LA Times: No One Is Rising In West To Challenge Lakers

[duncan228]

No one is rising in West to challenge Lakers (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisler-lakers21-2009feb21,0,4317385.column)
Hornets were tough last year, but they have made questionable moves this season.
Mark Heisler

There's one thing you can count on, some Western Conference team arising to challenge the Lakers before it's over.

Before the decade is over, I mean. Or the decade after that, for sure.

As for this season, it's looking pretty good for the Lakers, who edged another fading West power, the New Orleans Hornets, 115-111, in overtime Friday night at Staples Center.

These days, most of the powers in the West are fading. Last season, five teams finished within three games of the No. 1 Lakers. Now the Lakers lead San Antonio and Denver by eight as the rest of the West tries to pick up the pieces.

The once-stalwart Spurs, who need more players, not fewer, just lost one of their big three, Manu Ginobili -- again.

Portland is still waiting for Greg Oden to break out. Instead, he mostly just breaks, returning from the All-Star break with a bone chip in one knee the Trail Blazers didn't know about.

Then there are the Hornets, who won 56 games to the Lakers' 57 last season.

They started the night tied for fifth in the conference, 11 games back.

For reasons best known to owner George Shinn -- maybe the prospect of paying $10 million in luxury taxes -- they just traded their 26-year-old 7-foot center, Tyson Chandler, to Oklahoma City -- only to have him sent back for failing his physical.

Two summers ago, Chandler played on the U.S. team with Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Last season, Chandler posted career highs at 12 points and 12 rebounds a game.

This season, slowed by nagging injuries, he's a ping-pong ball.

The Hornets said they traded him to get more big bodies, a strange explanation for trading their biggest body.

"If that's what we have to do, then we should get bigger or stronger, not take away pieces that we already have," Chandler said before the game.

"If we don't feel like we've got enough, then let's get enough, add on to what we've got. Let's not take pieces away that are huge pieces to the puzzle."

Coach Byron Scott reportedly was aghast when told about the deal, which would have brought two slender 6-10 forwards, Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox -- both upcoming free agents.

"It was still a basketball decision," Scott said before the game, "but obviously, money is always going to play a little bit of a part of it, as far as next year, the year after, whatever the case may be."

So much for the Hornets, who were already underdogs when they went all-out.

The Lakers, who just lost Andrew Bynum, have gone 8-1 without him, with some guy coming off their bench to average 16 points and 13.6 rebounds.

No one else in the West is as good, as big, or as deep. As for financial constraints, even if they're unloading salary, owner Jerry Buss can afford anyone he wants to afford, such as Pau Gasol, who represented a potential $90 million in additional salary and taxes over three seasons when the Lakers acquired him.

"It makes it a little difficult when you have an owner that's willing to spend whatever it takes and money is not an object," said Scott, the former Laker.

"We're in a smaller market and obviously money's a lot tighter. But that's the money side of it. I can't think of that stuff. . . . I care about playing and winning and I'm going to coach the guys that I have here and try and do the best job that I can."

Scott's teams always fight and this one did too. Imagine what he could do with more help, rather than less.

Chandler, asked if he might take less money next season to help Shinn out, didn't think so.

"You've got to feel loyalty before you can do something like that," Chandler said, "and, obviously, in this situation, you don't feel that right now."

Oh, and guess who's a free agent in 2011?

Chris Paul.

[Ghazi]

Pretty much.

[Pelicans78]

Pretty arrogant article. Not surprised by the tone. Everyone thought the 1999-2000 Lakers were unbeatable in PJ's first season, but Portland took them to 7 games and even had a 15 point lead in the 4th quarter. Even with Bynum back, it just makes them alot slower against us, assuming Chandler regains last year's form.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

People are surpised? Name one official in the NBA who hasn't got the memo from Stern? :lol

[Kai]

I honestly don't see anyone giving LA a series. Not even the Spurs. They should take care of business in the west while the Celtics and Cavs take turns ass-raping each other until one survives to get beat in the finals in 5 games.

[Ghazi]

Pretty arrogant article. Not surprised by the tone. Everyone thought the 1999-2000 Lakers were unbeatable in PJ's first season, but Portland took them to 7 games and even had a 15 point lead in the 4th quarter. Even with Bynum back, it just makes them alot slower against us, assuming Chandler regains last year's form.

