Latest news with #JovanBuha
Yahoo
6 days ago
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Insider Explains Why Lakers Shouldn't Sign Bradley Beal For His Own Sake
Insider Explains Why Lakers Shouldn't Sign Bradley Beal For His Own Sake originally appeared on Fadeaway World. Bradley Beal named a few teams he would be interested in joining after his contract buyout with the Phoenix Suns is completed. Among these teams, the Los Angeles Lakers have received significant attention. However, Lakers insider Jovan Buha suggested that this may not be the best move for the 3x All-Star. While discussing the topic on a recent episode of "Buha's Block", he said: "There was a report in The Athletic today by Fred Katz, where he reported that there are four teams on Beal's list that he's interested in, and that's the Lakers, the Warriors, the Clippers, and the Milwaukee Bucks." "Those all make sense to varying degrees," he continued. "With the Lakers, I think he'd probably be a bench player, to be completely honest. I don't think a Luka-LeBron-Beal-Austin lineup makes much sense. You talk about replacing Rui with a starting-level defensive wing. You replace Rui with Bradley Beal, you're getting much worse defensively, and smaller." Buha noted that at this stage in Beal's career, he had more value coming off the bench, especially on the Lakers. The Clippers, on the other hand, would be a better opportunity for the Suns guard, per Buha, who added, "Looks like the Clippers might have opened up a starting shooting guard spot for him, and maybe he'll go there." The Clippers' recent trade dealings have opened up a vacancy in their starting shooting guard position, and considering they were viewed as favorites to acquire Beal, the situation seems to align. Buha also mentioned the Warriors and the Bucks as potential landing spots but speculated that the Bucks might be the best opportunity for the guard. He said: "He could go there, he could start, he could put up some big numbers next to Giannis, maybe even be their second main scorer, and rehab his value." Buha concluded by saying that Beal may not end up with the Lakers, primarily because other teams would provide a better opportunity for individual success. With this in mind, the Purple and Gold may also shift their attention elsewhere. Talks With De'Anthony Melton Cool Down De'Anthony Melton was another wing defender who had received some attention from the Los Angeles Lakers in the offseason. While the Lakers had shown recent interest in the defensive specialist, the insider suggested that these conversations have cooled down. "The chatter with the Lakers and Melton has cooled over the last few days, and there's actually been more buzz with him and the Warriors. So he's been linked with them a little bit more," said Buha. While Melton's potential addition presents an interesting outlook for the Golden State Warriors, the insider adds that the Dubs are in limbo until the Jonathan Kuminga situation is resolved. With Melton potentially falling out of contention as a target for the Lakers this offseason, the Purple and Gold will have to dig deeper into the list of available free agents to build their roster strength. Considering that the team also has some potential trades to complete on the horizon, the Lakers could simply be biding their time before pulling the trigger on any story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jovan Buha Explains How Lakers' Project 2027 Affects Luka Doncic
Jovan Buha Explains How Lakers' Project 2027 Affects Luka Doncic originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Los Angeles Lakers have long prided themselves on contending every season. But with the team entering a pivotal offseason and Luka Doncic stepping into his prime, an internal dilemma has emerged, one that Lakers insider Jovan Buha shed light on in his latest podcast. Advertisement At the heart of it is 'Project 2027,' a subtle but significant shift in the Lakers' approach that has fans and insiders questioning the franchise's immediate ambitions and how Luka Doncic fits into that equation. "If the Lakers are going to punt on the next two years of Luka's prime, I think that would be a giant mistake. I think Luka would think that's a giant mistake, and I don't think the Lakers are going to do that." "And I've talked about this a few times over the last few days, but in talking to more people about this, there's no grand 2027 like, 'We're going to keep our cap sheet completely clean. We're not going to acquire any potential difference makers or make any aggressive moves.'" "I think that the calculus from the Lakers' side is more, 'We would like to keep that cap flexibility and we are going to prioritize one to two year deals as we build next season's roster or the following season's roster,' but there are exceptions." Advertisement "And if the right player becomes available on the trade market or in free agency and it's a player that fits with the potential core around Luka, around Austin, around that potential second superstar once LeBron leaves or retires, then they will add that player to the core." "I think the distinction is that they're not operating from a place of desperation of, 'We have to trade the first-round pick or Dalton Knecht or these expiring contracts and build the very best possible roster for this season at