Just a friendly game of ping pong
Except there are no paddles used, a zillion more balls on hand, and the winner gets a chance to either catapult their franchise's future... or select Michael Olowokandi. So even though this game (which ROCKS!!!) involving ping pong balls is somewhat more riveting than ones like this, don't let the latter's wallflower atmosphere fool you. There's plenty at stake with each ball's bounce, even if the action's more "Merchant-Ivory" than "Bruckheimer-Bay."
The Lakers, of course, will not be active draft lottery participants, merely a squad on the outside looking in. But given the urgent need to make some noise during the offseason via swap (since they have less ability than Wesley Snipes to spend frivolously), better believe Kupchak and the boys will be peeping the proceedings with a super-powered telescope. Depending on who's taking whom (and which superstar that rook could serve to potentially replace), how the lottery order shakes out could very well affect any purple and gold war room strategies.
For example, a potentially interesting situation to me is Memphis' fate, considering the rampant gossip about Pau Gasol being on the way out. Should the Griz snag the expected #1 pick, all Laker-centric bets are likely off, because it's basically a given that they're taking Greg Oden, regardless of whether or not they plan on keeping Spain's Favorite Son. Oden essentially eliminates any need the Griz have for Andrew Bynum (unless they plan on flipping one of them or think Oden can play power forward). But should Memphis somehow wind up with the second pick, they'd be looking at Kevin Durant and a potential opening at center. Granted, I think Memphis could probably do better for Gasol than the "Bynum+Kwame Brown's expiring contract as a bonus" package often bandied about (especially when you consider that Memphis isn't particularly cap-strapped, so extra cash off the books courtesy of Kwame may not prove irresistible). But when you're rebuilding, a surplus of moolah never hurts, so the more the merrier, I suppose. And maybe Jerry West feels a sense of loyalty towards the Purple and Gold (or just sorry for them) and will sell the Graceland honchos on this swap as he heads out the door. A final curtain call (and a major solid for the franchise that made his legend).
Of course, Memphis can't possibly be the only team with the power to affect the Lakers. So I ask, which squad(s) in particular are you watching for draft position?
-AK
I really don't think Gasol answers the Lakers' #1 problem: defense! When I watch the Spurs I realize how far our Lakers have to go.The Lakers virtually only have 2 decent defensive players, Kobe and Odom with Turiaf, Kwame and Bynum having some potential on D.
To be a championship contender the Lakers need upgrades at Center, point guard and small forward. They have so many mismatched parts that only if Dr. Frankenstein were their GM could they be assembled into a few decent players
ie. Mihm's offense, Kwame's one-on-one post defense, Turiaf's heart and energy and Bynum's height. Also, Walton's passing, Evan's strength and Radman's shooting (when healthy).
Posted by: rdlee | May 21, 2007 at 08:41 PM
quetion outside of the topic:
where in the world is kareem rush?
Posted by: Oscar | May 21, 2007 at 08:52 PM
Oscar,
Kareem Rush got waived by Seattle in the preseason and he's been playing in Europe, I believe.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 21, 2007 at 08:58 PM
I'm just hoping suns won't get the high pick. Which means Atlanta needs to get at least a 3rd pick.
for info:
http://www.realgm.com/src_lottosim.php
Posted by: HanSoulfood | May 21, 2007 at 09:08 PM
I'm interested in Charlotte and New Orleans. Charlotte does have talent in Wallace and Okafur. Furthermore New Orleans was plagued with injuries, and I would like to see how they would build their organization. Chris Paul and Okafur will have their contracts expire after the season and those are guys the Lakers should be recruiting imo.
I also believe our priority should be at the point guard position. I hope we don't release Smush. As much as people hate his game, he's the most decent pg we can afford. He doesn't necessarily have to be the starter as that title could be delegated to Farmar. However if we release Smush, who will be our backup, Sasha?!
Anyway, I still believe Smush will still be in Los Angeles, regardless. If Smush and the Lakers part ways, I think the Clippers would pick him up. With Livingston injured and Sam injury prone, they'll need some stability. Let's not forget, they did give Wafer a ten day contract.
Posted by: Never | May 21, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Is there any way we can get Mike Conley Jr. ?
As much as I respect Farmar, you think anyone would trade their high pick for our 19th and Farmar?
We need Conley..
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: David Whang | May 21, 2007 at 09:52 PM
David Whang,
I can't conceive of any GM pulling that trigger. Or why. I just heard someone today projecting Conley as a possible top 5 pick. Unless Bynum's in the discussion, there's no way that's happening in a (more or less) straight up trade.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 21, 2007 at 10:06 PM
I would like to be interested in this year's lottery process. Unfortunately, this could only occur if the Lakers trade possibilities were to be affected by this. The only real option I can see is if Memphis gets 1 or 2 and can get their hands on Oden, therefore leading to the possibilty of a trade for Gasol not including Bynum (but probably Odom, who I would rather keep). Other that this, however, there isn't too much that could happen that would affect the Lakers.
Personally, I am increasingly getting to see that if the Lakers make some real noise this summer, it will be in the free agent market. Here are my current top prospects:
1) Gerald Wallace - under-rated, and widely unknown do to to fact that he plays in the no-man's land known as charlotte. He quitely had a season similar, or better than, shawn marion. All of their major stats were very similar. He would start at the 3, and immediate upgrade over walton. The team would be significantly better with wallace not only offensively, but more importantly, defensively. As much as I like walton, he is simply not a good defender.
2) Chauncey Billups - Hey... I can dream, right?
There are some other trades that are real possibilties (not like the KG fantasy) which I feel the Lakers need to seriously look at:
1) Mike Bibby - The Laker killer is available, and could be had, I believe, for a resonable price, as it's seems more and more like the kings are having a fire sale up north. We would immidiately get one of the top 10, maybe top 5, PGs in the league. He is a great offensive player, and decent to good on defense. And, I believe he would play even better not having to be the main man on offense. He would be made better by being on the court next to Kobe. Also, he could help groom Farmar as his successor, if Farmar were not included (which he very well could be, as it would make sense for the kings to get a replacement PG, and a young one, fitting in perfectly in the re-building process which they seem to be in).
