I think your getting ahead of yourself. I dont see Quitten playing for the Lakers, he`s all about the money and Portland can offer him what he wants at this time {2 yrs @ approx 6-7 mill per} Malone is a big ???, does he sign with the Lakers to be a third or fourth option? I dont see it, I see him going to somewhere he can at least be a second option, Miami maybe?? As far as Payton goes I am surprised he took the exception although I have to say I am glad he did becuase in the NBA world of money first everything else second, it`s nice to see a player put his money where is mouth is. Good for you Gary! I can see payton co-existing with Shaq and Kobe and it will give all 3 more time to rest up during the seaon.
Well, I hate the Lakers and how they hog up all TV face time; but in the name of hypocrisy, that could be a good thing for the league, considering that extremely lackluster Finals we had. I was glad the Lakers were out of it, but damn boring...really damn boring! They'll be fun to watch. Hate to admit it. I don't blame GP. He's from Oakland, wanted to get back to California. (Although why not sign with GS? Because he wouldn't get the ring. Again, can't blame him. The ring over the money. Well, except for the endorsements he'll get.)
Shaq and Kobe have been complaining about shots the last few years, Shaq complained LAST YEAR. It's going to be a problem whether people like it or not. It may not cost them a ring but it's a huge hurdle. As for us Rockets fans talking about maturing and you pointing out the Kings, the Kings are MUCH older then the Rockets and more mature, the Rockets just came off rebuilding, and the Kings window of opportunity hasn't shut yet. Comparing us to a veteran Kings team is ridiculous.
The thing to watch for is whether or not this team can stay healthy. Malone's age may finally catch up to him. Shaq has had ongoing foot and back problems as well.
Most players in the NBA want a championship. If you don't why play the game. However, this is a cheap and dishonorable way to try and get one. If these were insignificant role players, fine, but damn, superstars should have pride and dignity. And malone and payton are proving they have neither. Where is TMac forcing a trade to LA, Pierce too, Webber as well, etc? Because damn they want to earn their championship, not be some lackey for somebody else's. I will never acknowledge a Lakers malone and GP ring because guess what? They didn't earn it! And scratch both off the greatest players ever list. They are merely very good, as their actions show. Great players win championships without doing this. Great players do not resort to this to get a championship.
Yeah, that what I meant. It's a "cheap" way of getting a ring. Kinda like Pippen and Barkley coming to Houston when they did. Barkley's was more of a "If you can't beat them, join them..." deal. As far GP and Malone, this is a last ditch effort.
