[highflyer0Participant]

 I have been a Lakers fan for as long as I can remember.  I pretended to be Kobe as I played on my 4 foot hoop.  I jumped up and down as Robert Horry hit the game winner against the Kings in the playoffs.  One of my fondest memories from my childhood was going to Staples Center and seeing Kobe hit a shot at the buzzer to beat a rookie Carmelo and the Nuggets.  I still have the LA Times article about that game to this day.  

However, I’m currently watching the Lakers Clippers game from my dorm room at UC Irvine, and the score is 101-60 at the beginning of the 4th quarter.  This team is really making me question myself.  I understand that this team is depleted and playing a much better squad, but this is unbelievable.  I’m starting to question why I should care so much about a team that obviously doesn’t care about its fans.  There is absolutely no excuse to be down 40 points in an NBA game.  That simply means you are not trying.  It’s not just one game either.  These guys have shown lackluster effort in a number of games recently.  It’s really getting old.  I dont want to get too cliche but if you are making millions of dollars to play a game that you supposedly love, you owe it to the fans to at least give your best effort.  There are millions of guys in the world that would give anything to be an NBA player, not to mention playing for one of the most historic franchises in all of sports.  I feel like this Lakers team isn’t even pretending to care.  Perhaps it’s my problem and not their’s.  Perhaps I need to grow up and stop caring so much about what happens in a silly game; I mean, of course there are much more important things I should be focusing on at this point in my life.  When it comes down to it, sports are entertainment.  They are meant to bring joy to the viewer, and this Lakers team is surely not bringing me any of that right now.  I know that I’m spoiled, and many teams would love to have the same amount of recent success that the Lakers have had (two straight titles), but this group of guys is making me feel embarassed that I’m even fan anymore.  There’s a difference between having a bad team full of young guys who play their hearts out, and a team of aimless veterans just trying to collect their next paycheck. Why should I care if the players themselves couldn’t care less?  

[DaGuywhodidurmaParticipant]

 So basically to sum it up, you’re jumping off the bandwagon after 2 bad seasons.

 

 

[CynthiaParticipant]

If you actually read his post you would know he isn’t a bandwagoner. Congratulations on being a judgemental troll.

[DaGuywhodidurmaParticipant]

" I know that I’m spoiled, and many teams would love to have the same amount of recent success that the Lakers have had (two straight titles), but this group of guys is making me feel embarassed that I’m even fan anymore."

I did read his post. Hes embarrassed to be a fan of his team. If you cant put up with a couple of seasons of bad play then yes you are a bandwagoner. Who Realistically thinks a team starting kendall marshall,jodie meeks and robert sacre wont get blown out against a good clippers team?

 

So please dont call me a judgmental troll again, it really hurts alot coming from a dude pretending to be a girl.

 

 

 

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

"So please dont call me a judgmental troll again, it really hurts alot coming from a dude pretending to be a girl."

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

"So please dont call me a judgmental troll again, it really hurts alot coming from a dude pretending to be a girl."

[CynthiaParticipant]

Actually a bandwagoner is someone who jumps ship every time there’s a new best or most popular team.

Again, if you read his post you would see he has been a fan for life, he has never jumped ship, and has still yet to. Just being "embarassed" of their team in a down year is something every fan goes through at some point.

Usually judgemental trolls are at least moderately intelligent, but you clearly are misunderstanding the meaning of a bandwagon fan. You should probably consider educating yourself before tossing names around.

But really, what else can we expect from a kid named DaGuywhodidurma.

[CynthiaParticipant]

Actually a bandwagoner is someone who jumps ship every time there’s a new best or most popular team.

Again, if you read his post you would see he has been a fan for life, he has never jumped ship, and has still yet to. Just being "embarassed" of their team in a down year is something every fan goes through at some point.

Usually judgemental trolls are at least moderately intelligent, but you clearly are misunderstanding the meaning of a bandwagon fan. You should probably consider educating yourself before tossing names around.

But really, what else can we expect from a kid named DaGuywhodidurma.

