Lakers = Yankees

[Joe Mama]

I can honestly say that if it would take Karl Malone to win the championship I would rather not have that banner hanging in America West Arena. I could tolerate Gary Payton but not Malone. He's probably the only player in the NBA I feel that strongly about.

Joe Mama

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
I can honestly say that if it would take Karl Malone to win the championship I would rather not have that banner hanging in America West Arena. I could tolerate Gary Payton but not Malone. He's probably the only player in the NBA I feel that strongly about.

Joe Mama

Yeah, and up until 2 weeks ago, fickle Laker fans would have agreed with you!

 

[Billythekid]

Originally posted by thegrahamcrackr
A lot of people seem to be thinking that they are latching onto LA to win a title. That may have been true is they won last year, but their signings brings LA back to the top. If they win a ring, they will both be major reasons why. I honestly dont think the Lakers had a chance thi s year without them.

They have the 2 best players in the league. The best coach in the league, and having Payton and Malone or not, would be still considered in the top 3 or 4 in the NBA. They've had a dominant run and only injuries hurt them last year.

Gary and Karl are latching on IMO. NOTHING wrong with that though. Heck, they couldn't win on the teams they led. Might as well join a power like Lakers and have a better shot. The Chuckster did it. But Good on em and I hope they get beat in the first round

I think it shows the changing of the game. Which is good and bad, however way you look it I suppose.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Originally posted by Chaplin
Yeah, and up until 2 weeks ago, fickle Laker fans would have agreed with you!

Man, I used to hate Karl Malone! Go Mailman! Go Lakers!

How nice is it that Magic Johnson is un-retiring his number for Karl to wear? It's still gonna look odd to see another player wearing 32 in Lakers' gear...

 

[Renz]

Originally posted by Brian in Mesa
Man, I used to hate Karl Malone! Go Mailman! Go Lakers!

How nice is it that Magic Johnson is un-retiring his number for Karl to wear? It's still gonna look odd to see another player wearing 32 in Lakers' gear...

This is unbelievably exciting for us Laker fans, but it is also just plain good for the NBA. Whether you love the Lakers, or hate them at least people watch them! Look at this year's Finals when L.A. wasn't in it. Snooooooze. It was the lowest rated Finals ever.

No matter your feelings about Malone, Payton, The Lakers etc. you will tune in when they play.

You know you will.

 

[jbeecham]

I think the lack of ratings for the finals were mainly because people didn't believe the Nets could beat any team out of the west. I'm sure there are more Laker fans than Spurs fans, but I think most fans would rather watch the western conference finals than the NBA finals because that's where the championship is really won.

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by jbeecham
I think the lack of ratings for the finals were mainly because people didn't believe the Nets could beat any team out of the west. I'm sure there are more Laker fans than Spurs fans, but I think most fans would rather watch the western conference finals than the NBA finals because that's where the championship is really won.

Because I love basketball I would watch The Finals even if it was the slowest most boring series in history. However they need the casual NBA fan to tune in to get the ratings up. Those people do not want to watch defensive basketball when the two teams are lucky to shoot 40% from the field.

I didn't believe the Nets would beat any team out of the west, but I certainly believe they could beat San Antonio. I mean it's not like the Spurs blew out New Jersey. They were a fourth-quarter collapse away from forcing a Game 7.

It should have been a more exciting Finals than any of the three Lakers championships. Instead it was a tedious and mostly boring series.

Joe Mama

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Originally posted by KloD
Sorry, but both those guys could have taken the same pay with their original teams. Gary demanded millions and was shipped only to turn around and take much less. Karl did the same tho he wasn't shipped. I have respect for All-Star/ future Hall-of-Fame veterans who stick it out and retire from their team, Stockton comes to mind.

To me that is the equivalent of giving up. These guys have had the dream of winning an NBA title for as long as they can remember. Why should they stay with their current team when they know they would not win a title there?

