Rumors and housekeeping

If that goes through, this would be the scoreboard for the summer:

Lakers add:

Critter
Fisher

Celtics add:

Ray Allen
KG
Glen Davis

It looks as though the only thing that can stop this trade now is KG. And I really do not think you can blame Mitch on this one. Boston had more of what Mchale was looking to aquire in a deal. Plus we are the Lakers after all, figures he is shipping KG to Boston.

MH

BK,

I live in Seattle at the moment so i must ask, what brings you up here?

I do not understand McHale's preferences and priorities. Why would he prefer a package of Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff (expiring contract) and R. Rondo over a package of Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, Kwame Brown (expiring contract) and perhaps Jordan Farmar? Does he hate the Lakers that much? Glenn Taylor should intervene before it costs the Twolves dearly.

Violater-

Doing some stuff with the Seahawks.

BK

I wonder if McHale is doing this in secret behind Glen Taylor's back..

Rajon Rondo?? Dont they already have Randy Foye at PG??

Al Jefferson he's going to struggle once he faces bigger stonger bodies in the West.

Man, Farmar is the same size and Rajan Rondo, Lamar is already Al Jefferson in terms of stats, and Bynum is a high reward gamble, a guy who in a few years COULD be compeiting with Oden as one of the best True centers in the West.

Is Bill Lambeir part of the T-Wolves too???

BTW, BK...

The SEAHAWKS?? I hope youre trying to convince the franchise to close down immediately.. LOL..would could you possibily be doing with a team thats on the verge of being passed by the Niners once more?? That must be a terrible assignment

With KG almost certainly headed to Boston, I'm convinced more than ever that Kupchak should hold the line and stand pat. If Larry Bird wants to trade O'Neal for Odom, one on one, maybe. But come on; what have the Pacers done the last few years? That doesn't say much for their roster to me. There's no way we should give up a lot of young talent and take on a couple of bad contracts in the deal. After all, we just finally got the Caron Butler money off the books, two years later.

As I've said, the best teams in any sport are the teams with the most stability. Look at San Antonio and Detroit in the NBA and New England and the Indianapolis Colts in the NFL.

Fishguy is right: change for change's sake will not help the Lakers.

Lake Show, I think your trade machine changes too many pieces for not enough benefit.

Laker Blake, I encourage you to be patient. Do some of the individuals still around from last year's team have weaknesses? Absolutely. But the return of D-Fish and a potentially healthy Chris Mihm bring a lot to the party. We have guys who know each other and who are capable of better teamwork than we had last season.

You say, "Our 3 centers alternate on who's better daily which means none of them is much better than Kwame Brown." Let's see what happens if Kwame comes back healthy. With Mihm back and Bynum further along, he will have to compete for minutes in his contract year. Whatever Kwame's physical limitations, he's playing this year for next year's money. That's not a bad motivator.

If we can cut Sasha, as suggested, and fill the 14th slot with James Posey, that would be a win. If ANYBODY will take Brian Cook, PUH-LEEZE do. Cook featured on the Lakers web site? Somebody in the marketing department has been doing too many "special" brownies. That's just insane.

But the rest of the team, at least offensively, can function. We still desperately need Defense. But with everybody on board already knowing the offense, that gives the coaching staff more time to devote to D. I say, preach it and teach it and preach it some more. Giving up fewer points is the key to more W's.

Changing topics...

Jon Kavulic,
Dude! What's with you, this weekend? I've had the pleasure of meeting both K-Brothers and they are classy guys. For a blogger whose posts are mostly lucid and heartfelt, you are just out of sorts. AK and BK are not the kind of people who would do any of the things you've suggested. We've had our disagreements but I've always been allowed to express them, as have many others. This blog errs on the side of freedom of expression, sometimes to a fault. Your emotions are totally leading you down the wrong path. Your fellow bloggers are all cheering you on to return to an even keel.

The Lakers have always been a two superstar team. For the last 30 something years starting from Wilt & Jerry West to Kareem & Magic to Kobe & Shaq, the Lakers always had championship teams with two (or sometimes even more) future Hall of Famers. Anything less than that is simply too little for such a famed franchise like the Lakers. Every team in the league rises up a notch or two when they play against the Lakers. Everyone wants to beat the most glamorous and storied team in the NBA. There's just no way a single superstar can carry that load day in day out and still have anything left in the tank for the playoffs, no matter how good his teammates are. Even Jordan had Pippen, who many people felt was the second best player in the NBA at that time. Plus there was Rodman, one of the best rebounders in the history of the game and Steve Kerr, one of the best long range bombers in the history of the game.

And then there's Kobe...
...and...
...the current Lakers.

The next best player in the team after Kobe is Lamar Odom. The next All-Star game that Lamar attends will be his first one.

That says it all.

Don't get me wrong. I love Lamar's game. But he is not even a sure fire All-Star in the NBA, let alone a superstar.

But having said all this theories about multiple superstars, there's just nothing the Lakers can possibly do to get another superstar baller...at least it doesn't look too encouraging on the trade scenario. I just feel that Kevin McHale will much rather help his Celtics with KG than help the Lakers. And I don't know what other superstar player the Lakers can get right now or even in the future.

That pretty much leaves us with the here and now.

And what we have in the here and now, in terms of talent, is Lamar, Bynum, Walton, Farmar, JCritt, Kwame and Turiaf. Fisher is a solid addition who'll provide some much needed leadership. If the Lakers cannot get that covetted superstar through free agency they should really try to work with the core of the team as much as possible by adding (or subtracting) important parts here and there. DFish was a great addition that will complement this team. This was a very San Antonia Spur-esque move. They got Duncan, Parker and Ginobili and then a bunch of solid vets and role players. The Lakers should try to take a lead out of the Spurs page when it comes to team building in the NBA.

Given the free agents that are available and the current Lakers roster, let's look at each position and what they can do to improve without trading for that second superstar...

CENTER

The trio of Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm and young Andrew Bynum forms a very solid, even formidable big men line up (without injuries of course). That's three pretty solid guys who, once again if healthy, can combine to average at least 20 points and 15 boards. That right there are All-Star quality production, even if it is done by committee. Not too many team can boast of having three guys who can clog the middle and play fairly solid defense. I would hold onto these guys and keep working on them. From what I hear, Bynum looks really good during his summer workouts. Kwame is playing for a contract next year. And Mihm is hungry to show everyone that he can still contribute after his ankle surgery. Serious potential in this position if they're healthy all year long.

POWER FORWARD

Lamar is the man over here. He really wants to stay in LA (good place to be for his other career as a music producer) and once again, if he is healthy, he may just give an All-Star quality performance for the year. He truly is a matchup nightmare for most teams in the NBA and if he is firing on all cylinders (working on the post and taking his man off the dribble, plus hitting his J), then forget about it. Plus, he's one the nicest individuals in the game. I see Lamar having a great season if all goes well healthwise (that word again...can't emphasize enough about the dreaded "H" word).
As back up, Turiaf should really be played a the 4 spot instead of the 5 with even Mihm doing some work as a backup PF. This brings both size and rebounding to the 4 spot that is sorely missing when Lamar takes a breather. Brian Cook should only be a situational sub or should simply be shipped out for a more useful cog. Free Agent wise, a veteran at the PF, someone like PJ Brown or Chris Webber, would be great. Just give some solid minutes or even play in tandem with Lamar in the post.

