LeBron James Wanted 5-Time All-Star on Lakers Instead of Russell Westbrook: Report

[danfantastk32]

It sounds like I'm throwing this all on Lebron. Well for this season, yes. I do throw 80% of this on him. We can do 'blame pies' and all that...but Lebron has (maybe had) control of this team. He met with Westbrook. He's the one that's gonna know better than anyone (as the floor captain) who's gonna work, who's not. So yeah.....I put this squad on him.

Now big picture...It's Jeanie / Robs fault for the state of the Lakers.

I have no problem signing Lebron and handing him the keys. Sorry....the guy knows basketball, and players, and his own needs and wants a million times better than Jeanie or Rob. Proof was in the pudding.....we got a title his 2nd season.

But Lebron, and the Lakers are working on a different timeline. Where the Lakers have gone south, is overpaying in deals to make things happen within the time that makes Lebron happy. Exhibit A: we gave the farm for AD. Now it did immediately produce a title. But perhaps a little bit of poker woulda been nice. We didn't HAVE to give them all that. AD was gonna come for free the next year. All we needed to do was fold our arms......say "there's no way we're giving all that", and NO woulda caved....knowing they were gonna get nothing for him the next years. Suddenly Ingram and 1 first-rounder look pretty good. <------ or not. Then too bad Lebron. We'll get AD the following year, and go from there.

Westbrook too. His stock was down bigtime. He had two years left on his contract. Why are we giving the farm? He wanted out of Houston.....teams didn't line up. No. Washington gave one bloated contract for another. Westbrook did enjoy better stats in Washington, but a first round exit....so how did he go from bloated contract to we give the farm? AND we had a plan B, which was DeRosen. Again...this was a moment to hold strong. We'll take Wesbtrook...but you give us a pick. And if not, then sorry Lebron. Your gonna have to make DeRosen work.

These are examples of when the Lakers could have been smarter. You can say Jerry Buss 'woulda played poker'. Or you can look at Riley who just said "no...we're not f**ing doing that". The Heat have remained strong since Lebron left, and Wade retired. Yeah, they had a couple year dip. But they are right back as a strong squad.

I think you have to throw this on Jeanie / Rob. The state of the team is their doing.

But you also have to look at where we were. We won a title. We have been relevant. Did Lebron demand that he got what he wanted when he wanted it, as part of the deal? If so....was it worth it? That's up to you. I don't think we were ever gonna do anything keeping our young guys. While this could have been done much, much better, I do think it beats having done nothing. I just think somewhere in the middle coulda been a great spot where we still woulda kept a few of our guys, and had quite a squad.

Maybe Jeanie really does need to go. I don't think so, but there's certainly a good argument that Riley / Jerry woulda done much better. But be fair, and realize there are 29 other teams/owners....what would they have done? Is Jeanie really so bad? You wanna compare her to Riley, well also compare her to whoever runs things with the T-Wolves, the Kings, The Hawks. What have they ever done? You might get yourself one of those guys.....just as easily (if not more) than the next Dodger ownership that everyone's so high on (1 bubble title to their name as well, btw.....so while things look so much "brighter" there, I'm just sayin....)

[slifersd]

Not that I want to defend Westbrook or anything, but the idea that DeRozan would've made such a difference if we got him is a little overblown. In our system, DeRozan would've struggled almost as badly as Westbrook. He has many of the same issues as Westbrook, bad defense, can't shoot the three (at all) and is only effective with the ball in his hands.

[danfantastk32]

Not that I want to defend Westbrook or anything, but the idea that DeRozan would've made such a difference if we got him is a little overblown. In our system, DeRozan would've struggled almost as badly as Westbrook. He has many of the same issues as Westbrook, bad defense, can't shoot the three (at all) and is only effective with the ball in his hands.

I think he's a better shooter from all-around. And I definitely wanted DeRosen over Westbrook. But you are probably right. I think it would have gone better (He is a bit cheaper too, which prob woulda made a difference) but it prob wouldn't have gone that great either.

The best fit would prob be a guy like Klay, or Paul George.

[tamaraw08]

Rob thought he can replace his defenders with Bazemore and the very old Ariza, also signed Ellington all failures, that’s on Rob.

