Russell Westbrook TO SPURS?

[KingKev]

Please explain, The Lakers only have 3 players in contract till next year. And Kyrie is UFA.

- NBA salary cap projected to be $134mm
- $88mm between AD/LBJ
- Another $18mm in cap holds for minimum contracts
- $26mm the max they can open up for an UFA after renouncing everybody and D Jones opts outa

[spurraider21]

I agree. But on the other side they cannot afford to lose thise two remaining FRP’s they have. At what point you just move on from LeBron? The guy is 38 as you said.
well thats their choice. try to move lebron and get what you can, or push your chips all-in if you want to capitalize on what is left of the lebron/AD window.

half measure is no good, but thats what holding WB would represent

[KingKev]

I agree. But on the other side they cannot afford to lose thise two remaining FRP’s they have. At what point you just move on from LeBron? The guy is 38 as you said.

They are already all in on LBJ. Need to strategically be in contention these next few years. They can potentially find a way if they use everything left in the cupboard and have some luck.

There long term outlook is bleak regardless.

[exstatic]

Please explain, The Lakers only have 3 players in contract till next year. And Kyrie is UFA.

You have to fill the rest of the roster with salary slots. That costs cap room.

[John B]

- NBA salary cap projected to be $134mm
- $88mm between AD/LBJ
- Another $18mm in cap holds for minimum contracts
- $26mm the max they can open up for an UFA after renouncing everybody and D Jones opts outa

Thanks. So where does Spurs/Indiana come in? I’m sorry you have to spell this out for me. :toast

[R. DeMurre]

The Lakers are lucky to be in a so-called glamour market that attracts free agents. Most teams don't have that luxury. I know they don't want to give up those last two draft picks (especially looking at how this season's pick swap with New Orleans might be so disastrous), but I don't see how you waste another year of Lebron. They're in a shitty position of their own making, so the rest of us get to enjoy a nice dose of schadenfreude.

[John B]

I live in LA, and the kind of shit that Westbrook gets :lol. And the guy is a local guy too, it’s crazy :lol. Is there an emoji of eating popcorn? This one beats Netflix :lol

[TD 21]

The Lakers are lucky to be in a so-called glamour market that attracts free agents. Most teams don't have that luxury. I know they don't want to give up those last two draft picks (especially looking at how this season's pick swap with New Orleans might be so disastrous), but I don't see how you waste another year of Lebron. They're in a shitty position of their own making, so the rest of us get to enjoy a nice dose of schadenfreude.

All the more reason to do something, to significantly reduce the risk of suffering that indignity.

[mo7888]

Thanks. So where does Spurs/Indiana come in? I’m sorry you have to spell this out for me. :toast

I believe having the TE let's them go over the cap by the amount of the TE to take a player on trade. Theoretically they could fill out their roster up to the $134mm and then take a player into the TE.

[LkrFan]

Okay, you farmers may be on to something:
1584799975187574784

Eric Pincus writes for BleacherReport, mod for Lakers Ground, etc. He's plugged in.

Let's see what happens...

[LkrFan]

I live in LA, and the kind of shit that Westbrook gets :lol. And the guy is a local guy too, it’s crazy :lol. Is there an emoji of eating popcorn? This one beats Netflix :lol

It's Kwame Brown level. The difference for me is Kwame wasn't delusional and was actually a good dude (who Jordan and Stephen A helped ruin). Russ thinks he's still that dude. Loss a lot of athleticism. Loss his middy. And my big toe has a higher hoops IQ :lol

Russ thinks the crap he got away with in OKC or Houston is good enough with the Lakers. The LA spotlight will expose your game. And that's what we're seeing.

He's from LA but not built to be a Laker. It happens. :cry

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

I believe having the TE let's them go over the cap by the amount of the TE to take a player on trade. Theoretically they could fill out their roster up to the $134mm and then take a player into the TE.

Not exactly - if they're using cap space then they have to renounce the TE. TEs matter to teams that are over the cap. They also can't sign a FA into a TE.

[mystargtr34]

Okay, you farmers may be on to something:
1584799975187574784

Eric Pincus writes for BleacherReport, mod for Lakers Ground, etc. He's plugged in.

Let's see what happens...

Yeah. Laker fans in the comments seem to want the Spurs deal more than they want the Hornets or Indy package. Lets hope Pelinka has the same desperation tbh :lol.

Laker fans are smarter than I thought, they realise Poeltl >>> Turner.

[LkrFan]

Yeah. Laker fans in the comments seem to want the Spurs deal more than they want the Hornets or Indy package. Lets hope Pelinka has the same desperation tbh :lol.

Laker fans are smarter than I thought, they realise Poeltl >>> Turner.

Watched some of the Spurs vs 76ers game and admittedly:
https://imageproxy.ifunny.co/crop:x-20,resize:640x,quality:90x75/images/227c871a2ff43a52c02bcd0abdc13be7fc3ce21c454cbe9ba9 f471c160e725f8_1.jpg

Please accept my apologies :lol

[mystargtr34]

Watched some of the Spurs vs 76ers game and admittedly:
https://imageproxy.ifunny.co/crop:x-20,resize:640x,quality:90x75/images/227c871a2ff43a52c02bcd0abdc13be7fc3ce21c454cbe9ba9 f471c160e725f8_1.jpg

Please accept my apologies :lol

:lol :tu

[ragas]

Okay, you farmers may be on to something:
1584799975187574784

Eric Pincus writes for BleacherReport, mod for Lakers Ground, etc. He's plugged in.

Let's see what happens...

No fucking way would I do this trade for only one 1st. JRich alone is worth a 1st, for taking on Westbrook they should get at least 1-2 2nds. If they also want McBuckets they should have to offer a second 1st rounder and can keep the 2nds. But trading Jakob in a package would be dumb. Keep him or trade him for draft capital elsewhere.

[LkrFan]

1584797809382785024

My previous posts derives from Eric's article. Spurs trade mentioned.

[LkrFan]

:lol :tu

:lol

[LkrFan]

No fucking way would I do this trade for only one 1st. JRich alone is worth a 1st, for taking on Westbrook they should get at least 1-2 2nds. If they also want McBuckets they should have to offer a second 1st rounder and can keep the 2nds. But trading Jakob in a package would be dumb. Keep him or trade him for draft capital elsewhere.

I ain't trippin. The same PATFO that spurned trading with the Lakers when we wanted Kawhi is still in place. Brandon Ingram should be a Spur right now but CIA Pop didn't want to make a deal with the Lakers.

Despite the cap savings $47M will give you all to Kickstart your rebuild, I don't see it happening.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FAQwwN_XMAArHwM.png

You gots to chill son :lol

[ragas]

I ain't trippin. The same PATFO that spurned trading with the Lakers when we wanted Kawhi is still in place. Brandon Ingram should be a Spur right now but CIA Pop didn't want to make a deal with the Lakers.

Despite the cap savings $47M will give you all to Kickstart your rebuild, I don't see it happening.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FAQwwN_XMAArHwM.png

You gots to chill son :lol

Spurs would save only McDermotts 2nd year, which is 13,5 mill.
Richardson, McDermott, a 21mill. trade exception and getting rid of Westbrook for a unprotected 1st rounder and two 2nds would be a good outcome for both the Lakers and the Spurs. Lakers could use their other 1st to trade for Turner or someone else and the Spurs save McDermots 2nd year.

[mo7888]

Okay, you farmers may be on to something:
1584799975187574784

Eric Pincus writes for BleacherReport, mod for Lakers Ground, etc. He's plugged in.

Let's see what happens...

I'd almost do that trade....it let's us keep Jak and we can get more 1st's elsewhere or resign him....for me I'd take 1 unprotected 1st and 1 pick swap to give up JRich and Doug while eating WB's contract...

[Spursfanfromafar]

The Spurs should ask for both FRPs for Richardson alone.. basically a pick for Richardson's ability and a pick to take the stinker that is Westbrick's contract. Screw the Lakers. They are desperate and the Spurs can do better in other trades instead of dealing with the Lolkers.

[John B]

Damn if they give Poeltl up, but that seems likely with Bassey’s signing as insurance? Poeltl, Jrich and McD for Westbrook and 2 FRP’s unprotected. Damn Lakers just got better and minus Westbrook crap, and Spurs got bottom feeder worst. I don’t know if Pop would sign-off on that seeing the synergy of the young team

[Ocotillo]

Damn if they give Poeltl up, but that seems likely with Bassey’s signing as insurance? Poeltl, Jrich and McD for Westbrook and 2 FRP’s unprotected. Damn Lakers just got better and minus Westbrook crap, and Spurs got bottom feeder worst. I don’t know if Pop would sign-off on that seeing the synergy of the young team

It's fun to see the Lakers struggle but at the end of the day, I would rather see them make the playoffs and keep NO out of the Wemby lottery.

[Leetonidas]

Lmao if Lakers end up taking Jrich and McNugget when they had an offer of Conley, Bogdan, Clarkson, and Gay instead

[ambchang]

Pick swap option, unprotected. If we don’t draw Wemby in the lottery, seeing LA have to hand the pick over is the most entertaining option.

Don't worry about the Lakers, Pels will pick 1 and Lakers will pick 2, giving then Pels will say they already have Zion so don't need Wemby and pick Scoot, then Lakers will end with Wemby. It's already scripted.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Don't worry about the Lakers, Pels will pick 1 and Lakers will pick 2, giving then Pels will say they already have Zion so don't need Wemby and pick Scoot, then Lakers will end with Wemby. It's already scripted.

Jog on Silver.

[exstatic]

Lmao if Lakers end up taking Jrich and McNugget when they had an offer of Conley, Bogdan, Clarkson, and Gay instead

That Utah trade was salary balanced. They want the TE. We can make one for them. If they play their cards right, they can use that TE at the deadline this year.

