'07 Report Card/Exit Interview- Mitch Kupchak
This probably wasn't the best year to be Mitch Kupchak. After a burst of solid play to cap off the '05-'06 regular season followed by the near upset of the Suns in the first round of the playoffs, there were reasons to be optimistic in El Segundo about '06-'07. Not quite Larry O'Brien optimistic, but the train was headed in the right direction and maybe with a player here or there and a couple breaks, postseason advancement was a possibility. Downer that I am, I wasn't buying anything more than a first round exit in the ever-brutal Western Conference, but I did believe they'd be a little better than the year before. Not that much, but better. And for forty games or so, I looked like some dude with a keyboard who grossly undestimated the Lakers.
I think we all know what happened next
To say the train went astray would be an understatement. Not only did it lose the rails, marauding bandits came and stripped the it of its treasure and salable metals, took all the damsels, and generally reminded everyone why nobody in this country travels by rail anymore. The Lakers were a genuinely bad team over the second half of the season, and had the season lasted another week may have missed the playoffs altogether... denying us the opportunity to see them get thoroughly dominated by the Suns.
So the question is, for the purposes of this post at least, how much blame can Laker fans, currently baking a heaping pie of the stuff, serve to Kupchak for this season's step back?
In fairness to Mitch, it's not his fault that L.O. hurt his knee or tore his labrum. Or that Kwame Brown and Luke Walton angered the Almighty and Wrathful God of Ankles. Or that Mo Evans couldn't keep his knee from filling with fluid, or that Vlad Radmanovic is apparently a terrible, terrible snowboarder. There's no doubt that injuries, which are not something he can control, played a huge role in the Great Final Forty Collapse. And there's also no doubt, at least in my mind, that from a roster standpoint the team is still feeling the effects of the Shaq trade, which was not Kupchak's idea and, revisionism aside, was a nearly impossible situation with almost no chance for a positive outcome.
On the other hand...
The big moves Kupchak has made have had, to say the least, spotty results. I accepted the logic of the Kwame Brown deal when it was made and still do, but logic isn't the ultimate criteria for evaluating a deal. As Caron Butler has grown into an All Star, Brown remains an injury prone enigma. Big body, quick feet, questionable motivation. It's hard to say the Lakers got the better of this deal, and they felt the impact this year. Would the Lakers have been worse off in '06-'07 had they given Butler the same deal the Wizards did? Then there's the Vlad Rad signing. Injury aside, he wasn't playing well before he got hurt. There's still time for him to justify the Lakers' love, but at least for one year, the brass would have been better served putting that cash into a nice mutual fund. And of course, there was Year II of the Smush Parker Era. In fairness, there weren't a lot of available PGs that fit into the Lakers cap situation (and we all saw how Speedy Claxton did down in Atlanta). I think Shammond could have been used better than he was by Phil Jackson, which could have mitigated the troubles at the point, but no team with even modest playoff aspirations can expect to go into the season with the guard rotation they did and succeed.
There are some good points in Mitch's favor. Drafting Ronny Turiaf and Luke Walton, both of whom paid dividends this season. Trading a center unlikely to see the light of an NBA day for Mo Evans. Jordan Farmar looks like he could be a useful-or-better NBA player, which is really all you can ask for in a player drafted 26th. I don't even have a problem with the extension for Brian Cook, as long the Lakers can build a roster that makes him the 10th guy, as he should be. (However, should Sasha get a similar extension next fall, I'm going to flick Mitch in the ear...)
There's plenty more that could be tossed into the debate hopper, but in the end I feel that Mitch is a guy still stuck in a bad cap/roster situation not entirely of his own creation (that's the Shaq deal and the difficulty of working around Kobe's contract), who has done very little inspired work to make the best of a tough situation. It's not that I think Kupchak is terrible at his job. I just don't think he's great, either. So much of being an NBA GM in today's game is about not just making the big blockbuster deal but avoiding the mistakes that can crush a team's financial picture and long-term flexibility. Kupchak has clearly done very little of the former, but also has generally avoided the latter. Even if Vlad Rad turns out to be a total bust down the road, his contract isn't so big as to be a full on albatross. Even if the Kwame deal turns to be bad, the Lakers aren't married to him long term. Even if Odom doesn't turn into the guy everyone wants him to be, he can be moved and isn't signed deep into the future. But I wonder if Kupchak will have the ability to capitalize on the next great move when it presents itself.
Frustrating as it is for fans, the Lakers aren't (by historical sports standards) that deep into their rebuilding process. While the options for next year look slim, they're not locked into this cast for four or five years. Unfortunately, they have a ticking clock in the form of Kobe Bryant that needs to be addressed, both because everyone wants to build a winner around him, and also the prospect of a 24 opt out remains real. There's no question that the Lakers roster needs more talent from top to bottom to compete. There's also no question the purple and gold are in a bind this summer, and that bad moves now could turn a five year rebuilding project into ten PDQ. I think Mitch understands that. But I worry he won't have the ability to take advantage when the next bold (but positive) opportunity presents itself.
Then again, I'm just a guy with a keyboard. GRADE: C/C-
EXIT INTERVIEW
One thing is clear from listening to this- Mitch Kupchak will never be President of the United States. Stirring oratory isn't exactly one of his gifts. He does, however, have the ability of a politician to say things that are in direct conflict with each other. You'll hear him point out in these clips how the Lakers will do everything they can to improve... but there is no "magic wand" to make things happen. How they have confidence in the players they have, but need to get more pieces to substantially improve. Mitch is in a tough spot. Fans want change. Kobe wants change. The roster needs changing... but there isn't much he can do to make it happen. Blockbuster superstar deals are a longshot, and the roster isn't full of appealing players (something for which he certainly has a great deal of responsibility).
Enjoy!
PART I- Mitch talks about the season, and how things went south over the second half. The goal is to "be aggressive as we've always been to get this team back to championship level basketball." Regarding Kobe's statements of frustration, Kupchak said he understood, and that 24 has company. "I don't think anybody who's been with this organization- the Buss family, Phil, myself- feels any different. He's frustrated. I think from February on it was difficult to watch our team play," he said. "So we feel the exact same way." Download mitch_kupchak_exit_interview_1.mp3
PART II- On the current roster, which he points out might be back next year, more or less. "We can't guarantee that there will be a substantial change going into next season. Although we would like to make improvements, it is possible that most of the core will return." Which makes health an issue. So how good did they think that group could be this year? Capable of winning 50 games. "I'm not here to say that the talent we had on this team was capable of being a top three or for talent team in the NBA, but we do feel we could have gotten into the top six teams." Then who knows? Kupchak said they were looking to make deals during the season, "but we were looking for the right player." Guess they didn't find him. Download mitch_kupchak_exit_interview_2.mp3
PART III- Kupchak is asked about how the trade landscape has changed in the NBA, and generally how the rules for the draft, free agency, and trades are designed to promote parity. On the possibility "That's a question you might want to ask the other teams," he said. "I couldn't say that was the case." Teams want to trade out of the division and conference in general. (Personally, while I don't believe opposing GMs trip over each other trying to help the Lakers, I think they'd trade with them if they thought it would help their own squad.) Interesting stuff about the history and success of the team. Download mitch_kupchak_exit_interview_3.mp3
PART IV- On what positions need to be improved. Start in the backcourt (you think?), and help in the frontcourt wouldn't hurt, either. And the Buss', Jerry and Jim, will have their opinions as well, "but basically at the end of the day they'll defer to the basketball people." On the team's bad play down the stretch: "We did not play as a team. What we did in the first three months of the season, it was almost as if that never happened. It was not the same team. I've got some indications as to why that happened, and hopefully I'll get more." Download mitch_kupchak_exit_interview_4.mp3
BK
ATTENTION LAKER FANS:
LET THE VENTING TO MITCH BEGIN!!!!!
