Lakers no longer require extension from Dwight Howard

[ClayDavis]

But what would Houston have left after the trade? They would probably have enough assets to land Josh Smith but that isn't enough. Don''t know why they traded Lowry if they wanted Dwight, surely Orlando would take Lowry/Lamb/Jones/White and be over the moon. Thats an instant rebuild

the contracts Orlando wants to dump would kill their chances if aquiring smith

[swag2011]

Lakers are the best option if he wants to win now or later, in two years when kobe and pau's contracts expire, the lakers will have no trouble brining in talent to surrond howard with

This is what people fail to understand lol. The Lakers ALWAYS find a way to get back to the top. Assuming Kobe retires in 2014, when his contract is up, you think they can't get someone else to come play there? shoot, i'm already looking at 2015 for Kevin Love, hopefully he'll want to come home. Lakers always get stars and people who want to play there. No one's gunna be running to play in Brooklyn. LA would be best to also get him his endorsements that he wants, he'll rule LA once Kobe goes, i'm not seeing the problem here.

[vincecarter4pres]

No one's gunna be running to play in Brooklyn.

False.

[Shaheen]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

[World Peace]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

Ok Nostradamus.

[Shaheen]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

Ok Nostradamus.

You're ensuring that the Lakers will be good after Kobe leaves and I'm Nostradamus for saying thats unlikely?

#LakerFanLogic

[[The-Warriors]]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

Can someone post the Jackie Chan meme, because that's what I'm feeling right after reading this post.

[Dajadeed]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

Ok Nostradamus.

You're ensuring that the Lakers will be good after Kobe leaves and I'm Nostradamus for saying thats unlikely?

#LakerFanLogic

Do you seriously question why fans of a team that has been in basically half of all NBA finals EVER would feel that their franchise will have no problems rebuilding? The Lakers were a pretty good franchise BEFORE Magic. That's just the way it is in LA.

I understand that fans of other teams don't like the "arrogance" or what not, but the fans in LA EXPECT championships. Dr. Buss is a legend here because he bought the team and obviously knows the formula to success. The front office is top notch. It is known league wide as a classy organization.

Jim Buss caught tremendous heat for appearing to cut costs this year. He takes all the crap from fans during the season and actually does some interviews, a rarity for ownership out in LA. They don't rush using the TPE, but wait it out and actually come away with Steve Nash.

Some of it is luck, some location, some tradition. Whatever it is, it is definitely not silly to expect the Lakers to be good after Kobe. History tells you it's actually quite likely.

[[The-Warriors]]

[quote="Shaheen"]So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.[/quote]
Not with Kupchak. Remember that he was the guy who basically traded Kwame Broen and filler (Marc Gasol turned out good) for Pau Gasol. I'm sure they'll be fine.

[swag2011]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

Ok Nostradamus.

You're ensuring that the Lakers will be good after Kobe leaves and I'm Nostradamus for saying thats unlikely?

#LakerFanLogic

As a Nets fan, you sure do know about "being bad for a while" don't you? The Lakers have been in what, 33 finals, winning 16 of them? I"m pretty sure they know how to continuously rebuild, reload or whatever you call it. After Magic retired in 92, it took us 4 years before we got Kobe and Shaq. Then Lakers had to wait another 4 years before they could reach the finals. The difference is, Lakers didn't make the finals until kobe became a full starter and proved his worth on the court.

By getting Dwight now in Kobe and Nash's twilight years, they already have a seasoned, experienced star ready to take over. You think they wouldn't do their best to surround Dwight with talent? When history tells you otherwise?

[Stebo_SSK]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

Ok Nostradamus.

You're ensuring that the Lakers will be good after Kobe leaves and I'm Nostradamus for saying thats unlikely?

You sound delusional about the Nets situation. Kobe at 34 and Gasol at 32 are still better than Joe Johnson and Wallace at 31 and 30 respectively. JJ has been falling off every year since his contract and Wallace just isnt the player he was during that 09 playoff Bobcat team. You're sig pretty much ensures that you are a BK homer. The Nets are in just as bad as a position to win now as LA is and history has proven that the Lakers really dont have issues putting together good teams when they already have a star and plan in place. Outside of Deron BK has no elite talent. Lets not try to convince ourselves that JJ and Wallace are great players in 2012. They both have 4 years locked up into their contracts. So if D12 does go there that is 4 players locked in at about 70 million. JJ will be making 19.7, 21.5, 23.1 and 24.9 M's for his remainder, let that sink in. He isnt getting any better and was picked up by desperation. You really think if he doesn't work out that he will be moved again? Also he cant even be amnestied at this point. Dwight going to LA this year not only makes them the favorite in the West but LA will ensure the team is fit around Howard for the future with plenty of cap room and the allure of LA to bring new players in. BK future is set in stone with Deron, Wallace and Johnson regardless.

