*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (9 Viewers)

[Zaxxon]

parsons contract is dollar for dollar the "best" deal in the league. I'd rather have Lebron at 35 million than parsons at 700k, but that isn't how things work. He's a reliable third option on offense and a plus defender and he costs 1/35th of Kobe Bryant and 1/3 of Ty freaking Lawson. Define value however you want - chandler parsons contract is of great value. And it lasts for two more seasons after this one.

What does this mean?And Parsons is at nearly 900k, not 700k for what that's worth.

It means if you did something like PER/$ like in baseball when they do $/win, Parsons would be one of if not the very best. Add in the fact, he is under control for 2 more years and I don't really see how anyone beats that. Blatche beats that this year, sure, but he'll probably get at least 5 and probably more next year.

If you're going to do Per/$, then he isn't even the best on his team.

Yes, like I said, Blatche probably beats him this year with a few others. But do you think between the beginning of next year and over the next 2 years, someone still beats him. Sure, Greg Smith beats him this year and next, but what do you think Smith's next contract will look like? Now PER/$ is a bit flawed b/c I don't think it takes into account much of the usage rate so someone like Harden who plays 38 minutes is much more important than someone like Smith who plays 14 minutes even if their efficiency numbers are fairly close.

Kenneth Faried will, Isaiah Thomas has a chance, Barnes has a chance as hes a bit of a headcase so nobody is going to pay him well.

Between this year and 2014, Parsons makes $2.78 million, Faried will make $4.9 million. We'll see what Isaiah Thomas makes as an RFA but odds are if he is doing well, he'll get a decent contract offer. But back to Faried v. Parsons. Parsons right now sits at 71.5 VA and 2.4 EWA compared to Faried at 127.6 VA and 4.3 EWA. So Faried will make 1.76 times what Parson makes and is 1.78 VA and 1.79 EWA better. So Faried is producing better than his contract compared to Parsons but it is fairly close.

As far as Barnes. As you mention, his antics do provide a bit of a downfall to his value. But he is still going to make $1.2 million at least so that puts him at $3.6 for the minimum and his VA is 89.6 and EWA is 3. So he'll get paid 1.3 times Parsons and his VA and EWA is 1.25 times so Parsons is a bit better.

Either way, it is very close and while making an absolute statement such as Parsons is the "best" contract may not be advisable, it is one of the best especially considering he is locked up for 3 years.

Faried also plays 20% less than Parsons. On a per minute basis he is blowing him away. And really this whole dollars per whatever is an awful way to define best contract. There isn't anybody who would rather have Parsons at his salary than dozens (hundreds?) of players at theirs.

How much does Donuts make?

 

[Kev4029]

parsons contract is dollar for dollar the "best" deal in the league. I'd rather have Lebron at 35 million than parsons at 700k, but that isn't how things work. He's a reliable third option on offense and a plus defender and he costs 1/35th of Kobe Bryant and 1/3 of Ty freaking Lawson. Define value however you want - chandler parsons contract is of great value. And it lasts for two more seasons after this one.

What does this mean?And Parsons is at nearly 900k, not 700k for what that's worth.

It means if you did something like PER/$ like in baseball when they do $/win, Parsons would be one of if not the very best. Add in the fact, he is under control for 2 more years and I don't really see how anyone beats that. Blatche beats that this year, sure, but he'll probably get at least 5 and probably more next year.

If you're going to do Per/$, then he isn't even the best on his team.

Yes, like I said, Blatche probably beats him this year with a few others. But do you think between the beginning of next year and over the next 2 years, someone still beats him. Sure, Greg Smith beats him this year and next, but what do you think Smith's next contract will look like? Now PER/$ is a bit flawed b/c I don't think it takes into account much of the usage rate so someone like Harden who plays 38 minutes is much more important than someone like Smith who plays 14 minutes even if their efficiency numbers are fairly close.

Kenneth Faried will, Isaiah Thomas has a chance, Barnes has a chance as hes a bit of a headcase so nobody is going to pay him well.

