i told you haters the LAL dynasty was far from over....

[kingjames23]

ok remember back when the spurs got lucky in the playoffs, and all the haters said the lakers are washed up and didnt have the money to get the glove and the mailman?... i told you then, the dynasty isnt over, and im telling you it again..... THE DYNASTY ISNT OVER
i am so fucking happy right now. this team could very well be UNBEATABLE next year. (if everyone can share that is, if not... they'll still win 70 )
i remember all you fools, talking about salary cap room and whatnot... FEEL STUPID YET? READY TO GET OFF THE SPURS BANDWAGON YET?
no jason kidd... no admiral now either... hmmmm...
the nets are a shade better with alonzo ... but nobody has the firepower of LA now... i predict the lakers break the bulls single season record...
im laughing my ass off right now

[elwudl]

I don't think they will win more than 60 games this season. Reasons?
Here:
- Shaq isn't that dominating like 2-3 years before
- Malone is 40 and can not stand the agility of Duncan, Nowitzki or Jermaine O'Neal
- Payton is old...and no more that good like he was in Seattle!


Well...but that's only my opinion

[LeBron James]

I don't think they will win more than 60 games this season. Reasons?
Here:
- Shaq isn't that dominating like 2-3 years before
- Malone is 40 and can not stand the agility of Duncan, Nowitzki or Jermaine O'Neal
- Payton is old...and no more that good like he was in Seattle!


Well...but that's only my opinion

good opinion.

[MAKAVELI THE DON]

Neusorger wrote:

I don't think they will win more than 60 games this season. Reasons?
Here:
- Shaq isn't that dominating like 2-3 years before
- Malone is 40 and can not stand the agility of Duncan, Nowitzki or Jermaine O'Neal
- Payton is old...and no more that good like he was in Seattle!

Well...but that's only my opinion

Is this guy nuts? Shaq isn't as dominate, so what? Malone is 40 and can't stand Duncan, Nowitzki or Jermaine O'Neal? Payton is old?

First off Shaq is still the most dominant player in the league, and would be picked by most teams infront of Tim Duncan, if they wanted to choose between both of them to play on their team!

How many 39 / 40 year old's are still better than half the players in the leauge and can put up more than 20points every night!

Payton is only 34 turning 35 next season, and is still the best defensive Guard in the league, and top 3 Point Guards, and is the best scoring Point Gaurd in the league!

The NBA had better watch out, the Lakers are back and more dangerous than ever! Spurs, Mavericks and Kings; what are you going to do, when the Lakers come for you?

[Shep]

Death must be easy, because life is hard!

it'll leave you physically, mentally, and emotionally scarred?

[Boyk]

I don't think they will win more than 60 games this season. Reasons?
Here:
- Shaq isn't that dominating like 2-3 years before
- Malone is 40 and can not stand the agility of Duncan, Nowitzki or Jermaine O'Neal
- Payton is old...and no more that good like he was in Seattle!


Well...but that's only my opinion

lol and your point is????
all 3 of them could average over 20+ppg, and add kobe to the mix, you've gotta unbeatable team.

Malone is still a top power forward in the league, payton could school any youngster in the NBA still(except prolly marbury) and how can you say shaq isnt as dominating...............hes numbers are still around the same they've been since the last 2-3 years

my finals prediction for next year, Lakers vs Nets
lakers wit ha clean sweep.

[elwudl]

Sorry guys, but how I have discover, nobody in here understands my irony!

[benji]

The Lackers are far from unbeatable or in position to match or break the 70 win barrier...they have zero depth...and if you're going to tell me Malone, Payton, and Shaq can play 40 minutes a night at peak level for 100+ games...you're insane...

Malone and Payton are coming down on their careers now, Malone is a madman, but at 40, I don't have much faith in him continuing to be a great player, unless you can name me the last big man to change teams at 35+ and play anywhere near as good...

If you think both of them will get 20 a game (along with Shaq's 25 and Kobe, who obviously will want 30), that's crazy talk...and they'd also lose 30+ games doing that...unless you think it's a good idea that just those four shoot, and all do it over 20 times (Kobe over 30 times) a game, 100+ times this year...

The Lackers are better, but they still aren't as good as the Mavericks or Kings...if those two teams use their depth properly and turn the tempo up into something more like the 1960's (who doesn't want to see the Mavericks or Kings throw up 100 shots in a game?) they'll wipe the floor with the Lackers because there's no way LA can keep up...

