LeBron and Beasley
2018 NBA free agency: Michael Beasley reportedly joins Lakers, reunites with LeBron James https://t.co/hwe2bOhkJF
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) July 20, 2018
Updates from keen observer Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts
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keen observer
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keen observer
Beasley vs. Melo
Beas is a solid signing for LA:
Carmelo Anthony’s per-36-minute averages in 2017-18:
18.2 points (40.4% shooting), 6.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 0.7 blocksMichael Beasley’s per-36-minute averages in 2017-18:
21.3 points (50.7% shooting), 9.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists & 0.9 blocks— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) July 20, 2018
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keen observer
The Perfect Fit!
Free agent forward Michael Beasley has agreed to a deal with the Lakers, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 20, 2018
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keen observer
He’s still only 29 and last season he did this:
22.3 mpg, 13.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 39.5% 3pt, 50.7% fg, 78% ft, 17.8 PER.
36 mpg extrapolate out to 21.3, 9.0.
There’s your veteran stretch 4 to back up Kuzma.
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
I like this signing. I mentioned last week that I wish we could get Beasley. Like Keen said, still young and he can stretch the floor. Just keep a close eye on him and the weed thing
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LakerTom (Publisher)
I’ve always loved his offensive game. I agree, Seely. Great addition.
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
He’s a great spark of the bench. In limited minutes, he can do some real damage. His defense ain’t stellar but he’s improved over the last couple of years I think.
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
And how crazy is the locker room gonna be lol. All the constellation of quirky characters in the NBA congregating there. Gonna be fun.
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DJ2KB24
You are way to young SI, but reminds of The Bronx Zoo, New York Yankees in late 70’s. LT will remember!
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
Lol, you’re right, Deej, I have no idea what you’re talking about.
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therealhtj
IDK if they have a team shrink, but it may be time to start looking for one.
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
Time to call Dr Santhi Periasamy, Metta World Peace’s psychotherapist. Paging Dr Periasamy.
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DJ2KB24
Yanks had a World Champ several years with some really quirky personalities. Graig Nettles (wrote the book, BALLS), Thurm Munson, Reggie Jackson (“I am the straw that stirs the drink”) as he stated just as signing with Yankees. Crazy days, but the won and won.
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DJ2KB24
Just bring Metta back as the locker room coach, lol! Love Metta!
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mclyne32 (Director)
Lol, htj!
I completely agree.
I can’t wait for all of the post game interviews. -
LakerTom (Publisher)
It will be on Luke to keep this crazy crew in line. LeBron will help immensely because all of those so called wild cards are guys who are tough and can play if motivated and in the right situation. We’re going to be the deepest team in the Association, Seely. LeBron has never been on a team with the kind of depth and versatility this team has.
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p ang
Dang, Rob and Magic are really John Madden and Al Davis.
Its going to be fun!
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keen observer
Kawhi “Update”
Spurs Plan On Reaching Out To Kawhi Leonard Once Trade Is Close https://t.co/Uv29sP9nCX
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 13, 2018
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LakerTom (Publisher)
From the above article:
Cris Carter has consistently been a source of reliable news on the Kawhi Leonard situation this year. Carter was represented by Mitch Frankel, who is also representing Leonard.
This week, there have been reports and speculation of a possible trade of Leonard to the Toronto Raptors.
“Nothing’s changed from Kawhi’s side from these standpoints: He still wants to go to Los Angeles, and he’s still not interested in being rented out for one season, so that being Philadelphia, Boston, Toronto or any other team,” said Carter on Friday. “The thing that we should know is San Antonio has been in contact with Kawhi and his people, and they’ve told them that if something was to get real, real close, we’ll reach out to you. Well, it’s in their best interest and smart to reach out to him, and typically the other team that’s involved in the trade would be granted permission to reach out to the player that’s being traded. None of those things happened yesterday.”Earlier in the week, Carter said Gregg Popovich gave Leonard the indication he would trade him.
“Kawhi, in meeting with Pop, Pop gave him every indication that he was going to trade him and he was going to try to make Kawhi happy,” Carter reported on Tuesday. “I never said that before, because I was holding it until now. So, all these discussions about Kawhi going to the East, I believe Popovich is trying to accommodate Kawhi and trying to please him.”
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Push come to shove, the Lakers would love a Kawhi and picks trade for Ingram. My guess is that’s now become the most they would give up. They’re not going to include Kuzma or Hart. Josh pretty much took care of that single handedly this summer.
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LakerTom (Publisher)
It’s kind of like a Wiggins for Love kind of deal.
Ingram has more upside than Wiggins.
Spurs may finally accept that and trade.-
John M.