That being said, if it’s McD and JRich, plus eating Russ’s ugly deal, I’m not taking less than an unprotected FRP and a unprotected swap. JRich alone will pull a FRP from a contender near the deadline, and maybe a team fighting for position with the Lakers. It’ll be in the 20s if it’s this year,but it’s still a FRP.

[LkrFan]

Lmao if Lakers end up taking Jrich and McNugget when they had an offer of Conley, Bogdan, Clarkson, and Gay instead

Not likely. Danny Ainge has hated the Lakers longer than CIA Pop. He tried to bend Pelinka over a barrel is why that deal didn't get done. :(

[LkrFan]

Don't worry about the Lakers, Pels will pick 1 and Lakers will pick 2, giving then Pels will say they already have Zion so don't need Wemby and pick Scoot, then Lakers will end with Wemby. It's already scripted.

If this happens I might get pinked :lol

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

After the major trades from the past couple of years, there are surprisingly few FRPs for sale around the league. It's easy to say someone is worth a pick from a contender but while true in a vacuum, these picks just aren't there.

Boston can't trade a first until 2025 ( and the Spurs are unlikely to be interested in a 2025 first too much as they already have 3 of them, possibly 4, depending on the CHA pick )
Brooklyn can't trade a first until 2027.
Dallas can't trade a first until 2027.
Denver can't trade any firsts.
Golden State can't trade a first until 2028.
Clippers can't trade a first until 2028.
Lakers can't trade a first until 2027.
Memphis CAN trade any first.
Miami CAN trade their 2023 and 2028 firsts.
Bucks can't trade a first until 2029.
Sixers can't trade any firsts.
Suns CAN trade any pick.

The teams that could be possible trade partners are Suns, Miami, Memphis, Toronto, Chicago (with the Blazers pick) and NY (they have 3 additional 2023 firsts burning a hole in their pockets).

Basically that's it - there are more teams selling than teams even able to buy, which will probably drive the prices down.

[LkrFan]

The Lakers are lucky to be in a so-called glamour market that attracts free agents. Most teams don't have that luxury. I know they don't want to give up those last two draft picks (especially looking at how this season's pick swap with New Orleans might be so disastrous), but I don't see how you waste another year of Lebron. They're in a shitty position of their own making, so the rest of us get to enjoy a nice dose of schadenfreude.

Lakers are in trouble. The richest owner in sports owns the LA Clippers. Free agents can get the same Southern California sun location and a few extra millions under the table courtesy of Steve Ballmer. Jeannie Buss is a poor trust fund baby by comparison. Probably the poorest NBA owner too. That's strike 1.

Strike 2: most GMs hate Rob Pelinka from his cutthroat days as Kobe's Agent. Look at what Boston gave up for Malcolm Brogdon. Now compare what Ainge wanted for Boggs from the Lakers. It's sickening how these faggot GMs hate Pelinka due to his past and his current affiliation with the.

Strike 3: most franchises hate the Lakers. Been like this since Pop was in the CIA for real. That failed CP3 deal in 2011 set the Lakers back basically a decade. We didn't win another chip between 2010 and 2020.

Now these teams are conspiring against the Lakers again, in real time. 29 teams pay pennies on the dollar in trades. Laker tax: get bend over or else :cry :lol

[LkrFan]

Interesting
1584916892833161216

Do it RC :lol

[Atl Spur]

Interesting
1584916892833161216

Do it RC :lol
Sir…….stop begging! lol You are better than this!!! The lakers made their bed trying to be cute……

[mo7888]

Interesting
1584916892833161216

Do it RC :lol

So what's the offer for JRich and Doug? 2027 and a 2028 swap or 2027 and 2029 and yall keep the swap?

Pick your poison...

[LkrFan]

Sir…….stop begging! lol You are better than this!!! The lakers made their bed trying to be cute……

:lol


So what's the offer for JRich and Doug? 2027 and a 2028 swap or 2027 and 2029 and yall keep the swap?

Pick your poison...

John Clawd Van Daaaaamn :lol

[exstatic]

Don't worry about the Lakers, Pels will pick 1 and Lakers will pick 2, giving then Pels will say they already have Zion so don't need Wemby and pick Scoot, then Lakers will end with Wemby. It's already scripted.

Pelicans aren’t going to be in the lottery. They’re a young and upcoming playoff team.

[Seventyniner]

So what's the offer for JRich and Doug? 2027 and a 2028 swap or 2027 and 2029 and yall keep the swap?

Pick your poison...

Not including Poeltl makes the TE bigger too. :downspin:

[John B]

Not including Poeltl makes the TE bigger too. :downspin:

I was a big critic of Poeltl. But I rather keep him. If they decided to trade, he alone can generate FRP

[SpurSpike]

Yeah lets reward our players great opening by blowing up the team! Would be a pretty shrewd move tbh...

[R. DeMurre]

Pelicans aren’t going to be in the lottery. They’re a young and upcoming playoff team.


The Pelicans own a pick swap with the Lakers in the '23 draft-- I think that's what Ambchang is referencing here.

[mo7888]

WB out tomorrow with hamstring soreness... prelude to a trade with someone?

[CGD]

So what's the offer for JRich and Doug? 2027 and a 2028 swap or 2027 and 2029 and yall keep the swap?

Pick your poison...

I think JRich + Doug for Russ would only get one of those FRP, and perhaps a few 2nds.

[mo7888]

I think JRich + Doug for Russ would only get one of those FRP, and perhaps a few 2nds.

In that case we should pass...but I think everyday that passes the price to get rid of WB is going up

[CGD]

In that case we should pass...but I think everyday that passes the price to get rid of WB is going up

Agree time helps.

The other option that could appeal is those two players plus the CHA pick we own for the LAL picks. Allows us to “upgrade” the CHA pick and gives LAL a chance to say they recouped a pick in the short run.

[spurraider21]

I think JRich + Doug for Russ would only get one of those FRP, and perhaps a few 2nds.
JRich on his own could fetch a first, but probably not an unprotected one.

[CGD]

JRich on his own could fetch a first, but probably not an unprotected one.

Agree that he will absolutely NOT fetch an unprotected first on his own.

[DAF86]

Lakers really need a duo of players like Poeltl and Richardson, tbh. If they come calling, an unprotected 1st, a top 20 protected 1st, and a pick swap is the least I would ask for, tbh.

[cjw]

Lakers really need a duo of players like Poeltl and Richardson, tbh. If they come calling, an unprotected 1st, a top 20 protected 1st, and a pick swap is the least I would ask for, tbh.

That protected first would have to come from another team unfortunately, because I don’t think they can put any protections on that 2029 pick (cannot trade picks beyond 2029).

As someone mentioned, I’d be fine shipping out the Charlotte pick to get both Lakers picks unprotected. There’s a decent chance that the Charlotte pick never conveys. No idea if the Miles Bridges news hit before or after the Murray trade (looks like both were June 29th) but that significantly impacted their playoff prospects this year and going forward. I’d rather have a shot at a lottery pick than have that Charlotte pick possibly turn into two seconds.

[exstatic]

The Pelicans own a pick swap with the Lakers in the '23 draft-- I think that's what Ambchang is referencing here.

She was outlining a scenario where they win the lotto for pick one after missing the playoffs, the lakers get two, but NO doesn’t pick Wemby because of brokedown Zion for some reason, and the Lakers get him at two.

[Kevin]

That protected first would have to come from another team unfortunately, because I don’t think they can put any protections on that 2029 pick (cannot trade picks beyond 2029).

As someone mentioned, I’d be fine shipping out the Charlotte pick to get both Lakers picks unprotected. There’s a decent chance that the Charlotte pick never conveys. No idea if the Miles Bridges news hit before or after the Murray trade (looks like both were June 29th) but that significantly impacted their playoff prospects this year and going forward. I’d rather have a shot at a lottery pick than have that Charlotte pick possibly turn into two seconds.

On top of the Hornets pick I'd be willing to include future unprotected second rounders. Given the Spurs expected draft position after the trade those picks will fall in 32-38 range.

[exstatic]

On top of the Hornets pick I'd be willing to include future unprotected second rounders. Given the Spurs expected draft position after the trade those picks will fall in 32-38 range.

Naw. JRich is a positive asset that most playoff teams would give a FRP for, and offloading Russ is a huge positive for them, plus they get a huge TE out of the deal, another positive. If it’s both 2027 and 2029 unprotected, plus an unprotected swap in 2028, I’d send the mid CHA pick as a sweetener, but nothing else.

[mo7888]

Naw. JRich is a positive asset that most playoff teams would give a FRP for, and offloading Russ is a huge positive for them, plus they get a huge TE out of the deal, another positive. If it’s both 2027 and 2029 unprotected, plus an unprotected swap in 2028, I’d send the mid CHA pick as a sweetener, but nothing else.

I probably would do that too... I like the idea of future unprotected picks from teams with poor front offices...

[Kevin]

Naw. JRich is a positive asset that most playoff teams would give a FRP for, and offloading Russ is a huge positive for them, plus they get a huge TE out of the deal, another positive. If it’s both 2027 and 2029 unprotected, plus an unprotected swap in 2028, I’d send the mid CHA pick as a sweetener, but nothing else.

I doubt they would do two unprotected first's plus a swap. They can find better deals than that with someone else.

[baseline bum]

Lakers are in trouble. The richest owner in sports owns the LA Clippers. Free agents can get the same Southern California sun location and a few extra millions under the table courtesy of Steve Ballmer. Jeannie Buss is a poor trust fund baby by comparison. Probably the poorest NBA owner too. That's strike 1.

Strike 2: most GMs hate Rob Pelinka from his cutthroat days as Kobe's Agent. Look at what Boston gave up for Malcolm Brogdon. Now compare what Ainge wanted for Boggs from the Lakers. It's sickening how these faggot GMs hate Pelinka due to his past and his current affiliation with the.

Strike 3: most franchises hate the Lakers. Been like this since Pop was in the CIA for real. That failed CP3 deal in 2011 set the Lakers back basically a decade. We didn't win another chip between 2010 and 2020.

