This scares the crap out of me. I don't want to have to sign Randle to a max extension (granted he doesn't earn it which he certainly hasn't thus far) this summer in order to placate PG-13.
I'd give Randle his max extension without PG-13. I think Lakers fans are far too low on the guy who's only placed 2 seasons and showed a lot of growth in his 2nd year.
I'm not saying he will for sure. I'm saying the prospect of being forced to overpay Randle in order to get George to sign here (or resign if we trade for him) is scary. I don't want a Tristan Thompson situation where we overpay for one guy to appease another.
I want Paul George. It's not as if D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle are lame ducks. They've shown consistent (if underwhelming at times) growth and are among the best at their position for their peers. If we have to pay a few extra million (it won't be the max) to keep them and sign Paul George, there's no fear there whatsoever. Not to mention, we can clear enough room to sign George AND another max deal while STILL paying Russell and Randle significant money because we have their Bird Rights. There's basically no risk for being the Cavs for at least 4-5 years and even then, we'd have (presumably) Ball, Ingram, Russell, and Randle signed to long-term deals ala Golden State with George and another FA in the mix as well. What's the point of getting these picks if we don't pay to keep them? Unless you feel Randle and/or Russell has topped out, then paying for them is the whole point of drafting them.
Russell I'm no worried about. Randle I am worried about. I'm not saying to let him walk. I'm just saying I worry about a situation where we have a player we don't need at an overpriced deal. You aren't nervous at all about one agent having that much power over our personnel?
I'd probably be more worried if our new GM wasn't one of the best agents around only months ago. I think he knows how the game is played, so currently not too worried.
I think Randle is a terrible fit for us. As for Pg being wrong side of 30, he will he dominant until 32/33 probably. We can afford to lock him up for years to come. Not worried about that.
I am, but I'd rather have Paul George and figure the rest out later. If/when Paul George is under a long-term contract, then we start worrying about which players need to fit what style. Keep in mind, George brings another guy with him so we'll have plenty of good young players who either are playing out of position or off the bench. I don't honestly care because I want to win more than I care about a kid's feelings and as long as everyone has a paycheck, I'm not concerned about their legacies either. Great players sacrifice to win games. If Randle and Russell end up coming off the bench, I don't give a crap about it as long as they're productive.
i wouldn't give up on randle quite yet. give him this upcoming season to prove himself and see if he can build on the progress he made last season clarkson is the only one of the younger players i'd be willing to part ways with at the moment
Pincus says Lakers love Nance and won't trade him. We shall see. As long as it's not 2, Dangelo, Zu or Ingram, I'm happy.
Could be wrong but it seems Pacers aren't getting the sort of leverage they were looking for with other teams, rather than drag this out and decrease value any longer they have finally contacted the team that makes the most sense.