Of course...you could always claim the Lackers are going to find some way to throw up near a 100 shots a game despite playing at the slowest pace since the '50's...I'd ask you to see a professional about it...but you can always make that claim...

As for your comments on the Spurs (which was funny...since I don't recall too many people hopping on any bandwagon...when ironically someone named kingjames23, ranting about Lacker haters sounds more your standard bandwagoner...) [speculation]all they have to do is call Brad Miller (his agent says San Antonio is enticing) this summer...and Tim Duncan needs to spend all his free time hanging out with Kevin Garnett over the next year...and you have the greatest front line since the Celtics trio of Parrish/McHale/Bird...I think that could prevent the Kobe/George/Fisher/Walker/Medvedenko Lackers from winning it all [/speculation]

[GloveGuy]

they have zero depth...and if you're going to tell me Malone, Payton, and Shaq can play 40 minutes a night at peak level for 100+ games...you're insane...

Now that Payton and Malone have taken on the role of being "role players," I'd say that the supporting cast for Shaq and Kobe is great. Payton can play fourty any night while Malone can play thirty six. Despite their age, they're still phenominally consistent and can still hang with the best. Shaq might not be able to(or might not want to) play fourty but that's what Payton and Malone are here for: to take over the team while Kobe and Shaq are resting. Phil Jackson would be so comfortable knowing that he still has two stars/all-stars to play so he can rest his two other all-stars.

If you think both of them will get 20 a game (along with Shaq's 25 and Kobe, who obviously will want 30), that's crazy talk...and they'd also lose 30+ games doing that...unless you think it's a good idea that just those four shoot, and all do it over 20 times (Kobe over 30 times) a game, 100+ times this year...

No one has said that Malone and Payton will keep up the stats that they had last year. They will be role players. They know that they'll be role players by when they sign their contracts. Malone only has to average 12 points for the next two years to break Kareem's record while Payton can do so many other things the shoot. He can be the floor general that the Lakers need.

The Lackers are better, but they still aren't as good as the Mavericks or Kings...if those two teams use their depth properly and turn the tempo up into something more like the 1960's (who doesn't want to see the Mavericks or Kings throw up 100 shots in a game?) they'll wipe the floor with the Lackers because there's no way LA can keep up...

I'd certainly take the Lakers starting five over the Mavericks or Kings. When you have four fifty greatest players on your starting lineup, all who are capable of putting up double doubles, no one can match you(unless you had five fifty greatest players). This team isn't all about offensive power. All four of these guys are great defensive players(still). The Mavericks and Kings might still have depth but they still aren't as good as the Lakers are now. If these four can work together(which they will) then this team could be one of the best in NBA History.

[PoliceLineDoNotCross]

it all depends on how selfish the players are. if kobe and shaq have problems sharing the ball, the lakers will look good on paper but will be sort of a mess on the court. remember the problems shaq and kobe had when kobe first entered the league? i think that since shaq and kobe have already won rings, they will worry more about their stats and that will cause conflict between GP and Malone because they only want a ring while SHAQ and KOBE want their stats to look good. it all depends on if they're willing to cooperate

[TravisLee324]

the lakers are washed up and didnt have the money to get the glove and the mailman?...

Lakers have always been a team to take huge paycuts to get good/great players. Look at Rick Fox, and now Payton and Malone. Ask yourself this, how can you say the Lakers have the best management in the league when all they do is cut big time player's salaries? I would be embarrassed to be them (the Lakers). I would be embarrassed to be known as a "dynasty" ONLY because the big name players take HUGE paycuts. I guess Laker fans are proud of themselves for being able to buy a ring huh?

i told you then, the dynasty isnt over, and im telling you it again..... THE DYNASTY ISNT OVER

Don't be so cocky and ignorant, it's just a sports team man. Don't get too excited over that.

this team could very well be UNBEATABLE next year

No team in the NBA is ever "unbeatable," same goes with next year's Lakers.

i remember all you fools, talking about salary cap room and whatnot... FEEL STUPID YET? READY TO GET OFF THE SPURS BANDWAGON YET?

Man you just think you're all that now cuz your team signed two future Hall of Fames? Remember this, they did it by players having to TAKE HUGE PAYCUTS; NOTHING SPECIAL. Get over it.

no jason kidd... no admiral now either... hmmmm...

Don't worry, the Spurs can still sign a big name player with all the money they have that Kidd should've had.

i predict the lakers break the bulls single season record...

