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
laker4life,
Wow. It's funny how i don't see any media coverage on this icident. Not so much funny as it is pissing me off. Kobe gets all that crap from Stu Jackson and Lebron gets nothing. How fair is that? Even if it is the playoffs, Stu got to suspend him just as he did Kobe. If it weren't for you and this blog, I wouldn't even know this happened.
Posted by: HanSoulfood | May 23, 2007 at 06:25 PM
Wow!
That LeBron slap was very similar to Kobe's unatural act. Not fair!
Mommy on you!
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 23, 2007 at 06:25 PM
I'm CURIOUS to know....
who's the 7.5% who decided to "keep" Smush in the LA Times poll?
Are players allowed to vote? lol
Posted by: bobie | May 23, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Faith,
I totally agree with you. I just think he should put on a couple more pounds because he is gonna have to bang against big bodies in the post, and as we've seen 2 out of 3 years his shoulders aren't the strongest in the world. Maybe 5 pounds of muscle?
Gino,
You're making Bell sound better, and better to me. I know some people are reluctant to make a big move, since KG might be available next year, or because they are reluctant to move Bynum so Bell could be a very good pick up. Our projected roster if we get Artest for Kwame:
Bell
Kobe
Artest
LO
Mihm or Bynum
Bench:
Farmar
Evans
Luke
Turiaf
Mihm or Bynum
We still would probably need some help at center but that's not a bad roster. If you look at the guys that I listed on the roster, we all pretty much agreed that they played hard, and could be valuable assets. Guys like Cook, and Vlad (I don't know if I'm totally ready to give up on him) can be used to get us some help in the front court.
Think about the trend in the league now. Everybody wants to run, and shoot. What two players on our roster fit that style perfectly? I could see Boston doing a deal with us for Kendrick Perkins. He's not great, but he's a big body that will clog the lane, block shots, and rebound. I would trade Cook to boston for him straight up. That way we get rid of a piece we don't want, or need, and bring in another big for insurance just incase of injuries.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 23, 2007 at 06:43 PM
MH,
You're right about LO's mindset, but being able to go right consistently could..no would make him a legit superstar. Like you said he can score 20+ now, just imagine what he would be able to do if he could drive to the hoop with his right hand, and make a right hand layup!!!!! LOL, it sounds funny but it's that simple.
Yeah, it wouldn't be fair to everybody else, but what can I say I'm greedy!!!
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 23, 2007 at 06:50 PM
did anybody see this? Wow! Maybe we can get Gasol for a straight cash deal... LOL!
-------------------------
UPDATE: Of course the team that really deserves sympathy at this point is the miserable Memphis Grizzlies. That's my best totally uninformed and wildly speculative guess as to who Tommy Heinsohn is talking about in this Mark Murphy Boston Herald article:
"I'm certainly disappointed," said Heinsohn. "It's such an unusual thing. The sixth, fifth and fourth teams end up on top, and the first, second and third (Milwaukee) teams that have the best chances go down? It's tough for some teams to have to deal with this.
"One guy told me tonight that if his team didn't get one of those top two picks, his team had a serious chance of going out of business. Now that's tough. At least (the Celtics) aren't in that situation."
Posted by: TaosHum | May 23, 2007 at 07:12 PM
I don't exactly want to see LeBron suspended, but how can they justify not punishing him at all?
AK/BK I need your sage advice and psycho emotional counseling on this one. Am I seeing the replay of LeBron's unnatural hit through jaded lenses; is my reaction clouded by a misguided appraisal of the NBA’s treatment toward Kobe? Do you think it's a similar act or am I missing something?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 23, 2007 at 07:22 PM
Aloha Kiwi
Good news on Lewis. He suppose to be a great guy and I really dont think we would have to send Jordon because I read they are trying to get rid of excess PG's. It wouls probably cost a Walton sign and trade instead. And I really think they would want Andrew. They have drafted 3 7 foot stiffs the last 3 years. Now with them probably getting Durant they might want Andrew. Now I agree that if we could get Lewis and Watson for Kwame, Cook and say walton, I would love it, but I would give up Andrew for that deal if requested. Lewis is that good.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 23, 2007 at 07:34 PM
ATTENTION: Fellow Bloggers,
We all have our fantasies and suggestions for our beloved Lakers to improve the roster. Some want KG, JO or Gasol ASAP and others are rooting for Ron Artest and would like to keep LO and Bynum. No matter what your favorite roster looks like, there is always the questionable authority of Jimmy Buss in our way to the Promised Land.
