Lakers fans need a bit more optimism, going forward.....

[sonic the laker]

Granted the last few seasons have been a disappointment, beginning with the negated Chris Paul trade, and the fall out that culminated because of it( Odom, Pau, Nash, Dwight, etc. ). It's been brutal for an organization, and a fan base, used to having things fall in our favor. Not to mention, all this happens while the F.O. is in flux, after Dr. Busses death.

That being said, even as the Lakers have had a dismal time in free agency, I'm finding optimism in looking, and listening, to our new draft picks, Russell, Nance Jr., and Brown. All of these kids sound intelligent, hard working, and like they're proud to be a part of the Laker franchise. Granted, they're rookies and have no choice on who they play for, but they seem genuine. Add a healthy Randle, and Clarkson, and I'm smiling about the young talent on this team.

Spend too much time reading/listening to various media outlets clown the Lakers, and it's no wonder some fans have gone off the deep end with their negativity. Instead of focusing on what we don't have, or didn't get, I prefer to focus on what the Lakers DO have. A bunch of promising young talent, to take us into the future, if all goes well. I'm looking forward to seeing how these guys grow, and to fun times ahead. I see something special coming.

FA's don't want us? Cool, baby. I don't want you, either. I'm a fan, but I ride or die Purple and Gold. You ain't about this life? Then keep stepping, and begone. We gone be alright.

My 2 pennies. LAKERS.


ZOOM!!!!!!

[Spens1]

of course there's negativity, we have the worst basketball operations person (or whatever jim buss is) in the entire nba. Until that bonehead is gone and they let Mitch have free reign of front office operations (because you know he is being hindered by Jim Buss's stupidity) we aren't going to be a team that can contend and bring in those names

[32lakers33]

Im not sure that is negativism as much as it is realism. Sure we may have some great young promising kids but until they actually do something all we have is nothing. Sorry if that comes across as negative but hoping these kids do what some people think they can do and them actually doing it is two different things. Rebuilding is something other franchises do not something the Lakers are supposed to do. Does it mean Lakers fans are spoiled? Yes but it has also been the way of the franchise for ages. The Lakers are doing something they have never had to do before and surprise that means fans are going to be a little more concerned. Just think about this if this young group of kids cannot get the Lakers to the playoffs they will have missed it three years in a row for the first time in the history of the franchise. You think its negative now if that happens the wheels will come off completely.

It should also be pointed out being negative about the moves your team makes or doesnt make does not make you less of a fan. I can love the Lakers and not like what they are doing at the same time. Heck I still love them after that stupid Kobe contract which has done nothing but get dumber every day since they gave it to him.

[mcscotty]

Actually, this will be my first year watching summer league games. Seems I'm getting further sucked in. The Lakers is a serious addiction.

[sonic the laker]

Im not sure that is negativism as much as it is realism. Sure we may have some great young promising kids but until they actually do something all we have is nothing. Sorry if that comes across as negative but hoping these kids do what some people think they can do and them actually doing it is two different things. Rebuilding is something other franchises do not something the Lakers are supposed to do. Does it mean Lakers fans are spoiled? Yes but it has also been the way of the franchise for ages. The Lakers are doing something they have never had to do before and surprise that means fans are going to be a little more concerned. Just think about this if this young group of kids cannot get the Lakers to the playoffs they will have missed it three years in a row for the first time in the history of the franchise. You think its negative now if that happens the wheels will come off completely.

It should also be pointed out being negative about the moves your team makes or doesnt make does not make you less of a fan. I can love the Lakers and not like what they are doing at the same time. Heck I still love them after that stupid Kobe contract which has done nothing but get dumber every day since they gave it to him.

Appreciate the feedback. Opinions can vary wildly among a fanbase, but we all want to win.

Also, just to make things clear, I thing you confused what I was saying towards the end of my original post. I wasn't directing my dismissiveness towards fans, but towards those free agents who dismiss the Lakers.


ZOOM!!!

[Beethoven]

We'll be fine. And I what I mean by that, is championship.
No other team can make that guarantee about the near future.

[Jakay]

of course there's negativity, we have the worst basketball operations person (or whatever jim buss is) in the entire nba. Until that bonehead is gone and they let Mitch have free reign of front office operations (because you know he is being hindered by Jim Buss's stupidity) we aren't going to be a team that can contend and bring in those names

Okay, so you realize that this is the very definition of being negative simply for the sake of it right?

[Jakay]

Actually, this will be my first year watching summer league games. Seems I'm getting further sucked in. The Lakers is a serious addiction.

Most of the true blue die hard fans (of which I'm not really, because I like to date other teams on the side) aren't used to having exciting rookies around.

