JJ Redick answered the Rui question beautifully. Reporter: Do you think Rui could take that next step for you guys? JJ: what is the next step? Reporter: you tell me? JJ: you tell me, you're creating the narrative... IDC about next step, I care about how he impacts winning.

After 1 preseason game, Lakers showed: - defensive intensity - ball movement - shot making - athleticism They played with so much pride, for each other, free, and a sense of urgency. To not have played with one another, they gelled pretty well.

This Laker team is not a play-in team. That dismisses Luka's greatness. Not only that. - good coach - fitting pieces - wing defenders - depth - shooters - defensive anchor/rebounder/rim protector Lakers are a playoff team and have the potential to win a championship.

Jonathan Kuminga said he went to Minnesota Timberwolves because of their winning culture. He must've of used his introduction cue cards for if he chose the Lakers.

There's talk about who the Lakers should waive—Jaden Hardy or Dalton Knecht. If it comes down to someone being waived, I would keep Dalton Knecht - size - athletic - chemistry - better fit But they could battle it out for the last spot in training camp and preseason.

"Who is number 12?" I think Jake LaRavia will be great for the Lakers. He was effective in the beginning of last season in a more limited role. Then he played and did more he ever had in his career due to injury and his legs gave out. He'll be more prepared this season.

The reality of gm'ing for Lakers is quite different than fans imagination. Imagination - every team will make a deal - trade for whatever player - teams accept whatever asset Reality - rival teams may not deal with Lakers - teams may tax Lakers - some players may not fit vision

The formula to success. 1. Superstar 2. 2nd option 3. Right coach 4. Fitting role players 5. Defensive wings 6. Defensive anchor - rebounder - rim protector On paper, the Lakers has the formula to me. Who can dribble, pass, shoot, go left or right and have high IQ.

One thing to keep in mind: 1. Trading for Derrick Jones Jr. will effect the development of Adou Thiero. I wouldn't want to hurt the growth of Lakers youth, especially when there isn't a need for a 3. The need is a backup 5. If Lakers gets that, they may be well established.

Hypothetically, I don't know if Derrick Jones Jr. Is a need for Lakers to trade for. - 6'6 - 7'0 wingspan - athletic - solid defender - good contract But he's more of a 3 than a 4. Lakers are good at the 3. Mamu seems to be the better fit at 4, with Ziaire backing him up.

I see people asking Lakers to trade for Derrick Jones Jr. That would be a solid acquisition, but - signed to Klutch - on the Clippers I don't think Lakers want to sign anymore of Klutch clients. Also, even in Clippers predicament, I don't see them dealing with the Lakers.

Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr are in the perfect situation with these Lakers. They have 2 of the most important things going towards their development: 1. mature vets 2. great environment Playing time is another factor, but they couldn't ask for a better placement as a youth.

The quote about why Jonathan Kuminga chose Timberwolves over the Lakers is fake. Some dude named Marc Jacobs made that story up. Kuminga never commented on the situation in "The Athletic." It is interesting how many people will believe something and not verify if it's real.

Let's talk Dalton Knecht. I'm not opposed to trading him if it means bettering the Lakers, but I also don't mind keeping him. - athletic - good size - off ball shooter I think this team is fitting to his skillset, and will contribute to regaining his confidence.

Another option as a backup 5 for the Lakers is Kai Jones. - 6'11 - 7'2 wingspan - 42 max vertical - solid defender He is a very active, athletic big who runs the floor well and is a lob threat. Last season he averaged 11.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG in 21 min on 83% FG. He is a free agent.

They say Lakers need a starting level 4, but I beg to differ. Sandro Mamukelashvili Jarred Vanderbilt Ziaire Williams Adou Thiero Lakers have enough to cover the 4 position. Their real need is finding another backup 5.

Lakers real need is another backup 5. Hornets have 5 on their roster. I would go after Ryan Kalkbrenner. - size - rim protector - lob threat - good in P&R - high IQ With them having Moussa Diabate, acquiring Naz Reid, and drafting Hannes Steinbach, he may could be obtained.

I saw fans complaining that Lakers didn't stretch and waive a player. Lakers didn't need to stretch and waive any player. Fans just want to do things because there's an option. They have until Oct. 19 to waive a player and cut the roster to 15 if they don't trade.

This may seem like wild idea, but I would give Ben Simmons a Laker camp invite. If he works out, sign him. If not, cut him. Low risk, high reward. - size - capable defender - good rebounder - high IQ Lacks shooting, but Lakers need a 4/5 and Ben Simmons could slot in the 4/5.

There are Laker "fans" crying about not trading for Josh Green. He is 2. 1. Lakers don't need a 2. 2. I'd rather develop Cameron Carr Focus on NEED, and not WANT. The real need is another backup 5. That's where they are thin only having Kessler and Looney.

All those saying Lakers should sign Cam Whitmore are not true Laker fans for 5 reasons 1. 3 teams haven't wanted him. 2. He has gotten worse every year. 3. Lakers don't need a 3. 4. He'd take the spot from a player that deserves it only to sit the bench. 5. He isn't that good.