2014-15 Official Lakers Season Thread, Vol: We Love Each Other

[lovehateself]

Will he be the first ever Fil-Am that made it to the NBA?

andray blatche is filipino...

 

[lovehateself]

yes to melo in that the lakers need to sign someone. 

sign melo, keep pau...

 

[CHAOSE57]

Will he be the first ever Fil-Am that made it to the NBA?

andray blatche is filipino...

Nah He's naturalized.

 

[mjsaver]

True, I don't know those things.

But I also know that Melo is not one of those. A prime Shaq. Or a prime Kobe.

25 year old Melo, maybe I listen. 30 year old Melo, no way.

You would've roasted a 25 year old Melo for not being a winner pretty much like everybody else you don't want, stop fronting.

What if it was a 3 year max deal, would that be ok ?

 

[lovehateself]

No love for Flea in the infographic.

no andy garcia either

 

[tupac003]

True, I don't know those things.

But I also know that Melo is not one of those. A prime Shaq. Or a prime Kobe.

25 year old Melo, maybe I listen. 30 year old Melo, no way.

So just because he is 30 there is no way he is in his prime? That's a huge assumption...

If we get him, I'm holding all judgment until I see what happens on the court. If it fails like the D12 thing then we have to figure it out again. But with not knowing what type of Kobe we will get back, not knowing how Randle will turn out and the Impact of Melo (if it happens), it's hard to just say no to an all star and a player who no matter what will improve this franchise and product on the floor.

Prime Shaq's and Prime Kobe's are once in a lifetime players. You can say prime Barkley was a once in a life time player and he never won a chip. Would you turn him down also?

 

[pmatic]

Most players' primes are like 24-29. When most players hit their 30s they lose a step, are more susceptible to injuries, etc.

But there are outliers like Kobe and Duncan that can just play at a high level for a long time. Maybe Melo is another. But maybe not. I'm not willing to find out.

 

[licensed to ball]

Tupac we need you around the thread more often.

Spittin dat truth

I did not want any parts of Melo in the past but you have made some eye opening points.

#NoGuarantees

 

[sb]

Just so we're clear, who in here wants Melo on this team? Perhaps that should be the new Poll question.
And not the Melo if only with Bron caveat. A simple yes or no will suffice.

he types


yes to melo if the lakers can get 2 more key players to contend for a championship now. no, if its just melo, kobe, and scrubs.

 

[pmatic]

Kamenetzky Bros:

To Carmelo or not to Carmelo? That is the question…

It’s not a matter of the star you’d choose, but the stars you can choose from.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant require no thought. Plunk down the max and roll. Carmelo Anthony doesn’t generate that type of consensus. A dynamic offensive force, without question one of the league’s best pure scorers, but 30 years old with a reputation as a ball-sticker and less-than-stellar defender. Elite, but imperfect. Is he the hero L.A. deserves or the one they need right now?

Generally speaking, I subscribe to the theory of getting the elite guy and figuring it out later. Some very smart people are reporting the Lakers believe landing Anthony will facilitate the return of Pau Gasol on what I’m assuming will be a two-year contract. That would leave them with a starting five of Point Guard TBD, Kobe Bryant, Anthony, Julius Randle, and Gasol. If Randle isn’t ready to start, Anthony could play the four, and the Lakers could find another wing with Kobe playing either the two or the three. Regardless, if Melo chooses L.A. and Gasol re-ups, the Lakers almost surely would have no space to add other players of (financial) significance.

But what comes next? If the guard spot was filled by Steve Nash, the Lakers would have the honor of starting four potential Hall of Famers, which is cool, and they’d score a bunch of points, which is fun. They’d also give them up by the bushel, and would be placing a long odds wager on the whole crew staying healthy. Maybe the Lakers have other dominoes to topple should Anthony choo-choo-choose them, but on the surface at least this looks, more or less, like the plan. Meanwhile, they’d show the Lakers brand still has weight.

While they’d make a splash helping them win July – or at least be runners up, because the team signing LeBron wins – they won’t win the fall, winter and spring, when actual basketball is played.

