Lakers OFF-SEASON IS A WRAP

[DCAllAfrican]

Agreed, but...

*checks thread*

Am I... in the right place?

Check PM

 

[pmatic]

Watching today's presser, Brandon Bass' voice does not match him.

 

[had pants]

instagram.com/p/5ctF7hSLle/

 

[Los Angeles]

awkward silence smh

 

[grandtheftbike]

This is the first time I've heard Bass' voice

 

[mosk33toe]

I like Brandon Bass, he sounds like a guy who just goes to work and does his job, very Marshawn Lynch like, obviously not as talented, but I think him and Kobe will hit it off

 

[had pants]

 

[delete1234]

what and idiot paparazzi. Good god. Kobe ain't even say huge props or none of that. Just said be you and be comfortable being you.

 

[essential1]

Poor Rick Fox was killed in a Sharknado.

 

[Maximus Meridius]

awkward silence smh

Dying

 

[Lizakers]

That was really weird lol

Nobody said a word

Like couldn't they each say something like "no we haven't talked to him yet but I'm sure we will soon yada yada"?

It was so dam awkward smh

 

[essential1]

Lakers Summer League: Robert Upshaw was a mountain in the Lakers' offense, pick-and-roll
By Drew Garrison @DrewGarrisonSBN on Jul 22, 2015, 11:04a

Robert Upshaw did a lot of things right for the Lakers during Summer League, but his ability to work in the pick-and-roll was his best utility.

The Los Angeles Lakers made a low-risk, high-upside move when they locked up a commitment from undrafted big man Robert Upshaw immediately following the NBA Draft. He's said all of the right things since, and finally had an opportunity to show what he can bring on the court at Summer League. Upshaw played in limited minutes, but he didn't fail to show the kind of moldable talent that makes his ceiling seem so high.

There were dazzling moments, like the baseline turnaround and-one he hit over the top of Karl-Anthony Towns in the Lakers' opener. Upshaw came up with his fair share of blocks, bodied up the best young center prospects in Vegas and walked away looking like the kind of first-round talent he's been projected as.

Where he leveraged himself into the Lakers' plans during Summer League the most, though, was how he was the best pick-and-roll partner for D'Angelo Russell. Russell's finest moment of Summer League -- at least as a shooter -- came in a fourth-quarter stretch where he hit four jumpers out of the pick-and-roll against Utah. Upshaw set the first three of those screens.

Here's a closer look at that sequence between Russell and Upshaw, and a stray look at the same pick-and-roll dynamic earlier in the week against the 76ers:



Upshaw sets strong screens and is a huge frame for a defending guard to work around. There was actually a point where Russell used him like a fullback just to probe the defense from the perimeter:

D'Angelo is going to have to continue improving his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, and finding a rhythm with a big man is going to play a huge role in this development. Right now it's not even clear if the Lakers have finalized their contract with Upshaw, which was reported to be a multi-year deal with only a partial guarantee. His place in the Lakers' rotation and plans is murky at best, but there's definitely a place for a big man with Robert's talent on their roster.

He's a big center who sets massive screens, presenting himself as the kind of pillar a young guard can grow with. Upshaw can create space away from the ball as well, increasing his value with the kind of off-ball execution the Lakers need from their offense:

He's also one of the few young Lakers' bigs that looks capable of rolling to the rim. Upshaw forced defenders to collapse from the perimeter when he dove to the rim. His willingness to be a boulder crashing into the paint is a tool that can open up an offense:

Forget about his potential as a defender and scorer, which are what really separate Upshaw as a top-tier talent. There's a place for a player who can set solid screens and move the way he does, even if that's all he could do well. Yes, the Lakers can use a guy who can do this for their offense:

Whether or not everything works out, Upshaw did proved he's worth a chance as a basketball player. The Lakers haven't had a big man who can physically clear out lanes like Upshaw, he fits well with Russell in the pick-and-roll, and he'll be ticking on the same timetable as the rest of the young core. If everything else checks out, it'd be shocking to see Robert slip out of the Lakers' hands.

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/...-robert-upshaw-summer-league-screens-analysis



He's at the worst a head case, but he can contribute what Sacre does. At best he's a functional starter in the future. He would have been a lottery pick had he not been a screw up. Late 1st if not for the heart scare.

It's drop in the bucket money, not like we committed lottery money to him.


Let him start in the DLeague. Give him a few months, and then make him the 3rd Center when he's ready this year. With hopes of the backup in Year 2.

 

[Johnny_Cakes]

We haven't locked him up yet huh? Is it still possible another team gets him?

 

[essential1]

We haven't locked him up yet huh? Is it still possible another team gets him?

Yes. But with the lack of movement on him so far, not sure how many teams are willing to take that shot. I think if we don't move on him, it's in his agent's best interest to just move on to somewhere else.

