This is not Dwight related nor about the Lakers, our thoughts are on the victims and homeless among the families of OKC Thunder who have suffered massive devastation in Oklahoma City suburbs. We will remember your dead in our prayers and we grieve with you on this sad evening.
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EdwinG
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MongoSlade
Sooooo……
….do we sign Bynum to a 1 year deal now?
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KB Blitz says...
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LakerTom says...
He will still be too expensive for the Lakers even coming off a year of injuries.
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MongoSlade says...
lol…I forgot to activate the sarcasm font.
But it would at least be entertaining.
From the looks of things, next year could get ugly. -
EdwinG says...
Yup, he will extend his bowling tournament in Westchester.. Neighbors will sue him this time for his loud music. To this day, this guy hasn’t been grateful to the tutelage given by Cap. he earned a lot by giving a preview of what he can do, keep on selling “hope” that the monster will get well someday.
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PurpGoldsincediapers
Sometimes the truth hits hard. RT @steveblake5: Check this out Laker fans.Lol! twitter.com/SteveBlake5/st…
— Bill Sharman (@CoachSharman) May 17, 2013
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KB Blitz
Howard frustrated with D’Antoni
LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Lakers do not yet know Dwight Howard’s decision for next season, but the All-Star center made his feelings about Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni known before starting his offseason.
Nearly three weeks have passed since Howard had his exit interview with the Lakers and there’s been barely a peep out of Howard since.
While he hasn’t had anything to say to the press, Howard had a lot to say to Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak back before the relative silence, however.
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KB Blitz says...
I’m sure I gave Tom more Anti-Dwight ammunition though LOL.
But fair is fair. Not going to ignore legit articles whether I like them or not. Though this shows that almost the entire team was frustrated with D’Antoni, Dwight AND Pau especially.
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LakerTom says...
LOL, Blitz. I don’t doubt that Dwight is right now the best center in the NBA, especially defensively. However, he is not an efficient post up player and his free throwing is a huge negative that could take a team out of any game. If he re-signs with the Lakers, I will do as I have always done, which is give him my support and the benefit of the doubt. I’ve supported Dwight all season long but no more. He is not Lakers material.
However, the chances now are slim that he will want to wear purple and gold. Most professionals who seriously aspire to be the best at their craft, are not going to hesitate if offered a chance to play in the real big leagues -- LA and New York -- know that’s where you prove you’re the greatest. Dwight will thrive as a big fish in a small pond.
But frankly, I am not convinced that Dwight is the right fit for the Lakers. At 27, he reminds me of a spoiled teenager who is still immature and trying to find out who he really is and what he really wants. You could see Dwight struggle with the huge difference between his approach to the game and Kobe’s approach. Be it Worthy, Shaq, Magic. There are vexing questions about how serious Dwight is about winning.
It’s obvious that Dwight does not fit the mold of previous Lakers franchise players. I think he is going to run away anywhere other than the Lakers just to get away from the pressure. In the end, that may be best for him and the Lakers. He is just not cut out to wear the purple and gold if he still has doubts about playing for the Lakers.
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KB Blitz says...
Dwight wants to be a Laker. Everyone from Josh Smith to Hakeem spoke of how he wanted to be a Laker. That’s fact.
What he isn’t certain is the state of the TEAM. He got a coach whom clashed with other players especially the other post up guy. Kobe’s recovery is uncertain. Pau maybe traded. Clifford his dude from Orlando may not be with the team. There is so much UNCERTAINTY. That’s what he’s hesitating not because he hates purple and gold.
Kobe at one point considered wearing CLIPPER colors if Shaq didn’t go. He also considered going to Chicago because the team was a bunch CRAP in 2007. The difference? Kobe is under contract and Dwight isn’t. If Kobe was a free agent in 2007, heck good bye Mr. Bryant would have been the word then.
You don’t know Tom whether Dwight wants to be here. You simply threw a fit that he isn’t doing it this early. Why the hell should he? Kobe didn’t commit in 2004 until Shaq left.
Doing a double standard for Dwight. Hell you are in favor of blowing this team up so what does that say? That Dwight should stay in the midst of the rebuilding project? Kobe didn’t want that in 2007 and neither should ANYONE.
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tate793 says...
What I find humorous is how Dwight can be labeled as “not an efficient post up player” when yet his fg% was near the top. All the whining about getting the ball to Pau in his “sweet” spot, when nothing is said about getting the ball to Dwight in his “sweet” spot (a foot above the rim off to the side).