[microfib4thewin]

So either ensured elite talent for 5 years with Deron Williams in Brooklyn or insured talent for two years with Nash and Bryant and then we'll do our best?

The fact that you think the Lakers are a better option than the Nets based on the that "lol in 2014 we will probably get good players" gives off a sense of entitlement you don't deserve.

The reason you were good in the 80s was because of Magic. The reason you were good in the 2000s was because of Kobe. After Magic left you were not good for a while. After Kobe leaves you are not automatically going to get a superstar to replace him. You are going to be bad for a while AGAIN.

Deron will have to prove that he's still elite. Additionally, you talk about a two year span for a Nash/Kobe/Pau team, after that two years, Deron will be 30. He has a high reliance on layups and doesn't have a consistent floater or jumper to defer to. Can he slow his decline enough to still contend with Howard or is he going to drop out of top 20? JJ doesn't rely on athleticism as much, but he will be 32 after two years. The Lakers may no longer be able to contend if they keep their core, but it's doubtful the Nets will do much after the next two years.

Most importantly, the Nets no longer have control over where Dwight goes thanks to Dwight opting in and the Nets losing this year's pick. Orlando will find the highest bidder for a one year rental, and once that is done no amount of kicking and screaming from Dwight will send him to Brooklyn.

[Shaheen]

You sound delusional about the Nets situation. Kobe at 34 and Gasol at 32 are still better than Joe Johnson and Wallace at 31 and 30 respectively. JJ has been falling off every year since his contract and Wallace just isnt the player he was during that 09 playoff Bobcat team. You're sig pretty much ensures that you are a BK homer. The Nets are in just as bad as a position to win now as LA is and history has proven that the Lakers really dont have issues putting together good teams when they already have a star and plan in place. Outside of Deron BK has no elite talent. Lets not try to convince ourselves that JJ and Wallace are great players in 2012. They both have 4 years locked up into their contracts. So if D12 does go there that is 4 players locked in at about 70 million. JJ will be making 19.7, 21.5, 23.1 and 24.9 M's for his remainder, let that sink in. He isnt getting any better and was picked up by desperation. You really think if he doesn't work out that he will be moved again? Also he cant even be amnestied at this point. Dwight going to LA this year not only makes them the favorite in the West but LA will ensure the team is fit around Howard for the future with plenty of cap room and the allure of LA to bring new players in. BK future is set in stone with Deron, Wallace and Johnson regardless.

Did you conveniently forget about Deron Williams aka the main piece the Nets have? Deron Williams JJ, Wallace>>>>old Kobe. ancient Nash, and Gasol is a few years.

Dwight Howard's best situation is to sign with a team he knows is going to be good long term. There is no guarantee the Lakers will be good long term just because they are the Lakers.

Outside of Kobe LA has no elite talent. JJ is pretty much just as valuable as Nash and younger and Wallace and Gasol are similar in talent at this point.

How are Wallace and JJ not great players in 2012? Johnson made the all-star team last year just like Nash did. And Wallace still had a solid season and is still an elite defender.

Those contracts mean nothing. A big 4 of Deron/JJ/Wallace/Dwight will be good for the next 4 years. JJ is not getting better but he is in his peak and he is still an all-star.

I would rather have a future set in stone with brooklyn then have a shaky future in LA with the promise of "don't worry the Lakers will probably find a way to be good."

[Shaheen]

Whatever, I'm honestly done trying to convince Lakers fans out of their unwarranted sense of entitlement. Just because you have been good the last 12 years does not means you have to be good always. Post-Shaq era the Lakers were also bad.

But overall only in the minds of Lakers fans can the Lakers never be a bad time.
Keep pretending like the 1990s didn't exist and keep pretending like every player always wants to play for the Lakers and you always have to be good.