Between this year and 2014, Parsons makes $2.78 million, Faried will make $4.9 million. We'll see what Isaiah Thomas makes as an RFA but odds are if he is doing well, he'll get a decent contract offer. But back to Faried v. Parsons. Parsons right now sits at 71.5 VA and 2.4 EWA compared to Faried at 127.6 VA and 4.3 EWA. So Faried will make 1.76 times what Parson makes and is 1.78 VA and 1.79 EWA better. So Faried is producing better than his contract compared to Parsons but it is fairly close.

As far as Barnes. As you mention, his antics do provide a bit of a downfall to his value. But he is still going to make $1.2 million at least so that puts him at $3.6 for the minimum and his VA is 89.6 and EWA is 3. So he'll get paid 1.3 times Parsons and his VA and EWA is 1.25 times so Parsons is a bit better.

Either way, it is very close and while making an absolute statement such as Parsons is the "best" contract may not be advisable, it is one of the best especially considering he is locked up for 3 years.

Faried also plays 20% less than Parsons. On a per minute basis he is blowing him away. And really this whole dollars per whatever is an awful way to define best contract. There isn't anybody who would rather have Parsons at his salary than dozens (hundreds?) of players at theirs.

How much does Donuts make?

Not nearly as much as he deserves, about 1.5 Chandler Parsons.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

The Rockets have officially suspended Royce White for one week, following his refusal to report to the D-League.This unfortunate drama has moved into the punitive phase, and nothing suggests that White will wear a Rockets uniform anytime soon. In fact, immediately after the decision was announced he took to Twitter to once again denounce the team, writing, "Threat, Fines, Suspension won't deter me. I won't accept illogical health decisions, I will keep asking for safety & health."

Guy should really just retire.Tweet away.

 

[DrJ]

A serious conversation on which veteran minimum player is the best value?

 

[Balco]

Abe has been mostly wrong in this thread, but I agree that Parson's has a fantastic contract. It's not just this season, it runs through 2015. All of those players mentioned in comparison will be getting significant raises next season.

 

[Britney Spears]

A serious conversation on which veteran minimum player is the best value?

I'm actually more interested in this than many of the discussions in here. bag

 

[Kev4029]

A serious conversation on which veteran minimum player is the best value?

I'm actually more interested in this than many of the discussions in here. bag

I had fun, this kind of pointless discussion is why I come in here.

 

[sporthenry]

parsons contract is dollar for dollar the "best" deal in the league. I'd rather have Lebron at 35 million than parsons at 700k, but that isn't how things work. He's a reliable third option on offense and a plus defender and he costs 1/35th of Kobe Bryant and 1/3 of Ty freaking Lawson. Define value however you want - chandler parsons contract is of great value. And it lasts for two more seasons after this one.

What does this mean?And Parsons is at nearly 900k, not 700k for what that's worth.

It means if you did something like PER/$ like in baseball when they do $/win, Parsons would be one of if not the very best. Add in the fact, he is under control for 2 more years and I don't really see how anyone beats that. Blatche beats that this year, sure, but he'll probably get at least 5 and probably more next year.

If you're going to do Per/$, then he isn't even the best on his team.

Yes, like I said, Blatche probably beats him this year with a few others. But do you think between the beginning of next year and over the next 2 years, someone still beats him. Sure, Greg Smith beats him this year and next, but what do you think Smith's next contract will look like? Now PER/$ is a bit flawed b/c I don't think it takes into account much of the usage rate so someone like Harden who plays 38 minutes is much more important than someone like Smith who plays 14 minutes even if their efficiency numbers are fairly close.

Kenneth Faried will, Isaiah Thomas has a chance, Barnes has a chance as hes a bit of a headcase so nobody is going to pay him well.

