I don't think this one is close. Buddy is a top 5 shooter in the Association right now and should only get better. I believe he will be a focal point of the Kings offense this season. Lauri has tremendous potential, however, there were times last season where he just disappeared. I'm not sure if it's his motor or a lingering injury? I'm not sold just yet on the young man.
Buddy or bust! 🙂

I'm going opposite as Coach. I like Lauri aka The Fin Reaper. This is a keeper league? He is 4 years younger the Buddy.

Lauri had a down year last season due to injury. He missed the first 23 games due to an elbow issue, and the last 10 games due to a rapid heart rate. As long as he stays healthy I think he can finish ahead of Buddy.

quote from NBC Sports Chicago:
"His goal next season should be to play 75 games, join the All-Star conversation – the Bulls’ record will determine whether or not he makes the team – and establish himself as the alpha. LaVine has a critical role in this rebuild, but Markkanen has the potential to be a mega-star. Presuming he has a healthy summer and training camp, that should be the expectation."

I think Lauri is the future face of the Bulls. Buddy is a third option behind Fox and Bagley.

good luck and cheers!

To clarify :

Its a keeper league but theres a 2 year limitation on keeping, and this would be lauris 2nd year, but buddys first.

Not sure if that changes much...

yeah, that does change things a bit. If its just for the next two seasons then its much closer. the age difference probably benefits Buddy.

we might have to talk about this question on Fridays podcast.

Please do, it seems on the surface a pretty easy decision, but it really isn't.

I think part of my desire to go with Buddy is that I'm sick of watching the Bulls as someone who grew up in the Jordan era in Chicago, and hates where they are at now. Also feel like Lauri is one of those guys that is always going to miss 15-20ish games a year.

I dont really like hinging my season on things like 'if healthy'...Buddy I believe has played 80 games in his last three seasons.

Yet I still dont know what to do

We will definitely debate the Buddy vs. Lauri topic on this Friday's podcast! It sounds like Yo Adrian and I have another one to put up on the board for our year long bet. If you missed last weeks show, we have a "board of disagreements" for the season and whoever loses has to take the winner to dinner at Summer League and has to wear a chicken suit for our live podcast!!!

I'm with the coach on this one.

Buddy has already arrived. he is 45/43/88% on his percentages with 3.4 3pt made, and has played 80 or more games in past two years.
Lauri gives you out of position 3pt made but has worse percentages and less made 3s per game. he does reb more but he's a big and rebs are easier stat.
Lauri also has not played more than 68 games per season so far in his career

Lauri may be awesome in 2-3 more years but he needs to bulk up a lot more
I think he might end up being younger version of BroLo, which isn't the worst thing but he's still 2-3 years away I think.

interestingly also is that his Blk numbers are not that better than Hield, which is kinda disappointing given he is playing with more defensive oriented coach

Yes Moe!! Great points!!
Buddy has already arrived. he is 45/43/88% on his percentages.
45/43/88 MIC DROP!

I'm surprised (but also forgot) that no one mentioned luke walton is coaching the kings next year, I think this is another point for Buddy

Great point dunk!! Walton loves an up-tempo 3 point shooting extravaganza!Just another reason "Buddy Love" is the man this season!
Eat my dust YoAdrian! LOL!

Adrian trying to jinx my dude on the podcast!?! Hahaha

No worries dunk!! Buddy is the man!! AB is going to have to wear the chicken suit for sure 🙂 🙂