vs Blazers - 2016 Playoffs - Western Semifinal Series Thread

[ElNono]

http://stats.nba.com/media/img/teams/logos/GSW_logo.svg

VS

http://stats.nba.com/media/img/teams/logos/POR_logo.svg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChRE8EpUYAA4HCP.jpg:large



Post your predictions, etc.

[Kawhitstorm]

7IB5lEpASIc

[spursistan]

Warriors in 6..I actually think they can out-shoot Curry-less Dubs in a couple of games..

[ElNono]

Slomo, sticky plz, thanks! :tu

[Kawhitstorm]

This has a 5 game series written all over it, I won't pick teams.:lol

[Robz4000]

Dubs in 4 or 5

[Kawhitstorm]

Warriors in 6..I actually think they can out-shoot Curry-less Dubs in a couple of games..

Klay has killed 'em this season but without Curry he won't get as many clean looks until Gm 3 or so. Meanwhile, Curry's career average is 32 against Lillard's lockdown defense.:lol (Although, Lillard has outscored him this season)

[Holden_Caulfield]

should be a sweep

[Holden_Caulfield]

whens game 1?

[Kawhitstorm]

should be a sweep

Considering the Rockets were able to win a game, I don't see why it SHOULD be a sweep.:rolleyes

[AlexJones]

Warriors: (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3&prefixid=Warriors) vs Blazers - 2016 Playoffs - Western Semifinal Series Thread (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259982&goto=newpost)

ElNono (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=8054), 9 Minutes Ago (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259982)
Blazers: (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=3&prefixid=Blazers) vs. Worriers - 2016 Playoffs - Western Semifinal Series Thread (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259983&goto=newpost)

Kawhitstorm (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/member.php?u=49655), 8 Minutes Ago (http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259983)


cuckest moment in ST history

[SAGirl]

At least it will be fun. Austin Rivers heroics aside, I was feeling sorry for the Clippers that entire game, specially seeing Rivers play hard despite the cut.

Lillard and CJ going to be dropping bombs. It should be a lot more fun than the Rockets/Warriors series and Rockets were able to win at least one game. I think Blazers take a couple games to keep it interesting.

[Holden_Caulfield]

Considering the Rockets were able to win a game, I don't see why it SHOULD be a sweep.:rolleyes
seems like the warriors have adjusted without curry

[timtonymanu]

Warriors in 5 games max

[resistanze]

Warriors in 6

[DeadlyDynasty]

Warriors in 5.

[Calispursfan11]

Blazers will push it to 6 or 7, maybe win tbh. The Blazers are a much better team than the Rockets and playing much better ball than the pathetic Rockets. Rockets can't even be called a team. It's just a bunch of semi talented guys with big egos thrown together with no leadership, chemistry or will. Doomed to fail from the start. I think the Blazers are going to give the Curry-less Warriors a serious and harrowing run. Book it.

[Calispursfan11]

should be a sweep

Nice sig bro, but no fuckin' way. Without Curry, the Warriors are just a bunch of really good players with no Superstar going up against the hungry, energized Blazers with their own Superstar Lollard. It won't be a sweep by Golden State and a lot of it will depend upon Curry's status. Tbh, I wouldn't be surprised if the Warriors get bounced by the Jailblazers in 6 or 7.

[Holden_Caulfield]

Nice sig bro, but no fuckin' way. Without Curry, the Warriors are just a bunch of really good players with no Superstar going up against the hungry, energized Blazers with their own Superstar Lollard. It won't be a sweep by Golden State and a lot of it will depend upon Curry's status. Tbh, I wouldn't be surprised if the Warriors get bounced by the Jailblazers in 6 or 7.
thanks bruh buuuuuuuhhhh

https://cdn.meme.am/instances/57828303.jpg

[313]

The Blazers only hope of winning a game or two is Dame and CJ getting hot. Both of them were underwhelming against the Clippers, no reason to think they'll do better against a better defensive team in GS. I hope they do though.

Dubs in 5.

[Caltex2]

The Guests aren't the 2015-16 Rockets but it should still end in no more than 5.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

The Guests aren't the 2015-16 Rockets but it should still end in no more than 5.

I see this one going the distance

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Why arent there polls with these threads ElNono

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Im predicting a Curry left hamstring injury if he tries to come back too quick

[Texas_Ranger]

Warriors in 4

[Keepin' it real]

Im predicting a Curry left hamstring injury if he tries to come back too quick

Oh yeah? Will it be a grade 1, 2 or 3 injury? In what quarter will he get injured? How will he injure it: on a fast break, playing defense, etc. ?

I just want to see how good of a predictor you are. Thanks.

[hater]

Eliancito will be fine for the WCFs but will struggle in this series. I say GSW wins in 5 and Elian doesn't even need to come back yet.

[random21]

Rooting for Tlong and the guests.... Though this will probably be a 5 game series max...

[Splits]

Dubs in 7

[ElNono]

Dubs sweep after the Blazers come out guns blazing and make the 1st game competitive...

[Seventyniner]

Warriors in 6.

[Otaku]

Warriors in 5

[TampaDude]

Dubs sweep, Curry or no Curry.

[RD2191]

Blazers in 5.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Oh yeah? Will it be a grade 1, 2 or 3 injury? In what quarter will he get injured? How will he injure it: on a fast break, playing defense, etc. ?

I just want to see how good of a predictor you are. Thanks.

:lol Grade 1, driving to the bucket, 4th quarter

[AlexJones]

724831681492967424
8 point favorites tonight w/o Steph. This fucking dumb ass gook :lmao

[cutewizard]

Go Trailblazerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lefty]

Blazers in 6 tbh

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Blazers take Game 1, book it

[-21-]

Warriors in 5.

[ambchang]

Warriors in 5

[DPG21920]

Warriors in 5, but I think if Lillard/CJ get hot they can win 2 (assuming no Curry through 6 games). But Warriors in 5 seems most likely.

[mudyez]

Did they just say, that there is an injury update on Steph Curry?

...probably will play today??

[wingster]

Warriors in 5

[Splits]

Just want the Guests to get one of the first two so Kerr rushes Elian back

[spursistan]

Guests :lol

[TampaDude]

This series will be quick and painless.

Warriors in 4. Book it.

[Texas_Ranger]

Well this was a fun series.

[DPG21920]

Look, GS is no LAC (especially w/out CP/Blake). POR is going to have to adjust to real playoffs. Real talent and a championship team. This first half is going to be the fast track education.

[benefactor]

Guests guesting per par

[Robz4000]

So when do the WCFs start?

[Robz4000]

Also, Lillard is a fucking joke with his shot selection.

[spursistan]

Warriors overall D is actually better without Curry..

[benefactor]

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/483/928/fb0.jpg

[TampaDude]

Hmmm...where have I seen this before? Oh, yeah...last night in San Antonio... :lol

[Robz4000]

How the fuck did the NBA let Livingston go to Oakland?

[spursistan]

Klay Thompson has been rolling these playoffs going up against the shitty defense of HOU/Blazers... hopefully he will get rude awakening next round and resume his choking tradition :lol....

[apalisoc_9]

Curry is a great player but My God..I have never seen a team do so well without their best player.

[Mugen]

Warriors overall D is actually better without Curry..

:lol I guess, but the Blazers have no business being in the 2nd round tbh

[Mnky]

Blazers are a very young team playing in the most overwhelming stadium in the league. They're nervous as heck. Its kind of funny.

I expect them to settle down and be more competitive as it goes on. They're not shooting with the same confidence as last series. Aminu is falling off real hard. Missing bunnies.
Klay going ballistic from 3 ain't helping. A blowout will benefit the young team, as they won't have to fear it anymore. A conteste bout Will grant confidence. Either way, I see them growing from today.