I’ve said before, I’ll say again: A Bryant/Anthony/Gasol core won’t compete for a title in a stacked Western Conference. If they stay healthy – if, if, if, if – it’s still likely a bottom four team on the playoff ladder, thanks to almost inevitable roster holes and defensive questions. Then, how do they improve significantly in Year 2 of Kobe/Melo? Conceptually, the Lakers would be repeating the strategy of July 2012, swapping out Anthony for Howard. The results would likely be better in some ways – the stars wouldn’t hate each other, for example – but worse in others. Kobe wasn’t coming off two major injuries, Pau wasn’t two years older, Nash wasn’t bro– ok, Nash was broken then, too.

So in two years, the Lakers leave themselves with an excellent chance of landing right back at this point, with an aging star*, though one not as old as the incumbent for sure, and massive amounts of cap space but without the rest of the roster infrastructure required to attract the next wave of great FA’s. More and more, it seems, elite players want to see a constructed roster and the available assets to get and stay competitive.

Anyone listening to the podcast regularly or reading here likely knows the thing I find most fascinating about the Lakers right now isn’t simply the list of transactions potentially available to them, but how they attack the rebuilding process and what it reveals about the way the franchise views itself. All over TV and the web, we’ve seen handwringing over what might happen next year if the Lakers aren’t good, how nobody will tolerate an “encore” performance. I think it’s a gross over-reaction. Monday, I heard more on the same theme. Doom-and-gloom conclusions about what it would say about the Lakers if they weren’t able to land a big fish this summer. In the wake of Howard’s defection, it’s just more evidence of a once-great franchise in serious decline under new ownership.

In this scenario, the Lakers are the hot girl whose self-worth is tied to always having a boyfriend.

It’s one thing for the chattering mass of fans and media to think that way, assuming the franchise doesn’t. But if they do? If they buy into the premise the Lakers are diminished significantly by temporarily going without a star, or at the least a clear roadmap to one, consumed forever with the passing of torches? That the brand is lessened by a more patient rebuild? These are problems. The organization produces stars, it attracts stars, it cultivates stars, but the Lakers don’t have to be star*******.

We’ve learned more about the presentation made to Anthony, laying out a vision for Melo as the next franchise face and the business plan coming with it. Strong stuff, well presented, by all accounts. At a time where the natural advantages of Los Angeles, from endorsements to spending power are, whether by mass media or the current CBA, eroded relative to 15 or 20 years before, for the Lakers to convincingly sell the financial advantage of being a Laker is powerful. It’s also the only pitch they can make, because one centered on the roster and assets isn’t nearly as compelling.

Now imagine a world in which they can sell both. Here are our players, picks, and other assets that can make you a champion, not just a marketing monster, because you can’t be the latter without the former. We’ve got the young, quality talent capable of spectacular achievement with the injection of someone truly elite. Be a champion, be an icon. Going all out for Melo isn’t a disastrous idea. He’s an excellent player. There are many things worse than having him on your team. It’s also the safest play, showing less vision and self-confidence, and makes the Lakers’ chances of sustained, high level success going forward harder than a well-executed, ground-up rebuild, not easier.

Whether they feel it’s the right path or simply the mandatory one, in courting Melo the Lakers are cultivating only half of a winning pitch.

*Those believing you need a star to attract more stars must also believe a nearly 33 year old Anthony is an attractive draw. Not sure that’s the case.

http://landolakers.com/2014/07/08/should-the-lakers-want-carmelo-anthony/

 

[CP1708]

True, I don't know those things.

But I also know that Melo is not one of those. A prime Shaq. Or a prime Kobe.

25 year old Melo, maybe I listen. 30 year old Melo, no way.

So just because he is 30 there is no way he is in his prime? That's a huge assumption...

If we get him, I'm holding all judgment until I see what happens on the court. If it fails like the D12 thing then we have to figure it out again. But with not knowing what type of Kobe we will get back, not knowing how Randle will turn out and the Impact of Melo (if it happens), it's hard to just say no to an all star and a player who no matter what will improve this franchise and product on the floor.

