The Lakers (and their fans) have always viewed this summer as one where they would be able to retool and grab talent in free agency. It is no coincidence Kobe Bryant’s contract expired this year or that when the Lakers did not sign top flight free agents the past two summers they did not throw long contracts at mid-tier talent. They instead signed or traded for players on short term deals which would keep their cap relatively clean this summer.
They have preached flexibility for years and this summer was a major part of that. Or, more accurately, Kevin Durant was a part of that. Getting a chance to pitch Durant on the merits of being a Laker and, potentially, bringing whoever else he wanted with him was an opportunity this franchise wanted to have. It may have been one they were even counting on. It seems, though, they may not get it.
After an initial list of teams Durant would meet with did not include the Lakers, Sam Amick is reporting the Lakers are unlikely to get a meeting at all:
Despite years of speculation about Durant possibly signing with his hometownWashington Wizards or the Los Angeles Lakers, a person with knowledge of his situation told USA TODAY Sports that those two teams are not expected to land a meeting with the former MVP. As it stands, it’s the six aforementioned teams coming Durant’s way at a location that has not yet been determined.
First, situations like this can be fluid and the Lakers can still potentially butt their way into the conversation. But after Durant said himself that his free agency was going to be a “basketball decision”, a simple look at the group of playoff teams he plans to sit with explains the Lakers’ absence.
Second, if you were wondering why the Lakers’ were always open to a blockbuster trade, even if it cost them the #2 overall pick, this is why. Durant was never really going to come to this version of the Lakers — the one with four or five 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year players who would flank him as his primary teammates. No, if Durant entertained coming to the Lakers it would involve him joining at least one other all-star level player and likely two. In recent days it was said the Lakers were looking to be blown away by offers in a trade and one can only imagine that meant they wanted the type of haul which would serve as a foundation which could lure Durant (and/or other top tier free agents).
The Lakers youth has promise, but they are not established. For Durant, this is surely a non-starter. He reportedly wants to go to a place which will allow him to win a championship as quickly as possible. Looking at the landscape, that’s not with the Lakers as they are currently constructed. I would imagine his final choice is likely to come down to staying with the Thunder or going to the Warriors or the Spurs. They are the teams chasing him who offer that chance.
While this scenario playing out this way is a blow to the Lakers, it’s understandable and, on some levels, okay. The Lakers, as much as we would want them to just snap their fingers and become instant contenders, are still in the beginning phases of their roster development.
Their young talent is not yet proven enough to fetch all-star talent in return by themselves. They must be grouped together in the types of 2-for-1 or 3-for-2 trades which deplete their talent base exponentially. The Lakers’ front office, however, surely doesn’t want to surrender all the assets they have accumulated over the years in trades or swaps for more established players who might net them a chance at a superstar in free agency.
Deals like that might get the Lakers closer to contention, but they also offer no guarantees at landing the bigger fish while also limiting more long range plans at contention. What the team would really want is to hold onto as many of their young players as possible while still being able to grab the big name player in free agency. That’s simply less possible when the Lakers’ young players are at this stage of their development.
Maybe next summer that is different. Maybe one or more of their young players make a substantial jump in their development. Maybe they also net an upper-tier free agent this summer and then dive back into the stronger unrestricted market next summer with that high level player (and improved young talent) as the draw.
But that is down the line. And today is not down the line. Kevin Durant seems to recognize that. And as much as the Lakers (and their fans) would want that to be different, I’m guessing they recognize it too.
Wait, what? says
The second to last paragraph times a million. If they sign Whiteside this summer and the young guys make a jump… next summer looks good.
minorthreatt says
This is our best chance at Whiteside. Simply put, he’s not only never gotten paid — he’s never been The Man. That, along with whatever benefits LA may have over South Beach, are the possible pull. All that won’t work on Durant. It might on Whiteside. No one on the current Lakers can claim to be The Man, at least not right now. For a guy like Whiteside, who probably feels dissed by multiple teams (including, ahem, the Lakers), this matter of pride could be a big deal.