The Lakers are 12 games better than the Hornets for a reason.

The gap between the Lakers and Hornets/Mavs/Rockets/Blazers is the same gap as those teams between the Timberwolves and Warriors.

[mystargtr34]

Give SA, Denver, NO, Portland, Dallas, Phoenix, Utah or Houston Chris Bosh for a stashed Euro, draft picks and some cap space and the Lakers would have a serious threat.

[Ghazi]

Give SA, Denver, NO, Portland, Dallas, Phoenix, Utah or Houston Chris Bosh for a stashed Euro, draft picks and some cap space and the Lakers would have a serious threat.


Too bad the trade deadline has passed :lol

[alchemist]

until someone beats them in the playoffs the media will run with this story, I'm pretty sure every playoff bound team is sick of this shit so it's up to them to prove the world wrong.

[mystargtr34]

Too bad the trade deadline has passed :lol

Yea David Stern has a Secret Spy working on every 'contending' teams Front Office, nixing deals that could put teams over LA, Boston or LeBron James.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

I wish the Cavs had used Wally's expiring contract and got VC, then they would be able to beat the Lakers at their own game of getting talent for crap.

[Ghazi]

I wish the Cavs had used Wally's expiring contract and got VC, then they would be able to beat the Lakers at their own game of getting talent for crap.

Funny coming from a Nuggets fan, considering they gave up jack shit for Billups.

[Pelicans78]

I wonder Wilcox and Joe Smith would have helped us win tonight. ;)

[mystargtr34]

I wonder Wilcox and Joe Smith would have helped us win tonight. ;)

A healthy Hilton Amstrong would have helped more.

[mystargtr34]

Funny coming from a Nuggets fan, considering they gave up jack shit for Billups.

So did the Nets. They got Devin Harris for $21 Million worth of trash.

[Pelicans78]

So did the Nets. They got Devin Harris for $21 Million worth of trash.

:lol

[Ghazi]

You would think they'd be a +.500 team having fleeced the Mavs and all.

[mystargtr34]

You would think they'd be a +.500 team having fleeced the Mavs and all.

They lost RJ for Yi. Big downgrade there. And theyre still on pace to finish a little better than last season. Plus age difference. But lets not go there again.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Funny coming from a Nuggets fan, considering they gave up jack shit for Billups.

yeh, giving up a future HOF player was just as you described :toast

I guess comparing Iverson to Kwame Brown shows just how dumb you really are :lmao

[Ghazi]

Kwame Brown, Marc Gasol, J Critt, a retired coach, and 2 first rounders + cap space

[DPG21920]

Ghazi =

[BRHornet45]

a healthy hilton amstrong would have helped more.

co-signed

[Ghazi]

Bynum > TC + Hilt

[Harry Callahan]

Once stalwart? Keep counting those chickens before they hatch in LA (arrogance run amuck). Boston may have just had a significant injury.

LA is one mistep from being beatable. Ginobili is not out for the season. SA is very capable of beating Los Angeles in the playoffs (with everyone available). I think the Spurs can be much better than last years team WITH a healthy Ginobili.

SA blew two twenty point leads in the playoff series last year. They were not at their best.

The Lakers are the favorites of course, but stuff happens. That's why they play the games.

[benefactor]

I'm sure we could dig up an article or two about the Mavericks before they were eliminated by GS in the first round.

[IronMexican]

:)

[Chieflion]

Um, what? Do they give out championships for most arrogant articles. LA times take the cake. If they give out championships for most delusional articles, New York times will get the championship as soon as the two words "LeBron James" pop out.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Yea David Stern has a Secret Spy working on every 'contending' teams Front Office, nixing deals that could put teams over LA, Boston or LeBron James.

omg you cracked the conspiracy!!:wow:wow

If you really believe your own bullshit then why watch the NBA?

[djohn2oo8]

I think the Suns could challenge LA as of right now. Somebody needs to tell this fool who wrote the article that injuries are apart of the game.

[SpursDynasty]

No one is rising in West to challenge Lakers (http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisler-lakers21-2009feb21,0,4317385.column)
Hornets were tough last year, but they have made questionable moves this season.
Mark Heisler

There's one thing you can count on, some Western Conference team arising to challenge the Lakers before it's over.