Prime Shaq's and Prime Kobe's are once in a lifetime players. You can say prime Barkley was a once in a life time player and he never won a chip. Would you turn him down also?

30 year old Barkley, without a doubt I would turn that dude down. Easily.

Again, 34 year old Melo earning 25 million dollars, just 2 years after we pay a 37 year old Kobe Bryant 25 million dollars and a 41 year old Nash 10 million.

When does it stop?

30 year old LeBron, difference maker. 30 year old Melo, NOT a difference maker.

These are the moves that get made, and 5 years later, when we're still not winning, getting the 7-8 seeds every year, we look back and wonder, what the hell happened to us? Let's see, we traded a bunch of draft picks and gave 30 million to a 38 year old. We gave a 48 million extension to a 36 year old off an injury, we signed a 30 year old to a 97 million dollar deal, etc etc etc.

At 25, bring him in. I could support that.

At 30, for 97 million, when I'm trying like hell to get past Kobe's ludicrous contract, only to sign up for another, NO WAY.

 

[CP1708]

Do you want Melo on the Lakers? Yes, or No.


CP1708, No.
PMatic, No.
Ska, No.
Three6Mafia, Yes
laker4lifeman, No.
had pants, No.
GTB, No.
Teamlakers909, Yes.
LaceDemUp, Yes.
Goldmember, No.
Drizzyd, Yes.
Kal-el-8, No.
Kobe4MVP12, Yes.
Tupac, Yes.
Vino24, Yes.
223 at ya, Yes.
Th3Real, No.
PurplNyellow, Yes.
MJSaver, Yes.
tay1, Yes.
KingJaffeJo, Yes.
SenorRoboto, No.
Soriano, Yes.
Mamba, Yes.
E, Yes.
mrdieslefuel, Yes.
JoeCoolio66, No.
lakersman3000, No.
Kv23-24, IDC.
Jcmojica, No.
Blahzee, No.
Menacin, Yes.

 

[licensed to ball]

I dont know.
Honestly.

 

[scotthallwithapick]

Wow so is it impossible to find courtside tickets on stubhub? You have to pretty much know someone "big" right?

 

[tupac003]

30 year old Barkley, without a doubt I would turn that dude down. Easily.

Again, 34 year old Melo earning 25 million dollars, just 2 years after we pay a 37 year old Kobe Bryant 25 million dollars and a 41 year old Nash 10 million.

When does it stop?

30 year old LeBron, difference maker. 30 year old Melo, NOT a difference maker.

These are the moves that get made, and 5 years later, when we're still not winning, getting the 7-8 seeds every year, we look back and wonder, what the hell happened to us? Let's see, we traded a bunch of draft picks and gave 30 million to a 38 year old. We gave a 48 million extension to a 36 year old off an injury, we signed a 30 year old to a 97 million dollar deal, etc etc etc.

At 25, bring him in. I could support that.

At 30, for 97 million, when I'm trying like hell to get past Kobe's ludicrous contract, only to sign up for another, NO WAY.

Melo...not a difference maker...Ok.

Your opinion...you are entitled to that.

I just hate the fact that you keep assuming that it won't work and we won't be successful when we haven't seen them together on the court.

5 years from now we could be coming off 1 to 2 titles. Maybe. We also could be a 7th or 8th seed.

But being mediocre for 2-3 years...hoping that draft picks pan out to hopefully make a run in 4 to 5 years...I don't know about that.

I agree 100% Kobe's contract was atrocious, but what's done is done. How long are we going to keep pointing at that contract? You bring Melo in now and in two years you now have room to get other players to maybe compliment a championship run. Maybe....all Maybe

I'm just saying before we say we won't win and we will be a 7th to 8th seed every year, let's see the product on the court....

 

[tupac003]

Wow so is it impossible to find courtside tickets on stubhub? You have to pretty much know someone "big" right?

I think its still possible...I haven't looked in a while but I remember the last time I looked it was 15K to get on wood...SMH That was a dream of mine...but nah...never. LOL I can't blow that much money in one night unless I hit the lotto.

