11-01-2025, 03:01 PM
(11-01-2025, 01:52 PM)ThisIStheYear Wrote: Nico tried to isolate Luka. Got rid of the training staff he liked. Prevented collaboration between the Mav’s and Luka’s training teams. He wanted to teach Luka a lesson because as a shoe salesman, of course he knows more than an iconic international superstar basketball player. The Lakers embrace Luka and his team, and the organization understands what it’s like to have an iconic, face of the league type player. The Mavs don’t. It’s night and day for Luka.
Most interesting thing for me will be how they will handle the LeBron situation. On one hand he is still one of the faces of the league and biggest cash machine (jersey sales, publicity,...). Also top 2 player all time who still performs. On the other hand they have made it clear Luka is the face of the franchise and awesome start of the season for Reaves is making him a number two guy as he will likely be Lukas running mate for next years, unless he prefers to choose the Brunson path as some teams might see him as possible number one guy. So far it seems there is a really strong interest between Lakers and Reaves to be married long-term.
Lakers have the flexibility to build a team with or without LeBron moving forward. Their biggest problem is that they have a bunch of expiring deals this season (Rui, Kleber, Vincent), but only limited draft assets. Next season they could trade 3 FRP, but tradeable contracts will be mostly gone. Rui is a very solid player, but Kleber and Vincent bring close to nothing. Vando has some good games, but he is so limited on offense, that he can't be in serious play-off rotation. Knecht has been showing signs of life in last three games. Lakers need another good athletic defender who is not a complete zero on offense and they can become a very serious team. Can some variation of Maxi/Vincent/Knecht and a FRP bring them that guy?
Ayton and Smart have performed really well so far and it will be a problem for Lakers if they don't pick up their PO next summer, as they will not have their bird rights. Ayton has been mostly good, definitely an upgrade at center. He has a low motor and looks somewhat clumsy at times, but he has a very soft shooting touch and moves around the basket. He can also play very solidly against strong centers. He outplayed Sabonis and Gobert twice. He has more problems against smaller and faster centers. Luka never played with a level of defender Smart is. His problem is availability as he missed half of games so far. But when he does play, he has a big impact on winning. LaRavia also played well so far.