Official 2018 NBA Offseason Thread: free agency starts 7/1 - Summer League action is here!

[Mask]

NBA free agent Shane Larkin: 'I'll do whatever it takes to find another good opportunity'
Alex Kennedy
Shane Larkin, who spent last season with the Boston Celtics, is arguably the best point guard who’s still available in free agency. Throughout the first few weeks of free agency, he received some level of interest from 10 NBA teams and his representatives have since met with some potential suitors.

Last season, the 25-year-old averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.3 steals per 36 minutes. He only played 14.4 minutes per game with the Celtics, but that’s because he was in a loaded backcourt with Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart. It’s worth noting that in Larkin’s two starts, he averaged 10.5 points, 5.5 assists, 7.0 rebounds and 1 steal while shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 62.5 percent from three-point range (on 4.0 attempts per game).

Larkin has played on four teams in four NBA seasons (and he spent 2016-17 in Spain), so he’s no stranger to joining a new squad. The 25-year-old continues to weigh his various free-agency options and, as he recently told The Boston Globe, he’s “not afraid” to return overseas if that’s the best situation for him (which gives him even more to consider). HoopsHype sat down with Larkin to discuss what he’s looking for in free agency, how he’s continuing to develop his game and more.

What factors are you considering in free agency? What things are most important to you as look at potential destinations?

Shane Larkin: Playing time is important to me. I’ve been in a lot of different situations throughout my career thus far. Sometimes I’ve played a lot of minutes, sometimes I haven’t gotten many minutes, sometimes the minutes have been very inconsistent. I’m just trying to find a team that wants me to play good minutes so that I can continue to grow and develop for their team. And hopefully I can stop this streak of playing for a different team every single season. I would probably prefer a multi-year deal.

How does this summer compare to last summer? Last summer, you were coming off of your season with Baskonia in Spain whereas this summer, you’re coming off of your season with the Celtics. How do the two offseasons compare?

SL: I think last summer, it was harder. A lot of teams pay attention to what players are doing overseas, especially in the Euroleague, but it’s not like being in the NBA. Now, having been in the NBA this past year, I feel I showed that I can be an every-night contributor on a great team and accept my role – no matter what it is. I’m willing to go in there and play five minutes and pressure the ball-handler 94 feet or I’m willing to play around 35 minutes and close out a game, like I did versus Utah [in March]. I can do both of those things, and I’m happy to do either. But I think NBA decision-makers saw me more this past season than they had the previous year, so I think I’m in a much better position this summer than I was coming off my season in Spain. Some teams pay attention to how you perform in Europe, but it’s not like playing NBA playoff minutes or playing significant minutes on the team with the fourth-best record in the NBA. I think I’m in a better situation this summer.

With playing time being the biggest factor in your decision and Boston having so many talented guards in that backcourt, with Kyrie Irving, Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart returning, does that mean you’re looking to leave the Celtics? Or are you still open to re-signing with them?

SL: At the exit meeting at the end of the year, Danny Ainge and Brad Stevens both told me that they enjoyed having me on the roster and that we’ll be in communication throughout this summer. You never really know what’s going to happen there regarding trades. Like, if I would’ve told you at this time last year that Kyrie Irving would be a Boston Celtic soon, you would’ve told me, “You’re out of your mind.” So you never really know what’s going to happen with Boston.

To be clear, I have no problem going back to the Celtics. I loved it there this year. I loved the role I had and they have a great, up-and-coming team that’s going to be outstanding for many years. This was the most fun year I had in the NBA, the most fun I’ve had since I left college. Boston is always an option that I would be interested in, but whichever team offers me the best chance go out there and continue to grow will be my main focus in free agency. I’d love to be back in Boston, given the right circumstances, though.

Does the team’s market have any impact on your decision or is it mainly playing time?

SL: For me, it’s mainly just playing time. All that other stuff, that comes after. Money, the city, all of that stuff comes after playing time for me. I just want to get to somewhere I know I can play and continue to grow as a player. And I’ll do whatever it takes to find another good opportunity.