[DaGuywhodidurmaParticipant]

" I know that I’m spoiled, and many teams would love to have the same amount of recent success that the Lakers have had (two straight titles), but this group of guys is making me feel embarassed that I’m even fan anymore."

I did read his post. Hes embarrassed to be a fan of his team. If you cant put up with a couple of seasons of bad play then yes you are a bandwagoner. Who Realistically thinks a team starting kendall marshall,jodie meeks and robert sacre wont get blown out against a good clippers team?

 

So please dont call me a judgmental troll again, it really hurts alot coming from a dude pretending to be a girl.

 

 

 

[CynthiaParticipant]

If you actually read his post you would know he isn’t a bandwagoner. Congratulations on being a judgemental troll.

[DaGuywhodidurmaParticipant]

 So basically to sum it up, you’re jumping off the bandwagon after 2 bad seasons.

 

 

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

It’s one thing to have a team playing poorly, it’s another thing to have a team that simply doesn’t care.

I’ve watched my Rockets suffer through injuries for over a decade and even when we were bad, Scola, Battier, Brooks, and Lowry never gave up; game in, game out.

Living in southern Cali, I watch a lot of Laker games and the Laker energy simply isn’t there.  D’Antoni seems to not care, Gasol is uninterested, and if the 3-ball isn’t dropping, the rest of the team quits.

Two bright spots for this season though, is the fact that the Lakers are going to get a nice draft pick in a loaded draft, another is the fact that the Lakers are rebuilding and this season is a try-out of sorts.  

Despite poor showings at times, Henry, Marshall, Young, and Meeks have all shown that they can be of help off the bench on competitive teams.  Whether they stay in L.A. or not.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

It’s one thing to have a team playing poorly, it’s another thing to have a team that simply doesn’t care.

I’ve watched my Rockets suffer through injuries for over a decade and even when we were bad, Scola, Battier, Brooks, and Lowry never gave up; game in, game out.

Living in southern Cali, I watch a lot of Laker games and the Laker energy simply isn’t there.  D’Antoni seems to not care, Gasol is uninterested, and if the 3-ball isn’t dropping, the rest of the team quits.

Two bright spots for this season though, is the fact that the Lakers are going to get a nice draft pick in a loaded draft, another is the fact that the Lakers are rebuilding and this season is a try-out of sorts.  

Despite poor showings at times, Henry, Marshall, Young, and Meeks have all shown that they can be of help off the bench on competitive teams.  Whether they stay in L.A. or not.

[highflyer0Participant]

 No I’ll always be a fan. I know I’m overreacting and I’m sorry for ranting.  It’s just really disturbing to see your favorite team get beat by 40 by their in-city rivals and not give effort.  

[highflyer0Participant]

 No I’ll always be a fan. I know I’m overreacting and I’m sorry for ranting.  It’s just really disturbing to see your favorite team get beat by 40 by their in-city rivals and not give effort.  

[cheetosjalapeno17Participant]

Is it safe to assume that Gasol is leaving via free agency? Should the lakers go ahead and look what they can get for him through trade?

[MopgrassParticipant]

The Lakers have let it become known, publically, that they tried to trade Gasol several times (they actually did once). Why would he stick around for that type of respect? I can’t imagine him resigning, especially not for a discount. He even publically talked about playing for the Grizzlies. They should get what they can for him while they can get it.

I hope they can keep Farmar, Henry, Hill, and maybe some others. Before the injuries, the team showed a lot of promise, and made me believe D’Antoni really knows what he’s doing… which I wasn’t sure about last year. But this year, he Kobe isn’t just doing whatever he pleases and Howard isn’t crying about not getting the ball in the post. It’s easy to see that D’Antoni can win with the right components (even if they’re of a lower caliber). Even though D’Antoni looks like an neglecting step-dad and has the personality of a used shoe salesman at a place that’s going out of business, he’s a pretty good coach when he’s allowed to do his thing.

The Lakers might not get the stars in free agency, but D’Antoni can do a lot with less.

I’m obviously excited for the draft. I’m not so sure about the immediate future, as Kobe took the money that could’ve gone to him plus a very solid starter. I’m hoping the Lakers can draft an offensive player that Kobe can help guide… and hopefully not trample.