Before the decade is over, I mean. Or the decade after that, for sure.

As for this season, it's looking pretty good for the Lakers, who edged another fading West power, the New Orleans Hornets, 115-111, in overtime Friday night at Staples Center.

These days, most of the powers in the West are fading. Last season, five teams finished within three games of the No. 1 Lakers. Now the Lakers lead San Antonio and Denver by eight as the rest of the West tries to pick up the pieces.

The once-stalwart Spurs, who need more players, not fewer, just lost one of their big three, Manu Ginobili -- again.

Portland is still waiting for Greg Oden to break out. Instead, he mostly just breaks, returning from the All-Star break with a bone chip in one knee the Trail Blazers didn't know about.

Then there are the Hornets, who won 56 games to the Lakers' 57 last season.

They started the night tied for fifth in the conference, 11 games back.

For reasons best known to owner George Shinn -- maybe the prospect of paying $10 million in luxury taxes -- they just traded their 26-year-old 7-foot center, Tyson Chandler, to Oklahoma City -- only to have him sent back for failing his physical.

Two summers ago, Chandler played on the U.S. team with Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James.

Last season, Chandler posted career highs at 12 points and 12 rebounds a game.

This season, slowed by nagging injuries, he's a ping-pong ball.

The Hornets said they traded him to get more big bodies, a strange explanation for trading their biggest body.

"If that's what we have to do, then we should get bigger or stronger, not take away pieces that we already have," Chandler said before the game.

"If we don't feel like we've got enough, then let's get enough, add on to what we've got. Let's not take pieces away that are huge pieces to the puzzle."

Coach Byron Scott reportedly was aghast when told about the deal, which would have brought two slender 6-10 forwards, Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox -- both upcoming free agents.

"It was still a basketball decision," Scott said before the game, "but obviously, money is always going to play a little bit of a part of it, as far as next year, the year after, whatever the case may be."

So much for the Hornets, who were already underdogs when they went all-out.

The Lakers, who just lost Andrew Bynum, have gone 8-1 without him, with some guy coming off their bench to average 16 points and 13.6 rebounds.

No one else in the West is as good, as big, or as deep. As for financial constraints, even if they're unloading salary, owner Jerry Buss can afford anyone he wants to afford, such as Pau Gasol, who represented a potential $90 million in additional salary and taxes over three seasons when the Lakers acquired him.

"It makes it a little difficult when you have an owner that's willing to spend whatever it takes and money is not an object," said Scott, the former Laker.

"We're in a smaller market and obviously money's a lot tighter. But that's the money side of it. I can't think of that stuff. . . . I care about playing and winning and I'm going to coach the guys that I have here and try and do the best job that I can."

Scott's teams always fight and this one did too. Imagine what he could do with more help, rather than less.

Chandler, asked if he might take less money next season to help Shinn out, didn't think so.

"You've got to feel loyalty before you can do something like that," Chandler said, "and, obviously, in this situation, you don't feel that right now."

Oh, and guess who's a free agent in 2011?

Chris Paul.




Another way of saying everything in this article: The Hornets' Chris Paul got fouled out after Kobe pushed him and no foul was called on Kobe. Instead, Chris Paul got called for his sixth foul after Kobe tripped after pushing Paul. The Lakers escape with another bullshit win to appear elite.

[lefty]

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Just give the title to the Lakers then

[DeadlyDynasty]

Another way of saying everything in this article: The Hornets' Chris Paul got fouled out after Kobe pushed him and no foul was called on Kobe. Instead, Chris Paul got called for his sixth foul after Kobe tripped after pushing Paul. The Lakers escape with another bullshit win to appear elite.

Or Chris Paul could've iced the game in regulation during the 4 on 1 fast break but decided to be a dumbass and keep it...but no, let's blame the officiating every time something doesn't go your way because it's so much more convenient. :lol

[DeadlyDynasty]

Oh no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Just give the title to the Lakers then

Why thank you:toast

[lurker]

Spurs/Cavs NBA Finals. It's gonna happen.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Spurs/Cavs NBA Finals. It's gonna happen.

it already did, wont happen again

[tlongII]

The Blazers can beat the Lakers and they know it.

