2017-18 NBA Season

[CalPolyTechnique]

The guy Ingram reminds a bit of is Donyell Marshall.

 

[darthseinfeld]

The guy Ingram reminds a bit of is Donyell Marshall.

I could see it. Marshall was a pretty good player. Not a lead dog type but a guy who did enough things well to maybe be a 2 on a decent team. Marshall also would have been more relevant in todays game IMO.

At this point, they may be able to sell high on him. Which helps, because I think they will be forced to sell low on Ball.

They are in a tough spot, because getting max guys is in doubt, and they dont have there first rounder this year. I think they will have to sell FA's on the ability to convert Ingram and Ball into a quality veteran running partner. I think the top guys like Lebron, Cousins, and even George will be interested in playing with Ingram and Ball

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

I could see it. Marshall was a pretty good player. Not a lead dog type but a guy who did enough things well to maybe be a 2 on a decent team. Marshall also would have been more relevant in todays game IMO.

At this point, they may be able to sell high on him. Which helps, because I think they will be forced to sell low on Ball.

They are in a tough spot, because getting max guys is in doubt, and they dont have there first rounder this year. I think they will have to sell FA's on the ability to convert Ingram and Ball into a quality veteran running partner. I think the top guys like Lebron, Cousins, and even George will be interested in playing with Ingram and Ball

I didn’t mean it as a slight, but I think you’re spot on about Marshall fitting better in this era.

I’m much higher on Ingram than I am Ball.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I didn’t mean it as a slight, but I think you’re spot on about Marshall fitting better in this era.

I’m much higher on Ingram than I am Ball.

Another issue with Ball is that style of PG that creates for everyone is becoming antiquated. Playmaking doesnt funnel through one person anymore, teams are most effective now when it come from entire court.

 

[darthseinfeld]

Some crazy talk from me: If the Lakers are serious about luring FA's, I think they should talk to Portland around the trade deadline. Portland is over the tax, and they have pretty much maxed out as a middling playoff team. There cieling is pretty much the second round. I think the Lakers should see what it takes to get them to part with Dame. Ingram and Ball are obvious. Randle would still be an asset at that point as Portland will get his Bird and contract control. KCP's salary with those makes a match. I might be willing to deal Kuzma if it got it done.

With Lilliard on hand, the Lakers would have a much easier time luring top FA's in the offseason. Once they shed Dengs deal, I believe they will be able to carry 3 max's. Lilliard and any combo of Lebron, George, and Boggie is a very compelling big 3.

For Portland, they arent getting out of the second round of the playoffs in the foreseeable future and they are paying a hefty price for is. They have Nurkic as a core player and age wise he fits better with Ingram and Ball then he does Dame.

 

[Sarek]

Some crazy talk from me: If the Lakers are serious about luring FA's, I think they should talk to Portland around the trade deadline. Portland is over the tax, and they have pretty much maxed out as a middling playoff team. There cieling is pretty much the second round. I think the Lakers should see what it takes to get them to part with Dame. Ingram and Ball are obvious. Randle would still be an asset at that point as Portland will get his Bird and contract control. KCP's salary with those makes a match. I might be willing to deal Kuzma if it got it done.

With Lilliard on hand, the Lakers would have a much easier time luring top FA's in the offseason. Once they shed Dengs deal, I believe they will be able to carry 3 max's. Lilliard and any combo of Lebron, George, and Boggie is a very compelling big 3.

For Portland, they arent getting out of the second round of the playoffs in the foreseeable future and they are paying a hefty price for is. They have Nurkic as a core player and age wise he fits better with Ingram and Ball then he does Dame.

I don't see Magic/Pelinka giving up Ingram/Ball for Lilliard. I think Magic/Pelinka feel confident about getting the players they want in FA. I think Lebron might go to the Lakers without a big three as long as Cleveland doesn't win the NBA title this season. I also think George is looking to play for the Lakers next season regardless of who's there.

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Spurs vs Lakers
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 • 10:30 PM ET
Staples Center • Los Angeles, CA
National: TNT

 

[darthseinfeld]

I don't see Magic/Pelinka giving up Ingram/Ball for Lilliard. I think Magic/Pelinka feel confident about getting the players they want in FA. I think Lebron might go to the Lakers without a big three as long as Cleveland doesn't win the NBA title this season. I also think George is looking to play for the Lakers next season regardless of who's there.

---------------------

Spurs vs Lakers
Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018 • 10:30 PM ET
Staples Center • Los Angeles, CA
National: TNT

I really dont see it. Those guys are going to want to contend for titles and they wont for most if not all of there comtract if they are still structured around Ball and Ingram. Young players are very poor selling point with FA's

 

[Sarek]

I really dont see it. Those guys are going to want to contend for titles and they wont for most if not all of there comtract if they are still structured around Ball and Ingram. Young players are very poor selling point with FA's

I don't think George cares about any of that. I think if the Cavs don't win the title Lebron's wife and kids and his financial ties will push him towards LA.

 

[Sarek]

My brother is a fantasy NBA guy, he was preaching Brook Lopez tonight, got one 3 so far i think, will see.

 

[Sarek]

Half way through the 2nd, Lakers playing well so far.

 

[darthseinfeld]

I don't think George cares about any of that. I think if the Cavs don't win the title Lebron's wife and kids and his financial ties will push him towards LA.