Historically, inherited authority is usually doomed to chaos followed by failure. Leaders emerge by demonstrating skills, hard work, character and reverence for the followers.
Unfortunately, our young “Buss” not only hasn’t exhibited any praise-worthy action, he’s shattered any hope for unity and just leadership in his recent interview attacking one of the key figures of the franchise. That is just a small incident and old news but it shows how unwise and out of touch this guy is.
I don’t know if Lakers’ owners and mangers read our blogs or any amateur press publication but we would be hard to ignore if we voice our critical view of Jimmy Buss collectively. We have an allies in Jeanie Buss and Kurt Rambis. Unlike some of you, I think Jeanie has showed courage in criticizing her brother’s foolish interview. Sure, she was protective of her boy friend and rightly so, I would be disappointed if my wife wouldn’t cover my back. But at the same time, If you listen closely to her interview and sort of “read between the lines” it is obvious that unlike her brother, she cares about fans and what fans think.
Kurt Rambis slammed Jimmy at AM570 interview: “Jim Buss was puffing up his chest a little bit and trying to take charge…. … he (Jimmy) doesn't come to practice, so he doesn't see the amount of time that we spend working with the young ball players.”
I am not suggesting a mob revolt in going to the Lakers’ headquarters and wave “Down with Jimmy Buss” banners. I just would like to see Jimmy Buss to be more often the target of our critical views of his questionable authority and actions effecting this franchise, especially from Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky, simply because they are more likely to be heard.
2007 Draft Lottery with the surprising and favorable results for the Lakers is giving them a window of unique opportunity to improve the roster and bring it to the “elite” level. This is the time for the fans to put pressure on the owners and managers to make their moves before other Western franchise take advantage of the lottery results and grab our trade favorites. It is time for Jimmy Buss to wakeup from deep sleep of narcissism. After all, this is the “Wild Wild West” and he, who fails to draw first, will drop dead.
Thank you for listening.
And I am joining Mamba24 in: LAKERS TODAY, LAKERS TOMORROW and LAKERS FOREVER.
Posted by: Ventriloquist (AKA: Cyrus) | May 23, 2007 at 07:47 PM
AK/BK
Can we have a an American Idol thread? lol
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 23, 2007 at 07:49 PM
The league office AND the media ignoring Lebron's "unnatural basketball move" is almost expected. Satan Stern and his helper Stu continue to make a mockery of league rules. Kobe will never be MVP if the media continues to vote for the award. Has there ever been a superstar that received less calls than Kobe? EVER???? Alot of the bloggers want Kobe to stop whining about calls, and I agree with them. BUT, how can you blame him when he continues to receive such unfair treatment from the refs, the media, and the league office. Satan will not let Kobe become the face of the league, especially after Colorado. He will do everything in his power to prevent that from happening.
If you already haven't seen this video, it's the kind of treatment Kobe has to deal with:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=w6rl4-7YtXo&mode=related&search=
Posted by: mitchell | May 23, 2007 at 07:53 PM
WesjoeNixon,
Honestly, I can't really tell. I didn't see the play when it actually happened and the Youtube clip feed is pretty blurry and from a far angle. It's hard to see what really happened.
Plus, I think you need to also see the play from the reverse angle (and from a closer vantage point, obviously) to really evaluate LeBron's physicality. You'll get a better idea of the manner in which his arm moved and/or was swung, how severely, and how much space was between him and whoever he hit (which plays a role in how avoidable it was). All of that matters. Remember, it's not simply the end result (a dude getting hit in the head), but the context that's most important.
I'm not trying to dodge the question. If you remember, I didn't think what Kobe did should have been considered suspendable (at the very least not without first receieving a formal warning after the first initial). As much as I find the "anti-kobe conspiracy theories" to be ridiculous, I'm not standing up for the league or anything. I just don't think that specfic clip is particularly conclusive as proof that LeBron should or shouldn't be suspended.
If anyone else can post a different angle of the play (or a cleaner version of the same angle) please do. Thanks.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 07:54 PM
BK:
Am I the only one who thinks that Oden going to Portland SHOULD make the Lakers LESS eager to trade a potentially dominant center like Bynum to get a 3rd star to go with Kobe and Lamar? Am I the only one who thinks that Kevin Durant going to Seattle SHOULD make the Lakers MORE motivated to obtain Ron Artest to defend the small forwards who have been eating Luke alive? Am I the only one who thinks something has suddenly changed in the West?
