*** OFFICIAL *** NBA 2018-19 thread

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

Enjoy Sanlmar: http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/2...ecome-disaster

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Entertaining but flawed.

Kobe & Magic were drafted and played their entire careers with Lakers.

LeBron is old and a carpet bagger. His level of self absorption makes Kobe look like a sweetheart. LeBron is an awful team mate. His skill used to overcome that. Not anymore

The article hints at optimism and is loaded with nonsense That’s the flaw

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Laker fan since ‘72. The Lakers absolutely suck on defense. There could be three reasons:
1 Coach Walton is not designing schemes to put them in a position to succeed;
2 The players are not as talented as their opponents; or
3 The players are not putting in the requisite effort.

IMHO, it is clearly number three. Phoenix puts up 130 on you? Embarrassing.

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

In the meantime, nobody is really paying attention to the fact that Kawhi Leonard his missed 18 (!!) of 64 games with the Raptors.

Most or all of these 18 have been due to "load management", which is kinda lol given the guy is 27.

I wonder how this will affect him in free agency. This has been somewhat of a bounceback after the disaster which was 2017-18 (he played 9 games total), but I'd be nervous about signing a guy like Kawhi given his weird handling of last season and the fact that they're already keeping him out of 30% of the games in Toronto in what's supposed to be one of his prime years.

Supposedly Toronto is just so tired of choking in the playoffs that they want him super fresh in April.

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Yeah, I don’t know if this is because his supposed ossification issue is real or they’re being overly careful. Unless his condition is so degenerative that it’s goikg to fall off a cliff in two years, I don’t imagine it matters. When he’s playing, he’s too good not to max.

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Originally Posted by Jayjami

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

Entertaining but flawed.

Kobe & Magic were drafted and played their entire careers with Lakers.

LeBron is old and a carpet bagger. His level of self absorption makes Kobe look like a sweetheart. LeBron is an awful team mate. His skill used to overcome that. Not anymore

The article hints at optimism and is loaded with nonsense That’s the flaw

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Laker fan since ‘72. The Lakers absolutely suck on defense. There could be three reasons:
1 Coach Walton is not designing schemes to put them in a position to succeed;
2 The players are not as talented as their opponents; or
3 The players are not putting in the requisite effort.

IMHO, it is clearly number three. Phoenix puts up 130 on you? Embarrassing.

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Embedded Tweet

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I don't watch the NBA but lol ...

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Originally Posted by BCR

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

In the meantime, nobody is really paying attention to the fact that Kawhi Leonard his missed 18 (!!) of 64 games with the Raptors.

Most or all of these 18 have been due to "load management", which is kinda lol given the guy is 27.

I wonder how this will affect him in free agency. This has been somewhat of a bounceback after the disaster which was 2017-18 (he played 9 games total), but I'd be nervous about signing a guy like Kawhi given his weird handling of last season and the fact that they're already keeping him out of 30% of the games in Toronto in what's supposed to be one of his prime years.

Supposedly Toronto is just so tired of choking in the playoffs that they want him super fresh in April.

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Yeah, I don’t know if this is because his supposed ossification issue is real or they’re being overly careful. Unless his condition is so degenerative that it’s goikg to fall off a cliff in two years, I don’t imagine it matters. When he’s playing, he’s too good not to max.

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guessing theyre trying not to push him to the max in the regular season because they want to show care with him since his big payday is coming up...basically trying to kiss his ass to try to get him to re-sign back in TOR...they gotta do everything they can...gonna be a tough pill to swallow to see him walk at the end of the year knowing you spunked DeRozan for him...they weren't gonna win a title with DeRozan, but it's still tough to ditch a top 25ish player for a one year rental if it doesn't lead to jewelry..

The bottom line is the Clippers are better than the Lakers

Jerry West is smarter than Magic

Lakers are fucked for years

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

The bottom line is the Clippers are better than the Lakers

Jerry West is smarter than Magic

Lakers are fucked for years

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I spent 5k words drunk at 4Am and it’s really this simple. That’s one sharp 80 year old. If he’s around, your organization is making smart moves. He’s worth more than a max player.

In fairness, anyone is a better evaluator of talent than maginka

You guys remember when magic raved about jahlil okafor?

My journey toward discovery of all things fail in LA, of course, is rooted in the old Celtics Lakers rivalry.

Generations of combat. LA was a worthy opponent then. There was fear and respect. You sat on the edge of your seat.

That hasn’t existed for years. The difference is stark. In all sports. It’s not that Boston is better. I love kicking my home team. I certainly am not a homer.

What I object to is the unmitigated optimism. It’s so west coast and faggot. You’re gonna be able to clock the first Bryce Harper hate editorials in the Philly press with a stop watch in contrast. East coast.

Druff talking about playoffs last week. Playoff mode? You believe that shit? West coast.

Meanwhile, Boston is murdering Kyrie. Doom and gloom. Kyrie is out last night? The Boston press is cheering. “We do better without him. Fuck that guy. Send him back to LeBron.”

