/ Suns:
The Cavs get Eric Bledsoe, Lamarcus Aldridge, Marquese Chriss, and the Spurs' 2019 1st round pick. Suns get Kevin Love and a 2018 1st rounder from the Spurs, while they get Kyrie Irving.
5.) 23 Jul 2017 23:25:05
As far as Ryan Anderson goes if the Knicks were to offer first rounders, and Houston offers first rounder plus take salary back like you mentioned Thaddeus Young it could work but I am unsure if the Pacers are interested in that. The Phoenix Suns have stepped up as a destination for Anderson and willing to take 3 first rounders with him but the Knicks want Chriss but the Suns want to trade Bledsoe and Chandler. Knicks don't want them.
As far as Irving the report is that the Kings are making an offer that includes De'Aaron Fox to get Irving. If a deal like that happens this off season I think Lebron James needs to think long and hard about potentially asking for a trade to the Lakers.
6.) 24 Jul 2017 00:01:29
I meant 2018 and 2020 first rounders from the Spurs.
7.) 24 Jul 2017 08:18:01
I think the Pacers need to hit the rebuild button. Anderson is a good compliment offensively to Turner and Oladipo's game. They get a young prospect, a 1st round pick, and swap bad contracts for a better fit (Young has 2 years left compared to Anderson's 3).
Yea, I don't see the Knicks taking Chandler without getting rid of Noah. I saw the Kings trade and it would be a mistake for them. They're rebuild is finally set in stone and they have good pieces on a rookie scale. They couldn't build a contender around Kyrie within 2 years with their current situation so he would walk in free agency. Not to mention a Kyrie and Buddy backcourt combo would be a disaster defensively.
If your the Cavs, would you wait till December to trade Kyrie for a Jeff Teague, Andrew Wiggins, and a 1st round pick?
8.) 24 Jul 2017 16:34:09
Cavaliers are way over the salary cap and if they trade Kyrie Irving they might be in the starting period of rebuild mode. Jeff Teague contract and Andrew Wiggins extension is going to be a lot of money not only next season but seasons to come. So I would say get Wiggins, the 1st round pick plus Pekovic for cap relief which the Cavs would trade Kyrie Irving.
04 Jul 2017 13:03:34
1. Lakers overpay George Hill or Rajon Rondo on a 1 year deal to mentor Ball.
2. Lakers trade Deng and Randle to the Bulls for Wade (could be off-season or at the deadline).
3. Trade Clarkson for a future 1st round pick.
4. Lakers go into 2018 free agency with more than $80 million to spend.
A) Sign Paul George and Demarcus Cousins to max contracts. Sign Lance Stephenson and Marcus Smart.
Ball - Smart
Ingram - Hart
George - Stephenson
Nance Jr. - Kuzma
Cousins - Zubac - Bryant
B) Sign LeBron, Wade, Melo, and Chris Paul at $20 mil each on 1+1 deals with no trade clauses.
Paul - Ball
Wade - Hart
Melo - Ingram
LeBron - Nance Jr. - Kuzma
Zubac - Bryant
1.) 04 Jul 2017 20:00:17
Update: George Hill has signed a 3 year deal with the Kings, so the Lakers should shift their focus to Rondo.
2.) 05 Jul 2017 00:25:51
Update: part B is bad for the Lakers and more than likely impossible.
eglago's banter posts with other poster's replies to eglago's banter posts
12 Jul 2017 18:50:45
Sign Rondo to the midlevel exception.
Lakers 2017-18 Roster:
Ball - Rondo - Nwaba
KCP - Clarkson - Hart
Ingram - Deng
Randle - Nance Jr - Kuzma
Lopez - Zubac - Bryant
As of right now the Lakers would go into 2018 free agency with 9 players and about $50 to spend (not including Randle's restricted free agency hold).
The Lakers could have enough for 2 max contracts if they trade Clarkson for a draft pick, or pair an asset (Randle) with Deng in a cap clearing trade.
1.) 12 Jul 2017 20:34:08
Right now for 2018 the cap space is at $57.7M if the salary cap is $99M like this year. Hopefully it goes up to at least $102M next off season so the Lakers can sign those 2 allstars without giving up anybody. Right now teams willing to take Deng want Ingram which isn't happening. I say let's not worry about Deng's contract and hope he improves.
Now if the Lakers are over the cap with 2 allstars potentially coming in there will be a tough decision to make. Hate to see Randle walk yet alone for nothing but that might be what happens.