SMALL FORWARD

This is where we need the biggest help. Luke should be a backup. Simple as that. They need a more prototype, defensive minded NBA SF from the free agency pool like the veteran James Posey or Ruben Patterson (in spite of his baggage) or someone fairly new like Ume Udoka. In today's NBA it is extremely critical to have some athleticism and defense in SF position and the Lakers really have to upgrade. Luke is a wonderful backup player who should work with the second team or even with the first team in patches. Radmanovic should also come off the bench and probably see time in both the SF and PF position to stretch the defense with his shooting. VRad can also be used as a trade bait to acquire a defensive minded SF from a team that's looking for shooters (like the Rockets for instance). But overall, seriously needs some upgrades in the SF positioin.

SHOOTING GUARD

Kobe. Enough said. Mo Evans is a pretty decent backup. Both DFish, JCritt and Sasha can also backup Kobe if needed. Not too many worries. Just pray that Kobe stays healthy (that word again).

POINT GUARD

DFish is solid. Veteran leader. Will get the respect of the opposition and also the refs. Farmar has good IQ and could turn out to be a decent backup. JCritt is very promising and should learn a lot playing with Fisher. Would be very nice to get a quick, tempo changing guard but JCritt might very well be turn out to be that guy. Overall, the PG postition is slightly better than last year and if all goes to plan, the two young guys at PG could really turn out to be steals.

So, once again, for the millionth time, if everyone's healthy and playing somewhat close to their potential and with a few key additions, this team can probably reach the second round or best case scenario, the WC finals this coming season.

A lot of variables need to work exactly as planned or else we are looking at another first round exit at best.

If I was Mitch Kupchack, I'd be scouting and talking to the free agents still available try to fill some of the gaps mentioned above.

That'd be my two cents (yeah...more like a quarter or something, but I just had to empty my heart out guys).

GO LAKERS!

RG

great just what we need(even thou its not really our fault)another missed pick up with kg imean the celtics?really?whatever it just figures we can never seem to get anything done the last couple of seasons weither we really had a chance or not and as for the flip side of the coin it doesnt seem like the answer for the big ticket either(him and ray allen)and a few other guys is going to get it done if they couldnt get over the hump a few seasons back with sam cassel,spreewell,wally,candyman,troy hudson ect.(i mean they had a pretty deep squad)so boston kinda seems like a step foward and one back,anywayz i love the fact that0.4's back and they we locked up walton but turth be told we still got work to do!just my humble opinion and your entitled to yourz(p.s. i know i havent posted in a while but its been a depressing pre-post-and off season,heres to it only gettin better)cheers mates....faceuno

Only way KG trade would happen is if its ok with KG. If he would rather play with Ray Allen and Doc Rivers rather than proven winners Kobe and PJ there's something seriously wrong with his thought process.

Well all you Andrew Bynum lovers.
It's clear that his value is wayyyyyyy lower than AL JEFFERSON.

SOCKS for president right!!

WTF?!? Will KG really let himself be McHale's pawn his entire career? Has McHale convinced KG that he's some Minnesota Martyr and therefore has to do what's best for the franchise even at his own expense? I can't bring myself to believe that KG's really sold on teaming up with co-Allstars Allen and Pierce to outdazzle the Leastern Confernce. Yeah, it MAY even work (McHale's got Ainge drinking the koolade too, I guess), but only for one year, and then is Boston really going to fork up that extension, pay THREE max players? Yeah, no biggie for KG either way, some team will pay up even a year from now, magical four-leaf clover ring or not. My point is, KG, of course you're going to make a difference wherever you go (I'm talking to you directly at this point, Ticket).

If the trio-of-stars strategy doesn't work (see Casell-Allen-BigDog Bucks), it's not like it's unchartered territory for you to deal with. You'll start over again, and it will have been worth the gamble... Well if the point is starting over (albeit to contend), why just shoot the moon for only one ring? Demanding to come to LA is more than just joining forces with Kobe and Phil, being in a warm climate, still allowing for the cap-assisting pieces the Wolves need via trade, and getting that badly needed fresh start. It's about starting the right way, being in that winning culture where even in down years (every ringless year) there is still hope and most times even opportunity to somehow pull it off. Yeah, Boston has the tradition too, but we've got present members who were just there and still have that burning fire - and the game/coaching to back it up - to get back to that level, and then sustain it. Age of key players and cap room favor the Lakers for a longer run than what Boston is rubbing their rabbit's foot for. The worst case is that it's the same here as in Boston (yeah, right) and you are free to choose once again. But if it works here, it'll work for years. Even if it doesn't translate to a ring this season, that one year of triangle experience will still leave a big enough window for dynasty potential. Ponder, marinate, demand!

1. With the blessing of the Blog's braintrust, we've sat on our 2 VERY VALUABLE trade chips and let deal after deal go by and now when the BIG DEAL comes they don't want them. (Bynum and Odom)

2. We sat out of the JKidd trade for the love of ANDREW BYNUM

3. The Blog's braintrust wants to sit out of the Jermaine O'Neal trade for the love of ANDREW BYNUM.

4. All of our trade assets (Odom, Bynum, Kwame) and the scraps like Farmar can't move us ahead of a Boston deal highlighted by Al Jefferson and Gerald Green?

5. I guess the BLOG's BRAINTRUST feels as though BYNUM or ODOM match up better with guys like KG, Amare, and Duncan than would Jermaine O'Neal.

6. At least Kevin Garnett is leaving the conference, good for him, he's gonna finally win.

7. Cheer up everyone, we've got ANDREW "SOCKS - LA BLOG FAVORITE" BYNUM.

At least we know the T'Wolves are not going to be in the playoffs this year, so thats one less team we can worry about...

I say we all be patient... if by mid season Bynum has not broken out, we trade him, but I have a feelin if we trade bynum now, we will regret it by April '08

I don't know why most of you guys are acting so ridiculous when it comes to these trades. Not getting KG or JO may be a blessing in disguise for LA!

I've said it a hundred times, and I'll say it again. I THINK LA HAS A REAL NICE CORE. We just have to be a lil more patient and allow our team to gell and grow together, not rip them apart when things get tough.

Yes, I want KG as bad as the next person. But think about it logically...LA or Boston for KG? BOSTON is a much better option for him. He'll be in the EAST, so Boston will absolutely be instant title contenders (maybe even THE best team in the east!) Plus, they would have 3 all stars!!! Allow me to repeat: THREE ALL STARS! (KG, ALLAN, Pierce) Now thats nasty. Now lets look at LA: KG will play with only ONE all-star, LA would definitely have to give away LO and AB (not worth it), plus McHale is a Laker hater and wont make it happen. Proof? A mix of AB, LO, and Farmar for instance is def a better trade package for KG than AL, Rondon and Ratliff!! And if u need more facts or reasons KG know that coming to LA means he'll be in the west and everyone know how much better the west is than th4e east. THINK ABOUT IT!!!

I say we just chill out and see how the season unfolds. Yea i know Kobe will still be pissed and he has every right to be pissed, but we cant go acting foolishly and giving up our best players not named Kobe for anyone because we wont be taking steps forwards only backwards.

RG-

Nice break down. I am in alignment with you on most of your viewpoints. Especially the point that "Brian Cook should only be a situational sub or should simply be shipped out for a more useful cog." I actually would prefer him off of the team altogether.

I have not seen anyone counter the argument that the biggest impediment to having a championship caliber team is lack of a better #2 player, and that the biggest hole in the roster is the small forward position. Unless the Lakers can magically get better at that position without losing too much (or the 4 and move Lamar to the 2) all moves are essentially lateral in my little mind.

blaze1bx,

I'm with you on your points that our team is pretty good as is... I think we can make a pretty decent run next year barring injuriers...

However, if we can still get KG, we need to do it. Anyway anyhow.

For JO, it changes. We should only get JO if we can retain Kobe and Lamar. I think Kwame + Bynum + Farmar should be enough to get JO.

JO Is a Kwame Lamar hybrid (in terms of production) and will be more of a lateral movement. It can even perhaps backfire.

