Saying a short farewell to true Laker fans :) :(

[tamaraw08]

It honestly sounds like more of Kobe fan than a Laker fan tbh. There have been many times when a hated player joins a team then he becomes welcomed, liked and rooted for. Why because the team is bigger than the player and you root for whoever wears the uniform.

I wasn't a big Lebron supporter before, but I'm a fan now and just appreciate his last years. I didn't like Beverly, westbrook or Harrell, but rooted for them when they wore/wear the Laker uniform.

A little dramatic though. If you don't want to post or watch games, no need to announce it lol

I have several coworkers who claim they are huge loyal fans buying expensive Lakers merch, watching games live etc but now I ask them if they still watch games most would say no more, they love Kobe but couldn’t stand Lebron and AD.
I hated Lebron before, that my loneliest birthdays in June we’re watching him win it all in Miami and with Cleveland but now he is here.

[tamaraw08]

Back to back wins and 40 pieces from LeBron pushed you over the edge huh

It’s not just Lebron and his production and even not just losing…. Every time a post start with “I am a huge Kobe fan” well Kobe would not let this team lose games like this, he won’t miss FTs like Lebron does etc
Yes I miss his clutch shooting, ability to carry the team too, gosh I miss coaches like Phil and Pat, or hard nosed role players like Rick Fox, Horry’s key 3’s etc too.
My saddest birthdays before was seeing Lebron win rings in Miami and Cleveland but he’s a Lakers now. Some here didn’t bother to post positive things when they won it all during the Bubble but resurfaced once they started struggling.

Someone who stayed loyal between 04-08 and then after 2014 would appreciate that it’s not as easy as “Kobe wouldn’t let the team lose”. It didn’t and doesn’t work like that.

Haters are going to hate and fanatics would have selective memories. Some here would say I’ll rather see James leave ASAP as if watching this team in agony lose 60 games was more tolerable.

[SlimShady83]

A little dramatic though. If you don't want to post or watch games, no need to announce it lol

Same could be said about your post, didn't have to say it, but you did It any way - Enough said.

Peace out all.

I will be back

[Landsberger]

I started following the NBA when I was a kid in Atlanta. After some time "on the street" I ended up in LA with my Aunt and Uncle in the late 70's and fell in love with Kareem and the Lakers. I've been a fan ever since. I've gone through stages where the Lakers weren't capturing my attention as much as other times.

I'm with Kilroy on the wanting to see the top players on the team bleed P&G. Even the mid-90's teams had a level of heart this one doesn't.

When we got Bron I was split on it. I've never cared for his off the court persona and that's grated on me to the point where I can't watch him over the last few years. I was never really on board with trading the farm for Davis who's a player that showed stats but no true leadership skills in NO. That emptied the cupboards and we've really not recovered since other than to trade even more for the emptiest stat machine thats ever graced the NBA in Westbrook.

Ownership is out of their depth, they have mortgaged the team to make Bron happy and they have no idea how to right the ship other than try another late career star or tow next year. We are the 2000's Knicks.

I'm following the team however there is really no on on the team that I can get excited to see play. I was in a Box in Phoenix a few weeks ago when the Lakers were in town (perk of what I do) and I think I watched less than 10 minutes of the game.

Not going anywhere but not energized to closely follow either.

[JVL]

"True" Lakers fans.

[markjay]

Wow, I guess I'm getting old. It used to be that true Laker fans talked about following the team since the Magic-Kareem era. Now the Kobe era is enough to qualify. (I myself date back to the West-Baylor era ).

Anyway, hope to see you back here next year!! Go Lakers!

[zuju]

Wow, I guess I'm getting old. It used to be that true Laker fans talked about following the team since the Magic-Kareem era. Now the Kobe era is enough to qualify. (I myself date back to the West-Baylor era ).

Anyway, hope to see you back here next year!! Go Lakers!

He is talking about true lakers fans, not necessarily old lakers fans

I have followed the lakers since I first saw Kobe play in 1997 / 1998 when I was a kid. My love to kobe slowly implant my support and love to the lakers.

I really hope the front office and realize how incompetent they are in so many areas and make improvements or let some other competent professionals to do them.

[LAKESHOW]

I am Die Hard till the End! Weve got eras of this stuff. We sucked after show time with van exel and crew. 90s were brutal. We got thru the Kobe Shaq era. We had a Kobe era. Weve now got a Chip with Lebron and this Era.
This is just the latest phase and era within a great franchise and organization. And It will all pass. Can't get caught up in the moment as permanent. You gotta be All In till the day I die. And I Am.

