2024-25 NBA Thread: Kevin Love fulfillls destiny by being traded to Utah (29 Viewers)

[Major]

Lakers got to get whatever they can for what's his name while he's still got some marketability left.

You talking about the guy who was 2nd team All-NBA this year?

Wait, you really bringing up a voting contest? What is it, 100 global media panelists? Sportswriters and broadcasters?

Does Borat get a vote?

You really don’t think he was a top idk 8-15 player in the league this past year??

I don't think I'll ever get the Lebron hate. Sure he doesn't read but seems to be a solid dude on and off the court. Amazing to have access to just about anything in this world from a teenager to adult and not have one scandal. And to do what he's doing at his age from a basketball standpoint is incredible. Undisputed . MJ just didn't have the longevity of Lebron and had to take time off to duck Vernon Maxwell and the Houston Rockets.

Anyone over the age of 45 pretty much disputes the GOAT thing.

Remember like 90% of this forum is over 50.

Not 50 but over 45. The camel's back for me is Vernon Maxwell. He wouldn't be able to shut down Lebron and force him into retirement.

 

[Capella]

Lebron has played like 7 more seasons than Jordan and still has 6 less scoring titles, less MVPs, and less championships. In an era where he could build his own team. I don't even know how this is debatable. I like Lebron better, he's a better person, he is a better facilitator, Jordan is a jerk ... but when it comes to winning Jordan is the guy you are gonna call to get the job done. He won the championship 40% of his years in the league.

Lol Jordan absolutely never had a menace like the Steph/KD Warriors to contend with.

 

[General Malaise]

Looks like the Blazers are buying out Ayton. Seems like a lock for LAL.

Good on Portland cutting bait now. Woefully overpaid. Dude has no motor. Different franchise. Same story.

Suns wouldn't have been able to sign an outside player so they overpaid to retain Ayton. Shocked they found a taker of his salary but they lost the real prize in that deal in Camara.

Hes JAG at center but would be fine at a salary more appropriate with his talent level, effort and basketball IQ

He'll be remembered in Portland for missing a game because he couldn't get out of his driveway due to snow. That's it. That's the memory.

 

[msudaisy26]

Anyone over the age of 45 pretty much disputes the GOAT thing.

Not this over 45 year old

Not over 45 and I think it is really close. I give it to Jordan, but I can see why people say Lebron. I hate them both equally.

 

[Desert_Power]

Lebron has played like 7 more seasons than Jordan and still has 6 less scoring titles, less MVPs, and less championships. In an era where he could build his own team. I don't even know how this is debatable. I like Lebron better, he's a better person, he is a better facilitator, Jordan is a jerk ... but when it comes to winning Jordan is the guy you are gonna call to get the job done. He won the championship 40% of his years in the league.

Jordan and LeGM both seem to be not great at knowing how to build teams.

 

[msudaisy26]

I think I have Lebron above MJ but honestly go back and forth.

Russell over Wilt is pretty clear though.

I never seen them play, but I have fallen into a rabbit hole watching and reading about Wilt and I think I would put him 3rd.

 

[Zow]

I'm 42 and I believe Jordan is the best basketball player ever and the guy I want in a finals game 7.

Lebron is the best all-around basketball player I've ever seen and I think has had the best career ever (could see an argument for Russell). He's essentially my age now and what he is doing at that age is mind-blowing.

I know that's nuanced, but that's my take.

 

[Mister CIA]

Was just thinking the NFL would not even let the NBA have today.

Jonnu Smith to Steelers is indeed huge news.

 

[mr. furley]

Lakers got to get whatever they can for what's his name while he's still got some marketability left.

You talking about the guy who was 2nd team All-NBA this year?

Wait, you really bringing up a voting contest? What is it, 100 global media panelists? Sportswriters and broadcasters?

Does Borat get a vote?

You really don’t think he was a top idk 8-15 player in the league this past year??

I don't think I'll ever get the Lebron hate. Sure he doesn't read but seems to be a solid dude on and off the court. Amazing to have access to just about anything in this world from a teenager to adult and not have one scandal. And to do what he's doing at his age from a basketball standpoint is incredible. Undisputed . MJ just didn't have the longevity of Lebron and had to take time off to duck Vernon Maxwell and the Houston Rockets.

maybe you forgot about the 2013 season when he had a chance to put 30 on the Hornets but he passed on a shot late to finish with 28????

or the Olympics when he pointedly didn't make an appearance at the men's pursuit final in Rio in a clear shot at Heat ownership??