There are few players in the NBA I'd trade Lamar for at this time:

Kevin Garnett, Amare Stoudamire, Michael Redd, LeBron, Dwayne, Carmelo, Yao, T-mac.

As for Bynum, I'm down to, as Kobe said, "ship his ass out"

I know Bynum will be good but not great. He just doesn't have "it" I think.

Anyways, GO LAKERS!!!!

and since it's been a while,

WASSUP LAKER FAM!!

if kg's that loyal to mcfrankenstein well so be it...

just cant believe it if he'll approve it, boston over lalaland...

the blog must move on and look for other options...

trade for ron artest or sign james posey....

we'll still have the core and add tighter d...

********************************************************************************************
ATTENTION BLOGGERS : TODAY IS GARNETT ABOUT TO BE FREED DAY
*******************************************************************************************

*********** MAMBA24 EDITORIAL MONDAY JULY 30 2007 **********************
KEVIN GARNETT NOW SAYS THAT HE WOULD NOT MIND GOING TO BOSTON AFTER ALL
TO WHICH I SAY ….TO HELL WITH KG. I’D RATHER HAVE LAMAR ODOM THAN SOME
IDIOT WHO WOULD RATHER STAY IN MINNESOTA OR BE TRADED TO BOSTON. I ALSO SAY
TO HELL WITH JERMAINE ONEAL. LET’S KEEP LAMAR ODOM AND I BET HE’LL HAVE AN
ALL STAR YEAR. AS A MATTER OF FACT LET’S KEEP LAMAR AND BYNUM AND
EVEN KWAME. I THINK THIS TEAM AS IT IS PRESENTLY COSTITUTED CAN
COMPETE FOR A TITLE IF EVERYBODY PLAYS UP TO THEIR POTENTIAL.
WITH THE ADDITION OF CRITT AND FISH THAT IS 5 MORE WINS RIGHT THERE.
A HEALTHY LO FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON SHOULD BE ANOTHER 5 WINS
AND IF KWAME JUST REMAINS HEALTHY, SOCKS STEPS UP A NOTCH AND
IF MINH IS HEALTHY THAT’S ANOTHER 5 WINS. I PREDICT THIS TEAM
COULD EASILY WIN 55 GAMES THIS SEASON. IF YOU WANT TO TRADE
COOKIE OR RAD OR SASHA OK BUT OTHER THAN THAT I THINK THIS
TEAM SHOULD REMAIN AS IT IS NOW. THAT’S THE MAMBA24
EDITORIAL. OPPOSING VIEWS ARE WELCOME

IN OTHER NEWS
THE SMUSHTER YES SMUSH PARKER HAS SIGNED WITH THE HEAT.
THAT’S ALL THE NEWS FOR NOW.

AND NOW ROLL CALL
FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, KIWI, ,
WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, THE KOBE SHOW,
FISH_GUY,TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOO, THE_D, SBPIMP,
CHARLES, Precious, NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR,
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN,
KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild,Laker4Life,
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., EASTCOASTJESSIE, Zakee,
Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, BlackMamba24,
FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith, Waterboy, Hariyahu,
ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude,
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman,
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36,
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck,
BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life,
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
Jay Jay, TaosHum, HOBBITMAGE, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , lakersrydeordie,

ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER

1. Now guys seem to be extremely concerned with the SMALL FORWARD position.

2. You can get small forwards very simply in this league. It's the power forwards, centers, and point guards that are hard to get.

3. James Posey, Ruben Patterson, and Micheal Pietrus could be had and probably for Cook and Sasha or a league minimum especially in Posey and Patterson's case.

4. The best we can do now is JO or Navarro to add to the hard to find positions (Point Guard, Center, Power Forward)

5. Otherwise, we can go with the patience plan but patience sure does look similar to the last 2 yrs and those were pull your hair out your head years.

Rick Friedman

It looks like you're on board too with the "PATIENCE PLAN",

well that's probably what we're going to get as training camp starts. If there ever was a team that has displayed the fact that they don't play totally collectively with passion every night, that they can't adjust when adversity stares them in the eye, that they are not strong willed stubborn warriors collectively, it is the last 2 YEARS worth of Laker teams.

All we have different is Derek Fisher. I love the guy and think he will help but we're going to have to wish on so many "LAKER TOM" optimistic things to fall in place for us.

I think the biggest thing that comes out of if KG goes to BOSTON is that
Al Jefferson is far and away ahead of the pace ANDREW BYNUM is on. BYNUM is longer but no more athletic. Bynum is not much of an athlete at all.

If BYNUM was not 7 feet tall he could not play any major sport in America including basketball. He just does not have IT.

I guess we gotta see this 1 more time. Heck if he teases us with good play, MOVE HIM RIGHT THEN. It won't last!!!!!!

but i dont htink this deal would go thru...

why wait this long when they could have done it a week ago or something...

besides no mega trades had started from rumors coz other teams might spoil it... (i.e. ai to denver, ray allen to beantown, randolp to NY)

but if this deal would go thru then the celts are in for a luxury tax ridden seasons, and it'll prove that ainge and mcfrankenstein are the dumbest gms that ever lived....

MABUHAY LAKERS!!!

1. QUESTION FOR ALL YOU LAKER FANS WHO SAW THE 80s Lakers

Would any of you not lose a lung trying to play hard for Kareem Abdul Jabbar if he was your PERSONAL TUTOR???

I figured all of you would be on board.

Well what the heck was wrong with ANDREW "SOCKS" BYNUM's energy level, effort, desire, hunger, and sheer hustle factor last yr??

He slumbered around as if he was not up to par, he was tired, or he thought he was a prima dona that only had to get UP for games against SHAQ or DUNCAN or KG.

Are you kidding me?

The KID'S resume speaks loud and clear yet everybody wants to make him into an HONOR's student.

LakerBlake,

I agree with all your criticisms. Especially about Bynum.

But, as warriors go, both D-Fish and Lamar have proven they can step up.

My reluctant decision to be patient is the belief that if Cook and Sasha never see playing time, and that if we can achieve some consistency in establishing a first and second team, that the whole might become greater than the sum of its parts.

I wish I could be as optimistic as Laker Tom. I can't. Other than adding Posey at SF, I just don't see any available alternatives that are better than what we have.

REPOST FROM LATE LAST NIGHT that's really ABOUT THIS THREAD!
The last paragraph is a very interesting and fresh perspective....

Wow - I can't imagine KG wanting to go to the Celts. He's already coming from a freezing northern climate where he has to carry the team. Why duplicate that? He wants to be in the sun near his Malibu crib and play side by side with another superstar. Now Phoenix is a potential rival for us in those respects but not Boston. Ever spent a winter in Boston? Plus Kobe and Nash are both superstar compliments to him, but Ray Allen? C'mon. Can you imagine Kobe or Nash traded for a #5 pick? If KG goes to the Celts, McHale and Ainge are the greatest salesmen in history.

By the way, speaking of old Celtics, notice that the men in our way of getting JO and KG are our two old Celtic rivals - Bird and McHale. The thing is - they had NO repect for Kupcake for years on the court because they could always play circles around him. So HOW can they respect him off the court in making a deal? THAT's why we're getting nowhere and THAT's why we need West or Magic pulling the strings. If not as titular GM then at least as consultant dealing with Bird and McHale on the trades. We need someone who was an ALL-STAR like they were - someone they respect who can go toe to toe with them and play them even.

AK & BK:

Wow, you guys got lucky. Looks like it's going to be a nice day here in Seattle as opposed to how it was last week.

Violater:

You live up here, too?

I agree with blaze 1bx and mamba 24 -

Let's stand pat and see how the had plays out.