Between this year and 2014, Parsons makes $2.78 million, Faried will make $4.9 million. We'll see what Isaiah Thomas makes as an RFA but odds are if he is doing well, he'll get a decent contract offer. But back to Faried v. Parsons. Parsons right now sits at 71.5 VA and 2.4 EWA compared to Faried at 127.6 VA and 4.3 EWA. So Faried will make 1.76 times what Parson makes and is 1.78 VA and 1.79 EWA better. So Faried is producing better than his contract compared to Parsons but it is fairly close.

As far as Barnes. As you mention, his antics do provide a bit of a downfall to his value. But he is still going to make $1.2 million at least so that puts him at $3.6 for the minimum and his VA is 89.6 and EWA is 3. So he'll get paid 1.3 times Parsons and his VA and EWA is 1.25 times so Parsons is a bit better.

Either way, it is very close and while making an absolute statement such as Parsons is the "best" contract may not be advisable, it is one of the best especially considering he is locked up for 3 years.

Faried also plays 20% less than Parsons. On a per minute basis he is blowing him away. And really this whole dollars per whatever is an awful way to define best contract. There isn't anybody who would rather have Parsons at his salary than dozens (hundreds?) of players at theirs.

Well that would be using PER but then on a per minute basis, Greg Smith blows everyone out of the water. There is something to be said for being efficient in 15 minutes but you are obviously more valuable the more time you play. So if you are 20% less efficient but you play more than twice as much, are you more valuable?Of course nothing is going to be a perfect measure or else it would be easy to be a GM. The imperfect thing with EWA/$ is you can play 40 minutes a game and as long as you aren't Austin Rivers, you'll continue to accumulate VA or EWA. But like I said with PER, that isn't perfect either. You'd have to figure out a formula to account for both efficiency and usage and since I don't get paid to do it, I don't care that much.

Now as far as having a dozen other players. Well players like Durant, Lebron, or even Kyrie. Of course I'd rather have them on my team but from a standpoint on salary, Parsons is one of the better contracts and one of the reasons is that he gives you a relatively strong player at pennies so you can go blow some money on Harden. So if Houston had to pay Harden something along $5 million, they probably can't get Harden, Lin, and Asik. Additionally, you have someone like Lebron or Durant who are making so much money that OKC had to trade Harden and the Heat might actually blow up their roster b/c they can't afford all of them.

 

[Britney Spears]

A serious conversation on which veteran minimum player is the best value?

I'm actually more interested in this than many of the discussions in here. bag

I had fun, this kind of pointless discussion is why I come in here.

Much better than drummer constantly making references to Cliff's genitals.

 

[No. 16]

The Rockets have officially suspended Royce White for one week, following his refusal to report to the D-League.This unfortunate drama has moved into the punitive phase, and nothing suggests that White will wear a Rockets uniform anytime soon. In fact, immediately after the decision was announced he took to Twitter to once again denounce the team, writing, "Threat, Fines, Suspension won't deter me. I won't accept illogical health decisions, I will keep asking for safety & health."

Guy should really just retire.Tweet away.

I think the main issue is that White wants independent doctors to have the final say when it comes to giving the green light to play with mental health issues vs. Being at the mercy of executives/coaches.I think that's a legitimate beef as mental health isn't as cut and dry compared to a physical injury/ailment.

 

[Daywalker]

The Rockets have officially suspended Royce White for one week, following his refusal to report to the D-League.This unfortunate drama has moved into the punitive phase, and nothing suggests that White will wear a Rockets uniform anytime soon. In fact, immediately after the decision was announced he took to Twitter to once again denounce the team, writing, "Threat, Fines, Suspension won't deter me. I won't accept illogical health decisions, I will keep asking for safety & health."

Guy should really just retire.Tweet away.

I think the main issue is that White wants independent doctors to have the final say when it comes to giving the green light to play with mental health issues vs. Being at the mercy of executives/coaches.I think that's a legitimate beef as mental health isn't as cut and dry compared to a physical injury/ailment.

Guy is so boisterous on twitter that I think he's more bat#### crazy then just suffering from an anxiety disorder.Not sure if it's true but heard his doctor said he needs to start and get consistent minutes in order to minimize his anxiety.

