The long-standing Damian Lillard trade fiasco has finally concluded. The Milwaukee Bucks acquired the former Trail Blazer star in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns. The blockbuster trade came out of left field and sent shockwaves through the hoops community. The addition of Dame Time immediately elevated the Bucks to the top of the season’s standings. However, King James’ quest for the fifth ring may now be in jeopardy due to the emergence of the new superstar duo of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But the genius of Rob Pelinka has already engineered a $166,500,000 blueprint to help LeBron James add another trophy to his cabinet.
The Lakers are likely to reduce LeBron’s minutes and workload
With more and more NBA teams tanking and underperforming in hopes of acquiring first-round picks, the league had to take strict measures. In an effort to combat load management, the NBA issued a new rule that forbids teams from resting more than one “star” player on any given night. The new rule, however, exempts certain players who are 35 years old or older on opening night, who have logged at least 34,000 regular-season minutes in the NBA, or who have participated in a total of 1,000 regular-season games and playoffs. Fortunately, LeBron James is one of the seven players who is immune to the new policy. And the LA Lakers are looking forward to using the opportunity to their maximum advantage.
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King James averaged 35.5 minutes per game last season, and his minutes increased to 38 minutes during the playoffs. With LeBron turning 39 this December, it is only sensible to reduce his workload during the regular season, so they can keep him healthy during the playoffs. “The Lakers are planning to manage James? minutes and offensive workload more than in years past, and [general manager Rob] Pelinka cited the team?s depth as a way to do that,” reported Jovan Buha of The Athletic. “[Darvin] Ham said the franchise is aiming to be more efficient with James? ‘game-to-game minutes, the big picture, month-to-month, different sections in the calendar.'”
Lakers front office has made smart moves to build a deep roster
With LeBron James announcing his 21st NBA season after retirement scares, the Lakers front office had to make sure they surrounded him with a good support team. They were able to keep their core intact by resigning Austin Reaves, D?Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura.
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Total cap hit $166.56m equates to luxury tax of only $3.16m for this team. Rob should be exec of year!
? Brian T. Stoner, CPA (@bstonercpa) September 6, 2023
They have also added more depth to the franchise by acquiring Jaxson Hayes, Taurean Prince, Gabe Vincent, Cam Reddish and Christian Wood. Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves in particular will be expected to take some load off James.
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With one of the deepest rosters in the league, the Lakers are expected to make a historical run for the title. This will not only be LeBron’s fifth ring, but also the 18th banner for the franchise, setting them ahead of the competition.
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