If they are just as good at SG(Butler, Middleton) I don't have a problem with it. They can slide into the void Kobe leaves. Let Clarkson and Russell battle it out this season to determine who should come off the bench.
I don't think the "best player available" argument really works for free agents, especially for the older (30+ years old) players. Their value starts to depreciate right after they get signed, so you're really not collecting assets (ie trade pieces). I think FIT and AGE are enormous deciding factors with free agents, unlike draft picks. DeAndre for me please.
Understood ttttada, but Jordan is not very likely to come here. Much less likely than Aldridge. I have never even heard him mention the Lakers as a possible destination. At least Aldridge does have interest. Even though I'm not the hugest fan of Jordan I would certainly consider him if Aldridge goes elsewhere and if Jordan shows any interest in us whatsoever, but so far he has not. So you go after LMA first.
1. It seems everyone universally agreed that LMA has the type of game that will age well. DeAndre relies 100% on athleticism. I think we get a quality 4 years out of either player and then it's all downhill. 2. You think DeAndre on a max contract is an asset?
Aren't we meeting DeAndre on July 1st? And all reports on LMA have the Spurs over the Lakers by a mile. Both are unlikely at this point but I prefer DeAndre.
Well he's meeting with us on day one, so it's a start. The latest report is he's open to everyone, but the Clippers have an edge at keeping him because he's familiar with them and they've got an extra 28 million or so in their offer. Reports that Mavs are ahead of us I believe stem from the fact that the Mavs/Clippers are excellent Sign and Trade candidates. I think other teams have a good shot as long as they can provide a good selling point. The problems with Jordan coming here are: 1. Does he want to take a step back in terms of competitiveness? We'll be really good with him inside, but probably not as good as the Clippers next season. 2. Does he help his brand significantly with the move? 3. Does he leave that much money on the table to change locker rooms? If I'm Mitch I answer with: 1. How competitive are second round exits? We've got banners that you guys like to hide that show what real competitiveness is. 2. The Lakers even with D-League talent last season out performed the Clippers in the same market. The Laker brand will never die. 3. Along with our brand comes our endorsements. Not to mention we take care of our max level players. 4. You are the first step to acquiring talents like Durant. They will want to come here to play with you. 5. The Lakers brand is so big, you'll get All-Star votes even if you stink or are hurt, just ask Kobe. You'll get your wish on that front.
I haven't heard it's the Spurs by a mile. I've heard it's them IF they can shuffle their entire roster and we're just behind them.
1. That is a fair point 2. Yes, I think he would be a bargain when the cap blows up. He's the best rebounder in the league and one of the premier rim protectors.
Early rumblings have us behind the Spurs and Mavs for Aldridge, and the Clippers having a slight edge over everyone for Jordan.
To that point: we've got at least 3 young players here that'll look to you for leadership. Are you ready to take that mantle instead of being looked at like a lunk by your previous teammates? Friends they might be, but Paul showed you some serious disrespect on the court at times.
i actually don't think it should take that much convincing to get a top FA to join the lakers this year (or next). sure, there are other viable suitors, but i imagine both jordan and aldridge will be listening intently to the lakers' pitch.
No if he had his way. Why? Aldridge is mostly a face-up jump shooter not a back to the basket scorer. All that physical grind takes away his stamina and legs which will affect his shooting. He says no [which I believe he will]...get a second tier center that will do all the crap, invest on a capable small forward [Deng, Caron Butler, Worthy], plug Randle at the 4 [major minutes]. All systems go! Bench will have Buckeye Wiz Kid [for now], Sloppy D, Twitter Boy, Black or Davis or both...
^^ Ideally we could get a decent defensive center so LMA would only have to play limited minutes at center.. Dumping young to get Davis or Chandler would be my vote.
^That was my Plan B... Your scenario? I'm down with either of your choices though I prefer Chandler if we can swing it. If Jordan bolts for Dallas...there's talk of Chandler being the Clippers replacement.
I don't get into the $$$ breakdown like some here but my short answer is: yes. My honest belief is that we'll get none of the 1st tier bigs on the market after Marc Gasol.
