Lakers S67 PressinPressurePresser

[MexicanMamba]

Things change. Things stay the same. We build around here. Everyone in this building works their asses off, all in service of accomplishing one goal: Championships. Unfortunately, the basketball gods don't necessarily care about your feelings. In the last 10 seasons, the Lakers have been to AT LEAST the conference finals SEVEN times. Including 4 trips to the Finals.

Goose egg.

Now, before moving any further, I'll take an opportunity to congratulate the Champs, the Houston Rockets. That's a hell of a roster, hell of a team. A ring was a long time coming for that organization and those fans. Well deserved.

With that out of the way ... I really wish we could've given them our best shot with a fully healthy squad. Unfortunately, injuries at crucial moments is nothing new for us. Lost Karlo Pearson and Evan Mobley together once. Leroy Johnston missed all of the playoffs two seasons ago. Then Paolo Banchero got injured vs. Minnesota in the conference finals. You'd think we'd get our act together and prepare better but again we were too thin and it cost us.

So, what now?

Well, we lick these wounds and go at it again. We were thrilled to get Leroy Johnston back in Los Angeles, for one. He's a perfect 3 & D option to slide into the starting SF role between Johnny and Paolo. The bench is a little more dynamic as well, with veteran Gerald Dixson joining in a reserve role and natural progression from Gradey Dick, Hershal Gilmore and bringing back Andy Elliot and Markus Barnes.

We have holes to fill still however, as we know our starting Center spot is in need of an upgrade. Thankfully, we have positioned ourselves incredibly well to capitalize on any opportunities that may present themselves to upgrade this roster. Believe me, we are open for business.

The league looks as strong as it was last season, so nothing is going to come easy. Wolves, Bulls, Nuggets, Pacers, Bucks all present interesting obstacles and that's just in our conference. The other side has heavy hitters as well, such as Phoenix, San Antonio and the defending Champs.

We'll earn everything we get this season.

Hopefully, we earn our 2nd ring.

Any questions?

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[LazyTitanSmash]

Is there any chance Safi Fino-A-Laself is part of a trade package this year? Are you looking to really shake up your team? Or are you just looking to add bigs to your core 3?

[greepleairport]

You've highlighted some incredible competition in the league this season. Do you care to overanalyze your 20+ point loss to the Nuggets this preseason? Are you going to have nightmares about Joseph Ford?

[MexicanMamba]

Is there any chance Safi Fino-A-Laself is part of a trade package this year? Are you looking to really shake up your team? Or are you just looking to add bigs to your core 3?

While I never discourage folks from sending trade offers, because that's part of the fun of the game, trading Safi hasn't been remotely on my mind at this point. I'm not even sure how many assets exist in the league right now that would even make it worth it for me to consider it.

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[MexicanMamba]

You've highlighted some incredible competition in the league this season. Do you care to overanalyze your 20+ point loss to the Nuggets this preseason? Are you going to have nightmares about Joseph Ford?

it was the 2nd night of a back-to-back, and well, that Miami night life scene it quite something else. JD and Safi set-up quite a night and I'm not sure if either of them slept before tipoff. Banchero might have threw up on Ford's shoes in the 2nd quarter.

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[K-100]

Where would you rank the Bobcats draft pick in your asset pool?

[MexicanMamba]

Where would you rank the Bobcats draft pick in your asset pool?

Well, it's not currently being shopped at all because I've seen no name on the trade block that I think would be worth moving it for. So, I guess that would place it at #1. We all know the league loves potentially getting top 5 picks and that's a possibility.

It's not completely off the market, of course, but it'd only be moved for a bona-fide star with some longevity.

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[Eazy P]

Do you think this is the year your team finally dodge the untimely injuries that has basically derailed your team from winning championships?

[Black Superman]

Injuries aside how do you feel you match up against teams with good bigs? Especially teams with deep bigs? Do you feel it is an area of growth needed?

[MexicanMamba]

Do you think this is the year your team finally dodge the untimely injuries that has basically derailed your team from winning championships?

I'm at the point where I'll always be expecting the worst to happen at the worst possible time. It's like my Dallas Cowboys Fandom has bled into sim life.

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[MexicanMamba]

Injuries aside how do you feel you match up against teams with good bigs? Especially teams with deep bigs? Do you feel it is an area of growth needed?

I definitely need to keep my eyes open for deals to give some quality size to my roster. It could definitely cause issues down the line. Still, I'll matchup well with any and everyone I'll play this season because they'd also have to matchup against my top 3 guys, who are better than anyone else's top 3, when healthy.

Doesn't mean I'll beat everyone, but we definitely can.

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