Of course, I assume Riles will tailor his pitch exactly the same way.DWade is on the way out. Deng (if he stays) is a second banana. You would be our guy. In that case, you have to hope that the Lakers’ arrow pointing up vs. the Heat’s going sideways — plus endorsements — could be a difference maker.
Gus says
As always, great read Darius. It would have been great to sign KD but I’m sure we all suspected that he most wanted to be on a team that would instantly be in contention. Every situation has a silver lining however, so with that being said, I think if he does leave Lakers need to try and steal or “help” any of the teams fighting over KD by taking any free agents or players they need to get rid of to make room for him. So, if Miami is serious, take Whiteside. If Warriors are serious, take Iguodala or Bogut off their hands. Situations like this can be extremely beneficial to the Lakers, especially if they are expiring contracts or big time FAs. Regardless this is still an exciting time for the Lakers, and the next two weeks will be very interesting.
Yebra21 says
Golden State, San Antonio, and OKC are the most likely. LOL at Boston being on this “list”. And why wouldn’t he consider the knicks.
Greg says
The Lakers need to stay on the path they are on. The quick fix philosophy is over now that Kobe is retired. They need to sign a center with some athleticism and defensive presence.
Serg says
The lakers need to use this summer to build a team suited for Westbrook next summer. I’m looking at batum & harklesss & Noah. Next year a line up of Westbrook batum Ingram randle & Noah can compete with anybody considering Russell clarckson harklesss Larry nance can be thebestbench in the nba
TempleOfJamesWorthy says
And in other news: water is wet.
I thought the Lakers might have a shot in 2017 if KD signed a one-year player option deal and came over with Westbrook, plus another top-flight FA from another team. But unless the Lakers can also convince Al Horford and LeBron James to join the cause, KD’s not coming this year.
Kevin says
Whiteside is a reach as well…that if he wants to play in the post season. I’m all for pursuing him but I won’t hold my breath.
I think we end up with Monroe (he has an opt out next summer so he’s likely a one year rental lowering his cost via trade) or Meyers Leonard who can play the 4 or the 5. Ezeli is over rated and Bogut is done, Horford is declining and expensive and Biyombo is some team’s plan B after losing Whiteside.
aDamLakersFan says
Any reasonable person could have assumed Durant had no interest in LA, unless he had an under the table agreement with another FA or two, the way Wade, Lebron, and Bosh teamed up in Miami. I think the Lakers should go all in on Whiteside, because he’s a proven big man, with even more potential, and he fills a major need. Injuries and maturity are concerns, but his talent is worth the risk. I think Horford would be a good fit and provide leadership, but if we’re looking to the future, I’d like the guy on the right side of 30.
Where things get tricky is filling out the roster after that. It’s going to be hard to convince any of the top wing players like Batum, Turner, and Bazemore to come off the bench to let Ingram, Clarkson, and Russell grow together in the starting line up. The Lakers might have to look at paying above market value for some vets who are willing to fill the Iguodala role coming off the bench.
Baylor Fan says
KD would be a bad fit for the Lakers. The youth core needs the playing time, especially at the end of games. Walton needs the team to listen to him and run his offense and defense. Next year will be the best in the last few in terms of energy and fun to watch. Any veterans brought in should be there to fill in holes and mentor the younger players in a good way.
harold says
Whiteside/Hoford is probably the best we could net under the circumstances. I am all for waiting a couple more years so we can have one that is sweet, brought by home-grown talent (although since I live in MN, it really looks as if it will take a while even if all the pieces turn out to be great).
Warren Wee Lim says
Current Roster:
5: Ivica Zubac – Tarik Black **
4: Julius Randle – Larry Nance, Jr.
