GOOD NEWS: Lakers’ finally sign Nikola Vucevic for $120 Million’s from Bulls… See More…
Of course, we do need to evaluate players in a vacuum as well.
From that perspective, perhaps team building is a two-step process. The first step is to determine who the individual players are. The second step is to determine whether they’re likely to complement each other.
The Bulls don’t appear to have followed that process in assembling their current roster. Sure, they assessed who the players were. The Bulls put together a talented roster.
It just doesn’t fit together. Between Vucevic, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls have a whole lot of playmaking – and very little defense.
Lakers rumors have become the major news of the 2023-24 NBA season because a title-contending team featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis should be doing a lot better than they currently are. A 23-23 record is not good enough and the Lakers have not found the right role-player performances around the stars. No doubt, changes need to be made but there is a patient way in which they can do that.
The Lakers need a need point guard play, a new All-Star, and a big man who can provide cover for Anthony Davis. The way they can do that is to make a shocking move for veteran Kyle Lowry and engage in a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bulls that sends DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic to them to create one of the best depth charts in the NBA. Here are the steps to the ultimate patient plan for the Lakers.
The first move is to wait patiently for Kyle Lowry to become available, a 37-year-old veteran who will likely be on the outs with the Charlotte Hornets as the team is tanking and the player belongs on a title-contending team. Lowry was posting 8.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game for the Miami Heat this season on 38.5% shooting from three but the team made an upgrade by acquiring Terry Rozier.
It is very likely that Lowry will get bought out soon and there are many teams interested in his services. Fortunately for the Lakers, seven major contenders for Lowry’s signature are not allowed to acquire him, leaving the Lakers in a very advantageous position. The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Denver Nuggets are all title-contenders who can’t acquire the former six-time All-Star.