Now, I’ve gotten my first real playoff experience – I went to the postseason during my rookie season with Dallas, but I only played about 10 minutes over two games. I didn’t play much back then, but this year I was actually in the playoff rotation and that was important experience for me. Now I know how hard you have to fight. I know how important every single loose ball and box out and small detail is. I just learned so much this season and now I want to put it to use.

During free agency, every NBA fan is monitoring rumors closely and they love to watch the player movement. As a free agent who’s actually involved in the circus, do you closely follow everything that’s happening or do you try to take your mind off of it until you have a deal?

SL: It’s kind of hectic because things can change in an instant. When there’s a free agent like LeBron James, who’s the best player in our league, he can literally call any team and say, “Hey, clear space. I want to sign with you,” and that team is going to do whatever they have to do to in order to land him. It’s always interesting to watch what the stars do, like seeing LeBron go to the Lakers, and there’s definitely a domino effect. The pieces have to fall into place for me to get my deal. The way I look at it is that there are these tiers – from LeBron James to Paul George and Kawhi Leonard and so on. Everyone follows along to see what the top guys do, I watch to see where the big dominoes will fall. Then, after they’re off the board, teams start putting their roster together with the guys who are remaining.

 

[ShadyPat]

Larkin played well...hes a good 3rd point guard or maybe even second on a bad team, he ain't no scoring guard that's why teams are not jumping on him. hes just runs the offense and plays within his role. At least he did that in Boston..The league loves scoring guards. Plus hes undersized.

 

[Mask]

Larkin played well...hes a good 3rd point guard or maybe even second on a bad team, he ain't no scoring guard that's why teams are not jumping on him. hes just runs the offense and plays within his role. At least he did that in Boston..The league loves scoring guards. Plus hes undersized.

yea losing teams probably wont look at him, but let him got to a playoff team and be a nice addition....

 

[TheyCallMeBe]

 

[Day_Carver]

Is Clint Capela Worth the $100 Million He's Seeking? He Should Be to the Rockets
Kelly Scaletta

David J. Phillip/Associated Press
As the NBA offseason winds into the late-July doldrums, when most of the big-name free agents are gone, one remains: Clint Capela.

ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon reported Capela's asking price July 10: "Sources told ESPN that the [Houston] Rockets' initial offer to Capela was in the four-year, $60 million range, with the blossoming star center seeking a deal similar to Oklahoma City Thunder big man Steven Adams' four-year, $100 million contract."

Jonathan Feigen of theHouston Chronicletweeted:





That's a fair offer, and it's a far cry from chump change, but it's a lot less than he could have gotten in most years relative to the NBA pay scale. However, there are a few things working against the Rockets' restricted free agent.

Almost no one has the cap space for what he's requesting. According to Spotrac, the Sacramento Kings have about $20.5 million in practical space, but they have plenty of young bigs in Willie Cauley-Stein, Harry Giles III and Marvin Bagley III.

Furthermore, even if they made a bid, the Rockets would likely match, according to Sam Amick of USA Today.

So Capela has become the restricted free agent who suffered because he was too good and will probably end up making less money for that reason. If he were worse (see Zach LaVine or Jabari Parker), someone might have been likely to put a bid on him. But the certainty of him getting matched inhibits teams from doing so.

That's one strike against Capela.

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press
In addition, the value of centers has taken a nosedive. DeAndre Jordan signed a one-year deal worth $22.9 million with the Dallas Mavericks. Other than him, though, not many centers have gotten big-time money in recent years. The game has changed, and three-point shooters and wings are more important than having a giant in the middle.

That's strike two.

He still has one more pitch to swing at, though, in that the question isn't only what Capela is worth to the rest of the league, but also what he's worth to the Rockets.

Those two questions don't necessarily have the same answer.

It's a similar situation to that of the Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green, who is arguably a top-10 player while he's on Golden State. (For clarity, I'm comparing the circumstances, not the players.) Put him on another squad, however, and he might drop out of the top 20.

Green plugs so well into so much of what the Warriors do that he makes them better, and they make him better. Thus, Green is worth more to the Warriors than he would be to anyone else.

Capela is in the same position.

