Dr. Buss could've probably done a much better job intriguing Dwight on staylng long term, but it still doesn't change the terrible situation Lakers are still in.
It's getting kind of pathetic at this point. Move on, Lakers. You'll be relevant again because of your giant market soon enough. This is the Rockets time.
Translation: Jim Buss is doing a terrible job. My husband phil and me are ready to take over this franchise.
Actually Dr. Buss was as honorable man as any in today's world. A couple of generations of Lakers stars adored him. He had respect throughout the league. NBA greats signed with the man understanding that his word and his handshake carried far more weight than any contract. Could he have kept Howard? Perhaps, but we will sadly never know.
The most honest and forthright statement from the west coast we are likely to see. Dwight you are going to so luv being a Rocket !
Fans and media alike have reached the incorrect conclusion that the Lakers are the Lakers and will thus bounce back in a big way in the near future. The reality is that The Great Jerry Buss = the Lakers, and now he's not only dead but has been replaced by his oncompetent son and family infighting. The Lakers are going to suck for a long, long time. The most important criterion for a pro sports team's success, by far, is strong ownership. The great owners inevitably get the great players. Plenty of owners would not have a) hired a boy genius with zero NBA connections and b) entrusted him to see it through. The Rockets have a fantastic, innovative owner, and that is by far the main reason why they are poised to start competing for championships.
This is just a family feud, struggling for power. Fire MDA would not guarantee Dwight staying. I have no doubt Dwight wouldve stayed if they amesty Kobe. I don't believe Dwight wanted to play another game with Kobe. Ever! Most people probably have no idea how miserable Dwight was last year. When Kobe walked out of lockroom right after Dwight was ejected from the final game, he totally humiliated Dwight on national TV. That was one cold SOB teammate! The damage that was done by Kobe went beyond repair. The choice was simple; Kobe or Dwight. Same choice for Jim AND Jerry, if he were still alive.
Who makes 30M this year and doesn't want to take a pay cut. It's not wrong of Kobe to want that but it's a problem for the Lakers. He's too much of an alpha to re-sign after this season. It's time for that team to move on.
Hate to be a title police, but Dr. Jerry Buss' six children are: Johnny, Jimmy, Jeanie, Janie, Joey and Jesse. So, "J.Buss" is kind of confusing.
This. Buss basically built the Laker brand into what it is today, and he was smart enough to realize that he needed competent people who knew more than he did at running a team (West, Kupchack, PJ). His son is the opposite, and basically fired every person associated with PJ. No wonder DH wanted out of that madhouse.
I don't know if he could have talked Dwight into staying, but Dr Buss being gone is a huge reason why the Lakers are not automatically locks to be contenders in the future. New ownership + a luxury tax where they can't just outspend everyone, and Kobe chasing the all time scoring leader record means they aren't going to have free agent stars lining up to come play for them any time soon.
yeh, its really a mess over there in Laker land.... Kobe diminishing and still commanding 30M.... Players jumpin ship.... Power struggles among the Buss kids... Stupid moves by Jim Buss... Butthurt Phil sittin around offering jaded commentary on every move... yeh.... it's really a shame to see such an iconic franchise fall into such disarray.... BWAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAHAAAAA BWAHHHHAAAAAAHHHHAAAAAAA!