3: Brandon Ingram – Anthony Brown
2: Lou Williams – Jordan Clarkson **
1: D’Angelo Russell – Marcelo Huertas **
7 guys under contract w/ Nick Young gone (stretched or dumped). I’m shoeing in 3 of our young RFAs to make a return for depth purposes.
Its obvious that CE is the greatest need. Its going to be Whiteside AND Horford as our top max offers then we wait. One of them should take our money. If not, try to check out Ian Mahinmi if it convinces you that he can do what a decent center would do at half the price. I wouldn’t be surprised if we snagged Al Jefferson at decent value signing but he isn’t a priority.
Get your athletic forwards and shooters and playmakers. Its what Walton brings to the table, so, we sign guys that fit his O and his D.
Evan Turner, Marvin Williams, Jared Dudley, Ian Mahinmi, RFA offer to Allen Crabbe.
Those are guys I’d like us to sign.
Shaun says
williams and crabbe yes – others not so much
monroe would be interesting but unless its a straight dump like hibbert i dont know if we have any assets to really offer up
clarkson starts – lou should be traded – another gunner who can’t defend, maybe clips bite if they lose crawford and rivers in FA
Mike says
You got to think to. The lakers can def do what the cavs did and trade Ingram to the Bulls for jimmy. And sign whiteside that might give kd a second thought. Young with vets sounds like a capable plan but again I’m no GM but it’s what I’d do. Or maybe even offer pau and let him retire a laker if you strike out on whiteside. So many options but Jim buss don’t have the balls to pull the trigger.
matt says
I was actually thinking about this earlier today, the percentage of chance the lakers have at signing durant, and broke it down like this
Okc has an 80% chance
Gsw has a 7% chance
Then there are about 10 other teams each with about a 1-2% chance
I came to the conclusion that the lakers have about a 1% chance, and with lebron, i concluded it was less than 1% chance
Drew Gordon says
Mike,
“So many options but Jim buss don’t have the balls to pull the trigger.”
Yes, clearly you are not a GM. This is just inane nonsense. What does this even mean? I for one wouldn’t trade Ingram for Butler at our current stage of the rebuild. I much prefer Ingram’s cost-controlled contract and upside vs Butler’s shaky knees and crap 3 point shooting. And Jim Buss and the front office have actually been on a roll lately. Maybe you just need to learn a little patience. That is the nature of the beast if you want to build a perennial contender under the current CBA. And look, anything less than a championship means nothing to us. To get there, we need to play the smart, long game. Not trade potential studs that could be here for 15 years for players with injury history and lots of miles on their odometer–and again, who are not great shooters. There’s no point in pulling the trigger just to “pull the trigger.” Durant ain’t coming here, homie. Sit back and enjoy the ride. Geeez.
BigCitySid says
– Spurs, Warriors, Thunder, Clips, Celts, & Heat only clubs Durant is considering according to reports I read. For those wondering why Celts on this list, because Boston can add a 2nd free agent to the mix.
Nik says
Matt – I think you are right.
Basically the Thunder are by far the odds on favorite to re-sign Durant. At 1st I was kind of insulted that were weren’t getting a meeting with him – but now I am actually glad we are not getting a sit down with him. Here is the reason why –
While those 6 teams are focused on KD – we can target other Free agents. We have to spend the money right, so at least we are going into free agency this year with a reasonable plan.
