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
How about Bynum, Brown, VRad, Cook, Vujacic & 2007 1st round pick for Oneal, Daniels, Marshal & Greene? Then Walton & Evans for Artest. Draft(2nd round) the best players then sign someone good(no more Divac or Mckie!) for the MLE. Mo Williams?
The 2007 LA Lakers
O'neal - Mihm
Odom - Turiaf
Artest - Marshall
Bryant - Daniels
Williams - Farmar - Greene
Imagine our first five against the West's best, San Antonio, Phoenix, Dallas, Utah & Houston
O'neal vs Duncan vs Stoudamire vs Dampier vs Boozer vs Yao
Odom vs Oberto vs Marion vs Howard vs Okur vs Hayes
Artest vs Ginobili vs Diaw vs Nowitzki vs Harpring vs TMac
Bryant vs Bowen vs Bell vs George vs Kirilenko vs Battier
Williams vs Parker vs Nash vs Terry vs Williams vs Alston
Posted by: WaveMaster | May 23, 2007 at 01:48 AM
I hate the salary cap.
LA should be allowed to trade for Garnet or anyone they want straight up. I hate the salary matching rule. That is what screwed us in the first place, since we had to take Brian Grant's contract.
I hope this years draft players are busts.
Posted by: 07 | May 23, 2007 at 01:49 AM
Fatty,
Your "Ultra Liberal Approach" was hilarious! It's almost worth trading Kobe just to get these haters out of here.
Jay Jay,
WE NEED ARTEST ASAP!
Posted by: mitchell | May 23, 2007 at 02:31 AM
greek dude:
I wouldn't trade Kwame & Bynum for KG without a plan for a center, unless KG can play the 5. I would never go with a plan that includes Mihm as our starting center. I also would rather see how Bynum progresses next year and get KG for nothing (FA) than gut our team for a player that doesn't guard centers and would rather shoot outside than dominate down low.
Posted by: rdlee | May 23, 2007 at 03:51 AM
HOSTAGE UPDATE: DAY (18)
DAY 18 GARNETT HELD HOSTAGE BY MINNESOTA FOR RANSOM BY LAKERS.
NOW THE NEWS TODAY:
DRAFT LOTTERY RESULTS : (1) Portland (2) Seatlle (3) Atlanta (4) Memphis (5) Boston (6) Milwaukee
(7) Minnesota (8) Charlotte (9) Chicago (10) Sacamento (11) Atlanta (12) Philadelphia
(13) Charlotte (14) L.A. Clippers
The Season Finale of Kevin Garnett Held Hostage will be Thursday. If you think the
24 and Heroes finals were great dont miss it.
THATS ALL THE NEWS FIT TO PRINT AT THIS TIME: FOR ROUND-THE-CLOCK
PURPLE AND GOLD WITH ANDREW AND BRIAN KAMENETZKY read THE LAKERS BLOG
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ALL TOGETHER NOW:
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2007 at 06:19 AM
I will agree with Laker Tom on this one. Yesterday I posted a similar approach which I think the Lakers will be following, due to the conservative trades theyve made the last couple of years.
But I really think if the Lakers stick with Bynum, upgrade the PG and SF position, it will be something like a 2 part plan, they are setting the table to get KG as a free agent next year. If I was KB, i would be calling KG and telling what is up. Either are you comming via a trade or as a FA. If he wants to come this year via trade, i hope KG can twist the arm of McHale and hope he doesnt cripple our team and leaves us with KG/KB and a bunch of fillers.
Lets say this conservative approach does happen, it is imperative that the lakers go out and sign or trade for 1 or 2 veterans players, players such as McDysse, Webber, Hill, etc. People that will not cost much and give us valuable minutes and can guide our young players.
So, in essense, if we do get a solid point guard like Mo Wiiliams or perhaps Steve Blake, trade for Artest, sign Mihn for one year, sign and/or trade for 1 maybe 2 veterans, and if God willing, we stay healthy, we'll be a tough team to beat. Add KG to the mix next year for MLE or vet minimum, and you have a championship team.
Guys keep the hope alive, summer is just starting. Hope is the last thing you loose. There are multiples scenarios the team may go, some more realistic than others. But who knows, anything can happen.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Obel | May 23, 2007 at 07:23 AM
All of you who dislike Bynum are too short sighted. You only see what he was this past season, which is a 19 year old kid still growing muscles who barely played in high school and barely played his first year as a pro.