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Posted by: BLACKPANTHER24 | May 15, 2007 at 11:25 AM
Kobe is by and far my favorite player in the nba for every season he's been in the nba(no sasha is second. haha), but I don't understand why Kobe doesn't restructure his contract so we can have more cap space. I mean, I love Kobe, and I know he has the stongest will to win, but I'm just thinking here.
Posted by: greek dude | May 15, 2007 at 11:28 AM
REPOST
Jorema,
“Kobe by far outperformed him in TNT. KLBEAST your guy is only a street talker.”
I wasn’t too impressed with kobe’s appearance on TNT last year mainly because him and Barkley were going at it. Having said that, Shaq wasn’t very impressive either. He was actually annoying me with the lame-ass sound effects. The dude’s in his 30s, but he acts like he’s 15. Did you see the free-throw contest at the end? Shaq “brick a lot” missed every single one. Hey, great PHX-SAS game through. I really appreciate watching Nash play. The dude's got no real athleticism, but got plenty of heart and desire. TD's a stud as usual. As a matter of fact, i fell like the SAS-PHX series is basically the defacto Finals.
Posted by: KL | May 15, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Greek Dude,
Even if Kobe wanted to, he can't restructure his contract. That's against NBA collective bargaining rules. It's not like the NFL.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 15, 2007 at 11:37 AM
GARNETT RUMOR
I heard a horrible trade rumor (for us Laker Fans) that the Phoenix Suns are thinking about trading Shawn Marion and 3 draft picks to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett!
Heard it on the radio, hope it doesn't happen.
Posted by: ajax | May 15, 2007 at 11:41 AM
mamba24,
i'm glad we cleared things up. i would never use someone else's screenname. i talk a lot of shizzle and i'm prepared to get hammered for it So Spiderman3 sucked huh?? Thanks for putting me on role call.
greek dude,
you love kobe i hate kobe, so we counterbalance each other. if kobe restructures his contract to bring in some help AND [a big "if] the lakers start competing for championships again with kobe leading the way, i'll change my negative opinion of him. i'll keep my fingers crossed.
Posted by: KL | May 15, 2007 at 11:46 AM
greek dude,
Kobe can not restructure his contract even if he wanted to b/c of the salary rules. I read an article about this concerning Shaq, and the article stated that Shaq can not restructure his contract or give back money to free up cap space.
Posted by: fkillah | May 15, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Exit Interview Outtakes
Mitch Kupchak
G1: Hi, Mitch... thanks for taking some of...
MK: [interrupting] Sorry, do I know you?
G1: Uh... what do you mean?
MK: YOu look familiar. Where do I know you from?
G1: I, uh... well, I look like this other guy that was here earlier, but he didn't have aviator sunglasses and a moustache.
MK: Oh, that must be it. sorry. Go ahead.
G1: Uh... alright. Mitch, what pl...
MK: [interrupting] You know, now that I think of it... that's not it. Haven't I... haven't I seen you around my neighborhood?
G1: I, uh... don't think so.
MK: Yeah, that's it. I think I've seen you around my neighborhood.
G1: ...
MK: In fact, I think I saw you running across my yard one day.
G1: Now, wait a second...
MK: Yeah, and come to think of it, that's the same day someone papered all the downstairs windows with pictures of Kevin Garnett.
G1: Woah, I don't even know where you live...
MK: OH? OH REALLY?
Note: At this point Mitch leaped over the podium and ran towards me.
Sub-note: Mitch moves like the wind. He might be the devil.
MK: [grabbing my notebook and wrenching it from my grasp as pictures of Kevin Garnett fall out all over the floor] AH-HA!
G1: I have no idea where those came from!
MK: YOU STOLE MY DOG, TOO!
G1: IT WAS FOR THE TURIAFINATOR TO GIVE TO CHILDREN, MITCH!!
MK: BASTARD!!!
Note: At this point, I decided it would be for the best to leave the scene. He sucker-punched me, sure, but I got him good with a knee to the groin. You can all thank me that Mitch will never bring another child into this world later.
************************************************************
Aaron McKie
G1: Mr. McKie, what would you say was your most integral role on the team?
AM: Uh, well, I’d say that I was able to provide some leadership to the guys. I really didn’t get to play much, but in practice I talked to them a lot more. On the bench, too.
G1: What would you talk to them about?
AM: Well, you know… just where they should have been on a play, what to watch for the next time they went down the court. That sort of thing.
G1: [pausing]
[the audience starts to mumble a bit while waiting for the next question]
G1: [snickering and shaking head] I’m sorry… I really apologize, but I’m drawing a blank here. Which team did you play for this season?
AM: [blinking a few times in disbelief] The Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers.
G1: Oh, oh that’s right. Sorry.
********************************************************************
Shammond Williams
Note: I’m not sure why I kept calling him “Shammond Williams.” I guess I thought it sounded funny, or something.
G1: Shammond Williams, how would you say that playing in Europe prepared you for your return to the NBA?
SW: [laughing] Well, I’m not really sure that it did. It’s a whole different game out there. They rely on a lot more outside shooting. I guess I picked up some different languages while I was there, so it helps me in that regard.
G1: What regard, Shammond Williams?
SW: Well, there’s a whole lot of European players in the league right now, so it helps that way.
G1: Ah, I gotcha, Shammond Williams. Shammond Williams, what do they call “basketball” in Paris?
SW: [laughing] Paris? I didn’t actually play there, but when I was around they called it “basketball” but you know, with an accent.
G1: Oh, really?
SW: Yeah. And you know what they call a... a... a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
G1: They don't call it a Quarter Pounder with cheese?
SW: No man, they got the metric system. They wouldn't know what the [bleep] a Quarter Pounder is.
G1: Then what do they call it?
SW: They call it a Royale with cheese.
G1: A Royale with cheese. What do they call a Big Mac?
SW: Well, a Big Mac's a Big Mac, but they call it le Big-Mac.
G1: Le Big-Mac. [laughing] What do they call a Whopper?
SW: I dunno, I didn't go into Burger King.
********************************************************************
Chris Mihm
G1: Chris, I’d like to say first off that I really admire your ability to circumvent the rehabilitation process by remaining perpetually injured.
CM: Uh… thanks, I think. Wait, what?
G1: Chris, what is going to be your biggest priority going into the off-season?
CM: No, what did you say before?
G1: When?
CM: Before.
G1: What is going to be your biggest priority going into the off-season?
CM: No, before.
G1: Chris?
CM: About injury… INJURY!
G1: You were injured, right.
CM: Yeah, what did you say about that?
G1: Didn’t you just bring that up?
CM: No, you did!
G1: When?
CM: Look, can we just move on please.
G1: Chris, what can we…
CM: [interrupting] No, not you. Someone else.
********************************************************************
Brian Cook
G1: Hi, Brian. If you could think of one thing that could explain why Mitch Kupchak picked you over Josh Howard, what would it be?
[Mitch Kupchak leans over and whispers in Brian’s ear]
BC: I don’t… I don’t think I should have to answer that.
G1: Touchy subject?
BC: Yeah, kinda.
G1: Sorry, then.
BC: It’s alright, man. Just ask something else.
G1: Brian, if you could think of one thing that could explain why Mitch Kupchak picked you over Leandro Barbosa, what would it be?
MK: Brian doesn’t have anything to say about that. Let’s ah… let’s take a 10 minute break and then come back.
Note: At this point, I decided it would be best to slip out the back for a smoke because I noticed Mitch heading in my direction with a couple of guys from security. Fortunately for all of you, I had brought a change of clothes, a fake mustache and some aviator sun glasses so I could continue with my questions. Unfortunately, they decided that Brian’s turn was over.
********************************************************************
Vlad Radmanovic
G1: Vlad… can I call you Caveman?
VR: [laughing] I don’t think that would be a good idea.