Now these teams are conspiring against the Lakers again, in real time. 29 teams pay pennies on the dollar in trades. Laker tax: get bend over or else :cry :lol

ROFL the Lakers making an idiotic trade for Westbrook two years ago is the rest of the leagues fault. :lmao

[mo7888]

I doubt they would do two unprotected first's plus a swap. They can find better deals than that with someone else.


Where?

[Kevin]

Where?

Hornets or Jazz could offer less costly deals. Its not like J-Rich magically turns the Lakers in championship contenders.

[baseline bum]

In that case we should pass...but I think everyday that passes the price to get rid of WB is going up

Pretty much this. It's not like Westbrook is going to develop a jumper in the next two weeks, and they're likely to be anywhere from 2-7 to 0-9 two weeks from now with the spacing their offense has. Everyone knows the Lakers have to make a trade right now to save their season and every loss makes it more and more urgent for them to do so. The conference is so wide open they could still win it if they put some shooters around James and Davis and get lucky with injuries.

[CGD]

Pretty much this. It's not like Westbrook is going to develop a jumper in the next two weeks, and they're likely to be anywhere from 2-7 to 0-9 two weeks from now with the spacing their offense has. Everyone knows the Lakers have to make a trade right now to save their season and every loss makes it more and more urgent for them to do so. The conference is so wide open they could still win it if they put some shooters around James and Davis and get lucky with injuries.

Yeah, except the only things is competing against a 3rd team (Indy) willing to do a lower offer sooner than the Spurs. It helps that Turner is, wait for it.... injured. And, that Portland is off to a good start.

[exstatic]

I doubt they would do two unprotected first's plus a swap. They can find better deals than that with someone else.

Indy is the only other team that can generate the TE, and they want both picks, too. The TE is the only way for them to obtain a high dollar all star player.

[baseline bum]

Yeah, except the only things is competing against a 3rd team (Indy) willing to do a lower offer sooner than the Spurs. It helps that Turner is, wait for it.... injured. And, that Portland is off to a good start.

If the Lakers want to trade for another big who'll be in street clothes half the year godspeed I guess. Would be worth it just for the lols.

[Mugen]

Two unprotected firsts and a pick swap? Pelinka is a moron but he's not that dumb :lol

[mo7888]

Hornets or Jazz could offer less costly deals. Its not like J-Rich magically turns the Lakers in championship contenders.

Neither team can offer a TE...only indy an the spurs can do that... they need a TE or all their eggs are in a Jordan Clarkson or Terry Rozier basket...and they're capped for the rest of the lebron tenure.

[LkrFan]

ROFL the Lakers making an idiotic trade for Westbrook two years ago is the rest of the leagues fault. :lmao

That's strike 4 sir. Try to keep up :lol

[baseline bum]

That's strike 4 sir. Try to keep up :lol

LOL thinking the rest of the NBA is there to bail the Lakers out.

[R. DeMurre]

She was outlining a scenario where they win the lotto for pick one after missing the playoffs, the lakers get two, but NO doesn’t pick Wemby because of brokedown Zion for some reason, and the Lakers get him at two.


Ah, gotcha. I'd assumed that was a joke.

[exstatic]

Ah, gotcha. I'd assumed that was a joke.

I think it was outright NBA/draft skepticism that somehow the Lakers would wind up with Wemby.

[John B]

I think it was outright NBA/draft skepticism that somehow the Lakers would wind up with Wemby.

I wouldn’t be surprised if not at draft night, but eventually.

[exstatic]

I wouldn’t be surprised if not at draft night, but eventually.

He’s under drafting team control for 5 years. By the time that is up, the LAL will be in one of their cyclical shit periods. Who wants to go bail that out? Besides, he’s a euro. They’re not as dazzled by the bright lights of the big markets.

[John B]

^ Giannis was special when he refused the lure despite Lakers signing his brother. I don’t know what Lakers offered but staying with his drafting team and a small market at that was pretty cool

[TD 21]

Their supposed interest in Richardson is interesting because the only possible trade I can see, is something like Langford and him for Westbrook and their minimally protected '27 1st, with Bates-Diop and Christie as possible add-ons.

But it's hard to believe they'd surrender one of their two remaining assets for that, even if they would save a ton on the luxury tax.



Lakers really need a duo of players like Poeltl and Richardson, tbh. If they come calling, an unprotected 1st, a top 20 protected 1st, and a pick swap is the least I would ask for, tbh.

Yeah, they really need a rim running starting C on an expiring contract due a significant raise when they already have the third best C in the league (even if he does want to revert to masquerading as a PF), who is a very poor range shooter, on a terrible range shooting team.

[exstatic]

Their supposed interest in Richardson is interesting because the only possible trade I can see, is something like Langford and him for Westbrook and their minimally protected '27 1st, with Bates-Diop and Christie as possible add-ons.

But it's hard to believe they'd surrender one of their two remaining assets for that, even if they would save a ton on the luxury tax.




Yeah, they really need a rim running starting C on an expiring contract due a significant raise when they already have the third best C in the league (even if he does want to revert to masquerading as a PF), who is a very poor range shooter, on a terrible range shooting team.

The Lakers desperately need a $30M hole that they can fill with a high level player next summer. Only we and Indy can give that to them. That’s a positive asset in a trade. So, to sum it up, they get a good, no drama two way player in JRich, they get out from under Westbrooks contract and get rid of him, and they get a huge trade exception. That’s three positives. To me, at a minimum, that’s one unprotected FRP, and an unprotected swap. Indy seems to be holding the line at 2 unprotected picks, so we should, too.

[TD 21]

The Lakers desperately need a $30M hole that they can fill with a high level player next summer. Only we and Indy can give that to them. That’s a positive asset in a trade. So, to sum it up, they get a good, no drama two way player in JRich, they get out from under Westbrooks contract and get rid of him, and they get a huge trade exception. That’s three positives. To me, at a minimum, that’s one unprotected FRP, and an unprotected swap. Indy seems to be holding the line at 2 unprotected picks, so we should, too.

I get it, but that's already looming, and it's just underwhelming (at least the Pacers and Jazz can offer multiple pieces that make sense).

Can't imagine they'd risk trading an eventual 1st overall pick for that.

The Pacers are holding the line because they can offer two pieces that make sense.

[baseline bum]

Their supposed interest in Richardson is interesting because the only possible trade I can see, is something like Langford and him for Westbrook and their minimally protected '27 1st, with Bates-Diop and Christie as possible add-ons.

But it's hard to believe they'd surrender one of their two remaining assets for that, even if they would save a ton on the luxury tax.




Yeah, they really need a rim running starting C on an expiring contract due a significant raise when they already have the third best C in the league (even if he does want to revert to masquerading as a PF), who is a very poor range shooter, on a terrible range shooting team.

One minimally protected first for taking their cancer? No fucking way. Two unprotected firsts or the Lakers can flush their season again.

[baseline bum]

I get it, but that's already looming, and it's just underwhelming (at least the Pacers and Jazz can offer multiple pieces that make sense).

Can't imagine they'd risk trading an eventual 1st overall pick for that.

The Pacers are holding the line because they can offer two pieces that make sense.

Miles Turner in street clothes half the season doesn't make much sense.

[TD 21]

One minimally protected first for taking their cancer? No fucking way. Two unprotected firsts or the Lakers can flush their season again.

Right because Richardson is going to save their season (and yes, I get the addition by subtraction of Westbrook).

If there was any chance of the Lakers doing that, the trade would be done.



Miles Turner in street clothes half the season doesn't make much sense.

He's still a 3 and D starting C who'd allow Davis to go back to primarily masquerading as a PF.

[CGD]

Neither team can offer a TE...only indy an the spurs can do that... they need a TE or all their eggs are in a Jordan Clarkson or Terry Rozier basket...and they're capped for the rest of the lebron tenure.

It’s an interesting point about the TE, because that could be their ticket to Irving (if he takes a slight discount). I don’t think Richardson-Brick works (spurs need to send out more salary), but if Rich/Romeo works that’s around a 28M TE if my math is right.

[offset formation]

One minimally protected first for taking their cancer? No fucking way. Two unprotected firsts or the Lakers can flush their season again.

Not sure why this isn't the unanimous concensus by all here minus Laker Fan

[offset formation]

Right because Richardson is going to save their season (and yes, I get the addition by subtraction of Westbrook).

If there was any chance of the Lakers doing that, the trade would be done.




He's still a 3 and D starting C who'd allow Davis to go back to primarily masquerading as a PF.

What's the point of doing the Lakers any favors? Taking Westbrook for a prorected 1st only benefits them. And they are likely to suck in a couple years meaning that pick may never convey. So why do it under that scenario? We aren't going anywhere and if we can swindle two 1sts from them, you do it. Otherwise, you have the season you're going to have. And let the Lakers have the season they're going to have.

[TD 21]

What's the point of doing the Lakers any favors? Taking Westbrook for a prorected 1st only benefits them. And they are likely to suck in a couple years meaning that pick may never convey. So why do it under that scenario? We aren't going anywhere and if we can swindle two 1sts from them, you do it. Otherwise, you have the season you're going to have. And let the Lakers have the season they're going to have.

First, I merely proposed what I suspect their offer would be; I didn't advocate for the Spurs accepting it.

Second, I said minimally protected as in the Spurs would have a legit chance at a very high pick.

Third, they wouldn't sniff championship contention with this trade.

[K...]

at this point i'm going to root against any westbrook trade. the spurs are in a good place and unless the lakers throw all their meager assets at us. no reason to give them any help. Richardson and poertle are great guys who don't complain and play good basketball. San antonio needs these guys better than they need extra picks far out into the future. While it's tempting to get in to the lakers future misery, the lakers are untrustfull in trades with small market teams. They think they can gain leverage by playing the offers against eachother. but the spurs have all the time in the world to cook this pig.


