The National Basketball Association

[RaleighBlue]

Is there enough reasonable doubt over it though that he might get away with it?

Nothing to get away with.

It's not illegal in the States. No one is quite sure what the league will do. Worst case for him is they strongarm him to sell and he makes about 600 million dollars. Not sure what else can be done. He's worth billions, so even a big fine will be easy for him to ignore.

It was him though. They have him recorded.

I haven't listened myself, but this purports to be the full tape:
http://deadspin.com/exclusive-the-extended-donald-sterling-tape-1568291249

 

[SerenityNigh]

Is there enough reasonable doubt over it though that he might get away with it?

The Court of Public Opinion has already weighed in; there's nothing left for him to recover. If he's going to sell, now is the time for him to sell.

That said I imagine that for 80-year old white millionaires in the US, he's not in the minority on his opinion (not defending him or his opinion, just that it's probably not uncommon.)

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Wonder if the Clippers will ride this out and go on to win, or if this will be something they can't recover from?

A real shame that this idiot has ruined it for them, I think the players have been excellent at times this year.

Last thing I want is for the Lakers to be back on top

 

[maverick94]

Adam Silver has been pretty spot on in what he's done as commish so far, so I hope he does the right thing and sends Sterling to downtown Compton and see how he's welcomed there

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will be off if he doesn't sell I think

Pretty much write off the franchise for another 20 years if that happens

 

[RaleighBlue]

Last thing I want is for the Lakers to be back on top

They won't be for a few years yet.

Jim Buss is an idiot. Only something like LeBron jumping to the Lakers would bring them back right now. They have always succeeded on the back of superstars, and with Kobe aging they're looking empty in that area now.

Of course, the Lakers will always be a prime destination for a superstar, so we'll see how long it lasts, but I don't think they'll be back for at least 2-3 years.

 

[SerenityNigh]

Blake Griffin and Chris Paul will be off if he doesn't sell I think

Pretty much write off the franchise for another 20 years if that happens

NBA teams have more control over players and contracts than you're used to seeing in football. The team will have power to make good if the players want to leave.

 

[SerenityNigh]

They won't be for a few years yet.

Jim Buss is an idiot. Only something like LeBron jumping to the Lakers would bring them back right now. They have always succeeded on the back of superstars, and with Kobe aging they're looking empty in that area now.

Of course, the Lakers will always be a prime destination for a superstar, so we'll see how long it lasts, but I don't think they'll be back for at least 2-3 years.

Even with LeBron, they're miles from a decent team and I agree that Buss isn't the one to steer them back to glory.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

They won't be for a few years yet.

Jim Buss is an idiot. Only something like LeBron jumping to the Lakers would bring them back right now. They have always succeeded on the back of superstars, and with Kobe aging they're looking empty in that area now.

Of course, the Lakers will always be a prime destination for a superstar, so we'll see how long it lasts, but I don't think they'll be back for at least 2-3 years.

I've loved the Clippers drubbing the Lakers at times this year. Never thought I'd see the day

 

[RaleighBlue]

Even with LeBron, they're miles from a decent team and I agree that Buss isn't the one to steer them back to glory.

LeBron can make a team both attractive to good role players and an immediate playoff contender on his own.

Like I said 2-3 years minimum though. But Buss is enough of an idiot to screw all that up and throw max money at someone like Carmelo and no roleplayers.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

NBA teams have more control over players and contracts than you're used to seeing in football. The team will have power to make good if the players want to leave.

If they have as much control as you say, they'd be crazy to let them both go at the same time

 

[SerenityNigh]

If they have as much control as you say, they'd be crazy to let them both go at the same time

The NBA is ruled by the "max contract" and salary cap. It creates a very complex structure (many teams make personnel decision based on cap available instead of player talent, and teams often trade dead weight (bad contracts) as an asset. Because of the limits on earning potential and how teams can sign players, many players can only earn the "max contract" if they sign with the team they belong to before being traded.

All that means that a player usually can't let his contract expire and walk on a "Bosman" to earn a larger paycheck. Although a disgruntled player can still wreck a franchise, it's much harder for them to get paid without working with the team.

 

[SerenityNigh]

LeBron can make a team both attractive to good role players and an immediate playoff contender on his own.

Like I said 2-3 years minimum though. But Buss is enough of an idiot to screw all that up and throw max money at someone like Carmelo and no roleplayers.

The Cavs are at least 2x better team than the Lakers now, maybe more. They would be a title contender with LeBron, but the Lakers would simply be a playoff contender (without significant additions).

 

[RaleighBlue]

The Cavs are at least 2x better team than the Lakers now, maybe more. They would be a title contender with LeBron, but the Lakers would simply be a playoff contender (without significant additions).

Sure, I posit that Lebron + LA Lakers = significant additions. Loads of players that are very good would want to go and join Lebron in LA for the rings and glamour.

Lebron is probably never going to leave the Eastern conference though. While LA would be great for his brand, an easier path to the finals is even better for it.

I don't see him leaving Miami honestly, it's perfect for him.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

The NBA is ruled by the "max contract" and salary cap. It creates a very complex structure (many teams make personnel decision based on cap available instead of player talent, and teams often trade dead weight (bad contracts) as an asset. Because of the limits on earning potential and how teams can sign players, many players can only earn the "max contract" if they sign with the team they belong to before being traded.

All that means that a player usually can't let his contract expire and walk on a "Bosman" to earn a larger paycheck. Although a disgruntled player can still wreck a franchise, it's much harder for them to get paid without working with the team.

"Doing a Dwight Howard" as I like to put it

The Magic shouldn't have chosen him over the Head coach, when it was obvious he was going to be off as soon as possible