 

[Krangodnzr]

Originally posted by Brian in Mesa
To me that is the equivalent of giving up. These guys have had the dream of winning an NBA title for as long as they can remember. Why should they stay with their current team when they know they would not win a title there?

I agree Brian. There is no reason to criticize them. I don't like the Lakers, but if I were a player, I would do the exact same thing. I have a new found respect for Malone and Payton.

 

[elindholm]

I just don't see the glory of having someone else win your title for you. The great players lead their teams to titles. For all of the role players who are along for the ride, it's just a question of being in the right place at the right time.

I have never bought the argument that someone like Robert Horry is a great player because he happens to have been on five championship teams, and I never will. Basically, Malone is taking the Horry route to his title, and he'll still fall four rings short.

 

[Chaplin]

Originally posted by elindholm
I just don't see the glory of having someone else win your title for you. The great players lead their teams to titles. For all of the role players who are along for the ride, it's just a question of being in the right place at the right time.

I have never bought the argument that someone like Robert Horry is a great player because he happens to have been on five championship teams, and I never will. Basically, Malone is taking the Horry route to his title, and he'll still fall four rings short.

Amen to THAT!

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by elindholm
I just don't see the glory of having someone else win your title for you. The great players lead their teams to titles. For all of the role players who are along for the ride, it's just a question of being in the right place at the right time.

I have never bought the argument that someone like Robert Horry is a great player because he happens to have been on five championship teams, and I never will. Basically, Malone is taking the Horry route to his title, and he'll still fall four rings short.

If Karl Malone and Gary Payton win a championship with the Lakers and will never be looked at in the same light as a Michael Jordan, a Shaquille O'Neal, a Kobe Bryant, a Magic Johnson, etc. It will be more like Glen Rice's championship.

Joe Mama

 

[JJ Slim]

Whether you love the Lakers, or hate them at least people watch them!

Says who? I did watch the last two Finals, not because the Lakers or Spurs were playing but because I wanted to see Jersey lose. I did not watch the two previous Finals. And if the Lakers should make it that far this year, it's unlikely I'll watch again.

Basically, Malone is taking the Horry route to his title, and he'll still fall four rings short.

Or the Luc Longley route and he'll be two rings short.

 

[Billythekid]

Originally posted by elindholm
I just don't see the glory of having someone else win your title for you. The great players lead their teams to titles.

Ditto to what Chap said. Amen to that!


I like the idea of a NJ Nets 3 peat. That will be very watchable

 

[Renz]

Originally posted by elindholm
I have never bought the argument that someone like Robert Horry is a great player because he happens to have been on five championship teams, and I never will. Basically, Malone is taking the Horry route to his title, and he'll still fall four rings short.

You're right. Robert Horry contributed nothing in Houston or L.A.

 

[Renz]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
If Karl Malone and Gary Payton win a championship with the Lakers and will never be looked at in the same light as a Michael Jordan, a Shaquille O'Neal, a Kobe Bryant, a Magic Johnson, etc. It will be more like Glen Rice's championship.

Joe Mama

Wrong. A starting lineup of Shaq, Kobe, Fisher, Fox & George wasn't going to win the title next year. Malone and Payton are going to be the difference between a probable championship and a probable second round exit. They will earn their rings next year and have nothing to apologize for.

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by Renz
Wrong. A starting lineup of Shaq, Kobe, Fisher, Fox & George wasn't going to win the title next year. Malone and Payton are going to be the difference between a probable championship and a probable second round exit. They will earn their rings next year and have nothing to apologize for.

I think you are misunderstanding what I wrote. I said those players won't be looked at in the same light as some of these other stars who have led their team's to championships. If they win it all next season they will have been complementary players though. They will be the Dennis Rodman or the Byron Scott instead of the Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson.

Joe Mama

 

[Billythekid]

I think it's safe to say, IF GP and Malone win a ring, it'll have a big fat red ASTERISK next to it!