2) Jason KIdd - I include Kidd because it was so close to happening before (or so I've been told), so we know it's at least plausible that this trade could occur. Kidd would provide what Bibby could, but even more so. Better offensively, better defensively in every way. Instead of getting a top 10 (or 5) PG, you would get THEE best PG in the league. (No nash lovers, that's not a typo). Also with this trade, I don't think Farmar would be required, as the nets already have a young PG (Marcus Williams) for the future, so having a second "PG of the future" wouldn't make sense. Ture, Kidd is 34, with a few years left. This fits the present and future of the team. He can obviously still play, so he would the Lakers the win now. It would also provide a golden opportuinty for Farmar (who seems like a willing student) to learn from the best PG in the league. In a few years, Kidd retires, Farmar takes over. Of course, this would include Bynum or Odom, either of which would help to resolve the Nets blackhole down low. As much as I would like to see Odom retire a Laker, I believe you would have to trade him before Bynum. Bynum is a true center, and even if he doesn't turn out to be a HOF, he has shown he can be, at the very least, effective in the league, and he is done this early. I believe he is going to continue to get better faster than what most people think.
Free agency is the obvious choice, as the Lakers could get something for nothing. But, if the right, AND SMART, trade comes along, the Lakers should do it.
CALI KING
Posted by: CALI KING | May 21, 2007 at 11:51 PM
Also, since the idea seems to be picking up steam again, let me say again what I've said since last summer:
TRADING FOR ARTEST WOULD BE A HORRIBLE MOVE.
He is obviously a cancer. Why would any GM in his right mind introduce this to his team? His skills do not, DO NOT, outway his shortfalls and troubles on and off the court. Any of you who even consider this trade as a good thing need to re-assess your basketball IQ.
CALI KING
Posted by: CALI KING | May 21, 2007 at 11:58 PM
Aloha Cali King
Of your list of possible aquistions Gerald Wallace makes the most sense. This will be a buyers market this year so he will come rather cheaply. He still would demand more then our mid leval exception but would be obtainable in a sign and trade if he wants to be a Laker. As for your other suggestins, your right Billups is a dream. I could kinda of see the Maloof bros. giving us artest on the cheap hoping he would blow up on us but not Bibby. I read where they went ballistic when they found out their GM was talking to us about him at the last trade deadline. And Kidd? I believe it would be disasterous. We get one of the best PGs in the league that is true but because of salary it would cost much more then just Odom or Bynum. It would probably be both and Kwame thrown in to make the numbers work. So now you fill your pg slot but need a power forward , a center and a back up center. All for a guy with maybe 2 good yrs left. I wouldnt give up Bynum or Odom for a 34 yr old. I would be willing to trade Andrew but they would have to have a little more milage left. Mo Williams is another young up and coming guarde who is a free agent, maybe we could find a sign and trade deal for him. If we are going to trade part of our future, lets at least get a guy with some future left in return.
MH
Posted by: michael h | May 22, 2007 at 12:39 AM
if anybody can handle Ron Artest in the locker room, it's Phil Jackson.
anybody that can get 3 straight rings with "The Worm" holding down the defensive fort for Scottie & MJ can get lucky once with Artest, Odom & Kobe.
if Artest could be had for Kwame or less ( ie- on the cheap), then GET HIM.
but i'm not so worried about the SF position if that trade happens or not. Luke played a solid rode when healthy. and what did we get Radmonovic for?
our biggest NEED is at point guard. Farmar's great. i think he can play in this league one day. but Right Now is not that day. Smush is gone, and maybe he's icy enough to cooperate in a sign and trade, but i'm not holding my breathe.
Any favorites for the 19th pick out there? Byars, Young, trade?
Posted by: hollywood jack | May 22, 2007 at 12:54 AM
This is the move I would make. Trade Bynum and Kwame to Indiana for Jermaine. Then do a sign and trade with Luke with the Queens for Ron Ron. They have to want him out, and he definitely wants out. Did everyone see him at Laker games when he was not playing for anyone? It was not just one game. It was numerous. This is the best situation. You get Jermaine, who came in the league with Kobe, as a player that will play center. Lamar gets to stay. Kobe, Lamar, Artest, and Jermaine would be a great defensive foursome. Three good players revolving around one superstar. Sounds like a team that is being built for chips. There will be stability. Then continue to work throughout the season to build a bench. They are players that can score and defend the bucket. There is a chance that three of those playerscould be on the defensive 1st and 2nd team. This is the move.
Posted by: Tha Kobe Show | May 22, 2007 at 01:21 AM
I agree Cali King - Artest is a cancer and every team he plays with ultimately becomes a LOSER that can't make the playoffs.
But if we're looking to swap Kwame to Sacto, how about an even up swap for Bibby? Kobe and Bibby would immediately become the best backcourt in the NBA - bar none. Then if we could maneuver to get either Wallace from Charlotte or Gasol from Memphis with a combination of Vlad, Cook,Sacha, draft picks, or even Bynum if necessary (but only for Gasol cause we'd need a big) we'd have 4 great players (including Lamar of course) in the starting lineup.
PG - Biiby
SG-Kobe
PF- Lamar, plus
SF- Wallace
C-Bynum
or SF - Vlad/Luke
C-Gasol
All this WITHOUT having to count on McHale to let KG go and WITHOUT taking on the cancer called Ron-Ron. THAT would be a team Phil could coach to the finals!
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 22, 2007 at 02:29 AM
I will be focused on two teams in the lottery. First, Memphis, for the same reasons stated by AK. So all of us Laker fans are hoping Memphis doesn't get the #1 pick.
The other team I think Laker fans have to watch is Atlanta. They absolutely must get a top 3 draft pick. If they don't get into the top 3, they will end up with the #4 pick....which will go to the SUNS! (argh). If they get the #4 pick, this will allow the Suns to trade either Marion or Amare, get a good player back, as well as likely pick up extra draft picks. Its just a bad year for the Suns to get the #4.
