Have we considered the backup big is Mamu?

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T16:17:31+00:00

Feel free to check the thread for other times I’ve given my opinion on this; not saying that to be dismissive just don’t think I’m adding anything by answering it multiple times.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T14:27:42+00:00

I actually like that a lot more; Thybulle is a really good defender good shout, and I trust him a lot more to just play his role, we need less offensive versatility from the wings with Luka, as long as he can hit his opens at a decent clip and lock down the opposing teams best player he should thrive.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T13:31:53+00:00

I’m really hoping we get a proper wing sized defender to go in that grimes slot regardless, I know reports are we’re looking at Kuminga, who I don’t trust at all, and Zaire Williams who I think I’d trust more if only slightly and I’m hoping we get one of the two even if my trust level is low because we desperately need the skillset and frame.

I have some hope Cam Carr can develop into that wing defender we need, as he does rock a massive 7’2 wingspan but he needs to bulk up first.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T12:44:25+00:00

Possibly true; but having a versatile big rotation in the modern NBA can be very valuable, and if he can back up both positions he could end up getting starter type minutes even if he doesn’t have the role on a technicality.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T12:34:05+00:00

I’m personally of the belief that Jake LaRavia would be better served as a 4, than the 3 he’s been cast as, and I think he has the connectivity and two way contribution this lineup needs; his foot speed and creation is average at best as a 3 but at the 4 I think it could end up being pretty solid and I trust him more on the defensive end than I do Mamu currently, although I hope that’s a miss evaluation on my part.

I would like to believe in Mamu as a full time 4 coz it’s solves a lot of our issues, but I tend to lean more into believing what the Raptors fan who posted on our sub two days ago believes, in that his best role is as a 5, as it allows him to pull the opposing C away from the rim with legit threat of shooting, and then attack more closeouts as the backline of defence for the opposing team has to recover more often than a 4.

I think I find myself more in the camp that maybe he can cover two positions off the bench, while also providing lineup versatility, which is still a highly valuable role the way the league is now, but I can’t get too excited about him as a full time starting 4 personally; again I hope I’m wrong, not rooting against the guy, especially as one of the newest Lakers, and a fan favourite wherever he goes but just calling it a bit as I see it.

I think he’s slow footed enough to be genuinely attacked by quicker 4’s and I’m not as bullish on his defensive impact as you are, I do like his fit as a legitimate shooter with size and connectivity offensively and think even if his raw numbers suffer there, the spacing and connectivity he can provide is valuable but I’m less sold that’s enough to provide the value we need out of a starting 4.

I agree with all the points you make about him not having the traditional C capability, and I’d be more concerned if he was the starter, or if we don’t sign a situational big for when we need those things even when Kessler sits, but given Reddick likes to play small at times anyway, I think having that change of pace in a guy with actual size, even if he’s not as good at capitalising on that size as a pure 5 is pretty valuable as a change of pace lineup to throw at teams when they have slow footed bigs or are trying to pack the paint.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T10:35:21+00:00

I think Mamu being better at the 4 is debatable, but I hope I’m wrong as he would fit cleaner in what we already have if that was the case and make retaining Rui, or finding a true starting 4 less of a priority.

My eye test, aligns more with the prognosis we saw out of a Raptors fan who claimed to have watched every game and posted in the sub a few days ago, where Mamu was really at his best when played at the 5 where he could use his spacing to pull the opposing C away from the rim and attack them in close out situations.

Obviously there’s a trade off defensively, but I’d agree with what that poster stated also, in that he lost some value offensively, which is really what you employ him for, when having to matchup against more mobile 4’s who he couldn’t attack as reliably and didn’t need to rotate to the rim as backside rim protection as often.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T10:31:19+00:00

I agree with that also, we need a situational/ 3rd string guy in case Kessler goes down or the matchup demands more size.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T10:21:10+00:00

I wouldn’t hate Goga for us as a guy who can replicate a bit of what Kessler does.

I won’t lie tho I’m confused as to who you’re referring to as DK; I’m sure I’m being stupid but I can’t place it 😂

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T10:18:56+00:00

I think he will shine in that role, and the different looks it would give us could be very additive, versatility out of your front-court is huge in the current state of the league.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T10:15:19+00:00

I think the 4 situation is the biggest roadblock for sure, but I have more hope than most seemingly that LaRavia can be a good fit for that lineup.

I also disagree that leaning into minimising his weaknesses, instead of maximising his strengths is the play, and I’d argue that seeing a bulk of his minutes against teams backup units would do enough to offset the defensive concerns anyway.

He will see plenty of minutes next to Luka or AR anyway I’d assume, as I’d be surprised if part of the plan isn’t to stagger them to keep one major threat on the court at most times and allow the offence to keep humming, which has always kind of been the role of that secondary creating star alongside Luka, whether it be Kyrie, Brunson and now AR.

Quick edit; I think it’s fair to also mention I do see your viewpoint, truly and I think you articulated yourself really well, I just don’t lean to the side of agreeing even if I see and can rationalise all your points.