2.) 14 Jul 2017 13:25:50
Ingram, Ball, Nance Jr., Zubac, Kuzma, and Hart's contracts combine for $20,381,422 for the 2018-19 season. Factor in a 2way contract with Bryant and you're looking at $21.5 mil at most for a solid 7 man young core all on rookie contracts. I'd rather have Randle's restricted free agent hold against our cap next year than Clarkson's $12.5 mil, because we can make him an unrestricted free agent to clear his cap hold (what Detroit did to KCP) .
I believe the Lakers can get a future late 1st round pick for Clarkson. Worst case scenario we have to stretch Deng at the end of the year, leaving us with a $7,362,000 mil cap hit over 5 years. That adds up to just under $29 mil, not including Randle's cap hold. With the expected $102 mil salary cap, we'd be looking at $73 mil to spend. A George and Cousins pairing still leaves us with the ability to resign Randle at market value. A starting line up of Ball, Ingram, George, Randle, Cousins with a bench of at least Hart, Nance Jr., Kuzma, and Zubac could be in the Western Conference Finals.
3.) 14 Jul 2017 18:52:23
I am going to start with your thoughts on the stretch provision first. In the 2011 CBA it was 5 years stretch with 1 year remaining on the contract. That doesn't apply to Deng.
In the new 2017 CBA a player must play 2 season with the team which Deng will after this season and the stretch will be over 3 years now. So if Deng is owed $36M over 2 season the Lakers can stretch for 3 making it $12M per the following 3 years.
Clarkson- The Lakers attempted to trade Clarkson for a first outright this year and nobody wanted to take on the contract without giving up salary. It will be worst next year. The problem is a lot of teams want to do the same thing and that is clear cap space. Lakers have a lot of difficult decision to make cause your right they have Randle to worry about then also Brook Lopez. The pairing of George and Cousins is fine but I think Magic Johnson wants the pairing of Paul George with Lebron James instead. With James Lakers will need players around him and that is where we need to see Clarkson in the line up. Lopez might be a better fit for Walton's system than Cousins plus cheaper.
4.) 15 Jul 2017 11:25:55
Thank you for informing me of the new stretch provision change. Even with that cap hit, we would have enough to pay Randle and have 2 max contracts.
As for Clarkson, the bonus with his contract is that it's up the year Anthony Davis is a free agent. If Cousins leaves next summer, everyone will expect him to look elsewhere due to the Pelicans lack of assets and being cap strapped. This free agency and draft had an abundance of guards, which may have saturated his market. The remainder of his contract will look more appealing next year with about $25 mil left over 2 years. If not a late 1st rounder, maybe an early 2nd round pick from a rebuilding team. If we pull off signing LeBron then we would have to convince Lopez to take a huge hometown pay cut. I like his game, but would prefer George and Cousins as it fits positional needs and their young ages allows us to contend for championships as soon as the warriors decline.
20 Jun 2017 22:44:51
If you had to choose an option from each section, what would you guys prefer the Lakers do with the #2 pick?
1. Draft
A: Lonzo Ball
B: Josh Jackson
2. Trade Down
A: Trade with Kings for #5 and #10.
B: Trade with Suns for #4 and 2018 1st round pick.
3. Salary Dump Trade
A: Trade with Deng and Mozgov and the 28th pick to the Nets for expiring contracts Brook Lopez and Trevor Booker.
B: Trade with Deng to the Kings for the #10 pick and ability to waive Aaron Afflalo.
26 Apr 2017 02:58:11
There's only a few stars available in the 2018 offseason, but luckily the 4 biggest ones have ties to LA. Those 4 are Russell Westbrook, Paul George, Demarcus Cousins, and DeAndre Jordan. Each of those stars would warrant a max contract worth more than $30 mil.
That offseason Randle will be a restricted free agent so we can go over the salary cap to resign him. We currently have less than $16.2 mil committed that year to the combination of Russell, Ingram, Zubac, and Nance Jr. We also have $46.5 mil committed to Deng, Mozgov, and Clarkson. With an estimated salary cap of $103 mil and a tax line of $125 mil, we would have $40.3 mil to spend in free agency.
In order to give Paul George the chance to recruit another max contract talent to join the Lakers via free agency we need to clear more than $20 mil. Please post your comments regarding trades on how you believe we should create that cap space and the other star you'd like to see join PG13 on the Lakers.
1.) 26 Apr 2017 04:57:37
Trade top 3 pick, Clarkson, Deng, Lakers 2020 1st rounder, Denver's 2018 2nd rounder, Bulls 2019 2nd Rounder for Jimmy Butler and Rondo, before DWade opts in.
Trade Mozgov, Black, Nwaba, the 28th pick, and rights to swap 1st rounders in 2019 for Brook Lopez.