G1: Okay, thanks.
VR: [pausing] That was it?
G1: Yeah, why?
VR: Well, I expected something about snowboarding or something.
G1: No, no. That was it.
Kwame Brown: [from the back] Why’d you jump off that mountain?
G1: [looking back towards Kwame] Why’d you throw that cake?
Note: That was why people were laughing, AK & BK. Just FYI, this isn’t the cake incident I mentioned. It got worse in Kwame's actual interview.
********************************************************************
Andrew Bynum
G1: Mr. Morgan, on “30 Rock” you…
AB: [interrupting] Mr. Who?
G1: Mr. Morgan? Tracy Morgan?
AB: [pointing at himself] Andrew. Andrew… Bynum.
G1: Oh.
AB: Did you… have a question?
G1: No. Not anymore, I don’t.
********************************************************************
Mo Evans
G1: Mo, what’s it like working with Tracy Morgan?
ME: I’m sorry, what?
G1: [pointing at Andrew Bynum] That guy… Tracy Morgan.
ME: That’s not Tracy Morgan.
G1: Oh, I get it now. This is like a joke. Alright, I’ll play along.
ME: No, that’s not a joke… it’s Andrew Bynum.
G1: I know, I know! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. Say no more.
Note: Obviously, the Lakers don’t want us to know that Tracy Morgan is really playing for them.
********************************************************************
Jordan Farmar
G1: Jordan, what kind of frustration did you experience having to back up Smush Parker every night?
JF: [laughing] I wouldn’t call it frustration at all. He’s a great guy, and… he plays hard every night.
G1: [rolling eyes] Yeah, right. C’mon, what do you really think?
JF: Look, I really can’t talk about that.
G1: Okay, if you’re happy with playing with him, don’t say anything after this next question. AND… if you think he’s extremely awful, say anything you want after this next question. Got it?
JF: Uh… yeah, I think.
G1: Thanks.
JF: Wait, was that the question?
G1: You’ve said all you needed to.
********************************************************************
Sasha Vujacic
G1: Where are you from, originally?
SV: [laughing] Shouldn't you know this?
G1: Well yeah, but just humor me.
SV: Alright. I'm from Slovenia.
G1: If it's 10:30am here, do you know what time it is there?
SV: [thinking] 7:30pm?
G1: Right. And what time do you usually practice?
SV: In the morning?
G1: When do you hit the most shots, at practice or during a game?
SV: [laughing] Well, in practice it seems.
G1: So, if you lived in Los Angeles, but switched around your sleep patterns so that you were on Slovenian time which would make it seem like 7:30pm here was 10:30am...
SV: [laughing] Wait, what?
G1: If you slept during the day and woke up at 12 noon, then... wait. If you went to sleep at 7:30 every... no, that's not right. Look, if you practiced at 4am in Slovenia and then flew here to Los Angeles for games...
SV: [interrupting]I'm confused.
G1: You and me both, dude.
SV: You started it, idiot.
G1: "Sasha" is a girly name.
Note: Sasha didn't actually retort after that at all, he just sat there looking a little dejected. I think his eyes welled up a little, though.
********************************************************************
Ronny Turiaf
RT: NEXT QUESTION!! YOU! WITH THE MOUSTACHE AND AVIATOR SUNGLASSES!
G1: [looking around] Uh, me?
RT: YES, YOU.
G1: Oh, right. Uh, Ronny..
RT: [interrupting]FROM NOW ON YOU WILL REFER TO ME AS TURIAFINATOR.
G1: Right, sorry. Turiafinator, where would you say your tremendous energy comes from?
RT: THE SPILLED BLOOD OF WARRIORS THAT I SLAUGHTER IN BATTLE.
G1: I'm sorry, the what?
RT: SPILLED BLOOD. WARRIORS.
G1: Oh, oookay. What are your goals for the summer?
RT: TO CRUSH MY ENEMIES, SEE THEM DRIVEN BEFORE ME, AND TO HEAR THE LAMENTATION OF THEIR WOMEN. ALL IN THE NAME OF CROM. THE SUNS ARE INFIDEL DEFILERS. THEY SHALL ALL DROWN IN LAKES OF BLOOD.
G1: Crom, you mean like from Con...
RT: [interrupting]SILENCE!
G1: ...
RT: I WILL ALSO ATTEND A VARIETY OF DANCE CLASSES AND TEACH ART CLASSES FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE WORLD. PERHAPS I WILL GIVE THEM THE PUPPIES I STEAL FROM MY FALLEN ENEMIES.
G1: Dance cla...
RT: [interrupting] SILENCE! NEXT QUESTION!
********************************************************************
Luke Walton
G1: Hey, Luke... I am your father.
LW: [laughing] Real original, dude.
G1: No, seriously. You can't tell?
LW: [puzzled] What are you talking about?
G1: I'm Bill... you know, "Pops." The best passing big man to never play more than two seasons in the NBA?
LW: ...
G1: I know I look different, but... well, you seen that Doctor Who show?
LW: Uh, not really.
G1: Well, the Doctor keeps coming back with different faces whenever he dies, and you know, it's one of those things.
LW: What?
G1: I'll prove it. I bet you noticed that there are 52 members of the press in here, well, today marks the 52nd anniversary of the day that James Dean refilmed the cult movie "Oxycontin Drama Queens," which, by the way, made $5.1 thousand dollars in its debut weekend.
LW: Well, that sounds like something he'd say, but..
G1: [interrupting] I counted eleven BMWs on my way through the parking lot, which coincidentally is the number of stripes on the Himalayan Mountain Climbing Club's flag. Recently they were sponsored by the Manchu Monk Snowshoe Co., but there's been some drama over there after the Club Chairman told the Shoe company's President "Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-galunga."
LW: This is getting really weird.
G1: Luke, you're an awful basketball player.
LW: Whaaa??? DAAAADDD???!?! IT'S YOU!!!
G1: Kidding. Had you going there, didn't I?
Note: At this point, Luke just sat sobbing with his head in his hands. Talk about awkward.
********************************************************************
Smush Parker
G1: If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to ask you a series of four questions. Each of these questions has two choices of a one word answer.
SP: Okay.
G1: Is your nickname "Smush" or "Smash?"
SP: [laughing] Smush.
G1: Cool, okay. Second question: Is or isn't Phil Jackson your coach?
SP: He is.
G1: "Is" or "isn't?"
SP: [laughing] Sorry, is.
G1: Kittens: "Aw" or "Blah."
SP: [shaking head and laughing more] "Aw."
G1: Last one. You've just put gas in your Smushcalade. Full, or empty?
SP: Full.
G1: Great. So your answers were: Smush... is... aw... ful.
SP: Yeah, that sounds right.
G1: Excellent.
********************************************************************
Kwame Brown
G1: Kwame, what would you say has been your greatest weakness this season?
KB: [laughing] Well, I'd probably say my free-throws.
G1: What would it cake for you to get to where you'd like to be?
KB: Excuse me?
G1: What would it take you for you get to where you'd like to be?
KB: Oh, uhm, well I guess a lot of practice.
G1: Like caking a lot of shots?
KB: Are you saying "cake?"
G1: Sorry?
KB: "Cake." Is that what you're saying?
G1: What kind of journalist do you cake me for? Are you caking me some sort of cake?
KB: Alright, this needs to stop.
G1: What the cake am I doing?
KB: Say "cake" again. I dare you.
G1: [staring blankly]
KB: Yeah, that's what I thought.
G1: Can I just ask one more thing?
KB: Make it quick.
G1: Chocolate or Vanilla, you cake-tossing bastard?
Note: At this point Kwame leaped over the table and started running towards me. Fortunately, I was prepared and hurled a basketball directly at his hands. He fumbled it several times which gave me the chance to escape.
