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What Do James and Davis Deals Mean for the Future of the Lakers?

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It’s been a hell of a week for Rob Pelinka and Lakers Nation. Yesterday, LeBron James signed a two-year $85 million extension, and this morning, Anthony Davis signed a five-year $190 million extension with the Lakers (obviously). Before I get into things, I need to bring up the fact that this deal was announced by Woj at 4:40 AM Pacific time. I have two possible explanations as to how this deal was completed while the entire West Coast was dead asleep. Either they were up ALL NIGHT trying to get a deal done, which caused them to work into the early hours of Thursday OR Davis and Pelinka are on the East Coast. Either way, it’s pretty insane that the deal was announced when it was, mostly because it probably went seemingly unknown for hours until us LA folk started waking up. If I sounds unappreciative, I promise I’m not…waking up to this news rivaled waking up on Christmas morning.

The James and Davis deals (I would assume) ends an extremely eventful offseason for the Lakers after acquiring or resigning: Jared Dudley, KCP, Markieff Morris, Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrel, Dennis Schroder, and Wesley Matthews.

The Lakers absolutely got better ahead of the 2020-2021 season, but it is worth noting they parted ways with a few key contributors from last season: Danny Green, Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, JaVale McGee, and Dwight Howard.

Out on Giannis

Now that the Lakers lineup seems to be pretty much set for this coming season, what do the massive extensions to James and Davis mean for the future of the Lakers? Well first of all, I think it pretty much takes them out of the Giannis sweepstakes. Because of the cap, it’s nearly impossible for them to sign Giannis as a free agent without other players (the most expensive being Davis and James) taking a significant pay cut. Their only real shot at getting him now would be a massive trade in which the Lakers would most likely need to trade away pretty much their entire roster. Seriously though, how many games do you think a three-man team made up of only LeBron, AD, and Giannis would win? I would honestly put the over/under at 50…and even that might be too low.

It would be absolutely insane if the Lakers added Giannis to the two-headed monster that is LeBron and AD, and for that reason, I am out. Even though LeBron is nearing 40, he’s still at the height of his powers, as evidenced by his 2020 Finals MVP award. I can’t in good conscience support adding arguably the best player in the league to this team. After LeBron is gone I have absolutely no problem with adding Giannis, but to add him now would be an embarrassment of riches that no other team in the NBA would be able to compete with.

The Future of LeBron James

My first thought when I saw LeBron only extended for another two years, I thought it meant he plans to retire after the 2022-2023 season. However, in constructing his deal the way he did, he’s actually making more money per season now than he was before, and it doesn’t conflict with the over-38 rule in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. Plus, he’ll be able to stick around for Bronny to enter the NBA (in 2023), should the rules change to allow players to straight out of high school to enter the NBA draft. Should Bronny even be good enough to get drafted straight out of high school, they’ll only be able to get him in the 2nd round anyway, since they traded away their 1st round picks until the end of time to the Pelicans.

It’s hard to imagine LeBron leaving LA since it was more of a career and lifestyle choice to move here in the first place, but should Bronny be a lottery pick when the 2023 draft rolls around, is 38/39 year-old LeBron willing to relocate to Charlotte or Detroit to play with his son? Unlikely. I still think we’ve got him until he decides to call it quits, but who knows how much longer we have him after 2023.

The Future of Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is a Laker for life. Unlike in the MLB, where we’ve seen guys sign contracts in the double digits in terms of years, the NBA tops out around five or six years. Davis’ five year extension means the organization plans to keep him around for along time, and means AD is willing to give his prime years to the Lakers. Assuming he stays healthy and competitive, I don’t see them parting ways in the future. He’s already won a championship here, they’ll be competitive for years to come, and all indicators show he loves being in LA…and we love him too. He’s a great locker room guy and someone any GM would dream to build around in the post-LeBron years.

Unlike other guys like Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and John Wall, who have bad relations with teams they thought they’d be with forever after signing massive deals, AD is different, and his situation is different. The main factor being that he has already won a championship. Those other guys have been on frustrating teams that were never able to win the last game of the year, which lead to them being unhappy. Davis on the other hand, seems like he could not be happier to put on a Lakers uniform every day, hopefully for the rest of his career.

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Los Angeles Times Reports City Could Cancel All Sporting Events and Concerts Until 2021

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Via LA Times:

Los Angeles may hold off on allowing big gatherings until 2021 because of the coronavirus threat, according to an internal Los Angeles Fire Department email reviewed by The Times.

Mayor Eric Garcetti raised the issue during his weekly briefing Monday with a group of high-level staff from several departments, including Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas. Garcetti indicated during the conference call that “large gatherings such as concerts and sporting events may not be approved in the city for at least 1 year,” according to the email.

