Dr. Gobbler welched out on his bet from year ago in this thread (2 Viewers)

[Gr00vus]

Lakers looked terrible, Clippers looked great.

My least favorite parts involved having Bynum initiate the offense while he's at the 3 point line and everybody else just stands around for a few seconds and Artest trying to do anything on offense - that guy has pretty much zero pro offensive game at this point.

I think the Lakers need to give serious minutes to Morris and Ebanks this year if they're going to have a shot at anything more than a 1st or 2nd round exit. We already know what the vets at the 1 and the 3 don't give you, I say play these guys and hope they can give you more. They showed some flashes last night.

It's going to be a very rough start to the season. There's no cohesion anywhere, except the few times they reverted back to a trianglish offense. Guys are still getting worked on the perimeter on D.

:X

 

[tommyGunZ]

It's the preseason folks. Let's keep things in perspective.

Love Pau showing off the range from distance. Brown gave Big Z the green-light from 3, perhaps Gasol will help our horrible perimeter shooting.

 

[Gr00vus]

It's the preseason folks. Let's keep things in perspective. Love Pau showing off the range from distance. Brown gave Big Z the green-light from 3, perhaps Gasol will help our horrible perimeter shooting.

Normally, I'd agree with you on point one, but the problem is the season starts for reals in 4 days. Not a whole lot of time to get things running smoothly.I did like Pau shooting from out there, I hope he can stay effective that way.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

So.... Kobe out 2-4 weeks with a wrist sprain? Not playing against the Clippers and doubtful for Xmas.

First 5 games without Bynum and possibly Kobe...

Anyone else want to bet me that the Lakers finish with a better record than the Clippers?

 

[Shrugs]

So.... Kobe out 2-4 weeks with a wrist sprain? Not playing against the Clippers and doubtful for Xmas.First 5 games without Bynum and possibly Kobe...Anyone else want to bet me that the Lakers finish with a better record than the Clippers?

You must not know much about Kobe.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

So.... Kobe out 2-4 weeks with a wrist sprain? Not playing against the Clippers and doubtful for Xmas.First 5 games without Bynum and possibly Kobe...Anyone else want to bet me that the Lakers finish with a better record than the Clippers?

You must not know much about Kobe.

I know all about Kobe I also know about shooting wrist sprains.

 

[Judge Smails]

Face it fellow Laker fans, it is OVER. The Paul/Howard trades were a last gasp. Not saying they will be a .500 team, but with Bynum out the first 4, Kobe dinged, Odom gone - it is over. No chance, I mean zero, of winning an NBA championship. Kobe will prove to be mortal and start a gradual slide. Nothing to really build around. They are hamstrung, and it's not gonna be pretty as Kobe gets more and more frustrated as the season goes on. Then it gets worse next year.

 

[timschochet]

Face it fellow Laker fans, it is OVER. The Paul/Howard trades were a last gasp. Not saying they will be a .500 team, but with Bynum out the first 4, Kobe dinged, Odom gone - it is over. No chance, I mean zero, of winning an NBA championship. Kobe will prove to be mortal and start a gradual slide. Nothing to really build around. They are hamstrung, and it's not gonna be pretty as Kobe gets more and more frustrated as the season goes on. Then it gets worse next year.

Thanks for your support!

 

[bakes]

On the other hand, a ticked off and irritated Kobe is a selfish Kobe - no faith in others and will try and do it all himself. Expect a monster scoring year with several 40+ point 3 or fewer assist games. Think Allan "The Ghost Who Scores 20" Houston on speed.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

On the other hand, a ticked off and irritated Kobe is a selfish Kobe - no faith in others and will try and do it all himself. Expect a monster scoring year with several 40+ point 3 or fewer assist games. Think Allan "The Ghost Who Scores 20" Houston on speed.

Kobe can't sustain that kind of output at this age, he's really 36 by NBA standards since he came out so early and his mileage is way up there. My prediction, Kobe finishes the season on IR around the midpoint of the season. Kobe was great but the body betrays all athletes at some point.