Is it the meth that makes LA so happy in spite of reality? Or is it the LA reality that is responsible for the meth epidemic?

So yeah. I’m enjoying every damn moment and every article. The tears and the innocent surprise.

So Kobe Bryant’s Muse got sucked up into my vacuum. Honestly never knew it existed.

Kobe was LA to me. He certainly was polarizing. He had a selfish air about him. Hated him. He was one of the first NBA superstars that were openly self involved. That was my perception.

Yet I knew Kobe was smart. Despite the lack of college he struck me as educated and introspective. The Muse provided insight into his constant moving as a black child in Italy while his father played in Italy. Kobe was like the military child who was always the new kid at school. Basketball was an escape to something familiar in strange situations.

Later as a young teen it was a way to channel anger and aggression. Now he’s a strange kid back in the States during high school. That was key insight into his style. The style I previously hated but now I get it.

The documentary is self produced and sanitized and a lot of the juicy shit was edited out but he shared some insight and he was thoughtful. He talked about what he could.

LeBron is intellectually unable to do something similar. He hasn’t a fucking clue how he is perceived.

So Kobe talked about losing to the Celtics in 2007-2008 Finals. He said the Celtics were just nastier. They punched the Lakers in the mouth and it pissed him off. There were no fucking 2019 hugs post game between opposing players. The documentary showed clips of the ridiculous assaults that were committed in the paint. There was a player in a headband in the melee. Rondo.

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson called Rondo the "star" of Game 6 of that Finals series

Ahh, yes. Rondo.

So Kobe decided he wasn’t gonna live his life like Jerry West. Jerry West was unable to travel to Boston during the Bird/Magic years. The losing to Auerbach had been too painful. True story.

Ahh, yes. The Clippers’ Jerry West.

Kobe went back and kicked the Celtics ass in 2009-2010 Finals. (Rondo played great again.)

That I stumbled onto Kobe’s Muse and then turned on the final minutes of Lakers was an amazing coincidence and juxtaposition. Kobe included clips of 2008 Finals war with Rondo. Then we see that faggot LeBron crying tears of joy - while the Lakers are getting curb stomped.

He said that passing MJ was like winning a ring. What a faggot. Rondo knew real basketball. Rondo knew Kobe. This was completely unacceptable and a personal embarrassment. Rondo’s a deep guy with a lot of pride. Rondo sat with the fans away from the Lakers faggotry.

My boy.

History so interesting sometimes.

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

Jerry West is smarter than Magic

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He is basically a basketball genius. On top of his playing career, West helped to build the 80s Lakers, brought Shaq and Phil Jackson to LA, turned the Grizz into a playoff team, and was the basketball mind behind the current Warriors.


I personally enjoy seeing the Lakers struggle so much.

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

My journey toward discovery of all things fail in LA, of course, is rooted in the old Celtics Lakers rivalry.

Generations of combat. LA was a worthy opponent then. There was fear and respect. You sat on the edge of your seat.

That hasn’t existed for years. The difference is stark. In all sports. It’s not that Boston is better. I love kicking my home team. I certainly am not a homer.

What I object to is the unmitigated optimism. It’s so west coast and faggot. You’re gonna be able to clock the first Bryce Harper hate editorials in the Philly press with a stop watch in contrast. East coast.

Druff talking about playoffs last week. Playoff mode? You believe that shit? West coast.

Meanwhile, Boston is murdering Kyrie. Doom and gloom. Kyrie is out last night? The Boston press is cheering. “We do better without him. Fuck that guy. Send him back to LeBron.”

Is it the meth that makes LA so happy in spite of reality? Or is it the LA reality that is responsible for the meth epidemic?

So yeah. I’m enjoying every damn moment and every article. The tears and the innocent surprise.

So Kobe Bryant’s Muse got sucked up into my vacuum. Honestly never knew it existed.

Kobe was LA to me. He certainly was polarizing. He had a selfish air about him. Hated him. He was one of the first NBA superstars that were openly self involved. That was my perception.

Yet I knew Kobe was smart. Despite the lack of college he struck me as educated and introspective. The Muse provided insight into his constant moving as a black child in Italy while his father played in Italy. Kobe was like the military child who was always the new kid at school. Basketball was an escape to something familiar in strange situations.

Later as a young teen it was a way to channel anger and aggression. Now he’s a strange kid back in the States during high school. That was key insight into his style. The style I previously hated but now I get it.

The documentary is self produced and sanitized and a lot of the juicy shit was edited out but he shared some insight and he was thoughtful. He talked about what he could.

LeBron is intellectually unable to do something similar. He hasn’t a fucking clue how he is perceived.

So Kobe talked about losing to the Celtics in 2007-2008 Finals. He said the Celtics were just nastier. They punched the Lakers in the mouth and it pissed him off. There were no fucking 2019 hugs post game between opposing players. The documentary showed clips of the ridiculous assaults that were committed in the paint. There was a player in a headband in the melee. Rondo.