Bynum made tremendous strides as a player this year - pretty good for a boy playing among men. He needs to get stronger and quicker...which he will. But rarely does a big man come along with his hands, wingspan, and overall coordination. Once he grows into his body he should be a monster.
The only negative on Bynum IMHO is the mental aspect: he often times doesn't show enough heart and determination. Is that permanent or just the result of still being a kid and being overwhelmed? I don't know. I don't think anyone does.
Don't you guys remember how bad Kobe Bryant was his first three years in the league? And that was a guy who wanted to be a pro from the minute he was born.
The worst mistake the Lakers could make would be to give up on Bynum now. They have to recognize that he's gonna take at least one more year to develop, maybe two. But then he could be the big man for another 10-13 years.
BTW, whatever team drafted Jermaine O'Neal but then didn't have the patience to let him develop must still be kicking themselves. Let's hope the Lakers don't make that same mistake.
Posted by: Laker Seth | May 23, 2007 at 07:51 AM
Lakers need to trade Brown and Bynum to Memphis for Gasol (possibly get Damon Stoudamire involved maybe with Maurice Evans). Now that Memphis won't be able to tell Gasol that they'll have Oden to play with him he'll want out. They can have Bynum instead and build with him as their big man.
Get Artest from Sacramento for Luke (sign and trade) and Cook (or Radmanovic and Cook) and possibly our first round pick.
New Lakers lineup:
Stoudamire, Farmar,
Bryant, Vujacic, #40 pick
Artest, Luke (or Radmanovic)
Odom, Turiaf, #48 pick
Gasol, Mihm
Posted by: B$ | May 23, 2007 at 07:52 AM
wow,
Thanks for noticing one of my few, and far between witty moments. LOL. I do see what you're saying about Pierce. The main problem with bringing him in though is his contract. If memory serves, he just signed a pretty big extension with the Celtics, and his money plus Kobe's would kill our cap.
MH,
You're right, Lewis is more of a true 3. Could you imagine teams trying to deal with 2 near 7 footers that can handle the ball, post up, and shoot the 3!!!!! I know it probably won't happen, but if it did we would be INCREDIBLE!!!!
PS: We deserve the seats next to Jack, and Snoop. Mitch can sit with Billy Crystal until he's ready to come to the "big boy" section.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 23, 2007 at 07:56 AM
gunner24,
First of all, you're just a complete idiot. I can tell by your posting that you are studying to get your GED. Because of your poor spelling and juvenile
grammer your new name should be grammer24, because you should be spending your time learning english before trying to be witty with your
ignorant and moronical views. Come back grammer24
Posted by: Ramses | May 23, 2007 at 07:57 AM
I was hoping someone could post the link or the actual comments that Kurt Rambis made about Jim Buss.
Also, any word on whether Kurt or B-Knuckle will be head-coaches elsewhere next season? I hope we don't lose them. Phil is getting older and needs good assitants to help run the show.
Posted by: Eddie | May 23, 2007 at 08:27 AM
So is Zach Randolph going to be given away now, on second thought probably not, Kevin Pritchard is a very smart guy. I like where Portland is going, this makes this offseason more important than ever. Its going to be fun.
Posted by: jay el. | May 23, 2007 at 08:52 AM
Eddie, "I was hoping someone could post the link or the actual comments that Kurt Rambis made about Jim Buss"
Here's the link:
http://207.58.158.234/kurt-rambis-slams-jim-buss-on-klac-am-radio-roggin-simers-squared-12911.php
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2007 at 08:56 AM
Laker Seth
The team that traded Jermaine away was the Portland Trailblazers.
Posted by: Wagoneer | May 23, 2007 at 08:57 AM
I think some of the trade ideas have been way far fetched. No one wants to help or give to the Lakers and unless Kevin Garnett ends his career long silence, he is not coming to Lakerland.
I think the Artest idea is a legitimate wish but of course it comes with the risk that one day he says I don't want to play basketball anymore. However we are desperate at this time and last night's draft lottery did not help other than Phoenix not getting stronger.
The West just got more loaded.
I think we need to look at what genuine tradeable assets that we have.
I only see 3 assets that can be the base of a deal.
1. Lamar Odom
2. Andrew Bynum
3. Kwame Brown's expiring contract.
That's it.
