2024 NBA Season

[TravelMug]

I think you're probably right that a big change is coming for them in the near future.  Russell Westbrook just put his multimillion-dollar Los Angeles home up for sale, so he's expecting to need to find a new place to live in the near future.  I would think that you wouldn't put your home up for sale unless you knew that a change in scenery was imminent,

But take note that the house was bought way back in 2018 where there's not even a plan that Westbrook will join the Lakers soon. In that year, he was playing for the Houston Rockets then a year later, he was on the Washington Wizards. As reported, he was active in real estate in previous years and was able to sell 3 properties in 2020.

Maybe just for business purposes that's why I can't consider it "for now" as a sign that Westbrook will be traded prior to the start of the season. Again as I mentioned previously, if the Lakers will have a good run in the early phase of the upcoming season, then that will decide if they will keep Brodie or not.

Yeah, probably just a business for Westbrook and other players to invest their money on real state and then sell later for profits. So there will be no surprises here, except that maybe we not correlate his selling at this point to him leaving the Lakers but I don't see any connections.

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

[LogitechMouse]

The news that came out recently is mostly about Robert Sarver (Phoenix Suns managing partner) and his 1-year suspension.
https://www.nba.com/news/nba-investigation-robert-sarver-suns-official-release
But I don't know him that much and I guess many of us feel the same way so it will be a boring talk. 
The good part of the story is that NBA won't stand by if the issue is about racism. Even if you are in one of the high positions.

Base on that article, this is what Sarver did:

This conduct included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying.”

The league has no room for that kind of people. Even Lebron said that the NBA has no room for racist people, and I think we all agree with it. Well, the NBA already gave sanction to Sarver, and I just hope that he will learn from this one.

Brunson in Knicks.
How do you guys think they could maximize his skills? He did great during the last run in the Mavs playoffs. He became a leader while Luka was injured.
Could the Knicks also do the same and let him handle their offense or lead the team?

Brunson might turn as their star player instead of Randle who after playing a very good season, flopped the next season.
Brunson played very well when he is in the Mavericks where Luka is there, Dinwiddie is there and other players who are good offensively. Now that he is in the Knicks, he will be tested if he can lead the team. I'm pretty sure he will maximize his skills with his stint with the Knicks especially those floaters that is very hard to block. With regards to him leading the team, like I said he will be tested, and I believe that he can but let's see because we might see the opposite and be like Randle as well.

[Natalim]

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

That's up to the Lakers management, Westbook can choose to stay but what if the Lakers will think of trading him? I think the news about him selling his house is just pure business, it's not connected to him leaving LA soon.

[jaberwock]

Jalen is the highest-paid Knicks player right now. He is also older than most of the core young teams. Maybe he can be their captain bull although there's also Derrick Rose on the team. New York is now full of very talented young players yet they also have a huge cap space which means they are also capable of bringing a superstar into the team. But right now, their main guy is Randle and Barrett though they are not that experienced when it comes to playoffs. Maybe they can also try acquiring any of the remaining stars in Utah; Bogdanovic, Clarkson, and Conley.

You know you have a problem if Jalen is your highest paid player. Knicks never really puts out a good team because they do not need to, they could lose every single game and they would be still selling the tickets for a lot of money because it's in New York and that's how it works.

The team keeps on gaining value as well, I mean Warrior gained value too after winning 4 titles, but they barely touch what knicks is worth and that's why they do not have a proper team. Honestly, spending a ton of money to make this team better doesn't really make it any better financially and that is why the owner doesn't care, he owns the stadium too so he just collects his income and enjoys life.

[carlisle1]

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

That's up to the Lakers management, Westbook can choose to stay but what if the Lakers will think of trading him? I think the news about him selling his house is just pure business, it's not connected to him leaving LA soon.

Still no update about him leaving the Lakers. Maybe that house for sale is purely a business matter and nothing related

on his or the team being separated. And just like how the post above was said, that house was there before he was traded to Lakers,

opinions are flowing, since rumors about trading him are still hot. Whatever the real score about him and his stay with the lakers,

we will soon hear it from the news.

[Oasisman]

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

That's up to the Lakers management, Westbook can choose to stay but what if the Lakers will think of trading him? I think the news about him selling his house is just pure business, it's not connected to him leaving LA soon.

It's inevitable for people not to think that the selling of his property is not associated with the trade rumors going around in the NBA today. Though that property was bought in 2018, but still we can't be so sure on whether or not the Lakers already have a deal on the table that involves a Westbrook trade.
However, it could be that this is just some business, since Westbrook was originally from Long Beach CA, not really that far from LA. He for sure have properties over there as well.

