Because the Western Conference wasn't stacked already
There must be Celtics fans tossing themselves off buildings tonight. In any event, the already mammoth Western Conference got a luxurious infusion of star power in tonight's draft lottery, when the Blazers snagged the first pick, followed by Seattle at number two. That means in one form or another, Greg Oden and Kevin Durant are about to make the Pacific Northwest about much more than rain, lush green space, and concern for global warming. About the only thing that kept the E.C. from risking permanent fiefdom (at least as measured by number of quality teams) was Atlanta sneaking up a spot to number three, robbing Phoenix of the opportunity to steal their pick and beef up an already quality squad.
At this point, it's fair to say the Western Conference could get very Lord of the Flies in '07-'08. Not that Portland and Seattle are suddenly going to morph into title contenders, but the Blazers were a pretty good bad team last year, have a ton of potential, and now have the flexibility to move Zach Randolph and get even better. Or keep him and figure out how to work a massive and athletic frontcourt with Oden, Randolph, LaMarcus Aldridge. Or swap picks with the Sonics and take Durant, who fits a little better, in theory. Seattle now has insurance if Rashard Lewis leaves and options if he stays.
Go down the line. Dallas will be good next year, as will Phoenix, San Antonio, Utah, and Houston (barring major injuries). Considering how they finished, a full season with A.I. makes Denver dangerous, which also describes a talented, improving Golden State team when Baron Davis is healthy. NO/OKC could be better, we've already talked about Seattle and Portland, and the Clippers are at worst mediocre, and could be better depending on how the offseason goes. Memphis has the cap room to get better. Not necessarily good, but they'll have a high pick and the potential to not be crappy. Even Sacramento, as big a mess as they are, still had a crack at a playoff spot last year.
If I'm K.G., I'm checking for real estate outside of Minnesota ASAP. You can make an argument that they'll be the worst team in the conference heading into next year. Not sure I buy it, but that I could reasonably defend that position kind of proves my point. There likely won't be a lot of gimmies next season on this side of the Mississippi.
Work those phones, Mitch.
BK
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Chad Ford's mock draft is out and lookie lookie who the Lakers pick:
Javaris Crittenton
Position: PG
Height: 6-5
Weight: 180
Age: 19
School: Georgia Tech
The skinny: Phil Jackson loves big point guards and Crittenton, at 6-foot-5, has a lot going for him. He is an excellent athlete, can shoot and has enough ball-handling skills to play full-time at the point guard position.
Long-term, he's an upgrade over Jordan Farmar, though he may take a year or two to develop.
=========
Hey if this guy is there and the Lakers pick him then I AM JUICED!!!! He is a definite upgrade over Farmar in athleticism, shooting ability, and just about everything except
NCAA Final Four experience.
I saw this guy play, he's lightning quick!!
Posted by: Korey | May 22, 2007 at 08:08 PM
you mean, work those phones Jimmy boy....
Posted by: socalife | May 22, 2007 at 08:15 PM
It's incredible what happened in the draft tonight, the west just got tougher and the Lakers NEED to make moves, because if they don't they'll be at the bottom of the west next year.
And the Lakers internally are just a power struggle, so it's not Mitch BK; I have the feeling he's with the least power.
Today Kurt Rambis was criticizing Jim and then his sister did the same last week, I think things at Lakerland are not that well.
I know that when a transition is happening power struggles occur, but it's a bad time for the Lakers, these power struggles should've been 3 or 2 years ago, not now.
Lets see what the Buss family does.
BTW how about Kwame being mock today at the draft?
It was sad..........because we ended up with him.
Posted by: lakofan | May 22, 2007 at 08:21 PM
It must not be going well, Mitch just called ME and asked if I had any contacts in Minnesota that I could work.
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | May 22, 2007 at 08:26 PM
THE WILD WILD WEST BECOMES EVEN WILDER…
Man, the competition in the Western Conference just jumped another big notch with the Blazers and Sonics getting the draft rights to Greg Oden and Kevin Durant. But that was the bad news. The good news was that Atlanta managed to win third pick, which meant that they would not have to give the pick to the Suns as part of the Joe Johnson trade, and that Memphis didn’t get the first pick to nab Oden which meant that they would still be needing a center in return if they were going to trade Pau Gasol.
So, overall, it could have been worse. I mean the Kings or the Clippers or Timberwolves might have won the first pick. Or the Suns could have gotten the 4th or 5th pick if Atlanta had not gotten one of the top three picks. Bottom line, short term, the results should help the Lakers in their quest to bolster their lineup. Long term, the West appears to be primed to get even tougher and more dominant.