It is also interesting how all this talk about “immature teenager”, when both Kobe and Andrew were blatantly guilty of the same -- yet, the most dominant force in the league is being discounted, by some, as being “not Laker material”. Hell, there is no P & G awe outside of the awe created by those that donned the uniform. George Mikan, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt, Magic, Kareem, Shaq, Kobe, Worthy, among others made the Purple &
Gold (or Forum Blue & Gold or Sky Blue and White, depending on your vintage) what it is. It’s the man that makes the suit, not the suit that makes the man. It is individuals that make the team, not the other way around.Furthermore, no Laker “face” or “franchise” player has “looked like a previous one. Kobe/Shaq is as different from Magic/Kareem, as Magic was as different from West/Baylor. There are people that would look at Maurice Lucas, Jerome Kersey, Orlando Woolridge, Kermit Washington, Lamar Odom, Matt Barnes Metta World Peace, or anyone that didn’t fit their subjective and idealistic image of what they would like to see the team comprised of.
Lastly, the flag of Laker pride hasn’t only been flown by players, but also by FO personnel and coaches. No one has complete shown his @$$ to the tradition of excellence set forth by previous Laker coaches than Mike D;Antoni.
If you have the chutzpah to bring up Howard not being a “winner” then have equal disdain for Mr “Walk-out-on-PHO” and Mr “Walk-out-on-the-Knicks” and Mr “Run-these-tired-old-legs-into-the-ground-because-I’m-too-stubborn-and-proud-to-adjust-til-it’s-too-late” as well,
If Dwight were to say: “I won’t stay here if MDA is going to be the coach” and the FO chooses to retain MDA, then shame on them.
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KB Blitz says...
“. No one has complete shown his @$$ to the tradition of excellence set forth by previous Laker coaches than Mike D;Antoni.”
Randy Pfund, Mike Brown came before D’Antoni.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
“I think Dwight likes winning, he likes performing at a high level,” Kupchak said. “I think he’s fine with Mike D’Antoni, but I’m not really concerned if players like a coach, so I don’t ask that question. Our coaches are evaluated by wins and losses.”
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Stupid questions.
Effectively known as the Wally Walker/David Kahn questionnaire.
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KB Blitz says...
I was a bit surprised when Mitch said “Don’t ask that question”. More direct than he has been in the past.
The article does say that Dwight isn’t yet to the level of “Get D’Antoni out of here or I am gone 100%”. So that’s a plus I guess.
Still doesn’t change that Dwight as well as others weren’t exactly thrilling with Pringles. Hill was nervous from his time in New York, Jamison voiced frustration, so did Meeks and especially Pau. It isn’t surprising that Dwight did voice that but only adds that D’Antoni wasn’t the most welcoming hire.
And I find funny that Mitch Kupchak said they learned their lessons yet Mike Brown stands out most recently lol.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
1) Hill’s frustrations were put to rest after he waited for his opportunity. He played hard for 10 minutes, then 15, then 20.
He’s particularly efficient in 2 important offensive strategies 1) He’s one of the Ten best Offensive Rebounders in the NBA Pound for Pound, which means either a couple put-backs a game and 1-4 2nd chance opportunities 2) He particularly impressed D’Antoni with his pick and pop game from 15 ft. Shot over 50% off Pop shots. Makes it easier to keep him on the court when his shot can stretch the floor.
Jamison had obvious frustrations. But he’s gone next year, so forget that.
Meeks had legit beef and so did Pau. Meeks was in both guys doghouses this year. Pau’s beef has been documented and analyzed enough.
Mike Brown. LOL.
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63Footer says...
Meh -- this is one area where Kobe will actually have some small influence. If polled, Kobe will discuss D’Antoni and Kobe’s wanting of Pau around. The two may go hand-in-hand.
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EdwinG says...
