The offseason is here for most NBA teams, including the LA Lakers. And with that, it’s time for them to try to improve their team. What will they do? Will DeAngelo Russell pick up his player option or will he sign somewhere else? I think he leaves the Lakers for another team. From there, the Lakers only have one hand to play and I can see it now. We all can see it. Austin Reaves will be dangled in trades, along with a couple of more of their big money guys and a 1st round draft pick. I have no idea who they will try to trade for though, I just hope it’s not another Russell Westbrook like fit. But they will look at all of their trade options. Here’s a look at the players that are in play to help the Lakers get someone worth while in a trade.
The 4 guys that are outlined are the key guys to look at. It will be Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent and a 1st round pick for another’s teams supposedly star player, a player they no longer want. Or, if teams don’t want to take on the Hachimura contract, they’ll ask for Jarred Vanderbilt in return. Either way, two or three of these 4 guys are about to be traded soon. I just hope it’s not Reaves.
Yes, I said Reaves. I mean come on, look at Reave’s contract the next 2 years. Twelve million and thirteen million for a total of $25 million over two years? Are we sure he can’t get to another level? Are we sure that an offseason of hitting the weights won’t give this guy another jump in production? I’m sure. I’m sure that he DOES have another jump in him! If he puts in the work in the weight room he could not only be more consistent on offense, but he could become a much better defender against bigger guards and forwards.
I also hope they resign the 21 year old Max Christie to a new deal. He’s a restricted free agent and who knows that the Lakers will do. This guy should have received a little more playing time this past year. Just check out the video below. Notice, it starts with his defense. His offensive game is still developing, especially his knowledge of when to use his quickness and speed to his advantage. However, his mid-range pull is the most efficient part of his game. He gets to that mid-range area pretty easily on a lot of defenders. This guy has some major bounce and energy and will be a big spark for a team if he starts to get consistent minutes.
I wish Darvin Ham had of played him more instead of Reddish but what can you say. And not playing Christie more may have had an additional impact on Darvin losing his job. We all know if certain star players on the team wanted Christie to get playing time, he would have received playing time. He’s not a veteran though and the preference for the Laker’s star duo has been to have vets around them when trying to make a playoff run. We’ll see if they can resign him to a new deal.
That’s my take on the Lakers offseason. They will try to do something to make a splash. I just hope it’s not what I think it is. I can see it now, the Lakers trade Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and a 1st round pick for………….Trae Young and some other Hawks player. SMH. But hey, it is what it is.
Lakers front office living in a fantasy world.. package all them players how you want. You will not get a all-star or border line all-star.. as for d lo if he smart he will pick up that option.. lakers gonna get cp3 and or Gordon heyward..
I think if D-lo is smart, he would NOT pick up that option. He should look to sign a new deal. He has shown he is a scorer and can still demand a 15 mill a yr salary, or more. He would only be trade bait if he opts into that final year of that Laker deal.