@Doc Brown and @therealdeal made some solid points in their criticism of the FO, but it seems to me that a lot of assumptions are still being made based on obviously conflicting media reports of the meetings. I don't have the motivation to go back and find all the specifics, but each negative report was later called into question by new info. One example that Doc used was the initial report about the DJ meeting I think it was. It said only Mitch and Byron presented for us. It came off like we gave him a half-effort. Later report revealed that there were at least 5-6 presenters representing us in that meeting. But the damage was already done by the first report which became fact in perception only. I have no problem criticizing for actual failure, but it's not helpful to bang the drums of change based on false reports. On the analytics thing. That was one report related to the LMA meeting. That does not necessarily mean that every future FA will want that emphasis. Either way though, they got that message and included Madsen in the 2nd meeting. It's not an issue of a lack of doing analytics. We have an analytics staff. Jim Buss loves analytics. They provide reams of research. It's Byron that doesn't value it. Now, where I whole heartedly agree with the criticism crowd is in recognizing the lack of a FO "closer" as either Doc or Real called it. They are right. There is no closer for Free Agents in the FO anymore. Can you believe that at one time this organization had THREE of the all time great FO closers at the same time in Jerry Buss, Jerry West, and Pat Riley. Those three aren't walking in the door. We've got Mitch (a great GM with a vanilla personality), Jim Buss (a Daddy's boy), and Jeannie Buss (a Daddy's girl). MAYBE Ryan West will display a closer's personality some day, but we have already seen double evidence that shared genetics do not automatically convey similar personality. So, you can complain about the lack of a closer all you want, but my question would be, who then? There isn't one. Closing is a gift. You can't work it up or prepare for it. Who do you want as the closer?
Look, it is not all about Mitch. He is an elite GM when it comes to trading, and he is a very good drafter. Is there anyone else in that FO that can do... I don't know... Recruiting, marketing, setting future goals and priorities etc? It can't be all Mitch. You set some objectives, and he will do the best he can. But you have to know how to recruit guys like LMA and Durant, and how to attract Melo or Dwight, right? Someone needs to have some vision. Don't try to bring old stars to lead a bunch of talented kids.. They won't mesh. This is why Hibbert was a good move. He defends, he is as big as a young Shaq, he is 28. Motivate him and let him know exactly what his role on the team is. Use cheap veterans to stabilize the team off the bench. Basically, build the team, and be smart about it. And someone has to look at the modern trends in basketball instead of being stuck in the past. It can't be all Mitch. He is good at what he does. Find new people to cover his weak spots (nobody is perfect), and if you don't have a vision, sell the team to the owner who does.
Nailed it. Absolutely. Magic is the perfect person for the role. Who better to tell FAs how great it can be for a star in LA? Re: analytics- Firstly, I believe there's plenty of smoke to indicate a fire that we don't use it enough. Even on the off chance that there are a half dozen wrong reports about us lacking analytics in our programs, we obviously don't utilize them enough. And if that's Byron's fault, then it's MITCH'S fault (and by extension the Buss family's) for not MAKING him use them. Mitch is Byron's boss, tell him he MUST use more data when designing a team. If he fights it, hire him somebody who can make it clearer to Byron and work with him. Our lack of analytics has now directly affected the way we lost a FA. I don't believe that'll be the last time. Do we have an analytics staff? Is it Jim Buss? If it's Jim, why didn't he speak up the first time around in the meeting? It's an inadequacy in the FO that they need to fix. If it's a communications issue, a lack of information, or a lack of respect for the process it needs to be worked on.
And I just read what you guys have said above my post. I agree with both of you. I'll just say that having Byron out there helping with recruiting does not help. I'm sorry, but it's the truth. At least he should be good at motivating these kids. Edit: and now I just read what real said. See how both of us mention Byron at the same time? That is not a coincidence.
With Mitch's personality, I would say wooing free agents is not his strong suit but he more than makes up for it through trades and drafts.
I can't think of anyone else that could pull it off that might be willing. Magic certainly has Byron's back, and he would do it if Jeannie asked him. The only issue I could foresee is Magic can't stand Jim. Likely Jim is not too fond of Magic either.
The guy is great when it comes to trades and drafting because there's limited human interaction there. When it comes to convincing a star to sign here, he doesn't have the personality for it. He's not exciting at all. He needs Magic in the room. Or more appropriately JEANIE needs to do it because before it was Dr. Buss. Now the good Doctor is gone and Jeanie took his role. Well then you better step up and start figuring these FAs out sooner.
Jeanie herself should do it then. It used to be her father and she wanted his position, well now comes the responsibilities of that position. It's on HER to sell what the Lakers have. #LAtoLA isn't going to cut it.
My ideal scenario is throw the farm at Mr. Jerry West to come back in the same role he holds for GSW. He would instantly change our FA closer issue. Let Mitch handle all the day to day GMing, and let Logo help steer the ship from behind the scenes and bring that total respect into those FA presentations.
Yup. I can disagree with some things Magic did in the past, but the guy can sell the team to others. He has crazy charisma. Byron and Mitch have a charisma of a dead fish. And the two of them doing presentation for the FAs will just put people to sleep. It's a recipe for disaster. Let Magic and one of the Busses do that, let Mitch do the trades.
Would that be weird for Mitch or Jerry since Mitch is Jerry's protege? I'd absolutely love it if we could convince him to come home and work some magic here as just our salesman.
I think they would both love it. You KNOW Mitch has got to be uncomfortable doing those presentations. As long as their roles were clearly defined I think it could work. Plus we have Ryan here.
Heck maybe Ryan should be the salesman? I don't know him well enough to know if he's got his father's touch with players though. I'd definitely love Logo back. I've been wanting that for years.
Sometimes it's time to make a change. Mitch has been great for us, but his method and philosophy might need to be switch out for something new. New isn't always better, but staying the same isn't good either. I'ts just sad to see how well front offices like the Spurs are run. Great draft picks, solid free agent moves with reasonable contracts and great coaching. Pop has changed his style of play to whatever type of players he's had. All of the coaches we've had dictate the style and we have to find those type of players.
I was in favor of firing Mitch and Jim only IF they were unable to make an impactful addition in the off-season. Hibbert counts as impactful player. They don't have to fire anyone, but they certainly need to hire people and change the way they approach FA.
I Would be curious to hear Bonk's thoughts on that. Rooscooter was as opposed to Magic in management or ownership as bonk is to Boogie Cousins. Not sure how I feel about him anymore after his inconsistent and maddening commentating on the Lakers. Also for his horse bleep comments recently on the Dodgers TV blackout that yeah they want it fixed but he doesn't think it's hurting their brand or fan following. Of course loved Magic the player.
It could be Byron's fault, but there are direct quotes from Lin calling our analytics pretty basic whereas the Rockets gave him a packet of information that blew him away. Mavs have gotten to the point where they analyze their players' sleeping patterns. Lol.
