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

First time with Luka and Lebron I heard staples Crypto loud like Staples Crypto with Kobe and Shaq tonight.

 

I agree the UFA class is weak. That's why trading 1st rd picks for players that fit seems like good use of the room. Trading a 1st for Dort leaves about 20 million in cap room. There aren't really any UFA power forwards worth that. That's why I had us getting Ellis, although it leaves us a little small, I get that. But most deals are made between July 1 and 7. July 8 is the 1st day offer sheets can be signed. If signed July 8, July 10 is the deadline to match. That's a 10 day turn around from July 1st, when most free agent agreements are made in principle. Basically, but July 10, most free agents would be gone. But I get it from your perspective, like big deal if we don't get Ellis. But Ellis isnt chopped liver either. During that 10 day time frame, additional trades could have been made to absorb players with cap room. Even the sign and trade for an RFA could be agreed to on July 1.

 

And we get the tie breaker over the Nuggets now. This is great.

 

I'd rather the Lakers draft a center than trade or overpay for one.

You're not going to need anything fancy so overpaying just won't do much for the team. Just a guy who can get in there, catch a few lobs/dunks, block some shots, and rebound would be more than sufficient. Then you get to develop them as well and you're guaranteed to have them for a low salary for 5 years. Makes no sense to pay someone $25 million to do that.

I feel like what's gotten the Lakers in trouble since the LeBron-AD era is trading the younger guys away and then those younger guys end up getting paid significantly less than what they are worth and play a huge role on other teams. Why not build on some of these younger talents the way Reaves developed instead of sacking them every chance?

I'm really liking Henry Veesarr. Could end up being a Lauri Markannen/Kristaps type player.

How we feeling about Marvin Bagley? Seems to be having an uptick in performance with the Mavs. Moves really well with his size and can run the floor. Might be able to get him for a relatively low price considering the weak free agency.

 

I think I get what you mean. So, essentially back Denver into a corner? Offer Watson a 32 million-dollar sheet on July 6 @ 12:01 pm. During that time, we are in communication with them. If they want to keep Watson, they might ask us if we want Gordon or Johnson. I'm not crazy about them, but they are better than any free agent power forwards. Gordon is a good defender and improved shooter, but on the older side and his shot is still a little shaky. Cam is an elite shooter, and an average defender at best these days. I could get on board with that. Prior to this, we either sign Ellis or trade for Dort.