Well, the name of the game just changed in the West. You are not going to win any more unless you have a power at center to compete with Oden and a strong defender at small forward to match up against Durant. As Jerry West said, these two guys will become superstars. So the ante has been raised and the level of competition is going to be utterly incredible. The West should just defect from the NBA like the South did from the United States. They have enough good teams to start their own league. lol.
The Blazers and Sonics unbelievable good fortune should make the Lakers rethink their plans. Specifically, I think the Lakers need to rethink how important Andrew Bynum may be to the future of the franchise. The Blazers probably added the next Bill Russell to their roster for the next 15 years. We better bet on countering with a true Lakers quality big man in the mold of Wilt, Kareem, or Shaq. And I think that center is Andrew Bynum, who may be the one man who can keep Oden from dominating the center position in the West over the next 15 years.
For those who say Bynum is a bust who has no heart or will, I remind you that he is just a baby as far as basketball goes and still the youngest player in the NBA. But despite the disappointing way Andrew finished the season, everyone has to admit that he showed great progress this year. That is why the Lakers are going to get a lot of calls from teams. At the least, we need to see how far he progresses in his third year. He may make the same kind of jump that the Jazz’s Deron Williams did in his third year. Trading Bynum just does not make sense right now.
I also think that Phil made a serious mistake letting Smush and Cook get away with outright subordination and basically lost the team down the stretch. The fizzled trade of Kwame et al for Jason Kidd also undermined the season and stalled Bynum’s progress. I also think that Phil made a mistake giving Kwame back the starting job and putting Drew on the bench. That did not help the kid’s attitude or confidence down the stretch. Phil should have left Bynum as starter and used praise, involvement, and support to motivate him instead of the bench.
I also think the Lakers need to focus on Ron Artest as the main enhancement this season. Fix the defensive problems at small forward, especially now that Kevin Durant is a new neighbor. They should also re-sign Luke and Mihm as free agents. If we could, I would trade Cook in a moment for another big man or defender to come off the bench. I would also try to lure Mo Williams or maybe Steve Blake with our MLE, although I think we might see some great growth in Farmar next season that will make us more comfortable with our team defense.
The Lakers keeping Andrew Bynum to match up against Oden or going after Ron Artest to defend Durant is no different than the Spurs going after Bruce Bowen and the Suns after Raja Bell to match up with Kobe. It’s just common sense to build a team that is designed to optimize our chances against the horde of tough teams that are developing in the West. If the Lakers can return to a dynasty in the West down the road, it will have been an incredible accomplishment considering how much talent and competition there is now in the West.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2007 at 07:56 PM
I cannot believe that the Suns have the sixth pick.
Horrible beyond horrible.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 23, 2007 at 08:02 PM
Sixth pick? What the heck are you talking about John? Did I miss a trade?
Also, funny quote:
"I'm in favor of it."
- John McKay, coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976, when asked about the execution of his team.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 23, 2007 at 08:09 PM
God, please give us Kevin Garnett. I know what I am asking for is unreasonable, but it is right.
Give us Kevin Garnett.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 23, 2007 at 08:10 PM
eddie..
Thanks for props. I think the big difference with guys like Artest is that they want to be big fish in a big pond and they get pissed when they are stuck in a little pond. Indianapolis? Sacramento? Would you want to live there if you were rich and talented and ambitious? Hell, no. You would want New York or Los Angeles. Playing with Kobe and Lamar on the Lakers with Phil as coach could even revitalize and mature Artest. I know AK doesn’t think Laker mystique is worth sh!t, but he is wrong. I think Ron could end up being a Laker for life. How’s that for GHF, ex. lol.
I am not looking for Magliore as a solution. I think we keep Andrew at the very least until we see what he brings to the court in his third year. And if Mihm can work his game back, he would be great as our backup center. It’s Kwame to Sacto for Artest that is the key in my mind to making this team better. Kobe, Lamar, and RonRon would be a dynamic trio. And if Farmar and Bynum can jump their play one level, we would have a pretty damn good team. And a pretty good bench with Luke, Mihm, Mo, Ronny, and Sasha. I would trade Cook for anybody just to get the negative guys off the squad. And NO, I don’t include Bynum in that group. Just Smush and Cookie.
