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

I think the problem is we're playing straight drop coverage with one rim protector and a generally small team. AD is a special defensive player because he can protect the rim AND step out on the perimeter, but we're having him drop back in the paint while a wing like Ingram rubs small guys like Bev and Lonnie off of picks. Remember when Ham said AD was going to be our Giannis? The Bucks defense has been successful because their base look has Lopez as the primary rim protector with Giannis coming off the weakside, but they also have the option to play Giannis at the 5 and go switch-heavy. We're doing neither of those.

 

I agree, this roster doesn't suit him. He needs more size to help defensively, either more wings or a rim protecting center. On offensive he needs some damn shooting. The paint is packed. We were at our best when AD was the 4 to a rim protecting 5.

He'd finish the game at 5 but the opposition had to worry about both. At the 5 he's the last line covering for everyone and is either in his head about his foot, or fed up with covering for everyone.

 

It is perfectly reasonable for a GM to at least entertain discussions regarding their stars.

What is not as reasonable, and what I think might explain AD being upset is when it’s LeGM that is pushing for those discussions.

It is totally possible he’s going through something personal, but to me it really felt like his frustration was specifically with Bron.

In his postgame interview, I forgot the question but at one point he also specifically clarified how he and Lebron don’t prepare together before games and do their own things. Which in a vacuum is totally innocent and makes sense, but something about the way he said it made me feel like he was intentionally trying to distance himself from LeBron and downplay how close they are (although maybe I’m just reading too much into it)

The sports world is going to run with that clip of him not celebrating (if they haven’t already), so I really think Bron/AD will need to explain it or at least publicly show more comraderie in the next game.

If their relationship has actually soured to the point where AD is going to continue giving LeBron the cold shoulder, it’s a wrap. In that scenario I really think we need to move AD by the deadline, and/or plan on moving Lebron this summer.

 

all this. we had the formula, dammit. start him at the 4, play great team defense, finish halves with him at the 5. we actually saw it work. over and over. and then we're like: russ trade. and then ham's like: it's 4-out or bust!

 

Why didn't the front office think about it this way when they traded for Westbrook?

 

You know why..

 

So predictable. We won't do anything and they will act like they didn't punt on the entire season before it even began.

 

Front office loves big names. Got blinded by the opportunity to add a star and sell Russ coming back to LA and went for it when they should've been focusing on good role players.

We even gave up a pick on that deal. Sigh.

 

Should've thought of that in summer 2021 instead of giving in to Lebron's demands.

Too little too late now

 

Very deflating to me to see this come out today.

With only 24 hours left until the deadline, I don’t think there’s a need for trying to get “leverage” through media interviews.

This sounds more like Jeanie bracing us for standing pat yet again.

 

yeah, first thing i thought when i saw it. this is pr.

i'll reserve judgment until i see what actually transpires both for us and others. i can imagine worlds in which i understand not doing anything. but it seems like there are options right now.

 

Fingers crossed that at least Trent is on the way.

 

the proposed Jazz trade is probably my least favorite. Conley is completely washed, Vanderbilt and Beasley are just okay.

It's better than doing nothing, but just barely.

Toronto pieces are far more interesting, especially if true that we can get Trent Jr for a heavily protected first or two seconds.

 

Lakers, Wolves Discuss D'Angelo Russell Trade
FEB 8, 2023 3:41 PM


The Los Angeles Lakers are exploring the point guard market and have engaged the Minnesota Timberwolves on a deal for D'Angelo Russell.

Russell is on an expiring contract.

ADRIAN WOJNAROWSKI/ESPN

 

..... and fake defense oriented Ham with his band of midgets tasked to try to annoy 6'6" - 6'9" NBA caliber wings enough to make them not score much. Already proven a bad idea over 2/3 of a season but Ham don't give a crap .... the FO promised him he would have autonomy to be HIM and they'd keep a muzzle on Kurt.

 

First round picks for a 3 month rental?