LOL Lakers
Some salty Lakers fans because Paul George re-signed with the Thunder. I’m genuinely glad he stayed where he’s comfortable and happy. Fans can get caught up with their own fandom and forget these players are still people. The only thing that confused me was George didn’t sign a three years with a player option so he can opt out and get the 10-year veterans max. Maybe he was worried about injuries?
Lakers are still courting LeBron James and apparently, DeMarcus Cousins now who is working his way back from an Achilles tear. I don’t think that’s a bad plan because Cousins fits better with what the Lakers want to do with a certain disgruntled Spurs star. If they traded for Kawhi Leonard, I wouldn’t want to pay George, a third starting wing, $30 million to be the third option. The Lakers would have a hole at center. With Cousins, he may be more accommodating with his contract due to his injury. If the Lakers want Kawhi Leonard, they will need to structure both Cousins’ and Julius Randle’s contracts to be less in the second year. Additionally, maybe the Lakers can convince the Pelicans to do a sign and trade to dump Deng with Lonzo Ball and maybe a pick. Better than losing Cousins for nothing. Pick and roll with Ball and Anthony Davis would be something to sell fans.
Anyway, besides George, not too many surprises so far. Chris Paul gave up a fifth year to return to the Rockets. That contract is going to be awful in the latter half. I didn’t expect Trevor Ariza to sign with the Suns. He already has a ring so maybe he just wanted to get paid. Mark Cuban did the Lakers a huge favor by signing DeAndre Jordan instead of trying to pry Randle away with a rich offer sheet. It gives them more time to figure out what to do while James and Cousins decide what they’re going to do.
OKC just dumped a ton of money into keeping a squad of veteran players who got taken out in the 1st round last year and definitely wouldn't have taken out Houston or Golden State. I can't say I understand that.
I imagine the Thunder owners see value in putting a watchable roster and to try to keep Russell Westbrook happy. He starts sulking about not getting help and that super max is looking like a tough pill to swallow.
Was it worth it, Magic? wink wink
Yes. Three weeks ago, they didn’t know Kawhi Leonard was in play. Leonard is a much better player, but Magic didn’t know he would be available. Target the players you think you have a chance at signing.