**LA LAKERS THREAD** Sitting on 17! 2023-2024 offseason begins

[darthska]

Welp

We beat the Celtics and all of a sudden we're fine, Rob?

 

[pmatic]

 

[lovehateself]

 

[tupac003]

We beat the Celtics and all of a sudden we're fine, Rob?

 

[Lizakers]

Rob doesn’t want Lebron to tie Kobe with #5. It’s pretty obvious

 

[MIKE LOWERY]

They won't waste another year. Last year they beat BOS to hit .500 on a fluke. They're 6 games over .500 (could easily be more ) and are starting to click in certain areas/lineups with more room to grow.



I don't think they're trading for a third superstar or anything, but I highly doubt they sit still. With Gabe playing with a pulse, it lessens the need for backcourt help, but I would still be looking there and obviously for a 5. I think Rui along with the contracts of JHS/Reddish/Hayes/Wood etc. with at least 1 pick can fetch you something for the rotation going forward.

 

[sohi 23]

I would be more concerned if Rob was like “yeah we’re looking to make a trade” #negotions101

 

[tay1]

Things go well when we play with a sense of urgency and defense. Wish it was consistent.

 

[Brosizzlew30.23]

Welp

This is called posturing

 

[tupac003]

That time of year where we are connected to everyone but only 1 thing happens.

I'd take Vuc in a heartbeat.

we will see.

 

[SORIANOTRON]

If not Kessler, I like Vuc

 

[pdino]

I'm down for Vuc as well. Rob Williams is a high-risk, high-reward if he can stay healthy.

Vuc is a good rebounder, and will help with spacing as he shoots those top of the key 3's (similar spot as Porzingus).

With his contract it'll need to be either Rui or Vando + Gabe to make the numbers work

 

[MIKE LOWERY]

Kessler will require at least 2 1sts. Folks are talking about unprotecting the 2027, giving them the 2029 and the 2031. Nah. While he may be developing into something, you're still only going to play him 20-25 mins total. And you're going to have a ton or overlap with AD. I'm not seeing the return of Mark Eaton (RIP) with him. I think he's solid and can be good, but I don't think he's a cornerstone/3 1st round picks kinda guy player.


Vuc makes 20mil. That's alot to come off your bench and/or play for 20ish mins a game. I like him better because he's an offensive fit with AD and it may only run you Rui and a 2nd rounder. Bulls wanna move Pat Williams and they allegedly like Rui.



Vuc would be my move, but you want a 20/10 guy who's used to being the only big on the floor to either 1. come off the bench or 2. start him but cut his minutes down to 20-25? I don't think Vuc would go for that either. He's a completely different playstyle than 2020 Javale/Dwert. If you trade for him you're kinda running with exclusive 2 big lineups, AD minutes getting cut, or either AD or Vuc is on the court at all times. Which isn't a bad thing, just a weird fit when you consider that requires more Bron at the 3 minutes. JJ would have to get very creative, but I suppose that's what he's there for.

 

[tay1]

I'm good on Vuc. He's a rental.

 

[pmatic]

When I saw Rui hesitate and not contest a Jaylen three last night, I thought Redick was gonna pack his bags for him and drive him to the airport.

 

[Brosizzlew30.23]

I know GSW is also aggressively pursuing Vucevic

The Warriors are hell bent on adding a big as well so the arms race is gonna be interesting.

My order of preference:

Kessler
Timelord
Vucevic

In Pelinka we trust. We have no choice but to.

 

[Brosizzlew30.23]

We beat the Celtics and all of a sudden we're fine, Rob?

I highly doubt Pelinka is that stupid and naive

 

[Brosizzlew30.23]

Kessler will require at least 2 1sts. Folks are talking about unprotecting the 2027, giving them the 2029 and the 2031. Nah. While he may be developing into something, you're still only going to play him 20-25 mins total. And you're going to have a ton or overlap with AD. I'm not seeing the return of Mark Eaton (RIP) with him. I think he's solid and can be good, but I don't think he's a cornerstone/3 1st round picks kinda guy player.


Vuc makes 20mil. That's alot to come off your bench and/or play for 20ish mins a game. I like him better because he's an offensive fit with AD and it may only run you Rui and a 2nd rounder. Bulls wanna move Pat Williams and they allegedly like Rui.



Vuc would be my move, but you want a 20/10 guy who's used to being the only big on the floor to either 1. come off the bench or 2. start him but cut his minutes down to 20-25? I don't think Vuc would go for that either. He's a completely different playstyle than 2020 Javale/Dwert. If you trade for him you're kinda running with exclusive 2 big lineups, AD minutes getting cut, or either AD or Vuc is on the court at all times. Which isn't a bad thing, just a weird fit when you consider that requires more Bron at the 3 minutes. JJ would have to get very creative, but I suppose that's what he's there for.

I disagree with your assessment on Kessler not being a “cornerstone” type of player worth at least two frp’s and unprotecting 2027.

Kessler is arguably the best defensive center and rim protector in the league the last two years running and what the Lakers are missing is a DEFENSIVE ANCHOR. Kessler is perhaps THE best defensive anchor at the 5 not named AD and Wemby.

You gotta go all in for Kessler because not only is he young, but his presence next to AD will also indirectly extend AD’s prime years as a Laker long after Bron is gone.

Kessler, who averages like 14 pts, 14 board, and 3.5 blocks per 36 minutes, is a Big who doesn’t grow on trees and is exactly the type of center AD needs.

This is AD’s team now. For the Lakers to not cater to AD’s needs would be organizational malpractice and what better way to prevent AD from requesting a trade in the next 2 years than to gift him the best possible player that will allow him to be at his best, which is to play majority of his minutes at PF.

 

[SORIANOTRON]

Vuc makes 20mil. That's alot to come off your bench and/or play for 20ish mins a game.

you would obviously start Vuc next to AD, same with Kessler.

We are looking for a STARTING 5 sir.

 

[tay1]

Yessir for Kess-ler!! Say it wit me!

 

[Brosizzlew30.23]

I’m gonna keep telling you guys til y’all are blue in the face - stop listening to the media and these podcasters who keep saying “Lakers need a backup center.” No they freaking don’t.

LAL is NOT and NEVER WAS looking for a backup center.

They’re looking for a starting center so AD can move back to PF in the starting lineup.

And if LA acquires either Vuc or Kessler, best believe either of those two aren’t 15-20 min per game kinda players. Either of them would be playing 30 min a game EASILY if they became a Laker

This xxxx was never rocket science to begin with

 

[Brosizzlew30.23]

When I saw Rui hesitate and not contest a Jaylen three last night, I thought Redick was gonna pack his bags for him and drive him to the airport.

He’ll be packing his bags soon. Give it two weeks.

Rui is the weakest link on the squad not named JHS and the most tradeable piece for matching salaries

 

[Lizakers]

I think we keep our FRPs

I think no one wants our trash ie JHS, Reddick, Wood

I think we get someone on the buyout market

 

[pmatic]

 

[lovehateself]

I think we keep our FRPs

I think no one wants our trash ie JHS, Reddick, Wood

I think we get someone on the buyout market

cant be anyone making over 12 mil