 

[Abraham]

He didn't have any trouble making things work in Vegas at the summer league.

 

[Kev4029]

The Rockets have officially suspended Royce White for one week, following his refusal to report to the D-League.This unfortunate drama has moved into the punitive phase, and nothing suggests that White will wear a Rockets uniform anytime soon. In fact, immediately after the decision was announced he took to Twitter to once again denounce the team, writing, "Threat, Fines, Suspension won't deter me. I won't accept illogical health decisions, I will keep asking for safety & health."

Guy should really just retire.Tweet away.

I think the main issue is that White wants independent doctors to have the final say when it comes to giving the green light to play with mental health issues vs. Being at the mercy of executives/coaches.I think that's a legitimate beef as mental health isn't as cut and dry compared to a physical injury/ailment.

Guy is so boisterous on twitter that I think he's more bat#### crazy then just suffering from an anxiety disorder.Not sure if it's true but heard his doctor said he needs to start and get consistent minutes in order to minimize his anxiety.

I agree, it seems that there is an element of the anxiety disorder but thats just giving him an excuse to act like a child.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I think we're getting away from the main point. Parsons just isn't that good. The only advance stat that has him in the top 20 at SF is assist ratio. We're talking about a guy that is 20-25 at his position overall. Lots of guys would produce similar numbers getting 36 minutes a game.

21st in TS% @ SF

33rd in REBR @ SF

35th in TO @ SF

And of course, he is 25th in PER. He is a guy that doesn't bring anything special to the table, other than being a Rocket.

 

[Kev4029]

I think we're getting away from the main point. Parsons just isn't that good. The only advance stat that has him in the top 20 at SF is assist ratio. We're talking about a guy that is 20-25 at his position overall. Lots of guys would produce similar numbers getting 36 minutes a game. 21st in TS% @ SF33rd in REBR @ SF35th in TO @ SFAnd of course, he is 25th in PER. He is a guy that doesn't bring anything special to the table, other than being a Rocket.

League average production for 13th man prices.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I think we're getting away from the main point. Parsons just isn't that good. The only advance stat that has him in the top 20 at SF is assist ratio. We're talking about a guy that is 20-25 at his position overall. Lots of guys would produce similar numbers getting 36 minutes a game. 21st in TS% @ SF33rd in REBR @ SF35th in TO @ SFAnd of course, he is 25th in PER. He is a guy that doesn't bring anything special to the table, other than being a Rocket.

League average production for 13th man prices.

Of the 93 players in the league with 30+ min/game, he ranks 76 in PER. Well below average.ETA: Yes, he is cheap. But he isn't good.ETA2:Offense: Pts per 100 Poss.On: 106.8Off: 116.5Net: -9.7Defense: Pts per 100 Poss.On: 106.8Off: 105.9Net: +1.0

 

[Kev4029]

I think we're getting away from the main point. Parsons just isn't that good. The only advance stat that has him in the top 20 at SF is assist ratio. We're talking about a guy that is 20-25 at his position overall. Lots of guys would produce similar numbers getting 36 minutes a game. 21st in TS% @ SF33rd in REBR @ SF35th in TO @ SFAnd of course, he is 25th in PER. He is a guy that doesn't bring anything special to the table, other than being a Rocket.

League average production for 13th man prices.

Of the 93 players in the league with 30+ min/game, he ranks 76 in PER. Well below average.ETA: Yes, he is cheap. But he isn't good.ETA2:Offense: Pts per 100 Poss.On: 106.8Off: 116.5Net: -9.7Defense: Pts per 100 Poss.On: 106.8Off: 105.9Net: +1.0

This is reminding me a lot of the Landry Fields hype from two years ago.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

I think we're getting away from the main point. Parsons just isn't that good. The only advance stat that has him in the top 20 at SF is assist ratio. We're talking about a guy that is 20-25 at his position overall. Lots of guys would produce similar numbers getting 36 minutes a game. 21st in TS% @ SF33rd in REBR @ SF35th in TO @ SFAnd of course, he is 25th in PER. He is a guy that doesn't bring anything special to the table, other than being a Rocket.

