My Edition of the Lakers' Plan Post-PG Announcement
With the recent report from Woj stating that Paul George wants to come to the Lakers and the draft right around the corner, my head has been swirling and my mouth has been salivating at the possibilities. I decided to make a breakdown of how I would like the Lakers to proceed going forward with this newfound information.
- Lakers draft Lonzo Ball at #2
With the likely addition of Paul George, Ingram already on the roster, and a potential addition I will discuss below, it's all but assured Ball will be the selection. I don't really need to delve into fit and talent here, as that would beating a dead horse if you have been around these forums over the last month.
- Lakers trade Jordan Clarkson to the Brooklyn Nets for #22 and draft OG Anunoby
This is well worth the trade. First of all, it frees up much-needed cap space for the Lakers. Second, it adds a dynamic shooter and defender in Anunoby. Third, it locks down a pretty solid rotation at the guard spots.
- Lakers draft Jordan Bell at #28
I'm a hug fan of Bell. The guy brings defense in the paint that we've been sorely lacking. Plus, with the firepower we will have on offense, all he'll be needed for on that end is the potential offensive rebound for a scoop-in bucket or a PnR.
- Lakers trade Julius Randle, Luol Deng, and a 2020 1st rounder to the Pacers for Paul George
Now, this is where there might be some controversy. I know many of you think there's no need to trade assets for someone that will join us anyway. However, this is a necessary trade. It continues to free up a TON of cap space. If all goes to plan, the draft pick will be very late in the first round. The draft pick is really just to sweeten the deal for them. Randle is the prize and, considering our leverage, Indiana will have to take Deng along with him. Why free up the cap space? Well, that's the next bullet point...
- Sign Lebron James
After doing the math on the cap, We will have just enough to sign LBJ and PG IF we do all I mentioned above. This will leave us with the following lineup:
GUARDS: Russell/Ball/Anunoby
FORWARDS: LBJ/PG/Ingram/LNJ
CENTER: Zubac/Bell/Mosgov
This is my ultimate dream scenario. Unfortunately, the majority of what I wrote must happen in a domino effect for this layout to come to fruition. But I think Magic can do it.