Author Topic: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?  (Read 4818 times)

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Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #15 on: September 17, 2017, 11:06:11 PM »

Offline RockinRyA

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Lebron wants to win as many rings as he possibly can - all he cares about is cementing his legacy and trying to overcome Jordan.

Look at Lebron's history.  He tends to go to teams where he can join up with young stars so that he can compete for many years.  Joined with Wade and Bosh in Miami when they were in their 20's  Once he felt they no longer had potential to compete in the future, he walked.   

Next he went to Cleveland to join up with two younger stars in Kyrie and Kevin Love - both in their low-to-mid 20's.  Had a solid run, but now Cleveland are clearly outgunned and outmatched, and they lacked the cap space to sign free agents or any high picks to draft a future star.

Gong to the Lakers, he could join forces with Ball, Ingram, Randle and Lopez - given how dominant Lebron is (every team he touches turns in to a contender) that core is probably good enough to make the east semi finals at the very least.  Then next year they have tons of cap space, so they likely sign Paul George (everybody knows he wants to go there).  Now you have Ball, George, Ingram, Randle, Lebron, Lopez, Clarkson and more - that's probably a better team then he had in Cleveland last season and can likely challenge golden state...but the fact that they have those young studs young studs means that as Lopez and Lebron start to decline, those young guys can develop and do more of the heavy lifting - maximising Lebron's championship window.  He could potentially still be competing for titles at 38 years of age as a supporting piece to the Laker's new big 3 of Ball/George/Ingram, well after Golden State's rein in the West has ended.
 
Now if Thomas can eventually return to last season's from before the end of the year, then the fact that the Cavs added Thomas, plus Crowder (on a cheap long term deal), plus Zizic plus the Brk pick may force him to reconsider and sign for a couple more years.   

You seriously think Lebron+Lopez and the core that was 2nd worst last year would beat the Spurs/Rockets? I dont think Lebron+Lopez could even beat Westbrook+George.

Now if he goes to a playoff team sure, but a lottery team? Only place that's happening is the East.

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #16 on: September 17, 2017, 11:26:45 PM »

Offline slightly biased bias fan

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The ONLY way I can see a possibility of Lakers getting Lebron is IF they can dump Deng's salary and convince George AND Westbrook to jump ship AND take discounts then I could see Lebron coming to LA but that's the only possibility I can figure...so hardly a lock lol in other words this is the same situation when Lebron was looking to leave Cavs the first time and the media was sure that he would go to New York lol

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #17 on: September 17, 2017, 11:54:43 PM »

Online JSD

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Chris Paul
Wade
Melo
James

Could all be free agents and sign there. Heck, even Bosh could end up there. Good for Celtics fans too, drains the East and still not enough to make it out of the West.
The only color that matters is GREEN

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #18 on: September 18, 2017, 01:56:14 PM »

Offline Moranis

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.
« Last Edit: September 18, 2017, 02:26:57 PM by Moranis »
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Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #19 on: September 18, 2017, 02:42:57 PM »

Offline celticsclay

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.

From what I have read Covington is expected to get extended in November. I would also add that aside from 76er fans and you I haven't really heard anyone talk about the possibility of him signing in Philly.

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #20 on: September 18, 2017, 04:14:54 PM »

Offline Moranis

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.

From what I have read Covington is expected to get extended in November. I would also add that aside from 76er fans and you I haven't really heard anyone talk about the possibility of him signing in Philly.
Because him going to Philly isn't glamorous and won't drive ratings, but it isn't hard to see what the Sixers are doing and why they insisted on only 1 year contracts this summer.  They are keeping open a max contract slot next summer.  And there are national people who have mentioned Philly as a landing spot.  Jason McIntyre from the Big Lead for example.

http://thebiglead.com/2017/07/18/so-maybe-you-just-go-where-you-want-to-play-woj-on-lebrons-dubious-future-in-cleveland/

"I’ve whittled down the options right now to the Lakers and 76ers"



The Sixers are something like the 10th favorite to win the title in Vegas this year.  And that is with Fultz and Simmons yet to play a game and Embiid at only 31 games in 3 years.  If those 3 guys all make it through the season relatively healthy and the former two actually look like they were worthy of being the 1st pick, then the Sixers are probably making the playoffs this year and look a team that could be winning titles for a decade with or without a max level free agent.  That has to be appealing to any max level free agent even if for no other reason I could go there and then they could trade some of those young guys to get me some vets and still have other young players to build around (you know the exact scenario Cleveland was in when James went back there a few years ago). 

