2022-23 Team Developments: News / Trades / Free Agents / Rumors

I hear you. It seems Trent kind of makes the most sense. He could shoot and he is young. Looking at similar player, it seems he would be poised for a deal starting at around 23-25 million. Also, since he has less than seven seasons, his max would only 25% of the cap, at 33.5 million. I don't think the Lakers will go for Bojan now that they got Rui. Roi is poised to score a deal starting at around 11 million. Same with Bryant. I'm not sure if they want to invest that much in the front court, and then there is the playing time issue. Rui was already pissed about not finishing games with Washington and wanted to be traded. I still like Bojan though, and his deal is very reasonable. I wonder if they would consider turning around and flipping Rui if they get Bojan? Something like Rui to Milwaukee for Allen? I feel that they are targeting at least one guard that could shoot the three. Rozier is the most proven and has a long term-reasonable contract. Trent is younger, and is having a better year. However, there are some question marks on how much money he would command in free agency. Lakers could however, afford to pay up th the 33.5, while staying under the tax apron. This way, we would have the MLE and BAE to use on say, Bryant and Dennis. Van Vleit could end up being super expensive and could affect our ability to keep Bryant. All three are under thirty-years old, which is good.

 

Lakers pivot move:

1. Rui to Milwaukee for Grayson Allen

2. Beverly and Jones to Detroit for Bojan and 2029 top 4 protected 1st round pick

PG-Shroeder
SG-Allen
SF-Bojan
PF-James
C-Davis

Crappy defense, but good spacing.

 

If we had assurances that Trent was not going to opt out (or he’ll opt out to sign a reasonable long term deal with us), I would consider parting with an unprotected first.

I feel like he’s exactly the type of volume shooter we need. Initially I had some qualms since he’s more of a SG and doesn’t really have the size that we needed, but that is mitigated now that we have Rui.

I would much rather have Trent than Bogdanovic considering their respective ages

 

I think I also prefer a Trent trade to a Bojan trade for the reasons you articulated. Bojan will turn 34 in April, he's still a very good player but how much longer can we expect him to be able to stay on the court defensively? If he becomes a traffic cone at the 3/4 spot it doesn't really matter how good a shooter he is. I think the question with Trent is whether we want to devote more than $30 million per year annually to Trent and Reaves combined. My answer would be yes, partially because I've always liked the idea of using Reaves as the de-facto backup PG when LeBron is on the court. We haven't seen that much this year since we have so many guards, but maybe going forward if Schroeder and/or Russ aren't back.

 

Shooters tend to get overrated IMO. They tend not to shoot as well in the playoffs. Golden State is the obvious outlier, but they have two of the greatest shooters of all time. Then they one upped that bringing in KD.

Ironically the last 4 NBA champions, shot worse from 3 than the opponent. Including Golden State last season.

Score the ball period, rebound, play some D. The winning formula hasn't changed much over the years. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are extremely hard to emulate..ask Houston.

 

No thanks to another POS a-hole on the team and yeah just when our large wing defenders situation is looking up you want to chuck it?

 

I would prefer not to, but I'm just laying out a scenario where a trade for Bojan would make sense.

 

Lol..worse than Bev?

 

I think Rui is more valuable for what he brings this season and going forward at a far better price. It’s not like we’re NOT scoring the ball. We can’t stop anyone either all too often. Often due to size in the front court though Bojan is big too. But not as strong as this guy and with the potential upside on D at his age working with this staff. Athleticism as well ….

 

Even if Trent got the max (he likely will not), our payroll would sill be somewhat under control. Here is a scenario for 23-24:

1. James 46.9 million
2. Davis 40.6
3. Trent 33.5
4. Rui 11.0
5. Bryant 11.4 (MLE)
6. Reaves 11.0
7. Shroeder ? 4.5 (BAE)
8. 1st round pick 2.3
9. Wenyan 1.9
10. 2nd round pick 981,606
11. Christie 1.7
12. Roster Spot 981,606
13. Roster Spot 981,606
14. Roster Spot 981,606

Total Salary 169.4m

Cap 134m

Lux Tax 162m

Apron 170.4

 

Max too ^^^

 

edited

 

You’re the best and a terrific playmaker off the bench for Doom.

 

Basically, we could afford up to 33.5 million of players, and at the same time have the MLE and BAE.

 

Much more? Not for us he isn't. Lonnie's hitting @ .384 on 5.4 attempts for us Trent is @ .367 on 7.2 attempts. He has a higher career avg but Lonnies played 1/2 a season for us, he seems to be holding that average fine.

 

So the guy has a good half year and you consider him an established three-point shooter? Okay.

 

Rather resign Thomas and Schroder than re-up Russell. Schroder can run the bench fine and Reaves/Lebron can handle PG duties with the starters. Especially with Rui in there to handle 3 & 4 it frees up Lebron. Add some vet minimum PG.

 

Lonnie was also trending down after the super hot start before he got injured.