********************************************************************
Lamar Odom
Note: Honestly, the guy has had a tough enough year, so I decided to go easy on him.
G1: Lamar, I'd like to begin by saying that I think you're a great guy.
LO: [smiling] Well damn. Thanks, man.
G1: In fact, I think that we should go hit the clubs sometime. You down?
LO: Oh, you know it!
G1: Sweet. Think we can get Sheed to hang out?
LO: [laughing] Oh, he's always up for hittin the town.
G1: Well, let's get at it, man.
LO: Aight. Lemme get Sheed on the line.
Note: At this point I exited the building with Lamar while the press looked on in disbelief. A limo met us outside packed with girls and massive amounts of booze and we drove off to LAX to pick up Sheed, who had brought Mad Dog. I can't really talk about the rest of the evening, but I will say that Ronny met up with us and things got super confidential awesome and we witnessed the forming of The Ronny & Mad Dog: Super Energy Dance Action Team Excitement Duo (or S.E.D.A.T.E.D. for short). Oh, boy... you guys sure did miss out. But you can look forward to their stories this summer, coming to a blog near you!
************************************************************
Kobe Bryant
G1: Kobe, I know that this season has been a bit of a disappointment, but I'd like to talk to you more about your role as the Antichrist.
KB: Sure. Absolutely.
G1: Now, we all know that you were involved with the Bay of Pigs incident. What were you trying to accomplish with that?
KB: [laughing] Well, to tell you the truth, that was a big let-down for me, too. World War III was the ultimate goal, but it fell short, obviously. The missiles weren't actually there at all... just illusions I had created by editing satelite footage. I was hoping that things would escalate before the whole charade was figured out, but, well... you know the rest.
G1: Would you say that failure was the biggest factor in pushing Saddam Hussein into power?
KB: How do you mean?
G1: Well, as far as global warfare is concerned, it's pretty obvious that Saddam could have been a major instigator.
KB: Oh, oh I see. Yeah, sure, I guess that could have inspired me a bit. When you think about it, who had the most potential...
G1: [interrupting and laughing] Potential... are we talking about Tracy Morg... I mean, Andrew Bynum here?
KB: [laughing] Nice catch. And try and keep the Tracy thing to a minimum, if you know what I mean.
G1: Oh, I hear ya.
KB: Anyways, Saddam had the most potential to be the next big Hitler, but what are you gonna do when the Bush Family has a personal vendetta? [shrugs]
G1: True dat. So what's next on your plate?
KB: [laughing] I don't really like ruining surprises, but let's just say that it involves some little dudes from outer space. I've also got something planned for that cake-tossing bastard.
G1: Wow, well we'll all be looking forward to that, I'm sure.
KB: [laughing and shaking his head] Oh, I'm sure you'll like it.
G1: Thanks for your time, Satan.
KB: [grinning] No problem.
***********************************************************
Posted by: generic_one | May 15, 2007 at 11:47 AM
KL,
Did you see how Shaq missed all those free throws at the the end of the TNT show?
Posted by: fkillah | May 15, 2007 at 11:47 AM
zen (and all the kupchak defenders),
from adande's article:
"It was also about egos and attention and money. Even Fisher wasn't immune to the finances of the game, leaving in the great break-up of 2004 to sign a six-year, $36.6-million contract with the Warriors. But everyone seemed to understand the deal: having made his contributions to three championship teams, Fisher was entitled to cash in while he could; and the Lakers would probably be better off spending their money elsewhere. As it turned out, Fisher made only $600,000 more than the Lakers paid Vladimir Radmanovic this season. Oops."
so we'd rather pay the likes of smush, sasha and vlad radmanovic to learn the triabngle...
WHEN we could have acquired a guard who already knows the triangle, inside and out.
but i bet this is kobe's fault, or phil's fault, or dr. jerry buss.
kupchak is incompetent when it comes to being the general manager of a professional basketball team.
i am sure he is a nice guy.
HOWEVER, he simply ISN'T VERY GOOD AT HIS JOB.
damn the frustration continues...
Posted by: tha show | May 15, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Ajax I heard the same thing Phx wants to trade marion or amara to get Garnett( or another player)/
Posted by: Laker Lover | May 15, 2007 at 11:48 AM
Ajax,
Billl Simmons on espn.com yesterday discussed that possible deal as one that the Suns should try to do if they don't get past the Spurs. It makes sense, but it would be horrible from a Lakers fan's viewpoint!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 15, 2007 at 11:56 AM
KL, "i'm glad we cleared things up"
Hey Beast we're always cool but I'm not mamba24 anymore.
Like Kobe changed his number, I changed my screen name.
Mamba24 is now BlackPanther24
Posted by: BLACKPANTHER24 | May 15, 2007 at 11:59 AM
Too soon to tell with Mitch.
Shaq trade. Good, but really had no choice. Essentially they traded Shaq for Kobe, who would have left if Shaq had stayed.
Trade for Kwame - OK. Kwame extension - Bad. Unless that results in using his contract to get a significant other. In which case, Kwame extension - good.
Not re-signing Fisher was the correct move.
Giving Cook the extension didn't make sense considering that they had just signed Vlad, and they are the same type of player.
Can't blame him for Vlad not playing much this year, with the summer and then the snowboard injuries, but he seemed to be pretty slow picking up the offense. Could the potential for that have been detected before signing him? Possibly.
Smush was actually a good signing. He did a pretty darn good job considering his salary, which was of huge importance considering the cap issues the Lakers have had. Remember, YOU CANT SEPARATE THE SALARY FROM THE PLAYER when determining the value to the team.
It would be nice to know how much control Mitch has, and how much control the Buss' exercise.
A lot depends on how Bynum and Farmar turn out.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 15, 2007 at 12:07 PM
Anyone want to give me a call???????
Posted by: JerryWest | May 15, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Thanks Generic_one I missed a couple of those exit interviews.
Man you got a lot of talent. But....... You and AK/BK forgot
one. Who? Jeannie Buss.
Posted by: BlackPanther24 | May 15, 2007 at 12:12 PM
BK -- You seem much more charitable to Mitch than you and AK were to some of the players. True, he surrounded by a playboy owner and the silver-spoon son, but Mitch lacks the passion to achieve greatness required to overcome the boundaries of business as usual.
While you can't blame Kupchak for all the injuries, he is certainly responsible for the character or lack of it in the overall team makeup. In fact, he staffed the roster with players who reflect his own passionless personality.
Regardless of cap space or other financial considerations, outside of Kobe, Lamar, Turiaf, and Farmar, the team lacks depth in heart-of-a-champion players like Horry and Fisher. Luke Walton is riding on his name and is much too enamoured with his Manhattan Beach lifestyle and his love of Hollywood. Even Rick Fox loved the game more than showbiz. Kwame is a mental basket case. Sasha, Cook, and Vlad all lack the range of skills and mental toughness to support the squad in a championship bid.
Andrew Bynum will take as long as Yao Ming to mature physically and mentally, so if he ever achieves his potential, it is likely to be outside the window of Kobe's prime. He is better fit for a team truly building from scratch.
The Lakers require a GM who is more than just a journeyman. It's time for a Monty Hall attitude of Let's Make A Deal. It's time for someone who can move the chess pieces like Bobby Fisher.
My grade for Mitch Kupchak is an F.
Meanwhile, thanks for the privilege of contributing to the Blog.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 15, 2007 at 12:15 PM
Hey Mamba 24 go forth with your role as the Sentry. Glad you had peace with Black Mamba now known as Black Panther24 & KL. During my time, they give more values to the name Pink Panther who all knew all the peeping holes in ladies rooms. haha
Anyway, peace to you all and you're great in what you're doing....