Another factor to consider is Oden’s impact on the Western Conference since he suddenly is not in the East but right in the Lakers backyard. The Lakers may suddenly be less hesitant to trade Andrew Bynum, considering that they will probably need a dominant center to get past the Blazers and Oden in the future. In other words, Oden’s sudden appearance in the Western Conference may have upped the quality of team you will need in the future to compete.
Durant’s appearance may also have a big impact. Imagine Luke Walton trying to guard a guy like Durant four times a year. Not a pretty picture in my mind. And I think that suddenly makes the trade for Ron Artest even more important. The Lakers can get a guy who can guard Durant while not giving up a guy who may be able to guard Oden.
Anyway, that’s my first take on the draft results. I think I would go out and trade Kwame to get Artest, try and lure Mo Williams to or at least Steve Blake, and otherwise hope that Farmar and Bynum can both make a big leap in the quality of their play. It would seem to be a sound game plan in my mind. I just hope that Kobe thinks it will be enough. Anyway, here would be our roster for next season:
1 – MLE, Farmar
2 - Kobe, Mo, Sasha
3 – Artest, Luke
4 – Lamar, Rony, Cook
5 – Bynum, Mihm
Could this team win? Probably not unless Farmar and Bynum make big leaps. But if they did, then it is possible. It really all depends on the chemistry. If the team jells early, they could turn out to be special. After all, they still have Kobe and Lamar but now Artest. I would be willing to bet on this team and on Bynum and Farmar contributing much more this season.
What do you think?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 22, 2007 at 08:34 PM
All I have to say is that Tony Parker is the sh*t. He has torched every point guard in the playoffs. Even Steve Nash was not willing to match up with him. I have to say I've loved watching the Spurs this postseason and more importantly I respect that team, the coaches and the organization
I think Paul Pierece might be asking for a trade pretty soon. Because the Celtics are not going anywhere, and his situation is evenly worst as Kevin garnett.
How about a Bynum, Luke, and Kwame from Paul, and Al Jefferson.
Have Kobe play the 2 as usual, Paul plays the three and Lamar plays the four
Out Starting lineup
Farmer
Kobe
Paul
Lamar
Jefferson
That will be a good team right there. Plus, Paul is from LA.
Posted by: wow | May 22, 2007 at 08:40 PM
another reason to still love being a lakers fan. lol
i agree with what Tom said in the other thread, oden being in the west will definitely increase bynum's worth regardless if he deserves it or not.
and that fellow bloggers is why we trade bynum only for garnett! makes sense for both.
Posted by: designmao | May 22, 2007 at 08:43 PM
Fatty.
I still cannot see the sunshine on a June gloom with the Lakers prospects from these draft results. You said Pau Gasol, hou? What will be the motivation of the Memphis to go forward with Socks when Pau is their best player on the floor? Had they got #1 or #2, then there is alternative for Pau. JO is more interested with his friend Isiah than moving with Kobe. That leaves us the best alternative which is KG. Now that Minny is out of the two guys who could really help KG, it's time for KG to opt out and go for the Lakers. The decision time is NOW. It is written on the wall, Minny has no chance of going for a power concentrate Western Conference, why not unload and go rebuilding with Bynum and try to involve two or three teams to start the T'wolves from scratch and unload the odd expense load. On the part of Lakers, trade everybody except Kobe with KG. Let's reform the flaws by new players as long as we have the two dominating Superstars together.
Whatever happens to the draft picks, lakers are at the mercy power draft team Sonics and Blazers or power teams who are holding superstars. It all involves the PR of Mitch, not the all-knowing loquacious mouth of Jim Buss. We cannot be choosy in saying we don't like Artest, or Kidd or getting old, Jo lacks the defense in the post, etc, etc. que sera, sera. If our clowns will not produce a team that we can compete, the hall of famers will have no motivation to stay around. We bring back the eighties nostalgia version of Celtics in the East and Lakers in the West, the cellar dwellers of this league.
Let's get anybody that will strengthen this team. MOVE NOW.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 22, 2007 at 08:45 PM
I THINK A MOVE FOR ZACH RANDOLPH BECAME SLIGHTLY MORE FEASIBLE.. IF MANAGEMENT WANTS TO LOOK IN THAT DIRCETION
OTHER THAN THAT.. IT DOESNT AFFECT A TRADE FOR ARTEST AT ALL.. AND PROBABLY ADDS VALUE TO BYNUIM...