Lakers head coach Phil Jackson called Rondo the "star" of Game 6 of that Finals series

Ahh, yes. Rondo.

So Kobe decided he wasn’t gonna live his life like Jerry West. Jerry West was unable to travel to Boston during the Bird/Magic years. The losing to Auerbach had been too painful. True story.

Ahh, yes. The Clippers’ Jerry West.

Kobe went back and kicked the Celtics ass in 2009-2010 Finals. (Rondo played great again.)

That I stumbled onto Kobe’s Muse and then turned on the final minutes of Lakers was an amazing coincidence and juxtaposition. Kobe included clips of 2008 Finals war with Rondo. Then we see that faggot LeBron crying tears of joy - while the Lakers are getting curb stomped.

He said that passing MJ was like winning a ring. What a faggot. Rondo knew real basketball. Rondo knew Kobe. This was completely unacceptable and a personal embarrassment. Rondo’s a deep guy with a lot of pride. Rondo sat with the fans away from the Lakers faggotry.

My boy.

History so interesting sometimes.

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I wrote a long post on the old NWP site about how disappointed in Lebron I was the first time he left in 2010, and just on his personality in general, and it started me down a rabbit hole of researching how may true killers in sports had a father around. I think the urban myth is some inner city kid without a dad=harder kid. Sometimes it’s true in they appear harder, but it’s usually smoke and mirrors hiding insecurity.

An inordinate amount of the mentally toughest athletes had a dad, even in communities where 75% of kids are raised by single mothers. Then I looked at the exceptions that didn’t have a dad and they usually had older brothers or someone. It’s fucking rare as hell to find a mentally strong all timer without a father. Lebron is uniquely strange in that he was born to a 15 year old crackhead, who from all appearances is still kind of whack, and then because of his gifts became almost like a spoiled kid catered to by AAU coaches and hanger ons. I’m always interested in what makes a person tick. The Catholic schools and coaches taught him a civility that has allowed him to rarely say the wrong thing or get his hand caught in the cookie jar from some aberrant type behavior, but he’s mentally soft. He’s always played such beautiful unselfish basketball while clearly being an insecure selfish person. Strange dichotomy. Hate the passive aggressive shit. Hated the trend he started with valuing the playing with buddies thing. Not surprised Durant has followed suit. Another thin-skinned kid raised by single mother. Nothing sadder than seeing someone with his ability making dupe twitter accounts to argue with detractors. You can’t underrate dads. There is just something there that helps boys become mentally tough. There are exceptions, but not many. Lebron is a better basketball player than any of the guys you mentioned. He’s always annoyed me also. You want him to be a killer given he’s the best athlete I’ve ever seen, but it is what it is.

Wasn’t aware of the Catholic finishing school influence on LeBron. I can see it

Watched Damian Lillard again tonight in POR/OKC, where I had the OKC moneyline.

Lillard is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. The guy has incredible talent and has been carrying that Blazers team for so long, keeping them from sucking balls.

The problem is that the team around him is never quite good enough, and Lillard's own star quality gets lost when compared to Harden, Lebron, Durant, Curry, Giannis, etc.

I watched him completely own Westbrook during a crunch time play.

Whenever I watch this guy, I'm really impressed. I don't know if he could be much of a team player on a championship squad like Golden State, but rarely do I watch Lillard and not come away thinking he's really, really good.

Not that it matters, but there are also persistent rumors that he's gay and in the closet. The NBA is still one of those places where being gay is generally not accepted well. I wouldn't be surprised if he came out when his career was over.

In any case, he will probably rot away his peak years with yet another good-but-not-great Portland team, and never get that ring. Or if he does, he will get it as a 36-year-old role player on some superteam.

When I'm betting against his team, or when I have the under, I hate seeing him with the ball late in games.

but seriously how hilarious is is that lakers fans were chanting "we want kobe"?

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

Watched Damian Lillard again tonight in POR/OKC, where I had the OKC moneyline.

Lillard is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. The guy has incredible talent and has been carrying that Blazers team for so long, keeping them from sucking balls.

The problem is that the team around him is never quite good enough, and Lillard's own star quality gets lost when compared to Harden, Lebron, Durant, Curry, Giannis, etc.

I watched him completely own Westbrook during a crunch time play.

Whenever I watch this guy, I'm really impressed. I don't know if he could be much of a team player on a championship squad like Golden State, but rarely do I watch Lillard and not come away thinking he's really, really good.

Not that it matters, but there are also persistent rumors that he's gay and in the closet. The NBA is still one of those places where being gay is generally not accepted well. I wouldn't be surprised if he came out when his career was over.

In any case, he will probably rot away his peak years with yet another good-but-not-great Portland team, and never get that ring. Or if he does, he will get it as a 36-year-old role player on some superteam.

When I'm betting against his team, or when I have the under, I hate seeing him with the ball late in games.

