There is no better indicator of a season gone awry for the Lakers than what was experienced over this past weekend. On Saturday the playoffs started and rather than participating, the Lakers found themselves at home for the 2nd straight year. This, the fallout from a season that saw them lose their most games and post their worst winning percentage in the history of the franchise.
Getting to the post-season used to be the natural result of whatever type of year the Lakers had. If it was one of their better ones, they were angling for a top seed in the conference and home court throughout the playoffs. If it was simply an average one, they were still in the hunt for home court in the first round or two.
Today is a far cry from that, but I’m not here to eulogize the team. We know they were bad. If you read excerpts from the team’s exit interviews, they know they were bad. No sense in really chronicling it too much more (though, of course, we will eventually).
Speaking of the exit interviews, that’s where we’ll begin our fast break thoughts while also getting into the playoffs, free agency, and the draft:
*While the players always have some choice quotes, my favorite soundbites typically come from Mitch Kupchak. He is, after all, along with Jim Buss, the architect of the team and is usually a straight shooter (though he can be purposefully vague when he needs to be). Below are a couple of key quotes from Mitch from his sit-down with the press.
On free agency:
We don’t want to use our cap room to win 40 games, which this year doesn’t even get you in the playoffs. You work hard to create a future whether it’s with draft picks or the opportunity to make a trade, and you don’t want to give it away just because you have it. But you do have to weigh anticipation and your fans wanting to see some improvement. It’s not to say the only player we’ll spend our money on this summer is a max player.
On the decision to play Clarkson:
His development was slow in summer league and training camp, but with Steve Nash and the veterans we had we paid more attention to him. When we got into 2015 and it was obvious the season wasn’t going to go how we wanted to go … Byron and I had some discussions, and Byron put him in the starting line up.
*And here is a longer write up on Mitch’s comments from Baxter Holmes of ESPN Los Angeles.
*Ryan Kelly is a player who takes a lot of criticism among some Lakers’ fans. Some say he’s not a player in this league and doesn’t belong. I disagree with that notion, believing that he can be a rotation player if he’s used in a way that maximizes his strengths. That was not the case this year and Kelly, in his exit interview, said as much when discussing how much small forward he played:
They knew all along that wasn’t exactly what was best for me, but that was what was needed. I think I’m going to train to be a stretch-four. We’ll bridge that gap (to small forward) if we come to it.
*Jordan Hill’s session provided some interesting points, but none more so than his comments on Byron’s desire to see him play with more energy and the disappointment that came from it not really happening:
Byron wanted to see more energy out of me this season that I didn’t show. He was praising me last year about my energy, and he just was disappointed he didn’t see that (same level). I agree with him. The first month I was showing the energy, but the first time having all these minutes on my hand, I started feeling myself getting tired and fatigued. I tried to pace myself a little more, and the energy started to slide off a little bit. It was a different environment for me and I wasn’t used to it. But now I’m used to it so I feel I should be a lot better next time.
Which leads me to this:
Weird. That's what D'Antoni said would happen, but… You know. Whatever. AK https://t.co/wd1xbEdHHo
— Kamenetzky Brothers (@KamBrothers) April 16, 2015
*I have long assumed that most of the big name free agents will not leave their current teams. Ramona Shelburne thinks LaMarcus Aldridge may defy that line of thought.
*Some random thoughts on the playoffs:
- If there are two series you need to watch every second of they are Spurs/Clippers and Warriors/Pelicans. The former is a match up of two teams who probably shouldn’t be playing until the conference finals. The latter is a match up of two of the more unique — and best — players in the league in Steph Curry and Anthony Davis. Both those guys are worth the price of admission and their teams just happen to be playing each others.
- Playoff LeBron is also fun to watch.
- While I do not like over reacting to Game 1’s, the Blazers are in trouble of Aflalo cannot play and if Batum continues to be the same guy he was in the regular season. Dame and Aldridge need another wing to space the floor and provide scoring punch to escape the grind of the Grizz.
- Derrick Rose doing Derrick Rose things will always bring a smile to my face. Seeing him close to full speed and getting to/finishing at the rim is a joy.
