There was a shooting contest happening that involved LeBron, Rondo, KCP, Svi, Brian Shaw and Miles Simon. Lots of laughter, very light hearted. The bigs were having their own shooting contest on another court. The atmosphere at Lakers shootaround is pretty light.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) January 29, 2019
Updates from keen observer Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts
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keen observer
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keen observer
Yahoo Sources: Lakers and Knicks preparing an offer to Pelicans for star Anthony Davis and why Celtics aren’t a desired preference. https://t.co/f47Afbh3d0
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 28, 2019
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mclyne32 (Director)
From Mason and Ireland this morning:
According to everyone with ties to the Celtics, including Bill Simmons, Boston will not be offering Tatum in a potential trade for AD this summer. -
mclyne32 (Director)
Who do the Knicks have to offer that would come close to what we have?
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
Porzingis.
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Magic Phil
Dam…
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Magicman (Editor)
No guarantees those pinballs get you Zion or RJ.
Outside of those two, this is a watered down draft for immediate impact.
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mclyne32 (Director)
Yup.
I know we as Laker fans always over value our own guys, but the way I look at it, we have the most promising young talent, unless the Celtics change their mind and offer Tatum and Brown plus picks.-
Magicman (Editor)
If they’re not even gonna entertain trading Tatum, now, makes a less complicated scenario.
Ainge is risk averse and lacks testicular fortitude. :)
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mclyne32 (Director)
LOL!!!!
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
Zang.
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MongoSlade
Somebody pointed out how the Celts got all those picks from the Nets and only lead them by 3 games right now..lol
But according to this piece, AD isn’t interested in the Celts? Did I read that correctly? That might be the biggest takeaway in this whole thing..if true.
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Magicman (Editor)
I read it the same way.
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keen observer
LOL!
Kevin Durant reveals his free agency plan: 'Make sure I get as much money as I can'https://t.co/a4PecEGETR pic.twitter.com/pI4MYL2HQI
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) January 2, 2019
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keen observer
Thomas Bryant Goes Off!
The Wizards might have found a hidden gem
Thomas Bryant goes off for 31 PTS on a PERFECT 14/14 outing in 3OT win over the Suns 💪 pic.twitter.com/N1X7MfxGHJ
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) December 23, 2018
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Michael H (Editor)
This makes me sad. While Magic and Rob has done a great job. Their pursuit of sacred cap space has been flawed. They traded Dlo to clear two max slots. But what if they hadn’t made that trade. We more then likely we would still have Kuz. And perhaps even Hart if he slipped into the 2nd and we bought a pick like we did with Bonga. Dlo is developing into a very good player. He could very well turn into and all star. They wanted the cap space for PG. and if he wanted to come I doubt OKC would have turned down a sign and trade if they were getting a player like Dlo back. Even if they did, someone would have made that trade.
Next we let Randle and Bryant walk for nothing. With the tight money market last summer it wasn’t going to cost us much. And again if we needed cap space young players on reasonable contracts would not have been hard to trade. And three more promising players for a trade for AD. I just think about how good this team might be if we added Dlo and Randle too it. The Lakers have gotten most of their stars in trades. I hope Magic remembers that in the future.
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mclyne32 (Director)
I’m still bummed about how they handled the Randle situation.
As for Bryant, I won’t be too upset if we land AD and have JaVale as our backup.
I was never a big DLO fan because he’s a one dimensional player.
Also, what if Zubac continues to develop with McGee being out. Obviously, our FO chose him over Bryant for a reason and I’m going to trust them on this one.-
Seely_Iggy (Director)
Agree with you on all these. I like both Dlo and Randle and it’s a bummer we let them go. I am especially fond of Randle and feel the Lakers did not treat him right after all the effort he put in. Worst if they turn out to be the stars and not our current crop of young players we chose to keep. Zubac vs Thomas. I think I would keep Zu because you can’t teach size and if he keeps up his current play then definitely it’d be a no brainer.
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Aloha, Michael,
Watching Thomas Bryant star for the Wizards is definitely frustrating, especially since they let him go for nothing except for cap space that they never really used. The fact that Zubac played well on Friday when he got his first start in over two year takes away some of that pain but even if Ivica continues to play well, there’s zero chance he will be on the team next year. He’ll be jetisoned just like Bryant was as part of maintaining cap space for the long shot of stealing KD from the Dubs. Everybody loves swinging for the fences when you connect but sometimes choking up and getting a critical base hit be it a single, double, or triple might be a smarter option.
