T-Minus eight hours and counting until free agency madness!
Now that the Lakers snagged their (some would say odd) draft picks, the focus shifts to the free-agent market. The Purple and Gold have little -- and by "little" we mean "nada" -- cash available to be (or attract) big-time players, but they're looking to hand out MLE money. Heavily mentioned candidates for full and split contracts include Mo Williams, Steve Blake, Grant Hill, Jason Kapono, Jamal Magloire, a bought-out Stevie Franchise (a thought inspiring the K Brothers to puke in their own mouths), Mikki "Half a Spider" Moore, Charlie Bell and a pair of former Clips. Here's a list of every team's free agents. The Lakers' quest to add bodies also includes their own. And given the dry coffers, Luke Walton and Chris Mihm remain appealing options if for no other reason than not counting against the cap to re-sign. And speaking of free agents, Kobe Bryant isn't one, and he may need a reminder that he's employed by the Lakers, not the other way around. Of course, the Lakers will keep busy trying to add bodies via trade to make him happier. But if they're unsuccessful, there is one bright side. No matter what the front office does, it's unlikely Kobe will emerge more miserable than the fans.