66 Million – here we go.
1. Sign Whiteside – Yes to the Max $22 Million
2. Re-Sign Clarkson – Yes to the Max – which should hit our Cap at around $12-14 Million for Next Season.
3. Nic Batum – Sign to 18 million per year 3 year
4. B Ing will count another approx 5 million to cap.
5. Dudley For MLE – 5 Million Year
6. Augustine – for MLE – 5 Million Year
That’s what id like to see happen. Prioritize Whiteside #1 – this is a good thing
Fern says
The teams Sid pointed out, all of them went to the second round or better. KD was a pipe dream all along. The FO needs to try to squeeze a meeting and just move on. On the center situation i said a thousand times that the Lakers should offer Whiteside a max contract at 12:01 July 1st, but im not that hopeful anymore. I think Al Hortford is becoming a more realistic goal. We can drag our feet in FA this time around.We need to build around what we have. There is no need to drag this like it has happened before…
Alan says
If everyone has the same money why would any of the centers the Lakers want come here? Isn’t it unrealistic? I can’t imagine why. Probably a better shot next year but not this…
Anon#1 says
I don’t understand the comments that allude to Whitside coming just because we offer a contract. He’ll have numerous offers from teams much farther along than the Lakers. Heck, the Warrios could pursue Whiteside if KD goes in a different direction.
Also, Horford is a bad fit. He’s 30. Averages 15 pts and 6 Rebs. He has missed 2 of the last 5 years to injury. Plus he’ll want a 4 year deal that would pay him $33 mil as a 34 year old. Pass.
anyrotmg says
^ non basketball reasons: Hollywood (remember Kazaam?), more money from advertising because of bigger market, etc
Kevin says
My summer:
1) I’d offer Whiteside although we don’t have the strongest hand.
2) I think the Warriors are hot after KD and will need to renounce Barnes. I’d jump on Harrison and play him at the Two. (Ingram at the Three with Clarkson as the 6th man). Barnes is open to a new start and Walton makes LA a landing spot.
3) If you’re not sure about Barnes then I’d pursue Fournier although he’s restricted.
I think Whiteside will come with another free agent but not alone — fearing that by himself he wouldn’t move the needle. But if we can sign a renounced Barnes immediately then Whitside may jump.
KevTheBold says
I’m with Baylor fan.
Why even attempt to mortgage our future when the result would gain us nothing of value.
All veterans we sign should have an implicit understanding, that they are here to mentor our young core; not to steal limelight and essential playing time.
To the ‘Win Now’ hopefuls: it ain’t happening. What is happening is the Rebuild.
That is unless we do something foolishly shortsighted to thwart it.
Mdmills79 says
No way Whiteside leaves Miami. They’re much closer to contention than the lakers are and have a nice mix of young talent and veteran leadership.
That said, you at least have to get in the room with these guys. If you can’t even get into the room than that’s a SERIOUS problem. This confirms in some ways the talk that the only reason they’ve gotten meetings with Melo, Aldridge et al is out of those guys respect for Kobe. With him gone they can’t even get into the room. Wow.
KevTheBold says
Drew Gordon, Excellent Post !!
Nik Kannan says
Alan – Whiteside has indicated that he is a “Buisness Man” who plays basketball..
This is the attraction to the Lakers – to become a brand rather than a player – stark contrast to Durant who is searching FA for basketball teams ready to win the championship now.
If u think about it motivation to build a brand could be viewed as a larger goal with a commitment to a higher excellence… Considering Whiteside’s brand if barely in the infancy stages.
Nik Kannan says
Mdmills79 – it is almost 100% for sure he will leave Miami – the Heat have cap issues and will not be able to give Whiteside the max money. This is exacerbated By the fact that KD is meeting with Miami. Miami does not have bird rights and can not exceed the cap to sign Whiteside.
Im sure am glad Durant named Miami in team he would be meet with – though can’t understand why not like they are in even a close position to winning again – they have cap issues and an aging team.
They have 42 million in cap and wade, Whiteside, Joe Johnson , and Deng are all free agents.. Assuming that KD signs for 22 mil then that leaves 20 million between 4 FA in which – no way they keep Whiteside…
If KD didn’t name Miami – pretty sure they would be making Whiteside a priority – as it is I think we may be the frnt runners w/ Dallas –
Robert says
Durant: Of course we would want him. He did not want to come here. This is not the fault of a “current” FO policy. It is our current situation, which is the result of the last several years.
