[highflyer0Participant]

So I’m a huge Lakers fan; for as long as I can remember, literally.  Am I a bad fan for wanting them sign guys like Monroe or Ellis or Millsap?  My friend keeps telling me I’m impatient and that signing these guys will only hamper the development of LA’s young pieces and get them to, at best, an 8 seed in the crowded west.  And you know what?  He’s probably right.  I know that Monroe is a poor fit with Randle and that his defense is lacking.  But I don’t want to be patient.  I’m passionate about basketball, but it’s also a hobby.  It’s not fun to watch a team tank and win 22 games.  I enjoy watching the young guys play but I’d rather watch them play on an 8 seed and attempt to do the impossible against OKC in the first round, than watch them get blown out by the Magic midseason.  Patience is key for building a championship team, but I’m a fan, not a GM.  Of course I know that overpaying role players results in the neverending mediocrity of a team like Dumars’ Detroit.  I can sit in a bar and talk about how stupid it would be for the Lakers to overpay for Monta Ellis or Greg Monroe, but deep down, I want them more than ever.  Maybe I’m a bad fan, but I just can’t help it.  

[kobyzParticipant]

 Depends on your age…

[kobyzParticipant]

 Depends on your age…

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 No, you are not a bad fan.

Look a bit down the road.  Anthony Davis was your PLAN A.  He is now off the table for the next several years.  Then, look at drafts.  This one was a good one.  Next year, do you guys even have your own pick? Even if you do it could just be Ben Simmons, Skal, and some guys.  So, less depth at the top and less depth throughout both rounds.  The 2016 Draft as PLAN B isn’t shaping up that well.

PLAN C is OBVIOUSLY Kevin Durant.  BUT, the kid was injured, he really isn’t that young, and he already has a ton of mileage.  He might not get you a title all by himself.  THEN he would want to go to a team that already has assets.

So, get guys NOW.

In the Predictions (FA) thread I said that the Lakers should really go after DeAndre Jordan to be their rim protecting center as well as DeMarre Carroll to fill the small forward role.  THEN, try to convince Kevin Love to take a one year deal.

You then have a really nice starting five of D’Angelo Russell, Kobe, DeMarre, Kevin Love, and DeAndre Jordan.  Pick and pops with Kobe and Love.  Pick and rolls with Russell/Clarkson and DeAndre Jordan.

Some of everything in the starting lineup with Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle off the bench.

Kevin Love signs a one year deal, the salary cap goes up next year so sign Kevin Love to a longer deal.  Kobe comes off the books so he can sign a 1 or 2 year deal.  THEN try to get Kevin Durant to sign a one year deal, before the FINAL salary cap rise.  If Kobe takes a STEEP pay cut and Love gets a more REASONABLE deal then you have a really loaded team of Russell, Kobe, Durant, Love, and DeAndre Jordan with Clarkson, DeMarre, and Randle off the bench.  Even if you can’t get Durant you still have a very good team and you can probably find some money to fill out the rest of the roster.

Now with DeMarre Carroll off the board, I still the Lakers should go after DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Love.  Throw MAX CONTRACTS at them.  Jordan can rebound, block shots, protect the rim, and finish with powerful dunks.  He and Russell could be a pick and roll terror.  Then Kevin Love helps out on the boards, becomes option 1A on offense to Kobe’s option 1, throws some outlet passes Showtime Style, and gives the Lakers a legit go-to guy at the 4.  

So now the Lakers would pay 3 guys BIG MONEY with Jordan, Love, and also Kobe but Kobe would be off the books at the end of the year.  So give him a bit more years at a reduced salary next offseason.  But the rest of your key guys (Russell, Randle, Clarkson) are on rookie deals.

Get a left over small forward, and I think that a team with a Big Three of Kobe, Love, and DeAndre Jordan with D’Angelo Russell as the 4th option and Clarkson/Randle in reserve can contend THIS SEASON.

Save some money at the small forward spot to take a run at Kevin Durant next year.