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 15, 2007 at 12:26 PM
Mitch, phil and the Buss's have their hands full this off-season. Can you imagine the look on Kobe's face when camp begins and we have the same roster minus Smush ? I think re-signing Fisher would have been a good thing. Our point guards have sucked Fish knows the offense which makes authomatic sense that the offense would at least have flow. Fisher plays hard all the time, and that's something our new guys need to feel and learn, plus Fisher is a direct connection to our championship years from a role player perspective. Again, something our younger team could gain from. I'm in no way saying D-Fish was the answer but we have not improved at that position since we let him go.
Posted by: lakerfaze | May 15, 2007 at 12:29 PM
exhelodrvr,
first off, is your name an acronym for sumthin?
"Shaq trade. Good, but really had no choice. Essentially they traded Shaq for Kobe, who would have left if Shaq had stayed."
so you feel the shaq trade was good just because we still have kobe? so you are essentially ignoring the fact that we ended up with lamar odom, kwame brown (via caron butler), jordan farmar (via draft pick) and brian grant's LOVELY CONTRACT for shaq o'neal. for shaq's services, we have a bubble all-star player who still hasn't learned how to go right, a big who still hasn't learned how to catch, a mighty mite point guard with the potential to be good (not great), and a bob marley-aching knees-slow as molasses power forward with a RIDICULOUS CONTRACT.
so tell me again how the shaq trade was good? please. was it the part where kupchak took caron butler after being denied dwayne wade? or the part where miami wins the title?
"Not re-signing Fisher was the correct move."
"Can't blame him for Vlad not playing much this year, with the summer and then the snowboard injuries, but he seemed to be pretty slow picking up the offense. Could the potential for that have been detected before signing him? Possibly."
"Smush was actually a good signing. He did a pretty darn good job considering his salary, which was of huge importance considering the cap issues the Lakers have had. Remember, YOU CANT SEPARATE THE SALARY FROM THE PLAYER when determining the value to the team."
so not signing fisher was a good thing? and signing a shooter with an injured hand and a playground point guard with no playground skills WERE GOOD THINGS? kupchak didn't research vlad's bum hand. and saying smush was a good signing because we got him dirt cheap is weak. we got dirt cheap results from him too. you get what you pay for. i would rather have derek fisher than both vlad rad & smush.
"A lot depends on how Bynum and Farmar turn out."
so we will be waiting to see if these two kids fulfill some of their potential while our best player BUSTS HIS ASS ALL SEASON JUST SO WE CAN GET BOUNCED IN THE FIRST ROUND OF THE PLAYOFFS?
____________
if kupchak can't make the necessary moves, then bring in somebody who can.
that simple.
Posted by: tha show | May 15, 2007 at 12:35 PM
Rick Friedman,
thank you.
Posted by: tha show | May 15, 2007 at 12:42 PM
BlackPanther24,
i leave the blog for a couple of days in vegas, and you change your name?
whuh happen?
Posted by: tha show | May 15, 2007 at 12:45 PM
BlackPanther24: Not sure if they'll do a Jeanie Buss one, but I'd sure be able to do a crossover with my "ADVENTURES OF MAD DOG AND RONNY" storyline (Part 1 has been posted)!
I'm sure they've got one scheduled for PJ, too.
Posted by: generic_one | May 15, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Fkillah
“Did you see how Shaq missed all those free throws at the the end of the TNT show?”
Yeah, it was pretty pathetic. He missed every single shot. Shaq’s not a very interesting TV personality. I wasn’t to impressed with his appearance. Chuck’s my favorite.
Tha show,
“but i bet this is kobe's fault, or phil's fault, or dr. jerry buss.”
I will not put this one on kobe, but I will say, when shaq left, I knew the nucleus would also leave………so I for us kobe-haters who believe kobe gave mgmt an ultimatum the answer is “yes”…….but I’ll qualify my statement by saying that it’s indirect. If DFish has nothing to play for (ie, championships), he outta leave for the cash. DFish is one of my favorite lakers of all time……..Dfish is the MCooper of old…..hard nose and team player.
Show, your post to Ex was great. I think you and I actually agree more than disagree. Regarding the shaq trade, we could have at least traded for expiring contracts and some draft picks…..we got hosed big time by Miami not to mention Miami won a championship 2 years later……………..
“if kupchak can't make the necessary moves, then bring in somebody who can. that simple.”
100% agree. I would pay JWest whatever money he wants to come back. Jwest would have never allowed the two spoiled kids (shaq and kobe) to act like idiots all those years and the lakers would still be competing for championships………note I said “compete”……..that’s all I ask for, I don’t care if shaq’s a fat crybaby or if kobe’s a selfish prick……it’s about winning. How can LAC and GS outshine the Lakers?? Not in my 20 years as a laker fan would I think that’s ever possible.
Laker Lover ,
“Ajax I heard the same thing Phx wants to trade marion or amara to get Garnett( or another player)/”
That would be a dumb move on PHX’ part. Look at how close PHX is to a championship with the current squad if Nash holds up. Dumb move if they trade Stud-a-mire and Matix for KG. I’d rather see KG with KB8100.
BP24,
“Hey Beast we're always cool but I'm not mamba24 anymore.
Like Kobe changed his number, I changed my screen name.
Mamba24 is now BlackPanther24”
It’s all good. I know now not to make you mad though….haha!!
exhelodrvr
“Shaq trade. Good, but really had no choice. Essentially they traded Shaq for Kobe, who would have left if Shaq had stayed.”
“Bingo” was his name. This is why 50% of lakertown hates kobe….ya dig!?? Kid kobe was being myopic thinking championship are easily achieved. Kid kobe will be very, very sorry if he doesn’t win another championship…….he’ll be known as the “the biggest second banana of all time” haha!! LOL
Posted by: KL | May 15, 2007 at 01:09 PM
"That would be a dumb move on PHX’ part. Look at how close PHX is to a championship with the current squad if Nash holds up. Dumb move if they trade Stud-a-mire and Matix for KG."
KL: The theoretical trade would actually be for Amare OR Matrix, not both of them. The recent article that brought this up (Simmons, I think?) was saying that a blockbuster star for star trade - KG for Amare would work. Phoenix would have to throw in something like their 1st round pick (if Atlanta falls to the 4th spot) to make salaries work. Either way, that would be a monster squad.
Posted by: generic_one | May 15, 2007 at 01:19 PM
Mitch K, Let's concentrate on Euro players, here are the best players in Europe now playing in NBA. Papaloukas is one the best PG in Europe and most probably in the world.
http://www.eurobasket.com/awards2006.asp
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 15, 2007 at 01:21 PM
I'm still here reading the data. Not much to say other than it's time to make changes.
Colorado loves the LAKERS!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | May 15, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Can anybody say JASON KIDD????????
What happened to that trade that DIDN'T happen? If the Lakers/Mitch Kupchak make that trade for J. KIDD, then they're still in the Playoffs and certainly in contention to win the championship THIS YEAR!!! The more I think about it, the less since pulling out of that trade makes. So what, the Nets wanted Andrew Bynum as part of the trade. Kupchak should have already figured that in as part of the deal and gotten a first round draft pick for that! The more I see JASON KIDD average a TRIPLE DOUBLE throughout the playoffs, the more I'm calling for Kupchak's head on the chopping block. The Lakers are a CHAMPIONSHIP organization, and I hear them talk about wanting to win NOW, but when you pass up a trade for JASON KIDD to hang on to a 19 year old 7 footer, who didn't really even play in the playoffs and may NEVER realize his potential, you're not saying that you want to win championships NOW!! I don't care if Buss issued orders to hang on to Bynum, I would have made the trade for JASON KIDD and let Buss deal with me in the aftermath...or, I would have just resigned as GM of the Lakers. For every 100 7-foot 19 year olds, there's only ONE JASON KIDD!!! The real shame of that lost deal, is now, the Nets aren't going to trade Jason Kidd under any circumstances, much less for some players (Smashed Parker & Andrew Whyhim) who didn't even play in the postseason. I'm thoroughly disgusted, as a Laker fan. I don't want to hear that it's not ALL Kupchak's fault, because of the injuries to Odom & Walton and Kwame Brown...all of that could have been saved by bringing Jason Kidd over to the Purple & Gold!! The season could have been more than salvaged, with hopes of winning the Championship THIS YEAR!!! Instead, we're left looking at the ruins of a roster that has been put together by a GM who doesn't have enough guts to make CHAMPIONSHIP moves!! Bring back Jerry West!! I'll bet he could STILL get that deal done for Jason Kidd, AND work a nice trade to bring over that Kevin Garnett dude, too!!!