Most people have Brandan Wright or Al Horford or Joakim Noah going #4. That's fine, but there are two guys who I DO NOT want Phoenix to get, who I think will be great in the Suns system. Corey Brewer is a Josh Howard type player, but could be even better. He's 6'9 and athletic, can shoot, and a great defender. The other guy is Yi Jianlian, a 7ftr with nice athletcism, polished game, good fundamentals, and range out to the 3pt line. The reason the Suns can't get these guys is that I think depending on which guy they take, I think these two guys can step in and allow the Suns, who are tight on $ these days, to trade away Marion or Amare. Thus I think the Suns only take a half step back while shoring up their finances and future.
Another scary scenario though is that should the Suns get the #4 pick, there is some talk that the Suns could be looking to trade up to the #2 spot and take Durant. And the Suns might be the only team with the ammo to do it....they have 2 more picks in the first round and could offer Marion. Now as great as Durant can be....if you are a bad team, an offer of Marion, the #4, and two more 1st rounders starts looking pretty tempting.
So....Memphis NO #1! , and Atlanta get in the Top 3 !
Posted by: wiZo | May 22, 2007 at 02:32 AM
CaliKing...whilst i agree with you that the Lakers perhaps dont need Artests distracting influence off the court. however trading for a former defensive player of the year and a widely recognised lock down defender is probably not such a dumb thing to do. Between kobe, lamar and phil...maybe we could just reign him in and get the best out of his talents.
The Lakers need to take gambles like this if they want to build a chamionship team...look at detroit and Rasheed Wallace?? Granted its not the same scenario but they took a chance with a hothead and it worked.
As for Bibby, I certainly wouldn't mind him as he is a proven scorer in the NBA. However, trading for him would mean losing Lamar...so unless you are willing to take a Bibby + Artest for Lamar and filler? Even then, im not sure the Kings are tripping over themselves to help the Lakers, esp not with sending proven Laker killer Bibby to lakerland. I think Steve Blake is more likely in all honesty...
Gerald Wallace would be excellent and im surprised his name is not being mentioned more. However, Charlotte are building a nice core for the future and the have acres of cap space...im not sure the Lakers will be able to compete with the money they can offer. However, The bobcats need to pay Emeka this season - a sure max contract. So maybe a trade with Kwame's expiring contract would interest them - or maybe not considering who is their GM.
Never- Phil has already said on several occasions Smush will not be invited back.
Posted by: Caesar | May 22, 2007 at 04:35 AM
Who would trade Bynum for the 4th-5th pick?
I would consider it if it could land us one of the top 2 point gaurds in the draft.
Also, I'll be making a deal with ol' sparky to assure the hawks pick is top three. Turns out, all I have to do is fill out one of those dianetics personality tests at my local taco stand and all my dreams for this draft come true. This may be wort the price of my soul; after all, I'll finally get to know the history of psychiatry...do YOU know the history of psychiatry?
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | May 22, 2007 at 06:14 AM
Wesjoenixon, "all I have to do is fill out one of those dianetics personality tests at my local taco stand "
Easy there Wesjoenixon don't let Tom Cruise hear you talk like that or
he's liable to come over there and jump up and down on your couch. LOL
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 07:52 AM
I really don't care how many picks the Suns have in the draft, as long as
they play that same style they will never go far in the playoffs. Plus teams
now know how to play the Suns. I hear this is not a very deep draft at
all and after the first 8 picks it is really one of the worst in the last ten
years. Other than Oden and Durant none of these players are franchise
types. Joakim Noah if he had come out last year would have been the
number one or two pick and now is being compared to Anderson Varejo
of Cleveland what does that tell you?.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Well, seeing how conservative Kupchack has been with trades in the past few years, i can bet that what he will do in the offseason will be this:
1) Offer a PG the MLE, hopefully Mo Williams.
2) Trade for Artest. There are three important facts that most people dont realize, first and the most important one, Kobe wants Artest, he said it before he went to Sacto and Im preatty sure hes telling Mitch to go get him asap, secondly, he will not cost much (prolly Kwame's expiring contract or sing and trade with luke, but highly unlikely) and finally, he has only 2 years left in his contract, if the experiment goes wrong, we can dump him after this upcomming season, via trade or buyout.
3) Sign Mihn for a vet minimum for one year.
Think about it, Mitch will have the better of both worlds. He will address the PG position, revamp our defense in the SF postition and still give Bynum one more year to develop. Lakers will have three real offensives options in KB, LO and Ron Ron. IF things go wrong, he still has an ace up his sleeve and could trade Bynum before February's trade deadline. Lakers would be serious contenders in the west with these team. Chapionship material? Maybe, depends if the Lakers get a couple of veterans that will be free agents that could help polish the team to chapionship form, like Grant Hill, Webber, McDysse, ect. Those little things that people like Fox, Horace Grant, AC Green, Shaw and Ron Harper did in our last championship run. Think about it, if this moves are done, this team could improve enormously without touching its core.
Add to this the possibility that we will get KG as a free agent after this season. And I bet you that THIS WILL REALLY HAPPEN, KG walking to LA for a MLE or Vet minimum. You can count on it. People inside the Timberwolves organization are strating to link KG with the Lakers. Question is, how soon and how he actually becomes a Laker? Via trade? Hopefully not, KG's 18M + KB's 17M (35M of the projected 60-65M cap for this year) will eat a larget chunk of our cap, crippling our ability to sign an decent PG for the MLE and veterants.
If this really goes down, Mitch can redeem himself. I may actually think he did learned something of the Logo after all those years being his assistant.
What you guys think? AK/BK?
