Lamarcus is better than West, also younger and more in his prime, but I think if he can be used in similiar way can be more effective than West but more importantly, the most effective for the team. David West is a starter and he usually finishes games, not because he's David West, because he played well or has a favorable match-up. He can score from both mid-range and in the post but doesn't ask to be the focal point of the offense, he could be the focal point of some possesions but only when he's "feeling it". He gets rebounds, usualy the easier rebounds, but he's doing a good job, getting close to 10 depending on his minutes. He was never known to be a great defender but in a recent article I quote they bring his very good defensive numbers when on the floor. I think When Lamarcus's back he takes all of Wright and Leonard's minutes, with Claver, Robinson backing him up. I think he should come back more humble, not because he's not a good player, because he's only an MVP candidate when he plays within the team and doesn't start caring for it this much.
LA wants to be "the guy" but he shouldn't be playing 37 min/Gm & taking 21 shots. It would be nice if TRob would develop into a reliable sub (losing hope for Meyers). LA does wear down late in the season, there's no question. We've seen it happen since BRoy's knees disintegrated & he's been asked to carry a bigger load. But until there's a reliable alternative it's hard to just Carte Blanche reduce his role. We need more frontcourt depth, & a SG/SF who can get his own shot & create match-up problems for defenses. LA is by far the hardest cover for defenses on our roster. I like your idea, but how do you get there?
We'd be a much better team if we swapped West for LMA, and then spent the difference in salary elsewhere. The great thing is LMA has far more value than simply a straight-across trade for someone like West.
I couldn't agree more. I think the Blazers would be better off with a cheaper alternative to Aldridge. West brings more to the table than Aldridge. Aldridge is a player who takes just as much off the table as he brings to the table. I don't want to see the Blazers pay max money a guy that will be 30 entering the first year of his next contract and has never been out of the first round. It is clear that he cannot be the best player on a contender. I see him as a Rudy Gay type player. Both of Gay's previous teams became better after trading him.
Paying LMA a max extension will be the noose around our neck. Your comparison to Rudy Gay is quite apt, IMO. Inefficient first options on go-nowhere teams.
When a negative nancy comes out of the blue with that being their one of their 1st posts it always makes me wary of them...