 

[the moops]

So is the Lakers starting lineup Fisher, Barnes, Artest, McRoberts, Gasol?

Oof

 

[timschochet]

On the other hand, a ticked off and irritated Kobe is a selfish Kobe - no faith in others and will try and do it all himself. Expect a monster scoring year with several 40+ point 3 or fewer assist games. Think Allan "The Ghost Who Scores 20" Houston on speed.

Kobe can't sustain that kind of output at this age, he's really 36 by NBA standards since he came out so early and his mileage is way up there. My prediction, Kobe finishes the season on IR around the midpoint of the season. Kobe was great but the body betrays all athletes at some point.

Just bring it on haters.

 

[drummer]

On the other hand, a ticked off and irritated Kobe is a selfish Kobe - no faith in others and will try and do it all himself. Expect a monster scoring year with several 40+ point 3 or fewer assist games. Think Allan "The Ghost Who Scores 20" Houston on speed.

Kobe can't sustain that kind of output at this age, he's really 36 by NBA standards since he came out so early and his mileage is way up there. My prediction, Kobe finishes the season on IR around the midpoint of the season. Kobe was great but the body betrays all athletes at some point.

Just bring it on haters.

Bryant is 24th in regular season minutes played career wise, and second in playoff minutes under Kareem. Altogether he has logged over 48,000 minutes. Good thing this is a truncated NBA season.

 

[drummer]

Meanwhile, Derek Fisher needs to retire, now.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

I'm so glad Chick Hearn didn't live long enough to see this travesty.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

Pau Gasol looks like a broken folding chair.

 

[timschochet]

Bynum really impressed me last night. He looks better than he ever has. It's going to be a tough couple of weeks without Bynum and with a gimpy Kobe. But once Bynum returns, the Lakers will return to elite team status.

 

[timschochet]

Pau Gasol looks like a broken folding chair.

Let me know if you want to double or triple the amount of your bet.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

Pau Gasol looks like a broken folding chair.

Let me know if you want to double or triple the amount of your bet.

Whichever one you want. I live here in LA, born and raised, grew up on Showtime. I see your type of blindness every day.

 

[timschochet]

Pau Gasol looks like a broken folding chair.

Let me know if you want to double or triple the amount of your bet.

Whichever one you want. I live here in LA, born and raised, grew up on Showtime. I see your type of blindness every day.

$60 then.

 

[Gr00vus]

Bynum really impressed me last night. He looks better than he ever has. It's going to be a tough couple of weeks without Bynum and with a gimpy Kobe. But once Bynum returns, the Lakers will return to elite team status.

Dude needs to run laps from now until his suspension is over. If the knees hold up I expect the Lakers won't be dealing him for Howard or anybody. Might end up being the right move if they can figure a way to add someone like Derron Williams in the offseason. I don't think they'll be elite this year, somewhere between the 3 and 7 seed in the West. Early season is going to be rough, but I expect they'll improve as the season goes on. They might even get hot at the end and win a couple of playoff rounds.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

Pau Gasol looks like a broken folding chair.

Let me know if you want to double or triple the amount of your bet.

Whichever one you want. I live here in LA, born and raised, grew up on Showtime. I see your type of blindness every day.

$60 then.

$60 and a sig. CONFIRMED!!!!!

 

[drummer]

Bynum really impressed me last night. He looks better than he ever has. It's going to be a tough couple of weeks without Bynum and with a gimpy Kobe. But once Bynum returns, the Lakers will return to elite team status.

Dwight Howard makes them elite.

 

[timschochet]

Bynum really impressed me last night. He looks better than he ever has. It's going to be a tough couple of weeks without Bynum and with a gimpy Kobe. But once Bynum returns, the Lakers will return to elite team status.