League average production for 13th man prices.

Of the 93 players in the league with 30+ min/game, he ranks 76 in PER. Well below average.ETA: Yes, he is cheap. But he isn't good.ETA2Offense: Pts per 100 Poss.On: 106.8Off: 116.5Net: -9.7Defense: Pts per 100 Poss.On: 106.8Off: 105.9Net: +1.0

This is reminding me a lot of the Landry Fields hype from two years ago.

Excellent comparison.

 

[EYLive]

Watching the highlights of the Warriors/Clippers game, Mark Jackson did not look pissed off in just a regular way--he looked Brooklyn pissed off.

Clippers turned that game into a mixtape tour. There's only so much of being on the wrong end of a 35 point lobfest a guy can take. Give him credit for not getting a couple techs just so he can nap in the locker room.

 

[Kev4029]

Kobe out shot Nash/Gasol/Howard again tonight, 26-24 and they made 14 shots to his 11. The Lakers are looking awful. And I don't want to blame this all on Kobe, clearly hes had a very good year personally even though hes been a ball hog, Nash is looking old and Gasol and Howard look like they just don't care. On top of that, they have to have one of the worst benches in the league, only Hill deserves playing time.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Haralabos says he doesn't think LAL will make the playoffs.

 

[Kev4029]

Haralabos says he doesn't think LAL will make the playoffs.

I don't think they will with this lineup. Gasol needs to go but his stock has got to be really low right now, hes shooting 41% from the field and is rebounding as poorly as any point of his career.

 

[No. 16]

Watching the highlights of the Warriors/Clippers game, Mark Jackson did not look pissed off in just a regular way--he looked Brooklyn pissed off.

Clippers turned that game into a mixtape tour. There's only so much of being on the wrong end of a 35 point lobfest a guy can take. Give him credit for not getting a couple techs just so he can nap in the locker room.

I was hoping the Warriors would win that game, but I knew the Clippers would bring their best game after Wednesday.

 

[Britney Spears]

Kobe out shot Nash/Gasol/Howard again tonight, 26-24 and they made 14 shots to his 11. The Lakers are looking awful. And I don't want to blame this all on Kobe, clearly hes had a very good year personally even though hes been a ball hog, Nash is looking old and Gasol and Howard look like they just don't care. On top of that, they have to have one of the worst benches in the league, only Hill deserves playing time.

I don't see how this doesn't fall on either Kobe or D'Antoni. Someone is allowing Kobe to be in complete ball hog mode, and we all know that results in teammates standing around, becoming disengaged, etc. which we are already seeing. I'm sure the Lakers fans will defend Kobe, and in a vacuum he is putting up great stats, but this is the post-Shaq type Kobe we are seeing IMO. Gasol and Howard didn't suddenly forget how to play basketball. Nash is old so maybe he just fell off a cliff, but there really isn't another explanation for what is going on here.

 

[timschochet]

Kobe out shot Nash/Gasol/Howard again tonight, 26-24 and they made 14 shots to his 11. The Lakers are looking awful. And I don't want to blame this all on Kobe, clearly hes had a very good year personally even though hes been a ball hog, Nash is looking old and Gasol and Howard look like they just don't care. On top of that, they have to have one of the worst benches in the league, only Hill deserves playing time.

I don't see how this doesn't fall on either Kobe or D'Antoni. Someone is allowing Kobe to be in complete ball hog mode, and we all know that results in teammates standing around, becoming disengaged, etc. which we are already seeing. I'm sure the Lakers fans will defend Kobe, and in a vacuum he is putting up great stats, but this is the post-Shaq type Kobe we are seeing IMO. Gasol and Howard didn't suddenly forget how to play basketball. Nash is old so maybe he just fell off a cliff, but there really isn't another explanation for what is going on here.

Not that I have an alternative explanation, but the Lakers have bigger problems on defense than they do on offense.

