Can Magic and Pelinka See the Face of the Franchise?

Well,

In a prime time game against the Lebrons the whole nation saw what we have been watching for a long time now. The emergence of Pitt Bull Julius Randle as one of the most unusual, vicious, effective, brutal talents and stars of this league.

And I'm pretty sure that most of the country (at least those who know hoops) were thinking, The Lakers may actually let that 23 year old walk to get Paul George? Really? They want to let that guy go?

Two things happen every Lakers game. Like clockwork. Randle will play like a maniac and just wear teams out. And two, the announcers will talk about how spectacular he is, then talk about how Laurel and Hardy (Magic and Pelinka) may let him go to get their coveted two max veterans....you know, so they can lose to Golden State in the playoffs (the announcers don't say the last part, I just put it in for realities sake).

There is no other team in the league that would consider letting a guy like walk at his age. What is going on in LA is as big a travesty as those pathetic Lebron bill boards that populated the city this week, bringing back that nightmares of the Howard billboards. How humiliating. But I'm sure Laurel and Hardy loved it.

You know, it's so strange who those two clowns just don't seem to see what is right in front of them. With Randle, Kuzma, Ball and Ingram, we have all the star power we need. They just need to fill out those ancillary spots over the next couple of years and now they have the cap room to do that. It's right there guys, open your eyes. They don't need to let Randle walk to get where we want to go.

And as all the announcers and fans were watching the Pitt Bull tour de force dismantle the Lebrons, you saw Laurel and Hardy, attached to the hip like always, yukking it up at court side. And you wondered, are they seeing what we all are? Or are they thinking, Imagine having Lebron and George on this team?

I know one thing, If Ingram were playing like Randle, Laurel and Hardy would not be thinking about letting him walk. They would be blowing each other at center court during time outs.

If you remove Randle from this team, it will not look or operate the same. He is the fulcrum, the fuse, the generator that makes it all happen. He is the best player on this team, because of his skill and heart and warrior mentality and anyone who doesn't know it yet just isn't watching, or has an axe to grind with Randle. And if you don't think this is true, just wait and see if the sad day comes and he does walk. Then you will know.

There is a face of this franchise, as Magic said so often. It's just not the two guys he thought it would be. He better take a good long look and see who that happens to be before a very big mistake is made.

We need to keep Randle by any means cost. Pay him!

I don't go by what those announcers say, I don't see them letting Randle walk, unless someone offers him an outrageous contract. But think if Lakers are in ballpark with offer He'll resign.

While I have no ax to grind with Randle, in the end I think BI will be best all around player out of core. Imo

Great post, SPQR. But let me add this:

When you add a player, no matter how great, who is clearly on the downside of his career (Steve Nash, for example), you are taking a huge risk. With LeBron, it is an even greater risk.

LeBron's personality is such, that like a political figure we all know, blames anybody but himself when he comes up short. He could wreck our youngsters with a blame game they have never seen before.

Just one example: IT. Bron, the GM, gets Thomas. Thomas isn't Thomas, but instead of waiting to see if IT has recovered his magic powers, it is OFF WITH HIS HEAD. Trade him. What an improvement.

If The King came here, who knows who he would blame for any losing streak? Surely not himself.

Why even risk it, Maginka.

We have a team that is winning, and has come close -- even with injuries -- to beating top tier teams. Just add PG13 and, if IT recovers his magic powers, sign him too.

The Dream Team: PG13, Randle, Kuz, BI, Zo, IT, Hart. "We don't need no stinkin' Bron! ... We're the Magnificent Seven!"

Haven't we learned enough about Superstars on the downside of their careers? We are still missing some draft picks to this very day from the Nash debacle. 'Nuff said!!!

Have we actually heard Magic or Pelinka say anything about not keeping Randle?

I mean last summer and at the trade deadline we heard them say they needed cap space for flexibility. But does that mean that they don’t need that cap for Randle?

I know last summer they alluded to PG and Lebron, but since then it’s all been reporters and tv hosts and radio hosts just spouting their opinions... that the Lakers are all out for Lebron or bust... I’m just saying maybe that is just all the hype, maybe that was the attitude last summer but maybe as this season has gone perhaps Randle has become one of those priority free agents, maybe they don’t want to tip their hat so other teams don’t go after him hard and they have to pay more because of it.

