What would cause the biggest boost to the Lakers this season?
A) Vando improving his offense
B) Dlo's shooting being more consistent
C) Rui performing like he did in the playoffs all season
D) Cam Reddish living up to his potential as a player
.@KendrickPerkins calls Rob Pelinka the "MVP of the free agency."
"What he added to this team while being able to keep the core of this group ... He won."
I really wish they got significantly better. Their starters are the same and their bench players maybe got better. Bron is a year older…These @Lakers team not good enough to win a chip. Thanks Pelinka
It’s a fair question, did the Lakers get significantly better? I liked all of their moves; each deal I thought ranged between fair to an incredible bargain. They didn’t get Mozgov-ed on any deal and maintained future flexibility.
I think 2 keys have to be recognized: 1. It was an extremely thin free agent class. The opportunity for landing an impact player wasn’t really there; and we’ve lived in a world where the Lakers try to force something in the name of adding talent. It’s a dark place. There was no obtainable Jokic-stopper (if one exists), and now have traceable contracts should one appear mid-season.
And 2. Part of the Lakers improvement is expected to come from within. The core group that they retained were thrown together a couple of months before the playoffs. There is organic growth to be had, though it’s fair to question if a decline from LeBron and/or AD mitigates it’s effects.
So did they get better? Most likely, yes. Maybe they didn’t swing for the fenced and add a big name talent, but let’s face it, had they done so the same analysts would be criticizing them for failing to learn from past mistakes.
It was a good offseason for the Lakers and, after seeing the specific strengths/weaknesses of this group on the floor, they are in position to make it even better mid-season should the right opportunity come along.
This is so true everybody is praising #Pelinka why? lakers starters are the same starters who lost to Denver 4 straight. This @Lakers team is good to make it to the play in only…
The Trail Blazers do not plan to cooperate with Damian Lillard on his trade request to the Heat, per @wojespn:
- Portland “open for business everywhere in the league” on trading Lillard.
- Blazers seeking a combination of young players, draft picks and cap relief.
- Miami has no advantage over any other team because of Lillard’s demands.