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.