Just be wary of the SL games. Some scrubs look phenomenal only to fall back down to earth in training camp, and some of the best players use it as a chance to focus on a particular skill set. Like Russell, I imagine they'll let him just find his game. Clarkson and Randle, I'd expect to see them working on a developing a new tool, because Randle driving on guys who aren't likely to make the league when he can probably drive against most NBA teams is a waste of time. Clarkson sliding between PG and SG as two distinct positions would be my guess for him.

But I have no idea. Just sayin.

[Drones]

I agree that there is a lot to be excited about.

It's easy now to forget that there was a very real chance of losing their lottery pick and the Lakers instead moved up two spots. That alone is a lot to be thankful for. The team still has an eye for talent and the Lakers have been lucky to find guys like Tarik Black and Clarkson on the fringes.

The insidious part of the equation begins when people start to question the decision-making of the Front Office. Mitch Kupchak is still a skilled GM but it seems like the Lakers haven't totally adapted to the modern era. Dr. Buss was famous for having vision and being a wildcard, but the Lakers can't seem to see beyond 'convince the best guy available to come play for us by selling Los Angeles' and not actual, modern basketball vision.

Watching all of the B-level FAs that could have helped the team begin building something new sign with other teams has been extremely frustrating for Laker fans to watch. While the Lakers sat by the phone, waiting for a phone call from guys who weren't ever calling back, the Cs and SFs the team needed were snapped up. Add in the media hot-takes and it all boils to a toxic, angry brew of frustration.

Maybe I'm crazy but I think Anthony Brown could be a revelation at SF. He shot 44%/45% respectively from 3 his last two years,and is pretty smart without the ball running around screens to get open. He's a good defender too, and like OP said he's a local kid who wants to work hard to make his home team. Still, it's probably best to bring him along slowly. He definitely needs work on his ballhandling especially on the drives that will give him more space as a shooter.

They still need a defensive, shot blocking man in the middle. Sacre is an insurance policy and a practice body, but there's no way he should be the Lakers starting C.

Personally I think the Lakers will be fine. Kupchak is still a skilled, respected GM and a smart guy. I have faith in him, but the family dynamic between Jim and Jeanie is a little strange. Them selling the team is probably out of the question, and seems like a bit of an (understandable) overreaction to a disappointing offseason.

[Sofa King]

I'm positive the Lakers will not make the playoffs next year.

[ratra_1211]

I'm positive the Lakers will not make the playoffs next year.

I would step 10ft pole away from your negativity

[Tee212]

ehhh im happy with our core, im glad russell isnt an athletic freak thats injury prone like a rose/irvin/westbrook/deron

[Dr Aki]

I'm positive the Lakers will not make the playoffs next year.

never say never

[Marionettetc]

I'm optimistic, we have essentially three young lottery picks (Clarkson was playing like one), what looks like Kobe's farewell season and cap space going into the 2015-2016 season. I wasn't expecting the Lakers to compete for the title regardless of what happened over this summer, so any success beyond this point is a bonus.

[LMHS KB 24 Fan]

i take it the OP is gonna post this exact same thread on every laker board on the internet

same exact post is on lakersground word for word.

is this some kind of mass posting?

[Laker_Kid]

i take it the OP is gonna post this exact same thread on every laker board on the internet

same exact post is on lakersground word for word.

is this some kind of mass posting?

whats it to you? so what if he has multiple forum accounts? at least the guy's trying to be positive.

[Kobe System]

Am I the only one who thinks that us not getting LMA is what's best for us? I mean, I'm down with the youth movement. Russell/Clarkson/Randle is our future.

[ratedrdb]

I have been a fan since '78 and I am 47... life is not over
I have seen the nba change a couple of times over my short life and it is changing now
smaller lineups that shoot the 3 and defend and make FT
teams but their best 5 on the floor that why our lineup will be...
Clarkson---Russell---kobe---randle---black to start
we don't need a C but we could use
MAURICE HARKLESS he is 6'9 and can defend and with time hit the 3 now this is just for comparison ok don't rip me
Clarkson---Thompson
Russell-----curry
Kobe-------barnes
randle-----green
harkless---iggy
now I know this isn't close but see where I am going
simple deals..
trade for Harkless
trade cap space for lee [ I year deal helps us for next year]
kj mcdaniels
trade for koufos
LINEUP
c------koufos---black--sacre
pf-----randle---lee----harkless
sf-----kobe-----McDaniels-----harkless
sg----Clarkson----ellington---A.brown
pg----Russell-----price---buycks
we have to trade Kelly....young.....nance jr.....j.brown
for harkless....kj McDaniels.....koufos
let me know what u think is good please no ripping havnt we had enough ripping

[ratedrdb]

J.Brown-----M.Harkess
Kelly n young-----koufos
nance jr------McDaniels
cap space ------lee and next years 1st

[ratedrdb]

BIGGS------koufos---lee---black---sacre
MIDDLES---randle-----harkless----
smalls------kobe----Russell---Clarkson---McDaniels---ellington--A.Brown---price---buycks