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LeBron James, Anthony Davis & The Lakers: What’s Next
As the final seconds ticked down during Game 6 of the NBA Finals, LeBron James and Anthony Davis wandered towards the exit of the fan-less arena. Davis had his head hanging low, almost as if he had lost. In reality, the mood was quite different. AD was simply trying to process what was about to happen. For the first time in his career, he was going to be an NBA champion. Seeing as LeBron was the man responsible for bringing him to Los Angeles, it only makes sense that it would be James who would embrace Davis and congratulate him on everything he was able to accomplish. According to reports, it was in this moment that James whispered in Davis’ ear “we’ve got more work to do.”
When LeBron brought Davis to Los Angeles, the goal was always to win multiple championships. One title was never going to be enough for either of these players and now, they’re at least partially on their way to achieving their goal. In order for this goal to actually be met, however, the Lakers are going to need to do a lot of work — as it’s only going to get tougher from here on out.
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Heading into next season, the entire league is about to get better, and if the Lakers keep their roster the same, they could be left behind by other franchises. The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and even the Golden State Warriors are all expected to be title threats in the Western Conference. This doesn’t even take into consideration the Eastern Conference who will have the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Boston Celtics all vying for that coveted spot in the NBA Finals. If the Lakers want any chance at repeating as champions, they will have to re-tool their roster, which is easier said than done.
First and foremost, the team is going to need to quickly re-sign Davis. It doesn’t appear as though this going to be a problem as reports came out this week stating that AD would opt out of his final year and re-sign with the franchise. At this point, it remains to be seen how many years he will want to sign for, especially since LeBron is getting up there in age and there are no guarantees that the Lakers will be contenders for more than a couple of years.
Once the Lakers have AD secured, they will need to look for a third star to complement LeBron and Davis. LeBron and AD were more than enough this season, but when the league inevitably gets better, the Lakers will need a bonafide third option who can help out when the going gets tough. As for who this third player could be, well, there have been plenty of names thrown around over the past few months, and fans are starting to get their hearts set on two in particular: Chris Paul and Bradley Beal.
While these players would be perfect for the Lakers, it remains to be seen how they could fit within the roster when it comes to cap space. For instance, Paul is in the midst of a massive supermax contract and once the Lakers sign AD to an extension, they won’t have much room for the veteran point guard. As for Beal, well, it would be a mistake for the Washington Wizards to part ways with him considering John Wall is about to return this season, which could turn the Wizards into a bubble playoff team. Despite these obstacles, the Lakers should definitely try to make something work here, as they will also be dealing with Rajon Rondo who is about to test the free-agent market. If Rondo were to leave, it would create a massive void, and Paul could be the perfect player to take that spot.
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If the Lakers miss out on Paul and Beal, which seems likely, they could also go after Derrick Rose. The team tried to trade for Rose near the deadline a few months back, but the Pistons rejected the trade. Now that Rose has one year left on his deal, the point guard could be seen as the perfect rental for the Lakers as they try to win back-to-back titles. Not to mention, the Lakers have young players like Kyle Kuzma, who could act as sweeteners to any potential trade. If the Lakers really want to make a splash, they could even try to make a play for Victor Oladipo, who is rumored to want out of Indiana, as soon as possible.
As for other free agents the Lakers could go after, there are plenty to choose from — although it will all depend on what happens with their current free agents. This list of players includes Dion Waiters, J.R. Smith, Markieff Morris, Dwight Howard, and Jared Dudley. When it comes to who they could consider going after, there are going to be some sharpshooters on the market. This includes guys like Joe Harris, Jordan Clarkson, and even Bogdan Bogdanovic who is about to become a restricted free agent with the Sacramento Kings. All of these players could give the Lakers some shooting depth, which was lacking at times this season.
Every year the running joke around the Lakers and their fans is that they think they will land every single big-name free agent. This is simply an impossible task, although it will be important for the Lakers to get at least one or two of the players mentioned above. They have the pieces to wheel and deal, so it only makes sense that they would try to make a major play. And now, they have proven they can win, which goes a long way in convincing people to come aboard.
With LeBron’s window closing, this offseason will be pivotal for the Lakers and their future. While the possibilities seem endless, the clock continues to tick.
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Pete Miller Explores Duality on “The Dazzling Kimberly”
Pete Miller’s ‘The Dazzling Kimberly’ is a profound exploration of the intricacies of human emotion and the complexity of our relationships. Through its narrative, the song delves deep into the heart of love, loss, and the paths we choose in life. The protagonist’s journey of self-reflection and contemplation, sparked by the enigmatic Kimberly, serves as a mirror to our own experiences with love and the often painful lessons that come with it.
“The Dazzling Kimberly” is a poignant song that narrates the story of two twins embroiled in conflict, who are brought together and eventually reconciled by their interactions with a mystical figure named Kimberly. This song, with its rich narrative and allusions, particularly to the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, offers a layered exploration of themes such as rivalry, redemption, and the ephemeral nature of life and relationships.
The song opens with a vivid depiction of one twin’s sense of guilt and moral ambiguity, contrasting his own cunning with his twin’s straightforward approach. This internal conflict sets the stage for the entrance of Kimberly, a figure whose very existence seems otherworldly, serving as a catalyst for change and reflection in the twins’ lives.
Kimberly, characterized by her wisdom and almost supernatural presence, challenges the narrator to reconsider his values, suggesting that victories won through cunning lack the essence of true love and fulfillment. Her influence is profound, guiding the twins towards a reconciliation that seemed impossible before her intervention.
The chorus of the song encapsulates the narrator’s deep yearning and the transformative impact Kimberly has had on his life. It questions the value of freedom and the significance of their bond, highlighting the impermanence of life through the metaphor of fading air and shifting sands.
The resolution of the twins’ conflict, prompted by Kimberly’s disappearance (or passing), symbolizes a newfound maturity and understanding. The once-contentious land becomes a symbol of their shared heritage and reconciliation, underscoring the message that love and unity are more valuable than any material possession or victory.
The allusion to Jacob and Esau provides a biblical backdrop to this tale of rivalry and reconciliation, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning and moral questioning. Just as Jacob and Esau reconcile after years of conflict, so do the twins, guided by the ethereal and loving presence of Kimberly.
The song’s melancholic yet hopeful tone captures the duality of human experience—the longing for what was and the hope for what could be. The moods and themes you’ve described, from melancholy and contemplation to love, regret, and redemption, underscore the universal struggle with fate and the desire for moral clarity and closure.
For further thematic exploration, the works of Leonard Cohen, particularly for their spiritual and existential undertones, or the poetic narratives of Bob Dylan, might resonate with the themes of “The Dazzling Kimberly.” Both artists adeptly weave complex human emotions with broader philosophical and spiritual questions, much like Pete Miller does in this song.
–Ralph Grossman
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