…

Garcetti also talked during the conference call with his staff about reopening the economy, starting with “essential businesses and small businesses … phased in over a period of time (6-10 months),” according to Richmond’s email.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday that events that draw hundreds or thousands of strangers will be off limits for the near future, based on current guidelines.

As someone who was really looking forward to seeing the Eagles in concert and the Dodgers and Lakers bringing titles back to LA this year, this is another major blow. Although, at this point, nothing surprises me anymore. I’ve accepted the fact that it’s a long shot any sporting events or concerts are held before 2021 due to how rapidly COVID-19 can spread.

The LA Times article didn’t mention whether or not teams would be able to play in empty stadiums/arenas, but any gatherings with hundreds or thousands of people are out of the question. Aside from the health risks, I’m curious to know what the public perception will be after the government declares it’s okay to return to our normal routine. Honestly, I’ll probably avoid large gatherings until I get vaccinated because it’s not like the virus magically goes away as soon as the government lifts the quarantine order.

I know most people think they’re invincible but I’ve seen enough healthy young people hospitalized by COVID-19 to know that it’ll be dangerous for a while. Especially for a city like L.A., where there’s a plethora of concerts and sporting events on a daily basis it’s probably best to keep everything closed until we’re sure everything’s safe. People come from all over the country and world to visit L.A., which only heightens the chances of someone spreading the virus…all it takes is one. Until then, for the love of god, keep Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit safe at all costs.

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The Lakers Lose Their Fourth Game in a Row. Time to Press Panic Button?

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FOUR LOSSES IN A ROW.

Let that sink in. The Lebron James and Anthony Davis-led Los Angeles Lakers have lost four games in a row, tonight’s loss denying me of my most coveted Christmas present: a win.

I’m pissed, I really am. One could make excuses for their previous three losses being that Lebron and AD didn’t play in a couple of them, but there’s no excuse for tonight’s loss; they both played AND Kuzma was wet all night, leading the team with 25 points.

It’s hard to sit here and complain about a team that’s still 24-7, but there’s really some cause for concern with this team. There’s such a monumental drop off in talent after AD and Lebron it’s scary. Danny Green, a guy we’re supposed to count on to be a shooter only had six fucking points tonight! If Kuzma didn’t have such a hell of a game it no doubt would have been a lot uglier. Despite a decent stat line, Lebron played like shit tonight too, going 9-24 from the field, and turning over the ball on the Lakers last hope possession to end the game.

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It doesn’t bother me that the Lakers blew a 16-point lead, or that the personification of low top black Air Force 1’s (Patrick Beverly) got Lebron to turn the ball over with seconds left in the game, it’s how they did it. This Lakers team simply just doesn’t want it as bad. I don’t think they’ve realized that they have a huge target on their backs, and that every team wants to beat their ass. They’re going to face the best version of whatever team they’re playing every night, which is the cost of having two superstars on one team. For example, the Clippers play differently against the Lakers; that’s the only way you can explain the fact that they’ve lost to the Suns and Pelicans, but have beaten the Lakers on both occasions. And it’s the same for every team the Lakers will play, because of the organization and the star-studded talent.

This Lakers team thinks they’re the shit because they started out hot, but what all of their losses have shown is that they can’t win the big game. All their losses have been to top teams – Clippers, Bucks, Mavs, Raptors, Nuggets, and Pacers.

It’s time to hit the panic button if I’m Rob Pelinka. With the star power on the Lakers roster, there’s no way they can continue to lose these types of games. At some point they’re going to have to beat a team like the Bucks or Clippers to establish their dominance…if not, they’re just a decent team that beats up on all the weak NBA teams as they should.

After this series of losses there’s no doubt in my mind they’ll put together a trade package for a legit guard in the next week or so. Bradley and Rondo, specifically are so bad, I want them off this team immediately. I really tried to give them a shot, but I don’t see hope for either of them. Guys like Dennis Schroder and JJ Redick have been tossed around in trade rumors with the Lakers, and honestly, either of those guys would be huge upgrades from Bradley and Rondo.

Regardless of what the front office is thinking at the moment, the Lakers seem to have been exposed, and they need to make a move or two to get themselves on par with the rest of the league. I’m tired of this shit.

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Missing AD and Kuzma, Lakers Snap 14-Game Road Winning Streak

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Excuse me for being an ignorant Lakers fan, but at this point, I just assume they’re going to win every game. I should’ve realized that without Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma tonight, they would be tested – which was obviously the case. The Lakers lost their first away game of the 2019-2020 season tonight in what was a very close game against the Indiana Pacers.