- Just like the Blazers need Batum, the Mavs need Parsons. Carlisle is an excellent coach that can scheme his way to good offense with his assortment of pieces around Dirk and Monta. But Parsons is the guy who needs to hit shots and show his all-court game to give the Mavs the edge. If he can’t, Harden’s offensive brilliance and the interior defense from a healthy looking Dwight look like a lot to overcome.
*We’ll have more to come on the site in the coming days and weeks. Including a call for additional writers as we head into the draft and free agency. Stay tuned.
Todd says
Couple of thoughts from above:
1) I think its pretty understood that I am not a fan of Jim Buss. However, I do have great respect for Mitch Kupchak. I (almost) get optimistic seeing more of Mitch in the press these past few weeks. Mitch get’s it and I hope that he is allowed to execute on his vision. The Lakers are a mess right now. More Mitch and less Jim works for me.
2) Hill’s comments about pacing himself (see tweet) are telling. My concern heading into the year was the reliance on Hill to play a major role this season. No surprise, Hill has never averaged more than 20 minutes a game in a season prior to this year. Hill is not a starter he’s a rotational big and at $9M a year he is vastly overpaid.
3) Again, no surprise that I would recommend passing on LaMarcus Aldridge. He’ll be 30 before the start of next season and he’s played over 23,000 minutes in his NBA career. He’s coming off of his best season ever so in my book he has reached his peak and we’d be buying the downside of his career. Its a simple call based on age and mileage.
4) Wish we had better than an 82% chance of keeping our pick. Now that the season is over all of those overachieving wins feel a little less warm and fuzzy. All those meaningless wins feel, well, meaningless. The FO waited far too long to throw in the towel this year. The key to a smooth rebuild is tied to this pick. Keeping my fingers crossed.
BigCitySid says
– Under this current regime Laker fan motto is “hope for the best, expect the worst”.
– Lakers being out of this exciting post season reminds me of the times I was on punishment as a kid and had to stay indoors while all my friends got to play outside.
– @ Darius “On free agency: We don’t want to use our cap room to win 40 games, which this year doesn’t even get you in the playoffs.” Too true, which translates to a 3rd year of Jimmy Ball.
rr says
Again, no surprise that I would recommend passing on LaMarcus Aldridge.
—
I doubt that Aldridge will walk, but if he does, I think it will be to go to Dallas or San Antonio.
George says
rr: I doubt that Aldridge will walk, but if he does, I think it will be to go to Dallas or San Antonio.
—
Beat me to the punch. My gut says that if Aldridge walks he goes back to Texas. He was born in Dallas. LaMarcus is a wonderful player but as Todd mentioned, age and mileage make him a bad fit for these Lakers. Besides, if he leaves a decent team in Portland he won’t want to take a step back. He’ll be looking for an instant contender. I’d beg Duncan to stay another year and sign with the Spurs.
Darius Soriano says
I don’t fear LMA’s age that much. He’s a jump shooter with a feathery touch. He’s also never carried a lot of weight and is pretty light on his feet when you watch him play. He should age well. I’d never considered LMA leaving before, but I think that’s more likely than Marc Gasol leaving — which I give zero chance to. One thing I do like about LMA is that he has the size/length to play some C which should help him wherever he goes (if he does go).
Craig W. says
The Lakers are not likely to land a top-tier free agent this summer. One, there aren’t many; two, the Lakers are not on the cusp of competing for a championship; three, with the exception of Monroe the crop are at their peak and we would probably be buying into their downside. This last point is what I think Mitch was talking about.
To me that means the free agents we sign will be either max for a couple of years – 2nd tier and hoping to show their wares and move on – or someone Mitch feels will develop in our type of system. What all this means is that we may not have a complete starting unit again next year. We will be playing a bench player – like Jordan Hill – to play starters minutes.
Following this logic, if we don’t get a big rim-protector, I would think we would consider retaining Jordan Hill for next year at $9M. Some might consider this foolish, but I say this is a good way to retain our options next year – don’t sign a lesser talent for multiple years – and have someone who is incentivized to improve next year to increase his marketability.