We'll just see about that..

im laughing my ass off right now

Well, people might be laughing at you though. I know I am. Also, why is it that you're such a big LeBron James fan. Then again, you're all over the Lakers and saying they're all that?

[rudogg33]

im not a lakers fan..but some replys are just sick.......A great player taking a paycut is a beautiful thing..It shows that its not all about the money. Stop the hating...A ring cant be bought....they still have 2 play the season...I think the lakers did a great job. This will make the nba exciting..with the lakers, lebron, nets......the nba is getting 2 its peak like in the mid 90's.....a lot of great teams. In 99 there were many young players, but many players are hitting there mid 20's where players are at there best. a lot of young teams are on the climb like the rockets, the talent in the west is unbelievable. Enjoy the season and cheer on your team...stop the hate.

[Swoosh]

Gotta agree, dont be so cocky man it's great for the lakers, i give them my 's up but it will probably be for one year, so not another dynasty just yet, if those four can play together for three years, i will admire them all, i think kobe's ego is just too big, he knows what it takes to win but is he willing too? Probably yes but we will see the way things turn out and though im not a laker fan i would like to see payton and malone finally getting a ring so it dont mind if they win(but not for kobe and shaq)

[scubilete]

I'm a Lakers fan and I was not expecting this, I knew the Lakers couldn't offer anything to anyone to play for us, but Malone & Payton has said it all, they would do anything to retire in a better position than Barkley/Stockton.

but it will probably be for one year

That's right, I'm not expecting this team to be a long term and I heard after next season the trio (Shaq/Kobe/Phil) might get broken, so that's something the Lakers should plan ahead.

The Lackers are far from unbeatable or in position to match or break the 70 win barrier

IMO, These Lakers won't play to break any record, they might even get some loses with teams like the Griz, Nuggets, Heat, just to give some rest to the guys. They might as well let Malone play fewer mins so he can stay healthy for the Playoffs. When the Playoffs come, that's when I'm expecting the team to play hard.

Regarding the team having no depth, besides the starting 5, I absolutely agree, the Lakers need some bench now that they count with Vets who are not used to play a Showtime game, they will have to get some quality mins from the rookies.

The Lackers are better, but they still aren't as good as the Mavericks or Kings..

Now, that's something you have to prove Ben. I understand the Mavs guys are terrific, but you know well they can't win against tough guys like the Lakers are. Regarding the Queens, we couldn't have the opportunity to see the Queens in the playoffs against the Lakers but for sure (losing Jimmy), they are the same as the year before, these Lakers are more powerful than the year before, that gives the point to LA.

they'll wipe the floor with the Lackers because there's no way LA can keep up...

In that case you are talking about the Mavs only, the Queens can't play like that any more since Webber is not fast, Divac is over aged as well and knowing those are the big fellas, they have to wait for them to shoot the ball. Don Nelson style has always been scoring points, doubt are if the Mavs can't defend anyone, they didn't against the Spurs, they just won the battle scoring, but not defending. The 60's style is more like those Mavs only that those 60s were good defenders as well, something you can't ask the Mavs since their guys don't know what that is.

and Tim Duncan needs to spend all his free time hanging out with Kevin Garnett over the next year...

, You were the one saying that Kidd was hanging out with Duncan saying that he wanted a ring and would love to play with Duncan. So now you think that would work for Garnett? Duncan would be really disappointed when he watches Garnett resigning with his team. Duncan told reporters he's dedicating his career to the Spurs, that's why he was re-signing with them, O'Neal heard that and followed his example, Garnett will do the same, Duncan is an idiot,

[kingjames23]

leave speculation about my handle out of it. if you must know, yes im a huge laker fan... that doesnt mean i cant like other teams or take great interest in specific players...
as far as buying a championship goes...
every team does whatever it takes to get the talent they need... and if legends on the downside of thier careers want to sign with a winner for less money, than thats what they are going to do. besides, if these guys took a paycut to go to the spurs, or the mavs or kings... all the laker haters would be saying it was the greatest thing ever! malone and payton have nothing left to prove individually, what they want now is to be part of something great... and to have a chance at a title or 2, hell... 3 or 4 for payton if the right elements come together when malore retires...
and how can you say they have no bench still? duh, horry and fisher, starters last year as reserves? george can back up fox or kobe... walker, madsen, medvedenko... all backing up shaq

c oneal
pf malone
sf fox
sg bryant
pg payton

c walker
pf horry
sf george
sg rush
pg fisher

sounds like a solid second team to me.... considering walker and rush will only play a few minutes a game.

well, chew on that... swallow hard. and come to grips that the title goes back to the lakers, for at least two years... miracles not withstanding...

i cant wait to see the most dominant team in nba history for the next 2 years at least. shaq, in shape... malone finaly playing with a great big man... and a backcourt that will choke the opponents gaurds into submission... rick fox will be left so wide open too lol....