DeAndre Jordan would be my Plan A.  If they can’t get him then go after LaMarcus Aldridge (he offers more shooting range than Greg Monroe and is a more established go-to guy).  Now, if they can get BOTH DJ and LMA then the Lakers are back in business with weapons at guard and inside.  Then get a halfway decent small forward to fill out the rotation.  

DJ and LMA would be an ideal big man pairing inside.  Then Julius Randle would be the third big who could play with EITHER of those two guys.  I am also thinking that you could play Kobe some at the 3 spot.  Clarkson, Russell, Kobe, LMA, and DJ would be a very nice and scary starting five/core five.  With DeMarre Carroll and even Aminu (as well as the big gets like Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard probably staying home) then the Lakers go after the Kyle Singlers of the world to give them minutes at small forward.

Since the Lakers can’t go after the 3 guys I wanted (DeMarre is now spoken for) the NEW strategy should be go after a great, all around Twin Towers lineup of LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan.  Then spend as little money as possible at small forward.  Or, get a small forward for the MLE and then add an extra veteran SF for the minimum (whoever that is).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 No, you are not a bad fan.

Look a bit down the road.  Anthony Davis was your PLAN A.  He is now off the table for the next several years.  Then, look at drafts.  This one was a good one.  Next year, do you guys even have your own pick? Even if you do it could just be Ben Simmons, Skal, and some guys.  So, less depth at the top and less depth throughout both rounds.  The 2016 Draft as PLAN B isn’t shaping up that well.

PLAN C is OBVIOUSLY Kevin Durant.  BUT, the kid was injured, he really isn’t that young, and he already has a ton of mileage.  He might not get you a title all by himself.  THEN he would want to go to a team that already has assets.

So, get guys NOW.

In the Predictions (FA) thread I said that the Lakers should really go after DeAndre Jordan to be their rim protecting center as well as DeMarre Carroll to fill the small forward role.  THEN, try to convince Kevin Love to take a one year deal.

You then have a really nice starting five of D’Angelo Russell, Kobe, DeMarre, Kevin Love, and DeAndre Jordan.  Pick and pops with Kobe and Love.  Pick and rolls with Russell/Clarkson and DeAndre Jordan.

Some of everything in the starting lineup with Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle off the bench.

Kevin Love signs a one year deal, the salary cap goes up next year so sign Kevin Love to a longer deal.  Kobe comes off the books so he can sign a 1 or 2 year deal.  THEN try to get Kevin Durant to sign a one year deal, before the FINAL salary cap rise.  If Kobe takes a STEEP pay cut and Love gets a more REASONABLE deal then you have a really loaded team of Russell, Kobe, Durant, Love, and DeAndre Jordan with Clarkson, DeMarre, and Randle off the bench.  Even if you can’t get Durant you still have a very good team and you can probably find some money to fill out the rest of the roster.

Now with DeMarre Carroll off the board, I still the Lakers should go after DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Love.  Throw MAX CONTRACTS at them.  Jordan can rebound, block shots, protect the rim, and finish with powerful dunks.  He and Russell could be a pick and roll terror.  Then Kevin Love helps out on the boards, becomes option 1A on offense to Kobe’s option 1, throws some outlet passes Showtime Style, and gives the Lakers a legit go-to guy at the 4.  

So now the Lakers would pay 3 guys BIG MONEY with Jordan, Love, and also Kobe but Kobe would be off the books at the end of the year.  So give him a bit more years at a reduced salary next offseason.  But the rest of your key guys (Russell, Randle, Clarkson) are on rookie deals.

Get a left over small forward, and I think that a team with a Big Three of Kobe, Love, and DeAndre Jordan with D’Angelo Russell as the 4th option and Clarkson/Randle in reserve can contend THIS SEASON.

Save some money at the small forward spot to take a run at Kevin Durant next year.

DeAndre Jordan would be my Plan A.  If they can’t get him then go after LaMarcus Aldridge (he offers more shooting range than Greg Monroe and is a more established go-to guy).  Now, if they can get BOTH DJ and LMA then the Lakers are back in business with weapons at guard and inside.  Then get a halfway decent small forward to fill out the rotation.  