Dude needs to run laps from now until his suspension is over. If the knees hold up I expect the Lakers won't be dealing him for Howard or anybody. Might end up being the right move if they can figure a way to add someone like Derron Williams in the offseason. I don't think they'll be elite this year, somewhere between the 3 and 7 seed in the West. Early season is going to be rough, but I expect they'll improve as the season goes on. They might even get hot at the end and win a couple of playoff rounds.

With regard to the playoffs, they still have the length advantage on any team not named the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas is a matchup problem as they proved last year, because their height neutralizes the Lakers' height, and that means it becomes a perimeter contest- advantage Mavs. But if they avoid Dallas I like their chances to come out of the west, still. The haters will call me myopic and perhaps I am, but that's what I honestly think.

 

[Gr00vus]

Bynum really impressed me last night. He looks better than he ever has. It's going to be a tough couple of weeks without Bynum and with a gimpy Kobe. But once Bynum returns, the Lakers will return to elite team status.

Dude needs to run laps from now until his suspension is over. If the knees hold up I expect the Lakers won't be dealing him for Howard or anybody. Might end up being the right move if they can figure a way to add someone like Derron Williams in the offseason. I don't think they'll be elite this year, somewhere between the 3 and 7 seed in the West. Early season is going to be rough, but I expect they'll improve as the season goes on. They might even get hot at the end and win a couple of playoff rounds.

With regard to the playoffs, they still have the length advantage on any team not named the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas is a matchup problem as they proved last year, because their height neutralizes the Lakers' height, and that means it becomes a perimeter contest- advantage Mavs. But if they avoid Dallas I like their chances to come out of the west, still. The haters will call me myopic and perhaps I am, but that's what I honestly think.

OKC, Memphis and the Clips all have enough inside, plus huge advantages on the perimeter over the Lakers to make them favorites over the Lakers IMO.

 

[JMon348]

This might be the most enjoyable season for me in a long time. First season in a long time with no real expectations. Think this will be last season of the Kobe 2.0 era and everyone knows it, just wish Kobe could be 100% for the whole season to add to his career stats. Any winning with this current group would be gravy.

I think Mitch knows that even with some small tinkering this team won't be able to win another title, so this will be a season of transition, while Mitch constructs what the Kobe 3.0 era will look like. I have no doubt Mitch will put together another contending team around Kobe to try and get him at least one more.

 

[Gr00vus]

This might be the most enjoyable season for me in a long time. First season in a long time with no real expectations. Think this will be last season of the Kobe 2.0 era and everyone knows it, just wish Kobe could be 100% for the whole season to add to his career stats. Any winning with this current group would be gravy.I think Mitch knows that even with some small tinkering this team won't be able to win another title, so this will be a season of transition, while Mitch constructs what the Kobe 3.0 era will look like. I have no doubt Mitch will put together another contending team around Kobe to try and get him at least one more.

That's pretty much the outlook I have for this year too, though I'm not as certain that Mitch will be able to get another championship quality team together around Kobe (and his crazy contract that'll be eating up 1/2 to 3/5 of their cap).

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

cough/chokejob/cough/

 

[Gr00vus]

The missed free throws, awful turnovers, idiotic shot selection - it's like they were trying to lose.

 

[drummer]

Looks like Jmon or even Skribbles wrote the subtitle to this thread.

 

[DaveGrumbles]

This might be the most enjoyable season for me in a long time. First season in a long time with no real expectations. Think this will be last season of the Kobe 2.0 era and everyone knows it, just wish Kobe could be 100% for the whole season to add to his career stats. Any winning with this current group would be gravy.I think Mitch knows that even with some small tinkering this team won't be able to win another title, so this will be a season of transition, while Mitch constructs what the Kobe 3.0 era will look like. I have no doubt Mitch will put together another contending team around Kobe to try and get him at least one more.

That's pretty much the outlook I have for this year too, though I'm not as certain that Mitch will be able to get another championship quality team together around Kobe (and his crazy contract that'll be eating up 1/2 to 3/5 of their cap).

