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numero-ocho
Franchise Player
Joined: 27 Jul 2004
Posts: 18203
Location: Los Angeles, CA
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 Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 6:48 am Post subject: |
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Good read by Sam Amick in USA Today. Goodwin backing off his text from yesterday.
LINK
Some interesting tidbits:
| Quote: | | The other not-so-secret reality of the Lakers’ roster? Starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the 24-year-old who is the prime candidate to be pushed out of the starting lineup by Thomas whenever Ball returns, has the same agent as James, Klutch Sports’ Rich Paul. The natural suspicion, of course, is that the Lakers would be reluctant to demote Caldwell-Pope if it meant upsetting the very people who hold so much sway with James. |
| Quote: | | Anyone who has paid attention during Thomas’ against-all-odds career knows how much he despises coming off the bench. In Nov. 2014, during an interview with USA TODAY Sports for a story about the Sixth Man stigma during his time as a Phoenix Suns reserve, he said, "(Starting) has been my mindset from Day 1, since I was a little boy. I mean, everybody wants to be a starter. I'd be lying to you if I said it doesn't bother me that I don't start." |
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Bol
Star Player
Joined: 24 Jun 2005
Posts: 4045
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 6:54 am Post subject: |
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| There's a reason why every team he's been on has let him go quickly. Hopefully we'll be the next. |
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ingle
Starting Rotation
Joined: 17 Mar 2017
Posts: 960
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 6:56 am Post subject: |
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Obviously Hart will be the one to be benched for IT. Once Lonzo returns it's KCP back to the bench. KCP isn't part of the future here and if Rich Paul doesn't like it, he can go get (bleep) since KCP has 18 million reasons to accept his benching.
I think we need to stop pretending that IT coming off the bench will be a viable option, his status in the league is an all-NBA type who has been starting for 2 of the top teams in the NBA. We can't be benching a guy like that as a lottery team.
Whether that's in our best long term interests or not, that is a separate discussion and will be resolved this offseason. |
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Nash Vegas
Star Player
Joined: 01 Sep 2012
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:00 am Post subject: |
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If there were no politics, KCP should be the one coming off the bench.
But you know Luke is going to bench Hart instead even though he's earned every single minute he's started on the court.
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Nash Vegas
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:01 am Post subject: |
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So when Lonzo returns what's the line up going to be with both IT and KCP "needing" to start?
Lonzo
IT
KCP
Ingram
Lopez
Randle back on the bench too? YUCK!!!!
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pio2u
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Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:02 am Post subject: |
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Bold move with a lot of upside.
If IT comes in and works hard, returns to form and gels with the team he could help this team rise to another level.
With the way this team is playing right now it's a new day. The acquisition of IT and Frye will only accelerate the process.
We have nothing to lose. I'm looking forward to see what he brings |
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55
Franchise Player
Joined: 04 Jan 2008
Posts: 12092
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:06 am Post subject: |
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| Nash Vegas wrote: | So when Lonzo returns what's the line up going to be with both IT and KCP "needing" to start?
Lonzo
IT
KCP
Ingram
Lopez
Randle back on the bench too? YUCK!!!! |
Ideally I'd prefer:
Lonzo
Hart
Ingram
Randle
Lopez
But there are politics involved within the game that Luke might not be able to control.
Thomas/Pope back court coming off the bench is lethal. |
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Fracture
Star Player
Joined: 01 Feb 2005
Posts: 9318
Location: Planet Terror
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:09 am Post subject: |
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| Nash Vegas wrote: | If there were no politics, KCP should be the one coming off the bench.
But you know Luke is going to bench Hart instead even though he's earned every single minute he's started on the court. |
Nah IT is the one that will be coming off the bench. He's the worst defender in the league and he can't score anymore. |
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pio2u
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Joined: 26 Dec 2012
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:16 am Post subject: |
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Technically we have four potential starting guards. That's a very good problem to have.