Oh, and last time I checked Oden had played more games this season than Bynum...

[hater]

Lakers - prime example of a team cheating your way to a championship

[hater]

oh, and last time i checked oden had played more games this season than bynum...

lol

[Ghazi]

The Blazers can beat the Lakers and they know it.

Oh, and last time I checked Oden had played more games this season than Bynum...

No the fuck they don't

[TheMACHINE]

Once stalwart? Keep counting those chickens before they hatch in LA (arrogance run amuck). Boston may have just had a significant injury.

LA is one mistep from being beatable. Ginobili is not out for the season. SA is very capable of beating Los Angeles in the playoffs (with everyone available). I think the Spurs can be much better than last years team WITH a healthy Ginobili.

SA blew two twenty point leads in the playoff series last year. They were not at their best.

The Lakers are the favorites of course, but stuff happens. That's why they play the games.

I prefer being one mistep away from beaing beatble then just being beatable.

[TheMACHINE]

Or Chris Paul could've iced the game in regulation during the 4 on 1 fast break but decided to be a dumbass and keep it...but no, let's blame the officiating every time something doesn't go your way because it's so much more convenient. :lol

lol had had to do was stop at the half court line and wait for the lakers to foul him.

[Allanon]

I'm really surprised there were no big trades before the deadline. I don't know WTF some teams were thinking.

I think it was a mistake for the Spurs to hang onto Mason and Pornstar at all costs. But I'm thinking tt probably wasn't a mistake, it was probably due to them already looking towards next year.

Suns might have had a chance but with Amare out indefinitely, who knows how he'll be if/when he comes back.

Rockets, at least they tried. Hornets tried, OKC screwed them over a big toe. Portland still too young, they should have gotten a vet. Nuggets were better against the Lakers with Iverson. Jazz won't have Boozer. Mavs love their team.

As it is, if Bynum rejoins the Lakers in any kind of decent form, nobody's stopping the Lakers from getting to the Finals.

Really disappointing season so far, not much excitement.

[Amuseddaysleeper]

Spurs aren't beating the Lakers this season.

Without an additional big, they're screwed. I don't care how healthy Ginobili will be come playoff time, the Spurs defense is the worst its been int he last 10 years.

[lefty]

Spurs aren't beating the Lakers this season.

Without an additional big, they're screwed. I don't care how healthy Ginobili will be come playoff time, the Spurs defense is the worst its been int he last 10 years.

Spurs are beating the Lakers

We are the 2009 NBA champs

OR...or........ Suns will beat them for us

[djohn2oo8]

Lakers - prime example of a team cheating your way to a championship

Or LeBron with the crab dribble :rollin..........Whenever the Cavs play at home the refs are all over bron bron's dick. Can't wait til thursday, true test for rockets.

[tlongII]

I'm really surprised there were no big trades before the deadline. I don't know WTF some teams were thinking.

I think it was a mistake for the Spurs to hang onto Mason and Pornstar at all costs. But I'm thinking tt probably wasn't a mistake, it was probably due to them already looking towards next year.

Suns might have had a chance but with Amare out indefinitely, who knows how he'll be if/when he comes back.

Rockets, at least they tried. Hornets tried, OKC screwed them over a big toe. Portland still too young, they should have gotten a vet. Nuggets were better against the Lakers with Iverson. Jazz won't have Boozer. Mavs love their team.

As it is, if Bynum rejoins the Lakers in any kind of decent form, nobody's stopping the Lakers from getting to the Finals.

Really disappointing season so far, not much excitement.

:lol WTF is the vet you think we should have got? We got all we need to take you down RIGHT NOW!

[Chieflion]

I'm really surprised there were no big trades before the deadline. I don't know WTF some teams were thinking.

I think it was a mistake for the Spurs to hang onto Mason and Pornstar at all costs. But I'm thinking tt probably wasn't a mistake, it was probably due to them already looking towards next year.

Suns might have had a chance but with Amare out indefinitely, who knows how he'll be if/when he comes back.

Rockets, at least they tried. Hornets tried, OKC screwed them over a big toe. Portland still too young, they should have gotten a vet. Nuggets were better against the Lakers with Iverson. Jazz won't have Boozer. Mavs love their team.

