04-26-2024, 01:38 PM
(04-26-2024, 08:27 AM)surfpuckmd Wrote: I've been trying to imagine who the Lakers could trade for that would fix the mess and I don't see the solution either. Dejounte Murray is a good player but I don't see that he's much of an upgrade over Russell- especially as he doesn't shoot as well. They don't have the assets for the Donovan Mitchell sweepstakes. I think they're stuck and will only decline as Lebron approaches 40.
Too much of their payroll consumed by LeBron ($51m), AD ($43).
Too many players underperforming their contracts: Dlo ($18), Hachimura($17), Vanderbilt($10), Vincent($11).
They could try an all-in move like Phoenix did with Bradley Beal, but their dearth of draft picks means they would certainly have to include Reaves and Hood-Schifino along with the necessary mid-level salaries. Their only real expiring contract is Prince.
So maybe the only moves they can make will be around the edges, trying to fill specific needs (like shooting), rather than real upgrades.
Makes me kinda happy that they went all-in and lost.