I think the LA Lakers are about to become the New York Knicks of the last decade or so, especially if they miss out on Dwight. Both are run by men named Jimmy who essentially got the team from their dads. Both have essentially unlimited budgets. Both are attractive to players because they are located in major media markets. In the end, the advantages of location and dollars did not save the Knicks from incompetent management. And it won't save the Lakers, either, if they don't play their cards right.
I was thinking of this the other day when I was playing poker. I am a pretty decent player until I accumulate a big chip lead. It's supposed to be the easiest position, but sometimes I really screw up. I think I essentially become like the Knicks management, overpaying for so-so hands, hoping to chase off the competition and "dominate" the table. But you end up dominating the table for the wrong hands. So yeah, even when you're smart you have to be a little lucky, in both endeavors.
Looks like I have to spread rep again...but yeah. These players should look at the management of these teams more than the market.
In the end, if Dwight chooses the Lakers we know all his talk about winning was BS. If that's the case he can rot in mediocrity for eternity.
