After this season, it seemed that a lot of people put the Lakers’ struggles squarely on Lebron’s shoulders. This is blame is misplaced, and while Lebron had a down year, due to injuries and his lackadaisical play on defense, the failures of LA are not his fault. Rather, they come from the team around him. What should they do this offseason to put themselves and Lebron back on top of the basketball world?
Go All in on Klay
First, they should do whatever they can to pull Klay away from the Warriors. While it was reported he wanted to go to LA, things change (just look at Paul George.) I think Klay is different though, and his body language during interviews makes that apparent. While Iggy jokes about how he would never want to leave Golden State, Klay just looks around awkwardly (as KD doesn’t react either,) making it appear as if they know something that we don’t. Part of it is simply Klay’s personality, it also is a sign of Klay’s future plans.
Why Not Kawhi?
Kawhi Leonard was also reportedly interested in going to LA, preferably the Lakers. While I am unsure if he fell in love with Toronto like PG13 did in OKC, he should still not be the Lakers number one priority. While Kawhi could allow Lebron to take off more plays defensively, Klay is still the better fit. Lebron needs shooting around him at this point in his career, and adding a top five shooter in NBA history should have Lebron dreaming of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy. At the same time, this move would also weaken the warriors, which everyone wants. Obviously, if Kawhi and Klay are both options, sign both. The main focus, however, should be locking up Klay.
Don’t Trade for AD… yet
I’m not saying the Lakers should give up on bringing AD to the City of Angels, but they should slow down a little. As the trade deadline approached, they were competing against themselves for putting together the best trade package. If Danny Ferry (or whoever is in charge) calls the Lakers front office, they should just say, “we’re good.” This will either make the Pelicans realize they won’t get everything they want, panic, and take a lesser offer, or simply move on and save the Lakers from themselves, something the Knicks wish they had with the Carmelo trade. AD is a free agent after next season, and they will still have Lebron as their cornerstone.
LA in the Draft
The Lakers are projected to pick eleventh in the coming draft, with guys like Cameron Reddish (Fr-SG/SF), Brandon Clarke (Jr.-PF), and Bol Bol (Fr.-C). If the Lakers can get Klay, then they should ignore Reddish (who some believe should have stayed in the college). I think Bol Bol is the most intriguing prospect. With JaVale McGee reportedly interested in resigning, the Lakers could have Bol sit on the bench and develop as a player.
Draft Day Moves
What the Lakers really need is someone to take over the game when Lebron is tired, which Klay would help with. Klay can take over a game with his shooting, but is not the kind of guy who will take over night in, night out. In addition to this, the Lakers need a primary ball handler who can run with pass, but also score by themselves at a consistent rate. This is where the Suns come into play. The Knicks are getting the first pick, just like with Ewing. The NBA wants New York to have a good time, and they will make it happen. If the Suns fall to two, the Lakers should be on the phone to get the pick.
Phoenix has been looking for a point guard since Steve Nash left for LA, and will be looking for a point guard in the draft. Ja Morant out of Murray State has been climbing draft boards since March Madness. To move up to the second pick, the Lakers would need to send a package including Lonzo Ball, and Possibly Brandon Ingram. While I have expressed that Ja should not be taken so high, the Lakers should consider this as a viable option.
A trade involving Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram for the second pick and Tj Warren should be intriguing for both sides. Phoenix creates a good, young core of Lonzo, Booker, Ingram, and Ayton, while the Lakers add an explosive playmaker in Morant and a good role player in Warren. Morant’s shooting is shaky, but his explosive play and playmaking ability would fit nicely with Lebron.
Why Move on from Lonzo and Ingram?
Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram were rumored to be included in the Anthony Davis deal, and they cannot be happy. They will probably bolt come free agency, and by trading them now, they will be compensated before the inevitable.