I hope you are willing to admit that Rob had very little to work with. He was essentially left having to sign vet-min contracts.You do know that right?



So if your Rob, and the Westbrook deal has essentially been dropped on your plate, I don't think it's fair to say Rob thought Bazemore and Ariza were gonna "replace" anyone. Rob was shopping from the discount aisle.

I think that the Lakers have let AD and Lebron run the show. That's a decision the owner makes/allows...not the GM. Rob probably had two options: go with the flow, or say "F** it...I'm out". He prob likes his job, and he also prob sat with Lebron and AD (and let's give Lebron some credit.....4 rings, like 10 finals appearances...he knows SOMETHING about basketball you and I prob don't) and was convinced this was all gonna work. AD and Bron would get more rest.....Westbrook would push the ball. Bada bing. We're in the playoffs....and if everyone is healthy, who's gonna stop em??

Rob and Jeanie were fools for buying Westbrook after the career of evidence out there. But Lebron was triple-so. He KNOWS the game. He's out there. He knows and talks to players in manners/conditions that nobody else will ever get to.

Lebron made a huge mistake. Jeanie was the one that allowed him to do it. Rob was stuck (may have been a willing participant, I don't truly know) walking into the store with $5 bucks in his pocket, and told to buy dinner. You know it's not gonna be steak.

Now in Jeanie's defense.....you'd think Lebron woulda known better. He has been to several teams, built them to his liking, and they've been in the Finals almost every time. Lebron came here....wanted the youth moved for AD....Title. Next year was not so good, but AD and Lebron both had injuries. You can tell yourself that. You have an "out" mentally. Ok....so Lebron shows up, and says "hey...I got Westbrook on board. He's in. He's told Washington he wants to come here.....so we just gotta make this work, and he's gonna do this for me, that for me. He'll work great with AD because of X - Y. So come on.....if you're Jeanie, do you REALLY look at Lebron and tell him he doesn't know what he's talking about?

This was Lebron's bed. Jeanie let him do this....but I don't thing Jeanie was wrong for allowing it. It's worked quite well for the last 12 years. But sadly for Laker nation.....this was the big flub. Oops.

I dunno. We can hate people for this. We can say "Rob sucks" or "Lebron is crap". Or you can enjoy that the whole team at least tried, and swung big. It didn't work. Lebron just needs to be a big man, and own what happened here. And Jeanie needs to accept that she did allow this, and decide (CLEARLY) whether or not she wants to take back control. And Rob needs to understand that he's now in a position where he's gotta make some miracles happen....but he's also gotta grow a pair, and say he's not gonna look the fool anymore by agreeing to these deals where we get played. If the deal is there.....he'll make it. Otherwise sorry. If you don't like it, then fire me. I'm not doing this anymore.

Were all from the outside looking in, relying to reports and articles to formulate our opinions. Lebron has a huge voice yes, but I don't buy the narrative that he IS RUNNING THE SHOW ! If it's up to him, Ty Lue would be coaching this team but Rob and Jeannie wouldn't budge on the what, a 4 year contract and hiring assistants? I think Jeannie relies heavily too with her advisors Kurt along with Rob when it comes to basketball operations but she is very involved with setting the budget. You said Rob needs to grow a pair? I fully concur. I believe Rob knew the importance of resigning Caruso but he didn't really pushed for it bec Jeannie set a very strict budget. He knew Scott Brooks would have helped but he didn't pushed for it.

[danfantastk32]

Were all from the outside looking in, relying to reports and articles to formulate our opinions. Lebron has a huge voice yes, but I don't buy the narrative that he IS RUNNING THE SHOW ! If it's up to him, Ty Lue would be coaching this team but Rob and Jeannie wouldn't budge on the what, a 4 year contract and hiring assistants? I think Jeannie relies heavily too with her advisors Kurt along with Rob when it comes to basketball operations but she is very involved with setting the budget. You said Rob needs to grow a pair? I fully concur. I believe Rob knew the importance of resigning Caruso but he didn't really pushed for it bec Jeannie set a very strict budget. He knew Scott Brooks would have helped but he didn't pushed for it.

Well listen...I think you bring up a great point with Ty Lue. I don't know. It's hard to argue that point. I will have to do a little digging. It certainly seems weird the spots that they decide to stand firm on $$ and when they don't.

