Around the League: 2024-25 Season

[Idiosyncratic]

F**king LAL does it again...quickly nab DFS for seconds and expiring salary. Some orgs demand attempts at progress.

Compare the ages of their core with ours.

How about compare our records? I know they’re in the West, but we’re also missing our top half in every statistical category. We’re as good as them, why shouldn’t we try hard just because they’re old? Are you just being a gentleman and waiting your turn?

Btw, Both of their superstars left their previous teams in ruins because they didn’t feel like they had a chance to compete for a title. That stuff happens and being under contract doesn’t really prevent it (right or wrong).

3 post-Lebron 2nds is probably not far off in valuation from one late 1st from us. You willing to give up a 1st for half a season of DFS???

The lakers have been mortgaging their future to try to win a title before Lebron retires. They also always fall back on the fact that maybe FAs will come to LA. Our situations are not the same.

[Skybox]

Compare the ages of their core with ours.

How about compare our records? I know they’re in the West, but we’re also missing our top half in every statistical category. We’re as good as them, why shouldn’t we try hard just because they’re old? Are you just being a gentleman and waiting your turn?

Btw, Both of their superstars left their previous teams in ruins because they didn’t feel like they had a chance to compete for a title. That stuff happens and being under contract doesn’t really prevent it (right or wrong).

3 post-Lebron 2nds is probably not far off in valuation from one late 1st from us. You willing to give up a 1st for half a season of DFS???

The lakers have been mortgaging their future to try to win a title before Lebron retires. They also always fall back on the fact that maybe FAs will come to LA. Our situations are not the same.

I don't care about DFS or want him in particular...point is they never sleep...which is also why their picks are rarely bad. They will not lay down when Lebron retires and rebuild for a decade. They will aggressively move to quickly contend with the next legend.

[magik9113]

Atlanta are only 1.5 games behind us, wow

[Idiosyncratic]

How about compare our records? I know they’re in the West, but we’re also missing our top half in every statistical category. We’re as good as them, why shouldn’t we try hard just because they’re old? Are you just being a gentleman and waiting your turn?

Btw, Both of their superstars left their previous teams in ruins because they didn’t feel like they had a chance to compete for a title. That stuff happens and being under contract doesn’t really prevent it (right or wrong).

3 post-Lebron 2nds is probably not far off in valuation from one late 1st from us. You willing to give up a 1st for half a season of DFS???

The lakers have been mortgaging their future to try to win a title before Lebron retires. They also always fall back on the fact that maybe FAs will come to LA. Our situations are not the same.

I don't care about DFS or want him in particular...point is they never sleep...which is also why their picks are rarely bad. They will not lay down when Lebron retires and rebuild for a decade. They will aggressively move to quickly contend with the next legend.

Didn't they have the #7 pick, 3 number 2 picks in a row and the #4 pick (traded for AD) before Lebron bailed them out by signing there? The MVPs are always more likely to want to go to LA than Orlando.

[Idiosyncratic]

3 post-Lebron 2nds is probably not far off in valuation from one late 1st from us. You willing to give up a 1st for half a season of DFS???

The lakers have been mortgaging their future to try to win a title before Lebron retires. They also always fall back on the fact that maybe FAs will come to LA. Our situations are not the same.

I don't care about DFS or want him in particular...point is they never sleep...which is also why their picks are rarely bad. They will not lay down when Lebron retires and rebuild for a decade. They will aggressively move to quickly contend with the next legend.

double post

[eyriq]

Atlanta are only 1.5 games behind us, wow

Yeah, they've turned a corner after getting rid of Dejounte Murray.

[Skybox]

3 post-Lebron 2nds is probably not far off in valuation from one late 1st from us. You willing to give up a 1st for half a season of DFS???

The lakers have been mortgaging their future to try to win a title before Lebron retires. They also always fall back on the fact that maybe FAs will come to LA. Our situations are not the same.

I don't care about DFS or want him in particular...point is they never sleep...which is also why their picks are rarely bad. They will not lay down when Lebron retires and rebuild for a decade. They will aggressively move to quickly contend with the next legend.

Didn't they have the #7 pick, 3 number 2 picks in a row and the #4 pick (traded for AD) before Lebron bailed them out by signing there? The MVPs are always more likely to want to go to LA than Orlando.

You answered your own question...they grabbed them all and quickly bundled them rather than F**k around for five years of "analysis, observation, development, and prayer". Why did Lebron so charitably "bail them out"? ...because he knows they're serious about contending every year and won't take losing lying down for any longer than necessary. He did the same thing in his return to CLE. "Yeah this Wiggins kid looks promising, but I don't have time for that s**t, get me a vet like Kevin Love who I KNOW can keep up".

LBJ ain't here to play. Either are the Lakers - even when they're struggling, the goal is the same. I really doubt they hang any division champ banners in their cathedral.

[Skybox]

Atlanta are only 1.5 games behind us, wow

Yeah, they've turned a corner after getting rid of Dejounte Murray.

Getting Dejounte to play with Trae was like ORL signing KCP to play with Suggs...upgraded talent? absolutely!