As it is, if Bynum rejoins the Lakers in any kind of decent form, nobody's stopping the Lakers from getting to the Finals.

Really disappointing season so far, not much excitement.

Well, no trade for any of those teams will push them over the top anyway. Especially Portland, they kept their core to improve for the next season. They also need the money to extend both Roy and Aldridge next season.

[ambchang]

2007 Mavs/Suns
2006 Spurs
2004 Lakers
2003 Lakers

All teams that were supposed to have won it all, but didn't. All these teams looked pretty good in the regular season as well.

[SenorSpur]

"If you wanna crown 'em, then crown their asses. But they ARE who we thought they were."

[manufor3]

im tired of all the laker hype.

[tlongII]

It's our time now.

[DeadlyDynasty]

2007 Mavs/Suns
2006 Spurs
2004 Lakers
2003 Lakers

All teams that were supposed to have won it all, but didn't. All these teams looked pretty good in the regular season as well.

The 2003 Lakers? WRONG

I blame Mitch Kupchak for that year for not helping out Shaq and Kobe that year. Our most legit PF was Robert Horry that year. LA looked horrible from the outset, starting 7-13 and limping to a 50-win season and the 5th seed in the playoffs. Minnesota almost knocked us off in the first round and San Antonio should of beat us 4-1 in the 2nd round. Bad, bad team.

2004 I agree

[DeadlyDynasty]

It's our time now.

Dude give it a rest. Just be happy if you get out of the first round. LA, SA, NO, or Utah would smoke you guys. You guys will be great in a couple years but you aint ready yet

[DeadlyDynasty]

im tired of all the laker hype.

that's what happens when you win and have the best record in the NBA. Not trying to be a smart-ass but that might have something to do with it

[mystargtr34]

I'm really surprised there were no big trades before the deadline. I don't know WTF some teams were thinking.

I think it was a mistake for the Spurs to hang onto Mason and Pornstar at all costs. But I'm thinking tt probably wasn't a mistake, it was probably due to them already looking towards next year.

Suns might have had a chance but with Amare out indefinitely, who knows how he'll be if/when he comes back.

Rockets, at least they tried. Hornets tried, OKC screwed them over a big toe. Portland still too young, they should have gotten a vet. Nuggets were better against the Lakers with Iverson. Jazz won't have Boozer. Mavs love their team.

As it is, if Bynum rejoins the Lakers in any kind of decent form, nobody's stopping the Lakers from getting to the Finals.

Really disappointing season so far, not much excitement.

Its tough to make deals that will put you over the top. Not every team can get a Pau Gasol for cap space and some picks. Like i keep saying, if the Spurs get Chris Bosh for picks and some cap space, the Lakers would be the team in the Spurs situation.

[Allanon]

that's what happens when you win and have the best record in the NBA. Not trying to be a smart-ass but that might have something to do with it

It's not just that they're winning, they're also doing it without Bynum. That's 15-20 points and 10 rebounds right there.

If Bynum is back, forget it. I almost don't want Bynum back just to make it more interesting.

[Allanon]

Its tough to make deals that will put you over the top. Not every team can get a Pau Gasol for cap space and some picks. Like i keep saying, if the Spurs get Chris Bosh for picks and some cap space, the Lakers would be the team in the Spurs situation.

Just something, anything would have been good. I heard of teams wanting Mason or Hill. You can make the case for keeping Mason but Hill too? Chris Bosh could have been the trade to put the Spurs over the top. Giving up Mason + Hill and dumping a salary might have netted Camby.

But is that too short-sighted vision? Mason + Hill are definitely better to keep in the long run, but they came at the expense of winning it all this year.

As for the Blazers, tlong, you guys need a vet, all those young guys won't win a series. Vince Carter/Caron Butler, hell even Shaq would have been a great addition. By not committing to a vet, the Blazers are waiting for next year. The current Blazers are 2 years of experience away from being a contender.

[Allanon]

I want to pummel teams this year. I honestly think there is no way we lose this season. I would like to issue one last death blow to the Spurs and the Duncan era.

When Bynum makes his return, I think you're getting your wish. :lol Bynum was playing like an All-Star. Odom IS playing like an All-Star and then you have Kobe and Pau who ARE All-Stars. And they aren't over the hill like Payton and Malone were.