As for Caruso. I'm sorry guy's, but you really need to get over that one. There's a few people clinging onto that with fervor, but while he was a nice role player, who did commit to D, I don't think Lebron cared, Rob cared, I don't think Jeanie cared, and with stats like 7 points, and 4 assists in almost 30min per game last season with the bulls, it's time to end the romancing. He had 1.7 steals, but 1.4 turnovers. So while I like his story, this has always been blown so far out of proportion by the Caruso army. I got it. You think they should spent for him. Just remember there's plenty of fans who already forgot he existed. Guys like him are decisions liked, and disliked by the dozen in the NBA. Everyone's got a niche fanbase. But truth was, he's totally expendable. And with everyone thinking Russ was gonna be the dream version......why spend for him? And why not let him go play?

I was really annoyed they let Brook Lopez walk. Guy wasn't a beast....but he was solid. Really enjoyed playing here. They offered to waive him before the postseason so he could goto a contender (this was a while ago). He chose to stick around, so he could fight for a spot next year. They never even gave him an offer....so he moved on. He was willing to take a cut to stay here. Hey man...it happens. I don't know what the exact thought was there....but maybe he and the coach argued? Maybe he didnt get along with Ingram, or whatever....you know? Though I liked BroLo, it's really not worth getting upset about. He was past his prime, had plenty of shortcomings, and so the decision was made. Same with Caruso. Caruso is so far from being a starter. His flaws far outweigh his pros. For a mid to deep bench guy, he's great. But enough already. Decisions like his, are absolutely no reflection on any FO. He's the 14 or so "other cards" you get in a baseball pack. Sorry man, but that's the truth. I wouldn't have kept him either. (Well I would have, because I knew Russ was gonna be a disaster....but my point stands).

[tamaraw08]

Were all from the outside looking in, relying to reports and articles to formulate our opinions. Lebron has a huge voice yes, but I don't buy the narrative that he IS RUNNING THE SHOW ! If it's up to him, Ty Lue would be coaching this team but Rob and Jeannie wouldn't budge on the what, a 4 year contract and hiring assistants? I think Jeannie relies heavily too with her advisors Kurt along with Rob when it comes to basketball operations but she is very involved with setting the budget. You said Rob needs to grow a pair? I fully concur. I believe Rob knew the importance of resigning Caruso but he didn't really pushed for it bec Jeannie set a very strict budget. He knew Scott Brooks would have helped but he didn't pushed for it.

Well listen...I think you bring up a great point with Ty Lue. I don't know. It's hard to argue that point. I will have to do a little digging. It certainly seems weird the spots that they decide to stand firm on $$ and when they don't.

As for Caruso. I'm sorry guy's, but you really need to get over that one. There's a few people clinging onto that with fervor, but while he was a nice role player, who did commit to D, I don't think Lebron cared, Rob cared, I don't think Jeanie cared, and with stats like 7 points, and 4 assists in almost 30min per game last season with the bulls, it's time to end the romancing. He had 1.7 steals, but 1.4 turnovers. So while I like his story, this has always been blown so far out of proportion by the Caruso army. I got it. You think they should spent for him. Just remember there's plenty of fans who already forgot he existed. Guys like him are decisions liked, and disliked by the dozen in the NBA. Everyone's got a niche fanbase. But truth was, he's totally expendable. And with everyone thinking Russ was gonna be the dream version......why spend for him? And why not let him go play?

I was really annoyed they let Brook Lopez walk. Guy wasn't a beast....but he was solid. Really enjoyed playing here. They offered to waive him before the postseason so he could goto a contender (this was a while ago). He chose to stick around, so he could fight for a spot next year. They never even gave him an offer....so he moved on. He was willing to take a cut to stay here. Hey man...it happens. I don't know what the exact thought was there....but maybe he and the coach argued? Maybe he didnt get along with Ingram, or whatever....you know? Though I liked BroLo, it's really not worth getting upset about. He was past his prime, had plenty of shortcomings, and so the decision was made. Same with Caruso. Caruso is so far from being a starter. His flaws far outweigh his pros. For a mid to deep bench guy, he's great. But enough already. Decisions like his, are absolutely no reflection on any FO. He's the 14 or so "other cards" you get in a baseball pack. Sorry man, but that's the truth. I wouldn't have kept him either. (Well I would have, because I knew Russ was gonna be a disaster....but my point stands).