We all know Jordan is overpaid, but we are not likely to have salary cap issues next year and why impact 2016, when the salary cap will rise substantially?
Kevin says
Wishful thinking department:
1) The Lakers get the #1 overall pick and select Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns
2) With Houston’s pick they select Devin Booker from Kentucky
3) The Lakers sign Brandon Knight (from Kentiucky) as a FA this summer
4) By the end of 2015/16 the Lakers are starting Randle, Towns, Booker and Knight
5) Summer 2016 they hire John Calipari from Kentucky as their head coach
6) Summer 2017 sign Anthony Davis (from Kentucky) as a FA
7) 2017/18 starting lineup: Booker, Knight, Randle, Davis and Towns with Calipari as coach.
Forum Blue with a little Kentucky Blue thrown in.
Ralph says
Kevin: Forum Blue with a little Kentucky Blue thrown in.
__
I have often thought that the Lakers may make a pitch for Calipari to pad their chances of landing Anthony Davis. (Byron lasts another year or so at the most.) Never quite took it as far as what you have, though.
As a note: I think Booker can be a ‘Klay Thompson’ like player – unfortunately, I think he’s gone before the Lakers get to use the Houston pick.
Craig W. says
Just watched some of the exit interviews. The one that jumps out at me is Tarik Black. He impressed me with just how intelligent he is. He seems to know what he needs to do and why. He didn’t make any questionable statements, yet he didn’t give any formula answers. His interview is well worth watching/listening to.
I come away thinking the Lakers should try to sign him – for sure. I don’t know that he will be any kind of star, but he certainly will fit in, learn, and hustle. I also get the feeling he can show improvement in his game. I particularly liked his observation that great players are not necessarily great at everything, but so good at one thing that they can’t be stopped. Find your one thing and focus on it until you become unstoppable.
Anonymous says
Kevin: Forum Blue with a little Kentucky Blue thrown in.
__
With six Kentucky Wildcats in the draft, its possible your ‘vision’ may come true — although, not with the players you mentioned. I think the only Wildcats that have significant NBA upside are: Towns, Cauley-Stein, Lyles and Booker. They’ll all go before the Lakers get to pick at the end of the 1st round.
chibi says
Somebody get John Henson to eat more and lift weights.
Aaron says
I would love to have more of these type of collumns from Darius during the offseason and during the season. Great stuff. Meaning the non lakers stuff. Just to be sprinkled in like so within the lakers centric stuff. Great mix. Great stuff.
Mid-Wilshire says
Craig W.,
I concur with your comments on Tarik Black and have said so before. You’re right. He’s very intelligent and articulate and seems to have a good insight into the game — his limitations, his abilities, and what he must do to be at least somewhat successful in the league.
As I understand it, Black will be returning to the University of Kansas this summer to get his Master’s Degree. (I don’t know what field.) So we shouldn’t be too surprised at his being able to put two intelligent sentences together.
If he can work on his free throw shooting, develop some post moves, and work on a 10-15 foot jump shot, he could truly help the Lakers in the future.
If he does develop, then that would mean that the FO has made several good moves this last season: 1) the acquiring of Jordan Clarkson (a truly insightful move by Mitch and company), 2) the signing of Tarik Black, and 3) potentially the drafting of Julius Randle.
I only wish that they had not signed Nick Young to a 4-year deal with a player’s option for year 4. That, I think, was a real miscalculation.
But Black, whom I believe in (and who was buried behind Joel Embiid in college and therefore off of everyone’s radar screen), could end up being a nice contributor in future years.
Aaron says
*Great idea
the other Stephen says
@Mid-Wilshire,
I believe he’s pursuing a degree in African and African American Studies.
R says
Aaron, since Darius is calling for writers, why don’t you write something up?
Aaron says
R,
Ha. I wrote a thing for forum blue and gold probably 6-7 years ago now on the underrated 2004 Lakers “super” team. Now I get all my writing out on my self indulgent comments/posts.