SO YEAH.. I AGREE WITH LAKERTOM HAHA
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | May 22, 2007 at 08:47 PM
AK BKOk
Rashard Lewis just became expendable in Seatle and Seatle hs been drafting 7 foot stiffs for 3 yrs now. Think they would bite on a trade that included a Legit prospect like Andrew? We could add Kwame (expiring contract), Vlad (who they may still like) Luke (sign and trade) and take Rashard, Earl Watson and one of their 7 foot bench warmers in return. Watson and management havent been on the same page and he might be on the block this summer. What do you think?
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 22, 2007 at 08:48 PM
Tom,
I don't know. Adding Artest to our lineup would help, but we wouldn't have any type of low post defense. Yeah, Bynum can block shots but he hasn't shown the ability to be a good one on one defender yet. I know Oden coming to the west is gonna change things in a couple years, but for the here, and now I think we should still try to get Artest, AND Gasol. Think about it, the core of our team would be veterans, but in a couple of years they still won't be that old. Our roster in 2 years:
Kobe 30-31
LO 30-32
Farmar 22-23
Artest not sure about his age but he'll probably be in his early 30's
Gasol 28-29
Do you see what I'm saying? Our guys will have more experience than Portland, plus we should still have the legs to run with them. And the best part is by the time Portland is really ready to make some noise young guys like Farmar, and Turiaf will be 2 years better.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 22, 2007 at 08:49 PM
I have to think the Blazers will be looking to move Magliore, Pryzbilla or Randolph. The only problem for the Lakers is that they will probably be looking for help at the guard spot which I don't think we have anybody they want (except Kobe who is untouchable). I just hope the lottery results will not get Michael T started again with us trading for Darius Miles.
Posted by: rdlee | May 22, 2007 at 08:56 PM
One more plus about tonights lottery BK. When you said get on the phone Mitch, he will be, the good news this summer is, he will be ANSWERING IT. Should be more inquiries about Andrew then ever before. We should be in a better barganing position then at the trade deadline.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 22, 2007 at 08:59 PM
wow,
All I have to say to that trade proposal is....wow!!! Why would Boston make that trade? Al Jefferson is already a good young big man (who already has done more than Bynum), and Paul Pierce is Paul Pierce. There is no way (well I can't say no way since Ainge doesn't seem to be the best GM) they trade away their 2 best players for Bynum, Luke, and cap space (Kwame). I wish they would, but I highly highly doubt it.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 22, 2007 at 09:00 PM
Ok , another good big man is in the West , but not on the Lakers team , making it even harder next season .
Posted by: albert | May 22, 2007 at 09:00 PM
Another reason to love today:
THE SUNS DONT GET A LOTTERY PICK!!!
hahahahahahahhaaha....yeeeaaaahhh
instead of Mike Conley Jr., Noah, or Corey Brewer they get nothing. So they have to max out and go over their salary cap to keep their players OR get rid of some key players (Marion???)...
NICE...
FORGET PORTLAND, we'll worry about them when we get there. To win in the NBA you have to take care of your division rivals...
Posted by: Korey | May 22, 2007 at 09:04 PM
Aloha Laker Tom
What do you think about this line up?
PG- Earl Watson
SG kobe
SF Rashard Lewis
PF Lamar
C C Webb (MLE)
BENCH
Jordon
Mo
Cris
Ronny
Cook
Sasha
Draft Picks and vets min.
And with the exception of C Webb, Kobe is the oldest guy on the team
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 22, 2007 at 09:07 PM
First of all...LakerTom, great post. Well thought out and I agree with your points. I say have Phil sit down with Artest (if that's legal in the NBA) and if he gives the OK, go get him. As has been posted prior, Arest was a spectator at several Laker games, he wants to be here. Its amazing the attitude change when someone is where they want to be. BTW, I haven't heard much about him but was just thinking with Oden going to POR, Magloire should be on his way out for sure. He would be a decent pick-up if we could get him for cheap. He's a big body and wasn't he an all-star just 3 years ago?
As for Boston...good thing they have the RedSox & Pats.
I love that Atlanta got the 3rd pick and Phoenix got nothing. And the West just keeps gaining in power as BK stated. The best thing I think about the crazy lottery is that a lot of teams didn't get the spots they wanted and now their only options are through trades. Good sign for the Lakers if they want to make a move.
AK/BK, do you mind renting a room out to KG while he's renovating his Malibu home for a permanent stay?
