PG/Lillard/Lebron isn't realistic, but if it were, I'd take that trio. Harden and CP3 may be better players, but the fit would be easy on that third trio and they'd have youth on their side plus two guys who can be elite defenders on the wings. Just need to add a shooter to play the 2 and someone to be competent at the 5.
I think CP3 being a waaay better defender than Lillard offsets the gap between Harden and PG on defense. Plus Harden and CP3 smarter players than PG and Lillard, something that LeBron made a point of at his press conference after Game 4. Just my opinion tho
Another name the Lakers could "try" to trade for is John Wall. Another Klutch Sports guy. But the Wiz would really have to be soured on him to move him. I don't see the Lakers being able to put together a package. I mean, it would have to be Ball+Ingram+Deng+pick(s) to get into the discussion. Supposedly though, the Wiz owner loves his stars so that would still be a tough sell.
I hear you. I can accept that as well, but the youth would win me over. I mean for one year I'd take the Harden/Paul duo, but the age of Paul and the injury history would definitely worry me. While CP3 is a MUCH better defender than Lillard, Harden is way worse than Paul George so that kind of offsets. I think Lillard would handle being a spot shooter for Lebron a lot better than Harden as well.
Yeah but any third star the Lakers get would basically gut the whole roster. You would have to surround them with the Joe Johnson's of the NBA. At least the Rockets can keep PJ Tucker, Capela, and some other players like LMAM and Green and even Ariza
Go back to the same thing I say about Lillard. John Wall has no leverage to demand a trade to the Lakers because he's locked up for FIVE years. Also, as John Wall signed a designated player extension he can't be traded for one year from the date he signed it. The deal was announced July 21st but not sure when it was actually signed. And lastly, again, if the Wizards decide to move on from John Wall, is nobody going to offer a package better than what the Lakers can offer?
Boston has a better chance to land their 4th star than LA does of landing their 3rd star if they get PG and LeBron They got better assets than LA
Well too bad because I hear the Lakers are getting both of them in exchange for a high five and a handshake to be named later.
I don't think so, Wall is good but not that good imo, also not exactly a great guy to have in the lockeroom...and after the next season he's going to make 42M per year until 2023, i would actually love to see the Lakers get him just to have 40M of their cap space on him.
This exactly. Look at this dichotomy. Pop gets Ginobli and Parker to trash Kawhi to the team that he is faking the injury and at the same time now won't offer him the max because they need to see him on the court next season. AKA We don't know how hurt you are and need you to prove that you are back to normal before we commit that type of money. This is going to be a big problem. I personally think they won't offer it but if they did he would take it. I believe that bridge was incinerated and Kawhi will not acquiesce and demand the trade. I also think that due to resources that SAS will trade him to Boston or Philly so he is in the East.
I think that if "IF" the Lakers get LeBron and PG then they will go into the season with only them 2 as the star players and see how they mesh with the Lakers young players. LeBron did this when he went back to Cleveland. They kept waiters until the trade deadline and when it was apparent he wasn't fitting in they traded him for JR Smith. I think the two guys they will target are Jimmy Butler and kahwi bc both are guys who are making well below what they are worth.( both are making about 20mil? ) So they will be easier to fit cap wise. Butler was already frustrated with the effort of the young wolves last year and kahwi isn't in a good place with the Spurs. I can see the wolves taking Ingram + kuzma for Butler at the deadline if they are struggling. And as for kahwi the only team that would have a better package than LA is the Celtics bc the sixers have supposedly told Brett brown not to make any extreme roster changes until they have a GM in place. according to their beat reporters.
