Kawhi Leonard Discussion: “I’m A Snake Clipper Guy.”

Discussion in 'NBA Discussion' started by Helljumper, Jun 15, 2018.

  1. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    A quick one while I got a minute (*deep breath it's been a while*)

    How does Kawhi not choose LA? The way is clear for him moving forward in just about every aspect of the NBA life. There's no better suitors, no better use of his time, no better place for him to build a legacy.

    1) Winning. What other team can boast two MVP candidates on the same roster? The Warriors with Curry and Durant, but half of that combination is out a year. There's nobody in the league with a combination of Davis and LeBron, nobody really even close. Even without Kawhi Leonard, the Lakers are poised to be one of, if not the, best teams in the Western Conference. You add Kawhi Leonard in there and this team has 3 out of the top 6 or 7 players in the league. There is no legitimate competition for that trio out there right now.

    2) Finances. What other team can offer the Lakers' unique financial benefits? Laker star players are always among the leaders in jersey sales, shoe sales, and merchandise sales. There are unique opportunities on the business side that only exist in Los Angeles and specifically with the Lakers; just ask Kobe and Magic and yes LeBron too. That's not to mention the Lakers have always and will continue to take care of their stars' contracts unlike other organizations. The Lakers won't ship you out after comparing you to Martin Luthor King Jr. (Clippers) or ask you to risk it all in the playoffs and then give you the boot when you're hurt (Boston). We gave Kobe the largest annual deal up to that point in the CBA after his Achilles popped. We'll take care of our guys.

    3) Health/Load Management. Speaking of taking care of our guys: the Lakers just brought back the legendary Judy Seto to be the Director of Health Sciences. We have a state of the art facility that is designed to keep our guys healthy. We also would have the unique ability to rest Kawhi as needed. He mentioned how missing games helped in Toronto to keep him healthy enough for the post season. With the Lakers, he'd be able to take days off without the team having to give up too much thanks to LeBron and Davis. Hell, the three of them could rotate and we'd only be down one MVP candidate out of three on any given night. There's nowhere else where Kawhi would be able to focus solely on his health like the Lakers can offer him.

    4) Legacy. I'm not all that interested in selling nostalgia anymore, we're past that for sure. But it's still important to note that if Kawhi signed here with Davis (26), the two of them would be able to recreate a Kobe/Shaq type of tandem for the modern NBA. More than that, they'd be able to do it going into the primes of their careers with an opportunity to compete for a title for almost a decade straight. Kawhi would have the opportunity to be part of the most storied franchise in NBA history and carve out a legacy for him and his family in a way that no other franchise can even compare to besides maybe the C Bags.

    There's nowhere else. The only other argument would be if he wants to be "the man" and start his own thing and that's fine if he does. I respect it. But if he wants to be a perennial contender and win the most rings he can while also making the most money, there's no other decision to be made.
     
  2. lakerfan2

    lakerfan2 - Lakers All Star -

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    welcome back real! i think all of those arguments makes sense, for anyone.

    the only thing that's hard for me to place a finger on is Kawhi's personality and how that might affect his decision. I think Lebron was going to end up a Laker or Knick, depending on who would've been successful at the time, Lebron wanted that big stage that Cleveland or Miami couldn't give him, but we all know the Knicks weren't going to be that team. Kawhi being so reserved, quiet, rarely expressive, does he want all of that comes with being a Laker? the intensified criticism, the league wide disdain of our organization, is he that type of guy to bare that? I honestly thought he would stay a Spur like Duncan, a player with the same type of game and personality, but they drove him out...or did he really want to come play for us?

    If he's meant to be a Laker, he'll be a Laker. I feel only the right players make there way here and succeed only because they want to be here, can ignore the bias that comes with wearing the purple and gold, and make the most of their time here.
     
  3. Lakerman JSJ

    Lakerman JSJ Moderator Staff Member

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    [​IMG]
     
  4. Toneloc

    Toneloc - Rookie -

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    yea, there's no need to rationalize or justify why coming to the Lakers is his best option... we are superior, as stated above, in every facet of the equation... it really boils down to (1) is he ready to face the wrath of the world by becoming a laker and (2) is he ready to face the criticism by pulling a durant move and teaming up with all-stars to create a dynasty?

    i want to believe he isn't so prideful as to jeopardize future rings in order to be the only star on a team... let's be honest, toronto isn't winning again -- the stars had to align for that to happen... and as far as the durant-esque move, he has nothing left to prove to anyone.

    my big thing is that having 3 huge stars provides a realistic path to obtaining a #1 seed while maintaining load management; you only need 2 of the 3 on the floor to win 80% of your games... so the longevity is there for a dynasty.

    anyway, time for Kawhi to come home, not much left to be said on the issue...
     
