So are we definitely punting this year?

[ardee]

Did the Lakers know somehow that Cousins was gonna end up on the Warriors and the title this year was basically done for everyone?

All the one year contracts for meh players, it seems like LeBron seems content with the idea that we want to keep all our youth (minus Randle whom I'm sad is gone) and then add Kawhi in the offseason.

[Reflexx]

Looks like it. We have a few people that are ultra competetive and play with a chip on their shoulder, so you never know what may happen.

I hope we steal away Klay next year.

[slifersd]

I might be in the minority here, but I don't think Cousins add anything to the Warriors that they don't already have. He is a volume scorer who needs the ball in his hands, has questionable defensive ability and isn't the greatest teammate in the world. Warriors has plenty of scorers already, needs a rim protector/runner and doesn't do drama in the locker room. I am just not sure how Cousins is suddenly making the GSW impossible to beat. I think he is a good player and a clear upgrade to what they had talent wise, but his role is going to be hard to define, and I can't help but to think he is not going to be able to keep a cool head when he gets much fewer touches on a prove it contract.

[Heej]

Even though LeBron isn't getting any younger, there's likely no chance of anyone winning anything this year. Instead of giving up some young supporting guys like the Knicks did to get Melo, the Lakers should let LeBron gun for his last MVP trophy this year and develop the young guys and show them the work ethic it takes to be the GOAT. It's also a good chance to have something of a litmus test for whose game stands up in the playoffs.

Jordan Clarkson failed that test for the Cavs this year while Larry Nance barely passed. Let's see if the other Lakers young players can actually raise their games under the bright lights instead of wilting like he did. Also positions Brandon Ingram to make the leap everyone hoped for, and the Lakers can reload with Kawhi or possibly even KD who I'm sure will leave this summer. This Warriors team is a one time anomaly caused by the idiotic players union that the rest of the league has to wait out.

[peanutbutter]

Espn reported that the Pelicans and Lakers were the first to call Cousins on Sunday.

And yet there was no signing.

After Lebron made it official still nothing about Cousins.

And Monday afternoon Rondo was made official and Randle was made official and then Cousins was made official.

The Lakers know from Kobe what an Achillies injuru does to a player. Kobe is light and in top physical condition. Cousins is heavy and is not necessarily in top physical condition.

I do not believe the Lakers after talking to Cousins had any intention of signing him.

I actually believe the Warriors are going to get nothing from signing Cousins. He won't resign with the Warriors if he turns out to have recovered from his injury (which is unlikely). All he can do is provide a distraction.

And I believe the Warriors can be beat.

The Warriors are the justifiable favorites, just like the Lakers were when they signed Payton and Malone and lost to the Pistons when they had a chance at a four-peat.

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[Sedale Threatt]

Yeah, except these Warriors are two-time defending champs, with their core four players all under 30. Cousins is just the cherry on top of the most delicious sundae you've ever eaten.

We, in contrast, were coming off a loss to the Spurs and Payton and Malone, while still good, were way past their prime.

It's going to end eventually, and you can see some fraying around the edges due to the sheer energy and effort it takes to win a championship every season. But not this season.

[Laker_Kid]

sucks if this was the case. i dont want to waste whatever is left of Lebron’s career. that said, i doubt this team as it is will be the same team we have after the trade deadline.

[Kilroy]

I'm not sure why this is even a question... No, of course we're not punting this season... Yet.
We're preserving cap space to keep pressure on San Antonio to trade Leonard to us...

The PLAN is we go into the season with LeBron/KL/Ball/and at least Kuz plus the 1 and done crew and make a run... Definitely not a Punt.

The reality may be that we have to sign KL outright after the season though... But that's still not a Punt, it's a fall-back plan.

Why are people so hung up on a dude who signed a 5M/1yr deal to chase a ring in a rehab year?

Cousins would have to be an even bigger miracle healer than Kobe to come back and contribute any significant production this season, and even if he did, how would that fit with the rest of that team?

[peanutbutter]

Lebron almost beat the Warriors in game 1 last year with a crappy Cavs roster that was not ready for prime time.

Clarkson and Nance proved that they were top young players on the Lakers but were way out of their league even in a weak Eastern Conference.

Lebron now has Magic and Jeannie and Luke.

This Laker roster assuming their is no trades between now and the playoffs is still better than the Cavs last year.

Lebron gets to play real competition this year. And even if the Lakers finish last for a playoff spot that might mean the Lakers will face the Warriors early.

If the Lakers lose early to the Warriors then who cares? Every major veteran is on a one year contract anyway.

But if they upset the Warriors early?

And let's not forget. Curry has a history of ankle problems. Ankle problems do not go away with time.

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