Boston. Man, the curse of Len Bias lives on. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving franchise. It’s what I hope is ahead for the Suns also. If this team can come out with the magic they showed early this year, dramatically improved defense (double and trap the pick and roll), and more veteran stability, then I think we would all of a sudden turn to the type of magnet that might lead KG to say, Hey, do you still have your MLE? Lol.
The Lakers management’s job at this point? Smart and steady. Let’s fix the 3 position first. Then re-sign Luke and Mihm. Then try and get some help at the 1 with our MLE. Then see how this team plays the first half of the season before taking the next step. Smart and Steady!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2007 at 08:13 PM
Hey John K,
I can't believe that every man named Frank has a mustache, but turns out, it's true.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 23, 2007 at 08:16 PM
Maybe the Suns have the first pick in the sixth round of this year's draft. Is that what you mean?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 23, 2007 at 08:18 PM
Laker Tom,
"I know AK doesn’t think Laker mystique is worth sh!t, but he is wrong."
Huh? What does that mean?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 08:18 PM
Jon Kavulic, "I cannot believe that the Suns have the sixth pick."
How did that happened?
Posted by: Ventriloquist (AKA: Cyrus) | May 23, 2007 at 08:18 PM
Ventriloquist,
I think John is trying an inventive kind of spry comedy, like Bobby Hill when he took a comedy class instead relying on his usual fart jokes. We should follow John’s lead and follow the words "I can't believe" with some of life's greatest mysteries. Here, like this:
"I can't believe there really is a cinnamon roll that looks just like Mother Theresa"
It's pretty fun, huh.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 23, 2007 at 08:27 PM
AK:
Sorry about that. It was a poor attempt to humorously tease you about your prior comments that the Lakers Mystique is not what it used to be. I still think there is a type of player out there for whom playing for the Lakers is an honor. Not just for money. Not just because of the other players. Because it’s the Lakers! That’s all. Hey, I thought I was talking to BK. Can’t he keep our conversations confidential? lol.
Anyway, I would love your take on my comments that Oden and Durant coming to the West should make the Laker reevaluate their interest in trading away Bynum and trading for Artest. Thanks in advance.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2007 at 08:34 PM
I'm CURIOUS to know....
who's the 7.5% who decided to "keep" Smush in the LA Times poll?
Are players allowed to vote? lol
Posted by: bobie | May 23, 2007 at 06:37 PM
Why, the Clippers' and Suns' fans of course.
Posted by: p ang | May 23, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Ventriloquist AKA Cyrus -What's wrong with suggesting a mob revolt in going to the Lakers’ headquarters and waving “Down with Jimmy Buss” banners? I'll even bring my "Fire Mitch Kupchak" banner.
Everyone who contributes to this blog is a passionate Laker fan and cares about what kind of team has to compete with the likes of San Antonio, Dallas, Phoenix, Golden State, Houston, and now Seattle. How many of us have faith in Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak? Very, very few. But in this forum, we bloggers are only preaching to the converted.
Media coverage of a Lakers fans revolt would be big news, not just in LA but also nationally. Standing tall for Kobe, Lamar, Phil, Jeannie and Rambis would put on some serious pressure.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 23, 2007 at 08:35 PM
Hey John,
I can't believe Michael Jackson actually used to hide when Corey Feldmon tried to get access to Neverland, but alas, this is very true. Corey must have been above his age limit.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 23, 2007 at 08:39 PM
Wes,
That's funny.
Posted by: Ventriloquist (AKA: Cyrus) | May 23, 2007 at 08:41 PM
Aloha Tom
I understand your point on Andrew completlely and I am torn over which way to go. Part of me agrees that Andrew will become a very good center. Even if he doesnt obtain the same heights of an Oden, he could be good enough to diminish his impact. I am dating myself here but the warriors had a very good center named Nate Thurmond, while not a super star gave Wilt all he could handle. That could be Andrew even if he doesnt become a franshise player. Then there is the other part of me that says we have Kobe and Lamar in their prime and the right trades could lead to a few more rings before Oden and Drrant get up to speed. I mean it did take Kobe 3 yrs and Labron wasnt ready his 1st year out, so what to do. First I think we could improve by moving Kwame and perhaps luke in a sign and trade. And if the MLE is used wisely, then we could become a 2nd round playoff team or even a conference finals. Not quite a championship team but closer. If we do move Andrew it must be a move or part of several moves that ensure us being true conteneders for the next 3 or 4 yrs. (sorry Kidd fans) That would mean a Gasol, a rashard lewis etc. I think a MLE guard and Artest would make us a legit 50+ win team and if someone on our current roster takes a big step (think Mo, Jordon, Andrew, and Ronny) even more. So what do we do? Who knows, whatever we do it cant be just to make a move to make a move. it has to make sense.