I think we have a solid team!!

The trade for KG was aNEVER going to happen anyway!

Come-on people!

GO LAKERS!!

So if Garnett goes to Boston, is that an F-U to Kobe, an F-U to MInnesota, an F-U to Baron Davis, an F-U to Dirk Nowitzki, or an F-U to Derek Fisher? I can't figure out where the F-U goes on this one.

LakerBake,

"Would any of you not lose a lung trying to play hard for Kareem Abdul Jabbar if he was your PERSONAL TUTOR"

Cut the kid some slack, he's only human, a 20yr old one at that. I doubt most of us work as hard as losing a lung at our jobs. Some kids come into the league as men, ala bryant, garnett, lebron and others take more time jermain oneal, t-mac.

I'm not sure even Bynum's harshest critics can confidently say he won't develop into a great center. Also the kid has definately shown enough flashes to justify the continued investment of a team in his growth. Question is should that team be LA? Bryant has made it clear he's not willing to lead one of the youngest teams in the nba, unless he somehow has a change of heart it doesn't seem like he'll be playing with Bynum much longer.

What would the lakers be without Kobe? Do the Buss know what they're doing? Does Phil care enough to coach a very young team? Is Mitch shrewd enough to be a gm? Does anyone doubt that Jerry West's drive as a gm matches Kobe's as a player? Is there anybody within the current laker organization with that passion? And what about magic, is he willing to take a more active role?

Who are the lakers without Kobe? If you can answer that question you've got a shot at predicting what Bynum's future will be.

now that garnett is off the radar, the lakers need to switch their attention to jermaine o'neal...

on http://www.firemitchkupcake.com the author wants to know if they should create a getoneal.com or getjo.com

haha

Rick Friedman,

I've been on this blog since the very beginning. My tone hasn't changed; however, ever since I angrily questioned BK's thread regarding Whether or Not We Should Boo Kwame" I've had A LOT of posts deleted.

There's just a correlation. I don't know the K Brothers personally or what's in BK's heart, but I've had A LOT of posts deleted and I feel deleted unfairly.

Some of these posts were rather long, took a lot of time, and all of them were passionate.

It pisses me off that people like Michael T. are allowed to post openly racist comments, but some of my posts (none of which were racist) are deleted. Some of the times I have no idea why. There's no email or communication from the K Brothers saying, "Jon, you CLEARLY are over the line here!"

There's just a lot of posts which disappear that are no more offensive than other posts I see. And all I know is that this began AFTER I personally attacked BK for his pro-booing a Laker thread.

Of course, my recent angry statements were precipitated by a couple posts being deleted recently without explanation again.

After a while one gets pissed off.

So, that's what's up.

Yes, I will admit that overall the K Brothers do a fantastic job with this blog and that it is not easy managing a bunch of rabid lunatic Lakers fans. However, I do feel like I am being unfairly singled out at times by whatever subjective guidelines that the K Brothers use to determine what posts they will or will not delete.

GO LAKERS!

-I REFUSE to believe that KG is going to Boston. Until the trade is official, I will continue to believe that KG only wants to play in either Phoenix or LA, as his agent (NOT sources) has confirmed. If LA and Phoenix are indeed the only options, the Lakers have ALL the leverage. My guess (desperate hope?) is that McHale and Ainge are leaking this rumor to gain leverage for an eventual trade with the Lakers. KG BELONGS IN LA!

-What is all of you people's obsession with the Big Silly Puddy - Andrew Bynum? I just don't get it. If anyone thinks that Bynum is better or even comparable to Al Jefferson, you haven't seen Al Jefferson play. He is light years ahead of Bynum on both sides of the court. Don't blindly believe the press release (from the FO) that Bynum is looking really good this summer. I'm gonna have to see it to believe it. The FO wants to increase Bynum's trade value, and as a result, they are going to do everything in their power to hype him up. Unfortunately, the other GMs aren't buying it. The only people that are buying it are the Laker fans.

If we can get James Posey and/or Pietrus by swapping out Sasha/Cook, I'd say we had a decent summer . Same goes if we can get JO for LO OR Socks and riff-raff.

"We feel very good about acquiring Smush,'' coach Pat Riley said in a statement. "He brings size, shooting and defense to our backcourt. He has been improving every year, and we feel that this could be his best year yet.''

Smush... defense... PLEASE!!!

Then again, watch... Smush will make big strides with the Heat and kick ass!

The Lake-Show,

I don't think you read my post carefully enough. I clearly said that both Ainge and Mchale have been awful GM's in the past and because of that, I do not have faith in them right now. And, as a result, their respective teams are awful. Also, Mitch hasn't been the greatest of GM's either. Looking at the history of Ainge, Mchale, and Mitch neither will be a candidate for the best GM. I do agree that we have the better team. But to have the best player in the game, the best coach in the game, and not have that team get out of the first round is terrible and shows zero progress. We were even a lottery team one year. And yes, like I clearly stated before, I do understand that this proposed trade may be due to the fact that Mchale and Ainge are buds. But that is only part of the reason. My point and let me emphasize this again is that other teams are making moves while we are not. I mention Isiah because he has been an awful GM yet he has made a great move. No where do I mention nor infer that his team has been great or that he has been a great GM. I bring up the Isiah example to illustrate how even the worst GM in the league can strike gold. You're going to tell me that dumping Steve Francis's ridiculous contract and acquiring Zach Randolph is not a great move? Has Mitch made a move comparable to this? I'm tired of talk from the FO and want to see results. That was my bottom line which I clearly stated many times.

p ang

"Only way KG trade would happen is if its ok with KG. If he would rather play with Ray Allen and Doc Rivers rather than proven winners Kobe and PJ there's something seriously wrong with his thought process."

Speaking of something wrong with a thought process, please enlighted me on how Kobe plus PJ minus Shaq [emphasis on "minus Shaq"] has produced a "proven winner". Please enlighted me. i'd like for you to try and rationlize this your post....

The Lakers didn't land KG because the inept CUPCAKE does not have the balls to offer more than chump change in his deals.

Look, Celts are sending Al Jeff, Gerald Green, expiring Ratliff, and draft picks.

Lakers could easily have matched that with Bynum, some dude, Kwame, and picks.

If the Celts pull off the KG deal, the Buss family needs to seriously consider releasing CUPCAKE.

Ridiculous.

repost

Hate2BlogCuzOfKL

"Blog has turned WHACK due to KL and GUNNER's postings! I am going to another site! EFF this ISH!"

dude, you made a total of 2 post on this blog (including this one). Good riddance i say.

KG to Boston?? Could be worse, we could be a Sacramento King fan like SonnyB...

I always thought Garnett would be a Laker, that combo of KG and KB would have brought Showtime back...A Celtic, can't get much worse being a Laker Fan... I only hope KG turns it down..KG go KOBE on Mchale!!!!

If not, I am ready to go with the new Showtime team, the KIDS.. I happen to think both 19 year olds are going to be special... I am really surprised by some of the post on Bynum.. Yes it was all down hill for him last year, but you can't tell me you didn't see the SKILLS...I think he has all the skills to be great... not good... great.. all I saw last year was a KID who was not conditioned... didn't have the strength, stamina, plus the speed of the game was to fast for him, reasons for fouls, but those things can be addressed thru training... Critt... saw all 5 games... he has it all... another gift dropped from the sky to the Lakers along with Fish... 2 things about Critt in just 5 summer league games, he can shoot and breakdown his man.. unlike Farmar... ( still like Farmar though... he is an assist man, just can't shoot )

Guys, I think you all agree the last 3 years it is clear the Lakers are building for the future, not for the now... I can't figure out why they don't want to build around Kobe, but it's clear, they are building around Bynum... It will be very interesting to see what type of improvement Bynum shows this year, because, the whole season rides on Bynum now.. and I am ok with that..