 

[Britney Spears]

Kobe out shot Nash/Gasol/Howard again tonight, 26-24 and they made 14 shots to his 11. The Lakers are looking awful. And I don't want to blame this all on Kobe, clearly hes had a very good year personally even though hes been a ball hog, Nash is looking old and Gasol and Howard look like they just don't care. On top of that, they have to have one of the worst benches in the league, only Hill deserves playing time.

I don't see how this doesn't fall on either Kobe or D'Antoni. Someone is allowing Kobe to be in complete ball hog mode, and we all know that results in teammates standing around, becoming disengaged, etc. which we are already seeing. I'm sure the Lakers fans will defend Kobe, and in a vacuum he is putting up great stats, but this is the post-Shaq type Kobe we are seeing IMO. Gasol and Howard didn't suddenly forget how to play basketball. Nash is old so maybe he just fell off a cliff, but there really isn't another explanation for what is going on here.

Not that I have an alternative explanation, but the Lakers have bigger problems on defense than they do on offense.

I absolutely agree, but I'm saying that the bigs standing around watching Kobe-ball are going to lose interest. Especially someone like Howard, who is accustomed to touches in the flow of the offense. In Orlando, even if he wasn't getting the shot, he would touch the ball and feed a shooter, etc. Anyone who has ever played basketball knows you have to feed the bigs on a regular basis, especially early in the game.

 

[Shrugs]

Kobe barely shot in the first quarter. He takes over the games in the 4th when the Lakers are down big. And pretty much every time he's single-handedly brought them back to have a chance at it. But they can't pull it out at the end, usually because they can't get the stops.

 

[Good Posting Judge]

Kobe out shot Nash/Gasol/Howard again tonight, 26-24 and they made 14 shots to his 11. The Lakers are looking awful. And I don't want to blame this all on Kobe, clearly hes had a very good year personally even though hes been a ball hog, Nash is looking old and Gasol and Howard look like they just don't care. On top of that, they have to have one of the worst benches in the league, only Hill deserves playing time.

I don't see how this doesn't fall on either Kobe or D'Antoni. Someone is allowing Kobe to be in complete ball hog mode, and we all know that results in teammates standing around, becoming disengaged, etc. which we are already seeing. I'm sure the Lakers fans will defend Kobe, and in a vacuum he is putting up great stats, but this is the post-Shaq type Kobe we are seeing IMO. Gasol and Howard didn't suddenly forget how to play basketball. Nash is old so maybe he just fell off a cliff, but there really isn't another explanation for what is going on here.

Not that I have an alternative explanation, but the Lakers have bigger problems on defense than they do on offense.

Absolutely true. And Kobe's defense is a bigger problem than his offense.

 

[Spanky24]

Kobe barely shot in the first quarter. He takes over the games in the 4th when the Lakers are down big. And pretty much every time he's single-handedly brought them back to have a chance at it. But they can't pull it out at the end, usually because they can't get the stops.

Bingo!

 

[Kev4029]

From ESPN's Daily Dime today:

If the top eight teams in the Western Conference maintain their current pace, the Lakers must go 31-18 in their remaining 49 games to get the 46 victories it would likely take to make the playoffs.

 

[the moops]

From ESPN's Daily Dime today:

If the top eight teams in the Western Conference maintain their current pace, the Lakers must go 31-18 in their remaining 49 games to get the 46 victories it would likely take to make the playoffs.

Weird, in that before the season started, the Lakers playing just above .600 basketball was the lowest of the low end of their likely record.

 

[timschochet]

From ESPN's Daily Dime today:

If the top eight teams in the Western Conference maintain their current pace, the Lakers must go 31-18 in their remaining 49 games to get the 46 victories it would likely take to make the playoffs.

Also frem the local ESPN:What's next: The Lakers get a back-to-back in Houston and San Antonio on Tuesday and Wednesday against teams that are decidedly unafraid of the guys in purple and gold. They've now had four losses in their past five games. Include the Texas road trip and the home game against Oklahoma City when they get back from it, and losing seven of eight a real possibility.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Guess I was pretty off thinking the Lakers were still a lock to make the playoffs a few weeks ago. Pretty shocking that a team with so much talent can fail so miserably.

