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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
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 Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2023 5:12 pm Post subject: Possible Plan to Get a Ring, Knowing AD Will Always Miss Many Games |
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Having listen to a recent broadcast with Jorge Sedano suggesting that one could have a plan anticipating that AD will always miss 25% to 35+% games of the regular season and that the playoffs is where one really needs AD, here’s a crazy thought - maybe
Plan to have AD come off the bench resulting in a stable starting lineup. If this is the plan, getting Bojan and Kuzma would make more sense
Presently, one can NOT depend on AD playing at least 80% of the regular season games and LBJ can only keep Father Time at bay for so long - so our hope is that he can continue to play at least 80% of the regular season games
Stability in the front court plus easier to adjust the bench rotation means that AD will have to make the same sacrifices that Russ made this year - For The Good of the Team.
AD and LBJ playing less MPG will limit the likelihood of injuries because one was too tired to avoid dangerous situations
Yes, it is a crazy thought.
Yes, LBJ said that a great frustration of his is the consistency of not having enough time playing together. The crazy idea accepts the reality seen the past few years and from AD’s NBA beginnings that he can’t stay healthy
Yes(???), this might be the best plan for AD/LBJ to get another ring
Downside, AD will try again (here or somewhere else) to win another ring as the Driver of the Bus getting another ring
Yes or No? |
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activeverb
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Posts: 37470
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| Posted: Sat Jan 14, 2023 5:47 pm Post subject: |
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If AD isn't healthy enough to play, we're not going to win a ring.
If AD is healthy enough to play, I can't see why you wouldn't want him to start.
Personally, I wouldn't trade a FRP for either Bojan or Kuzma. |
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Aeneas Hunter
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hype
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Joined: 19 Nov 2007
Posts: 4372
Location: Lake Nacimiento
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| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2023 8:36 pm Post subject: |
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You have AD and Bron playing less minutes, how are we supposed to consistently beat any decent teams to even have a shot at the Playoffs in the first place?
Also, even if AD somehow magically gets through a Season without much injuries while he's only getting older what happens in the Playoffs when we suddenly need both AD and Bron to play extremely heavy minutes like all other Superstars to have any chance but there bodies are used to significantly less minutes? That's just begging for injuries to happen with two guys that are injury magnets.
It's not a crazy thought at all though just not viable with the roster we have.. Your idea is what the Lakers would probably love to do but just isn't at all realistic without quality depth and Bojan and Kuzma doesn't remotely come close to getting there imo.
We can barely beat some of the worst teams in the NBA when those two guys have stretches playing as one of the best in the NBA. This roster is just massively flawed and hollow while Bron is aging a decade every year and AD even with less minutes? I would still not have much confidence to not see him on an injury report sooner then later.
Trading a FRP for those guys is just a complete waste imo. Nothing wrong with thinking outside of the box but this isn't it. |
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KindCrippler2000
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Joined: 02 May 2003
Posts: 15821
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| Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2023 8:59 pm Post subject: |
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Plan? 
What plan?
Either AD is healthy or Lakers give the Pels another lottery pick. |
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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6135
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2023 12:55 am Post subject: |
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| hype wrote: | You have AD and Bron playing less minutes, how are we supposed to consistently beat any decent teams to even have a shot at the Playoffs in the first place?
Also, even if AD somehow magically gets through a Season without much injuries while he's only getting older what happens in the Playoffs when we suddenly need both AD and Bron to play extremely heavy minutes like all other Superstars to have any chance but there bodies are used to significantly less minutes? That's just begging for injuries to happen with two guys that are injury magnets.
It's not a crazy thought at all though just not viable with the roster we have.. Your idea is what the Lakers would probably love to do but just isn't at all realistic without quality depth and Bojan and Kuzma doesn't remotely come close to getting there imo.
We can barely beat some of the worst teams in the NBA when those two guys have stretches playing as one of the best in the NBA. This roster is just massively flawed and hollow while Bron is aging a decade every year and AD even with less minutes? I would still not have much confidence to not see him on an injury report sooner then later.
Trading a FRP for those guys is just a complete waste imo. Nothing wrong with thinking outside of the box but this isn't it. |
It is a crazy idea based on LBJ's frustration of not having a consistent starting lineups and in closing games.
It has been stated and seen that this current roster is competitive with elite NBA teams while losing to teams that are lower them in the standing - typically of a team that had a complete roster overhaul and new coaches.
Westbrook-led lineups (minus LBJ/AD) have already displayed a lot more movement/fluidity on offense and great energy on defense that uncovered Bryant's shooting/energy, Gabriel's shooting/energy and JTA's defense that have shown
If the team is not dependent on a 38+ years old LBJ and an injury-prone AD playing averaging 35+MPG can limit injuries because of being fatigue while providing a greater ability to play at a higher level consistently.
It is acknowledged that the Clippers are an example of having one of the best and balanced roster in the NBA with 2 constantly injured superstars that one can consistently be competitive.
If Crowder, Bojan and/or Kuzma-like player was acquired, Lakers will instantly be a team that can rise to 4th place given all the troubles other teams in the WC are suffering.