The bottom line is, if the Lakers REALLY want to win a championship, Kupchak has GOT TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: CoolPoppa | May 15, 2007 at 01:25 PM
tha show:
Rad's bum hand wasn't bum when he signed the contract. it was in the layup line when brian shaw went up and hyperextended Rad's finger with a block.
you can put a lot on mitch, but you can't put that one on him.
and for everyone else who keeps talking about restructuring contracts:
NBA RULES DO NOT ALLOW RESTRUCTURING OF CONTRACTS!!!!!!!! the only thing you can do is opt out when restricted free agency comes along and then resign for LESS. that's not the same as restructuring.
on the D.Fish thing:
Do you people not remember that the triangle was gone after the 2004 season? 2004-2005 embarked on the failed RudyT era. The triangle was THROWN OUT THE WINDOW when the Lakers let D.Fish leave for free agency. Only in hindsight can we say that it would have been a good idea to have Fish back, but seriously, a $6/year for a role player? At that point it wasn't a good idea at all. I'm sorry to have seen him leave and all, but his player value wasn't really that high. I think it was said somewhere back then that he was looking more like a $3-4million per year player.
btw: Had PJ stayed, the pick for Sasha may have not happened (but then again on the downside, Turiaf may not have been picked either).
in conclusion: too many unknowns at that time clouded the decision making process. Sasha looked like a good pick for the Rudy T offense, run up and down, jack up the 3. On paper, that's Sasha's game, of course we know the reality of the situation, but still, on paper it seemed like a good idea.
Posted by: socalife | May 15, 2007 at 01:36 PM
KL,
thanks for the props.
ain't a kobe hater/lover. or a shaq lover/hater.
just a laker lover.
and if the lakers kept shaq over kobe, i'd be backing up shaq on this blog.
and if both kobe & shaq bounced, i'd be backing the players that don the purple and gold.
might not make sense to some, but i believe in backing up whoever is on your current roster. the exeption being if they are scrubs like smush, sasha, cookie, kwame, and vlad rad.
"Regarding the shaq trade, we could have at least traded for expiring contracts and some draft picks…..we got hosed big time by Miami not to mention Miami won a championship 2 years later…………….."
hindisight in 20/20 but damn kupchak HAD TO KNOW we weren't getting enough for shaq. he had to know. and maybe he was offered more draft picks but didn't want the responsibility that came with those draft picks. pat riley knew kupchak was DESPERATE to get rid of shaq. and kupchak NEVER flipped the script by seeing the fact that riley was DESPERATE to get shaq. not getting dwayne wade for shaq was inexcusable. if anybody wants to debate that, they must love talking to themselves or their last name must be kupchak. dwayne wade was already somewhat of a proven commodity (with his sold playoff performance with the heat).
"Jwest would have never allowed the two spoiled kids (shaq and kobe) to act like idiots all those years and the lakers would still be competing for championships………note I said “compete”……..that’s all I ask for, I don’t care if shaq’s a fat crybaby or if kobe’s a selfish prick……it’s about winning. How can LAC and GS outshine the Lakers?? Not in my 20 years as a laker fan would I think that’s ever possible."
exactly. when jerry bounced during the three peat - i was crushed. jwest was the only laker who could talk sense into the young kobe. and jwest also had the admiration and respect from shaq (jwest sold the lakers & la to shaq). while phil's job was to coach & manage this two super egos, he could never smack them both upside the head - and tell them to quit the high school bubble gum drama.
and even after jwest left, he was the final & deciding voice in kobe staying with the lakers instead of joining the clippers.
i am not sure kobe trusts kupchak, pretty evident by his recent postgame comments. i think kobe trusts phil much more now, and likewise. however, kobe can only play. and phil can only coach. the lakers need the exec to bring in the NECESSARY TALENT to COMPETE for a championship.
and whether that's jwest or somebody else, i do not know.
i am just getting the feeling that it's NOT kupchak or any of the buss kids.
and if dr. buss feels otherwise, we just might have to get used to this product.
Posted by: tha show | May 15, 2007 at 01:37 PM
tha_show
Shaq was demanding, publicly, much more money than he was worth. And limiting the teams that he would go to. So the Lakers could either trade him for less then his market value, pay him much more than he was worth, which would severely limit their options with other players, or let him go as a free agent after his contract was up in one year.
Add to that that Kobe indicated that he would leave if Shaq stayed.
All of this was public, meaning that every other team knew that the Lakers had no choice, and thus no one was going to give them close to fair value in the trade.
So yes, what the Lakers got for Shaq, when you include that it kept Kobe with the team, and that Mitch's hand was forced, made it a good trade. Whether or not Miami won the title after the trade has NO BEARING on whether or not it was a good trade for the Lakers.
Derek Fisher wasn't worth the money he wanted to stay with the team. His stats during the season this year show that.
Vlad's hand was injured during the pre-season, AFTER the Lakers acquired him.
The Lakers got a lot more out of Smush than "dirt cheap results." Yes, that was a good signing considering the salary cap issues the team had.
"if kupchak can't make the necessary moves, then bring in somebody who can."
To this point, he has been hamstrung by the aftermath of the Shaq trade. The next year or two will tell.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 15, 2007 at 01:40 PM
AK...I found your take very interesting.I thought that you were a bit harsh in that he looked like a genius until the injuries mounted up and no blogger wanted to get rid of any player (except maybe Smush) 99 % of laker fans were thrillled with the roster...however results are all that matter I guess...
I did think your interpretation of the shaq situation as a 'nearly impossible situation with almost no chance for a positive outcome' was very clever.Maybe I overanalyse these things too much but I thought that was very well put.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 15, 2007 at 01:58 PM
Thanks, AK and fkillah,
That makes more sense. I was just thinking of the thing shaq did.
Posted by: greek dude | May 15, 2007 at 01:58 PM
To "tha show,"
Right back at you, my friend. Thanks for your thoughtful post as well.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 15, 2007 at 02:24 PM
Buss, Cupcake please listen up and do the fallowing trades... Works for all teams invloved...
Kwame Brown, Brian Cook, Mo Evans
For Ron Artest (PF, SF) and Shareef (PF)A
Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, 1st roud 19th pick
For Paul Gaso(7Ft C)l and Dalantay Jones(6.6 Ft PG, SG)
Sign Charlie Bell to 3 year 12 M contract
Also Sign Look to 5 year M Y Contract
Plus try to sign Maglore (C) from Portland for Veterans Minimum.....2 to 3M a year
Starters
Kobe
Charlie Bell
Ron Artest
Shareef A or Turiaf
Gasol
Bench
Luke
Vrad
Maglore
Turiaf or Shareef
Dalantay Jones
Farmar /if not traded away for Gasol
Mimm
This is the best lineup this team can have to compete for a championship, and you know what, the Lakers will barely hit the luxury tax if at all with this deep lineup....
Buss Cupcake get it done... Include Farmar in the Gasol deal if you have to
There should be no reason they wont take that... Farmar will be great in 2 to 3 years....
Posted by: Gino | May 15, 2007 at 02:27 PM
generic_one
For the love of all that is good...Please quick re-posting and re-posting and re-posting your exit interviews!!!!