Alright Lakers brass...time to stop your version of the Kobe/Shaq feud and get on the same page and make some intelligent moves!
Posted by: Eddie | May 22, 2007 at 09:08 PM
KG is the only answer..to every question...i dont care
kg + kb=dynasty.
amen.
Posted by: lakersfaninTX | May 22, 2007 at 09:08 PM
Go down the line. Dallas will be good next year, as will Phoenix, San Antonio, Utah, and Houston (barring major injuries).
WERE are the Lakers on that list?
Posted by: LakerFan | May 22, 2007 at 09:08 PM
MH,
That's not a bad idea. I don't know if Seattle would want Vlad back, but if management could get that done we could kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Only question marks would be Lamar, and Lewis playing together (pretty much the same player except one is a better outside shooter, and the other is a better post up scorer), but even that could be a positive because who could guard us? And Earl Watson's lack of a consistent 3 point shot. If we make the trade you proposed we could use the MLE to bring in a shot blocking big man, someone like Mikey Moore. Dude has a good outside shot, led the league in fg%, and hustle's his a** off.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 22, 2007 at 09:09 PM
No matter what we do this summer, I don't think we should give up Bynum and Kwame for a player that can't play center (Kidd, Rashard or Garnett). The 5 spot is just too hard to fill. I am skeptical that Mihm will be back to normal (which for him wasn't real great anyway, especially trying to guard Duncan, Yao and now Oden). I am more apt to keep Kwame/Bynum one more year and try to improve the 3 spot and the PG spot. I think it is worth waiting on Bynum, Farmar, Radmanovich and Turief to improve and dump Sasha, Walton, Cook, Smush, McKie, & Mihm. As painful as it sounds we might need to wait another year to get KG (opt-out FA) without gutting our team this year in a trade for him. Mo Williams and Gerald Wallace would suit me fine for this year.
Posted by: rdlee | May 22, 2007 at 09:10 PM
Wow
I could see Boston taking that trade for Pierce but that would be it. Jeffersons a real up and coming player. Besides the guys you mention would add up to Pauls salary, so we would have to send even more to get Jefferson. But hey who knows?
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 22, 2007 at 09:12 PM
Weave Man,
Only reason the trade will happen is if Paul Pierce ask to be traded. Im not that foolish to think the Celtics will trade their two best players like that. But like I said both Paul and kG are in the same position, a deadlock team that is moving no where. And its been reported that Paul would like to play for the lakers. It was just an idea. So calm your little intelligent self down. I do like the reference to my name.
Posted by: wow | May 22, 2007 at 09:14 PM
ONCE AGAIN, STOP BUSTIN' YOUR B..Z..NALLS OVER HOW THE LAKERS MATCHUP vs. THE BLAZERS:
why do you care? Cross-Division rivalries only matter when you are a elite team. Like Dallas v. Phoenix...
The Lakers should be most concerned with their own division.
The Northwest division is loaded:
Denver - AI, Kenyon, Carmelo, Nene, Camby
Utah - Boozer, Deron Will, Kirilenko, Okur
Seattle - Allen, Durant, Lewis
Portland - Oden, Randolph, Roy, Aldridge
Minnesota - K.G.
This is perfect. Those teams are gonna' beat the hell out of each other.
Minnesota is gonna' be the worst team in the West NO MATTER WHAT THE TWOLVES DO and K.G. will want out...
The Lakers just have to figure out how to compete with the Suns and can still stomp on overachieving Golden State and Clippers...
I'm not worried about the "tough" west... We are the 2nd best in our division. We have to figure out how to close the gap to 1st.
#1 GOAL FOR ANY TITLE TEAM: WIN YOUR DIVISION!!!
After that, I'll seriously consider how we are going to work to matchup with Portland's "potential"
Somebody remember Ralph Sampson and Hakeem?
Posted by: Korey | May 22, 2007 at 09:15 PM
Ugh...it might be too early to make predictions, but I have a sense the purple and gold are in for another rough year. The competition in the west just got tougher.
While I'd love KG, I don't think it's going to happen. Look what the Suns can give versus what we can give. They have 3 first round draft picks and more bang for the buck. Do you want Marion or do you want Kwame Brown?
Now look at all the people that the Lakers have to fight with just to get to the playoffs next year?
Top contenders, Suns, Mavericks, Spurs, Jazz, Rockets, all who have solid teams.
Can we get to the level of the Jazz or the Rockets? Yeah, if we stay healthy and everything goes right. But for the sake of realism, lets consider who we'll be fighting with for the last five playoff spots.