Going into the 2018 free agency we would've just made the playoffs, have a roster of Russell, Ingram, Butler, Randle, Zubac, Nance Jr., and still have $67 mil to spend. Add 2way stars Paul George and Demarcus Cousins on max contracts and we're in the west finals against the Warriors.
Russell - Ennis?
Butler - Jason Terry?
George - Ingram
Randle - Nance Jr
Cousins - Zubac.
24 Mar 2017 23:14:05
I think the Lakers are in a position to land at least 1 superstar free agent in the next 4 years. Our franchise has accumulated talent on rookie scale contracts and have started to take the right steps towards a installing a new culture. The Lakers sell more jerseys around the world than all other 29 teams combined. I'm hoping we can land at least 1 of the following via free agency: Blake Griffin in 2017, Paul George or Demarcus Cousins in 2018, Russell Westbrook in 2019, Anthony Davis in 2020.
If we keep our top 3 draft pick, we should either get Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, or Josh Jackson, or trade it in a package with Mozgov. Based on our current standings, it's likely we will have the 2nd pick and Lonzo Ball will still be on the board.
Lakers lineup heading into this upcoming free agency would be:
Ball - Clarkson - Nwaba
Russell - Brewer
Ingram - Deng
Randle - Nance Jr.
Zubac - Mozgov
It's pretty obvious that the Mozgov and Deng's contracts are the most important obstacles to overcome to land a pair of superstars. Young talent will have to be attached to any trade that allows us to shed their contracts. I understand that trading both are wishful thinking, but for the purpose of the post I'll try to post a reasonable trade for both players. (Please post your additional potential trade packages in the comments)
Trade Clarkson, Houston's 27th pick, and a 2nd rounder to the 76ers for their 1st rounder this year. I know many people will argue to offer Russell instead, but this would clear up Clarkson's $12 million salary cap hit and I think Russell can pair very well with Lonzo Ball. 76ers currently have the 5th worst record, which could give us a top 5 pick to pair with Mozgov to anyone willing to take on the salary.
The next nearly impossible to move contract is Deng's. The only plausible trade I can think of would be a reunion with Tom Thibodeau. Trade Deng & Randle for Pekovic. The Timberwolves have one of the lowest salary caps in the league and could easily take on Deng's $17 million to replace Pekovic's $12 million to form the league's most dangerous young starting 5 in a LONG time with Rubio (or Dunn), Lavine, Wiggins, Randle, and Towns. The Lakers lose Randle in a salary dump trade that frees up about $22 million off the salary cap.
This gives us a depth chart going into 2017 Free Agency of:
Lonzo Ball
D'Angelo Russell - David Nwaba
Brandon Ingram - Corey Brewer
Larry Nance Jr.
Ivica Zubac
Those players' contracts combined total $27,553,706. With the salary cap expected to be about $103 million, we would have $70,552,604 to spend after accounting for $815,615 per open roster spot up to 13 players. The expected max contract offers for players with 6 years or less of experience is $25.8 million, $30.1 million for those with 7-9 years, and $36.1 million for those with 10+ years.
Please post comments on how you think the Lakers should utilize the potential $70.5 million in cap space this summer.I'd personally love to see Blake Griffin and Paul George become our next superstar tandem. A starting lineup of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Paul George, Blake Griffin, and Nerlens Noel with D'Angelo Russell, Ivica Zubac, and Larry Nance Jr. off the bench could become a championship contender within 2-3 years.
1.) 25 Mar 2017 00:22:58
Lakers don't have $70 in cap space. They have $25M now, $6M more if they decline Black's contract and $5.5M more when Nick Young declines his option. Roughly $35M in cap space when all said and done. The Lakers are in good position cap wise to hold onto Deng and Mozgov cause chances are no top free agent is signing here this summer. Trading Deng and Randle for Pekovic makes zero sense. Why trade Clarkson for #5 pick then dump it with Mozgov? Lakers aren't going to spend the saving this summer anyway.
2.) 25 Mar 2017 06:56:54
No point in dumping the salaries. No top free agent wants to sign with the second worst team. I believe our best bet is not to spend this summer and play the young guys next year. Give the experience and I think next summer we will have a better chance to trade Mozgov and Deng. ( hopefully they have better seasons, plus they will only have 2 years left not 3. Also I think Cousins, Westbrook and George will be free agents and I think they are our most likely chance.
Also I wouldn't trade for Pec to save $5 mil. And lose Randle too.
