That is short sighted to say the least. Because out biggest need is the 4 wee shouldn't consider or talk about upgrades elsewhere? That's silly. Also, that being said, your saying we shouldn't talk about getting Dwight because it doesn't address or biggest need. Just silly. Come on bro, your better than that.
I'm not saying that because it happened before, that it's bound to happen again. I'm just saying Howard's chance of contending for a championship is just as good if not better by staying with the Lakers when compared to coming over here and joining up with Harden.
How is that short sighted? Would Tony Allen have slowed down Ibaka from being a monster last night? Would Tony Allen have been the answer to our front court? Is he going to fill Greg Smith's minutes, defend the paint, block and alter shots? Our greatest strength is our back court and our biggest need for improvement is our frontcourt. I never said we shouldn't go after Dwight. As a matter of fact I'm all for getting Dwight as he would dramatically improve our powerforward position with his presence alone at the 5 spot. Dwelling on Tony Allen who should be one of the final pieces to the puzzle when we have other MAJOR needs to address is "silly".
You're saying it indirectly, because the primary reason you seem to believe Howard's chance of contending is as good or better in LA is based on history. It's certainly not based on the rosters, where the Rockets have a bonafide 23-year-old superstar and three solid young starters (Lin/Parsons/Asik) all under long-term contracts, and the Lakers have nothing beyond 2014. Side A: Harden/Lin/Parsons/Asik Side B: Cap room That's basically the choice Dwight will have to make this summer, as it pertains to his likelihood of winning over the next 4 years. I think most observers would take Side A. The only reason you seem to believe Side B as "equal or better" is because it's the Lakers and you think they'll be able to snap their fingers and get whoever they want, just because it's happened in the past.
One of or major needs is a elite wing defender. I love Parsons, but he exerts too much offensively to be this. While he wouldn't have stopped ibaka he could have slowed Durant our westbrook. We definitely veered to upgrade the 4, doesn't mean we don't need a Tony Allan type player. The truth is wee need both, and more. But if we could get one, were better for it. But to not consider signing Allan because we have a more pressing need is absurd. I'm all for Dwight. But w would still need a legit 4. We would also still need an elite wing defender. As well as a scorer off the bench. But to dismiss one because the other is more important is silly. We need to address all these areas, and more.
Rumor going around Dwight has 5 baby mamas.....if him and Royce play for the Rockets, women will be getting pregnant just buying tickets
Recently the Lakers flipped basically garbage for Pau Gasol, almost flipped Pau Gasol for Chris Paul, and flipped an inured Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard. Let's just say I'd be really shocked if they don't manage to land another super star with their cap space or expiring contracts. Are they guaranteed to do it? Nope, but seems pretty likely considering not only have they done it in the past but also how desirable LA is for free agents and how NBA stars seems to love moving to big market teams. I think it's premature to elevate Harden to bonafide superstar status right now. Sure he's an excellent young player with super star potential, but until he starts playing much better defense and overcomes his tendency of being shut down by long, athletic defenders I wouldn't crown him just yet.
The most recent long, athletic defender Harden went against was Tony Allen, and he went for 30/7/6. As for the Lakers' examples, the difference is that most of those were trades via leveraged situations. Bynum was a terrific draft pick and appeared to be a promising center coming off back-to-back seasons in which he was injury free. Really, he seemed on the cusp of stardom. Gasol, at the time of the Paul fiasco, was arguably the second-best big man, one of the top 10-ish players in the league, still in his prime and signed to a long-term deal. Even the original Gasol deal included the rights to Marc. The Lakers didn't acquire max stars via free agency. They acquired them through trades because the deck was stacked in their favor due to several savvy draft picks and signings. That won't be the case this time. They're generally asset-less, in terms of trades, and won't be able to offer the "full max" to free agents that a player's original team could. In that scenario, even the majority of glamour teams (see Knicks/Bulls, 2010) tend to end up with Amare Stoudemire and Carlos Boozer types, not true difference-makers. It's certainly not a done deal, and the Lakers could prove the exception to the rule... but it's a significant risk for Dwight. The Lakers won't be playing from the same leveraged position they've had in recent years. They'll certainly sign someone with that money, but I have my doubts it'll be someone on Harden's level.
Sign Bynum for 3 years / 35 mill, 3rd year a team option. Trade Asik for Ryan Anderson. Boom. Sign Sam Young or Tony Allen. Boom - if it works out with Bynum, instant contender. If it doesn't, still a really good team.
Yeah he got 30pts, but with 29% FG% The previous game against Allen: 7pts on 33% FG% The one before that: 31pts on 69% FG% The one before that: 18pts on 22% FG% Most recent against Paul George: 24pts, 25% FG% The previous game against George: 17pts on 26% FG% I doubt the Lakers will actually wait till they have cap space, they'll probably try to trade Pau Gasol for some disgruntled star player stuck on mediocre teams, Kevin Love comes mind.
but what was his ts%? to look at jus fg% is not looking at the big picture. even though i agree long athletic elite defenders slow him down, or atleast make him less effecient. BUT thats why they are elite defenders. they dont complete stop elite scorers from scoring, they hurt they're effeciency. it happens to lebron, durant, melo, everyone.
That impact on the likes of Lebron etc are far less apparent when compared to Harden. Just take a look at how Lebron, Durant etc faired against George. Look I'm not trying to put down Harden. I think he's an excellent young player and am glad that we have him. I just think the "super star" status coronation is still way too premature right now.
B - Trade for Love C - Free Agent Signing, millsap, smith etc... but only to affordable cap flexible contracts otherwise he wont do it. D - Trade for Pau E - Do nothing...
I kinda agree with this ☝☝☝AND THEY EMBARASSED US without Kobe!! So yeah that wasn't a great impression to "come join us next year".....