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Obel | May 22, 2007 at 08:07 AM
If you listen to the Cleveland talk Lebron James is being taken to task for involving his teamates TOO much. I don't agree with that. While some players are better at making big shots than others everybody on an NBA roster needs to be able to shoot and play defense. Other than "Z" in the middle Lebron's cast of players is equal to the Lakers. He's not crying about the "lack of help" he's just about winning. Who cares what Kobie does if LA wins? You'd have thought he'd have got it thru his head when the Pistons (team) defeated the Shaq-Kobie soap opera. No-we're still worried about Kobies shots and pretending he is a leader. He has yet to make any of his teamates better which is why he isn't Jordon or Lebron.
Posted by: robert baker | May 22, 2007 at 08:13 AM
CALI KING
I think you have a few ping pong balls loose in your head. jk
Could you explain how we can bring in such quality players when we are limited to just one MLE of perhaps 5.5 mil?
Trading for Kidd?
Salary match of 21 mil to get Kidd. It would take 5 of our players to match salary which has increased since this last year. Who would he pass to, the Laker cheerleaders? That trade would mortgage our future talent pool and limit any future trade possibilties.
These are fine players, but I think they may be out our reach.
Atrest:
"TRADING FOR ARTEST WOULD BE A HORRIBLE MOVE."
Risky for sure, but not horrible, unless he runs up into the stands and punches out AK. Then it would be horrible.(AK, this is why you always wear your sneakers to the game. So you can run away)
"Any of you who even consider this trade as a good thing need to re-assess your basketball IQ."
Kobe and Odom have expressed interest in him. The Lakers tried to get him from Indy when he was available. Are you saying they have a low BB IQ?
To me, if Kobe, Lamar, and Phil think they can handle him, then I would be willing to take that risk. Espeacially if he don't cost much.
Never
PJ said publickly they won't resign Smush
David Whang
If the gap was close in the draft pick, like we had the seven and he was going 6th, I think your idea could work. But the gap and level of talent is way too great.. Moving up in the draft is an interesting thought. That's how we originally got Kobe. I thought about it also, but haven't come up with any ideas that another team would want. Fans in other cities that have high draft picks are really excited about its teams picks, and if you trade your pick away, you have to explain it. A Farmar and #19 wouldn't make me happy for a #5 or #6 if that was my team.
Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | May 22, 2007 at 08:17 AM
Mamba24,
I have heard just the opposite about this draft. Some are saying this is one of the deepest drafts in recent memory.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 22, 2007 at 08:28 AM
PhxLkrfan, "I have heard just the opposite about that draft."
Yeah PhxLrfan everyone has heard just the opposite, but I was listening
to Dr Jack Ramsey and Bill Walton last week on some radio show and they
were enumerating alll the reasons why the common wisdom that
this is a very deep draft just might be wrong. They broke down all the players
after Durant Oden and Conley and described the weakness in
eacjh player and suddenly it was not looking so deep to me. They were
describing why some teams might be better off trying to trade their picks if
they had multiple first round picks for a steady established player. I don't
know, I won't even pretend to be an expert in these things but their logic made a whole lot of sense to me.
Posted by: mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 08:40 AM
Obel that was a great post.
That is a very interesting scenario you paint and one of the more
cost effective. Kg after all has made over 150 million over his career
so far and from what I hear he is very, very frugal with his money.
One of his main pasttimes is playing Playstation. A chance to have
Artest, KG on the same team with LO and KOBE would not only make
Mitch executive of the year, but looks like a championship team to me.
Posted by: mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 08:46 AM
AK:
"especially when you consider that Memphis isn't particularly cap-strapped, so extra cash off the books courtesy of Kwame may not prove irresistible"
I think I had brought this up in an earlier thread; while Memphis isn't hurting in relation to the cap, they're not exactly bringing in the mega bucks, either. They're dead last in game attendence and 25th in percentage of seats filled at home games.
rdlee:
"I really don't think Gasol answers the Lakers' #1 problem: defense!"
As it's been pointed out a few times, Gasol was on a Memphis team that had one of the best defenses in the league. Granted, he wasn't the main defensive presence (that'd go to Battier), but he's no slouch and definitely underrated.
Caesar:
"Gerald Wallace would be excellent and im surprised his name is not being mentioned more."
Wallace gets a lot of mention, actually. At least as far as I can tell. The reason that he doesn't get mentioned more is just as you said: they're building a nice core for the future and they'll be likely to sign Wallace to the maximum that they can. They'll be one of the few teams in the league that will actually be able to offer him that, as most others will be over the cap.
Wes:
"Turns out, all I have to do is fill out one of those dianetics personality tests at my local taco stand and all my dreams for this draft come true."
Oh, buddy... I don't think I could be convinced to become a Scientologist even if the Lakers would get a top pick, get KG at the MLE next season when he opts out, trade Sasha for Deron Williams, and a lifetime of dates with Salma Hayek. Wait, screw that. Sign me up, Tom!
Fatty:
"Salary match of 21 mil to get Kidd. It would take 5 of our players to match salary which has increased since this last year. Who would he pass to, the Laker cheerleaders? That trade would mortgage our future talent pool and limit any future trade possibilties. "
And that right there, my friend, is exactly why I've been against a trade for KG, Kidd, or even JO. Gasol? Miller? I could deal with either of those, as they make substantially less. As Andrew Z and I were talking about yesterday, we'll really need three good players to compete. Two ain't gonna get it done.
Posted by: generic_one | May 22, 2007 at 08:53 AM
I CAN'T BELIEVE that some people here are still saying things like "trading for (Artest) is not such a dumb thing to do."
It IS. Dumb Dumb DUMB!
Look what he did to the Pacers - as a result of fallout from his charge into the stands and "do it my way or trade me" rants, the team lost its all-for-one mentality, was decimated by a series of resulting bad trades, and failed to make the playoffs after more than a decade of doing so.
Look what he did to the Kings - since his arrival there's bickering in the locker room, people pointing fingers at each other, the longtime winning coach fired, and the team has imploded and failed to make the playoffs after more than a decade of doing so.
THIS is what you want for the Lakers??? THIS is "not dumb???"