Fuck the lakers. all day all night. amen

[baseline bum]

Right because Richardson is going to save their season (and yes, I get the addition by subtraction of Westbrook).

If there was any chance of the Lakers doing that, the trade would be done.


All the Lakers need is warm bodies who can shoot the three and to get Westbrook off their team to be contenders. Richardson and McDermott would be great fits there and would take a lot of pressure off James and Davis. Lakers aren't in a situation where they can be picky, they can either trade now or flush another season in a wide open west when they have top level talent in James and Davis that they won't see again for years. Also can't be understated how toxic Westbrook is to their offense and also their defense (since he forces a fast pace that works against their halfcourt defense, which was an enormous strength of their title team in 2020).

[baseline bum]

at this point i'm going to root against any westbrook trade. the spurs are in a good place and unless the lakers throw all their meager assets at us. no reason to give them any help. Richardson and poertle are great guys who don't complain and play good basketball. San antonio needs these guys better than they need extra picks far out into the future. While it's tempting to get in to the lakers future misery, the lakers are untrustfull in trades with small market teams. They think they can gain leverage by playing the offers against eachother. but the spurs have all the time in the world to cook this pig.


Fuck the lakers. all day all night. amen

The Spurs are not in a good place. They look like they're in a win 35 games and draft tenth again place without any high end talent on the roster.

[baseline bum]

What's the point of doing the Lakers any favors? Taking Westbrook for a prorected 1st only benefits them. And they are likely to suck in a couple years meaning that pick may never convey. So why do it under that scenario? We aren't going anywhere and if we can swindle two 1sts from them, you do it. Otherwise, you have the season you're going to have. And let the Lakers have the season they're going to have.

See that's why I hold out for two unprotected firsts for say Richardson and McDermott. The Lakers won't get a better chance to win a title than this year if they can add some shooting and if they wait very long Westbrook will have already tanked their season. Lakers will have to pay a heavy price with those picks to not waste another season of James + Davis together. They have already mortgaged their future in the Davis trade so they're unlikely to have another duo as good as James + Davis any time in the next few years again. And Westbrook is pure cancer, I don't know that I expect to see him in the NBA again once his time in LA is up. Two unprotected firsts for role players sounds ridiculous, but Westbrook is that toxic and whoever trades for him is going to have to pony up $47 million for a loser they'll most likely cut.

[objective]

The Spurs could still add value to any trade. They could include the Charlotte rather heavily protected first (1-16, then 1-14, then 1-14, then 2 seconds). So even while giving up unprotected picks, the Lakers would still have a piece to go forward with for other trades. The risk of the pick becoming 2 seconds could make it worth the Spurs including if they can get unprotected back.

Spurs could also instead give back the Lakers 24 second rounder.

[tonight...you]

Right because Richardson is going to save their season (and yes, I get the addition by subtraction of Westbrook).

If there was any chance of the Lakers doing that, the trade would be done.




He's still a 3 and D starting C who'd allow Davis to go back to primarily masquerading as a PF.

I dunno, the Lakers are such a bad shooting team that the opposition doesn't even guard the perimeter at all this year and it's working.
I've watched their games. It's utterly disrespectful how teams guard them.
Switch Westbrick with JRich and all of a sudden there is a near-seismic shift in how teams have to defend them and then Lebron and AD have more room to work.
And those two are enough to leverage that into a winning formula, which they don't have right now.

And Turner in street clothes is a giant nothing and he's in street clothes a lot.

Just my opinion.

[DAF86]

Their supposed interest in Richardson is interesting because the only possible trade I can see, is something like Langford and him for Westbrook and their minimally protected '27 1st, with Bates-Diop and Christie as possible add-ons.

But it's hard to believe they'd surrender one of their two remaining assets for that, even if they would save a ton on the luxury tax.




Yeah, they really need a rim running starting C on an expiring contract due a significant raise when they already have the third best C in the league (even if he does want to revert to masquerading as a PF), who is a very poor range shooter, on a terrible range shooting team.

The year they won it all, they played a center and Davis at PF. Adding a top 10 center in the league wouldn't hurt them tbh. If we are being honest, the Lakers are starting Westbrook, Lonnie and Beverly. Poeltl sould be an improvement over any of them, fuck the fit. :lol

[mo7888]

The year they won it all, they played a center and Davis at PF. Adding a top 10 center in the league wouldn't hurt them tbh. If we are being honest, the Lakers are starting Westbrook, Lonnie and Beverly. Poeltl sould be an improvement over any of them, fuck the fit. :lol

I don't think the Poeltl fit is problematic for them. Move Davis to the 4 in the SL.. then when you sub Poeltl out play AD at the 5 and rotate them. A unit of Schroeder, JRich, McDermott, Lebron, and Jak would score alot and Jak protecting the rim on D would look better that what they've had so far...

On second thought...don't make the trade...I want LA to be good enough to make the 6th seed tops...not actually compete..

[objective]

Lakers signed 2 centers this summer, Damian Jones and Thomas Bryant, who are probably style wise closer to Poeltl then a volume 3 shooter like Brook Lopez or Turner

Having beef to spare Davis from punishment seems like something they could use. And Poeltl is an ironman compared to the candidates on the roster and someone like Turner

[offset formation]

First, I merely proposed what I suspect their offer would be; I didn't advocate for the Spurs accepting it.

Second, I said minimally protected as in the Spurs would have a legit chance at a very high pick.

Third, they wouldn't sniff championship contention with this trade.

Fair enough.

[Mr. Body]

I don't like helping the Lakers, but the Pelicans get their swapped pick. The Lakers aren't doing any real damage in the playoffs.

Still, I don't trade Poeltl or even Richardson at this point. The young guys need some structure and they help provide it. You can't just throw youth out there and expect growth without structure.

Other teams may come along as the season deepens. No rush.

[mystargtr34]

Looks like Anthony Davis hurt his back again just now against the Nuggets :lol.

The way he’s going the Lakers may aswell trade this dude for picks. Or they might be more inclined to come after Poeltl knowing that AD can only play 40-50 games a year and they can load manage him through to the playoffs.

Lakers are in shambles :lol wonder if LeBron will hang around after this season.

[mystargtr34]

Davis is back out there. Looked worse the way he was grabbing it. Still, he’s moving like Duncan at age 36.

[BacktoBasics]

I don't like helping the Lakers, but the Pelicans get their swapped pick. The Lakers aren't doing any real damage in the playoffs.

Still, I don't trade Poeltl or even Richardson at this point. The young guys need some structure and they help provide it. You can't just throw youth out there and expect growth without structure.

Other teams may come along as the season deepens. No rush.
This is way under respected here. This team gains a lot by being competitive from time to time.

[mystargtr34]

Watching the Lakers now and boy, stating the obvious, but the lack of shooting is killing them and clogging everything up for LeBron and AD. Defense is horrid aswell.

Won’t be long before they are DESPERATE for shooting (Doug and Richardson), some wing defense (Richardson) and a big man upgrade to spell Davis and allow him to play 4 (Poeltl). He’s getting too banged up playing 5.

Brick + 2 unprotected picks + a pick swap tbh. Spurs can send back their Charlotte 1st and a couple seconds.

The price just went up LkrFan. Bend over.

[mystargtr34]

I don't like helping the Lakers, but the Pelicans get their swapped pick. The Lakers aren't doing any real damage in the playoffs.

Still, I don't trade Poeltl or even Richardson at this point. The young guys need some structure and they help provide it. You can't just throw youth out there and expect growth without structure.

Other teams may come along as the season deepens. No rush.

Yeah I agree with high caliber guys like Poeltl, Richardson and McDermott helping the young guys develop. It will be a tough call for the Spurs to make if they end up getting offered 2 unprotected by the Lakers for those guys.

[mystargtr34]

Lakers 4-20 from 3 so far.

That’s a good night for them tbh.

[MultiTroll]

Watching the Lakers now and boy, stating the obvious, but the lack of shooting is killing them and clogging everything up for LeBron and AD. Defense is horrid aswell.

Won’t be long before they are DESPERATE for shooting (Doug and Richardson), some wing defense (Richardson) and a big man upgrade to spell Davis and allow him to play 4 (Poeltl). He’s getting too banged up playing 5.

Brick + 2 unprotected picks + a pick swap tbh. Spurs can send back their Charlotte 1st and a couple seconds.

The price just went up LkrFan (https://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=18824). Bend over.
How much salary do the Spurs have to match when picks are involved?
Still have to match 'Chucks 42 million?

[offset formation]

I think Lakers will hold off on trading for Westbrook because I think Brooklyn is about a millisecond away from imploding if things keep going the way they are. I could readily see Westbrook and 2 firsts going to Brooklyn for Durant OR Irving and maybe another piece. Getting a Durant or Irving would be much preferred over what we or I diana can send back. And it'd probably be easier for Laker brass to swallow sending out their only remaining first round picks for someone of their caliber instead.

You've got bad blood already starting to surface between those guys and Simmons. They're quite frankly on the verge of collapse if they don't figure it out and do it soon.

[lmbebo]

I think Lakers will hold off on trading for Westbrook because I think Brooklyn is about a millisecond away from imploding if things keep going the way they are. I could readily see Westbrook and 2 firsts going to Brooklyn for Durant OR Irving and maybe another piece. Getting a Durant or Irving would be much preferred over what we or I diana can send back. And it'd probably be easier for Laker brass to swallow sending out their only remaining first round picks for someone of their caliber instead.

You've got bad blood already starting to surface between those guys and Simmons. They're quite frankly on the verge of collapse if they don't figure it out and do it soon.

Can't see Brooklyn doing that trade. They owe soo many picks to Houston that tanking won't solve anything. They need talent and to win. Westbrook trade won't do anything for them immediatly.