It's KG or the Kids...I will enjoy either team.. Being a Laker fan it is only a matter of time before enjoying a championship again.. Unlike Sacramento fans, like SonnyB..

Go Lakers and keep the Faith!!!

bd

repost

sbpimp

"For the record, I don't think you should count this thread when you tally up the "taking a break from bashing Kobe" totals. "childish Superstar", etc. etc. etc."

fair is fair. i will refrain on the next thread too. hey, i may be an a$$hole, but i am a reasonable a$$hole...LOL.

"Also, calling him "You-know-who" doesn't instantly make the posts more palatable. Who are you, Harry Potter??"

my apologies for not understanding he Potter reference. i've tried very hard getting into the whole Harry Potter thing, but it doesn't do anything for me. Granted, i only saw the first movie. is the book better? my general expeience is that movie versions of novels are not as good. again, i may be an a$$hole, but a literate a$$hole..LOL.

if anyone is interested, I found this page that has up to date Lakers news feeds

http://www.mysportsscoop.com/lakers/

Laker Bake,

"The KID'S resume speaks loud and clear yet everybody wants to make him into an HONOR's student."

In keeping with your student metaphor, the kid was a Sophomore.
That's what Bynum would have been if he'd have gone to college. I think
by the time he's (effectively) a senior, he'll be a very very good player.

Unfortunately, Kobe may be playing for the Bulls by then.

------------------------------------------------------------
THE CHRONICLES OF SERGEANT KOBE: Part 10
------------------------------------------------------------

SERGEANT KOBE: General... when do you expect Captain Garnett to arrive?

GENERAL KUPCHAK: Sergeant, I already told you that Captain Garnett is not going anywhere. General McHale has denied all requests for assistance, and now he has cancelled all plans to transfer Garnett to another unit.

SERGEANT KOBE: Don't tell me you really believe that...

GENERAL KUPCHAK: I'm sorry, but we've tried our best. Captain Garnett is staying at Fort Minnesota and there's nothing we can do about it.

PRIVATE BYNUM: General Kupchak!

GENERAL KUPCHAK: Yes, what is it...

PRIVATE BYNUM: We've just received word that Captain Garnett is leaving Minnesota...

SERGEANT KOBE: Yes! I knew he was on his way! I should have never doubted you, General...

PRIVATE BYNUM: Wait, I'm not finished...

SERGEANT KOBE: Huh?

PRIVATE BYNUM: Captain Garnett is leaving Minnesota... and he's headed to Fort Boston.

GENERAL KUPCHAK:...

SERGEANT KOBE: Could you hand me my revolver?

GENERAL KUPCHAK: Where are you going?

SERGEANT KOBE: If you need me, I'll be in my quarters, playing Russian Roulette.

GENERAL KUPCHAK: No, wait!

PRIVATE BYNUM: I didn't know Sergeant Kobe was Russian..

McHALE is still a CELTIC. How have the Timberwolves tolerated his failures for so long? And now this softbal tradel to his former franchise. BOOOO

FIREC McHALE AND KUPCHAK

Bynum + Critterdon + Brown > Jefferson, Rondo + Ratliff

juanman888:

"but if this deal would go thru then the celts are in for a luxury tax ridden seasons, and it'll prove that ainge and mcfrankenstein are the dumbest gms that ever lived...."

Who cares about the luxury tax when you have three perennial all-stars in your starting five? Celtics fans must be jumping for joy right about now... and I can guarantee that if this deal goes through, Boston will make back whatever money they lose to the luxury tax.

C.S.,

Thanks for the feedback. Yeah, I still don't understand why Kupchack doesn't realize the importance of having a defensive minded wing. I mean it's not that difficult to find an athletic SF in the NBA unlike the center or the PG positions. Instead, we got a bunch of "offensive minded" guys who are allegedly "Shooters" like Sasha, Brian Cook and Radmanovich who are neither here nor there as far as both defense or offense is concerned. And I agree with you that Brian Cook simply needs to go. The guy has a very bloated sense of self-esteem that is completely unnecessary in the Lakers locker room right now with all the young kids around. I also like the idea of getting better at the 4 (through free agency perhaps, like a veteran) and using Lamar at the 3. Lamar would be even more unstoppable at the 3, especially in the post. And LO is still a way better defender at the 3 than both Luke and VRad.

Let's hope Kupchak gets down to business sooner than later.

RG

First let me state that I have been a Lakers fan since the Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Jim McMillian, Happy Hairston, Keith Erickson, Leroy Ellis, and The Wilt. Even thru the lean years with Elmore Smith, However, what I have seen for the past three year turns my stomach.

What the Front Office has done in taking for granted the Lakers fans and the city of Los Angeles, is un-imaginable. What I see in their decision making process is one of laziness, and arrogant. Their decisions cannot be attributed to just the salary cap, or a disgruntled employee (i.e. Kobe Bryant), that is too simplistic of argument.

As management it is incumbent upon them to navigate those waters and make sound decisions. A great example of a team that navigates those waters perfectly and I fear the best run team in the NBA would be the San Antonio Spurs.

What we have now and unfortunately for the next 5-10 years the Lakers will be the Boston Celtics. After the Hated Red Auerbach step down, the organization with thru a series of arrogant (i.e. know it all) executives who made the same missteps that the Lakers are engaging in.

1) We will lose Phil Jackson – Look at Detroit with their new coach they have not even reached the Finals
2) We will lose Kobe Bryant (will opt out). No superstar.
3) We will be forced to hold onto Lamar Odom who has and never will be an All-star. If he could not become an all-star in the eastern conference, he never will be one in the western conference.
4) We will be forced to hold onto Andrew Byrum who has talent and potential, however, does not seem to have that passion or fire in the belly that you need to be great.
5) Players who are satisfied with their paychecks not with a championship.
6) I will take years (I feel 5-10 years) for NBA players to forget how that front office treated their top two superstars and take a chance on being treated differently than, Shaq and or Kobe.

I hope that I am wrong, however history is on my side unfortunately. The New York Knicks, The Boston Celtics, The Portland Trailblazers, The Philadelphia 76ers.

I hope you appreciated the Showtime Lakers and the Shaq-Kobe era, it may a long time before those feeling return.

Time for a reality check. Look, McHale is willing to make the same mistake Mitch did during the Shaq trade, take less to get your player out of the conference.

Mitch COULD have traded Shaq to Dallas for Norwitzki AND Nash. Nash was not going to be resigned in Dallas but was available for a sign and trade. Mitch did not want to see Shaq more than twice a year so he turned down this deal to take trash from the Heat.

McHale knows trading Garnett will not be popular. He does not want to see Garnett in the Target Center more than twice a year. SO, he is willing to take an inferior package from Boston. You think by some point GMs would learn to TAKE THE BEST PACKAGE, period!

The sad thing is that Boston, which was ridiculed at the draft, will now be a leading contender in the least, I mean the East. WHAT SAY YOU?

"...the Larry O'Brien Trophy needs to reference the Kings quasi-belief that Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals were fixed"

Like I have said in the past, it's all water under the bridge, but since YOU brought it up, your comment would be more accurate with a bit of revision.

Substitute "league-wide" for "Kings quasi" and delete "Game 6 of". I'm always glad to help out.

Sonnybelfast

BK,

"Doing some stuff with the Seahawks."

i won't ask any questions

Well, the Celtics are back.

In one summer, it can be done in a 5 man game.

At the end of the day, stars just don't move within their own conference, and a Celtic won't deal with a Laker. Probably wasn't anything Kupchak could do on this one. It's going to be another year in the middle of the pack. Andrew isn't the trade bait we'd hoped.

