Official Offseason News and Rumors

[Shanemansj13]

But to be honest, they should go after Lebron harder. I know Melo is looking harder than Lebron, but Lebron is a better fit. Kobe will get his touches, but won't have to carry the team and Lebron still plays defense and Kobe still plays D at an old age something Melo doesn't do.

I just think Melo and Kobe trying to carry the team, that combo will frustrate each other. Regardless, getting either one they would need to establish strong pieces around them.

 

[Shanemansj13]

The Lakers could sign all of them and somehow Short Bus will still find a way to fuck it all up.

And now, introducing your brand new Los Angeles Lakers .... LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and new head coach Nick van Exel!

Yah, pretty much that's how it goes.

Mike Brown should never coach again, that slapdick!

 

[OutlawImmortal]

Dude he averaged those assists for like 1 week, not a season......and as soon as the playoffs started is was back to chucking.

Kobe is NOT a passer, never has been, and never will be. If you want to cherry pick extremely small periods of time over the 99% of his career then continue to wear the blinders. At this point EVERYONE including YOU knows what Kobe is and what Kobe isn't.

Kobe was hurt during those playoffs dude... I don't remember him chucking while wearing a suit.

It's another urban myth to say Kobe isn't a good passer, especially when he trusts his teammates. And there is no reason for him not to trust 'Melo. You're another one who's constantly hating because his team can't sign a free agent, even though Dirk is taking pennies like a bum in front of seven-eleven.

 

[Heatles84]

Now THAT could be possible. Or he'll bring back Mike Brown!!

Trojan, not a fan of the Princeton offense I see.

 

[OutlawImmortal]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-200With a disappointing 17–25 start to the seasonhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-206, on January 25th, D'Antoni had Bryant become the primary facilitator on offense and Nash was moved off the ball and became more of a spot-up shooter.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-verrier_01302013-207http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-211 In two crucial wins in March, he scored at least 40 points and had at least 10 assists in back-to-back games, becoming the first Laker to accomplish the feat since Jerry West in 1970.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-212http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_05062013-213 On April 10, 2013, Bryant became the first player in NBA history to get 47 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four blocks and three steals in an NBA game. Bryant's assists were the second-highest of his career and his field goal percentage was its highest since 2008–09.

Lakers went 26-12 with Kobe as the facilitator before he was hurt with a couple games left to go in the season.

Kobe's assists in February 6.6
Kobe's assists in March 7.1
Kobe's assists in April 7.5

Let's stop with the Kobe myths. He understands that he can't do everything by himself.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_05062013-213http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-220

 

[Lakers+USC=#1]

I don't agree with you Laker fans......Kobe has NEVER shown a willingness to pass for more than a game or two, you can end that myth right now.

Statements like this, make people question your NBA knowledge.

 

[LALakersboy24.7]

Melo and Kobe are BOTH chuckers.......it's just not a good fit. Lebron is a MUCH better fit because he isn't going to fight ANYBODY for touches.

1st.) You don't much about basketball, do you? ---- Career Field Goal Attempts per game: Kobe 19, Melo 20, Jordan 23, Bird 19, West 20, Wilt 23, Maravich 21, Oscar Robertson 22. (Early in his career, Wilt's number would be around 35 shots per game. And Robertson's would have been about 28.) ---- When you're the only guy on the team that can shoot the ball, you shoot the ball. That's your role. The numbers believe your accusations that they are 'ball hogs."

2nd.) We are talking about KOBE BRYANT AND CARMELO ANTHONY. If you want anyone to have the ball in their hand, its them. I don't care if you're anyone on the 15 man roster of the spurs. It will take a total team effort to take them down on the offensive side.

 

[tlance]

But to be honest, they should go after Lebron harder. I know Melo is looking harder than Lebron, but Lebron is a better fit. Kobe will get his touches, but won't have to carry the team and Lebron still plays defense and Kobe still plays D at an old age something Melo doesn't do.

I just think Melo and Kobe trying to carry the team, that combo will frustrate each other. Regardless, getting either one they would need to establish strong pieces around them.

Yes and no. I doubt LeBron would sign their unless Melo did too, and if that happens I am still not sure the $ could work. Melo is more likely and also might be necessary to get LeBron.

 

[trojanfight]

I don't know about Hill but Ariza got 5 yr/$60 mil

is there a link to this? Haven't seen this reported yet. Sure you aren't confusing with marcin gortat deal?

 

[trojanfight]

But to be honest, they should go after Lebron harder. I know Melo is looking harder than Lebron, but Lebron is a better fit. Kobe will get his touches, but won't have to carry the team and Lebron still plays defense and Kobe still plays D at an old age something Melo doesn't do.

I just think Melo and Kobe trying to carry the team, that combo will frustrate each other. Regardless, getting either one they would need to establish strong pieces around them.

Seems like melo is the more willing to move player. LeBron and has been quiet. Doesn't have list of teams. It's his agents meeting with teams that are interested. I see him more of using free agency for leverage more than any real interest in leaving

 

[Black Adam]

Lakers went 26-12 with Kobe as the facilitator before he was hurt with a couple games left to go in the season.

Kobe's assists in February 6.6
Kobe's assists in March 7.1
Kobe's assists in April 7.5

Let's stop with the Kobe myths. He understands that he can't do everything by himself.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-mcmenamin_05062013-213http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kobe_bryant#cite_note-220

shame on you trying to kill Kobe hatred with facts...

 

[Hambombs]

Just wanted to say that carmelo is going to the bulls. That is all source confirms

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

is there a link to this? Haven't seen this reported yet. Sure you aren't confusing with marcin gortat deal?