Personally I don't care who starts or finishes as long as we play team ball and WIN. |
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Nash Vegas
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Joined: 01 Sep 2012
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:20 am Post subject: |
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| pio2u wrote: | Technically we have four potential starting guards. That's a very good problem to have.
Personally I don't care who starts or finishes as long as we play team ball and WIN. |
It's a good problem until 2 of those starting guards cough-IT/KCP-cough start causing locker room drama for not starting.
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yinoma2001
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:35 am Post subject: |
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Lonzo has durability issues so it’s always good to have another starting caliber guard (in theory)
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32
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:39 am Post subject: |
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I just hope he doesn't ruin the chemistry we have going. Worse comes to worse we waive him.
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Nobody in the NBA can touch the Laker brand, which, like the uniform color, is pure gold. |
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Stumpy25
Star Player
Joined: 27 Oct 2016
Posts: 1314
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:42 am Post subject: |
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| danzag wrote: | | Worst defender on the league. SMH |
According to MDA best defense is a great offense, and he definitely brings that. |
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Stumpy25
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 7:55 am Post subject: |
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| 32 wrote: | | I just hope he doesn't ruin the chemistry we have going. Worse comes to worse we waive him. |
Why do you say that, because he's going to take over the game? Of course the Lakers need a closer and a star that takes over games, and also a star that can teach others how to take it to the next level. Besides if the Lakers were to get LBJ and PG don't you think our young players would have to take a back seat?
This is about becoming a force in the league and winning championships, and not be a wait and see team who manages up and coming draft players. Magic and Pelinka know that LA is about winning rings and keeping the vision of Dr. Buss by bringing in the top talent.
I think young Laker fans have become used to watching the team be a wait and hope team. They don't have the memories of how the Lakers were always the best, and that included having the best talent available. |
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laker50
Star Player
Joined: 07 Mar 2014
Posts: 2140
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:07 am Post subject: |
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When you are traded by the Cavs and Celtics they player can't be a good player.
I. Thomas has never stayed with a team long.
There must be a reason.
His ego is bigger than his game per his agent. Always has to start.
His only hope now is to be a Lou Williams type of player.
Accept role coming off bench and be a team player who
supplies instant offense coming of the bench.
This is not a bad role at all. |
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pio2u
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Joined: 26 Dec 2012
Posts: 54573
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:09 am Post subject: |
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IT could possibly make his Laker debut Saturday (if needed). He and Frye will be on the bench but I doubt that they play.
| Quote: | Mike Trudell -at- LakersReporter
Lonzo Ball will not play in Saturday’s game in Dallas since the team isn’t practicing tomorrow.
He will go through individual drills tomorrow and continue to test his knee, which Luke Walton said has gotten better since they ramped workouts up this week, and will travel w/t team.
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Lucky_Shot
Star Player
Joined: 10 Jan 2016
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:10 am Post subject: |
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Best case scenario: he returns to his Celtics form and helps us make a playoff push
Worst case scenario: his doesn't improve from his Cavs form and hurts our playoff push before getting his minutes cut.
It seems like a reasonable risk my guess is he lands somewhere in-between |
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pio2u
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:12 am Post subject: |
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| Lucky_Shot wrote: | Best case scenario: he returns to his Celtics form and helps us make a playoff push
Worst case scenario: his doesn't improve from his Cavs form and hurts our playoff push before getting his minutes cut.
It seems like a reasonable risk my guess is he lands somewhere in-between |
It's a win-win situation for the Lakers. If he returns to form great, if he falls in-between or below we can always let him walk if we don't need/want him. |
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RestEasyBlackMamba
Star Player
Joined: 24 May 2015
Posts: 3061
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:16 am Post subject: |
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| At least he's not a finals or bust team. No pressure to be the second banana. But just be a team player cause no disruptions and his whole free agency thing will play out. |
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Daphanabe
Star Player
Joined: 24 Nov 2007
Posts: 2768
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:17 am Post subject: |
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| pio2u wrote: | | Lucky_Shot wrote: | Best case scenario: he returns to his Celtics form and helps us make a playoff push
Worst case scenario: his doesn't improve from his Cavs form and hurts our playoff push before getting his minutes cut.