Blitz, we have been saying this since Game 20, Lakers are losing because of no defense. Slow in transition because of those threes, long rebounds and easy fast breaks for opponents. I also see Dwight and Pau slow to get back to their positions, Kobe became lazy because of his injuries and “the switch mentality” that he just turns it on on the last quarter. Meeks too small not really a defensive guy in the beginning tho’ he played catch-up in the end, jamison and pau are also defensive liability, Antwant became old while Pau was a soft Euro. Nash and Blake were injured all season but they also can’t keep up with the nimble PG’s. The only defensive player with scissor hands is Peace but retarded slow. Must we state statistics that can be seen by a naked eye? In summary, it’s D’Antoni and what do you expect from a journeyman Coach who has been prodded by LakerTom and Jamie because he was anointed by the new Prince? Ask any Knicks fan and they will tell you what kind of Coach is Dantoni! Now we sound jilted in whining by Dwight’s move. Leave him alone but please remove the cancer in the Lakers organization, Phil for President and Mitch for GM while Jim stay in the background, this will be a different team even in the post Kobe era. To put D’Antoni on the pedestal and Jim Buss the head of the totem pole, we will have the same problem again and again.
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KB Blitz says...
We weren’t doing much under Mike Clown either another re-tread of a coach who was the extreme of D’Antoni: Bad adjustments and idiotic coaching.
Says so much about Jim Buss’s ability to find good head coaches so far. I don’t blame him for the contracts though. That is minimum for a head coach to ensure financial security.
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KB Blitz says...
To be fair to the Yay-D’Antoni crowd, someone made a good point to me (not telling who!)
Dwight may be frustrated at D’Antoni but he never set as a pre-cursor. In fact the last two times NBA teams have done this they haven’t went well.
Cleveland fired Mike Brown and hired B-Scott and Lebron still bailed to Miami.
Orlando fired Van Gundy and Dwight still didn’t like Vaughn nor Hinnegan.
Carmelo and D’Antoni clashed in New York but were laughing and cracking jokes in Las Vegas with Team USA even though D’Antoni never refuted he resigned because of Carmelo.
Fact of the matter is Dwight may be frustrated but not to the point of “either him or me” ….yet. Heck Gary Payton was frustrated at PJ for giving the ball to Kobe instead of him and regulating him to be a bystander. It happens
Again I’m not a D’Antoni dude. But until it’s certain that Dwight wants him out and there’s a suitable replacement better than a re-tread like Byron Scott not enough grounds to fire Pringles. Simply put Mitch is not going to overract and going to meet again with Dwight and D’Antoni. If Dwight wants Pringles out or D’Antoni still doesn’t plan for Dwight being a main option then Pringles gets his walking papers. Until then, D’Antoni stays.
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PurpGoldsincediapers
The Dwight Howard Effect as explained by @kirkgoldsberry -> youtu.be/WMnnp2_jX5c
— Numbers Never Lie (@ESPN_Numbers) May 20, 2013
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
The Paper itself is fascinating. This is just the meat and potatoes version.
Ironic, Sanders finished 7th in DPOY Voting. Ibaka was 3rd. Sanders not only had a better defensive rating than Ibaka, he also had a higher BPG per 36 minutes than Ibaka, 3.7 vs. 3.5 yet Ibaka got more votes because a) He plays in OKC and is surrounded by KD and Russ so anything he does defensively is amplified by the fans in a hyperbole-like fashion. b) Ibaka is a better one on one defender yet he still coasts on many possessions.
I like Serge, but Sanders had a better year.
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LakerTom says...
Successful Trade: Pau Gasol ($19.0M – 1 year) to Bucks for Larry Sanders ($2.0M -- 2 years), Ersan Ilyasova($7.0M -- 4 years), and Mbah a Moute ($4.8M – 2 years), and the Bucks first round draft pick for 2014. Lakers hire 63 to make them an offer they cannot refuse.
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PurpGoldsincediapers
Chandler Parsons switches to Dwight Howard’s agent to expand his ‘brand’ blog.chron.com/ultimaterocket… #rockets
— Reid Laymance (@ReidLaymance) May 20, 2013
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PurpGoldsincediapers
RT @ericpincus: Kupchak’s point was – IF Dwight is coming back – earlier is better – so team has more time to build the roster around him
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 20, 2013
@jrudolphsports Exactly. If Howard leaves the Lakers are in trouble — old expensive roster without good trade assets going forward.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 20, 2013
@jaycity814ah @jrudolphsports Lakers fans, LeBron is not coming in 2014. So what is your Plan B?
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 20, 2013
@lakerspassion @jrudolphsports Lakers would have 2014 cap space but be building from scratch. Not that easy even with money to burn.
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) May 20, 2013
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MongoSlade
Hmm….I wonder what would happen if I told my boss he needs to step aside?
