With the 2019-20 NBA season currently suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), they take a peek ahead to some roster decisions the Los Angeles Lakers may have to make during the 2020 NBA offseason.
While the team has had a fantastic season and are currently sitting in first place in the Western Conference, it’s fair to wonder whether some of the players with player options or expiring contracts will be elsewhere next season.
But who should the Lakers prioritize hanging on to? On this episode of the Lakers Nation Podcast, they discuss that via their ‘Keep, Trade, Cut’ game to try to make some of the tough decisions. For example, if Avery Bradley and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope both opt to become free agents and the Lakers can only bring back one of them, which do they choose and why? What about Kyle Kuzma, who hasn’t quite lived up to the hype this season but still has plenty of talent and a bright future? Is he a piece to hang on to or one to put on the trade block?
Furthermore, Michael Jordan‘s “The Last Dance” premiered its first two episodes and with the sports world still reeling, it was must-watch television. They dive into a number of takeaways from the show, including how Jordan’s mannerisms and playing style influence Kobe Bryant. Plus, what was the deal with Scottie Pippen‘s contract? Did he have a right to have surgery on company time? And what if Jordan played during the social media era? Would fans see him differently today?
Another topic discussed is the Los Angeles Clippers and their proclamation that this week is ‘Kawhi Week.’ Of course, they don’t let the irony that they are honoring Leonard, who is known for load management when no one can play basketball slip by.
To round things out, they discuss a hypothetical trade for Buddy Hield, who would be a nice addition for the Lakers thanks to his shooting ability. Plus, Dwight Howard‘s resurgence with the Lakers has been one of the feel-good stories of the season, particularly considering the anger that was still present stemming from his departure in free agency after his first stint in Los Angeles. However, with more money likely available this summer after a standout season, would he risk leaving the structure he has found here with the Lakers? And would the purple and gold be willing to pay him more on a new deal?