Lakers

[smokymountainrain]

Ha, that is funny actually. Like telling a billionaire that everything will be ok.

I get what you are saying but to me this is the beginning of the end. You are right that it isn't THE E.N.D. (the energy never dies in LA) but this team will only get older.

I think they will be viable but not championship worthy. Let's be honest, they are getting outplayed by a scrubby Dallas team.

What would you suggest? If you were Mitch, what is your move this offseason? And wtf is up with Pow lately?

If I'm Kupchak, I find an above average PG and I go get some shooters. It's a tough question to answer because I haven't done my homework in terms of who is out there in free agency, who might be available via trade or who the Lakers could conceivably trade, but that's what they need.

Maybe you trade up to get Jimmer and he solves both problems.

If they can realistically get Howard as you keep talking about, losing only one of the big 4, that's obviously the right move. I will say, if were a Laker fan, I'd be very worried about trading away Bynum. I've said it for a few years now, and nothing has changed, he has a chance to be special. He's bigger and more gifted offensively than Howard.

In terms of trade value...I'd say 1) Kobe, 2) Bynum, 3) Pau, 4) Odom. And if they lose this series, none is untouchable. You'd hate to trade Kobe, but if you could get a good 2 and a good PG (one of the two being all-star caliber, the other being above average)out of him, maybe you have to do it. Ultimately, I think a team with 3 all-stars should be careful not to panic, however.

Pau's problem is confidence. He has none right now.

[Flystripper]

You may be right. I think the NBA has just lost its luster, at least for me anyways. Anymore, about the only time I watch any games is during the playoffs. Not sure what it is. I think it is because the league has become so player focused instead of team focused. Maybe it has always been about the player and I was just too blind to see it. Maybe it is because there are no really good rivalries any more like Lakers/Celtics or Bulls/Pistons etc... Sure those teams still play each other, but it isnt the same.

The NBA is in a renaissance. It is as good as it has ever been right now. There are "Heated" rivalries and fantastic young players that are incredibly likable. If you ever truly liked the NBA, then I don't see how it is possible to not enjoy what is going on right now in the league...ignoring the Lakers losing of course

[smokymountainrain]

The NBA is in a renaissance. It is as good as it has ever been right now. There are "Heated" rivalries and fantastic young players that are incredibly likable. If you ever truly liked the NBA, then I don't see how it is possible to not enjoy what is going on right now in the league...ignoring the Lakers losing of course

Agreed. IMO, most who say they don't like the NBA anymore (and who once did), don't like it because they haven't given it a chance in recent years.

[TripletDaddy]

Sad news, laker fans. Kobe has just been diagnosed with "sick in the head, crazy, and thrown off" disease.

[Surfah]

Sad news, laker fans. Kobe has just been diagnosed with "sick in the head, crazy, and thrown off" disease.

Yeah.

Well it's going to be an interesting summer. And I'll get to sleep at a halfway decent hour and maybe be motivated to wake up and workout in the morning since that ain't happening right now on 4 hours sleep.

Unless they bring in DHoward and someone else I am not sure Jax stays. I thought if they win this year and swap Drew with Dwight he'd be a lock to sign on for one more run at 4 in a row. But now that seems unlikely.

This teams needs some shooting and a PG in the worst way. We also need Pau to visit with Artest's shrink because he's a headcase right now. Pretty funny last night that Van Gundy and Jackson were talking about Jax ripping Pau like he used to tear into Ho Grant.

I like Bynum but his health can't be depended on. Like SMR I think he could be special. I think he could be a star. But he'll never be a superstar on Dwight's level even if he managed to play 82 games a year for the rest of his career. And the Lakers need that kind of cache. Buss needs it. The fans need it.

Fisher needs to retire. He'll always be 0.4 in my heart but he's got to hang it up. Kobe too. It's been a hell of a run and I have loved watching him play more than any other player save Magic. 7 Finals. 5 rings. You'll get your statue son. And it is well deserved. But I don't know that we can move Kobe with his contract. What needs to happen is a shift in the offense with him. He has the tools to be an incredible facilitator and can still bail a team out when the shot clock goes down or they need an iso play. But he can't do it over the course of 48 minutes anymore. But that's not going to happen because his ego won't allow it and he'll have just enough brilliant moments to keep thinking he can.

What really needs strengthening is our bench. We have no shooters. The offense has been complete shit with the second unit. LO should be taking over and he and Bynum should run that show. But instead Shannon is dribbling for 15 seconds and jacking up 3's when the shot clock is down.

Anyway, we'll be back. The best part about being a Lakers fan is knowing that this is cyclical. I love having an owner and front office committed to winning. They'll do whatever it takes.

[Tone Loc]

Why do you laker fans keep saying 7 finals 5 titles for Kobe? Just say 5 titles the 7 finals thing is lame. You sound like ute fans all excited about a 2nd place finish. When was the last time a true champion listed his failures as accomplishments. It just shows he didnt get it done all the time unlike MJ. 5 titles sounds awesome all by itself.

[TripletDaddy]

Why do you laker fans keep saying 7 finals 5 titles for Kobe? Just say 5 titles the 7 finals thing is lame. You sound like ute fans all excited about a 2nd place finish. When was the last time a true champion listed his failures as accomplishments. It just shows he didnt get it done all the time unlike MJ. 5 titles sounds awesome all by itself.

Thank you for your submission. Your suggestion is denied but please feel free to continue to read the Lakers thread.

[LA Ute]

Why do you laker fans keep saying 7 finals 5 titles for Kobe? Just say 5 titles the 7 finals thing is lame. You sound like ute fans all excited about a 2nd place finish. When was the last time a true champion listed his failures as accomplishments. It just shows he didnt get it done all the time unlike MJ. 5 titles sounds awesome all by itself.

[il Padrino Ute]

When the Lakers lose, the Almighty is happy.

[il Padrino Ute]

Why do you laker fans keep saying 7 finals 5 titles for Kobe? Just say 5 titles the 7 finals thing is lame. You sound like ute fans all excited about a 2nd place finish. When was the last time a true champion listed his failures as accomplishments. It just shows he didnt get it done all the time unlike MJ. 5 titles sounds awesome all by itself.

Ummm....

Jordan the push-off won 6 titles.

[LA Ute]

When the Lakers lose, the Almighty is happy.

I just want you to know that I forgive you.

[TripletDaddy]

I just want you to know that I forgive you.

[Blueintheface]

Biggest surprise for this non-Lakers fan has been how awful Steve Blake has been. Guy seemed to mesh early but has been dreadful lately. As was mentioned, find a good PG to play with Dwight and the transition should be a smooth one. Finding the next Kobe will be the hard part.

[il Padrino Ute]

I just want you to know that I forgive you.

Forgive me? For bearing the truth?

[LA Ute]

Forgive me? For bearing the truth?

Stop playing innocent and just accept your pardon graciously.