I cannot get behind any trade for a player who has yet to play. It lacks due diligence, relies in heresay and the word of an agent who’s goal is not to help the Lakers win but to make sure their clients continue to get paid. So, if Simmons plays and shows off all his marvelous work he put into his game since last season’s playoff exit I might be convinced. Might. But if he’s the same no-shooting, here one day gone the next dude I’ve been watching thanks but no freaking thanks. Also, for me, the mental illness issue has not been properly addressed. Either he’s a quitter and has bailed on his team like that merc Kawhi L or he actually needs to address something that doesn’t allow him to play. Moving teams does not cure that. That takes something called time and work, something I’m sure the staff in Philly can handle. But don’t belittle or demean people who truly suffer from a debilitating illness of the mind just because you’re a drama Queen!and weak if spirit. Get help or own up.
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Jamie Sweet says
Obviously the above is in regards to any and all Ben Simmons trade notions.
LakerTom says
The problem is you’re assuming everything that has happened is due to Ben Simmon’s mental problems. Much of what has gone on has been part of Rich Paul’s efforts to move Ben to antother team where he could be successful.
All I would say is there is no way the Lakers would be discussing trading for Simmons were they not confident that he was mentally well and would be ready to play for the Lakers.
And there’s no team or other NBA players who would have a better handle on where Ben was at than Rich Paul and LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Don’t know why you have such a hard time understanding that. Do you really think the Lakers would be trying to trade for him if they didn’t have inside info? SMH.
Finally, dubbing a player as a quitter is exactly the kind of assumptions none of us should make about a player. It’s exactly those kind of accusations that show a lack of appreciation for the seriousness of mental health. I’m sure that’s not what you meant to do but we all should be careful not to throw stones when we live in the same glass houses.
I also do not agree with your characterization of Rich Paul. Getting AD to the Lakers was a huge move in AD’s career. Finding the right landing spot for Ben Simmons is his job and the Lakers could be that spot where Ben can redeem his career and legacy as a member of the Lakers. Rich is doing what he can to help Ben like he did Anthony.
Jamie Sweet says
I didn’t like how AD handled his business leaving NOLA, either. The fact that you’re equating moving teams…while under contract and getting paid by said team…to improving someone’s mental health is a huge issue to me. Moving to the Lakers isn’t the thing that solves a mental disability, dude. That takes work with a professional , something I’m certain any team in the NBA has the resources to properly address. It’s bad enough when players basically fake major injury to get moved but now we’re going to let them say they have an undisclosed and can ONLY be aided by going to the Lakers kind of mental thing? That. Is. Absurd. It’s a slight against those who actually do suffer from ailments of the brain, like I said but you keep flossing over because if your trade machine infatuation. Look it’s really quite simple: if mentally ill the Lakers are truly the last team he should come to. The pressure is far higher, the critiques far harsher here. He should, in fact, get well before he takes the court. But, if he really isn’t mentally disabled and is using it as an excuse I truly don’t want someone willing to stoop to that level in my favorite team. In fact I would no teambtakes him and forces him to face the music in Philly. So, like the title of the post says. If we see him play…maybe then.
Jamie Sweet says
I’m assuming Ben Simmons is faking something serious because otherwise he wouldn’t be getting paid. It’s in the CBA clause that you cannot withhold pay due to issues if a mental nature or physical injury. Obviously his body is right and he’s not hurt. This we have the manufactured BS that is getting off easy, in my opinion. Whatever the case may be I wouldn’t sign off on a trade for a player who hasn’t shown he can play. Whomever it is.