3.) 25 Mar 2017 12:59:56
Citydude and Toolguy, I completely understand that it is more likely than not that we won't be able to sign an all star talent in free agency this summer. With that being said, the post was regarding how to expedite the rebuild process by increasing the chances of signing an all star via clearing cap space to allow multiple all star level talents join forces in the best basketball market in the world, all while keeping the majority of our young core together. I agree that Deng and Mozgov will be easier to trade after next season, but once again this post is related to expediting the rebuild process starting this offseason.
Citydude, the post clearly states how the Lakers could have $70 million to spend in free agency after the 2 trades listed. The main reasons behind including Randle is the position of need for the Timberwolves, if Blake Griffin is signed Randles value will immediately diminish, and he will be the next one of our young core to sign a huge contract after next season. Pekovic is retiring before the start of next season, allowing us to clear $22 million for next season and significantly more for years to come. Clarkson is traded away with Mozgov because in this scenario we would have already drafted Lonzo Ball, therefore we would be trading away 2 bench players to clear up $85.5 million in salary over the next 3 years which is about as good as it gets in a salary dump trade.
Toolguy, I agree that our best bet would be trading Mozgov and Deng after another year of development for our young core, but once again the post is regarding an expedited rebuild starting this offseason. Pekovic plans to retire before next season starts so the trade would immediately save us $22 million not $5 million, not to mention the 3 remaining years on Deng's contract, and we wouldn't have to give Randle a big contract extension after next season. I personally believe that George, Westbrook, and Cousins are our best bet for signing all star free agents, although there has been a lot of reports as of the past few days stating Blake Griffin could be poised to join the Lakers if the Clippers team gets blown up after another early playoff exit. I think the possibility of Chris Paul being recruited back to where he started in New Orleans to join Anthony Davis and Demarcus Cousins would increase those chances.
Thank you for the feedback. Please let me know if I didn't answer something clear enough.
4.) 25 Mar 2017 15:05:38
I understand what your saying but I wouldn't give up Clarkson and Randle just to dump Mozgov's and Deng's salaries without getting an allstar player in return for each of them. Randle and Clarkson are good players developing fine. Your wanting to unload them to get Griffin? Griffin isn't going to make the Lakers into champions. Maybe a one and done in the playoffs but Lakers fans are wanting more than that. Yes Griffin is an allstar player that can provide better defense than Randle but can you see Griffin playing the same way without CP3? I don't. Griffin will not come cheap either. I agree with you to sign Paul George but I am not seeing George and Griffin + Noel good enough to compete for a championship.
5.) 25 Mar 2017 19:40:15
I just don't see the point to jump the gun. Yes one more season of losing will suck but waiting one more year we are more likely to land one of those 3 players. And I also would trade our young core until we sign someone. How far back would that set us if we did the trades and no all star players signed with us? Are you ready for a decade more of losing?
6.) 25 Mar 2017 19:52:14
City dude: you think Randle and Clarkson are worth all star players? They are not. Russell, Ingram, the pick will get you all star players on a good day. Clarkson and Randle are pieces you add to the main package. AND Griffin was playing well without Chris Paul. I watched Clippers games when they were a non playoff team and Blake was playing well. When Paul was injured a couple of years ago, people were saying Blake for MVP. So your statement discrediting Blake is not entirely true. He would help tremendously and a playoff team is better than a lottery bound team. But by your logic, it appears you rather be a lottery team or championship team, than a playoff team. There has to be an in between. Please take a look at the Warriors prior to their championship run: they were a lotto team, added pieces, became a playoff team, now are contenders year in and out. OKC w/ Durant, same thing. Rebuild to playoffs to contenders at one point. I don't see Blake as a possibility but I won't pretend he isn't going to help as you are insinuating.
7.) 25 Mar 2017 22:22:09
All 3 of you have valid opinions and I appreciate the constructive conversation, because we all want the same thing which is the Lakers to be contending for championships.
Citydude, you are absolutely correct that Blake Griffin alone won't turn us into champions. But the one thing you didn't consider is that Allstars want to play with proven Allstars. Signing Blake could be the difference in signing Paul George the following summer. I know free agency is always a gamble, but consider this: Would you trade Clarkson and Randle for Blake Griffin (keep in mind we'd still have D-lo and Lonzo Ball) if he agreed to sign an extension? If you aren't guarenteed you wouldn't, then remember my trades would also get rid of Deng and Mozgov without taking on any salary in exchange and it almost becomes a no brainer (I know signing Griffin is no sure thing) . Paul George, Blake Griffin, and Nerlens Noel could be the league's best front court (in 2 years after signing George) paired with potentitally the league's future most up and coming young back court of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram with possibly future 6th man of the year D'Angelo Russell (Larry Nance Jr. and Ivica Zubac would be helping him on the bench) could be in the Western Conference Finals every season.
Toolguy, I agree that trading Clarkson and Randle to free cap space in attempt to sign allstars is a risk, but teams don't win championships without taking risks. I think Blake Griffin would be more interested in signing due to all of the possibilities with the Lakers' cap space rather than playing with Clarkson, Randle, Mozgov and Deng. I understand waiting a year to develop our young core, but remember we don't have our draft pick next year and Randle would be a restricted free agent, so this summer is actually the most ideal to make big strides if possible.
GMdeNBA, you are completely correct. BLake Griffin is a stud and has been consistently ranked the second best PF in the league (behind Anthony Davis) and has recently entered his prime. He dominated without Chris Paul (who people need to remember turns 32 before the end of the regular season) . LeBron left an aging Wade and Bosh after going to the finals 4 straight years to join a team in a city he's comfortable in, had the most cap space in the league, and was full of 5 different top 4 picks (including 3 first picks, most notably Irving) . Why wouldn't Blake Griffin do something slightly similar if he's never made it out of the second round, the Lakers (in this scenario) would have three intriguing 2nd picks in Russell, Ingram, and Ball (Larry Nance Jr. and Ivica Zubac is a good start on the bench), wouldn't even have to move or change his lifestyle, and could recruit another Allstar to join him at the same time and in the upcoming future?
8.) 25 Mar 2017 22:35:38
GM: Quick fixes don't work. Lakers tried it before and got bounced out of the first round. The Lakers need to develop and I find it funny you bright up the Warriors. When Stephen Curry came to the team the Warriors didn't make the playoffs for 3 seasons. We are in year 2 of the Russell and Randle era. Yes Blake Griffin is a good player but Magic Johnson isn't here to build a one and done team he is here to build a championship team. Blake Griffin would improve the team however if a team of Griffin, Paul and Jordan with Redick can't make it out of the first round how in the world do you think adding Griffin will improve the Lakers odds? I don't see it sorry. I am not rooting for the Lakers to be in the lottery at all. I show patience cause I know what happens if you have none it just gets you out of the first round or just missing the playoffs. Look at a Paul George lead Pacers team. Barely in the playoffs, Look at a Bulls team with Butler, Wade and Rondo. Not in the playoffs. Look at Carmelo Anthony with the Knicks. Not in the playoffs and lost to more under .350 teams than anybody.
9.) 26 Mar 2017 08:34:25
griffin should really be the priority this off season and we should really see if a trade for pg13 could take place aswell because he will be traded, the pacers won't let him be a FA so we should trade for him but still somehow have this first five LONZO RUSSELL GEORGE GRIFFIN ZUBAC.
10.) 26 Mar 2017 18:19:55
Eglago: I won't get my hopes up for Blake. I would love for him to come to LA. I've been watching him since his OK days and to LAC. I say if the Lakers can get him, they should take that opportunity. Good comparison with Lebron and CLE but I would see that more of Lebron going home to his team that just so happened to be rebuilding. If Blake were to do something similar, I'd keep an eye out for him joining Westbrook.
11.) 27 Mar 2017 00:04:33
GMdeNBA, I had the exact same thought on Griffin until I read Bleacher Report's Kevin Ding's interesting article (link posted at the bottom) regarding his chances of going to the Lakers. LeBron used the going home storyline to further his legacy, but it's mostly bull.
He's the smartest player in the NBA, in reality he left for a basketball team with a better future and more assets. He knew his time in Miami had a shelf life and when he went to Cleveland he immediately created the team he wanted to retire with (trading Wiggins and Bennet for Kevin Love and Dion Waiters for J. R Smith and Iman Shumpert) . As for Blake Griffin joining OKC, here's what Kevin Ding's report mentioned:
"The most intriguing fit might be if he were to go home to Oklahoma to join Russell Westbrook and the Thunder, but his interests in the entertainment industry make staying in Los Angeles a priority. "
goo.gl/sVnlLm
12.) 27 Mar 2017 01:07:10
Sorry but I'm not going to risk trading them this off season. Eglago It's funny you brought up the Warriors. Let's see the drafted Curry, Thompson, Green, Barns and I think the drafted Ellis. Yes they traded him but got something worth wild in return. You are reading them for nothing except cap space. I'm ok with trading them if we get someone good back not just to get cap space. The last couple of years we have had cap space and what did that get us? Our "biggest" signing were Deng and Mozgov. If the Lakers do what you suggest and get nobody, fans would be calling for heads to roll.