The bottom line as I see it, if I am a player entering the twilight of my career and I want to win multiple championships before I retire, I'm going to look at a team with a plethora of young talent and preferably one that could sign me without giving up any of that young talent.  It would help if that team was in the East, though wouldn't rule out a western team.  The team that best fits that description is Philadelphia.  They have by far the most high level young talent in the league.  They are in the Eastern Conference.  They also still have all of their own picks and some prime draft picks from the Kings (or Lakers) two teams that aren't going to be very good.  They could keep some of those players and trade others to acquire a player or players to win now and in the future.  And they have so many assets they could easily acquire a top level talent (like Anthony Davis) and not strip the cupboard. 

Just because Philly isn't sexy and is ignored by the national media, doesn't mean Philly isn't going to be a real option for a top level player.  Maybe it isn't James, but Philly is absolutely going to be aggressive next summer, and if they make the playoffs or show great strides this year, I wouldn't count James out from going there as that is the exact type of team that could get James the title count he needs to go down as the greatest player ever. 
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Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #21 on: September 18, 2017, 04:30:11 PM »

Offline Bobshot

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The Lakers aren't a lock to get anybody, but they are the media team--in the absence of having any team in NY worthy of media attention. They have a history of attracting expensive free agents, paying no attention to luxury tax and salary cap because of their substantial local revenues. LA is a gold mine of TV income for LA teams. They also have some well placed Laker fans in the media-- David Aldridge comes to mind. So names like George and James get floated. And the presence of Magic doesn't hurt as a draw. That's what he's there for.

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #22 on: September 18, 2017, 05:50:37 PM »

Offline tazzmaniac

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.

From what I have read Covington is expected to get extended in November. I would also add that aside from 76er fans and you I haven't really heard anyone talk about the possibility of him signing in Philly.
Because him going to Philly isn't glamorous and won't drive ratings, but it isn't hard to see what the Sixers are doing and why they insisted on only 1 year contracts this summer.  They are keeping open a max contract slot next summer.  And there are national people who have mentioned Philly as a landing spot.  Jason McIntyre from the Big Lead for example.

http://thebiglead.com/2017/07/18/so-maybe-you-just-go-where-you-want-to-play-woj-on-lebrons-dubious-future-in-cleveland/

"I’ve whittled down the options right now to the Lakers and 76ers"



The Sixers are something like the 10th favorite to win the title in Vegas this year.  And that is with Fultz and Simmons yet to play a game and Embiid at only 31 games in 3 years.  If those 3 guys all make it through the season relatively healthy and the former two actually look like they were worthy of being the 1st pick, then the Sixers are probably making the playoffs this year and look a team that could be winning titles for a decade with or without a max level free agent.  That has to be appealing to any max level free agent even if for no other reason I could go there and then they could trade some of those young guys to get me some vets and still have other young players to build around (you know the exact scenario Cleveland was in when James went back there a few years ago). 

The bottom line as I see it, if I am a player entering the twilight of my career and I want to win multiple championships before I retire, I'm going to look at a team with a plethora of young talent and preferably one that could sign me without giving up any of that young talent.  It would help if that team was in the East, though wouldn't rule out a western team.  The team that best fits that description is Philadelphia.  They have by far the most high level young talent in the league.  They are in the Eastern Conference.  They also still have all of their own picks and some prime draft picks from the Kings (or Lakers) two teams that aren't going to be very good.  They could keep some of those players and trade others to acquire a player or players to win now and in the future.  And they have so many assets they could easily acquire a top level talent (like Anthony Davis) and not strip the cupboard. 

Just because Philly isn't sexy and is ignored by the national media, doesn't mean Philly isn't going to be a real option for a top level player.  Maybe it isn't James, but Philly is absolutely going to be aggressive next summer, and if they make the playoffs or show great strides this year, I wouldn't count James out from going there as that is the exact type of team that could get James the title count he needs to go down as the greatest player ever.
If I'm the Sixers, I wouldn't particularly want James.  I'd prefer a more low key, low baggage star like PG.  James and Simmons wouldn't be a good fit either. 