Unless Rob can get a Pau-like trade, making these type of moves will happen in the upcoming off-season.
With all the struggles had/still suffering, they are only 3 losses away from 5th - amazingly. |
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Runway8
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Joined: 19 Apr 2003
Posts: 22835
Location: La Jolla, San Diego
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| Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2023 2:13 am Post subject: |
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I can see AD saying, "Hey, great plan. I do get hurt a lot..."
Nah, no I can't. |
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A Mad Chinaman
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:16 am Post subject: |
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| Runway8 wrote: | I can see AD saying, "Hey, great plan. I do get hurt a lot..."
Nah, no I can't. |
If AD is injured for many games from now to the end of the season and the team does not make the playoffs because of his absence, the question now becomes
What is AD willing to do to get another ring with the Lakers and LBJ next year and is this his top priority? |
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ThePageDude
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Joined: 25 Jul 2002
Posts: 2572
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:04 am Post subject: |
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| A Mad Chinaman wrote: | | Runway8 wrote: | I can see AD saying, "Hey, great plan. I do get hurt a lot..."
Nah, no I can't. |
If AD is injured for many games from now to the end of the season and the team does not make the playoffs because of his absence, the question now becomes
What is AD willing to do to get another ring with the Lakers and LBJ next year and is this his top priority? |
The contradiction in this argument is you're asking a Top-5 athlete in their sport - who's back to health - to NOT play (or play less) in order for the team to make the playoffs. |
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Big Game James
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Location: The official trout slapper of LG.net
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 6:40 am Post subject: |
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We would have the most expensive bench in the league with AD and Westbrook on the bench. That's $85 million from just two players!
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Don't make me give you a trout slap!  |
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A Mad Chinaman
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Posts: 6135
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:27 pm Post subject: |
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| ThePageDude wrote: | | A Mad Chinaman wrote: | | Runway8 wrote: | I can see AD saying, "Hey, great plan. I do get hurt a lot..."
Nah, no I can't. |
If AD is injured for many games from now to the end of the season and the team does not make the playoffs because of his absence, the question now becomes
What is AD willing to do to get another ring with the Lakers and LBJ next year and is this his top priority? |
The contradiction in this argument is you're asking a Top-5 athlete in their sport - who's back to health - to NOT play (or play less) in order for the team to make the playoffs. |
Respectfully submit that using AD (Top 5 player and has a question of being healthy/available for most of the season - like a player 10+ years older than himself, see LBJ) in the most effective fashion should be the team’s top priority
Similar situation that Pop (HOF Coach) had Manu (HOF) on the Spurs (perennial title-contending team)
It would provide a stable and consistent starting lineup
AD would be the first player off the bench and part of the closing lineup (like Manu)
Playing less MPG, but at a higher level and for more games - Win Win Win Scenario for AD, Lakers and Ham
Westbrook is a HOF and playing off the bench
Lakers have had the same AD issues for the length of his contract since winning a ring (where traveling was very limited during COVID)
Understand that egos often is more important than winning in today’s NBA
Age old axiom of “keep doing things that have failed in the past” might be a good discussion
AD has going through extensive off-season training addressing issues from past injuries, yet he is sidelined with a non-freak injury forcing LBJ to play major minutes at 38
Something has to change or adjusted
Do Laker fans want rings via FO making difficult decisions or just satisfy egos with no rings
Reactions and Actions will highlight the choices made |
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A Mad Chinaman
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Joined: 07 Apr 2005
Posts: 6135
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:27 pm Post subject: |
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| ThePageDude wrote: | | A Mad Chinaman wrote: | | Runway8 wrote: | I can see AD saying, "Hey, great plan. I do get hurt a lot..."
Nah, no I can't. |
If AD is injured for many games from now to the end of the season and the team does not make the playoffs because of his absence, the question now becomes
What is AD willing to do to get another ring with the Lakers and LBJ next year and is this his top priority? |
The contradiction in this argument is you're asking a Top-5 athlete in their sport - who's back to health - to NOT play (or play less) in order for the team to make the playoffs. |
Respectfully submit that using AD (Top 5 player and has a question of being healthy/available for most of the season - like a player 10+ years older than himself, see LBJ) in the most effective fashion should be the team’s top priority
Similar situation that Pop (HOF Coach) had Manu (HOF) on the Spurs (perennial title-contending team)
It would provide a stable and consistent starting lineup
AD would be the first player off the bench and part of the closing lineup (like Manu)
Playing less MPG, but at a higher level and for more games - Win Win Win Scenario for AD, Lakers and Ham
Westbrook is a HOF and playing off the bench
Lakers have had the same AD issues for the length of his contract since winning a ring (where traveling was very limited during COVID)
Understand that egos often is more important than winning in today’s NBA
Age old axiom of “keep doing things that have failed in the past” might be a good discussion
AD has going through extensive off-season training addressing issues from past injuries, yet he is sidelined with a non-freak injury forcing LBJ to play major minutes at 38
Something has to change or adjusted
Do Laker fans want rings via FO making difficult decisions or just satisfy egos with no rings
Reactions and Actions will highlight the choices made |
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ThePageDude
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Posts: 2572
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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| A Mad Chinaman wrote: |
Westbrook is a HOF and playing off the bench
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AD is in his prime at 29 yo, Westbrook is nearing the end of his career at 34. (similar to Carmelo in 2020). These 2 situations are not comparable.