[NameLess Scrub]

Right away you can appreciate the Blazers crapping their pants.

On the other hand, Bogut is credited a block for a foul, and Livingston gets FTs for jumping over Lillard.

:cry But Warriors face adversity :cry

[Robz4000]

:wow Iggy

[NameLess Scrub]

:wow Iggy


Did he detach his arm, shoot the lay up, then reattach it?

[Robz4000]

:lol Portland is a fucking disgrace. Not much you can do about the Dubs making their threes like they are right now, but their shot selection on offense is maddening.

[Jodelo]

Igoudala :wow

[daslicer]

How the fuck did the NBA let Livingston go to Oakland?

After his major injury with the Clippers he was pretty much a journey man that bounced all over the league. GS found a role for him that fits him perfectly.

[Spurs9]

Sickening how many layups teams allow gs to do. Cant believe GS gets another cakewalk this series again. Cant wait to face them

[DPG21920]

Curry is a great player but My God..I have never seen a team do so well without their best player.

Very true. HOU sucks and POR is average, but it's still impressive as hell. They are killing teams without Curry which blows my mind.

[Robz4000]

After his major injury with the Clippers he was pretty much a journey man that bounced all over the league. GS found a role for him that fits him perfectly.

He was a monster with the Nyets for a few years; thought some team would give him a bugger contract. Instead he goes to GS at a bargain.

[NameLess Scrub]

Sickening how many layups teams allow gs to do. Cant believe GS gets another cakewalk this series again. Cant wait to face them


Won't matter. Curry will be back.

[Mnky]

Moving screen call. :wow

[Robz4000]

Glad to see more rim attacking by Portland; Dubs' threes have stopped constantly falling too.

[NameLess Scrub]

Did the Warriors just got called for a moving screen?

Speights must be asking Kerr what kind of call is that.

[daslicer]

He was a monster with the Nyets for a few years; thought some team would give him a bugger contract. Instead he goes to GS at a bargain.

He had one solid year with the Nets averaging 8 points game which isn't really amazing. Again he's a good role player that makes an impact on a title team but on average team he's pretty much useless kind of like how Horry and Fisher would have been crap on regular teams. I saw him a few years ago when he played for my home team the Hornets who were the bobcats at that time and nothing stood out about him when I watched him play. I give him credit in the sense he found his niche in Golden State.

[apalisoc_9]

Very true. HOU sucks and POR is average, but it's still impressive as hell. They are killing teams without Curry which blows my mind.

Ive been saying the last two years. The warriors are just terrific at moving without the ball so they kill almost every team regardless of who is playing. Hes probably the biggest beneficiary of a system in like the last 8292 years.

Still the best Point Guard player i have seen play the game though. Paul is probably the most valuable PG i have ever seen.

[DPG21920]

Ive been saying the last two years. The warriors are just terrific at moving without the ball so they kill almost every team regardless of who is playing. Hes probably the biggest beneficiary of a system in like the last 8292 years.

Still the best Point Guard player i have seen play the game though. Paul is probably the most valuable PG i have ever seen.

He just happens to be a great player that also has a great system and teammates. They are so well coached and disciplined and guys do it on both ends. Just an all-time great and well built team.

I still don't think they are as good without Curry as they have shown in the long-run, but to do it in the damn playoffs and not just win, but blow teams out??? Incredible.

Let's see if POR can adjust to the intensity and execution and test them some. Curry I still believe deserves a lot of credit for making the system as potent as it is.

[Otaku]

Blazers started the game playing horrible ball, but getting better. Closing the 1st half with a point difference lower than 10 points would be good.

[Raven]

loliard is such a scrub

[Robz4000]

Yep, unlike Houston at least this Guest team is showing some heart.

[AZK619]

Damian shooting all kinds of bricks so far. Just got stuffed by Raymond. Not impressed.

[gambit1990]

i bet on this game at the bellagio yesterday. warriors gotta win by at least 8.

[NASpurs]

"he teach me so much" :lol fucking Mongolian

[Robz4000]

:lol refs starting to step in for the Dubs

[Mnky]

Man. Warriors getting calls for any noise they make...meanwhile blazers bodies are flying out of bounds..

Ridiculous discrepancy.

[TampaDude]

Damian shooting all kinds of bricks so far. Just got stuffed by Raymond. Not impressed.

That was a clear foul, not called.

[DPG21920]

Love the energy from POR - already much better fight than HOU. If they can get their offense figured out it will be fun.

Crabbe has been damn good this season.

[Robz4000]

:lol Refmond Green

[TampaDude]

The more aggressive team generally gets the calls.

[Otaku]

Lol that was offensive foul

[Robz4000]

Thompson back in choke mode

[DPG21920]

Draymond is annoying, but I actually enjoy his off the court stuff. He is pretty thoughtful and smart with how his mind works on the court.

[TampaDude]

Blazers..... just..... can't..... get..... it..... under.....10.....

[Robz4000]

The more aggressive team generally gets the calls.

Portland's been plenty aggressive; they just can't get a favorable whistle.

[Mnky]

Blazers can run with the warriors. They just need to settle down. They've played much better defense in the second. Held time to 15 to the 4 min mark. Hard to settle down though when the refs are taking away your good plays on offense and defense. Hopefully they get a fire going because of it.

[Raven]

gaymond green pushing his own agenda of the pass first guy because he can't actually score :lmao

[NameLess Scrub]

Draymond is annoying, but I actually enjoy his off the court stuff. He is pretty thoughtful and smart with how his mind works on the court.

He's dirty and whiny at the same time. For me it's the worst kind and comes off as manipulative.

[NASpurs]

I'm impressed by the Blazers. They were about to get OKC'd.

[Robz4000]

Lillard is so terrible tbh.

[DPG21920]

Draymond is dominating this game.

[TampaDude]

Portland's been plenty aggressive; they just can't get a favorable whistle.

http://www.chicagonow.com/quilting-sewing-creating/files/2014/02/home-cok.jpg

[Raven]

He's dirty and whiny at the same time. For me it's the worst kind and comes off as manipulative.
same here. just a very dislikable guy.

[noles1983]

what a joke, this is 2 seasons now in a row where the warriors have played the shittiest competition.

[TampaDude]

Does Portland have any scrub that can kneecap Draymond? :lol

[Raven]

loliard should be benched tbh. he's good only for reg season

[NASpurs]

Maybe I spoke too soon.

[Chris]

Warrioref

[DPG21920]

Well, POR found some success on offense which is great and they still have headroom there if Lillard shows up. Getting some FT's would be helpful.

They just got destroyed on defense. Even when they got stops GS got the rebound and scored. If they just focused on that, the gap would close. However, I don't know of they can bound and score because they scored by going small.

[TampaDude]

Spurs-Warriors WCF is inevitable. Book it.

[daslicer]

He's dirty and whiny at the same time. For me it's the worst kind and comes off as manipulative.

Agreed he's very calculating look at how he was able to manipulate some of the idiots in here into liking him simply because of his response to the flood question.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Potland can easily win this game if they come out aggressive and make some shots. Just gotta put some pressure on GS and they will fold. Without Curry they will all think they need to hit the big shot and they will have bad possessions causing many turnovers.

[DPG21920]

:lol Some Spurs see malice in everything

[DPG21920]

Potland can easily win this game if they come out aggressive and make some shots. Just gotta put some pressure on GS and they will fold. Without Curry they will all think they need to hit the big shot and they will have bad possessions causing many turnovers.