They definitely won't have room for 2 Max free agents.  They'll renegotiate and extend Covington to a front loaded deal in November.  They don't want Covington hitting free agency.  If they can get some allowances for health, I'd expect them to extend Embiid too. 

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #23 on: September 18, 2017, 05:58:33 PM »

Offline Birdman

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Hope he does...let Lakers, Warriors, Spurs, Rockets, T-wolves battle it out in the West and only one team can come out..by that time, team is worn out
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Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #24 on: September 18, 2017, 06:08:59 PM »

Offline celticsclay

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.

From what I have read Covington is expected to get extended in November. I would also add that aside from 76er fans and you I haven't really heard anyone talk about the possibility of him signing in Philly.
Because him going to Philly isn't glamorous and won't drive ratings, but it isn't hard to see what the Sixers are doing and why they insisted on only 1 year contracts this summer.  They are keeping open a max contract slot next summer.  And there are national people who have mentioned Philly as a landing spot.  Jason McIntyre from the Big Lead for example.

http://thebiglead.com/2017/07/18/so-maybe-you-just-go-where-you-want-to-play-woj-on-lebrons-dubious-future-in-cleveland/

"I’ve whittled down the options right now to the Lakers and 76ers"



The Sixers are something like the 10th favorite to win the title in Vegas this year.  And that is with Fultz and Simmons yet to play a game and Embiid at only 31 games in 3 years.  If those 3 guys all make it through the season relatively healthy and the former two actually look like they were worthy of being the 1st pick, then the Sixers are probably making the playoffs this year and look a team that could be winning titles for a decade with or without a max level free agent.  That has to be appealing to any max level free agent even if for no other reason I could go there and then they could trade some of those young guys to get me some vets and still have other young players to build around (you know the exact scenario Cleveland was in when James went back there a few years ago). 

The bottom line as I see it, if I am a player entering the twilight of my career and I want to win multiple championships before I retire, I'm going to look at a team with a plethora of young talent and preferably one that could sign me without giving up any of that young talent.  It would help if that team was in the East, though wouldn't rule out a western team.  The team that best fits that description is Philadelphia.  They have by far the most high level young talent in the league.  They are in the Eastern Conference.  They also still have all of their own picks and some prime draft picks from the Kings (or Lakers) two teams that aren't going to be very good.  They could keep some of those players and trade others to acquire a player or players to win now and in the future.  And they have so many assets they could easily acquire a top level talent (like Anthony Davis) and not strip the cupboard. 

Just because Philly isn't sexy and is ignored by the national media, doesn't mean Philly isn't going to be a real option for a top level player.  Maybe it isn't James, but Philly is absolutely going to be aggressive next summer, and if they make the playoffs or show great strides this year, I wouldn't count James out from going there as that is the exact type of team that could get James the title count he needs to go down as the greatest player ever.
If I'm the Sixers, I wouldn't particularly want James.  I'd prefer a more low key, low baggage star like PG.  James and Simmons wouldn't be a good fit either. 

They definitely won't have room for 2 Max free agents.  They'll renegotiate and extend Covington to a front loaded deal in November.  They don't want Covington hitting free agency.  If they can get some allowances for health, I'd expect them to extend Embiid too.

I agree with this too. It is kind of just pie in the sky thinking. If we starting imagining situations where Simmons and Fult are great, Embiid stays healthy and then Lebron and Westbrook sign to play with them we might as well fantasize about ways for the Browns to win the super bowl next year.

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #25 on: September 18, 2017, 06:22:16 PM »

Offline PickNRoll

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Lebron and 4 guys off the street is a playoff team.  Lebron, Lopez, and Lonzo is a nice start.  If they can get anything out of Ingram, Randle, or Clarkson it gets interesting.  Probably need to add one more Paul George caliber player.  I think most of the speculation on LBJ to LA was before the PG deal. 

Don't sleep on Kuzma either.  That kid can really play.  He's a rotation player right out of the gate.

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #26 on: September 19, 2017, 08:25:39 AM »

Offline Moranis

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.