DJ and LMA would be an ideal big man pairing inside.  Then Julius Randle would be the third big who could play with EITHER of those two guys.  I am also thinking that you could play Kobe some at the 3 spot.  Clarkson, Russell, Kobe, LMA, and DJ would be a very nice and scary starting five/core five.  With DeMarre Carroll and even Aminu (as well as the big gets like Jimmy Butler and Kawhi Leonard probably staying home) then the Lakers go after the Kyle Singlers of the world to give them minutes at small forward.

Since the Lakers can’t go after the 3 guys I wanted (DeMarre is now spoken for) the NEW strategy should be go after a great, all around Twin Towers lineup of LaMarcus Aldridge and DeAndre Jordan.  Then spend as little money as possible at small forward.  Or, get a small forward for the MLE and then add an extra veteran SF for the minimum (whoever that is).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

^^^

Get DJ and LMA in Lakers purple and gold.

For small forward, sign rookie free agent Aaron Harrison.  He would be cheap and he gives you a solid all around wing who hit some big shots at college.

Next, they should take a run at Paul Pierce.  He is from Ingelwood, and ok, he played for the hated Celtics, but maybe he wants to be a Laker?  PP gives them another crafty HOF on the wing along with Kobe.  

Kobe and Paul Pierce should be fun to watch.

Paul Pierce and Aaron Harrison would be a decent combo at the 3.  For the third small forward I would just get a young athletic defender with length.  Either a young fringe NBA guy or a D Leaguer since the TRUE 3 and D guys are going for big bucks.  Tayshaun Prince might also be another option.  He was on his last legs 3 years ago but he can create some on offense, and defend some on defense, not only as a small forward, but also in some small ball 4 situations.

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

^^^

Get DJ and LMA in Lakers purple and gold.

For small forward, sign rookie free agent Aaron Harrison.  He would be cheap and he gives you a solid all around wing who hit some big shots at college.

Next, they should take a run at Paul Pierce.  He is from Ingelwood, and ok, he played for the hated Celtics, but maybe he wants to be a Laker?  PP gives them another crafty HOF on the wing along with Kobe.  

Kobe and Paul Pierce should be fun to watch.

Paul Pierce and Aaron Harrison would be a decent combo at the 3.  For the third small forward I would just get a young athletic defender with length.  Either a young fringe NBA guy or a D Leaguer since the TRUE 3 and D guys are going for big bucks.  Tayshaun Prince might also be another option.  He was on his last legs 3 years ago but he can create some on offense, and defend some on defense, not only as a small forward, but also in some small ball 4 situations.

 

 

 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I’m a huge Lakers fan also… And its looking like they are going to whiff in free agency again.  It’s not looking good.  With limited assets and no big names coming I don’t really see an end to this unless all of our rookies turn into all NBA players.  

The worst part is they will struggle AND lose their pick next year barring more lottery luck.  Like the cherry on top of a bowl of poop.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I’m a huge Lakers fan also… And its looking like they are going to whiff in free agency again.  It’s not looking good.  With limited assets and no big names coming I don’t really see an end to this unless all of our rookies turn into all NBA players.  

The worst part is they will struggle AND lose their pick next year barring more lottery luck.  Like the cherry on top of a bowl of poop.

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 When Anthony Davis got the mega extension, the Lakers should have been in SIGN NOW mode.  LMA, DeAndre, Greg Monroe, etc.

I have been following the Lakers for 25 years.  I have thought for a bit that they might be in danger of going into that Post-Magic (Pre Shaq) mediocre danger zone.  That is ENTIRELY possible.  

Who knows?  They could turn into the West Coast Knicks.

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 When Anthony Davis got the mega extension, the Lakers should have been in SIGN NOW mode.  LMA, DeAndre, Greg Monroe, etc.

I have been following the Lakers for 25 years.  I have thought for a bit that they might be in danger of going into that Post-Magic (Pre Shaq) mediocre danger zone.  That is ENTIRELY possible.  

Who knows?  They could turn into the West Coast Knicks.

