Again, that's not the point. That is the Killa POV (I agree w/ you by the way), but not the issue with LA. It's a leadership issue (Buss is dead), a Kobe issue (no one wants to play with him) & PR issue (luster has worn off, the rules have changed and can LA adapt).
Whether its trades or free agency, LA always got their man. When they wanted someone, they were never turned down because they were LA. Especially when LA had equal or greater money.
Dwight turned them down for less money. Pau turned them down for less money. Melo turned them down when they could have offered max money.
The problem is LA is no longer able to just say "we're LA, you will play for us" and players/agents making sure that happens. Regardless of the results on the court or the right way to do things (again, I agree with you) when LA wants people, they normally get them.
That has changed with this new leadership team. With the new CBA. This off season is huge in measuring that impact. Right now it looks really bad, but one off season of LA getting what they want, when the want it will make the past couple of years just a fluke. But if they swing and miss again and end up with a 2nd tier crop after making offers to the 1st tier (whether you like it personally or not), it will prove to be a changing of the guard in the NBA.
You are wrong on this point. You clearly said "new money". These crop of FA's at the CURRENT MAX are way cheaper than the new max will be NEXT year. Spurs fans do understand it and you are missing the point again.
It's not about understanding that. You are arguing apples to oranges. LA could always afford to overpay but the real question is do they get their man when they want their man? That is the only question that matters - not the results right now.
and getting space doesnt mean we are chasing the big fish we still have to build a team. If we are smart we look for a Ariza type signing the artest of 2010 not a Melo type.Hope they go for the "B" guys and offer "B" money if they dont want it .. them and move on. Im done with the begging of dudes to stay or come ... go live in the hole cities if you wish ... it's time to get back to being the Lakers. Im ready to step in if Mitch is not up to the task ... LOL
No only thing you got right is we arguing different points. You are right we can afford (monetary) to pay whomever. but as we rebuild we cannot afford (limited asset allocation due to lack of picks and the cap) to overpay. My point is our team should not care about the big fish. You were the one that said if we dont get a big name FA My point is we shouldnt target one regardless and should look to build the team and wait for a disgruntled star to come calling. The new FO and fans have it backwards. they want the star but we dont have the support system in place. that is one of the reasons Dwight left (kobe was another) and why Melo didnt even have us #2. Agin glad we didnt "win" because we have cap space.
BTW, I used new money because Simmons (I believe even you) have said that you have to pay guys like Parsons, Hayward etc near max. when I have been steadfast against it. that is what I meant by new money. Dudes in the old days (now Im getting old) those kind of role players never got paid big bucks. And I dont give a if Cubes or Morey is throwing around money (all pre TV money) I say you never gonna win a le throwing max at players that dont deserve it. I dont give two s who it is. I think this came up with Kiwi and yes I think I argued I would pay him but even he is questionable at that price, tbh.
I get your point. I agree with your point. The fact is though, its a brave new world it appears for LA fans. Whether you like it or not, LA whiffing on the players they want (whether you agree or not) is something never seen before the past few years.
I don't disagree that Killa would do a better job than Mitch with his mindset. Still scary and interesting for everyone around the league to see LA turn into beggers and lose.
I agree because we didnt chase FA's ... To recap I am only arguing that this FA year shouldnt mean much. Lakers should just look to get a #2 or a #3 piece in this draft and another in FA. There is no franchise star in this draft and there isnt one in Fa that will lead us to 17. But when we do get a #1 it would help if the #2, 3 and 4 are already in place.
That's basketball-wise. My entire point was the other side. Mitch seems to be gearing up for this year whether we think it's smart or not.
If LA whiffs on this year's crop of 1st tier FA's after making offers, it will signal a true shift in the power this once proud franchise held..
But getting to your point, Killa I agree. LA has to learn to adapt. No longer can they just say "we are LA, look at the rings" and make things happen. They have to learn how to build a winner without the built in advantages they are so used to having.
In order to do that, they need to make smart signings. They need to do better in the draft and start valuing picks.
LA is no where near the same spot as the Spurs. Getting LMA/Gasol wouldn't do anything for them with Kobe on the roster. Then when he finally releases the franchise from his grips, Gasol/LMA are a little older and won't be in win now mode.
Spurs are so adding someone with age isn't as big of a deal. Wouldn't be terrible to add LMA or Gasol if you're LA assuming Kobe retires after this year, but if he doesn't, you now spent a lot of money on an older player and really aren't close to winning.