I like watching Laker seasons where they’re underdogs. That’s more fun for me. I’d rather they win when they’re not expected to. I hate predictability. I love trades more than I love sports and I like potential more than I like success. I just hope they shake things up and make some moves… whatever they can move, that is.

[MopgrassParticipant]

The Lakers have let it become known, publically, that they tried to trade Gasol several times (they actually did once). Why would he stick around for that type of respect? I can’t imagine him resigning, especially not for a discount. He even publically talked about playing for the Grizzlies. They should get what they can for him while they can get it.

I hope they can keep Farmar, Henry, Hill, and maybe some others. Before the injuries, the team showed a lot of promise, and made me believe D’Antoni really knows what he’s doing… which I wasn’t sure about last year. But this year, he Kobe isn’t just doing whatever he pleases and Howard isn’t crying about not getting the ball in the post. It’s easy to see that D’Antoni can win with the right components (even if they’re of a lower caliber). Even though D’Antoni looks like an neglecting step-dad and has the personality of a used shoe salesman at a place that’s going out of business, he’s a pretty good coach when he’s allowed to do his thing.

The Lakers might not get the stars in free agency, but D’Antoni can do a lot with less.

I’m obviously excited for the draft. I’m not so sure about the immediate future, as Kobe took the money that could’ve gone to him plus a very solid starter. I’m hoping the Lakers can draft an offensive player that Kobe can help guide… and hopefully not trample.

I like watching Laker seasons where they’re underdogs. That’s more fun for me. I’d rather they win when they’re not expected to. I hate predictability. I love trades more than I love sports and I like potential more than I like success. I just hope they shake things up and make some moves… whatever they can move, that is.

[cheetosjalapeno17Participant]

Is it safe to assume that Gasol is leaving via free agency? Should the lakers go ahead and look what they can get for him through trade?

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

The thing for most fans around is league is that seeing your team lose can happen, but that some teams (like these Lakers as well) seem to have absolutely no direction or long-term plan. Considering they just gave Kobe his immense extension, and still having Nash under contract for to much money/years, what can they really do? Hope that the brigt spotlight of LA is attractive enough for players like Love to join an ineffective Nash and an old Kobe?

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

The thing for most fans around is league is that seeing your team lose can happen, but that some teams (like these Lakers as well) seem to have absolutely no direction or long-term plan. Considering they just gave Kobe his immense extension, and still having Nash under contract for to much money/years, what can they really do? Hope that the brigt spotlight of LA is attractive enough for players like Love to join an ineffective Nash and an old Kobe?

[MopgrassParticipant]

I thought you could only amnesty once, but I keep hearing there’s a provision in Nash’s contract that would allow him to be amnestied this summer. If they can do it, of course they will.

PG is an interesting conundrum for the team.

Steve Blake and Farmar are better than Nash now. D’Antoni requires a good three point shooter at PG. If they’re looking at the draft, neither Exum or Marcus Smart are great from distance so far. As for free agency… Tony Parker would be a perfect fit, but I don’t see him leaving the Spurs. Phoenix will match offers for Bledsoe and he’s not the 3PT specialist D’Antoni wants. Patrick Beverly is also interesting, but again, not amazing from distance. IT2 will likely get his offers matched and other free agent PG’s are below average starters or less.

Who do I want them to sign? Jimmer! No, he isn’t those other guys, but he sure is fun. D’Anotni isn’t big on defense to begin with and he loves 3’s. I’d finally get to see the guy play. Let’s make this happen. Put up "We want Jimmer" signs across L.A. It might not bring wins, but it would be worth watching.

 

[MopgrassParticipant]

I thought you could only amnesty once, but I keep hearing there’s a provision in Nash’s contract that would allow him to be amnestied this summer. If they can do it, of course they will.

PG is an interesting conundrum for the team.

Steve Blake and Farmar are better than Nash now. D’Antoni requires a good three point shooter at PG. If they’re looking at the draft, neither Exum or Marcus Smart are great from distance so far. As for free agency… Tony Parker would be a perfect fit, but I don’t see him leaving the Spurs. Phoenix will match offers for Bledsoe and he’s not the 3PT specialist D’Antoni wants. Patrick Beverly is also interesting, but again, not amazing from distance. IT2 will likely get his offers matched and other free agent PG’s are below average starters or less.