Yes they still want 2 big FAs, but maybe they have come to think of Randle as one of those 2 big FAs... I for one would rather have Randle and PG this summer with the possibility of stealing Klay away from Golden State next summer, or another quality role player. Than have Lebron and PG and no Randle and no hope of another FA the following year.

Great post, SPQR. I was literally thinking the same thing every time they showed Laurel & Hardy on the side, "ARE YOU SEEING THIS!?!? You guys better be paying attention!"

I honestly wanted Randle to shout pay me in their direction after one of his many slams. Unfortunately, in our world self promotion really works lol. Look at Connor McGregor, or the president of the United States. I think Randle should start speaking up. At press conferences or whatever, I'd be sure to let them know every time, "I'm the free agent they need to be worrying about."

Luke, I think it's been pretty evident. If you take everything they've said in the offseason and around the trade deadline, throw in the reports by the media, and the moves they've made. They are going all in on 2 max free agents. They've stated they will, and every move they've made has been to trade away good players for more cap space. Lou, Russell, Clarkson, Nance... If they tell you the cap space is sacred and that they want two max free agents, and every reporter with insiders says the same thing, just take them at their word.

Great post, Baad!

With BI emerging, do we really need PG13? Regardless I just think had Boogie not gotten injured, he'd been the perfect fit for us. That's just me though.

I feel like the FO proved all that talk about Lakers letting Randle walk at trade deadline when they didn't let him go. At that point that proved they are willing to pay him, how much nobody knows not even them at that point. But if they truly didn't want him back then they would have let him go and got something, even if it was a late 1st or a 2nd pick. They wouldn't be sitting on him right now, if they 100% decided we are not giving him any money this summer.

The other thing people want to harp on, is the fact we didn't get an extension done. Given we can match anything it was in the Lakers best interest not to give him an extension at that point. By giving him an extension we basically spend a huge chunk of our cap space, when right now he is only costing us 12.4 against cap space. Giving him an extension would have been a stupid move for the Lakers to make.

Now the question is how much is he worth? He has raised his price as the year went on. Will the Lakers even have to give him as much as he thinks he is worth. As of this year, I don't see Randle as a player that teams make room to sign. Sure he will get offers, but I don't think the Mavs will make a few trades for more cap space to pay him more. They will probably offer him 18mil, because that is roughly how much they will have to spend.

Lastly, Lakers are very able to keep Randle and sign 2 max guys. It really comes down to our FO sitting down with Randle and figuring out a number together. If we come to an agreement with Randle on a number, then he will simply not sign any offer sheet and we sign him for more after all other moves are done.

If he doesn't want to do that, then we can still match whatever offer sheet is sent his way. We are in a win / win situation with him.

Ray, I don't think anyone has ever said that the FO is 100% sure that they don't want Randle back. And you have a fair point about not extending Randle prior to the season, but had they done that, they would 100% have been able to re-sign him for cheaper than they will now. He is a burgeoning star at this point. So long term it would've been much smarter to extend him.

We're not signing two max players this offseason anyways.

Also, insiders have always said SOMEONE will pay him. And that was before he really had a breakout season. Someone will easily offer him more than $18M. He's 23 years old, and one of the best players in the league that age. Those guys don't usually become free agents! Most FOs are army enough to not let it get to that point.

If it were up to me I would pay the man. I'm typically worried when a player plays significantly better on the last year of his contract, but Julius is looking like an absolute monster out there. No one can guard the kid and if he continues to work on his handle, jump shot and right hand then he's going to be a star.

If it were up to me I would pay the man. I'm typically worried when a player plays significantly better on the last year of his contract, but Julius is looking like an absolute monster out there. No one can guard the kid and if he continues to work on his handle, jump shot and right hand then he's going to be a star.

Plus he's been getting better each season. It's been a steady progression. Now if he was 27 and this was out of the blue... then I'd be more worried about the contract season.

Yeah, but he hasn't shown he'd be this good till now , so I have no problem with FO waiting to see. Now we'll find out how good they think and other teams think he can become with contract offer. There's still a limit to what I'd offer him in FA, although I'd go higher than what I originally said at 15m. But I don't put him on the same levels as an Embiid or AD, so less than what they got. So I'd say around 18-20m , guess we'll find out in July.

JJ check this out ,look at where his per is now, getting close to star level.

https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyre/status/973242215261790208

Not offering him a contract extension is all they needed to do. Actions speak louder than words.

Not offering him a contract extension is all they needed to do. Actions speak louder than words.