That was a big reason George was unhappy in Indy was because weren't winning. Lebron could very well go to LA. But if he does, the young players are going to be Andrew Wiggins'd. In fact Magic will probably have to pitch that to him to get him. He isnt signing there to develop Lonzo and Ingram. He is going there the chase a title.

The hope for LA being able to lure 2 max's and keep there young core intact was really contingent on the teams improvement this season, to the point they could contend for a playoff birth. That hasnt come to fruition. Add to that the negative publicity the Balls have brought to the team isnt attractive to any FA they will pursue

As it stands right, cap wise LA is in a good position to pursue 2 max's in FA and can land a 3rd if they can trade their younger players for one. To me their options are to do that, or use there cap space to take on bad contracts for assets to add to their young core. I dont think there is a middle ground unless they make a frantic playoff push.

 

[Sarek]

That was a big reason George was unhappy in Indy was because weren't winning. Lebron could very well go to LA. But if he does, the young players are going to be Andrew Wiggins'd. In fact Magic will probably have to pitch that to him to get him. He isnt signing there to develop Lonzo and Ingram. He is going there the chase a title.

The hope for LA being able to lure 2 max's and keep there young core intact was really contingent on the teams improvement this season, to the point they could contend for a playoff birth. That hasnt come to fruition. Add to that the negative publicity the Balls have brought to the team isnt attractive to any FA they will pursue

As it stands right, cap wise LA is in a good position to pursue 2 max's in FA and can land a 3rd if they can trade their younger players for one. To me their options are to do that, or use there cap space to take on bad contracts for assets to add to their young core. I dont think there is a middle ground unless they make a frantic playoff push.

I respect your opinion as you probably already know, i just don't think a 3rd FA Max is as necessary for these other guys to come to LA. We will see, i really just want to start winning titles again and the fastest way there is probably best considering this slump.

I think George really has this look in his eye like he already knows he is set on LA. Lebron is just going with the flow as of now and that's why i think if he doesn't win a title this year he is going to decide to go to LA. He can keep losing in Cleveland or he can lose in LA.

 

[Sarek]

Three in a row for the Lakers, gotta start somewhere.

 

[Darthkuriboh]

basketball still exists...?

 

[CalPolyTechnique]

Another issue with Ball is that style of PG that creates for everyone is becoming antiquated. Playmaking doesnt funnel through one person anymore, teams are most effective now when it come from entire court.

You make another good point. Although, I think Ball does have traits of the modern-day PG in that he doesn’t dominate the ball, looks to distribute and contributes in other aspects (e.g. on the boards). That said, his shooting is so suspect (including at the FT) that it stifles the effeciency/effectiveness of the offense. I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment because I think his shooting will likely improve, but I’m skeptical as to how much it realistically can given how poor it’s been. I also think his ball handling is not at the level of most PGs. He’s fine in transition but in half court sets where he can be pressured he gets sketchy.

 

[darthseinfeld]

You make another good point. Although, I think Ball does have traits of the modern-day PG in that he doesn’t dominate the ball, looks to distribute and contributes in other aspects (e.g. on the boards). That said, his shooting is so suspect (including at the FT) that it stifles the effeciency/effectiveness of the offense. I don’t want to be a prisoner of the moment because I think his shooting will likely improve, but I’m skeptical as to how much it realistically can given how poor it’s been. I also think his ball handling is not at the level of most PGs. He’s fine in transition but in half court sets where he can be pressured he gets sketchy.

I think as a shooter, he can be a very effective spot up shooter in half court sets. His shooting is going to make it very tough for him to get his shot off the dribble. I think going to be to easy to contest.

 

[darthseinfeld]

We have a 9 million dollar disabled player exception we can us for a player as long as they are on the last year of their contract. We can use it inna trade or for a FA.

Id like to add another scorer, but I dont I would give up with it take for a Lou Williams rental. Noel has long been a favored player of Ainge. I think Greg Monroe is a real possibility during buyout season. Adding Randle intriguings me. Probably the most skilled player we could get, but I dont know what the cost would be

Id prefer it be a G or a big, because there is a good chance Hayward plays in the playoffs and that might any wing we add out of the rotation. A big might be best as Smart and Rozier or mortal locks and I dont know if they would be able to squeeze another guard in. At Center, Theis is behind Baynes in the rotation. He has been a solid this season, but he is easily the most upgradeable of our bench players.

If we go to a 9 man rotation in the play offs. Its Smart, Rozier, Morris, and probably Theis. If Hayward plays, then Baynes is likely coming off the bench, and Theis is dropped. Rozier's scoring has really come on of late, and Morris has been shooting pretty well when he plays, so I think our bench scoring issues might solve themselves to a point. I think another interior presence would be best

 

[Sarek]

Lakers vs Mavericks
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 • 2:00 PM ET
American Airlines Center • Dallas, TX
Local: SpecSN/D, FSSW-DAL, SpecSN/D
Radio: 710 AM ESPN / 1330 AM ESPN DEPORTES, ESPN 103.3 FM / 1270 AM (ESP)

 

[Sarek]

Wow Dirk Nowitzki can barely move around these days. It looks like he's struggling to just walk up and down the court. Was great career, looks like it's time for him to pack it up.

 

[Sarek]

Lakers continue winning, its a 4 game winning streak now.