I don't care if he can pass like Magic and defend like Coop, he doesn't have one-tenth the character of either of them and sooner or later would drag our team into the gutter with him. NO-NO to Ron-Ron!
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 22, 2007 at 08:53 AM
robert baker,
First of before you start talking bad about the greatest player in the game, (admitted by Lebron, KG, Jordan,Magic). You should first learn how to spell their name, it's just a matter of respect ( it's Kobe and Jordan). And second, I don't know why I'm even answering to your idiocies while i have a pre-draft to focus on?
Mamba from the eastcoast
Posted by: mamba24fan4life | May 22, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Here's a question:
If Chicago get's the Knicks pick and it's 4-7 or so, and a player like Mike Conley, Jr. or Corey Brewer are available, players who are noted as being great on defense at the 1 and the 3, would you trade Andrew Bynum straight up for their rights? Both are proven at the highest level in college and scouts feel they are more than ready to come in as rookies and make an impact (a la Brandon Roy), would it be worth it to move Bynum (who would have been our third string center last season if Mihm was healthy) for either one?
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 22, 2007 at 09:00 AM
And on another matter -
We don't need a "young point guard with potential." Already got one! We need someone like Kidd or Bibby or Andre Miller to mentor the one we've got. I truly believe Farmar will blossom into the next Steve Nash (or at least the next Baron Davis) if he's brought along slowly and mentored properly.
Probably the ONLY thing I agree with Mitch K on is that we don't need new promising young players in general - we have enough already. We need to trade our draft picks NOT for better draft picks but in a package with Kwame, Cook, Vlad etc for some veterans who will help this team NOW.
Posted by: Jay Jay | May 22, 2007 at 09:01 AM
mamba24 - I agree that this draft isn't as deep as some would lead us to believe. however, compared to last year perhaps?
Having said this, there is still talent available lower down, namely Daequan Cook and Rudy Fernandez. Im not sure how much eurobasket you guys watch (probs not a lot), but this guy is a real offensive talent. Great spot up shooter and excellent slasher with good court vision.
Daequan Cook is a guy that can jump out the buliding and real explosive first step. Also very strong for a guy his size 6- 5. Has the attributes to be a top defensive as well as offensive player. Nice jumpshot, excellent midrange game - something that a lot of athletically gifted players lack.
Others who come to mind lower down in the projections include Acie Law - undersized at the point but a real leader. A guy who is clutch and wants the ball in crunch time. Its a real surprise that he is dropping in many mock drafts.
The one im hoping for is Thaddeus Young - Incredible incredible athlete who has loong arms and excellent footspeed. Also has a nice jumper and has the advantage of being left handed. He is currently projected to go mid 10s but im hoping that he will drop for some reason like Jordan Farmar last year.
Dont forget that unless you have a lottery pick, you are not expected to greatly improve your team in the short term. However, abit of luck and you land yourself a Paul Millsap type of steady contributer lower down. Huge element of luck involved in these things and lets hope for some next week.
Posted by: Caesar | May 22, 2007 at 09:01 AM
lakers should draft big baby from lsu in case they trade away bynum.
Grant Hill to the Lakers: The Lakers will likely go through a serious offseason makeover, with the primary objective is improving the post play and the point guard position. If they can grab Hill at a minimum price, it would be an upgrade from Luke Walton, would allow someone else to create plays other than Kobe Bryant and would give Hill another legitimate shot at making a deep playoff run, which a class act like himself clearly deserves
Posted by: xtromofag | May 22, 2007 at 09:01 AM
Mamba,
I feel you on the not being an expert thing. I think the coaches are the ones with the reality of the draft. I heard D'Antoni talking about on the radio here yesterday. He said that you never know. That's the truth of it all. Look at Kwame!! I bet the Wizards would love to have that pick back. Even though that was a pretty sparse draft.
Posted by: PhxLkrFan | May 22, 2007 at 09:03 AM
HOSTAGE UPDATE: DAY (17)
DAY 17 GARNETT HELD HOSTAGE BY MINNESOTA FOR RANSOM BY LAKERS.
ATTENTION BLOGGERS : LOTTERY DAY
NOW THE NEWS TODAY
No news today just an excuse to give a roll call shout out to new and omitted Bloggers
The Season Finale of Kevin Garnett Held Hostage will be Thursday. If you think the
24 and Heroes finals were great don’t miss it.
ROLL CALL:
Faith, Cyrus aka (Ventriliquist), KEIFO, FATTY, MITCHELL, KIWI, RespectMyAuthorith, Edwin Gueco, TIM-4-SHOW,
SBPimp, NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, FAN OF MAMBA, WESOJOENIXON, TALIQ, BAYWOOD,
JJ, EXHELODRVR, AJAX, WOW, MIKE T. LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, DAVID WHANG, VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, Tha Show,
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, MCGARNAGLE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, TWOODY, EASTCOASTJESSIE, GUGY,
Zakee, Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, Mamba24Fan 4 Life,
Fan of Mamba, Black Mamba24, FKILLAH, GENERIC_ONE, GDCHILD, ANDREW Z, GINO, CBUCK,LAKERGURL,
JR, Waterboy, Hariyahu, ADAM KILEY,Bynum=The BigLazy, ZEN, SARCOCOP,COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO,
J.Walter Weatherman, SOCALIFE, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman, Gunner24,
CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36, PAUL LEE, WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Lakers4Life, JimBussIsAMoron,
Tajluck, James da Kingpin, Cyrus aka (Ventriliquist) JR., BERKLEYLAKER ,DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL,
GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, TheKobeShow, Jay Jay, Caeser, Obel
CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER LAKER FANS, wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites,
LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO, BikBlonde,Dacsilla
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 09:07 AM
This message is really a response for all those that cut my plan to shreds yesterday......
This is why I am getting so sick and tired of this blog. You criticize everything...nothing is ever decent enough to get by you. NONE of you work for the NBA yet you think you know everything about it. I'm sick of it.