There is no easy wins for POR against GS, even without Curry. GS is a better team on both ends with or without Curry

[HankChinaski]

Portland has looked good for a few possessions when they moved the ball around. Just some awful shot selections that first half. They seemed to calm down after that warriors jump in the start of the 1st.

Don't see them coming back into this game now. Too many bad takes on the offensive end.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

There is no easy wins for POR against GS, even without Curry. GS is a better team on both ends with or without Curry

Mavs clowned this same Warriors team by 30. Trust me, if Portland gets their shit together, they can win this game.

[Raven]

Spurs-Warriors WCF is inevitable. Book it.

we all know that, we just hoped for them to get some injuries.

[Raven]

Portland has looked good for a few possessions when they moved the ball around. Just some awful shot selections that first half. They seemed to calm down after that warriors jump in the start of the 1st.

Don't see them coming back into this game now. Too many bad takes on the offensive end.

more like you get scored 60+ in a half in the playoffs, you ain't winning

[InRareForm]

blazers just happy to make it 2nd round. they are ready for summer. what a shame.

[.G.]

Lillard is getting eaten alive in the post.
Niggas getting swept

[Otaku]

Again the blazers cought sleeping at the start... damn

[Boogie Munster]

Curry doesn't sound optimistic at all during his off court interview. Wouldn't be surprised he's out even longer. Anyone else noticing that?

[noles1983]

blazers fucking suck

[Biggems]

Double T was such a copout.....Varajao with a dirty play.....of course Henderson is gonna be pissed if someone tries to take out his legs....

This isn't the Karate Kid, and Varajao isn't Cobra Kai.

[vander]

wow, I can't believe how good Draymond Green is. he just completely owns the paint on defense and can do whatever is needed on offense

[Biggems]

The Blazers bench is totally outplaying their starters.

[LkrFan]

Blazers..... just..... can't..... get..... it..... under.....10.....
Who you rooting for TamponDude? :downspin:

[Koolaid_Man]

Lillard wasn't even touched on that last breakway play..phantom foul :lol nigga fouled himself tbh

[01Snake]

All the Dubs do is bitch and whine to the refs all game. They are either crying that got fouled on every shot or that they clearly didn't commit a foul themselves.

[Otaku]

Lilliard + CJ = 5/28... can't win that way. Super cold day.

[LkrFan]

I wonder how many Warriors will fly south (to LA) with Luuuuuke for the winter? :downspin:

[Robz4000]

Welp, now that the game is over Lillard is finally ready to play some basketball.

[DPG21920]

Lilliard + CJ = 5/28... can't win that way. Super cold day.

That's it in a nut shell. Like Durant/WB they carry a burden on offens and they can't win with them playing poorly. Especially since their best offensive lineups don't have the ability to defend very well.

[DPG21920]

I wonder how many Warriors will fly south (to LA) with Luuuuuke for the winter? :downspin:

They were all talking trash to him at first about how he's going to "have fun not having a good team" :lol

[Koolaid_Man]

All the Dubs do is bitch and whine to the refs all game. They are either crying that got fouled on every shot or that they clearly didn't commit a foul themselves.


You can cry all you want bro...you still gotta face them..so stop crying and pull your big boy pants up...the rape is gonna happen

[ffadicted]

what a joke, this is 2 seasons now in a row where the warriors have played the shittiest competition.

Warriors great team tbh, but this year's NBA is the most pathetic I think it's ever been since I've been old enough to remember

[01Snake]

You can cry all you want bro...you still gotta face them..so stop crying and pull your big boy pants up...the rape is gonna happen

Thanks Captain Obvious! :rolleyes

[DPG21920]

Man, this is not Lillards game at all. They need some rest, now have some tape & Stotts has done great all year. Need Lillard/CJ to step up ultimately though.

[Holden_Caulfield]

warriors up by 20 and starters are playing :lol i'll just laugh if someone gets injured

stat padding fucks

[Robz4000]

:lmao I can't believe how much ref help the Dubs get. More than OKC ever got tbh.

[Splits]

warriors up by 20 and starters are playing :lol i'll just laugh if someone gets injured

stat padding fucks

https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.sbnation.com/assets/2517195/roseclaps.gif

[DPG21920]

I didn't see anything egregious today with the officitiating IMO. Still impressive GS beating the crap out of playoff teams (weak or not) without Curry. If you take Kawhi off of SA, I highly doubt they wax teams like this.

[LkrFan]

They were all talking trash to him at first about how he's going to "have fun not having a good team" :lol

:lol - they were also playing "I love LA!" in their lockerroom when he was named coach. They love Luke, it was hardly trash talk son. :lol

I think it was key getting Luke signed this early. I don't care about his experience level. Case in point, look at Doc Rivers in Orlando vs. him in Boston. Difference? He had great players in Boston. Now Doc is considered a "great" coach. How much experience did Phil Jackson have? I think he was in the CBA before taking over da Bulls :lol. Go back to Pat Riley. How much experience did he have when he took over Showtime? Answer: none. They all had great players, so they won.

Luke will employ the Dub system in LA LA land. FAs know this. We got a ton of cap room and (hopefully) a top lotto pick. Players will want to play for him in that championship-proven system. I wonder who would look better in the Dub system: Buddy, Ingram or Simmons?

Lakers are still an attractive destination. Like I said, it will be an interesting summer. :toast

[Raven]

gaymond green statpadding his way to a triple double :lmao:lmao:lmao

[LkrFan]

Man, this is not Lillards game at all. They need some rest, now have some tape & Stotts has done great all year. Need Lillard/CJ to step up ultimately though. Who you rooting for son? :downspin:

[Robz4000]

:lol - they were also playing "I love LA!" in their lockerroom when he was named coach. They love Luke, it was hardly trash talk son. :lol

I think it was key getting Luke signed this early. I don't care about his experience level. Case in point, look at Doc Rivers in Orlando vs. him in Boston. Difference? He had great players in Boston. Now Doc is considered a "great" coach. How much experience did Phil Jackson have? I think he was in the CBA before taking over da Bulls :lol. Go back to Pat Riley. How much experience did he have when he took over Showtime? Answer: none. They all had great players, so they won.

Luke will employ the Dub system in LA LA land. FAs know this. We got a ton of cap room and (hopefully) a top lotto pick. Players will want to play for him in that championship-proven system. I wonder who would look better in the Dub system: Buddy, Ingram or Simmons?

Lakers are still an attractive destination. Like I said, it will be an interesting summer. :toast

Uncle Tom Rivers is a horrible coach, with or without star players.

[LkrFan]

Uncle Tom Rivers is a horrible coach, with or without star players.

Agreed, but he rang because he had good/great players. When he didn't have any, his team (in Orlando) sucked. It's a players' league.

[DPG21920]

:lol - they were also playing "I love LA!" in their lockerroom when he was named coach. They love Luke, it was hardly trash talk son. :lol

I think it was key getting Luke signed this early. I don't care about his experience level. Case in point, look at Doc Rivers in Orlando vs. him in Boston. Difference? He had great players in Boston. Now Doc is considered a "great" coach. How much experience did Phil Jackson have? I think he was in the CBA before taking over da Bulls :lol. Go back to Pat Riley. How much experience did he have when he took over Showtime? Answer: none. They all had great players, so they won.

Luke will employ the Dub system in LA LA land. FAs know this. We got a ton of cap room and (hopefully) a top lotto pick. Players will want to play for him in that championship-proven system. I wonder who would look better in the Dub system: Buddy, Ingram or Simmons?