He has incredible chemistry with James Harden, developed from having played together for a few years. Whether it's grabbing nutmeg passes at his waist and deftly flushing those at the rim or ooping on any of Harden's several on-point alleys, he has an intuition for when the ball is coming and where it's going.





With his long arms and soft hands, he rarely lets the ball get away from him. His tremendous dexterity for a 6'10" big man means he's able to finish consistently.

According to NBA.com, 406 of his 441 field goals were in the restricted area, 213 of them were flushes and 93.4 percent of those dunks were assisted. He was extremely effective around the rim, finishing 69.3 percent of his attempts within three feet of the basket.

For all the talk about the Rockets and their so-called "Moreyball"—named for general manager Daryl Morey—threes are great, but dunks are even more valuable. To put things in perspective, to be as efficient as Capela is at the rim, a sniper would have to drain 46.2 percent of his three-point shots to match the "Swiss Rolls" to score the same number of points on the same number of shots.

Beyond that, though, there's the element of having the court stretched more. Now, when you think of Capela, you don't exactly think "court stretching," but his ability to help his team do so is significant. Having one player who can dominate inside means defenders have to cover that area of the court as well.

A four-out, one-in offense uses more floor space than a five-out one.

Capela takes advantage of the defenses Harden and Chris Paul break down with their dribbling, and as such, he is an essential part of the Rockets offense. It prevents teams from saving energy and focusing on chasing shooters off the three-point line.





Defensively, Capela does things, too. There's his rim protection. Opponents shot 5.1 percentage points below their season averages when he was the closest defender within six feet of the rim. He also finished fourth in the league in blocks per game with 1.9.

While that's good, there are other rim protectors out there. Capela is special to the Rockets because of his ability to switch and stay in front of guards in the pick-and-roll. His lateral quickness allows him to do so, and his length lets him challenge their shots.

Capela is one of the first to get up and down the court, too.

If you want evidence of how important he is, look no further than Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni, who told The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor in January 2017:

"But as D'Antoni told me, 'Other than the point guard, it's the most important piece.' That's because they directly impact the team's success in key areas. D'Antoni's centers must have the following core skills: defending the rim on pick-and-rolls, running the floor 'consistently, not every once in a while,' and having soft hands to finish or pass out of the pick-and-roll."

Capela is amazing at each one of those things. You might find better centers, but you won't find many (if any) who are better at that collection of things.

As a result, Capela thrives with the Rockets, just as Green does with the Warriors. And like Green and the Warriors, if he were playing somewhere else, he might not have the same value.

This is one of those perfect situations where the player makes the team better and the team makes the player better.

Capela is worth $100 million to the Rockets—but only to the Rockets—which is why he'll end up having to settle for a little less.

He should just sign his tender; and go to free agency next year; he would get paid the max for sure!!

 

[Day_Carver]

I mean he can score

Weird team composition though

If im betting right now, lakers aint making the playoffs! GS, Houston, Portland, NO, OKC, Minnesota, Spurs, Jazz, thats 8 right there are they are all better; throw in healthy a Memphis, LAC, Dallas, Denver .....Dam west is loaded!!

 

[Day_Carver]

Just saying...this some nice drafting that lead to a title

Steph Curry
2009 - 1st rd - 7th
Ekpe Udoh
2010 - 1st rd - 7th
Klay Thompson
2011 - 1st rd- 11th
Harrison Barnes
2012 - 1strd - 7th
Draymond Green
2012 - 2nd rd - 35th

I have never seen a team hit on this many draft picks that were not top 5 picks before, never!! mofos need to give GS front office a ton of credit; stop bitching and start holding their teams GMs to the same standard!!

 

[Day_Carver]

Exactly
And anyone saying they didn't need Kyrie saw exactly why they did.

Another 6'10 player that shoots over 40% from 3 off the bench. The rich keeps getting richer. This is a good signing , an extra Stretch 4 for shooting and depth for cheap never hurts.

Warriors Believe They'll Find Way To Afford $300M In Salaries, Luxury Tax In 19-20
JUL 23, 2018 1:00 PM

Bob Myers is confident the Golden State Warriors will be able to afford a roster and luxury tax bill that hits $300 million in 19-20.