13.) 27 Mar 2017 02:23:24
Toolguy, I never once mentioned the Warriors. I think you're referring to GMdeNBA, but regardless you're forgetting that they had to tank to save their top 7 draft pick to get Harrison Barnes, signed Curry for cheap due to constant ankle injuries, traded Ellis for a defensive center in Bogut who was on a cheaper salary, signed an all star in Iguodala and used the extra cap space to fill out their bench. They didn't need to clear cap space, because they didn't have any bad contracts so you can't compare the situations. We don't have our draft pick next year, so being bad has only negative effects. We can still develop the main members of our young core whike competing for a playoff spot. Paul George is more likely to join a young team fighting for a playoff spot with cap space than a cap strapped one (for the next 3 years) who's a bottom 5 team in the league.
14.) 28 Mar 2017 06:48:02
I understand your point. I know this is not going to be popular but what I am suggesting is to run with the young core and try to add to them I know it won't be as quick but it is not as risky. My point was that the Warriors got most of the key guys by drafting. Then added around them. I could be wrong but I believe we will still have room to add a max free agent. How are we strapped for 3 years? Next year we are at about $81m cap is around $100m I believe. But the year after we are at $48m. We can sign at least one max possibility 2 depending on years in the league. Now I don't know when the bird rights kick but I think we can go over the salary cap to resign Randle. Then we would also have the 2019 first, so we could get rid of Deng or Mozgov and the 1st in a salary dump. Then we would still have Russell, Randle, Clarkson, Ingram, Zubac and this years pick and any free agent we got. This is assuming we draft Ball and get George next year.
Ball/ Clarkson/ Ennis
Russell / Nwaba
George/ Ingram
Randle/ Nance/ Robinson
Zubac/ Mozgov/ Black
Plus we still have the Houston pick. Either another point or a sf. Then we would have Ingram, Clarkson, Russell that can play different positions. Yes they will have to learn to play better defense. But with the open spots get some defensive minded players.
Like I said I know this won't be popular but to me it's a safer route as we have been burned to much by free agents. Not to mention not even getting meetings with some. So I see getting a top free agent as doubtful but I hope I am wrong.
15.) 28 Mar 2017 21:10:20
I think that you're plan is the most realistic and is by far the safest route in a rebuild. What I meant by cap strapped is that we are using over $46 million each season on only 3 bench players. The only thing that would mess up your slow rebuild plan is if we don't get Paul George next summer. If that's the case then we essentially just wasted a year (minus player development), due to not having a draft pick and we're back to where we are now buy our young guys have 1 less year on their rookie contract and Randle gets an extension. You are correct that we can go over the cap to sign Randle as a restricted free agent, but keeping him limits our chances to give out max contracts to 2017 and 2018 summer. If we can get Paul George in 2017 and Cousins in 2018 then this would definitely be the best way to go. But if we don't get Paul George in 2017 because we aren't competitive (he's consistently stated he just wants to win), then 2018 is our only chance to sign all Stars until Deng, Mozgov, and Clarkson's contracts end in 2020. It all comes down to signing Paul George next summer, but I'd love to see a powerhouse lineup of:
Ball - Clarkson
Ingram - Russell
George - Deng
Randle - Nance Jr
Cousins - Zubac.
11 Feb 2017 00:21:44
The Warriors and Cavs are going to run the league for at least the next 3 years. We shouldn't trade away our top young talent for a early playoff exit. The Lakers need to get their top 3 pick this offseason (also saving our 2019 1st rounder in exchange for 2 second rounders).
Our team should focus on striking in free agency this upcoming offseason when we are expected to have $22 mil cap space (after signing a top 3 rookie) and especially the 2020 offseason when Anthony Davis becomes a free agent and the Lakers free up $50 million from just Clarkson, Mozgov, and Deng's contracts ending (if they're still on the team).
Under the assumption of Markelle Fultz being off the board by the time we draft 2nd or 3rd this summer, I believe we should draft the versatile 6'8 Josh Jackson. He would immediately become the team's best perimeter defender and if he can develop a 3 point shot he will be receiving all-star votes for years to come. This alone will give us a young line up with a lot of potential (assuming Marcelo Huertas is waived and Nick Young opts out):
Russell - Clarkson
Jackson - Williams
Ingram - Deng
Randle - Nance Jr.
Mozgov - Black - Zubac
I recommend looking into trading away long term bad contracts packaged with effective role players on expiring contracts in the next couple weeks before the trade deadline. Trevor Lane from Lakersnation.com wrote an article yesterday exploring 5 trades the Lakers should make.