It's not a bad thing for the the league. Detroit, Miami, Cleveland, Chicago and the Celtics will make the East more respectable. The West looks like another re run with the same teams doin' the same things. It's going to take a year of overachievement for Kobe not to opt. Bottom line: season tickets are a bad investment.

Laker Blake,

The Kid's resume says that for his age his stats are right on par for him being a future All-Star.

If people on this blog want to stop people Kobe or Shaq bashing..can we stop Bynum bashing?? The kid is 19...and unlike Oden or Amare or LeBron he hasnt been playing basketball or conditioning since he was out of the crib. And is that his fault?

You guys act as though suddenly someone can be whipped into elite athlete shape in a year. You cant even count his rookie season because the guy essentially got thrown into the NBA very early. This is his second off season where he can work out. And maybe now at the age of 19-20 he can physically become better. I mean not every 19 year old has the body of a 25 year old. I mean some people are just born that way and others arent.

Wouldnt you be discouraged if your body wasnt like that, but yet you were expected to man up against guys like that??? Wouldnt you be discouraged if you didnt have that feel or touch for the game that other guys have because they have been playing for 15 years already??

Give the dude the break. If hes going to be here, we have to support Bynum. Hes not the one to cast blame for being drafted, or not being traded. But he is a Laker.

"Political correctness sucks"

Amen Jon Boy

RG,

Nice evaluation. Great stuff.

I personally feel Lamar should play the 3 with Luke backing him up.

Mihm and Turiaf should be playing the 4 because they can both hit the 10-12 footers and rebound (assumming Mihm's ankle is fine) and are the prototype for the Traingle.

If we play big heres my Line up: Kwame (on offense the 5, on defense the 4 against Boozer, Brand, Tim Duncan and Amare etc...) Mihm (on offense the 4, defense the 5 spot), Lamar, Kobe and Fish

If we play small: Turiaf, Lamar, Evans, Kobe and Fish.

I don't think we can make it pass the 2nd round, yet on paper it looks like we are pretty deep and may allow us to pull a trade if we revamp the front office.

Charles

C.S.
I have made the argument that our biggest problem is not a number 2 scorer. It would be nice but the lakers were a failure last year because they couldn't defend not because they couldn't score.

We were 5th in PPG.
Yet only 25th in point allowed.

25!!!!!

Lets take a look at the top scoring teams:
Phoenix
Golden State
Denver
Washington
LaL
Memphis
Utah
Sac
Dallas
Milwakee

We're stuck between Wash and Memphis--Good place to be??

That's the top ten. Do we really need to score more effectively and more often to improve our status as a team??? half the teams on that list blow. Memphis?? SAC??? Milw??? the only elite team that scores more than we do is PHOENIX and we know how much championship success they have.

Now lets check out the D.

San Antonio
Detroit
Houston
Dallas
Cleveland
Chicago
Orlando
Miami
LAC
No/ok

Imagine if we improved to 5th in D. We'd be sandwiched between Houston and dallas.

Now which list would we rather be on?? I think the answer is clear.

I agree with you that having a consistent number two scorer would be a plus--It won't hurt us any. But it is no way even near our biggest problem.

The reason we were disappointed in these boys last year was DEFENSE.

Have we improved there? Marginally. Hopefully the subtraction of smush and the heart of fisher can help. Hopefully Mihm, kwame and Lamar can stay healthy for our interior. I would like to see battier added, or ron ron. because I think that would make us elite.

Health alone with better passion and heart will make us damn near elite.
Lets play some D and not worry about the offense.

Lakers Forever

reality check time |,
"The sad thing is that Boston, which was ridiculed at the draft, will now be a leading contender in the least,
I mean the East. WHAT SAY YOU?"

I think you said it all. KG knows it wll be easier to get into playoffs in the
East and Paul Pierce is a minnie Kobe together with Ray Allen I would say
Boston is the new Beast of the East.

Hal9000,

I'm really starting to like these "Seargent Kobe" posts. "PRIVATE BYNUM: I didn't know Sergeant Kobe was Russian.." LOL!!! Simple, but hilarious.

Long Time Laker Fan and the Lake Show

1. To even think or consider putting our treasured Lakers in the hands of what you guys have admitted to being an unathletic and desire/hunger lacking 7 foot young man is SILLY.
You all are wishing on a star.

2. Long Time Laker, you're willing to lose the greatest player in the game today over a kid with unknown potential to folks who like him; Minimal potential to folks who don't like him.

3. If ANDREW BYNUM was that good McHale or Bird would want him no matter what. Instead, McHale takes Al Jefferson. I know McHale is biased and probably will be working for the Celtics in 2 yrs but Bynun does not make him blink.

Yes it's not Kareem Abdul Jabaar's job to make Bynum an athlete, he needs to already be one.

4. OK, YOU GUYS ARE TALKING SOPHMORE AND SENIOR YR analogies.

Try this one, Andrew Bynum would get abused by Freshmen and Sophmore Tim Duncan's, Shaq, Amare, David Robinson, Hakeem, Kareem, Dwight Howard, and many many more.

So if you guys want this CHILD to anchor OUR Lakers then compare him to FOLKS who can ANCHOR a team.

5. You don't want this conversation with me. Neither does BK or AK.
I watched the kid and I don't see "IT" He does not have "IT"
So why put our whole franchise on his shoulders.

I'm surprised I don't have more folks on the move BYNUM bandwagon.

The one blogger above is right, we're going to fool around and be the CELTICS of the last 15 yrs.

VMAN,
"It's going to take a year of overachievement for Kobe not to opt. Bottom line: season tickets are a bad investment. "

Fear not VMan I believe Mitch has a surprise or two in store
for all us Laker Fans,.

VMAN,

"It's going to take a year of overachievement for Kobe not to opt. Bottom line: season tickets are a bad investment"

THANK YOU!!!! Finally it has been proven to me that this blog is filled with a bunch of NON FANS/SEASON TICKET HOLDERS WHO CARE NOTHING ABOUT WATCHING OR ROOTING FOR THE TEAM UNLESS THEY SEE KOBE SCORING 50 POINTS OF DUNKING ON PEOPLE. YOU KNOW WHAT, I HOPE THAT YOU DONT BUY SEASON TICKETS, I HOPE ALL THOSE RICH WESTSIDE COFFEE DRINKING INDIFFERENT YUPPIES DONT GO TO ANYMORE LAKER GAMES, BECAUSE WAAAAAH THEYRE LAKERS ARENT GOING TO WIN THE TITLE. YOU ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO WONT LET THE LAKERS TRADE KOBE, EVEN THOUGH WE COULD INSTANTLY IMPORVE OUR WHOLE TEAM IF HE WAS TRADED AWAY. BUT NOO YOU GUYS WANT TO SEE SOME OTHER RICH SPOILED PERSON WHO BELIEVES EVERYTHING IS ENTITLED TO HIM. HE IS YOUR ROLE MODEL. I SEE IT NOW.

THERE IS A REASON KOBE DOESNT RESONATE WITH MANY BASKETBALL FANS AND ITS THIS POMPOUS ATTITUDE THAT YOU SHARE WITH KOBE.

DONT GO TO THE GAMES, NOBODY BUY SEASON TICKETS (AND YOU HAVE TO BE RICH TO DROP THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON SEASON TICKETS SO DONT EVEN TELL ME THAT YOU DONT HAVE MONEY) SO REAL FANS WHO WIN OR LOSE WILL ROOT FOR THEIR LAKERS.