R says
Aaron, I remember your article and it was a good one.
That was an unforgettable season ….
Calvin Chang says
Have to say that Draymond Green is a new breed of defender. Normally, you have a wing-lockdown specialist like a Bruce Bowen or Kawhi. Then you have pests who harass point guards like Pat Beverley or Nick Calathes. But Draymond seems capable of defending all 5 positions. Unique combination of size, bulk, speed, footwork and ferocity. Very impressive.
Ko says
I would be happy to write if Darius wanted a “black and blue forum version”. Also major spell check!
bryan S. says
You want wings? Served up!
http://www.draftexpress.com/article/Sam-Dekker-NBA-Draft-Scouting-Report-and-Video-Breakdown-4923/
Good write-up on Dekker. Not a top five pick, but low teens. I liken him to a more athletic Parsons. He’s going to be a good pro.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Justise-Winslow-7190/
At nineteen, Winslow’s skills are more advanced than Jimmy Butler’s at the same age. Very similar frame and defensive motor. 6’6″ in bare feet. If he can improve his finishing and shooting (both doable), he could become a star.
http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Mario-Hezonja-6392/
The write up is dated, but the video analysis from 2/6/15 is worthwhile. Hezonja is a great shooter. High release, fluid. Good handle. Pretty sturdy frame at his age.
The key for Winslow and Hezonja is playing the position where they have the physical advantage. That’s the two. Winslow’s strength and Hezonja’s length are elite here. You want to build a roster with elite size at every position possible. That’s why I’ve insisted that Clarkson should play the point, and why Randle should be given the chance to play a power/point forward/3, a la Lebron. Dekker is clearly a three and has elite size for the position.
All of these prospects are potentially good to great defenders. Another key precept to roster building: you win championships with two-way players. (That’s why I shudder at the latest Kevin Love to the Lakers rumours…)
Aaron says
R,
There is no way you remember that article. I don’t remember that article. But thank you for the lies.
My brother is though a staff writer for Brooklyn 99. So everyone watch it. I would but only his episodes are some what funny.
Aaron says
Bryan S,
I would want Love on the Lakers. At five million per year he is the perfect back up PF stretch four on a championship team.
bryan S. says
Aaron: Ha! So true.
bleedpurplegold says
Aaron,
The way rondo is looking right now, he wouldnt even be worth those 5….steal both at a combined 7.5mil and build around a solid bench 🙂
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/4/17/8447839/nba-salary-cap-projection-free-agency-2016-2017
Any thoughts about the projected 100mill cap space as soon as 2 years away?!?
Baylor Fan says
I hope the Dallas-Houston series is putting to rest any thoughts of the Lakers signing Rondo this off-season. It is hard to believe that he was once an important part of a playoff rotation.
tankyou says
@BaylorFan, without a doubt you are correct. All the people on this board that want Rajon Rondo must not have watched him play the last two years. Its really meaningless to start him as your PG when he can’t play D anymore, can’t shoot, can’t shoot FT’s. He occasionally has really good rebounding/assist games, but at this point he’s basically a really good 2nd string PG. I wouldn’t take him over Clarkson/Lin in a million years–both of those guys are more talented at this point and can actually get the defenses attention.
Mavs suck with Rondo. The other team just plays off him and double teams or clogs the paint. IF the Lakers give him a contract over a Vet Minimum they are dellusional. Additionally, he notoriously has a bad attitude, on and off the court. Kobe/Rondo next year would just make us basement dwellers again, but Rondo would be on the books for 4 years, and any contract they offer him will basically be untradable once they get buyers remorse–which Dallas got rather quickly.
I still see Clarkson as a SG who can play some point, IF kobe was retiring, I would move him to SG and get another PG. But regardless the Lakers need a real SF and a REAL center both which can play some defense. Also, Coach Scott need to take an early retirement as well after next season–rather than continue to pad his losing stats. The only “creative” aspect to Coach Scott’s coaching was coming up with the worst starting rotations I’ve ever seen and “experimenting” by playing a lot of your worst players extensively. He’s not a players Coach either, once people leave the team, you find that he’s not a popular guy either. Also, the Princeton isn’t going to win anything unless Shaq 2.0 appears on our roster again. The lakers can spend the rest of the decade getting booby prize 1st round draft picks, which at this point looks like the likely occurance. It’s like Bizzaro world where we have become the Clippers of old!
