(06-09-2025, 04:24 PM)omahen Wrote: Main thing where our difference is, I don't think Lakers are in a complete win now mode. I actually think, they have close to zero chance to win it next season, unless they pull of a magical offseason.
If Lakers aren't in win now mode and don't feel any high urgency to make something happen while they have the best of Luka-LBJ duo, that's fine. I agree they have MULTIPLE issues to solve, not just C. How they prioritize that, and when, that's certainly a question of importance to them. I don't have any dog in the hunt on what the LAL thinking needs to be (or is "most likely"). Because I have no fondness for anything Laker-related, I'm not one to objectively speak to their best direction. Lakers suck no matter what they do.
In the case in which they are NOT in a complete win now mode (as you opine), imo Gaff is not necessarily their answer UNLESS they see him (as I do) as a player who can help both now and later (because I think he is affordably priced on his contract and will stay that way, relative to his play). I think not only his play but also his contract and team-oriented attitude stand to offer a significant extra value for whoever has him, and will help him bring a better return IF the Mavs decide to trade him.
I hope they don't, however. I think he has been a significant asset to their ability to win, and would leave a hole.
Looking ahead, if LAL wanted to "wait" for him, I don't think Gaff will be gettable as a FA in 2026. I expect the Mavs will either lock him up to an extension, or trade him to a team who will do so. And I don't think the Mavs willing-to-trade price should be lower than Reaves/FRP (although I'm not eager to solve any problem for LAL so would still be uneasy even at that price).
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