2019 Los Angeles Lakers Off-Season Thread

Me too Tomodach.

Like I stated before, the Lakers are getting desperate when they start considering washed-up, used-up centers.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/lakers...after-de-marcus-cousins-injury-035929265.html

Retroram52 said:

Yea, TJF12. The Lakers are obviously scraping the last crumbs available. They found people like Bonga, whom they traded. I am sure they should go with another "find" and forget this retreading-Centers-whose-careers-are-done waste of time. They may even get lucky and pick-up Noel if he goes the way most people believe he will go with OKC.

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tomodach10 said:

Noel is the better choice. I would wait.

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I don't really get the Nerlens Noel thing. Not just you guys, I see a lot of media folks talking about it. Maybe someone can explain it to me?

He's young (only 24) so that is good. He's athletic, also good. But what has he ever done?

His first 2 seasons were a disappointment considering where he was drafted. He basically averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds, playing 75 and 67 games. Not terrible, but not what you're looking for from a #6 pick.

In 2016-17 he played in 51 games (for 2 different teams), in 2017-18 he played in 30 games.

Last year, he played in 77 games and averaged 5 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes per game. His per 36 isn't bad (13 points, 11 rebounds), but that's never been a reliable way to project what a guy can do because they usually end up showing why they don't play 36 minutes per game.

Is he a good perimeter defender? If he is, then it might be okay. But I really don't get it.

Well, TJF12. If the Lakers are considering centers like Joquin Noah and Dwightmare who are old and their careers are toast and who will give you 7-10 minutes off the bench, why not go with the young guy who is going to do the same and may do it better in a player like Noel. He is on the same playing level of guys like Gortat and the aforementioned geriatric douchebaggery, so picking him up at his age would satisfy the Lakers' itch to fill a roster spot previously held by Cousins.

Retroram52 said:

Well, TJF12. If the Lakers are considering centers like Joquin Noah and Dwightmare who are old and their careers are toast and who will give you 7-10 minutes off the bench, why not go with the young guy who is going to do the same and may do it better in a player like Noel. He is on the same playing level of guys like Gortat and the aforementioned geriatric douchebaggery, so picking him up at his age would satisfy the Lakers' itch to fill a roster spot previously held by Cousins.

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Why would Dwight only be giving 7-10 minutes? Last year he had surgery and only played 9 games. But the season before, he played in 80 games, averaged 30 minutes, 17 points and 12 rebounds. Noel has never averaged that.

I could ask you the same critical question on Dwightmare only with a bit if a twist. What has Dwightmare contributed to his teammates in the locker room that had them wanting him to return? Everywhere he has gone, people hope that he leaves asap. Gortat has played similarly as Dwightmare as far as minutes and production. He'd be a better fit for the Lakers all around than Dwightmare.

Marresse Speights due in on Friday for a look-see.

Retroram52 said:

I could ask you the same critical question on Dwightmare only with a bit if a twist. What has Dwightmare contributed to his teammates in the locker room that had them wanting him to return? Everywhere he has gone, people hope that he leaves asap. Gortat has played similarly as Dwightmare as far as minutes and production. He'd be a better fit for the Lakers all around than Dwightmare.

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I'm not claiming Dwight will be some great locker room presence. Let's face it, there's a reason that we are just a couple of weeks or so away from training camp and those guys are still available.

But in terms of what he's likely to produce on the court, he's the best of a several not so good options. He at least has the highest ceiling production wise.

With Dwightmare, he has to know that this would be his absolute last shot. Maybe that, plus Lebron being there, will help keep him in check. If not, it's a 1 year, minimum deal...easy to move on from him.

Gortat is 2 years older than Dwight and wasn't the athlete in his prime that Dwightmare is now.

Retroram52 said:

Marresse Speights due in on Friday for a look-see.

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I like Mo Buckets and wouldn't necessarily hate the Lakers getting him. But he's more offense and the Lakers need defense and rebounding.