Denver, Portland, Seattle, Clippers, Golden State.
Ouch.
Posted by: Andrew T | May 22, 2007 at 09:17 PM
Aloha Weave Man
Forgot about Moore, could be a good pick up. As for Rashard and Lamar, I really believe Rashard is more of a true 3 then Lamar and he is more consistant from the outside so ya, I dont think there would be a problem there. Ok Mitch Weave Man and I have just figured it out, All we want in return is season tickets next to Jack. So go do it.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 22, 2007 at 09:18 PM
I actually think the Suns will be beat us the the Artest sweepstake. If I were the suns I would trade Marion for Artest without looking back at all. Artest is a better defender and can actually create his own offense.
And Im starting to get tired of this blog always trying to put down someone else proposal especcially when trading superstars. Nobody ever thought Shaq will be traded for Caron, Lamar, and Grant, but it happened anyways. So for you all critical of others trade proposal just think of the Shaq trade. You never get anything in return for superstars, this was not just the case for the lakers when they traded Shaq, its for every team in the NBA that trades their superstar at one point.
Posted by: wow | May 22, 2007 at 09:20 PM
And please, let's stop talking about "Bynum" as the answer to Duncan or Oden or Yao...
Do you know how much more athletic Duncan and Oden are to Bynum? Yao, maybe... but Bynum will never be able to out-play either of those two guys on a consistent basis...
I'm not sure Bynum could ever be the answer...
Today's league is dominated by ATHLETIC, big men who can move and patrol the paint.
Yao's critical flaw is foot speed and movement... He let BOOZER dominate him...
coincidentally, Bynum has the same prollem..
Posted by: Korey | May 22, 2007 at 09:22 PM
rdlee, did you just say you wouldn't trade kwame and bynum for KG? dude, are you serious?
We need to draft a big guy that can hustle, kinda like turiaf, cause these guys are all underated,and they can help NOW, unlike a guard. They can play D and block shots and rebound.
Posted by: greek dude | May 22, 2007 at 09:26 PM
Man, with all the talks of the East catching up with Lebron and DWade, Greg Oden/Kevin Durant just blew that to pieces lol. All the more imperative we do our business, this isn't going to get any easier, with GS, NO, Portland, et al...WE NEED to get better, no question.
Posted by: Faith | May 22, 2007 at 09:29 PM
MH:
Aloha to you. Are you in Hawaii?
You know, it’s funny but even as a big UCLA fan, I was never a big Earl Watson fan. I thought he was a little too sulking of a player for me. I know at UCLA that he resented Baron Davis getting all the hype and always had a chip on his shoulder as far as I was concerned. I may be totally wrong but he strikes me a little the same way that Smush did attitude wise.
I also would prefer Artest for his toughness and defense over Rashard Lewis, who is too much like Vlade for my taste.
I do like your thought about CWebb, though. And remember, he did say that he would have considered the Lakers if it hadn’t been in the middle of the season. Now there is a guy that it makes sense for Kobe to call. lol.
Anyway, it’s probably Ron Artest and Steve Blake and then wait and see how Andrew and Farmar play the first half of the season. That’s my vote for the smart move.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 22, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Korey:
Read a couple of draft reviews on Javaris Crittenton and they all raved about his potential but then listed how poorly he played in the tournament and how lackadaisical he was on defense. Sounds like a project that will take longer than Farmar.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 22, 2007 at 09:55 PM
What ever happened to the notion of parity in the NBA? If you look at the lottery winners, the Pacific division won big time. Portland 1. Seattle 2. Kings 10. Clippers 14. It must be even nicer to be in the Eastern Conference now. All those slouches have to do is watch the West coast destroy each other in the regular season and in the playoffs.
Posted by: fkillah | May 22, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Edwin
Its not all gloom and doom. As long as we got Jim Buss in our corner, things will turn out all right. lol
Rambis questioning Buss? Does that mean he is on his way out?
For a team that had no lottery pick we sure had a lot of interest in what happened. Oden going to Portland was a big surprize. Do we now keep Bynum or make the play for Gasol? Gasol is in his prime and you would think Memphis would keep him.
The Lakers have multiple ways to approach the off season.
Ultra Conservative Approach:
If we stand pat and make no trades, we at least need to get a point guard.
A healthy Laker team would get us 50-55 wins, but could they advance in the playoffs without a major break? Would Kobe and Phil be satisfied with that?
