Lakers S69 Presser

[MexicanMamba]

The Road So Far ....

Cue the opening to "Carry on My Wayward Son".

Just like the openings to so many great season finales of the 15 season series, Supernatural.

Also like Supernatural, and the evil fighting brotherly duo of Sam and Dean Winchester, last season was all about fighting off demons.

Safi Fino-A-Laself, one of the true unicorns of the league, has fought against as much adversity as anyone in this league. Heartbreaks, injuries, disappointments, bloodshed, tears, you name it. 13 seasons in this league ... unlucky for some ... but the magic number for Safi.

Paolo Banchero. A sometimes forgotten man in a lineup of stars and greatness. Then the lights would begin to get hotter, playoffs getting into full swing, and then the injury bug, a grim reaper really, would swallow him hole and end opportunities at greatness.

Johnny Davis. An MVP candidate who left a great spot in Denver to move to play in Los Angeles to chase immortality. And it looked like he may be forever punished by the sim gods for his choices.

Ron Harper Jr. A scoring machine that couldn't get over the hump with some talented teams in Brooklyn and then felt unwanted and gained a reputation as someone who couldn't fit in with Boston, Golden State.

Fabian Hub. Mocked after leaving Golden State and their championship run and passed around, unneeded and undesired. Placed in the unfamiliar role of 6th man.

As a roster .... they had to go 7-games with a team that has had their number in major moments multiple times over the years. Then conquer a multiplie times over MVP. And finally, Slay the beast of the last team to best them in the Finals.

Safi overcame.
Banchero showed grit.
Johnny was validated.
RHJ was wanted.
Hub thrived.

Together they became champions.

Finally.

Now that the streamers have all fallen, the champagne has all spilled, and the cigar smoke has faded, they're now in New, unknown territory.

Gone are JD, Hub and Harper. Sent to new homes to find new glory and in comes fresh faces, youth and purpose. Trayce Jackson-Davis is a crown jewel. Jody Kinsella can be an enforcer. Albert Smalley has a ways to go, but potential to be a prize. Dyson Daniels will find his way and his place.

Some veterans came on-board or came back. Rick Lemley, Markus Conover, Jed Ransdell, Frank Chavez, and Raphael Gordon offer some winning traits.

And they're lead by the two men who have bled purple and gold for the longest. Paolo and Safi still kicking, excited, and ready.

Banchero knows that his future could lead him to somewhere else. And while he seems engaged with the youngsters, I believe he would relish the opportunity to add more gold to his trophy room by moving on instead of starting over.

Then there's the greatest player that I've ever been around in my time in Los Angeles. Safi Fino-A-Laself. Going into this 14th offseason of his, he still feels juiced up as always. He's been excited to work long hours with Smalley and Trayce and Kinsella. He's instantly turned into mentor. THE mentor.

So, how will it all end this season?

How about ya'll come and ask the right questions so we can explore that question a little hit, alright?

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[Mike Lowry]

Congratulations Champ!
It was a long time coming.
You didn't waste any time hitting the reset button and cleaning house.
Everybody is shining their coins as we speak to make that Banchero bid.
Did you think there was any way possible to run it back?
What were the factors that led you to the reset?

[RPF]

God Shammgod, Net News: 1 question for you, how does it feel to finally be a champion?

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[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Big congrats on a well-deserved championship that's been a long time coming! After having an incredible run of 60+ win seasons, what was different about last season that resulted in another banner in the Staples Center?

[MexicanMamba]

Congratulations Champ!
It was a long time coming.
You didn't waste any time hitting the reset button and cleaning house.
Everybody is shining their coins as we speak to make that Banchero bid.
Did you think there was any way possible to run it back?
What were the factors that led you to the reset?

I was fully prepared to go back all-in if acceptable offers didn't come in for the guys I was trying to deal. Early on in the off-season I felt like it was the route I'd have to take too. However, the Suns came calling for Mr. Davis to get the ball rolling and it started the snowball effect. Banchero can be had too, as you mentioned, and an unfortunate TC means he won't cost what he did when that shiny purple tag was attached.

