This topic contains 42 replies, has 15 voices, and was last updated by 
Hitster 10 years, 2 months ago.
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- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 3:15am #63199
highflyer0ParticipantI’ve been a Laker fan my whole life and I can honestly say this is the most worried I’ve ever been about my team. I’ll admit that I do tend to be a bit pessimistic but I think it’s safe to say that this is the worst state the team has ever been in. There was a stretch of games where D’angelo was putting up big numbers and I thought perhaps he would be the superstar of the future. But, with the recent Nick Young Fiasco, and Russell’s return to poor shooting percentages and low assist numbers, it’s really hard for me to see him becoming that guy. I can’t stand Byron Scott as a coach but he was quoted as saying sometimes he thinks Russell is "14 years old." And to me, that’s extremely troubling. It seems like almost every star in this league is praised, as a young player, as being mature for his age.
This franchise is becoming a joke, not just to fans, but also, I’m sure, to players around the league. And that’s a very scary thing. Although this may sound overly dramatic, I think the only way this team can turn around within the next 5 years is if they win the lottery this year and get their hands on a potential superstar, whether that be Ingram or Simmons. I think they need to pick whoever they feel has the most potential and completely disregard "bust" possibility. If they get the first pick and think Simmons is the one with superstar potential, then by all means they have to take him, regardless of whether or not Ingram seems much, much safer. This team desperately, and I mean desperately, needs a new superstar, and I just don’t see it in Russell right now, not so much in his play as in his maturity level. Maybe one day he can become that star but it’s not looking good.
I really love my team and hope they can turn things around, but I truly believe it is all going to come down to the lottery. And I’d never thought I’d see the day where a pingpong ball determined the future of the Los Angeles Lakers.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 3:54am #1050431
juves4783Participantyeah, wondering how this russell thing is going to affect free agency. they have about $50M coming off the books and i’m sure were banking on picking up a name or two that way.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 3:54am #1050300
juves4783Participantyeah, wondering how this russell thing is going to affect free agency. they have about $50M coming off the books and i’m sure were banking on picking up a name or two that way.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 3:58am #1050437
AwardedBallerParticipantI feel like everything starts with the coach, Byron Scott doesn’t seem like a guy who you can run to in a time of trouble. I forgot who said this but, someone said Byron Scott comes off more like a Kobe PR Guy then the Lakers coach. He’s called numerous players out to the media constantly, borderline insults players in the media and questions their manhood on a daily basis. Those 3 things pretty much endorse a toxic environment.
Before someone says "toughen up stop crying" or something along those lines, look how often Pop has called his players out to the media. Even when Coach K does, he gives his players endless confidence and endorsements, Scott on the other hand just throws insult after insult. It’s not a great thing when players are scared to play for you because punish them for being them.
I highly doubt the Lakers problems will just dissapear with one issue gone, but I really think a major problem is Byron Scott, I truly believe even with Mike Brown the team would not have the issues they face. I think rebuilding also includes development of your young pieces, that won’t happen with a pessimistic coach who drags his players.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 3:58am #1050306
AwardedBallerParticipantI feel like everything starts with the coach, Byron Scott doesn’t seem like a guy who you can run to in a time of trouble. I forgot who said this but, someone said Byron Scott comes off more like a Kobe PR Guy then the Lakers coach. He’s called numerous players out to the media constantly, borderline insults players in the media and questions their manhood on a daily basis. Those 3 things pretty much endorse a toxic environment.
Before someone says "toughen up stop crying" or something along those lines, look how often Pop has called his players out to the media. Even when Coach K does, he gives his players endless confidence and endorsements, Scott on the other hand just throws insult after insult. It’s not a great thing when players are scared to play for you because punish them for being them.