“I feel like we’ll do whatever we can to keep winning,” Myers said. “And I think the players will do whatever they can to keep winning — not knowing what that will exactly look like.

“I guess it helps going into a new arena — the revenues. We’re lucky we’re supported by the fan base we are. … Working with Joe Lacob, Peter Guber, Rick Welts, all the people I work with and work for, they all want to win. ..

“Our players — Draymond Green has won at every level. Klay Thompson just wants to win. Steph Curry, he goes out and recruits a guy like Kevin Durant. Kevin Durant comes here under a lot of scrutiny and faces it and overcomes it. So I think with all that combined, I’m confident we can work it out. I can’t sit here today and mathematically show you; but based on all the things I’ve seen, we’ll find a way.”

The Warriors will open their new area in San Francisco in 19-20.

Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson will be eligible for max contracts in 2019 while Draymond Green becomes a free agent in 2020.

It is not inconceivable that Thompson and Green could take less money as Durant has in the recent past, while Curry was on a contract extension he significantly outplayed.

“Look, we know the numbers,” Myers said. “I don’t think we’re running from those things. … (But) we’ve got a group of players and an ownership group that wants to keep it together. That’s very competitive. Both sides. You’ve heard Klay’s comments (saying he might take less than his max to stay with the Warriors). You’ve been around Draymond. He wants to keep winning. …

“We’ll keep talking about it (with Thompson). We talked about that last year (during preseason) in China, we’ll continue to talk about it. For those guys, it’s their choice. We’ll try to pay them what’s fair. And it takes two. I know and understand, they’ve gotta like the deal, too. …

“I’ll tell you this, Klay’s not driven monetarily. I think he wants to be paid fairly. I think Draymond’s the same way. And obviously Kevin, he’s shown it, that he doesn’t have to have every last penny. … I feel like if we can create a place that gives them a chance to win a championship, get paid well, enjoy going to work every day — and people think an NBA player loves going to work every day. That’s not true; maybe it should be, but it isn’t. If we can create a place where players enjoy it, the hope is they want to continue to do that.”


I told you @shaddyvillethug the owners would be willing to pay; mofos aint stupid...at @Amajorfucup its time to now

 

[largebillsonlyplease]

I think he should max them all out and pay the tax
He's gonna make 300m off the new stadium in the first 6 months of concerts easy

 

[Day_Carver]

I think he should max them all out and pay the tax
He's gonna make 300m off the new stadium in the first 6 months of concerts easy

I agree, plus they about to get a new tv contract; you know thats gonna be like 100 mill annually ; these owners have plenty of money to pay the players!!

 

[Day_Carver]

I think he should max them all out and pay the tax
He's gonna make 300m off the new stadium in the first 6 months of concerts easy

this is just playoff money!!!

Warriors Reportedly Grossed Nearly $130M in 11 2018 Home Playoff Games
ROB GOLDBERGJUNE 11, 2018

Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
While the rest of the NBA might be getting tired of the Golden State Warriors, their fans continue to show the love.

According to Tim Kawakami of the Athletic (h/t Real GM), the Warriors grossed approximately $130 million from their 11 games this postseason. They grossed about $95 million in 2017 but had only nine home games throughout the playoffs.

The team keeps "about 30 percent of these totals."

With the team bringing home about $130 million in the 2015 playoffs across 14 playoff games, the rise in revenue per game is truly impressive. The team averaged about $9.3 million per game during the first title run four years ago, growing to $10.6 million per game in 2017 and $11.8 million in 2018.


The only problem is the Warriors have been victims of their own success, especially last year.

Golden State tore through the playoffs while finishing with a 16-1 record. This led to only one more home game than the minimum.

Darren Rovell of ESPN projected last year the Warriors missed out on $11,345,000 net gain for Game 7 in the NBA Finals based on ticket sales as well as food and beverage revenue.

There were more games this year thanks to stumbles in the first three rounds, though a Finals sweep meant the Warriors were unable to host Games 5 and 7. While the players are not going to complain about an easier win, perhaps owner Joe Lacob wouldn't have minded at least one more game.