MH
Posted by: michael H | May 23, 2007 at 08:58 PM
Rick Friedman,
Thank you for reading my post.
Hey, I am all for the "mob revolt" but I think it would be kind of hard to gather a measurable crowd to attract the media. But if you think you can get it done, I am with you.
The more realistic way would be to get our voices heard by the way of blogs and articles. First step would be to ask AK and BK to write about it.
Jeanie Buss and Kurt Rambis are crying for help; Why would a family member and a faithful and lifelong Laker risk their relationships to the future boss-to-be and go public to criticize that moron. They need our help and they are counting on us.
Let's just keep this topic alive and let's get AK and BK involved.
LOL
Ventriloquist.
Posted by: Ventriloquist (AKA: Cyrus) | May 23, 2007 at 09:01 PM
This just came in from Eric Pincus at Hoopsworld.com
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22067.shtml
brylle
Posted by: Brylle | May 23, 2007 at 09:03 PM
Thanks Michael H...
I guess it comes back to the same old issue that our most logical and attractive trade pieces are Kwame/Bynum leaving us woefully short at centre...fantastic if a Walton sign and trade gets it done but I guess thats a double edged sword in that Walton would have to want to go there or Seattle are prepared to really pay him...
Anyhow there may be an actual legit opportunity to get an established star (and maybe a suitable point guard)I didnt think it would be possible but this looks like a way could be found where it would make sense for both teams.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 23, 2007 at 09:03 PM
Laker Tom-
My answers would be no, Oden's arrival in Portland wouldn't change my opinion about trading him if the right deal came along, and improving themselves defensively at the (either by getting a better defensive 4 and moving L.O. to the 3, or finding a better option than Walton) is something they need to do anyway. It's not a question of whether or not Bynum is going to be good. I think he will. It's a question of when. It's going to be very hard to construct a team that can win over the next couple years without adding more top shelf talent, and Bynum is one of the only ways they can do that. It's about timing.
They can't give him away or panic to move him in a deal that doesn't bring back major talent in return, but if the right team offers the right player, I'd still do it.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Tom and MH
re Bynum...I really think it has less to do with Bynums potential and more to do with the fact that we need to do whatever possible to make the team competitive now...its not giving up on him but if a deal came along that can improve us in the short term its worth trading him.Hes possibly our one ticket to vast and fast improvement...even if he does turn out to be good its worth the sacrifice.I dont see any other way to contend within the next three seasons unless bynum himself improves markedly...but on the flip side he could become a bust and then we are screwed.
Essentially by keeping him we are putting all our eggs in one basket so to speak and it is certainly not a very secure basket from where I am sitting....but as Michael H says its got to be the right deal....personally I would let Bynum go for players who are not even close to Lewis's league.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 23, 2007 at 09:14 PM
Mark my words...Ron Artest will be a Laker next season.
Posted by: troy | May 23, 2007 at 09:15 PM
michael:
I couldn’t disagree with anything you said. I feel about the same way. Before the draft, I was probably willing to trade Andrew to get Kidd or KG. Now, I don’t think so. I want to see how he comes back. And I want to get Artest and we will need Kwame to do that, which kills any deal for JO or PG, since I wouldn’t trade Lamar under any circumstances. Smart and Steady! If we can get Artest, I think he will be very motivated. The trio of Kobe, Lamar, and Artest could turn the entire defensive feel of our team, much like it did the Kings last year. I just think that finally being a big fish in the big pond will make Artest a changed man. lol.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2007 at 09:16 PM
James' "unnatural basketball act" didn't get any attention form the league and the media goons. No replay at all. Yet, Kobe got his first suspension of it. And the 2nd time, many ofl the media hacks, especially from the bspn, called for Kobe's head b/o the "dirty plays." Sure soSo fair, so not anti-Kobe only!!!
As for the Laker FO soap opera, here's emplay's article:
Lakers: Radio Ga Ga
by Eric Pincus
Can the Los Angeles Lakers right their ship? How can they be expected to forge a championship team when the owners can barely keep their dirty laundry off the airwaves?
