Monty Williams' 2nd interview today. Big contingent going to Philly, sounds like he's the leader and this is probably it. Ty Lue was reportedly in Vegas a couple days ago gambling..and said he wouldn't be coaching next season.
2 minutes for Zu in the finale. We was robbed. So Jeanie and Rob accidentally CC'd Magic in one of their emails talking shit about him. Mystery of why Magic resigned without telling Jeanie solved. That relationship may never be the same. Magic still loves the team though, says he's still going to help them recruit Kawhi and others this offseason. He's still the GOAT. Now he can tamper in peace
Spurs done again. Pop's decision coming soon. They've built quite a mess in S.A. between big money/long 2 dinosaurs Aldridge and Derozan. Although, Forbes did show nuts of steel in Game 7, so maybe they have a young role player worth keeping long term. Doesn't sound like LAL is an option for him, at least not yet. But Pop should be contemplating getting the fuck out of the mess he's built in S.A. and finding a new home.
I wonder how long the fix has been in. Pelinka/Kobe might have this in the bag all along that's why he sitting back so cool the whole time. Kawhi signs this year, Davis the next.
Or maybe he is perfect for it. He just has to give a placating answer, give a wry look, drop his head and take the first exit tunnel into his car off to Laguna Beach away from Hollywood.
You couldn't imagine Kawhi as a NBA superstar when he entered the league either. Very few could, but it worked out. Out of all the LA kids..Derozan, George, Westbrook, Harden, etc. there damn well better be one that can handle being a Laker great.
Couple people sending signals. For one of the sources, looks that way. Kawhi's own sister runs some of his social media stuff and she's been dropping little hints that it's always been LAL for Kawhi. Kawhi's whole family are staunch Laker fans. Heard week before last that Paul/LeBron have felt they had Kawhi in the bag as early as October. After the LAL/Raptors' game.." we'll be in touch " was real stuff. The other source is just this twitter handle that's been on top of a lot of stories around the league and people are running with one of his recent posts. But the one guy who was on top of LAL/AD last summer is even on to it now. That Magic is still buzzing around and saying he's going to help recruit free agents, there's more than likely a big win coming. I imagine this is going to happen, but that the media will still be pushing " Kawhi to Clips " for drama purposes. No league does drama better than the NBA..remember how LAL/AD talks shit on the Super Bowl.
We dont know shit when it comes to Leonard. Which is a good thing. I think at this point, one good pitch and he could sign. Question is who is this guy? If he values his privacy and wants to stay under the radar, then we definitely arent for him. If he wants to be closer to home. Wants to bring this franchise back from the ashes and be a potential legend then we definitely are for him. Maybe he values winning most. If that's the case and the Raptors continue advancing, they may be the team for him. They are better than us and play in the east. That team will be top 3 no question the next few years. Maybe the clippers lure another guy and with Leonard will definitively be better than us, with a more stable situation and a coach that's the franchise coach? Maybe he likes the beach? Who knows.
Uh oh. Ty Lue wants Thibs as an assistant. Better not let Thibs handle practices or they're in hell of a lot of trouble And Kobe says " no " he will not be getting any official titles with LAL's FO. More focused on running his daughter's team
Zu watch over. Now the Lopez watch begins. 26 minutes, 1-5 FG, 3 points, 3 rebounds, 3 fouls. Makes sense. He got $3M in free agency C's look smart enough to run him out of the series too. We'll see
Also a report about a week ago that said Kawhi's teammates in Toronto believe he's leaving for LA after the season. All pretty much adding up at this point. That report, this report, hints from Kawhi's sister on IG, LeBron's words to Kawhi after the game weeks ago, etc. Personal prediction: Lakers land Kawhi and Danny Green in free agency. The media's narrative, that Kawhi doesn't want drama, has never made much sense to me given that one of the theories behind his departure from SA is actually the size of their market and their irrelevance. Kawhi and his people reportedly complained about Jordan's sig shoe offer, but he's quiet and was with a weak brand in San Antonio, so how does he move shoes in that setting? And the Clippers are just another weak brand, as are the Raptors. Irrelevant franchises. What they do in one season or over the next 5 seasons..frankly the shit doesn't matter. Not in comparison to what the Lakers mean in terms of exposure. Lakers are always here for the drama, but they're also a stalwart as the top brand and bring bags of the green stuff. Will it be a challenge for his personality type? Maybe. Maybe not. Either way, that's why LAL titles are worth more and why their legends last longer. Clippers aren't even certain to be in LA for good, could be playing elsewhere in 10 or so years, and then where does a great Clipper's legacy live on? Look at Gary Payton for example..no team in Seattle, so he has nowhere that honors his contributions on the NBA level. Things to think about if you're on Kawhi's level and legitimate greatness awaits. Easy argument for LeBron to make..more than likely one of the reasons why LeBron said he'd never wear a Clipper uniform. We know those Laker statues in front of Staples aren't going anywhere.
I hate the NBA. I know I've been caught groveling for the likes of Bryce Harper and other stars to join the Dodgers, but basketball is the only sport where the solution is always poaching or luring a player away from another team. "All we need to do is replace the entire roster with player x, y, and z". The front office and players are more focused on players from other teams than the ones already on the roster. No other sport, man. So gross. Unwatchable. Same goes with head coaching. the next guy is always the savior. Lakers arent winning anything for a long long time. Couldn't care less.
Sounds like Juwan Howard aced his interview. Wish he was open to leaving Miami, anyway, for an assistant's gig at least
" Just got a chance to read some of these articles about Rob Pelinka supposedly promising me I'd stay in LA. Wanted to clear the air and say that is not the case. This league is a business and we all know it. Rob and I had and still have a great relationship. " - Larry Nance Jr. 4/30/19 Seems more realistic. Even if Pelinka had told him as much, would've been dumb or naive of Nance to buy it. Good to see he's not whining about it all. He never really seemed like a snowflake, but you can never be too sure. The business isn't cut out for everyone.