A defensive center or 3-and-D wing?

slavavov

It's EXTREMELY early, but the Lakers are starting to look like a different team to start this season, and it's starting to look like Darvin Ham held us back last season.

We just beat a very good and possibly contender-level team in the Suns, and the next night, we beat an improved Kings team.

I read the "contenders or too early?" thread, and it made me think we clearly do need one more piece. I don't really fear anyone in the West as there's lots of parity out here, but I don't think we can beat the Celtics or Knicks as presently constituted.

If we get to Christmas Day as a top-four team in the West, should we look to trade for a defensive center or a 3-and-D wing who can also fly downcourt and finish in transition? We have limited trade assets, so I'm guessing we can only get one of them.
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gng930 · Franchise Player Joined: 13 Apr 2001 Posts: 11621

I think you can get both if you're willing to deal both remaining picks. But to answer your question, a defensive center will only be helpful with a handful of playoff teams whereas the 3/D-wing will be helpful against pretty much any team.
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Hanging from Rafters · Star Player Joined: 31 Jul 2018 Posts: 5316

LBJ is listed as SF. Vando isn’t 3 but perhaps can flip flop with Knecht for 3 and D team up. There is also the possibility…tho both look like question marks…of MaxChris/CamRed. Finally there is even a longer shot of MaxLew. None of those are promising but for C we have AD/Hayes/Wood.

I said all that to say that the Lakers appear thinner at back up C so I see that as the biggest need even tho it does make sense that a 3&D wing does appear that it may be useful in more situations. Still, production for non-AD minutes imo is the team’s biggest weakness so my vote if for a C.
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TooMuchMajicBuss · Posted: Sun Oct 27, 2024 8:23 pm Post subject:

Hard to tell until Vando's back, JJ's been scouted by other teams (Knecht too) and we've had time to see how our current roster evolves and responds to a much more organized coaching staff.

At this stage I side with backup C, that's where I see one single injury hurting us a lot more than if any of our guards go down.

jb2 · Franchise Player Joined: 03 Dec 2014 Posts: 11233

A starting center would be great but that pushes Rui to the bench and AD has looked great being used as he is. I think a 3&D starting guard while opening up a roster spot to sign Sharp would be the feasible path I would take... just don't know who that 3&D guard is.

J.C. Smith · Franchise Player Joined: 23 Jun 2005 Posts: 12796

To me it would be a 3&D point guard, followed by a big center.

LakerDynasty6.0 · Star Player Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 4678

OP can you please add "YES" as a poll option? That'd be my selection
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Dr. Laker · Franchise Player Joined: 12 Apr 2002 Posts: 17671

C (unless Hayes continue to shoot .900).

Getting production - when AD sits - is crucial.
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PICKnPOP · Star Player Joined: 14 Jul 2014 Posts: 5826

We probably don’t do either until Vando and wood come back. We have no idea what we have right now. We have to look at this team through a whole new lense with JJ as the coach.

What if wood comes back and is giving us 15&8 off the bench shooting 38% from 3? What if max Christie starts playing up to expectations?

At that point what do we really need?
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PICKnPOP · Star Player Joined: 14 Jul 2014 Posts: 5826

If we get another wing will that stunt Knechts growth? I’d rather wait and see what we have. I’d actually rather give Knecht more minutes than make a more trade right now.

AD/ wood
Bron/ Vando
Rui/Knecht
Reaves/max
Dlo/gabe

I’m rocking with this right now!
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dcarter4kobe · Franchise Player Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 18327

We have been needing both for 2 seasons now. Way not to address roster needs to maximize potential.

What's obvious to me though, no matter how hated he is, we need DLO play making ball handling. Reaves is best as a secondary play maker and has struggled with intense ball pressure since day one. Same with Gabe just on a much lower scale.

So if a trade includes DLo, we might be robbing peter to pay Paul and feel it down the line.

I would be shopping Vincent/JHS+filler to see what's out there. Of course nothing sexy for that but maybe something better fitting like Goga. Also have to remember it's still 2 capable back up PG's that are free agents that can take Gabe's spot in Fultz/DSJ
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LakersRGolden · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 7:50 am Post subject:

governator · Retired Number Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 26421

defense · Retired Number Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Posts: 40964

Can I have both?

defense · Retired Number Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Posts: 40964

dcarter4kobe · Franchise Player Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 18327

I would do Robert Williams for Gabe Vincent+VM (Lewis)

And hope Cam/Vando/Max/DK provides enough for wing spots
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Outspoken · Star Player Joined: 11 Feb 2015 Posts: 8623

LakersRGolden · Posted: Mon Oct 28, 2024 8:18 am Post subject:

dcarter4kobe · Franchise Player Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 18327

Robert Williams is a center. It's risky as he has always been hurt but when he is on and healthy he has proven to be an ALL NBA defensive player. Worth a swing if all it cost is Gabe.

Will have to fill the Gabe void in buyout market or another fringe trade.
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RI Laker · Star Player Joined: 27 Jun 2005 Posts: 7623

There really are not many options for either. Champagne taste and beer pockets.

dcarter4kobe · Franchise Player Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 18327

Lakeshow23_ · Starting Rotation Joined: 02 May 2021 Posts: 904

AR/Wing/RUI/Bron/AD = Contending

Replacing DLO with an athletic wing that can shoot and reasonably guard guys like SGA, Luka, Edwards, etc is imperative.

defense · Retired Number Joined: 12 Jan 2010 Posts: 40964

If you are going to hunt a 3D wing... Lonzo is the guy I would take a risk on. Deep down, he wants to be in LA.

You put healthy Lonzo (insert meme here) next Reaves and we are cooking.