 

[msudaisy26]

I think that statement by LeBron's agent is his waybof saying this isn't his last year.

 

[Harry Frogfish]

The thread was all about trades of late. I simply opined that the Lakers might be better off to get what they can, while they can is all. IF they can. Nowhere did I mention about likability or some voting results or his history. It's about the Lakers not the feels. Do they really have another shot with him and the resources at hand? I think youth is being served now.

 

[Capella]

The thread was all about trades of late. I simply opined that the Lakers might be better off to get what they can, while they can is all. IF they can. Nowhere did I mention about likability or some voting results or his history. It's about the Lakers not the feels. Do they really have another shot with him and the resources at hand? I think youth is being served now.

No, I don’t think the Lakers are true title contenders with him unless they pull some incredible offseason rabbits out of their hat. I guess best case would be signing Ayton and hoping he actually cares for once since he’d be in a contract year. Not sure that gets them a title though.

 

[Mister CIA]

Was able to coax this out of Google's AI:

"In the 2011 NBA Finals, LeBron James's performance with the Miami Heat was widely criticized as a "choke". The Heat, heavily favored to win, lost to the Dallas Mavericks, and James's fourth-quarter struggles, particularly in crucial games, drew significant criticism. He was seen as avoiding the ball and failing to take charge offensively, which led to the team's struggles."

Let me see what I can dredge up on MJ.

 

[Frostillicus]

I'm 42 and I believe Jordan is the best basketball player ever and the guy I want in a finals game 7.

Lebron is the best all-around basketball player I've ever seen and I think has had the best career ever (could see an argument for Russell). He's essentially my age now and what he is doing at that age is mind-blowing.

I know that's nuanced, but that's my take.

This is pretty much my take as well. But if I have to pick one to call the GOAT I go with Lebron. His career is untouchable, Imo.

Also I am over 45 and have a 14 year old son who is NBA obsessed and we argue about the GOAT all the time. Except I vote Lebron and he votes Jordan.

 

[Frostillicus]

Can't forget MJ quit for 2 years to go play baseball. If Lebron did something like that I feel very comofortable saying a large percentage of teh same "MJ is the goat" people would automatically disqualify Lebron from the conversation. Somehow it's ok because it was Jordan though.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Looks like the Blazers are buying out Ayton. Seems like a lock for LAL.

Good on Portland cutting bait now. Woefully overpaid. Dude has no motor. Different franchise. Same story.

Suns wouldn't have been able to sign an outside player so they overpaid to retain Ayton. Shocked they found a taker of his salary but they lost the real prize in that deal in Camara.

Hes JAG at center but would be fine at a salary more appropriate with his talent level, effort and basketball IQ

He'll be remembered in Portland for missing a game because he couldn't get out of his driveway due to snow. That's it. That's the memory.

The guy is a replacement level center. The equivalent of a 5th starter innings eater to me when he's out there.

I've never watched a lazier NBA player in person on the court in my life than Ayton. Nurkic wore out his welcome here in Phoenix too but no one was clamoring for Ayton to return. But Suns sure the hell could have used Camara.

Somehow Charlotte found a trade partner for Nurkic....Portland couldn't find one for Ayton.

Portland absolutely made the right move cutting Ayton. I'd want zero part of him with a young team. And veterans hate him....

Good riddance. I imagine he'll bounce around a few teams before being washed out of the league.

 

[Jayrod]

Can't forget MJ quit for 2 years to go play baseball. If Lebron did something like that I feel very comofortable saying a large percentage of teh same "MJ is the goat" people would automatically disqualify Lebron from the conversation. Somehow it's ok because it was Jordan though.

Tell yourself whatever you want, guy.

Doesn't make it true.

 

[General Malaise]

Looks like the Blazers are buying out Ayton. Seems like a lock for LAL.

Good on Portland cutting bait now. Woefully overpaid. Dude has no motor. Different franchise. Same story.

Suns wouldn't have been able to sign an outside player so they overpaid to retain Ayton. Shocked they found a taker of his salary but they lost the real prize in that deal in Camara.

Hes JAG at center but would be fine at a salary more appropriate with his talent level, effort and basketball IQ

He'll be remembered in Portland for missing a game because he couldn't get out of his driveway due to snow. That's it. That's the memory.

The guy is a replacement level center. The equivalent of a 5th starter innings eater to me when he's out there.