The 14-game road winning streak was the third-longest in NBA history, which makes sense for a team with only four losses through 28 games. To be a truly great team you have to be able to win on the road, and although there have been some close calls, this Lakers team is finding a way to win.

They’ve had their share of close calls:

  • @ Dallas (119-110 OT)
  • @ OKC (130-127)
  • @ Memphis (109-108)
  • @ NOLA (114-110)
  • @ Atlanta (101-96)

Although some of these games were close calls, all that matters is that they pulled out a win. Yeah maybe the box score is ugly, and analysts will criticize the team for not beating up on inferior opponents like the Pelicans or Hawks, but who cares? The Lakers have not lost to a bad team yet this season. Their only losses this season have been to the Clippers, Raptors, Mavericks, and Pacers – all solid, playoff-bound teams. Most teams slip up once or twice against inferior opponents, but the teams that beat the teams they’re supposed to beat make the losses against competent teams easier to swallow.

Especially without AD and Kuz, the bench had to step up tonight, which they did decently well. The biggest surprise of the Lakers’ season so far, Dwight Howard was a perfect 10/10 from the field, along with six rebounds and two blocks. Rondo and Caruso also chipped in and put together solid games.

Despite the loss, I’m so damn excited about this Lakers team. They’ve showed that they can get it done in close games and on the road, which is excellent practice for the playoffs. And did you like how I went an entire Lakers blog without mentioning Lebron? I recognize he’s not the only player on the Lakers worth mentioning….but still #myKING.

Also, never thought LebronXSuperman was the duo I was missing all my life

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The Sports Equinox

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There is so much going on today. Word Series game 1 between the Astros and Nationals, the NHL is in full swing, and the NBA season starts today. Really, just a great day to be a sports fan.

(Yes I realize it’s NFL season but there aren’t any games today).

There’s a lot I could say, but I’m going to start with the World Series. We’ve got the powerhouse Astros vs. the underdog Nationals. Look, I just had my heard ripped out of my chest a couple weeks ago after Howie Kendrick decided to be raw for once in his life and basically walked it off against the Dodgers. But look, I respect the hell out of what the Nationals have done. I mean to come from behind and win the Wild Card game, beat the best team in the NL, then embarrass the Cardinals to make it to the World Series, I cant help but root for them. Then they have a great starting staff and Rendon, who is sooo under the radar for how good of a season he’s having.

Then you have the Astros, also with great starting pitching, and a lineup that still keeps Aaron Boone awake at night. But everyone predicted them to be in the World Series…no surprise there. So, I have to say that even though there is a very good chance the Astros run away with the series, the baseball fan in me hopes for a competitive series, but hopefully for another Nationals upset.

Now on to the NBA. I think we are in store for one of the greatest NBA seasons in recent memory. After Kevin Durant ruined the league a few years ago, I think order has been relatively restored after the best offseason I’ve ever witnessed. I still think Stephen A. Smith still gets a chub from all the content he was given for First Take. But anyway, there are so many storylines to follow.

In my mind the battle for LA between the Lakers and Clippers is the most intriguing, and how could it not be? You have the Clippers, who have been decent for years, but always got knocked out in the 1st or 2nd round, now able to make a legitimate run for the Finals. Then you have the Lakers who have stunk the past few years ALSO able to make a run at the Finals. Plus you have 4 superstars in Lebron, Anthony Davis, Kawhi, and Paul George all playing in the same building! It’s gonna be real interesting to see how that dynamic works out since the Clippers will always be the little brother in LA.

As for the rest of the league, it’s going to be interesting how D’Angelo Russell fits in with the Warriors, and how they deal with Klay likely out for the season.

Rockets will be very fun to watch, especially with two reunited ballhog teammates in Russell Westbrook and James Harden. I honestly don’t know how that situation will work out especially with Russ being such a vocal presence, and it being Harden’s team, but they’ll still be very good nonetheless.

Nets will be contenders in the dumpster fire that is the Eastern Conference, but they’ll be going up against the Bucks and Celtics, who had good off seasons as well. It’ll be more interesting when Kevin Durant is back in the mix next year, so I’d think of this year as a transitional season for them.

As for today specifically, we have two NBA games: Lakers bs. Clippers and Pelicans vs. Raptors. I’ve already talked enough about the LA teams, so as for NOLA and TOR, this should be an interesting game. No doubt it’s gotta be tough as a Pelican, not only for having one of the worst mascots in the NBA, but having just lost Zion for 6-8 weeks, that’s a major blow to that offense. As for Toronto, it’s no secret they’re not the same team without Kawhi, but they’ll probably win this game as they’re more experienced and still have plenty of pieces that can make them contenders in the East.

Bottom line is that if you’re not watching one of these games today, you’re going to be missing out.

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