While the rumors and the rumors of the hall never end, and a few days before the Free Agency, we decided to embark on a little paper on the Lakers offseason. Released in the first round of the Playoffs, the now ex-defending champion is looking for a boost to go in search of Larry O’Brien. We still have to find good ideas to strengthen the roster and that is the job of a certain Rob Pelinka. We will kindly give him a hand.
Do not give any money to just anyone
One of the important points about the Lakers Free Agency is the number of players who will be able (and have to) go to the negotiating table. If Montrezl Harrell does not take his player option (at 9M), they are eleven to find themselves on the market. With Kostas Antetokounmpo who joined ASVEL, it’s already one less but we suspect that it was not the thorniest of the lot. With an already heavy payroll (102M just for LBJ, AD, Kuzma and KCP), the angelino front office will have to make choices and think intelligently. Rob Pelinka can say that he wants to extend everyone, we do not have to believe it, we must also think about the financial flexibility of the franchise and if possible not to encumber the course with salaries that it will be. difficult to clear afterwards. The first concrete examples are all found: Dennis Schroder and Andre Drummond. A month ago, you were told that the German leader was looking for a deal between 100 and 120 million dollars. Not exactly his value in the workforce this season … The same can be said for the pivot, even if no figure has been released concerning him. Obviously if the success follows, all the mouths will be closed but, in the event of failure, it risks to sting strongly and for a long time. In the shadow of these two, we would recommend to extend in priority Alex Caruso and Talen Horton-Tucker. The two players are in constant progression and their profiles are likely to attract the envy of several franchises. It remains to be seen how much each will ask but if the note turns out to be a little too high, it may be necessary to keep only one.
Find a leader manager
When Dennis Schroder replaced Rajon Rondo in the squad last year, many applauded a magnificent tactical move from the Lakers GM. Obviously, bringing in the dolphin for the sixth man of the year is a snap. Nine months later, we realize how lacking the IQ and management of former Celtic have been. Schroder has qualities but he has never been a real manager: he is a point guard above all. The Lakers would need another general on the floor or in sixth man and we understand better why the names of Kyle Lowry, Chris Paul, Lonzo Ball or Russell Westbrook are out in the media. If the idea is great, you still have to find the money or the counterpart to attract a player of this caliber to lead. LeBron James may have been a cyborg for 18 seasons, but he will be celebrating his thirty-seven candles in December and taking some of the pressure off his creation wouldn’t be a luxury. If the names just above aren’t realistic, there are other great solutions out there to look into. Why not Derrick Rose, at the end of his contract with the Knicks, or Goran Dragic, in the event that the Heat does not activate the team option? Experienced players who will undoubtedly ask for less money: a good deal to go for?
Fix problems in the racket
If there is one position that has been a problem this season for the Lakers, it is that of pivot. With the Marc Gasol – Montrezl Harrell doublet, soon reinforced by Andre Drummond, we thought that there would still be a way to do something, but the angelinos centers stepped on their feet and Frank Vogel had all the trouble in the world to establish its hierarchy. An even more glaring observation in the Playoffs, where Deandre Ayton did quite a bit of work in painting. Pivots that do not ensure, coupled with a battle of ego against a backdrop of playing time, it is an image that swears a little with that of the Howard – McGee pair in 2020. The departure of the two friends of the Shaq (no) removed deterrence near the circle and we can’t really say that the team won by changing their big men. The priority in this offseason will therefore be to put some order in the house. Marc Gasol still under contract, it will be necessary to settle the cases Montrezl Harrell and Andre Drummond. Both interiors have qualities but their defensive largesse is constantly targeted by opponents and a blind man would notice. Perhaps Rob Pelinka should hope that Trez ‘tests the market to get rid of the two thieves for good. To replace them, there are people available on the market and not necessarily at terrific prices. Nerlens Noel, who is coming off a great season with the Knicks, could come in handy. If it costs too much, other profiles can do the trick. Like getting Dwight Howard or JaVale McGee for example? Not necessarily the worst idea.
Clean up the locker room
At the start of the 2019-20 season, the Lakers were promised a gigantic circus. Rondo, Howard, McGee, Morris: so many players who could ignite the locker room at the slightest drama. Ironically, it was arguably the quietest season in LA in a while, punctuated by a title acquired in the bubble. This year ? Not exactly the same story. Between the little phrases in the press of Marc Gasol and Andre Drummond on their roles, the complaints of Montrezl Harrell on social networks after each Playoffs match, the Schroder case or even Kyle Kuzma who already sees himself as Jayson Tatum … we say to ourselves that a little updating could do good for the group’s state of mind and the local atmosphere. We have already dealt with the case of the pivots and the leader and, as far as Kuzma is concerned, his name is widely rumored and he could perhaps set sail in the next few days, if the board finds the right match. An exchange with Buddy Hield has notably leaked into the media in recent days. Nothing says that both will leave but, if this is not the case, it may be necessary that Frank Vogel arises with each one at the beginning of the season to clearly delimit the roles, otherwise it could still go live. .
Take advantage of all the great deals on the market
With a rather limited financial leeway, we will have to have a fine nose or find the right arguments at the Free Agency. How is Rob Pelinka going to strengthen his group with so little to spend? It may be necessary to use the sign and trade mechanism to get a free player on the market but too expensive for the finances. DeMar DeRozan, openly interested, is a name that could for example come back in the coming days. To strengthen at a lower cost, there is also the possibility of using the mid-level exception (9.5M) or the bi-annual exception (3.7M). Amounts not crazy but which will perhaps convince players in search of a ring or who would like to join the duo LBJ-AD. What good deals to grab on the market? To try to stay in the DNA of the game plan, it will take creation, shooters and defense. To replace Wes Matthews (or even KCP if he leaves), we would bet on a profile like Reggie Bullock, especially if he is not too greedy. As for the position of leader, there is cam ‘available (Payne, McConnell, Rose, Dinwiddie) but it will mainly depend on the amount of the check. The veterans market should also be closely watched. Paul Millsap, Rudy Gay, Dwight Howard or Trevor Ariza: there is still plenty to recover solid minutes and experience, at a price that is not necessarily mind-blowing. A few ideas but, of course, the Lakers will not be the only ones there and the competition may have more money to spend.
Rob Pelinka is attacking a complicated summer and he will need all the good ideas to get the Lakers back on the road to the Finals. A limited room for maneuver, several extensions on the table and the need to best surround his duo of stars. No doubt, California Beach won’t be seeing Kobe’s former agent anytime soon.