[mystargtr34]

I think Lakers will hold off on trading for Westbrook because I think Brooklyn is about a millisecond away from imploding if things keep going the way they are. I could readily see Westbrook and 2 firsts going to Brooklyn for Durant OR Irving and maybe another piece. Getting a Durant or Irving would be much preferred over what we or I diana can send back. And it'd probably be easier for Laker brass to swallow sending out their only remaining first round picks for someone of their caliber instead.

You've got bad blood already starting to surface between those guys and Simmons. They're quite frankly on the verge of collapse if they don't figure it out and do it soon.

I thought about this yesterday too (and during the off season). The Lakers could look to get either Durant or Irving or maybe even both.

You can probably get Irving + shooter (Harris or Curry) for Brick + 1 unprotected 1st. It might take an additional 1st. But the Nets only do that if they’re trading Durant aswell in a separate deal.

If your the Lakers you might be able to get Durant for AD straight up. Risks for both sides, AD is 5 years younger but is injury prone.

They might be able to do Durant + Irving + bad salary for AD + Brick + 2 unprotected firsts.

[mystargtr34]

And yeah I agree about Brooklyn close to imploding! Nash looks out of his depth still, Simmons looks like he has the same mental problems regarding scoring the basketball. Durant looks fed up.

[offset formation]

Can't see Brooklyn doing that trade. They owe soo many picks to Houston that tanking won't solve anything. They need talent and to win. Westbrook trade won't do anything for them immediatly.

I'd agree with you prior to the start of the season they are now having. Looks like they are far from a cohesive unit that definitely has a possibility of self detonation.

Nobody is trading for Simmons at this point. Lakers already showed interest in Kyrie. And Durant would immediately make Lakers better.

Two 1st round picks would soften the amount of picks they owe Houston somewhat. They're fucked either way though quite frankly.

[LkrFan]

Watching the Lakers now and boy, stating the obvious, but the lack of shooting is killing them and clogging everything up for LeBron and AD. Defense is horrid aswell.

Won’t be long before they are DESPERATE for shooting (Doug and Richardson), some wing defense (Richardson) and a big man upgrade to spell Davis and allow him to play 4 (Poeltl). He’s getting too banged up playing 5.

Brick + 2 unprotected picks + a pick swap tbh. Spurs can send back their Charlotte 1st and a couple seconds.

The price just went up LkrFan. Bend over.

Can you at least use some lube? :cry

[LkrFan]

LOL thinking the rest of the NBA is there to bail the Lakers out.

:lol

[The Truth #6]

I'd agree with you prior to the start of the season they are now having. Looks like they are far from a cohesive unit that definitely has a possibility of self detonation.

Nobody is trading for Simmons at this point. Lakers already showed interest in Kyrie. And Durant would immediately make Lakers better.

Two 1st round picks would soften the amount of picks they owe Houston somewhat. They're fucked either way though quite frankly.

Definitely screwed. Agreed.

I’m not against getting a high draft pick, but the Nets disaster is an interesting lesson for SA. They were basically Spurs North for a while, doing things the right way, building a scrappy cohesive team, and made a big move for superstars and have nothing to show for it except shame and frustration. Granted they went in with flaky superstars but that’s not the exception in my opinion with most superstars—a frustrating breed of players.

This isn’t directed at you Offset. Just me rambling.

[Atl Spur]

Can you at least use some lube? :cry

Nope! We hate LA!

[Leetonidas]

It's pretty funny reading Laker fans takes on other forums about how to improve their roster and how they act like guys like Jrich aren't worth taking. Richardson would instantly be their 3rd best player and far and away their best shooter :lol

[Mr. Body]

It's pretty funny reading Laker fans takes on other forums about how to improve their roster and how they act like guys like Jrich aren't worth taking. Richardson would instantly be their 3rd best player and far and away their best shooter :lol

Yeah, Richardson would improve them dramatically. A good defender, good ball handler, will shoot without needing to be cajoled into it. Even McDougie would be a big boost for them.

[Leetonidas]

Definitely screwed. Agreed.

I’m not against getting a high draft pick, but the Nets disaster is an interesting lesson for SA. They were basically Spurs North for a while, doing things the right way, building a scrappy cohesive team, and made a big move for superstars and have nothing to show for it except shame and frustration. Granted they went in with flaky superstars but that’s not the exception in my opinion with most superstars—a frustrating breed of players.

This isn’t directed at you Offset. Just me rambling.

Their big mistake was the superstars they chose. Kyrie was a known headcase that cancered his way off of two teams prior. Durant coming off an Achilles tear and was like 32. Then they go all in for known choker (and overweight) Harden who realizes his costars aren't up to the task and promptly asks out and they end up getting washed Simmons for him. Just inept roster management and hoping certified diva cancer players will magically fall in line coupled with an oblivious rookie coach completely fucked them. Goes to show that while a lot of us lament SA valuing character, it actually is extremely important in building a successful team

[Leetonidas]

Yeah, Richardson would improve them dramatically. A good defender, good ball handler, will shoot without needing to be cajoled into it. Even McDougie would be a big boost for them.

I'm 100% convinced this Spurs team would smash LAL in a 7 game series

[Mr. Body]

I'm 100% convinced this Spurs team would smash LAL in a 7 game series

I'm not sure the Lakers are competitive at all at this point. They might have a bottom 3 roster in the league.

[exstatic]

I think Lakers will hold off on trading for Westbrook because I think Brooklyn is about a millisecond away from imploding if things keep going the way they are. I could readily see Westbrook and 2 firsts going to Brooklyn for Durant OR Irving and maybe another piece. Getting a Durant or Irving would be much preferred over what we or I diana can send back. And it'd probably be easier for Laker brass to swallow sending out their only remaining first round picks for someone of their caliber instead.

You've got bad blood already starting to surface between those guys and Simmons. They're quite frankly on the verge of collapse if they don't figure it out and do it soon.

Brooklyn wants no part of Westbrooks salary or presence. That’s why the trade didn’t happen this summer. The 2 UFRPs aren’t even enough to get Kyrie, let alone eat that horrible contract. Think about what the market is. We got 2 UFRPs, and an unprotected swap, plus another protected FRP for a 1 time All Star. Utah got 4 FRPs, 3 unprotected 1 that is 1-5 protected, for Gobert. Kyrie, however, becomes much less expensive next summer as a UFA. BKN just loses all leverage.

[TXstbobcat]

Can you at least use some lube? :cry

consider the protected Charlotte pick the lube.

[Philthemage]

Their big mistake was the superstars they chose. Kyrie was a known headcase that cancered his way off of two teams prior. Durant coming off an Achilles tear and was like 32. Then they go all in for known choker (and overweight) Harden who realizes his costars aren't up to the task and promptly asks out and they end up getting washed Simmons for him. Just inept roster management and hoping certified diva cancer players will magically fall in line coupled with an oblivious rookie coach completely fucked them. Goes to show that while a lot of us lament SA valuing character, it actually is extremely important in building a successful team

That Kenny Atkinson, DLo, Jarrett Allen team was a delight to watch. Sean marks made a mistake mortgaging that for me first superstars..

It was surprising to me, coming from the Pop coaching tree he would go that route.

[The Truth #6]

Their big mistake was the superstars they chose. Kyrie was a known headcase that cancered his way off of two teams prior. Durant coming off an Achilles tear and was like 32. Then they go all in for known choker (and overweight) Harden who realizes his costars aren't up to the task and promptly asks out and they end up getting washed Simmons for him. Just inept roster management and hoping certified diva cancer players will magically fall in line coupled with an oblivious rookie coach completely fucked them. Goes to show that while a lot of us lament SA valuing character, it actually is extremely important in building a successful team

Totally agree. I will also say that superstars are often headcases and ones that aren’t are less likely to be available, so for a small market team, they most likely have to roll the dice if they pursue that direction, and then once the draft picks are gone, everything is all in and the problems easily continue, like with Brooklyn. But I don’t think Sean Marks suddenly became a bad GM, but he likely felt the pressure to win now.

[Philthemage]

Can you at least use some lube? :cry

Sad part is, they've set New Orleans up for the next ten years.

[Mugen]

If they're going to trade for Westbrook, they need to do it soon tbh. While there's still "hope" on the Laker's side that they could be a good team in the West...

[offset formation]

Brooklyn wants no part of Westbrooks salary or presence. That’s why the trade didn’t happen this summer. The 2 UFRPs aren’t even enough to get Kyrie, let alone eat that horrible contract. Think about what the market is. We got 2 UFRPs, and an unprotected swap, plus another protected FRP for a 1 time All Star. Utah got 4 FRPs, 3 unprotected 1 that is 1-5 protected, for Gobert. Kyrie, however, becomes much less expensive next summer as a UFA. BKN just loses all leverage.

If they blow it up? Disagree. They'd buy out Westbrook in a nanosecond for 2 firsts given most of their draft capital is gone.

Also, draft comparisons done over the summer and mid season when teams realize they have a dumpster fire are two entirely different things.

[Mr. Body]

Sean Marks kind of had to take a swing at getting Harden. Those dudes -- Kyrie, Durant, Harden -- only played liked 15 games total together. Covid wrecked their chances and their weird personalities didn't help but they had a shot at being something.

[BackHome]

And yeah I agree about Brooklyn close to imploding! Nash looks out of his depth still, Simmons looks like he has the same mental problems regarding scoring the basketball. Durant looks fed up.

Brooklyn is stupid they really need to start trading there assets and get As many picks as possible. And they are crazy if they think they are going to get a trade like the Gobert trade - Durant is old and injury prone

[TD 21]

All the Lakers need is warm bodies who can shoot the three and to get Westbrook off their team to be contenders. Richardson and McDermott would be great fits there and would take a lot of pressure off James and Davis. Lakers aren't in a situation where they can be picky.

This isn't '20. James and Davis have slipped some and the competition at the top is greater in both quantity and quality. A few solid role players aren't putting them back into championship contention (and they're not eating into '23 cap space for McDermott).

They can be picky insofar as there's 3 teams involved, so it doesn't have to be any particular one of them.