In any case, the growing gross for playoff games shows fans are still heavily invested in the Warriors even as winning becomes routine.

 

[Mack1052]

this is just playoff money!!!

Warriors Reportedly Grossed Nearly $130M in 11 2018 Home Playoff Games
ROB GOLDBERGJUNE 11, 2018

Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
While the rest of the NBA might be getting tired of the Golden State Warriors, their fans continue to show the love.

According to Tim Kawakami of the Athletic (h/t Real GM), the Warriors grossed approximately $130 million from their 11 games this postseason. They grossed about $95 million in 2017 but had only nine home games throughout the playoffs.

The team keeps "about 30 percent of these totals."

With the team bringing home about $130 million in the 2015 playoffs across 14 playoff games, the rise in revenue per game is truly impressive. The team averaged about $9.3 million per game during the first title run four years ago, growing to $10.6 million per game in 2017 and $11.8 million in 2018.


The only problem is the Warriors have been victims of their own success, especially last year.

Golden State tore through the playoffs while finishing with a 16-1 record. This led to only one more home game than the minimum.

Darren Rovell of ESPN projected last year the Warriors missed out on $11,345,000 net gain for Game 7 in the NBA Finals based on ticket sales as well as food and beverage revenue.

There were more games this year thanks to stumbles in the first three rounds, though a Finals sweep meant the Warriors were unable to host Games 5 and 7. While the players are not going to complain about an easier win, perhaps owner Joe Lacob wouldn't have minded at least one more game.

In any case, the growing gross for playoff games shows fans are still heavily invested in the Warriors even as winning becomes routine.

Crazy

 

[Mask]

That don't make sense especially when they just have to replace to guys at his position.

I know he don't play defense like them, but he's a way better scorer.

 

[Mask]

If im betting right now, lakers aint making the playoffs! GS, Houston, Portland, NO, OKC, Minnesota, Spurs, Jazz, thats 8 right there are they are all better; throw in healthy a Memphis, LAC, Dallas, Denver .....Dam west is loaded!!

Man wtf is wrong with you....

 

[M.H.C.]

If im betting right now, lakers aint making the playoffs! GS, Houston, Portland, NO, OKC, Minnesota, Spurs, Jazz, thats 8 right there are they are all better; throw in healthy a Memphis, LAC, Dallas, Denver .....Dam west is loaded!!

Nuggets making the playoffs.

 

[KingTaharqa]

Man wtf is wrong with you....

He's trolling. Warriors are the back to back defending champs, but LeBron's Jus Don Laker shorts get more offseason coverage. And everybody's willing to pay tax when they winning and on top, when they get knocked off, its a different story.

The Lakers is a better organization than the Warriors.

 

[Day_Carver]

Nuggets making the playoffs.

So who doesn't make the playoffs in the West?

 

[Complex]

If im betting right now, lakers aint making the playoffs! GS, Houston, Portland, NO, OKC, Minnesota, Spurs, Jazz, thats 8 right there are they are all better; throw in healthy a Memphis, LAC, Dallas, Denver .....Dam west is loaded!!

How are Portland, Minnesota and the Spurs better?

Who's the best player in the league?

 

[Mask]

Another 6'10 player that shoots over 40% from 3 off the bench. The rich keeps getting richer. This is a good signing , an extra Stretch 4 for shooting and depth for cheap never hurts.

See this that shit tat happens when you the top dogs. even looked over, questionable released players get scooped by you front office and it's a "W0W they got him tooooooooo" type of reaction.

"Winners focus on winning, while losers are focused on the winners"

 

[Complex]

This is fucked up

 

[Day_Carver]

Man wtf is wrong with you....

How are Portland, Minnesota and the Spurs better?

Who's the best player in the league?

Lets think about this for a minute. Cleveland, with the best player in the league, playing all 82 games last, and leading the league in minutes played, won 50 games last year; in the east mind you; Cleveland, a team that had been playing together for a few years, knew how to play together and had chemistry; they still only won 50 games with LBJ playing in every game, in the east....the lowest team in the West won 47 games; who is playing defense on the Lakers? who is playing center? who is shooting the ball consistently? LBJ gonna do everything I guess; and they are playing in a better conference by far, than Cleveland did last year....Who doesnt make the playoffs and how many games you think Lakers will win...