But that's the thing, you mention his 7 pts and 4 assists but ignored the other facets of the game. Bulls were a +5 in ORTG when he's on the floor while the opponents' ORTG is 116.8 when he's on the bench a difference of almost 9 pts.
He has 3rd best DRTG in the regular Bull's rotation. He didn't shoot well with the Bulls but still made a difference with other intangibles.
For the Lakers his last season, he shot 40% from 3, 37.3% for 4 years and the team with +4.7 with him and there's something that makes him very effective when he was with Lebron with a +16.4 and +11.7 if you add Kuzma.
Was it just a fluke esp with Lebron, the previous year, they were a +18.7, plus 16 if you add Davis.
Now, I can understand if you choose to ignore these stats, and they would have been ok IMO if they lose him only if they had KCP and Kuz with the team, but losing all 3?, they were 1st in DRTG with Lebron and AD missing a combined 63 games and now? 21st in DRTG? You really think it didn't affect their defense losing Alex? then we can agree to disagree.

[danfantastk32]

Now, I can understand if you choose to ignore these stats, and they would have been ok IMO if they lose him only if they had KCP and Kuz with the team, but losing all 3?, they were 1st in DRTG with Lebron and AD missing a combined 63 games and now? 21st in DRTG? You really think it didn't affect their defense losing Alex? then we can agree to disagree.

Not ignoring anything....I just don't care to the extent you do. His defense is fine. I admitted that. He's not a great defender, but he's good. I think Kuzma was wildly overrated, and KCP was fine. Yes, losing all 3 was a huge factor in our defense going out the window. It's why I think firing Vogel was BS. And even with that....it's time to move on. Caruso is gone. Just like Vogel now. I think it was crap, but we got a new guy, and we'll see how he does. Truth is, Vogel was a good coach, but hardly irreplaceable.

Caruso is a solid guy to have as something like #9 on your roster. Maybe #8. He has no business starting in the NBA. And he really has no business being your first or second, bench guy. He's just not that good. Sorry. This league is so tilted offensively, that being a good defender with little to no offense gives you subpar value.

Since you made me feel like I aughta check....I'm looking at a +2.3 defensive +-, but with a -2.2 offensive +- combining for a net 0.2 plus/minus. Should be a 0.1.....must be some rounding off going on there. Anyhow, this was his first net-positive for the two stats combined in his career. I'm looking at a .081 win share/48.....with .100 being the league average.

I'll be the first to admit I don't really care too much about these stats. I don't really give two rips about this stuff....but it's certainly not painting an impressive picture. Look......the guy was incredibly limited. He was a great story, he hustled...became a bit of a fan favorite, and you know what?? He landed himself generational $$$. Super awesome for him. We didn't need to shell out whatever it was.....$30mil with the penalties for a bench player....who AGAIN....was supposed to be relegated to the deep bench with Westbrook tearing the league up next to Lebron and AD. <------- totally wrong, but part of the equation when they were deciding.

I get your a Caruso guy, and good for you. But let's stop making this some atrocity.....some fork in the road with the Lakers.

[tamaraw08]

Now, I can understand if you choose to ignore these stats, and they would have been ok IMO if they lose him only if they had KCP and Kuz with the team, but losing all 3?, they were 1st in DRTG with Lebron and AD missing a combined 63 games and now? 21st in DRTG? You really think it didn't affect their defense losing Alex? then we can agree to disagree.

Not ignoring anything....I just don't care to the extent you do. His defense is fine. I admitted that. He's not a great defender, but he's good. I think Kuzma was wildly overrated, and KCP was fine. Yes, losing all 3 was a huge factor in our defense going out the window. It's why I think firing Vogel was BS. And even with that....it's time to move on. Caruso is gone. Just like Vogel now. I think it was crap, but we got a new guy, and we'll see how he does. Truth is, Vogel was a good coach, but hardly irreplaceable.

