I think it would be good for the Clippers and Tucker to negotiate a buy out. Teams have tended to drag this sorts of issues out a bit too long. The way Indiana handled Theis was better, imho. They have a young team and no space for him (though he actually probably did fit there), but they made their decision clear and accommodated him quickly when his agent requested a buy out. It’s better for business, for the coaching staff and for player relations.

–James is making Zu a much better player; Zu now expects to get the ball back in a great attacking position so Zu’s a more willing screener — Zu’s getting more greedy, a good thing and his hook/floater has some nice touch.

–James is finding other guys too and finding them more open. How? James will do a fake attack drive not only drawing his man but even another defender and then delivers the assisting pass. The guy was not the assist leader last year for nothing. His shooting is just an added bonus.

–Still perplexing that Ty will play Russ and James together. Russ does add some value despite his limitations (too sloppy at times) — as the solo point guard. He plays tough and inspired, he cares, he’s a great rebounder but for me his sloppiness would lose us a playoff game. Don’t know what trade value Russ has but the clips ought to be open to that potential.

–Sad to see Amir and Bones languishing — I’d slide Bones into Russ’ minutes and find minutes for Amir.

–Kobe–watched him–pretty raw player but take him over PJ, but that’s not really saying much. He needs to hit some shots to get some folks onboard. I do think his strengths are court awareness and passing. He’s a fairly large guy who does bother some guys on defense. Also noticed that even when PG was doubled and Kobe was wide open, PG ignored him –not a good thing. Back to Amir–if I’m Amir, I mite be a lil POed that Kobe’s getting minutes over him.

–Kawhi was great but too much hero ball; would like to see him sometimes try to make his teammates better. If his shot wasn’t falling, that game would have been real iffy.

–James is putting PG in his favorite spots too–his jumper from the side is very accurate and James is finding him

Nice win but letting a sub par Utah team get that close in Q4 is not acceptable even at that tough venue.

That should have been the NBA’s plan … but maybe that’s just me: as a Clipper fan and as a believer in equal opportunity for everybody of course that’s what I’d say!

Well, considering how many more FTs and foul calls they get in their favor…I think the answer is pretty obvious. League wants to promote IST, and always wants to promote anything Lakers/Lebron-related.