2024-25 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

Aaron Larsuel is on spaces right now, in addition to joking that he hasn’t slept in 3 days, when asked if the Lakers are looking to trade for a Center, said yes, but it doesn’t mean it’ll happen. Then when pressed further if the the ‘31 pick is being shopped for the Center, he said if there is something that makes sense, the pick is available. I don’t think that’s really news, but he did say it’s not for a center specifically, not for a wing specifically, not for any player specifically, just that if something presents itself that’s is worth the pick, it’s available. It was at the end, but he was on the whole thing as well talking about other stuff, Luka stuff of course

 

I don’t know about the beat reporters, I mean I guess Edwin Garcia was on that spaces talking about how he knows stuff and just doesn’t share it, same as I’m sure they all do to maintain relationships. But Larsuel works for the team, or at least with, he’s involved in the FO, he has input on decisions, so there’s stuff he can and can’t say, but he definitely knows a lot because he’s in the room so to speak. But like I said, he didn’t really share anything here that hasn’t been reported, it’s just sort of confirmation from the inside I guess on that, they want to get a center, and they will make moves if something worthy of that pick comes along.

 

I do agree that there is going to be a change of plans for us. Luka is easy to build around... obviously Bron will fit like a glove, since Luka (it sounds absurd when I think about it) can do everything Bron can, but more/better. Not a knock on Bron, but he is 15 years older than Luka. Bron can now really pick his spots, take care of his body, and imagine him going to the basket during the live dribble handled by Luka. That is insane. Reaves will fit also, since he's the ultimate glue and a combo guard. Less work for him = less strain on his body.

Basically we need to surround Luka with more of the Dorian type players. You know the deal: tall, mobile, physically strong, can defend, does not demand the ball, can shoot the 3. Currently Dorian is probably over 42% for 3, and it's only going to get easier for him. If you're a 3&D guy, Luka and Bron will find you, no question. Reaves has improved his % as well and should have more open threes as well. Gabe should actually fit really well here. Just play D, use that wide, strong body and shoot the occasional 3. You basically don't want anyone who is taking shots away from some of the most efficient scorers in the league.

Finally, we need to concede that we are going to be pushed around by the biggest centers and count on out-producing the opponent in playmaking and getting the best opportunities possible. We did instantly become the best passing team in the league and should capitalize. Therefore, we should get the best rim-running big, who is super mobile, can switch to wing players, can block shots, has good hands and can finish around the rim on a P&R action or a simple lob. Nothing super-sophisticated. That guy does not need to be a bruiser, does not need to shoot the 3. Basically, no real offensive game to speak of other than being "set up for success" by two of the best passers in the league (only Jokic is probably better). Just that and rim protection... so, a guy who has good shot blocking instincts and can jump high and jump often. Use Rui, Dalton, whatever necessary to get a quality big who can do that. Someone who can post 12/9 on super high efficiency in this environment and always give you over a block per game. 1.5 blocks+ on this team being ideal.

If we need to wait until the summer, so be it, it will be worth it. Use Jax as a poor man's version of what I just described. He is essentially that, just a backup version in limited minutes.

 

We should try really hard not to trade AR. Other than that... if Dalton and Rui don't fit well anymore,see if you can get a quality big for that package.