I highly doubt the Lakers problems will just dissapear with one issue gone, but I really think a major problem is Byron Scott, I truly believe even with Mike Brown the team would not have the issues they face. I think rebuilding also includes development of your young pieces, that won’t happen with a pessimistic coach who drags his players.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 4:27am #1050449
The Scare Crow RisesParticipantByron has almost 0 Talent to work with, an aging Kobe, slow footed Hibbert, unproven youngsters and a few chuckers to top it all off in Young and Williams
Now D’angelo Russell has shit the bed and has to be traded IMO, there is no way a free agent signs in Los Angeles with a Rat on the Roster…
Westbrook may be willing to return to the LA area after his contract expires, why would he want a well known snitch on the roster?
What about this off-season, they could sign Derozen and Whiteside to play SG and C, but will they want to play with A Rat?
What about Brandon Ingram? If the Lakers draft him, would he be able to play and trust a guy like Russell moving forward?
I dont know all the answers, but I can say thay I doubt anybody ever trusts Russell again, the Laker’s reputation hangs on how they take care of this issue…
They have to make the right move here and part ways with a talented but immature player because he’ll single handedly destroy your locker room for the next few years…
Bryon Scott or Kobe Bryant didn’t record Nick Young in the privacy of a hotel room for the world to watch, that was a idiot named D’angelo Russell, do the right thing and cut ties before the poison rots away the entire Team going forward…
Sad day for Lakers fans, but they will be alright in the end…
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 4:27am #1050318
The Scare Crow RisesParticipantByron has almost 0 Talent to work with, an aging Kobe, slow footed Hibbert, unproven youngsters and a few chuckers to top it all off in Young and Williams
Now D’angelo Russell has shit the bed and has to be traded IMO, there is no way a free agent signs in Los Angeles with a Rat on the Roster…
Westbrook may be willing to return to the LA area after his contract expires, why would he want a well known snitch on the roster?
What about this off-season, they could sign Derozen and Whiteside to play SG and C, but will they want to play with A Rat?
What about Brandon Ingram? If the Lakers draft him, would he be able to play and trust a guy like Russell moving forward?
I dont know all the answers, but I can say thay I doubt anybody ever trusts Russell again, the Laker’s reputation hangs on how they take care of this issue…
They have to make the right move here and part ways with a talented but immature player because he’ll single handedly destroy your locker room for the next few years…
Bryon Scott or Kobe Bryant didn’t record Nick Young in the privacy of a hotel room for the world to watch, that was a idiot named D’angelo Russell, do the right thing and cut ties before the poison rots away the entire Team going forward…
Sad day for Lakers fans, but they will be alright in the end…
0- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 6:51am #1050473
Magic JordanParticipantGosh you are ridiculous. Trade him? Really? Yeah it was a sucker move and I have said as much, but to trade Russell because he ruined Swaggy P’s wedding plans. Get real. Let me guess, trade him to the 76ers?
Whether other players, be it free agents or draft picks want to play with him remains to be seen. Would a player turn down a max contract offer from LA because Russell did Nick freaking Young dirty?? I seriously doubt it that it will play a big enough role in having an impact on someones career decision.
"I doubt anybody ever trusts Russell again," Geeze, ever? One mistake from a 20 year old kid and you stamp it with "ever". Do you happen to be a Trump supporter? I have a crazy hunch that you are.
Bottom line, if Russell plays well, it won’t matter. I still think it’s a punk move, but ultimately it’s not like he pissed on a handicapped persons face. Or killed a baby.
Get Nick Young away from these young players. The Lakers need to get their culture in place. All they seem to do is talk about players, they have no culture. That carries far more weight than if they have a snitch in their ranks.
Snitches get stitches and then you move on.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 6:51am #1050341
Magic JordanParticipantGosh you are ridiculous. Trade him? Really? Yeah it was a sucker move and I have said as much, but to trade Russell because he ruined Swaggy P’s wedding plans. Get real. Let me guess, trade him to the 76ers?
Whether other players, be it free agents or draft picks want to play with him remains to be seen. Would a player turn down a max contract offer from LA because Russell did Nick freaking Young dirty?? I seriously doubt it that it will play a big enough role in having an impact on someones career decision.