Cause Dwight just proved that not everyone wants to play in LA. And the 1990s proved that LA does not always have to be an elite team.

[Stebo_SSK]

Dude do you understand that in a few years JJ will be the same age as Kobe except a considerably worse player? U do understand that JJ is 1 year younger than Pau Gasol. So fast forward 2 years from now you really think JJ and Wallace are great talents? They arent even great now. Those 2 players are win now or never win players not rebuilding young talents.

[Shaheen]

Dude do you understand that in a few years JJ will be the same age as Kobe except a considerably worse player? U do understand that JJ is 1 year younger than Pau Gasol. So fast forward 2 years from now you really think JJ and Wallace are great talents? They arent even great now. Those 2 players are win now or never win players not rebuilding young talents.

Why do all you people act like Deron Williams does not exist when responding to me???

He is not going to play with JJ and Wallace. He wants to play with Deron Williams.

Deron Williams>Kobe long term because Kobe is 34 years old.
JJ> Nash long term for sure because Nash is 38 years old.
Wallace/Gasol are similar but Wallace is two years younger and they are similar players in terms of talent anyway.

Long term there is no argument that the Lakers have better pieces at all. JJ and Wallace do not have be great in two years. They will be third and fourth options and still only 33 and 32 years old.

The Lakers young player in 2 years will be Pau Gasol at 34.

[b1ind]

Guys, why are you bagging on Shaheen? He obviously has intimate knowledge of Dwight's inner thought process. He's doing RealGM a service by answering our hypothetical questions with precision accuracy.

[Stebo_SSK]

Personally Shaheen I dont care about all of that childish nonsense. Im speaking about history and facts. The fact is, Joe Johnson made the all star team by default at best. He has been declining every year since 2009 and has proven to be inept in the playoffs against tough opponents. Wallace used to be a player that put up good stats on a bad team but went to Portland and played relatively mediocre. Neither of those guys are better than they were in their best seasons. Kobe 2 years from now may still be better than what Joe Johnson was 2 years ago lol. Gasol is still a highly skilled big man that was misplaced in Mike Brown's system and still avgs 17 and 10. Us debating about this wont change the facts. Whether or not D12 goes to LA or BK proves nothing. In all honesty the dude is a dumbass for even wanting to leave Orlando for the reasons he stated. But you really cant argue that one elite player and 2 that are past their best years is a better scenario than a franchise that could win next year even and has a history of building around their stars. What exactly has the Nets done besides make bad management decisions?

[soxfan2003]

Whatever, I'm honestly done trying to convince Lakers fans out of their unwarranted sense of entitlement. Just because you have been good the last 12 years does not means you have to be good always. Post-Shaq era the Lakers were also bad.

But overall only in the minds of Lakers fans can the Lakers never be a bad time.
Keep pretending like the 1990s didn't exist and keep pretending like every player always wants to play for the Lakers and you always have to be good.

Cause Dwight just proved that not everyone wants to play in LA. And the 1990s proved that LA does not always have to be an elite team.

Lakers have a major advantage from being in a big market with lots of money to spend but so don't the Knicks. And realistically, the Clippers and Nets are both capable of stealing star players away from the Lakers and Knicks. The new salary cap rules make it a bit harder on all of these teams, however. Well obviously the Clippers have never spent that much.

Fans of any team are sorely mistaken if they think they will be great most years going forward. All it really takes is a players high priced star signed on a major contract to get a major injury that diminishes his skills but he is still good enough to play in the league. McGrady might be an example of this. Oden would have been an example if he got injured a few years later. Portland actually had two major injuries fairly recently that really hurt their team.

[therealbig3]

Deron will have to prove that he's still elite.

Why? What has he done to make you think otherwise?

He has a high reliance on layups and doesn't have a consistent floater or jumper to defer to.

You're just flat out wrong here. He rarely gets layups, and most of his baskets come off jumpers, mainly the midrange jumpers and floaters in the lane. He's been one of the better midrange jump shooters in the league for the last few years. Seriously, how about you actually watch the player before you talk about his game?

Orlando will find the highest bidder for a one year rental

And the point is, nobody has come forth willing to take the risk of renting Dwight. Everyone keeps throwing around "oh, someone will just rent him"...and yet, Dwight is still with the Magic, meaning that there is no rental offer that's worth trading Dwight for.