05-12-2026, 08:00 AM
(05-12-2026, 07:52 AM)Chicagojk Wrote: I think the Lakers had a good year. The big question is how do they close the gap between OKC and the Spurs. They have their star, so that is the check. I really like Reaves. Sure, he is not perfect but I think you can win with him. I still think Lebron is a stud, but it is going to take $ to bring him back. Do you really want to tie up 25 mil plus for him? Egos were bruised, but LAL should still be the best option for him if they both got to a number they like. Not sure how likely that is. I liked what Rui and Smart gave them and I think both can play in a playoff series.
It just feels like they are missing three guys (if you remove Lebron). They don't need to be stars, but real good player. You need to upgrade at center. While not one of the three guys, I would also like youth at backup center (actually youth in depth overall. They really don't have youth that a lot of teams have). They need a real good 3 and D wing. And then they probably need a backup guard who fits well with Luka or Reaves on the floor. Maybe I am missing something or am wrong. They have cap room to be creative this offseason but the gap to OKC and Spurs is really big for them and everyone else.
As I said the other day, their offseason will be one of the more interesting ones I remember. They basically only have their star and a couple of role players under contract. Everything else is open with a goal to build a contender.
Two problems with keeping LeBron and Hachimura. Most (if not all) of their cap space would go to them, meaning they are more or less bringing back the team that is at least a tier worse than OKC. The other problem with keeping most of the team is, they don't have the minutes and shots for the new additions. I think they will need to decide if they bring any of Rui and LeBron back or if they will pivot in another direction. I think one of those two will need to be "sacrified" in order to really improve. If you keep LeBron, there is no place for Rui in the starting lineup and he will likely be too expensive for bench. LeBron in a role of a third option is not that great, as he is imho not good enough shooter and defender to play next to Luka and Reaves.