I think our draft pick, Jordan Farmar, Radmonovic, and Luke Walton are
simply throw in's to a big deal involving one of the 3 above.
The question is do we make 2 deals or 1 big deal.
Can we not have to combine the 3 assets to get what we want or will we have to?
KG is someone worth combining the 3 assets for.
Gasol and Jermaine O'Neal are kinda worth combining Lamar Odom and 1 of the 2 other assets.
The question is can Mitch just give up Kwame and Bynum for the big we want or give up 1 of the 3 assets and 1 of those throw-in's not named Luke Walton????
We need more than just the big deal. We need a mental facelift. We need vets who are tough.
The Lakers should look at free agents to replace roster spots and bring in some veterans and mental toughness.
Get the too, old, loser or no courage mentalities out of here (Smush, Sasha, Cook, McKie, Shammond, Kwame, and Bynum.)
We need 2 of those below if not 3 of them.
I like the following and ALL are FREE AGENTS:
Steve Blake
Corliss Williamson
Grant Hill
Jerry Stackhouse
Dikembe Mutombo
Matt Barnes
Mickeal Pietrus
Melvin Ely
Jamaal Magloire
Desmond Mason
All are free agents. Let's roll Mitch or get JWest in here to consult.
As fans, we can't let Jim Buss ruin our team. JIM BUSS will make us the current Celtics and Kobe will opt out and go be a Chicago Bull in summer 2009.
Posted by: LakerBake | May 23, 2007 at 08:58 AM
Dice,
We wouldn't need to trade for Magloire. He's an unrestricted free agent who we could sign for the vet's minimum to come off the bench.
I am definitely on board with going after Gerald Wallace (as long as we don't include Kwame in the package, Jordan would need to be admitted to a looney bin if he took him back).
If we can find a way to trade up for Corey Brewer, I would say the Lakers make that deal if it's available.
Posted by: MBApe the ATL Laker fan | May 23, 2007 at 09:03 AM
Jay El,
"So is Zach Randolph going to be given away now, on second thought probably not, Kevin Pritchard is a very smart guy."
I think they'll definitely try to move him, because Randolph can't possibly part of the long term picture. Obviously, they'll try to get the most they can, but they've got such a good young core in Roy-Aldridge-(presumably)Oden- who are actually solid kids on top of being talented- that I think they can afford to move Randolph for what appears to be 50 cents on the dollar, because in the long run, it's worth it for what that move to can to help remove that "Jailblazer" stigma. Plus, it allows them to develop the core without worrying about keeping Randolph happy. Even if the best they get for him are some role player vets who provide a nice mentoring presence, I think that's a good move.
I wouldn't be shocked if they move hard to buy out Darius Miles, too, since he's basically impossible to trade.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 09:07 AM
It's too bad we messed up the Jason Kidd deal cause Kidd, Odom, Kobe is probably better than Kobe - Jermaine O'Neal and Kobe - Gasol
however oh well.
We have to work with what we have.
Getting Artest as a last resort is better than nothing and hopefully we can get Steve Blake too cause Artest is a BALL STOPPER ALSO. His passing is not consistent.
It's just time to get some moves right.
We should have Tayshaun Prince today if we had not picked the wrong guy when we moved up in that draft 4-5 yrs ago.
Prince was draft slots after we picked Kareem Rush.
I won't mention Josh Howard.
We just have not added much since Phil and Jerry West started unloading the Elden Campbell's, Eddie Jones, and Ruben Patterson's for Glen Rice and nothing. Phil is personally responsible for the KWAME BROWN for CARON BUTLER hoax. He called Mike Jordan and asked about Kwame and he wanted to balance the size of the team. Phil did not know he turned in a large heart for a small one regardless of the bodies.
No one jumps Phil about that advise he gave his boy Kupcake on that move.
The clock is ticking cause Kobe will bolt in 2 summers and we'll be in hell otherwise with Jim Buss.
Venting Laker fan!!!
Posted by: LakerBake | May 23, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Ramses,
Actually, it's spelled "grammar". FYI.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 23, 2007 at 09:18 AM
Wow, what a crazy draft lottery. I know that most of you will hate me for saying this, but I am sooooo glad that the Sonics got a top two pick. Since I've been living here, I've got a lot of friends who are Seattle fans and they are totally, totally stoked.
Plus, this means that the Sonics are that much less likely to move out of the area. It could really revitalize their franchise. Same thing with the Blazers. Man, they are going to be really good in a few years. Now they just need to get rid of Z-Bo and Miles.