 

[Day_Carver]

He's trolling. Warriors are the back to back defending champs, but LeBron's Jus Don Laker shorts get more offseason coverage. And everybody's willing to pay tax when they winning and on top, when they get knocked off, its a different story.

The Lakers is a better organization than the Warriors.

You suck LBJ dick so hard, you start talking about shit that no cares about or even matters; FUCKING FAGGOT!! who cares about press coverage; and then you said "the Lakers is a better organization than the Warriors" ; LBJ stays on your mind huh?? Lakers havent done shit but they are a better organizationman shut your FAGGOT ass up.....

 

[Complex]

Lets think about this for a minute. Cleveland, with the best player in the league, playing all 82 games last, and leading the league in minutes played, won 50 games last year; in the east mind you; Cleveland, a team that had been playing together for a few years, knew how to play together and had chemistry; they still only won 50 games with LBJ playing in every game, in the east....the lowest team in the West won 47 games; who is playing defense on the Lakers? who is playing center? who is shooting the ball consistently? LBJ gonna do everything I guess; and they are playing in a better conference by far, than Cleveland did last year....Who doesnt make the playoffs and how many games you think Lakers will win...

What was the Lakers defensive ranking last year?

And shooting? Ingram, Kuz, KCP, Hart, Svi, Wagner

Stop giving us talking points if you don't watch or have any clue about the Lakers

The Lakers have a better team than Cleveland. Besides Love, who on Cleveland would you want over the next four players on the Lakers.

 

[KingTaharqa]

You suck LBJ dick so hard, you start talking about shit that no cares about or even matters; FUCKING FAGGOT!! who cares about press coverage; and then you said "the Lakers is a better organization than the Warriors" ; LBJ stays on your mind huh?? Lakers havent done shit but they are a better organizationman shut your FAGGOT ass up.....

You post articles about revenue and suck off the Warriors front office tryna convince us we should care about the Warriors. Its sad and pathetic.

Nobody even believes you're a Warriors fan. You not from Oakland, you an ex Allen Iverson groupie/Bron hater that talks dumb shit.

Lakers are a better organization and more historic. Dubs have 1/4th the rings and 1/36th the respect as a franchise. You know that nigga. Thats why yo pussy ass wouldnt come in the KD vs. Magic thread.

 

[Mask]

Nuggets making the playoffs.

You better frame that picture, y'all ain't better than the Pelicans or Spurs

I would say the Wolves but man I don't know what's the fuck going on over there

Jimmy don't like this one, he don't like that one, he don't want a extension, his name connected to Kyrie and NYC....Wiggins ain't really liked...wtf

 

[Day_Carver]

What was the Lakers defensive ranking last year?

And shooting? Ingram, Kuz, KCP, Hart, Svi, Wagner

Stop giving us talking points if you don't watch or have any clue about the Lakers

The Lakers have a better team than Cleveland. Besides Love, who on Cleveland would you want over the next four players on the Lakers.

The Lakers have better young players than Cleveland yes; that doesn't mean they have a better team; i nor you know what kinda team they will have; i know it will take time for this team to play well together, if it ever occurs... now tell me how many games(range) Lakers win?

 

[ak_rep]

Hell nah. Pacers are top ten. Fuck that list.

 

[LSN]

wow muthafuckas really sleeping on LA

 

[Day_Carver]

You post articles about revenue and suck off the Warriors front office tryna convince us we should care about the Warriors. Its sad and pathetic.

Nobody even believes you're a Warriors fan. You not from Oakland, you an ex Allen Iverson groupie/Bron hater that talks dumb shit.

Lakers are a better organization and more historic. Dubs have 1/4th the rings and 1/36th the respect as a franchise. You know that nigga. Thats why yo pussy ass wouldnt come in the KD vs. Magic thread.