But it certainly is a real possibility. See Seth Curry and how the Pelicans didn't give him enough guaranteed $ / role. Kings swooped in and took him.

 

[pmatic]

2016 free-agent Big Board 1.0: LeBron and Durant lead a top-heavy class

Well, that escalated quickly!

Free agency 2015 went by in the blink of an eye, with most of the non-minimum-salary free agents getting snatched off the board within the first 72 hours. It ran in stark contrast to 2014, when the entire market sat and waited to see what LeBron James did.

The way things are panning out, 2016 might go by even more quickly. No fewer than 15 teams are expected to have at least $20 million in cap space, as the first year of inflated salary caps gassed off the new television deal revenues takes effect. The list of desirable free agents is considerably thinner than years past, and an abundance of cash, combined with a shortage of talent, means free agency is only slated to get crazier.

Here's my first look at the top 10 of my 2016 free agent Big Board, sorted by the average annual value (AAV) of the new contracts I believe each player deserves under the rules of the CBA. The contract valuations for many of these players are almost guaranteed to change, as their 2014-15 performances will affect their worth, but it is important to get a gauge of where the different prospects stand.

To make my contract value estimates, I used many of the same factors I considered as a member of the Phoenix Suns' front office: age, injury history, value of recent comparable player contracts, irreplaceability of skill set, contribution to winning, history of production, fit with style and culture, marketability and current cap situation, among other things.

Remember, this is not a ranking of the best free agents -- it lines them up based on projected AAV; and the AAVs listed below represent my estimation of the approximate value of each player, not a prediction of what the player will receive on the market in 2016. (Values denoted in millions of dollars.)

1. LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers | SF

2015-16 salary: $23.0 million
Suggested AAV: $30.7 million/year ($61.4 million over two years, player option)
FA status: Player option

Let's do it again! James has this constant free agency thing down to a science, but this would probably be the last summer it's financially more viable for him to sign a short-term deal. Moving past 2016, he'll have full Bird rights, and the cap explosion should stabilize, but most importantly, both the NBA and the NBPA have the right to opt out of the current CBA in December 2016. This could mean an elimination (or loosening) of max deals in the next CBA, allowing James to make his true market value. Then again, it could also mean more restrictive spending penalties, limiting his earning potential.

2. Dwight Howard | Houston Rockets | C

2015-16 salary: $22.4 million
Suggested AAV: $30.7 million/year ($61.4 million over two years)
FA status: Player option

Howard's a lightning rod for criticism, but he's still one of the premier centers in the game for his ability to impact either end of the floor. He's one of the best defensive deterrents at the rim and efficient offensively on the other end. I'd be hesitant to commit long term without some givebacks on the backend, because Howard does rely heavily on his athleticism to be effective.

3. Kevin Durant | Oklahoma City Thunder | SF

2015-16 salary: $20.2 million
Suggested AAV: $27.3 million/year ($81.8 million over three years, player option)
FA status: Unrestricted free agent

Durant's eligible for five years, $146 million from Oklahoma City. If that number sounds familiar, it's because it's the same deal Anthony Davis signed under the Rose Rule provision. Durant will be one year shy of hitting the 10-year experience mark that bumps him up to the highest max contract bracket (35 percent of the cap), so signing a long-term deal wouldn't be in his best interest. A three year deal with a player option after the second gives him some security (should injury woes continue to bedevil him), while staying flexible enough to re-enter the market under the 35 percent bracket (or if max contracts get eliminated in the next CBA).

4. Mike Conley | Memphis Grizzlies | PG

2015-16 salary: $9.6 million
Suggested AAV: $24.0 million/year ($96.0 million over four years)
FA status: Unrestricted free agent

The drop-off between Conley and the next best point guard available on the market next summer is massive, and his representation will certainly exploit that fact. He's been criminally underrated, perhaps the most of any player in the league, and is a brilliant game manager, playmaker and tenacious defender who's improved his shooting every year in the league and has one of the deadliest in-between games. The closest "new money" comparison would be Damian Lillard's extension, but whatever Conley signs for is going to be the new standard for point guard contracts.

5. Andre Drummond | Detroit Pistons | C

2015-16 salary: $3.3 million
Suggested AAV: $23.5 million/year ($94.1 million over four years, player option)
FA status: Restricted free agent

Drummond will be barely 23 years old next summer, with potential to continue to grow as a dominant center in the league. He's probably a true point guard away from realizing his full potential, but there will be no shortage of suitors for his services. A four-year max deal with an opt out after the third keeps his options open.

6. Bradley Beal | Washington Wizards | SG

2015-16 salary: $5.7 million
Suggested AAV: $23.5 million/year ($94.1 million over four years, player option)
FA status: Restricted free agent

Don't let John Wall see this entry, lest he get even more confused by the concept of a rising cap. Beal has been anointed as the next great shooting guard in the league, and like Conley, he'll benefit from a lack of viable alternatives on the market. Again, a four-year max with an opt out after three makes him the highest paid shooting guard, but gives him an opportunity to re-enter the market.