The Randle situation was clearly a mistake. Had we given Julius that second option year, it would have cost nothing because he is obviously going to decline it and become a UFA. Even if he hadn’t, he could probably have been traded for late first round pick or pair of seconds. Randle on an expiring $9 million contract could have easily been moved had we needed the cap space for a second superstar. Sometimes, teams just get too smart for school. That’s my opinion of letting Julius Randle walk. I continue to look for crazy ways to get him back. The ultimate irony would trading our other four young players to the Pelicans for AD. New Orleans would become the 2015 Lakers.
One of the problems I see with our strategy right now is that we won’t trade any of our young players or take back anything but expiring contracts because we want to pursue KD, Kawhi, and Klay AND we won’t trade any of our draft picks becase we want to pursue a trade for AD. This might have made good sense before the start of the season when we felt there was no way we could seriously compete for a championship in year 1 of LeBron’s contract. The way things have gone so far, however, the Lakers may be foolishly sacrificing the first year of LeBron’s contract when we actually could have made moves right now to be in position to win it all.
I’m not one who bemoans missed opportunities because every fork in the road ultimately will lead to a new universe of opportunties, some of which might unexpectly be franchise defining moves. One such example is trading D’Angelo, whom I loved as a Laker and played with an edge I liked. While we never got to use the cap space we got by trading Russell and Mozgov for Brook and the #27 pick, it’s hard to argue that landing Kuzma was a stroke of good fortune, especially when you consider what a perfect fit he is on the Lakers with LeBron. Not trading for PG may end up with us getting KD, Kawhi, or Klay. Missing on them could lead to us getting AD. Fate’s fickle and hard to predict. All you can do is place your bet and be ready to react to the new opportunities that appear.
Personally, I don’t think we need two additional superstars to be a legitimate champioinship contender. All we need is a second top-ten superstar via free agency. That’s why I wouldn’t trade any of the kids at this point in time, unless it was for that second top-ten superstar. Shoot to sign KD, Kawhi, or Klay this summer and if we fail, then kick the can to AD and the summer of 2020. Lakers right now only have an inkling of how good they could be in 2 years once their young guns really start to play at a superstar level. The way the front office has been drafting, I would be hesitant to trade away our first round picks. And the upside offered by Lonzo, Brandon, Kyle, and Josh is just too great to throw away before finding out how far we can go with LeBron and them.
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keen observer
Why would the Lakers want to help them?
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope trade rumors: Lakers guard is Rockets top targethttps://t.co/Jnhl6q5LKx
— CBS Sports NBA (@CBSSportsNBA) December 19, 2018
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Magicman (Editor)
Unprotected 1st.
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mclyne32 (Director)
Yup.
The larger picture involves what the Pels would want.
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keen observer
Great Lakers Fan, Penny Marshall, Dead at 75
BREAKING: Iconic actress/director Penny Marshall died last night in Los Angeles at age 75, sources told the Daily News. "Our family is heartbroken," the family said in a statement. "She was a comedic natural with a photographic memory and an instinct for slapstick." RIP
— NancyDillonNYDN (@NancyDillonNYDN) December 18, 2018
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keen observer
RIP to a great actress and director .. a fixture at The Forum and Staples Center.
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DJ2KB24
: (
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Magicman (Editor)
Diabetes sucks!
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
RIP, Penny, you got the best seat in the house now.
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keen observer
Nate Silver’s NBA Stats
Hey folks, we now have updated depth charts and projections for every NBA team, which are updated for injuries and player absences. We think these are pretty cool! –> https://t.co/YmTGcmyTEs pic.twitter.com/fDa8yQujbp
— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) December 18, 2018
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keen observer
Lakers have a 70% chance of making the playoffs. Less than 1% chance of winning the championship.
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Magicman (Editor)
Nate Silver might be the worst prognosticator in America.
Didn’t even have Trump winning the Republican Nominee.
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keen observer
You are so wrong about him. So wrong.
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Magicman (Editor)
He’s a hack.
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keen observer
Au contraire. Without getting into specifics, he came closer than anyone else with respect to the 2016 election. He’s a genius, not a hack.
