next »

[saltlover]

We played well last night, but they had no defense and couldn't take care of the ball on offense.  Ugly!

Next year could be just as bad, and they have few options to get better.  Their committed salary for five players, plus the non-guaranteed portion of Chris Duhon's contract, is already over $68 mil.  And that's not including MWP's opt-out, which I have no idea if he'll exercise (I don't think it makes sense to, but sense and Metta World Peace don't go together.)  So they will have no options to add to this horrific team through free agency other than the tax-payer mid-level and minimum contracts, since sign-and-trades are no longer available to taxpayers.

And then there's their luxury tax situation.  This year's tax rate isn't terrible, since it's a dollar-for-dollar tax above the line, but they're still paying about $30 million in tax.  In other words, this year's lottery team will have cost $130 million for players, and a lot more for "coaching."  Assuming that they do sign Dwight to his max deal (what other choice do they have, really?), MWP stays, they pick up Meeks' option, and they fill the rest of the roster through the taxpayer mid-level and minimum contracts, next year's salaries will be approximately $106 million.  Even if there's a decent jump in the luxury tax line, say to $76 million from this year's $70, their tax bill will be enormous -- $85 million!  They could pay close to $200 million for a team that might aspire to do no more than make the playoffs.  And they have one draft pick (1st or 2nd round) the next three drafts!

While I'm disappointed in how this season has gone, at least we're not completely hamstrung like the Lakers.  What a mess they've created!

[wdleehi]

Best part of this NBA season. 

[dreamgreen]

I enjoy watching them lose more than watching us win.

[Who]

#1 - Fire D'Antoni

They'll pick up 10 extra wins right there.

[Fafnir]

#1 - Fire D'Antoni

They'll pick up 10 extra wins right there.

I'd be shocked if they didn't give him till at least partially through next season.

But yeah D'Antoni is not looking good at all.

[Donoghus]

Yes, they are.

Be the first to admit that I didn't see this coming, either.

[LB3533]

Sure the Lakers are a mess and yes they are dealing with significant injuries, but they also had won 6 of 7 and were playing well.

I am not gonna cry for them. They got beat and we beat them good.

[SHAQATTACK]

our guys played with energy and purpose.

lakers looked beaten ,other than Nash and Kobe......they had nothing for the Rondoless C's.

we beat them like a rented mule.

I like the way when we got them......we didn't let up.........

we stepped on their throats and destroyed them.

good chance Bobcats beat LA too

this is what happens when you built on stars instead of chemistry,

[RMO]

Haven't you heard?  They're getting lebron in 2014

[wayupnorth]

Haven't you heard?  They're getting lebron in 2014

Don't even joke about such things!

[CelticConcourse]

Haven't you heard?  They're getting lebron in 2014

Don't even joke about such things!

I wouldn't be too surprised

[saltlover]

Haven't you heard?  They're getting lebron in 2014

Don't even joke about such things!

I wouldn't be too surprised

I wouldn't either.  Convincing LeBron to come to LA is probably the only thing that saves them from years of mediocre-at-best seasons if Kobe is done after next year.  They have to put on the full court press if he opts out of Miami.

[scaryjerry]

They're better with pau and no Dwight..fact!


But yeah......what a disaster.   They were better off with mike brown then dantoni

[ScottHow]

#1 - Fire D'Antoni

They'll pick up 10 extra wins right there.

Yep. One of the worst coaches in the league imo

[the_Bird]

#1 - Fire D'Antoni

They'll pick up 10 extra wins right there.

I'd be shocked if they didn't give him till at least partially through next season.

But yeah D'Antoni is not looking good at all.

If they don't improve, I don't think he gets another shot next season.  They can't waste the last couple years of Kobe Bryant with a clown for a head coach. 

The only way they would fire D'Antoni now, though, is if Phil Jackson had a change of heart and offered to come back for the rest of the season.  That would be interesting - just to see if he could get everyone to buy in. 

Seems like a ton of blame to be spread around in LA.  Seems a shame that Dwight can't do for them what KG does for us; anchor the D and don't worry too much about the touches.  He's still going to get a max-contract this summer, but it's amazing how far he's fallen in the public eye just in the past twelve months or so.