This is weak.

Pulling the narrative of a “glamour franchise” and the Laker’s did “nothing but have Lakers on their uniform” is objectively wrong.

No one asks, “Why do the Lakers have a brand that means winning?” https://twitter.com/johnhollinger/status/1311705839904980998
Why does one of the most financially successful franchises (The Knicks) in one of the biggest markets then always fail? Why don’t they have the same legacy? Why aren’t players drawn to go there?
Miami is a huge market and incredible place to live. Why don’t they have the same legacy and perpetual success?
Despite the narrative, there’s only ever even been 2 major free agency signings that the Lakers have had: Shaq (who came because the money was better and reportedly wanted to stay in Orlando but felt offended by what he felt was a weak offer) and Lebron.
During the Jim Buss era, the Lakers couldn’t even get a meeting with KD, and Lamarcus Aldridge laughed in our faces.
We DRAFTED Kobe, Magic, Worthy, . Those are 3 of the best players of all-time.
We traded for AD, Gasol, Kareem. Also Dwight who ended up signing with Houston.

3 of these players wanted out of their situations. AD was with an organization that had been a dumpster fire until Demps left.

They didn’t even have their own medical staff for part of his tenure.
Look what other organizations who have begun to have a good reputation have started to do: OKC, Paul George signs there. He doesn’t go to Clips without Kawhi.

Nets sign KD and Kyrie.

Houston signed Dwight in his prime, got CP3 (from an LA team).

Golden state signed KD.

Spurs.
Culture and organization matter. The Lakers have had a stronger organization for a longer period of time so they have an advantage in that regard more than any other.

But the Jim Buss era also demonstrated that when it’s not players arent going to come here just because of that.
That’s not to say our other advantages, market, lifestyle, big stage etc. don’t matter. But there’s a reason the Clips havent had anywhere near the same success while being in the same market.
There’s a reason the Knicks didn’t attract star talent. Why Chicago has been bad since MJ left.
So can we stop just denigrating then Laker’s success? Because they’re built on a lot more than “glamour” and “being in LA”.

Their built winning, hard work, culture, and family.
The NBA is better if there’s more balance. And a big part of that is making your organization a place teams want to come play. Which has more to do with the things the Laker’s have BUILT vs what they’ve been given.
Ok, rant done.

PS players make a lot less money here than in other states due to Tax rate.
You can follow @LakerSeattle.
Tip: mention @twtextapp on a Twitter thread with the keyword “unroll” to get a link to it.

Latest Threads Unrolled: