Restoring the Lakers Thanks to the Charity of NBA 2K17's GMs

[RaychelSnr]

When challenged with an NBA 2K “free choice” opportunity, I immediately decided to make it personal. Writing about things I’m passionate about is the whole reason I’m in this spot, so why not take over for Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak?

But first, here’s a little background. Kobe Bean Bryant retired following the 2015-16 season, and to that point I’d spent 80 percent of my life rooting for the purple and gold with no remorse. It was a beautiful marriage for a long time. A basketball junkie rooting for the most-hated franchise in the world with an owner who had an open checkbook and the goal of winning at all costs? Check and mate. I have to admit, Dr. Jerry Buss spoiled me. I’m used to moves that make sense being made.

In addition, I also have ties to Jahlil Okafor and still believe the basketball world will be his once he's in a better situation. I still wake up at night seething about the moment the Lakers passed on a solid young big man to draft a player that played the exact same position of their all-rookie first-team player the year before.

To this day, I still believe the Lakers franchise would benefit from swapping Russell for Okafor. I even recorded a video at work the day of the draft warning I’d be shifting my loyalties to the Warriors if the Lakers took anyone other than Okafor. For so long, I didn’t even think they’d have a shot at Okafor, much less have him in their hands and pass.

Needless to say, I’m convinced I could do a better job than the current Lakers regime because, well, video game GMs just aren't that smart.


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[Barbatrucco]

Follow my MyLeague on Twitter with Lakers

https://twitter.com/CoachzenBarba

I'm at IV year of MyLeague, season 2019-20. Now my starting five is: LaVine, Kobe Bryant at 41 years old, Carmelo Anthony at 35, Brandon Ingram, Bobby Portis.

My Results

2016-17: Western Conference Semifinals
2017-18: First Round
2018-19: First Round

[VinnyVegas28]

I'm not a fan of okafor. I think he is an immature punk. He reminds me of Derek Williams a bit..thought he was amazing coming out of college, wanted to be the first pick and then flopped. I like the young core, I would keep zubac, Randle, ingram, and Russell. Maybe a pure shooter and decent defender at 2 like clay Thompson and now we r talking. I don't like Clarkson at point and neither do the Lakers. He doesn't create for others and looks for his shot too much. Keep Nance and Black off bench and continue to develop young talent.

[tril]

so did you play the games or just sim them.

now I dont feel bad posting my roster..In 3 years Ive been able to turn the Celtics Roster into this. I play every game and Im not very good. I have yet to have a winning record.

pg-Brandon Knight
sg-Klay Thompson
sf-Giannis Antetokounmpo
pf-Lamarcus Aldridge
c- Jahlil Okafer

my bench is
Rodney Stucky
Jamal Crawford
Harrison Barnes
Ingram
Andrew Harrison
Andre Blatch
Ed Davis

[SteboSSK]

The idea of trading Russell for Okafor should have been dead ages ago...Im not even sure if Okafor could net a starting PG right now

[Mbunn1993]

Zubac gonna be our starting C. Already better defensively then Okafor, has a really soft touch with a big body and has shown chemistry with Russell.

[OGKing]

Lakers don't need Okafor

Develop Zubac or trade for Brook Lopez / Noel

Sign a SG or draft a pg and move Russell to SG

Lonzo Ball
D'Angelo Russell
Brandon Ingram
Julius Randle
Brook Lopez or Noel



Lakers have enough bench assets to realistically trade for Lopez

[Jumpman14]

I thought the Russell/Okafor was over lol. And moving Russell to SG would take away the advantage he has over most point guards being 6'5.