That is already showing. they have to change that by being smart ...not by chasing big name FA. I didnt mean to come after you here just sick of the doomsday crap heaped at Buss. Dwight left that hurt only cuz we got nothing in return ...Pau left because we ed him around not because we lost power. And melo was never really considering us the fact we "intrigued him" with our presntation is a strength not a weakness.
Not saying I am not concerned DPG, but I trust Mitch and hope he doenst burn that trust buy signing Love and Rondo to big deals ...also the last set of coaches have me worried I advocated a Stevens/oillie/donovan type coach but we keep going for re-treads because they think that is what the fans/Kobe wants. that too .
and by some accounts of if we sign Love and Rondo people will say we won FA ... we showed we can sign big names ...all is right in the world!! But then when it's playoff time ...we get rolled, by Davis, Blake, Steph the real stars. that too ...
Well honestly, I feel Laker fans may luck out. I think LA being turned into "beggers" might work in your favor. It won't be due to anything LA leadership does, but blind luck. They will pursue max FA's like you don't want, but will be turned down. They will be forced to "settle" for that 2nd or 3rd tier but probably end up ok because that was what they needed anyways.
Probably true - if you even make the playoffs (depends on Kobe and if he can impact positively or not). LA needs to crush this draft pick. But even if LA makes mistakes in FA by signing the guys you discussed, I would still be happy about that long-term. It would show LA still has juice and hopefully they turn that into smart building over time.
The worst thing is if that built in advantage is truly gone, I don't know if this "proud" ownership with the old mindsets has it in them to adjust. It might signal a long, ugly road with more down's than up's if their advantage is gone.
But way to go LkrFan - started a thread and a basketball discussion broke out.
I know this is a troll haven but this is what matters to me, not cucks, off court finances etc. Not only Lakers, but sixers with Embiid Bulls with Jimmy Butler Cavs all have major descions that really will hit come draft night and FA ...
Yup - this my favorite time of year. NBA draft is coming up. Finals are over so you really see the rumor mill start to turn up. Free agency is 12 days away. Very exciting time for the NBA.
^They're loading up Bledsoe here along with #13 to the Knicks for their #4.
There is no chance of that IMO, Thread. They moved both Goran & Thomas and kept Bledsoe. Of course the Knicks would do that. Even without the #13 IMO. If they could guarantee a Bledsoe with the #4 pick they would sign up for sure. But no way the Suns trade a proven player (somewhat, even if he's been overrated) plus a lottery pick just to move up to 4 where it's likely a guard who will be availble for the taking anyway.
For the #4 by itself and keep their #13? Sure - I can see them starting over if they can have two lottery picks.
No, it's inside information from someone in the Knicks that is a hookup with the local guy here John Gambodoro, 98.7.
Not surprised its coming from NY. Like I said, of course they would do that. PHX is not that dumb. I mean, honestly it might not be the worst real world idea for PHX to part ways with Bledsoe and have plenty of cap space and the #4, but that would be bad value to give them the guaranteed player + the shot at another lottery talent just for a gamble at #4.
Whiffing on players. Look at Rockets/Bulls roster and tell me with a straight face that you would have stayed in LA - especially with post-Achilles Kobe and a ty supporting cast. Bulls and Rockets BOTH offered a better situation for Pau and D12. Money wasn't the issue - they both made some serious dough being 10+ year stars.
I wouldn't take that as a cue that Lakers can't sign talent. Lakers are in a total different situation cap wise and talent wise. Who wouldn't want to come to LA to play with Randle (who is 100% healthy btw), Clarkson, and either Towns/Okafor + cap space and Lakers' tradition of taking care of their stars? $48.5 million KT was just as much strategic in when it ends (during 2016 where true max players like KD are UFAs) as it was showing FAs that they will take care of them, just like Dr. Buss always did. He's gone, but the Logo's protégé isn't.
They don't want him here, and he's never been enamored either. It's sour milk. They want that money back & a redo.
Well, we will see then right? This off season will be telling. You will have Okafor + max money and you live in LA so it should be a no-brainer that the best FA's this class has to offer will be lining up for LA.
I think it makes real world sense too, but it's rare you see that reset button especially when the player is well regarded still in the league. Don't think you would have to give up a lottery pick + Bled to get into the top of the draft IMO. Might do it though.
- I don't always troll.
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