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Frederick Okocha

@F_rederic_k • 1,539 subscribers

OD | https://t.co/ButgQKFiM8 | Cover Chelsea 💙 @ The triple threat. | Previously @ LWOS

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Adding more context on PJ Washington with Luka Dončić. In 89 shared minutes in the 2024-25 season, the Washington-Doncic-Grimes lineup posted a strong +9.2 net rating (121.1 OFF / 111.9 DEF). Both forwards handled point of attack defence and wing stopping effectively before the Mavs trades. If the Lakers land PJ, pairing him and Quentin Grimes as starters would lock down the perimeter. Walker Kessler on the backline would complete a switch-heavy defensive unit with real potential.

Adding more context on PJ Washington with Luka Dončić. In 89 shared minutes in the 2024-25 season, the Washington-Doncic-Grimes lineup posted a strong +9.2 net rating (121.1 OFF / 111.9 DEF). Both forwards handled point of attack defence and wing stopping effectively before the Mavs trades. If the Lakers land PJ, pairing him and Quentin Grimes as starters would lock down the perimeter. Walker Kessler on the backline would complete a switch-heavy defensive unit with real potential.

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Because of the Lu Dort three-team trade, the Hawks have no appetite for the Jarred Vanderbilt contract anymore. This essentially means the Lakers have unofficially entered the LeBron James carousel. How? Well, now that the Lakers can't do a direct swap with the Hawks, a 3rd team will need to be involved. Most of the teams left in free agency willing to make moves are waiting for the LeBron James decision. Things get more interesting when you factor in that the Cavaliers backup LeBron James plan is Jonathan Kuminga. So if LeBron heads anywhere else, that would put the Lakers in a bidding war with the Cavaliers for Kuminga. Rob Pelinka is reluctant to give bad contracts to role players because he's counting on utilizing these team friendly deals as "optionality" levers. Despite how enamored I am with Kuminga's potential around Luka Dončić, PJ Washington is by far the more sure thing at this junction. The Lakers keep referencing his long-term deal as a sticking point in negotiations with the Mavs according to earlier reports from the California post earlier this month. I still can't tell whether that was a trade tactic to reduce the asking price of Masai Ujiri. If we get Washington, that means we have four starters locked in for the foreseeable future. Defensively, Quentin Grimes fits perfectly as a small forward when paired with Washington at the 4.

Because of the Lu Dort three-team trade, the Hawks have no appetite for the Jarred Vanderbilt contract anymore. This essentially means the Lakers have unofficially entered the LeBron James carousel. How? Well, now that the Lakers can't do a direct swap with the Hawks, a 3rd team will need to be involved. Most of the teams left in free agency willing to make moves are waiting for the LeBron James decision. Things get more interesting when you factor in that the Cavaliers backup LeBron James plan is Jonathan Kuminga. So if LeBron heads anywhere else, that would put the Lakers in a bidding war with the Cavaliers for Kuminga. Rob Pelinka is reluctant to give bad contracts to role players because he's counting on utilizing these team friendly deals as "optionality" levers. Despite how enamored I am with Kuminga's potential around Luka Dončić, PJ Washington is by far the more sure thing at this junction. The Lakers keep referencing his long-term deal as a sticking point in negotiations with the Mavs according to earlier reports from the California post earlier this month. I still can't tell whether that was a trade tactic to reduce the asking price of Masai Ujiri. If we get Washington, that means we have four starters locked in for the foreseeable future. Defensively, Quentin Grimes fits perfectly as a small forward when paired with Washington at the 4.