He suggested a 3 way trade with the Pelicans and Rockets, the Lakers would be sending Nick Young to reunite with Mike D'Antoni in Houston and Timofey Mozgov with a (Denver's) 2018 2nd round pick to the Pelicans. The Pelicans would finally be able to rid themselves of Omer Asik's 4 year contract at about $10 mil a year (compared to Mozgov's 16) who would be going to the Lakers and the dissatisfied Alexis Ajinca would be going to Houston. Houston would give up a (Portland's) 2nd round pick this year along with Corey Brewer's 2 year contract at about $7.5 mil a year.
Trevor Lane also suggested a trade between the Lakers and Detroit Pistons; Lou Williams and Tarik Black for Stanley Johnson and Aaron Baynes.
Russell - Clarkson
Jackson - Johnson - Brewer
Ingram - Deng
Randle - Nance Jr.
Asik - Zubac
Baynes is likely to opt out of his $6.5 mil contract this summer, giving the Lakers about $28 million in cap space (Brewer's $7.6 mil contract is also up the following year). I would recommend spending the bulk of this offseason's cap space on adding a young center such as Nerlens Noel or Mason Plumlee and then use the remaining money on one year contracts with veterans (Maybe most of the remainder on Tony Allen, then fill out the roster resigning mentors Metta World Peace and Marcelo Huertas for the vet's min).
Lakers 2017-2018 Depth Chart
(players with first names are Lakers' future core)
PG: D'Angelo Russell - Jordan Clarkson - Huertas
SG: Josh Jackson - Brewer - Allen
SF: Brandon Ingram - Stanley Johnson - Deng
PF: Julius Randle - Larry Nance Jr. - World Peace
C: Nerlens Noel - Asik - Ivica Zubac
28 Jul 2017 22:40:41
Did you watch Hart play in college? He improved every year and his game will translate to the NBA. He will become one of the more reliable bench players in the league by the time he enters his prime. Considering that Clarkson was traded primarily as cap relief in this scenario, the $11 mil in salary cap difference between the 2 players allows us to have about $20 mil on top of 2 max contracts and is well worth the minimal difference in skill between the two as a backup SG.
In regards to Ingram, you're correct at the moment. Given this is 15 months into the future and that may not be as significant an issue, especially with the constant increase in small ball/ positionless lineup emphasis. The reason I said Ingram at the 4 is because Paul George complained when the Pacers tried to utilize him there, but in this situation I would expect the Lakers to have him guard opposing power forwards that play within 15 feet from the basket.
24 Jul 2017 08:18:01
I think the Pacers need to hit the rebuild button. Anderson is a good compliment offensively to Turner and Oladipo's game. They get a young prospect, a 1st round pick, and swap bad contracts for a better fit (Young has 2 years left compared to Anderson's 3).
Yea, I don't see the Knicks taking Chandler without getting rid of Noah. I saw the Kings trade and it would be a mistake for them. They're rebuild is finally set in stone and they have good pieces on a rookie scale. They couldn't build a contender around Kyrie within 2 years with their current situation so he would walk in free agency. Not to mention a Kyrie and Buddy backcourt combo would be a disaster defensively.
If your the Cavs, would you wait till December to trade Kyrie for a Jeff Teague, Andrew Wiggins, and a 1st round pick?
24 Jul 2017 00:01:29
I meant 2018 and 2020 first rounders from the Spurs.
23 Jul 2017 19:34:39
What if the Pacers take him? They get Ryan Anderson, Chinanu Onuaku, and a 2018 first round pick from Houston, in addition to the Knicks 2018 second round pick. Knicks also send Melo to the Rockets, while getting Thaddeus Young, Trevor Ariza, and Joe Young.
Since the report stated LeBron as the main cause of his trade request, I expect the Cavs to make a trade happen by New Years at the latest. How about Cavs/ Spurs/ Suns:
The Cavs get Eric Bledsoe, Lamarcus Aldridge, Marquese Chriss, and the Spurs' 2019 1st round pick. Suns get Kevin Love and a 2018 1st rounder from the Spurs, while they get Kyrie Irving.
23 Jul 2017 12:43:44
I actually don't think we should trade for him, although I could see how you'd assume that given this post. I'd much rather have a good rookie scale contract point guard who shares the ball, than a soon max contract allstar scoring point guard. My posts are just interesting options for the Lakers. In my own opinion, we should be doing whatever possible to get a George and Cousins pairing in free agency by creating cap space through trading Deng and Clarkson (Randle would also be a casualty, but I love his game) .
15 Jul 2017 11:25:55
Thank you for informing me of the new stretch provision change. Even with that cap hit, we would have enough to pay Randle and have 2 max contracts.