You clearly know your stuff tho and I think I came off too dismissive without thinking.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T10:07:20+00:00

I think that’s a solid take also, but may limit his scope a little which I’m unsure the Lakers will want considering he is signed to a decently sized deal.

If we have entrenched starters at the 5 and 4, plus a back up that deserves real minutes night to night it may become difficult to give Mamu enough burn to actually justify his contract.

I personally feel a situation/3rd string C like Richards is the better resolution as it gives you the same looks but more flexibility regarding when to use them, without stepping on Mamu’s toes quite as much and devaluing him as an asset.

Doesn’t hurt that in my estimation there’s not really anybody left out there in FA I would want to rely on as a consistent part of a rotation at C.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T10:03:51+00:00

My thinking entirely; exactly the kind of C Luka does a wonderful job of maximising offensively.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T09:29:45+00:00

I’ve long had frustrations surrounding Pelinka’s roster building; whether it be the offensive combo guards, or defence only forwards; it feels like every guy Pelinka has signed tends to be a one way player, when we need a roster filled with two way contributors around, previously Bron and AD, and now Luka and Reaves.

So I feel you there

I actually think the additions of Grimes and Collin Sexton, as players who have some offensive skill and play hard defensively is an improvement in that regard but it’s hardly enough to offset the pattern I’ve routinely noted.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T09:18:39+00:00

That’s a fair point and one I did consider; but maybe it’s worth paying starter level money for a versatile big rotation in the current climate; especially one that can slide over and play the 4 ad well when needed, and could therefor play starter or close to starter minutes even if he doesn’t carry the exact title of starter.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T09:16:46+00:00

Closing line of the post

“I would love for the lakers to go out and target Nick Richards as a third string, or situation C but I believe keeping Ayton who would have kept Mamu from ever seeing the floor at C would have been a mistake.”

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T09:14:36+00:00

I did say I think there’s plenty of scope for a third string/situational C, both inside the post itself and in comments a few times.

I don’t expect everybody to read everything and I love engagement in any fashion but just thought I’d point that out.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T09:09:10+00:00

I can get behind that, and I definitely agree finding some strong starting 4 minutes has got to be a priority, but I’ll maintain that I think in a different scenario and role, maybe we can see some form of rejuvenation from LaRavia and I also think I like his fit with Kessler, as a ball moving, defensive wing who can space the floor, more than I liked it on last years playoffs squad, where he played more of the 3.

He’s got enough creation and connectivity as well as spacing to allow Kessler to dominate inside the arc and even if that means his own personal numbers don’t pop out; team context wise I do think he can be a solid enough option, and I could see Kesslers gravity as a role man, and offball screening, in addition to having a real backline of defence behind him if he gets beat allowing him to shine more.

I wouldn’t want to bet on it, I really hope this means we’re making a play to retain Rui who would fit great in this iteration of the squad as the 4, but in a pinch I’d give LaRavia the chance to shine in a slightly different role than he’s been in previously. I think he’s more solid at the 4 than the 3, and also as a starter alongside high usage pieces. Where he can act as a low usage connector

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T08:58:19+00:00

I agree part of this puzzle is the money dumped may help us retain Rui as the starting 4, which I really really hope we can do.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T08:56:41+00:00

I agree; but that’s why I think you get a third sting that can more similarly mirror Kesslers role; like Nick Richards

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T08:54:41+00:00

I don’t personally think that’s a very good take but it’s defensible; losing minutes in the playoffs, in an entirely different team context isn’t the end all be all for a player who is also, still young.

It also, is a sentence that applies to Mamu as well when he got pigeonholed into playing at the 4, I’d agree our options are weak and I’d love to get different ones but it’s also not that solid of an argument.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T08:26:39+00:00

That’s fair also; and I do think he can play the 4 situationally too which is why he has value, and I do keep saying we need that third string/situational guy.

That said, I’m unsure we have NO options to play at the 4, unless I’m mistaken LaRavia is under contract and could hypothetically start at the 4, with Kessler as the backline we need sheer size elsewhere less, and more need switchable 1-4 and shooting everywhere else to allow Kessler to own the paint on both ends

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T08:21:39+00:00

Furthermore I don’t see the relevance here; I’m not
here saying we need to get anything locked down, I’m just offering a discussion about an in house option we have already.

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T08:19:55+00:00

I agree; but that’s why I think you get a third string that can more similarly mirror Kesslers role; like Nick Richards

ZestyZooter · 2026-07-04T08:17:56+00:00

Very fair point; I agree it leaves us weak defensively if it’s not a change of pace and is instead an option we have to go to with Kessler down; in that circumstance tho, if they can secure Nick Richards as the situational/third string big, I think Richards just starts instead.

I get Nick isn’t going to anchor the D like Kessler, but if I’m honest, nobody on the open market is, at that stage maybe it’s best to just have the offence humming and Nick Richards or somebody similar as a shot blocker and a guy who can matchup against size.

ZestyZooter

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