Lakers are still an attractive destination. Like I said, it will be an interesting summer. :toast

I'm fine with the hiring - I was just commenting on your "how many guys from GS are coming down" comment. None of them. They, like everyone else, views LA as a joke and I don't think anyone wants to play with snitch II.

You keep saying LA is an attractive destination but they have to prove that - they haven't earned that. At this point, the big FA's have avoided LA at all cost. It's why LA has missed the playoffs for 3 straight years.

I think Kobe played a big role in that, but also management so we will see if cutting off the scab of Kobe does the trick or not. But LA has been a terrible FA draw so you have to prove it.

[DPG21920]

See, this Draymond interview really highlights his basketball IQ. He really hit the nuanced portion of this game and why POR big men didn't score well. He hit the nail right on the head and illustrated a perfect understanding of what appears to be GS game plan vs POR

[Robz4000]

Agreed, but he rang because he had good/great players. It's a players' league.

A good coach can make up for a lack of talent, however. Lakers lack talent, so instead of going out to get a good coach or even a coach who can develop good players, they get a coach who may prove to be neither.

[NameLess Scrub]

All the Dubs do is bitch and whine to the refs all game. They are either crying that got fouled on every shot or that they clearly didn't commit a foul themselves.

Which is why I wanted to watch the series vs the Clippers.

It could have been a whining, flopping war.

[apalisoc_9]

See, this Draymond interview really highlights his basketball IQ. He really hit the nuanced portion of this game and why POR big men didn't score well. He hit the nail right on the head and illustrated a perfect understanding of what appears to be GS game plan vs POR

Dude, coaches tell their players about these kind of stuff on timeouts. :lol.

[LkrFan]

I'm fine with the hiring - I was just commenting on your "how many guys from GS are coming down" comment. None of them. They, like everyone else, views LA as a joke and I don't think anyone wants to play with snitch II.

You keep saying LA is an attractive destination but they have to prove that - they haven't earned that. At this point, the big FA's have avoided LA at all cost. It's why LA has missed the playoffs for 3 straight years.

I think Kobe played a big role in that, but also management so we will see if cutting off the scab of Kobe does the trick or not. But LA has been a terrible FA draw so you have to prove it.

To quote you, "that doesn't make sense." How many players (including LeHype) have LA homes? Players love LA.

Players go where the money is, period. If cap space is available, they'll flock. Even racist Boston was an attractive FA destination even after they went 22 years between titles before they rang in 2008. Their fans even chanted MVP for Kobe - in TD Garden no less - just the year before :lol. Once they got good players, it wasn't hard for them to acquire rang chasers...like the Spurs did with D West, for example.

You are deceiving yourself if you think players don't want to come to LA.

[DPG21920]

To quote you, "that doesn't make sense." How many players (including LeHype) have LA homes? Players love LA.

Players go where the money is, period. If cap space is available, they'll flock. Even racist Boston was an attractive FA destination even after they went 22 years between titles before they rang in 2008. Their fans even chanted MVP for Kobe - in TD Garden no less - just the year before :lol. Once they got good players, it wasn't hard for them to acquire rang chasers...like the Spurs did with D West, for example.

You are deceiving yourself if you think players don't want to come to LA.

:lol What? LMA has a home in LA, did he choose LA? No. LA has had money for a while now and people not only take less money to leave LA (Pau & Dwight, despite LA begging with billboards) and FA's have spurned LA to live in San Antonio :lmao

[LkrFan]

A good coach can make up for a lack of talent, however. Lakers lack talent, so instead of going out to get a good coach or even a coach who can develop good players, they get a coach who may prove to be neither.

We'll see. There are no good coaches out there that are available other than Blatt. Thibs was a good defensive coach, horrible HC as evidenced by him doing squat in Chicago. He was fired. Ollie, has no NBA HC experience, but Luke does. Luke was part of a coaching staff that just won it all and might repeat. Advantage, Luke.

Luke also won 2 rangs playing for Phil. He also worked on gameplanning with Kerr as an assistant coach for a juggernaut. Kerr played for Phil and Pop. I'm certain Kerr gleaned a ton from them both. My hope is that Luke soaked up knowledge from all 3 and will use it as our coach. Given his high IQ as a player, I think he will be a fine NBA coach.

Remember, he got 5 years, $25M from the Lakers. He could have gotten more elsewhere. He chose us, during a playoff run. Here's hoping FAs with better offers elsewhere do the same. :toast

[LkrFan]

:lol What? LMA has a home in LA, did he choose LA? No. LA has had money for a while now and people not only take less money to leave LA (Pau & Dwight, despite LA begging with billboards) and FA's have spurned LA to live in San Antonio :lmao

You're playing checkers again. We were actively tanking. What big-time player wants part of that? We have money, true, but we were given a mandate to not pay luxury taxes these last few years.

And I am not losing sleep over Dwert, LMA or Pau spurning us. Dubs have proven we don't need 20/10 to cut down the nets. Admittedly, with Luke bringing Dub system to LA, I wouldn't mind Pau returning. I think he'd be Bogut on steroids in a system like that.

[DPG21920]

The Dubs have Curry numb nuts! What is wrong with you :lol Luke may try to implement this offense but they don't have Curry/Klay.

So go on record. Who is LA luring to LA this off season since they have money? The only thing that has changed is Luke and Kobe gone. Still the same mediocre young talent and the same inept front office.

[DPG21920]

I'm not saying you should "lose sleep", but you can't just ignore what's happened the past 3 years. You said players love LA and 'go where there is money". Well, I proved that players took less money and turned down even money to not play in LA.

Now you move the goal post and say LA was "fake interviewing" free agents blah blah blah. Fact is LA has to prove it. This is a big off season. If they swing for Durant and end up with DeRozan you will probably spin that as some win too.

And I know you don't really know this but the Luxury tax has absolutely nothing to do with LA's situation and had nothing to do with them whiffing.

[LkrFan]

The Dubs have Curry numb nuts! What is wrong with you :lol Luke may try to implement this offense but they don't have Curry/Klay.

So go on record. Who is LA luring to LA this off season since they have money? The only thing that has changed is Luke and Kobe gone. Still the same mediocre young talent and the same inept front office.

They won 2.5 games without Curry (including a closeout game). They're 1-0 vs ghell tlongII's, without Curry. It's the system just as much as it is about having Curry.

I told ya, I'll go on record after I see what coach we get (Luke), what coaching staff he assembles, what lotto pick HD wants, and what FAs are coming.

I can't predict who is coming son. I'm not Ms. Cleon :lol

[mudyez]

Maybe I'm spiled by Spurs play, but Blazers just seemed not to have any offensiv system, other than maybe a highscreen. Would have made Houston proud.

[DPG21920]

They won 2.5 games without Curry (including a closeout game). They're 1-0 vs ghell tlongII's, without Curry. It's the system just as much as it is about having Curry.

I told ya, I'll go on record after I see what coach we get (Luke), what coaching staff he assembles, what lotto pick HD wants, and what FAs are coming.

I can't predict who is coming son. I'm not Ms. Cleon :lol

That is so cowardly! You talk about how great LA is and how players want to come there. I showed you the facts and you moved the goal posts. Now you refuse to take a stand.

Do you think LA will get one of the top 3 FAs? Forget who, but you say LA has the money now, they aren't tanking now and they have the coach. List the top 3 FA's and if LA will get them.

If LA doesn't get them, do you see that as a failure?

[LkrFan]

I'm not saying you should "lose sleep", but you can't just ignore what's happened the past 3 years. You said players love LA and 'go where there is money". Well, I proved that players took less money and turned down even money to not play in LA.

