danfantastk32 wrote:sonic the laker wrote: And, our Lakers have a plethora of champions to draw wisdom from. From guys like Kareem and Magic, to Walton and Kobe. I don't think LeBron has anything to add, that would trump what's already here, in that regards.
I don't know about that man....you think any of these kids were alive the last time Kareem won a title? What about Magic? Lebron won a title 14 months ago. He was in the finals 60-70 days ago.
But more so....Lebron's in the fox-hole with you. Kareem and Magic might impart some words of wisdom....but I'm talking about workouts....pregame....huddles. How Lebron approaches defense.....the way he points to a broken assignment. All that stuff on the floor. The way Lebron sees the game is in tune with the modern game. But he's also there.....real time.
I do think having Lebron here for a 3-4 year stint would be HUGE for our young guys (almost everyone). About the only draw-back I see.....is it completely takes the team away from Ball. But...I'd make the argument that the same goes for signing PG.
But look back at Kobe: When they traded Shaq....and this officially became "Kobe's team" he was only like 24ish years old. But he was also battle-hardened from several years of deep, deep playoff runs. I see the same here. If we signed Lebron for 4 years...Ball and Ingram would be about 24. But thanks to Lebron.....we're IMMEDIATELY playing 2-3 series deep into playoffs....instead of dickin around with 32 wins, then 39 wins, then 46 wins (our first playoff birth) or however it goes. You get his experience, and all his influence....but you also get the experience of 4 years of being a legit contender....and all that goes with that.
I dunno man.....I agree that we'll make it without the guy. But I also think he helps in many many ways. If he wants to come here, I think we'd be fools to turn it down. He's gonna help this young squad a TON in so many different ways. I see Lebron coming and holding that role, as apposed to PG, who would be here to win a title...and be the star. Nothing against PG...but He'd be the guy more likely to have guys moved, IMO than Lebron....who's at a different point in his career.
I could be fooling myself on that last part...but I just don't see this as a 'ring chase' for Lebron, or him coming here to make this 'his team'....or any of that. I think his reasons are non-basketball. We'd just be the beneficiaries of his talents.
I get where're you're coming from with the "fox hole" analogy. And, granted, could be some value in that kid of approach. But, imo, not enough to offset the negatives LeBron would bring with him. The last time LeBron went to an organization that had a FO with a firm leadership style, was Miami. And, that lasted 4 yrs, before he got tired of them. I'm convinced his leaving had as much to do with him not viewing that team as good enough for him any longer, as much as Pat Riley not being as ingratiating to LeBron's crew as LeBron expects.
And, I'll have to still disagree with your idea that LeBron would be a fit, over PG. EVERY team LeBron has been on has had to adjust to him, as opposed to the other way around. And, people seem to see this as conventional wisdom, because of LeBron's dominant status. I honestly don't believe that Jeanie, Magic, or Pelinka would bow to LeBron like Dan Gilbert has, so I'm not really worried about the off court stuff. But, players like Lonzo, BI, and others would most likely have to change how they play to suit LeBron. I think that would stunt their growth, as opposed to help them grow. Unless, LeBron opts to take a backseat...and that ain't happening.
PG's personality isn't nearly as dominating as LeBron's...on, or off, the court. PG would be the resident superstar on the team, but I can see him trying to blend in more, because he doesn't have an image to project/protect, or any ulterior motivations, other than winning. As you said earlier, LeBron coming here would not be all about winning, to him. Not saying that the Lakers wouldn't have a title chance, with LeBron. I actually believe the Lakers will have that chance, without LeBron. But, there are other teams have more known star power, that he could join...if all he wanted to do, was win.
I honestly think that perhaps there's some master plan for him to possibly join the Rockets in the next offseason, hinging on if Carmelo can force his way there, as well. Wouldn't surprise me, if that happened.
ZOOM!!!!!!!