 

 

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Lakers drafting Russell and not selling the farm for cousins is a huge step for them imo regardless of how they do in fa. Aldridge was probably always a long shot regardless of whatever rumors were flying. Realistically why would he go the Lakers when he can step into a ready made championship team in San Antonio? Jordan is probably a long shot too. Someone like Brook Lopez is probably more realistic. I don’t think we’ll be competing for the championship next year but I’m OK with that. We are still going to have massive cap space next summer regardless and it will give some of our younger players a chance to develop.

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 Lakers drafting Russell and not selling the farm for cousins is a huge step for them imo regardless of how they do in fa. Aldridge was probably always a long shot regardless of whatever rumors were flying. Realistically why would he go the Lakers when he can step into a ready made championship team in San Antonio? Jordan is probably a long shot too. Someone like Brook Lopez is probably more realistic. I don’t think we’ll be competing for the championship next year but I’m OK with that. We are still going to have massive cap space next summer regardless and it will give some of our younger players a chance to develop.

[DolanCareParticipant]

 You’re sort of a bad fan if you want a future of Monroe/Randle. That combo isn’t getting them into the playoffs in the West. You should just look forward to seeing Russell and Randle develop with the guidance of Kobe. Maybe next year they can make a run. 

[DolanCareParticipant]

 You’re sort of a bad fan if you want a future of Monroe/Randle. That combo isn’t getting them into the playoffs in the West. You should just look forward to seeing Russell and Randle develop with the guidance of Kobe. Maybe next year they can make a run. 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Yeah, I would rather see DJ or LMA if I were a Lakers fan.  Preferably BOTH.  Other than that, I don’t want just Greg Monroe by himself.  He won’t help you win, and he might be a bit too old/expensive to help you rebuild.  

Although Greg Monroe might not be a TERRIBLE option since he gives them an asset to show potential 2016 free agents.

With him at the 5 and Kobe at the 2 along with the young guys like Russell, Clarkson, and Randle you are at least respectable.  Decent small ballish lineup with those 5.  

Now you put Durant with those guys then it starts looking better…

But would Durant want to join a team of Grandpa Kobe and the grandkids?  Doubtful.

Greg Monroe as an option is way down the list, BUT he might be better than nothing.

I think the Lakers CAN KEEP their 2016 pick if it is top 2 or 3 right? Or is it totally unprotected?  In that case, I think you go out and get a guy, so you don’t 1) really, really suck, and 2) lose a really, really good pick.

What they CANNOT do is whiff on EVERYBODY (including Monroe) then get desperate and OVERPAY fringe 3 and D guys and backup centers.  Worst of all worlds, there…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 Yeah, I would rather see DJ or LMA if I were a Lakers fan.  Preferably BOTH.  Other than that, I don’t want just Greg Monroe by himself.  He won’t help you win, and he might be a bit too old/expensive to help you rebuild.  

Although Greg Monroe might not be a TERRIBLE option since he gives them an asset to show potential 2016 free agents.

With him at the 5 and Kobe at the 2 along with the young guys like Russell, Clarkson, and Randle you are at least respectable.  Decent small ballish lineup with those 5.  

Now you put Durant with those guys then it starts looking better…

But would Durant want to join a team of Grandpa Kobe and the grandkids?  Doubtful.

Greg Monroe as an option is way down the list, BUT he might be better than nothing.

I think the Lakers CAN KEEP their 2016 pick if it is top 2 or 3 right? Or is it totally unprotected?  In that case, I think you go out and get a guy, so you don’t 1) really, really suck, and 2) lose a really, really good pick.

What they CANNOT do is whiff on EVERYBODY (including Monroe) then get desperate and OVERPAY fringe 3 and D guys and backup centers.  Worst of all worlds, there…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sheltwon3Participant]

 How is Greg Monroe old and he is a 20 and 10 guy right now.  The Lakers would be wise to get him if they could.  There is no gurantee that Randle will be better.  You could pair Monroe and Ed Davis together if they should resign him.  Randle should earn his minutes off the bench.