The 'crazy' contracts are the 19 million Gasol is getting paid and the embarrassing 12+ million combined Walton/World Peace contracts they saddled on themselves. Spending money is fine for LA as long they're getting production. Gasol's 14 and 8 (with Bynum out no less) is exactly what this guy has left in the tank on a nightly basis. Pretty good for the 6th highest paid player in basketball I guess. This offseason was definitely their last chance to unload that on someone else.

 

[timschochet]

Lakers start off the season losing 2 games in a row. Oh well, early times yet. I'll worry later on.

 

[drummer]

This might be the most enjoyable season for me in a long time. First season in a long time with no real expectations. Think this will be last season of the Kobe 2.0 era and everyone knows it, just wish Kobe could be 100% for the whole season to add to his career stats. Any winning with this current group would be gravy.I think Mitch knows that even with some small tinkering this team won't be able to win another title, so this will be a season of transition, while Mitch constructs what the Kobe 3.0 era will look like. I have no doubt Mitch will put together another contending team around Kobe to try and get him at least one more.

That's pretty much the outlook I have for this year too, though I'm not as certain that Mitch will be able to get another championship quality team together around Kobe (and his crazy contract that'll be eating up 1/2 to 3/5 of their cap).

The 'crazy' contracts are the 19 million Gasol is getting paid and the embarrassing 12+ million combined Walton/World Peace contracts they saddled on themselves. Spending money is fine for LA as long they're getting production. Gasol's 14 and 8 (with Bynum out no less) is exactly what this guy has left in the tank on a nightly basis. Pretty good for the 6th highest paid player in basketball I guess. This offseason was definitely their last chance to unload that on someone else.

 

[Shrugs]

So.... Kobe out 2-4 weeks with a wrist sprain? Not playing against the Clippers and doubtful for Xmas.First 5 games without Bynum and possibly Kobe...Anyone else want to bet me that the Lakers finish with a better record than the Clippers?

You must not know much about Kobe.

I know all about Kobe I also know about shooting wrist sprains.

Your bet might be looking good but you're not looking so good here. You know all about Kobe, yet you still didn't know.

 

[Gr00vus]

This might be the most enjoyable season for me in a long time. First season in a long time with no real expectations. Think this will be last season of the Kobe 2.0 era and everyone knows it, just wish Kobe could be 100% for the whole season to add to his career stats. Any winning with this current group would be gravy.I think Mitch knows that even with some small tinkering this team won't be able to win another title, so this will be a season of transition, while Mitch constructs what the Kobe 3.0 era will look like. I have no doubt Mitch will put together another contending team around Kobe to try and get him at least one more.

That's pretty much the outlook I have for this year too, though I'm not as certain that Mitch will be able to get another championship quality team together around Kobe (and his crazy contract that'll be eating up 1/2 to 3/5 of their cap).

The 'crazy' contracts are the 19 million Gasol is getting paid and the embarrassing 12+ million combined Walton/World Peace contracts they saddled on themselves. Spending money is fine for LA as long they're getting production. Gasol's 14 and 8 (with Bynum out no less) is exactly what this guy has left in the tank on a nightly basis. Pretty good for the 6th highest paid player in basketball I guess. This offseason was definitely their last chance to unload that on someone else.

None of those deals looks good right now, but the worst is still the one that will cost $28M next year and $30M the following with a no trade clause.If they really want to deal Gasol, they'd have no problem finding takers. They can still amnesty Artest whenever, and Walton expires next year.They need to give the kids more run, I can't believe Fisher is getting all these minutes and Morris can't get off the pine - he can't be worse than Fisher at this point and probably could only get better with enough play. The Lakers are giving too many minutes to too many guys who offer little to no scoring threat.

