Stephen A Smith - Kevin Durant favors the Lakers if he leaves OKC

So on the topic of Derozan, I got a random story from a season and a half ago I'll share with you guys.

Back in 2013, my buddy and I got tickets from a mutual friend to sit in a suite for a Clippers Raptors game (My buddy is a clippers fan). While we're waiting in the VIP area at Staples to get into the game, there's a big guy in front of us wearing a Raptors jersey that reads "Derozan's Dad" on the back. After back and forth debating with my friend on if it's really him, I go up to the guy and tell him I'm a fan of his son from his USC days. The guy is extremely nice and at the end of our conversation, he gives us passes to go to the lower bowl after the game where visiting players meet their friends and family. Sure enough, the passes were legit and we got into the lower bowl after the game.

Once we got to the bowl I shook hands again with Demar's Dad, and ended up meeting his Mom as well. After talking for a few minutes, his mom asked me if I was a Clippers fan. I made her chuckle a little when I said that I was a Lakers fan and that I don't recognize the JV squad in LA. I then joked with her and Demar's Dad to push their son to play for the Lakers when his contract in Toronto was up. Take it for whatever it's worth, but Mrs. Derozan's response was "Our whole family is pushing for that. We would love it." Mr. Derozan's response was "I think it could happen, especially if Kobe retires." A little later the Players came out, and Demar's mom made us take a picture with him lol. I also got a picture with Steve Novak as well which was pretty easy cause he was the only player without friends visiting him.

Anyways, I know this story is super random and a little off thread topic, but I thought it was cool to share. Not saying that he'll come to LA for sure, but it sounds like his folks are all for it. I attached the picture we got with him - had to crop me and my buddy out to make the photo size smaller - also didn't want my face associated with a rumor lol.

 

After KD my first choice would be Harrison Barnes, he's a better defender and that would be really beneficial if we keep Hibbert too. But not sure if Jerry West will let go of his golden child.

Wouldn't mind Derozan though, he's an athletic wing that can score and will fit nicely with our young guns.

 

I get the hype for Derozan, for sure. The kid can ball. But is he that much better than Clarkson, if at all? We could have an equal or even better SG locked in at half the price, making a SF a much more valuable piece to add. Of course, this all depends on Clarkson continuing his stellar play and Russell becoming our starting PG.

 

If healthy, I would prefer Paul George and Durant over Derozan.

 

We'll see.

Who wouldn't?

 

:fistbump:

 

That whole segment was interesting, Mason and Ireland were discussing what competitive means for this team. Does it mean they win 50 and make the playoffs? Or they are in the mix for the 8th spot? Or do we see significant progress from Russell, Clarkson, Randle that makes KD think he's the final piece. There's a lot of variables in place and I'm surprised there's talk of this so early.

Oh and Mason said, paraphrasing here, the best way Lakers get significantly better is if they tank for the pick. I do not see why that statement makes any sense.

 

Mason said that? Tank for this year? Here I have been liking him a lot more the past couple of years since he stopped being an idiot with his Kobe baiting. But yeah that makes no sense. We can't keep the pick and no way we should be tanking anyway.

 

Tank, who said tank? :magicsmile:

 

Please no!!! I'm ready to win some games. Not interested in the Sixers model or in finishing in the bottom 3.
uke:

I think we'll be in every game this year AND be exciting to watch. :wow:

 

Not me..... and you know I love a good looking tank

 

We got to 4 worst last year tanking and there is zero chance of beating that to get a 1-3 slot this year. Although some of the tankers last season got a little better, people can't follow up last year's record with a worse one, heads would have to roll including Scott's and Jim's. Imagine trying to arrange a tank but getting only to 4th-5th worse and missing out on the pick. + in my mind this team is improved way too much for that possibility. Youth or not, there are vets to guide now (Kobe, MWP, Hibbert, Bass, Lou). Byron can get guys to defend night in and night out now.

 

I was being facetious when I said tank...LOL!. I don't think it benefits us whatsoever to bring these young guys up in a losing culture. That's not what we're about, and I understand that.

I heard what Ireland said about Durant, too. I'll gladly eat crow if he signs...come on down, KD.