They would still be the best in the league, even among all the talent in the NBA... I mean Magic and Kareem on the same team alone is deadly
Kareem, Magic, and James Worthy would dominate in this era, and atleast win 3 straight titles if they played right now.
They definately wouldn't totally dominate this era, but they would have probably won a championship within a few years.What would REALLY be interesting to see is the Showtime Lakers playing the Phoenix Suns!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 14 2006, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>They definately wouldn't totally dominate this era, but they would have probably won a championship within a few years.What would REALLY be interesting to see is the Showtime Lakers playing the Phoenix Suns!</div>It'd be over in 4. They have no answer to Magic, no answer to Worthy. Then you have Kareem who is pretty much unguardable.Mismatches galore.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>They definately wouldn't totally dominate this era, but they would have probably won a championship within a few years.What would REALLY be interesting to see is the Showtime Lakers playing the Phoenix Suns!</div>Can you explain why not ??? You got Kareem an inside presence if the game ends up in a half court game and you really think these Suns can run with the Showtime Lakers ???
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lakersfoelyfe @ Sep 13 2006, 08:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Can you explain why not ??? You got Kareem an inside presence if the game ends up in a half court game and you really think these Suns can run with the Showtime Lakers ???</div>Not really a lot of D to go with all of that.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Melo061 @ Sep 13 2006, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It'd be over in 4. They have no answer to Magic, no answer to Worthy. Then you have Kareem who is pretty much unguardable.Mismatches galore.</div>And Lakers would have nobody to stop Nash, Marion or Stoudemire. They would just be too quick and athletic for Magic, Worthy and Kareem to guard. The one thing the Suns would have that the Lakers wouldn't is 3pt shooting. Lakers of '85 only took a total of 295 3pt FGA's to the Suns' 470 last year, and Phoenix shot it at 39% to Lakers' 31%. This would cause problems for the Lakers, no doubt. It'd be a very high scoring series, and it'd be fun as hell to watch. It'd be very interesting to see how similar teams from different generations matched up against each other.lakersfoelyfe- The game has slowed down quite a bit since the mid-'80's. Lakers wouldn't have such an edge in athleticism like they did then, and they would have some troubles. I still think they'd be a championship team, but Kareem would have more troubles, Magic would have some troubles, as would the other players adapting to the game today. But I truly believe they'd still be an elite, championship team.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 09:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>It'd be a very high scoring series, and it'd be fun as hell to watch. It'd be very interesting to see how similar teams from different generations matched up against each other.lakersfoelyfe- The game has slowed down quite a bit since the mid-'80's. Lakers wouldn't have such an edge in athleticism like they did then, and they would have some troubles. I still think they'd be a championship team, but Kareem would have more troubles, Magic would have some troubles, as would the other players adapting to the game today. But I truly believe they'd still be an elite, championship team.</div>Yes they both run but their not similar teams, Showtime Lakers end their fastbreak with a dunk or a layup not with a three point shot. When they run 10 times they convert 10 times and that's the biggest difference with the Suns. Showtime's fastbreaking style ends up with a high percentage shot not like the Suns.Yes they'll still be an elite team.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lakersfoelyfe @ Sep 13 2006, 09:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yes they both run but their not similar teams, Showtime Lakers end their fastbreak with a dunk or a layup not with a three point shot. When they run 10 times they convert 10 times and that's the biggest difference with the Suns. Showtime's fastbreaking style ends up with a high percentage shot not like the Suns.Yes they'll still be an elite team.</div>They'd have a tough time outgunnign the Suns in the open, court, though. The biggest advantage the Lakers of the '80's had was speed and athleticism, and the Suns fo today are considerably faster and more athletic from top to bottom. Amare running the break would cause nightmares for Kareem. And yes, the Lakers were a team that relied more on layups rather than 3ptr's, and shot a better % (48% of Suns to 54% of Lakers), but it'd be much tougher to get a layup off a fastbreak nowadays. That is why the Suns shoot the 3 moreso than just do layup drills. And that is where they'd give Lakers trouble.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 06:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>And Lakers would have nobody to stop Nash, Marion or Stoudemire. They would just be too quick and athletic for Magic, Worthy and Kareem to guard. The one thing the Suns would have that the Lakers wouldn't is 3pt shooting. Lakers of '85 only took a total of 295 3pt FGA's to the Suns' 470 last year, and Phoenix shot it at 39% to Lakers' 31%. This would cause problems for the Lakers, no doubt. It'd be a very high scoring series, and it'd be fun as hell to watch. It'd be very interesting to see how similar teams from different generations matched up against each other.lakersfoelyfe- The game has slowed down quite a bit since the mid-'80's. Lakers wouldn't have such an edge in athleticism like they did then, and they would have some troubles. I still think they'd be a championship team, but Kareem would have more troubles, Magic would have some troubles, as would the other players adapting to the game today. But I truly believe they'd still be an elite, championship team.