Article on Kobe screwing up the Lakers

Fire_Marshall_Bill

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2632938-la-lakers-paid-immeasurable-price-for-kobe-bryants-farewell-tour

Yeah I get it. It's not his fault. Everyone has to make all the money they can when they can. He was fine shooting 35% and getting all his glory throughout his farewell tour though.

I won't miss this jerk.

Tequilla

Alternative side of this is that the Lakers were in a transition, couldn't really get anybody, and as a result, ensured that Kobe stayed a Laker for Life while tanking in enough of a way to supplement a couple of big free agent signings when he retired with some high end young talent trying to find its way.

When the Lakers and Celtics are bad, it's only a matter of time before they get their shit together and be the Lakers and Celtics.

NEsnake12

Tequilla said:

Alternative side of this is that the Lakers were in a transition, couldn't really get anybody, and as a result, ensured that Kobe stayed a Laker for Life while tanking in enough of a way to supplement a couple of big free agent signings when he retired with some high end young talent trying to find its way.

When the Lakers and Celtics are bad, it's only a matter of time before they get their shit together and be the Lakers and Celtics.

Agree that it was the smart move to keep Kobe and tank.

But Lakers are much farther away from getting their shit together than the Celtics, and it'll be a long time before they're legit competitors in the West again. The future talent in Russell/Randle/Clarkson is promising but they're a long way off from some of the other young talent out there. Lakers need a coach and a new superstar first before they can even dream of competing. And then they need to wait for the Warriors to calm the fuck down, which doesn't seem like it's gonna happen any time soon.

Meanwhile, Celtics are one good forward away from being the best team in the East. Brad Stevens is already a top 5 coach and will anchor that franchise for years to come.

TierbsHsotBoobs

Tequilla said:

Alternative side of this is that the Lakers were in a transition, couldn't really get anybody, and as a result, ensured that Kobe stayed a Laker for Life while tanking in enough of a way to supplement a couple of big free agent signings when he retired with some high end young talent trying to find its way.

When the Lakers and Celtics are bad, it's only a matter of time before they get their shit together and be the Lakers and Celtics.

Jerry Buss is alive again?

sarktastic

Kobe = Meadowlark Lemon

Fire_Marshall_Bill

Tequilla said:

Alternative side of this is that the Lakers were in a transition, couldn't really get anybody, and as a result, ensured that Kobe stayed a Laker for Life while tanking in enough of a way to supplement a couple of big free agent signings when he retired with some high end young talent trying to find its way.

When the Lakers and Celtics are bad, it's only a matter of time before they get their shit together and be the Lakers and Celtics.

Right but in the article it said he impeded the young guys. I think tanking is overrated and usually it's a tactic used by loser franchises in all sports and they bungle it, and the good franchises take advantage. Also, whomever is in charge is an idiot and that's clear (Genie Bus?). It's not the Lakers of yesteryear who are down for two years, then rebound to win 55 games quickly.

Tequilla

Jeanie Buss manages the business side and Jimmy Buss manages the basketball side. Jimmy will probably step aside and let the brains of the family run it all in next few years.

In fairness, neither Russell or Randle are in a position where they should be leading a team ... say what you will about Kobe but you can't diss his work ethic.

allpurpleallgold

NEsnake12 said:

Tequilla said:

Alternative side of this is that the Lakers were in a transition, couldn't really get anybody, and as a result, ensured that Kobe stayed a Laker for Life while tanking in enough of a way to supplement a couple of big free agent signings when he retired with some high end young talent trying to find its way.

When the Lakers and Celtics are bad, it's only a matter of time before they get their shit together and be the Lakers and Celtics.

Agree that it was the smart move to keep Kobe and tank.

But Lakers are much farther away from getting their shit together than the Celtics, and it'll be a long time before they're legit competitors in the West again. The future talent in Russell/Randle/Clarkson is promising but they're a long way off from some of the other young talent out there. Lakers need a coach and a new superstar first before they can even dream of competing. And then they need to wait for the Warriors to calm the fuck down, which doesn't seem like it's gonna happen any time soon.

Meanwhile, Celtics are one good forward away from being the best team in the East. Brad Stevens is already a top 5 coach and will anchor that franchise for years to come.

This is nonsense. They're both in the exact same position. They need a superstar. Brad Stevens does seem like a great coach but you ain't winning shit with that roster and one more good player. They've got enough good players, they need a great one.

They both have have high picks, assuming the Lakers don't lose theirs. If they get a star they're good. Otherwise they are the exact same team. One of the worst records in the league is equal to a middle of the pack eastern conference team. And while Boston may have a better foundation, the Lakers can always just sign free agents.