"I doubt anybody ever trusts Russell again," Geeze, ever? One mistake from a 20 year old kid and you stamp it with "ever". Do you happen to be a Trump supporter? I have a crazy hunch that you are.
Bottom line, if Russell plays well, it won’t matter. I still think it’s a punk move, but ultimately it’s not like he pissed on a handicapped persons face. Or killed a baby.
Get Nick Young away from these young players. The Lakers need to get their culture in place. All they seem to do is talk about players, they have no culture. That carries far more weight than if they have a snitch in their ranks.
Snitches get stitches and then you move on.
0- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:02am #1050479
Magic JordanParticipantAnd maybe you forgot about Kobe exposing Shaq for doing the same thing when he was younger?? It seemed to really impact him. Players didn’t want to go to LA because they wouldn’t get any shots playing next to him, not because he snitched on Shaq for cheating 12 years ago.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:02am #1050347
Magic JordanParticipantAnd maybe you forgot about Kobe exposing Shaq for doing the same thing when he was younger?? It seemed to really impact him. Players didn’t want to go to LA because they wouldn’t get any shots playing next to him, not because he snitched on Shaq for cheating 12 years ago.
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- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 4:31am #1050453
ballislyfe25ParticipantNot worried in the least. Swaggy P, Lou Williams, Byron Scott, and everyone not named Russell, Julis Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. should be gone after this season (Stretch Provision and outright waiving players are a beautiful thing). We have drafted well in the two years leading up to Kobe’s retirement next month and are not on the hook for any salary cap eating contracts past this current season. If we keep the pick this season, great. If not, we have it regardless next year. If we sign 1 or more of the top free agents, great. If not, we will suck again and get the pick in a much stronger class and still have cap space to chase two max players.
The sky isn’t falling, the Lakers are just ending a shit year on a shit note.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 4:31am #1050322
ballislyfe25ParticipantNot worried in the least. Swaggy P, Lou Williams, Byron Scott, and everyone not named Russell, Julis Randle, Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. should be gone after this season (Stretch Provision and outright waiving players are a beautiful thing). We have drafted well in the two years leading up to Kobe’s retirement next month and are not on the hook for any salary cap eating contracts past this current season. If we keep the pick this season, great. If not, we have it regardless next year. If we sign 1 or more of the top free agents, great. If not, we will suck again and get the pick in a much stronger class and still have cap space to chase two max players.
The sky isn’t falling, the Lakers are just ending a shit year on a shit note.
0- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 5:43am #1050465
highflyer0ParticipantI’d like to think getting rid Byron and the deadweight on the roster will solve a lot of problems but I think it goes deeper than that. There needs to be a complete overhaul of the team’s culture. With the subtraction of Lou and Nick, there needs to the addition of high character, hardworking guys to guide the young guys and create a new team identity. I talked about drafting Simmons or Ingram but perhaps bringing in a guy like Hield could go a long way in changing the team’s attitude. He seems like a great leader, is very likeable, and is definitely marketable enough to do very well in LA. I’m not sure about his star potential but having him as one of the faces of the franchise would probably help to change the current negative image.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 5:43am #1050334
highflyer0ParticipantI’d like to think getting rid Byron and the deadweight on the roster will solve a lot of problems but I think it goes deeper than that. There needs to be a complete overhaul of the team’s culture. With the subtraction of Lou and Nick, there needs to the addition of high character, hardworking guys to guide the young guys and create a new team identity. I talked about drafting Simmons or Ingram but perhaps bringing in a guy like Hield could go a long way in changing the team’s attitude. He seems like a great leader, is very likeable, and is definitely marketable enough to do very well in LA. I’m not sure about his star potential but having him as one of the faces of the franchise would probably help to change the current negative image.