 

[Kev4029]

To make matters worse for the Lakers, Dwight Howard is getting an MRI because he strained his already injured rotator cuff. If Howard is out for an extended period they are really ####ed, their bad defense could fall to near the bottom of the league.

 

[Premier]

Kobe's all-defensive team award this year is going to be amazing.

 

[Popinski]

I would have never predicted this between Kobe and Howard:

A league source told the Daily News that the Lakers stars got into a heated exchange following a New Year’s Day loss to the 76ers, and Bryant went for a low blow – referencing and agreeing with Shaquille O’Neal’s criticisms of Howard being soft.

Howard was restrained from going at his teammate, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center’s camp that he’s been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/brooklyn-benefactors-kobe-howard-feud-fuel-dwight-nets-deal-article-1.1234685#ixzz2HIydHtv4

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Wonder how Kobe fans will spin this season. No Smush Parker to lay all the blame on.

 

[Abraham]

I would have never predicted this between Kobe and Howard:

A league source told the Daily News that the Lakers stars got into a heated exchange following a New Year’s Day loss to the 76ers, and Bryant went for a low blow – referencing and agreeing with Shaquille O’Neal’s criticisms of Howard being soft.

Howard was restrained from going at his teammate, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center’s camp that he’s been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/brooklyn-benefactors-kobe-howard-feud-fuel-dwight-nets-deal-article-1.1234685#ixzz2HIydHtv4

OOf.

 

[Moe.]

From ESPN's Daily Dime today:

If the top eight teams in the Western Conference maintain their current pace, the Lakers must go 31-18 in their remaining 49 games to get the 46 victories it would likely take to make the playoffs.

Looks like we'll see some new blood in the West this season as Dallas is pretty much out and it will take a nice run from the Lakers to make it. Abe's bet with me (will the Rockets make the playoffs) is looking better by the day.

 

[Moe.]

Kobe out shot Nash/Gasol/Howard again tonight, 26-24 and they made 14 shots to his 11. The Lakers are looking awful. And I don't want to blame this all on Kobe, clearly hes had a very good year personally even though hes been a ball hog, Nash is looking old and Gasol and Howard look like they just don't care. On top of that, they have to have one of the worst benches in the league, only Hill deserves playing time.

I don't see how this doesn't fall on either Kobe or D'Antoni. Someone is allowing Kobe to be in complete ball hog mode, and we all know that results in teammates standing around, becoming disengaged, etc. which we are already seeing. I'm sure the Lakers fans will defend Kobe, and in a vacuum he is putting up great stats, but this is the post-Shaq type Kobe we are seeing IMO. Gasol and Howard didn't suddenly forget how to play basketball. Nash is old so maybe he just fell off a cliff, but there really isn't another explanation for what is going on here.

D'Antoni was a bad choice. Gasol's talent is just being wasted. He'a already attempted 23 3s so far this season.

 

[Abraham]

From ESPN's Daily Dime today:

If the top eight teams in the Western Conference maintain their current pace, the Lakers must go 31-18 in their remaining 49 games to get the 46 victories it would likely take to make the playoffs.

Looks like we'll see some new blood in the West this season as Dallas is pretty much out and it will take a nice run from the Lakers to make it. Abe's bet with me (will the Rockets make the playoffs) is looking better by the day.

Warriors also would be in. Boston is the 8 seed. Some interesting changes going on.

 

[tommyGunZ]

I would have never predicted this between Kobe and Howard:

A league source told the Daily News that the Lakers stars got into a heated exchange following a New Year’s Day loss to the 76ers, and Bryant went for a low blow – referencing and agreeing with Shaquille O’Neal’s criticisms of Howard being soft.

