I am a huge fan of Westbrook and Durant. Durant is my favorite player, but Westbrook's midrange game is just tooo nice. I agree in saying that the Thunder may have the best Pg,SG and SF in the league in a couple years. Durant's defense has really grown. He played amazing D on Kobe in the last 2 games. This guy is a complete stud now.
I actually think Hill is developing nicely, off the bench. And I think Sessions is decent enough at PG, although I haven't seen enough Lakers games this season, aside from the playoffs. And Kobe is already your starting SG for at least the next 4-5 years, probably. So trading Pau for a legit PF, SG, and PG might not be so necessary as you think. I will agree that the PG and PF could use an upgrade, though. Sessions Bryant MWP Hill Bynum That lineup alone can win you some games; Kobe and Bynum, with the way he's developing, is a good one-two punch. Sure, Pau has the most trade value besides Kobe and Andrew, but I don't think the Lakers are in dire need of a facelift.
For some reason, I think LA can get some very good young players, back for Gasol, maybe not Dwight Howard or Chris Paul, good, but definitely top 15-35 players. For some reason, I do not think point guard will be as big of a need, if they can find versatile small forward who can score, sort of like Gerald Wallace or Nicolas Batum. If they go for a power forward, it doesn't have to be a star, it can be younger, athletic power forward or someone who is a bruiser/dirty work type of power forward. Kupchak can definitely get a deal done, where they can get some valuable pieces back.
Everyone should read this: http://www.hardwoodparoxysm.com/2012/05/20/kobe-bryant-and-faith-as-small-as-a-mustard-seed/ Forced into tough shots for sure.
The series isn't over yet but LA better get it done now. Kobe is declining more and more each year, and he's too stubborn to realize it.
This article eloquently lay out everything I've always believed about Kobe's clutchness. Making one tough shot in the clutch will wipe out 100 missed bad shots he took in the Kobe admirers mind, and in Kobe's own mind.
and it seems like the opposite for lebron. people forget the clutch moments he had and just remember the times he "choked"
Props to Brooks for keeping Ibaka in when Harden comes off the bench. Kobe has to stay even with 2 fouls. He's the only Laker with a pulse so far.