[mcscotty]

I'm a big fan of LBJ. Love the way he plays. Just a bruiser with incredible refinement and skill. We've never seen anything like him. Trusts his teammates and gets everyone involved. Off the charts basketball IQ. He could be the greatest of all-time and it's really been a pleasure to have him on the Lakers and follow him a lot more closely. He's really hit his groove again recently and is playing outer-worldly for a 38 year old. Got this team of young castoffs and g-leaguers playing well. Hope we can sneak in playoffs. The old freight train and friends could surprise some teams.

[tamaraw08]

I'm a big fan of LBJ. Love the way he plays. Just a bruiser with incredible refinement and skill. We've never seen anything like him. Trusts his teammates and gets everyone involved. Off the charts basketball IQ. He could be the greatest of all-time and it's really been a pleasure to have him on the Lakers and follow him a lot more closely. He's really hit his groove again recently and is playing outer-worldly for a 38 year old. Got this team of young castoffs and g-leaguers playing well. Hope we can sneak in playoffs. The old freight train and friends could surprise some teams.

I think most fans here know how good James is, but some of them just can’t stand the fact that he’s not a “true”Laker, did not get drafted here that he doesn’t bleed purple and gold but my question is who the freak cares? So he’s a mercenary who is working very hard to win and deliver a championship for this team..
Wilt, KAJ, Shaq, Fox, Scott, Horry were not drafted by the Lakers, I don’t recall fans whined and cry that they played with other teams before.
Some insinuate that he doesn’t care about this team, but one thing is very clear, he is obsessed with winning, the question is, Does Jeanie match this devotion to win AT ALL COST?
Some

[Ball so hard]

I'm a big fan of LBJ. Love the way he plays. Just a bruiser with incredible refinement and skill. We've never seen anything like him. Trusts his teammates and gets everyone involved. Off the charts basketball IQ. He could be the greatest of all-time and it's really been a pleasure to have him on the Lakers and follow him a lot more closely. He's really hit his groove again recently and is playing outer-worldly for a 38 year old. Got this team of young castoffs and g-leaguers playing well. Hope we can sneak in playoffs. The old freight train and friends could surprise some teams.

I think most fans here know how good James is, but some of them just can’t stand the fact that he’s not a “true”Laker, did not get drafted here that he doesn’t bleed purple and gold but my question is who the freak cares? So he’s a mercenary who is working very hard to win and deliver a championship for this team..
Wilt, KAJ, Shaq, Fox, Scott, Horry were not drafted by the Lakers, I don’t recall fans whined and cry that they played with other teams before.
Some insinuate that he doesn’t care about this team, but one thing is very clear, he is obsessed with winning, the question is, Does Jeanie match this devotion to win AT ALL COST?
Some

Lebron not being drafted by Lakers is not the issue and I think you know that. The main issue I have with Lebron is that he’s phony. He primarily operates behind the scenes then take the complete opposite position publicly. He’s the embodiment of a career politician. His hands were all over the AD and Russ acquisitions, yet when the **** hits the fan he turns on management… not that I have any sympathy for management. How many times have we seen Lebron hype a player, only to tacitly push for said player to be traded when it suits him. Lebron is a very polarizing player, not for his on the court contributions but mostly for what happens off the court. We’re supposed to be grateful that he brought us a championship? Why? Wasn’t it a win-win for both sides? Some are making it seem as though he did us a favor. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I can’t wait for the day he’s off this team. Lebron and his posse (as Phil once out it) leave a bad taste in my mouth. I enjoyed watching even when we were awful mostly because we had young players I connected with. I do not enjoy watching this team—and to a certain extent the NBA at large—even when we win. There are many reasons why but that’s a topic for another discussion.

[mcscotty]

LeBron could have left last season and chased a chip elsewhere. He knew the situation with the Lakers wasn't ideal, but re-upped anyway. That's enough loyalty for me. As for his persona, he is indeed a businessman and a politician. I can respect that. For a kid raised in poverty by a single mom in Akron, he could have turned out a lot worse. He married his high school sweetheart and kept the marriage together. He seems to be a good husband and father. I don't necessarily agree with his stances on some social issues, but I don't hold that against him. Too much division in this world over petty crap to even care.

[Ball so hard]

LeBron could have left last season and chased a chip elsewhere. He knew the situation with the Lakers wasn't ideal, but re-upped anyway. That's enough loyalty for me. As for his persona, he is indeed a businessman and a politician. I can respect that. For a kid raised in poverty by a single mom in Akron, he could have turned out a lot worse. He married his high school sweetheart and kept the marriage together. He seems to be a good husband and father. I don't necessarily agree with his stances on some social issues, but I don't hold that against him. Too much division in this world over petty crap to even care.