But I personally like more competitive games.

[Ghazi]

If Bynum comes back Im willing to bet Odom doesn't play at the same level.

It's a double edged sword.

[mystargtr34]

It's not just that they're winning, they're also doing it without Bynum. That's 15-20 points and 10 rebounds right there.

If Bynum is back, forget it. I almost don't want Bynum back just to make it more interesting.

Unfortnately it doesnt work like that. There is only 96 minutes to share between Bynum, Pau and Odom. You cant just add Bynum's 13-8 to Odoms current 20-10 since Bynum has been out, there isnt that many minutes.

Odom's production will most likely drop both in overall value, and in per minute value, like it did when Bynum was starting. Bynum negates alot of his game. Players dont just continue to perform with the same production once they are moved to the bench.

I actually think the Lakers are better of in some situations with Pau/Odom instead of Pau/Bynum. More mismatches and problems.

Not to compare Hill to Odom, but earlier this season, while TP and Manu were out, Hill averaged something like 12-4-4 in less than 30 minutes, thats some serious production. Now that his minutes have gone, his per minute production has also gone down. Players need a rythim to their game to perform to their maximum, especially guys who have been career starters like Odom, a 15-20 MPG bench role isnt something you just move into without problems.

[Allanon]

Unfortnately it doesnt work like that. There is only 96 minutes to share between Bynum, Pau and Odom. You cant just add Bynum's 13-8 to Odoms current 20-10 since Bynum has been out, there isnt that many minutes.

Odom's production will most likely drop both in overall value, and in per minute value, like it did when Bynum was starting. Bynum negates alot of his game. Players dont just continue to perform with the same production once they are moved to the bench.

I actually think the Lakers are better of in some situations with Pau/Odom instead of Pau/Bynum. More mismatches and problems.



I agree, I think Odom's production will drop a bit once Bynum's back. I think the Lakers have three choices.

1) Leave Odom with Pau on the starters which works great. Pau/Odom or Odom/Bynum works better than Pau/Bynum.
1b) Have Bynum come in as a supersub off the bench. He played well with the bench last year as the 1st option on an inside out game.

or

2) Have Odom take back his role as the leader of the bench. In which case his numbers will probably drop drastically as he sets up the bench.

3) Or the option that most Laker fans would love to see, Luke going to the bench with Pau/Bynum/Odom as the starting front line.



Not to compare Hill to Odom, but earlier this season, while TP and Manu were out, Hill averaged something like 12-4-4 in less than 30 minutes, thats some serious production. Now that his minutes have gone, his per minute production has also gone down. Players need a rythim to their game to perform to their maximum, especially guys who have been career starters like Odom, a 15-20 MPG bench role isnt something you just move into without problems.

I too think GHill is a very impressive rookie...possibly one of the top in this class before it's said and done. But as a rookie he needs major PT to get into a groove, his stats get hit harder than a vet when going to the bench. Odom will probably drop down to 13 points 9-10 rebounds off the bench.

At the end of the day, getting Bynum back can only be a major boost; even though it will hurt Odom a bit.

[Kobe™]

I want to pummel teams this year. I honestly think there is no way we lose this season. I would like to issue one last death blow to the Spurs and the Duncan era.

:toast

[anonoftheinternets]

It's not just that they're winning, they're also doing it without Bynum. That's 15-20 points and 10 rebounds right there.

If Bynum is back, forget it. I almost don't want Bynum back just to make it more interesting.

u shud reference slamdumb.com in ur signature. I dont think its right to use it without some kind of reference to the site.

[j-money24]

2007 Mavs/Suns
2006 Spurs
2004 Lakers
2003 Lakers

All teams that were supposed to have won it all, but didn't. All these teams looked pretty good in the regular season as well.

2003 lakers were at their worst in kobe and shaq era.. they finished with the 5th seed the last i remember

[BeloveD MAVS Fan]

lakers arent winning shit i will gurantee that . remmber folks KOBE CANT WIN WITHOUT SHAQ.

[Ditty]

goodluck in the finals :lmao

[Thompson]

You would think they'd be a +.500 team having fleeced the Mavs and all.

