Series Thread: NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat

[Shanemansj13]

Gonna be interesting to see what, if any, other moves are made. I read earlier that the only untouchable on the Clippers roster is Kawhi.

We'll never get to hear it because he'll never talk, but it would be really interesting to hear what Kawhi's thoughts are on all of this. Clearly this was not what he envisioned when he decided to directly challenge Lebron and the Lakers by going to the Clips.

I wonder how untouchable he'll consider himself if he doesn't like the way things go this off-season.

I agree with what @tlance posted that PG probably really hurt his trade value.

I'd imagine Harrell is gone...I'm not sure both sides with have interest. Plus he was on a great contract...interesting to see what his value is after playing well then tanking in the postseason.
Morris as well...he was on a 1 year - $15M deal.

I think they need big man depth if Harrell doesn't want to come back and that isn't even adding in trades. I just don't see PG going anywhere after 1 year and his value is probably the lowest it's been in awhile..not even worth it.

The LA Clippers have several key free agents this season with the most notable name being Montrezl Harrell. Harrell is coming off the best year of his career and will likely have multiple suitors including the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks.

He would be a good fit with the Mavs.

 

[Shaqdaddy11]

lol

You sure get twisted up over some bullshit sometimes.

I mean seriously, who the fuck cares?

So someone on a tweet exaggerated how much of a threat the teams the Lakers beat were said to be. Guess what? The Lakers made all of those "it's gonna be a tough path for the Lakers" tweets and comments look pretty exaggerated too.

BKS doesn’t like any positive posts about the Lakers. It’s been like this for years.

Every time somebody makes a “I told you so” post, he gets pissed off.

 

[Black Adam]

BKS doesn’t like any positive posts about the Lakers. It’s been like this for years.

Every time somebody makes a “I told you so” post, he gets pissed off.

you shoulda been around in our CBS days. one of the Lakers fans gave him the nickname "punchline" back then...

he's cool, though. and he DID turn me on to this site when the CBS boards crashed and burned...

ah, the old days. livendieinla, koldazice, jefe101 to name a few of the fans back then...

enough reminiscing...

 

[bksballer89]

BKS doesn’t like any positive posts about the Lakers. It’s been like this for years.

Every time somebody makes a “I told you so” post, he gets pissed off.

List all the people who predicted the blazers, rockets, and nuggets to actually beat the Lakers in a series....

 

[DJ]

This can't be good if you're a Clippers fan:

'Montrezl Harrell is a double agent': Kawhi Leonard's trainer mocks Clippers' star; wanted Lakers' Dwight Howard instead

Clint Park, Kawhi Leonard's personal trainer, called Montrezl Harrell a 'double agent' in a tweet yesterday. He also called Paul George's basketball IQ 'questionable'.

thesportsrush.com

Uh oh.....

 

[trojanfan12]

I'd imagine Harrell is gone...I'm not sure both sides with have interest. Plus he was on a great contract...interesting to see what his value is after playing well then tanking in the postseason.
Morris as well...he was on a 1 year - $15M deal.

I think they need big man depth if Harrell doesn't want to come back and that isn't even adding in trades. I just don't see PG going anywhere after 1 year and his value is probably the lowest it's been in awhile..not even worth it.

The LA Clippers have several key free agents this season with the most notable name being Montrezl Harrell. Harrell is coming off the best year of his career and will likely have multiple suitors including the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks.

He would be a good fit with the Mavs.

Depending on what happens with Javale and/or Dwight, especially Javale, I'd bet the Lakers would have some interest in Harrell as well.

 

[DJ]

And fyi, giving the blazers, nuggets, and rockets props isnt the same as predicting them to win 4 of 7 vs the lakers

LOL.

 

[DJ]

Depending on what happens with Javale and/or Dwight, especially Javale, I'd bet the Lakers would have some interest in Harrell as well.

Pretty sure the Lakers won't be able to afford what he'll be asking for.

 

[trojanfan12]

Pretty sure the Lakers won't be able to afford what he'll be asking for.

Probably not. But I'll bet they contact his agent anyway.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Depending on what happens with Javale and/or Dwight, especially Javale, I'd bet the Lakers would have some interest in Harrell as well.

If things are as bad as they seem with the Clippers, I'm sure Harrell will be up to go to the Lakers lol.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Probably not. But I'll bet they contact his agent anyway.

Yeah definitely, they will at least talk to him.