the expense of 2026-27 or 2027-28 or just the rest of Luka's prime,' because some of the assets that they would potentially have to give up in a trade are very valuable." Buha explained that the Lakers are weighing their short-term goals against a strategic long-term plan that revolves around the summer of 2027. That's when generational talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could hit the open market. According to Buha, the Lakers are trying to maintain cap flexibility for that period, a move that has raised eyebrows, given Luka Doncic is just 26 years old and entering his absolute peak. Advertisement The franchise's hesitation to commit to long-term deals this offseason, even passing on players like Dorian Finney-Smith because of contract years extending beyond 2027, has prompted speculation about whether the Lakers are sacrificing the present in hopes of a future that may never materialize. As Buha noted, fans are understandably frustrated. So is Luka, if not publicly, then likely behind the scenes. After all, he just made the NBA Finals in 2024 with Dallas. He's seen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lift a championship with OKC. He's seen Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo reach the mountaintop. He's watched Jayson Tatum silence the critics by securing a ring. Luka knows his time is now, not in 2027. And that's the tension simmering within Los Angeles. Advertisement Buha emphasized that the Lakers aren't completely punting on the present. The acquisition of DeAndre Ayton, who, despite being a buy-low candidate, replaces Jaxson Hayes as a legitimate starting center, is a step forward. The addition of Jake LaRavia adds youth and spacing, though whether he's an impact player remains to be seen. The Lakers believe these moves, while modest, do improve the roster. However, Buha cautions that this is a tightrope act. The Lakers are trying to improve the team around Luka Doncic, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves while keeping an eye on 2026 and 2027. The goal, it seems, is to thread the needle, sign undervalued veterans, make one- or two-year deals, and preserve assets (like Dalton Knecht and future first-rounders) that could be used for a future superstar acquisition. Advertisement The problem? Luka Doncic didn't come to Los Angeles to play the waiting game. He's a generational talent, fresh off averaging Luka averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He didn't come from Dallas just to float around in the second or third tier of the Western Conference for the next two years while the Lakers preserve cap space. If anything, Doncic's move to LA, in a blockbuster trade that cost the Lakers Anthony Davis, was seen as a signal that the team was going all-in again for the next few years. But "all-in" is now being redefined. Buha highlighted how the Lakers want to keep their books clean enough to pounce if a superstar becomes available, but not so clean that they're non-competitive in the meantime. He likened the approach to teams walking a two-timeline strategy. Advertisement However, unlike teams like the Thunder or the Celtics, who've mastered this balance, the Lakers are lagging behind. Their roster, as it stands, isn't built to topple the West's elite. Not OKC. Not Denver. Not Houston. They're competitive, but not contenders. And the presence of LeBron James further complicates the dynamic. While he remains an all-time great, and his pairing with Luka provides instant headlines, the power dynamics have shifted. LeBron may have picked up his player option, but the message from agent Rich Paul was unmistakable: win now, or he's gone. The statement has ignited a flurry of trade speculation, with reports surfacing of growing tension between James and the Lakers' front office. Sources suggest both sides have resorted to passive-aggressive tactics as frustrations mount." Advertisement For years, James dictated roster moves, but multiple insiders, including Buha, have now confirmed the Lakers no longer view LeBron as the central voice in roster construction. In fact, Buha noted that the Lakers have explored, albeit quietly, trade possibilities involving James. Four teams have reportedly reached out. While LeBron's camp recently denied any exit or extension talks and dismissed trade rumors, the mere fact that the Lakers are taking calls is telling. LeBron's declining influence also spills over to his son, Bronny James. The younger James had a promising rookie campaign, but his future now seems tied more to Luka's presence than his father's wishes. With LeBron possibly leaving in 2025 or retiring shortly thereafter, the franchise sees Bronny as either a long-term project or a future trade asset, depending on the direction of the team. Advertisement That leaves Luka Doncic as the centerpiece. And it's a responsibility he may be ready for, but only under the condition that the Lakers treat his timeline with the urgency it deserves. Doncic doesn't need to be sold on a 'Project 2027.' He needs help now. As Buha put it, 'It's a delicate balance.' The front office wants to maintain flexibility, but the optics of prioritizing a future star over maximizing the prime of an MVP-caliber player are troubling. If the Lakers fail to make at least one major addition either through a trade or another aggressive free