 

[DaveGrumbles]

The 'crazy' contracts are the 19 million Gasol is getting paid and the embarrassing 12+ million combined Walton/World Peace contracts they saddled on themselves. Spending money is fine for LA as long they're getting production. Gasol's 14 and 8 (with Bynum out no less) is exactly what this guy has left in the tank on a nightly basis. Pretty good for the 6th highest paid player in basketball I guess. This offseason was definitely their last chance to unload that on someone else.

None of those deals looks good right now, but the worst is still the one that will cost $28M next year and $30M the following with a no trade clause.If they really want to deal Gasol, they'd have no problem finding takers. They can still amnesty Artest whenever, and Walton expires next year.They need to give the kids more run, I can't believe Fisher is getting all these minutes and Morris can't get off the pine - he can't be worse than Fisher at this point and probably could only get better with enough play. The Lakers are giving too many minutes to too many guys who offer little to no scoring threat.

Kobe's not hogging up money that they could give to some other free agent that would produce more. They each account for a max slot. His higher salary comes with natural raises the laker's are allowed to give on contract renewal. It's not like that full 25mil could be used on another player. Even if the Lakers magically unloaded everyone, they would still have to use that money elsewhere and there really aren't any players besides Howard coming to market that would be worth those max dollars anyway. Not to mention that Howard wouldn't sign with a team full of nothing. Bottom line is Kobe is worth his max slot because of current production and his ability to still draw in other players which helps transition to the next iteration of the team. Nobody is knocking the lakers door down to play with Pau Gasol. That's why Pau's contract is the albatross it is and was one Mitch desperately tried to hang on someone else. Yes, Pau will still have plenty of takers, but the value will drastically decrease by February as opposed to what he was worth in November.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Looks like Jmon or even Skribbles wrote the subtitle to this thread.

My thread titles are realistic. This one, not so much.

 

[drummer]

Looks like Jmon or even Skribbles wrote the subtitle to this thread.

My thread titles are realistic. This one, not so much.

You both are equally as credible on the subject matter.

 

[Gr00vus]

The 'crazy' contracts are the 19 million Gasol is getting paid and the embarrassing 12+ million combined Walton/World Peace contracts they saddled on themselves. Spending money is fine for LA as long they're getting production. Gasol's 14 and 8 (with Bynum out no less) is exactly what this guy has left in the tank on a nightly basis. Pretty good for the 6th highest paid player in basketball I guess. This offseason was definitely their last chance to unload that on someone else.

None of those deals looks good right now, but the worst is still the one that will cost $28M next year and $30M the following with a no trade clause.If they really want to deal Gasol, they'd have no problem finding takers. They can still amnesty Artest whenever, and Walton expires next year.They need to give the kids more run, I can't believe Fisher is getting all these minutes and Morris can't get off the pine - he can't be worse than Fisher at this point and probably could only get better with enough play. The Lakers are giving too many minutes to too many guys who offer little to no scoring threat.

Kobe's not hogging up money that they could give to some other free agent that would produce more. They each account for a max slot. His higher salary comes with natural raises the laker's are allowed to give on contract renewal. It's not like that full 25mil could be used on another player. Even if the Lakers magically unloaded everyone, they would still have to use that money elsewhere and there really aren't any players besides Howard coming to market that would be worth those max dollars anyway. Not to mention that Howard wouldn't sign with a team full of nothing. Bottom line is Kobe is worth his max slot because of current production and his ability to still draw in other players which helps transition to the next iteration of the team. Nobody is knocking the lakers door down to play with Pau Gasol. That's why Pau's contract is the albatross it is and was one Mitch desperately tried to hang on someone else. Yes, Pau will still have plenty of takers, but the value will drastically decrease by February as opposed to what he was worth in November.

Nothing you're writing here makes sense. Kobe isn't hogging money, but Gasol is? And to top it off there isn't anyone worth spending money on besides Howard anyway?

 

[drummer]

The 'crazy' contracts are the 19 million Gasol is getting paid and the embarrassing 12+ million combined Walton/World Peace contracts they saddled on themselves. Spending money is fine for LA as long they're getting production. Gasol's 14 and 8 (with Bynum out no less) is exactly what this guy has left in the tank on a nightly basis. Pretty good for the 6th highest paid player in basketball I guess. This offseason was definitely their last chance to unload that on someone else.