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Good post. Agree on Lillard. Also, he is a closer. He doesn’t put up his stats in meaningless Spots when his team is way ahead or behind. His big games are close games where he takes over at the end. As someone who plays daily fantasy, you want to play Lillard when he is playing the Warriors or rockets or OKC. That should matter IMO.

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

Watched Damian Lillard again tonight in POR/OKC, where I had the OKC moneyline.

Lillard is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. The guy has incredible talent and has been carrying that Blazers team for so long, keeping them from sucking balls.

The problem is that the team around him is never quite good enough, and Lillard's own star quality gets lost when compared to Harden, Lebron, Durant, Curry, Giannis, etc.

I watched him completely own Westbrook during a crunch time play.

Whenever I watch this guy, I'm really impressed. I don't know if he could be much of a team player on a championship squad like Golden State, but rarely do I watch Lillard and not come away thinking he's really, really good.

Not that it matters, but there are also persistent rumors that he's gay and in the closet. The NBA is still one of those places where being gay is generally not accepted well. I wouldn't be surprised if he came out when his career was over.

In any case, he will probably rot away his peak years with yet another good-but-not-great Portland team, and never get that ring. Or if he does, he will get it as a 36-year-old role player on some superteam.

When I'm betting against his team, or when I have the under, I hate seeing him with the ball late in games.

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San, here’s another example. Lillard is a really mentally strong player. I saw him hit a dagger his rookie year or second season and I don’t think his pulse was above 37. I thought, this kid is a stone cold killer. He doesn’t seem heavily influenced by the vets. Just does his thing and plays.

When looking at draft stock and such, I’m looking at shit like this. Like I said, considering 80% don’t have an active father. When I go through the top 30-50 guys, they’re all amazingly physically gifted, but when you filter this guy lives on simply his physical gifts, and this guy had that and the intangibles, inordinate amount had fathers in the picture. i hate Lebron’s passive aggressiveness, but I try to put it into context. That last paragraph of below article is where I think it lies. Moms usually are all about love. Dads need to keep it real. When I see a kid who handles his business and I like the cut of his gib, I do a little research, and more often than not, there is a dad around. Armchair sports psychologist rant/

“Oakland,Calif., is one the most crime-ridden cities in the United States. A247 Wall St. review of the 2011 FBI crime data showed that in thelast two years, Oakland has had the ninth-highest murder rate inAmerica.

Drugs,gangs and prostitution have infested parts of the city over the years, creating a negative and sometimes unbearable livingcondition for the youth.

In that type of environment, it's probably more important for a young man to grow up having apositive father or father-figure around to steer them away from allthe damaging influences of the street culture.

Andthat's exactly what Houston Lillard Sr. did for his son, PortlandTrail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard.

Ah,there's too much (negative influences in Oakland), Damian said. I can go on and on, man. There's gangs, drugs, there'sa lot of stuff that goes on that he knows a lot about because he grewup in Oakland and he had family and friends living that lifestyle,he knew that game. So him passing that understanding on to me, I kneweverything that was going on and I knew I didn't want to be a part ofit."

Damiansaid for as long as he can remember, his dad has always been his bestfriend. According to Damian, he's always showed his support by goingto his basketball games, helping him with his studies, or just simplytalking about life and when life was the subject, Damian says his dadnever held back any punches.

He'sa quiet dude, but he keeps it 100 all the time, Damian said. He'san honest dude. He tells you what you need to hear, not what you wantto hear. He's like that all the time. Him being tough like that,that's how he made me and my brother.”

i feel like we're not mocking lebron and the lakers enough itt

the lakers over philly. great move lebron.

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Originally Posted by blake

the lakers over philly. great move lebron.

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yeah, especially since "Hollywood opportunities have nothing to do with it" - lescam james

this is another part of the lillard story that's nuts...not too many top guys come from programs like this...

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Originally Posted by blake

i feel like we're not mocking lebron and the lakers enough itt

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You kidding? I am thinking of quitting my job and devoting myself full time to that cause.

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

It’ll be interesting how they fold this up

The situation could get real toxic unless they sit some people. Lots of people. Providing plausible explanation for the next 18 losses.

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The question I posed was answered today. They would have lost 17 more anyway with or without LeBron but here’s the excuse we were waiting for.

Report: The Lakers Are Giving Up

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... there was a conversation had between LeBron James’s trainer and the front office, and they came to the conclusion that moving forward, LeBron James will play a minute restriction of 28 to 32 minutes, and possibly on back-to-backs, depending on how LeBron James feels, that he might sit out one of those (games). There’s 17 games left in the season. There’s three back-to-backs remaining.

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I generally regard the NBA slightly ahead of wrestling as a serious sport. The recent story that Donaghy wasn’t the only referee fixing games and that the Commissioner leaked to the public that the FBI was putting together an investigation on the rest of the referees was perfect but a surprise to no one.

When I heard the patter that Adam Silver was being discussed as a replacement for Roger Goodell I groaned. The NBA is a complete disgrace.

But then I saw this from the MIT Sloan Analytics Conference w/ Bill Simmons

I was stunned how candid Silver was. He discussed at great length the human element of being an NBA player in 2019. He clearly admits and describes the problems in the league. Zero obfuscation. I left with a 180 degree switch in my regard for Silver and now understand why they want him in the NFL.

Silver talked about how lonely and isolated players are today with social media and the process that starts in AAU. Pure gold.

Silver directly addresses Anthony Davis and the Pelicans fiasco.

I was so stunned by this firehose of honesty that I prolly missed some stuff. Collusion. No topic was too toxic. He knows we see the truth. But for a public figure to be so honest shook my understanding of humanity.

I will re-listen soon.

BCR, I personally guarantee this for you. Rated 10/10

http://youtu.be/RJ1lFirN91E

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Originally Posted by blake

the lakers over philly. great move lebron.

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7-11 >>> WaWa’s.

Deal with it.

So the FBI had some free time and recently bagged the LSU basketball coach, Will Wade, on a “pay for play” negotiation.

Like how the fuck do you think the NCAA works? You can nail anyone in any sport.

It’ll all be over soon for NCAABM

Was relistening the above Silver SSAC2019 post. Silver talks about D League and NBA content.

Hand to forehead moment. Of course, D league is original, salable content.. NCAA is gonna lose its grasp on that last year -

the “one and done” is done

The NCAA had its chance and snoozed. Greed

Enjoy your last fucking March Madness

Say goodbye to Big Baller Brand: https://pokerfraudalert.com/forum/sh...main-two-stars

Shaquille O’Neal wants Jerry West to take over Lakers after Magic Johnson quits

Just like any LA sports fan, the most delusional in sports

Jeannie Buss vs Steve Ballmer. Right. At this point in West’s life there is zero.zero chance he would spend more than 3 seconds considering this.

If Durant or anyone else was beating down Magic’s door to get on the LeBron train Magic would have stayed. Lakers are so dysfunctional (b/c of LeBron) that Jimmy Butler is prolly the guy.

As an aside, MSFT stock is killing it and Gates and by extension Ballmer are swimming in filthy moolah.

That tramp Jeannie should sell.



http://youtu.be/XYlv3FRTT34

Bet hard on the Utah Jazz to win the NBA Finals.

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

Shaquille O’Neal wants Jerry West to take over Lakers after Magic Johnson quits

Just like any LA sports fan, the most delusional in sports

Jeannie Buss vs Steve Ballmer. Right. At this point in West’s life there is zero.zero chance he would spend more than 3 seconds considering this.

If Durant or anyone else was beating down Magic’s door to get on the LeBron train Magic would have stayed. Lakers are so dysfunctional (b/c of LeBron) that Jimmy Butler is prolly the guy.

As an aside, MSFT stock is killing it and Gates and by extension Ballmer are swimming in filthy moolah.

That tramp Jeannie should sell.



http://youtu.be/XYlv3FRTT34

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Agree, except his son is on the Lakers staff, right? Give him that PBO job and maybe Jerry becomes a consultant? Better yet, fire Pelinka and give his son GM job. I would if I was the tramp. I’d hate to leave that clippers gig though when they are set up in a big way.

Jerry West Jr is a scout. Good trivia. However, that’s like being an intern.

Jerry West is 80. Even Druff will not live to see a Laker championship.

West is in the midst of a great project. Owner Ballmer was rough at first but has been a quick study. That isn’t surprising. Ownership matters.

The Clippers will be West’s final achievement. The greatest lifetime achievement in the NBA. Larry Bird was pretty good as an exec but not in the same zip code as West. You also have Ainge.

West will always have pull in the NBA to help out his kid.

You seem like a thoughtful fellow BCR. Your inference regarding Lakers concerns me.

true story, jeanie buss is legit poor by nba standards. she reportedly has no other business interests outside of the lakers which is quite unlike all other actual wealthy owners like ballmer, josh harris, etc.

she doesn’t even own that much of the lakers. i think she and her 5 siblings inherited the trust that owns a controlling interest (66%) of the lakers. each sibling received an equal percentage of the trust.

word is that she might not even be willing to fire pelinka or walton for money reasons.

sanlmar is correct and the buss family needs to sell that team ASAP

of course as a lakers hater, i hope they keep it

Looking at this prop offered during the All Star break before the rest of the world discovered the truth makes me so happy

Lakers fans will look back at the All Star break years from now as the last time they felt optimism.

TABLET - NBA REGULAR SEASON - BATTLE OF L.A. - TEAM TO FINISH HIGHER IN THE STANDINGS - LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS -145
CONTEST NOTES:

Hope we get paid tonight.

In all honesty the Lakers haven’t been the same since Chick Hearn passed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

You kidding? I am thinking of quitting my job and devoting myself full time to that cause.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

It’ll be interesting how they fold this up

The situation could get real toxic unless they sit some people. Lots of people. Providing plausible explanation for the next 18 losses.

