I stuck by Payton and Malone all the way, when Pacers(Reggie) lost, Lakers were my second choice for this year's champions... but obviously Payton didn't want it as much. I don't care what the excuse is, it just can't happen, how could you move to L.A. expecting to win a ring, and not contribute? Sure triangle offence limited his plays but come on now... as for Malone, well, can't blame him for his injury, in fact, big up to him for trying to play it through at first. I don't care whether they get it or not anymore, cause Lakers won't be that much better than Clippers next year anyway, Phil seems to be considerin to leave, I don't know what the hell Payton and Malone are thinking, Kobe's in deep shii, and things just don't look good for the Lakers. Nighty night! Bonus Material: Check this picture out, I jacked it from another thread...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Skip:</div><div class="quote_post">II don't care whether they get it or not anymore, cause Lakers won't be that much better than Clippers next year anyway.</div> Oh really? How interesting. I had no idea Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak were that bad at management.
There is no way the Lakers will be as bad as the Clippers. As long as Shaq is there, that team still has a chance. If Kobe leaves, they will find someone to replace him. And, about Phil, there are plenty of good options out there for them to choose from. I personally wouldn't mind seeing someone like Mike Fratello, but, you never know. But, I'm not gonna worry about the Lakers. They'll get it all worked out in the offseason. That management is some of the best in the league and they know what they're doing.
Just in the pape this morning: Jerry Buss will do everythinh he can to retain Kobe. He is willing to get rid of shaq and Jackson to keep kobe. Kobe has been max-offered 140 mil for a seven year, but kobe is going to search every option. I never would have though Buss would get rid of Shaq, but he is willing to for kobe.
Mitch Kupchak's record as far as assembling the team hasn't exactly been sparkling. Malone and Payton conspired between themselves to join the team. Shaq and Kobe were the work of Jerry West. I believe Derek Fisher was, also. Mitch Kupchak is very good at getting fringe players who are just getting over the hill to sign with the Lakers. This is perfect for Jackson's style, which only demands experienced vets to play around the two superstars. Fact is, the Lakers were drafting good young talent when West was around, also. Remember Nick Van Exel? Sure, he's an injured little ball of inflammation now, but when he was young, he was a stud rookie point guard for them.
They will not be as bad as the clippers they have great managment and people like Magic and others in the lakers front office have alot of pride and respect for the lakers orginization and would never let it go to lows of being compared to the clippers. The lakers will go through many changes probable this off seaosn, but it will just fit well with there whole seaosn and playoff run its been none stop drama why should it stop now. I think that kobe will stay, but shaq and phil leave. I see some new possible all stars coming to the team to take the place of shaq they will also have a whole new offense imo. If shaq leaves the team the middle will open up allowing more cut plays and the fast break to be run more often. They ill need to really improve there bench cause what held them up this season was there four hall of famers and clutch plays from rush and fisher there bench has oalways been there weak link. In the next seaosns it will have to become there strongest link for them to stay successsful. I think someone for the lakers who is being over looked this off season it fisher he can opt out and he has always been clutch for the lakers. During the laker dynasty besides for horry and kobe I would say he was the guy that hit the biggest shots for the lakers. So they definitly need to resign him as well as kobe.
So Payton stays, Kobe, Shaq, Fisher and Jackson gone... Malone questionable... I don't see them gettin there again next year.
^ I can't see any pics posted. And as far as the Lakers future this coming season, I can't tell yet. I can't see them being as bad as the Clippers that for sure though.
The Lakers as bad as the Clippers,or the Warriors,or the Wizards..Well as a Kings fan i would LOVE that to happen to the Lakers ,but the reality of that is nada...it aint going to happen,as long as the Lakers have the money,and the enticing incentives to keep/or lure other NBA stars there,there going to be sucessful!