None of those deals looks good right now, but the worst is still the one that will cost $28M next year and $30M the following with a no trade clause.If they really want to deal Gasol, they'd have no problem finding takers. They can still amnesty Artest whenever, and Walton expires next year.They need to give the kids more run, I can't believe Fisher is getting all these minutes and Morris can't get off the pine - he can't be worse than Fisher at this point and probably could only get better with enough play. The Lakers are giving too many minutes to too many guys who offer little to no scoring threat.

Kobe's not hogging up money that they could give to some other free agent that would produce more. They each account for a max slot. His higher salary comes with natural raises the laker's are allowed to give on contract renewal. It's not like that full 25mil could be used on another player. Even if the Lakers magically unloaded everyone, they would still have to use that money elsewhere and there really aren't any players besides Howard coming to market that would be worth those max dollars anyway. Not to mention that Howard wouldn't sign with a team full of nothing. Bottom line is Kobe is worth his max slot because of current production and his ability to still draw in other players which helps transition to the next iteration of the team. Nobody is knocking the lakers door down to play with Pau Gasol. That's why Pau's contract is the albatross it is and was one Mitch desperately tried to hang on someone else. Yes, Pau will still have plenty of takers, but the value will drastically decrease by February as opposed to what he was worth in November.

Nothing you're writing here makes sense. Kobe isn't hogging money, but Gasol is? And to top it off there isn't anyone worth spending money on besides Howard anyway?

Bryant while hurt is still the best player on the floor. Take Bryant off that team, and you're back to the Elden Campbell era.

 

[Dr. Gobbler]

So.... Kobe out 2-4 weeks with a wrist sprain? Not playing against the Clippers and doubtful for Xmas.First 5 games without Bynum and possibly Kobe...Anyone else want to bet me that the Lakers finish with a better record than the Clippers?

You must not know much about Kobe.

I know all about Kobe I also know about shooting wrist sprains.

Your bet might be looking good but you're not looking so good here. You know all about Kobe, yet you still didn't know.

Kobe is a warrior no doubt but he shot 10 for 24 last night. That's not great and Stu even mentioned last night that Kobe is having trouble snapping that wrist which is going to make him less accurate. Everybody with a little bit of NBA I.Q. knows they aren't going to win the first few games, why not rest him? Also I'm yet to see Kobe hit that gear that he WAS so famous for.

 

[the moops]

Bryant while hurt is still the best player on the floor. Take Bryant off that team, and you're back to the Elden Campbell era.

And?

 

[drummer]

Bryant while hurt is still the best player on the floor. Take Bryant off that team, and you're back to the Elden Campbell era.

And?

moops will still be in Lakers threads asking "and?".

 

[DaveGrumbles]

The 'crazy' contracts are the 19 million Gasol is getting paid and the embarrassing 12+ million combined Walton/World Peace contracts they saddled on themselves. Spending money is fine for LA as long they're getting production. Gasol's 14 and 8 (with Bynum out no less) is exactly what this guy has left in the tank on a nightly basis. Pretty good for the 6th highest paid player in basketball I guess. This offseason was definitely their last chance to unload that on someone else.

None of those deals looks good right now, but the worst is still the one that will cost $28M next year and $30M the following with a no trade clause.If they really want to deal Gasol, they'd have no problem finding takers. They can still amnesty Artest whenever, and Walton expires next year.They need to give the kids more run, I can't believe Fisher is getting all these minutes and Morris can't get off the pine - he can't be worse than Fisher at this point and probably could only get better with enough play. The Lakers are giving too many minutes to too many guys who offer little to no scoring threat.

