JJ Redick was launched because the Lakers head coach in a proper press convention on Monday however he’s already disclosed his plans on maximize their personnel offensively to members of the present roster, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports activities studies.
He’s going to place a premium on positional versatility, 3-point capturing and playmaking and has mentioned particular roles with the gamers. He’ll additionally make the most of lineups that may optimize LeBron James — his former podcast associate — off the ball.
League insiders proceed to push the notion that the Lakers will look to improve the middle place in order that Anthony Davis can spend extra time at energy ahead. Baylor freshman Yves Missi and Indiana sophomore Ke’lel Ware are two potentialities they’ll take a look at with the No. 17 decide. Nonetheless, they could be prepared to maneuver down the primary spherical.
The Knicks and Jazz are prepared to commerce their final first-round decide and second-round draft capital to maneuver up into the teenagers of this draft, Fischer hears. Utah owns the No. 29 and 32 picks and the Lakers would possibly think about drafting Bronny James at a kind of spots, quite than hoping LeBron’s son continues to be obtainable with their second-rounder at No. 55.
Right here’s extra intel from Fischer:
- Pelicans middle Jonas Valanciunas might be a free agent goal for the Lakers in the event that they determine to get veteran assist at that spot. Hawks guard Dejounte Murray and Path Blazers ahead Jerami Grant stay potential commerce targets.
- The Rockets are anticipated to select up their $7.56MM possibility on Jae’Sean Tate and assure the salaries of Jeff Inexperienced and Jock Landale at $8MM apiece. That doesn’t imply they’ll stay on the roster. Houston might use these contracts as commerce items. The Rockets are open for enterprise on the No. 3 total decide as they’re in search of win-now upgrades.
- Quite a few groups proceed to test on the provision of Nets ahead Mikal Bridges, together with the Rockets, Knicks and Jazz. Utah might be well-positioned to make a big transfer. It will probably dangle some vital contracts — John Collins ($26.5MM) and Jordan Clarkson ($14MM), its 2024 draft capital (No. 10, 29, 32) and future picks from the Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell trades. Additionally they have substantial cap room to soak up wage.
- Together with the Knicks and Jazz, the Suns, Timberwolves and Celtics are among the many groups with late first-rounders entertaining commerce potentialities that would transfer them up or down within the draft.