---

The question I posed was answered today. They would have lost 17 more anyway with or without LeBron but here’s the excuse we were waiting for.

Report: The Lakers Are Giving Up

Quote:

---

... there was a conversation had between LeBron James’s trainer and the front office, and they came to the conclusion that moving forward, LeBron James will play a minute restriction of 28 to 32 minutes, and possibly on back-to-backs, depending on how LeBron James feels, that he might sit out one of those (games). There’s 17 games left in the season. There’s three back-to-backs remaining.

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I generally regard the NBA slightly ahead of wrestling as a serious sport. The recent story that Donaghy wasn’t the only referee fixing games and that the Commissioner leaked to the public that the FBI was putting together an investigation on the rest of the referees was perfect but a surprise to no one.

When I heard the patter that Adam Silver was being discussed as a replacement for Roger Goodell I groaned. The NBA is a complete disgrace.

But then I saw this from the MIT Sloan Analytics Conference w/ Bill Simmons

I was stunned how candid Silver was. He discussed at great length the human element of being an NBA player in 2019. He clearly admits and describes the problems in the league. Zero obfuscation. I left with a 180 degree switch in my regard for Silver and now understand why they want him in the NFL.

Silver talked about how lonely and isolated players are today with social media and the process that starts in AAU. Pure gold.

Silver directly addresses Anthony Davis and the Pelicans fiasco.

I was so stunned by this firehose of honesty that I prolly missed some stuff. Collusion. No topic was too toxic. He knows we see the truth. But for a public figure to be so honest shook my understanding of humanity.

I will re-listen soon.

BCR, I personally guarantee this for you. Rated 10/10

http://youtu.be/RJ1lFirN91E

---

I was going back through thread to find the Lillard posts after that fucking amazing game last night and saw your post that I had missed. I had already caught this also and found it amazing. I rarely miss anything Simmons. I don’t always agree with him, but I always love his shows and he’s like almost exactly my same age, we’re a month apart, and he talks culture so much also and between sports and culture I always feel like I’m listening to a friend who saw everything through the exact same lens as I did given how close in age we are. So I stumbled upon this the same way you did.

Who is the Blazers fan here? I know we have one. I was thinking gut, but I think he’s a twins fan, so maybe not him. That game by Lillard was just amazing and perfect after Westbrook chucking and talking shit all series and Lillard just staying cool and then taking them out. It’s rare I’ve enjoyed a game that doesn’t involve my own team that much.

That Simmons Silver interview is one to be watched and rewatched.

You recognize Simmons is a Catholic Boston guy to the core, right, BCR? Holy Cross College in Wuhsta.

Simmons is suitably cynical about Boston sports. I respect that he maintained that sensibility from his youth.

Simmons is steadily earning more time in my rotation. I actually started as a Rewatchables fan.

It just occurred to me... wonder if Bill Burr every did a piece with Simmons. Too much Boston attitude? Is that possible?

BCR, while not a Lakers fan per se, you are the sentimental LeBron quasi-apologist. You forgive his flaws and think he has value. I was recently thinking the Luke Walton rape accusation really ought to mark bottom for the ridiculous Lakers fiasco.

Truthfully, we both know it’s gonna get much worse. The surprise that comes with “how” will be the best part.

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

That Simmons Silver interview is one to be watched and rewatched.

You recognize Simmons is a Catholic Boston guy to the core, right, BCR? Holy Cross College in Wuhsta.

Simmons is suitably cynical about Boston sports. I respect that he maintained that sensibility from his youth.

Simmons is steadily earning more time in my rotation. I actually started as a Rewatchables fan.

It just occurred to me... wonder if Bill Burr every did a piece with Simmons. Too much Boston attitude? Is that possible?

BCR, while not a Lakers fan per se, you are the sentimental LeBron quasi-apologist. You forgive his flaws and think he has value. I was recently thinking the Luke Walton rape accusation really ought to mark bottom for the ridiculous Lakers fiasco.

Truthfully, we both know it’s gonna get much worse. The surprise that comes with “how” will be the best part.

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Yeah, I sound almost more familiar with Simmons than you if he is just steadily getting into your rotation. He’s been in mine for years and he has a lot of college buddies on the show who reminisce about their college years. He’s strange. A cynical homer who gives Celtics or Boston guys more rope than the national media but comes to the right opinion far faster than a typical homer. I love his NBA content. I really like this new Rusillo and Simmons weekly segment, and that’s double Boston, but I think the show really works. Simmons has great recall. As someone with really good recall, I’m hard to impress, but he will constantly pull something out and know the year,month, and just bring back good memories for me. Like all east coast sports fans, the only weakness for me is the show is pro centric and he’s completely unknowledgeable about CFB, which is my favorite sport, but no show is perfect.

