S52 Clippers Presser

[MexicanMamba]

So, ultimately last season ended quicker than we had hoped.  Hats off to a dangerous, hungry Thunder team for punching us in the mouth.  Definitely wish Loredo could have played out the entire series, but quite simply we just lost to the better squad.  Still, last season was a lot of fun.  After making a couple of huge mid-season trades, that team was athletic, high energy, selfless and loved to shoot from distance.  Ended up one of our best regular season teams since I've arrived. 

After the 2nd round exit, we did consider taking offers to move back and do a reset, but it quickly became apparent to us that we had the resources and roster in-place to go for it all again.  With a chance for our cohesion to grow even tighter with so little turnover in the starting 5, we chose to go all-in. 

In free agency we brought back All-Defensive Ace, Ron Jarvis and we tried to bring back Major Clark as well, but unfortunately he chose to go to Indy.  Another returning piece, after a few season absence, is Scott Leonard who we are excited to have back in Los Angeles.  Newcomers are Chester Lutes Isaiah Stewart and 1st round draft pick Roman Milam. 

We explored many trade opportunities this off-season to strengthen our strengths, but unfortunately none came to fruition but we will continue to be open to moving and shaking up this roster if it brings us closer to another championship. 

Training camp treated us very well, as no one looked slow or out of shape and most players seemed to get better or just stay consistently strong.  Shout out to Terry Sterner, who seems to be picking up a thing or 2 from being around so many great shooters. 

I expect a hard run at 70 wins this season and for Loredo and JJ to be a terror for everyone they face.  We'll be strong defensively and efficient on offense. 

Starting lineup (and 6th Man) :

C: Zeke Nnaji
PF: Jordan Johnson
SF: Gary Loredo
SG: Terry Sterner
PG: John Blakemore
6: Ron Jarvis

Scott Leonard will also play good minutes.  It's a roster with a lot of flexibility and is capable of playing a number of ways and styles.  Looking forward to another fun one!

Now, come with your questions!

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[garbageman]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Both LA teams seemed destined for a conference finals matchup last season, but it was the Thunder that ended up in the Finals representing Omega. Since you're bringing back a team that looks pretty similar in a weaker conference, what lessons have you learned (Loredo's late-series injury aside), and what adjustments did you address over the offseason in order to live up to this season's expectations?

[MexicanMamba]

Sham Smith, Bulls.com: Both LA teams seemed destined for a conference finals matchup last season, but it was the Thunder that ended up in the Finals representing Omega. Since you're bringing back a team that looks pretty similar in a weaker conference, what lessons have you learned (Loredo's late-series injury aside), and what adjustments did you address over the offseason in order to live up to this season's expectations?

While I have a few tweaks that I need to test during this season, I think a big thing I learned is that while my squad might be built to attack the perimeter, that doesn't mean we have to run and gun. I'd say, at least early, look for a more patient and deliberate offense that still rains from the outside. I also want to find even more ways to get the ball into the hands of Gary Loredo, and though I won't go into specifics, some of the trades I tried completing this off-season were geared towards maximizing both of those things. As mentioned above as well, I just think given more time to get our cohesion to top levels, they can and will soar higher. Guess we're soon to find out for sure.

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[greepleairport]

Last year you ran up against an overlooked foe, thinking ahead to the LA Vs LA conference finals, much like your humble questioner. Who do you think is getting overlooked in S52, or perhaps one move away from serious contention, and why is it the Los Angeles Lakers gearing up for an LA Vs LA conference finals showdown?


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[MexicanMamba]

Last year you ran up against an overlooked foe, thinking ahead to the LA Vs LA conference finals, much like your humble questioner. Who do you think is getting overlooked in S52, or perhaps one move away from serious contention, and why is it the Los Angeles Lakers gearing up for an LA Vs LA conference finals showdown?


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First of all, who let you out of the basement of Staples? Second of all, while I don't think they're really overlooked, but of the Trailblazers were able to make a move for a quality big man, they can go from really interesting to really scary in the blink of an eye.

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[IamQuailman]

Will this be the year you can FINALLY do something in Los Angeles aside from running a very attractive small ball lineup? (I'm jealous)

[MexicanMamba]

Will this be the year you can FINALLY do something in Los Angeles aside from running a very attractive small ball lineup? (I'm jealous)

Probably not, because small ball is life and I most definitely can't think of anything else better I've accomplished in the league to this point!

(But, I mean, hopefully there's more)

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[K-100]

Now that the loophole is closed for recently signed vet mins getting dealt after one sim, how does that change your strategy in focusing on who to acquire via trade on day 60 and beyond?

[MexicanMamba]

Now that the loophole is closed for recently signed vet mins getting dealt after one sim, how does that change your strategy in focusing on who to acquire via trade on day 60 and beyond?

Generally I don't fill my roster spots in the off-season so that I can keep flexibility for moves, but with the recent rule change, I now have a full roster going into opening night. Very likely that at least 5 of them dont make it beyond the trade deadline, deal or no deal, but this is the new norm for flexibility's sake.

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[Eazy P]

Another year, Another great looking roster, will you be disappointed if your team doesn't win it all and will there be any roster moves to be made via trade for your team this season?

[TheSyndicate]

What comment do you have that the Omega Conference should really be renamed the 'Beta' Conference?

[MexicanMamba]

Another year, Another great looking roster, will you be disappointed if your team doesn't win it all and will there be any roster moves to be made via trade for your team this season?

I am hopeful that I have as good of a shot at a championship as I've had since my first, but there's great teams around here that I won't pretend can't do it too. So, yes, disappointment but not crushing. Its gonna be a grind. But, I damn sure think I should make it there.

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[MexicanMamba]

What comment do you have that the Omega Conference should really be renamed the 'Beta' Conference?

That I'm not in the SEC so I don't root for a conference

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[TheSyndicate]

What comment do you have that the Omega Conference should really be renamed the 'Beta' Conference?

That I'm not in the SEC so I don't root for a conference

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I’m just jealous that I’m always in the tough conference. You good fam