Honestly the Rich Paul connection is really what has me convinced the lakers are interested in JG. And Rui would only be included because his salary makes it easier to match JG. But I’m sure there’s a world where it could get done without Rui included. All I know is JG’s time in Portland is done.

Rui isn’t capable of being a 20 ppg scorer in the NBA. He’s a very solid rotation player but he’s not a guy you give the ball to and ask to create their own shot. JG isn’t a number 1 or even number 2 scoring option— but he is a capable scorer. LA needs more dudes who can get a bucket on their own.

Again, JG had a down year, but when he plays closer to his mean I still think he’s better. He shot 45/40/81 in ‘23-24 and 47/40/81 the season before that. And he averaged 20 ppg both seasons.

Rui shot 53/42/79 and 48/32/74 those same seasons and has never avg more than 13 ppg in his career.

Agree to disagree. JG had a rough back half of the season last yr but when he’s playing closer to his mean he’s a better than Rui.

Lebron and Rich Paul are putting public pressure on LA to make moves to win now. LA’s been linked to JG for multiple trade deadlines. And JG’s agent is… Rich Paul

Rui, Kleber, and Knecht for JG and filler picks (protected 1st or a couple 2nds) works on paper. Sign DA for cheap and that leaves LA’s starting lineup:

Luka/Reaves/LBJ/Jerami/DA

Pretty sure the lakers would view that as an upgrade. This is not a lakers squad that is going to win on bench depth.

I mean I’m not mad at it. Although Ayton would presumably be gone if this trade happened. But same point still stands just with DC

With that being said— I would not give up this many FRPs

Are we playing Lauri at the 5 in this scenario? Because I wouldn’t bench Tou or Deni to start Lauri and idk how well Lauri has fit as a 5 in his career. Not saying it couldn’t work, just might not be ideal defensively— but Lauri is the type of player you have to consider trading for as the blazers