When challenged with an NBA 2K “free choice” opportunity, I immediately decided to make it personal. Writing about things I’m passionate about is the whole reason I’m in this spot, so why not take over for Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak?
But first, here’s a little background. Kobe Bean Bryant retired following the 2015-16 season, and to that point I’d spent 80 percent of my life rooting for the purple and gold with no remorse. It was a beautiful marriage for a long time. A basketball junkie rooting for the most-hated franchise in the world with an owner who had an open checkbook and the goal of winning at all costs? Check and mate. I have to admit, Dr. Jerry Buss spoiled me. I’m used to moves that make sense being made.
In addition, I also have ties to Jahlil Okafor and still believe the basketball world will be his once he's in a better situation. I still wake up at night seething about the moment the Lakers passed on a solid young big man to draft a player that played the exact same position of their all-rookie first-team player the year before.
To this day, I still believe the Lakers franchise would benefit from swapping Russell for Okafor. I even recorded a video at work the day of the draft warning I’d be shifting my loyalties to the Warriors if the Lakers took anyone other than Okafor. For so long, I didn’t even think they’d have a shot at Okafor, much less have him in their hands and pass.
Needless to say, I’m convinced I could do a better job than the current Lakers regime because, well, video game GMs just aren't that smart.
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