 

[CP1708]

30 year old Barkley, without a doubt I would turn that dude down. Easily.

Again, 34 year old Melo earning 25 million dollars, just 2 years after we pay a 37 year old Kobe Bryant 25 million dollars and a 41 year old Nash 10 million.

When does it stop?

30 year old LeBron, difference maker. 30 year old Melo, NOT a difference maker.

These are the moves that get made, and 5 years later, when we're still not winning, getting the 7-8 seeds every year, we look back and wonder, what the hell happened to us? Let's see, we traded a bunch of draft picks and gave 30 million to a 38 year old. We gave a 48 million extension to a 36 year old off an injury, we signed a 30 year old to a 97 million dollar deal, etc etc etc.

At 25, bring him in. I could support that.

At 30, for 97 million, when I'm trying like hell to get past Kobe's ludicrous contract, only to sign up for another, NO WAY.

Melo...not a difference maker...Ok.

Your opinion...you are entitled to that.

I just hate the fact that you keep assuming that it won't work and we won't be successful when we haven't seen them together on the court.

5 years from now we could be coming off 1 to 2 titles. Maybe. We also could be a 7th or 8th seed.

But being mediocre for 2-3 years...hoping that draft picks pan out to hopefully make a run in 4 to 5 years...I don't know about that.

I agree 100% Kobe's contract was atrocious, but what's done is done. How long are we going to keep pointing at that contract? You bring Melo in now and in two years you now have room to get other players to maybe compliment a championship run. Maybe....all Maybe

I'm just saying before we say we won't win and we will be a 7th to 8th seed every year, let's see the product on the court....

Difference maker in terms of title. In terms of him making 24 mil a year on average, on top of the 24 we give to another old guy.

Could he be a difference maker, at 25, at 17 mil a year? Yeah, I could hear that argument, and get with that plan.

He's going to be 30. And 34, when he's making around 25 million dollars. That's not a difference maker, that's a liability.

He's not a skilled passer, he's not a skilled defender, he's adequate at rebounding. But let's give him 24 million dollars and "hope for the best"?


What's going on right now is sad. Laker fans are that ugly girl at the Junior high dance. Just hoping someone picks them to dance with. Please Dwight, STAYYYYYY. He leaves. Please Melo, pick UUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSS. Take our money, pleasssssssseeeeee.

Instead of going for the RIGHT guys, the RIGHT fits, we're just throwing out money and hoping. Even if you can't get the right guys, or fits, why buy old guys, when you can buy youth? Why pay 30 year old Melo 24 million, when you can pay 24 year old Lance 10, or 11 million? Lance can play on both sides of the court. He'd also allow room to bring in a Monroe, or a Bledsoe, or a Thomas, or whatever other young players you can try to absorb. Melo allows us to go bargain shopping, to fill out the roster with nothing of true value.

What is the cruz of wanting Melo? That ******* guy doesn't even fit well with Kobe. 2 ball needy wings, who aren't good defensively, yeah, let's pair them up and see how it goes.

Shaq, and Kobe was perfect. One big, one guard. Compliment each other.
Dwight and Harden, trying to add Bosh, a perfect blend. The spacing Dwight needs from his PF, the pentrating guard who can dish or shoot from distance, the weak defender, who can be protected by his two bigs. Perfect matchup of the 3 of them.

We want to put old man Kobe, with nearing old man Melo, neither complement each other. And we'll see how it goes? :\


Talk to me Tupac, out of Melo and Kobe, who guards LeBron? Who guards Harden? Who guards Durant? Which one of them is shutting down the other team's perimeter threat?

Randle will deal with the PF's. Our PG can't guard those guys, our Center won't be able to, so Kobe and Melo, playoff time. Who guards those wings?

Cross matched, Durant can guard either one of Melo or Kobe. Bron surely can. Harden, yeah, he won't be able to guard us, so that's good at least. We'll be able to score on Harden, only have to worry about Beverly, and Dwight, and possibly Bosh. But we'll worry about that later.

If it was 32 year old Kobe, and 27 year old Melo, maybe I could get behind it. Maybe. But it ain't.

