Anthony Davis Discussion: That's Why They Pay Me The Big Bucks

Everyone knows we can get draft picks. I'm not sure how a generational player is "too much" for draft picks. We had to hit a homerun after the Magic Show went on its tour. Rob and crew were up against it a bit (they had a part too) but if they are banking that Bron and AD will get another high tier player you aren't worried about the current picks. Gamble? Yes. Huge gamble? Sure. But I ask, how many high picks have the Lakers turned to gold in the last 15-20 years?

Yes, we gave up some talent that is for sure and we have made some head scratching moves BUT we have also hit big too. AD is a corner stone player, not projected, but true "check my stats" corner stone. I wouldn't be surprised to see another big name come this way. I'm actually optimistic that we land Kyrie or Klaw Champion. Could be pipe dreaming I know but... anything's poss.... oh hell naw not a green slime quote... Um... You get the point.

 

Over.Her.Dead.Body

 

I can’t see Green and Seth taking $4MM per, unless you mean A.C. Green and Seth Rogan. That’s too wishful.

 

OK so now that we got all the info...

basically, our picks given away ended up being:

2019 1st
2021 (conveys if 1-8, keep the pick if 9-30) OR 2022 unprotected 1st
2023 pick swap
2024 unprotected 1st OR 2025 unprotected 1st IF NOP defers the pick

so basically, only 1 pick swap...and likely we will keep the 2021 1st, so it's essentially 2022-2025 where we'll feel the sting of these picks. Honestly, this isn't as bad as I initially thought...a lot hinges on who this 3rd superstar will be. If we're lucky enough to get Kawhi..none of this matters...as Kawhi/AD would rule the NBA for the next 5+ years even as LeBron ages into retirement. If that third guy si Butler or Kemba or Kyrie...it's a bit shakier but we'll sitll be good.

I'm kinda thinking along the same lines sthough as others...if we can get Brogdon, Green, Lopez, Seth Curry and Ariza versus just one of Butler, Kyrie, Kemba? I'd take that for sure...solid depth around AD, LeBron and Kuzma. I'm excited either way...we're in such a good spot now.

 

Kawhi or Jimmy changes the equation, no?

 

Possibilities are endless now... Any more info on whether the Teams agreed to finalize the deal after Free Agency..?

 

Lakers have to go full throttle on Kawhi Leonard. Stars win in this league. GSW win the title if Durant doesnt get hurt.

Question after that is, who plays PG if they dont bring Rondo back?

 

Anyone that can dribble, defend and shoot. Lebron becomes our PG when the game is close anyway.

 

If you give them 3 years I think they’d do it. Curry is earning 2.7m right now. 3 years guaranteed with a contending team, seems like a good option for him.

You’re probably right with Danny Green, but then who expected Lopez to take a 4m contract this year? Maybe if you offer Green 18m over 3 years he considers it.

 

Kawhi and Jimmy Plan A and B. I’m just not so keen on Kyrie or Kemba...

 

Agreed. Kawhi and Jimmy are two way players. And they can shoot. Kyrie and Kemba are defensive liabilities.

 

Lakers will need to just get a crap load of shooters. They will have open looks all game long with Kawhi/Butler, Lebron and AD. I'm sure there will be plenty flocking to play with that team.

 

Agreed...the picks don't look that bad. We still got our 2nd rounders (sans this summer and '21 from the Svi deal), so our scouts will still be able to do deep dives to find more win-now talent or passion projects.

The picks won't mean that much if you get a superteam... And a superteam can't happen if we don't finalize the deal in August. If you nail this 3rd max player, barring catostrophic injury (see the dubs) the lost picks won't mean much.

But only if you capitalize on the cap we have. f*** a contingency...3rd max or bust.

 

See my username!

 

Oh Cook it matters...if we don't get that 3rd max guy.

If we do tho...then f*** the kids and f*** the picks haha.

I'll pour one out for LT with my last transgression...

 

my only (hopeful) rebuttal is that if we are wise in our cap management, we can time it to where if lebron breaks down/retires, we can have a max spot open to pair with the likely then-aging davis and perhaps another star.

i think where the picks really hurt is that it will be very difficult to improve the team via trade when we don't control any picks, like, ever. also if we have three maxes. counting on waiver wire and bargain bin all the way. it's worked for other teams, though.

 

I'm just learning that not all bball ops folks were even privy to the final discussions. To avoid leaks, once Griffin got serious, and especially after the Bulls dropped out, things got quiet quickly because Pelinka and Griffin negotiated between themselves. Pelinka asked upper level management if they were okay with the extra picks to push the deal through in absence of a third team, and apparently Jeanie was okay but asked Kurt for the go ahead, which he enthusiastically gave.

Now that things have settled, seems as though initially some internally were upset at the haul but now everyone is on the same page and excited to move forward into free agency. Consensus is that while LA gave up a lot, it won't matter if they contend the next few years, which is almost a given in their opinion.

Business wise, AEG is more than pleased, for obvious reasons. AD promotions will be coming but the bulk will be delayed until post free agency. Instead focus is shifting entirely to free agency, and primarily trying to help the Lakers get either Kawhi or a point guard, as per the FO's request.

Best,
Mr. Rambis