06-09-2025, 12:01 PM
(06-09-2025, 09:15 AM)omahen Wrote: Lakers are one of rare teams that could afford to eat such a contract. Vincent and Kleber alone are over 22 mil, and both are expandable for Lakers. I am in no way enthusiastic about Ayton, but I would consider a one year fligher in a contract year for him. Also a big enough name for Lakers fans to be satisfied about the offseason. Portland has Rob Williams and Clingan at center, so they don't really need Ayton.
I would try something like:
Por: Hachimura (best player in the trade), Knecht, Maxi, Vincent, FRP swap
Lak: Ayton, Thybulle
All players in the deal other than Knecht are expiring.
I could see the Lakers targeting Robert Williams instead. Potentially such better value at $13m than Ayton at $35m. It's also a one-year flyer.
Yes, he's an injury risk. But it's a little like the draft - if you want to win big, sometimes you have to take a swing.
I would say it's hopeful that his injuries have been somewhat different:
https://www.spotrac.com/nba/player/injur...lliams-iii