Frederick Okocha

251,427 views • 12 days ago

Jonathan Kuminga’s asking price feels steep, until you remember Luka will be 33 in 2032. Unless disaster strikes, the Lakers stay competitive in the West. Hawks have hovered around 36-46 wins the last 5 seasons. A 2032 pick swap isn’t scary if LAL is still a top team. Luka Dončić + Austin Reaves would unlock Kuminga on cuts, drives & screens. If this is Atlanta’s final ask (Vando + swap), pull the trigger. Save the 2nds for a Derrick Jones Jr-type wing and build that OG/Mikal-style structure around Luka. Kuminga (young upside) + DJJ (vet) isn’t Bridges/Anunoby yet… but the potential is real. This gives Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero more time to develop into premier point-of-attack defenders. This framework lets the Lakers go up to ~$23M AAV ($12.9 million in current cap space + $12.4 million from Vando's cleared cap hit). Have to leave enough cap space for a vet minimum for the 15th roster spot. Hang-up is the Lakers want a more team-friendly deal. Maybe similar or less than Herb Jones, contract (~$19.4M AAV). Worth it. Let’s get it done.

Jonathan Kuminga’s asking price feels steep, until you remember Luka will be 33 in 2032. Unless disaster strikes, the Lakers stay competitive in the West. Hawks have hovered around 36-46 wins the last 5 seasons. A 2032 pick swap isn’t scary if LAL is still a top team. Luka Dončić + Austin Reaves would unlock Kuminga on cuts, drives & screens. If this is Atlanta’s final ask (Vando + swap), pull the trigger. Save the 2nds for a Derrick Jones Jr-type wing and build that OG/Mikal-style structure around Luka. Kuminga (young upside) + DJJ (vet) isn’t Bridges/Anunoby yet… but the potential is real. This gives Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero more time to develop into premier point-of-attack defenders. This framework lets the Lakers go up to ~$23M AAV ($12.9 million in current cap space + $12.4 million from Vando's cleared cap hit). Have to leave enough cap space for a vet minimum for the 15th roster spot. Hang-up is the Lakers want a more team-friendly deal. Maybe similar or less than Herb Jones, contract (~$19.4M AAV). Worth it. Let’s get it done.

Frederick Okocha

245,844 views • 23 days ago

I don't get why some Lakers fans are not excited by this deal. It's a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. Especially around two pick and rolls maestros in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Ask Steph Curry and Jordan Poole. What Looney brings to LA: 🔹 The Ultimate Screen-Setter: Per BBall Index, Looney ranks in the elite percentiles for Screening Effectiveness. He’ll crush on-ball defenders to give Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves wide-open lanes to create. 🔹 Possession Extender: A master of the glass. Cleaning the Glass regularly slots his Off-Rebound % in the 90th+ percentile. He’ll feast on second-chance opportunities off Luka's gravity. 🔹 The Perfect 1-2 Punch with Kessler: While Walker Kessler provides elite vertical rim protection for the starters, Looney brings raw, low-post strength and short-roll playmaking off the bench to battle physical modern centers. 3x Champion, ultimate iron man, and zero ego. Perfect vet depth for a deep playoff run.

I don't get why some Lakers fans are not excited by this deal. It's a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. Especially around two pick and rolls maestros in Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Ask Steph Curry and Jordan Poole. What Looney brings to LA: 🔹 The Ultimate Screen-Setter: Per BBall Index, Looney ranks in the elite percentiles for Screening Effectiveness. He’ll crush on-ball defenders to give Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves wide-open lanes to create. 🔹 Possession Extender: A master of the glass. Cleaning the Glass regularly slots his Off-Rebound % in the 90th+ percentile. He’ll feast on second-chance opportunities off Luka's gravity. 🔹 The Perfect 1-2 Punch with Kessler: While Walker Kessler provides elite vertical rim protection for the starters, Looney brings raw, low-post strength and short-roll playmaking off the bench to battle physical modern centers. 3x Champion, ultimate iron man, and zero ego. Perfect vet depth for a deep playoff run.