Looking at it from a trying to pick the best of some not very good options standpoint:

Highest Ceiling from a production standpoint: Dwightmare - he's the most athletic and his last full season was far more productive than any of the others. He's also the most likely to be able to actually have an impact on the Lakers title chances.

Most Likely To Become a Locker Room Issue: Also Dwightmare - Talent has never been his problem, it's always been his attitude. If he can keep it in check, he could help. If he can't (and he hasn't been able to so far) he could become a problem.

Safest Choice: Nerlens Noel - He's young enough that he can possibly still develop into a better player than he has been so far. He also has some athleticism and talent. You also know exactly what you're going to get...about 5-6 points, 5-6 rebounds and solid defense in limited minutes. He's unlikely to have much impact one way or the other.

Old Vet That Might Have One More Solid Run: Gortat and Mo Buckets - Gortat wasn't exactly athletic in his prime and at 35, he certainly hasn't gotten more athletic. But his game was never about athleticism. He's a good rebounder and solid post player. He could help, but his minutes would have to be very limited, especially during the regular season.

Mo Buckets is an offensive player who can't spell defense. He's a big who can stretch the floor. He's also only 30 (I honestly thought he was older than that). But he wasn't even in the NBA last year and the Lakers need defense and rebounding more than another guy who can score.

Valid points all around TJF-12. The Lake Show Life has an article stating that the best option is a virtual unknown, Amir Johnson. Goes about his business, seldom misses a defensive assignment and is disciplined in this area, gives you 7-12 minutes a night off the bench, on offense is not a liability but throws in his 5-6 points, and is a great locker room presence and teammate. Maybe he is the guy the Lakers should sign.

Well looks like it is Dwightmare 2.

Elton John's song "The Bitch is Back" comes to mind. Yep, SEEBS and The Lake Show Life are reporting Dwightmare will be bought-out by Memphis and will be signing with the Lakers. We shall see if this jackass has learned anything in his time away from ex-Kobeland.

Retroram52 said:

Elton John's song "The Bitch is Back" comes to mind. Yep, SEEBS and The Lake Show Life are reporting Dwightmare will be bought-out by Memphis and will be signing with the Lakers. We shall see if this jackass has learned anything in his time away from ex-Kobeland.

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Ram we will see. I am not happy about this.

Neither am I, Tomodach.

Retroram52 said:

Neither am I, Tomodach.

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I just read something that made me feel a little better. It is non guarenteed. If he disrupts team, he will be gone.

Yep I saw that too. There is some relief.

tomodach10 said:

Well looks like it is Dwightmare 2.

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Retroram52 said:

Elton John's song "The Bitch is Back" comes to mind. Yep, SEEBS and The Lake Show Life are reporting Dwightmare will be bought-out by Memphis and will be signing with the Lakers. We shall see if this jackass has learned anything in his time away from ex-Kobeland.

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tomodach10 said:

Ram we will see. I am not happy about this.

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Retroram52 said:

Neither am I, Tomodach.

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tomodach10 said:

I just read something that made me feel a little better. It is non guarenteed. If he disrupts team, he will be gone.

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Retroram52 said:

Yep I saw that too. There is some relief.

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The Lakers have played this about as smartly as possible, imo.

Of all of the options, Dwight has the best chance of actually making an impact.

If he concentrates on defense, rebounding and picking up whatever points he can without a lot of plays called for him, he can be an asset.

If not, that's where the non-guaranteed contract is great. They can cut him loose and don't have to pay him.

Yea, TJF12. This signing is obviously one where the Lakers can protect themselves while getting what they need out of Dwightmare. If it works, they'll be perceived as genius. If not, he'll be gone and hopefully the team can continue onward and upward.

The Lake Show Life released an article claiming Jason Kidd was the guy who vouched for Dwightmare as LeBron, Rondo, McGee, and AD were all the decision meeting. Kidd had to convince everyone that Dwightmare has learned his lessons and claims to be a changed man. So they went with Kidd's vouching and signed Howard. We shall see how all of this plays out.