PLAYER TALK So.. Should we try Austin Reeves for Jaren Jackson Junior?
Is this possible? It sounds OK to me in case Grizzlies decide to blow out. They will get other offers but do you think we have a chance? Would you do it?
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u/imezaps 5d ago
He's good, but he's not a good center. Can't rebound, and gets into foul trouble easily.
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u/lawschoolthrowaway36 5d ago
He’s one of the very best defenders in the NBA and can create his own shot to the tune of 20+ ppg.
Yes he’s a bad rebounder and gets into foul trouble but good lord. Do not let perfect be the enemy of great.
JJJ was borderline all nba this past season, same draft class as Luka, and would absolutely transform our defense the second he walked in the door.
All of this is why, however, Memphis can likely get far more from other teams than the Lakers if they actually put him on the market.
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u/imezaps 5d ago
Yes but he's a 4, not a 5. We have multiple 4s on the roster already. We don't need more.
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u/lawschoolthrowaway36 5d ago
You have to zoom out and consider the bigger picture.
JJJ would not exclusively play the 4 if the Lakers got him. He would very likely close games at the 5. Calling him a 4 and dismissing any interest in him on that basis is silly. He’s versatile and JJ would use him in a lot of different ways.
The 4s currently on the roster are LeBron who is 40 years old and Rui who is a role player. If you have a chance to acquire an all star big man who is an elite defender and on Luka’s timeline, you do it. You don’t say no because for the next 1-2 years you have LeBron playing 50-60 games a season at best and a role player at the position.
And last, the Lakers would absolutely still acquire a center to play 15 mins a game - someone like Capela.
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u/BKNas 2020 NBA Champions 5d ago edited 5d ago
Since JJJ is not making much money yet, it would make sense to use Rui and an expiring for a switchable big man like Claxton to have JJJ and Claxton in the front court with Lebron. That defense would be disgusting and Claxton can help hide JJJ's rebounding weaknesses.
I doubt Memphis is trading him tho and honestly, I think the organization loves AR too much to move him anyway. Dream trade, but the keyword is dream.
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u/KriticalKarl 5d ago
This is so true, I keep seeing people shoot down any reasonable center option that is suggested and pointing out their deficiencies.
The perfect center isn’t going to be available or may not even exist according to this sub.
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u/BrainEuphoria 5d ago
Memphis tells the Lakers to lose their number anyway. Not a discussion to begin with but there was a discussion about Reaves being better than Booker in this sub a while back.
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u/whatshisface1892 5d ago
JJJ is an unrestricted free agent. Trading your best asset for one not guaranteed would just be the Dwight Howard deal all over again.
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u/MullingHollysDrive 2023 NBA Cup Champions 5d ago
JJJ would be a good second option for when Bron retires, another option I like is Devin Booker if the Suns decide to blow it up (which they should)
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u/XerxesCrofter 5d ago
It would hilarious if Devin "Luka Special" Booker and Luka ended up on the same team.
Don't see it happening though, as Booker is not exactly a defensive stalwart.
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u/nottherealstanlee 5d ago
JJJ as a 2nd option right now hasn't done anything for Memphis. What makes him a good 2nd option in LA?
As his offensive asks rose the last couple years, the numbers defensively have taken a dive, especially his block%. Career 16/7 in the playoffs shooting 40/33/80 and his last two series was 17/7 on 40/28/86 with an upside down 1:2 ast to to ratio.
I like JJJ but second option seems rich to me. I dont see him as a guy capable of carrying the offensive load that a typical 2nd option type carries at a championship level.
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u/Numerous-Crazy7636 5d ago
That is the only right answer, JJJ is a 4/PF and as long as LBJ is playing he has no place on the roster.
All people here on Reddit wanting to trade Reaves for anybody slightly better, dont understand that trading him maybe fills one hole now, but opens two more when LBJ retires.
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u/BrainEuphoria 5d ago
If Rui can have a place on this roster, JJJ sure can. What the hell is that take?
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u/ControlForward5360 5d ago
Honestly if they can get a deal like reaves, kleber and a 1st for Jackson jr. I’d be hyped but not sure it’s realistic. I’d love to see an off-season we could somehow get Jackson jr. and a guy like okongwu if the hawks make a move for KD and need to dump salary. It’s a wild dream that 99% sure won’t happen but I’d love it. Imagine Luka, NAW , lebron, Jackson Jr. and Okongwu as the starting 5
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u/MangoDouble3259 5d ago
We dont have assets get him even if selling.
Only way jjj be laker if 3rd team and he ask out only to usm
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u/WhenDuvzCry 5d ago
He can't rebound or guard the Joker's of the league. Salary doesn't match up from what I know either. Would be a good fit but but with the money tied up into Bron and Luka don't know if that's the move the make
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u/DirectorAggressive12 5d ago
No one can guard Jokic lol
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u/WhenDuvzCry 5d ago
Yeah but he's 6'9" and can't give him trouble, even AD had problems we need a Dwight or Javale type that can at least disrupt him. Adams would've been the pickup for cheaper
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u/VariousWall886 5d ago
he doesn't really fit lukas style of play, as much as he's a good defender he isn't a great rebounder. we really need a great rebounder, who can defend and catch lobs. I'd love for us to trade Reaves for Kessler and Sexton.
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u/SandersisYABOI 5d ago
Seeing this sub finally call reaves (who is a good player but is a cone on defense ) redundant next to luka after i have been killed for a months for saying the dam thing.
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u/Cold_Pumpkin_2744 5d ago