15 Nov 2017 23:52:37
So Bleacher Report drops this article today about how the Lakers are going to land multiple superstars in free agency by extending Deng. I feel like they could definitely make that happen. But what if they aimed higher?

OKC is off to a rough start. They also have reported that upper management won't overdo it next summer in terms of going into the luxury tax. If George is to opt out and earn more (which he will), the Thunder can't afford him. If we hit December and OKC still isn't putting things together, why not capitalize on moving George to a team that he's rumored for?

Lakers get Paul George, Kyle Singler, Zach Collins
***Lakers get their guy. They've been after him and he's been after them. They preserve all expiring deals and take on minimal contracts with him.

Blazers get Jordan Clarkson, Alex Abrines, Julius Randle, OKC 2nd, 2 Lakers 1sts
***In this deal, Blazers move CJ. He's a great talent but doesn't necessarily fit next to Lillard. Getting Clarkson isn't a bad get, but getting 3 picks is great. Abrines can spread the foor, and Randle could fit well there.

Thunder get CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Larry Nance Jr.
***Thunder don't get any picks, but they add a great scorer in CJ. They slide Roberson back over to the 3. Ingram can start at the 3 once he develops a little more. Nance is a nice prospect.

Lakers can still extend and stretch Deng. They still have big expiring contracts. They can actually build around their free agents. More than that, though, they can already have George there to use in talks with free agents next summer.

Thoughts? How far off am I?

1.) 16 Nov 2017
16 Nov 2017 13:54:49
probably best to keep all that talent and just sign him in FA.

2.) 16 Nov 2017
16 Nov 2017 19:11:32
Ingram is playing well for a second year player. He’s on par to be a really good player, giving him up for FA in 2018 in PG13 isn’t ideal when they could potentially pair up next year.
PG: Ball
SG: GEORGE
SF: INGRAM

Those two on defensive switches and rotations will be a problem on the perimeter. The potential of them together vs weakening the Lakers for a FA next year doesn’t make sense to me.