I don't think we need a 3rd "star." We have a great Big 5. What we need is scoring off the bench and more time and experience for the Big 5 to grow and get better.
I think you sign Brook Lopez, if he opts out. Moves Robin to the bench, makes Leonard and Freeland expendable. I think Brook and Robin can play together at times, and I think Brook gives LA another low post scoring option that teams can't relax on, like they do with Robin. Hopefully CJ and Will develop to be strong backups at the 1 & 2, and TRob continues to get better as a backup 4. They will need to find a solid 3 who can score to help the bench. Maybe they acquire that person this year with their MLE.
I kinda think it's that and more importantly to be better defensively and team defensively, players 1-8. I don't think they need a third star. They need better depth and be better defensively. That will get it done IMO.
Melo is really the only third star that is available. I also hope Neil at least makes an attempt with LeBron. Just make a pitch and see what he says. If he says no, you've lost nothing.
And if they are opposed to improving one of those two areas. You're prob right, they will need a third star. I think Neil is a stats guy though. He will look at the overall picture and when he concludes he will again see that he needs to get better off the bench and defensively. Stats from the starters are fine. And his moves will be driven by these two areas.
Going back to my post yesterday, Kevin Love is my target. 1. Who do you think we could get: Can we get him? Maybe. 2. Who do you think would be acceptable to LA: I think he'd be acceptable, if Love played Center and we managed to keep Lopez. 3. At that point should we trade him for a loaded lottery: This is the best part - if we trade for Love, I don't give a fuck what LMA does in 2015. He can walk and it would just give us some capspace and we'd still have DAME & LOVE to build around. I'd only trade him if he requested a trade or wanted $127 mill. 4. What would you give up to get said player Anything outside of Damian and Aldridge. (Batum, McCollum, Leonard, Wes, draft picks?) Also, I really want Jimmy Butler on our team. I just can't think of anyone outside of Melo & Love who would be available. I'd be fine with Melo also.