Drew: “And Jim Buss and the front office have actually been on a roll lately.” – Well I would wait for some results before proclaiming this. We are coming off our worst three year period in history. That said – I am good with the summer moves they have made to date. The draft was fine, the coaching hire was good, and we hopefully we will not do anything crazy in FA. Barring the ability to sign one of the three top players in the league, I am fine with a conservative, middle of the road approach to free agency. Let’s not overcommit to second tier players. I am fine with modest veteran additions to our young core. No heavy shot guys. We need to get rid of Young and Williams.
FO: As I said – I am not critical of anything going on right now. However the pick, and the coach were not exactly what I would call surprise/creative moves. Everyone here made both moves before they happened. So are the moves OK – yes – but does that erase the last 3-4 years? You decide. More importantly – the results will.
rr says
Whiteside reminds me of Bynum in a lot of ways, and the businessman comment is another example of that. Between the injuries and the weird hair and some goofy/dumb stuff he said/did, Bynum ended his career as a punchline, but he was actually a good and valuable player when he could get out on the floor. I think Whiteside would be good and valuable as well, so I support the Lakers offering him a max deal in spite of the risk/downside. As to whether he would take it, I think Whiteside would, unlike a guy like Durant or Horford, actually consider the Lakers but I can’t see the team actually being the one he chooses.
I would also support the Lakers going after Biyombo or Mahinmi.
Sly Bly says
So glad we aren’t getting to meet with Durant. I would hate for the Lakers to sit around waiting for an answer that will be a “no” anyway. They need to stick to realistic targets. I love Whiteside for thr Lakers. If not Whiteside, Byombo would be nice. Would love Batum, but he will stay where he is. I like Fournier, Crabbe and Barnes at less than the max. Courtney Lee, Marvin Williams. Jared Dudley and Jeff Green might be good one year veteran options that would let us go back into the market next year. Would like to get Brandon Bass back too.
R says
If Durant goes to Warriors the Lakers might be able to wrangle some “crumbs” off the banquet hall table, i.e. Iggy or H Barnes. After all, Barnes was instrumental in helping Cleveland win the title …. only problem there, he was on the other team …
Iggy on the other hand would be a superb glue guy/steady hand/mentor and exemplar for the kids.
Doc says
I would not mind Iggy….Barnes is good but not for the max…as for kd, he is just like his shoes…meh
Drew Gordon says
R,
The thing with Barnes is that he doesn’t strike me as having a lot of fire. He’s just kind of meh.
mud says
so what?
Drew Gordon says
Robert,
You are absolutely correct. The future can be wildly unpredictable. But I see a front office making logical decisions given the current available information; that’s all you can really hope for. I would even say that the decision to wait until after the season to shitcan Byron made logical sense. As it became apparent that the season would be nothing more than a glorified circus, why not roll the dice and try to keep the pick? Who better to roll the dice than the tank commander extraordinaire, Byron? The FO just needs to continue approaching this rebuild scientifically, continuously adapting to new information.
Vasheed says
@darius
I’ve favored trading pieces of the young core for established stars precisely because in order to attract the best free agents with all the cap space the Lakers will have that was what they would have to do. However, that is predicated on getting reasonable offers from other teams. Of the Lakers young core Russell and Ingram are in a tier to themselves of potential. There are few if any players I would trade both of them for.