Kobe's not hogging up money that they could give to some other free agent that would produce more. They each account for a max slot. His higher salary comes with natural raises the laker's are allowed to give on contract renewal. It's not like that full 25mil could be used on another player. Even if the Lakers magically unloaded everyone, they would still have to use that money elsewhere and there really aren't any players besides Howard coming to market that would be worth those max dollars anyway. Not to mention that Howard wouldn't sign with a team full of nothing. Bottom line is Kobe is worth his max slot because of current production and his ability to still draw in other players which helps transition to the next iteration of the team. Nobody is knocking the lakers door down to play with Pau Gasol. That's why Pau's contract is the albatross it is and was one Mitch desperately tried to hang on someone else. Yes, Pau will still have plenty of takers, but the value will drastically decrease by February as opposed to what he was worth in November.

Nothing you're writing here makes sense. Kobe isn't hogging money, but Gasol is? And to top it off there isn't anyone worth spending money on besides Howard anyway?

I actually didn't say anyone is hogging money...was just responding to your continued assertion that Kobe's contract is somehow the 'worst' on the team. I thought an explanation of why it's not the 'worst' might be relevant to the conversation. Sorry all the big words lost you along the way.Also, if you believe that there is an upcoming free agent, besides Howard, that would significantly improve upon what the Lakers are already working with then you probably need to catch up on your basketball knowledge. And, no, Deron Williams is not worth what it would take in salary dump to get him. Essentially the Lakers would be left with a great young point guard and not much else. Go ask the Hornets how many championships they won with that scenario.

 

[StrikeS2k]

So.... Kobe out 2-4 weeks with a wrist sprain? Not playing against the Clippers and doubtful for Xmas.First 5 games without Bynum and possibly Kobe...Anyone else want to bet me that the Lakers finish with a better record than the Clippers?

You must not know much about Kobe.

I know all about Kobe I also know about shooting wrist sprains.

Your bet might be looking good but you're not looking so good here. You know all about Kobe, yet you still didn't know.

Kobe is a warrior no doubt but he shot 10 for 24 last night. That's not great and Stu even mentioned last night that Kobe is having trouble snapping that wrist which is going to make him less accurate. Everybody with a little bit of NBA I.Q. knows they aren't going to win the first few games, why not rest him? Also I'm yet to see Kobe hit that gear that he WAS so famous for.

Wat? They should have won the Chicago game. And Sacramento should have been a cake walk. That one was very disappointing. And the reason you don't rest Kobe is that, like most players, he needs to get back in to playing shape. Also, they have several new pieces, not to mention a new coach and system, that they all need to get used to. Resting players only delays that process. We may have lost a couple of games but the team is learning along the way, and that has value. I think people are underestimating how good this time can be. I don't know if they'll be championship caliber but I think they can be pretty good. And Fisher needs to go. Or at least go to the bench. I love the guy but he's really starting to suck.

 

[Gr00vus]

I thought an explanation of why it's not the 'worst' might be relevant to the conversation.

The next time you offer an explanation that makes sense will be the first. I wouldn't bother trying if I were you because there isn't one.

Also, if you believe that there is an upcoming free agent, besides Howard, that would significantly improve upon what the Lakers are already working with then you probably need to catch up on your basketball knowledge. And, no, Deron Williams is not worth what it would take in salary dump to get him. Essentially the Lakers would be left with a great young point guard and not much else. Go ask the Hornets how many championships they won with that scenario.

I don't know if you've noticed, but the Lakers just lost to a Sacto team that has zero max salary guys on it. There's more to building a team than just acquiring the highest priced free agents you can find - there are other guys out there that can be serious contributors. When you've got $30M wrapped up in one guy it makes it extremely difficult to get those types (the ones that help you win championships) on to the roster.

 

[DaveGrumbles]

I thought an explanation of why it's not the 'worst' might be relevant to the conversation.

The next time you offer an explanation that makes sense will be the first. I wouldn't bother trying if I were you because there isn't one.