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_22067.shtml
Quite enlightening.
Posted by: gdchild | May 23, 2007 at 09:17 PM
Laker Tom,
Okay. I get ya. I just wasn't sure what you were even referring to, so I asked. No offense taken.
I do think the Laker mystique is definitely alive and well, but only if the team is playing well. If they're medicore or lousy, I don't see too many players taking a pay cut for the privlege of putting on that uni. They'd rather get paid in full and use that extra money to buy a bunch of throw-back Kareem jerseys. You know what I mean? That's not a slam on the Lakers, by the way. No team entices guys to take below market value if they're not good. That's just reality.
As for the Artest and Bynum situations, I share the obvious concerns anyone has when it comes to bringing in Artest (I'll go out on a limb and say I need not explain), but for the right price, I'd probably still do it. My biggest fear with specifically trading Kwame for Artest is the idea that Kwame's expiring 9M won't be available if a better swap comes along. That contract's a potentially valuable chip, so you wanna be positive that's where you want to use it. The Lakers don't have enough assets to mishandle any of them.
As for hanging onto Bynum as a future measure against Oden, I'd disagree. Or, I should say, I disagree if you're committed to the idea of putting the maximum talent around Kobe in his prime. That's virtually impossible to do without trading Bynum. If that's the plan, everyone needs to be moveable for the right price. Plus, I always think, unless you're truly trying to rebuild, you're better off building to win now. Even if you think Bynum will be a good player (as I do), it's virtually impossible to predict exactly when. In that sense, Bynum can't be counted on in any tangible capacity for the near future. So if you get a chance to get an impact player for Bynum that could make a championship a realistic goal in the immediate future, you take that player now and worry about 2010 later.
Unless you wanna fully commit to rebuilding, of course, which makes Bynum much more untouchable. But you definitely can't do both. As the Lakers are making quite clear. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 09:18 PM
BK:
Thanks for your answer. So tell me who other than KG you would trade Bynum for? I would be interested to see who else is on your list. Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2007 at 09:19 PM
AK:
Wouldn’t it be prudent to wait and see how much Bynum improves the first half of next year? He may make another jump like this year or like Deron Williams of the Jazz did in his third year. That would change the situation greatly if he could come on next year and play an entire year the way he did the first month.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2007 at 09:22 PM
Kiwi:
“personally I would let Bynum go for players who are not even close to Lewis's league.”
I completely disagree but let’s see a list of guys you would give up for Bynum straight up. Oops, well you’ll have to throw Kwame in for salary cap ballast. lol. But anyway, who out there in your mind is worth Bynum and Brown?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 23, 2007 at 09:26 PM
Hey Kiwi,
The center position wouldnt be as important if we added 6 10 lewis to go with 6 10 Lamar. You cant have a great player at every position, but 2 bigs that can take it to the whole or shoot the J on the court at the same time would make anyone we stick at center better. Think someone like Mikki Moore he will be MLE material. He is high energy, good D Good shot Blocker and rebounder. Plug him in and re sign Cris to back him up. By the way if Cris can come back to where he was before the injury, that would be great. Its been so long that people forget that Cris was having a break out year when he got hurt. His fouls we down and he had very good consistant numbers. Matter of fact if he had been heathly, I truely believe we would have gotten past the suns with him and Kwame. So ya it would suck losing Andrew and Kwame but for the right player it could be worth it. Still torn though.
MH
Posted by: michael H | May 23, 2007 at 09:28 PM
Well BK between us we covered that one when we werent saying exactly the same thing!
Posted by: Kiwi | May 23, 2007 at 09:28 PM
Laker Tom,
No, I don't think so, because after a month of the 2007-2008 season, you still won't know if Bynum's capable of being consistent. He was pretty good at the start of last year, then was all over the place. Totally understandable, given where he's at in his career. But I don't think you can take a good opening 20 games and decide Bynum's "arrived." And in the meantime, players you'd trade him for might be off the market and if he's not playing well, his value drops.
Ultimately, it's a gamble if you trade Bynum or if you don't trade Bynum. There's really no way around it. But if I can make a gamble with Bynum that also involves a player who's clearly not a gamble (like, say, KG), I'll do that every time.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 23, 2007 at 09:28 PM
I vote for championship now. Trade Bynum while he's valuable. Not sure if this kid has the will and power to become a great center. Meanwhile Kobe is here getting old and the prospect of rings are passing us by. Get real talent to play alongside Kobe and the rings will follow.
Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Artest, Gasol, JO and others are the best things that can come our way. Let's make the right moves. I beg the Lakers organization. Another season like last will be very painful.
Posted by: gugy | May 23, 2007 at 09:29 PM
Rick Friedman,
One more thing: You are right about our posts here are kind of "Preaching to the choir" but if we could get this bunch united, we would have a measurable crowd to work with.
Posted by: Ventriloquist (AKA: Cyrus) | May 23, 2007 at 09:30 PM
Tom I know the questions arent addressed to me but I do see the sense in waiting until the trade deadline next year to trade both Kwame and Bynum apart from it pissing Kobe off...and probably alot of fans.
The problem is if the right deal isnt there then...many options wont be available mideseason that would be in the off season...you might just get the right one but you might not...
AND What if Bynum somehow lowers his stock in that time?
Posted by: Kiwi | May 23, 2007 at 09:36 PM
That Hoopsworld article is frightening.
With Jim Buss leading the way, Lakers look doomed!
Posted by: mitchell | May 23, 2007 at 09:42 PM
Why would someone want to play for the Lakers? Is there a "Mystic" that would draw someone to choose the Lakers over another team, perhaps with less money? Or as some have said, its just your "contrived imagination" that invented this so called "Mystic". Its not real, nobody wants to play with the Lakers. For some NBA players, that is true. Those who only play for money, for sure, but those that also have deep love and respect for the game, look at the Lakers in a whole, different way.
First, The most storied franchises in the NBA are the Knicks, the Celtics, and Lakers. But we will concern ourselves with the Lakers.
When you first come into the Staples center and you sit down, your eyes are drawn to the banners. These are not just ordinary banners, the type the Phoenix Suns display, but nothing but the genuine thing, NBA Championship Banners. Billboards and monuments to the world, that this teams comes to play, not just from year to year, but decade to decade, and generation to generation. Next to them, some of the greatest players to ever play the game are honored. History and greatness go together in this house. Not only fans notice these things. Players visiting see the same banners we do. Do you think maybe they wish, they could be part of this?
These same players go home to their crowds. They play in front of partially filled arenas. Except when one team comes to town, the Lakers. Laker games for them, win or lose are exciting. The place is rocking, the local team is playing their best game of the year. This is describng every road game for the Lakers. If you are a player, is this something you would be wishing for. Every game exciting, players going all out to beat and challenge you. Isn't this what you dreamed about as a kid, playing before cheering throngs?
Back to the Staples center. You are now teasing Jack, Penny Marshall thinks your funny, Dianne thinks your cute, Sly laughs at your joke, Will Smith nods with approval at your play, Hef wants you to come to his next party. This happens once a year for the NBA player. It could happen 41 times a year if only you were a Laker.
Forget the "Mystic", there is more to just playing ball. Do you want to become an actor? Minniesota won't get you there. Do you want to become a singer? Then don't try Portland. Do you want to be on commercials? Phoenix can get you on TV. If you want to sell for Joe's Furniture Barn. But if you want to be featured on a Lexus spot, try LA. And how about that Nike contract. Did you know it doubles in compensation if you play for LA?
NBA stars don't like this, but someday the carreer will be over. What will they do next? LA is a great place to start a new job. Sportscaster. Coach. GM. Entrepreneur. Owner.
You are the player.What would you rather do? Make some money and play for a partially full arena in Atlanta. Or play for a team that is always building a team to contend for Champioships. You decide. If you are good enough, you could become a Laker. If you are great enough, your number could be on that wall with Elgin, Jerry, Kareem, and Magic.
If you had a choice, Where would you rather play?
Fatty, loving on my Lakers before Keith Erickson played volleyball at UCLA.
Posted by: Fatty | May 23, 2007 at 09:51 PM
Tom,
Any combination of the right players who could help us...as you say other players have to be in on the deal so its hard to say straight up.But if I could get a couple of solid role playing vets....namely a defensive minded rebounding centre or forward and a defensively solid jumpshooting point guard Id do it....theres plenty of 'players' I would trade for..the right combination is trickier
Danny Granger and Jeff Foster is a deal Id do for example
Posted by: Kiwi | May 23, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Time to take some laugh:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfTgcAYa6cU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tlx2zR-BZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3cDK1Xz8s8
Posted by: Brylle | May 23, 2007 at 09:54 PM