Frederick Okocha

108,033 views • 24 days ago

Looking at Rich Paul’s strategy board, the best fit for LeBron James among these options isn't just about talent, but about synergy. Ranking them 1 through 5: 1. Denver Nuggets: The theoretical basketball IQ here is unmatched. LeBron playing alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray allows him to play more off-ball, cutting and distributing within an elite system, creating the most effortless offensive fit for this stage of his career. For this to happen, Cam Johnson and will have to be traded though. 2. Philadelphia 76ers: This scenario offers elite spacing and balance. Pairing LeBron with a former MVP center like Joel Embiid and a dynamic scoring guard in Tyrese Maxey creates an unstoppable inside-out attack. Jaylen Brown's and LeBron's sheer size would overwhelm opponents on the perimeter. There's a hole at power forward on this team that LeBron would fix perfectly. 3. Miami Heat: The Heat reunion also provides an immediate contending structure. LeBron’s versatility fits seamlessly into Erik Spoelstra’s system, complementing Giannis Antetokounmpo's star power and Bam Adebayo’s defensive anchoring. 4. Minnesota Timberwolves: While featuring an elite young star backcourt in Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, as well as strong defense with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, the offensive fit could be one of the most seamless among all the options. The Wolves will play a fast-paced, transition-heavy style next season. LeBron is still one of the best finishers in transition in the league. But would he be able to keep up with that style all season? 5. Cleveland Cavaliers: A storybook homecoming with a loaded core. With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden handling the backcourt, and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchoring the defense, LeBron can step in as the veteran playmaker and championship leader this group is missing. The only problem is this starting lineup lacks a point-of-attack defender so this could be porous on the perimeter.

Looking at Rich Paul’s strategy board, the best fit for LeBron James among these options isn't just about talent, but about synergy. Ranking them 1 through 5: 1. Denver Nuggets: The theoretical basketball IQ here is unmatched. LeBron playing alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray allows him to play more off-ball, cutting and distributing within an elite system, creating the most effortless offensive fit for this stage of his career. For this to happen, Cam Johnson and will have to be traded though. 2. Philadelphia 76ers: This scenario offers elite spacing and balance. Pairing LeBron with a former MVP center like Joel Embiid and a dynamic scoring guard in Tyrese Maxey creates an unstoppable inside-out attack. Jaylen Brown's and LeBron's sheer size would overwhelm opponents on the perimeter. There's a hole at power forward on this team that LeBron would fix perfectly. 3. Miami Heat: The Heat reunion also provides an immediate contending structure. LeBron’s versatility fits seamlessly into Erik Spoelstra’s system, complementing Giannis Antetokounmpo's star power and Bam Adebayo’s defensive anchoring. 4. Minnesota Timberwolves: While featuring an elite young star backcourt in Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball, as well as strong defense with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, the offensive fit could be one of the most seamless among all the options. The Wolves will play a fast-paced, transition-heavy style next season. LeBron is still one of the best finishers in transition in the league. But would he be able to keep up with that style all season? 5. Cleveland Cavaliers: A storybook homecoming with a loaded core. With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden handling the backcourt, and Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchoring the defense, LeBron can step in as the veteran playmaker and championship leader this group is missing. The only problem is this starting lineup lacks a point-of-attack defender so this could be porous on the perimeter.

Frederick Okocha

112,685 views • 29 days ago

The Lakers potential rotation now. Guards. Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves. Collin Sexton. Jaden Hardy. Cameron Carr. Forwards. Quentin Grimes. Sandro Mamukelashvili. Ziaire Williams. Adou Thiero. Jake LaRavia. Centers. Walker Kessler. Kevin Looney. Outside looking in. Bronny James probably following LeBron. Jarred Vanderbilt. And Dalton Knecht. In talks. Jonathan Kuminga forward. Looking at the rotation this team is a fantastic transition from the athletically challenged team the Lakers had last season. Also last seasons team had only two defensive specialists in Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt but the latters offense makes him unlikely to get a chance with JJ Redick. This team has rangy defenders in line with the direction the league is headed. Ziaire Williams being top 20 in the NBA in some advanced defensive stats. Grimes is the archetypical 3 and D wing with emphasis on poa duties. Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero are prospects showing tremendous promise on the defensive end. All these defenders are young and athletic. Zeroing in on Ziaire, he's a 6-foot-8 wing with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Ideally, he fits into our power forward spot with his length and ability to deter shots at the rim as a forward. His 3-point shooting stats look bad in a vacuum but he's shown better efficiency shooting the three over the past 3 seasons. Looking at his shot mechanics below, you can see his shit release point is good, his follow-through is good as well. He can become an elite shooter especially with two of the league's best playmakers in his backcourt. Also, he can catch lobs too. Nice. Hats off to the tremendous work Rob Pelinka has done this summer rebuilding this team. Having this flexibility of wing defenders alongside an elite rim protector in Kessler honestly makes me very bullish on the Lakers. This is a 57 win team barring any major injuries. There is top 5 offense and top 10 defensive potential. Rob Pelinka has done an excellent job dealing and wheeling like a GM. I have been hard on him in the past for being too passive and not making moves on the margin. The last 14 months have been so much better from him.