36 and 30. 24 million each, on average. For at least 2 years. Then it's just Melo and hopefully a blossoming Randle. But Melo will be 32, and still be owed 49 million dollars or so. Almost the same deal as Kobe, but a few years younger.

 

[daddyrabbit251]

Melo and wade are two totally different players to try and compare their primes. Wade was a slasher that thrived off of the dribble and contact at the rim. Melo's prime will revolve around him creating space with his body and playing with his back to the basket as well spreading the floor with his range and smooth jumper. Carmelo is only going to get better with 30-34, peaking around his 31 and 32 seasons.

As I stated early on last season, a high and low post combination of Kobe and Melo would be deadly for the league b/c u have to double both of them. Facts. This isn't an assumption, this is a fact. Mismatches, cross matches, and ball movement, everybody on the team should eat with these guys demanding so much attention from defenses.

 

[lovehateself]

melo gonna age like big dog robinson...glen rice? 

he's still in his prime...im talking 3-4 years down the road

 

[hybridsoldier23]

Do you want Melo on the Lakers? Yes, or No.


CP1708, No.
PMatic, No.
Ska, No.
Three6Mafia, Yes
laker4lifeman, No.
had pants, No.
GTB, No.
Teamlakers909, Yes.
LaceDemUp, Yes.
Goldmember, No.
Drizzyd, Yes.
Kal-el-8, No.
Kobe4MVP12, Yes.
Tupac, Yes.
Vino24, Yes.
223 at ya, Yes.
Th3Real, No.
PurplNyellow, Yes.
MJSaver, Yes.
tay1, Yes.
KingJaffeJo, Yes.
SenorRoboto, No.
Soriano, Yes.
Mamba, Yes.
E, Yes.
mrdieslefuel, Yes.
JoeCoolio66, No.
lakersman3000, No.
Kv23-24, IDC.
Jcmojica, No.
Blahzee, No.
Menacin, Yes.
Hybrid, IDC

 

[daddyrabbit251]

Also looks like Clarkson was giving Marshall that work in practice

 

[thatboydrew]

Also looks like Clarkson was giving Marshall that work in practice

I would be ok with them as the 1a,1b PG if all else fails

 

[delete1234]

Undecided on wanting melo on the lakers...

 

[sohi 23]

I'm undecided as well, I see it from both ways.

Yes to Melo b/c we're not gunna be bad enough to get a top 5 pick next year anyway.
I'd rather see Melo/Kobe/Randle fail in the 1st/2nd round than watch Kobe try to carry the team to the playoffs by himself & end up with 35-40 wins.
Another plus about Melo is that it's an asset and we can always flip him if things go bad + he'll attract other superstars once Kobe leaves.

No b/c we're locked into a Melo/Kobe/Randle/Pau core for 2 years that isn't going anywhere.
I could see Minnesota willing to trade Pau + Randle for Love but even that doesn't excite me much.

So, in conclusion I'd rather sign nobody and get a top 5 pick this year but that is simply not realistic, therefore give me Melo.

YES TO MELO

 

[CP1708]

Do you want Melo on the Lakers? Yes, or No.


CP1708, No.
PMatic, No.
Ska, No.
Three6Mafia, Yes
laker4lifeman, No.
had pants, No.
GTB, No.
Teamlakers909, Yes.
LaceDemUp, Yes.
Goldmember, No.
Drizzyd, Yes.
Kal-el-8, No.
Kobe4MVP12, Yes.
Tupac, Yes.
Vino24, Yes.
223 at ya, Yes.
Th3Real, No.
PurplNyellow, Yes.
MJSaver, Yes.
tay1, Yes.
KingJaffeJo, Yes.
SenorRoboto, No.
Soriano, Yes.
Mamba, Yes.
E, Yes.
mrdieslefuel, Yes.
JoeCoolio66, No.
lakersman3000, No.
Kv23-24, IDC.
Jcmojica, No.
Blahzee, No.
Menacin, Yes.
Hybrid, IDC.
SoHi, Yes.
Kookcle, No.