BigCitySid says
– No interest in Rondo or Love for our Lakers. Rondo is either done or needs just the right system to be effective. Love because I would question the motive(s) of any player who wouldn’t want to play w/ LeBron.
– Rockets/Mavs series is going to be very short if Dwight Howard and Josh Smith continue to produce like they did last night…they were simply awesome.
T. Rogers says
Too bad for Dallas (not really). The first 30 games or so they looked great. The ball movement was excellent. The off ball movement was crisp. And the spacing was right. Then they got Rondo and haven’t looked the same since. I’m glad to see them melt down if only to kill any ideas the Lakers may have about getting him. And we don’t know if they were really interested. But after this series any interest should be gone.
Aaron says
Bleedpurpleandgold,
I said Love not Rondo. As I’ve said the only team that needs Rondo are the Lakers next year so they can tank.
T. Rogers says
Tankyou,
Byron is a stopgap. We probably have two more years of him. I give him credit for is his ability to get them to play hard. Early in the season the Lakers were working teams. But as expected Byron’ style started grinding on the players. I just wish the Lakers would have gone with a young up and comer. I’m very impressed with Brad Stevens and what he is doing with the Celtics. Yes, they have the advantage of playing in the East. But they are giving Cleveland all they can handle. With all the draft picks they have in the coming years look for Boston to become a major player again very soon.
Craig W. says
…and only on a one-year deal Aaron.
Aaron says
Duh 🙂
Todd says
Aaron – re: taking. The Lakers won’t tank next year. Its very difficult to be bad enough to guarantee keeping a top 3 pick. The 76ers tried really hard to tank and still didn’t finish with the worst record this past season. The Lakers won’t make the playoffs next year, however, they won’t have as bad a record as this season.
Plus, Jim is on the meter. He’s not popular, he’s not in the press rehabilitating his image and he’s not being given a pass by Jeanie when she’s pressed on his ‘3 year window’ to make the Lakers elite again. If he tanks next year then he giving himself two years to right the ship in a big way. That’s not enough time with a young core and a team that competes in the ultra-competitive West.
Signing Rondo this off-season would be a very bad basketball decision – on the heels of a number of bad basketball decisions. Let’s be honest Jim’s decisions have cratered the Lakers. If Jim wants to be taken seriously in FO circles then he’s going to have to start acting like he knows what he’s doing.
The board had a lively discussion about Love a week or so ago. I thought at the time that he wouldn’t leave the Cavs (opting out to re-sign). I had argued also that Monroe was a better get because he could play C (a position of need) as well as PF. The only scenario where Love made real sense was if the Lakers drafted Towns and could use Love’s outside ability to stretch the floor.
Certainly, Love is not as ‘average’ as his stats in Cleveland portray him to be. However, you wonder if he is the type of player that just puts up mind blowing numbers for poor teams. Additionally, you would as Big City Sid said, have to “question the motive(s) of any player who wouldn’t want to play w/ LeBron.”
14.1 says
Rondo is bad news for any team on a one year deal or a max deal. I am currently not in the “hate on the FO” camp, although I do feel that they played a part in our current disaster of a season/team. If the FO signs Rondo, I will definitely join in on the chorus of FO detractors. The thought has even crossed my mind that Laker fans should start some sort of petition/fb site or tweeter thing aimed at the FO to make sure they know that we, the fans are not a fan of Rondo. I can see the FO thinking that signing Rondo will appease fans/Kobe and help sell tickets. They should know that we (fans) don’t want Rondo. We need to look forward and not backwards and that includes catering to Kobe and his wishes and signing has beens with bad attitudes.