I HOPE YOU, LAKER BLACK, LAKER TOM, FKILLAH, ANGRY LAKER, EDWIN GUECO AND ALL YOU HATERS WHO SAY YOU WONT BE ABLE TO WATCH THE LAKERS NEXT YEAR DONT GO TO GAMES OR WATCH THEM ON TV. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

what the hell

Its like the SAT's word/phrase matching all over again. "KL is to anti-Kobe as LakerBake is to anti-Bynum" Damn we get it already you like the kid. Just like time its self....move on.

Man I want KG too.... but at what cost. If the lakers could get him for Bynum and Odom i'm sure they would make the trade. But Mchale is not going to let that happen. He's a Celtic always has been always will be. He should have been fired years ago but he's seen as a saint in Minn (or at least by their owner) because he's from there, Mchale is only focused on helping Boston just like that horrible trade for Ricky Davis. The NBA should investigate both the refs and Mchale becuase he is def not trying to improve T-wolves as much as he's trying to improve the Celtics.

And everyone should take a brake on Bynum he's 19. We don't know what he's going to become. Just becuase Mchale dosen't think he's worth that much the rest of the league seems to disagree. Because everyone the lakers talk to about any kind of trade wants Bynum

blaze1bx
"'Ive said it a hundred times, and I'll say it again. I THINK LA HAS A REAL NICE CORE."
Now that's I'm talking about. LO will outperform KG this year.

JK,

The old Laker fans are awaken by the dawn of Celtic sudden uprising with KG, Allen and Pierce. That puts the Celtics the favorite in the East.

While we felt bad about Mitch Kupchak of CRAMMING moves only after Kobe's rants, we can't cure the problem until we help him on the players he is trying to acquire like Navarro and Webber. We need to reopen our negotiation with Pacers on the availability of JO, so far we're succeeding in holding our hold on LO but at the end of the day of trading time, we have to make a decision either JO or LO. Yes, we need a 2nd with superstar caliber to support Kobe. Then, we have mid-level stars who could provide support in firepower and defense, not the players who are unskilled, and lack of spirit to fight for a win. What we lack in players, we have to fill it with teamwork, early re-tooling and fighting spirit.

With regards to Mitch, I hate to say it, you really messed up the Laker roster after Shaq's departure. Just like one blogger said, the players that you have been getting are just like you... not too bad and not too good. It shows in the results to be consistently be eliminated on the first round. You may have improved in this year draft with Crittenton, Fisher falling into your lap and finally, you recognized the talents that are still out there for the taking. It is not your fault if KG will be traded to the Celtics but the Laker roster composition made us a very unattractive team, tradewise and competitionwise.

I think we need to bring in Ruben Patterson. If he is willing to sign for the vet minimum he could definitely help upgrade our defense, and he can score the ball. He doesn't hit the 3, and isn't a great free throw shooter, but he is a good defensive player, and hustles. This roster could be really tough defensively:

Fisher-Farmar-Crittenton
Kobe-Evans-Sasha
Patterson-Luke-Vlad
LO-Turiaf-Cook
Kwame-Bynum-Mihm

The beauty of this squad is that it's deep. If we slide Luke to the bench our second units production will be much better, and having Patterson lessens the need for a true #2 scorers, since we will essentially have 2 number 3 scorers. He's not KG, or JO but he COULD be exactly what the squad needs.

"...the Larry O'Brien Trophy needs to reference the Kings quasi-belief that Game 6 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals were fixed"

Like I have said in the past, it's all water under the bridge, but since YOU brought it up, your comment would be more accurate with a bit of revision.

Substitute "league-wide" for "Kings quasi" and delete "Game 6 of". I'm always glad to help out.

Sonnybelfast

How come the refs gave the Kings Game 5? Pretty weird fix. BTW, how come you guys couldn't hold a 24-point lead in Game 4? You know, there probably wouldn't have been a Game 6 if you could have stayed within 23 points of the Lakers over the final three quarters of Game 4. Keep enjoying your little fantasy, though. I guess acting like you won is better than actually winning. But not really. Accurate enough?

Tim Willis,

"Bynum + Critterdon + Brown > Jefferson, Rondo + Ratliff"

Absolutely not. Jefferson has proven over a longer period of time that he can produce at a high level in the NBA, and he's only 22. Bynum has shown flashes but he's a much bigger unknown than Jefferson. When trading a franchise guy, it helps to get something back in return that is a known quantity.

As for the Critt-Rondo comparison, it's tough to give the nod to JC due to the fact that he hasn't played a second in the league. Rondo proved to be a very good defender and passer at the point, even if his shot was suspect.

As for Kwame-Ratliff, they're just looked at as expiring contracts in the deal so that's a wash.

I think Minnesota makes out in the deal if they get Jefferson, Rondo, and Green plus cap space.

stein is saying that he's hearing Garnett to Boston deal is nearly complete and that Al Jefferson is not in the discussioin--if that is indeed true -the Celts are left with Garnett, Jefferson, Allen, Pierce----I mean , that's a damn good starting block ----geez, and Kevin Mchale is a true moron of our basketball times----

Jandro,
"Lets play some D and not worry about the offense.

I'm with you Jandro

repost

LAKERDAWG

"First of all thank you for the warm welcome. I never agreed with you (and you drive me crazy sometimes with some posts) but I always respected you, simply because unlike some other guy on this blog you seem to have a lot of class."

hey, i meant what i said with the welcome, we don't have to agree (that's what makes the blog fun), but show enough respect towards one another to converse. having said that #$$@#-off.....kidding. BTW, some of my posts are sincere beliefs that are exaggerated for entertainment.

“The FO is incompetent and spineless; they passed on several trade propositions that couldve made the team much better, thus making Kobe the #1 instead of the only one, but the always passed on them and always for stupid reasons.”

I’m actually starting to move towards FO being gutless (I’m not there on the incompetence matter because I have to give Jerry Buss due credit assuming the old guy’s still running the show), but for different reasons as follows:

1) FO should have traded kobe before 2004 if it was apparent that shaq and kobe were not ever going to get along. imagine if FO had the gut to trade kobe for the rights to LBJ....whoa mama!

2) if #1 is not available, kobe should have been asked to sign first, then get rid of shaq. if you’re going to trade shaq away, either FO or kobe’s going to get blamed, so just take it like a man.

3) if getting rid of trading shaq for value was not a viable option, let shaq play out his contract and take the cap space. what’s up with having Brian “bad knees” Grant for 3 years when the guy was done?

Anyhow, I’m glad to see FO didn’t make a knee-jerk reaction when kobe was raging like my girlfriend during her, um, cycles. you take care dawg.

repost

fkillah

"Like you said, Shaq can't singlehandedly win a championship for the Lakers. Following that logic, since basketball at its core is a team game, one individual can not be the reason why a team loses as well. That 04 Laker team was a mess from the very beginning. From Payton's whining, to Kobe's rape case, and Karl Malone's injury. Inserting two veteran players into the starting lineup of an unorthodox offense was a lot to ask for. Simply put, the chemistry was not there for a variety of reasons. Moreover, to assert that the championship was lost due to one individual is shortsighted and counters the belief that basketball is a team game."

you got me there. i have to concede your point. i still believe kobe chasing a finals MVP hurt the 04 Finals run considerably, but you're points are on target.

repost

wes

“Could you guys [KL and Gunner] sum up in a sentence or two why you don't like Kobe and if you're Lakers fans?”

I am a Laker fan who doesn't 100% appreciate Kobe (hate is too harsh and I do appreciate Kobe's pure talent) because the my definition of being a Lakers is "great players who are able to work together for the common goal (championships)" which Kobe has exhibited behavior contrary to those principles after the 2002 run. Fair enough?