I have posted 5 different plans on here and you have shredded each one. Basically, every single one has been unrealistic by your standards. Newsflash.....nothing will ever be realistic by your standards. In one instance you say that the players we have are worthless, but then in another instance you come up with trades that you think will work. Plus, how do you figure tha the Lakers are going to become a championship team next season if they make all of these changes this summer? Has ANY team every tunred around so fast?
By the way....when did Gasol become such a high prospect? It is baffling to me how so many are so interested in getting him. Does he fill the needs for the Lakers? Do the Lakers need a player like him? Here's another question....does he even look like a Laker?
I'm sorry...no I'm not......I am just sick and tired of all of this mess!!!! I think it's time I take my ideas somewhere else. Maybe to another cite where people don't claim to know so much.
It is ironic though that I am always being criticized as being the one that cuts down others ideas and I am being criticized as knowing so much yet......you all are the ones always doing it to me!
Posted by: GW | May 22, 2007 at 09:17 AM
Jason Kidd lovers,
Personally, I don't think Jason Kidd to the Lakers would be a great trade. I believe he's the second best point guard in the league, but when you look at Phil Jackson's track record (when it comes to him winning nine championships), all the point guards have one thing in common:
They don't make a lot of stupid mistakes and they can all shoot.
BJ Armstrong, John Paxson, Steve Kerr, Derek Fisher, etc.
In other words, we just need a point guard who knows the game and won't make dumb mistakes which lead to turnovers. As long as he can do that and shoot, we'll be fine.
As far as I'm concerned, Jason Kidd is not that great of an outside shooter. Just my opinion though. Please don't hate me. :)
Bryan
Posted by: Bryan | May 22, 2007 at 09:18 AM
who will I have my eye on for the lottery?....its gotta be the suns...the fact they have a reaonable statistical chance of getting Oden or Durant makes me shiver.
If memphis wins does that make it more or less likely Gasol gets traded? same boat for KG...Id say if the wolves get one of the top two picks KG goes nowhere.He signs on with the wolves for less money and they build a TEAM.In fact I think that might be the most likely course of action for him anyway.
The crystal ball is showing Milwaukee and Boston get the top 2 picks but I cant make out the order.I also see Seattle coming through but its slightly blurry...
The suns and griz will not be lucky.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 22, 2007 at 09:21 AM
Caeser, PhxLkrfan I bow to your superior wisdom in this. I really didn't pay
to much attention to college BBall the past couple of years so I just
take what knowledge I can get where I can get it. Hopefully it is a deep
draft and the Lakers can pull out a gem like San Antonio always seems to
do. Though 9Rings, never had much use for the draft with either the
Lakers or the Bulls. Other than Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant with the
Bulls I can't think of any draft picks that ever had extended playing time
with 9rings until Bynum and Farmar.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 09:26 AM
GW, "I'm so sick and tired of this mess"
I feel your pain GW. Now take a deep breath and say
to yourself "It's just a kids game". A lot of us may well
have liked your ideas and so felt no need to comment.
So naturally you got reponses in which the bloggers
who responded felt strongly. Jjust be assured that your
ideas are just as valuable as anyone elses. By the way
I might catch some flack but I liked a couple of your ideas.
Now straighten up soldier and send us some more ideas.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 09:34 AM
Bryan Im with you mate...
oh ...and Bryan...let them hate...but one small tip when someone pushes you over the edge. Use code for your expletives.For example w£$%&r becomes w£$%&r.
Posted by: Kiwi | May 22, 2007 at 09:34 AM
GW, "I'm so sick and tired of this mess"
I feel your pain GW. Now take a deep breath and say
to yourself "It's just a kids game". A lot of us may well
have liked your ideas and so felt no need to comment.
So naturally you got reponses in which the bloggers
who responded felt strongly. Jjust be assured that your
ideas are just as valuable as anyone elses. By the way
I might catch some flack but I liked a couple of your ideas.
Now straighten up soldier and send us some more ideas.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 09:36 AM
REPOST
Faith,
"If anything I think we'd be doing ourselves a great disservice if we put all our eggs in one basket."
duh..........kobe bryant. we put the entire franchise in one basket when we let shaq go. BTW, i know you read my blogs, so i'll say that i went overboard with my comment over the weekend. for that, i apologize. please don't respond.
T-Rock,
“Did you say trade Kobe? Your don't trade Kobe... that would be like trading M.J. in his prime. I can see it now, the Red Sox with their curse of the Bambino and the Lakers with their curse of the Black Mamba!”
Wassup Rock Star!? We are already cursed with the “snake” Bryant. 3 years and counting. BTW, kobe’s reaching his prime. soon, all you so-called kobe-lovers will jump ship when he starts getting hurt and being "lazy" and not working out the entire offseason……….wait wasn’t that what happed to shaq……the dude got older, a lot more miles with all of the post season play and punk-a$$ kobe calls out shaq by saying he’s lazy. strange things happen when you reach 30…………believe me I know. I play ball once a week and I’m tired as hell. kobe’s time will come and I’ll be laughing at kid kobe when he becomes old-man kobe jacking up 30 shots a night and missing 20 of them. his day will come.
“Picture this, Kobe, Amare, The Matrix, Boris Diaw, and Barbosa... how could they not go to the finals”
my problem with kobe isn’t his individual ability, it’s his ability to get along with teammates. I’ve made this comment before, trade kobe for nash, kobe will piss off Amare, Matrix, Diaw and Barbosa, those guys will ask to be traded or sign with the Steve Nash (LBJ, Dwade too) of the world. then PHX will be a 42-40 team with kobe winning the scoring title again.
Fatty,
thanks for sharing. I appreciate it. I’m a Rams fan also…..before the Rams were the “best show on turf”. I still have a old gym bag with the LA Rams logo. I’m an old guy huh??