Posted by: generic_one | May 23, 2007 at 09:19 AM
AK, yeah and also people forget about Martel Webster and Outlaw, although I don't think they are spectacular players but one or the other certainly can be thrown in with Zach Randolph and get a really nice return, wow, and Randolph and Webster/outlaw would not be a very bad thing to bring in either. Wait, don't they have Fred Jones too? Wow.
Darius Miles... ... ... ...LOL
Posted by: jay el. | May 23, 2007 at 09:27 AM
generic_one, its weird I was watching the draft and when the Sonics got the pick I actually remembered you from our discussion about Rashard Lewis. The power of the blog,
its actually really funny when you start thinking about some random person in Seattle "oh Sonics got the second pick...I bet Generic_One (since thats your name apparently LOL) is excited right now, wait, they is a two hour time zone difference..." LOL
Posted by: jay el. | May 23, 2007 at 09:33 AM
Exhelodrv,"Ramses,Actually, it's spelled "grammar". FYI."
Ex, Cold brother, very cold LOL
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 23, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Jay El,
Oh, yeah, for sure. Webster and Outlaw (along with Jarret Jack and Ime Udoka, if they keep him) are all solid role players. They've got a nice foundation, which is why I think they can afford to trade Randolph even if it isn't for true "equal value." Much of the value comes in addition by subtraction, both with image and practicality.
Miles, however, is REALLY tough to move. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 09:38 AM
wow, that draft lotto was crazy! Does this alter the Laker plans? I mean... does Kwame stay now and Bynum goes? Is Mihm out? Is Paul Pierce in play now? It would seem Zach Randolph would be the odd man out. Does Memphis say hell with it and dump Gasol for youth and picks? What about Atlanta? Does this put some of their young players in play? What about Minnestota and Charlotte? Do they trade their picks now which would put other people in play? Wow! Did ANYBODY expect Portland and Seattle to end up with the top 2 picks??? This would seem to alter pretty much everybody's plan. Now if the Lakers could get Artest without giving up Kwame or Bynum... say Walton + Cook? and high 2nd round draft pick? Hey... we'll throw in Sasha along with a free car wash... Odom and his larger contract would open up possibilities like new PG, Kobe, Artest, (Gasol or Z. Randolph?? or ???), Kwame/Mihm? or free agent pickup? What about Indiana? Do they go for an Odom/Bynum/our 1st round pick? and filler package if we can get Artest? I'm thinking they would probably want Turiaf as well though if we still have Cook and they REALLY want him... When this is over, we may not have a first round draft pick for the next 2-3 years! LOL!
PG - new vet/Farmar
SG - Kobe/Mo Evans
SF - Artest/
PF - Jermaine O'Neal or Gasol?/Turiaf? or would we have to give him up in trade?
C - Kwame/backup? or Mihm? and ?
If you want Phil to stay as coach you will need SIZE! SIZE! SIZE! otherwise... or hey... maybe nothing happens... LOL! Wow! I bet there are 20 players out there people can come up with logical reasons for the Lakers to trade for them now... but if Portland handles this correctly, they are going to be awesome.
Posted by: TaosHum | May 23, 2007 at 09:43 AM
I think we should make a move on Maglore, he is a decent center and wont be needed by Portland anymore.
NOT Zach Randolph, that guy is soft and not worthy of the Lakers, also am I the only one who thinks he looks like the guy who played "Eddie" on the sitcom "Family Matters"? To me hes a dead ringer.
Perhaps we could get Nick Collison, and Earl Watson frm Seattle. Also a good improvement and something that is actually feasible.
No way will we EVER get KG in a trade, Mchale is a former Celtic who hates the Lakers and will NEVER make that trade, so ANYONE WHO TALKS KG TRADE PUT DOWN THE PIPE IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN.
tHE ONLY CHANCE FOR kg IS WHEN HE OPTS OUT AND GOES FREE AGENT.
Posted by: BrandonC | May 23, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Jay El: You know what was funny? It was pretty nice outside yesterday so we had our front door open and you could hear a few screams of joy when Atlanta got #3 because the fans knew they were going to get Durant or Oden. That was followed by one guy going "DOH!" when they got the #2. Still though, my roommates were stoked. If Seattle re-signs Lewis? Dude, that's going to be a crazy lineup with Jesus Shuttlesworth, Durant, and Shard.