Caruso is a solid guy to have as something like #9 on your roster. Maybe #8. He has no business starting in the NBA. And he really has no business being your first or second, bench guy. He's just not that good. Sorry. This league is so tilted offensively, that being a good defender with little to no offense gives you subpar value.


I'll be the first to admit I don't really care too much about these stats. I don't really give two rips about this stuff....but it's certainly not painting an impressive picture. Look......the guy was incredibly limited. He was a great story, he hustled...became a bit of a fan favorite, and you know what?? He landed himself generational $$$. Super awesome for him. We didn't need to shell out whatever it was.....$30mil with the penalties for a bench player....who AGAIN....was supposed to be relegated to the deep bench with Westbrook tearing the league up next to Lebron and AD. <------- totally wrong, but part of the equation when they were deciding.

I get your a Caruso guy, and good for you. But let's stop making this some atrocity.....some fork in the road with the Lakers.

# 9 or 8 on the roster? wow, Caruso played the most minutes among the reserved guards in the last 2 playoffs with the Lakers, 5th highest in Mins/game for the whole Bulls team both RS and Playoffs. I fully understand he is limited...just like Derek Fisher who averaged 7.5 pts/game when they won it all in 2010. Yes more teams are tilted towards offense but in the end, I strongly believe GSW won it all with the solid defense. GP2 and Looney were both limited and played vital minutes too just like Fisher before. Caruso wasn't asking for 10 mil/year, he was willing to give a discount... but this is just ONE of the few things that for me is a bad pattern about their spending.
https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2022/3/5/22963177/nba-rumors-frank-vogel-wanted-scott-brooks-coaching-staff-lakers-got-outbid-by-trail-blazers

Reports: Frank Vogel wanted Scott Brooks on staff, but Lakers got outbid by Trail Blazers

Would Brooks have fixed all of that? It’s kind of doubtful, but it seems unlikely that having him around could have hurt. And as Lakers insider Dave McMenamin of ESPN pointed out in the same “The Woj Pod” referenced above, the larger theme from all these reports and missteps is the Lakers not being committed to spending everything it takes to give themselves the best chance to win.

[https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2022/2/15/22935065/lakers-christian-wood-john-wall-russell-westbrook-trade-deadline-rumors-report-rob-pelinka][/url]
McMenamin: “There was an iteration of the John Wall trade that included Christian Wood that would have involved more money. I’ve been told from other sources in Houston that there was a message that the Lakers were not willing to take on more money.”

Shelburne: “That’s kind of the word around the league that the Lakers were making calls, if there was a trade that made sense, they would do it. I’ve heard it described as ‘maybe half-hearted efforts.’ They would do something if it was low-hanging fruit but they weren’t really willing to feel any pain, whether that was luxury tax money, whether that was more encumberment in the future, whether that was draft compensation
Wood's contract is very tradeable and would have been a great asset for the Lakers esp with AD's brittleness but ok.

[danfantastk32]

[quote="tamaraw08"]
McMenamin: “There was an iteration of the John Wall trade that included Christian Wood that would have involved more money. I’ve been told from other sources in Houston that there was a message that the Lakers were not willing to take on more money.”

Dude, you're looking to just "spend our way out if this". Not gonna happen. Trading Westbrook for Wall isn't gonna solve anything. I'd do it straight trade....guy for guy, as I'd rather have an injured Wall at home than Westbrook on the floor. But that's me.

If the Lakers were given something actually good....like Portland willing to give Dame for Westbrook (not gonna happen, I know) but we had to also take some garbage, and the Lakers balked at the price.......ok NOW you have something. But just spending for the sake of spending? Hell no. John Wall doesn't take the Lakers anywhere. So they are being smart.

GS aren't just spending. They're being really smart about it.

The Dodgers are the poster boy of great ownership around here, right? Well haven't we seen them go it a little cheap a few times? They've let guys go who are light years better than Caruso. I don'y really follow baseball much, but I remember them signing the one pitcher (the guy who gave up like 6 runs in game 7) instead of shelling out a little more for someone better (was it Verlander?) in the trade window. If I remember, that pitcher then signed with Houston, and beat the Dodgers (giant * there). Nobody calling Dodger ownership cheap. But the Dodgers made a fiscal calculation. And if Houston hadn't been cheating...it prob woulda worked out. So even the Dodgers don't just spend to spend.