Are you ok, like seriously; the things you say are just very off balance; you are definitely a FTPr....you make a comment about nothing; then you say things about nothing that no one is talking about and or correlating too; I could care less what anyone thinks about the Warriors or any team for that matter; I posted those articles for @shaddyvillethug; because me and him were having a discussion about whether or not the owners of the Warriors would pay to keep the team together. I think you just say shit just say it; and just to get a reaction from people; very bitch made faggot shit...but its all good; you not man of your word anyways so I expect nothing from you...

this song was made just for you!!

 

[Mask]

Lets think about this for a minute. Cleveland, with the best player in the league, playing all 82 games last, and leading the league in minutes played, won 50 games last year; in the east mind you; Cleveland, a team that had been playing together for a few years, knew how to play together and had chemistry; they still only won 50 games with LBJ playing in every game, in the east....the lowest team in the West won 47 games; who is playing defense on the Lakers? who is playing center? who is shooting the ball consistently? LBJ gonna do everything I guess; and they are playing in a better conference by far, than Cleveland did last year....Who doesnt make the playoffs and how many games you think Lakers will win...

I'm do this as being a lakers fan for only 20 something days and know a few things about them from the headlines last year. Some of my statements might be slightly off but I got family members on here who'll gladly assisted me....



The youngest team in the league won 35 games, this with multiple injuries to key players(Ball and Ingram)...
Let's say if they was healthy the full 82 games, I'm give them another 5 wins.

That's 40-42 for the youngest squad in the league. That's pretty fucking great if you ask me.

I think the Lakers were top 3 in pace, and top 5 in transition....Which is understandable about when you have a young team and factor who's the coach and where he was a part time head coach(should got coach of the year in 15-16) and full time assistant.


So faster forward to today. Lebron, Rondo, Beasley, Lance & McGee

Lebron was the top dog when it came down to transition scoring.
I'm sure Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are ranked in the top 20.

Rondo impact with ball handling in the open court will be rough for opposing teams. Could've now you have both point guard s that capable of setting up other players and finishing at the rim, while playing with pace.

Lance and Beasley both ore capable of pushing the ball whih equals to pace and pressure from the second unit.

Both are capable shooters from outside, nothing like Kyle Korver or Klay but they can hit. Hart have improved his range, well he showed that during summer league, willthat carry over who knows. Lebron is capable but I hope he dont take a single 3.

So they have some shooting, but is load with players who can create their own shot and create for others.

Shit you don't have to worry about shooting, right now when you running teams out the gym.

So the youthful Lakers team that had 35 win adds Lebron who cavs team had a damn near complete overhaul mid season and still won 50 games and made the to the finals.

With Lebron gone this squad might struggle to make the playoffs, i'm think 7th-8th. If they were smart as in sure they'll do the "T" work tanking. If they ain't higher than 10th in the draft Atlanta gets that pick from the Kyle Korver trade years ago.

Back to the Lakers, I'm talk Rondo, if he gives them the same output that the Pelicans got....ole boy...Lonzo might not start. Also remember he warned his buddtly Ryan Hollis that if Lebron went to the Lakers he was going also. He knew Lakers would be interested, just off the strength that talked to him years ago and Lebron named him as a high IQ guy.

Beasley adds a punch that many teams won't have. Dude scoring ability is up there with KD and the young Melo.
If he play at the level he did to care the Knicks down the stretch to close the season, the fucking staples center gonna be popping. The crazy thing is he never really was given the freedom to create offensive like he did last year. That's something he love to do, but he scores so easy that he really never had the option.

Lance just needs to be Lance....Kuke gotta let him do him

McGee defend, dunk, rebound and run the floor should be enough to seal the deal.


If the coaching staff play to the strengths of the players, which will allow the players to gel quickly...you'll see some beatdowns happening nightly...



Remember I ain't even talk about Ingram, hart, Ball and Kuz much

 

[KingTaharqa]

Are you ok, like seriously; the things you say are just very off balance; you are definitely a FTPr....you make a comment about nothing; then you say things about nothing that no one is talking about and or correlating too; I could care less what anyone thinks about the Warriors or any team for that matter; I posted those articles for @shaddyvillethug; because me and him were having a discussion about whether or not the owners of the Warriors would pay to keep the team together. I think you just say shit just say it; and just to get a reaction from people; very bitch made faggot shit...but its all good; you not man of your word anyways so I expect nothing from you...

this song was made just for you!!