Also I can’t see Kobe putting up with Rondo’s attitude yesterday, especially in a playoff situation. It would be a shitshow of a season with the two potential stubborn heads colliding, even if they are friends. Not the send off I want for Kobe.
tankyou says
@T. Rogers, Agree with you regarding Boston, they are playing tough against a team with superstar talents (Irving/Lebron) and 2nd tier talent (Love). I think Stevens has done an amazing job, they are a couple of pieces away from being legit. I agree that Byron gets his guys to play hard, but he runs them into the ground. Its just crazy to do running drills after camp is over, which apparently he continued to do. The NBA schedule is just too rough, anyone that knows anything about sports injuries realizes that chronic microtears from an explosive repetitive sport like Basketball is just setting up players for injuries. I hope the NBA cuts 2 weeks off the pre-season and minimizes 4-5 game weeks as much as possible. I want to see players play, and they know that this puts players at higher risk, even though most of them are in the prime of their youth.
@Todd, I think Love has shown he’s a great #2 guy on a team, or in the cavs case #3 guy. Love is an excellent passer, still gets lots of boards, and score decent even though he has become mostly an outside shooter this season. He was much better when he mixed it up with inside scoring and 3’s, saw too many games this season where he stands around the 3pt line all game–part of the reason his rebounding is down as well. I would take Love in a heartbeat for the Lakers, but I would want him to be part of a “big 2” team ball, he actually is a great team player and man can he throw outlet passes like a beast.
tankyou says
Just curious, many discussions involve “top 5 best players” etc. I have my top 5 players I LOVED to watch. Not saying they are the top 5 although many arguments could be made for most on my list.
Top 5 favorite players to watch of all time (Meaning since 1980 since I’m not as much a greybeard as some of you here).
1. Magic Johnson (no one else is even close for me, the sole reason I’m a Laker fan, and a big reason I fell in love with basketball to begin with)
2. Kobe Bryant (tenacious, intense, amazing 2 way player, in his prime I loved me some Kobe)
3. Jordan (although not a bulls fan, it was hard not to be amazed by Jordan, and his amazing defense as well, particularly in this modern era of superstars who don’t play much D)
4. Mark Price (best shooter in his prime that I had seen, plus Cavs 2nd fav team, due to being born outside Cleveland)
5. Westbrook (Westbrook is much like Jordan/Kobe in my mind, just uber intense, hyper explosive can dominate games like few others–despite his lack of size, but I don’t think he plays the D those guys do, plus he still has a bunch of years to go to show he can continue to be this impressive).
Aaron says
Todd,
I think it’s too risky not to tank and have a shot as a top three pick next year. There won’t be another chance at a top pick after that based on young players improving and free agent signings of 2016.
Love is as “average” as his stats
show him to be. If a stretch 4 can’t put up good stats with LBJ… You aren’t good.
Anon says
I would love to see some FB&G columns written by rr, Renato, P Ami and BigCitySide and, for nostalgia, Warren.
Peter says
Rondo’s “seeking additional medical opinions” for his injured back like OJ was searching for the real killer. Buyer beware.
Todd says
FYI – OKC has fired Scott Brooks.
the other Stephen says
@ Anon,
While we’re on that, I would love to see posts by DY, chibi, robinred/rr, Renato Afonso, Philip Barnett, Gatinho, Stephen, JD Hastings, Warren Wee Lim, Craig W., C. Hearn, T. Rogers, lil pau, Vasheed, Simonoid, Snoopy2006, Hale, Mimsy, Zephid, drrayeye, exhelodrvr, and Anon. ^_^
Assemble!
T. Rogers says
“I would love to see some FB&G columns written by rr, Renato, P Ami and BigCitySide and, for nostalgia, Warren.”
—
I’d like to see Darius give a set of questions to each and get their opinions. Kind of like ESPN does with their 5 on 5 section. I think the diversity of opinions and viewpoints would make it a great read. I’d add Craig W. to your list above as well.
dxmanners says
Please, no Rondo. Would rather have Clarkson, or somebody with the 25th draft pick…
Craig W. says
Kevin Love,
If you are a stats person, then Love is just average off this year’s results. Playing with a superstar is not easy and often not good for your statistics – see Kobe Bryant and Shaq. Love has strengths that really get papered over in Cleveland – because of Lebron and a ball-dominant PG.
