LAKERS vs CELTICS: Race to the next championship

EZ-Ryder · Starting Rotation Joined: 11 Jul 2013 Posts: 843

Honestly the Celtics are set up perfectly right now, and that pains me to say.

They have one of the best coaches in the league.

A record that they have no business having, but because of their system they are balling right now.

Their two best players on ridiculously good deals.

A top pick this year.

And room for two max free agents this summer.

The Celtics could realistically be a player for Horford this summer and if that happens, or they get another top free agent, then Durant will seriously, seriously consider them.

Thomas
Bradley
Crowder
Durant
Horford

If that team is in play I don't think Durant passes it up.

Edit: Smart at the 2 and Bradley off the bench.

pjiddy · Retired Number Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 29059

Deathstroke · Star Player Joined: 10 Dec 2015 Posts: 2131 Location: OC

panamaniac · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 11:31 am Post subject:

Seeing the Celtics land KD would sure suck. But I don't see how something like Horford/Thomas/Bradley is better than what he currently has in OKC. That team would have very little upside. If Durant was wise he'd press on Presti to hire a legit coach. That is the only essential he's lacked throughout his whole career. Or he could just sign with the Warriors.

pjiddy · Retired Number Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 29059

Difference is, coming out of the East, you'd only have to face one of the Warriors/Spurs. Chances are you have to go through both in the West. And facing the Warriors one (or even two) rounds later than you'd have to in the West is not insignificant. That's an extra round (or two) for injuries or suspensions. Not to mention it's just easier to pile up wins in the East and your first round is much less of a grind than it would be in the West.

KindCrippler2000 · Franchise Player Joined: 02 May 2003 Posts: 15821

Assuming OKC doesn't win a championship this season, here are my possible destinations for him:

1) Golden State - Logical destination for Durant if they fail to repeat. Wants to play for contender, but wouldn't be seen as ring chasing.

2) Boston - Good young foundation. Exceptional coach. More system oriented than OKC. Durant would have to unlearn the bad habits he accumulated in OKC.

3) OKC - He'll give them one more year to make it right.

4) LA - Only and only if they hire Ollie as a coach. That's the only way he'll consider us.

Deathstroke · Star Player Joined: 10 Dec 2015 Posts: 2131 Location: OC

Deathstroke · Star Player Joined: 10 Dec 2015 Posts: 2131 Location: OC

yinoma2001 · Retired Number Joined: 19 Jun 2010 Posts: 119487

I'd put Spurs at the head of the list. Won't be ring chasing on the Warriors. Gets to team up with fellow U of T guy LMA, and have Kahwai do all the dirty work on defense.
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panamaniac · Posted: Thu Mar 17, 2016 12:02 pm Post subject:

OKC
Warriors
Spurs

Don't think us or Boston are even in the discussion. Though I do reserve the right to pipe every now and again until he signs with someone.

32 · Retired Number Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 73062

Odds to get the #1 pick.
Lakers 19.9%
Celtics 15.6%
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Lakers2015 · Star Player Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 2315

So who's ahead now?

As I said all along the Celtics weren't likely to get a star in the draft Ie Simmons or Ingram and they're just a first round exit.

Now what? They have to pray Brooklyn doesn't get any better and that pick is there again next year.

It's don't think there's any question the Lakers are ahead in the race for the next championship.
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governator · Retired Number Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 25083

Celtics's millions picks vs our max cap space... race to get a star

LakerDynasty6.0 · Star Player Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 4656

KobeRe-Loaded · Franchise Player Joined: 09 Dec 2003 Posts: 14944

Hahaha.. never stop hating the Celtics.

I do like Brad Stevens tho

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governator · Retired Number Joined: 28 Jan 2006 Posts: 25083

LakerDynasty6.0 · Star Player Joined: 12 Jan 2009 Posts: 4656

lakerhaterhater · Starting Rotation Joined: 03 May 2016 Posts: 402

32 · Retired Number Joined: 04 Nov 2009 Posts: 73062

I think Boston will try to trade the #3 pick with #16 pick and some 2nd round picks plus players like Smart/Sullinger/Olynyk to try and land a star. Possibly Cousins.
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lakers4life78 · Posted: Wed May 18, 2016 9:18 am Post subject:

Obviously the Celtics had a very good season, but that roster doesn't have much star upside, and it's filled with 3 and D overachievers. With the third pick, they're outside of that top 2, who project to be stars. Of course this was a gravy pick for them because of a brutal Nets trade 3 years ago, but they had their sights set on a top 2 pick. The entire thing with Boston is trading their assets for an established player. Easier said than done when you don't have a player with huge upside. Boston has never been a FA destination. Their roster is very mid 90s Lakerish, without Kobe and Shaq coming through that door.

Yes, the Celtics are currently much better than the Lakers, but I'd rather have the Lakers current situation. Lakers' young core has much more upside and the Lakers have the most cap space in the NBA plus they'll always be a more attractive FA landing spot than Boston, despite the CBA.
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Lakers2015 · Star Player Joined: 16 Feb 2015 Posts: 2315

Oliver Reed · Posted: Wed May 18, 2016 9:23 am Post subject:

Deathstroke · Star Player Joined: 10 Dec 2015 Posts: 2131 Location: OC

Boston has more assets to try to trade for Jimmy Butler, Cousins, or Paul George if those guys want out of their current teams. I hate how Ainge has accelerated their rebuild and brought them so much further than the Lakers are.