If Miami flames out in the playoffs next year in the second round against Chicago or Indiana(which is certainly a possibility), then I could see LeBron maybe deciding to walk. Hell, Shaq accepted a trade from the Lakers back in 2004 after losing in the Finals(and bolted the Magic in 1996 after a conference finals defeat), so anything's possible. But what if the Heat 3-peat? Does anyone really think LeBron would leave Miami if he wins another title? The Lakers seem to be putting all their eggs in a very small basket which could leave them even worse off in the 2014-15 season.
Don't feel sorry for the Lakers at all. With or without Dwight, because they'll regroup as usual. It's always the biggest or one of the biggest free agent destinations in the league. If they finish in the bottom 13, then they have a chance at the lottery and getting a very promising rookie, while next to no cap space in 2014. Short note: Lakers only traded their first rounders in 2013 and 2015 and second rounders in 2013 and 2014. Ted Stepien Rule doesn't allow consecutive first round draft picks to be traded.
Lakers will be back after next season in some form or fashion. Their spoiled fans won't have to suffer too long.
Lebron is not leaving Miami, I just don't see it. Especially not for the Lakers. Pat Riley has proven he can surround him with talent. The only team with a shot against Miami in the east is Indiana, Chicago is not going to beat them and scare Lebron into heading out to a more competitive western conference. Shaq was run out of town by a younger Kobe Bryant, that is why he accepted the trade to Miami.
What a joke. Harden>Kobe next year for sure. Dwight>Gasol Parsons<Nash I know that will get some outrage, but Nash is underrated on this board. If healthy, he is better than Parsons. We don't really have a big 3 to begin with.
Seeing Kobe put up with Lebron would be hilarious, imo. I can see Kobe bristling at Lebron not being serious enough, but Lebron will be the better player and will likely end up with a better career. So, what can Kobe say? He can't talk down to Lebron like he did to Dwight.
I'm not the biggest Howard fan but all this hate to Howard and Rockets from former Lakers players and coaches is really starting to turn me into a Howard fan just to stick it to the Fakers as usual!!!! vant believe I just admitted it but I guess its the Rockets fan in me!! LOL
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Kaman is a great addition. Great skill set and a competitor.</p>— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) <a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant/statuses/354428150576447489">July 9, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Personally I'd keep Metta and make a run with the unit we have and just add a few pieces <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23keepthepeace&src=hash">#keepthepeace</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23lakersstilldeciding&src=hash">#lakersstilldeciding</a></p>— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) <a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant/statuses/354425519703457792">July 9, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>I wish d12 the best honestly. I just find it hard to follow players that wanna kick my teams ass <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23thatsjustme&src=hash">#thatsjustme</a></p>— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) <a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant/statuses/354421234043334658">July 9, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>No game 7 win without Metta! This is a tough day for laker nation <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23misspeace&src=hash">#misspeace</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23newcbacasualty&src=hash">#newcbacasualty</a></p>— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) <a href="https://twitter.com/kobebryant/statuses/354416184197783552">July 9, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Howard is an example of the fact that potential-has-a-shelf-life. Laker fans, be patient, allow Mitch & Co. to work the free agent market.</p>— Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (@kaj33) <a href="https://twitter.com/kaj33/statuses/354393658579095552">July 9, 2013</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
