@kevinarnovitz Dwight pointing sharply at Hill. Hill looking at MWP. MWP talking to the ref. Kobe generally apoplectic. Bad Vibe.
If the Lakers don't make the Playoffs it would renew my faith in the NBA. We all know that won't happen though.
I'm afraid this might happen. D'Antoni was a very bad fit for this team and Jim Buss' trigger finger my be getting itchy again. I want the Lakers to win just enough for D'Antoni to keep his job. He started last season the same way and (like last season) there is no chance he can keep it up. The is the perfect script for another Lakers failure.
Is it lotto protected? Has a team with the best C in basketball and a top wing ever been at risk of missing the playoffs?
2013 first round draft pick to Phoenix The L.A. Lakers will send the least favorable of their own 1st round pick (top-14 protected), Cleveland's own 2013 1st round pick, Sacramento's own 1st round pick (top-13 protected) and Miami's 2013 1st round pick to Phoenix. If the L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick is within the top-14 selections, Phoenix will automatically receive the L.A. Lakers' 1st round pick. [L.A. Lakers-Phoenix, 7/11/2012] http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/draft/future_drafts/detailed I honestly can't tell from reading this... The beginning says it is lottery protected, but then it specifically says lottery pick will be given up. I didn't think it was lottery protected, but now I have no idea.
It's not all on Jim. The D'antoni hire (which is a terrible move) was a unanimous decision among his father, him, and Mitch. They need to fire D'antoni ASAP. He has zero clue on what he's doing.
I think it's a bridge burnt. PJ is laughing his ass off right now. And I don't think they will fire D'antoni b/c they basically embarrassed 2 coaches just to hire him. They will give D'antoni this year WITH Nash (and they will play better with Nash to give an illusion that they're contenders, which they're not). There are more problems than just fundamentals right now. Their 2 best players (Kobe/Dwight) don't believe in one another. Dwight doesn't believe Kobe can defend and Kobe doesn't trust Dwight offensively. It's a mess. If this doesn't turn around in 10 games with Nash, looks for Kobe to go off and start throwing people under the bus.
If they fire D'Antoni that teams chemistry is going to go to hell. And yes, I'm waiting until Kobe starts throwing his teammates under the bus.
Here is how it works: If Lakers are in the lotto, PHX get their pick. If Lakers make the playoffs, they will send the lowest pick to Phoenix. And the choice is between theirs, Clevelands, Miami's, and Sacramento's.
I heard Mike D's interview meltdown. he said to LA Times reporter TJ Simers, "I didn't see you in the film session" when asked if they worked on defense after the film session this morning... then he said "you're starting to piss me off"
Kobe taking too many shots and they lose again. Its not anyone elses fault. Kobe needs to check his ego.
This team needs a major shake up...and it starts with telling Kobe...to STFU... The best kinda leader doesnt have to say a word...he just gets them to play... So much for LA, huh Dwight?