A Horse With No Name says
Kevin@ 10:01:
Barnes does not have the handle and vision to play a two guard role. But you could play him as a 3 & D guy, and play the very young, lacking in strength, but already very perimeter skilled, Ingram at the two. Barnes a 3/4, Ingram a 2/3, Russel a 1/2, Clarkson a 2/1, Randle a 4/5 etc. In saying this, I am not advocating signing Barnes. I don’t think he can be a value signee, in spite of his flaws which were all on display in these playoffs, because of his youth and skill set–somebody is going to have to overpay to get him–I hope it isn’t the lakers. Give me Marvin Williams on a more favorable deal–A Horse With No Name
Dom says
I am a HUGE Kobe fan but this needs to be said the worst part of Kobe’s legacy are all of these California ball dominant (ball hogs) Westbrook, Harden, Derozan and the list goes on. These are hero ball guys and i don’t want any of them. What we all love about GS is they move the ball they look for the open shot, that is not Westbrook’s game. We all get so enamored with certain players and automatically decide thaty they will fit into what we are doing. What so many are saying is let’s implement a style now then completely change it in a year to accommodate Westbrook. We will have our own cap constraints in the near future and i hope we dont clog it up with one dimensional over priced FA”s just so we can convince ourselves LA is once a gain a destination of choice for FA’s. We need veteran leadership to teach and work with the young core as much in practice as in game situations. We dont need head cases and knuckleheads (see Whiteside). We need a Horford or Noah type. After watching H Barnes i dont think he is worth the max or near max contract. I dont see Iggy coming here but i would be more inclined to pay him for 3 years then Barnes and Eziele. Batum would be a great piece but i think he will stay in Charlotte. I think we need young pieces. I prefer signing 2-3 players in the ilk of Crabbe or Fournier. Anyway i thank God the Durant bubble has been burst now let’s stop considering Westbrook. His style would clash with everything we are hoping to build and scheme.
Ian R. says
As much as I would love to sign KD he is doing us a favor by not giving us a meeting and waiting for him to make a decision. We have missed on on other free agents in years passed waiting for melo and lamarcus. Whiteside is the obvious target unless the kings are ready to make a deal for Cousins that doesn’t strip us of too much of young core.
Vasheed says
@Dom,
I would like to see the Lakers sign Horford or Noah. The Lakers need a veteran leader. Currently the Lakers veterans are Nick Young and Lou Williams to serve as role models. I slightly favor Noah as he would come cheaper with fewer years. Hopefully in 2 years time some of our young players would have emerged by then.
Lakafan says
Lakers interested in chandler parsons?? Why??? He can’t stay healthy, plays position of our newest rookie and wants max. Plz pass on this guy and make better use of that $
Kevin says
We need a Horford or Noah type.
—
Have you really checked each of these guy’s recent production? Their stats are slipping — they both rebound like small forwards. Plus their both injury prone.
Save the cash and the injury headaches just let Nash play the Five. He’d contribute more and cost way less.
Nik Kannan says
Kevin – We can’t just stash cash … We have to spend a minimum which is called the salary cap floor – which based on this last CBA is 90% of the salary cap…which means at minimum we must spend approx $48 million dollars based on our current contract commitments – but doesn’t yet include Clarksons new deal he will be getting from us.
matt says
Nik.. as i posted earlier the 76ers have been spending below the salary cap floor for years, and the penalty is to just pay the difference.
Don’t be shocked if the lakers go this route
Clay Bertrand says
Good Thread today!!! Level heads!!
I second Nik Kannan at 11:10 & 11:16.
Good posts rr, Dom, Kevin, Drew Gordon, Robert, matt, Horse, SlyBly, etc. Too many to mention today!
I share the measured sentiments regarding pursuing Whiteside. He’d be the most gettable and most impactful MAX FA we could hope to get this summer and even though he is a little bit BYNUMESQUE as rr points out, though Bynum is a punchline now, he was an ALL STAR (ok 1yr…) Center in the NBA. He was a game changer for the Lakers on D and when healthy, he was one of the better big men in the game (during his time). I do find Whiteside’s aloof, non athlete attitude very reminiscent of Bynum.
Our biggest competition for Whiteside will be Miami, Dallas, Charlotte, and Portland IMO. I don’t take the Warrior’s interest as genuine.
He’d be a really big acquisition for us even with his faults and the NBA evolving away from big men to a degree. I think its against the odds that he will come to us though—-hope I’m wrong. His Wild Card attitude gives us a chance at least!!!!!!!!!!!
