Yeah I mean I don’t mind not making Lakers great, but to be honest if I was a GM I would always 100% get the best assets for my star being traded no matter the destination, unless I was planning on competing for the title next couple years. Can’t understand why Demps would shut out the Lakers. Also, so what if it’s the same conference. Any team you trade him to is going to be a powerhouse. If you want to be great you have to go through the league, whether it’s the finals or conference finals. Do those extra two regular season games matter? I dunno
Good luck AD joining the LAL as a free agent in 2022. Lol Is that supposed to be a threat? I dont care how good Lebron is, he will be 36.
Because Ball, Kuzma, Ingram, Hart, and Zubac are all extremely overrated and will never be allstars. None of them would be talked about if they weren't on the Lakers. So no, it's just not the best package at all.
He is shutting them down because he isnt missing much by doing so. Some mediocre role players that none of them is even two way, with zero star potential. I am sure if they offered him the first overall pick AD would be in LA already.
Not saying it is. But people are insinuating that the GM wouldn’t want to deal with Lakers to give them another powerhouse. There was even a report that Pop talked to Demps about that which is obviously not true but that was my point. Not with regards to the actual package.
It's fine though not like they're missing out on anything. If the possible downside of icing the Lakers is losing them in trade discussions then so be it. The Pels are bottom 5 in attendance with AD. If they try to market a team headlined by Brandon "Long 2" Ingram they'll be in Seattle within 2 years. Hard pass on any Lakers offer.
If Ainge wants to keep Tatum and Demps is going full Spurs/Pacers on the Lakers, things can get interesting imo.
"Going forward with a Big Three of Irving, Davis and Tatum" Hope Al Horford isn't reading this article
I am sure if push comes to shove Ainge will give him up. All the other assets except the future Memphis pick are at best mediocre.
Yeah, i agree with you, Boston has different good to great pieces, but some (if not all) of them are kinda overrated, wouldn't be shocked if this is just Ainge trying to overhype an asset..."Tatum is not available cause he's the next big thing bla bla", and when the talks gets serious and maybe other teams make great offers "ok, let's say i put Tatum in the package bla bla".
Embiid is on his rookie deal. Davis is only making 25 mil and bulter is signed for 20. They will have to start paying the luxury tax with 4 all stars signed. Reddick might come back cheaper. Fact is a core of AD, Embiid, and Kyrie with Reddick and one other big player possibly butler or another free agent would break the NBA and prevent another super team in Boston for years to come.
I wonder if there are any execs out there who'd want to drive down AD's market by spreading misinformation ("AD 100% to LAL in '20")? Hmmm...
