NBA Trade Deadline: Lakers Related

Why do we want to go after Okafor anyway? We have Zu who could end up being almost as good and a ton of money wrapped up in Mozgov.

 

Especially if we somehow keep ours. The expiring deals of Black and Brewer equal out to be about 14.6. Package that with a top 3 pick and a late first rounder, and maybe Clarkson? Players like Butler and George all of a sudden become real possibilities.

 

Not by the end of the trade deadline, but by next season? There are scenarios. Problem is we would need a second star for it to even be worth it.

 

I don't think you're getting him now without parting with the DeLorean, Doc.

 

I could see a Paul deal this summer IF we keep out Top 3 pick. I could very easily see it.

However in order to do it, we'd have to also bring in a second star. Paul George has said repeatedly he wants to win. He might not stay here if we don't get him help.

 

Am I the only one who wouldn't trade our top-3 pick (if we land it)? Would rather roll with that stud and our young guys and try signing George/Cousins/whoever outright in free agency, but that's just me.

 

Do we want Paul? I know he has the Clippers playing well every year, but damn. He's got only a couple years left at that level.

 

At this stage, after looking at who is out there in the Top 3, I'd absolutely trade it at #2-3, maybe at #1 too. The only player I see being a surefire high level player is Fultz. I think Ball very well could be, but he's got a lot of holes in his game. I think Josh Jackson and Jayson Tatum and Dennis Smith and all the other kids in that range are huge question marks with limited ceilings. If I could get Paul George for the #3 pick (and likely another piece), I would absolutely take a long, long look at it.

 

No. I'm with you. We're in a weird middle ground. We're SO young, that even if we were to get, let's say both Butler and George, how do they fit with our kids? They will be out of their prime by the time the kids at all the other positions are ready to start winning. It's tough.

 

To be clear, I'm not outright opposed to any move like that. My preference would be to land Fultz, Ball, or Jackson, though. Any one of them fit so well onto this squad.

Fultz for obvious reasons. Dude's a flat-out stud.

I'm coming around on Ball. I like his game, and he's got good size for his position as well.

Jackson would be the infusion of elite athleticism this roster sorely needs. For as high as I am on the futures of Russell & Ingram, they're both average athletically. Jackson is a monster on the wing who can do pretty much everything at both ends except shoot. For me, that's the one skill that's most easily learned through repetition. Can't teach his athletic ability or length.