PG: Ridnour
SG: Ray Ray
SF: Durant
PF: Shard
C: Wilcox
With more and more teams switching to small ball, that's definitely a team that can make the playoffs.
Posted by: generic_one | May 23, 2007 at 09:45 AM
Michael H,
The odds of Seattle taking back Vlad strike me as very low. Aside from Vlad's terrible '06-'07, they didn't part on great terms. Vlad had complained about them lowballing him with a long-term offer, so he took a one-year tender and set himself up to be an unrestricted FA, which led to Seattle eventually trading him to the Clips.
The irony is that Seattle offered him more than the MLE he ended up getting with the Lakers. I hope Vlad's happy in L.A., because he cost himself a decent chunk of change. I remember watching that situation in Seattle and saying, "What the hell is Radmanovic thinking?"
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 09:47 AM
AK, yeah I remember the same situation thinking "who the hell is Radmanovic" LOL
Generic_one, so your pretty excited, I am a huge Laker fan, but even bigger NBA fan so I love to see what other teams are doing, and this draft definitely makes both Portland and Seattle, ironically two places that seemed to be in trouble, very intriguing teams
Posted by: jay el. | May 23, 2007 at 09:58 AM
We're #1, we're #1. No wait I mean we're number #11, we're #11. Hopefully future drafts will be as good as this one because if the lakers do not do anything we will be throwing Donald Sterling white parties for future draft nights.
Well at least we have the future, Bynum. We will be able to see him grow and mature and be dominated by Oden for the next 12 to 15 years.
Posted by: b mo | May 23, 2007 at 09:58 AM
I really enjoy reading all the scenarios. But please please please! Can we stop mentioning one name when talking about next years team: Mihm
Chris Mihm has never been very good. Foul trouble every game, no reliable shot and not a great rebounder. Kwame, for all his issues, is a much better option for us. Please let them move/cut/trade Mihm.
And watch out what you ask for. RLewis is a very good player, but beware of the good player on a bad team: He can do what he wants and his numbers are padded. I'd love to have him, but not as our "main trade move". If we get him, we need another big name as well.
Take care.
Posted by: Lands | May 23, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Tom, wiZO:
Realize, Crittendon played on a team that was just two players: Him & Thaddeus Young. Everybody else were just pretty weak.
Plus Crittendon is pretty young. I havent heard him talk much or any interviews so the real test will be when the Lakers bring him in for workouts or how he performs at Draft Camp.
In terms of skill and athletic ability, Crittendon is as talented as they come... IN terms of mentals? Well, i dont know yet. Is it youth that gets him in trouble or knuckle-headedness? HOw's his coachability?
Those are questions for Mitch & Jim Buss!!!
Posted by: Korey | May 23, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Mamba24,
i downloaded the audio clip from the link that you've posted..
Kurt Rambis basically said about the trade rumors that he have been hearing was sorta unrealistic. Blockbuster trade won't really be realistic but probably they're gonna have some upgrade on the role players. players that would do their job. He also gave comments on Jim Buss saying that when Jim told the media that Phil doesn't know how to work with the young players, Kurt said that he Jim doesn't know what he's talking about. They(coaching staff) are working with their younger players consistently on a daily basis, and that Jim wouldn't know this because he was never practices.
Jim Buss gave some words to Jeanie. Jeanie responded back and now Kurt Rambis gave Jim somethin too.LakerFam, we got a lil somethin somethin goin on with the Laker Front Office.
Jerry Buss, here's what you gotta do:
Wake up to your senses and..
Fire GM Mitch Kupchak
Strip Jim Buss of administrative-gm-like-powers
Take a risk of paying those luxury taxes cos WE, LAKER FANS, are
SICK of LOSING!!!!
Brylle
Posted by: Brylle | May 23, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Landis,
"Chris Mihm has never been very good. Foul trouble every game, no reliable shot and not a great rebounder. Kwame, for all his issues, is a much better option for us. Please let them move/cut/trade Mihm."
Not sure what games you were watching. When healthy, Mihm is a better all-around player than Kwame, and because of questions re his ankle, he is likely to be relatively cheap, which makes him a great addition to the roster. (Again, assuming that the ankle is expected to be OK.)
