Bill Simmons thinks if we get Fultz, come 2018 Thomas doesn't get resigned

[Rosco917]

I agree with Simmons, if we're lucky enough to get Fultz, trade IT. Take a step back, to take two forward.
You will never get to the finals with IT as your PG. Defense wins championships.

[hpantazo]

Nobody's asking what the Lakers will do with D'angelo Russell if they draft Fultz or Ball though. That would be far worse for them than having IT and Fultz would be for us. At least IT is an all-star, top player in the league on one of the top teams in the league. Russell was supposed to be a core part of the Lakers rebuild, has been disappointing thus far, and would be thrown out if they draft Fultz or Ball. Plus, they passed on Okafor,  Porzingis, and Myles Turner for Russell.

[spikelovetheCelts]

Nobody's asking what the Lakers will do with D'angelo Russell if they draft Fultz or Ball though. That would be far worse for them than having IT and Fultz would be for us. At least IT is an all-star, top player in the league on one of the top teams in the league. Russell was supposed to be a core part of the Lakers rebuild, has been disappointing thus far, and would be thrown out if they draft Fultz or Ball. Plus, they passed on Okafor,  Porzingis, and Myles Turner for Russell.

Russell has made some strides this year. Okafor is the bust. IT also is fragile so he will miss games every year.  DA stole IT and he will get something for him when he thinks the time is right. We will know what we have drafted by the trade deadline next year. If we don't have a rebounding big doing well then one of Smart AB will get us that piece if we do draft a PG.  I am thinking Tatum or Jackson may be what we get with the way Ping Pong balls go for us.

[RJ87]

Nobody's asking what the Lakers will do with D'angelo Russell if they draft Fultz or Ball though.

Because D'Angelo Russell isn't up for a $200+ million contract soon and won't be 34 in the last year of said deal making $45m.

Personally, I think you can play Russell with Fultz/Ball - a Russell/Ball backcourt in particular is intriguing to me. Jordan Clarkson would be the odd man out.

[hpantazo]

Nobody's asking what the Lakers will do with D'angelo Russell if they draft Fultz or Ball though. That would be far worse for them than having IT and Fultz would be for us. At least IT is an all-star, top player in the league on one of the top teams in the league. Russell was supposed to be a core part of the Lakers rebuild, has been disappointing thus far, and would be thrown out if they draft Fultz or Ball. Plus, they passed on Okafor,  Porzingis, and Myles Turner for Russell.

Russell has made some strides this year. Okafor is the bust. IT also is fragile so he will miss games every year.  DA stole IT and he will get something for him when he thinks the time is right. We will know what we have drafted by the trade deadline next year. If we don't have a rebounding big doing well then one of Smart AB will get us that piece if we do draft a PG.  I am thinking Tatum or Jackson may be what we get with the way Ping Pong balls go for us.

There is pretty much zero evidence for this. In fact throughout his career thus far, IT has been very durable, hasn't missed many games in any of his seasons in the league. He played 82 games last year  as well.

[LilRip]

While IT may not necessarily be the odd man out, this does highlight the need to consolidate assets. We're too rich right now, actually. And that would be great if there wasn't that pesky thing called a salary cap or luxury tax.