The reason Lebron re-signed has nothing to do it loyalty. Let’s not kid yourself. Like you’ve mentioned, Lebron is first and foremost a businessman. It’s the same reason he decided to sign with us a few years ago… it had little to nothing to do with basketball. Don’t really care about his personal life at home with his wife and kids. None of us knows whether he is a good husband and father. I’m old enough to know optics don’t always match reality… especially in this narcissistic age we’re living in.

[mcscotty]

LeBron could have left last season and chased a chip elsewhere. He knew the situation with the Lakers wasn't ideal, but re-upped anyway. That's enough loyalty for me. As for his persona, he is indeed a businessman and a politician. I can respect that. For a kid raised in poverty by a single mom in Akron, he could have turned out a lot worse. He married his high school sweetheart and kept the marriage together. He seems to be a good husband and father. I don't necessarily agree with his stances on some social issues, but I don't hold that against him. Too much division in this world over petty crap to even care.

The reason Lebron re-signed has nothing to do it loyalty. Let’s not kid yourself. Like you’ve mentioned, Lebron is first and foremost a businessman. It’s the same reason he decided to sign with us a few years ago… it had little to nothing to do with basketball. Don’t really care about his personal life at home with his wife and kids. None of us knows whether he is a good husband and father. I’m old enough to know optics don’t always match reality… especially in this narcissistic age we’re living in.

It's not a one way relationship between LeBron and the Lakers. Him coming to the Lakers has been a massive windfall for the organization. I can assure you that little Miss Marketing Jeanie Buss is very happy with the returns on her LeBron investment. People are always going to try to knock down the man at the top. They portrayed Kobe as some kid growing up in Italy with a silver spoon in is mouth that lacked "Street Credibility". Dumbest thing I've ever heard. Like every NBA player should be a gangster thug. Nobody would say that about Luka or Nowitzki.

[tamaraw08]

I'm a big fan of LBJ. Love the way he plays. Just a bruiser with incredible refinement and skill. We've never seen anything like him. Trusts his teammates and gets everyone involved. Off the charts basketball IQ. He could be the greatest of all-time and it's really been a pleasure to have him on the Lakers and follow him a lot more closely. He's really hit his groove again recently and is playing outer-worldly for a 38 year old. Got this team of young castoffs and g-leaguers playing well. Hope we can sneak in playoffs. The old freight train and friends could surprise some teams.

I think most fans here know how good James is, but some of them just can’t stand the fact that he’s not a “true”Laker, did not get drafted here that he doesn’t bleed purple and gold but my question is who the freak cares? So he’s a mercenary who is working very hard to win and deliver a championship for this team..
Wilt, KAJ, Shaq, Fox, Scott, Horry were not drafted by the Lakers, I don’t recall fans whined and cry that they played with other teams before.
Some insinuate that he doesn’t care about this team, but one thing is very clear, he is obsessed with winning, the question is, Does Jeanie match this devotion to win AT ALL COST?
Some

Lebron not being drafted by Lakers is not the issue and I think you know that. The main issue I have with Lebron is that he’s phony. He primarily operates behind the scenes then take the complete opposite position publicly. He’s the embodiment of a career politician. His hands were all over the AD and Russ acquisitions, yet when the **** hits the fan he turns on management… not that I have any sympathy for management. How many times have we seen Lebron hype a player, only to tacitly push for said player to be traded when it suits him. Lebron is a very polarizing player, not for his on the court contributions but mostly for what happens off the court. We’re supposed to be grateful that he brought us a championship? Why? Wasn’t it a win-win for both sides? Some are making it seem as though he did us a favor. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I can’t wait for the day he’s off this team. Lebron and his posse (as Phil once out it) leave a bad taste in my mouth. I enjoyed watching even when we were awful mostly because we had young players I connected with. I do not enjoy watching this team—and to a certain extent the NBA at large—even when we win. There are many reasons why but that’s a topic for another discussion.

wow another post about how evil Lebron is, as if other superstars that played here before were perfect model citizens who never made any mistakes.
A friend just told me the Shaq Doc series revealed how O'Neal lied so many times. He also delayed surgery that affected this team. Phil with his Last Season book trashing the late Kobe Bryant, calling him uncoachable etc etc.
Having said all that, I have VERY GRATEFUL for the rings they have delivered even though they made bad mistakes, one choosing to violate a woman out of State. Chucky Atkins became very frustrated and regarding him as the GM. Pearlman in a quandary bec he had to reveal some not so good info about Kobe from the book 3-ring Circus. We ALL made mistakes, some are more grievous than others but I don't think those bad deeds alone define them.
So you can't wait for Lebron to be gone, and that you enjoyed those horrible seasons eh? 55, 61,56,47 FREAKING LOSSES for 4 straight seasons, Gosh, every loss those nights, I suffered but hey, you say you enjoyed them, fine.
did you enjoy D'Angelo Russell's lazy defense? Ball's horrible form, then getting injured every other week? that's on you.

