I'm sure the talent was a factor even though I think we have actually built a nice young core. Maybe it's just how Woj worded it. Just sounded bad to me.
Nothing we can do about it right now. Lakers had no assets when they started this rebuilding process. It's not like the FO wanted to rebuild. They were forced to rebuild. We've gathered some assets now, but players also want to win. Take the 2009 OKC team. They had Westbrook and Durant. One is the former MVP. The other was an MVP candidate. Even if we had OKC's 2009 team, LMA and other stars would see Durant and Westbrook as unproven players. Our assets now need to show that they can play. Randle, Russell, and Clarkson need to show the world what they can do. If this team can maintain a decent record, then they are no longer unknown commodities. We are now a young team with proven talent.
We're meeting with him too apparently. I'm not sure I'd love him here, but it's worth meeting with him. We heard rumors Cleveland was offering him a max deal before FA started, but I haven't heard any offer they gave him once they were allowed to?... Does anyone know if he got the official max offer from Cleveland?
Agreed! But those Thunder teams didn't start really making noise until what 2011? Are we prepared for two more years of real mediocrity? I'm sick of missing the playoffs and I'm sick of winning 20 games!
I don't think they have. I'm not sure he is a perfect fit but I think he can help. I can't lie. I also think it would help quiet down this whole "nobody wants to play for the lakers" narrative. I can feel Henry Abbott warming up in the background every time someone goes some place else. I really really really don't want to sit through more rounds of "nobody wants to play with Kobe" or "Jim Buss can't get it done..."
Pushing for Wes Johnson? Against who?? I am willing to bet they were the only ones calling and Wes's agent was surprised they even called on the first night.
Yeah it'd be a nice get. He's being pushed out of Cleveland not too subtly as they relegate him more and more to a role player position. Maybe he really loves the idea of being the 2nd option again? I don't know. The Lakers at least have a shot there.