Lakers are crazy if they restructure their entire hierarchy to please an employee.
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therealhtj says...
Depends on what kinda leverage said employee had. In this case, it ain’t happening.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
0% probability.
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KB Blitz says...
They didn’t do it for Kobe (replace Mitch with Jerry West).
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MongoSlade says...
No NBA player has that kinda leverage.
Not even Kobe in his prime.
Not Lebron right now. -
EdwinG says...
Not bad Mongo, they always do that during board meeting when the Chairman has no votes of confidence or you just won the power lotto. Move over, I’ll take the reign. They also do that during the Medieval years when the King becomes powerless, the dukes and relatives depose him.
Seriously, a lot of our blogmates here seemed to be hurt by Dwight’s sudden shift and Lakers are changing landscape. Well, this time Lakers were caught by CBA pivot on rules and Dr. Buss, the thinker just passed away. That is the sad part, our franchise is no longer cohesive and decisive like before. The children inherited a gargantuan family corporation, it is time to entrust the franchise to people who know basketball and also management. Secondly, We looked at Dwight as a franchise player, unfortunately he is not mature enough and not a true Laker. I saw his immaturity when he got his 6th foul during the last playoff game.Why belabor his departure, you are just giving too much importance on the fellow. Let’s move on and see how Lakers will be improved by moving the 19M, clearing cap space for 2014. Jim Buss, please let Mitch do his job just make your decision on how much are you willing to spend?
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PurpGoldsincediapers
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
“First of all, he doesn’t even know how to post up.” -- Charles Barkley
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KB Blitz says...
I’m surprised that they keep saying he should train with Kareem when the dude who refused to train with Kareem is in the same room lol.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
That was funny.
But honestly, all 3 of them made great points. It was hard to disagree with anything they said about Dwight and his situation right now.
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KB Blitz says...
I agree with Kenny that LA is the best opportunity for Dwight despite the state of the team. After all this will have major cap room in 2014 and he could pair with Lebron and be the man for the most prestigious brand in the NBA.
For Shaq? He only had one unique move and that was the drop step ala Black Tornado. He complains all these moves that Dwight doesn’t have but man did Tex go all out on his footwork.
And Charles? Can’t post up? He was the second in the league in posts ups. That’s what Dwight does. When Dwight became healthier, he looked more like the Orlando Dwight that could out play Andrew Bynum so consistently despite having a height disadvantage.
D12 simply needs to remain healthy as well as having a team that doesn’t start Darius Morris and Andrew Goudelock.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Blitz, that’s half correct. He did finish 2nd in post up touches to Al Jefferson. But look at his efficiency and true usage %.
For being 2nd in post touches, his efficiency is very languid and erratic. Swinging your arms laterally, putting your hands down.
I don’t get why Ewing taught him to post up defectively. SMH.
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KB Blitz says...
His % became much better in the playoffs. In the regular season it was skewed because of his health did not allow him to make the quick moves necessary to do the spin moves that playing in the post demands (isn’t just bulldozing the way, that’s the criticism Dwight got in 2009)
In the regular season Point per post up was .79. Horrible I agree. In the playoffs when he became healthier? .93 nearly tying Pau Gasol’s .97.
D12 is a good post player. He simply wasn’t ready at the first half of the season.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Hey thanks Blitz, I haven’t looked at the PO Numbers yet. Good to know that’s some improvement there.
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KB Blitz says...
My fault Sean. Synergy sports is inconsistent with their grading of posts ups. This is what it basically says:
-Dwight got 49% of all postups the Lakers ran. His production was .74 points per play when posting up. Synergy says its Below Average
Pau got 14.32 of all postups the Lakers ran. His production was .86 points per play when posting up. Synergy says its average production
Kobe nearly 23% of all postups the Lakers ran. His production was 1.05 points per play when posting up. Synergy says its GoodLets look at “Playoffs”
Dwight got 49% of all postups the Lakers ran. His production was .70 points per play. Synergy says even though his production dipped, compared to postups to the rest of the players in the playoffs his production was “Good”
Pau got 32% of all postsups the Lakers ran. His production was .96 points per play. Synergy said this was goodTheres been very little post play in the post season, Metta has a .50 points per play when it comes to postups and Synergy says that was “Good” in the playoffs
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EdwinG says...
