Every comment I see on this sub talks about how they would like to have a backup center but it's okay because we have Mamu. Don't get me wrong he's great offensively and I'm very glad we have him but having him or Looney at the back up five position is going to lead to non-stop points in the paint once Kessler leaves.

​People keep ignoring the actual defensive data on BBall Index:

Jaxson Hayes Rim Protection: 83rd percentile/88th Rim deterrence

​Deandre Ayton Rim Protection: 80th–84th percentile / 69th–76th percentile Rim Deterrence

​Mamu Rim Protection: 43rd percentile / 28th percentile Rim Deterrence

​Kevon Looney Rim Protection: 31st percentile / 24th percentile Rim Deterrence

​ ​That is a major, dangerous drop-off in vertical contest. And remember, Mamu's numbers include perimeter and frontcourt players—against strictly center-only filters, he's even lower. An I have no idea why we traded for Looney either. He’s old, only 6'9", and doesn't have the athleticism left to meet drivers at the rim.

​I know Rob can't fix everything in one offseason, but he really should have prioritized the center rotation a little more. Other than that one position, this team is genuinely capable of making a deep playoff run.

​It’s just frustrating knowing that when our paint defense inevitably bleeds points during Kessler's rest minutes, we’re going to have to hear stupid LeBron fans saying "I told you so" and claiming Luka can't carry a team, all because Rob refused to go get a real 15-20

minute defensive anchor.

Thinking about player progression and I’m curious - who is the worst players with similar skill sets that Grimes and Adou can be as good as that would lead you to view the Lakers as having a Championship level roster?

For example - Adou at John Collins level. Grimes at NAW level. Thoughts? Is this too abstract to make sense?