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- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 4:33am #1050455
AwardedBallerParticipantWhat does the players being talented or untalnted have to do with what I just said? Yall don’t read on this forum thats a major issue I have. I said he keeps the environment of the team toxic by the way he treats everyone to the media except Kobe. I’ve already shared my thoughts on what DRuss did and it had nothing to do with Scott. What I am saying to you is Scott treats the players in crappy ways that great coaches wouldn’t even think about.
The coach can’t be trusted by his own players, he’ll go to the media. What just happened with D’Angelo Russell? Hmmmmmm don’t seem like a coincidence.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 4:33am #1050324
AwardedBallerParticipantWhat does the players being talented or untalnted have to do with what I just said? Yall don’t read on this forum thats a major issue I have. I said he keeps the environment of the team toxic by the way he treats everyone to the media except Kobe. I’ve already shared my thoughts on what DRuss did and it had nothing to do with Scott. What I am saying to you is Scott treats the players in crappy ways that great coaches wouldn’t even think about.
The coach can’t be trusted by his own players, he’ll go to the media. What just happened with D’Angelo Russell? Hmmmmmm don’t seem like a coincidence.
0- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:01am #1050477
Magic JordanParticipantExactly. Culture is the biggest thing at play here. Jim Buss is enabled by nepotism, B Scott is enabled by Jim Buss.
B Scott is the worst X’s and O’s coach in the league, and he is also the worst at handling players both in instruction and through the media. How Mark Madsen hasn’t replaced him as a temp is just beyond me. There is zero doubt in my mind that with absolutely no experience running an NBA team, that I could do better. The coach is supposed to use himself as a scapegoat… not routinely throw players under the bus. There is a correlation between what we are seeing from the Laker players and what we see from their coach.
Attitude reflects leadership.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:01am #1050345
Magic JordanParticipantExactly. Culture is the biggest thing at play here. Jim Buss is enabled by nepotism, B Scott is enabled by Jim Buss.
B Scott is the worst X’s and O’s coach in the league, and he is also the worst at handling players both in instruction and through the media. How Mark Madsen hasn’t replaced him as a temp is just beyond me. There is zero doubt in my mind that with absolutely no experience running an NBA team, that I could do better. The coach is supposed to use himself as a scapegoat… not routinely throw players under the bus. There is a correlation between what we are seeing from the Laker players and what we see from their coach.
Attitude reflects leadership.
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- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 6:57am #1050475
Magic JordanParticipantThe Herd said it best today. Not the biggest Colin fan but Lakers can’t wait for another summer of Jim Buss. I am not as hard on Buss as most others, he’s done well in the draft (If he has anything to do with it.) But he’s got to go now. There is no structure and it starts on the top. The Coach has been blasting players to the media all year long and has not once been held accountable.
Higher a real president of basketball operations. It starts there.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 6:57am #1050343
Magic JordanParticipantThe Herd said it best today. Not the biggest Colin fan but Lakers can’t wait for another summer of Jim Buss. I am not as hard on Buss as most others, he’s done well in the draft (If he has anything to do with it.) But he’s got to go now. There is no structure and it starts on the top. The Coach has been blasting players to the media all year long and has not once been held accountable.
Higher a real president of basketball operations. It starts there.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:03am #1050481
Reptilian MonkParticipant" Iggy fine but SHE AINT EVEN STRETCH DOE" – D Lo
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:03am #1050350
Reptilian MonkParticipant" Iggy fine but SHE AINT EVEN STRETCH DOE" – D Lo
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:21am #1050493
MopgrassParticipantI liked the locker room before this all came down. Swaggy, Clarkson, and Russell seemed like they were having a good time. So, that’s over.
In the video, Russell mentions that he is videotaping Nick Young. Young knew. I don’t think that was the problem and I could see that as messing with someone. The real question is: how did it hit the Internet? Did he leak it? Did a girlfriend leak it? That stuff makes a difference. Did he mess up or was he vindictive? That will determine how he is treated in the league in the future.
