Topic: 2019 NBA Pre-Season - page 1146. (Read 920510 times)

Quote from: rhomelmabini on July 16, 2022, 06:30:38 AM

^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

They should have let go Rondo and Green with them, these two has good impact not just on the regular and playoffs season but they contribute to championship too, their experience is already there. I don't think they need Russ and Anthony on the first place, that was just a show from LeBron I guess, they don't want that championship last season.

Agreed, Lebron encouraged the management to acquire those old superstars in exchange for there young talent and veteran support. He was over confident that he can carry the team even with these broken superstar players. His pride cause them a lot because they even can’t enter the playoffs even Davis return on crucial matches.

I mean Davis can be a great help during the regular season if he was just that healthy but I guess the blame was on Russ with how he played. As a point guard he should have done better. I say bad decisions over the trades they shouldn't have done and players they shouldn't have let go. Anthony and Westbrook seems to can't carry a team, historically even when they aren't yet in Lakers, their personal stats may be that good but it's just solely on that.

Westbrook cannot be an effective point guard because Lebron James is the real point guard for the Lakers. Maybe that's one of the reasons why Westbrook was struggling because he is adjusting to his new role, he has been playing as PG in his past teams and join the Lakers for a new system.

Lakers have a big job of making sure Westbrook will fit, and they have to do that this season if they want to keep him.

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Quote from: rhomelmabini on July 16, 2022, 06:30:38 AM

Quote from: LogitechMouse on July 16, 2022, 07:57:01 AM

^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

They should have let go Rondo and Green with them, these two has good impact not just on the regular and playoffs season but they contribute to championship too, their experience is already there. I don't think they need Russ and Anthony on the first place, that was just a show from LeBron I guess, they don't want that championship last season.

Agreed, Lebron encouraged the management to acquire those old superstars in exchange for there young talent and veteran support. He was over confident that he can carry the team even with these broken superstar players. His pride cause them a lot because they even can’t enter the playoffs even Davis return on crucial matches.

I mean Davis can be a great help during the regular season if he was just that healthy but I guess the blame was on Russ with how he played. As a point guard he should have done better. I say bad decisions over the trades they shouldn't have done and players they shouldn't have let go. Anthony and Westbrook seems to can't carry a team, historically even when they aren't yet in Lakers, their personal stats may be that good but it's just solely on that.

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^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

The Washington-Lakers trade really is a bad trade if you will ask me, or it really is a bad trade just because of what happened with the Lakers.

The Lakers traded some of their young and best bench players like Kuzma, KCP and Caruso which is one of the best in defense just to get Westbrook. Turns out that it became worse for them. The players who helped the team get a title got traded to different teams just to get a player where they expect that will help the team get another title again, but it didn't happen.

The good thing now is the Lakers are doing some good things, and they started it to get a new coach in Coach Darwin Ham. One thing more is that they got star-studded players like Pippen and O'neal (you know what I mean with this one Tongue

). Well, I just hope that the Lakers will make better decisions this off-season and will be better this upcoming season and will not repeat what happened to them last season.

They cannot go back anymore, all they have to do is just correct their mistake and I hope with the new coach, things will be different for the Lakers. Injury is still a big problem for the Lakers, as long as Davis is prone to injury, the future of the Lakers is not bright.

Quote

In order to acquire Westbrook, the Lakers sent Kyle Kuzma, Montrez Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Wizards (plus their 2021 first-round pick). Harrell and Kuzma are subpar defenders by most metrics, but KCP's contributions on defense and his ability to knock down threes in the Lakers 2020 title run cannot be glossed over.

https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/lakers-nba-expert-describes-russell-westbrook-acquisition-as-catastrophic-ee21

I think that's what happened.

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Quote from: passwordnow on July 16, 2022, 07:22:28 AM

^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

The Washington-Lakers trade really is a bad trade if you will ask me, or it really is a bad trade just because of what happened with the Lakers.

The Lakers traded some of their young and best bench players like Kuzma, KCP and Caruso which is one of the best in defense just to get Westbrook. Turns out that it became worse for them. The players who helped the team get a title got traded to different teams just to get a player where they expect that will help the team get another title again, but it didn't happen.