The most $$$ doesn't just win. The Lakers gotta stop gettin played by the rest of the league. We'll do a straight up trade for Wall and Westbrook. But we're not taking more junk back. Hell no. They shoulda been doing more of this for the last several years.

[tamaraw08]

McMenamin: “There was an iteration of the John Wall trade that included Christian Wood that would have involved more money. I’ve been told from other sources in Houston that there was a message that the Lakers were not willing to take on more money.”

Dude, you're looking to just "spend our way out if this". Not gonna happen. Trading Westbrook for Wall isn't gonna solve anything. I'd do it straight trade....guy for guy, as I'd rather have an injured Wall at home than Westbrook on the floor. But that's me.

If the Lakers were given something actually good....like Portland willing to give Dame for Westbrook (not gonna happen, I know) but we had to also take some garbage, and the Lakers balked at the price.......ok NOW you have something. But just spending for the sake of spending? Hell no. John Wall doesn't take the Lakers anywhere. So they are being smart.

GS aren't just spending. They're being really smart about it.

The Dodgers are the poster boy of great ownership around here, right? Well haven't we seen them go it a little cheap a few times? They've let guys go who are light years better than Caruso. I don'y really follow baseball much, but I remember them signing the one pitcher (the guy who gave up like 6 runs in game 7) instead of shelling out a little more for someone better (was it Verlander?) in the trade window. If I remember, that pitcher then signed with Houston, and beat the Dodgers (giant * there). Nobody calling Dodger ownership cheap. But the Dodgers made a fiscal calculation. And if Houston hadn't been cheating...it prob woulda worked out. So even the Dodgers don't just spend to spend.

The most $$$ doesn't just win. The Lakers gotta stop gettin played by the rest of the league. We'll do a straight up trade for Wall and Westbrook. But we're not [u][b]taking more junk back. Hell no. They shoulda been doing more of this for the last several years[/b][/u].

Wall's contract is also expiring. We know Westbrook is a proven garbage with the Lakers, Wall? probably? and yet we don't know, for the sake of argument he is, but are you calling Christian Wood Junk? really?
The guy averaged 19 pts and 10 rebs at Houston, shot 39% from 3 last season, for how long is his contract? for just 2 more years at 13.5 Mil/year. So is he really junk to you? Then Lets agree to disagree. Is he too expensive for you? let's agree to disagree.
don't know much about Baseball either but you make it sound that the Dodgers are just being smart about their meager budget but the fact remains, they are top 2 in Spotrac with just a little over 1 Mil less than the Mets. Another site boardroom have them the highest payroll at 277 Million. Yes, they are being smart with their money BUT THEY ALSO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY,out spending 96% of the entire league. Yes, they chose to let go of expensive players but turn around and spend that money on other expensive players like Freeman who is making 27 Mil, also paying the useless Price for 16 Mil, unlike the Lakers.
If you really think promoting Mike Penberthy to assistant, a guy with no previous experience is a wiser move instead of hiring a Vet coach Scot Brooks, then let's agree to disagree.

[danfantastk32]

Wall's contract is also expiring. We know Westbrook is a proven garbage with the Lakers, Wall? probably? and yet we don't know, for the sake of argument he is, but are you calling Christian Wood Junk? really?
The guy averaged 19 pts and 10 rebs at Houston, shot 39% from 3 last season, for how long is his contract? for just 2 more years at 13.5 Mil/year. So is he really junk to you? Then Lets agree to disagree. Is he too expensive for you? let's agree to disagree.
don't know much about Baseball either but you make it sound that the Dodgers are just being smart about their meager budget but the fact remains, they are top 2 in Spotrac with just a little over 1 Mil less than the Mets. Another site boardroom have them the highest payroll at 277 Million. Yes, they are being smart with their money BUT THEY ALSO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY,out spending 96% of the entire league. Yes, they chose to let go of expensive players but turn around and spend that money on other expensive players like Freeman who is making 27 Mil, also paying the useless Price for 16 Mil, unlike the Lakers.
If you really think promoting Mike Penberthy to assistant, a guy with no previous experience is a wiser move instead of hiring a Vet coach Scot Brooks, then let's agree to disagree.