And the Cavs got 1 BIG ring out of it, and they’re headed back to the lottery. Magic’s vision is grander than that.
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Michael H (Editor)
Aloha Tom,
While you can never say never there is no indication that the Lakers would “love” to trade Brandon for Kawhi. All the reports have actually said that the Lakers have been reluctant to include him in trade talks. Then when you consider that Lebron is high on BI and feels he will be an all star sooner then later I don’t believe we going to trade BI any time soon. Just based on last year, especially the 2nd half it’s not a stretch to see him at 20 6 and 5 this year. At only 20 years old I can see why Lebron and the Lakers want to hold onto him. Actually it appears Lebron is excited to play with this young group. I wouldn’t expect any trades until January at the earliest. And if they like what they see, they may choose to just try and sign a free agent Star next year.-
LakerTom (Publisher)
Just negotiating stances, Michael. As promising as Brandon is, if you can trade him straight up for a healthy Kawhi, you do it.
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John M.
Don’t hold your breath on that deal. Last we heard it was Brandon, Kyle, Josh, and picks and swaps for a who-knows-what-he-is Leonard.
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mud
no. YOU do it.
“healthy” includes mentally as well as physically. that guy is a mess.
if he’s on the Lakers, i’ll root for him, just like i rooted for Rodman.
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keen observer
Kawhi News
Kawhi to Toronto?
The Raptors are the current favorite to land Leonardhttps://t.co/w4aLdcVMZC pic.twitter.com/spHHQzWO5X
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 12, 2018
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keen observer
Good.
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havoc
yeah i heard this rumor a couple of days ago..i guess it will be a leonard for either lowry or derozan
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MongoSlade
Spurs might take a lesser deal than the Lakers offer to get Kawhi outta the west and hope that the new team can re-sign him and keep him out for the foreseeable future. Toronto might be a good city for Kawhi…but who really knows at this point?
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Magicman (Editor)
Not a good fit for him in TO. Won’t like it.
If the Spurs think grabbing Lowry or DeRozan is better than anything else, then it would spell doom.
Particularly because TO will give up OG or a pick, Not both.
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mud
awesome.
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keen observer
LeBron’s Potential Mini-Robin?
Josh Hart was terrific as a catch-and-shooter last year. Now, with LeBron James creating easy looks, how good can Hart be as a sophomore? @BryanKalbrosky on how Hart may complement LeBron well (and how Hart is already impressing LeBron in summer league): https://t.co/bY0PvrJjvq
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 11, 2018
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
Josh Hart could be the best 2 way player on the team but I think BI will end up the Robin in this relationship. JH will be more like Green Arrow.
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p ang
Making Rondo Batman? You know, the grumpy guy with no super powers but his intellect.
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GDUBinDC
Ain’t lookin’ for no mythical superheroes, just guys who go out a ball hard every night.
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John M.
It’d be something to watch ’em play in the those capes and tights and funny little masks, tho…
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GDUBinDC
LOL, JM. : D
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John M.
: D
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LakerTom (Publisher)
You can’t win in the NBA without superheroes, GDIUB, eh, I mean superstars. :-)
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GDUBinDC
The Cs almost made it to the finals without one.
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mud
how does one achieve that title? especially as a young player?
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GDUBinDC
Ur guess is as good as mine.
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mud
people want a NAME, but it’s just as good if a kid becomes a name as if a name is brought in. good play is good play, regardless of hero worship.
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keen observer
Our Modern Day Artest Has Signed!
OFFICIAL: Lakers Sign Lance Stephenson
Welcome, @StephensonLance! pic.twitter.com/SNuhfbAvZb
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) July 10, 2018
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Michael H (Editor)
That might be it for any trades for Kawhi at least until the trade deadline. Without moving Deng they would need to have both BI and Zo included. Don’t see that happening.
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Lance is the room exception, Michael. We can still w&s Deng to make Kawhi trade
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Michael H (Editor)
No they didn’t sign him with the room. They decided to go with cap space. They still have the room exception available.
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Michael H (Editor)
They used the left over cap space on Svi.
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Not sure why they would do that since it unnecessarily eliminates a trade for Kawhi this summer without trading Deng. They must have decided to wait for next year on him period.
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keen observer
Svi for 3!
Sources: The Los Angeles Lakers and No. 47 overall pick Svi Mykhailiuk are finalizing a three-year, $4.6M rookie deal. Deal includes team option.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2018
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keen observer
Grrrr … Jerry West! Next!!
Luc Mbah A Moute Agrees Upon One-Year Deal With Clippers https://t.co/8YA0OLefpI
— RealGM (@RealGM) July 9, 2018
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DJ2KB24
The Logo didn’t get the biggest fish in the pond though, Magic did! Love The Logo though.
