2025-26 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by TIME, Jun 24, 2025.

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  1. svtzr

    svtzr - Lakers Starter -

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    As currently constructed we’re a good but not elite team. Just off the back of Luka, Reaves and Lebron we’ll be a nightly threat and you mix in some good role players and we’re a tough team.

    I’d argue that only OKC is clearly elite. Houston is really good on both sides of the floor, but I do wonder what happens in the playoffs when they’re forced to create in the half court. Denver fixed their depth issues and have an elite offense, but they are also average defensively. SAS aren’t there yet age wise and health will be an issue.

    To get into that higher bracket and be a threat to win the title we need a better balance. With the playoffs in mind:

    POA D / Smart
    Reaves / LaRavia
    Luka / Wing Defender
    Lebron / Rui
    Ayton / Hayes

    Upgrading our perimeter D with a POA and a Wing defender that can both his 3’s would really solidify what we’re trying to do.

    To make that happen, we have the salaries of Gabe, Knecht, Vando and Kleber which works out to about 40m.

    In the meantime, I’d give more playing time to Nick and Adou. One can be an offensive spark and the other can be a solid defender.
     
    svtzr, Dec 11, 2025 at 1:49 PM
    #6441
    Cookie and lakerjones like this.
  2. Savory Griddles

    Savory Griddles Moderator Staff Member

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    Keon Ellis seems to be our best bet in terms of getting a POA defender for the assets we have. It'd be hard for Sacramento to demand much more than Dalton and a couple seconds considering they aren't even playing him. As someone who isn't a fan of Lebron's fit with Austin and Luka, I really wish Jaren Jackson would ask out of Memphis and attempt to push his way here. I feel like he'd be a great fit with Luka, Austin, and an Ellis type player.
     
    Savory Griddles, Dec 11, 2025 at 2:21 PM
    #6442
  3. Pioneer10

    Pioneer10 - Lakers All Star -

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    we can take monk off their hands for salary relief as well. Lakers need someone other than the big 3 who can score in bunches - especially days like last night where the bench outside of Smart couldn't do squat

    upload_2025-12-11_14-44-16.png

    This is one of my dream realistic scenarios which as been discussed before - 10 man rotation - Hayes, Laravia, Smart, Monk, Ellis. Increase the athleticism and get a mix of defense and offense from the guard spots
     
    Pioneer10, Dec 11, 2025 at 2:46 PM
    #6443
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