Trading for Russell Westbrook

[Mamba Mentality]

funny thing is LA will most likely win another championship before OKC

[DEEP3CL]

What a dumb move by Kanter

[DEEP3CL]

What a dumb move by Kanter

[dipstick]

This thing with Kanter is all media driven and how the media sensationalizes something that actually isn't there. Articles about the extension being a big blow to the Lakers are utter nonsense.

Take this article for instance:

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-los-angeles-lakers-080416

In the age of social media and youtube and even sites like Bleacher Report, where its easy enough for common fans to share their insight on signings and deals as if they actually know more than other common fans, you'd think that these legit news sites would try to step up their game and differentiate themselves. But no. They have to lower their standards and offer up these click-bait pages which are no different from what you see below on this page or what random people normally share on facebook.

Among the things they listed on that article was not winning the lottery last year? Really? We were the 4th seed, we ended up top 2 and still we lose because we didn't get the top seed? And now this thing with Russel Westbrook. After this summer when we didn't get a meeting with KD, after all the talk of Derozan wanting to go to LA which proved to be false, its still considered a blow to the Lakers that Westbrook re-signed with the Thunder? That blow is as much a blow to us not being able to draft or sign MJ, KD or Lebron. Yes those things were never going to happen but that may be the same situation as Russ. We can't lose what we don't have.

The ineptitude of this writer is even more glaring in that he didn't mention what we kept coming back to: the voided trade for Chris Paul or that Steve Nash injury who we spent most of our assets on.

Going back on topic, what Kanter did was stupid and was trolling but I guess to an extent, that's what mainstream media is doing right now. Trying to make-up imaginary storylines to sell stories. Unfortunately the Laker brand, while isn't by itself enough to attract big FAs, it is still valuable enough that any mention of the Lakers are going to get hits... good or bad.

[iamworthy]

Why are we creating threads for bench players?

[The Skyhook]

Its time to sit back and watch the young guys develop. Its come to a point where were going to set ourselves up for major disappointment if we look at every summer as the summer where we land the big fish. A lot can happen in a years time or two years time. Hell we just saw exactly a month after Durant made his decision to sign with the Warriors, Westbrook sign an extension with the Thunder when everyone around the league had him penciled down as leaving OKC.

[Spens1]

so basically we're on our way to becoming the new timberwolves, well thats a lovely thought then.

I really hope the kids can pull through i really do otherwise this is a huge waste

Oh man, I think the TWolves are in great shape. They have a great young core and a proven coach. Their 2 best players, KAT and Wiggins, are better than anyone on the Lakers right now. I'd switch places with the TWolves in a sec.

current t-wolves are great and i think are playoff bound this season, we're like what they where before they drafted KAT basically (which is bad)

[Pointgod]

The idea that Westbrook was going to come here was always a pipe dream. There is a Silver lining though, this gives the Lakers 2 years to build a playoff team that Westbrook might be willing to come to if he opts out. We should do everything possible to keep our top 3 pick and overpay for a Paul Milsap, Gallinari or Gordon Hayward. I'd even move Randle and Mozgov to clear cap space to add more vets that could make us a playoff team. That together with the development from our youth could make us an attractive option 2 years down the road.

[Kilroy]

Why are we creating threads for bench players?

Yeah I merged it here to bury it instead of just locking it... Giving this fool way to much credit and not a good look for us as fans.

[Kilroy]

Not sure I'm all that excited about a 2 year older Russell Westbrook, honestly... His battering ram style of play is going to catch up to him sooner or later. And he's going to be carrying a much heavier load now.
What I'm saying is, check me in 2 years, but I'm not planning on the possibility. I'm focused on who's available next off season or by trade...

[NYCLaker]

Its time to sit back and watch the young guys develop. Its come to a point where were going to set ourselves up for major disappointment if we look at every summer as the summer where we land the big fish. A lot can happen in a years time or two years time. Hell we just saw exactly a month after Durant made his decision to sign with the Warriors, Westbrook sign an extension with the Thunder when everyone around the league had him penciled down as leaving OKC.

How long would you wait though?

I think the biggest disappointment is thinking that our young core is actually going to be great and win Championships... Especially, after coming off a 17 win season.

For myself, I would really trade anyone who doesn't fit sooner rather than later and try to make a team, instead trying to force everyone to play together somehow.

[dipstick]

Not sure I'm all that excited about a 2 year older Russell Westbrook, honestly... His battering ram style of play is going to catch up to him sooner or later. And he's going to be carrying a much heavier load now.
What I'm saying is, check me in 2 years, but I'm not planning on the possibility. I'm focused on who's available next off season or by trade...

http://hoopshype.com/2016/08/04/nba-free-agency-2017-the-top-players/

Based on the posted list, the available free agents aren't that great. When I say available I mean those that are attainable. Of the top 5, I don't see Steph leaving, I'm not particularly high on Blake Griffin, Giannis isn't going anywhere and Chris Paul is getting old. IMHO, the most attainable would be KD. He shouldn't have too much loyalty towards the Warriors but they would have to have a disappointing season for him to leave.

Drop off after 5 is huge but I wouldn't mind going after Gordon Hayward though.

[stan francisco]

In two years, we'll be ready for him. Perfect.

[TyCobb]

This is the mentality that made LA want him. If they can get Blake Griffin then that team can do some things.

[DEEP3CL]

This thing with Kanter is all media driven and how the media sensationalizes something that actually isn't there. Articles about the extension being a big blow to the Lakers are utter nonsense.

Take this article for instance:

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/gallery/russell-westbrook-oklahoma-city-thunder-los-angeles-lakers-080416

In the age of social media and youtube and even sites like Bleacher Report, where its easy enough for common fans to share their insight on signings and deals as if they actually know more than other common fans, you'd think that these legit news sites would try to step up their game and differentiate themselves. But no. They have to lower their standards and offer up these click-bait pages which are no different from what you see below on this page or what random people normally share on facebook.

Among the things they listed on that article was not winning the lottery last year? Really? We were the 4th seed, we ended up top 2 and still we lose because we didn't get the top seed? And now this thing with Russel Westbrook. After this summer when we didn't get a meeting with KD, after all the talk of Derozan wanting to go to LA which proved to be false, its still considered a blow to the Lakers that Westbrook re-signed with the Thunder? That blow is as much a blow to us not being able to draft or sign MJ, KD or Lebron. Yes those things were never going to happen but that may be the same situation as Russ. We can't lose what we don't have.

The ineptitude of this writer is even more glaring in that he didn't mention what we kept coming back to: the voided trade for Chris Paul or that Steve Nash injury who we spent most of our assets on.

Going back on topic, what Kanter did was stupid and was trolling but I guess to an extent, that's what mainstream media is doing right now. Trying to make-up imaginary storylines to sell stories. Unfortunately the Laker brand, while isn't by itself enough to attract big FAs, it is still valuable enough that any mention of the Lakers are going to get hits... good or bad.

Agree with all this bro...the media is a bunch of cheer leading type fraternity now. It was asinine to write that the Lakers lost out on Westbrook or De Rozan when we were never going to get them in the first place. The media for the most part fail to do deep rooted research anymore. I personally killed some writers on Twitter for their misinformed info. You'd be surprised on how many so called media members that don't even know how the CBA works.

For example I saw writers consistently mentioning how LeBron was going to sign a "$200 million dollar deal", not knowing that the "over 36" rule nullified any of that. And look today....James signs for 3 yrs and $100 mil. Bottom line some of these writers are former kids who saw the Lakers beat their favorite teams asses repeatedly and now their revenge is through pecking on a keyboard while not knowing the facts.