Lakers Thread

[Jackal]

Aldridge not signing isn't that big of a deal to me, it would be nice but like you said he's not "the next great Laker". It would make LA more attractive for future players instead of placing them in serious contention. I'm more bummed they missed out on DJ, he's young and defensive minded. He'd pair well with the relatively weak defensive Randle (or so I've read).

I don't know if they'll go after Harris, he plays the 3 and I think and they want in on the Kevin Durant sweepstakes next year. If Harris wanted less I'd be for it. Max money is on the high side, he'd be more attractive around 10-12 million. Carroll got 15, Green got 11.25 & Middleton a cool 14.

I was hoping for a Big/Randle/SF/Bryant/Russell line up and they still haven't addressed those two positions. Hopefully they resign Ed though, give him J. Hill type money for 2-3 years with an option on the last.

Looking forward to the 3 summer league games against the Wolves, Knicks & Sixers.

[NovU]

"somewhat underwhelming" is what is reported from DJ's meeting with the Lakers. Perhaps another tanking season for the Lakers and might have to compete for the lottery with the 76ers. I just can't imagine how Kobe couldn't see this is bad for him. By the mid season he'd have nothing to play for, possibly in his final season. I'm just left with a feeling that the Lakers and Kobe should have tried harder to land a big name player. They had the capability to land two and turn things around on Kobe's last legs. Now I think there's more chance for Kobe to retire after next season.

[Jackal]

And there goes Ed Davis off to Portland.

In other news: LMA is having a second meeting with LA?

[Jackal]

Here's a short read as to why I'm cautiously excited for Robert Upshaw.

http://sportslater.com/2015/07/02/laker ... rt-upshaw/

If Ron Ron could, Rob can too right?

[Andrew]

Perhaps not all hope is lost just yet, as far as Aldridge is concerned. As per Woj:

The Lakers initially met with Aldridge shortly after the NBA's free-agent market opened at 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday, but Aldridge came away from the meeting unimpressed with the presentation because it was largely centered on branding and marketing opportunities. Lakers officials didn't focus enough on basketball in the initial meeting, sources said.

The question is, will their basketball-related pitch be good enough? Again, I imagine it has to be "Come in and play second fiddle to Kobe during his retirement tour, contend for the Playoffs".

[Sauru]

Yeah that alpha dog mentality is a double edged sword. I don't think MJ would take a backseat on any of those Bulls teams either. If you're going to LA you're going to Kobe's team unfortunately.

It'll be okay, his alpha-ness cost him competitiveness in his final seasons but once he's retired the Lakers can focus on climbing the hill properly again.

it would make more sense to compare with the jordan wizard years i think, when he was in chicago he was always the best player in the league hands down

[Kevin]

Lakers to Get Second Meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge

It appears that LaMarcus Aldridge plans to take his time during what has been an extensive free agency tour over the past several hours.

According to Yahoo Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Aldridge has granted the Los Angeles Lakers a second meeting after the team reportedly failed to impress the All-Star big man in their first meeting on Wednesday.

http://network.yardbarker.com/author/ar ... idget=true

[NovU]

The Lakers have contacted Rondo and Amare. Not good, could have been cool if this was 2005 but this is close to confirmation that they missed out on this year's FA frenzy once again.

[[Q]]

No word on Kanter as of yet. I wouldn't mind seeing him sign with the Lakers

[mp3]

No word on Kanter as of yet. I wouldn't mind seeing him sign with the Lakers

I wanted the knicks to try and trade for him in feb.

Great talent imo

[Jackal]

DJ signing with the Dallas Mavs, Parsons is worth his contract on recruiting based needs alone.

Fuck the Clips anyhow.

[Kevin]

Lakers messed up Free Agency this year. smh.

So much for picking a guard in the draft and signing a big in Free Agency.

[Sauru]

nah the lakers didnt mess up free agency, the lakers messed up paying kobe. no one wants to play with the dude anymore. they will be fine once he finally retires

[NovU]

At least they are trying. What have the Celtics got going? Absolutely nothing.

[Sauru]

At least they are trying. What have the Celtics got going? Absolutely nothing.

i dont see what the celtics have to do with the lakers. also you did see where i said the lakers didnt mess up free agency right?

[NovU]

You are right. It's out of place. It's just me that's been wondering wth is going on in Boston. Last time I heard, Ainge was lowballing hard for Cousins. What's exactly the Celtics' plan?

[Jackal]

The fuck outta here with that Celtics talk.

[Bruce]

Now it seems LMA has tweeted that he is going to the spurs. And Kanter seemed to have re-signed with Okc. That leaves the likes of stoudamire, koufos and jason smith on the Lakers radar.

I hope the Lakers can get somebody from a team looking to save on cap space. like david lee is being shopped by GSW. Maybe LA can have him for cheap or even pry a draft pick from GS. It`s a long shot, but maybe the Lakers can inquire into acquiring Nerlens Noel from the sixers, given that now the sixers have a boat load of big men.

And also, where is jordan hill? Is he no longer an option for the lakers?

[stereoxide]

Just try again with a restricted Drummond, aging Big Al or Noah, trashy Hibbert or maybe Horford next season.

[Jackal]

Drummond isn't going anywhere for a while.

In Laker news; Roy Hibbert has been traded to the Lakers. Jared Zwerling says it's a matter of assets being finalized now.

Not sure if like but it's a low risk move since they've got the cap space and no one left to spend it on and it's a one year deal. David Lee is welcome too.

[Sauru]

this move is a big fuck you to the clippers so they cannot get him to replace jordan lol

[Jackal]

I don't know how they would get Hibbert though, they don't have the cap space to trade for him and they'd have an even shittier bench if they tried trading players for him.

I think the Clips end up with Amar'e, he seemed interested if he didn't have to play back up to DJ/Blake. Also chatter about Doc talking to Javale. Javale and Lance on one team, Shaqtin a fool gold.

Lakers probably giving up rights to some unknown overseas player from 2011 and 2nd rounders. Not bad.

[Bruce]

If the lakers can keep it to 1 or 0 2nd round picks, i`d give this trade a grade of B. Remember that it`s indy trying to save cap space. Lakers is still shit after this trade. So there is room for the lakers to put some pressure on indy. After this trade, if the lakers wanted, might actually still be able to squeeze david lee in the payroll.

The lakers are scraping the buttom of the barrel, but the might squeeze something after all.

[Jackal]

Seems Wesley Johnson will be joining the Clips on a minimum salary. Sucks he never really lived up to his potential. He's athletic as heck but couldn't really use that to his advantage. Not a person you'd associate the words "high basketball IQ" with.

I think he's good for spot minutes with Pierce on the wing. Good luck to him!

Edit:

Robert Upshaw said that he has a psychologist he sees regularly and his agency has a team of people helping keep him out of trouble.

For some reason I'm really rooting for this guy. Seems like he's made some mistakes and he's been labelled bat-shit craycray. Maybe that's why I want him to succeed. Cant wait for the Lakers summer league!

[air gordon]

What's the post count on shaw? I hope he does well for your sake