Agree..I only feel sorry for Luka who has to go over the same steps all over again and it will take some time (probably 2-3 seasons) to build something...good side is that more guys would want to play in LA then in Dallas (probably)
Fully agree with everything Iztok writes here. It’s hard to fully enjoy this Lakers/Luka season given the gap between the Lakers and the West’s elite teams. Closing that gap is probably going to take more than one offseason, and the Spurs, OKC, and Houston all have more trade capital to work with. They are going to get better too. As Iztok wrote on X, the problems with this Lakers roster pre-date the Luka trade and reflect a FO that hasn’t been able to consistently win on the margins in later draft picks and free agent signings (and letting Caruso leave was a major miscalculation). I would add one other reasonable expectation for 2026: that the new Mark Walter’s ownership group will continue to overhaul the Lakers organization on scouting, training/player development, analytics, etc to compete with the best organizations in the league.
I really agree with your 5th point. Having watched Luka through the Mavs years, the amount and type of media coverage he receives sort of defines how he is perceived.
I would like to see him grow into the player that he can be through his continued personal development. That's a hard ask for someone who is the 3rd or 4th best player in the league right now!
I completely agree that this trade deadline is really critical for the team's development.
Watching Luka brought me much joy. I really wish him the best.
It's a tricky question. Skill, fit wise certainly as the 4th or 5th starter. Age, 30, is the tricky part. But I would say yes if the price is not too high
Yeah, last year it was reported the Heat wanted cap space in 2026 and that this was holding up a trade with the Warriors (Wiggins has a PO).
That might have been a ploy, but if it's still true the Lakers can offer Rui + Gabe/Kleber on expiring contracts. Wiggins feels kind of like the high end of what they can get right now.
Asking Rob Pelinka to so his job is a bold choice Iztok lol. Given a choice, he will always punt a season instead of actively trying to improve the team. Even if he does somehow, he will let good contributors leave for cheap like DFS & Goodwin recently and Caruso, KCP before them. He is the worst GM in the league comfortably in the last decade
Agree..I only feel sorry for Luka who has to go over the same steps all over again and it will take some time (probably 2-3 seasons) to build something...good side is that more guys would want to play in LA then in Dallas (probably)
Agree, but also why my point of finding a piece this deadline is crucial to expedite the process.
Fully agree with everything Iztok writes here. It’s hard to fully enjoy this Lakers/Luka season given the gap between the Lakers and the West’s elite teams. Closing that gap is probably going to take more than one offseason, and the Spurs, OKC, and Houston all have more trade capital to work with. They are going to get better too. As Iztok wrote on X, the problems with this Lakers roster pre-date the Luka trade and reflect a FO that hasn’t been able to consistently win on the margins in later draft picks and free agent signings (and letting Caruso leave was a major miscalculation). I would add one other reasonable expectation for 2026: that the new Mark Walter’s ownership group will continue to overhaul the Lakers organization on scouting, training/player development, analytics, etc to compete with the best organizations in the league.
The latter point is a good one, and part of building the 'base' off court as well.
I too feel the same way about Luka's expectations and the greatness we witness night in and out. Good perspective and eye opening read for me.
Thanks...and glad to see you here!
I really agree with your 5th point. Having watched Luka through the Mavs years, the amount and type of media coverage he receives sort of defines how he is perceived.
I would like to see him grow into the player that he can be through his continued personal development. That's a hard ask for someone who is the 3rd or 4th best player in the league right now!
I completely agree that this trade deadline is really critical for the team's development.
Watching Luka brought me much joy. I really wish him the best.
Would Andrew Wiggins count as a foundational player/future 5th starter?
It's a tricky question. Skill, fit wise certainly as the 4th or 5th starter. Age, 30, is the tricky part. But I would say yes if the price is not too high
Yeah, last year it was reported the Heat wanted cap space in 2026 and that this was holding up a trade with the Warriors (Wiggins has a PO).
That might have been a ploy, but if it's still true the Lakers can offer Rui + Gabe/Kleber on expiring contracts. Wiggins feels kind of like the high end of what they can get right now.
Asking Rob Pelinka to so his job is a bold choice Iztok lol. Given a choice, he will always punt a season instead of actively trying to improve the team. Even if he does somehow, he will let good contributors leave for cheap like DFS & Goodwin recently and Caruso, KCP before them. He is the worst GM in the league comfortably in the last decade