Switch Westbrick with JRich and all of a sudden there is a near-seismic shift in how teams have to defend them and then Lebron and AD have more room to work.
And those two are enough to leverage that into a winning formula, which they don't have right now.

Right and Richardson alone isn't changing that. No one person is.


The year they won it all, they played a center and Davis at PF. Adding a top 10 center in the league wouldn't hurt them tbh. If we are being honest, the Lakers are starting Westbrook, Lonnie and Beverly. Poeltl sould be an improvement over any of them, fuck the fit. :lol

They inevitably downsized in the playoffs and both James and Davis were at a different level 3 seasons ago.

Adding a rim runner who's too good to play spot minutes (like Jones) would be a terrible use of their already limited resources.

Fit almost always matters, especially when you don't have superior talent.

[baseline bum]

This isn't '20. James and Davis have slipped some and the competition at the top is greater in both quantity and quality. A few solid role players aren't putting them back into championship contention (and they're not eating into '23 cap space for McDermott).


Meh conference seems pretty wide open. James and Davis with health is enough to compete for a title if you put shooters around them. I don't think either has fallen off much, it's just hard to be efficient when the other team can put four people in/around the lane every possession.

[TD 21]

Meh conference seems pretty wide open. James and Davis with health is enough to compete for a title if you put shooters around them. I don't think either has fallen off much, it's just hard to be efficient when the other team can put four people in/around the lane every possession.

Not as much as in '20, when the Clippers, who flamed out in historic and embarrassing fashion, were the only other legit contender. Now it's them, the Warriors and Nuggets, with a better second tier and worse James and Davis.

They don't need shooters they need sizable 3 and D role players. I don't care what their current defensive rating says, there's way too many physical liabilities in outsized roles who'd be exposed in the playoffs.

[spurraider21]

are the lakers really just going to have a lame duck season and just put all their chips on kyrie joining next year?

[Chucho]

Lakers are in trouble. The richest owner in sports owns the LA Clippers. Free agents can get the same Southern California sun location and a few extra millions under the table courtesy of Steve Ballmer. Jeannie Buss is a poor trust fund baby by comparison. Probably the poorest NBA owner too. That's strike 1.

Strike 2: most GMs hate Rob Pelinka from his cutthroat days as Kobe's Agent. Look at what Boston gave up for Malcolm Brogdon. Now compare what Ainge wanted for Boggs from the Lakers. It's sickening how these faggot GMs hate Pelinka due to his past and his current affiliation with the.

Strike 3: most franchises hate the Lakers. Been like this since Pop was in the CIA for real. That failed CP3 deal in 2011 set the Lakers back basically a decade. We didn't win another chip between 2010 and 2020.

Now these teams are conspiring against the Lakers again, in real time. 29 teams pay pennies on the dollar in trades. Laker tax: get bend over or else :cry :lol

Someone needs to deport you. You're crying about conspiracy charges against the Lakers. Oh man...you people are the worst. Complain about the low wages for cleaning toilets and picking produce like you're being forced to. You REALLY think there's a conspiracy against the Lakers like you think Muricans don't have a right to be upset when your 50 Tias, primos and tias come in and make the community smell like corn tortilla and sweat?

Just stop it, you're trying to make the Lakers Mexican in the sense that denies them any accountability, just like Mexicans are wont to do. NO ONE told the Lakers to trade for Brick (prolly LBJ, honestly), but they did. And NOW it's EVERYONE else's fault the Lakers can't unload their bad decisions somewhere else? Sounds like the pussy Mexicans that CRY about unfair wages picking produce and cleaning toilets. NO ONE IS FORCING YOU IDIOTS TO BE SUBSERVIANT, but that's the ROLE YOU CHOOSE.

You fucks deserve this, Felipe. No one made that bed except for the Lakers and you're pissed that the bed is fucking straw covered with a trashbag, like you sleep on when out in the fields. YOU GUYS WANTED THAT. Stop crying, mijo.

Enjoy the shit show. You guys will finish with a slightly better record than the Spurs and will still get the NBA to rig the Draft for yuse. You will be fine. Stop being a putan with all this whiny ass, So-Cal faggot shit.

[Chucho]

It wasn't a failed CP3 trade that set y'all back a decade. It was that corpse of Kobe who died 4 years earlier on the court than he did on a helicopter that did a great impression of 2012-16 Kobe's crossover.

Kobe gave the Lakers AIDS, cancer and anal warts all at once. Yuse guys gave him a crippling $50 million because, well, because Daddy piggy backed him for the first half of his career.

[gambit1990]

https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nba/2022/10/27/23427047/russell-westbrook-trade-rumors-los-angeles-lakers-indiana-pacers-utah-jazz-san-antonio-spurs

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nba/2022/10/27/23427047/russell-westbrook-trade-rumors-los-angeles-lakers-indiana-pacers-utah-jazz-san-antonio-spurs

Dumb for the Spurs in this trade scenario. Basically giving up McDermott, Poeltl and Richardson for a late first round pick and a protected first rounder. Whoever writes this sh!t is smoking crack at their keyboard.

[Vince Carter's ankle]

https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nba/2022/10/27/23427047/russell-westbrook-trade-rumors-los-angeles-lakers-indiana-pacers-utah-jazz-san-antonio-spurs
Jacob is a top 10 center. Defensive anchor with high bbiq, elite rebounder on offense and very good screener. His only weakness remains free throws. He alone is worth two first round picks.
But the catch is that only contenders are interested in him, and their picks will be below 20.
Jacob turned 27 and his prime has just begun. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find and help raise such a bigman?
Putting aside your wet fantasies about Victor. Are you sure that team will be able to draft a player of the same level, not to mention something better?

[Mr. Body]

https://www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nba/2022/10/27/23427047/russell-westbrook-trade-rumors-los-angeles-lakers-indiana-pacers-utah-jazz-san-antonio-spurs

These are terrible. The NBA isn't a farm system for the Lakers.

[KingKev]

^ that trade has to be written by a Raps fan.

[lmbebo]

Everyone knows the Lakers are desperate. No one doing a Westbrook trade at the moment without getting the 2 unprotected 1sts for him. Lakers holding out hoping someone gets disgruntled or some team decides to give up and would be willing to take on Westbrook to tank. But their season may be lost before that scenario comes around.

[offset formation]

These are terrible. The NBA isn't a farm system for the Lakers.

Lol. Lakers only giving up basically a protected first in every scenario. What a joke.

[RC_Drunkford]

Jacob is a top 10 center. Defensive anchor with high bbiq, elite rebounder on offense and very good screener. His only weakness remains free throws. He alone is worth two first round picks.
But the catch is that only contenders are interested in him, and their picks will be below 20.
Jacob turned 27 and his prime has just begun. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find and help raise such a bigman?
Putting aside your wet fantasies about Victor. Are you sure that team will be able to draft a player of the same level, not to mention something better?

Even if you get Wembenyama it would make sense to keep Poeltl around since Wemby can play on the perimeter and Jak would get all the rebounds down low.

[Mr. Body]

Lol. Lakers only giving up basically a protected first in every scenario. What a joke.

One of them had Miami giving up their first this year for Kelly Olynyk.

[BacktoBasics]

One of them had Miami giving up their first this year for Kelly Olynyk.

Well that one has them unloading Duncan Robinson too. That may very well be worth it. That contract is atrocious.

[spurraider21]

Jacob is a top 10 center. Defensive anchor with high bbiq, elite rebounder on offense and very good screener. His only weakness remains free throws. He alone is worth two first round picks.
But the catch is that only contenders are interested in him, and their picks will be below 20.
Jacob turned 27 and his prime has just begun. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to find and help raise such a bigman?
Putting aside your wet fantasies about Victor. Are you sure that team will be able to draft a player of the same level, not to mention something better?
hes a terrific help defender but he literally cannot guard other bigs

[R. DeMurre]

Their big mistake was the superstars they chose. Kyrie was a known headcase that cancered his way off of two teams prior. Durant coming off an Achilles tear and was like 32. Then they go all in for known choker (and overweight) Harden who realizes his costars aren't up to the task and promptly asks out and they end up getting washed Simmons for him. Just inept roster management and hoping certified diva cancer players will magically fall in line coupled with an oblivious rookie coach completely fucked them. Goes to show that while a lot of us lament SA valuing character, it actually is extremely important in building a successful team


Totally agree. I will also say that superstars are often headcases and ones that aren’t are less likely to be available, so for a small market team, they most likely have to roll the dice if they pursue that direction, and then once the draft picks are gone, everything is all in and the problems easily continue, like with Brooklyn. But I don’t think Sean Marks suddenly became a bad GM, but he likely felt the pressure to win now.


The legendary player, coach & scout Dick McGuire had a joke about players with trouble-making attitudes: You can have one on a team and keep him contained, but you can't have two-- because then they start to breed.

[cjw]

One minimally protected first for taking their cancer? No fucking way. Two unprotected firsts or the Lakers can flush their season again.

The Lakers can’t even protect the 2027 pick, because it makes it impossible to trade away the 2029 pick

[CGD]

Recent Miles Turner quote about Laker rumors. Is it me or he wants nothing to do with trash Lakers’ situation:

“‘That’s such an intriguing question,’ Turner responded when Wojnarowski asked if the Lakers should make the trade. ‘… We all know picks are so valuable in this league, and someone like myself, I’m heading into the last year of my deal and you want to make sure you’re getting a return for your assets. If I’m the Lakers, I take a very hard look at this with the position that you’re in. I know what I can provide for a team.’”

[K...]

Recent Miles Turner quote about Laker rumors. Is it me or he wants nothing to do with trash Lakers’ situation:

“‘That’s such an intriguing question,’ Turner responded when Wojnarowski asked if the Lakers should make the trade. ‘… We all know picks are so valuable in this league, and someone like myself, I’m heading into the last year of my deal and you want to make sure you’re getting a return for your assets. If I’m the Lakers, I take a very hard look at this with the position that you’re in. I know what I can provide for a team.’”