Can Synergy statistics win a game? Too much reliance on statistics leads to paralysis. I trust my naked eye who has been watching games for the last 50 years. Dwight can improve his game but he is not there yet as of the moment. Dwight cannot survive in D’antoni’s playbook, slow in transition defense because they are asked to run like cheetahs. Maybe, Dwight could have stayed if Phil was the Coach because he could teach him some positioning and pivot moves, control his foul management and improve his FT%. He needs a teacher, maybe he prefers McHale than D’Antoni.
Having said that, why control the guy who wants to be happy and wanted to leave? Move on, protect the Laker brand.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
WHY WHY WHY Patrick Ewing taught him to post up with his hands down, I’ll never understand Blitz.
I’ll never understand that.
Kareem has to start from scratch with Dwight if they work together. He’s got to break him down and build him up again.
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KB Blitz says...
Because the Warrior (which was his name in New York) was a mid range dude who faced up and played more like a power forward.
Ewing wasn’t the post player that his contemporaries were. He could dunk but he was more effective going from high to low. Similar to Pau Gasol but with more athleticism to substitute for lack of skills in the post.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
I agree. His post game was mostly face-up.
But even Ewing got stripped when he put the ball down on his waist.
When he went back to the basket, rarely yes, his hands were up, always up. That’s what’s confusing.
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KB Blitz says...
Because Ewing had a great explosion in his prime. The quickness and agility to dunk made up for his lack of length.
When he didn’t get that no more as he went towards 30 he didn’t get the explosion and tried more post moves and because he wasn’t confident to dunk because of getting blocked more he put it low.
That’s how he got stripped more.
Habits die hard.
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63Footer says...
Shaq did it his way, and he was being talked to by some good people…but he was power and Kareem was finesse. If you’re a limited student, like Shaq, then you need less teachers. Other guys, like Kobe, can learn from many teachers…not Shaq.
I wish Shaq would mentor Dwight…that’d be cool. Ewing…was never that impressed with him compared to others. He’s a second tier great to me. If Wilt were still alive, he’d be the BEST mentor for Dwight both on court and off. They’d mesh, too, because Wilt didn’t take no shite, but he also understood “being your own man.”
Lot of good points in that video, and, for once, Shaq actually spoke from experience and not from trying too hard.
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LakerTom (admin)
Elgin Baylor believes it’s equally critical for Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol to return to Lakers sulia.com/my_thoughts/1c…
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) May 21, 2013
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63Footer says...
I wish Elg would come back to the fold, too. Not for any specific reason, but just to wash the Clipper taste out of my mouth on the GREATEST un-ringed player to ever lace up, and, arguably, the second greatest scorer of all time (tied with Kobe and MJ).
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PurpGoldsincediapers
NBA Draft Combine notes from last night: Lakers, Hawks may aim for lottery pick; McCullom, Porter, Muhammad, more. tinyurl.com/axngod9
— Sam Amico (@SamAmicoFSO) May 17, 2013
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KB Blitz says...
Interesting. Amico knows his s**t so this is more legit than usual.
Still has to happen though. The Lakers did try several times to move up in the draft but found no buyers. It will be interesting though if they can do it with $19 million expiring contract.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Hard to tell if the Pau for #2 pick was legit or not.
But dealing a Top 5 center for the #9 pick isn’t out of sight, not by a longshot.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Blitz, the Lakers know they’d have to barter with a team below the threshold. A pick, a young player and a contract is probably the price for Pau Gasol right now.
Is he worth that? For sure.
The 19 million is hard to swallow, but it’s only for 1 year.
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KB Blitz says...
Well that’s the only thing that is attractive: expiring contract.
But yeah like yo said you have to find a team that has cap space AND has reason to give up the pick.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
And realistically when it’s said we’re trying to get a Lottery Pick. That may be the case, but it’d be a LATE lottery pick somewhere in the 8--14 range.
Also forget Michael Carter-Williams.
There are guards to be had at the end of the lottery.
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KB Blitz says...
Well we’ll know who wins what tomorrow and see possible trading partners.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Minnesota at #9 is the likeliest deal if there’s one to be made. Minnesota is guard heavy, the Draft is deep with bigs at the top.
CJ McCollum, Victor Oladipo, Dennis Schroeder, Shabazz Muhammad are probably going to be there to take.
These guys don’t come along very often.