I've never watched a lazier NBA player in person on the court in my life than Ayton. Nurkic wore out his welcome here in Phoenix too but no one was clamoring for Ayton to return. But Suns sure the hell could have used Camara.

Somehow Charlotte found a trade partner for Nurkic....Portland couldn't find one for Ayton.

Portland absolutely made the right move cutting Ayton. I'd want zero part of him with a young team. And veterans hate him....

Good riddance. I imagine he'll bounce around a few teams before being washed out of the league.

Yeah, that was another major problem. He played in like 90 total games in two years and I'm not sure any of his injuries would have kept out some other players making the kind of money he's making, but that's just speculation on my part. I also am not the one injured, so easy for me to say.

Still, for a small town with only one pro team that generally embraces their players, this guy encroached upon Raymond Felton territory for despised Trail Blazers. And that's pretty hard to do because Felton's fat butt is HATED here. Guy wanted to fight fans....should have let him. He probably would have gotten tired.

Glad he's gone but not getting ANYTHING back for him feels like bad asset management. But addition by subtraction I guess.

 

[msudaisy26]

Can't forget MJ quit for 2 years to go play baseball. If Lebron did something like that I feel very comofortable saying a large percentage of teh same "MJ is the goat" people would automatically disqualify Lebron from the conversation. Somehow it's ok because it was Jordan though.

I feel like if Jordan stayed he might have won eight titles in a row or maybe they would have lost on the backend and won five or more in a row.

If Jordan had done that I don't think there would even be a goat discussion.

Edit: I also think it would be different if LeBron's mom passed tragically and he stepped away.

 

[nirad3]

Can't forget MJ quit for 2 years to go play baseball. If Lebron did something like that I feel very comofortable saying a large percentage of teh same "MJ is the goat" people would automatically disqualify Lebron from the conversation. Somehow it's ok because it was Jordan though.

Mmmm... did MJ quit basketball or was it the other way around? I know it's just a conspiracy theory but I am pretty certain David Stern told him to take some time off because of his... proclivities?

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Shams: Jazz buyout Clarkson.

I expect the exoduses to continue and Ace Bailey will be team captain this season.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Day’Ron Sharpe will sign a two-year, $12 million deal to return to the Nets.

 

[msudaisy26]

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Day’Ron Sharpe will sign a two-year, $12 million deal to return to the Nets.

We were all waiting for this one to really set the market, and set up every other team and free agent with a destination. Let the fun begin!

 

[msudaisy26]

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the Jazz are waiving Johnny Juzang.
Over the last two seasons, the UCLA product has averaged just over eight points and 1.7 triples while shooting 38.4% from downtown. He should have no problem landing with a new team that can utilize his floor-spacing abilities.

This one surprises me. I would love the Pistons to go get him to replace Kenny Roger's, I mean Malik Beasley.

 

[Kev4029]

Shams: Jazz buyout Clarkson.

I expect the exoduses to continue and Ace Bailey will be team captain this season.

He'd be a fantastic fit on the Nuggets' bench. A Bruce Brown - Jordan Clarkson - Larry Nance Jr off-season would legitimately be transformative.

 

[msudaisy26]

Shams: Jazz buyout Clarkson.

I expect the exoduses to continue and Ace Bailey will be team captain this season.

He'd be a fantastic fit on the Nuggets' bench. A Bruce Brown - Jordan Clarkson - Larry Nance Jr off-season would legitimately be transformative.

I think you are going to have to fight a lot of teams for his services.

 

[Yo Mama]

ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Day’Ron Sharpe will sign a two-year, $12 million deal to return to the Nets.

I was hoping he would have been an option for the Lakers with the smaller MLE.

 

[Capella]

Can't forget MJ quit for 2 years to go play baseball. If Lebron did something like that I feel very comofortable saying a large percentage of teh same "MJ is the goat" people would automatically disqualify Lebron from the conversation. Somehow it's ok because it was Jordan though.

Tell yourself whatever you want, guy.

Doesn't make it true.

Come on. If LeBron took 2 years off in his prime to go play tight end in the nfl some of you would never shut up about it. Be real.

 

[thecatch]

Lebron has played like 7 more seasons than Jordan and still has 6 less scoring titles, less MVPs, and less championships. In an era where he could build his own team. I don't even know how this is debatable. I like Lebron better, he's a better person, he is a better facilitator, Jordan is a jerk ... but when it comes to winning Jordan is the guy you are gonna call to get the job done. He won the championship 40% of his years in the league.

