Around the League (Offseason)

[Folster]

I thought we'd consolidate some smaller items from around the league to discuss.


I'm torn between what I want to happen with the Dwight Howard situation. Part of me wants him to leave LA and stick it to all the Laker fans. On the other hand, I could see that happening and Kobe taking the year off resulting in the Lakers getting the first pick in the draft. If they keep Dwight he'll take a large portion of the cap and keep their aging team swimming in mediocrity. His injury problems could turn his contract into a real albatross like Stoudemire. One thing Dwight hasn't been able to do is develop a fundamental game that would carry him through his declining athleticism. If his knees go or if back problems continue to plague him, he could decline rapidly. I'm not wishing ill will on Dwight, just the Lakers.

 

[elindholm]

I think it's 70% he goes to the Rockets, 20% Dallas, and 10% some other team swoops in. I'll be amazed if he stays with the Lakers, but I guess I shouldn't be that amazed, because Howard has a way of changing his mind dramatically with no apparent provocation.

 

[sunsfan88]

I thought we'd consolidate some smaller items from around the league to discuss.


I'm torn between what I want to happen with the Dwight Howard situation. Part of me wants him to leave LA and stick it to all the Laker fans. On the other hand, I could see that happening and Kobe taking the year off resulting in the Lakers getting the first pick in the draft. If they keep Dwight he'll take a large portion of the cap and keep their aging team swimming in mediocrity. His injury problems could turn his contract into a real albatross like Stoudemire. One thing Dwight hasn't been able to do is develop a fundamental game that would carry him through his declining athleticism. If his knees go or if back problems continue to plague him, he could decline rapidly. I'm not wishing ill will on Dwight, just the Lakers.

A team with Nash and Gasol isn't gonna be a top 5 worst team in the NBA.

Not when there are so many teams trying to tank next season. Nash had way less talent in PHX than he did with the Lakers (even without Kobe & Dwight) and the Suns were still barely out of the playoffs every year.

 

[sunsfan88]

I'm predicting that he'll shock the world and sign with Atlanta. If not them, the Golden State.

 

[Gaddabout]

If I were Howard, I wouldn't want to play for D'Antoni, either. Never understood the hiring of that coach for that team.

 

[BC867]

I'll be amazed if he stays with the Lakers, but I guess I shouldn't be that amazed, because Howard has a way of changing his mind dramatically with no apparent provocation.

If I were Howard, I wouldn't want to play for D'Antoni, either.

Never understood the hiring of that coach for that team.

To rejoin D'Antoni and Nash. Too bad that Steve is past his prime. And, on the Lakers, the ball goes through Kobe.

 

[SirStefan32]

Earl Clark going to the Cavs- $9M over two years, second year being a team option.

Big Al Jefferson going to Charlotte for $40.5M over three years, third year being a player option.

Jefferson makes Charlotte better than phoenix next year, so I think the battle for the last spot is going to be down to Orlando and Phoenix.

Edit:
Bellineli to SA on a two year, $6M deal.

Tyreke Evans going to New Orleans in some kind of a three-team trade. I hope this doesn't involve the Suns or Gordon/ Lopez.

 

[elindholm]

Jefferson makes Charlotte better than phoenix next year, so I think the battle for the last spot is going to be down to Orlando and Phoenix.

And maybe Boston.

 

[Phrazbit]

Philly is going to be wretched. I think it will be between them and Boston with the Suns cruising in 3rd... worst. Unless we ditch Scola and Gortat early, in which case we probably wont sniff 20 games.

 

[D-Dogg]

I thought we'd consolidate some smaller items from around the league to discuss.


I'm torn between what I want to happen with the Dwight Howard situation. Part of me wants him to leave LA and stick it to all the Laker fans.

Don't get all bunchy. Most Laker fans I've been around, and the feel online is that Dwight leaving is the more desirable outcome. He's kind of a soft douche, overall. Not very driven, HORRIFIC post game. Paying max for his drama, and building around him is something we'll have to swallow if he resigns. It's the smallest secret in the NBA that Lakerfans are pretty much done with Dwight already.

I hope he leaves LA. I'd like it to be with some assets back, but honestly, I don't give a f either way. Dude is toxic and will never be the centerpiece of a championship team. And this comes from a guy who wanted him from day one. I'll root him on if he resigns, of course, but I'd rather just move on. He doesn't have the desire, the stones or the accountability to be the next great Laker. He just doesn't.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

The Pelicans, Kings and Blazers have consumated a three-team, sign and trade deal.

In the deal, the Pelicans will formally acquire Tyreke Evans, who they signed to a 4 year, $44 million offer sheet earlier this week. New Orleans in turn will send Greivis Vasquez to Sacramento and Robin Lopez to Portland; who will be sending future draft considerations and cash as part of the deal.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Rumor has it, the Lakers and Warriors have begun discussions on a S+T for Howard. The Lakers have said they want a package of either Harrison Barnes, Klay Thompson or Steph Curry along with Andrew Bogut's expiring deal and a first for D12. GSW has already shot down the plausibility of even considering trading Curry, so it looks like if they want Howard it's going to be Barnes or Thompson heading to LA if the deal goes down.