As for why I moved on so quickly, I just needed a mental reset too. For the past 12 seasons, I've made it to at least the 2nd round in all but 1 mini reset season. In that stretch there's ten 60+ Win seasons, four 70+ win seasons, 5 finals appearances ... and 1 championship. It's definitely major 1st World problems energy, but to accomplish all that with only 1 ring it meant a lot of disappointment to end seasons. Plus, just the mental energy to keep figuring out ways to build those winning rosters. I needed to try something else.

This title gave me the perfect opportunity to recharge. Along with the long playoff break, which I was very happy about. Then seeing Nate take over as commish helps get my energy up some as well. We'll see if I even get back into article writing or not too.

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[MexicanMamba]

God Shammgod, Net News: 1 question for you, how does it feel to finally be a champion?

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Safi felt like this guy once the final whistle blew.

Honestly, I do think my favorite part about it is the head canon I get to play with regarding Safi's chase for that championship. 13 seasons and finally getting one is a cool story. Maybe ill write something about it soon.

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[MexicanMamba]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Big congrats on a well-deserved championship that's been a long time coming! After having an incredible run of 60+ win seasons, what was different about last season that resulted in another banner in the Staples Center?

Thanks, brother. One thing that helped was I had to young pieces sitting around to make extra deals happen along with stars in-place. Then I had some bird rights flexibility to go full-on "fuccit" mode and throw it all on the table. I targeted Hub because he has so much position flex and was the absolute perfect super sub. Then Ron Harper Jr. Ended up being a perfect fit. Those two were also extremely aggressive on offense, drawing fouls and getting to the line, which is also a huge part of JD's game. I think by strengthening my strengths it really gave that roster an advantage I didn't often have.

Also, and maybe most importantly, everyone stayed healthy for once.

And lastly, the honest truth is that I was fortunate that your Bulls were so snakebit by the injury bug last season. If not for that, it's very possible you would have also won 72 games and maybe stole that 1 seed. You were that good and I think that 7-game series proved it. If I had to go on the road to end that series? Probably a different outcome.

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[LazyTitanSmash]

Fox Sport News, Dallas here. Nice Championship!!! You deserved it. Over the last 12 years Safi was obviously Sam. Who was his Dean? Who paired best with Safi?

[MexicanMamba]

Fox Sport News, Dallas here. Nice Championship!!! You deserved it. Over the last 12 years Safi was obviously Sam. Who was his Dean? Who paired best with Safi?

I'll drop a top-5 off the top of my head.

Fabian Hub (5)
- Only a 1 season team-up, but obviously, it was a smashing success. I think they paired up well though because they were both similarly flexible, capable of playing 4 or even all 5 positions each, making them matchup nightmare.

Charles Alleman (4)
- I think Safi was still in primary PG mode while playing with Alleman so it'd be interesting to have seen him next to Alleman instead of running the whole offense, but still, a PG's best friend is a guy who can be a defensive enforcer AND dominate down low on the other end.

Paolo Banchero (3)
- A long-time running mate now, and a very successful one. Safi is a great 2-way player and gets along with other 2-way players. Paolo can score and play elite defense, plus (when healthy) he always raised his game in the playoffs.

Karlo Pearson (2)
- You can almost repeat everything from Banchero's listing above, except Karlo was even more dominant on defense because he was elite stealing the ball as well as on-ball defense. Plus, he had some PG skills as well so he could take some pressure off Safi when needed.

Johnny Davis (1)
- The only player Safi has played with who could be argued was better. Johnny immediately took over as the alpha in regards to scoring. His arrival also meant he'd play PG which gave Safi free reign to move to PF, which fully unlocked his flexibility and ability to use all of his great defensive traits since he was able to start rebounding, shot blocking, and stealing the ball with the best in the league as well as keep his scoring and assists up.



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[Xist2Inspire]

Random Reporter: Congrats on a long-deserved title!

Despite this being stated as a well-deserved rest season, Paulo and Safi alone makes this roster far from an automatic lotto placement. Do you foresee making any moves to take advantage of any potential signs of competitive life?