Best possible direction to address our needs? Of course not

[Idiosyncratic]

I don't care about DFS or want him in particular...point is they never sleep...which is also why their picks are rarely bad. They will not lay down when Lebron retires and rebuild for a decade. They will aggressively move to quickly contend with the next legend.

Didn't they have the #7 pick, 3 number 2 picks in a row and the #4 pick (traded for AD) before Lebron bailed them out by signing there? The MVPs are always more likely to want to go to LA than Orlando.

You answered your own question...they grabbed them all and quickly bundled them rather than F**k around for five years of "analysis, observation, development, and prayer". Why did Lebron so charitably "bail them out"? ...because he knows they're serious about contending every year and won't take losing lying down for any longer than necessary. He did the same thing in his return to CLE. "Yeah this Wiggins kid looks promising, but I don't have time for that s**t, get me a vet like Kevin Love who I KNOW can keep up".

LBJ ain't here to play. Either are the Lakers - even when they're struggling, the goal is the same. I really doubt they hang any division champ banners in their cathedral.

No I answered your question on if the Lakers ever have good picks. They were awful for 6 years. And they bundled them because they had Lebron. If he doesn't sign there it doesn't happen. There's a big difference between accomodating the best player on the planet and organically building a team.

Once Lebron retires they have a really good chance of being really bad again unless one of the new best players in the world decides they want to live in LA. If that doesn't happen they will again have to try to build organically. Like they were doing for 5 years before Lebron decided to join.

[Idiosyncratic]

Atlanta are only 1.5 games behind us, wow

Yeah, they've turned a corner after getting rid of Dejounte Murray.

Getting Dejounte to play with Trae was like ORL signing KCP to play with Suggs...upgraded talent? absolutely!

Best possible direction to address our needs? Of course not

Just spending money for Caldwell-Pope certainly feels better than trading picks and young talent and spending money for career 52.7 TS% Murray though.

[Skybox]

Didn't they have the #7 pick, 3 number 2 picks in a row and the #4 pick (traded for AD) before Lebron bailed them out by signing there? The MVPs are always more likely to want to go to LA than Orlando.

You answered your own question...they grabbed them all and quickly bundled them rather than F**k around for five years of "analysis, observation, development, and prayer". Why did Lebron so charitably "bail them out"? ...because he knows they're serious about contending every year and won't take losing lying down for any longer than necessary. He did the same thing in his return to CLE. "Yeah this Wiggins kid looks promising, but I don't have time for that s**t, get me a vet like Kevin Love who I KNOW can keep up".

LBJ ain't here to play. Either are the Lakers - even when they're struggling, the goal is the same. I really doubt they hang any division champ banners in their cathedral.

No I answered your question on if the Lakers ever have good picks. They were awful for 6 years. And they bundled them because they had Lebron. If he doesn't sign there it doesn't happen. There's a big difference between accomodating the best player on the planet and organically building a team.

Once Lebron retires they have a really good chance of being really bad again unless one of the new best players in the world decides they want to live in LA. If that doesn't happen they will again have to try to build organically. Like they were doing for 5 years before Lebron decided to join.

I didn't ask you any questions...and I think Paolo & Franz (collectively (and maybe even separately now)) are more valuable than LBJ - so accomodate THEM before they go to LA.

[basketballRob]

Hunter has been the difference for the Hawks.

Sent from my SM-G781U using RealGM mobile app

[Idiosyncratic]

You answered your own question...they grabbed them all and quickly bundled them rather than F**k around for five years of "analysis, observation, development, and prayer". Why did Lebron so charitably "bail them out"? ...because he knows they're serious about contending every year and won't take losing lying down for any longer than necessary. He did the same thing in his return to CLE. "Yeah this Wiggins kid looks promising, but I don't have time for that s**t, get me a vet like Kevin Love who I KNOW can keep up".

LBJ ain't here to play. Either are the Lakers - even when they're struggling, the goal is the same. I really doubt they hang any division champ banners in their cathedral.

No I answered your question on if the Lakers ever have good picks. They were awful for 6 years. And they bundled them because they had Lebron. If he doesn't sign there it doesn't happen. There's a big difference between accomodating the best player on the planet and organically building a team.

Once Lebron retires they have a really good chance of being really bad again unless one of the new best players in the world decides they want to live in LA. If that doesn't happen they will again have to try to build organically. Like they were doing for 5 years before Lebron decided to join.

I didn't ask you any questions...and I think Paolo & Franz (collectively (and maybe even separately now)) are more valuable than LBJ - so accomodate THEM before they go to LA.

I mean there's also the fact that the Lakers haven't been a well built team. Because of how they've misused their assets they end up with Lebron/AD and a trash supporting cast for most of these years. It isn't great, but regardless they feel the need to try to win with 40 year old Lebron so it makes sense. Potentially selling the future to win now with Franz/Banchero isn't the same. I mean I'm not going to change your mind no matter how many times I say it so whatever.

Also Lebron is still better and certainly Lebron several years ago was better.

[pepe1991]

Knicks with 8th straight W
Jokić in, for him bad shooting night rolling 36 points, 22 rebounds , 11 assists triple double in W
Clippers still play phenomenal basketball without Kawhi, makes you wonder what could have been if he isn't injury prone jerk

Cavs, just wow, i had intention to watch 4th quarter vs Warriors, but there was nothing to watch at that point.

