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

Hey, they/we are ALL future dead guys!!

 

As long as Riles is in charge, I don’t want to make another deal again with the Heat.

 

The plan this offseason is Giannis. I think it's going to take a multi-team deal, though. That's where it may get tricky; however, Brooklyn & Chicago are the teams that have the most cap space outside of LAL this summer. I'd start looking there if I'm Rob along with all the other teams he's done business with and test the temperature early so you know early in FA what the heck you're doing and don't waste anytime and can pivot on a moment's notice.

 

we'll have almost enough cap room to absorb giannis; we don't need third teams for that. what we lack is players or good picks to offer (even when we get the extra ones unlocked).

it's ok; i still don't like that plan.

 

Which is where the third teams come into the situation, IMO.

We'll see, but if he does come here, it will be a three-team deal.

 

Personally, I'd rather the Lakers wait until 2027 free agency where Jokic is a free agent.

Why give up valuable picks for Giannis if you have to give up Reaves. I think Reaves can fetch you at least 3 first rounders. It's not a secret that he's a max player and a 26/6/7 caliber player so why give that up for an aging Giannis who doesn't have a game that ages well.

Jokic is going to be elite for the next 5 years of his next contract. Luka+Reaves+Jokic would be the Lakers next great dynasty.

 

Uggh waiving Maxi would be rough - if he can ever get his 3 point shot Maxi is a legit game changer in terms of what he can do on defense. A big that fits JJ's switch heavy defense is priceless considering the Lakers can't control the glass if they go small

(Also Maxi going to a western conference contender if he's waived would be painful to watch because I'm firmly of the belief he can get minutes with most teams)

 

I don't see Jokic ever leaving Denver. They will pay him max, and he's a low key guy. I doubt the lights of Hollywood are attractive to him.

Unless he decides he wants to be a bigger celebrity, feels like he can't win in Denver, or is dying to play with Luka. I just don't see it. But I never saw Luka playing for us either. Or Reaves turning into HIM.

 

Jokic definitely feels like a Nuggets lifer.

If I’m the wolves, I’m going all in for Giannis.

DVV
Antman
McDaniels
Giannis
Reid

That’s a killer team. They need some vets and young guys off the bench, but they’re a problem.

 

Arod doesn’t want to pay a luxury tax.

Gianiss ain’t happening. They aren’t giving him max money. If Gianiss wasn’t happening he would be in Golden State. Because that’s where he was supposed to go.

Hes coming to the Lakers. Dodgers knew they were getting Ohtani before they got him. Mark Walters is no fool.

That’s why all that stuff came out today about Gianiss and the front office and all in.

 

I think it means we don’t really like any of our options and we’re worried about losing him.

I prefer giving the spot to him over most of the rumored options.

 

Well they wanted Buf since the draft and had to settle for JHS so it’s understandable they signed him when they got the chance

 

Agreed. I can't see him leaving Denver.

I hate it. You're just tempting injury fate with Luka/Giannis. Not a fan of the fit, either. The window would feel far too short, IMO.

 

i actually only believe in the concept of 2-3 year windows, so that's less of an issue for me. it's that we would have nothing with which to fill out the roster--specifically, you need basically a 3 and d center and guard.

also agree that the fit is a bit awkward with luka/giannis as neither is super interested in setting screens or standing in the corner.

 

If someone like Middleton is bought out, are we able to waive someone and sign him or are we restricted from adding anyone above MLE? I'm not even 100% certain I'd do that, but curious if that type of move would be possible or not. I'm generally aware of some of these restrictions in the CBA but could use some clarity.

 

Maxi's been real useful and solid since fully healthy and in shape plus he's a tough Big. Got in Green's ugly face over the AR flagrant not called and him standing over him. Would hate to lose him as insurance for one of Ayton or Hayes going down. If Timme is still here next year I hope in his exit interview they explain he needs to get his a** in the weight room like Jaxson did this summer. It should have been evident to him by now.

 

It’s easy, we can just waive Bronny.

No issues there whatsoever.