Isolating Russell is the right message to send. For how long depends on how long he takes to truly apologize. Once that period is over, team leaders (Kobe Bryant) really need to bridge the gap and try to make everyone get along and understand. Iggy Azaelea’s reaction determines whether or not Russell and Young can coexist (very unlikely).
Byron Scott isn’t to blame for this. The players are developing and he’s actually done what he’s supposed to do. Sorta. His attitude is not healthy and this event just highlights the problems that happen under his leadership. While it’s not his fault, I think this solidifies the fact that he will be fired in the offseason.
Russell won’t be traded because this temporarily drops his value. I think it just gets Swaggy waived (since they can’t find a trade taker).
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:21am #1050362
MopgrassParticipantI liked the locker room before this all came down. Swaggy, Clarkson, and Russell seemed like they were having a good time. So, that’s over.
In the video, Russell mentions that he is videotaping Nick Young. Young knew. I don’t think that was the problem and I could see that as messing with someone. The real question is: how did it hit the Internet? Did he leak it? Did a girlfriend leak it? That stuff makes a difference. Did he mess up or was he vindictive? That will determine how he is treated in the league in the future.
Isolating Russell is the right message to send. For how long depends on how long he takes to truly apologize. Once that period is over, team leaders (Kobe Bryant) really need to bridge the gap and try to make everyone get along and understand. Iggy Azaelea’s reaction determines whether or not Russell and Young can coexist (very unlikely).
Byron Scott isn’t to blame for this. The players are developing and he’s actually done what he’s supposed to do. Sorta. His attitude is not healthy and this event just highlights the problems that happen under his leadership. While it’s not his fault, I think this solidifies the fact that he will be fired in the offseason.
Russell won’t be traded because this temporarily drops his value. I think it just gets Swaggy waived (since they can’t find a trade taker).
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:43am #1050368
Memphis MadnessParticipantI WOULD add my two cents but my team has Matt Barnes.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:43am #1050499
Memphis MadnessParticipantI WOULD add my two cents but my team has Matt Barnes.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:57am #1050377
Jerrell7ParticipantAs a sixers fan I’m in the middle. For one yall deserve this for not drafting okafor. I hope it’s all worth it. Then again, thank you for picking him. Philly doesn’t want a point guard who gets his eyebrows arched anyway. To think okafor was the perfect one for kobe to pass the torch to. It could have been like playing with a lesser shaq this year. At least kobe would have had fun. Yall treating kobe like a sided how parading him around on this crap team. I can count at least 6 games yall gave away this year just to tank with us. Never thought yall would do that but yall made it clear drafting russ, getting Hibbert and keeping by scott. Laker fans are delusional like it will be showtime again next year. Pathetic. And now your gonna see them do another tank job next year. D rat is gonna be the sam bowie of point guards. I hope every laker heart is filled with regret. Kobe put the curse on them.
0- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 9:26am #1050400
Magic JordanParticipantLol. A video that he recorded was leaked. It’s not like he went on a drunken stooper and punched some dudes in the face or anything…. wait a second…..
0- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 10:52am #1050404
Jerrell7ParticipantI’d rather he be drunk fighting Celtics fans than snitch. D rat gotta knuckle everybody on the team and he still won’t get his respect back.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 10:52am #1050535
Jerrell7ParticipantI’d rather he be drunk fighting Celtics fans than snitch. D rat gotta knuckle everybody on the team and he still won’t get his respect back.
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- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 9:26am #1050531
Magic JordanParticipantLol. A video that he recorded was leaked. It’s not like he went on a drunken stooper and punched some dudes in the face or anything…. wait a second…..