[danherbias07]

Brunson in Knicks.
How do you guys think they could maximize his skills? He did great during the last run in the Mavs playoffs. He became a leader while Luka was injured.

Big boost for the Knicks, his playoffs experience would help the team to be a good playoffs contender. He became a superstar in the Mavs during the last playoffs, so for sure, he can bring that confidence in his new team.

That's what I thought too. They require a leader but I don't see it with Randle. Maybe he could be the one pushing the limits of these young players.
Brunson, Quickley Fournier, Barrett, and Robinson. That is my first five and they should build chemistry faster if they want the championship badly in the upcoming season.
But the rumors are still hot about a trade so that might change.

Brunson might turn as their star player instead of Randle who after playing a very good season, flopped the next season.
Brunson played very well when he is in the Mavericks where Luka is there, Dinwiddie is there and other players who are good offensively. Now that he is in the Knicks, he will be tested if he can lead the team. I'm pretty sure he will maximize his skills with his stint with the Knicks especially those floaters that is very hard to block. With regards to him leading the team, like I said he will be tested, and I believe that he can but let's see because we might see the opposite and be like Randle as well.

Yeah, the first 10 games. We could analyze how it will work out. Adjustments will be made, and it should not be last like last year when Randle is trying to become point. The ball will be safer in Brunson's hand.

[inthelongrun]

Jalen is the highest-paid Knicks player right now. He is also older than most of the core young teams. Maybe he can be their captain bull although there's also Derrick Rose on the team. New York is now full of very talented young players yet they also have a huge cap space which means they are also capable of bringing a superstar into the team. But right now, their main guy is Randle and Barrett though they are not that experienced when it comes to playoffs. Maybe they can also try acquiring any of the remaining stars in Utah; Bogdanovic, Clarkson, and Conley.

You know you have a problem if Jalen is your highest paid player. Knicks never really puts out a good team because they do not need to, they could lose every single game and they would be still selling the tickets for a lot of money because it's in New York and that's how it works.

The team keeps on gaining value as well, I mean Warrior gained value too after winning 4 titles, but they barely touch what knicks is worth and that's why they do not have a proper team. Honestly, spending a ton of money to make this team better doesn't really make it any better financially and that is why the owner doesn't care, he owns the stadium too so he just collects his income and enjoys life.

It's odd to see New York a very rich city has a low level of team in the NBA. Although I am not sure how rich the owners of the New York Knicks are compared to the other top teams in the NBA.

This coming season the New York Knicks showed its eagerness to improve by offering a serious offer to Utah for Donovan Mitchell. They would've acquired Spida if not for the Cavaliers a little better offer. I can see their current line-up capable of making it to the playoffs but with limited success against the other top teams.

RJ Barrett's contract will end next season, he might get paid more than Jalen Brunson if he continues to play at a high level. But New York if they are serious about improving the team can acquire any superstars this season or next season since they do not have huge players under contract.

[YuginKadoya]

Base on that article, this is what Sarver did:

This conduct included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying.”

The league has no room for that kind of people. Even Lebron said that the NBA has no room for racist people, and I think we all agree with it. Well, the NBA already gave sanction to Sarver, and I just hope that he will learn from this one.

Many are saying that the penalty for Robert Sarver is very light a $10 million fine and suspension for a year, just a walk in the park for him, and they added that Sarver should get a heavy punishment and I think once a racist will always be racist, and his punishment should be like the one the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling got, and that is a lifetime ban, which would be fairly fitting for Sarver, but then they explained that Sarver's case is different with the Sterling case that is why they will have different punishment which is I definitely don't understand,

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

That's up to the Lakers management, Westbook can choose to stay but what if the Lakers will think of trading him? I think the news about him selling his house is just pure business, it's not connected to him leaving LA soon.