Give them time; they've got a young, blossoming all-star point guard, another young 1st rounder, and a likely lottery pick in 2010 that the Mavs gave them in return for that 21 million dollars' worth of old trash. :lol

[Ghazi]

Give them time; they've got a young, blossoming all-star point guard, another young 1st rounder, and a likely lottery pick in 2010 that the Mavs gave them in return for that 21 million dollars' worth of old trash. :lol


Blossoming? Harris is like a few weeks away from being 26 years old. You make it out as if he's 21-22. Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, OJ Mayo, Derrick Rose, these are players that will blossom.

Upside doesn't really apply to players in their 5th year in the NBA. What you see is what you get. Maybe slightly better or the same for a few more years before a decline.

The Nets may go somewhere in the future, but it won't be with Devin Harris as their best player.

[Thompson]

Blossoming? Harris is like a few weeks away from being 26 years old. You make it out as if he's 21-22. Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, OJ Mayo, Derrick Rose, these are players that will blossom.


26 is better than 36 (or however old Kidd is). And Harris is 'blossoming,' he's developing into a much better player than most thought he would.

Heck, Roger Mason is 28, and I'd say he's 'blossomed' this year in San Antonio.

You can argue until you're blue in the face that the word 'blossoming' isn't appropriate; neither is trading away a young future all-star point guard along with two first rounders (one of them a likely unprotected lottery pick) for a broken down 35-year-old.

[Ghazi]

How the hell is 2010 "likely" a lottery pick for the Mavs?

[Thompson]

How the hell is 2010 "likely" a lottery pick for the Mavs?

You're going to spend a whole year of your life finding out.

[Rogue]

one player can never flourish a team, unless he has got some capable assistants. tmac is not less capable individually than Duncan, though he was drafted later than Duncan in 97. the difference between those two guys is just the teams they were drafted to.

TD joined a contend which had got David Bobinson and other decent role players, injury was the only reason why spurs sucked the season before and got the no.1 pick. tmac was drafted to Raptors where there were no other superstar on team (carter was drafted the next year). tmac's ambition and self-respect kept being bashed by loses one after another, finally his ambition and respect was totally destroyed and he has become a coward since then. What if raptors had got the no.1 pick and drafted duncan? Kwame Brown wouldn't have earned the honour of "the the worst no.1 draft of all time" if that had happend.

[Ghazi]

one player can never flourish a team, unless he has got some capable assistants. tmac is not less capable individually than Duncan, though he was drafted later than Duncan in 97. the difference between those two guys is just the teams they were drafted to.

TD joined a contend which had got David Bobinson and other decent role players, injury was the only reason why spurs sucked the season before and got the no.1 pick. tmac was drafted to Raptors where there were no other superstar on team (carter was drafted the next year). tmac's ambition and self-respect kept being bashed by loses one after another, finally his ambition and respect was totally destroyed and he has become a coward since then. What if raptors had got the no.1 pick and drafted duncan? Kwame Brown wouldn't have earned the honour of "the the worst no.1 draft of all time" if that had happend.

:lmao

[ambchang]

The 2003 Lakers? WRONG

I blame Mitch Kupchak for that year for not helping out Shaq and Kobe that year. Our most legit PF was Robert Horry that year. LA looked horrible from the outset, starting 7-13 and limping to a 50-win season and the 5th seed in the playoffs. Minnesota almost knocked us off in the first round and San Antonio should of beat us 4-1 in the 2nd round. Bad, bad team.

2004 I agree

You can disagree on that. But throughout 2003, the Lakers were crowned the champions despite their less than steller regular season. They were notorious for flipping the switch in the playoffs, and that was supposed to happen.

That year, it was either the Kings or the Lakers.

[tlongII]

Dude give it a rest. Just be happy if you get out of the first round. LA, SA, NO, or Utah would smoke you guys. You guys will be great in a couple years but you aint ready yet

Bullshit. None of those teams will smoke us. We're ready now.

[Texas_Ranger]

Fuck the Lakers!

[TheMACHINE]

lakers arent winning shit i will gurantee that . remmber folks KOBE CANT WIN WITHOUT SHAQ.

mavericks arent winning shit EVER i will gurantee that . remmber folks DIRK CANT WIN ...PERIOD.

see what i did there? I can out-troll you.