Remember, you CAN'T separate the salary from the player when filling a roster.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 23, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Jay El: Yeah, pretty excited. I mean, I've been rooting for the Lakers since the late 80's, but one of the biggest reasons that I was stoked about moving to Seattle after living in Southern Oregon for three years was that I'd be back in an NBA town. With the prospect of them moving to Oklahoma, I was pretty bummed, but now? It's a lot more possible for them to stick around and I'll get to see the Lakers play in person twice a year. Plus, yeah, those two teams really needed something like this.
Posted by: generic_one | May 23, 2007 at 10:14 AM
I don't understand how people think Memphis will be looking to dump Gasol for expiring contracts and picks. The guy is a 26 year-old All-Star center. Those are hard to come by. His contract is actually really good compared to others at the same position, and every franchise looks for players to spend their "franchise" money on. Gasol is that guy for Memphis.
It does no good for a team to continually trade guys for picks and expiring deals.
Randolph definitely seems like the most likely big name to get dealt this offseason, and I for one think the Lakers should be in the running for that one.
The Lakers also better take this as a wake-up call, because Portland just leaped over them as a better team.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 23, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Lands:
"Chris Mihm has never been very good. Foul trouble every game, no reliable shot and not a great rebounder. Kwame, for all his issues, is a much better option for us. Please let them move/cut/trade Mihm."
I'd have to respectfully disagree. He has a much better shot than Kwame and while lacking a bit in help defense, his one on one defense isn't that bad. For the money he'll likely make next season, he'll be one of the better options available to us in adding depth to the frontcourt. During his time here, Mihm has actually averaged better numbers than Kwame across the board (points, blocks, rebounds, offensive rebounds, turnovers, free throw %) except for field goal percentage and players fouled.
Posted by: generic_one | May 23, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Andrew Z, what about Odom/Bynum/1st round pick for Gasol? I haven't checked salaries, maybe we toss in somebody else, Turiaf or Sasha? Memphis gets a young big (Bynum), Odom - a high quality presence to mentor Rudy Gay and they have a couple of 1st round draft picks to play with... the Lakers keep Kwame at Center so Gasol can play PF...
BTW, feel free to rip my trade scenarios... it's still to early, we are all probably missing several trade ideas...
Posted by: TaosHum | May 23, 2007 at 10:32 AM
Andrew Z,
im goin for gasol anytime..plus gasol said he wants out
Posted by: Brylle | May 23, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Here is a quote from Laker legend and smartest man in basketball, Jerry West.
"There have been a lot of picks in the lottery that have (failed). There are two in the lottery this year that are not going to fail. There are two superstars in the draft. I think for the teams fortunate enough to get them, the fortunes of their franchises have changed forever."
Laker translation-Mavericks,Suns,Pistons and Spurs are dominant forces now. Add to that the Sonics and Blazers in the (near) future.
Posted by: b mo | May 23, 2007 at 10:33 AM
TaosHum
OK, I will. Trading both Odom AND Bynum and keeping Kwame?? Seriously, if Mitch does that he should be forced to eat his own intestines. We're going to give up a versatile matchup nightmare with heart AND a promising young center for another young center, and NOT ditch the underachieving dude with small hands of stone??
Exactly how does this make us better?
Posted by: SBPimp | May 23, 2007 at 10:53 AM
Jim Buss:
If he never goes to practice as Rambis says, then what is his source for "Phil doesn't know how to develope young players"?
Outside of watching games, could he be reading the blog? Or does someone screen the blog for him, deleting all the "Jim Buss is a dufuss" comments.
Next, is Rambis on his way out? I know for sure I would not say something bad about my boss in public. Even if it was true, unless I had permission to do so.
What happened at the big meeting last week between Jim and Dr. Buss, Phil and Mitch?(sounds like a Paul Mcartney song) Has anybody heard anything? Phil's future with the Lakers was on the agenda.
Oden invited to participate with the Olympic team. But not Kid Bynum? I guess he's not as good as some of us think.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 23, 2007 at 10:54 AM
Gasol says he want's out. That's why he might be available for expiring contracts.
Posted by: B$ | May 23, 2007 at 10:56 AM
Never say never, but I doubt Portland is going anywhere with a team of kids. The NBA has changed but there's never been an under 24 year old average player dynasty. Now if Kidd were to end his career in Portland that would be interesting in the short run.
Portland drafted JO and moved him to the East where he was able to step up as most decent big men do in the East. The old expression, "it stinks from the top" applies to the Portland front office, so i'm sure they'll find a way to botch this.