</div>Wow just wow. I guess you've never heard of Michael Cooper, one of the best defensive swingmen of all time, and Byron Scott was a good defender as well. Kurt Rambis could make Amare work for his points for brief stretches in the game. I agree that the showtime Lakers were not a good defensive team, but at least give credit where credit is due.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (PiN0Y Ba11a @ Sep 13 2006, 05:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>How would they do if they played in this era?</div>Answer: 67 wins and an easy championship.And don't give me any of that Phoenix Suns bullsh**, those wannabe's can hold a candle to Showtime.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Wow just wow. I guess you've never heard of Michael Cooper, one of the best defensive swingmen of all time, and Byron Scott was a good defender as well. Kurt Rambis could make Amare work for his points for brief stretches in the game. I agree that the showtime Lakers were not a good defensive team, but at least give credit where credit is due.</div>Showtime had a VERY good defense. How do you think they got all those breaks? They were a great rebounding team and had an excellent trap at the halfcourt.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Lakaboy42 @ Sep 13 2006, 10:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Wow just wow. I guess you've never heard of Michael Cooper, one of the best defensive swingmen of all time, and Byron Scott was a good defender as well. Kurt Rambis could make Amare work for his points for brief stretches in the game. I agree that the showtime Lakers were not a good defensive team, but at least give credit where credit is due.</div>Michael Cooper would give up 2 inches, 60lbs, and athleticism to Marion. Kurt Rambis would give up 2 inches, about 30-40lbs, and lots of athleticism to Amare. And nobody could keep up with Nash's speed and penetration. Likewise, the Suns wouldn't be able to contain the deep team that the lakers had. If Lakers wanted to beat the Suns, it would have to be in a slower paced game so they could take advantage of Kareem and not get run out of the arena by the Suns.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 14 2006, 12:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Michael Cooper would give up 2 inches, 60lbs, and athleticism to Marion. Kurt Rambis would give up 2 inches, about 30-40lbs, and lots of athleticism to Amare. And nobody could keep up with Nash's speed and penetration. Likewise, the Suns wouldn't be able to contain the deep team that the lakers had. If Lakers wanted to beat the Suns, it would have to be in a slower paced game so they could take advantage of Kareem and not get run out of the arena by the Suns.</div>Honestly nitro, Have you ever watched the showtime lakers?
Yes, and I feel the Suns would give them tons of trouble. They are quicker, more athletic, and a much better 3pt shooting team (which is much bigger part of the game today then it was then). As I said, Lakers could beat the Suns, but it would have to be the Spurs style- take what they give you, don't try to outrun them for the hell of it. That way they could get their big advantage, Kareem, into the game, and take advantage of the depth and amazing talent they had.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>They'd have a tough time outgunnign the Suns in the open, court, though. The biggest advantage the Lakers of the '80's had was speed and athleticism, and the Suns fo today are considerably faster and more athletic from top to bottom. Amare running the break would cause nightmares for Kareem. And yes, the Lakers were a team that relied more on layups rather than 3ptr's, and shot a better % (48% of Suns to 54% of Lakers), but it'd be much tougher to get a layup off a fastbreak nowadays. That is why the Suns shoot the 3 moreso than just do layup drills. And that is where they'd give Lakers trouble.</div>The reason why the Lakers were able to convert their fastbreak is not because they're more athletic (which is sometimes the case but not always) but it's because Magic is an extraordinary player. He will make a 3 on 3 fastbreak look like a 3 on 2 with his passing ability. Teams were able to get back on defense, it's just that they're too good of a fastbreaking team. Magic can see things no player will be able to see that's the bottom line..........Magic wasn't the most athletic player during his day, it's his passing ability that makes their fastbreak look so easy.Magic is no ordinary player, watch this video and see what I mean...........it's his passing ability that seperates him with the other players not because he's more athletic. He wasn't outrunning the opponents, faster players don't bother Magic "Showtime".<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 10:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Michael Cooper would give up 2 inches, 60lbs, and athleticism to Marion. Kurt Rambis would give up 2 inches, about 30-40lbs, and lots of athleticism to Amare. And nobody could keep up with Nash's speed and penetration. Likewise, the Suns wouldn't be able to contain the deep team that the lakers had. If Lakers wanted to beat the Suns, it would have to be in a slower paced game so they could take advantage of Kareem and not get run out of the arena by the Suns.