She has to say this stuff to stay relevant. IOW, she still has no idea what SA or Kawhi are going to do.
George is easy to influence. He got to OKC and bonded with some of the players. Westbrook has cultivated a strong relationship with George. So now George is somewhat conflicted. George isn’t the brightest guy. Whoever influences him most/last can manipulate him into signing where they want. This is a lot like DeAndre Jordan a few years ago. Also if the Lakers get LeBron we are going to hear how great Buss and Magic are, which is a bunch of crap. They should have traded for George last year and it wouldn’t be an issue.
Don’t forget that both George and Westbrook grew up in Los Angeles. That’s probably a reason they formed a such a tight bond in a short time.
The Lakers may be on a time deadline... the Spurs are going to try and see just how much they can get the Lakers to offer if the Spurs move Leonard and take on Deng. Ingram? Kuzma? Ball? Hart? Draft picks? Right now (over the next 24-36 hours) the Spurs have the most leverage they will ever have. If I am the Spurs I ultimately decide to trade Leonard and take on Deng (exactly what LA needs) but I want Ingram, Kuzma, Ball and a #1. The Lakers can keep Hart to play next to LeBron. The Lakers get Leonard and can try to get George. The rest of the team is ring chasers and minimum guys. The Spurs get a 2-3 year jump on rebuilding. Popovich will get a lot out of Ball because he works hard.
The #1 isn’t very helpful...if the trade results in a LeBron team. The issue for the Spurs... what then? You basically have the Lakers lotto bound team plus Murray and Aldridge. It’s not so bad that you’re picking high lottery, so that feels like a ticket to mediocrity (not that I’m complaining about that). I’d still probably rather take a Boston or Philly package that also includes a literal lotto ticket plus a couple nice young players. I guess it depends on how you view Ball and Ingram, and if either is a real potential star.
Only if he is interested in winning and from what everyone is saying Lebron has no interest in winning, he just wants to hang out in LA a little bit more.
I don't see Pop wanting anything to do with Papa Ball. edit: (Or anyone else in the NBA. Lakers are stuck with him.)
That’s all you would ask for? If I’m the Spurs I want Kuzma, Ball, Ingram, Sign and trade Randle. And if I have to take on Deng I am sending back Patty Mills or Pau Gasol.
And they can afford to. Getting Leonard guarantees lebron. Those two plus ring chasers gives you a shot year one. Being clever in yr two nets you another star
That's what they said about P. George last year. People will always trade for a star for one season in hopes of getting them to stay longer. Worth the gamble. The Rockets have tried that several times.
