Official 2016 Free Agency Thread

I think between D'angelo, Lou, Clarkson, and Huertas, that's enough to lock up the PG spot. All of them can play the position for stretches. I like Huertas. He can play spot minutes, but more importantly, he seems like a good veteran presence in the locker room and practice floor. I'd be perfectly fine signing Huertas to a cheap deal, preserving our cap, and heading into training camp.

Personally though, I'd still throw huge money at Wade or Pau.

 

Like Black and Williams, Huertas is yet another guy that I think flourishes in Luke Walton's semi-Golden State system. I really enjoyed watching him play last year. His passing and basketball IQ is off the charts, and there's a need for that guy on this team.

I think we underestimate how truly bad Byron Scott was last year. I mean it was REALLY BAD. How many times did Marcelo have a decent game, then have a DNP-coaches decision the very next game? I think we're instantly 15 games better for simply having Byron away from the Staples Center.

 

If Durant goes to GS, OKC will trade Russ to a team that he is ok with. No way they just let him walk for nothing.

 

I'm not so sure about that. I think Westbrook wants the keys to a franchise. If he dominates by himself and leads OKC to a decent season establishing himself as a legit MVP superstar, I could see him staying. Especially if Durant ditches him to chase a championship with Golden State. I can see Westbrook being the kind of guy with a chip on his shoulder to show that he never needed KD and try to bring OKC a ship on his own. He's also arrogant and confident enough to believe that he could do it.

 

^ i can see it as well... but he can do it all in a different town

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought Magic was the one who requested to have his honorary title removed and all the lakers did was grant the request

 

i don't think preserving a max slot is that important for next year. if you make a smart signing with the remaining cash, that player (or others) can be moved to create a max slot should the need arise. some teams ahead of us in the durant sweepstakes didn't actually have the space to do what they wanted (gs obviously, okc with horford, etc.); durant's folks just trusted that they could make it if they needed to do so.

the lakers need to be a LOT better next season and just leave enough wiggle room that they could make a spot. tbh, clarkson's deal is very moveable--probably would get a pick back for it--so the lakers can probably even totally blow the last signing without it killing the chance to offer a max next year.

 

oh, and i'd put the 2/20-ish offer out there for felton or vasquez and call it a day.

moz/black/zubac
randle/nance
deng/ingram/young
clarkson/lou
russell/vasquez

just for lulz, you could bring back kelly and sacre on minimums as injury insurance...

 

i was only half-joking.

 

Right. They can shed enough salary to create that space. This salary cap market is going to be inflated for awhile. The Clarkson and Lou contracts shouldn't be a problem to move. That's 20 million dollars. We'll be have the flexibility to make it happen.

 

i like the concept of a FA decision dot race, as if these reporters are actually inside the players' heads...portland has pulled into the lead, but here comes detroit, with atlanta breathing down his neck!

 

Gasol should go to the Raptors, I just want a stronger east.
Lets go Pacers and Raptors!

 

Did he mention LeBRAWN while talking about Durant? He is the Peter Gammons talking about the Boston Red Sox of the NBA.

 

KD prediction? Impossible to know, sure. But like a jury in certain trials, the longer he deliberates the more I see him going to GS. If he were going back to OKC, I think he would be saying it early this morning (if he was truly already leaning that way before all the meetings). The longer it goes, the more he is thinking about how he forms a statement that is respectful to OKC to TRY to soften the blow. I think. Er huh, I "guess."

West's pitch - "You don't have to sacrifice any numbers: your shooting %s and assists will go up, your career will be lengthened, and the ONLY way to be on the Bird, Magic, MJ, Kobe, Duncan, Bron, Wade level is to be part of a dynasty with other great players. OKC for you is likely to be at best a 1-hit wonder, and I know that only getting 1 sucks. Join a great team where you fit seamlessly, where you become the best player, and form a dynasty to preserve the legacy you deserve." Something like that, from the many reports. Solid stuff.

 

I disagree for the simple fact that some of these guys on longer contracts are gonna be a lot harder to move. Look at OKC they couldn't move Kanter. Atlanta wasn't able to move Milsap. There is no guarantee the Lakers will be able to move enough deals and you don't wanna have to move Clarkson to free up a max slot when you can just save your money.

Yes we need to be a lot better next season, but nobody the Lakers add of the remaining free agents is gonna make them that much better than they currently are. I just don't think it's worth it.