Im not shocked you listen to wack rappers like Maino saying dumb shit like the Lakers aint gonna make the playoffs. Or that the Warriors franchise is better than the Lakers. I think YOU just say stupid shit to say it.

 

[Day_Carver]

I'm do this as being a lakers fan for only 20 something days and know a few things about them from the headlines last year. Some of my statements might be slightly off but I got family members on here who'll gladly assisted me....



The youngest team in the league won 35 games, this with multiple injuries to key players(Ball and Ingram)...
Let's say if they was healthy the full 82 games, I'm give them another 5 wins.

That's 40-42 for the youngest squad in the league. That's pretty fucking great if you ask me.

I think the Lakers were top 3 in pace, and top 5 in transition....Which is understandable about when you have a young team and factor who's the coach and where he was a part time head coach(should got coach of the year in 15-16) and full time assistant.


So faster forward to today. Lebron, Rondo, Beasley, Lance & McGee

Lebron was the top dog when it came down to transition scoring.
I'm sure Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball are ranked in the top 20.

Rondo impact with ball handling in the open court will be rough for opposing teams. Could've now you have both point guard s that capable of setting up other players and finishing at the rim, while playing with pace.

Lance and Beasley both ore capable of pushing the ball whih equals to pace and pressure from the second unit.

Both are capable shooters from outside, nothing like Kyle Korver or Klay but they can hit. Hart have improved his range, well he showed that during summer league, willthat carry over who knows. Lebron is capable but I hope he dont take a single 3.

So they have some shooting, but is load with players who can create their own shot and create for others.

Shit you don't have to worry about shooting, right now when you running teams out the gym.

So the youthful Lakers team that had 35 win adds Lebron who cavs team had a damn near complete overhaul mid season and still won 50 games and made the to the finals.

With Lebron gone this squad might struggle to make the playoffs, i'm think 7th-8th. If they were smart as in sure they'll do the "T" work tanking. If they ain't higher than 10th in the draft Atlanta gets that pick from the Kyle Korver trade years ago.

Back to the Lakers, I'm talk Rondo, if he gives them the same output that the Pelicans got....ole boy...Lonzo might not start. Also remember he warned his buddtly Ryan Hollis that if Lebron went to the Lakers he was going also. He knew Lakers would be interested, just off the strength that talked to him years ago and Lebron named him as a high IQ guy.

Beasley adds a punch that many teams won't have. Dude scoring ability is up there with KD and the young Melo.
If he play at the level he did to care the Knicks down the stretch to close the season, the fucking staples center gonna be popping. The crazy thing is he never really was given the freedom to create offensive like he did last year. That's something he love to do, but he scores so easy that he really never had the option.

Lance just needs to be Lance....Kuke gotta let him do him

McGee defend, dunk, rebound and run the floor should be enough to seal the deal.


If the coaching staff play to the strengths of the players, which will allow the players to gel quickly...you'll see some beatdowns happening nightly...



Remember I ain't even talk about Ingram, hart, Ball and Kuz much

Bro, every player you name is useless without the ball in their hands; useless!!! except for LBJ....lance, rondo, beasley, are useless without the ball in their hands; they cant shoot consistently and not spot up shooters; im not gonna even talk about those players defense; Lakers young players are very solid though; and those are the players I wanna see play with LBJ; all them others I could care less about!!

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

You know I got soooo many bitches to post I can't remember who's who. Good news is I posted a ton of this bitch in the black girl online thread. Check that thread. Start from the latest page and go backwards. Here's the big tittie bitch again Gouki. I'll do all I can to help.

I've been reading the Cavs and 6ers are trying to get a trade going. The Cavs want Jerryd-Bayless and the 6ers want Korver....

 

[jack walsh13]

I've been reading the Cavs and 6ers are trying to get a trade going. The Cavs want Jerryd-Bayless and the 6ers want Korver....

Imma need that to happen too.

 

[M.H.C.]

So who doesn't make the playoffs in the West?

Pelicans

 

[ansatsusha_gouki]

What the fuck are the Cavs doing.....