Conservative Approach:
Get a point guard and a minor trade for 3 spot defender. The right defender could get us 50-55 wins, but make us a tougher team in the playoffs.
Moderate Approach:
Get a point guard, upgrade the 3, and trade Kwame and a package for Gasol. Kwame's trade would be a good business decision if we have no plans to sign an extention with him. This team could win 54-58 games but could jell by the playoffs and be hard to eliminate.
Liberal approach:
Get a point guard, and trade Odom and a package for JO or KG
Ultra liberal approach:
Trade Kobe and keep everyone else. Rebuild from scratch. Kobe haters would be dancing in the streets. They would quit coming to this blog and follow Kobe to hate on him wherever he goes.
A "moderate" approach is what I would like to see, but I get the feeling a "conservative" approach is what Jim Buss will do. It wil produce a good regular season if we stay healthy, but we would have to get on our knees and pray if we hope to advance in the playoffs.
Remember next year the west will have the Spurs, Mavs, Suns, Utes, Houston, and possibly Denver and GS very strong. That's seven competitive teams for the Lakers to fight. We must improve remarkably if we want to make the playoffs and contend. Playoff seeding doesn't seem to have any advantages anymore in the west. A veteran team will be a must if you want to go far.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 22, 2007 at 10:34 PM
I just saw Ford's mock draft. It's funny the exact 3 players I like after Oden and Durant (Brewer, Yi, and Conley) were listed in the 3,4,5 spots. Even worse though is that the 3 guys I wanted the Lakers to get (Thaddeus Young, Nick Young, Rodney Stuckey) all go off the board right before the Lakers pick. Especially Stuckey who I thought was my super secret pick that would be there for the Lakers to take for sure. It seems as deep as this draft is....things start getting pretty shallow right around the 18th pick....right before the Lakers.
Korey,
I only saw Jarvis play once, so I don't know....but I wasn't too impressed. Then again, I only saw one game.
Tom,
Good points about the stacked West. For 1.3 seconds my eyes lit up not seeing Memphis in, and seeing Atl in the top 3. Until at 1.7 seconds when I realized Oden and Durant were coming out West. Well, I guess at least we can see them play more? Portland has a scary young nucleus. People leave out Sergio Rodriguez...but that Euro got some game too.
But Tom, please refrain from making comments about Luke Walton trying to guard Durant, ...it will give me nightmares.
Wow,
Love that team.....but it can't happen. I think Al Jefferson is close to untouchable at this point. I believe Danny Ainge considers him as the focal point of their rebuilding.
Mich H,
That team does look appealing. Obviously that team will be a force offensively...and great fun to watch as well...., but I think it might be too weak defensively, especially with soft immobile Cwebb manning the middle.
I think Cwebb is best coming off the bench at this point in his career....now if we had a somewhat decent C that could play some defense...then that'd be real interesting.
Posted by: wiZo | May 22, 2007 at 11:18 PM
Oh I forgot to add....another great moment in the draft was the squeals of pain on the faces of the Celtic fans when they got the #5 pick, haha just priceless.
Honestly, serves them right.....it seemed blatantly obvious the Celts were tanking the season...you know it when Pierce, who has always played through injuries basically sits all year, they leave DOC RIVERS as their coach, and then it got real bad when you started seeing Danny Ainge at OSU games.
Thats Karma for you Ainge!
Posted by: wiZo | May 22, 2007 at 11:25 PM
WOW, Seriously the West just got 100X more challenging. I'm usually not a GHE person, but i gotta admit, we're stuck between a rock and a hard place....
Do we trade Bynum in order to bring some help NOW and risk not having a future core....
Or, do we keep him and hope KG opts out?
Thankfully, I'm not a GM. I just hope the organization knows what they're doing
Posted by: bobie | May 22, 2007 at 11:30 PM
man... i'm so worry about the lakers for next season if we don't make any big trade. work those phone. someone.. please....
Posted by: khang | May 22, 2007 at 11:32 PM
Let's hope Phoenix beats us in the "Artest sweepstakes"
I can't think of another team I'd rather see follow the Pacers and the Kings out of playoff contention when Ron-Ron's me first attitude destroys their locker room chemistry and has them at each others' throats.
Go Suns! "Beat" us in getting the human cancer! And give up Marion in the process - lol!!!!
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 22, 2007 at 11:33 PM
Laker Tom,
Only problem I feel with that lineup is that Kobe might be upset that he will have to continue to do all the shooting.
Which i know he's not going to object.
But we still need sometype of low post game on the offensive side. I know Lamar Odom said at his exit interview that they want him to score more in the post.