J C says
I prefer Parsons over Barnes.
If he’s healthy, he’s a five-tool player, as they say.
Batum is good too.
In either case Clarkson goes to the bench if we pick up a starting 3-
with Ingram at the 2 and Russell at the 1. That would be a looooong backcourt!
And be sure to re-sign Tarik Black. I think we’re gonna need him.
if we whiff on Whiteside, I hope Noah or even Gasol bites.
However, any player truly interested in competing for a title this year or next will consider the Lakers last. It’s just a fact of life for us right now. Once you fall, it’s tough to get back up.
It may take another year or even two to rebuild slowly and grow organically before we become a true free agent destination again.
minorthreatt says
Agreed with rr and Clay re: the Whiteside/Bynum comparison. Whiteside’s comments make it clear this is about respect and status above winning. Frankly, that’s the only reason we have any shot at him at this stage. I expect him to go elsewhere, but I won’t be shocked if he comes to LA, either.
Again, if he is assured he’ll be the big dog — and that may not be something Luke wants to promise — my guess is it will go a long way. Put up a billboard for this dude and I bet he comes. (Not, I hasten to add, that I think we should. Those D12 billboards were maybe as embarrassing as anything the Lakers have done on-court lately.)
The one thing I doubt is that Whiteside will, as he claims, have a team picked by July 1. You can bet he will draw this process out as much as possible. Part of the respect thing.
Mikey says
Wow. Look at all the love for Whiteside. C’mon guys, you’re better than that! As of February, he has been a demonstrable negative on team defense for 2 years on a row. Yes, it’s possible to block almost 4 shots a game while getting so lost on switches and pick and rolls and perimeter coverage that your team actually defends better when you are sitting. That’s DeAndre Jordan up until this last year, and it’s Whiteside still.
And if Whiteside couldn’t figure out spacing and switches and his role next to Bosh, Wade and Luol Deng… I don’t want to see him next to D’Angelo, Julius, and Ingram.
But all of that pales in comparison to his personality. Go click on one of his free agent interviews… Aside from strongly insisting that he’d never factor in a distasteful concept like… loyalty (won’t even be a factor – 1st time I’ve ever seen that), he couldn’t have been more clear about how it’s all about what’s best for him, and how he will be looking into his role in both sides of the floor.
Translation : the dumbest player o the court, with the least skills, is demanding an assurance that he will get more touches on offense. We’ve seen this with Dwight before, but at least he was a proven all league defense for a good 5-7 years, thus suggesting he might have been worth the trouble… But from Whiteside? Ugh.
And the craziest thing is that he is faint and self-absorbed that he actually makes Dwight look like Kobe or Westbrook. Really, watch his interview and then tell me if Dwight doesn’t have to pass him the cap with the mouse ears…
I’d much rather have Taj Gibson. Or Noah. Or Koufos in trade. Or… Is Jason Collins still alive?
Leslie says
I see everyone talking bout these players but pushing Clarkson to the bench forgetting that he was pretty much our best player these past 2 seasons
Chris A says
I blame Stephan A. Let’s just get Whiteside and call it a great off-season.
JD says
Im just glad the Lakers stuck to the game plan and didnt make any stupid trades. I think they realize now that with the collective bargaining agreement and the way the league is set up nowadays… Draft picks are golden! After the nash and howard trades and the chris paul veto… We just cant afford to make ourselves so vulnerable anymore. The way I see it… If you dont wanna a be a Laker.. Stay where u are.
Doc says
I think ingram can play sg if parson can stay in the mix as sf..which would give ingram time to develop physically….i agree whoever we target has to be realistic and not go through a popularity contest for these diva stars
Doc says
Yeah @ JD….these guys want to have it all now, which is cool but shows they dont have the guts to be the guy that shows the way and can handle the mantle….people forget kobe won back to back with a bunch of ok players and willed them to titles….who is like that? Everyone wants to ride shotgun…no drivers!!