Seattle has possiblities but Minnesota doesn't and I doubt Golden State can repeat the trick. Like Yao and TMac, Baron hasn't got the body for the NBA season.
Still and all, the conversations are not about the Lakers, the team that started and ended all NBA discussions not too many years ago. We may be back hoping for our players to overachieve for one more year.
Bynum is worth more as trade bait than he'll ever be as a player but that window would close with another year of half hearted play. JO is an East big that's too expensive and KG would deplete the roster unless he came for something reasonable after next year (though I'd take him under any circumstances). In the end, the salary cap wins. It discourages ring chasing vets.
With Artest as the best option, Mitch can't be sleeping very well. No matter what, for now Kobe will keep it entertaining and that's what makes him the MVCommodity.
Posted by: Vman | May 23, 2007 at 11:08 AM
These are exciting times, my friends. How long will Kobe be great? Three years? Six years? Do the Lakers give up Bynum and his potential to try to win one or two championships in the next two or three years? Or do they gamble on Bynum's potential by keeping him to try and win two or three championships in three of Kobe's last years? The latter scenario would also require somebody having more patience than his young daughter.
The days to come will tell all...
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Marty | May 23, 2007 at 11:14 AM
Zach Randolph 13.3 mil
Where would he fit in our rotation?
Bynum/Mimm/Magloire?(sign with MLE)
Randolph/Ronny
Odom/Rad
Kobe/Mo
New guy point(trade Luke with sign and trade?)/Farmar/Sasha
He would be a nice scoring option, but his defense is suspect. Conditioning for sure. He rebounds well. He reminds me of a young A. Walker.
Kwame, Cookie for Randolph.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 23, 2007 at 11:22 AM
TaosHum,
I'd be a little leary of giving up LO and Bynum in the same deal. The main reason is I don't think there is a player in the league right now that would make us a contender if we paired him with Kobe (even KG). We need three players at an All-Star level.
If we could get Gasol without giving up LO, I'd love where we stand.
I agree that's it definitely a bit too early to see how things work out, a lot of teams are going to move around in the draft and a few are going to look to move picks for veteran help. Hell, even Atlanta said they might move both #3 and #11 for veteran help because they don't need to get any younger.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 23, 2007 at 11:34 AM
A nice article on the Phoenix Suns and their options. One is to stop whinning, and get to work.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/columns/articles/0523bickley0523.html
Just trying to keep everyone informed on the Arizona Suns.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 23, 2007 at 11:42 AM
I think most people here forget we already have a darn good team . If not for serious injuries right in the middle of the season we might have made it to the second round of the playoffs. We don't need that big of an overhaul to make a difference. If we can obtain Artest through a trade (but don't believe the hype about no one else wanting him I gurantee there are at least 2-3 other teams that want him too or get G.Wallace (injury prone, a la J. Oneal and might be to pricey), and sign Migloire. This alone gives us a damn solid team (baring injuries or possilble new cd releases...Ron Ron, I'm talking to you). With vets that can hold down the fort until KG opts out of his contract. And this allows us to still keep Odom, Bynum, and KB. Everyone must remember, KG is not stupid, he knows the easiest way to a NBA finals will be in the east, especially with Durant and Oden coming to the west now. We are only hoping (and praying) that KB is as tight with KG as we think he is because if he's not KG will not be be in purple and gold.
Posted by: richtown | May 23, 2007 at 11:45 AM
LOL! Yes!!! Keep Kwame! Who would've thought? If you look at the lineup (theoretical) you have:
PG: probably a vet SG Phil converts - say 12 pts/game and Farmar
SG: Kobe - 28 pts/game/Mo Evans
SF: Artest - 18-20 pts/game
PF: Gasol - 18-20+ pts/game
C: you don't need scoring at C with this lineup, you need D and Kwame is a tough defender, not the greatest shot blocker but he can block up the middle and provide good picks on offense for Kobe/Artest/Gasol to run off of.
Putting Kwame at C also frees up Gasol as far as expending energy on defense, you put Kwame on the Garnett's, the Duncan's, etc. Gasol is free to focus more on putting points on the board. Kobe benefits greatly from Gasol and Artest providing more of an offensive threat and also from Artests' defense. That's a tough team. Oh God... Michael T. is going to LOVE this post, isn't he! LOL!
Posted by: TaosHum | May 23, 2007 at 11:52 AM