05-15-2025, 08:31 AM
(05-15-2025, 06:24 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: Nice post. I agree, it is going to really take a expert hand to make them a contender while Lebron is around and also post Lebron. Very difficult task. They are LAL though and they will get more options than most teams.
I think Luka has a monster season next year. This year he was hurt most of it, not in the best shape, the emotions of a big trade, early out in the playoffs, some media criticism, and now even some/a lot of Dallas fans are starting to talk about the future rather than the past. So, I expect a great Luka season.
They will find an upgrade at center this offseason. There are a lot out there. The key is to get one that fits the best without giving up your remaining assets. I think Ayton is a real interesting option. If you are an Ayton fan, you could talk yourself into the reasons why PHX and Portland did not work out. Ayton is not an alpha. I think going to a team where he sees the team has clear Alpha (and won't put him down) would be the best spot for him. Who knows though. There are times you watch Ayton and you think "there is the guy who should be there every night". Then next game he is a completely different player. It will be interesting to see what the 31 pick and Knecht could retrieve. Maybe lost some value. Knecht is an older rookie who the coach had no trust in during the playoffs. That 31 pick is a long way off.
I find it unlikely they are a champion in the next 2 years (lets call this the Lebron window). Lebron will slow down and as you show maybe it has happened gradually. What he does is still amazing. It is just really hard to ask him to carry such a big load. Especially in a playoff run.
Post Lebron is even trickier. Luka will be watching how they manage the Lebron exit too. Even in his advanced age, finding a guy that does what Lebron does on the court is really, really tough. It will open up flexibility for LAL and maybe they make magic happen, but it is really, reallly tricky.
When you have Luka (and a still relevant Lebron) you have a chance against anyone. But the West is so deep and so tough, I don't know if I can see the Lakers being a top 2-3 contender in the west over the next few years (this could change if Nico joins another team. Luka in Dallas was positioned for a nice 4-5 window to compete against the OKC juggernaut and the other west upstarts, but he was stabbed in his back. While in Dallas, I believe he had a clear window until Kyrie aged out and that sort of matched his potential prime. Now his upcoming prime is filled with some/a lot of hope but also a lot of uncertainity.
Seems like the formula for building a team around Luka is mid-to-low-priced players that are primarily defensive, but have just enough offense to keep the floor spread.
The Lakers are far from that right now. LeBron consumes a huge chunk of payroll. Austin Reeves is a nice offensive player, but not a great defender. Most of their remaining players can’t space the floor very well.
Reeves will be getting a raise, further reducing cap flexibility.
Until LeBron and his payroll are gone, their options are really limited.
What they really need are a couple of high-producing guys on rookie contracts. Ha.