[Ball so hard]

wow another post about how evil Lebron is, as if other superstars that played here before were perfect model citizens who never made any mistakes.
A friend just told me the Shaq Doc series revealed how O'Neal lied so many times. He also delayed surgery that affected this team. Phil with his Last Season book trashing the late Kobe Bryant, calling him uncoachable etc etc.
Having said all that, I have VERY GRATEFUL for the rings they have delivered even though they made bad mistakes, one choosing to violate a woman out of State. Chucky Atkins became very frustrated and regarding him as the GM. Pearlman in a quandary bec he had to reveal some not so good info about Kobe from the book 3-ring Circus. We ALL made mistakes, some are more grievous than others but I don't think those bad deeds alone define them.
So you can't wait for Lebron to be gone, and that you enjoyed those horrible seasons eh? 55, 61,56,47 FREAKING LOSSES for 4 straight seasons, Gosh, every loss those nights, I suffered but hey, you say you enjoyed them, fine.
did you enjoy D'Angelo Russell's lazy defense? Ball's horrible form, then getting injured every other week? that's on you.

I've been reading your posts for a while and have noticed you tend to create false narratives and argue against them. No one said anything about anyone being evil or looking for role models. People aren't critical of Lebron because he isn't perfect!

I did enjoy the 'journey' during those losing seasons. Of course no fan would enjoy watching their teams lose. Somehow I have to state the obvious. People enjoy different aspects of the game for different reasons. Another point I think should be obvious - not everyone enjoys winning at all cost. The same reason everyone who lives in the vicinity of Yankee Stadium aren't Yankee fans...some believe the Yankees buys most of their championships. Not everything should be viewed as either black or white.

Yes I enjoyed Russel's laze defense... smh you realize how absurd this sounds. Who cares about form if you're making your shot.

[Speedlot]

Laker fan first. Not Kobe fan, not lebron hater.

Lebron brought us a championship.
You don't really have to like him... but to question his loyalty? He signed a long 4 years with us. Other players have played less for us and is branded "lakers 4 life".
What more do you expect? And honestly.. he kinda deserves some leeway for the calibur of player he is and what he brings to the lakers. We still love shaq and he played for the damn celtics.

I find the hate on our owners pretty stupid too. Demanding owners to sell their team if they're underperforming? The Buss children didn't assault anyone or throw out racist remarks for decades. They literally won a championship very recently. Made some mistakes recently sure.. But get your energy elsewhere.
The initial signing of westbrook didn't have most of the fanbase upset. We're just upset now because hindsight.

The NBA is evolving fast, and these small market teams are improving. It's basically a new era with many exciting things all around. You can look at the struggles of the warriors as well. One season they're the best, the next they're in turmoil. It isn't easy.

[mighty_duck]

The initial signing of westbrook didn't have most of the fanbase upset. We're just upset now because hindsight.

You had me until this statement. The RWB trade was universally panned by just about everyone, right from the start.

[TheHartBreakKid]

The initial signing of westbrook didn't have most of the fanbase upset. We're just upset now because hindsight.

You had me until this statement. The RWB trade was universally panned by just about everyone, right from the start.

This post made me interested to revisit the original RWB trade thread on this board. Link is below:

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2108561&hilit=kuzma+kcp

I don't know about "universally panned" , but yeah a lot of Laker fans, including posters on this board, weren't happy with the trade

I was iffy on it personally, but I could understand the thought process behind the trade, even if it was an iffy one at the time, and a pretty bad one in hindsight.

[danfantastk32]

The initial signing of westbrook didn't have most of the fanbase upset. We're just upset now because hindsight.

You had me until this statement. The RWB trade was universally panned by just about everyone, right from the start.

This post made me interested to revisit the original RWB trade thread on this board. Link is below:

https://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=2108561&hilit=kuzma+kcp

I don't know about "universally panned" , but yeah a lot of Laker fans, including posters on this board, weren't happy with the trade

I was iffy on it personally, but I could understand the thought process behind the trade, even if it was an iffy one at the time, and a pretty bad one in hindsight.

"Not a fan of this at all. Hope it falls through" <---------- that was my post. Page 1.