Stop right there. What vet rang chasers want one come to a team mandated to tank? None. Spurs and Chicago represented a better opportunity to win for players like D West and MVPau.


Now you move the goal post and say LA was "fake interviewing" free agents blah blah blah. Fact is LA has to prove it. This is a big off season. If they swing for Durant and end up with DeRozan you will probably spin that as some win too. You don't think they discussed roster moves with potential FAs? I do. We told LMA (6'11" player) he would play center. He balked at the idea (among other factors) and signed with the Spurs. And no, I do NOT want DeRozan. He sucks. I'd root for and defend him of course if we signed with us (name on the front, not necessarily the name on the back).


And I know you don't really know this but the Luxury tax has absolutely nothing to do with LA's situation and had nothing to do with them whiffing.

Lakers weren't going to sign players that were not worth the salary cap ramifications. LMA would have been one of them. He didn't sign with us. We'll be fine.

[LkrFan]

That is so cowardly! You talk about how great LA is and how players want to come there. I showed you the facts and you moved the goal posts. Now you refuse to take a stand.

Do you think LA will get one of the top 3 FAs? Forget who, but you say LA has the money now, they aren't tanking now and they have the coach. List the top 3 FA's and if LA will get them.

If LA doesn't get them, do you see that as a failure?

Not cowardly son :lol I want to make an informed decision, not a blind guess.

We do have the coach. We do have the cap space. I don't know the "top 3" FAs, let along what players Luke wants. Just because a "name" is available doesn't mean he's a good fit. For example, I highly doubt Luke would want Drummond if he could be had. He's a dominant all star, but he's a horrible passer and he can't shoot outside of 5 feet (which kills spacing) - not to mention his freebies :lol

Capiche?

[DPG21920]

:lol So you ignore facts, move goal posts and set it up to where you basically can never be wrong. Pretty nice life you live my man :lol

[DPG21920]

So if LA whiffs on Durant, Lebron, Conley and end up with DeRozan, Whiteside or whomever it's because it's part of Master Luke's plan and he just didn't want those other All Stars :lol

[LkrFan]

:lol So you ignore facts, move goal posts and set it up to where you basically can never be wrong. Pretty nice life you live my man :lol

:downspin:

[LkrFan]

So if LA whiffs on Durant, Lebron, Conley and end up with DeRozan, Whiteside or whomever it's because it's part of Master Luke's plan and he just didn't want those other All Stars :lol

Don't want Conley - especially in Dubs system. He can't shoot. I do want Durant and Whiteside though.

[DPG21920]

I think they obviously pursue Durant & Lebron (though he's not likely to leave). Whiteside is probably another target then maybe Horford. We will see who they get but I think LA should consider trading their pick for a star.

[DPG21920]

Don't want Conley - especially in Dubs system. He can't shoot. I do want Durant and Whiteside though.

It's not about who you want or even the results. It's about who does LA chase and who do they get. They could get lucky and strike out on some guys and maybe end up with a decent team. That wouldn't be good GM'ing - it's just luck. But if they go after the main 3 stars and they not only get shut down, but they leave their current teams? That shows what a failure LA has become.

[LkrFan]

I think they obviously pursue Durant & Lebron (though he's not likely to leave). Whiteside is probably another target then maybe Horford. We will see who they get but I think LA should consider trading their pick for a star.

I'm not so sure about them trading our pick. Cavs are lucky they made more moves to compensate, but I am 100% sure they would take back the Wiggins/Love trade. Especially with how Thompson has emerged.

What if either Buddy, Ingram or Simmons are the real deal? No use on selling your soul for a quick fix. But then again, these are my Lakers. :lol

[LkrFan]

It's not about who you want or even the results. It's about who does LA chase and who do they get. They could get lucky and strike out on some guys and maybe end up with a decent team. That wouldn't be good GM'ing - it's just luck. But if they go after the main 3 stars and they not only get shut down, but they leave their current teams? That shows what a failure LA has become.

We'll agree to disagree son. If we "strikeout" on a big name doesn't mean we failed. Dubs built their squad through the draft: Steph, Klay, Barnes and Dr. Dray. Then they signed key roll players like Bogut, Iggy, Livingston and Speights to compliment their nucleus.

They didn't sign a top FA to build their contending roster. Did they fail? Of course not.

[LkrFan]

A dream offseason for me is for us to sign Durant and Whiteside. Then sign "Dub system friendly players" to add to add to Russell, Randle, and Clarkson.

[DPG21920]

We'll agree to disagree son. If we "strikeout" on a big name doesn't mean we failed. Dubs built their squad through the draft: Steph, Klay, Barnes and Dr. Dray. Then they signed key roll players like Bogut, Iggy, Livingston and Speights to compliment their nucleus.

They didn't sign a top FA to build their contending roster. Did they fail? Of course not.

They weren't spouting how "LA is the best place to play" and "we are an attractive free agent destination" and "players go where the money is and LA".

That's you. That's your franchise saying that. So it stands to reason that if you are saying LA is an attractive place to play and LA whiffs on their big targets for 4 years in a row, then yes, you have failed and have literally 0 argument to back up your assertion that LA is a desirable free agent destination.

How do you not understand this? Honestly.

[DPG21920]

If La has a plan and gets shut down, but happens to get stuck signing players that doesn't mean they did a great job. It means they probably lucked into doing things the right way vs chasing big names only.

[Kawhitstorm]

Klay Thompson has been rolling these playoffs going up against the shitty defense of HOU/Blazers... hopefully he will get rude awakening next round and resume his choking tradition :lol....

The Rockets are a joke & Lillard/CJ ain't quite like Smart/Bradley.:lol (He usually feasts on transition baskets & the pace has been favorable)

[apalisoc_9]

Really hoping they finish this team in 5 or less. Same with the spurs. If we can get GSW minus curry for one game and the rest at 80% we shoulf be able to take that series.

Hopefully when he gets reevaluated we get another 1 break off.

[Spurs 4 The Win]

Really hoping they finish this team in 5 or less. Same with the spurs. If we can get GSW minus curry for one game and the rest at 80% we shoulf be able to take that series.

Hopefully when he gets reevaluated we get another 1 break off.

He said he wants to return for Game 3 of that series. By doing so I am fairly certain that either he will reinjure himself or be about 80% for the rest of the playoffs. Tbh, if the Spurs play like they did in Game 1 vs OKC we probably beat Golden State in 5.

[Killakobe81]

I think they obviously pursue Durant & Lebron (though he's not likely to leave). Whiteside is probably another target then maybe Horford. We will see who they get but I think LA should consider trading their pick for a star.

What star? No real stars are available. Luke if he implements his system and we get the pick I think will get a little bit of patience from the fanbase for a couple reasons ...

1. Luke was cult hero for Lakers fans
2. IF we keep the pick you can argue that fans would prefer watching Simmons than trading for a flawed (insert) star
3. After the byron fiasco as long as we approach 32-35 wins I am cool depending on we sign as FA. if we get whiteside and horford then I would expect 42 wins (talking max in both cases) if the young players develop.

I was strongly against Batum/Horford (at near max) but based on what Luke wants to run guys that can pass defend and shoot are high priorities ...we will see. But I am against trading the pick. Randle is the only player I am willing to trade base don the prospect of if we get Simmons and sign Horford Randle has no spot on the team ...

And I was not a huge fan but Milsap seems to fit what Luke wants to do as well ...

[hater]

:lmao spursfan is so adorable at praying for Eliancitos injury aggravation

Eliancito will be fine and will go supernova in the WCFs.