Per se maybe this is the end of his career no one wants him anymore for me Russell Westbrook should not play like Russell Westbrook, I think he needs to make a transition in his plays he doesn't need to be like his old self if he wants to stay on the NBA for another season like Carmelo Anthony done, he transition himself to be defensive and at the same time an effective scorer if need, but he is not taking the spotlight to the superstar that can score more than he can,

[OgNasty]

Many are saying that the penalty for Robert Sarver is very light a $10 million fine and suspension for a year, just a walk in the park for him, and they added that Sarver should get a heavy punishment and I think once a racist will always be racist, and his punishment should be like the one the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling got, and that is a lifetime ban, which would be fairly fitting for Sarver, but then they explained that Sarver's case is different with the Sterling case that is why they will have different punishment which is I definitely don't understand,

I can't say I really understand the difference either.  I guess maybe because Sterling was caught on tape?  Who knows...  I haven't had time to review the report yet, but it sounds like more of the Sterling nonsense like you said.  I did see something at a glance about inappropriate touching to male employees?  It seems like Sarver has some issues that aren't just rooted in racism.  I hope he is left with a sour taste in his mouth and explores selling the team.  As a businessman, he's got to see that the value is at an all time high and headed lower as this recession takes hold.  He should do everyone a favor, including himself, and sell the team.

[yazher]

Many are saying that the penalty for Robert Sarver is very light a $10 million fine and suspension for a year, just a walk in the park for him, and they added that Sarver should get a heavy punishment and I think once a racist will always be racist, and his punishment should be like the one the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling got, and that is a lifetime ban, which would be fairly fitting for Sarver, but then they explained that Sarver's case is different with the Sterling case that is why they will have different punishment which is I definitely don't understand,

I read this article yesterday and thought they were hard for him to ask $10 million for just saying racist words. I guess they do this kind of stuff nowadays to further stop the racism in the US and you might get yourself in trouble when you say those words no manner what you are thinking. When they say this is really nothing to him then I won't be saying much because rich people sometimes really don't know where to spend their money anymore and though this is some kind of over penalty, it is really good if it will be donated to some foundations that are really in need of it.

[Yaunfitda]

......they started good in the first 10-20 games if I'm not mistaken, but as soon as Davis get's injured, the Lakers suffers and they can't recover in time to make the playoffs. For Caruso's case I think it's more of the salary offer and it Alex is not satisfied that's why he chooses to go to the Bulls with good offer.

That 10-20 games, Lakers are not anymore consistent, thanks to Westbrook though.  

We can look it that way, that it was Westbrook who broke Lakers chemistry, but there is also that a lot of players joining them last year that really affected them and then coach Vogel wasn't able to adjust his team.

A healthy Lakers with Westbrook has a chance to reach the playoffs, but winning the championship, I think that's another story.
Trading Westbrook should be the right idea, unless he will prove us wrong this season to come.

Of course, him being healthy, even if he is not that super athletic could be a problem for most team. He can still get those rebounds and assists to pad his stats. So we will see if at least they can get to the 1st round of playoff this year with him still around as a Lakers.

[btc_angela]

Many are saying that the penalty for Robert Sarver is very light a $10 million fine and suspension for a year, just a walk in the park for him, and they added that Sarver should get a heavy punishment and I think once a racist will always be racist, and his punishment should be like the one the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling got, and that is a lifetime ban, which would be fairly fitting for Sarver, but then they explained that Sarver's case is different with the Sterling case that is why they will have different punishment which is I definitely don't understand,

I can't say I really understand the difference either.  I guess maybe because Sterling was caught on tape?  Who knows...  I haven't had time to review the report yet, but it sounds like more of the Sterling nonsense like you said.  I did see something at a glance about inappropriate touching to male employees?  It seems like Sarver has some issues that aren't just rooted in racism.  I hope he is left with a sour taste in his mouth and explores selling the team.  As a businessman, he's got to see that the value is at an all time high and headed lower as this recession takes hold.  He should do everyone a favor, including himself, and sell the team.

Even CP3 has spoken about that issue and he said that he indeed think that the penalty is very light specially the suspension and there are lot of media criticizing Adam here and it seems it is going to be a challenge for him as a NBA commissioner. And slowly some notable players are also giving their opinion about the case, like Lebron. And yeah, this could meted a lifetime ban and maybe he will have to sell the team. He had a lot of black players and if he continues to be a a racist then there's no way that he should be allowed to own any sporting team for that matter.

[Reid]

Many are saying that the penalty for Robert Sarver is very light a $10 million fine and suspension for a year, just a walk in the park for him, and they added that Sarver should get a heavy punishment and I think once a racist will always be racist, and his punishment should be like the one the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling got, and that is a lifetime ban, which would be fairly fitting for Sarver, but then they explained that Sarver's case is different with the Sterling case that is why they will have different punishment which is I definitely don't understand,

I read this article yesterday and thought they were hard for him to ask $10 million for just saying racist words. I guess they do this kind of stuff nowadays to further stop the racism in the US and you might get yourself in trouble when you say those words no manner what you are thinking. When they say this is really nothing to him then I won't be saying much because rich people sometimes really don't know where to spend their money anymore and though this is some kind of over penalty, it is really good if it will be donated to some foundations that are really in need of it.