It seems like a reasonable risk my guess is he lands somewhere in-between |
It's a win-win situation for the Lakers. If he returns to form great, if he falls in-between or below we can always let him walk if we don't need/want him. |
Agreed. It’s all upside - if he does reasonably well, we may make the playoffs; if he’s mediocre, he may sign for cheap; if he’s speactacular it could open up sign and trade, if he’s a cancer then cut him or don’t resign him. |
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pio2u
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:20 am Post subject: |
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| Daphanabe wrote: | | pio2u wrote: | | Lucky_Shot wrote: | Best case scenario: he returns to his Celtics form and helps us make a playoff push
Worst case scenario: his doesn't improve from his Cavs form and hurts our playoff push before getting his minutes cut.
It seems like a reasonable risk my guess is he lands somewhere in-between |
It's a win-win situation for the Lakers. If he returns to form great, if he falls in-between or below we can always let him walk if we don't need/want him. |
Agreed. It’s all upside - if he does reasonably well, we may make the playoffs; if he’s mediocre, he may sign for cheap; if he’s speactacular it could open up sign and trade, if he’s a cancer then cut him or don’t resign him. |
That's it in a nutshell. Let's just sit back, let things unfold and enjoy the ride. |
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Stumpy25
Star Player
Joined: 27 Oct 2016
Posts: 1314
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:24 am Post subject: |
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| Daphanabe wrote: | | pio2u wrote: | | Lucky_Shot wrote: | Best case scenario: he returns to his Celtics form and helps us make a playoff push
Worst case scenario: his doesn't improve from his Cavs form and hurts our playoff push before getting his minutes cut.
It seems like a reasonable risk my guess is he lands somewhere in-between |
It's a win-win situation for the Lakers. If he returns to form great, if he falls in-between or below we can always let him walk if we don't need/want him. |
Agreed. It’s all upside - if he does reasonably well, we may make the playoffs; if he’s mediocre, he may sign for cheap; if he’s speactacular it could open up sign and trade, if he’s a cancer then cut him or don’t resign him. |
First of all if LBJ decides to sign with the Lakers IT will not be on this team. |
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epak
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:27 am Post subject: |
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| One positive: he can hit free throws |
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JustaObserver
Star Player
Joined: 20 May 2017
Posts: 3124
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:53 am Post subject: |
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| epak wrote: | | Jesusdelonla wrote: | | epak wrote: | | kobeandgary wrote: | | epak wrote: | IT hasn't said anything.
His agent, who should be looking out for his client, has.
I think a healthy IT will be great for our playoff push. |
I'd be surprised if Thomas wasn't speaking through his agent. |
I'd think he would like to start.
But why not bring that to Luke or Magic.
Why through a text to The Jump girl. |
i think he didnt know Rachel will share that text on live tv. |
We'll see how IT reacts to coming off the bench |
Who does the lakers got better than him at pg right now?  |
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epak
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Posts: 34147
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| Posted: Fri Feb 09, 2018 8:58 am Post subject: |
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| JustaObserver wrote: | | epak wrote: | | Jesusdelonla wrote: | | epak wrote: | | kobeandgary wrote: | | epak wrote: | IT hasn't said anything.
His agent, who should be looking out for his client, has.
I think a healthy IT will be great for our playoff push. |
I'd be surprised if Thomas wasn't speaking through his agent. |
I'd think he would like to start.
But why not bring that to Luke or Magic.
Why through a text to The Jump girl. |
i think he didnt know Rachel will share that text on live tv. |
We'll see how IT reacts to coming off the bench |
Who does the lakers got better than him at pg right now? |
BI |
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