I truly believe in freedom of speech and the ability to express yourself openly. In certain situations though, I really believe that individual thinking becomes a group effort. I say this because over the past week, since Dwight Howard made his decision to join the Houston Rockets, several members of the Lakers inner circle, diehard fans, and even Laker greats, have all expressed some sort of anger or resentment towards Howard.
Even the great Earvin “Magic” Johnson chimed in on Howard’s decision; he felt offended that Dwight Howard would leave his beloved Lakers for another franchise. He was quoted as saying “remember, it’s and honor and a privilege to play for the Lakers”. Had this been 10 or 15 years ago, I would’ve definitely agreed with Magic.
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated/CNN
After Jerry West stepped down as GM, the Lakers have never been the “Lakers” again. Sure they secured 2 more titles, but let’s not forget who was responsible for making the deals that put those players in Lakers purple and gold. Once Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss started calling the shots, it all went downhill! When you trade a Sixth Man of the Year recipient to your conference rival, the same rival who swept you the previous post season with said player, what outcome are you expecting?
Also, take a glance at their draft, trade, and free agent signings after that. Steve Blake is not a $30 million point guard! Antwan Jamison is not an answer to ANY of the Lakers problems. Instead of keeping and developing young and promising talent like Shannon Brown, you let him go to Phoenix via free agency? Yes his team stunk up the Western Conference but the Lakers weren’t far behind them.
So where are the results that are showing players what an honor and privilege it is to play for this once promising franchise? There isn’t a commitment by ownership to put sufficient talent around Kobe Bryant, to where he can preserve his body and not have to put up 35 on a nightly basis! Instead, they put guys like Robert Sacre, Devin Ebanks, Goudelock, and Chris Duhon on the payroll! They continued to show their inept ability to find and cultivate talent this past off season, by allowing Earl Clark to bolt for Cleveland and dump all their eggs into the Dwight Howard basket. Whatever happened to having a ‘Plan B’ (and C)?
So before Magic Johnson and the rest of Laker nation starts criticizing players for not being on the purple and gold bandwagon, take a look at their recent track record. The proof is in the pudding!