Considering what happened during the bubble where most black men were fired from their jobs and others were killed, yes they are increasing the punishment for racism especially in NBA where the NBPA is pushing their rights as an American and not like a different human that is still chained in slavery.
This case about Sarver should not be missed too even if he had a good position in the Suns.
18 years as an executive, the question for me is "Why just now?"

[Kelvinid]

Many are saying that the penalty for Robert Sarver is very light a $10 million fine and suspension for a year, just a walk in the park for him, and they added that Sarver should get a heavy punishment and I think once a racist will always be racist, and his punishment should be like the one the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling got, and that is a lifetime ban, which would be fairly fitting for Sarver, but then they explained that Sarver's case is different with the Sterling case that is why they will have different punishment which is I definitely don't understand,

I can't say I really understand the difference either.  I guess maybe because Sterling was caught on tape?  Who knows...  I haven't had time to review the report yet, but it sounds like more of the Sterling nonsense like you said.  I did see something at a glance about inappropriate touching to male employees?  It seems like Sarver has some issues that aren't just rooted in racism.  I hope he is left with a sour taste in his mouth and explores selling the team.  As a businessman, he's got to see that the value is at an all time high and headed lower as this recession takes hold.  He should do everyone a favor, including himself, and sell the team.

Even CP3 has spoken about that issue and he said that he indeed think that the penalty is very light specially the suspension and there are lot of media criticizing Adam here and it seems it is going to be a challenge for him as a NBA commissioner. And slowly some notable players are also giving their opinion about the case, like Lebron. And yeah, this could meted a lifetime ban and maybe he will have to sell the team. He had a lot of black players and if he continues to be a a racist then there's no way that he should be allowed to own any sporting team for that matter.

Most of the players are black and racism is a big issue in the US, he is lucky that he only has a light punishment considering his financial status. I hope people will stop racism, this is not good, we have to be trained fairly as we are all humans, and we are not anymore living in the past.

[cryptomaniac_xxx]

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

That's up to the Lakers management, Westbook can choose to stay but what if the Lakers will think of trading him? I think the news about him selling his house is just pure business, it's not connected to him leaving LA soon.

It's inevitable for people not to think that the selling of his property is not associated with the trade rumors going around in the NBA today. Though that property was bought in 2018, but still we can't be so sure on whether or not the Lakers already have a deal on the table that involves a Westbrook trade.

I don't think there is a deal on the table for Westbrook, because if he did, but now there will be noises already and every NBA reporters could have been with it.

However, it could be that this is just some business, since Westbrook was originally from Long Beach CA, not really that far from LA. He for sure have properties over there as well.

Yes, most probably he bought the property because he lives near the place. Or just like the rest of us, we tend to look for real state investment and this player have tons of money to burn and buy properties and then they can sell it later.

[kro55]

Many are saying that the penalty for Robert Sarver is very light a $10 million fine and suspension for a year, just a walk in the park for him, and they added that Sarver should get a heavy punishment and I think once a racist will always be racist, and his punishment should be like the one the Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling got, and that is a lifetime ban, which would be fairly fitting for Sarver, but then they explained that Sarver's case is different with the Sterling case that is why they will have different punishment which is I definitely don't understand,

I can't say I really understand the difference either.  I guess maybe because Sterling was caught on tape?  Who knows...  I haven't had time to review the report yet, but it sounds like more of the Sterling nonsense like you said.  I did see something at a glance about inappropriate touching to male employees?  It seems like Sarver has some issues that aren't just rooted in racism.  I hope he is left with a sour taste in his mouth and explores selling the team.  As a businessman, he's got to see that the value is at an all time high and headed lower as this recession takes hold.  He should do everyone a favor, including himself, and sell the team.

Even CP3 has spoken about that issue and he said that he indeed think that the penalty is very light specially the suspension and there are lot of media criticizing Adam here and it seems it is going to be a challenge for him as a NBA commissioner. And slowly some notable players are also giving their opinion about the case, like Lebron. And yeah, this could meted a lifetime ban and maybe he will have to sell the team. He had a lot of black players and if he continues to be a a racist then there's no way that he should be allowed to own any sporting team for that matter.