Have you given any thought whatsoever to:
- what do you think Kobe's (or Giannis' or Brady's or Mahomes' or Chris Paul's or really any first tier athlete's) reaction would be if their FO *DARED* to ask them to come off the bench at age 29 when they're back to full health?
- you don't think AD would be thinking about his next contract? how would such an arrangement affect AD's perceived value in the eyes of other teams?
- what would this do to the player's rep in the fan's eyes? how would social media react to this? you do know how huge social media is with athletes and their families/social circles, right?
- do you think the league wants/likes teams to "dog" it during the regular season? (Remember this is NOT even remotely comparable to Kawhi who is certified as injured by a medical staff)
- what would this do to the Lakers' business relationship with their sponsors? what about their relationship with paying fans who generally want to see the best team compete?
... |
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A Mad Chinaman
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| Posted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 3:39 pm Post subject: |
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| ThePageDude wrote: | | A Mad Chinaman wrote: | | Westbrook is a HOF and playing off the bench |
AD is in his prime at 29 yo, Westbrook is nearing the end of his career at 34. (similar to Carmelo in 2020). These 2 situations are not comparable. |
Good Questions
Still performing at a high level
Curry (34)
Durant (34)
Harden (33)
PG (32)
Lillard (32)
CP3 (37)
Klay (32)
Butler (33)
DeRozan (33)
- what do you think Kobe's (or Giannis' or Brady's or Mahomes' or Chris Paul's or really any first tier athlete's) reaction would be if their FO *DARED* to ask them to come off the bench at age 29 when they're back to full health?
Kobe - He played through injuries and adapted to still win rings. No reason to ask
Giannis (28) - He's played through injuries and won a ring during a normal season. No reason to ask
Brady - Obviously he's played through injuries and won the Super Bowl many times. No reason to ask
Mahomes - Played through injuries and won a Super Bowl during a normal season. No reason to ask
Chris Paul - Still haven't won a ring despite being the team leader on various teams. Many Many reasons to ask. Even not being a "High Flyer" player, still got injured and wasn't able to bring any team he played on a ring.
- you don't think AD would be thinking about his next contract? how would such an arrangement affect AD's perceived value in the eyes of other teams?
Win multiple rings and shown that he will do anything/play any role to win titles (see Manu) can only add value to a player that is acknowledged to have have uber skills but has a checkered and longstanding issues of getting injuries. He will ALWAYS get $$$$$$$ somewhere from somebody at any time - no matter what.
- what would this do to the player's rep in the fan's eyes? how would social media react to this? you do know how huge social media is with athletes and their families/social circles, right?
Amazing that a player's reputation, social media reactions, family/social circles and NBA historians will rise to great heights that he did whatever it takes to maximize his abilities to win multiple titles where many/if not all will say that he is a Total Winner.
Of course, AD's ego to be something that he is not (Player who has always been available playing at the highest level - Driver of Da Bus) might get in the way
- do you think the league wants/likes teams to "dog" it during the regular season? (Remember this is NOT even remotely comparable to Kawhi who is certified as injured by a medical staff)
Nobdy (even the anti-Kendrick Perkins) believes that the Lakers are ever "dogging it" - LOL!
On the other hand, from Kendrick Perkins (who has complained countless times on NBA TV program) to many others are wondering how much Kwahi (along with PG) really are passionate and want to play as many games as possible. SVG on a recent tweet wondered how the bigger/stronger/faster/quicker NBA players having multiple trainers/personal trainers/latest technology that have few B2B games/chartered-personal airfare can always be injured.
- what would this do to the Lakers' business relationship with their sponsors? what about their relationship with paying fans who generally want to see the best team compete?
Sponsors want winners. AD does not get them sponsors, the Laker Brand gets sponsors to this day through tough times
Best teams are winning teams. Remember when the Heat (with the high-profiled LBJ, DWade and Bosh) was demolished by the very talented Spurs team with stars that didn't shine like the Heat's (TD, Manu, TP)?
AD (when available) will always be closing games.
Paying fans want winners and want to support players that are actually on the court.
History has proven multiple times that AD is injury prone and there has not been any revolt of ticket holders or attendance when AD has not been playing.
Laker fans want Titles
Laker fans want Rings
Players' top priority is to play at the close of the game, not to start games
Appreciate your legitimate questions and seriously doubt that this FO has the cache or vision (Rob & Ham are on 3 year contracts) to do something like this.
Somebody like Pop (who has pulled out TD/Manu/TP & 2 others players out of the game at one time when they were not playing to acceptable standards) would have the ability to make these kind of "Outside-the-Box" decisions to play quality basketball that result in winning rings. |
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