[Andrew]

Unless Vince McMahon is now running the NBA, no team is guaranteed to win the title. The Lakers are going to have an incredible team this season, but just because they're good on paper doesn't mean they're going to go undefeated.

No team has ever played excellent basketball in every game of the season. There will be times when the Lakers just don't play to the best of their ability. Every team has an off-night. There's probably going to be a few games when they get too complacent and a team pulls off an upset win. There's going to be games when their opponents play outstanding basketball.

In other words, there are going to be losses. Perhaps there won't be a great deal of them, but I can't see them going 82-0, then (assuming they keep the 7-7-7-7 playoff format) going 16-0 in the playoffs.

The Lakers biggest problem last season was their competitive spirit, not their roster. Apart from a couple of spare parts who played a limited role in the championship run of 2002, their 2002/2003 roster was essentially the same as their 2001/2002 squad.

But the Lakers are still relying on the infamous "switch", which is fine as long as they can turn it on when necessary. Refusing to acknowledge your opponents' strengths is a definite weakness. Refusing to take competition seriously is a dangerous error to make. Assuming that you will win simply because you've won three straight titles and you qualify for the playoffs is the wrong kind of attitude.

That's why so many people took pleasure in the Lakers' defeat. Phil Jackson has become very smug (his comment about the Wolves playing in desperation after they defeated the Lakers in Game 2 of the first round is a great example of that) and Shaq's dedication and competitive fire seems to have dwindled.

The Lakers will not win it all simply because they say so. They won't win it by getting too complacent, something that will be even easier to do now they have such an impressive roster. And they won't win it all if they believe they can just coast through the season. There are too many competitive teams in the West for the Lakers to be that cocky.

Also (and this is just my opinion, it is not moderating or threatening or anything like that, just my opinion on the matter), just because you do not like the Lakers, or you do not believe they will win the title or you don't particularly like Shaq or Kobe, it doesn't mean you're a "hater". I don't see how you can be a hater when you acknowledge their talent and accomplishments, but simply like other teams or players.

Just because your opinion on the Lakers isn't positive or doesn't support them (eg if last season you said "I think the Spurs are going to win the title"), it doesn't automatically categorise you as a hater or stupid or whatever. It just means you have a difference in opinion. I think as long as we give credit where credit is due, we're all allowed to have our own opinions without being labelled a hater.

[Clinton]

The Lackers are better, but they still aren't as good as the Mavericks or Kings...

That's your opinion. I don't think many people would share the same one.

The Lackers are far from unbeatable or in position to match or break the 70 win barrier...they have zero depth...and if you're going to tell me Malone, Payton, and Shaq can play 40 minutes a night at peak level for 100+ games...you're insane...

I agree that they are far from unbeatable but zero depth??? Are you insane? Robert Horry is always solid off the bench, Fox/George give scoring punch off bench, Walker is a decent post player and good rebounder, Rush gives them a pure shooter and Fisher knows his role and can hit a big three. Then they also have Pargo who is emerging as a decent guard and Madsen who brings some energy and crappy dancing. Ohh and Medvedenko. Looks like a pretty solid bench to me. Most teams would love to have this depth. Don't you think???

King James you need to settle down just a little. Nothing is concrete in sports and I think your setting yourself up for disappointment if you think the Lakers are going to go undefeated....

[Dirtdog1- David]

I would hardly call a 28 point ass kicking on your own court.................. getting lucky!
There are plenty of very good free-agents left out there, and the Spurs will grab one................. don't get too happy this is just a temporary fix, it is not the start of a dynasty.
The Spurs, Sacramento and Dallas are still all deeper than the Lakers, and bench play is what is key when the playoffs get here.
I could be wrong here, but didn't the Lakers decline on the option for Robert Horry???? and didn't even invite walker to the final team meeting? as well as Madson a free agent?



David

[TravisLee324]

Look man, (kingjames23) I don't have time to be on here arguing with you about the Lakers all day ok? All I'm saying is expressing my opinion on the Lakers management. How Payton and Malone are taking the "easy-way-out" to get a Championship ring. Also, Dirtdog David did bring up a good point here. You said you are a "huge laker fan," but it's funny how you don't even know Horry and Walker are Free Agents now?