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
Ehhhh, no biggie. I’m more bummed about Brook.
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DJ2KB24
I was kinda hoping the our SB starters would have been: LBJ. Randle, Ball, Kuz and Ingy.
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p ang
Ditto. Front Office seems to dislike the bigs: Randle, Bryant, Frye and Brook.
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MongoSlade
Played 80 games for the Clipps a year ago; Doc knows what kinda player he’s getting. Big loss for the Rockets defensively after losing Ariza as well….
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keen observer
Luc M’Bah A Moute
Could Luc Mbah a Moute be the Lakers’ final roster addition? https://t.co/b5hKngVagI
— TV's Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) July 9, 2018
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keen observer
Assuming that Kawhi or other behind the scenes deals aren’t coming to fruition, this would be a nice play for small ball purposes. He fits the Magic Johnson vision of versatility and switchability.
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Everybody keeps saying we need shooters and Magic and Rob keep adding playmakers and defenders. What most forget is that these guys getting added are reserves and we took care of the bench shooting with our two draft picks. I agree with you, Keen, that Luc would be a great addition to the roster. I like him much better than Melo or Fry. He’s the kind of player for whom I’d waive Zubac to create space.
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keen observer
See I’m a big fan of Ivica Zubac and I agree wholeheartedly with keeping him over Thomas Bryant. Regardless, Mbah A Moute shot 36.8% from downtown and is one of the better versatile defenders at 6’8″ and obviously has gotten stronger with age. He’ll be 32 in September and would fill another veteran spot. The other guy I like is Montrezl Harrell, but he’s a RFA, so getting him for one year is not an option. Dante Cunningham is still out there and might be a fall back guy. BTW, this notion that we don’t have or that we need “shooters” is a bit overstated. Mychal Thompson thinks it is ridiculous. I like the vision that Magic has to “crack the [Warriors] code, ” as Rajon Rondo put it. Versatilty; switchability, combined with a transition and half court offense that are both efficient.
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
Me too, he’s a solid dude who knows his role and plays it well enough. Not the fastest or the most athletic, to be sure. I’m hoping we see some improved play from him this season, should he still be on the team.
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keen observer
I keep saying that Marc Gasol didn’t play in the NBA until he was 24. Ivica is still only 21 and possesses a similar skill set. Like Gasol and all the others, he will eventually step out past the 3 point line, too. He will also learn how to defend the post, alter shots and protect the rim a lot better as he matures. As for Thomas Bryant, something tells me that this was a Magic Johnson decision. Considering what they have done since taking over the front office, there is no reason not to trust the moves they have made. It will be fascinating to watch it unfold on the basketball court!
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Michael H (Editor)
If we sign Luc I’m thinking that’s it for trade talks until at least the trade deadline. As for shooting he’s respectable from 3. Besides we have guys who can shoot. BI, Kuz, KCP, Hart and the rookies all can shoot.
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keen observer
So can LeBron James. For some reason we keep forgetting about him. :)
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
Yup, and I feel like he’s already good at holding his position in the paint and using verticality. Just needs to find a little more range on defense and get some reps in.
The Thomas Bryant saga would have been a lot less of a saga had there been no hype session by Rob. Maybe it was to generate interest in the hope of using him to off load Deng’s deal, who knows…
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keen observer
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mclyne32 (Director)
Que?
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keen observer
An Evolving Plan
When LeBron James & Magic Johnson met last weekend they plotted a new course for his career. The Lakers roster moves this week are the beginning of those changes (w/ @ramonashelburne): https://t.co/LeGc46lYYp
— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) July 5, 2018
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
Interesting article by Windhorst, considering he was one of the first analysts to throw his hands in the air and proclaim, “What are the Lakers thinking?!!!”
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keen observer
Brian Windhorst has been covering LeBron for a long time. He was noticeably upset when I saw him on ESPN following the signing. It was now a reality to him, which explains his initial “thinking,” which was much more an emotional response IMO. He has now returned to being a rational human being.
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NBA4ever
This is a great article explaining the strategy. I too have now returned to being a rational human being :)
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
I was worried at first when I saw Windhorst’s reaction. Could he be right? Now I’m more assured that the Lakers do know what they’re doing? Scoot over NBA4ever, I’m taking that seat next to you on the rational human being bench.
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mclyne32 (Director)
I know Cowherd is a blowhard, but he had very good insight, or knowledge, into the reason behind these signings: LeBron looked around at the existing squad and told Magic that he wanted some players with some “dog in ’em. Players who are tough- one’s that won’t back down from any challenge and aren’t afraid to shut down anyone opponent.”