Given Minny’s lack of flexibility to retain Pekovic, who will get a nice pay day, the Wolves are stuck with Greg “I’m not Wilt Chamberlain according to Tommy Heinsohn” Stiemsma as their starting Center.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Or Was Spencer Hawes WIlt? And Stiemsma was Bill Russell. LOL.
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PurpGoldsincediapers
L.A. Lakers Devin Ebanks — SMASHED By Oblivious Driver in Nightclub Accident tmz.me/Z8KtAB
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 20, 2013
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PurpGoldsincediapers
RT @mhulicius: —> Dwight won’t be “demanding” anything… Lakers will present and he’ll either sign or walk.
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) May 20, 2013
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LakerTom says...
Dwight has already decided he doesn’t want to play for the Lakers. All he is doing now is setting the stage to leave for Texas. He is going to be booed by Lakers fans in 30 cities for his gutless bolting. This is the guy who is going to carry Kobe’s banner forward for us? LMAO.
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KB Blitz says...
Oh yeah where did you hear that?
Because he wasn’t going to make an early decision? Fail logic there Tom.
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LakerTom says...
The pitch was made when Dwight out on the purple and gold, saw the banners and jerseys in Staples, saw the greats honoring Dr. Buss. That was obviously not enough. My bet is that Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak are putting together alternative plans right now. They can read between the lines as well as we can. Dwight’s all but gone and good riddance.
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KB Blitz says...
Yeah and they were going to keep your boy Bynum too.
FO knows what they are doing. They are not thinking the same lines is either your or me when it comes to major decisions. Particularly about Dwight.
And they aren’t abandoning the ship like you did already for not just Dwight but for this team too!
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Mitch has been his usually Cool Hand Luke self. He didn’t get cold feet when Kobe started a Fire, I don’t think he will with Dwight either.
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KB Blitz says...
I admit I was a BIG critic of Mitch early on when he renounced Devean George as a free agent and making us use our mid-level to re-sign him. Of course that was an early GM mistake. Then I admit I was really on him especially in 2007 when the team made no progress outside of the first round.
But the moves he made even the small ones like Josh McRoberts, I’ve really learned to keep my mouth shut more than not.
Does he still make mistakes? Of course. Nobody’s perfect. But boy did made me get stuffed on a year supply of Crow ownage and while I will disagree with his moves at times, I won’t doubt him overall.
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KB Blitz says...
Jim Buss though is another story lol.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
100% agreed on that one.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
It’s a good sentiment to have with Mitch. For every Pau move, there’s a Luke or Sasha dunce in there.
But when the chips are down, he does his homework and rarely flinches at the first sign of a problem.
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PurpGoldsincediapers
Steve Nash told me Lakers were “a little bit doomed from the start,” talks Dwight’s future and playing w/ Kobe. cbsloc.al/10JZU0w
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) May 20, 2013
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PurpGoldsincediapers
@Tom
Hey we had a pretty good thread going there.
Does WordPress have the ability to extend a conversation further? Or do we have to start a new thread again?
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LakerTom says...
There is a limit so we’ll continue here. 54 comments on the thread.
Great conversation, guys. Good points on both sides of the coin.
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LakerTom says...
You don’t want to build your franchise around a guy who bolt for less money after seeing everything that the Lakers and Los Angeles have to offer, after playing with Kobe Bryant and sharing the stage during the Buss memorial with some of the greatest players in NBA history. In the end, Dwight obviously doesn’t get what being a Los Angeles Laker is all about.
The only reason Dwight is hesitant to sign with the Lakers is that he is afraid he will not be happy here. He is obviously afraid to re-sign here because of the pressure to follow in the footsteps of NBA greats, the pressure to be the man to lead the team to championship. Dwight is just not cut out for prime time. Even money is not enough to endure the constant pressure.
Choosing Dwight to be the next franchise player is like choosing the Anti-Kobe, a player who shirks responsibility and shrinks at the pressure of being the man. I may be wrong, but you don’t put the house on somebody who doesn’t want the responsibility. Dwight’s actions speak louder than any words. In a way, it’s better that he and we realize DH is not a good fit for the Lakers.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Astute point, Tom.
John Ireland whose around the team more than anybody in the media, had similar concerns. That Dwight just doesn’t get what wearing the Purp and Gold means. The LAKERS on the front.
And just like most of have said, this is the organization most guys are trying to get to. Some guys would kill to be a Laker through and through.