That's what I also think.
I couldn't find any Ariza signing news.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

You sure?

Los Angeles Lakers emerges as top threat to keep Carmelo Anthony from re-signing with New York Knicks - ESPN Los Angeles


And just because "everyone" says something, doesn't mean they're right. "Everyone" said that Miami was going to win a bunch of titles in a row. They went 2-2 so far.


You should know that "everyone says" is easily one of the weakest arguments that can be made.

Not looking for an argument, but ESPN FA rumor links are meaningless.
I think I read somewhere that the Knicks were 99.9% and the Lakers the other .1%

Honestly, I hope he does go there.
That makes the East worse, and the Knicks less appealing next year when they will have cap space.

If I weigh everything, the Lakers and Knicks situations are very similar.
Then factor in he makes more money in NY, and it should be much easier to build a contender in the East,
there's no reason to go to LA.


As far as what everybody says about Kobe's 2/48,
I understand the loyalty/ reward point,
but please don't tell me that you don't think your chances of getting James/Anthony/?/Kobe wouldn't be 10000000x greater today if Kobe was currently off the books.


Also, nice dig at the Heat.
Maybe those same ESPN experts picking Anthony to leave projected a never ending title run?

 

[trojanfan12]

But to be honest, they should go after Lebron harder. I know Melo is looking harder than Lebron, but Lebron is a better fit. Kobe will get his touches, but won't have to carry the team and Lebron still plays defense and Kobe still plays D at an old age something Melo doesn't do.

I just think Melo and Kobe trying to carry the team, that combo will frustrate each other. Regardless, getting either one they would need to establish strong pieces around them.

Heck, they should go hard after Lebron because he's the better player. However, word is that getting Lebron is a longshot (which is actually an upgrade from no shot), where getting 'Melo is close to 50/50. I'm not too worried about Kobe and 'Melo co-existing. Kobe isn't stupid and knows that he can't carry the Lakers as he has in the past.

If they get 'Melo, will there be hiccups along the way? Sure, there were hiccups with Lebron and D-Wade. But if Kobe truly wants to have a shot at another ring and if 'Melo really wants to win, they will figure it out. If not, they'll be a playoff team for 2 more years and then the Lakers can use the money from Kobe and Nash being gone to add pieces around 'Melo. One of the things that has been said to have impressed 'Melo is the Lakers plan for the future with him as well as the plan for right now.

Having said that, I would be mildly surprised if they get 'Melo, very surprised if they get Lebron and absolutely stunned if they got both.

 

[trojanfan12]

Trojan, not a fan of the Princeton offense I see.

Like Charles Barkley says, he wants Princeton guys handling his finances, not his offense.

 

[trojanfan12]

Lakers went 26-12 with Kobe as the facilitator before he was hurt with a couple games left to go in the season.

Kobe's assists in February 6.6
Kobe's assists in March 7.1
Kobe's assists in April 7.5

Let's stop with the Kobe myths. He understands that he can't do everything by himself.

Dude, why are you posting this nonsense? Kobe is nothing but a ballhogging chucker who has never had an assist in his entire career. I know this to be true because starbigd says so and he has "everyone knows" to back him up.

 

[TurnUpTheHeat]

Like Charles Barkley says, he wants Princeton guys handling his finances, not his offense.

Yet, didn't the Cavs just hire another Princeton guy,
to replace they one they just fired for the 2 nd time?

Simply amazing.

 

[Shanemansj13]

At least they're intelligent...sigh

 

[trojanfan12]

Not looking for an argument, but ESPN FA rumor links are meaningless.
I think I read somewhere that the Knicks were 99.9% and the Lakers the other .1%

Honestly, I hope he does go there.
That makes the East worse, and the Knicks less appealing next year when they will have cap space.

If I weigh everything, the Lakers and Knicks situations are very similar.
Then factor in he makes more money in NY, and it should be much easier to build a contender in the East,
there's no reason to go to LA.


As far as what everybody says about Kobe's 2/48,
I understand the loyalty/ reward point,
but please don't tell me that you don't think your chances of getting James/Anthony/?/Kobe wouldn't be 10000000x greater today if Kobe was currently off the books.


Also, nice dig at the Heat.
Maybe those same ESPN experts picking Anthony to leave projected a never ending title run?

I agree 100% that ESPN is not to be trusted and said as much when I originally posted what they were saying (maybe you didn't backread that far). Yahoo Sports (definitely more reputable than ESPN) is reporting the same thing.

Y! SPORTS

I think we can both agree that if it comes from Adrian Wojnarowski, it's probably pretty solid.

And you did read that it's 99.9% Knicks and .1% Lakers. Someone posted it here as their opinion, none of the "experts" or "sources" have ever said that.

As far as "no reason to go to L.A.", 'Melo seems to disagree. Word is that he was not only impressed with the Lakers plans for right now, he was also impressed with their plans for the future and the fact that they have no long term contracts (something the Knicks can't say).

I agree that the chances of them getting Lebron and 'Melo is an extreme longshot. I think that Lebron is smart enough to see that if he signed with the Lakers, he would be in pretty much the same situation as he was with the Heat. The best he could hope for would be a little more help from Kobe and 'Melo than he got from D-Wade and Bosh, but still not enough from role players to beat the Spurs.

To me, the smart move would be to get 'Melo OR Lebron to pair with Kobe and put a better supporting cast around them and then when Kobe retires, use the cap space created to add more players around whoever they got.

Wasn't intended as a dig at the Heat, it was intended as a dig at you using "everybody says" to back up your point. You should know me well enough by now to know that "everyone says" or "everyone knows" never flies.