**LA LAKERS THREAD** Sitting on 17! 2026-2027 offseason begins

[g-time]

Still, the fact Luka sat out the entire playoffs and then immediately we lose Bron, Rui, Smart, Ayton, Kennard, and Jax......

1 or 2 of them, sure. 3-4, maybe. But ALL 6?!?!?

We better hope Luka choices work out.

That 2 year Luka clock has started.

 

[Zo gif]

Did you watch the playoffs? Kennard fizzled out against OKC to the point he was unplayable. A traffic cone on defense.

Rui not kennard

 

[sohi 23]

The more I think about it the more I like kuminga’s fit over rui’s fit.

 

[Zo gif]

Defense will be the biggest issue.
If this team has a top 10 defense next year JJ should win COTY

 

[jjones23]

Not re-signing Rui Bird is unacceptable. Dude was a flame thrower in the playoffs. Signing Kuminga is a gamble. Atlanta just letting him walk is a red flag imo. He has undeniable potential, but can't seem to put it all together. Bronny MIP '27

 

[grittyman]

Team’s got a legit rim protector in Kessler, but basically no perimeter defenders around him (Grimes is okay I suppose but too small to guard wings)

Feels like the blueprint has to be a top 5 offense and a defense that’s somewhere around league average… Maybe that’s enough to make some noise.

As for the Lakers, they still need more guys who can actually defend. I get why people like Rui, but he doesn’t really address their biggest need. Honestly, I’d rather take a swing on Kuminga and see if he can give them some athleticism and perimeter defense.

 

[sohi 23]

Team’s got a legit rim protector in Kessler, but basically no perimeter defenders around him.

Feels like the blueprint has to be a top 5 offense and a defense that’s somewhere around league average… Maybe that’s enough to make some noise.

As for the Lakers, they still need more guys who can actually defend. I get why people like Rui, but he doesn’t really address their biggest need. Honestly, I’d rather take a swing on Kuminga and see if he can give them some athleticism and perimeter defense.

Exactly. A Luka / AR / Kessler combo needs athletes as supporting players. Rui is a sniper but he doesn’t rebound for his size, is terrible around the rim / in transition and he can’t really guard like we need him too.

I’d rather take the gamble on (a player like) Kuminga and go for the athleticism. At least Kuminga can finish in transition

 

[CP1708]

Fix him.

 

[king j]

 

[grittyman]

I must have a different definition for “perfect”…

 

[Lizakers]

I’ve never seen an overhaul like this. Losing 6 of the top 8 players on a team that won a playoff series. I like some the signings and the draft pick, but this is a drastic change. In Rob we trust I guess.

 

[pmatic]

 

[pmatic]

 

[Berzerker]

Moo Moo is stating the obvious. Talk about weak journalism, as usual from a well-known pro Clippers suck up.

The Lakers were never bringing back LeBron and the fact they never spoke with him about a new contract or potential roster moves leading up to free agency was seen by everybody in the league and the media. Rich Paul just made the first move to save face.

Lakers were ready to move on from the LeBron business way before LeBron “decided” to leave LA.

 

[tay1]

Well in that case it is going to be Kuminga. We've already told Rui that we are moving on.

We supposed to believe LADE?

 

[tay1]

Looks like Rui definitely wanted to come back

 

[pmatic]

Thank you for your service. At least Rui doesn't have to move.

 

[lovehateself]

Good guy Rui really wants to stay

in LA

 

[geno90221]

That LA Asian P is undefeated

 

[VinMillerHearn58]

Got excited when I saw the alert on my phone that said Rui has agreed to a 2 year deal with Los A...then was immediately bummed when I expanded the alert and it said 'Los Angeles Clippers' lol

 

[lovehateself]

S&T for DJjr possible ?

 

[pmatic]

 

[Lizakers]

Save us Kuminga and Nick Richards

 

[MVP]

S&T for DJjr possible ?

 

[pmatic]

We supposed to believe LADE?

Source was Rui himself.