[greepleairport]

It can't be said enough - congrats on your 2nd ring. Few have fought harder for it, and you have the blood sweat and tears to show it. Super happy for you and Safi.

Tearing down a legendary squad can be its own skillset, though. I had a popular town hall last season grading ourselves. If I recall correctly, you hated doing it. So instead of rating yourself, how about your top move and your missed opportunity, if any? What have you liked / disliked about other team teardowns following a dynasty?

[MexicanMamba]

Random Reporter: Congrats on a long-deserved title!

Despite this being stated as a well-deserved rest season, Paulo and Safi alone makes this roster far from an automatic lotto placement. Do you foresee making any moves to take advantage of any potential signs of competitive life?

I think its much more likely that Banchero finds a new home than be adjusting fire to go back into grabbing more wins. However, I can't say it hasn't popped in my mind, if the right opportunity came up. What I can say though is that I can't imagine wanting to move Trayce Jackson-Davis, Albert Smalley, or Jody Kinsella to do it. Plus, I definitely will not do it at the expense of a tax reset.

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[MexicanMamba]

It can't be said enough - congrats on your 2nd ring. Few have fought harder for it, and you have the blood sweat and tears to show it. Super happy for you and Safi.

Tearing down a legendary squad can be its own skillset, though. I had a popular town hall last season grading ourselves. If I recall correctly, you hated doing it. So instead of rating yourself, how about your top move and your missed opportunity, if any? What have you liked / disliked about other team teardowns following a dynasty?

Thanks, sir.

After TC/Training, especially, the best move is an easy choice. Gaining Trayce Jackson-Davis and Albert Smalley is a great rebuild combo to start a reset with. Johnny Davis is definitely worth it and he'll prove it again this season, but those two have opportunities to eventually lead quite a resurgence.

I think my only issue with some other rebuilds is when they are done too early, especially when I can see the easy paths towards keeping it going and pulling another ring. Otherwise, folks gotta do what they enjoy about this game.

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[NickMalone77]

Nick Melon; Orlando Sentinel: You’ve hinted at Dyson Daniels being a bit further behind in terms of the other prospects like Smalley & Trayce on the team. What kind of role do you foresee him working into on this roster over the next season ahead?

[BigDaddyd8720]

*finally gets called on after having hand raised for approximately 8 minutes and 34 seconds*

Why am I always being called on so late to ask questions?

Anyway, big congrats on the championship last season. I know early on it looked like the rockets were going to have an easy road all the way to the championship. Can you explain how you were able to keep your team focused last season and also how this new team will have to handle the pressure of filling the voids left by your star players who decided to walk in FA?

[Eazy P]

How does it feel to finally get over the hump and winning and tittle for you franchise? Do you plan to repeat?

[MexicanMamba]

Nick Melon; Orlando Sentinel: You’ve hinted at Dyson Daniels being a bit further behind in terms of the other prospects like Smalley & Trayce on the team. What kind of role do you foresee him working into on this roster over the next season ahead?

Dyson won't have a role on the actual basketball court this season as it'll be an immediate redshirt season, however that is the same for both Smalley and Trayce. I'm still unsure of what Dyson's actual ceiling can be nor if he'll reach it in Los Angeles.

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[MexicanMamba]

*finally gets called on after having hand raised for approximately 8 minutes and 34 seconds*

Why am I always being called on so late to ask questions?

Anyway, big congrats on the championship last season. I know early on it looked like the rockets were going to have an easy road all the way to the championship. Can you explain how you were able to keep your team focused last season and also how this new team will have to handle the pressure of filling the voids left by your star players who decided to walk in FA?

That roster didn't need to be told how important every series was. In the end though, it was Safi's leadership that kept the ship from veering and accomplishing all of our goals. I personally don't feel there's any pressure this season because the moves we've made show that the expectation is NOT to repeat last season's success. These young guys get an opportunity to learn from a great and pave their own way down the line.

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[MexicanMamba]

How does it feel to finally get over the hump and winning and tittle for you franchise? Do you plan to repeat?

No repeat this season. We just get to rebuild.

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