I'm more bummed we missed out on Monroe... I think Aldridge is an amazing player. But he's 30, and looking to join a contender. We aren't a contender. We're young. We're rebuilding. we have a promising future. Embrace it. This "win now" crap, hasn't been working for the past 3-4 years because we refused to get younger blood. We have that now, three of them that have amazing potential. Patience is key. If we miss out on LMA, I won't mind. I'm bummed we aren't signing a younger guy. I would've liked Monroe, and I still like DJ though I'm sure he'll go elsewhere. There are still other young C's out there. We have Upshaw in our summer camp. If he keeps his crap straight, sign him and throw him into the fire in the starting C position. It's what we're doing, developing young talent.
I recall O'Neal talking about how he was the GM when it came to drawing in free agents. Jeanie as well meaning as she is and Jim being the life of the party...as of now both don't have that presence Pops had. Charm...cache...in person credibility, whatever you call it. It is what we have now. In due time, when Ryan West steps up with his father as key counsel...maybe there will be a different vibe altogether.
Okay I've had a minute to think about this... 1. I think it's mostly a way for the Lakers/Lamarcus to save face. Sure it's over the top, but all parties have to be embarrassed with the way that broke out. 2. Aldridge wants to play Power Forward. We have no Center, but neither does Dallas and even the Spurs don't have a true, reliable Center. I think Mitch has a way to pitch Aldridge on how we can get him a Center to play alongside. No it won't be DeAndre Jordan, and no it won't be enough but the Lakers can get back in the conversation quickly. I think Mitch may think he can convince Lamarcus that we have a Center on deck waiting for him, probably Robin Lopez. Our pitch would then be "we'll put you next to your guy Robin, you'll rule the inside, and we'll cater the offense towards you." A lineup of Russell/Clarkson/Kobe/Aldridge/Lopez isn't bad at all. Then you bring Randle off the bench with Black and you're looking at a deep and fun young squad. Not good enough probably. Might not even be better than the Blazers if Aldridge went back there BUT we are a brand that can attract FAs AND we'd have cap space to add two max contracts next season to go get Mike Conley, Kevin Durant, Al Horford, Joakim Noah, etc etc etc We can make a PRETTY good pitch... I don't know why we didn't the first time.
Aldridge still has a good 3-4 years in him. He'll age well like Duncan. And no matter who we sign, we won't be contending by the time their contract is up.
Koufos is only 25 and there's some GREAT analytics on him that the Lakers can pull if that's what he's into.
If LMA is meeting us for the 2nd time to hear our basketball side plan and cancel the meeting with the knicks because not wanting to play the Center, isn't that mean we have some sort of plan for the center position?
C'mon. He's not going to in any way bust. Nor will Okafor. We know Russell has IT as well. Don't know yet or get that vibe from Jahlil. Probably great player in his prime but leader, have to see.
I'm going to be completely honest and say I don't know a damn thing about Koufos. Sounds like a dessert I'd eat.
Why are we WASTING time with a second meeting? HES NOT COMING HERE!!!!!!! Get Tobias Harris and Koufos and call it a day please.
Lopez is probably in play even if he was being pursued by the Knicks. For awhile there, I got him confused with that big Euro center from OKC...Kanter. Hell, we should see what Chuck Nevitt is up to.
