Conspiracy theory mode

[AirP.]

We're bad, sure we can get into the playoffs but can we realistically think we have a shot at really doing anything in the playoffs? I'll go with no, our players are nowhere near consistent enough to keep advancing through the playoffs.

I'm probably wrong, but why not look at the situation differently.

Let the vets take control and fix this team on the court... or are we "showcasing" the vets to trade?

Deng's injury isn't as bad as it seems... Nocioni being showcased at the 3 in a starting role to prove his abilities. - Tossing it out there and it wouldn't surprise me if it were happening but doubt that's the reason. I think they're just protecting a young asset.

If we're wanting to make the playoffs, playing Smith and Wallace HUGE minutes during the regular season will only wear them down come playoff time... can you say showcase?

I think they've been given time to turn the season around, but I also believe there was an alternative motive to playing the vets also.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

I definitely could see a deal Paxson worked out with Wallace that says, "Play by the rules. Play hard. Act like a professional. In return we'll play you big minutes and trade you for a contender, but we need to up your value and you can't be hurting us when you're out there by giving a lazy effort." Even Wallace being partially responsible for the team meeting goes with this theory. It shows he is a caring and solid chemistry guy, or something.

I hope we're not showcasing Smith. He actually provides something we need and his contract doesn't hurt us.

[AirP.]

I definitely could see a deal Paxson worked out with Wallace that says, "Play by the rules. Play hard. Act like a professional. In return we'll play you big minutes and trade you for a contender, but we need to up your value and you can't be hurting us when you're out there by giving a lazy effort." Even Wallace being partially responsible for the team meeting goes with this theory. It shows he is a caring and solid chemistry guy, or something.

I hope we're not showcasing Smith. He actually provides something we need and his contract doesn't hurt us.

I really like Smith, but he's only on a 2 year contract. If you can package with him others for a long term very good player you do it!

We need 2-3 solid longterm players... Deng or even Gordon can be one of them but probably not those 2 for 2 of the top 3, we do need a true #1 guy above all else.

[Dieselbound&Down]

In Wallace's case it seems to be backfiring.

[Friend_Of_Haley]

In Wallace's case it seems to be backfiring.

Its working a little at least:
November: 4.4 ppg 8.0rpg 1.3bpg 29.8mpg
December: 3.9ppg 9.4rpg 2.1 bpg 34mpg
January: 5.5ppg 11rpg 1.8bpg 37mpg

Hes getting more rebounds because he's out there more, but a contender may be willing to look past the increased minutes and see that he is grabing 11 boards per game.

[fudgie]

My conspiracy theory:

This is all part of Paxson's master plan to lure LeBron to Chicago in '10. The Wallace contract and getting rid of Chandler fit into this and us sucking this year is to get another lottery pick which will be cap friendly when LeBron is a free agent and that player will be coming into his own by then to be part of LeBron's supporting cast.

I can't quite figure out how Kirk and Noc's contract's fit into this. Perhaps they'll be used as salary filler going to Cleveland in a S/T.

I'm sure that's it.

[Cliff Levingston]

Cliff Levingston just thinks that Boylan thinks the vets are his best shot to win some games and get back on track. With every game, it becomes more apparent that it's not.

It's just a matter of time before see more young'ins.

[emperorjones]

We're showcasing the fact that Wallace is an overpaid under performing one dimensional liability. Any takers?

[kyrv]

We're bad, sure we can get into the playoffs but can we realistically think we have a shot at really doing anything in the playoffs? I'll go with no, our players are nowhere near consistent enough to keep advancing through the playoffs.

I'm probably wrong, but why not look at the situation differently.

Let the vets take control and fix this team on the court... or are we "showcasing" the vets to trade?

Deng's injury isn't as bad as it seems... Nocioni being showcased at the 3 in a starting role to prove his abilities. - Tossing it out there and it wouldn't surprise me if it were happening but doubt that's the reason. I think they're just protecting a young asset.

If we're wanting to make the playoffs, playing Smith and Wallace HUGE minutes during the regular season will only wear them down come playoff time... can you say showcase?

I think they've been given time to turn the season around, but I also believe there was an alternative motive to playing the vets also.

Many many coaches prefer vets. Developing players takes time and patience - it's work.

I do not think Paxson has a magic fix to this, that's just my guess.

[TB#1]

Cliff Levingston just thinks that Boylan thinks the vets are his best shot to win some games and get back on track. With every game, it becomes more apparent that it's not.

It's just a matter of time before see more young'ins.

That seems to be pretty much in line with what Paxson has been saying. Give the vets a chance to right the ship and if it doesn't happen, time to force feed the chill'uns.

[fudgie]

We're showcasing the fact that Wallace is an overpaid under performing one dimensional liability. Any takers?

Get Isiah on the phone

[dougthonus]

Get Isiah on the phone

Isiah only takes 1 dimensional offensive players.

[AirP.]

-= original quote snipped =-

That seems to be pretty much in line with what Paxson has been saying. Give the vets a chance to right the ship and if it doesn't happen, time to force feed the chill'uns.

I'm with you guys on that, but I think Paxson now knows that this team has zero chance to win a championship.

On Wallace... sure he's no where near the money he's getting paid, but look at it this way, if you have a very good team who has a chance at the playoffs, is it worth taking on Wallace's contract to use him as a 1 on 1 specialist defender against players like KG or Duncan? He's a better option then Hayes in Houston, Turriaf in LA and so on... he's a decent stopper at PF or C is what I'm saying that could help a playoff team that has consistent offensive players around him. We may not get much back in return or we may get another bad contract at another position that could actually make our team better overall...

[kyrv]

-= original quote snipped =-



I'm with you guys on that, but I think Paxson now knows that this team has zero chance to win a championship.

On Wallace... sure he's no where near the money he's getting paid, but look at it this way, if you have a very good team who has a chance at the playoffs, is it worth taking on Wallace's contract to use him as a 1 on 1 specialist defender against players like KG or Duncan? He's a better option then Hayes in Houston, Turriaf in LA and so on... he's a decent stopper at PF or C is what I'm saying that could help a playoff team that has consistent offensive players around him. We may not get much back in return or we may get another bad contract at another position that could actually make our team better overall...

I agree, I think for a number of teams Ben could be the difference in making or not making the finals.

His contract is a drawback. Also he's not a sure thing, which makes the contract that much more of a negative.

Thing is, we don't need what Wallace does, we need what he doesn't do. I think some teams and players like Bryant realize the value of having Ben in the playoffs. For example if Wallace was bought out, I think he would get a fair amount of interest - at a more reasonable price.

[AirP.]

-= original quote snipped =-



I agree, I think for a number of teams Ben could be the difference in making or not making the finals.

His contract is a drawback. Also he's not a sure thing, which makes the contract that much more of a negative.

Thing is, we don't need what Wallace does, we need what he doesn't do. I think some teams and players like Bryant realize the value of having Ben in the playoffs. For example if Wallace was bought out, I think he would get a fair amount of interest - at a more reasonable price.

People who think Wallace is worthless...

Are you saying the Lakers wouldn't be a better team if they substituted Kwame and filler for Wallace? A Bynum/Wallace front court would be almost exactly what Kobe needs to have a shot to going to the finals. You have a big offensive body in Bynum and a guy who can slow up other very good bigs in the low post in Wallace, the Lakers are one of the few teams that can get away with someone like Wallace in their lineup and be a better team because of it.