I really do not understand how people can still have a narrow mentality like that. In 2022 it is really amazing to see that people are still very racist. How can someone be on a team in spite of being a racist?

I think there are a lot of problems which are going to be created around this issue. If there was a harder punishment the first time probably this wouldn't have been an issue. But right now I feel like the punishment is obviously going to be bigger. This punishment is honestly nothing compared to what he should have faced because of what he did. Can't just run around and think of yourself as a black person when you are not.

[stadus]

I honestly would like to see Russ traded so the Lakers will have a strong line-up with no excuses if they can't compete on top.

I don't think trading Russell Westbrook will make the Lakers have a strong lineup.

I don't even see them as one of the contenders even if Westbrook is not there.

However, depending on the situation, if the Lakers are doing great in the early phase of the next season, Westbrook might stay. If not, might be considered traded in midseason. Not seeing Westbrook will be traded prior to the start of the season as far as the latest news or rumors are concerned. Safe to conclude that we keep it that way.

If we based it in their recent performance, having Westbrook in the line-up won't definitely help them and might be best if they will acquire another point guard that is much more reliable. But it seems that Darvin Ham has another game plan if the Westbrook remains in the team, and that's what I wanted to see because the Lakers should just accept their defeat when they acquire Westbrook and just give the man his chance as this will be his last season based on his contract.

[Kasabus]

I think you're probably right that a big change is coming for them in the near future.  Russell Westbrook just put his multimillion-dollar Los Angeles home up for sale, so he's expecting to need to find a new place to live in the near future.  I would think that you wouldn't put your home up for sale unless you knew that a change in scenery was imminent, which leads me to believe in spite of all the friendly talk, Pat Beverly and Russell Westbrook won't be playing on the same team.  I'm even starting to wonder if picking up Pat Bev was a way to help nudge Russell towards a buyout.

Honestly, I still have no idea if any other team would risk getting Westbrook, but it's clear that his decision to put the house in Los Angeles up for sale indicates that there is a good chance that the Lakers will get rid of him before the start of the season. By the way, this situation reminds me of Ben Simmons, who also put up for sale his real estate in Philadelphia before being traded to the Nets.

Think people are looking too much into that.  Market is high a good time to sell.  And yeah he might be gone soon but he should know his contract will be incredibly hard to move, much harder than Ben Simmons.  Ben basically told Philly he won't play for them either, russ ain't doing that.  So it could be as much as he just wants to move.

Yes, there is a high chance that it was just all a coincidence and Westbrook selling his house is not a sign or somehow connected to his current situation in LA Lakers. Ben Simmons is different because he already decided that he won't play for the Sixers anymore, that's why he sold his house at Philly.

I think we are just overreacting on some things regarding with Westbrook's situation because as of this moment, it seems to me that Westbrook will finish his contract playing for the Lakers.

[mirakal]

I think you're probably right that a big change is coming for them in the near future.  Russell Westbrook just put his multimillion-dollar Los Angeles home up for sale, so he's expecting to need to find a new place to live in the near future.  I would think that you wouldn't put your home up for sale unless you knew that a change in scenery was imminent,

But take note that the house was bought way back in 2018 where there's not even a plan that Westbrook will join the Lakers soon. In that year, he was playing for the Houston Rockets then a year later, he was on the Washington Wizards. As reported, he was active in real estate in previous years and was able to sell 3 properties in 2020.

Maybe just for business purposes that's why I can't consider it "for now" as a sign that Westbrook will be traded prior to the start of the season. Again as I mentioned previously, if the Lakers will have a good run in the early phase of the upcoming season, then that will decide if they will keep Brodie or not.

Yeah, probably just a business for Westbrook and other players to invest their money on real state and then sell later for profits. So there will be no surprises here, except that maybe we not correlate his selling at this point to him leaving the Lakers but I don't see any connections.

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

Funny thing is that people are thinking way too much about it and when Westbrook listed his house in LA for sale, people are already seeing that as a sign and speculating that he will likely be traded to other teams in the league before the season starts. People forgot that lots of NBA players are also a business man on the sidelines so that they will still maintain their status if the NBA is already done with them.

And who knows, he might stay with the Lakers for the rest of the reason. So still he needed a house around Los Angeles.

If his performance will improve this time then the Lakers will let him stay for the rest the season and might re-sign him for another 2-year deal but this time, his salary is expected to be much lower. Also, he may have another house somewhere in LA even if his house that he listed will be sold.