This makes a lot of sense to me because our core is talented, but they are still babies. We now have a good blend of youth/finesse and veterans/toughness. Yes, we are still missing a second star needed to take us over the top, but I like the direction Magic, Rob, and LeBron are headed in.-
LakerTom (Publisher)
Good points, Matt. Let me add another. We’re not done yet and we needed all those midsize expiring contracts to match salaries at the trade deadline. Those one year deals aren’t just for next summer. The Lakers would like to move several of them at the trade deadline to bring in superstars and more shooting. Bottom line, everybody other than LeBron is basically auditioning to remain with the team after the trade deadline.
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mclyne32 (Director)
Yeah, maybe Portland gives Lillard and CJ up to the trading deadline and then trade Lillard at the deadline.
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LakerTom (Publisher)
If we don’t trade for Kawhi and don’t W&S Deng, this trade is going to be the template we take into the trading deadline for disappointing teams who need to reboot, like the:
1. Spurs and Kawhi
2. Blazers and Dame
3. Wizards and Wall
4. Raptors and DeRozan
5. Wolves and Butler
6. Hornets and Kemba
7. Klay and Warrriors
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Magicman (Editor)
Rondo isn’t interested in a Rap career, so, I’m confident is saying he’s old enough, to be able to concentrate solely on Basketball.
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mclyne32 (Director)
Zing!
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LakerTom (Publisher)
What’s really encouraging about this article is LeBron’s insight in NOT wanting another team like he had with the Cavs last season, where all he had were shooters. That’s become the static formula in the league. Surround your superstars with shooters. While you have to have shooters in today’s game, you can’t win unless you also have basketball smarts, playmaking, rebounding, and defense. Those are traits that the young Lakers have in spades and that LeBron needs as he enters the last prime years of his career.
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keen observer
Well, Well, Well ….
Sources close to Anthony Davis have confirmed to me that he was neither aware nor consulted on the progress or deteriation of contract talks between the Pelicans and Rajon Rondo and that he wasn’t pleased. How this impacts his relationship with management remains to be seen.
— David M. Grubb (@DMGrubb) July 4, 2018
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keen observer
A Brook Lopez Rumor!
With about $5.8M left in cap space, Brook Lopez reportedly ‘good bet’ to re-sign.https://t.co/C8Lt8qBvx6 pic.twitter.com/AwdwDKQefo
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) July 4, 2018
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keen observer
Thank the Basketball Gods
Dwight Howard expected to sign one-year deal with Wizards once he clears waivers, per @JaredWeissNBA pic.twitter.com/dh2PnBvyGY
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 3, 2018
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keen observer
For the tax MLE. Great to see more money flying off the table!
P.S.- I apologize in advance to anyone who takes offense to the term “basketball gods.” It is purely a well known, often used figure of speech that as far as I know has never created any controversy in the social media or elsewhere.
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Thank you, Basketball Gods!
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keen observer
You have to admit that it is hilarious that Dwight Howard is succeeding Marcin Gortat as the Bullets’ starting center for half the money. LOL!
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p ang
Never heard of a HoFr who got waived. Guess there goes his chance.
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NBA4ever
Nah he’s a lock:
An eight-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA Team honoree, five-time All-Defensive member, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year. Olympic Gold MedalHe’s a clown but he’s HOF
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keen observer and 
mclyne32 (Director), 
DJ2KB24, and 4 others are discussing. 
mud, 
John M., 
Magicman (Editor), 
MongoSlade, and 2 others are discussing. 
GDUBinDC, 
Michael H (Editor) are discussing. 
p ang, 
Seely_Iggy (Director), and 3 others are discussing. 
NBA4ever, 
LakerTom (Publisher) 7:10 PM on July 20, 2018 Permalink | Log in to Reply
This is a very talented and deep roster!
Have to give Magic and Rob kudos.
I love their grand plan and execution.
I’m ready to go to battle with this team.
STARTERS
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PG: Lonzo
SG: KCP
SF: Ingram
PF: LeBron
CE: McGee
FINISHERS
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PG: Lonzo
SG: Hart,
SF: Ingram
PF: Kuzma
CE: LeBron
ROSTER
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PG: Lonzo, Rondo, Bonga
SG: KCP, Hart, Lance
SF: Ingram, Svi, Deng
PF: LeBron, Kuzma, Beasley
CE: McGee, Ivica, Wagner
Now if we could get rid of Deng…
keen observer 8:12 PM on July 20, 2018 Permalink | Log in to Reply
The way I see it is during the regular season, minutes will go more heavily to guys like Kuzma, Ingram, Lonzo, KCP and Hart (and LeBron, of course), but come playoff time, we’ll see more minutes from our veteran players, whose legs will be fresh barring regular season injuries to our young players. Deep is right!