Travis

[Rens]

I agree that they are far from unbeatable but zero depth??? Are you insane? Robert Horry is always solid off the bench, Fox/George give scoring punch off bench, Walker is a decent post player and good rebounder, Rush gives them a pure shooter and Fisher knows his role and can hit a big three. Then they also have Pargo who is emerging as a decent guard and Madsen who brings some energy and crappy dancing. Ohh and Medvedenko. Looks like a pretty solid bench to me. Most teams would love to have this depth. Don't you think???

On any other team that bench would've been sucky in most people's eyes, yet when it concerns they suffice?
Horry won't be back. Fox has been in decline for like two years, mostly because of injuries and age I guess. George will be buried, he's a talented player though. Rush hasn't impressed anyone, and everybody (and I mean everybody) was bashing Walker and Madsen and suddenly all these players are solid and provide depth?
Don't forget, Horry, Walker and Madsen are FAs. Horry's option was declined so I doubt he'll be back.
Compare this bench with others (Sacramento, Portland, Dallas, Golden State, Clippers, New Jersey for example) and you'll see this bench is far from deep.

[GloveGuy]

Payton and Malone are taking the "easy-way-out" to get a Championship ring.

Maybe but its still a ring and these too still deserve them more than anyone else in the league. A ring is a ring. Whether you take it easy or not. Can you really blame them. It's not THAT easy. Obviously they're going to have to show why they're major upgrades to Fisher and Horry. They can't slack off and win...

It doesn't really matter how good the Lakers bench is. They're starting lineup will keep eachother rested for the playoffs. The season won't take a toll on them, because they're going to be able to get some rest(all four of them). They're never going to have all four of them on the bench or even three of them(unless its the end of a blowout). Phil's never going to have to worry about the reserves keeping the intensity, because the reserves will probably still have Payton, Kobe, Malone, or Shaq out there with them.

[Rens]

They're starting lineup will keep eachother rested for the playoffs. The season won't take a toll on them, because they're going to be able to get some rest(all four of them). They're never going to have all four of them on the bench or even three of them(unless its the end of a blowout).

Nice contradiction here. They're going to be well rested, yet they'll never have more than two of the "big 4" on the bench at all times? That is exactly how the players will tire. And when there's no bench to back them up, it's likely to take it's toll

[GloveGuy]

They're starting lineup will keep eachother rested for the playoffs. The season won't take a toll on them, because they're going to be able to get some rest(all four of them). They're never going to have all four of them on the bench or even three of them(unless its the end of a blowout).

Nice contradiction here. They're going to be well rested, yet they'll never have more than two of the "big 4" on the bench at all times? That is exactly how the players will tire. And when there's no bench to back them up, it's likely to take it's toll

What I'm trying to say is that all of them will be rested but not so much that its up to the bench to win the game. Kobe and Shaq will be able to get the rest they need and the Lakers will still be able to win the game because while Kobe and Shaq can rest, Payton and Malone can be the number one and two scorers. The same for when Payton and Malone rest. Or maybe it will be Payton and Shaq on the bench while Kobe and Malone play. Or it could be Shaq and Malone resting while Payton and Kobe play. The bench doesn't have to have much weight on its shoulders while the number one and two scorers are on the bench...

[Poollit]

your all forgetting one very important factor here.
Kobe Bryant:
all three of them can rest, and let Kobe run with one other for few minutes at a time. Remmeber Kobe is the only Laker that doesn't have that switch mentality. Oh and about him and his stats, yes, he likes stats, but he likes WInning more. Kobe can run 40-45 minutes per game if asked, he did it last year, those minutes are only at 40 because he played 30 minutes some games due to a 20-30 point lead going into the 3rd or 4th. But Kobe won't need to play all these minutes anyways. Malone is the only one that needs to be worried about breaking down due to age. Payton is in great shape still. shaq will comeback healthier, he got a personal trainer for the off season.
Mavs better? I doubt it, no D, Lakers will have good offence but on top of that their Defense will almost be unbreakable with Kobe, payton, George on the perimeter, and Shaq D.L. with alittle help from Malone. Mavs can only play that uptempo game also if they can play D and force missed shots, otherwise looks like they have to play Laker style. shot for shot. and that won't get them a W. For the kings: Please...Do i have too?

[LeBron James]

i hate fukin fakers(lakers)