Seems like Kawhi's agent is stirring a bunch of shit...I legimately think PG is under the microscope now. When you are desperate team like the Clippers, sometimes you make rash decisions. LIke I said, I doubt it but things could get dicey.

 

[DJ]

Probably not. But I'll bet they contact his agent anyway.

Trust me, I would love him coming to the Lakers for less on a 1 year deal but think it's very doubtful. He's setting up for a great contract.

 

[Retroram52]

Lake Show Life is speculating that Pelinka will be making some so-called "improvement" moves once the Finals are done. First, JR Smith will be gone either by trade or waiver depending on the particulars of his contract. Smith is a waste of a roster spot and he no longer plays defense if he ever did. Smith was signed so that LeBron felt better. Sort of like having his favs blankey back.

Next, the article speculates Pelinka likes the notions of getting Derrick Rose from Detroit, and/or Reggie Bullock and Wayne Ellington from the Knicks and/or Terry Rozier from the Hornets. All of these speculated trades involve moving Javale McGee, Quinn Cook, Danny Green, and combinations of additional draft picks. Lastly, if the Lakers win the championship, the belief is Howard will be retained in some fashion.

Whether Pelinka adds any movements from players across the hall remains in the speculation column. I don't believe the Lakers can afford PG and after seeing what he did in a Clips uni, I suspect the Lakers have lost their stiffy for the guy. There is always Ivica Zubac. lol.

If, for some unknown reason, the Lakers can get a chance at Kawhi, I am sure they may listen to the particulars but I think in the end, the Lakers will pass knowing that AD is going to wait a year to re-sign with the Lakers and it will be for the absolute max.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Lake Show Life is speculating that Pelinka will be making some so-called "improvement" moves once the Finals are done. First, JR Smith will be gone either by trade or waiver depending on the particulars of his contract. Smith is a waste of a roster spot and he no longer plays defense if he ever did. Smith was signed so that LeBron felt better. Sort of like having his favs blankey back.

Next, the article speculates Pelinka likes the notions of getting Derrick Rose from Detroit, and/or Reggie Bullock and Wayne Ellington from the Knicks and/or Terry Rozier from the Hornets. All of these speculated trades involve moving Javale McGee, Quinn Cook, Danny Green, and combinations of additional draft picks. Lastly, if the Lakers win the championship, the belief is Howard will be retained in some fashion.

Whether Pelinka adds any movements from players across the hall remains in the speculation column. I don't believe the Lakers can afford PG and after seeing what he did in a Clips uni, I suspect the Lakers have lost their stiffy for the guy. There is always Ivica Zubac. lol.

If, for some unknown reason, the Lakers can get a chance at Kawhi, I am sure they may listen to the particulars but I think in the end, the Lakers will pass knowing that AD is going to wait a year to re-sign with the Lakers and it will be for the absolute max.

I saw that article too...DRose makes sense. I will tell you one thing...they will not trade Danny Green. I guarantee that.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Do Heat fans feel like they have nothing to lose? I hear talking heads saying this and I don't get it. I understand they overachieved but this might be the only shot they legitimately get at a title. The future looks bright but there is no guarantee either way. Do you think Butler is thinking or telling his guys, "we have nothing to lose, just go out and play...the future looks bright". Nope. You better believe they have everything to lose and Butler wants a title more than anything. They aren't playing an invisible Warriors team. They do have Lebron and AD but they have the 3rd-7th best players in this series. I was surprised the Lakers were favored by so much.

The Bucks will most likely be better next year.
The Nets will have Kyrie and KD.
The Celtics could be better after FA.
The Raptors are still a dangerous team.

Then in the West, the Warriors will be back.
The Clippers will still be a favorite.

This is the chance for the Miami Heat to "steal one". We don't know how things will change and how they will play out of the bubble. Just my opinion, I have never got that logic of "we have nothing to lose". If we were talking about the Cavs in 2018 sneaking into the Finals vs a Superteam then it makes sense but these teams aren't lopsided.

 

[Heatles84]

Really starts to make me wonder about Kawhi.

First it was Uncle Dennis in San Antonio and Toronto.

Now it's his trainer.

Sooner or later, you have to start wondering if these folks are acting on Kawhi's "orders".

Yup. Whether they are or not, it's up to Kawhi to keep his people in check. By all accounts, Kawhi's inner circle is incredibly toxic. You may have dodged a bullet on not getting Kawhi.

 

[Heatles84]

I'd imagine Harrell is gone...I'm not sure both sides with have interest. Plus he was on a great contract...interesting to see what his value is after playing well then tanking in the postseason.
Morris as well...he was on a 1 year - $15M deal.