Just post the one that goes with the report card. If they want to read any they missed they can go to that players report card.
It's getting old having to scroll down 5 pages to read any real new or thoughts on the Lakers.
Thanks.
Posted by: Eddie | May 15, 2007 at 02:42 PM
By the way... did anyone notice that Raja finally got that hug that he's been needing?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/genericone/refhugsraja.jpg
Posted by: generic_one | May 15, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Mitch needs to make this trade happen with Gasol. Between KG, O'Neal, & Gasol, he would be my first choice. We would just have to give up too much for KG. And I really don't think O'Neal or Kidd are the answers here.
If the Grizzlies get Oden, Lamar should be the guy we send.
I love Lamar but there are still questions if he is the guy. This trade is good for both teams period. If the Grizzlies get Durant then look at Kwame and Bynum instead.
I'm also for a trade for Artest if we don't have to give up TOO much.
We bloggers have to be realistic here. The trade has to be good for both teams in most cases. Lamar for Gasol is fair. In what ever trades are worked out (if any) we need to keep Kobe and Lamar or Bynum. Don't trade both unless it is a pretty sure thing for now and the future.
Posted by: Andy B | May 15, 2007 at 02:53 PM
Not sure if the grade is for this year only or Mitch's collective body of work. I think a C is pretty fair. I am one of the hopefuls that Vlad will still pan out...there's definitely still potential there. Getting Mo Evans was a steal. And I think the pickup of Shammond is underated. I think had Phil went to Shammond earlier and more often we would have been better off. I like Farmar's game, his IQ, and his competitiveness, and he has a chance to be a good player in the L. As mentioned, thats a pretty good deal at pick 26. My only problem is last summer I must've wrote 217 posts that the Lakers should take Rajon Rondo. In the last month of this season Rondo was close to 13pts 6rb 6asst and 2.5 steals. He ended up 10th in total steals averaging only 23mins a game (and had the highest steals per 48mins at 3.36). Now this guy only was drafted 21st. He was drafted by Phoenix, who simply drafted who they thought was the best player left on the board, with no intention of signing him. Phoenix's draft last year was all about saving money and Rondo was traded cheaply for a future 1st rounder.
I agree with AK, as bad as the Kwame and Vlad moves were, I could see the logic behind the moves at least. Turiaf and Walton were nice 2nd round finds (though the guys I really wanted were Monta Ellis and Andre Blatche. Though Turiaf is better than Blatche now, Blatche's potential is still much higher....and I don't think I need to explain why Monta is better than Von Wafer.) I agree Cook, as much as I hate the guy, would be a nice 10th man to have....though 3mil is a little on the pricey side for a pure specialist with horrendous defense. (Then again, Mitch drafted Cook which was a terrible pick in the first place.) There are also moves like signing Aaron Mckie. Just a jaw dropping signing at the time. Even during our "Hold out for Amare or Yao" phase, which I supported in a way, but my take was that you CAN sign guys like Earl or Raja for more years because they won't make that much anyways and that is the EXACT type of player/salary that is easy to move in the future. That gives us a better team and some insurance especially since the odds of the Amare/Yao sweepstakes weren't particularly high. IF we were in position to get them though, Earl or Raja would be very easy to move.
"So much of being an NBA GM in today's game is about not just making the big blockbuster deal but avoiding the mistakes that can crush a team's financial picture and long-term flexibility."
Very well put and very key to being a GM. However, I think the Shaq trade falls into that category. Brian Grant's contract financially crippled us for years. I remember I wanted Shaq out so bad that when I heard we got Lamar and Caron, I wasn't thrilled but I was satisfied (I wasn't thrilled cuz when I first heard HEAT I thought we got Wade.) but then my heart sank when I heard Grant. That was the downfall of the trade. Btw, I have to mention that not getting Wade was a huge mistake. And yes I blame Mitch for that. In an interview with Riley, he was talking about how he never really thought they had a chance to get Shaq. Then he met with Jerry Buss and things started to work out. Riley also said they didn't want to trade Wade, but that Wade never really came up. When asked IF he would've traded Wade, Riley smiled, then said something about having to at least consider it when getting a player like Shaq, but that it was never an issue. (Ok, now I'm mad, imagining in my head a Wade, Kobe backcourt....which could be the best backcourt of all time?) So given Riley thinking they couldn't even get Shaq initially, along with his high value he put on Shaq, Wade at the least was a definite possibility......but we'll never know since Wade was never pursued. .......Anyways, the main point being, taking on Grant's wack contract was lame.
One more thing I wanted to say was said nicely by Rick F. "While you can't blame Kupchak for all the injuries, he is certainly responsible for the character or lack of it in the overall team makeup. In fact, he staffed the roster with players who reflect his own passionless personality."
I've always had problems with Mitch, but I've never thought Mitch was an idiot. In fact, I bet he's a very intelligent guy. But there is more to being a GM than having a high SAT score. Not only do you need to think logically, but you need to think creatively. Balancing players, talent scouting, team chemistry, knowledge of basketball, and finances all at the same time. Now on top of that, you have to have business "savvy" and a personality to top it off. Why? You might think of a great trade scenario to help your team, yet its pointless if you can never close on the deal. There are some people that just have a talent and ability to negotiate, persuade, sell and after hearing a lot of Mitch interviews, I highly doubt Mitch has this talent. A lot of fans scream for Mitch to "get on the phones!" ....I would bet Mitch is on the phones a LOT, yet doesn't have the vision to take creative risks as well as the ability to close the deal. Not only that, but Mitch, with his bland and weak personality, did not handle the whole Shaq and Kobe thing well at all. West demanded respect and players listened to him. But he's also much more personable and would have been a much better buffer between the two, especially since Phil completely siding with Shaq made the whole situation worse. And then there was Mitch's blunder of basically announcing that we were going to trade Shaq, which enticed all these retarded lowball offers for the most dominant C in the game. And then there was the blunder of trading GP without even mentioning it to him. GP acted like the baby he is and it cost us from getting Marcus Banks and also cost us a 2nd round draft pick. If Mitch were a better people person and at least notify GP he might be traded, it would've been a lot better.
Another point that really goes unnoticed but I think is actually a key factor is that some GMs have more job security than others. Thus instead of thinking "How can I make this team a contender in 3 years?" they are thinking "How can I make the playoffs next year?". Thus they get into a cycle of having mediocre teams that are playoff hopefuls every year...and while they never achieve great success, they keep their jobs. I think Mitch has had an advantage these past several years because he has had more job security than the average GM. The Lakers were committed to Mitch, which shows in the fact that he was even able to implement his long term "Amare/Yao" plan years ago. While I didn't mind this plan, (though again, my plan wasn't to miss out on every FA along the way), I wish Mitch had thought "long term" in terms of his draft picks as well. Every once in a blue moon you can trade for or sign a Wilt, Kareem, Shaq.....but its hard. For the NFL and NBA (but definitely NOT in MLB), in general, you build your teams through the draft. It is the best and easiest way to obtain stars. It is why at the end of the day, you should take value (best player on your board) over need. You can always then make trades and pick up FAs to fill need areas. We are in the bad spot we are today because we failed to consider the long term in our drafting during our championship years....we didn't look for Bynums or Barbosas or Rondos but Madsens, Cooks, and Waltons. So the problems were compounded, we not only drafted role players, but then turned around and signed old FA role players on their last legs (Mitch Richmond, Semaki Walker, Tracy Murray, Byron Russell, etc etc...(btw, keeping up the tradition with the ancient Mckie)). So the point is, Mitch had the advantage of planning years ago, and this team is the fruit of his vision....which is a complete disaster.