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keen observer
And there it is .. Robert Saver is dead to me
Phoenix is sending Trevor Ariza to Washington for Kelly Oubre and Austin Rivers, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/iKcSXaYCbA
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 15, 2018
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keen observer
Dead deal .. for now
The deal is dead, league source tells ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
Wrong Booker! lol.
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keen observer
Why? What a D-Bag!
Suns owner Robert Sarver was "adamant" about keeping Trevor Ariza from joining the Lakers. https://t.co/49cCYo5Jrk pic.twitter.com/O3j81rNla1
— Silver Screen & Roll (@LakersSBN) December 15, 2018
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Magicman (Editor)
Fool me once…F that guy.
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keen observer
He’s much worse than Dan Gilbert.
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NBA4ever
Funny because the rumor is Washington is trying to acquire Ariza to package with Wall or Beal to the Lakers.
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keen observer
Proving once again that rumors are just rumors ..
The Washington Wizards are in advanced talks on a deal to acquire Phoenix forward Trevor Ariza, league sources tell ESPN. Teams trying to finalize a multi-team trade tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
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keen observer
As part of a three-team deal nearing completion: Ariza to the Wizards, Kelly Oubre to the Memphis Grizzlies and Austin Rivers and two Grizzlies role players to Suns, league sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/1EmRCHrjOP— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
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Magicman (Editor)
Oubre to Grizz sneaky good pickup.
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keen observer
Yep.
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DJ2KB24
I agree with what you said earlier about Zo’s shooting. Had all summer to work that out. Number 2 pick. That’s a shame for us and him. He was 0-6 from 3, perhaps just don’t shoot the 3.
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keen observer
Please cut this sh!t out. It’s just too amateurish.
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keen observer
Hmmmm ….
The Washington Wizards are in advanced talks on a deal to acquire Phoenix forward Trevor Ariza, league sources tell ESPN. Teams trying to finalize a multi-team trade tonight.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 15, 2018
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keen observer
Mr. McLyne’s Hopes Are Dashed!
Lakers won’t surrender Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kyzma or Josh Hart to Suns for Trevor Ariza, source. Suns turned down a 3-team proposal, source. And 2 sources confirmed Rockets called Lakers 2 weeks ago about trading for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. No deal is imminent.
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) December 12, 2018
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mclyne32 (Director)
Bawhahahaaaaa
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Just posturing. Ariza deal will still get done. Just need a third team to take KCP for a first.
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
I am of the opinion that we don’t need to do much of anything the rest of this year.
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Seely_Iggy (Director)
I’m with ya, Jamie. Definitely don’t want to hand over anyone of our kids for 33-year-old Ariza
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Jamie Sweet (Local Ne'er-Do-Well)
KCP is a a player on the rise who, like pretty much all of the roster at various points, has struggled to find his place in the team hierarchy under LBJ. Nothing to freak out about, I’d keep him. I love Ariza but let him secure a buy out and we can nab him off the scrap pile if he really wants out.
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mclyne32 (Director)
Agreed, Jamie.
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Worthy42
I agree as well -- a move that does not need to be made.
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Michael H (Editor)
I can’t image the Lakers trading KCP to the Rockets. The Rockets have real roster issues and I don’t see us helping a team we are competing against for playoff seeding. It could be nothing more then trying to drive up the price.
As far as trading a 1st fo Trevor I’m not sure about that. It would be in line with Magic’s stated goal of developing the young core and add stars through free agency because we wouldn’t be giving up any young players. The problem comes in if a big name comes on the market that trade gives us one less trade asset.
One note on Shake Milton if we did the deal with the 76ers. I really liked him he’s another 6’ 6” point guard with a good 3 point shot. He had been projected as a late first round pick but had a season ending injury. I don’t know how long he’s been healthy but that could be why he hasn’t seen much run so far this year.
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DJ2KB24
Thing is how well KCP has been and will be playing.
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keen observer
Before Rondo and BI went down, the second unit has basically been a center, Rondo, and three shooting guards (Hart, KCP, Lance). A little imbalance there. Swap out KCP for Ariza and it makes a lot more sense. Swap out Lance for the improving Svi or even Beasley and it makes even more sense!
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mclyne32 (Director)
Zo and Ingram for Booker.
They can keep Ariza or trade him separately.
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keen observer
KCP To Houston?