Maybe your theory could be what the Lakers are thinking. Just clearing up the 1 and 3 position and seeing how Bynumolokandi progress.
Posted by: gunner24 | May 22, 2007 at 11:41 PM
WHAT TO DO WITH THOSE PICKS...
Maybe (or probably) the smartest thing I've ever heard from kupchak is when he admitted that he isn't exactly excited about the Lakers having a bunch of rookies... again. The Lakers have 3 picks in this draft. Hypothetically, that would be 3 new guys that are not only learning the now infamous triangle, but also simultaneously trying to adapt to the NBA game. Kobe was clear when he said he wants to win now, a goal which would not be helped by another year of developing players. And you can't play every season "developing" players. When does the development end, and the winning begin?
I have come to the conclusion that, at most, the Lakers should use one of these picks. 2, or all 3, should be used in attempt to get established players. The possibilities are out there. There are some teams with no picks, and the Lakers could use there surpluss of picks to try and get a useful, effective piece.
If the Lakers use their picks, specifically their first round pick (#19), there seem to be indications that there will still be some very good, high-quality players still up on the board. Some rumored examples:
Acie Law III (PG) - I've seen him in mock drafts going anywhere from as high as #10, to as low as #20, falling within the Lakers first round range. Question: Is he the future? If he is, having Farmar around is pointless, so what do the Lakers do with him?
Arron Afflalo (SG/SF) - I've seen him in mocks going as early as the late first round. Suprisingly, this seems to be the minority. The majority seem to have him going in the early, or even middle of the second round. He could back up Kobe, or possibly play some SF. He is solid, Pac-10 Player of the Year, and though not seemingly great at anything, he seems to be good at everything. He also has a fire to win that just can not be taught. Perfect for a Laker team with lackluster enthusiasm, to say the least.
These are just a couple of possible picks. However, I have to restate that if they are picked with the idea of them being key pieces in the championship puzzle, the Lakers have to take yet another year grooming the future. Is it worth another year of waiting?
I would prefer picking up established NBA players. Am I the only one who sees the massive benefits possible from signing Gerald Wallace? I feel that he is very attainable, if the Lakers really want him.
PG - Farmar
SG - Kobe
SF - Wallace
PF - Odom
C - Bynum
Bynum has to start at some point. Giving him a year to develop and make mistakes, he'll be ready for the playoffs. Same goes for Farmar. Some things you can learn from words. Others you can only learn under fire.
CALI KING
Posted by: CALI KING | May 22, 2007 at 11:53 PM
Aloha Tom
Ya Im a L.A refuge living on the Big island. Its a hard life but someone has to do it. Got to disagree with you on Lewis. The guy is way better then Vlade he is a mobile six ten that has an outside J and can take it to the hole almost as well as Lamar. I believe artest is a more realistic expectation but if I had my choice I would go with Lewis. Artest biggest flaw as a player is he thinks he has an outside J and he really doesnt. While Lewis would flourish with Kobe and Lamar kicking to him. As far as Watson is concerned, he is unspectacular but plays solid D, and distributes the rock. Would I rather have Andre Miller or Mo williams. Absolutely. Can we get one of those guys and someone of Rashards ability? No. So I look at Watson as a big upgrade over smush and can start while Jordon learns. I really think it will not be more then 2 years because Jordon just has that intangable you see in great players. He has real passion and desire and I believe he will be a very good PG in a couple of years. As far as who we can get, I really think the draft lottery helped us if we are going to move Andrew. I suspect Mitch will be answering more calls then he makes now. Could be good news for the purple and gold. Reguardless I will be there when the Lakers train here. I guess they will play
golden state twice, which should be a blast.
wiZo
Weave man had a solid suggestion. Micki Moore will be mid leval material. Solid D, hustle and boards. With Kobe, Lamar and Lewis we wouldnt need more then that.
Posted by: michael H | May 22, 2007 at 11:57 PM
Interesting article:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22021.shtml
"Laker fans interested in Gasol? Root for Memphis to draft third or fourth."
"Laker fans do not want to see the Wolves win a top three pick. The same goes for most teams in the Western Conference like the Seattle SuperSonics, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Hornets and Los Angeles Clippers. The competition in the West is tough enough as is it."
HAHA.
CALI KING
Posted by: CALI KING | May 23, 2007 at 12:01 AM
Fatty,
The Ultra Liberal Approach is the psychopathic point of view. lol! Trade Kobe to another group of scrubs, then the only thing remaining Laker fans/bloggers by that time will be KL and Gunner24 .... j/k only ok.