So for the year, I'm lenient towards Mitch as you just can't blame Mitch for this year. You just can't take injuries to your starting PF (and 2nd best player), your starting C, your 2 SFs, and your best athlete (Mo) and expect a great year. But overall, I give Mitch a D- for his career. I think Mitch is a smart guy, but I really think he is a bad GM. To me Mitch is like that straightforward, weak/tight poker player. No aggressiveness, no creativity, no risktaking. He is conservative and calculating, and he never loses big....cuz he never takes risks (thus never winning big). At the end though, you know he is a losing player, slowly pissing away his chips slowly. He just plays the GM game conservatively and doesn't have vision and isn't a winner. I think he's had more than enough time to prove otherwise and he hasn't. I'm really interested to see what moves Mitch makes this year....because if he doesn't make some good moves, with Kobe's limited window, I think Mitch might have to be the first person to go.
Posted by: wiZo | May 15, 2007 at 03:07 PM
so does lamar's surgery DECREASE his trade value/appeal?
i think so.
starting to look like dealing cakes & socks is our only option this summer.
and maybe that's for the best.
c'mon lake show.
Posted by: tha show | May 15, 2007 at 03:10 PM
Mitch legacy:
8 years.
zero championships.
Drafted players: Slava Medvedenko,Kareem Rush, Brian Cook, Lou Walton,
Von Wafer, Farmar, Turiaf, Bynum, Marcus Douthit, J.R. Pinnock, Sasha.
11 players and only one is a starter, Lou (even him is a questionable starter) The others are just average players, and most of them are NBDL talent pool. He didn't picked Bynum,, it was Jim Buss, according to some press sources.
In 8 years, Mitch had being a unsucesfull GM. Almost the same as Kevin McHale
Sugestion:
Kiki Vandeweghe, Jerry West are available. They are known for being savvy negotiator of trades and good draft history.
i proposed a change of
Posted by: jorema | May 15, 2007 at 03:24 PM
Tha show...they had to trade him and it was obviously the best offer they got...Im sure Mitch was postively delighted when he discovered he HAD to trade shaq...if anyone should be blamed it should be shaq and kobe for leaving them no choice....do you think Mitch couldve..shouldve got a better deal? Im sure there was alot of people in on the decision.It mustve been the best deal they got offered....they couldnt keep shaq...once you decide to trade him you take the deal you think is best
what do you think could have or should have happened?...only an idiot would have traded wade for shaq that was never going to happen.
only thing im thinking is they might have been a bit kind granting shaqs warm weather requests...should have sent him to chill his ass out in milwaukee or somewhere...
Posted by: Kiwi | May 15, 2007 at 03:27 PM
Can we stop with any other conversations, except trade possibilities... We need to let management know that we won’t big changes...Everyone please let me know what you think of my trade proposal... I think it's the best chance we have and the least expensive one to bulk up the roster quiet a bit....
Posted by: Gino | May 15, 2007 at 03:34 PM
okay, so vlad injured his hand after kupchak signed him. my bad.
still glad to know that untrue claims do not go unnoticed on the blog.
i think gasol is the most realistic option this summer.
and giving up cakes, socks, and some cash/draft picks is worth it.
kobe, lamar, and gasol.
i'll take my chances with those three.
plus the lakers could deal cakes and socks to a team that is truly rebuilding with young talent.
the grizzlies could have more patience with socks because they are no where near contending for a title.
gasol and lamar cleaning the boards all night.
imagine gasol, our first ever legit euro. damn that would be nice.
Posted by: tha show | May 15, 2007 at 03:38 PM
Hey tha show..
To be fair, Vlad's hand injury was not pre-existing. It happened when BShaw took a swipe at him on training camp, which resulted in a ligament strain (got milk?)
But I agree with everyone here. I would trade 10 Smushs and 10 Cooks for 1 Fisher and 1 Horry right about now.
Bleak does the future appear on Lakerland.
Posted by: Negrodamus | May 15, 2007 at 03:38 PM
So Kobe actually did pretty well on the MVP vote...he was third behind dirk and Nash.Thats better than last year.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 15, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Jim Buss talking about trading Kobe?
LA times about Buss interview
'" Bryant needs to be aware that any trade involving him would require the other team to surrender its best player. For example, trading Bryant to Cleveland would cost the Cavaliers LeBron James. Any trade, Buss said, would markedly weaken Bryant's new team, giving him no greater guarantee of a championship than he has with the Lakers.
In other words, Kobe, don't think leaving L.A. is the panacea for your frustration. "
Jim Buss talking about trading Kobe?
Why in the world is Buss putting in perspective those scenarios...He knows Kobe have a no trade agreement. In case Kobe want's to leave the Lakers he won't ask for a trade, he will opt out.
Simple.
He, Buss, have to recognize that Lakers management had being mediocre.
One of the things that Kobe should be mad is because they kept a complete silence about Shaq trade and they let have KObe take some blame from fans and the media . Non of them had being willing to clear Kobe name form that mess. Is clear they want to preserve the Busses image why Kobe take the heat.
Garnet or Gasol 2007-2008.
Posted by: jorema | May 15, 2007 at 03:50 PM
How will the NBA react to the foul from Horry on Nash. Amare and Diaw left the bench, so they are in it also. NBA suspended our guy during the season, and last year Bell got a one game for his "choke hold" against Kobe... So what happens now. Will they sit all involved and let this series take a whole new turn?
Posted by: lakerfaze | May 15, 2007 at 03:53 PM
The Show,
Memphis is not that stupid to take their Cakes and Bynum for thier current franchise player...
Note: Chicago Bulls offered Andres Nocione, Ben Gordon and Tyrus Thomas plus their number one pick for Gasol and Memphis turned it down becuse they wanted Luol Deng... Cmon people, you need to look at things from both sides...
Memphis if at all will only consder dealing thier 25year old phenom for Lamar Odom and Andew Bynum, plus they will probably ask for our number one pick as well as Farmar... They need help at point, since Chucky is a free agent..
With them having the #1 or #2 pick in this years draft plus the #13th pick as well to go along with our #19 and Bynum (who would of been at least #3 pick in this years draft) plus Odom and maybe even Farmar, that just may intice them to pull the trigger.......
If we can get Artest and the other players I mentioned above on my trade posibilites, everything works out for the best... Remember with the exception of rebounding Artest is arguable better than Odom.... They play the same position, Artest is a better defensively, same in ballhandling, better in socring, stronger more versatile and tough tough dude....
With Kobe Artest and Gasol along with a deep bench your not going to go wrong plus numbers make sense.....
Gasol 13M
Odom 13.5M
Kobe 19.9 M
That's just to much to handle we wont be able to retain good quality complimenaty players....
Artest is a better choice over Odom at the same position when you consider the financial aspect of things and just overall production on the floor.....
If by any means we get this done or close to it, I will be first to say that we will be champions in the short run.... Again numbers work so do the players and the systems their going to..... Eveyone should be happy with the trades, but Lakers will win out ultimately..
People please when your making suggestions you need to make sure that trades will benefit both team and that both teams will have to see some positives to make them want to do the deal
Cakes and Socks will not get you Gasol Guarantted.. I dont care if you throw in Famar and a 1st round pick as well as Turiaf, it's just not going to get you Gasol, period.
Posted by: Gino | May 15, 2007 at 03:56 PM
I am long time, die hard Lakers fan. About our GM Mitch Kuptchak, I have only three words:
GET OUT MITCH!
This guy hase proved, he has no clue at all about NBA and GM position.He hase not learn anything from Jerry West for all those yaers, working with him. What we can expect from him? He is not capable of doing any move, which will improve this team. There is no time left for experiments. We need another GM. A person, who can make the right decitions and deals and bring in some role players to compliment Kobe. That is all, we need at this point.If he is still GM coming the Draft day, then, the future of this team is in jeopardy. It's time to cut the "canser" nammed M.K. to heal this very ill team.
Posted by: Gary Arakel | May 15, 2007 at 04:05 PM