[DPG21920]

We'll agree to disagree son. If we "strikeout" on a big name doesn't mean we failed. Dubs built their squad through the draft: Steph, Klay, Barnes and Dr. Dray. Then they signed key roll players like Bogut, Iggy, Livingston and Speights to compliment their nucleus.

They didn't sign a top FA to build their contending roster. Did they fail? Of course not.

727143501054373888

727145117572681729

See. This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is Laker Nation. This, like LkrFan, is what they spout. We are LA! We have money and we always get our man and the best free agents! You are kidding yourself if you think the past 3 years of whiffing on every target we wanted is indicative of the future!

LA wants stars. They are going to pursue stars. Like Durant/Lebron/etc.... If they try to get those guys and whiff again, even with Kobe gone, you will now know that LA is no longer a destination for top free agents and that should both terrify & excite Laker fans.

It should terrify them because your front office/ownership have proven to be inept and money hungry while their fans suffer.

It should terrify them because LA doesn't know how to build teams if they don't have built in Free Agency advantages that no one else can compete with. What happened when FA's started saying no? They turned into Philly.

It should also excite them because through pure dumb luck it will force LA's ownership team to face the facts and learn how to be an actual basketball operation. It will force them to be smart and think about what they do vs just getting to sign every big free agent or rob teams of their stars.

But again, this off season is so huge for LA. They are at rock bottom and if they whiff on their targets again, regardless if it ends up being a blessing in disguise it forever buries LA as you knew them as a free agent draw.

They have a new coach. They have LA. They have more money than just about anyone. They have young "talent". They have a lottery pick. If they try (which they shouldn't) and fail? It's over for LA as a big free agent draw.

[nickdakoolkat]

Is it a guarantee that luke wants to run the same system as the Dubs? He might have a mind of his own, maybe he loved the triangle. The warriors offense fits their personel, and the lakers clearly don't have the shooters to play like the warriors. I like luke, but are the lakers ready to be patient with him as a coach? The lakers are at least 3 to 4 years away from competing for the playoffs, and that all depends on hitting it big in the draft, and not just with their #1 picks. I honestly think that anyone on the warriors staff could have won games as the acting head coach with this team, just hand the ball to curry and you got a good chance of looking like a genius. I am also of the mindset that LA is not really a big FA destination anymore, players used to think they need to be in a big market to be stars, but that is not the case anymore. Big names are fine with playing in smaller markets now a days, and they actually can still be stars. Just look at how hard it has been for the lakers/knicks lately.

[DPG21920]

What's funny about LkrFan's quote I responded too is he misses the point entirely like usual. No, GS didn't build through FA, but they drafted great. THAT WAS THEIR PLAN.

Has LA drafted great? Do they have a Curry/Klay level player due to their great draft? No. They have not drafted well despite missing 3 damn playoffs in a row.

GS didn't fail because they didn't chase big Free Agents. They had a plan of good drafting, smart deals & getting good fit FA's.

LA is chasing big names and whiffing. If you have a plan and don't achieve your plan, then you fail. GS had a plan, built a title team like good franchises do, so why would they have failed?

It's not the results that are key right now, but the process. If LA keeps acting like they are the LA of old and chasing big time FA's they will fail. But if they succeed in that it will prove people wrong about the power LA still holds over free agency. Will it work out? Not sure, but they seem to want to prove they are the "premier" franchise for attracting big names.

[daslicer]

What's funny about LkrFan's quote I responded too is he misses the point entirely like usual. No, GS didn't build through FA, but they drafted great. THAT WAS THEIR PLAN.

Has LA drafted great? Do they have a Curry/Klay level player due to their great draft? No. They have not drafted well despite missing 3 damn playoffs in a row.

GS didn't fail because they didn't chase big Free Agents. They had a plan of good drafting, smart deals & getting good fit FA's.

LA is chasing big names and whiffing. If you have a plan and don't achieve your plan, then you fail. GS had a plan, built a title team like good franchises do, so why would they have failed?

It's not the results that are key right now, but the process. If LA keeps acting like they are the LA of old and chasing big time FA's they will fail. But if they succeed in that it will prove people wrong about the power LA still holds over free agency. Will it work out? Not sure, but they seem to want to prove they are the "premier" franchise for attracting big names.

I feel LA needs to rebuild the way did they during the early to mid 90's after Magic retired which was like you said drafting good players and signing solid FA's. I remember during that time period the Lakers had two solid players in Campbell and Divac's along with drafting Van Exel and Eddie Jones. They also managed to sign a good FA in Ceballos. After that core was assembled they instantly became a middle of the pack playoff team in the West. I feel it was those moves they had made to be a legit playoff team that allowed them to lure a super FA in Shaq. LA back then built a good roster to lure super FA's but now they feel they can get the super FA without having a good roster.

[DPG21920]

I think everyone knows what they should do, but their fans are pretty dumb (see the ticket prices they paid for the past 3 years. Coach called them dumb. Kobe called them dumb. They fought about how they were a playoff team even up until this season).

They "demand" to be the "premier" free agent and super start hot spot. The management brainwashed them to be this way. Kobe did it too.

For Laker fan, they should hope 1 of 2 things happen IMO. 1 (most likely). LA goes after Durant and Lebron and strikes out. That's what will most likely happen. They will have to sign FA option C, D, E or F and it will be a major ego blow now that the Kobe excuse is gone.

2. LA doesn't go for those top guys, drafts a good player & signs some younger but talented FA's to grow with their core and take their time building toward a playoff like UTA (hopefully with better results).

Either way, La is probably going to back door their way into the right way of doing things because the best FA will turn them down. It's a good thing, but it's not for a lack of effort towards failure.

[DPG21920]

But, LA could once again prove they are still a huge FA draw when they have equal money and that "everyone wants to play in La for the Lakers".

Thats the big question. Was Kobe that big of a drain on the franchise? Or was it a combo of Kobe and inept management and they have lost their "magic".

[Killakobe81]

727143501054373888

727145117572681729

See. This is exactly what I'm talking about. This is Laker Nation. This, like LkrFan, is what they spout. We are LA! We have money and we always get our man and the best free agents! You are kidding yourself if you think the past 3 years of whiffing on every target we wanted is indicative of the future!

LA wants stars. They are going to pursue stars. Like Durant/Lebron/etc.... If they try to get those guys and whiff again, even with Kobe gone, you will now know that LA is no longer a destination for top free agents and that should both terrify & excite Laker fans.

It should terrify them because your front office/ownership have proven to be inept and money hungry while their fans suffer.

It should terrify them because LA doesn't know how to build teams if they don't have built in Free Agency advantages that no one else can compete with. What happened when FA's started saying no? They turned into Philly.

It should also excite them because through pure dumb luck it will force LA's ownership team to face the facts and learn how to be an actual basketball operation. It will force them to be smart and think about what they do vs just getting to sign every big free agent or rob teams of their stars.

But again, this off season is so huge for LA. They are at rock bottom and if they whiff on their targets again, regardless if it ends up being a blessing in disguise it forever buries LA as you knew them as a free agent draw.

They have a new coach. They have LA. They have more money than just about anyone. They have young "talent". They have a lottery pick. If they try (which they shouldn't) and fail? It's over for LA as a big free agent draw.

I love Magic the player and business man but hate Magic the Laker fan (and talkshow host/TV analyst) ...
Instead of looking for a magical (ha!) fix.
We should sign young players (whiteside/Barnes) to hopefully less than max deals.

Deeps you bring up some good points but I dont think star chasing is the issue. Chasing the WROING stars is the problem ...
Aldridge was good call as was trying to retain Pau.
Monroe, Melo and Dwight were dumb calls same as the max extension for Kobe.
Magic, is a moron but of course if we could get Lebron or Durant that would help.
But since neither is happening stop with the pie in the sky dreams and sign some good young players to mesh with your recent and hopefully future top draft picks.