From what I have read Covington is expected to get extended in November. I would also add that aside from 76er fans and you I haven't really heard anyone talk about the possibility of him signing in Philly.
Because him going to Philly isn't glamorous and won't drive ratings, but it isn't hard to see what the Sixers are doing and why they insisted on only 1 year contracts this summer.  They are keeping open a max contract slot next summer.  And there are national people who have mentioned Philly as a landing spot.  Jason McIntyre from the Big Lead for example.

http://thebiglead.com/2017/07/18/so-maybe-you-just-go-where-you-want-to-play-woj-on-lebrons-dubious-future-in-cleveland/

"I’ve whittled down the options right now to the Lakers and 76ers"



The Sixers are something like the 10th favorite to win the title in Vegas this year.  And that is with Fultz and Simmons yet to play a game and Embiid at only 31 games in 3 years.  If those 3 guys all make it through the season relatively healthy and the former two actually look like they were worthy of being the 1st pick, then the Sixers are probably making the playoffs this year and look a team that could be winning titles for a decade with or without a max level free agent.  That has to be appealing to any max level free agent even if for no other reason I could go there and then they could trade some of those young guys to get me some vets and still have other young players to build around (you know the exact scenario Cleveland was in when James went back there a few years ago). 

The bottom line as I see it, if I am a player entering the twilight of my career and I want to win multiple championships before I retire, I'm going to look at a team with a plethora of young talent and preferably one that could sign me without giving up any of that young talent.  It would help if that team was in the East, though wouldn't rule out a western team.  The team that best fits that description is Philadelphia.  They have by far the most high level young talent in the league.  They are in the Eastern Conference.  They also still have all of their own picks and some prime draft picks from the Kings (or Lakers) two teams that aren't going to be very good.  They could keep some of those players and trade others to acquire a player or players to win now and in the future.  And they have so many assets they could easily acquire a top level talent (like Anthony Davis) and not strip the cupboard. 

Just because Philly isn't sexy and is ignored by the national media, doesn't mean Philly isn't going to be a real option for a top level player.  Maybe it isn't James, but Philly is absolutely going to be aggressive next summer, and if they make the playoffs or show great strides this year, I wouldn't count James out from going there as that is the exact type of team that could get James the title count he needs to go down as the greatest player ever.
If I'm the Sixers, I wouldn't particularly want James.  I'd prefer a more low key, low baggage star like PG.  James and Simmons wouldn't be a good fit either. 

They definitely won't have room for 2 Max free agents.  They'll renegotiate and extend Covington to a front loaded deal in November.  They don't want Covington hitting free agency.  If they can get some allowances for health, I'd expect them to extend Embiid too.
PG would work, but I think he pretty clearly either re-signs in OKC or goes to LAL.  I just don't see him going anywhere else.  James obviously brings a lot of baggage, but he is still the best player in the NBA and for a team like Philly that has been downright terrible for almost all of the last 30 years (they had that small AI run but otherwise awful), James gives them something they really haven't had.  I do think a max level SG would make the most sense for them, but none of those are available next summer (Bradley is probably the best SG on the market), and SF is the position that makes the next most sense (since I think Simmons is best suited at PF).  If they strike out, I wouldn't be surprised to them just bringing Redick back again as I do think he will play well on that team and in that role or they just go the lesser tier player route and sign Bradley (whose defense will cover for Fultz a lot). 

Covington re-signing in November would obviously eliminate any shot at 2 max free agents and if they can get him cheap enough they probably do it, but they seemingly don't see him as a long term starter.  He is the perfect 3 and D type player off the bench and provides a lot of versatility. 
2023 Historical Draft - Brooklyn Nets - 9th pick

Bigs - Pau, Amar'e, Issel, McGinnis, Roundfield
Wings - Dantley, Bowen, J. Jackson
Guards - Cheeks, Petrovic, Buse, Rip

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #27 on: September 19, 2017, 08:27:25 AM »

Offline Moranis

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Lebron and 4 guys off the street is a playoff team.  Lebron, Lopez, and Lonzo is a nice start.  If they can get anything out of Ingram, Randle, or Clarkson it gets interesting.  Probably need to add one more Paul George caliber player.  I think most of the speculation on LBJ to LA was before the PG deal. 