 

I think a lot of Lakers fans need to be patient and realistic.  It is not easy to win a championship.  GSW did not win overnight.  Lakers are actually ahead of schedule if you look at how long most team take to reload and develop talent.  There were never going to win a ring this coming year but the year after that if they make wise moves with their cap space and also I am sure they can pull off another 2nd round steal.  I think Anthony Brown may show the same promise that J. Clarkson did.

 

 

[sheltwon3Participant]

 How is Greg Monroe old and he is a 20 and 10 guy right now.  The Lakers would be wise to get him if they could.  There is no gurantee that Randle will be better.  You could pair Monroe and Ed Davis together if they should resign him.  Randle should earn his minutes off the bench.

 

I think a lot of Lakers fans need to be patient and realistic.  It is not easy to win a championship.  GSW did not win overnight.  Lakers are actually ahead of schedule if you look at how long most team take to reload and develop talent.  There were never going to win a ring this coming year but the year after that if they make wise moves with their cap space and also I am sure they can pull off another 2nd round steal.  I think Anthony Brown may show the same promise that J. Clarkson did.

 

 

[Bed HeadParticipant]

Though I certainly pray the Lakers do sign him (once DJ turns them down). Just so the Knicks can’t. 

Speaking of which, I hope Phil was listening to WFAN today. Mike Francesa and Ira Winderman made their thoughts on Monroe quite clear. All the callers, too. Literally no one wants him here. NY needs difference-makers, not ham-and-eggers.

So I suppose that makes me a true Knick fan.

 

[Rip255]

I never understood why New York fans always think of themselves as Smart Fans.

I think because the front offices of their teams are so bad, it makes it easy to criticise the teams and think you could do a better job yourself. This gives them a false sense of basketball IQ, when really they’re part of the community that supports these bad teams. 

I remember watching montages of all the Knicks fans celebrating the Amare Stoudamire signing like it was Christmas. 

[Rip255]

I never understood why New York fans always think of themselves as Smart Fans.

I think because the front offices of their teams are so bad, it makes it easy to criticise the teams and think you could do a better job yourself. This gives them a false sense of basketball IQ, when really they’re part of the community that supports these bad teams. 

I remember watching montages of all the Knicks fans celebrating the Amare Stoudamire signing like it was Christmas. 

[Bed HeadParticipant]

Though I certainly pray the Lakers do sign him (once DJ turns them down). Just so the Knicks can’t. 

Speaking of which, I hope Phil was listening to WFAN today. Mike Francesa and Ira Winderman made their thoughts on Monroe quite clear. All the callers, too. Literally no one wants him here. NY needs difference-makers, not ham-and-eggers.

So I suppose that makes me a true Knick fan.

 

[Bed HeadParticipant]

However, the point(?) of your comment remains rather unclear to me.

By “NY fans”, are you referring to me or Francesa/Winderman? Or all three of us? Because I’m simply a humble art student (who follows international sport as a hobby). Which is why I prefer to defer to the experts. And surely you’re not comparing Mike Francesa and Ira Winderman to mere “fans”?

Winderman is quite possibly the most respected NBA writer in the country. While Francesa is, like, essentially a god here in NY. (He literally has devout disciples who worship him.) Not sure there’s anyone in sports media whose opinion holds more weight*. Plus he was certainly correct about (not resigning) Carmelo. And that’s clearly more than Phil can say.

* Yes, even counting Katie Nolan.

[Bed HeadParticipant]

However, the point(?) of your comment remains rather unclear to me.

By “NY fans”, are you referring to me or Francesa/Winderman? Or all three of us? Because I’m simply a humble art student (who follows international sport as a hobby). Which is why I prefer to defer to the experts. And surely you’re not comparing Mike Francesa and Ira Winderman to mere “fans”?

Winderman is quite possibly the most respected NBA writer in the country. While Francesa is, like, essentially a god here in NY. (He literally has devout disciples who worship him.) Not sure there’s anyone in sports media whose opinion holds more weight*. Plus he was certainly correct about (not resigning) Carmelo. And that’s clearly more than Phil can say.

* Yes, even counting Katie Nolan.

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