The good thing now is the Lakers are doing some good things, and they started it to get a new coach in Coach Darwin Ham. One thing more is that they got star-studded players like Pippen and O'neal (you know what I mean with this one Tongue

). Well, I just hope that the Lakers will make better decisions this off-season and will be better this upcoming season and will not repeat what happened to them last season.

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Quote from: Russlenat on July 16, 2022, 07:29:33 AM

Agreed, Lebron encouraged the management to acquire those old superstars in exchange for there young talent and veteran support. He was over confident that he can carry the team even with these broken superstar players.

He's always confident that he can carry the team, he has had that mentality ever since and that's why he's manifesting that mindset into actions and we all saw that.

If he still thinks he can carry the team alone, he is wrong. He needs not just a superstar with him but a strong set of role players coming from the bench. He cannot carry the Lakers alone anymore. Last season failed horribly because there is no young blood hungry for victory left in the team. They ship them all out.

He thought he really is a great player, his power to demand got bigger when the Lakers won a championship, but actually it was Davis who work hard for that game, without Davis, Lebron would not win a championship. The thing is, the Lakers management sees Lebron as the captain of the ship, so they just give him the freedom to make a decision and that even includes affecting the management decision on who to hire and who to fire.

Lebron is still a great player though. No one can deny that but he is not as dominant as before, age is a great factor to that. As great as a player he is, they should not have given him the power of playing GM though. It is the managements fault that they gave Lebron too much power to dictate who to acquire and who to ship out.

Hopefully the Lakers organization learned from that and won't let GM Lebron boss them around this off season as they build the team.

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Quote from: passwordnow on July 16, 2022, 07:22:28 AM

Agreed, Lebron encouraged the management to acquire those old superstars in exchange for there young talent and veteran support. He was over confident that he can carry the team even with these broken superstar players.

He's always confident that he can carry the team, he has had that mentality ever since and that's why he's manifesting that mindset into actions and we all saw that.

He thought he really is a great player, his power to demand got bigger when the Lakers won a championship, but actually it was Davis who work hard for that game, without Davis, Lebron would not win a championship. The thing is, the Lakers management sees Lebron as the captain of the ship, so they just give him the freedom to make a decision and that even includes affecting the management decision on who to hire and who to fire.

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Agreed, Lebron encouraged the management to acquire those old superstars in exchange for there young talent and veteran support. He was over confident that he can carry the team even with these broken superstar players.

He's always confident that he can carry the team, he has had that mentality ever since and that's why he's manifesting that mindset into actions and we all saw that.

Quote from: rhomelmabini on July 16, 2022, 06:30:38 AM

His pride cause them a lot because they even can’t enter the playoffs even Davis return on crucial matches.

Well, see if they're going to bounce back for this season and I'm sure that he's hungry for that victory that he haven't got last season. He's still one of the best players and he always aim for the ring and not just for a high salary just like the other players that has got huge contracts.

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^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

They should have let go Rondo and Green with them, these two has good impact not just on the regular and playoffs season but they contribute to championship too, their experience is already there. I don't think they need Russ and Anthony on the first place, that was just a show from LeBron I guess, they don't want that championship last season.

Anthony and Russ did not help the Lakers, they are just hype because of their names but the system of the Lakers does not really fit with these two. Imagine, a coach that brough the Lakers a championship was fired because the Lakers are not doing well after, I think the organization made a mistake, they could just trade some players and just keep the system of the Lakers to be effective.

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^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

Of course they have to trade some of their supporting cast for Westbrook and then build a new one, kept THT and then got a bunch. But still they fell short of even making the playoffs.

I hear some supporters of Westbrook in social media saying that he is now the scape goat of the Lakers so he wanted out.

And after Russ 'divorced' his long time agent, Rich Paul tweet this one:

Quote

Rich Paul
@RichPaul4
It’s a cold game !

https://twitter.com/RichPaul4/status/1548146298133458948

rhomelmabini

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^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

They should haven't let go of Rondo and Green with them, these two has good impact not just on the regular and playoffs season but they contribute to championship too, their experience is already there. I don't think they need Russ and Anthony on the first place, that was just a show from LeBron I guess, they don't want that championship last season.

edit: I mean haven't.

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Quote from: jakelyson on July 14, 2022, 11:14:15 PM

^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

They don't have good supporting cast because they traded the ones that were really a big piece of the success of the Lakers. Now, they realize that they don't really need another superstar, in fact, Lebron and AD is enough because both have already won a championship together with the Lakers.