Lol Jordan absolutely never had a menace like the Steph/KD Warriors to contend with.

You're right, there were no dominant teams in the 80s.

 

[Capella]

Lebron has played like 7 more seasons than Jordan and still has 6 less scoring titles, less MVPs, and less championships. In an era where he could build his own team. I don't even know how this is debatable. I like Lebron better, he's a better person, he is a better facilitator, Jordan is a jerk ... but when it comes to winning Jordan is the guy you are gonna call to get the job done. He won the championship 40% of his years in the league.

Lol Jordan absolutely never had a menace like the Steph/KD Warriors to contend with.

You're right, there were no dominant teams in the 80s.

Yea Jordan’s prime and championship window was 85-89 everybody knows that.

 

[thecatch]

Lebron has played like 7 more seasons than Jordan and still has 6 less scoring titles, less MVPs, and less championships. In an era where he could build his own team. I don't even know how this is debatable. I like Lebron better, he's a better person, he is a better facilitator, Jordan is a jerk ... but when it comes to winning Jordan is the guy you are gonna call to get the job done. He won the championship 40% of his years in the league.

Lol Jordan absolutely never had a menace like the Steph/KD Warriors to contend with.

You're right, there were no dominant teams in the 80s.

Yea Jordan’s prime and championship window was 85-89 everybody knows that.

He was getting MVP votes as early as his rookie year. There is a Lebron over Jordan case to be made (that I don't agree with) that doesn't require fake news.

 

[General Malaise]

Guys...THEY ARE BOTH GREAT.

There's no award for being recognized as the best. It's not an Academy Award. They're both otherworldly.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Shams alluded to some "big deals" happening tonight when he was on McAfee today.

 

[Mister CIA]

GOAT?

https://x.com/Spurs_Latam/status/1939676821798502576

 

[Zow]

GOAT?

https://x.com/Spurs_Latam/status/1939676821798502576

Wow

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

Can't forget MJ quit for 2 years to go play baseball. If Lebron did something like that I feel very comofortable saying a large percentage of teh same "MJ is the goat" people would automatically disqualify Lebron from the conversation. Somehow it's ok because it was Jordan though.

Tell yourself whatever you want, guy.

Doesn't make it true.

Come on. If LeBron took 2 years off in his prime to go play tight end in the nfl some of you would never shut up about it. Be real.

I wouldn't complain. Thats two years less of watching him flailing around on the floor, pretending that his eye just came out of its socket when he was actually lightly touched on his elbow.

The pretending is bad, worse is putting on the charade for 5 minutes after we all saw the replay.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Grizzlies agree to 5-240m and 3-52.5 extensions with JJJ and Aldama per Sharms

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Turn back the clock. Chris Paul deciding between Clippers and Suns per Crispy Haynes

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

DFS to Rockets for 4-53 per Sharms

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Shams: Paul Reed to Pistons 2-11

 

[Yo Mama]

DFS to Rockets for 4-53 per Sharms

Bummer - sounds like the Lakers didn’t want to give that many years

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Shams: Cam Spencer to Grizz 2-4.5

 

[Yo Mama]

Shams: Cam Spencer to Grizz 2-4.5

Grizzle’s are going to have to do some salary dumping to do this, Aldama, and the JJJ max extension.

 

[Kev4029]

DFS to Rockets for 4-53 per Sharms

Bummer - sounds like the Lakers didn’t want to give that many years

I wonder why LeBron is making all those threats when the front office is doing dumb **** like this.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Shams: Grizz and Cole Anthony working on resolution to create cap space to extend JJJ

 

[Kev4029]

Shams: Cam Spencer to Grizz 2-4.5

Grizzle’s are going to have to do some salary dumping to do this, Aldama, and the JJJ max extension.

Buying out Cole Anthony, it sounds like.

 

[Kev4029]

Reports are that Ayton gave up $10m for his freedom. Seems like a lot to me.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

LaRavia to Kings 2-12 per Crispy Haynes

LaRavia to Lakers for 2-12 per Shams

:

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

LaRavia to Kings 2-12 per Crispy Haynes

LaRavia to Lakers for 2-12 per Shams

:

Shams wins

Crispy Haynes updates to Lakers

 

[msudaisy26]

DFS to Rockets for 4-53 per Sharms

Bummer - sounds like the Lakers didn’t want to give that many years

If only LeBron took a pay cut.