You’d have to have been around when Lebron left the first time for Miami. My vitriol was off the charts. I watched and listened to every Miami lebatard podcast upon each loss, and when they lost that first finals, I don’t know if any victory from my own team ever brought me as much joy as that loss. The following year when the Thunder gave up that first ring I told Stamos, an OKC fan in this community, I’ll hate Durant and Westbrook for all eternity and his Thunder were dead to me forever, and that attitude still persists to this day as you’ll see my joy at Westbrook losing in the post I made earlier and my comments earlier this year in this thread about my hate for Durant. So like quasi-apologist maybe now, but in the same sense I can’t just stay angry at Trump all day 24/7 for 4 years, it’s tiresome to stay angry since 2010 over Lebron. . I knew who Lebron was at 20. Fantastically talented, yet the local kid who was a cowboys, duke, and Yankees fan. I knew he was a follower. Still think he’s the greatest talent I’ve ever saw play.

I hated that Miami move because I hate Pat Riley. That whole godfather schtick. Dude has coached/GM in La, NY, and Miami, and I’m supposed to be impressed he has occasionally amassed talent. Take your talents to Indiana and I’ll be impressed. Seeing him get all that credit for assembling a team that they formed amongst themselves irritated the fuck out of me. His final act after Lebron leaving him with his dick in his hand and heading out to pasture after a succession of treadmill heat teams is very gratifying. Him leaving the Heat holding the bag almost made up for leaving this second time for me. Fuck, he was on his last legs at this point. Don’t like it, but nothing approaching that prime Lebron leaving. I lived to hate him every day for 4 years straight.


Burr has been on multiple times that I can recall.

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Originally Posted by BCR

I was going back through thread to find the Lillard posts after that fucking amazing game last night and saw your post that I had missed. I had already caught this also and found it amazing. I rarely miss anything Simmons. I don’t always agree with him, but I always love his shows and he’s like almost exactly my same age, we’re a month apart, and he talks culture so much also and between sports and culture I always feel like I’m listening to a friend who saw everything through the exact same lens as I did given how close in age we are. So I stumbled upon this the same way you did.

Who is the Blazers fan here? I know we have one. I was thinking gut, but I think he’s a twins fan, so maybe not him. That game by Lillard was just amazing and perfect after Westbrook chucking and talking shit all series and Lillard just staying cool and then taking them out. It’s rare I’ve enjoyed a game that doesn’t involve my own team that much.

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Yeah it is me. Original Minnesotan, but been in Portland for a long time now. I think there was someone else also here as a fan (Corrigan? Sloppy Joe?)

That shot by Lillard was such a dagger. He knew what he was going to do the whole time. It wasn't quite as clutch as vs the Rockets in 2014, but this one will be remembered more.

I was pessimistic about this team once Nurkic went down, and assumed OKC would win the series before it started. Sour taste from last season. Never been a big fan of the Dame-CJ 1-2 combo as your 2 best guys. But Dame really keeps inching his game up higher and higher every year. CJ is content as a second banana. Kanter is like...trying to play D at least.

I'm sure this all means they might win 1 at home vs GSW in the WCF....IF they make it past Den or SA. But they are a fun ragtag bunch of dudes to watch.

Good news for Portland is that everyone in the west is dysfunctional right now.

Look what the Clippers did to Golden State with that insane comeback, and now they win game 5 in Oakland down 3-1. And this is the fucking Clippers -- not a team expected to really contend.

In the meantime, Houston has been inconsistent shit. Even tonight's victory was a struggle. It's been awhile since I've seen a team up 3-0 in the first round struggle so badly to close it out.

Denver was actually a dog to the Spurs at one point this series.

So yeah, if Porltand plays well, they can shock everyone and win the West.

Will they get past the Bucks? That might be a different story.

A futures bet on the Blazers to win the West might not be a bad idea right now.

Posted on March 8:

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Watched Damian Lillard again tonight in POR/OKC, where I had the OKC moneyline.

Lillard is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. The guy has incredible talent and has been carrying that Blazers team for so long, keeping them from sucking balls.

The problem is that the team around him is never quite good enough, and Lillard's own star quality gets lost when compared to Harden, Lebron, Durant, Curry, Giannis, etc.

I watched him completely own Westbrook during a crunch time play.

Whenever I watch this guy, I'm really impressed. I don't know if he could be much of a team player on a championship squad like Golden State, but rarely do I watch Lillard and not come away thinking he's really, really good.

Not that it matters, but there are also persistent rumors that he's gay and in the closet. The NBA is still one of those places where being gay is generally not accepted well. I wouldn't be surprised if he came out when his career was over.

In any case, he will probably rot away his peak years with yet another good-but-not-great Portland team, and never get that ring. Or if he does, he will get it as a 36-year-old role player on some superteam.

When I'm betting against his team, or when I have the under, I hate seeing him with the ball late in games.

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

Posted on March 8:

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Watched Damian Lillard again tonight in POR/OKC, where I had the OKC moneyline.

Lillard is one of the more underrated players in the NBA. The guy has incredible talent and has been carrying that Blazers team for so long, keeping them from sucking balls.

