re: NBA Free Agency Thread: Day 21

quote:

---

I swear to god, if the Lakers somehow land LBJ and Melo AND retain Gasol, I will have calluses for weeks...

---

The issue you run into is that you already have Kobe's insane contract on the books and Melo is being promised a similar amount most likely. Then you throw in the fact that LeBron is also looking for a max deal. That team has zero flexibility and will be forced to be broken up in like 2 or 3 season because of the luxury tax and repeater penalties.

This is still the West we are talking about and I don't see a roster built like that being super successful because they would have a serious lack of depth.

The Kobe contract was such a waste of money. I mean if you want to build the post-Kobe Lakers, it made zero sense. He is not getting his sixth ring with a contract like that. Good for him for getting paid, but it makes no sense to me.

And yes, before it's even asked, I would potentially let him walk before offering that contract. I get them trying to show him some loyalty, but they need to build a team. BAD

I still like Bill Simmons' idea a lot. Slightly overpay some guys on 2 year deals, so you have tons of cap space in 2016 (the year KD becomes a free agent). They then pitch the Lakers to KD on the idea that he has the keys to the franchise and they are going to build around him.

If I had to put money on it I would say Melo stays in New York and LeBron stays in Miami. If Melo ends up anywhere else it would likely be Chicago and I can't see LeBron ending up anywhere other than Cleveland or Miami.

I think LeBron cares about what people think of him. Him jumping ship to the Lakers after some slight adversity in Miami would likely tarnish his legacy more in the eye's of a lot of people.

I don't see him leaving either, but it would definitely be appealing. I think it might depend on the willingness of OKC's owner to stop being so cheap.

I honestly think the perfect spot for him would be to go to DC to play in his hometown with Wall and Beal.

quote:

---

I think you're right and I'm gonna be pissed if I'm wrong. Its hard to imagine the western conference being even tougher than it is already but with those two in the west? Unreal.

---

It would have to make them seriously considering switching the playoffs to a top 16 teams format. The talent disparity is already ridiculous between the two conferences. I can't imagine how bad it would be with some of these guys heading out West.

quote:

---

Worst case scenario is them going to Dallas or Houston. Our division is already stupid hard. We don't need anymore superstars.

---

Grizz are gonna have max cap space next season with our core 4 guys likely still intact

















We will use it to likely overpay a slightly above average small forward who can shoot

Right now, I'm trying not to get my hopes up about LeBron coming to PHX because I know in all likelihood, it will not happen, but what do y'all think about the possibility of him coming to the desert? A lot of young talented players that continue to grow, shite ton of cap space, and still have 3 potential 1st rd picks next year.

Interesting point
Win the west and walk to the title against the crap east winner

Play for the western title against teams you are most familiar with and playing with fresher legs because it is one less series than the nba finals

Hadn't thought of it that way until I heard it on a podcast

The NBA playoffs would just be dumb without Lebron in the East. The Pacers would cakewalk their way to the finals.

LINK
Very nice read

I tabbed your link over and saw that it is Dan Le Batard. No thank you.