Dwight seems like he could care less about the Legendary shadows that encapsulate the Lakers organization.
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KB Blitz says...
Ireland is one of the most homers on 710. Only person to get respect should be Mychal Thompson. This was a guy who thought the Lakers would have an advantage over OKC in the 2012 playoffs because OKC was rusty after sweeping Dallas and Lakers going 7 games against games.
“Some guys would kill to be a Laker through and through.”
Name me who signed here to be a Laker. Solely to carry the franchise name.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Blitz, do you read my posts when they’re not related to a convo with you?
Do you know I have an aversion to Ireland’s homerisms as you mentioned.
C’mon Blitz, you need to start paying attention.
I’m one of Ireland’s biggest critics.
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KB Blitz says...
Sorry about that.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
It’s cool.
But on that point he was right. Even if he’s a homer. s**t, I thought Clipper Darrell carried the homer flag, but him and Ireland carry that one like Iwo Jima. lol.
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KB Blitz says...
“Dwight’s actions speak louder than any words.”
So Chris Paul is disrespecting the Clippers (I know you could care less for them but same example) because he hasn’t committed to them and like Dwight could bail to Houston or Dallas?
“He is obviously afraid to re-sign here because of the pressure to follow in the footsteps of NBA greats, the pressure to be the man to lead the team to championship. ”
Dirk did fine. Duncan did fine, Hakeem did fine. Lebron and Wade are doing fine.
Winning as Laker is cool but it’s not something that is sacred in the NBA.
“I may be wrong”
You were. Remember #17?
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Chris Paul never got grilled about his pending Free Agency, Blitz.
The Clippers success overshadowed Paul’s pending Free Agency.
Dwight on the other hand had to deal with a River of s**t this year, starting from the trade to the fallout of Mike Brown, to not meshing with D’Antoni and Kobe and finally the sweep.
Dwight was chopped up by the media regarding his pending FA and CP3 barely got a scratch on him from the media.
Talk about Double Standards Blitz, how about Ramona Shelburne and Arash Markazi, they both had balls to ask Howard repeatedly about his Free Agency, yet they barely touched the subject with Paul.
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KB Blitz says...
Exactly. They assumed Chris Paul is in a bigger market that he would be happy.
Now he’s in the same position as D12.
I agree. That’s double standard.
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LakerTom says...
LMAO, Blitz. Did you just favorably compare the Clippers franchise to the Lakers franchise? There are big reasons why CP3 might not want to remain with the Clippers, namely their horrible owner and demeaning history of being a mismanaged mess of a franchise. How could you even compare that to what Dr. Buss built with the Lakers? I can understand a dumb young player like Dwight not being impressed with the Lakers but an educated intelligent Lakers fan actually dipping into his bag of takes to compare CP3 turning down the Clippers with Dwight Howard turning down the Lakers? If Chris Paul bolts the Clippers it won’t be because he is afraid of the pressure and needs to run to some small market where the fans will be so stupidly grateful they’ll put up with him.
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KB Blitz says...
“There are big reasons why CP3 might not want to remain with the Clippers”
Because he keeps losing in the first round.
“How could you even compare that to what Dr. Buss built with the Lakers?”
New ownership.
Act like winning as a Laker someone else’s legend grows. Durant doesn’t need LA’s market nor 16 NBA titles to make his mark.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Hey Blitz, I’ll answer your question.
When you were shooting hoops with your kids and grandkids (??) not sure.
Anyway, did your kids say they wanted to be a Buck or a Pacer? HELL NO.
When your shooting that last shot, your a Laker or a Knick. Not even a Heat, dude.
So yeah, plenty of NBA Talent would give their left nut to play in Los Angeles for the Lakers.
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KB Blitz says...
I would rather be a Laker and a Pacer (was on that side of the Knicks-Pacers rivalry) than be a Celtic of course. But times are also changing. Sure LA has the prestige but that isn’t necessary for greatness. Oscar Robertson played in small cities and his legend is known. Wilt was a legend even before he came to LA.
Laker franchise is prestigious for sure. As much as Alabama is for college football. It’s not a necessary thing still.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Oh man, Blitz. I love Oscar, outside of Magic, that’s probably my favorite player, although Jerry West is climbing fast.
The saddest part about Oscar is that his Jersey is retired in Shitty Arco Arena.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Or Powersauce Bar Arena or Sleep Train to Sandman Arena, or whatever the hell that splinter in your a*s stadium is called.
