Editorial- Has Kobe Already Ruined The Next Great Laker?

Discussion in 'Lakers Discussion' started by therealdeal, Feb 17, 2015.

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  1. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    I'm definitely with you. Davis is the absolute future of the NBA. The ONLY thing that kid can't do... stay 100% healthy. Once he learns how and where to pick his spots without risking injury, he's going to be basically unstoppable. He's the next Kobe, the next Jordan, the next Shaq if he wants it enough. He might already be better than anybody in the league not named LeBron and even THAT is close.

    That being said... Jordan still had Malone to deal with on the Jazz. Kobe still had Webber and Pierce and other guys to deal with. Guys like Alex English, Charles Barkley, Bernard King, Dantley, Gervin, Wilkins, Ewing, and maybe most importantly Elgin Baylor! There's been so many really great players that the NBA doesn't remember quite as well because they went up against some of the greatest players of all time.

    Obviously this comparison doesn't sound great in terms of success for Randle, but the point I was trying to make is that even if Davis is the next ultra, super duper star there's room for other guys to be great too. I think Randle has that ability and opportunity. We'll have to wait and see if he has the heart to actually do it though.
     
    therealdeal, Feb 19, 2015
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  2. gcclaker

    gcclaker Moderator Staff Member

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    Agree...the last part is the biggest question. I don't believe Randle is the whimsical dimwit that Howard is however, not even close. From the flashes I've seen Randle definitely has the talent. He'll more than hold his own. Randle does have that heart to succeed I think but will he want to destroy opponents and bust his own teammates for not thinking the same way? I do like how he handles himself as a person and professionally. He reminds me of how James Worthy was.
     
    gcclaker, Feb 19, 2015
    #42
  3. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    Well hopefully we don't find Randle with a lady of the evening soon then!

    No seriously though Worthy is a strong comparison and Big Game himself made that call too. I remember him saying he saw a LOT of himself in Randle and that is a really great thing. If Randle can be the Worthy of this generation we're the winner winner chicken dinners here.
     
    therealdeal, Feb 19, 2015
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  4. Ryanwestlombardi

    Ryanwestlombardi - Rookie -

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    That was a terrific game played with lots of passion. I too was impressed with Okafur...and Jones. Jones could end up being our late 1st rounder, and I saw the toughness, desire to figure things out after that ankle sprain that it takes to be great from Okafur. Glad the Lakers made no moves, especially trading any of their picks, no need to improve this year, just improve lottery positioning for a better shot at Okafur
     
    Ryanwestlombardi, Feb 19, 2015
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  5. southbaylakers72

    southbaylakers72 - Rookie -

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    Okafor for my money is as 'can't miss' as they come. Look at his footwork. Confidence. He isn't as polished as Duncan at Wake but he is as poised. And you 'can't teach height.' Back to enjoying the read of this thread.
     
    southbaylakers72, Feb 19, 2015
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  6. fabulus

    fabulus - Rookie -

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    There is never a replica of a superstar. Kobe emulated Jordan more than anyone else at least the killer instinct and eyeball test. But there will never be another magic or kareem either. We will have another superstar and maybe even one that we get to develop from day one that stays with the franchise for their career. That's the most difficult thing these days. IMO it what makes Kobe that much more special to laker fans. We had him since he was 17.shaq was pretty much a mercenary to me, because he was already a superstar but he grew on me. Whoever is our next star will be unique and if not born and raised here will grow on us,which I think is what you said.
     
    fabulus, Feb 20, 2015
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  7. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    The only move I would have made would be getting Dragic's Bird Rights or shedding J. Hill for a 1st rounder if we could have pulled it off. It's fine though, like you said we need to protect our investment (the Pick).

    As for Jones- I think he definitely raised his stock some in that game. I haven't been a great fan of his because he's so undersized, but he showed a ton of heart and maybe the shadows of some NBA athleticism. Defense for him at the next level is going to be a tall order. For the Lakers, if we are so lucky that we get Okafor then I see us taking his best friend Jones later in the draft. Not just to get them as a package deal, but because Jones has come around on me. I see him as being a capable backup PG in the NBA.
     
    therealdeal, Feb 20, 2015
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  8. Ryanwestlombardi

    Ryanwestlombardi - Rookie -

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    I too have been concerned with is lack of size, he looks like he's 15..lol, but what I've seen is a huge heart in that little body. His body will grow, can be strengthened, with nutrition and weight training, and just plain maturing.That heart, passion for the game, and basketball IQ is in place. I seem to remember a guy named Steph Curry that was a frail undersized college player that no one thought would make it in the NBA.
     
    Ryanwestlombardi, Feb 20, 2015
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  9. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    Jones has a massive head, right?
    [​IMG]

    His head is the same width as his waist. How does that happen? Still though I definitely saw a ton of heart. I don't know if he's got Steph Curry in him, but I see some Jordan Farmar from the 2008-2010 era.
     
    therealdeal, Feb 20, 2015
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  10. southbaylakers72

    southbaylakers72 - Rookie -

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    Rawley Akins. Next NBA Great?
     
    southbaylakers72, Feb 21, 2015
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