He wasn't exactly playing like a player you thought was a keeper at the time either. Imo

Not offering him a contract extension is all they needed to do. Actions speak louder than words.

I don't agree with that, we have no clue what number Randle was asking for. Also I don't remember hearing any sources saying how frustrated Randle was about not getting an extension done. What's the point of the RFA rule if a team is not going to use it to their own advantage. Lakers and Randle may have had an understanding, that if you want this team to improve, then we need to wait till this summer to get a deal done.

Lets be real, Randle probably wanted like 20 million, which he was not worth last summer. So Lakers do the smart thing and decide to wait and see how he plays this year and they can match anything if they choose to do so. With the understanding that by waiting till this summer, they could get a really good deal on him, depending on the few teams that have money, if any of them even would even throw max money at him. Maybe now they will, but during last summer, no team was going to throw that money at him. Teams are no longer spend like they were for the last 2 years.

I am fine with the Lakers paying him a lot of money, I really hope they do, but him and his Agent need to have the understanding they need to wait until we make all other moves and then he will get his money. This is the *loop hole, that can put a team over the top.

Exact situation with GSW, they could only afford Durrant, because Curry was on a similar deal as Randle and allowed them to pull in Durrant and now after Durant has been there for 2 years, he can get his max money. This loop whole only happens, when you a have stud on a rookie contract and you make 1 or 2 big signings before they get off their rookie contract. We have this 1-2 year window to make big moves or essentially the team we have now, is our team for the next 5 years. Which is not bad, I love the team we have now, but we can bring in so much talent if we make moves this summer or next.

With BI emerging, do we really need PG13?...

With injuries, you sure do.

Agree Ray, although I do remember hearing that Randle wasn't happy about not getting an extension, seem to remember him putting on a " pay me" shirt at beginning of season.

He wasn't exactly playing like a player you thought was a keeper at the time either. Imo

Well what are you judging him on? Pick up games and pre season? Lol

I wouldn't have offered him a contract of great value personally but I don't think there was an offer period, correct me if I'm wrong.

Do we even know if the Lakers offered anything? Of course he is going to ask for $20million, no one negotiates up and says are you sure? We really want to pay you $25m lol.

The truth is it's going to cost the Lakers a lot of money in taxes very quickly, the Buss family are not as rich as Daddy, it will be interesting to see if they are willing to pay super taxes like Golden State are projected too.

But this is Randles first and possibly only big deal, I'd be surprised if he takes a cut price deal. Durant Sacrificed because he has earned big money already, what's a few million to win rings.

I've heard you say this before, have the Lakers FO made any mention or anything that shows they wouldn't pay taxes for a team that can contend? I seriously doubt that if we have a team contending for a ring that they don't chalk up the money needed to keep it together.

Also how are they not as rich as their Daddy didn't they get everything when he passed away?

I just couldn't imagine Lakers not willing to go way over the cap to keep team together, if they are indeed contending. It would take the Lakers 4-5 years from now to come close to the money GSW are gonna have to pay out very soon. And a lot can happen in 4-5 years.

Lets give Laurel & Hardy credit. They were smart enough to NOT trade him during the trading deadline. Obviously they see his value. But I do see your concern. If I'm The Lakers, I'm keeping "BEAST MODE" at almost all costs. If they just let him walk, I'll be very upset. But I highly doubt that that happens.

Yeah, but he hasn't shown he'd be this good till now , so I have no problem with FO waiting to see. Now we'll find out how good they think and other teams think he can become with contract offer. There's still a limit to what I'd offer him in FA, although I'd go higher than what I originally said at 15m. But I don't put him on the same levels as an Embiid or AD, so less than what they got. So I'd say around 18-20m , guess we'll find out in July.

Well, that's just like your opinion, Man. I've been saying since day one he'd be this good. So maybe some couldn't see it, and maybe some could.

I don't put Embiid on the same level as AD btw.

Crazy. Seems like everyone in the world sees it at this point. Hope Magic/Pelinka do too.

Great post, Kk. Crazy thing is, those stats they reference are in such a low amount of minutes too.

There were definitely sources saying he frustrated about not getting an extension.

Let's be real, FO probably low balled the hell out of him last offseason or didn't offer him a deal at all (in order to preserve that "sacred cap space" for stars). Doubt he asked for $20M and was unwilling to budge.

Randle is on his rookie deal. Not a similar deal to Curry.