Well, you gotta ask yourself: if this guy is so good, then why is Houston just 'throwing him in there'??

And then ask yourself further: This grand act of kindness caused Houston NOT to make the deal? Seems odd that if this was really such a steal on our end, that Houston would be happy to just make the deal straight 1 for 1. Wonder why the felt that we HAD to take that contract in order for the deal to go down. Gosh.....Houston musta really, really, wanted to do us a favor, eh? They were probably so insulted. I bet that's what happened.

Yes, Dodgers spend. So do the Lakers. Top 4 or 5 in spending. Still no reason to throw $30 mil for Caruso.

Lastly, if promoting Penberthy has you this riled up....then I dunno what to say. I'm not sure it was a "Penberthy or Scott Brooks" proposition.

And with all that we've said......I think it's time to take a deep breath, and let the Caruso thing go. Wasn't anywhere near worth what we were gonna spend for him. We waived a bench player to save salary. Fine. Your gonna have to let it go, as this team, and many others will be doing the same thing over and over and over again throughout the rest of your viewing life. When we waive someone of consequence....we'll bust out the pitchforks together.

[LAL1947]

Agreed with Dan. Yes, it would've been really cool to keep Caruso but now it's time to let go. Caruso being here wouldn't have changed anything because we still need AD and Lebron to be healthy, which they weren't at the end.

So the more I think about it, the more at ease I am with the FO deciding to go the route of a full rebuild, i.e, if they decide to trade Lebron, AD and Westbrook.

[danfantastk32]

Agreed with Dan. Yes, it would've been really cool to keep Caruso but now it's time to let go. Caruso being here wouldn't have changed anything because we still need AD and Lebron to be healthy, which they weren't at the end.

So the more I think about it, the more at ease I am with the FO deciding to go the route of a full rebuild, i.e, if they decide to trade Lebron, AD and Westbrook.

If they could somehow pull a miracle deal for Westbrook, I think Lebron and AD (assuming he plays) have another title in them. Would take right pieces.

So so soooooo super unlikely. So yeah....if they were able to offload these guys for SOMETHING decent (little better than "pennies on the dollar" how about 70-cents on the dollar??) I say do it.

But you gotta get something worthwhile. Otherwise your not really rebuilding either. You just suck.

[LAL1947]

But you gotta get something worthwhile. Otherwise your not really rebuilding either. You just suck.

For sure. Better chance to get something worthwhile if they're traded before more time and contract years pass.

Sacramento or Portland would jump at the opportunity to have Lebron and AD... so we could get #4 and future pick from Sacramento, and Anfernee + #7 from Portland. Plus if we tank, we will have our own high lottery pick next season. Next year's pick is something that shouldn't be forgotten about... there's no point having a team that doesn't contend and only gets us a middling pick instead, cos 2024/2025 pick goes to the Pels again. Atleast, 4 bites at the apple in this and the next draft.

If the FO can't get something worthwhile though, then just run it back is fine too.

[tamaraw08]

Wall's contract is also expiring. We know Westbrook is a proven garbage with the Lakers, Wall? probably? and yet we don't know, for the sake of argument he is, but are you calling Christian Wood Junk? really?
The guy averaged 19 pts and 10 rebs at Houston, shot 39% from 3 last season, for how long is his contract? for just 2 more years at 13.5 Mil/year. So is he really junk to you? Then Lets agree to disagree. Is he too expensive for you? let's agree to disagree.
don't know much about Baseball either but you make it sound that the Dodgers are just being smart about their meager budget but the fact remains, they are top 2 in Spotrac with just a little over 1 Mil less than the Mets. Another site boardroom have them the highest payroll at 277 Million. Yes, they are being smart with their money BUT THEY ALSO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY,out spending 96% of the entire league. Yes, they chose to let go of expensive players but turn around and spend that money on other expensive players like Freeman who is making 27 Mil, also paying the useless Price for 16 Mil, unlike the Lakers.
If you really think promoting Mike Penberthy to assistant, a guy with no previous experience is a wiser move instead of hiring a Vet coach Scot Brooks, then let's agree to disagree.