Also, if you believe that there is an upcoming free agent, besides Howard, that would significantly improve upon what the Lakers are already working with then you probably need to catch up on your basketball knowledge. And, no, Deron Williams is not worth what it would take in salary dump to get him. Essentially the Lakers would be left with a great young point guard and not much else. Go ask the Hornets how many championships they won with that scenario.

I don't know if you've noticed, but the Lakers just lost to a Sacto team that has zero max salary guys on it. There's more to building a team than just acquiring the highest priced free agents you can find - there are other guys out there that can be serious contributors. When you've got $30M wrapped up in one guy it makes it extremely difficult to get those types (the ones that help you win championships) on to the roster.

Well, I'm sure common sense would go right over the head of someone who holds up the Sacramento Kings as the model for how the Lakers should build a franchise.

So your rebuilding blueprint would go something like this?

1) Be completely playoff irrelevant for 6 or 7 years. All the while sneakily acquiring mid-level to slightly above mid-level talent.

2) Watch the December upset victories against injury plagued, past their prime, contending teams just roll in.

3) Remain a cusp playoff team for a couple years while other teams waste their time playing those meaningless games in June. (That way those dumb teams will be all tired and bored for next December's games...paving the way for an awesome repeat of step #2)

4) Keep the empty trophy cased dusted and stock up on December victory cigars.

5) Repeat

Good plan.

Keep 'em coming bro...

 

[Gr00vus]

Good plan.

Nice straw man you've constructed. I hope it's entertaining for you, but it's not really sound reasoning on your part. Par for you course here.Regardless, I'll take even your silly straw man plan over paying $30M to a 35 year old jump shooter whose body is breaking down.

 

[DaveGrumbles]

Good plan.

Nice straw man you've constructed. I hope it's entertaining for you, but it's not really sound reasoning on your part. Par for you course here.Regardless, I'll take even your silly straw man plan over paying $30M to a 35 year old jump shooter whose body is breaking down.

1) Well it's not a straw man since you actually used SacTown as an example of how to alternatively build a franchise. I just recounted their journey to minor success. 2) The fact that you have now taken the nonsensical position of preferring the Lakers resemble a losing franchise than a winning one only exposes the heart of the issue. You have a personal dislike for Kobe and that's really all it comes down. If that's the case, I can see your argument and even agree with it to some extent. But to continue to hold the line that he is someohow holding them back in anyway is just silly.Anyway, I'm okay with concluding this mini-debate. Agree to disagree, I guess.

 

[Gr00vus]

1) Well it's not a straw man since you actually used SacTown as an example of how to alternatively build a franchise. I just recounted their journey to minor success.

No I did not. I was pointing out that they had enough salary flexibility to sign useful players rather than having to resort to scrap heap minimum vets because they don't have an inordinate amount of money tied up in one or two guys. I don't see how it's possible to have a competitive roster when one guy accounts for 1/4 to 3/5ths of your cap space. You haven't convinced me otherwise at any point - heck you haven't even addressed that. Tell me how you realistically construct a championship roster with one player making $30M - I don't care who that player is.

2) The fact that you have now taken the nonsensical position of preferring the Lakers resemble a losing franchise than a winning one only exposes the heart of the issue.

Again with the straw man arguments.

You have a personal dislike for Kobe and that's really all it comes down.

I appreciate the guy as a player. He's one of the top 10 greatest of all time, and I'm lucky to get to watch him play for my favorite team.

If that's the case, I can see your argument and even agree with it to some extent. But to continue to hold the line that he is someohow holding them back in anyway is just silly.

He hasn't held them back yet. The upcoming two years of his current contract, his ever more frequent health issues, and his advancing years/mileage combined with the new salary cap and luxury tax rules will hold the Lakers back. I don't see how that's an even remotely illegitimate concern.I can see the Lakers landing Howard, but until Kobe's monster deal is off the books they simply won't have the salary flexibility requisite to assemble a championship caliber roster unless they get incredibly lucky in some unforeseen way. That's a reality that seems quite clear to me.