The Lakers are, barring something unexpected, considered to be set for training camp, in terms of the roster.
But that said, is there the potential for anything unexpected?
Sacramento is trying desperately to unload Malik Monk (a former fave of Lakers fans, if only for a short time) so they can pick up Russell Westbrook. (That's an odd choice, we think, but a bigger question for Matt George at Locked On Kings.) Understanding that the mechanics of a Westbrook deal would be difficult to manage (remember, Sacto is trying to open up a spot, so a 1-1 trade likely doesn't work), would Monk be a welcome addition? More specifically, would Monk be the type of player worth sacrificing part of the flexibility Rob Pelinka so clearly values?
It gets down to your POV about roster building... and also about the current team. Are players (and their contracts) worth more than cap space? Do the Lakers have the confidence to acquire players they think will have appeal on the open market, if they need to be moved again? Is it worth sacrificing flexibility later for guys (whether Monk or someone else) who can help win now?
This is a conversation that will be happening a lot, especially as the Lakers get closer to this year's trade deadline.
In the meantime, we can all enjoy Eurobasket, which is set to start next week now that everyone is all finished up with their warm up games... or at least Slovenia is. They, and Luka, took one on the chin Thursday against Serbia. Luka, who absorbed a tremendous amount of attention from the opposition, again struggled from the perimeter (2-10 from 3-point range) but managed overall to still put up a solid line with 17 points and multiple trips to the FT line.
That, by the way, is something to watch. Luka hasn't been as successful getting to and finishing at the rim as he was earlier in his career. Will his physical transformation change that trend?
HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky
SEGMENT 1: Why Luka gets it.
SEGMENT 2: Slovenia takes one on the chin.
SEGMENT 3: Malik Monk? Would that be a good idea for the Lakers?
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