Howard was restrained from going at his teammate, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center’s camp that he’s been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/brooklyn-benefactors-kobe-howard-feud-fuel-dwight-nets-deal-article-1.1234685#ixzz2HIydHtv4

Already been discredited.

 

[Kev4029]

I would have never predicted this between Kobe and Howard:

A league source told the Daily News that the Lakers stars got into a heated exchange following a New Year’s Day loss to the 76ers, and Bryant went for a low blow – referencing and agreeing with Shaquille O’Neal’s criticisms of Howard being soft.

Howard was restrained from going at his teammate, according to the source, and there have been rumblings from the center’s camp that he’s been unhappy with Bryant since earlier in the season.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/nets/brooklyn-benefactors-kobe-howard-feud-fuel-dwight-nets-deal-article-1.1234685#ixzz2HIydHtv4

Already been discredited.

Meaning a couple team sources said it didn't happen? There really isn't much proof to the story but if it did happen its in everybody's best interest to deny it, so of course everybody is going to do so.

 

[timschochet]

I don't think dissension is the issue. There has been dissension on every Lakers team that didn't achieve a championship ever since I have been alive (and long before that). Losing causes dissension, not the other way around.

 

[Britney Spears]

Guess I was pretty off thinking the Lakers were still a lock to make the playoffs a few weeks ago. Pretty shocking that a team with so much talent can fail so miserably.

Still feels like they will eek in. It's hard for me to fathom this much talent being be enough to miss the top 8.

 

[timschochet]

Wonder how Kobe fans will spin this season. No Smush Parker to lay all the blame on.

If Kobe retires tomorrow or never wins another game, he will still be one of the all time greats. He'll still be a 5 time champion. What you don't seem to get is that, as disappointing as this season has been so far, it's little more than a coda to those of us who love Kobe. He's already achieved the pinnacle of his sport- several times now. The argument about his greatness ended a long time ago.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Wonder how Kobe fans will spin this season. No Smush Parker to lay all the blame on.

If Kobe retires tomorrow or never wins another game, he will still be one of the all time greats. He'll still be a 5 time champion. What you don't seem to get is that, as disappointing as this season has been so far, it's little more than a coda to those of us who love Kobe. He's already achieved the pinnacle of his sport- several times now. The argument about his greatness ended a long time ago.

Or it can be seen as him completely failing as the leader of the most talented team in the league. Pretty embarrassing to miss the playoffs with a team boasting 4 HOF'ers.

 

[Frostillicus]

The Rockets have officially suspended Royce White for one week, following his refusal to report to the D-League.This unfortunate drama has moved into the punitive phase, and nothing suggests that White will wear a Rockets uniform anytime soon. In fact, immediately after the decision was announced he took to Twitter to once again denounce the team, writing, "Threat, Fines, Suspension won't deter me. I won't accept illogical health decisions, I will keep asking for safety & health."

Guy should really just retire.Tweet away.

I think the main issue is that White wants independent doctors to have the final say when it comes to giving the green light to play with mental health issues vs. Being at the mercy of executives/coaches.I think that's a legitimate beef as mental health isn't as cut and dry compared to a physical injury/ailment.

Guy is so boisterous on twitter that I think he's more bat#### crazy then just suffering from an anxiety disorder.Not sure if it's true but heard his doctor said he needs to start and get consistent minutes in order to minimize his anxiety.

I agree, it seems that there is an element of the anxiety disorder but thats just giving him an excuse to act like a child.

Same as Day 1

 

[Kev4029]

Guess I was pretty off thinking the Lakers were still a lock to make the playoffs a few weeks ago. Pretty shocking that a team with so much talent can fail so miserably.

Still feels like they will eek in. It's hard for me to fathom this much talent being be enough to miss the top 8.

Hollinger's playoff odds have them at 36% to make the playoffs, that feels about right. His playoff odds also show the 8 seed (Jazz) making it with 41 wins with the other 7 teams with at least 50.

 

[Kev4029]

If the Lakers don't make the playoffs this year, the Suns get their pick as part of the Nash trade.