Don't sleep on Kuzma either.  That kid can really play.  He's a rotation player right out of the gate.
Lopez will not be on the Lakers in the 18/19 season unless they can't get any top tier free agent to sign with them.
2023 Historical Draft - Brooklyn Nets - 9th pick

Bigs - Pau, Amar'e, Issel, McGinnis, Roundfield
Wings - Dantley, Bowen, J. Jackson
Guards - Cheeks, Petrovic, Buse, Rip

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #28 on: September 19, 2017, 09:26:34 AM »

Offline tazzmaniac

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.

From what I have read Covington is expected to get extended in November. I would also add that aside from 76er fans and you I haven't really heard anyone talk about the possibility of him signing in Philly.
Because him going to Philly isn't glamorous and won't drive ratings, but it isn't hard to see what the Sixers are doing and why they insisted on only 1 year contracts this summer.  They are keeping open a max contract slot next summer.  And there are national people who have mentioned Philly as a landing spot.  Jason McIntyre from the Big Lead for example.

http://thebiglead.com/2017/07/18/so-maybe-you-just-go-where-you-want-to-play-woj-on-lebrons-dubious-future-in-cleveland/

"I’ve whittled down the options right now to the Lakers and 76ers"



The Sixers are something like the 10th favorite to win the title in Vegas this year.  And that is with Fultz and Simmons yet to play a game and Embiid at only 31 games in 3 years.  If those 3 guys all make it through the season relatively healthy and the former two actually look like they were worthy of being the 1st pick, then the Sixers are probably making the playoffs this year and look a team that could be winning titles for a decade with or without a max level free agent.  That has to be appealing to any max level free agent even if for no other reason I could go there and then they could trade some of those young guys to get me some vets and still have other young players to build around (you know the exact scenario Cleveland was in when James went back there a few years ago). 

The bottom line as I see it, if I am a player entering the twilight of my career and I want to win multiple championships before I retire, I'm going to look at a team with a plethora of young talent and preferably one that could sign me without giving up any of that young talent.  It would help if that team was in the East, though wouldn't rule out a western team.  The team that best fits that description is Philadelphia.  They have by far the most high level young talent in the league.  They are in the Eastern Conference.  They also still have all of their own picks and some prime draft picks from the Kings (or Lakers) two teams that aren't going to be very good.  They could keep some of those players and trade others to acquire a player or players to win now and in the future.  And they have so many assets they could easily acquire a top level talent (like Anthony Davis) and not strip the cupboard. 

Just because Philly isn't sexy and is ignored by the national media, doesn't mean Philly isn't going to be a real option for a top level player.  Maybe it isn't James, but Philly is absolutely going to be aggressive next summer, and if they make the playoffs or show great strides this year, I wouldn't count James out from going there as that is the exact type of team that could get James the title count he needs to go down as the greatest player ever.
If I'm the Sixers, I wouldn't particularly want James.  I'd prefer a more low key, low baggage star like PG.  James and Simmons wouldn't be a good fit either. 

They definitely won't have room for 2 Max free agents.  They'll renegotiate and extend Covington to a front loaded deal in November.  They don't want Covington hitting free agency.  If they can get some allowances for health, I'd expect them to extend Embiid too.
PG would work, but I think he pretty clearly either re-signs in OKC or goes to LAL.  I just don't see him going anywhere else.  James obviously brings a lot of baggage, but he is still the best player in the NBA and for a team like Philly that has been downright terrible for almost all of the last 30 years (they had that small AI run but otherwise awful), James gives them something they really haven't had.  I do think a max level SG would make the most sense for them, but none of those are available next summer (Bradley is probably the best SG on the market), and SF is the position that makes the next most sense (since I think Simmons is best suited at PF).  If they strike out, I wouldn't be surprised to them just bringing Redick back again as I do think he will play well on that team and in that role or they just go the lesser tier player route and sign Bradley (whose defense will cover for Fultz a lot). 

