I view it like Dirk. You don't walk away from a business relationship with one of the richest men in the world. It just isn't happening. The things that being a lifelong Blazer can mean for him personally, socially and financially are just too much for any other organization to overcome especially when they are one of the best teams in the league.
If LMA puts in another 5 all star or near-all star like seasons with the Blazers, would he become the best Blazer ever? Or would he have to lead the team to one more Finals appearances? Or at least multiple deep playoff runs? Absent longevity with the franchise, I'd put Clyde above him, having had higher PERs, higher win shares, and leading them to 2 finals... but the trade that sent him away and him then winning a championship plays in your mind such that a "lifer" you would want to rank above him. But Drexler made 2 finals, another western conference finals, and went to the playoffs I think every year he was there with them...
He'd never leave Portland for San Antonio. Why leave a strong brand that you built for yourself in Portland to play under the shadow of San Antonio's Big 3? As good as Dame has become, Portland I'd still LMA's team. No way he leaves that to play second fiddle on one of the 3 Texas teams.
All these scenarios[Gasol, Aldridge, big name FA] for the Spurs [appear to be] under the assumption that Duncan and/or Ginobili retires.
Wow, forgot he also played with Brandon Roy. Doubt Aldridge leaves .feel bad for the fans in Portland . Passing on KD for Oden and Brandon Roy injury. Yikes. They are going to be good. Not great yet.
I agree, look at OKC the last few years. Teams that are better than them could potentially get hurt and fall out of the playoffs. The only team in the west I don't think they'd have a chance to beat in 7 games in the Spurs. Everyone is beatable this year. It feels like 07-08 when the west had like 10 teams win 48+ games.
