Near future for the Lakers?

[jgoldstein34]

Yeah, your projection for his worth is way more optimistic than mine. I have him worth ~$7 million, if he gets a big offer sheet it is imperative that the Lakers let him walk. He's just not worth it.

[EvanZ]

There are more things at play here.

I mean did you see Randle's instagram pics this summer?

[Crow]

Ah, no. A two second google now didn't convince me.

[JoshEngleman]

The Lakers need to get really, really lucky. The need the Pacers to bail them out. If you can get them to take Randle, Deng, #27 and #28, you do it. Getting out from Deng is key. Trading Randle is also smart, as it would keep them from overpaying him next year. Even though it's a sunk cost, bringing in George for something like this should improve the optics of losing next year's pick.

[Crow]

A great trade, Ball and a couple of other pickups that were sensible. Clarkson and Randle offered and a pretty good chance to be gone eventually. A fine start. And they know that a ton more work needs to be done.

[Crow]

Pelinka wants 2 superstars. Will probably have to get in free agency. Probably 5 or less of current players (not counting draftees) will be around for their arrival and even less for any noisemaking thereafter.

George wants to come. But is he really the top or even a top Laker target? I'd look around hard and probably pick someone else.

[jgoldstein34]

It sounds like the new Lakers front office's strategy is the same as the old: "we're the Lakers"

[Crow]

They aren't really, yet; but have a better pitch with Magic and without Jim Buss.