As for Clarkson, the bonus with his contract is that it's up the year Anthony Davis is a free agent. If Cousins leaves next summer, everyone will expect him to look elsewhere due to the Pelicans lack of assets and being cap strapped. This free agency and draft had an abundance of guards, which may have saturated his market. The remainder of his contract will look more appealing next year with about $25 mil left over 2 years. If not a late 1st rounder, maybe an early 2nd round pick from a rebuilding team. If we pull off signing LeBron then we would have to convince Lopez to take a huge hometown pay cut. I like his game, but would prefer George and Cousins as it fits positional needs and their young ages allows us to contend for championships as soon as the warriors decline.
14 Jul 2017 13:25:50
Ingram, Ball, Nance Jr., Zubac, Kuzma, and Hart's contracts combine for $20,381,422 for the 2018-19 season. Factor in a 2way contract with Bryant and you're looking at $21.5 mil at most for a solid 7 man young core all on rookie contracts. I'd rather have Randle's restricted free agent hold against our cap next year than Clarkson's $12.5 mil, because we can make him an unrestricted free agent to clear his cap hold (what Detroit did to KCP) .
I believe the Lakers can get a future late 1st round pick for Clarkson. Worst case scenario we have to stretch Deng at the end of the year, leaving us with a $7,362,000 mil cap hit over 5 years. That adds up to just under $29 mil, not including Randle's cap hold. With the expected $102 mil salary cap, we'd be looking at $73 mil to spend. A George and Cousins pairing still leaves us with the ability to resign Randle at market value. A starting line up of Ball, Ingram, George, Randle, Cousins with a bench of at least Hart, Nance Jr., Kuzma, and Zubac could be in the Western Conference Finals.
26 Apr 2017 04:57:37
Trade top 3 pick, Clarkson, Deng, Lakers 2020 1st rounder, Denver's 2018 2nd rounder, Bulls 2019 2nd Rounder for Jimmy Butler and Rondo, before DWade opts in.
Trade Mozgov, Black, Nwaba, the 28th pick, and rights to swap 1st rounders in 2019 for Brook Lopez.
Going into the 2018 free agency we would've just made the playoffs, have a roster of Russell, Ingram, Butler, Randle, Zubac, Nance Jr., and still have $67 mil to spend. Add 2way stars Paul George and Demarcus Cousins on max contracts and we're in the west finals against the Warriors.
Russell - Ennis?
Butler - Jason Terry?
George - Ingram
Randle - Nance Jr
Cousins - Zubac.
28 Mar 2017 21:23:46
I agree with you for wanting Butler or George, especially because both of them have a desire to be a Laker. Lowry would be a great option, but he's not leaving Toronto after he convinced DeRozan to stay. Jrue Holiday isn't leaving the Pelicans after the amazing support they gave him this year while his wife was hospitalized and he's friends off the court with Anthony Davis. I agree with you that signing Chris Paul is unrealistic and he's going to be 32 before the season ends. Signing him on a 4 year max reminds me of Kobe's last contract. I think the only way we get Isiah Thomas is if the Celtics trade him for another star after drafting Markelle Fultz or Lonzo Ball. Thomas is the face of their franchise right now and in Boston sports that means a whole lot (the Patriots would never trade Brady, the Red Sox would never trade David Ortiz) . Stan Van Gundy has stated that he wants Drummond to be a Piston for his entire career and he wants to be the one who develops him into the best center in the league, so I don't see him as plausible. Brook Lopez is a realistic option, but we're going to have to give up more than a longterm bad contract/ player in Mozgov, the 27th pick, and a 2nd rounder.
28 Mar 2017 21:10:20
I think that you're plan is the most realistic and is by far the safest route in a rebuild. What I meant by cap strapped is that we are using over $46 million each season on only 3 bench players. The only thing that would mess up your slow rebuild plan is if we don't get Paul George next summer. If that's the case then we essentially just wasted a year (minus player development), due to not having a draft pick and we're back to where we are now buy our young guys have 1 less year on their rookie contract and Randle gets an extension. You are correct that we can go over the cap to sign Randle as a restricted free agent, but keeping him limits our chances to give out max contracts to 2017 and 2018 summer. If we can get Paul George in 2017 and Cousins in 2018 then this would definitely be the best way to go. But if we don't get Paul George in 2017 because we aren't competitive (he's consistently stated he just wants to win), then 2018 is our only chance to sign all Stars until Deng, Mozgov, and Clarkson's contracts end in 2020. It all comes down to signing Paul George next summer, but I'd love to see a powerhouse lineup of:
Ball - Clarkson
Ingram - Russell
George - Deng
Randle - Nance Jr
Cousins - Zubac.