Not an LBJ hater but I'm a fan of the Lakers since I was in grade school. Let me give this a try.
If I were the GM of the Lakers this would be my goal:
1. Get assets in return before LBJ announces his retirement. The moment he does, it would be impossible to trade him.
2. Put the team in a position to contend in the near future. Set the expectations already to the fanbase that though we will not contend for a championship in the near term, the assets we acquire will put the team in a position to contend in the long term.
3. Build the team around AD. Surround him with rebounding demon of a center, players who can shoot and a quality playmaker or two.
I would then call a team that is clearly on the fringe of a deeper playoff run. They just need that one piece to lead them there. Lets say PHI and this is what I will ask in return:
Point Guard - Tyrese Maxey (22 years old and his growth is being stunted by having James Harden hog the position of playmaker)
Power Forward - Tobias Harris (Former All Star whose contract ends after 23-24 season)
Shooting Guard - Shake Milton (37% from three. We need him to match salary total with LBJ)
Shooting Guard - Matisse Thybulle (Known for his defense. We need him to match salary total with LBJ)
AND
Three first round draft picks. 2024, 2026 and 2028
The promise of having Harden, Embiid and LBJ will bring that long coveted playoff run for the Sixers. Winning it all is up to them. Good luck facing Giannis and his gang.
Near term moves:
Let RW walk this off season. Get a Center or two in the free agent market. a non scoring center will do. Just grab the rebounds and block shots is all that we will ask from him.
Let go of the ff: Kendrick Nunn, Anderson, Beverly, Schroder. Every body else will be retained for next season.
Flip Tobias Harris' expiring contract in 2023-2024 to another team looking to shed some salary. Trade him for younger players and more picks
Build around the core of AD, Maxey and another player.
Ensure salary flexibility by the time Luka Doncic becomes a free agent (2028)
Here's the kicker...by the time its 2026, Harden will have creaky knees, LBJ might be in the Bahamas for good and the Sixers will suck. We will then have a high % of getting the top draft pick for 2026 and 2028.
all of this flexibility will not happen if we hold on to LBJ for the next three years (the course of his contract). We will not contend this year and who knows if we will for the next two years. After his contract runs its course...he will retire. That is if injury doesn't accelerate that process.