That said,, I do worry that he can’t carry a team, if only because his defense is average on a very good day. He needs to have defensive bigs around him. If we had that, I would want to sign him in a minute. We need a closer and someone who can consistently get us over 20pts/game. That he is a good clubhouse guy is extra.
Todd says
How is pursuing Rondo even defensible at this point? His recent display in a playoff game for the Mavs caps a pretty steep and rapid decline, in my opinion. I hear John Ireland saying that this allows the Lakers to get him for one year at $5M– what a deal. That is absolutely absurd. Rondo at any cost does not help the Lakers.
He will have worn out his welcome in:
1) Boston a team that certainly could use his help, if he had anything left in the tank, and
2) Dallas, where the coach and management will never let him play another minute for the franchise.
Yet, there is a current of media that envisions him being a good fit for the Lakers. Its like an episode from the Twilight Zone. Unbelievable.
pat oslon says
Sign TOBIAS HARRIS ASAP!
RCA says
We’re so ending up with Love and Rondo aren’t we….ugh
Craig W. says
It is interesting that so many bloggers are just assuming the front office is going to sign Rondo this summer. Other than those extremely accurate ‘talking heads’, who has spoken up about signing Rondo? There was one mention in passing and a comment from Kobe. Now I read just above how our front office thinks he is such a good fit. People must be reading something I haven’t seen – certainly possible – but this seems another case of people’s dislike of Jim Buss determining they know he will ‘screw them’ again.
How about talking about what there is out there, like a lot of the bloggers above? I don’t follow the college game, so I am extremely interested in all the tidbits about people who might be around in the late first round.
Tra says
Yet, there is a current of media that envisions him being a good fit for the Lakers
…
That’s probably because there’s a good section of the media that despises the Lakers and nothing would make them feel better than watching the Lakers sign Rondo and having him stall/delay the rebuilding process. They’d also be awaiting – like Vulchers over a dying carcass – the inevitable friction that would arise between Kobe and Rondo (as 14.1 alluded to). Simply put: Hell no to Rondo.
the other Stephen says
Some marginally basketball-related stuff, but one of the best things I’ve seen in a while: http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=12739870 (Bill Walton talks to himself/Frank Caliendo).
Chris J says
This Spurs/Clippers game has been fun, though watching this new creation called “Clippers fans” acting like they didn’t fall in love with this team a few months back is annoying.
J C says
It’s a pleasure to watch good hoops again – thanks, Spurs and Clips. Both of these rosters are stacked, feature multiple weapons and are well-coached.
Sigh.
BigCitySid says
– @ T. Rogers: “I’d like to see Darius give a set of questions to each and get their opinions. Kind of like ESPN does with their 5 on 5 section. I think the diversity of opinions and viewpoints would make it a great read.” Awesome idea, I second it.
– Nice to see the Staples Center rocking with post season b-ball. Spurs and Clips series delivering as expected. Sorry for all who can’t appreciate due to personal hate factor(s).
Fern says
Haven’t commented in a while, this season was just too brutal good thing that were im at right now i only watched like 3 games all season, i rather put this season in the rear view mirror and move on, i hope people here are watching this Rondo mess, im not totally opposed to him playing with the Lakers but he is not a max contract player. Never was in my opinion, and now with all the self inflicted damage? His value has plummeted. He is not the same player he was two years ago, with the right short term contract he could be useful, best option for me is going with Clarkson and with Randle back and the two 1st rounders we are getting at least we will have a young core in place and money to spare for elite talent, people can say what they want but i think between the Draft picks and all the cap space the Lakers are in a pretty good position for this summer. We’ll see…
Fern says
About Kevin Love good player not great not a franchise player can’t carry a team, he is Lebron’s new Chris Bosh, he was a “great” rebounder in Minny because he didnt guard anybody, i think avg defender is giving him wayy too much credit. I predicted before the season started, that his stats were going to dip in a good team. If he bolts Cleveland he will get a max contract, no question about it, but if the Lakers could have the luxury to choose between him and Monroe i sign Monroe for a max.