agency signing, it sends a message to Doncic that his immediate championship window isn't the priority. And that's a dangerous message. Advertisement Luka is smart. He watches the league. He knows that Tatum, Jokic, Shai, and Giannis have all lifted trophies. He also knows how quickly things change in the NBA. The Lakers want to be ready for the next big opportunity, but they already have one in their building. The time for patience has passed. The time for calculated risk is here. If the Lakers fail to act now, they risk alienating their new cornerstone in Doncic, wasting what should be the peak years of a transcendent player, and repeating the same missteps that plagued the final years of the LeBron-AD era. In that case, Project 2027 may not be the future. Advertisement It may be the beginning of the end. Related: 3-Team Trade Idea Sends Kessler And Kuminga To Lakers, Warriors Add Hachimura And New Centers This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bronny James' Future With Lakers In Doubt Amid LeBron James' Trade Rumors
Bronny James' Future With Lakers In Doubt Amid LeBron James' Trade Rumors originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The LeBron James trade saga has become the new talking point of the offseason. With the Los Angeles Lakers star expressing his intentions to play on a title-contending roster, James hinted at the possibility of being traded this summer. While this could be in the forward's best interest, it doesn't necessarily benefit his son, Bronny James. Advertisement Lakers insider Jovan Buha shared an interesting statement on this matter while speaking on his podcast, "Buha's Block". While addressing the possibility of James getting traded and the impact it would have on Bronny's position with the Lakers, he said: "I don't think it's LeBron gets traded, and they're like waiving Bronny. He has a guaranteed contract for the next two years, also. So if the Lakers waive him, they would eat that money." "It's not a lot of money, but still, that's something you gotta weigh with the cap situation,' Buha said. 'Like he's making less than the typical veteran minimum, for what that's worth. But I would assume he's probably going with LeBron somewhere, but I don't think that's a guarantee for sure." Bronny is coming off his rookie season with the Lakers. As a second-round pick, the USC product shouldn't have had much pressure to perform. But being the son of an NBA legend comes with its own challenges. Advertisement Regardless, the 20-year-old had a solid start to his career. After modest beginnings, Bronny showed a lot of growth during his time in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. This translated into his output in the NBA as well, with the young guard notching a career-high 17 points against the Milwaukee Bucks in March. As things stand, on the verge of entering his sophomore season, the 20-year-old is expected to play a bigger role in the team's plans. Given his relatively team-friendly contract, which is guaranteed for two years, the Purple and Gold wouldn't see a massive roster shakeup by either retaining or moving him. Buha acknowledged that the Lakers were encouraged by Bronny's progress over the last season and that it was impressive enough for the team to invest in him. But there certainly are considerations to be made regarding the team's future with their superstar. The 20-year-old himself seems to have very little clarity about what the future holds for his father. While James had initially garnered very little interest in potential trade chatter, there appears to be a recent uptick in trade inquiries. Advertisement The growing suspicion is that the Lakers would prefer to move on from James, per the forward's wishes as well. Considering that the team hasn't made many significant moves to strengthen its roster, apart from signing Deandre Ayton in free agency, the Purple and Gold are certainly not in a position to be considered title-contenders just yet. With the offseason still underway, the Lakers have the time and opportunity to improve. This also gives them the time to weigh their options regarding James' future with the franchise. Related: LeBron James And The Lakers Are Drifting Apart After Seven Years Together This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top Plays from Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Is Deandre Ayton the Lakers' best big man option? Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor and Lakers reporter Jovan Buha discuss the former top overall pick's buyout with the Portland Trail Blazers and if he would be a good fit for Los Angeles. Hear the full conversation on 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. 3:18 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Top Plays from New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Could the Lakers trade LeBron James? Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O'Connor is joined by Lakers reporter Jovan Buha to discuss the likelihood of Los Angeles dealing away the superstar - after he opted into his player option for the upcoming season - and which team would be potential candidates to land the four-time Most Valuable Player. Hear the full conversation on 'The Kevin O'Connor Show' and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen. 3:07 Now Playing Paused Ad Playing