Covington re-signing in November would obviously eliminate any shot at 2 max free agents and if they can get him cheap enough they probably do it, but they seemingly don't see him as a long term starter.  He is the perfect 3 and D type player off the bench and provides a lot of versatility.
Why do you think that they don't see Covington as a long term starter?  He's probably a top 10 SF.  He's not going to be satisfied coming off the bench and they are unlikely to get a better starting SF.  When Covington was shooting dreadfully the 1st couple months last season and their fans were booing him, Brown kept him in the starting lineup because his defense was just too important for them.  He's a great fit with Fultz, Simmons and Embiid.  Renegotiating and extending him to a front loaded deal makes too much sense. 

I mentioned PG as the low key type of star that could fit into what they are building with their youth.  I agree that he mostly likely ends up with OKC or the Lakers.  James, Westbrook, etc would take over their team and potentially disrupt their youth rebuild.  I agree SG is probably what they should be looking at next offseason but they've maintained the flexibility to go in whichever direction that they need to as they see how things play out this season. 

Re: Why do people think Lakers are a lock to get Lebron?
« Reply #29 on: September 19, 2017, 09:36:55 AM »

Offline Moranis

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The only way I see this is if the Lakers can figure out a way to get George, James, and some other star (like Westbrook).  That team would have a realistic shot with 3 stars and James isn't leaving Cleveland to go to a team less likely to even make the Finals.

If James goes the young player route, I maintain the Sixers are far more likely, especially if Embiid can stay relatively healthy this year and Simmons and Fultz look like they might hit their potential.  That would be a nearly identical situation to Cleveland when he went back, except the Sixers have more young pieces and enough cap room to flat out sign him without dumping anyone.  And if the Sixers do dump some players, they could theoretically acquire James and someone else.  Imagine James and Westbrook with Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz, with Saric, Holmes, and Covington on the bench (not to mention they might also have at least one more lottery pick in the next draft).  That team would be set up to win for a decade.


Do they have the cap space for PG3 and Lebron?
The Lakers can pretty easily make room for Lebron and PG13.  The Sixers are a bit trickier, but I believe they can get there by making a few salary dumps and by not extending Embiid now or renegotiating and extending Covington (which is why I don't think either of those happens).  Well they could extend Embiid now if he takes less than 18.3 million that 1st year which is his cap hold.  I just don't see him extending for less than that.  Covington's cap hold is only 1.5 million. 

So with that caveat, the Sixers have 40 million or so on the books for 18/19 which includes Fultz, Korkmaz, and Bayless as the only guarantees with the rest coming from team options on rookie deals for Simmons, Okafor, Saric, Anderson, Holmes, McConnell, and Luawawu-Cabarrot.  So that is 10 players (if they keep all of them).  You then add in Embiid and Covington and that puts the Sixers at right around 60 million with 12 players (so no other cap holds needed).  So that easily yields one max contract, but the 2nd is more problematic.  However, if they can dump Bayless' 8.5 million and they don't pick up guys like Okafor (6.3) and Anderson (2.5), then they would get awfully close to having room for 2 max contracts.  They could then re-sign Embiid and Covington (and as said if Embiid signs for less than his 18.3 million cap hold, they could re-sign him first and save more money off the cap). 

From a 2 max perspective they'd actually be better off transferring the LAL pick to Boston next year, because if they keep it when added to their own pick that hurts their potential cap space, though does add a couple of more roster spots making unloading someone like Okafor easier.  They also would be able to trade some of those players for that 2nd max contract if said player forced his way out.  OKC might be ok taking on Okafor, Anderson, etc. if they were going to lose George anyway.

From what I have read Covington is expected to get extended in November. I would also add that aside from 76er fans and you I haven't really heard anyone talk about the possibility of him signing in Philly.
Because him going to Philly isn't glamorous and won't drive ratings, but it isn't hard to see what the Sixers are doing and why they insisted on only 1 year contracts this summer.  They are keeping open a max contract slot next summer.  And there are national people who have mentioned Philly as a landing spot.  Jason McIntyre from the Big Lead for example.

http://thebiglead.com/2017/07/18/so-maybe-you-just-go-where-you-want-to-play-woj-on-lebrons-dubious-future-in-cleveland/

"I’ve whittled down the options right now to the Lakers and 76ers"



The Sixers are something like the 10th favorite to win the title in Vegas this year.  And that is with Fultz and Simmons yet to play a game and Embiid at only 31 games in 3 years.  If those 3 guys all make it through the season relatively healthy and the former two actually look like they were worthy of being the 1st pick, then the Sixers are probably making the playoffs this year and look a team that could be winning titles for a decade with or without a max level free agent.  That has to be appealing to any max level free agent even if for no other reason I could go there and then they could trade some of those young guys to get me some vets and still have other young players to build around (you know the exact scenario Cleveland was in when James went back there a few years ago). 