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  5. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    With the possibility of Kawhi seeming real (unless he's a macho dumb a** wanting to "have his own team") ..... wondrous happenings on Lakersball concurrently.

    1. @Khmrp says he'll become glass half full guy. Really.

    2. @therealdeal has returned

    3. The trifecta would be if @sirronstuff could set aside his hatred of LBJ since birth, now with AD and Kawhi to root for? And catch us up on gifs?
     
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  6. therealdeal

    therealdeal Moderator Staff Member

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    I agree with all of this. There's no accounting for desire. If Kawhi doesn't feel like he can handle it or if he feels like the spotlight isn't for him, then sure he'll choose somewhere else. Thus far, I'm not sure Kawhi is that guy. He demanded a trade to LA from the Spurs in a move that made him really look like a bad guy already. Why stop now?

    And that Durant narrative disappears over time with enough success. He knows that.
     
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  7. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    Plus he won a ring being the alpha and gave that city a ring after being traded there while saying he wanted to be a Laker.
     
  8. Khmrp

    Khmrp - Lakers Legend -

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    not half, overflow...if no leonard ill be 1/4 cup full guy
    :Magic2:
     
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  9. ZenMaster

    ZenMaster - Lakers All Star -

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    Still idiots... just idiots that lucked into Bron, who I still hate.
     
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  10. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    I took you as kidding about being cup overflowing guy. That could be dangerous to your health such a rapid drastic change.

    @Khmrp
     
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  11. LTLakerFan

    LTLakerFan - Lakers Legend -

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    Zen on the other hand is a different kind of cat.

    :Crazyartest:
     
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  12. Khmrp

    Khmrp - Lakers Legend -

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    maybe...it was that way during the 11' season than dall happened lol...thought dall had no chance against us in that series, boy was i dumb

    edit-also been reading tor forums on realgm n man the negative takes they have on their players are nothing compared to mine prior to them winning this chip (super mean)...so i realize no need to sweat stuff, players can always come thru n do things that matter most when it counts
     
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  13. Big Mamma Jamma

    Big Mamma Jamma - Rookie -

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    My responses are below with no intent to offend but to point out a few things with some humor...

    1. Khmrp might become a glass half full guy but he will likely point out the floaties and particles in the water.

    [​IMG]

    2. Super pumped that TRD has returned. His return reminded me a little bit of Paul Pierce when he left the finals seemingly not returning but somehow miraculously came back triumphant! (J/K we love you TRD and super happy you've returned).

    [​IMG]

    3. Sirron is a douchenozzle and I haven't seem him around these parts in quite some time. Probably won't ever return because of LBJ and uses his time now to create rubber poop for pranks since he is fascinated with defecation. The guy that seems to be rising on the douche board for CL is this guy Ron Stu. Seems to always be the Top Poster of the Month and has a massive infatuation with LBJ to the point it is unhealthy. Mods watch that guy.

    [​IMG]
     
  14. sirronstuff

    sirronstuff - Lakers Legend -

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    :Shaqfunnyface:

    Make peace, not war.

    —Sun Tzu
     
  15. Flight815

    Flight815 - Rookie -

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    Wasn't expecting the dookie shot, but okay. LOL:rofl:
     
  16. Big Mamma Jamma

    Big Mamma Jamma - Rookie -

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    Sirron who used to be a very active poster here made gifs with poop. They were hilarious... especially the ones with Byron Scott. I can't find them but maybe someone else has some of those to share.

    Btw, that is a rubber poop for pranks.
     
  17. sirronstuff

    sirronstuff - Lakers Legend -

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    I did a google search and found some. That dude needs professional help.



    [​IMG]
     
  18. Barnstable

    Barnstable Supreme Fuzzler of Lakersball.com Staff Member

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    Not saying this as LB's owner, but as a human being.... Please don't
     
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  19. Mr. Rambis

    Mr. Rambis - Rookie - LB Verified Insider

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    @Savory Griddles You're right and I absolutely should have clarified. I think that Toronto is the best basketball situation for him if he wants to win and be the undisputed primary option, especially given the team chemistry he's developed. Lakers, if the offseason plays out properly, would probably be his best shot at winning a ring, but he may not get as much credit.

    Very curious to see how this all plays out!

    -Mr. Rambis
     
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  20. LaVarBallsDad

    LaVarBallsDad - Lakers Legend -

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    Byron. What a disaster
     
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