But all this doom and gloom makes no sense. The last few years of free agency were shit and that's not all on Kobe ... we have whiffed in FA for a variety of reasons but even if this is the first year without him I dont think you can say all the shit you are saying is proven true after one year. We still have Jim buss and Jeannie fighting over control of the team a young unproven coach. To say that it means LA is n longer a draw is bullshit. It depends on the strength of the team our coach the individual player etc.

for example I doubt Kiwi would have came to the Lakers even if Kobe was gone and we have a great coach like RC ...does that mean if he turned us down LA is no longer a draw?

The Lakers demise isnt about L.A., or Kobe or even Jim buss alone. There are multiple factors including management unrest, lack of talent and poor coaching decisions.

IF all things are equal I think a lot of players still choose Los Angeles ...we have not made things equal.

[Killakobe81]

I think everyone knows what they should do, but their fans are pretty dumb (see the ticket prices they paid for the past 3 years. Coach called them dumb. Kobe called them dumb. They fought about how they were a playoff team even up until this season).

They "demand" to be the "premier" free agent and super start hot spot. The management brainwashed them to be this way. Kobe did it too.

For Laker fan, they should hope 1 of 2 things happen IMO. 1 (most likely). LA goes after Durant and Lebron and strikes out. That's what will most likely happen. They will have to sign FA option C, D, E or F and it will be a major ego blow now that the Kobe excuse is gone.

2. LA doesn't go for those top guys, drafts a good player & signs some younger but talented FA's to grow with their core and take their time building toward a playoff like UTA (hopefully with better results).

Either way, La is probably going to back door their way into the right way of doing things because the best FA will turn them down. It's a good thing, but it's not for a lack of effort towards failure.


didnt see this one ...this more in line with my thoughts ...
You just take it to far ...you have some good points otherwise old "friend" ...

[Killakobe81]

I feel LA needs to rebuild the way did they during the early to mid 90's after Magic retired which was like you said drafting good players and signing solid FA's. I remember during that time period the Lakers had two solid players in Campbell and Divac's along with drafting Van Exel and Eddie Jones. They also managed to sign a good FA in Ceballos. After that core was assembled they instantly became a middle of the pack playoff team in the West. I feel it was those moves they had made to be a legit playoff team that allowed them to lure a super FA in Shaq. LA back then built a good roster to lure super FA's but now they feel they can get the super FA without having a good roster.

This also ...
Been yelling that for 3 years but because of a spoiled fanbase and/or TWC deal they don't listen ...

[DPG21920]

What other "equal" is there? You have the same money. That's all it used to take. People "want to play in LA". If you give them that chance + the same money? Used to be lights out for everyone else.

The point of this was there is a massive black eye on the Lakers org. They have become losers. They have been mocked. Kobe drug them through the mud (and it's their fault). They need this "splash" from a PR perspective.

And yes, with Kobe gone, that was the last crutch Laker management and fans had to hold onto. "Who wants to play with Kobe when we are tanking, etc..".

Well, he's gone. LA isn't tanking. They have "young talent" & money and no Kobe anchor weighing them down. Time to see if LA is still the premier FA destination like they say they are.

[DPG21920]

And when I say losers, I mean it in the context of them not only missing the playoffs, but being ok with being a complete joke in team building, player developement and drafting.

It's one thing to be like UTA and miss the playoffs for many years, but to be like Philly where you flat out tank and suck and are mocked? Then really have nothing to show for it? No progress. Just straight embarrassing franchise lows for 3 years. That's why they are losers.

If they had missed the playoffs because of Kobe and the deal ok, but be smart. Build towards something. They just cashed in on the fans and became a bottom 3 franchise in the league. That is unacceptable for a franchise with this much clout and history.

[Relevancy]

Damn the Warriors are beasting it even without curry, it just tells you how good this squad is. They should save Curry for the spurs, they are gonna need him for that.

[Killakobe81]

What other "equal" is there? You have the same money. That's all it used to take. People "want to play in LA". If you give them that chance + the same money? Used to be lights out for everyone else.

The point of this was there is a massive black eye on the Lakers org. They have become losers. They have been mocked. Kobe drug them through the mud (and it's their fault). They need this "splash" from a PR perspective.

And yes, with Kobe gone, that was the last crutch Laker management and fans had to hold onto. "Who wants to play with Kobe when we are tanking, etc..".

Well, he's gone. LA isn't tanking. They have "young talent" & money and no Kobe anchor weighing them down. Time to see if LA is still the premier FA destination like they say they are.

I already said the others:

Coaching
Front-office
Other talented players

You already said the Lakers dont have any "special" young players ...so then how can you say everything is equal? That doesnt make any sense.

If the money is equal and I am Kevin Durant would I choose to go play for former Kerr protege gentry and play with Unibrow
or
Former protege Luke and D'angelo russell?!

Even before the leaked video any sane person would choose Anthony Davis because a chance to play with another great player has more draw than just a potential young star ...

[Killakobe81]

As Biggie said ...i am going back to Cali stritly for the weather, women and the weed ...sticky green.

You the order he placed those in ...

I have lived in NY, SA, DAL and LA ... visited SF, SEA, PHO, LV, Philly Chicago on weeks long biz trips and vacation.
IF all things are equal I choose Cali but the public schools and housing in DFW are the reasons I say in Frisco, TX.

IF make it truly rich ... I am going, going, back, back to Cali, cali ...
and sticking my kids in private school.

[DPG21920]

I already said the others:

Coaching
Front-office
Other talented players

You already said the Lakers dont have any "special" young players ...so then how can you say everything is equal? That doesnt make any sense.

If the money is equal and I am Kevin Durant would I choose to go play for former Kerr protege gentry and play with Unibrow
or
Former protege Luke and D'angelo russell?!

Even before the leaked video any sane person would choose Anthony Davis because a chance to play with another great player has more draw than just a potential young star ...

It's not about me. I am speaking the truth and agree with you. This is about what the Front Office is telling fans, what the majority of Laker fans spout (see Magic's tweets, LkrFans posts, etc..) & what pundits seem to spout.

I agree LA is not on equal footing any longer and "LA" can't make up for the massive damage Kobe/FO did to the franchise in 3 years.

But is that going to stop LA from spinning their wheels on Durant/Lebron? Nope. I guess they have to talk to them, but they should cool it with the false bravado because it's turning them into a laughing stock when they strike out and go "duerrrr we don't get why they don't want to come here".

[StrengthAndHonor]

Golden State had a tremendous amount of luck, it was the perfect storm, so to speak. Curry and Green should be the text book definition of winning an NBA lottery. While most if not all players have an absurd amount of potential prior to the draft, no one expected these two to be Superstars. Just read all the draft camp analysis of Curry and no one pegged him becoming this outrageous.

[Killakobe81]

It's not about me. I am speaking the truth and agree with you. This is about what the Front Office is telling fans, what the majority of Laker fans spout (see Magic's tweets, LkrFans posts, etc..) & what pundits seem to spout.

I agree LA is not on equal footing any longer and "LA" can't make up for the massive damage Kobe/FO did to the franchise in 3 years.

But is that going to stop LA from spinning their wheels on Durant/Lebron? Nope. I guess they have to talk to them, but they should cool it with the false bravado because it's turning them into a laughing stock when they strike out and go "duerrrr we don't get why they don't want to come here".

agreed on both accounts.
But I dont care what the fans want or think at least not the short-sighted ones ...