No hes saying he wants to stat pad to a big contract and hell get more shine in LA: a mercenary appeal

[Mal]

Time to prevent Pelicans from getting top 3 pick

[CGD]

No hes saying he wants to stat pad to a big contract and hell get more shine in LA: a mercenary appeal

Hmm… maybe. I think still he’s trying to say something else with the clear reference to him being on “last year of deal” and insinuating Lakers should be thoughtful about “the return on the asset” they’re parting with.

[K...]

Hmm… maybe. I think still he’s trying to say something else with the clear reference to him being on “last year of deal” and insinuating Lakers should be thoughtful about “the return on the asset” they’re parting with.

one: lebron will make him look better, two: he's worth whatever Indiana wants. lets not overthink this. as bad as LA is, lebron is still very popular and indiana aint shit

[LkrFan]

RC must be hittin that Henny with Jerry Jones again:
1589703705548718080

:lol

[KingKev]

RC must be hittin that Henny with Jerry Jones again:
1589703705548718080

:lol
timvp getting quoted real quick!

PATFO and Lakers are both bottom 5-10 front offices at this point.

[LkrFan]

Lakers incoming: Doug McBuckets, Josh Richardson, and Jakob Potty.

Spurs Incoming: Russ and Kendrick Nunn (NBA record $52M in expiring contracts :wow), 2 First Rounders a solar powered tractor, and a case of Henny for RC. :lol

Take it or leave it sons :lol

[mo7888]

Lakers incoming: Doug McBuckets, Josh Richardson, and Jakob Potty.

Spurs Incoming: Russ and Kendrick Nunn (NBA record $52M in expiring contracts :wow), 2 First Rounders a solar powered tractor, and a case of Henny for RC. :lol

Take it or leave it sons :lol

I think the Henny get's it done with RC... lol

[LkrFan]

I think the Henny get's it done with RC... lol

:lol

[RC_Drunkford]

Lakers incoming: Doug McBuckets, Josh Richardson, and Jakob Potty.

Spurs Incoming: Russ and Kendrick Nunn (NBA record $52M in expiring contracts :wow), 2 First Rounders a solar powered tractor, and a case of Henny for RC. :lol

Take it or leave it sons :lol

that case of Henny is the most exciting thing in the entire trade proposal :lol

[LkrFan]

that case of Henny is the most exciting thing in the entire trade proposal :lol

Had to add a sweetener :lol

[spurraider21]

Had to add a sweetener :lol
dont think a trade is happening, pablito. lakers only offering 2nds :lol

[MultiTroll]

Can't think of anything better then the entire league to tell Smell-A to gf themselves as regards WestChuck.

If by the trade deadline a tanking team can fleece them, well great. Otherwise all other teams have the leverage.

Que Jeannie to perform bjs and offer tons of under the table money.

[LkrFan]

dont think a trade is happening, pablito. lakers only offering 2nds :lol

:lol

[tbdog]

I still think trading Poeltl, McDermott and Richardson to different teams is the way to go. I can imagine heat wanting to lower the tax bill.

[Ariel]

I still think trading Poeltl, McDermott and Richardson to different teams is the way to go. I can imagine heat wanting to lower the tax bill.
I also think it happens, but it may take waiting until the trade deadline. Hopefully that doesn't end up costing us a franchise altering opportunity.

[Ariel]

Lakers wising up, they realize they're doomed regardless, so they're in penny pinching mode. Too little too late.

[Dex]

Lakers wising up, they realize they're doomed regardless, so they're in penny penching mode. Too little too late.

Yeah, I just don't see them making a move at this point. Even if they are able to flip their two FRPs for Hield and Turner (or a similar package)...that still ain't gonna be enough to save that team.

MAYBE it gets them into a late playoff spot or the play-in tournament, but roster is too far gone to be considered a contender especially if LeBron is already laboring.

Makes more sense for them to just punt on this season, let Westbrook walk, and see if you can work a trade for Davis to get some assets for the future. They got one championship with this formula, but the experiment is over.

[exstatic]

They don’t have a FRP in the next 4 drafts. Is LeBron really going out like that? Why are they not bargain hunting for guys like Robey and Bassey? Those two would be top half of the roster talent for LA.

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

They don’t have a FRP in the next 4 drafts. Is LeBron really going out like that? Why are they not bargain hunting for guys like Robey and Bassey? Those two would be top half of the roster talent for LA.

This isn't really the case - they have a pickswap this season and then owe one more unprotected in either 24 or 25 , so they basically will have a first round pick in 6 of the next 7 years.

[Ariel]

They don’t have a FRP in the next 4 drafts.
False. By virtue of the Anthony Davis trade they'll have one pick in 2023 (worse of own and Pels), and they also owe one more pick in '24 or '25 to them (Pels choice). Other than that, they have all their picks, they just can't trade them until '27 (via Stepien rule).

EDIT: BG beat me to the punch

[Seventyniner]

I can totally see LeBron putting the pressure on the Lakers FO to make win now moves. He doesn't care if the Lakers are shit after he leaves.

We should soon see who wields the actual power there.

[Dex]

This isn't really the case - they have a pickswap this season and then owe one more unprotected in either 24 or 25 , so they basically will have a first round pick in 6 of the next 7 years.

Dumb question...can they trade their pickswap with NO? How does that work? Seems weird that a team would agree to a pickswap as part of a trade, just for the trading team to dump it off on someone else...seems like all three parties would have to agree. At the very least, that FRP has limited value because of the swap.

[Ariel]

Dumb question...can they trade their pickswap with NO? How does that work? Seems weird that a team would agree to a pickswap as part of a trade, just for the trading team to dump it off on someone else
Not before using it, because they also owe the '24 pick and you can't trade picks in consecutive years because of the Stepien rule.

[JPB]

I can totally see LeBron putting the pressure on the Lakers FO to make win now moves. He doesn't care if the Lakers are shit after he leaves.

We should soon see who wields the actual power there.
Don't think he has that power anymore. We're not talking about a second tier team that could contend with a couple trades for roles players, with a ballin' Lebron and AD...

Lakers are terrible and Lebron' mileage is really starting to show, specially if you consider he can shoot the 3 to make for it... I really think Lakers are already in post-Lebron mode.

[The Truth #6]

Yeah, they’ve already punted. They made that decision to some degree last year at the trade deadline. It’s sweet because its the Lakers failing AND Lebron having to work with the players he hand picked. Hopefully this works as a repudiation of superstar demands, but I doubt that.

Makes me wonder, who is a worse GM, Lebron or KD?

[BG_Spurs_Fan]

Makes me wonder, who is a worse GM, Lebron or KD?

KD, hands down tbh.

[Dex]

Yeah, they’ve already punted. They made that decision to some degree last year at the trade deadline. It’s sweet because its the Lakers failing AND Lebron having to work with the players he hand picked. Hopefully this works as a repudiation of superstar demands, but I doubt that.

Makes me wonder, who is a worse GM, Lebron or KD?


KD, hands down tbh.

Agreed...LeBron has had plenty of success pulling strings and calling in favors whether it was in Miami, Cleveland, or even LA where he at least managed one ring.

KD tried his best with OKC, got some easy rings in Golden State but then got butthurt because "mah legacy". Brooklyn is really the first time he's been able to play GM, and man what a dumpster fire that's been.

[wildbill2u]

Why should we make a trade with the Lakers to help them out of the Westbrook trap? They can just waive him and eat some of that big salary :clap. Lakers will never have a problem with retooling because they are the most attractive team for superstars in the league. So let them do it again without any help from us. If we have some players who are valuable to another team and need to be traded away from the Spurs, the FO (with a little help from our Spurs Talk gurus) can come up with some better ideas.

[Mr. Body]

I can totally see LeBron putting the pressure on the Lakers FO to make win now moves. He doesn't care if the Lakers are shit after he leaves.

Sure, but they don't have anything of value. Some sports site was floating Lakers' interest in Bradley Beale. It is to laugh -- how the fuck are they supposed to get him?

[cd98]

Lakers will not trade their first round picks as unprotected unless it is for a star. Too risky and it may prolong a rebuild. The Lakers are great at poaching talent, but they usually have to trade for it and usually that takes a few young players. With no first rounds for a while, those are too valuable to let go for Spur players, no matter how good they have played. They are better off holding their noses and playing Westbrook than trading for players that will not ensure they will make it to the finals again.

[mo7888]

Lakers will not trade their first round picks as unprotected unless it is for a star. Too risky and it may prolong a rebuild. The Lakers are great at poaching talent, but they usually have to trade for it and usually that takes a few young players. With no first rounds for a while, those are too valuable to let go for Spur players, no matter how good they have played. They are better off holding their noses and playing Westbrook than trading for players that will not ensure they will make it to the finals again.

If that's the case then they have two options 1) Trade AD or 2) Give Nola a pick near the top of this draft.

Edited to add: Status quo doesn't make it any better for them in the offseason either.

[Seventyniner]

Sure, but they don't have anything of value. Some sports site was floating Lakers' interest in Bradley Beale. It is to laugh -- how the fuck are they supposed to get him?

The Lakers can offer one or more of: unprotected 2027 first, unprotected 2028 swap, unprotected 2029 first.

They are understandably reluctant to part with any of those. My speculation was that LeBron would get frustrated with losing enough to demand the Lakers burn those assets (along with dumping Westbrook) to make the team better for this season. The Lakers really shouldn't make that kind of move, but teams do stupid things sometimes and the Lakers FO might cave to LeBron.

Again, just speculation on my part.

[Mr. Body]

The Lakers can offer one or more of: unprotected 2027 first, unprotected 2028 swap, unprotected 2029 first.

They are understandably reluctant to part with any of those. My speculation was that LeBron would get frustrated with losing enough to demand the Lakers burn those assets (along with dumping Westbrook) to make the team better for this season. The Lakers really shouldn't make that kind of move, but teams do stupid things sometimes and the Lakers FO might cave to LeBron.