The bottom line as I see it, if I am a player entering the twilight of my career and I want to win multiple championships before I retire, I'm going to look at a team with a plethora of young talent and preferably one that could sign me without giving up any of that young talent.  It would help if that team was in the East, though wouldn't rule out a western team.  The team that best fits that description is Philadelphia.  They have by far the most high level young talent in the league.  They are in the Eastern Conference.  They also still have all of their own picks and some prime draft picks from the Kings (or Lakers) two teams that aren't going to be very good.  They could keep some of those players and trade others to acquire a player or players to win now and in the future.  And they have so many assets they could easily acquire a top level talent (like Anthony Davis) and not strip the cupboard. 

Just because Philly isn't sexy and is ignored by the national media, doesn't mean Philly isn't going to be a real option for a top level player.  Maybe it isn't James, but Philly is absolutely going to be aggressive next summer, and if they make the playoffs or show great strides this year, I wouldn't count James out from going there as that is the exact type of team that could get James the title count he needs to go down as the greatest player ever.
If I'm the Sixers, I wouldn't particularly want James.  I'd prefer a more low key, low baggage star like PG.  James and Simmons wouldn't be a good fit either. 

They definitely won't have room for 2 Max free agents.  They'll renegotiate and extend Covington to a front loaded deal in November.  They don't want Covington hitting free agency.  If they can get some allowances for health, I'd expect them to extend Embiid too.
PG would work, but I think he pretty clearly either re-signs in OKC or goes to LAL.  I just don't see him going anywhere else.  James obviously brings a lot of baggage, but he is still the best player in the NBA and for a team like Philly that has been downright terrible for almost all of the last 30 years (they had that small AI run but otherwise awful), James gives them something they really haven't had.  I do think a max level SG would make the most sense for them, but none of those are available next summer (Bradley is probably the best SG on the market), and SF is the position that makes the next most sense (since I think Simmons is best suited at PF).  If they strike out, I wouldn't be surprised to them just bringing Redick back again as I do think he will play well on that team and in that role or they just go the lesser tier player route and sign Bradley (whose defense will cover for Fultz a lot). 

Covington re-signing in November would obviously eliminate any shot at 2 max free agents and if they can get him cheap enough they probably do it, but they seemingly don't see him as a long term starter.  He is the perfect 3 and D type player off the bench and provides a lot of versatility.
Why do you think that they don't see Covington as a long term starter?  He's probably a top 10 SF.  He's not going to be satisfied coming off the bench and they are unlikely to get a better starting SF.  When Covington was shooting dreadfully the 1st couple months last season and their fans were booing him, Brown kept him in the starting lineup because his defense was just too important for them.  He's a great fit with Fultz, Simmons and Embiid.  Renegotiating and extending him to a front loaded deal makes too much sense. 

I mentioned PG as the low key type of star that could fit into what they are building with their youth.  I agree that he mostly likely ends up with OKC or the Lakers.  James, Westbrook, etc would take over their team and potentially disrupt their youth rebuild.  I agree SG is probably what they should be looking at next offseason but they've maintained the flexibility to go in whichever direction that they need to as they see how things play out this season.
Covington is pretty similar to Crowder.  Not a guy you would really want as a long term starter as he just doesn't provide enough offense, though obviously if Embiid, Simmons, and Fultz all hit, they could get away with Covington starting (kind of like Roberson in the OKC hey day).  SG is the much bigger hole, there just aren't any top tier SG's available this summer and certainly no one worth the max and this is more than likely the last year they will have room for a max contract so they really do have to use it on someone.  If they can't get a bigger name, then I think they will go hard after Bradley. 
2023 Historical Draft - Brooklyn Nets - 9th pick

Bigs - Pau, Amar'e, Issel, McGinnis, Roundfield
Wings - Dantley, Bowen, J. Jackson
Guards - Cheeks, Petrovic, Buse, Rip