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^^ Really hard to digest what really happen to the Lakers last season and how it become toxic. Although it was really evident that in the beginning, something is not right as even in the pre-season with all eyes on them and high expectations there were already signs that it might not work and that what happen. And then Lebron injured himself and so is AD, Russ games didn't flourish, the supporting cast is not performing as expected etc etc. There is no single point of failure, just a culmination of bad timing and maybe bad decisions.

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Quote from: LogitechMouse on July 14, 2022, 10:05:21 PM

Also just to add, I saw a post on Facebook regarding a proposed trade between the Pelicans and the Nets.
The Nets asked for Ingram, Nance Jr and multiple first round picks for KD. The Pelicans declined on it. Does this show that KD's value in the market really is that low? Any thoughts.

I do not think that this scenario speaks of Durant's value but rather than the capability of the Pelicans to acquire Durant. Pelican is just a small market team, and we all know that they already signed Zion to a maximum rookie extension. And I do not think that giving up their young assets is a good move for them.

Plus, do you think Durant would want to play in a small market team?

Obviously no and I don't think that their superstars will compliment with each other. Zion, Ingram, McCollum and KD? I don't think that they are fit with each other as well and yes I don't also think that Durant will play in a small market team like New Orleans.

Russell Westbrook just fired his longtime agent who wanted him to stay in LA and finish his contract. This is leading to speculation that Westbrook might be open to a buyout and a new contract, which would obviously mean his agent taking less money. I’m sure Westbrook feels like his situation in LA is toxic and he’s willing to do whatever to get away, including giving up money. I guess him and his agent couldn’t agree on that strategy. His agent released a good statement about it. Worth reading…

It has always been toxic since he went to LA.
I don't know the exact reason why it became toxic, but I think that the Laker fans have huge expectation with the team with the addition of Westbrook, and they felt that the team didn't meet that expectation, and they started to criticize the whole team and that is also the reason why Westbrook is feeling that he is toxic when he went to LA.

Looks like we will see another saga again. We are watching the KD Saga and where he will be landing. At the same time Kyrie is silent but many are still waiting on where he will land as well. Now let's add Westbrook in the list and let's wait where he will be landing. Will Westbrook be traded knowing how much the team will be paying for him this upcoming season, or he will stay with the Lakers.

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Russell Westbrook just fired his longtime agent who wanted him to stay in LA and finish his contract. This is leading to speculation that Westbrook might be open to a buyout and a new contract, which would obviously mean his agent taking less money. I’m sure Westbrook feels like his situation in LA is toxic and he’s willing to do whatever to get away, including giving up money. I guess him and his agent couldn’t agree on that strategy. His agent released a good statement about it. Worth reading…

Ouch, anyway, it is what it is, so I guess we can say that we won't see Westbrook in Lakers uniform. Probably the same toxic environment as what Kyrie's situation in the Nets right now.

And even though there is an assurance from their new coach that he will be in the starting lineup, Russ still wanted out of the Lakers. So, is he going to Rich Paul? Wink

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Russell Westbrook just fired his longtime agent who wanted him to stay in LA and finish his contract. This is leading to speculation that Westbrook might be open to a buyout and a new contract, which would obviously mean his agent taking less money. I’m sure Westbrook feels like his situation in LA is toxic and he’s willing to do whatever to get away, including giving up money. I guess him and his agent couldn’t agree on that strategy. His agent released a good statement about it. Worth reading…

You left us hanging there without a link. Cheesy

Anyway, I think this is it.
Lakers' Russell Westbrook splitting with longtime agent Thad Foucher over 'irreconcilable differences'

Quote

"My belief is that this type of transaction only serves to diminish Russell's value and his best option is to stay with the Lakers, embrace the starting role and support that Darvin Ham publicly offered. Russell is a first-ballot Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame player and will prove that again before he is retired.

"Unfortunately, irreconcilable differences exist as to his best pathway forward and we are no longer working together. I wish Russell and his family the very best."

He's a good guy. Sport and cool. He may have made a lot of money as an agent of WB so this is like a farewell thank you letter.
I also agree with what he said, WB should stay with the Lakers. Darvin Ham is trying to pull him so that he won't think about being traded or whatever transaction he is thinking of.
Who knows, maybe Ham's plan might work and they end up being in the Finals again or just even semis will do them good.

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