I just play ball

Chapter 372
"It makes sense for you to say that." D'Antoni smiled slightly, "Only from the scout report, this guy named Jokic is indeed a talented player. Our coaching staff recommends taking him into consideration, because the current lineup Of the three centers, only Rudy Gobert is on a completely restricted contract, while Pau Gasol and Sepin Hawes will become free agents, there may be many variables at that time, and it is necessary to make a preliminary plan."

Li Yue nodded when he heard this. He assumed that the team was extremely lacking in power forwards. It was entirely based on the fact that Pau Gasol and Seben Hawes renewed their contracts at the same time. If the two choose to test the free market, they really need to think more .

It should not be a problem for the management to keep Gasol. Gasol can also switch between power forward and center, but no matter what, it is absolutely right to seek a genuine backup power forward. After all, Covington's replacement is only suitable for special matches .

"If this guy called Jokic can adapt to NBA-level confrontation, then he is completely a young version of Sepin Hawes." Assistant coach Madsen said, "The same physical fitness is also limited, the same is good at organization, and he has a three-pointer. "

Having said that, everyone present thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.

If Jokic can play the role of Hawes, and he is younger and cheaper, a second-round pick contract can be settled. With the Lakers' salary space already seriously scarce, why not try it?

"It's a pity that time is limited, and it's too late to fly to Europe to watch the game," Kupchak raised his eyebrows slightly, "We need to find the scout who gave this report and learn more about it, but we still consider power forward candidates first. "

Everyone in the meeting looked at Li Yue, mainly to listen to his thoughts. The coaching staff headed by D'Antoni and the team headed by Kupchak had already read all the information about the target players who signed up for the election. Seeing this, Li Yue said with a smile: "I was preparing to talk about it before. I don't have a very optimistic candidate. I suggest screening from the free market."

Kupchak nodded, and handed over a pile of resumes. Li Yue took them and quickly jumped over them. He suddenly saw the names of players such as PJ Tucker, Ed Davis, Carlos Boozer, and Marvin Williams. Some are completely free, some can jump out, and some are restricted freedom. There are a total of twenty or so, and even Chris Bosh is also considering it.

Li Yue turned his head to think. The first requirement of a Lakers power forward is the ability to defend in multiple positions. Correspondingly, he needs to be young and physically strong. He must also have a high basketball IQ and be able to play with the dynamic offensive system. If he still has three points, it will be perfect.

"I have a profound influence on PJ Tucker..." Li Yue said, "Every time he defends me, he makes me very uncomfortable, and he will never show any slack. Perhaps it is because of his many years of overseas professional experience, he has a great understanding of the court. The position is very sensitive, and I used a very simple method to complete the first defense and two defenses several times, and I can still recall the picture against the Suns."

Kupchak nodded to indicate that he heard it, but didn't say much, and raised his hand to signal Li Yue to continue.

"I was very surprised by Ed Davis' ability to grab rebounds, especially the offensive rebounds." Li Yue said, "The last season we played against the Grizzlies at the last moment was entirely because he grabbed the frontcourt many times. Rebounding, otherwise the Grizzlies would not have so many shots, and from my personal point of view, he is even more suitable for our current system than PJ Tucker."

Kupchak also nodded, and Li Yue took his resume and continued: "As for players like Carlos Boozer and Marvin Williams, I don't have a deep impression, so I won't give much advice."

"OK, we will formulate a plan according to your proposal." Kupchak said, "Next, please give me and Li Yue some private time, about half an hour, thank you."

D'Antoni and others got up and left, leaving only Li Yue and Kupchak in the office.

"Let's talk about your contract. This is the number one thing I need to deal with in the offseason." Kupchak said straight to the point, "Only when your contract is settled can we start to consider other things such as backup power forwards. look at this."

Li Yue raised his hand to catch the form Kupchak handed over, and found that it was the salary structure of the Lakers next season.

Among them, Kobe ranks first, occupying 2350 million salary space; the second is Iguodala, occupying 1229 million salary space; the third is Nash, occupying 970 million salary space; the fourth is Landry, occupying 650 million salary space The fifth is Nick Young, who occupies 9 salary space, but has player options and will inevitably jump out; the sixth and seventh are Gobert and Covington, the two rookie contracts occupy a total of 164 million salary space.

Seven people occupy a total of 5363 million salary space, while the other seven people on the team, Gasol, Hawes, Beasley, Meeks, Blake, Marshall, and Livingston are temporarily out of contract. The signing is a one-year qualification quotation contract, and after July 7st, it is also in a state of no contract.

Attached to the table is the predicted amount of the NBA's new season salary cap, which is $6306.5 million, while the luxury tax line is set at $7682.9 million. The mid-level (for teams with cap space) is $530.5 million.

Li Yue has a big head, but one thing is very clear, that is, the salary space of the Lakers is exploding. Even if Nash chooses to retire, the Lakers use the deferred payment clause, and the available space is about 1600 million, which is almost enough for him to renew his contract with a maximum salary. , and without considering the incentives brought by the Ross clause, it can only be regarded as an ordinary maximum salary.

Of course, that is to give up the use of bird rights. If bird rights can be used to operate 10% above the salary cap, but once the salary space is filled, the Lakers can only sign players with basic salaries and special offers. Very passive.

However, the Lakers are rich and powerful, and they can use all means to reach the local tyrant line, which is the hard salary cap.

"I am willing to cut my salary and renew my contract. The specific amount has to wait until the salary cap is announced."

Salary cuts and contract extensions are very common in the NBA. When the Heat formed the Big Three, everyone had a salary cut. There are rumors that Wade is considering ending his six-year contract early, with a salary cut of more than 1000 million, just to keep LeBron for the offseason.

Li Yue is aware of Kupchak's intentions, but this kind of thing requires the joint efforts of the whole team, and the team behind him is waiting to receive the money, so he can't cut it in half arbitrarily. If the salary cap announced on July 7 is much more than predicted, Then there is no need to consider salary cuts.

"Okay, thank you very much for your generosity." Kupchak was relieved, and then frowned slightly, "We may not be able to stay in Livingston. At present, I have heard that at least five teams have offered him mid-level offers."

Li Yue nodded to express his understanding. Livingston's performance in the playoffs was too impressive. The current salary space of the Lakers is seriously lacking in competitiveness. However, a veteran like Gasol may be able to stay with a friendly price, but the Lakers are currently very passive. , You need to wait until the league officially announces the salary cap before you can start signing, and before that, you need to get a signing commitment.

This also includes players in the team such as Gasol and Nick Young. It is not so easy to talk about money among colleagues.

"We will draw up a target candidate. I hope you, Kobe, and Iguodala will come forward to recruit together." Kupchak said, "We will design a signing plan after we get the promise. What do you think?"

"It's totally OK!" Li Yue agreed, "I'll go to this draft too."

"Then we'll see you in New York."

(End of this chapter)