Well, you gotta ask yourself: if this guy is so good, then why is Houston just 'throwing him in there'??

And then ask yourself further: This grand act of kindness caused Houston NOT to make the deal? Seems odd that if this was really such a steal on our end, that Houston would be happy to just make the deal straight 1 for 1. Wonder why the felt that we HAD to take that contract in order for the deal to go down. Gosh.....Houston musta really, really, wanted to do us a favor, eh? They were probably so insulted. I bet that's what happened.

Yes, Dodgers spend. So do the Lakers. Top 4 or 5 in spending. Still no reason to throw $30 mil for Caruso.

Lastly, if promoting Penberthy has you this riled up....then I dunno what to say. I'm not sure it was a "Penberthy or Scott Brooks" proposition.

And with all that we've said......I think it's time to take a deep breath, and let the Caruso thing go. Wasn't anywhere near worth what we were gonna spend for him. We waived a bench player to save salary. Fine. Your gonna have to let it go, as this team, and many others will be doing the same thing over and over and over again throughout the rest of your viewing life. When we waive someone of consequence....we'll bust out the pitchforks together.

Dude, you really don't understand the concept of a rebuild and saving money? What about letting go of good players so your other young players can have minutes to develop? Is Harden junk to you? Houston gave him away. OKC has been on rebuild, giving away CP3, Gallinari etc for just unknown picks, traded Schroeder for Green, then Danny to Toronto for who again?Memphis traded Pau for a player who hasn't played 1 second in the league.

Sources said Houston was motivated to move Wood because the Rockets want to open up playing time for 2021 first-rounder Alperen Sengun and likely the No. 3 overall pick. The Rockets pounced on the opportunity to acquire a first-round selection without taking on any long-term salary.

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34098510/sources-dallas-mavericks-acquire-christian-wood-houston-rockets-26th-pick-nba-draft-4-players

Upgrading at center was one of the Mavs' primary goals entering the offseason in the wake of their run to the Western Conference finals.

From my last reply, I didn't even mentioned Caruso's name, like I said, it would have been fine for me if they still have KCP, but it was one of several decisions that was based on saving $. No Jeannie is NOT BEING SUPER CHEAP, But I question her commitment to save do everything she can to put this team in the best situation to succeed. Per Spotrac Lakers are 5th highest in payroll. not first, not second or 3rd, the site reveals the Clips, TWolves, Nets have a higher payroll than them.
It's funny you mentioned teams like the GSW and Dodgers, teams that have the top 2 in highest payroll.
But ok, hopefully our rookie coaching staff will do miracles.

[danfantastk32]

Dude, you really don't understand the concept of a rebuild and saving money? What about letting go of good players so your other young players can have minutes to develop? Is Harden junk to you? Houston gave him away. OKC has been on rebuild, giving away CP3, Gallinari etc for just unknown picks, traded Schroeder for Green, then Danny to Toronto for who again?Memphis traded Pau for a player who hasn't played 1 second in the league.

So now saving $$$ and letting guys go is a good thing? Your confusing sometimes.

Yes, Harden is junk to me. (Junk prob a strong word. But no, I don't care for him. He's right there with Westbrook imo)

Yes, sometimes teams let decent talent leave. Doesn't always make them cheap. I think that's been my point all along. Except half the guys you mentioned are actually good/great players in the NBA, while Caruso is deep bench. Kinda been wondering why you are still angry about it a year later.

[danfantastk32]

But you gotta get something worthwhile. Otherwise your not really rebuilding either. You just suck.

For sure. Better chance to get something worthwhile if they're traded before more time and contract years pass.

Sacramento or Portland would jump at the opportunity to have Lebron and AD... so we could get #4 and future pick from Sacramento, and Anfernee + #7 from Portland. Plus if we tank, we will have our own high lottery pick next season. Next year's pick is something that shouldn't be forgotten about... there's no point having a team that doesn't contend and only gets us a middling pick instead, cos 2024/2025 pick goes to the Pels again. It's as good as it gets for a clean slate, 4 bites at the apple in this and the next draft.

If the FO can't get something worthwhile though, then just run it back is fine too.

Yeah, I think Portland and Sac are both teams worth talking to. I think Portland would be very interested in getting a quality partner to keep Dame happy