Interesting development from @ShamsCharania. Lakers could ultimately land Trevor Ariza as part of a *four*-team deal that sends KCP to Houston. https://t.co/pC4BoG6Xxd
— Bill Oram (@billoram) December 12, 2018
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keen observer
Perhaps the Lakers have more leverage in trading KCP than we think. If a number of teams want him, perhaps the Lakers don’t have to give up any picks and the picks to Phoenix would come from the team acquiring KCP. Just spitballin’.
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havoc
i can’t read the full story..you need to create an account..but i agree..since there are a number of teams interested with KCP especially Houston, then they could provide the pick that will eventually go to Suns..this saves us a pick and still acquire Ariza
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LakerTom (Publisher)
Short article with not much more than the headlines:
The Houston Rockets are emerging as a suitor for Los Angeles Lakers guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in multi-team trade scenarios, such as with the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns, league sources told The Athletic.
In desperate search for an upgrade at the wing, the Rockets are targeting Caldwell-Pope, league sources said. The Lakers have pursued Suns forward Trevor Ariza, along with several other contenders, according to league sources.
As the trade market hashes itself out early this season, Caldwell-Pope has several interested suitors across the league, a telling sign for the 2019 free agent.
Caldwell-Pope signed a one-year, $12 million deal to return to the Lakers last offseason and has veto power on any trade. He and his agent, Rich Paul, would only sign off on a trade should a deal arise that benefit Caldwell-Pope’s career.
There is no deal imminent, league sources said, and Caldwell-Pope can remain a Laker. He becomes trade-eligible on Dec. 15.
In this scenario, the teams involved would need to search for a fourth team to acquire Houston’s contract of Brandon Knight along with draft picks, sources said. Knight is under contract for $14.6 million this season and $15.6 million in 2019-20.
The Lakers are winners of 15 of their past 20 games, beginning to jell as a team around LeBron James. Caldwell-Pope, 25, is averaging 11.5 points points and 2.6 assists while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range in the Lakers’ past seven games. He’s in his sixth NBA season.
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DJ2KB24
Always interesting when you on the block, you start playing like “they can’t get rid of me, I’m helping.”
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John M.
His veto power explains why he wouldn’t be going to Phoenix.
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Magicman (Editor)
He also turned down 80 mil in guaranteed $ playing for the D.
He wants to recoup some of that on a 2-3 year deal. I could see him fitting a need there, they don’t need more projects, they need players moulded already.
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keen observer
Also, there’s a mutual lack of interest because the Suns are looking for a young point guard to develop from what I am reading. KCP ain’t that.
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mclyne32 (Director)
I would do Zo and Ingram for Booker and Trevor.
Too bad PHX wouldn’t.
Booker would be nasty alongside Bron.-
mclyne32 (Director)
This way, you have a true future All Star to offer the Pels when the time is right. If they don’t bite, it’s a win win because you get to build around Booker and Kuz when Bron’s done.
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keen observer
Josh Hart’s Favorite Player – What An Inspiration!
Josh Hart wears No. 3 because of his favorite player, Dwyane Wade.
After the game, Wade gifted Hart his shoes with the message: “I love the way you play this game. Reminds me of me. Keep going.”https://t.co/sSXzBk0ves
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 12, 2018
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Worthy42, 
keen observer 11:36 AM on January 29, 2019 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Why not? Sixers will be at full strength and we’ll be without out three best players again. Nothing to lose!
LakerTom (Publisher) 11:50 AM on January 29, 2019 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Going to be a touch stretch over the next 10 days for the Lakers players, young and old. Even LeBron, although he’s the only safe player, has to feel some stress at a possible AD trade before Feb 7th.
Lonzo’s out but you have to wonder how Ingram, Kuzma, and Hart respond. If they play poorly, might they be left behind and not traded? If they excel does that increase their likelihood of being traded?
Comes down to being professional and playing for your career. Hopefully, we’ll still see selfless play from the team while all this trade stuff works itself out over the next 10 days.
LakerTom (Publisher) 11:53 AM on January 29, 2019 Permalink | Log in to Reply
What about the kids? Hmmm. None of the young guns in the shootaround?
therealhtj 12:00 PM on January 29, 2019 Permalink | Log in to Reply
All busy packing and figuring out the NO club scene.
LakerTom (Publisher) 12:03 PM on January 29, 2019 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Was thinking the same thing, Stan. Good one!
Magicman (Editor) 12:03 PM on January 29, 2019 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Especially since half the stadium is empty most nights, they can event plan it all. Lol.