[DPG21920]

agreed on both accounts.
But I dont care what the fans want or think at least not the short-sighted ones ...

That is 95% of your fan base and how your leadership is though.

[Killakobe81]

That is 95% of your fan base and how your leadership is though.

I was the same as a kid but the season's from 91-99 smacked and brought me back to reality.

[RsxPiimp]

Golden State had a tremendous amount of luck, it was the perfect storm, so to speak. Curry and Green should be the text book definition of winning an NBA lottery. While most if not all players have an absurd amount of potential prior to the draft, no one expected these two to be Superstars. Just read all the draft camp analysis of Curry and no one pegged him becoming this outrageous.

this :lol

just read some of the projections on curry and they are gold

"In some sites, I saw Curry to be compared to Mike Bibby"

"Best case for Curry is Mike Bibby, middle ground is Steve Blake, worst case is Daniel Gibson or Eddie House"

"Curry is Adam Morrison. A volume scorer who lacks the athleticism, quickness, and skill to be anything in the NBA other than a spot up, wide open shooter.

The difference of course is that Morrison actually had a defined position, Curry does not"


"Steph is stuck in between the 1 and 2, and does nothing good enough to be either one


"He's not athletic enough to be a scoring combo guard, and hes not a good enough playmaker/passer to be a true point on the nba level"


"Steph has no power. Terrel Brandon could blow by all defenders without the need of a series of crossovers. Steph needed to use advanced dribble moves against horrible college defenders. His first step is non existent for an NBA PG. Steph is just a perimeter shooter and perimeter scorer. He's a less athletic version of Ben Gordon with better floor vision. I'm not projecting him to be as good as Ben"


"Curry got a good skillset, especially for this draft, and his skills on the offensive end have high polish. But I really worry that he might lack the athleticism to do the same thing in the pros. I mean, he'll knock down open jumpers, and even some non-open jumpers, but what sort of offense will he generate inside? He's so very unexplosive, I saw him have trouble beating defenders consistently, taking and making a lot of contested floaters fading to either side with his man stuck to him. In the NBA, that man will be larger, quicker, and I'm not sure Curry will be able to get the separation he needs for his shot"


"Mo Williams/Jason Terry.....he should be an important "piece" for teams moving forward...but not the main piece for sure"



and this "analysis" and "observations" were before the summer league where curry struggled shooting 30% all summer:lol

[Big Dog]

No one gives a fuck about this series. Warriors in 4.

[spursistan]

Blazers coming in fired up

[DAF86]

Hope we get a good one tonight.

[Killakobe81]

Dubs struggling

[Otaku]

We got dis lol

[Molotov]

Go Blazers!

[SAGirl]

Wow incredibly loud.

[Killakobe81]

Aminu going off imsgine if Mavs or Clips had him last round?
Lol Cubes ...

[Otaku]

So much energy! Great start :D

[HarlemHeat37]

Damn, Curry might have to return for game 3 if Portland pulls this off:lol

Blazers are a horrible road team, can't give them one, they're pretty dangerous at home..

[SAGirl]

Aminu was great last postseason for the Mavs. Terrific energy player and he rebounds.

[Shane27]

Aminu going off imsgine if Mavs or Clips had him last round?
Lol Cubes ...
he wasn't very good with clips from what i remember..I didn't watch him much on the mavs last year..From what I've seen these playoffs his game has developed a lot

[Molotov]

Monster jam from Aminu.

[HarlemHeat37]

he wasn't very good with clips from what i remember..I didn't watch him much on the mavs last year..From what I've seen these playoffs his game has developed a lot

Clippers weren't guarding him, neither are the Warriors:lol..they're just leaving him completely wide open..

[DAF86]

Blazers being bad guests.

[Molotov]

Blazers seem up for it today.

[Killakobe81]

Aminu was great last postseason for the Mavs. Terrific energy player and he rebounds.

This but yes he sucked with Clups ...but he was young ...i hated his game with Clips.

[DAF86]

Clippers weren't guarding him, neither are the Warriors:lol..they're just leaving him completely wide open..

Still, not too long ago he wouldn't have been able to make them pay like this.

[SAGirl]

This but yes he sucked with Clups ...but he was young ...i hated his game with Clips.
I never saw him there... He really caught my eye in that Mavs/Rockets series. I hadn't noticed him much b4.

[Robz4000]

This isn't sustainable by the Blazers. Dubs will come back and win by double digits.

[SAGirl]

Blazers can score at least.

[Spurs9]

Portland d looks great

[Molotov]

Speights air ball..:lmao

[SAGirl]

Lol Barbosa.
Keep aggressive CJ

[SAGirl]

at least Blazers have the required aggression. If they go down they are not laying down easy.

[Killakobe81]

Speights air ball..:lmao

Speights makes shots when he is hot but i hate his defense and passing ...
State really should try to get festus back in form ...

[DAF86]

This isn't sustainable by the Blazers. Dubs will come back and win by double digits.

I've seen the Blazers shoot lights out for entire games many times this season. Including against GS, tbh.

[Molotov]

Warriors seem satisfied and not matching Blazers energy.

[Mnky]

This isn't sustainable by the Blazers. Dubs will come back and win by double digits.

They're young streaky shooters. They've had games like that all year. It's all in or nothing for them most of the time. I expect gs to pick their defense up, but the blazers got legitimate scoring threats. Two that can drop 40 any given night.

[StrengthAndHonor]

Everything is dropping for the Blazers....

[Molotov]

McCullum looks really good.

[SAGirl]

I see that screens are being called better or more strictly.

[Molotov]

Speights is GS go to guy....:lmao

[313]

Aminu has been huge for the Blazers these playoffs.

:lol if the Blazers force Curry to rush back

[SAGirl]

Transition baskets off missed layups damn same thing that killed us last night.

[Killakobe81]

Barnes dunking on his unc brother ed davis ...
Then stares him down

[DAF86]

With a couple of free agent signings this Portland team could be a top 5 team in the league, tbh. Trully unexpected.

[Robz4000]

I've seen the Blazers shoot lights out for entire games many times this season. Including against GS, tbh.

That's all well and good in the regular season, but when teams start buckling down on defense in the playoffs and the pressure increases, can they keep it up?

[DAF86]

That's all well and good in the regular season, but when teams start buckling down on defense in the playoffs and the pressure increases, can they keep it up?

I don't know but I wouldn't write it off just like that.

[Robz4000]

Dubs starting to play some D. Wouldn't be shocked if they have the lead by halftime.

[Robz4000]

:lol Thompson back in playoff mode

[Robz4000]

God damn, everyone on this Dubs team is a fucking offensive threat. Meanwhile half the Spurs' roster can't dribble a damn basketball (or convert a layup...).

[lefty]

God damn, everyone on this Dubs team is a fucking offensive threat. Meanwhile half the Spurs' roster can't dribble a damn basketball (or convert a layup...).
shut up, Parker can dribble dribble dribble dribble dribble dribble

[Robz4000]

Well that was quick

[StrengthAndHonor]

Barnes stepping up'

[StrengthAndHonor]

No one is going to stop the Warriors this year, every player on that roster has sky high confidence.

[Robz4000]

Stotts has really evolved as a coach tbh.

[DAF86]

How's that not a clear path foul?

[Robz4000]

How's that not a clear path foul?

It is, they'll change the call.

[Robz4000]

:lmao refs

[Killakobe81]

Blazers with a great response ...
2 3s and now Fts ..

[Banzai]

It is, they'll change the call.

From what I heard they didn't change the call lol

[spursistan]

how the fuck that is not clear path foul ? :lmao