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- Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 7:57am #1050509
Jerrell7ParticipantAs a sixers fan I’m in the middle. For one yall deserve this for not drafting okafor. I hope it’s all worth it. Then again, thank you for picking him. Philly doesn’t want a point guard who gets his eyebrows arched anyway. To think okafor was the perfect one for kobe to pass the torch to. It could have been like playing with a lesser shaq this year. At least kobe would have had fun. Yall treating kobe like a sided how parading him around on this crap team. I can count at least 6 games yall gave away this year just to tank with us. Never thought yall would do that but yall made it clear drafting russ, getting Hibbert and keeping by scott. Laker fans are delusional like it will be showtime again next year. Pathetic. And now your gonna see them do another tank job next year. D rat is gonna be the sam bowie of point guards. I hope every laker heart is filled with regret. Kobe put the curse on them.
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 8:33am #1050383
OaktownWarriorsParticipantDrama kid Russell is playing for the wrong Lost Angeles team….with all of that drama, homeboy should be playing for the NBA’s Drama Queen team….the Lost Angeles Clippers! But that can some times happens when you draft a kid….they will act like a kid!
0 - Posted on: Wed, 03/30/2016 - 8:33am #1050515
OaktownWarriorsParticipantDrama kid Russell is playing for the wrong Lost Angeles team….with all of that drama, homeboy should be playing for the NBA’s Drama Queen team….the Lost Angeles Clippers! But that can some times happens when you draft a kid….they will act like a kid!
0 - Posted on: Thu, 03/31/2016 - 4:25am #1050703
Ahkasi ClayParticipantSnitches keep Free Agents away.
Kobe snitched on Shaq. Name me one legitimate free agent that the Lakers gotten after Shaq left. (I just like instigating)
0 - Posted on: Thu, 03/31/2016 - 4:25am #1050571
Ahkasi ClayParticipantSnitches keep Free Agents away.
Kobe snitched on Shaq. Name me one legitimate free agent that the Lakers gotten after Shaq left. (I just like instigating)
0 - Posted on: Thu, 03/31/2016 - 4:44am #1050707
TheGuyParticipantThank you Russell, Iggy I’m here for you baby lol
0 - Posted on: Thu, 03/31/2016 - 4:44am #1050575
TheGuyParticipantThank you Russell, Iggy I’m here for you baby lol
0 - Posted on: Thu, 03/31/2016 - 5:39am #1050723
HitsterParticipantThe Lakers have a lot of hard decisions to make especially if they lose this year’s pick to Philly.
I think Byron Scott needs to be moved aside even if they give him a Front Office role, he was seen as the guy who developed CP3 etc but he did little at the Cavs and now at Lakers with younger players.
Russell’s situation could be compounded even more than FA’s not wanting to play with him if any potential new coach may not want him on the roster. A lot of us think Luke Walton will end up on the Lakers bench but he’ll get loads of offers. Don’t forget he played under Phil Jackson for many years so the chance to go to MSG may well be tempting for him too.
If anyone thinks that Lakers wouldn’t move Russell then I’d be surprised. Cavs soon moved Wiggins when LBJ wanted K-Love for example. If the Lakers could flip him even for someone from this year’s draft class lets say Hield then they would seriously consider it. Philly need backcourt players, Brooklyn want to start over and Brook Lopez may be on the block etc.
0 - Posted on: Thu, 03/31/2016 - 5:39am #1050591
HitsterParticipantThe Lakers have a lot of hard decisions to make especially if they lose this year’s pick to Philly.
I think Byron Scott needs to be moved aside even if they give him a Front Office role, he was seen as the guy who developed CP3 etc but he did little at the Cavs and now at Lakers with younger players.
Russell’s situation could be compounded even more than FA’s not wanting to play with him if any potential new coach may not want him on the roster. A lot of us think Luke Walton will end up on the Lakers bench but he’ll get loads of offers. Don’t forget he played under Phil Jackson for many years so the chance to go to MSG may well be tempting for him too.
If anyone thinks that Lakers wouldn’t move Russell then I’d be surprised. Cavs soon moved Wiggins when LBJ wanted K-Love for example. If the Lakers could flip him even for someone from this year’s draft class lets say Hield then they would seriously consider it. Philly need backcourt players, Brooklyn want to start over and Brook Lopez may be on the block etc.
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