Lets give Laurel & Hardy credit. They were smart enough to NOT trade him during the trading deadline. Obviously they see his value. But I do see your concern. If I'm The Lakers, I'm keeping "BEAST MODE" at almost all costs. If they just let him walk, I'll be very upset. But I highly doubt that that happens.

Weeelllll, let's not give too much credit. If we believe any of the reports, apparently they did try pretty hard to trade him, clearly not seeing his value, but no one made a real offer because of his impending free agency.

Cali,

I agree. I was also discussing with another member here this: All these announcers and sideline reporters talking about how the Lakers will have to make this big decision about him and may have to let him go to get their two precious veterans, right? I mean every broadcast now. So last night, or every night, wouldn't it be nice to see one of those sideline reporters go up the always joined at the hip Laurel and Hardy and say, So, you guys are willing to part with Randle if you think you can get a much older veteran next season?

I mean can you imagine the look on Earv's and Pelinka's face if during that Cleveland game one of those reporters had gone up to them on national TV and asked that?

I'd like to see someone put it right in their face now. Like you said, Randle doing it. And like I said, the reporters. Really start to make Laurel and Hardy sweat in public over their stated aims and what it could mean. Start asking them the tough questions, make them say something now with Randle shoving it in their face on the court.

Baad,

If Lebron comes here, and we become the LA Lebrons. which we will, because any team he goes to becomes The Lebrons, and if they lose in the playoffs, to Golden State or other teams, yes, he will find a way to make sure it is the kids fault. Just as that politician you speak of always makes sure everyone knows nothing is his fault.

Exactly what I'm saying SPQR.

Baad, Completely agree about LBJ too. Every time he screws up or the teams is getting beat down, he scolds all his teammates and placing the blame elsewhere. On a morning radio show they refer to him as Daddy LeBron, cause he's always upset and yelling at his teammates like he's their father. He's ridiculously passive aggressive too. I've always respected someone that would just say what they're really trying to say.

Randle is on his rookie deal. Not a similar deal to Curry.

Regardless of rookie deal or not, Curry took a cheap deal and was only making 12.1 million the year they signed Durrant. While at the same time won the MVP the 2 years before making even less. So yes GSW got extremely lucky to have to only pay an MVP 12 million a year, which allowed them the space to bring in Durrant.

I know Randle doesn't make 12.4 million, but that is the hit our cap space will take this summer if we make him RFA, so it's basically like he does make 12.4 million right now.

The first article in the press I have seen that actually is saying the truth and not regurgitating that sickening, "Well, the Lakers have a big choice to make," or, "The Lakers have to let Randle walk so they can get big name vets to compete," crap.

Very nice. Hope more people in the media actually start using their brains and eyes and understand what's really going on with the Pitt Bull and what he is.

http://www.12up.com/posts/6001893-the-lakers-have-left-themselves-no-choice-but-to-re-sign-julius-randle?a_aid=36534

Dr buss was worth $600 million or in the region of that. Perhaps more. Paying luxury tax was chump change.

When he passed, the money was split between his children, I'm guessing equally so they now have $100 million each. 6 children. Now remember they didn't split money they split asets, they don't have money unless they sell those assets. Most of the value they hold is the ownership in the Lakers. Some of the younger children are not as rich as the elder children.

Last year's profits of $115 million, split 6 ways (actually more because they're other minority share holders), isn't much.

So is the family trust, willing as a majority to pay luxury taxes, it's not 1 man's decision anymore and it's not a small amount of tax anymore either.

They all basically have to agree to forgo profits to pay luxury taxes.

Sure they might be willing, I certainly hope they are, but I don't think it's a forgone conclusion that they will.

Buss kids own 66% of team, but Tempy ,I looked up Jeanie's net worth and it says 20m , why so low?

Also the other guy that owns part of team( forget his name) is a multi billionaire, so between him and kids, they might not mind going over cap for right players.

That's what it was well before she owned the team. Says she's worth $500M now.

That's what it was well before she owned the team. Says she's worth $500M now.

Yeah ,but if you look up each kid, it says they're worth 500 or 600m , so something doesn't add up. Team is worth 2.7 billion and they own only 66%.

Yeah ,but if you look up each kid, it says they're worth 500 or 600m , so something doesn't add up. Team is worth 2.7 billion and they own only 66%.

Well it wouldn't add up had they never made a dollar in their lives. But they make a great deal of money every year.

Well it wouldn't add up had they never made a dollar in their lives. But they make a great deal of money every year.

Don't think it's right, looked up Buss family and it says, same thing. Lol