Happy Monday and President’s Day, folks. Here are some of the best Lakers-centric reads from an incredibly fun All-Star Weekend:
- THE END NEARS: As we all know, Kobe has made his final showing as an NBA All-Star on Sunday evening (*sobs vehemently*). Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical wrote an excellent piece on his All-Star farewell and the remaining final steps toward his official departure.
- STILL SOBBING: Paul Flannery of SB Nation with an excellent piece on Kobe’s legacy and his farewell tour reaching its heights in Toronto over the weekend.
- SECONDED: As part of their “Alternative All-Stars” series, Bryan Toporek of Hardwood Paroxysm opines that he’d like to see D’Angelo Russell in the All-Star game. The piece itself should also help to remind fans that Russell is still an exceptionally talented prospect.
- RISING STARS: Ben Bolch of the LA Times on how Russell and Clarkson managed to shine in Friday’s Rising Stars Challenge.
- OH YEAH, THAT THING: So, the NBA Trade Deadline is this coming Thursday at noon pacific. Our friend David Murphy thoroughly breaks down what the Lakers’ outlook on the deadline should be in his “Strategy Blueprint”.
- HONESTY: From our friend Kurt Helin, D’Angelo Russell expressed that it can be difficult waiting in the wings behind Kobe.
- SOTL ADDRESS: Honi Ahmadian of Lakers Outsiders with an assessment of the current state of Lakers after the All-Star break.
Lakers Schedule for the Week:
- The team is off until Friday, February 19th when they’ll play San Antonio at home (7:30 PM PT, TWCSN) in what will be Kobe’s last go-around with the Spurs. They then head east for Kobe’s final game against Chicago on Sunday, February 21st (5:00 PM PT, TWCSN).
D. Peterson says
Stephen A. is reporting on ESPN that his sources tell him that Jimmy is gone at the end of the year and that Mitch may follow. Those same sources say that would create an opportunity for Jeannie to bring in Phil, who can escape his Knicks contract. Take it for what it’s worth.
PurpleBlood says
This from the good Wojnarowski read:
`Kobe, fittingly, is the last of his era. He’s the final, most prominent link between the beginning of the NBA’s golden period of Bird, Magic and Jordan when pro basketball transformed itself from a winter activity with a devoted cultish audience into an international spectacle.´
“to everything, turn, turn, turn…´´
R says
If PJ returns we know it will be far from a magic bullet based on his travails in NYC. While forever greatful for what he accomplished with the Lakers, all things must pass and I’d prefer that he stay in the Lakers rear view mirror, ever receding into their glorious past.
matt says
Lakers quit up to trade deadline seems a little spoooky, wouldn’t be surprised if they catch everyone sleeping.
Anonymous says
Chris Mannix was on The Dan Patrick Show talking about the NBA Trade deadline.
Dan asked him is Byron is here next year — Mannix said not likely. Dan asked if Luke would be considered and the response was yes. However, Mannix said if the Lakers keep their pick and pick up someone like Simmons then this job would be on the radar for a lot of good/great coaches. His reasoning was that that a) its the Lakers b) they pay well c) good young talent d) eventually free agents will come — although he thought the Lakers should pursue younger free agents and not the 30+ year olds.
Mannix said that is universally agreed that the Kobe extension was this FOs biggest mistake. But that now the franchise can finally move forward. Dan asked about the FO. Mannix said that Mitch knows what he’s doing. Dan added that Jim is dead weight.
We are on the cusp of finally moving forward on the floor. Still need a bit of luck (ping pong balls) — and management has to make the right decisions: a) Jeanie regarding the FO; b) the FO on a new coach; c) who to sign in free agency.
Feels to me that Jeanie should turn the page on Jim — being just an owner isn’t a bad gig. I’m not a fan of bringing PJ back. I’d elevate Mitch and bring in a new younger and more energetic GM to report to him . We have younger players, the league is exploding with new ideas — we need a GM and a coach that embraces that reality.
The Jim Buss Regime always feels as if it is back peddling. And even in its most positive moments the best they can do is simply tread water. I absolve Mitch because it always felt as if his voice was minimized by Jim wanting to be ‘the guy in charge.’
Anonymous says
Great post Anon. I agree with the feeling that Mitch needs to stay. He has a ton of experience and is by all accounts very good at what he does. If Jim has to go, then I think Mitch is his natural replacement. It would then be up to Mitch to see how he fills in the rest of his team without any restrictions Jim may place on him as the boss.
I do not like the idea of bringing in PJ. It is a terrible idea to have a husband/wife combo running the business. If you think Jeannie’s hands were tied in trying to deal with her brother, dealing with her husband-to-be would be even worse. How in the world is she supposed to put him in check? If PJ comes, then Jeannie (and Jim) have to relinquish control and effectively become just passive owners.