The Lakers give up Kessler s deal! 5.7 million locks Capela, Paul Old is the target of basic salary

Jazz asked to smash Lakers' fantasy‌

On June 10, Lakers' team reporter Jovan Buha said bluntly in the podcast: ‌Kesler's trade is basically hopeless. The Jazz's price tag for the young center is extremely high. The feedback the Lakers received when inquiring about the price was that "the starting price is equivalent to two first-round picks". Even if rookie Kennett adds one in the first round, it is still difficult to meet the requirements. Salt Lake City's positioning of Kessler is at the core of the long term. Unless third-party teams intervene to provide high-quality assets (such as Hachimura or expiration contracts), it is difficult to make a deal. This judgment is consistent with the Los Angeles Times analysis in January - the Jazz's price for scarce insiders that meets Redick's tactical requirements is far beyond the Lakers' affordability.

Mini Middle-class locked Capela‌

Faced with the trading dilemma, Buha revealed that the Lakers will turn to the free market, and the 5.7 million Mini Middle-class special case is the "Pie King" Capela‌. Despite its decline in athleticism, the efficient finishing and rebound protection averaged 8.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game (55.9% shooting percentage) perfectly match Doncic and James' passing system. If Capela asks too high, alternatives include:

Lopez: space-type fifth position, three-point range can open offensive space, but defense depends on counterattack;

Adams: top substitute center, strong frame protection but great potential for injury, and is more suitable for the second lineup.

It is worth noting that only the Lakers are available for the Mini Middle class unless traded for Hachimura or Reeves to release cap space‌.

The base salary market has hidden mystery‌

Buha focuses on mentioning the two major goals of the Lakers base salary market:

Chris Paul‌: The 40-year-old point guard’s control ability is still the top in the league, and he can serve as a substitute for Doncic, and contribute 15 minutes of firepower in each game‌. He has a close personal relationship with James and is more likely to join the franchise with a salary cut.

Bruce Brown‌: If the mini middle class is used to sign the center, the wing reinforcement will target 3D players like Brown. His three-point shooting percentage this season is 36.5%, his defensive resilience is in line with the Lakers system, and there is a possibility of market squeeze in signing at the basic salary.

In addition, the Warriors' Gary Payton II is listed as an alternative, and his perimeter biting ability can enhance the depth of the backcourt defense.

There may be the theory of tripartite transactions‌

Although Kessler's hopes for trading are slim, Buha still pointed out a dangerous path for the Lakers: the introduction of third-party teams to facilitate complex transactions‌. For example:

Lakers send Vincent (expired contract) + first round pick → third-party team

third-party team provides the Jazz with young players/draft → exchange Kessler ‌

This kind of plan needs to match the interests of the three parties, which is extremely difficult to operate. US media once proposed that the Lakers participate in the four-party transaction to exchange for Hawks Okonggu (average of 9.2 points and 7 rebounds per game), but they need to pay Reeves + multiple first-round swap rights, and the cost-effectiveness is questionable.

Inside B Plan Appears ‌

If the signing of the free market is blocked, the Lakers' trading radar will lock in three pragmatic targets:

Gafford (Mavericks): Because of Levley's growth, he became a substitute, and his ability to eat cakes with averaging 12 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.2 hats per game is suitable for Doncic, and his contract of 14.4 million is easy to match;

Clarkston (Nets): The Lakers have been paying attention to for a long time, but their condition has declined after signing a three-year, 69.43 million contract, and the transaction value is questionable;

Rowe (Trail Blazers): The injury risks are great but the frame protection efficiency is outstanding. As a Kessler substitute, he was listed as an alternative by the US media.

State summary‌

The Lakers' management's summer operation is moving towards a pragmatic route - giving up their fantasies about Kessler, and using the mini middle class to compete for Capela, and ambush veterans such as Paul and Brown in the basic salary market. The countdown to Doncic's contract renewal (one month after the free market opened) is like a sword on the roof, forcing Pelinka to complete the lineup upgrade within limited resources.

When Paul practiced pick-and-roll tactics in the training hall, Capela's mobile phone vibrated and received an unknown text message: "Are you ready for the restart of the Aerial City?" The high asking price of Salt Lake City may have blocked the shortcut, but the Lakers' championship puzzle has always been in danger.