Again, just speculation on my part.

Yeah, they do have those to trade for baskets of role players, but not Bradley Beale.

[cd98]

If that's the case then they have two options 1) Trade AD or 2) Give Nola a pick near the top of this draft.

Edited to add: Status quo doesn't make it any better for them in the offseason either.


They can lick their wounds and accept that they are giving up a lottery pick and remember that it's not like they didn't get AD in that trade and it's not like they didn't win a *title. Why trade away two future picks to try and avoid giving up one this year? That's the risk they took and they did have early success, but they bet it would last a few years and it didn't. Works out great for NO. But a trade with the Spurs may get them in the play in at best, but the Spurs can't offer a package that makes them contenders.

[Mr. Body]

The Lakers are full screwed. Ain't nothin' fixing this mess.

LeBron is getting old and can't win games outright anymore.

Anthony Davis is a lazy, soft fuck who has never really cared about basketball.

Westbrook will play hard but his head is thick as a brick.

They have no role-players who can carry games forward.

Their FO isn't good at picking out diamonds in the rough.

At least the Pels are only puttering around .500 so their draft pick may not be awful. But it's not like they draft that well.

[BacktoBasics]

Weird observation but AD the player would actually be a decent fit on this team. AD the headcase wouldn’t.

If there ever was a borderline game changer available it’s Davis not Westbrick. I’d be willing to offer them a couple picks and players that they can flip for better fits around James.

This won’t be a popular opinion but it’s worth a sniff.

[illusioNtEk]

Weird observation but AD the player would actually be a decent fit on this team. AD the headcase wouldn’t.

If there ever was a borderline game changer available it’s Davis not Westbrick. I’d be willing to offer them a couple picks and players that they can flip for better fits around James.

This won’t be a popular opinion but it’s worth a sniff.

AD is made out of glass... I wouldn't sniff on this offer but would kick the tires atleast.

[cd98]

If the Lakers had a pulse, they would think trade with those draft picks. But with them in a free fall, they need to stop the bleeding. If they trade on any level, it will be to sell their stars and rebuilt, not trades that prolong mediocrity.

[BacktoBasics]

AD is made out of glass... I wouldn't sniff on this offer but would kick the tires atleast.

His glass body seems to have a direct correlation to being criticized and the amount of responsibility put on his shoulders. Some people aren’t equipped to play in a big market. AD is absolutely one of those people. James hasn’t done anything to take pressure off of him. Not that he should. But LA failing has pretty much landed in AD’s lap rather than James.

AD in SA would be a piece not necessarily the center piece with the strong play from Keldon and Vassell. He also wouldn’t take all the blame with a coach like pop to be a buffer between him and the media. I could see him playing a little more loose and being a nice fit on this team.

But obviously there’s some risk around that idea but no less risky than a late first round pick and a moving a vet or two for a borderline all star when healthy. Poodle j-rich and the hornets pick for AD would help both teams and LA keeps their 2 firsts. It’d never happen but I’d sniff it. LA is primed to be blown up and Poetl would be a great fit in LA. So would Rich.

[baseline bum]

Why should we make a trade with the Lakers to help them out of the Westbrook trap? They can just waive him and eat some of that big salary :clap. Lakers will never have a problem with retooling because they are the most attractive team for superstars in the league. So let them do it again without any help from us. If we have some players who are valuable to another team and need to be traded away from the Spurs, the FO (with a little help from our Spurs Talk gurus) can come up with some better ideas.

For two unprotected firsts and maybe a pick swap it would be worth it. Lakers had plenty of problems retooling from 2013-18. Jerry Buss ain't walking through that door so those picks could be really good.

[LeBowen]

For two unprotected firsts and maybe a pick swap it would be worth it. Lakers had plenty of problems retooling from 2013-18. Jerry Buss ain't walking through that door so those picks could be really good.

I think that ship has sailed.
Lakers are starting to realize there's no way out for them, they need a full rebuild. They won't trade those picks just to get rid of Westbrook's expiring contract.

[baseline bum]

I think that ship has sailed.
Lakers are starting to realize there's no way out for them, they need a full rebuild. They won't trade those picks just to get rid of Westbrook's expiring contract.

Yeah probably but I'd still throw them an anchor when they're drowning if they're up for it.

[Ariel]

If the opportunity arises, we shouldn't hesitate to deal with them, as long as it's to our benefit. But as others have said, the chances of that happening are slimmer by the minute. Might be the only time in history I'm lamenting the Lakers' pitiful state of affairs.

[Seventyniner]

If the opportunity arises, we shouldn't hesitate to deal with them, as long as it's to our benefit. But as others have said, the chances of that happening are slimmer by the minute. Might be the only time in history I'm lamenting the Lakers' pitiful state of affairs.

We should be rooting for the Lakers to get close to 0.500 so they get fooled into thinking they have a chance at contending.

[mystargtr34]

I gotta admit Myles Turner and Buddy Hields production on a Pacers team which is exceeding expectations and winning has surprised me.

Turner is putting up 18-9 with 3 blocks shooting 50/37 FG and 3FG splits.
Hield is at 19-5-3 on 47/41 splits.

Both playing really well off Haliburton as a playmaker. The Pacers two most used 5-man lineups (both with Turner and Hield in them) has a +21 and +22.7 net rating. Again smallish sample sizes (35 minutes for each lineup)

If they keep doing well I reckon Pelinka may take the bait.

Turner + Hield for Brick + 2 1sts (unprotected or minimally protected).

Turner
AD
LeBron
Hield
Beverley

Schroder, Lonnie, Reeves, Brown Jr. off the bench gives you some playmaking, scoring and defense off the bench.

Lakers biggest issue (shooting) is mostly solved with Hield and Turner in the SL. The Lakers defense is already around league average, their offense is dead last and one of the worst in recent history. You get rid of Russ's horrible efficiency which helps too and add Turner's rim protection.

Im doing that if im Pelinka. Fuck the 2 picks. Lakers will aways attract FA's. If im the Pacers im asking for the two 1sts to be unprotected and asking for Max Christie as well.

[mystargtr34]

Also, the West is wide open. Warriors can only fluke their way into championships due to opponents being injured or choking for so long. Who's the rest of the competition?? Portland fucking Trailblazers? A Nuggets team who are talented offensively but can be toyed with on the other end, a one man band Dallas Mavericks? Grizzlies aint winning shit.

The Pacers package is better than the Spurs package of Jak + Richardson + McDermott for what the Lakers need unfortunately.

[TD 21]

Turner and Hield weren't getting them back into championship contention even if James and Davis were still superstars, which they no longer appear to be (although the latter remains closer than perception). No realistic trade is.

But, if they can't become run of the mill as opposed to bottom of the barrel bad, they run the risk of facing the ignominy of conceding an elite prospect to the Pelicans (though highly unlikely the league would embarrass the Lakers and help a Pelicans team that no longer needs it).

The proverbial rock and a hard place.

[exstatic]

Turner and Hield weren't getting them back into championship contention even if James and Davis were still superstars, which they no longer appear to be (although the latter remains closer than perception). No realistic trade is.

But, if they can't become run of the mill as opposed to bottom of the barrel bad, they run the risk of facing the ignominy of conceding an elite prospect to the Pelicans (though highly unlikely the league would embarrass the Lakers and help a Pelicans team that no longer needs it).

The proverbial rock and a hard place.

The league has nothing to do with, and no say at all in a pick swap acquired in a trade. This isn’t on the league, it was a bad trade.

[TD 21]

The league has nothing to do with, and no say at all in a pick swap acquired in a trade. This isn’t on the league, it was a bad trade.

I was referring to the draft lottery and my belief that the league rigs it.

[exstatic]

I was referring to the draft lottery and my belief that the league rigs it.

Yes, because the NBA loves the Spurs so much that they gifted us two HOF 7 footers 10 years apart at the #1 spot. GTFO. We couldn’t even pull a nationally televised game last year. That’s what the NBA thinks of the Spurs.

[TD 21]

Yes, because the NBA loves the Spurs so much that they gifted us two HOF 7 footers 10 years apart at the #1 spot. GTFO. We couldn’t even pull a nationally televised game last year. That’s what the NBA thinks of the Spurs.

:lmao Are you off your meds again old man?

This is quite possibly the most egregious example of lack of reading comprehension I've encountered on this board, which is saying something.

I'll spell it out for you one last time. Even if the Lakers finish bottom few, because of the league's love of them and the Pelicans lack of urgent need for help, I'd expect them (league) to lessen the blow by dropping the pick a few spots.

[exstatic]

:lmao Are you off your meds again old man?

This is quite possibly the most egregious example of lack of reading comprehension I've encountered on this board, which is saying something.

I'll spell it out for you one last time. Even if the Lakers finish bottom few, because of the league's love of them and the Pelicans lack of urgent need for help, I'd expect them (league) to lessen the blow by dropping the pick a few spots.

So, you think they fix the lottery. The fact that we got two HOF big men at #1 ten years apart, pretty much disproves that. The league has no real use for, or love of the Spurs,so why didn’t they magically rig the lottery those two years? Maybe your crazed conspiracy theories mean that you are off YOUR meds…

[spurraider21]

at this point i think the lakers are more likely to trade AD than those draft picks

[TD 21]

So, you think they fix the lottery. The fact that we got two HOF big men at #1 ten years apart, pretty much disproves that. The league has no real use for, or love of the Spurs,so why didn’t they magically rig the lottery those two years? Maybe your crazed conspiracy theories mean that you are off YOUR meds…

That was pre dynasty. The league's hatred (no less a source than Wojnarowski essentially said as much when they made the '13 Finals) is due to a combination of . . .

- Being ratings killers
- Their unwillingness to be "partners" while at the top in terms of promotion
- The invention of "load management" (Silver even called out Buford for this at a recent press conference, only to force a fake smile after a number of seconds had elapsed)