The problem is that the team around him is never quite good enough, and Lillard's own star quality gets lost when compared to Harden, Lebron, Durant, Curry, Giannis, etc.

I watched him completely own Westbrook during a crunch time play.

Whenever I watch this guy, I'm really impressed. I don't know if he could be much of a team player on a championship squad like Golden State, but rarely do I watch Lillard and not come away thinking he's really, really good.

Not that it matters, but there are also persistent rumors that he's gay and in the closet. The NBA is still one of those places where being gay is generally not accepted well. I wouldn't be surprised if he came out when his career was over.

In any case, he will probably rot away his peak years with yet another good-but-not-great Portland team, and never get that ring. Or if he does, he will get it as a 36-year-old role player on some superteam.

When I'm betting against his team, or when I have the under, I hate seeing him with the ball late in games.

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ha, i remember reading that when you posted it, can't remember if I replied or not, don't think I did. I've never heard the gay rumors, and the last couple years it became a big thing of him showing off his first kid all the time. Maybe thats part of where that came from? I dunno, but i spend waaaaay too much time reading sports things and I had never heard that before.

Dwight Howard on the other hand....

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Originally Posted by Dan Druff

Good news for Portland is that everyone in the west is dysfunctional right now.

Look what the Clippers did to Golden State with that insane comeback, and now they win game 5 in Oakland down 3-1. And this is the fucking Clippers -- not a team expected to really contend.

In the meantime, Houston has been inconsistent shit. Even tonight's victory was a struggle. It's been awhile since I've seen a team up 3-0 in the first round struggle so badly to close it out.

Denver was actually a dog to the Spurs at one point this series.

So yeah, if Porltand plays well, they can shock everyone and win the West.

Will they get past the Bucks? That might be a different story.

A futures bet on the Blazers to win the West might not be a bad idea right now.

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As much as I’d love Portland to get there, I’d be absolutely shocked if the Rockets or GS don’t win it all. I think Houston may get GS. The Jazz get you out of your game better than anyone in the league, and they still made fairly easy work out of a tough opponent.

Portland needs HOU to beat warriors then paul or harden to get hurt to have a shot. not that far fetched. wish I woulda figured that out pre playoffs, they were probably 100/1

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Originally Posted by BCR

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Originally Posted by Sanlmar

You kidding? I am thinking of quitting my job and devoting myself full time to that cause.



The question I posed was answered today. They would have lost 17 more anyway with or without LeBron but here’s the excuse we were waiting for.

Report: The Lakers Are Giving Up

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... there was a conversation had between LeBron James’s trainer and the front office, and they came to the conclusion that moving forward, LeBron James will play a minute restriction of 28 to 32 minutes, and possibly on back-to-backs, depending on how LeBron James feels, that he might sit out one of those (games). There’s 17 games left in the season. There’s three back-to-backs remaining.

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I generally regard the NBA slightly ahead of wrestling as a serious sport. The recent story that Donaghy wasn’t the only referee fixing games and that the Commissioner leaked to the public that the FBI was putting together an investigation on the rest of the referees was perfect but a surprise to no one.

When I heard the patter that Adam Silver was being discussed as a replacement for Roger Goodell I groaned. The NBA is a complete disgrace.

But then I saw this from the MIT Sloan Analytics Conference w/ Bill Simmons

I was stunned how candid Silver was. He discussed at great length the human element of being an NBA player in 2019. He clearly admits and describes the problems in the league. Zero obfuscation. I left with a 180 degree switch in my regard for Silver and now understand why they want him in the NFL.

Silver talked about how lonely and isolated players are today with social media and the process that starts in AAU. Pure gold.

Silver directly addresses Anthony Davis and the Pelicans fiasco.

I was so stunned by this firehose of honesty that I prolly missed some stuff. Collusion. No topic was too toxic. He knows we see the truth. But for a public figure to be so honest shook my understanding of humanity.

I will re-listen soon.

BCR, I personally guarantee this for you. Rated 10/10

http://youtu.be/RJ1lFirN91E

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I was going back through thread to find the Lillard posts after that fucking amazing game last night and saw your post that I had missed. I had already caught this also and found it amazing. I rarely miss anything Simmons. I don’t always agree with him, but I always love his shows and he’s like almost exactly my same age, we’re a month apart, and he talks culture so much also and between sports and culture I always feel like I’m listening to a friend who saw everything through the exact same lens as I did given how close in age we are. So I stumbled upon this the same way you did.

Who is the Blazers fan here? I know we have one. I was thinking gut, but I think he’s a twins fan, so maybe not him. That game by Lillard was just amazing and perfect after Westbrook chucking and talking shit all series and Lillard just staying cool and then taking them out. It’s rare I’ve enjoyed a game that doesn’t involve my own team that much.

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Probably not thinking of me, but I was there for game 1 and game 5.

Easily the best sports moment I've ever witnessed live. I went to the two regular season games against OKC (two hard fought losses) which made it especially sweet.

Round two will be tougher with no Nurkic and a hobbled Kanter.