Plywood are you kidding me? I’d like to shove a few splinters the Maloofs way. Except Adrienne, can’t do that to a lady.
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KB Blitz says...
Yup Oscar was a unique dude. Only one to average a triple double.
Would have love for him to be a Laker but already filled with West and Baylor. Glad he got his ring playing with Lew Acindor.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Oscar Vs. Lebron is the one matchup I’d pay to see.
30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game
Lebron may have the physical gifts Oscar didn’t have.
The head fake that led to driving layups. The ability to decide in mid-air whether to pass or shoot. The arsenal of shots that included a radar-like fadeaway jumper.
Lebron may have the athleticism and power advantage. But I wouldn’t count out Oscar’s creativity and grit.
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KB Blitz says...
Lebron has the height advantage as well as the size.
There was a reason why though Big O as a guard was one of the best if not the best in the low post.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Whatever Film there is on Oscar isn’t enough. The Archives seriously need to pried open.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Not to mention, no minority athlete ever stood beside Donald Sterling ever. That’s being missed in all this.
It’s not like Sterling has been at the forefront of minorities and success.
And If Elgin claimed what he claimed, I’m inclined to say a lot of that stuff does happen with Sterling. Maybe not the whole truth, but where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
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KB Blitz says...
Sterling is a racist a*****e for sure. But that didn’t stop Blake Griffin from signing an extension.
It would be more of the piss poor moves the Clippers has made for nearly their entire existence though that was the reason of their pitiful record than their owner.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Blake’s from Oklahoma City, one of the most racist cities in the world. So that wouldn’t deter Griffin from the money.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Their State Vegetable is Watermelon, Blitz. I s**t you not my friend. Watermelon.
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KB Blitz says...
Maybe that’s why Matt Kemp is struggling LOL.
But still Clippers has been terrible more for their pitiful records.
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Jamie Sweet says...
That’s a hard one to quantify because at one point Kobe wanted to leave when he felt he was being dissed. It’s turned out OK for him, I’d say. It’s hard for me to fault Dwight for taking his time with this decision, it’s huge because it will define his legacy, for the most part. Regardless of where he signs he’ll likely be there for some time (unless he truly never returns to form and what we saw at the end of last year is the best we’ll ever see and he gets traded everywhere like Marcus Camby) and he’ll be a cornerstone.
It’s important to remember that not everyone on planet Earth thinks of the Lakers as a ‘storied franchise’, quite a few see us as spoiled fans yearning for perfection at every moment, willing to spend anything for greatness, maniacal in our quest for banners
And while that may hold a few kernels of truth I do feel that what we as Laker fans (at least we folk round these parts) demand greatness we also are part of a family that is just holding itself accountable to a standard of excellence.
We’re nervous about the Buss Family Trust and it’s ability to maintain the empire bequeathed to them by Dr. Buss. We’re nervous about the choices that Jim and Mitch will make without at least the presence of Dr. Buss. We want to see Kobe go out on a great note but we don’t want to suffer through greatness becoming mediocre before our very eyes. Things are a bit unsettled in Laker land.
Dwight Howard could take a step forward. He could regain his primal athleticism and quickness that made him a feared entity for years. He could do what Tim Duncan has done, improve his free throw shooting over time and develop his game in ways Shaq never did. He could learn from Kobe. He could embrace who he could become as opposed to how he sees himself.
The only way we’ll know is if he stays. The only other place that makes sense to me is Houston where he’ll have a solid back up, a team that did just fine without him and that he would complete the triumvirate of talent that makes up a “Big 3″. If he goes to Dallas to chase one with Dirk…he’s a moron, even if CP3 comes, he’d be smarter to move across the hall to the Clippers if he wants to play with CP3 so bad.
I think he’ll stay, though. Should be interesting…
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Jamie Sweet says...
Sometimes I write long posts and see that someone said something along the same lines.
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PurpGoldsincediapers says...
Nah, that was good.
And I haven’t heard much chatter about the Trust either.
Dr.Buss said he thought the family would be out of the woods, with the exorbitant Inheritance Tax.
Though I’m not sure right now.
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EdwinG, 
MongoSlade, 
KB Blitz, 
tate793, 
PurpGoldsincediapers are discussing. 
63Footer, 
Maybe Will Bynum