I think the Lakers should really consider plan B and just start building around our youth ala what OKC did GS did.
If we strike out on getting any decent FA, Jeanie SHOULD Fire Mitch and Jim. This is getting ridiculous. We need new front office and new coach.
Russell/Clarkson Kobe/Clarkson/Ellington Harris/Young/A. Brown/J. Brown Randle/Nance/Black Lopez/Black/Upshaw That's 13 players. I have it at 35-41 wins.
Im starting to think that news regarding Harden and Westbrook wanting to join forces in LA in the near future was a made up story from Lakers executives( Jim Buss). That way we can all look forward to 2017,2018 FA plans while we collect lottery picks.
I never expected Gasol, Aldridge, or Deandre. I don't think any of us did a few weeks ago. I'd be ecstatic with Harris or Monroe. I hate the sky is falling attitude though. Most of the players we missed out on were players that wanted to stay put and re-up with their original teams. I wasn't even interested in most of the players who have already agreed to terms. It sounds like a lot of you are more upset about the fact that the media isn't reporting about us meeting with other mid-tier players still available, more so than you are upset with the mid-tier players who have already been signed. But that's how it works ... Mid-tier players get calls and most of the time money is the main consideration. It's the big names that you HAVE to whine and dine because they know they're getting maxed out regardless. I'm sure we've made calls to tons of players even if Woj hasn't reported it. Yeah, I probably would've liked someone like Caroll, Middleton, or Chandler. But they would've had to have been our main target. If last night at midnight it was announced that we signed Tyson Chandler for $13 million per year for 4 years, and that we decided to go all in on him instead of even meet with Aldridge who reportedly had us second on his list, you guys would've been even more up in arms.
That's the goal. Finishing at .500 next season. A potential star who takes an interest in us will think more kindly of a team closer to 40 wins because with that stars talent he could probably takes us to 50 wins.
I think the product on the court and the immediate nature of the FA mentality has a lot to do with this. Although this is the same group that did the Howard/Nash thing 3 years ago and in a lot of ways that is why we are here today. Both of those moves had a ton of risk and they both went as bad as they could have.
As poised to a star taking a look at a 21 win team. At best, he's probably think we'll fight to make the POs. It's just the ways it is right now...
The one good thing to happen for the Lakers today is the Brandon Wright deal. He puts up similar stats/impact to Ed Davis and got signed by Memphis to a 3 year, $18 mil. deal. If LAL can get Ed on a similar deal that's a big win. I know it isn't much, but I'm trying to focus on the positives.
Tyson Chandler is a draw for big-time free agents? I get he fills Aldridge's weaknesses, but does he know who Robin Lopez is?
Anyone who was against it rethinking not wanting to give up Randle for Cousins? I think players would be a bit more impressed on the basketball side.
We don't have Robin Lopez right now, as he's a FA, but Chandler has apparently committed to Phoenix. He's an elite defender who does fill LMA's weakness and allows LMA to play PF. He apparently loves that.