Middle of East is clustered again.

And yea... Philly will surpass lot of teams with healthy Embiid, simply too talented not to win 48-ish games no matter how bad start was.

[Idiosyncratic]

Knicks with 8th straight W
Jokić in, for him bad shooting night rolling 36 points, 22 rebounds , 11 assists triple double in W
Clippers still play phenomenal basketball without Kawhi, makes you wonder what could have been if he isn't injury prone jerk

Cavs, just wow, i had intention to watch 4th quarter vs Warriors, but there was nothing to watch at that point.

Middle of East is clustered again.

And yea... Philly will surpass lot of teams with healthy Embiid, simply too talented not to win 48-ish games no matter how bad start was.

Top 3 of the East are really good. The leap the Cavs have made is pretty remarkable. I think they're better than the Celtics, but Celtics could probably still beat them in a series with some 3 variance. I think those 3 plus the Thunder make up the likely contenders right now.

And yeah the Sixers are coming on. 8-2 in their last 10. If they stay healthy could see them in a 4-5 matchup with us by the end of the year. Bucks and Hawks feel mostly average, can probably be surpassed.

[RichCollab]

Knicks with 8th straight W
Jokić in, for him bad shooting night rolling 36 points, 22 rebounds , 11 assists triple double in W
Clippers still play phenomenal basketball without Kawhi, makes you wonder what could have been if he isn't injury prone jerk

Cavs, just wow, i had intention to watch 4th quarter vs Warriors, but there was nothing to watch at that point.

Middle of East is clustered again.

And yea... Philly will surpass lot of teams with healthy Embiid, simply too talented not to win 48-ish games no matter how bad start was.

Top 3 of the East are really good. The leap the Cavs have made is pretty remarkable. I think they're better than the Celtics, but Celtics could probably still beat them in a series with some 3 variance. I think those 3 plus the Thunder make up the likely contenders right now.

And yeah the Sixers are coming on. 8-2 in their last 10. If they stay healthy could see them in a 4-5 matchup with us by the end of the year. Bucks and Hawks feel mostly average, can probably be surpassed.

Cavs are so well balanced and are great chemistry at the moment. I thought they would have faded by now. They may not.

[Idiosyncratic]

Knicks with 8th straight W
Jokić in, for him bad shooting night rolling 36 points, 22 rebounds , 11 assists triple double in W
Clippers still play phenomenal basketball without Kawhi, makes you wonder what could have been if he isn't injury prone jerk

Cavs, just wow, i had intention to watch 4th quarter vs Warriors, but there was nothing to watch at that point.

Middle of East is clustered again.

And yea... Philly will surpass lot of teams with healthy Embiid, simply too talented not to win 48-ish games no matter how bad start was.

Top 3 of the East are really good. The leap the Cavs have made is pretty remarkable. I think they're better than the Celtics, but Celtics could probably still beat them in a series with some 3 variance. I think those 3 plus the Thunder make up the likely contenders right now.

And yeah the Sixers are coming on. 8-2 in their last 10. If they stay healthy could see them in a 4-5 matchup with us by the end of the year. Bucks and Hawks feel mostly average, can probably be surpassed.

Cavs are so well balanced and are great chemistry at the moment. I thought they would have faded by now. They may not.

Yeah I was right there with you, but don't think it's a fluke at this point. Them and the Thunder are the clear best teams.

Coaching change made a huge difference, I thought Bickerstaff was pretty meh, but I think you also need to give credit to Garland and Mobley for taking leaps. And I also just think there's value in having the team gel together for another year.

[RichCollab]

Top 3 of the East are really good. The leap the Cavs have made is pretty remarkable. I think they're better than the Celtics, but Celtics could probably still beat them in a series with some 3 variance. I think those 3 plus the Thunder make up the likely contenders right now.

And yeah the Sixers are coming on. 8-2 in their last 10. If they stay healthy could see them in a 4-5 matchup with us by the end of the year. Bucks and Hawks feel mostly average, can probably be surpassed.

Cavs are so well balanced and are great chemistry at the moment. I thought they would have faded by now. They may not.

Yeah I was right there with you, but don't think it's a fluke at this point. Them and the Thunder are the clear best teams.

Coaching change made a huge difference, I thought Bickerstaff was pretty meh, but I think you also need to give credit to Garland and Mobley for taking leaps. And I also just think there's value in having the team gel together for another year.

Garland looks like an all-star again and Mitchell is playing less hero ball. I’m curious if they can maintain that in the playoffs.

[byeganyo]

Cavs also are soon going to have 3 max contracts plus Jarrett Allen making 30m per year - something that Orlando simply should not do according to the half of the posters here.

[eyriq]

Cavs also are soon going to have 3 max contracts plus Jarrett Allen making 30m per year - something that Orlando simply should not do according to the half of the posters here.

Mitchell is 28, Allen is 26, Garland is 25, Mobley is 23.
Franz is 23, Suggs is 23, Paolo is 22, AB is 21