Todd says
More thoughts on Rondo:
Next season should be a celebration on multiple levels. Kobe, one of the greatest players ever to wear a Lakers uniform will be retiring. There’s no denying that health permitting he will be a focal point for the season. Additionally, the Lakers are turning a corner talent wise – a healthy Randle, developing Clarkson, top draft pick (83% chance), another late 1st round pick and the possibility of a FA addition. The mood should be positive — there should be forward progress on the floor.
Rondo simply does not fit. His problems are as much emotional/mental as they are physical. The odds of Rondo adding value are very low (keep in mind that the team will still finish out of the playoff hunt). In other words, the odds that Rondo is a distraction to the team and a bad influence on our young core is through the roof. Why would the FO invite a party pooper to the party?
Clarkson’s ceiling maybe as a third guard on a good team but he’s light years ahead of Rondo right now.
Vasheed says
If the Lakers signed Rondo to a max deal I think I would burn my Lakers merchandise. Is there a salary size that makes Rondo a palatable choice? I’m sure there is but if as as Todd reported that would probably be on the high end at 5 million. I think 5 million is an interesting number. After jumping through some hoops if the Rondo could be acquired as a sign and trade to shed another contract that might be tantalizing enough.
Fern says
@Vasheed, i think the Lakers could offer Rondo more or less the same deal Jordan Hill got, with a team option the next season he still have value . I think Hill days in the Lakers are numbered, i rather keep Ed Davis another young player for the core that is starting to take shape.
rr says
Why would the FO invite a party pooper to the party?
—
There is no good “basketball reason” to sign Rondo; the only reason would be tactical–as salary ballast if a deal comes up, basically. He has torpedoed his value as a piece in a deal.
Thanks to those who said positive things about my posts above in relation to the site-writing thing.
Aaron says
There is nothing better than Bill Walton. Thanks for that link. I’ll never forget this line during the 02 NBA Finals…
“Kerry Kittles throws away the face mask causing Phil Jackson to take a timeout and assess the situation”
Quite simply the greatest color commentator in the history of western civilization.
rr,
So you don’t think signing Rondo to lose games and get a top three pick is a “basketball reason?”
R says
If the lakers were to sign rondo to stink up the joint isn’t there someone out there who would be even “better”?
Aaron says
R,
I really don’t see anyone else that is so terrible at basketball (He is a Ronnie Price player) yet will start and play ahead of Clarkson and any PG we might draft. like I said… The best way to tank is to get your Rondos and Kobe’s and Boozers and make sure your young stars are on the bench. Or else you can get the Utah Jazz.
You can’t start Ronnie Price over Clarkson. But you can start Rondo who is now exactly like Ronnie Price on the floor while giving him big dollars to satisfy the salary cap “floor”.
George says
Aaron and your tank fantasies.
Per David Alridge: “Without smoothing, the cap will spike in 2016 — from its current $63 million to an estimated $90 million for the 2016-17 season. And the floor — the minimum amount that every team must spend on salaries — would increase from the current $56.579 million (90 percent of the total cap) to around $81 million per team in ’16-’17. A year from now, just about every team in the league will have significant cap room to spend on free agents.”
Per Basketball Insiders, the Lakers guaranteed salary for next season is $35 Million and including non-guarenteed salaries its nearly $50 Million. So to reach the floor the Lakers would have to spend between $5 and $21 million on salaries. If they pick up the non-guaranteed salaries they can add their two 1st round picks and exceed the floor. If they reject all the non-guaranteed salaries they can add Greg Monroe, Tobias Harris and Khris Middleton as well as their two 1st round picks, exceed the floor and still stay below the cap. Then next summer still have enough cap space to add tow max players.
Your proposed 3rd year of tanking is nonsense. I agree with Todd, above, its time to turn the corner. I don’t see us making the playoffs but I do not see us vying for the worst record in the league again.
Shally Thakur says
The Fork in the Road