Recently, during the interaction with fans, a reporter named Jowan Buha revealed a very important information that Lakers executive Pelinka is trying to find ways to send Westbrook away through transactions. It is reported that although another executive, Lambis, tried hard to stop it, more than half of the executives within the Lakers were unwilling to take risks with James' career. Since Westbrook + James + Davis's Big Three System failed so much, then just change the path and prepare to make a comeback next season.
Various signs indicate that the Lakers have reached an agreement on whether to trade Westbrook, and Westbrook left the team and entered the final countdown. It should be mentioned that Pelinka is also preparing to knock down the team's existing defense system this offseason, and players such as Reeves, Tucker Jr., Nunn are all regarded as bargaining chips. In the free agent market, traditional defenders with control skills will receive the focus of Pelinka. The Lakers are determined to change their blood in the backcourt: the Grizzlies' demon guards get a quotation of tens of millions, and James recruits 33-year-old defensive iron gates.
learned from relevant follow-up reports that although the Lakers' existing salary structure is limited, after the efforts of the management, the Lakers have found a way to deal with Westbrook's maximum salary contract. The rebuilt Thunder takes over, provided that the Lakers hand over a certain number of draft picks, which must include at least the first round picks in 2027. If the Thunder successfully obtains Westbrook with their salary space, then the Lakers' subsequent reinforcement operation will become smoother. In addition, according to an NBA industry insider, 26-year-old demon guard Tayes Jones, who played for the Grizzlies this season, recently received a signing offer from the Lakers, with a specific details of which are worth $27 million in three years.
information shows that Jones is 26 years old this year. He plays 73 games for the Grizzlies this season, and can contribute 8.7 points + 2.3 rebounds + 4.4 assists per game, and has a three-point shooting percentage of 39%. The last signing in his NBA career occurred in 2019. The specific details are, with a total value of 24 million US dollars in three years. After the end of this season, Jones will resume his free agent status. Let’s briefly analyze the original intention of the Lakers’ quotation Jones. As we all know, from Schroeder to Westbrook, the Lakers have been looking for high-quality active point guards in the past two years. This move is to make the elderly James play more easily and no longer have to spend too much energy on the organizational side.
Although Jones is not as good as the top two in terms of fame, it is undeniable that Jones is a representative of practical point guards in the NBA in recent years and is indeed capable of leading the Lakers' second team. As for the Lakers' starting point guard candidate, it was learned in a report by US media that James has started recruiting mode, and the Timberwolves defended the iron gate and Beverly, 33, is expected to join the Lakers next season. Sources show that Beverly was recently invited to attend an offline party and had many interactions with James during this period. According to a friend who attended the party, the topic of conversation between James and Beverly was about how to cooperate. In order to improve the quality of the Lakers' defense, James hopes to join forces with Beverly next season.
As for the contract amount, James is willing to be the introducer and let Pelinka and Beverly's agent contact. In short, as long as Beverly nods and agrees, James will do his best to promote the relevant signing. According to statistics, Beverly played 58 times for the Timberwolves this season, averaging 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, and a three-point shooting percentage of 34%, which is similar to Grizzlies guard Jones. Beverly is about to become a free agent. At that time, if Westbrook has left the team, the Lakers have the opportunity to get Beverly through operations. Do you think if Westbrook is replaced by Beverly + Jones, will the Lakers have a chance to make a comeback next season? Welcome to leave a message in the comment section below for discussion, thank you for your reading and attention.
