Man all the credit in the world to Frank Vogel again. He flat out says that’s always one of his main goals .... creating the good togetherness and chemistry with the team. He’s really really great at doing that. 2 years in a row now and with some important new veterans and some guys who’ve been starters most or all of their careers now asked to come off the bench. And he has them in it for the greater good. Not to mention such awesome leaders in LBJ and AD. All these guys are feeling it now how great this term will be when they jell.
With Dennis playing the surprising and unexpected really good defense and with his speed and many great offensive abilities he is looking excellent with that starting lineup. How do you plan for and double team when you have the playmakers on the floor that are Lebron, AD, Marc and himself with KCP shooting and attacking too. He truly does take tons of work off of last year’s now 36 year old PG .... LBJ. And he does get a lot of run with the bench mob too. Speed kills and is combined with those great handles and moves to get space or to the rim. And can shoot mid range plus very well from deep. Wait until Dennis really gels with this team. He really adds a whole additional dimension.
Ya know, it's not unrealistic to draw a connection between hoops and soccer in terms of ball-handling, and slicing through defenders. And I speak from experience: dribbling in crowds was something I was never good at in either sport.
Who doesn't have the impression that as good as Dennis the Menace has looked at times already ...... that starting this year he is going to look even better and be more consistent going forward in his career? The guy is just entering his prime. I have become a big fan of him in the starting lineup. It looks almost unfair at times with Schroder in the starting lineup. Lebron doesn't even have to break a sweat on offense unless he deems it the right basketball decision at the moment, is in the mood and/or is feeling it. Which these days is virtually every game he flips that switch. He's the epitome of efficiency. Cruise control and sheer basketball fun for him until the playoffs with the other playmakers in the starting lineup with him. Having Shroder's blazing speed, excellent handles, footwork, good - very good J from midrange and deep and getting to the basket OFTEN is like "piling on" considering without him the rest of the starting lineup and the also improved, awesome bench subbing into it ..... is already better than last year's championship lineup. Subtracting Danny Green (and adding any of our other possibilities in his place .... Wes, AC, eventually THT) and adding Marc Gasol. Dennis is getting plenty of time with the bench players as well so no problem keeping him in the starting lineup IMO as gets discussed a lot here. What an incredible and unique additional weapon both sides of the ball he is. Pelinka hit a low screamer out of the park deep center with that trade. - Green .... + Schroder.
I agree with everything you mentioned and, just to add, Dennis absolutely loves playing with this team. There is so much joy on the court, everyone can see it. He mentioned how great the teammates are and how good the Lakers organization is. My verdict: extend, don't trade please.
Gotta love The Hedgehog. He has the speed to pressure the opposing guard 94 feet and holds his own defensively against bigger opponents. I didn't know he had that in his game. He has enough speed to get to the rim and has a decent jump shot. I like what he brings and the edge that he plays with. And best of all, he replaced the boat anchor Danny Green.
He does hold his own somewhat against bigger guys! Amazingly. A lot of same way Bradley did like when he got into Luka that first game we played them last season.
Don't forget that his 3-pt shot has improved every year. He's shooting over 37% right now. Hits at least 1 every game. Likely more, as the season progresses.
Next years salaries will be at $119,994,657. That includes Montrezl Harrell picking up his option, which is not likely, I think, especially if they win it all. So, removing Trez's salary, the total will be $110,273,757. Harrell Schroder Horton-Tucker Caruso Cap is at $109,100,000 Lux tax is at $132,600.000 The Lakers control Schroder, THT and Caruso situations. Lakers have the bird rights to Schroder and Caruso. Lakers can match any contract THT gets should they decide too. Rich Paul is Trez's agent so the Lakers would have a shot at resigning him if they want to. The question now is, if the Lakers win it all, do the Lakers sign all 4? Can the Lakers afford to pay Schroder $20 mil per? Harrell will probably get between 15-20 per? What's the league gonna give THT if he tests the market? And what is Caruso's salary? Let's say Schroder demands 20, Harrell demands 20, Caruso signs for 10 mil per and THT signs for 10 mil per, do the Lakers take their salaries to $170 mil for their main core? If Golden State can do it, the Lakers sure can. It will be an interesting off season. These 4 free agents are 2 players in their primes that are perfect complimentary players with Lebron and AD. And the other two are huge contributors for the future who aren't close to their primes yet. Gonna be crazy to see how this ends....
going to be very expensive to keep this crew together. Repeater tax is on the way, or some hard decisions will need to be paid. Whatever you do, don't trade my favorite player lebron.