Actually. I think i'll put an Asterisk next to their whole season.

Best Team a guy can latch onto. Hey, I hear Reggie Miller wants to join LA, but I think he has more pride.

 

[Renz]

Originally posted by Joe Mama
I think you are misunderstanding what I wrote. I said those players won't be looked at in the same light as some of these other stars who have led their team's to championships. If they win it all next season they will have been complementary players though. They will be the Dennis Rodman or the Byron Scott instead of the Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson.

You are right in the sense that Payton and Malone's legacies would have been more complete if they had led Seattle and Utah to a championship. Unfortunately, that window has closed and the only shot they have to win it all is with another team.

It is much the same as when Ray Bourque and Roger Clemens left their long-time teams for others, except that Bourque left to play for a Stanley Cup and Clemens left for more cash.

I still say that Payton and Malone will earn their rings if the Lakers win it all. They won't win it from the bench like Mitch Richmond did.

And there will be no asterisk.

 

[elindholm]

I guess it comes down to this question: Which is a greater accomplishment for a player during his career?

1. To be the leader of a team that is very good, but does not win a championship.

2. To be a role player on a championship team led by others.

I say (1), and Laker fans say (2). That's pretty much it.

 

[Joe Mama]

Originally posted by elindholm
I guess it comes down to this question: Which is a greater accomplishment for a player during his career?

1. To be the leader of a team that is very good, but does not win a championship.

2. To be a role player on a championship team led by others.

I say (1), and Laker fans say (2). That's pretty much it.

But both Gary Payton and Karl Malone will be 1 and 2 if the Lakers win a championship with them.

Joe Mama

 

[Renz]

Originally posted by elindholm
I guess it comes down to this question: Which is a greater accomplishment for a player during his career?

1. To be the leader of a team that is very good, but does not win a championship.

2. To be a role player on a championship team led by others.

I say (1), and Laker fans say (2). That's pretty much it.

Depends how you define "role player". To me it is a guy who comes off the bench to contribute a specialty like rebounding, scoring, defense etc. A role player isn't one of the four best players on the team, which Payton and Malone will be IMO.

 

[elindholm]

But both Gary Payton and Karl Malone will be 1 and 2 if the Lakers win a championship with them.

Right, but some people are saying that their championship with the Lakers will elevate Payton's and Malone's greatness. I disagree with that. You can't elevate your level of greatness by adding an additional accomplishment that's less impressive than what you've already done.

 

[thegrahamcrackr]

I agree with you eric in that it won't elevate their greatness, but it will add another acomplishment. They will not lead the team, but they will be last pieces to get them over the hump. As long as the lakers have shaq and kobe they will be contenders, but I don't know if anyone realistically expected them to go all the way. (Especially since if the lakers didnt get gp and karl, someone else in the west probably would have)

I think people are being a little ridiculous. Malone and GP will be a big part of the Lakers championship if it happens. No one in their right mind would complain if their favorite team got those two players for what the lakers did. (well maybe except Joe )

To me I see a lot of it as jealosy. Both the players have done enough in their careers that they deserve rings, they just were never able to get over the hump. Everyone knows that, but that doesnt change the fact that they still deserve the rings, and are willing to swallow their pride and hide their wallets to do it.

 

[elindholm]

As long as the lakers have shaq and kobe they will be contenders, but I don't know if anyone realistically expected them to go all the way.

I've already addressed this. I thought the Lakers were going to win next year's title anyway, and I said as much even before these signings were becoming reality. There is just too much at stake with television ratings, and the league already let a token team win "fairly" this time around. The only difference is that now the Lakers will win easily, even without help from the officials.

Payton and Malone are joining a sure thing, and it was a sure thing before they joined. That's why I won't consider them key parts of the championship roster. Now, if somewhere along the line Bryant and O'Neal falter, and either of the new additions steps up big to get them over the hump, I'll change my tune. But I don't see that happening -- it's pretty much going to be a steamroll all the way.