I totally agree with your analysis but what I am perplexed is that our bright boys seemed to think we are the "juggler" that is holding key pieces in Bynum or Lamar or Walton hahaha! these are ordinary and upcoming stars. It does not make us the center of discussions not comparable to top two draft picks or offering Super F/As. If you want teams to get excited with the Lakers "trade Kobe", then they will be offering you the mannas from heaven plus their future 1st rd draft picks. Only Jim Buss dumdum policy can foresee that this event could happen.
If I were Dr. Jerry Buss, I would really be worried with the situations:
1. The Western Conference became very tough Oden and Durant coming to the West;
2. I have no good pieces to trade except my lone Superstar
3. I'm over salary cap and would eventually max the luxury treshold when I resign Walton and Mihm
4. I have two stawarts who have been useless so far in the eyes of the fans and also in their media portrayals
5. How can I get out or improve from the 7th seed karma when high paying fans are ecoming restive? Lakers could be dislodged by Sonics, Blazers and Warriors.
So again I pause this question: In this blog, we thought highly of our players as good trade values. Are there any teams out there excited with our laker players?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 23, 2007 at 12:21 AM
Why not make a trade for Antonio Mcdyes or Kurt Thomas - remember, Thomas was the leading scorer during his Knicks days, and he has shown that he still got it in the SPURS-SUNS series. This would greatly improve our defense inside as well as athleticism. Plus we wouldn't move so much of our core personnel and young players. And Use MLE for MO Pete.
Our Starting five would be.
1 = MO
2 = KB24
3 = MO Evans
4 = LO
5 = Thomas
That's a versatile and defense oriented lineup with the the ability to put the ball in the floor and run as well.
Posted by: dice8up | May 23, 2007 at 12:34 AM
Its amazing to me to hear so many people have such a definite answer on Bynum, whether positive or negative. Everything regarding Bynum is potential, if the Lakers keep him its going to be because they believe in his potential; that he is going to be a good player, if another team is interested in and makes a trade for him its going to be because they believe in his potential; that he is going to be a good player.
So my question is: If the Lakers don't know what Bynum is going to be and if all the other teams don't know what Bynum is going to be, then how do so many people in this know? It just doesn't make any sense.
The fact is, right now, Bynum is a seven foot two hundred and eighty pound question mark dripping with potential. Bynum hasn't been in the league long enough for anyone to know the player he is going to be.
I for one believe in his potential, I believe that he is going to build on the positive steps he has taken, and I believe in the teachings of kareem.
That belief is based in the fact that he is a Laker, and I always believe in my Lakers.
Posted by: Oscar | May 23, 2007 at 12:47 AM
Here's my trade proposal that makes sense.
Trade Radman for Jamal Magloire. These two has identical salary.
Portland will get a shooter in radman to compliment ODEN, ROy, ALdridge.
LAKERS will get a Big man who is a decent defender and knows how to score and rebound. Magloire is a 10-10 carrer player.
Trade Kwame, COOK plus first 19th pick for Rashard Lewis.
Seattle will get a defensive center in Kwame and a shooter in COOK and the 19th pick.
Lakers will get Lewis to play the 3 spot which we desperate need to upgrade
Our Starting lineup would be:
1 = Farmar
2 = KB24
3 = Lewis
4 = LO
5 = Magloire
Now, that is a formidable lineup. One that can challenge San Antonio's size, and run with the SUNS. And the defense at the 1, 3, and 5 is considerably better.
Posted by: dice8up | May 23, 2007 at 12:56 AM
The Western Conference gets even more stacked. The importance for the Lakers to improve our roster gets bigger. And more difficult. Damn, can't our management get things done?
Posted by: gdchild | May 23, 2007 at 12:56 AM
Well well well .....i watched the blog over the last 2 days and alot of good trades came up and i also kept an eye out on the draft lottery and the biggest winner besides portland and seatle was ATLANTA.....not because its the number 3 pick but because they dont need to hand that pick over to the suns.....I would like to see the lakers deal with the hawks....they need a centre and they have some really nice players ....chilldress...jonhson...smith...williams and the 3RD pick.....work the phones BOYS......lets get it under way already...........by the way the season may have ended for the lakers but this blog is on FIRE.....everyday the amount of input is great....i cant wait for the season to end come on spurs and rap it up .......
Posted by: Thirty 2 | May 23, 2007 at 01:47 AM