</div>If you think that Nash has that speed then we better end this discussion, Nash is no Gilbert Arenas when it comes to speed so don't make it sound like he's that quick.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yes, and I feel the Suns would give them tons of trouble. They are quicker, more athletic, and a much better 3pt shooting team (which is much bigger part of the game today then it was then). As I said, Lakers could beat the Suns, but it would have to be the Spurs style- take what they give you, don't try to outrun them for the hell of it. That way they could get their big advantage, Kareem, into the game, and take advantage of the depth and amazing talent they had.</div>You're wrong about that. The Showtime Lakers were BY FAR, the most athletic team ever assembled in NBA history. They would run circles around the defenseless Suns without breaking a sweat. Honestly, those Laker teams had more talent sitting on their bench, than what's in the Suns starting 5.The only thing the Suns can do better than Showtime is shooting 3's. But that's not a fair comparison, LA had GREAT shooters, only it was the 80's and the 3 pt shot was new and teams didn't attempt them as much as teams do today.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 09:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>They definately wouldn't totally dominate this era, but they would have probably won a championship within a few years.What would REALLY be interesting to see is the Showtime Lakers playing the Phoenix Suns!</div>They would work the ball into Kareem, or have Magic totally blow by Steve Nash and make a great play. The Suns would have no answer to Kareem or Magic (two definate top 6 players ever).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nitro1118 @ Sep 13 2006, 09:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>And Lakers would have nobody to stop Nash, Marion or Stoudemire. They would just be too quick and athletic for Magic, Worthy and Kareem to guard. The one thing the Suns would have that the Lakers wouldn't is 3pt shooting. Lakers of '85 only took a total of 295 3pt FGA's to the Suns' 470 last year, and Phoenix shot it at 39% to Lakers' 31%. This would cause problems for the Lakers, no doubt.</div>Since when did Marion become unstoppable. If lamar was able to make marion look like an average player, how more so with big game james.NOTE: I don't mind having a discussion but when people start making up stuff.............I don't know.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lakersfoelyfe @ Sep 13 2006, 10:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>The reason why the Lakers were able to convert their fastbreak is not because they're more athletic (which is sometimes the case but not always) but it's because Magic is an extraordinary player. He will make a 3 on 3 fastbreak look like a 3 on 2 with his passing ability. Teams were able to get back on defense, it's just that they're too good of a fastbreaking team. Magic can see things no player will be able to see that's the bottom line..........Magic wasn't the most athletic player during his day, it's his passing ability that makes their fastbreak look so easy.</div>Yes, Magic was arguably the best passer of all time, but the Lakers wouldn't be Showtime without all the athletic, speedy talent that ran with him. But in today's NBA they wouldn't have as big of an advantage that they had back then, and I truly believe if they turned the game into a non-stop fastbreak game the Suns would beat them with the fastbreak 3pt shooting and overall athleticism.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Magic is no ordinary player, watch this video and see what I mean...........it's his passing ability that seperates him with the other players not because he's more athletic. He wasn't outrunning the opponents, faster players don't bother Magic "Showtime".If you think that Nash has that speed then we better end this discussion, Nash is no Gilbert Arenas when it comes to speed so don't make it sound like he's that quick.</div>When did I ever say he was an ordianry player? He is top 3 all time IMO, but the fact of the matter is the Lakers of the '80's were so successful because of the athleticism and speed that surrounded him on the fastbreak. And Nash is extremely fast, quick, and sneeky. It never ceases to amaze me how he can so easily get into lane.MichaelBryant-They had tons of talent, but in today's NBA they wouldn't have such an edge over teams athletically speaking that they did in the '80's. Amare would kill them especially, they would have no answer for such an athletic big man who can run floor. And a team who shoots 31% on 295 3pt shots for a season would have MAJOR trouble facing a team who shoots 470 per seaosn on 38%. Not to mention they would have to play defense much differently agains the Suns than they would against teams of the '80's.As I said before, it'd be very interesting to see.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lakersfoelyfe @ Sep 13 2006, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Since when did Marion become unstoppable. If lamar was able to make marion look like an average player, how more so with big game james.NOTE: I don't mind having a discussion but when people start making up stuff.............I don't know.</div>WHO on the Lakers would stop him? Tell me, I'd love to know... Cooper gave up tons of size to him, and for a guy who averages 20/12 on nearly 50% shooting he's a tough guard for any team.
