LA Lakers

Preseason Form:

1-7

Lakers didn’t take the preseason competitions very seriously, doesn’t look like they made any changes from week 1 to week 2, after having an unsuccessful week at home. I wouldn’t read to much into it, Tim Hardaway I would be moving away from starting at SG in a hurry after his pre-season form. Westbrook shooting at 35% was also a worry with him taking 23 shots a game, the Lakers would be happy to see Harris stood up in some of the games.

Best Player:

The undisputed star and leader of the Lakers is Russell Westbrook. One of the top 5 Point Guards in the NBA, and rated 90 in 2k, expect Westbrook to stuff the stat sheet with his drive and never say die attitude. Individual stats don’t win championships, so the challenge to Greenmig will be getting the most out of Westbrook that equates to wins. My previous experience playing against Westbrook, I would put my best defender on him and he would still attempt the same amount of shots at a terrible clip.

Best Breakout Prospect:

Ante Zizic developed well in the NBA last season, showing great touch around the basket while ripping down rebounds. Zizic will be entering his 3^rd season, it is common that this is the season that rookies who have the ability, take things to the next level. The 2k Zizic out plays his NBA self, could this be the season he catches up? By seasons end, Zizic could be pushing Valanciunas for starting minutes.

Difference Maker:

Gerald Green is a 2k superstar. In the NLL, Green has won 4 championships, and has played a major part in all of them. Green is an athletic freak, who isn’t afraid to let them fly from anywhere on the court. The best part of Greens arsenal is his ability to play 3 different positions, he can drive the offense from PG, or play either wing position, creating mismatches. Best not to ask him to defend but can hold his own against most players.

Draft 2019:

Lakers went into the draft with a late pick, I think the theory was to go as late as possible in the 1^st round, hoping to get a 1^st round talent that drops early in the 2^nd round, I think it worked.

1             23           Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Nickeil Alexander-Walker was picked at 17 in the NBA, Greenmig was lucky to see him drop to pick 23 in the NSL. NAW is an all-around offensive player with a solid shooting touch, creative ways of getting to the rim, a nice handle, playmaking ability, etc. In NBA preseason action, NAW scored 22 points in a come from behind win vs the Jazz, he will need to make the most of his opportunities if he is break into the NBA Pelicans rotation this season.

2             38           Jordan Poole

Jordan Poole was pick 28 in the NBA, a 1^st round talent, Greenmig managed to get him as a bargain at 38.  Poole can flat out shoot, and he isn’t afraid to let them loose even in his 1^st season. With Klay Thompson out, Poole will get heaps of chances to shine for the NBA Warriors this season.

Salary Cap

The Lakers are currently $10m over the Luxury Salary Cap, with 2 players yet to sign.  This puts them into Hard Cap territory and in a precarious position for their next trade. A salary dumping trade seems the most likely course of action, or atleast something to bring them under the Hard cap.

The Tobias Harris contract is now a big factor in the Lakers future. For the contract to work and the Lakers to succeed, Harris will need to continue his rise in 2k rankings from a star to a superstar, increasing his ball usage to equal Westbrook. With his situation in the NBA, I am not sure he will make that evolution, leaving Greenmig with a hard decision to make. Trade? Or keep him on this bloated contract as the secondary option?

Any Trades:

Lakers haven’t made any trades at this stage, the door is always open if your keen to make a deal. Greenmig rates players different to most, you could be surprised if he under rates a star in a trade or over rates a role player.

Trade targets/possible trades

Lakers could really use a defensive stopper, someone to keep opposition stars honest and not demand the ball. Someone like Andre Robinson or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson would fit that build. I wouldn’t expect either player to cost to much.

I would be looking to move Tim Hardaway Jnr to get the team under the Hard Cap. That contract is just too big for his role in this side, lots of cheaper wings available or use a defensive stopper in this role.

Win Loss Over/Under

The breakeven for this team would need to be 50. Giving the team time to work out any chemistry issues.

GM:

Greenmig is one of the most knowledgable GMs in NBA 2k Fantasy. Miguel as the inaugural Leader of the Los Angeles Lakers, brings with him Championship pedigree after winning 3 championships in the NLL. Listening to Miguel on the NLL Pod, we get to understand why he is so successful, he loves to get the most out of players. Expect him to mix it up, using plenty of different settings and playbooks, while trying players in different positions.

The Future:

This team is built to win now, a potential top 5 team and championship contender. The Lakers have 4 clear starters in Tobias Harris, Russell Westbrook, Jonas Valanciunas and Marcus Morris, who can all score in spades. To keep it in their hands, Greenmig will have to look at a defensive low usage player at SG, not sure if Hardaway fits into that criteria. The second unit looks quality with a good mix of ball handlers, scorers and rebounders. I expect previously discussed Gerald Green and Ante Zizac to win a number of games as X-Factors against weaker second units.