Laker's Presser

[LazyTitanSmash]

Last year's playoffs were a strong showing for us. We made it all the way to the conference finals. If Magic had performed up to his usual standard, there's a good chance we could have gone even further.

This offseason, we made significant moves — most notably sending out a lot of our scoring talent besides Magic. Our focus shifted heavily toward size and defense. We think we’ve addressed that need, especially with the addition of Jeff Ruland, who brings the toughness and interior defense we've been lacking at PF for a long time. Even though he’s traditionally a G/G, we believe he’ll make a positive impact on the defensive side.

We also added Larry Smith, with the goal of dominating the glass and making sure we’re among the league leaders in rebounding.

We brought back the core of our team, but it came at a price — we now have the highest payroll in the league. If we don't look like a strong playoff team early on, Brad Davis or Norm Nixon could be on the move. Larry Smith is also available — if you see value in him, send over a 1986 draft pick and he could be yours.

Key Changes:

Magic Johnson is now officially taking over the team from World B. Free.


We retained our group of young Y/Y players, but so far none of them have shown meaningful development.


We’ve committed to training James Donaldson and Jeff Ruland, a decision that could backfire by raising Ruland’s free agency value next year — and possibly pricing us out of keeping Donaldson.

Starting 5:
PG: Brad Davis
SG: Norm Nixon
SF: Magic Johnson (Utility role)
PF: Jeff Ruland
C: James Donaldson

Bench Highlight:
Larry Smith coming off the bench as a high-impact SF


Trade Note:
Larry Smith is most likely to be moved due to our cap crunch. If you’re in need of rebounding and hustle, he’s available for a 1986 pick.

[greepleairport]

No questions before sim 2 on the Lakers presser, the perceived most dominant team of the season.

Interesting.

Do you think that's because of your horrible trade offers?

[WigNosy]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian...

You mentioned you might be "priced out" of keeping Donaldson and openly shopped Larry Smith. How much impact will the luxury tax line have on the composition of your team this season? Do you feel there is a "Lakers tax" as far as you getting deals done that might offer you salary relief?

[LazyTitanSmash]

No questions before sim 2 on the Lakers presser, the perceived most dominant team of the season.

Interesting.

Do you think that's because of your horrible trade offers?

I love my trade offers. My players are clearly quality players but if you don't want to pay for quality that's on you.


P.S. I got quite an offer for Perish!

[LazyTitanSmash]

Steve Duin, the Oregonian...

You mentioned you might be "priced out" of keeping Donaldson and openly shopped Larry Smith. How much impact will the luxury tax line have on the composition of your team this season? Do you feel there is a "Lakers tax" as far as you getting deals done that might offer you salary relief?

I wanted to get out of the tax. To do that I need to shed a little salary, specify the Larry Smith. But with an 11-0 start I'm much less tempted to make to many adjustments. The question is will I have a better chance of winning a title next year if I resign Ruland and go deep into the tax, than I do this season. So far it looks like I should just stand pat and go into the tax this year.