The Lakers potential rotation now. Guards. Luka Doncic. Austin Reaves. Collin Sexton. Jaden Hardy. Cameron Carr. Forwards. Quentin Grimes. Sandro Mamukelashvili. Ziaire Williams. Adou Thiero. Jake LaRavia. Centers. Walker Kessler. Kevin Looney. Outside looking in. Bronny James probably following LeBron. Jarred Vanderbilt. And Dalton Knecht. In talks. Jonathan Kuminga forward. Looking at the rotation this team is a fantastic transition from the athletically challenged team the Lakers had last season. Also last seasons team had only two defensive specialists in Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt but the latters offense makes him unlikely to get a chance with JJ Redick. This team has rangy defenders in line with the direction the league is headed. Ziaire Williams being top 20 in the NBA in some advanced defensive stats. Grimes is the archetypical 3 and D wing with emphasis on poa duties. Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero are prospects showing tremendous promise on the defensive end. All these defenders are young and athletic. Zeroing in on Ziaire, he's a 6-foot-8 wing with a 6-foot-10 wingspan. Ideally, he fits into our power forward spot with his length and ability to deter shots at the rim as a forward. His 3-point shooting stats look bad in a vacuum but he's shown better efficiency shooting the three over the past 3 seasons. Looking at his shot mechanics below, you can see his shit release point is good, his follow-through is good as well. He can become an elite shooter especially with two of the league's best playmakers in his backcourt. Also, he can catch lobs too. Nice. Hats off to the tremendous work Rob Pelinka has done this summer rebuilding this team. Having this flexibility of wing defenders alongside an elite rim protector in Kessler honestly makes me very bullish on the Lakers. This is a 57 win team barring any major injuries. There is top 5 offense and top 10 defensive potential. Rob Pelinka has done an excellent job dealing and wheeling like a GM. I have been hard on him in the past for being too passive and not making moves on the margin. The last 14 months have been so much better from him.

Frederick Okocha

42,993 views • 18 days ago

Why UCLA just broke the bank ($12M/2-yrs) for 17-year-old Nikola Kusturica: ▪️ 6'8" versatile wing with elite scoring traits ▪️ Youngest debut/scorer in FC Barcelona history (ACB & EuroLeague) ▪️ 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket MVP (Led Serbia to Gold) ▪️ Currently averaging 22 PPG at the FIBA U17 World Cup He won't even be NBA Draft eligible until 2028, meaning the Bruins just secured a centerpiece for the next two seasons. Huge win.

Why UCLA just broke the bank ($12M/2-yrs) for 17-year-old Nikola Kusturica: ▪️ 6'8" versatile wing with elite scoring traits ▪️ Youngest debut/scorer in FC Barcelona history (ACB & EuroLeague) ▪️ 2025 FIBA U16 EuroBasket MVP (Led Serbia to Gold) ▪️ Currently averaging 22 PPG at the FIBA U17 World Cup He won't even be NBA Draft eligible until 2028, meaning the Bruins just secured a centerpiece for the next two seasons. Huge win.

Frederick Okocha

45,129 views • 28 days ago

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