BTW, I admitted multiple times that I went too far with my joke, but I disagree that Faith has more b-ball knowledge than other bloggers. do you know if she even plays organize ball?? I bet she doesn’t and hasn’t. if she did (other bloggers too), she wouldn't bag on the likes of Nash and Shaq. also, she'd understand that the criticism of those real MVPs are not warranted. I’ve always said that I appreciate kobe’s (as well as all NBA players) individual games, but what matters more to me is playing as a team. case in point, LBJ is a great teammate, LBJ needs to be a great performer and winner…….i believe over the years, LBJ will prove to be closer to MJ, Magic, Bird, etc. than kobe will ever be …………..unless……..drum role…….kobe realizes that b-ball is a team sport and one can’t do it alone. this won’t happen if all kobe hears is that he’s the “greatest player on the planet”? ya dig.
“Kobe is not only one of the greatest players of our time, but one of the most solid team players.”
BTW, this is the kind of crap that drives guys like me and Exiled nuts. kobe HASN’T done jack shizzle, shaq won those championships by being a good leader, good teammate, good recruiter and good player. kobe can’t even take his team out of the first round. whenever guys like me call guys like you out, we get attacked personally. I’ll say again, when one can’t argue facts, one makes personal attacks.
LAL_Fan,
“Nash, what? 2 times MVP? 0 rings? I bet he would trade both of those for one ring so stop spitting your hate for Kobe around here. When Nash, having a team he has will get at least one ring you can start arguing about 'GREAT STEVE NASH'. Last time I checked - Suns out of playoffs, same as Lakers. First or second round - does not matter. Just remeber, Great Steve Nash - 0 rings.”
Agreed. But I’ll say Nash is a lot more closer than kobe is as the #1.
michael h,
“I am not saying we are anywhere near an elite leval, i am just saying were not that bad………...So KL please make mine a cheeseburger, with fries.”
uuuummmmmm………cheeseburgers! would you like catsup or ranch? You’ve made my point about injuries, etc affecting the performance of a TEAM. my problem with kobe is that we HAD a great TEAM with a great HOF center and kobe decided he didn’t need it, he wants to be the “man”, solidify his “greatness”, so far, he’s failed miserably. winning titles is a very difficult thing to do. I waited over 10 years before the lakers were back to the elite status and I’m not happy at all that a selfish punk-a$$ put himself above winning championships. it’s that simple for alleged “kobe-haters”
“During the three peat when we had Shaq, Fox, Horry, Grant, Harper, Shaw, Fish etc See we had a lot of good players and Kobe played within the team system.”
you don’t get my point (exiled’s too?) that kobe had no choice. those guys would have biatched slapped kobe’s skinny a$$.
“The thing about Kobe is his desire to win is at a MJ leval. If there was a Most Driven award he would win.”
being driven to win and learning HOW to win is ENTIRELY different concepts.
“My point is with more talent on the team he hasnt shown me any reason not to believe he will play within the framework of the offense.”
my point is that kobe has a bad reputation among players and nobody of real significance will want to play alongside kobe. let’s see if kobe lobbies to get Vince to play in LA. if vince comes, Kidd might come as well.
hari,
“Shaq would vote for Kobe as MVP for this season. Hmmm..wonder why?”
right, you mean all-star MVP right? fools gold my friend. kobe will not win a championship as the #1, I’m willing to put money on it. if kobe keeps this up, he’ll be banished like Dwilkins was (remember to the LAC and Spurs) after Atlanta was done with the “human highlight reel”.
dice8up,
“What the laker haters or KOBE haters do not understand about kobe is that, #24 is such a greatest and fierceiest competitor today, as players would acknowledge.”
diceman, being a competitor and winner is two different things.
Posted by: KL | May 22, 2007 at 09:44 AM
Second prize is makiing the playoffs.
How sweet would it be to have a top 10 pick to deal now? San Antonio is still getting dividends from the season they tanked to get Duncan. With a hobbled lineup, and limited offseason options, an early vacation would have helped about now. We don't need another rook but our 19th isn 't worth much as trade bait. Even with a top 10 this is near impossible. Mitch is going to have to be brilliant and stupid lucky... maybe divine intervention. Chick?
Posted by: Vman | May 22, 2007 at 09:51 AM
GW,
while i was one of the posters who criticized your trade possibilities yesterday, i must agree that this blog is an cynical as ever.
part of it can be attributed to the current status of the lakers. many question marks plague our beloved franchise right now.
part of it also has to do with having kobe bryant on our team. as long as you have kobe bryant on your team - there will be plenty of cynicism - win or lose.
and while i enjoy reading critiques, i also believe that if you plan on criticizing something - you should also have an alternate solution.
it is really easy to say "no" or "that's wrong" or "that's stupid" or " that will never happen."
however, to say these things WHILE providing alternate solutions makes more sense to me. it is not only a more intelligent way to debate, it also could provide some insight for the rest of us on this blog. sometimes we all need to look at things from different angles to gain perspective.
so please, instead of just knocking somebody's hypothetical trade/idea - be original and come up with some alternate trades/ideas that you may think are more probable/realistic.
keep up the good work GW (by the way, those initials really arem't associated with intelligence, you may want to think of a new moniker).
Posted by: tha show | May 22, 2007 at 09:53 AM
tha Show, "by the way, those initials really arem't associated with
intelligence, you may want to think of a new moniker)."
Come on now show, If the President wants to send ideas to the Blog
don't question his intelligence, just salute and say yes sir LOL.
Posted by: Mamba24 | May 22, 2007 at 10:08 AM
KL
Thats your opinon based on the facts as you interpret them.Everyone else has theirs based on the shreds of information they have read or seen over the years.Its fair to say theres alot more to the story than Kobe being selfish.He wouldnt have been here had the owners/management not wanted him.The team hadnt won in two years and it was a logical moment to change things before the lakers were left in an even worse position.The point is you have your opinon which is fine...others can have theirs because at the end of the day nobody knows what happened but it seems logical to assume there is more to the story than Kobes selfishness.we will never know what the outcome would have been but it is likely the championship team as we knew it were done.The lakers simply made the most logical and lowest risk choice moving forward given the circumstances they found themselves in (regardless of whos fault it might have been).There is no need to BLAME anyone in particular.Its just the way it was.
