2017 NBA Offseason Thread

[tlance]

And you're not getting that star players don't typically team up with 20 year old players in their second season -- so unless there is something else to attract stars to the Lakers, stars will not go there.

Now -- outside of money, which plenty of teams have, the Lakers have a few options to attract stars: (1) they apparently have the inside track on Paul George next offseason, (2) if they land George, he instantly makes them more attractive to other stars, (3) Brandon Ingram looks like he could develop into a very nice player, (4) they have a few assets they could use to trade for a top player, if necessary, or who could be solid players for them in the alternative (5) Magic Johnson is running the show now, (6) it's in Los Angeles, and (7) they're the Lakers.

Star players may very well want to play with Lonzo in 3 or so years but it's unlikely he, alone, is going to attract any stars after only one season in the league.

You are right. Star players don't normally team up with 20 year olds in their second year.

But, Lonzo Ball is not your normal player. There is NOBODY like him in the NBA today. That isn't me implying he will be great either. Stars will want to play with him because of his ability to move the ball. He doesn't need to be a star because he is so unique.

 

[bksballer89]

You are right. Star players don't normally team up with 20 year olds in their second year.

But, Lonzo Ball is not your normal player. There is NOBODY like him in the NBA today. That isn't me implying he will be great either. Stars will want to play with him because of his ability to move the ball. He doesn't need to be a star because he is so unique.

I see your point but let's say Ball is mediocre this season. Wouldn't that change players outlook on him especially someone like Lebron approaching the end of his career?

 

[DJ]

Not every team has max money next season.....not with teams signing players like crazy this summer....

 

[Vyle203]

You are right. Star players don't normally team up with 20 year olds in their second year.

But, Lonzo Ball is not your normal player. There is NOBODY like him in the NBA today. That isn't me implying he will be great either. Stars will want to play with him because of his ability to move the ball. He doesn't need to be a star because he is so unique.

LaVar?

 

[tlance]

I see your point but let's say Ball is mediocre this season. Wouldn't that change players outlook on him especially someone like Lebron approaching the end of his career?

For LeBron, definitely.

For George?

Ball would have to be bad and Russ would have to learn to share.

Besides, I am of the opinion that no legit star will want to pair with Russ. A second tier player, sure. Not a star. For me, this argument is as much about Russ as it is about Ball.

 

[DJ]

They still have almost 17 mil.

Yet, have a lot of scorers and swingmen.....doubt they are targeting KCP now.

 

[DJ]

I love RW but think it will take him being 29-30 before he starts to change his game to legitimately win.....

 

[Win TWINS!!!]

And just think some people on Fan Nation said I had no sense of humor....

@Mecca, @LAD, @mick7-1961, @Win TWINS!!!, @Chewbaccer

As for who has a bigger sense of humor between you, @Wamu and a rock, the rock by a mile.

You do beat out @Wamu, though... not by much.

I'm sure @Mecca and @Chewbaccer will agree with this.

 

[Vyle203]

For LeBron, definitely.

For George?

Ball would have to be bad and Russ would have to learn to share.

Besides, I am of the opinion that no legit star will want to pair with Russ. A second tier player, sure. Not a star. For me, this argument is as much about Russ as it is about Ball.

Who knows, Russ might get addicted to feeding PG and watching him drain the spot-ups. They could be really awesome together if they do it right. It might be harder for George to leave than expected, maybe.

 

[DJ]

As for who has a bigger sense of humor between you, @Wamu and a rock, the rock by a mile.

You do beat out @Wamu, though... not by much.

I'm sure @Mecca and @Chewbaccer will agree with this.

Dick.

 

[DJ]

LeBron has been on 3 teams that have made the Finals and 2 that have won.....wouldn't surprise me at all if he thought he could put the Lakers over the top.....combined with PG and the talented youngsters they have......plus any vets chasing a title that would want to team up with him and PG.....

Athletes are ego-maniacs....

 

[Gman]

Celtics just picked up Baynes' crazy ass.

Well, they needed a front court body. Baynes qualifies, I suppose... at least he has some heft to him.

Horford better stay healthy...

 

[DJ]

As for who has a bigger sense of humor between you, @Wamu and a rock, the rock by a mile.

You do beat out @Wamu, though... not by much.

I'm sure @Mecca and @Chewbaccer will agree with this.

Love Crawford joining the Wolves.....he's more versatile than Redick......

#Wolvestop3seed

 

[Mecca]

Guys, let's put the last 2 Free Agency periods into perspective.

Butler is #35 on this list and Kawhi is #36.

When you become a free agent is way more important than how good of a player you project to be.

Curry is gonna bump some of these guys down. Blake too.

But, #2, #3, #10......

2017-2018 Player Salaries

RK NAME TEAM SALARY
1 LeBron James, SF Cleveland Cavaliers $33,285,709

2 Kyle Lowry, PG Toronto Raptors $28,703,704

3 Mike Conley, PG Memphis Grizzlies $28,530,608

4 Russell Westbrook, PG Oklahoma City Thunder $28,530,608

5 James Harden, SG Houston Rockets $28,299,399

6 DeMar DeRozan, SG Toronto Raptors $27,739,975

7 Al Horford, C Boston Celtics $27,734,406

8 Carmelo Anthony, SF New York Knicks $26,243,760

9 Damian Lillard, PG Portland Trail Blazers $26,153,057

10 Otto Porter Jr., SF Washington Wizards $24,773,250

NBA Player Salaries - National Basketball Association - ESPN

 

[Win TWINS!!!]

LeBron has been on 3 teams that have made the Finals and 2 that have won.....wouldn't surprise me at all if he thought he could put the Lakers over the top.....combined with PG and the talented youngsters they have......plus any vets chasing a title that would want to team up with him and PG.....

Athletes are ego-maniacs....

The Lakers are the new Knicks.

 

[tlance]

Who knows, Russ might get addicted to feeding PG and watching him drain the spot-ups. They could be really awesome together if they do it right. It might be harder for George to leave than expected, maybe.

Sure.

Anything is possible. Maybe he has learned from past experience.

But, if Russ didn't fall in love with feeding KD, I can't see him fall in love with feeding PG. IMO, there is only 1 player in the history of the league who I would say is definitely a better scorer than KD, and that is the GOAT. There are plenty of greater players, but KD is in the conversation with anybody else for #2 as a pure scorer. Paul George is not anywhere near that level.

 

[DJ]

The Lakers are the new Knicks.

I hate you!!!!!!!

 

[DJ]

By the way, the Knicks are still Knick'ing......lost out on David Griffin.....

 

[Win TWINS!!!]

I like the Crawford signing. That brings us to a total of 11 players under contract. ..

 

[DJ]

Sure.

Anything is possible. Maybe he has learned from past experience.

But, if Russ didn't fall in love with feeding KD, I can't see him fall in love with feeding PG. IMO, there is only 1 player in the history of the league who I would say is definitely a better scorer than KD, and that is the GOAT. There are plenty of greater players, but KD is in the conversation with anybody else for #2 as a pure scorer. Paul George is not anywhere near that level.

True. I'd sign PG next summer and then trade him around the deadline and the rest of our 1st round picks till 2030 (every other year since you can't trade in back to back years) for KD.