7. Al Horford | Atlanta Hawks | PF/C

2015-16 salary: $12.0 million
Suggested AAV: $22.0 million/year ($88.0 million over four years, partial guarantee)
FA status: Unestricted free agent

If Conley is the most underrated player in the game, Horford isn't far behind. So much of the Hawks' success this past season was predicated on Horford's ability to remain a mismatch on the offensive end while holding his own defensively. One of the main concerns about Horford is durability, as he's twice suffered torn pectoral muscles (albeit different sides), so a partial guarantee based on minutes played in prior seasons could protect the team should he miss significant time.

8. Hassan Whiteside | Miami Heat | C

2015-16 salary: $981,348
Suggested AAV: $18.8 million/year ($56.4 million over three years, team option on third year)
FA status: Unrestricted free agent

Whiteside burst on the scene last year, but based on his history it was hard for anyone -- even the Miami Heat -- to project he'd be this successful. Had they foreseen Whiteside's rags-to-riches rise, they would have given him a team option on 2015-16 instead of a non-guaranteed year, which would have allowed them to decline that option, turning him into a 2015 restricted free agent. Instead, he'll be an unrestricted free agent with only Early Bird rights, meaning Miami will have to use cap space to pay him market value. Of course, this all depends on Whiteside's ability to stay on his best behavior and continue to produce on a high level on the floor.

9. Chandler Parsons | Dallas Mavericks | SF

2015-16 salary: $15.4 million
Suggested AAV: $18.0 million/year ($54.0 million over three years)
FA status: Unrestricted free agent

Given the tumultuous 2015 free agency of the Mavericks, Parsons is in a unique position few could have foreseen when he signed his deal last summer. Combining the cap rise with the opportunity to take a leading role as a focal point of Dallas' offense this season, Parsons can see his value rise significantly, above the $15.6 million he's due this season. As a 6-10, playmaking forward who is a dependable 3-point shooter, he's already a unique proposition. Now he needs to show the ability to take the next step.

10. Timofey Mozgov | Cleveland Cavaliers | C

2015-16 salary: $5.0 million
Suggested AAV: $16.0 million/year ($48.0 million over three years)
FA status: Unrestricted free agent

Defensive centers are the anchors of almost every elite defense; defensive centers who are not offensive liabilities are even more valuable, as the emphasis on playing two-way players at every role-player position grows. The closest comparison would be Robin Lopez, who signed a four-year, $54 million deal this summer with the Knicks and most resembles Mosgov's defensive acumen and offensive dependability.

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/stor...s-dwight-howard-top-2016-free-agent-big-board

 

[pmatic]

A video of Harrison Barnes working out at Steven Jackson's house last summer. His gym is a replica of the Staples Center.


youtu.be/1JjHaskE24Y


Jerry West cameo midway through.

 

[CP1708]

I forgot all about Parsons having an opt out.

If we miss on KD, I am perfectly content with Batum and Parsons as fall back options.

 

[Lizakers]

I really think we have a shot at keeping our pick next draft.

Are there three teams we are better than right now?

Orlando, Min, NY are all better right now in my opinion

Philly is worse and maybe Denver, but even they have Faried, Chandler, Mudiay, Gallo, Nurkic, Hickson

Thoughts?

 

[licensed to ball]

My thoughts are the Knicks were the worst team in the league and still only got the 4th pick.

We're going to be horrible, but not Knicks horrible. Unless everyone gets injured it's highly unlikely we sniff bottom 3.its just hard to be THAT bad all the way through. IMHO

 

[Lizakers]

Knicks have Melo, Afflalo, Porzingis, Robin Lopez, Derrick Williams, Calderon, Grant

that might get 30 wins in the east

I'm thinking for us playing better Western teams all season might help us get a bottom 3 record

 

[CP1708]

Philly, Portland, Brooklyn are all worse than us.

Denver and New York could be close.


In order to keep our pick we need a Cleveland special. Would love for that kind of luck, but can't plan for it.

 

[Lizakers]

Good pt CP

I forgot about Por and BKN, they will be pretty bad, maybe we get a bottom 5 record and move up in the lottery by luck

 

[BIG LEEMELONE]

I doubt bk will be that bad. A playoff team in the east that lost only deron williams. Also they don't have a draft pick so they don't have any incentive to tank

 

[essential1]

Hibbert will win us a handful of games that we would barely lose last season.

And the talent is much better.

30-35 wins is likely.


I think we'll have 5 teams worse than us. Sixers and Blazers are definites. Then probably a handful who have a shot at being worse with a couple or a few who actually are.

 

[Lizakers]

A lot of players that contributed to us being in close games last year are gone, and if Wacky P gets minutes, that's an extra 10 losses right there