Kobe, Melo, Lebron (Merged)

[Waew]

Kobe is retiring in the next 2 years. Probably next year.

[knuckleballer]

I wouldn't underestimate the allure of the Lakers and Hollywood.  They would be playing in front of celebrities for one of the greatest franchises.  I suspect Labron and Melo would like that.

Because the Knicks don't already offer that.... 

If LeBron and Carmelo team up, they're teaming up to win at least one championship. There's literally no reason to do that in the Western Conference.

The Knicks don't have salary cap space, sunny weather, or 16 banners hanging in their rafters.

[KG_ended_Bias]

Kobe, Melo, Lebron! The NBA still only uses 1 Ball right?

[JSD]

Let him go there; I doubt they get out of the west.  We can help, by giving TPE in exchange for Nash and pick 7; they need the cap space.

The Celtics should have no part of allowing the Lakers the ability to form such a super team.

Do you think Kobe is still going to be good?

I'd be shocked if he came back as a high level player.

History would suggest otherwise for a SG at his age and mileage, I understand that. But Kobe's mental make-up and determination alone will make him a top player in the league again. Especially as a 3rd option.

[JSD]

I wouldn't underestimate the allure of the Lakers and Hollywood.  They would be playing in front of celebrities for one of the greatest franchises.  I suspect Labron and Melo would like that.

Because the Knicks don't already offer that.... 

If LeBron and Carmelo team up, they're teaming up to win at least one championship. There's literally no reason to do that in the Western Conference.

The Knicks don't have salary cap space, sunny weather, or 16 banners hanging in their rafters.

12 Banners*

[rondohondo]

So you think Melo and Lebron are going to take less than Kobe's 25 mil a year ?  I know they can't be paid that much as a free agent per year, but I can't see them being thrilled to play with a over the hill  ball hog like Kobe taking up a huge chunk of cap space .  How do they add good role players if Kobe, Lebron and Melo are taking up all the cap space .

They would have no bench, no wing/pg defenders , no starting quality center .

I can't see it happening

[Fafnir]

Let him go there; I doubt they get out of the west.  We can help, by giving TPE in exchange for Nash and pick 7; they need the cap space.

The Celtics should have no part of allowing the Lakers the ability to form such a super team.

Do you think Kobe is still going to be good?

I'd be shocked if he came back as a high level player.

History would suggest otherwise for a SG at his age and mileage, I understand that. But Kobe's mental make-up and determination alone will make him a top player in the league again. Especially as a 3rd option.

I don't think his mentality will allow him to be the third option.

Beyond that all the grit and grind in the world doesn't give you back quickness/lift from a torn achilles.

[JSD]

Let him go there; I doubt they get out of the west.  We can help, by giving TPE in exchange for Nash and pick 7; they need the cap space.

The Celtics should have no part of allowing the Lakers the ability to form such a super team.

Do you think Kobe is still going to be good?

I'd be shocked if he came back as a high level player.

History would suggest otherwise for a SG at his age and mileage, I understand that. But Kobe's mental make-up and determination alone will make him a top player in the league again. Especially as a 3rd option.

I don't think his mentality will allow him to be the third option.

Beyond that all the grit and grind in the world doesn't give you back quickness/lift from a torn achilles.

I hope you're right.

[gpap]

This terrible feeling I have...

Could happen and I think it's actually more likely than people may realize.

Here are some reasons

1.)LA is the most desirable stage to play in the NBA

2.)Ways that both Bron and Melo can expand their personal brand

3.)Playing for a storied franchise.

4.)Lebron has already orchestrated one super team, why wouldnt he do it again?

5.)I think all 3 guys want to win championships so badly for their own personal agenda, that they'd be willing to do it together.

I am sure Kobe would kill to win a 6th nba title and tie MJ.

[RMO]

Let him go there; I doubt they get out of the west.  We can help, by giving TPE in exchange for Nash and pick 7; they need the cap space.

The Celtics should have no part of allowing the Lakers the ability to form such a super team.

Do you think Kobe is still going to be good?

I'd be shocked if he came back as a high level player.

History would suggest otherwise for a SG at his age and mileage, I understand that. But Kobe's mental make-up and determination alone will make him a top player in the league again. Especially as a 3rd option.

And that mental make-up won't allow him to accept being the 3rd option regardless of whomever the first two options would be.  I just don't understand the allure of playing with Kobe right now if you're Lebron.  You're hands down the best player in the league.  You've gotten the championship monkey off your back.  Why go team up with an aging alpha dog in a city where he's the undisputed king. 

[merkins]

Why would LeBron want to help Kobe get more rings?  So he can further cement himself as a step lower than Kobe, a #1A type HOF player forever?  This makes zero sense.

[gpap]

Let him go there; I doubt they get out of the west.  We can help, by giving TPE in exchange for Nash and pick 7; they need the cap space.

The Celtics should have no part of allowing the Lakers the ability to form such a super team.

Do you think Kobe is still going to be good?

I'd be shocked if he came back as a high level player.

History would suggest otherwise for a SG at his age and mileage, I understand that. But Kobe's mental make-up and determination alone will make him a top player in the league again. Especially as a 3rd option.

And that mental make-up won't allow him to accept being the 3rd option regardless of whomever the first two options would be.  I just don't understand the allure of playing with Kobe right now if you're Lebron.  You're hands down the best player in the league.  You've gotten the championship monkey off your back.  Why go team up with an aging alpha dog in a city where he's the undisputed king.

But don't forget, Kobe could retire in a couple years, hence the Lakers become Lebron's team.

Also, though Wade was four years younger, Lebron already piggybacked on Dwayne Wade's team back in 2010. I don't think he mind jumping to another star's team.

Finally, I think the allure of being the next great Laker would be tempting to him.

[j804]

I dont think this would happen what I am scared of though is Cleveland swinging that 1st pick for Love if they get assurance LeBron will join them. I actually have this gut feeling that is what''s going to happen.

Ugh

LeBron isn't going to give any such assurance. He'll be taking meetings after the draft in July.

Gulp ok that eased my stomach a bit, so Love is still in the air 

[KG_ended_Bias]

I just thought of something! Could Lebron opting out of his Miami contract be a trick to make Bosh opt out thinking the trio is breaking up only to have Melo back door him & take his portion & the James resigns. This situation just got sticky guys!

[Endless Paradise]

lol, like LeBron's legacy needs any improving by playing for the Lakers.  He's already going in the history books as one of the greatest players of all time, he's in the top 5 of endorsement profits for all athletes, and he's recognized worldwide.  Really, what are the Lakers going to offer that he doesn't have?  "You get to join the long list of Laker legends!" I think he's perfectly content with being in the long list of NBA and basketball legends.