However on specific points you made
- when you get older it is even more reason to keep yourself in shape its harder to bounce back and play yourself into shape.
- I think there is alot of evidence (threepeat,begining of last season) that kobe will mesh with the team when other players are there to step up.I am sure this would be the case if surrounded by the suns talent.They would not necessarily be better than with Nash but I doubt he would be winning scoring titles and annoying everyone.
-How can you be SO SURE you are right in a situation that was so complex and you have about 1% of the information?
-How can you so completely disregard the roles/opinions/actions of the owner,Shaq,and the multitude of other people involved in the situation?
Posted by: Kiwi | May 22, 2007 at 10:16 AM
GW,
"By the way....when did Gasol become such a high prospect? It is baffling to me how so many are so interested in getting him. Does he fill the needs for the Lakers? Do the Lakers need a player like him? Here's another question....does he even look like a Laker?"
Look like a Laker? I don't know what that means. If being one of the best young centers in the league is what it looks like to be a Laker, then yes, he definitely looks like one.
The guy is an All-Star and a World Champion. Those are nice credentials. As for the needs of the Lakers, there are almost too many to count. A major issue, IN MY OPINION, was a lack of a post scorer. I thought we were most effective when LO played down there, but if there is a guy who can score in the post or demand a double team, that will make Kobe's life much easier. Look at what the Spurs do with Duncan, Gasol could bring that to LA.
I think we need a major upgrade at the PG position, and a better, more athletic defender at the SF position. So basically I'm thinking we need to upgrade 60% of our starting line-up. That's where I'm coming from.
We do agree however that there is NO WAY the team changes into a contender overnight, that's one reason why I like the $6 million a year less Gasol makes as opposed to JO. Any flexibility would help us out.
I think this is going to be a 2-3 process, but it's extremely important that we make a major step in the right direction next season, especially since we took a step back this year.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 22, 2007 at 10:24 AM
KL,
i am not trying to change you into a kobe lover. kobe could cure cancer, and it wouldn't be soon enough for you. and that's fine.
a lot of your points are valid.
valid for players like carmelo anthony, lebron james, ray allen, gilbert arenas, jason kidd, vince carter, tracy mcgrady, steve nash, dirk nowitzski, paul pierce, allen iverson, jermaine o'neal, lamar odom, kevin garnett, and elton brand (among others).
because kobe bryant does not apply to some of your arguments:
1. BEING DRIVEN TO WIN AND LEARNING TO WIN ARE TWO DIFFERENT CONCEPTS
2. BEING A COMPETITOR AND A WINNER IS TWO DIFFERENT THINGS
3. HE HASN'T DONE JACK SHIZZLE
4. HE ISN'T A GOOD ENOUGH TEAMMATE
all 4 of these points ARE EXTREMELY VALID with the list of players above.
while the reasons why they are not valid with kobe bryant ARE EXTREMELY OBVIOUS, i will still point them out for you.
1. um, kobe has 3 nba titles to his credit. so that point is wrong/invalid. i think kobe was pretty driven during that 3 peat. and i think he learned how to win as well, as evident by 3 consecutive nba titles.
2. let me think, does having 3 nba titles make you a winner? i would have to say yes.
3. winning 3 nba titles + all-star appearances + all nba defense + scoring titles DOES NOT EQUAL jack shizzle. just a fact KL. please face it.
4. when/if kobe is surrounded by BETTER TEAMMATES, this point is not applicable. put any one of those elite players listed above in kobe's place - and let's see how well they would do. if management brings in better talent and kobe still can't make it happen - your point may prove to be true.
i am just as frustrated as you are with the current state of the lakers. i am bitter to see miami carbon copy the lakers and win a title. it sucks, mistakes were made, but they are in the past. we need to let that bitterness go and seek improvement immediately. it's easy to point what went wrong and what's wrong - we need to point out how to make it right.
and i know you hate kobe like no other.
however, he is our best shot at winning right now. if we can add a couple of quality pieces around him - we CAN contend for a title.
the best players of all time needed quality teammates around them to succeed.
so until this current roster ADDS those quality pieces, reserve judgment on kobe's ability to win a title sans shaq. it's not like shaq won that title last year on his own. a certain superstar named dwayne wade had PLENTY to do with it.
after all, kobe already helped us win 3...in a row (only 3.5 years ago as you reminded me yesterday).
like i said before, i am not trying to convert you into a kobe lover. i am lil smarter than that. if kobe gets the pieces he needs and can't make it happen, then you can rant & rave all you want.
until then, you should reserve judgment.
because if he does get those pieces, and wins a title or two - what will you able to say then? THAT HE DIDN'T DO IT SOON ENOUGH? OR THAT HE COULDN'T DO IT WITH A CAST OF SCRUBS?
i know it's tough to do, but reserve that judgment until kobe has a fair (legitimate) shot at contending for a title.
Posted by: tha show | May 22, 2007 at 10:26 AM
KL,
Get real. Are you saying Kobe with Amare and Marian would be a 40-42 team!? Are you serious!? Actually in all honesty, Phoenix would have won the series against the Spurs if they had Kobe and not Nash. Bowen totally shut down Nash, and he wouldn't have been able to do that against Kobe. Stopping Kobe takes 2 or 3 people and your going to leave marian and Amare open?
Sorry but Phoenix would be NBA champs this year if they had Kobe.
Your analyzing Kobe with the pathetic Laker teammates he has. Kobe already proved if he has great teammates around him that he can win. Or did you forget the 3 titles? Yes, he had Shaq with him. Who cares? Every team needs at least 3 really good players. He would have had that at Phoenix. The Lakers only have 1 really good player and another very good inconsistent player. Please get real!
Posted by: zen | May 22, 2007 at 10:29 AM
GW stands for Ghost Writer......
Posted by: GW | May 22, 2007 at 10:41 AM
KL,
and as i've stated before, i am not pro kobe - just pro laker.
peace.
Posted by: tha show | May 22, 2007 at 10:43 AM