Clarkson was a godsend his rookie year, but he is actually worse defensively now than he was then. Like Lowe says, he's 25 now. He is no longer a young kid by NBA standards. He's becoming a veteran and a man. Randle, Clarkson and a first for George. If that's all we do this summer, I will be insanely happy.
I don't think it would be. The second step to that would be wooing a PF to replace Randle. Griffin... I know @abeer3 would want Ilyasova, but I'm afraid of what we'd pay him... I'd actually imagine we'd trade Ball and/or Russell for another good veteran like Butler or something. I can't imagine us having more than 2-3 kids left after the purge whenever it comes.
That analysis is spot on. It's obviously a problem, which is why I suggested we try to trade Clarkson to a team where he can actually be good, productive, and useful off the bench. He just does not fit with our team anymore. But if we can get someone good for him and at the same time, put Jordan in a good situation - that would be really terrific. Everyone benefits.
I might flirt with the idea of and Ingram/Russell backcourt to improve the defense woes. I'm excited about Ball or Fultz, but I think they'd both perpetuate this defensive abomination. Randle/Clarkson/Hou 1st for George this summer is somewhat realistic. Here's where things get interesting. I wonder if we could package the top 3 pick with either Deng or Mozgov for a shot-blocking stretch 4 and a bad but short contract? If so, who is a shotblocking stretch 4 besides Ibaka? Oh oh, i just thought of one. Myles Turner...right? Not sure if Indy does that though. Randle/Clarkson/Hou 1st/top 3 pick/Deng for George/Turner and a bad contract im too lazy to look up... Ingram Russell George Turner Zubac
Im sure indy wont take that randle pk but for your scenario i play along and say they do....a scenario id think is possible is deng/#3 to sac for gay/#6 and a future 2nd or something. Gay expires next season and he could start as well if need be, then draft that stretch 4 with #6
There's no chance Indiana gives up both Turner and George. If they give up George, it's because they're building around Turner. Randle and Turner fit really well actually. The Lakers could move for George while holding on to at least Ingram and Zubac, but also at least one of Russell or the pick. There's no way I give up Russell and the pick and more stuff on top of that for a guy who is a free agent. You can sway me to part with the pick or Russell and then add some other stuff to it. Then we can flip what we have left attached to Deng and try to bring back a not-great contract and a better player.
Its a creative move and a good one for the long term build, but I don't think I or the lakers want more building. I think that starting stretch 4 needs to be a really good young vet and not a draft pick.
You;re probably right. Who's a player like Ibaka or Turner that could possibly be had for the top 3 pick + Deng, with us taking a moderately bad shorter contact back?
Well Ibaka is a FA so you could try to make a run at him. There's really not a lot of Ibakas or Turners out there. You could go get Ilyasova or try to trade for Jon Leur. That's really all I can think of off the top of my head. Neither of those options is a real defensive presence and neither really does much rebounding.
So, Luke has won 23 games with this roster so far; 6 more games than last year and a bunch of injuries. I want to see what he does with talent and a better coaching staff...