Who do I want them to sign? Jimmer! No, he isn’t those other guys, but he sure is fun. D’Anotni isn’t big on defense to begin with and he loves 3’s. I’d finally get to see the guy play. Let’s make this happen. Put up "We want Jimmer" signs across L.A. It might not bring wins, but it would be worth watching.

 

[bullsdynasty92Participant]

You can at least be thankful you’re not a Nets or Knicks fan! Two dysfunctional franchises that don’t have a great outlook. At least the Lakers could potentially have a lottery pick when those two teams I previously mentioned, don’t have their picks this year and for the forseeable future (The Nets obviously). Mike D’antoni can actually coach, while Jason Kidd and Mike Woodson don’t look like they know what they’re doing half the time. Despite being spurned by Dwight Howard, be thankful that the Lakers will remain a destination stars will want to play. Kevin Love is one player whose name comes to mind. I’m not saying stars will not want to play in New York or Brooklyn, but why would you want to come to a franchise run by James Dolan.

[bullsdynasty92Participant]

You can at least be thankful you’re not a Nets or Knicks fan! Two dysfunctional franchises that don’t have a great outlook. At least the Lakers could potentially have a lottery pick when those two teams I previously mentioned, don’t have their picks this year and for the forseeable future (The Nets obviously). Mike D’antoni can actually coach, while Jason Kidd and Mike Woodson don’t look like they know what they’re doing half the time. Despite being spurned by Dwight Howard, be thankful that the Lakers will remain a destination stars will want to play. Kevin Love is one player whose name comes to mind. I’m not saying stars will not want to play in New York or Brooklyn, but why would you want to come to a franchise run by James Dolan.

[Roland209Participant]

I went to UC Irvine too. ZotZot lol. 

[Roland209Participant]

I went to UC Irvine too. ZotZot lol. 

[ChrispyParticipant]

 I am so sorry that you had to live in Irvine for 4+ years. My condolences… Long Beach!! 

[ChrispyParticipant]

 I am so sorry that you had to live in Irvine for 4+ years. My condolences… Long Beach!! 

[Roland209Participant]

 Yeah it does suck living in Irvine while running into Kobe at the UCI gym and church. 

[Roland209Participant]

 Yeah it does suck living in Irvine while running into Kobe at the UCI gym and church. 

[ChrispyParticipant]

 Touche   +1

[ChrispyParticipant]

 Touche   +1

[HitsterParticipant]

If Kobe returns at the end of the month, players will have to start caring or there could be some fireworks in the locker room.

The Lakers didn’t get the Bynum trade through so still have Gasol and if Kobe returns sooner rather than later then they will improve but are currently 8 wins out a play off spot, are 1-9 in the last 10 and are going on a long road trip before Kobe could return. So they are likely to be about 10 games back by then and even if Kobe does spark a revival, then I don’t see them getting much above .500 this season at the very best. Also if Kobe does start to try to play "hero ball" and win games oin his own, he could risk breaking down again which would be the last thing they’d need.

The Lakers should get a decent pick this year, who knows if they will keep the player or try to deal it for a more established player maybe along with Nash’s only partially guaranteed 2014-15 deal. 

 

 

[HitsterParticipant]

If Kobe returns at the end of the month, players will have to start caring or there could be some fireworks in the locker room.

The Lakers didn’t get the Bynum trade through so still have Gasol and if Kobe returns sooner rather than later then they will improve but are currently 8 wins out a play off spot, are 1-9 in the last 10 and are going on a long road trip before Kobe could return. So they are likely to be about 10 games back by then and even if Kobe does spark a revival, then I don’t see them getting much above .500 this season at the very best. Also if Kobe does start to try to play "hero ball" and win games oin his own, he could risk breaking down again which would be the last thing they’d need.

The Lakers should get a decent pick this year, who knows if they will keep the player or try to deal it for a more established player maybe along with Nash’s only partially guaranteed 2014-15 deal. 

 

 

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