I think they need big man depth if Harrell doesn't want to come back and that isn't even adding in trades. I just don't see PG going anywhere after 1 year and his value is probably the lowest it's been in awhile..not even worth it.

The LA Clippers have several key free agents this season with the most notable name being Montrezl Harrell. Harrell is coming off the best year of his career and will likely have multiple suitors including the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and New York Knicks.

He would be a good fit with the Mavs.

If I'm him, I'd rather go play with Luka who's getting better and looks like he'll be a mainstay as a top 5 NBA player moving forward. Plus, Dallas is far cheaper than LA; where you're on the afterthought team.

 

[Heatles84]

Do Heat fans feel like they have nothing to lose? I hear talking heads saying this and I don't get it. I understand they overachieved but this might be the only shot they legitimately get at a title. The future looks bright but there is no guarantee either way. Do you think Butler is thinking or telling his guys, "we have nothing to lose, just go out and play...the future looks bright". Nope. You better believe they have everything to lose and Butler wants a title more than anything. They aren't playing an invisible Warriors team. They do have Lebron and AD but they have the 3rd-7th best players in this series. I was surprised the Lakers were favored by so much.

The Bucks will most likely be better next year.
The Nets will have Kyrie and KD.
The Celtics could be better after FA.
The Raptors are still a dangerous team.

Then in the West, the Warriors will be back.
The Clippers will still be a favorite.

This is the chance for the Miami Heat to "steal one". We don't know how things will change and how they will play out of the bubble. Just my opinion, I have never got that logic of "we have nothing to lose". If we were talking about the Cavs in 2018 sneaking into the Finals vs a Superteam then it makes sense but these teams aren't lopsided.

Nah, Heat fans are of the mindset - "fuck it, we're here, let's try to win this shit". I've never been a big proponent of, we'll be good going forward whether we win or not. I feel the Lakers could actually use that mindset because they'll still run the West next year so long as they got Lebron and AD. But in terms of pressure, the pressure's on LA. Everyone thinks (sans a few talking heads) that LA's going to win. On the teams you mentioned:

Bucks - I don't see the Bucks getting better. They have little room to maneuver.
Nets - Yes, they'll have KD. But I have a feeling that these two together won't work out as some think. Plus, what's KD going to look like after a torn achilles?
Celtics - I agree. Tatum and Brown are likely going to get better and Ainge is a solid GM
Raps - Completely agree.

Clips - Nah, I now don't trust Kawhi/PG as a combo. Moreso the latter.
Warriors - Completely forgot about them, but it'll be interesting what they look like. They got a ton of rest and a much needed layoff from the playoffs. I could see them being LA's only competition in the conference. The other teams (sans Dallas whom I think is a dark horse with Luka) are pretenders.

 

[Shanemansj13]

Nah, Heat fans are of the mindset - "fuck it, we're here, let's try to win this shit". I've never been a big proponent of, we'll be good going forward whether we win or not. I feel the Lakers could actually use that mindset because they'll still run the West next year so long as they got Lebron and AD. But in terms of pressure, the pressure's on LA. Everyone thinks (sans a few talking heads) that LA's going to win. On the teams you mentioned:

Bucks - I don't see the Bucks getting better. They have little room to maneuver.
Nets - Yes, they'll have KD. But I have a feeling that these two together won't work out as some think. Plus, what's KD going to look like after a torn achilles?
Celtics - I agree. Tatum and Brown are likely going to get better and Ainge is a solid GM
Raps - Completely agree.

Clips - Nah, I now don't trust Kawhi/PG as a combo. Moreso the latter.
Warriors - Completely forgot about them, but it'll be interesting what they look like. They got a ton of rest and a much needed layoff from the playoffs. I could see them being LA's only competition in the conference. The other teams (sans Dallas whom I think is a dark horse with Luka) are pretenders.

Definitely agree, all the pressure is on LA but like you said, Miami has always had a mindset. We are here to win. The future still looks very bright just curious what Heat fans thought.

 

[Heatles84]

Definitely agree, all the pressure is on LA but like you said, Miami has always had a mindset. We are here to win. The future still looks very bright just curious what Heat fans thought.

It'll be disappointing if we lose. Miami's here, might as well win. But we weren't supposed to be here. Having said that, there will be growth with our roster. But, with the way the bubble was, it's difficult for me to say that Miami didn't benefit in some way.