 

[D-Dogg]

Rumor has it, the Lakers and Warriors have begun discussions on a S+T for Howard. The Lakers have said they want a package of either Harrison Barnes, Klay Thompson or Steph Curry along with Andrew Bogut's expiring deal and a first for D12. GSW has already shot down the plausibility of even considering trading Curry, so it looks like if they want Howard it's going to be Barnes or Thompson heading to LA if the deal goes down.

I will wet myself if we can pull Klay to LA + anything for Dwight's BS.

Klay needs to be a Laker.

This pipe dream is the one I have not mentioned...I sooooooo hope D12 wants to go to Golden State. They have lots of assets to make a deal nice for LA, yet still keep our 2014 cap nice and wide open.

 

[Diamondback Jay]

What Golden State has in it's favor: three huge expiring contracts in Bogut ($14 million), Richard Jefferson ($11 million) and Andris Biedrins ($9 million). They've apparently spent the last couple of days trying to unload them to any team who shows a willingness to say "yes." They've also tried in vain to move David Lee.

If Golden State could somehow work this deal out, the Warriors on paper would be a highly intriguing team to watch.

 

[AzStevenCal]

What Golden State has in it's favor: three huge expiring contracts in Bogut ($14 million), Richard Jefferson ($11 million) and Andris Biedrins ($9 million). They've apparently spent the last couple of days trying to unload them to any team who shows a willingness to say "yes." They've also tried in vain to move David Lee.

If Golden State could somehow work this deal out, the Warriors on paper would be a highly intriguing team to watch.

Not if they have to give up Klay. He'd be untouchable it that was my team.

Steve

 

[D-Dogg]

Not if they have to give up Klay. He'd be untouchable it that was my team.

Steve

Klay is my fave non-laker.

I'd be right as rain with Harrison barnes though too...

 

[Absolute Zero]

SA is losing Gary Neal, but signing Belenelli

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/9...rees-deal-san-antonio-spurs-according-sources

 

[Diamondback Jay]

Klay is my fave non-laker.

I'd be right as rain with Harrison barnes though too...

I may be mistaken, but aren't Kobe and Barnes friends? I know Kobe went on record and called Barnes "my boy" recently. Whether that factors in to discussions is anyone's guess.

 

[sunsfan88]

Not if they have to give up Klay. He'd be untouchable it that was my team.

Steve

Barnes has a higher ceiling. Klay is just a really good shooter, nothing else. Barnes has more of an all around game and is younger.

Sure hope LAL gets neither but if they get one, I hope its Klay and not Barnes.

 

[D-Dogg]

Klay is a really good shooter with a high bball IQ and a massive work ethic. I love him. Plus, with Mychael being a Laker, it's time for the son to come home.

Go to GSW D12!!

 

[Phrazbit]

If he picks Golden State then the Warriors should play hardball. I sure as hell would not give up Thompson or Barnes. Give them the expiring contracts, throw in future 1sts and maybe do the Lakers a favor and take Metta World War off their hands.

 

[Gaddabout]

Have to say a Lakers' lineup that includes Nash*, Kobe*, Gasol* and Biedrins* with D'Antoni's offense is pretty scary to me. They would be a lot better, IMO.

* - Assuming they can stay healthy.

 

[elindholm]

Have to say a Lakers' lineup that includes Nash*, Kobe*, Gasol* and Biedrins* with D'Antoni's offense is pretty scary to me. They would be a lot better, IMO.

* - Assuming they can stay healthy.

Isn't Bryant out until January at the very earliest? No amount of motivation can accelerate recovery from an Achilles rupture.

 

[CardsFan88]

Also Nash, Kobe, and Gasol are not the players they once were. Kobe has been declining since about 2005 (but from a very high level). Achilles and age are likely to take another step or so away from him. Nash with comparable minutes had ~40 percent less assists last year compared to the average of the past 4-5 years.

The Lakers don't have the talent to run D'antoni's system. Biedrins would definitely help with that, but overall the Lakers imo have a strong chance to be going through a huge rebuilding project if Dwight leaves.

Nash is their only player under contract for the 2014-2015 season. This is a team imo that is on the verge of a total breakup if Dwight bolts.

No team stays on top forever, and with Jerry Buss and West gone, and completely devoid of talent, the Lakers may fall back to rest of the NBA. Luxury tax and super penalty won't help either.

It's funny though, Lakers fans seem to expect everything to go on forever. That their storied history is the reason people want to be here. But if they look around, it along with the pressure seems to be a major reason why Dwight might leave. That franchise aura seems awfully dim.

But we'll see. It will be a big test of Jerry's daughter to see if she can maintain the excellence.

Here's to hoping that draft pick for the 2014-2015 they owe us is timed with their low point.

Even if Dwight stays, he's still the overrated, wussy player that is injury prone. His back and shoulder problems are generally not the type of injury that stays away for long. He could be a major albatross for whoever signs him. So in my opinion I think the Lakers are screwed either way.

 

[D-Dogg]

The fact that Dwight is possibly leaving due to the pressure of LA is precisely why I hope he leaves. He's a candyass.

Lakers have massive cap space in 2014. The franchise aura is just fine.

He's announcing his decision on twitter...LOL. What a dummy. Please, please, please let him be going to GS and not LAL. I do not want to rebuild around Dwight.