What was the deal with Gumby? I vaguely remember the name from CL, but can't remember the specifics. Was he the one who broke the Ariza trade and would later drop some inside scoops that lead us to believe he was Ariza's agent?
I have no doubt in my mind that they love the lakers and want them to win. But there trust fund babys running a billion dollar business.
A couple of times, Jim Buss was shown on the video screen eliciting some loud boos. The announcers were wondering who it was for... The second time, a clearly agitated Buss waved his hands as if telling the crowd to bring it on. Sensitive moment...
That was a shame to me. I'm not a Jim fan, or defender, I'm not against Jim either, I don't know enough. But going off our draft picks the last few years, the Deng signing, Calderon trade, retaining JC and Black, these are good to great moves. Luke was also apparently his guy after some admittedly terrible hires, so that's a step forward too. Jim is right there with Mitch, they both get credit or blame for moves, I don't get the booing of a guy while wildly cheering the players he's been a part of drafting at the exact same time. He's an easy punching bag I guess, and he is most certainly gone soon, so fans will have to find another. Hopefully they don't find out Jeanie is just as bad and turn on her too when it's too late and she hires Phil. Phil will never be booed because he's Phil, but that hardly seems fair, he hasn't proven himself anymore than Jim.
I agree that Buss has redeemed himself to some degree with his actions that you outlined... He is working under the giant shadow of his late father who was charismatic, widely respected and beloved. The Good Doctor was also considered a visionary. Jim Buss does not seek the spotlight, still dealing with his petulant "scouts in bars" comment and the constant questioning. It is a tough situation for him. Yes, Jeannie is beginning to act like harpy too. That leaves us with Kupchak, Walton, Ryan West and Jesse Buss to make sure some sanity and common sense still permeates the organization.
The good - Luke hire, drafting has been A+++++, free agents are starting to look this way The bad - The coaching hires (MDA, Brown, Boron), not getting anything for D12/Pau, trade protections The ugly - The smear campaign and pettiness from the Buss family as a whole, Jim being overconfident in his skills to turn the club around in a short time The good can outweigh the bad, especially where we are at right now, but the ugly, man is it ugly. Like having crack in your brand new phone.
Ultimately he brought a bunch of it on himself which is why I can't feel too bad. I'm sure he's a nice guy, but he's made a few promises he couldn't keep. I'd only hope fans were smart enough to boo Jeanie too.
