I think the Lakers left the meeting telling him you're extremely valuable to us, but we've scheduled these other meetings. We understand it's unlikely they choose us and we'd love for you to be the face of our off-season and grow with our young and talented group. You'd be in a position of authority, you'd be the 2nd option just behind Kobe and on nights when Kobe rests, the first option. I HAVE to think the Lakers can get Monroe if they want him... I have to think so.
Of that list I only have any real interest in Monroe, Harris, Lopez, Matthews, and Davis. I'm not keen on Shumpert, Brewer, Green, or Smith. I don't think Williams, West, Williams, or Wade make the call. I like Matthews, but his price is too high for us. The rest are the guys I'd fill around the ones I really want...
i'd leave the 'we dont think they'd choose us' part and make it sound like he's the prized target...something along the lines of 'the t moment you decide the purple and gold is for you, we'd like move on and cancel the rest of other appointments and get you home to LA'
I'd go Tobias Harris and RoLo, Asik or Koufos.....would also be down for Corey Brewer and Greg Monroe...we gotta get a big and a wing...maybe even Gerald Green, Biyombo and Josh Smith...some combo of those players.Also wouldn't mind Mo Williams..steady veteran.
value,value,value. We all knew we'd go after the big dogs first(even though you could argue they're not even the best fit), then re evaluate the rest of the market after. Go hit the gym/burn some energy playing with yourselves or go to work/do something productive. let the process shake itself out. Our front office is working hard.
This is one thing that is becoming more common lately. The Lakers need to put their foot down and say you either seriously want a deal or don't use our name in your discussions because we aren't interested. Playing both sides of the fence isn't going to cut it.
You're right, GS built "the right way" and nothing was handed to them. My hats off to them for that. But do remember, the team they beat, the "super team" that's "ruining everything" also lost two All Star Max Contract players (as well as a huge piece in Varejao). And I know, "coulda, shoulda, woulda, but to say that didn't have a huge impact is asinine. We would all love another Kobe or Jordan, but those types don't show up every year. This is the league now. Have to cater to it. Or we can be a 21 win team with fans b****ing about players who want an "easy title". Trust me, like you, I'm not a fan of it but I've accepted it. As far as these "easy ring" players go...I would use your own metaphor: most of them are starving, they are getting hunger pains, stomach cramping. Yeah, it WOULD be more satisfying to go and make a great meal, but would they realistically rather spend an hour + doing that, or spend 5 minutes to drive down and get a Little Caesar's Hot n Ready?
Cavs really ticking me off man....they've pumped 220M into Love, TT and Shump.... I can't wait for us to do this again....
We're being professionals, which is great, but when is all that going to come back our way? Because right now we just look like the doofus people bring along to hype their own agendas.