The Lake-Show,

Maybe you should read my posts a little more carefully. I clearly pointed out that MItch, Ainge, and Mchale have been terrible GM's. And because of their past track record, I lack faith in all three. And no, I did not miss your point that Isiah is a terrible GM because you never made a point of it in the first place. I mentioned Isiah to illuminate how even the worse GM can make good moves. Dumping Francis's bloated contract and acquiring Randolph is a great move. My main point was to elucidate how other teams are making moves while we are not. Just because Ainge and Mchale are buds doesn't completly excuse Mitch from letting big trades happen on our end. According to Mitch, this summer was going to be the busiest, but all we have to show is Critteon, Luke, and Fisher. And yes, like I clearly mentioned before, that this pending trade may come to fruition because of the fact that Ainge and Mchale are friends. So I don't see the need for us to "fight." But I don't think that is the sole reason why this trade may go down. Another thing, this trade may transpire because Garnett is now open to the idea of playing in Boston. He refused the first trade thus the first trade was nixed, but no is forcing him to play there now. Who wouldn't want to play in the East with a line up that features Ray and Paul?

Thx Z

repost

Daddy-O (Deer "in the headlight" Daddy)

"KL is sleeping after wasting the day. He must be snoring like the coal trains of the early century. He still has his pacifier in his mouth. Poor guy."

i actually do have a life outside of this blog if you must ask. Any more lectures on how we shouldn't talk too much about kobe, then immediatly post a message on your next post about kob? Your analysis seemed fair at first, then i realize you're talking out of your butt just like the rest of us. BTW, why do you endear yourself with your screenname? Don't get no love at home?

SonnyB,

How about Cook, Sasha and Kwame for Artest?

OK, check that, Jefferson is back on the table, thank g-d if you're Minnesota-

and this trade is going to happen, as its being reported all over the place that Boston and Garnett have already negotiated a contract extension----

AK/BK,

Just wondering what happened to my first post around 10:30am today?

A giant of a man has passed Bloggers
Bill Walsh former coach of the San Francisco 49ers
passed aaway today of Leukemia at age of 79

i had al jefferson on my fantasy squad last season and that kid is a gamer. plus he's young and still has a great upside. the difference between him and socks is that he is producing good numbers along with the upside...unlike socks who...well hasnt produced. oh well. cant really blame that on kupcake. it just really blows that kg doesnt go the the purple and gold.

By the way, the East will be stacked--talent wise..but time will see if guys gel, stay healthy, and out of trouble..who knows...maybe Stern has this Garnett trade orchestrated

Boston: Garnett, Allen, Pierce
Washington: Arenas, Caron, Jamison
Nets: Kidd, Richardson, Carter
Knicks: Randolph, Marbury, Crawford
Bulls: Heinrich, Gordon, Deng
Detriot: Wallace, Billups, Hamilton
Magic: Lewis, Howard
Heat: Wade, Shaq
Bobcats: Wallace, Richardson
Cavs: LeBron
Toronto: Chris Bosh
Pacers: Jermaine O'neal
Bucks: Michael Redd

If anything, this also goes to show idiots like Bill Simmons that everything averages out, and the east would come back.. i mean at some point the Bulls dominated, the celtics dominated, the lakers dominated, the sixers dominated, the warriors dominated the knicks dominated..i mean to turn the playoffs into something else would be stupid

And this also works in the Lakers favor. I mean..would Kobe want to go to the East now???? If the Garnett trade does go through...suddenly the intensity level goes up in the East. It will no longer be an easy ride to the Finals...In fact, the East probably has more star power than the west

Kobe's best chance is staying with the Lakers..and getting Jermaine O'neal from the Pacers who now have ZERO chance of getting to the playoffs

Bird should just take Bynum and Odom for O'neal and Granger since they arent winning anytime soon. Might as well save money. Shoot, they should take Bynum, Kwame, and Farmar

AK/BK,
Was my post referring Bynum as the Big Silly Puddy deleted for offensive content? Where are the posts between 7:37am to 10:20am?

Regarding KG to Boston

KG to Kobe: "F-U"

Looks like KG's making a good decision if KG to Boston happens. KG-Pierce-Allen should make a formidable threesome in the Least. It's going to be fun next season.

I find it interesting that when Boston's star respectfully request FO to make some deals, and doesn't thump his chest and act like a jerk, good things happen. i wonder what would happen if kobe learns a few things about asking for what he wants instead of taking what he wants.......to be continued in the last paragraph

Looks like old-kobe ain't getting what he wants
*No Jerry West
*No trade to Chigago, Pheonix or Dallas
*No KG
*No "shipping out" Bynum
*No JO
*No firing Mitch

I guess kobe is still having a problems with accepting "no". "No" means "no" and "no" never means "yes" or "maybe"......you'd think after 2004................nah, ain't going to go there.

On the firing of Coach Fratello, NBATV Daily 12/29:

"It's always easiest to blame coaches. Coaches have the toughest job in the world and I'm not so sure today with free agency, uh, uh, a very awkward working relationship around here for a while and it looks like that's going to be resolved, uh, I'm not sure you can blame coaches for anything, but there's certain coaches for certain teams. Mike was dealt a bad hand to start with injury to Pau, uh, Eddie Jones in and out. I think he's relatively healthy now, probably ready to play now, but to me consistency is important, and un, for a coach to have consistency he needs all of his players around, but uh, it was, not pretty to watch, I don't think it was pretty for our fans, and having said that, uh, it was Mike Fratello's fault, no. The question I've myself here, uh, this year a lot and it's because I am so self critical about things that I do, and also prideful about things that I do, uh, probably for the last two months, I said to myself, has this game passed me by? Has it passed me by? Is it something that I'm missing here that is clearly in front of my eyes, but when I have other people say to me, 'My gosh, you guys have got talent,' Talent doesn't win basketball games all the time." -Jerry West-

I love Jerry West and his past achievements as both a player and manager, but his train may already have left the station.

On the other hand, I don't know about you, but I am awe inspired. Definitely, he's still your man Lakerland.

Sonnybelfast

AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Damn, I really feel sick. My one hope of having a great team to watch is about dead. I'm a die-hard Laker fan going back 20 years. Had season tickets for 3 of them. And I now know a few thing...

1. McHale is the worst GM in the game.
2. KG was the one real chance of contending in the West.
3. I just can't fool myself into another season of putting slightly above average players around Kobe and thinking we have a real chance (even with all of Kobe's talent).
4. I can't listen to Mitch for another year. I thought Del Harris was hard to take, but MK's crap is unbelievable.

I DON'T WANT ANOTHER YEAR OF MIHMS AND VLADS AND FARMARS AND ROOKIES!!!!!

Guess we'll all know how it would have felt to waste Jordan's best years.

(and yes I'm sure we'll win a few more games this year, and do a bit better in the playoffs, but man what a waste...)

RG07,

You seem to be a new face around here, unless you have just changed your name. Although I do agree with most of your post, I feel Luke should be a starter. His defensive capabilities is often exploited by other quicker forwards and even guards, however his upside in the triange offense cannot be ignored. The Lakers were surely missing that cohesiveness he brought to the floor.

jandro,
I do agree with you about defense being our #1 priority, in spite of everyone's constant reference to points when talking players.

However, the injuries last year hurt us much more on defense. No one got used to playing with any set of players. When you add Smush's (and Kobe's to some extent) cowboy style defense, you get a very uneven effort. Just having the same players playing 1st and 2nd team will help our defense. Of course, the coaches HAVE to emphasize defense more.

My point is that a consistent lineup will help us defensively more than trading for a player.

hahaha....this sucks. why be surprized? come on lets own it, kg wasnt coming here. mitch couldnt pull that deal even with donald trump sittin shotgun and they had steinbrenner's coin. one has to wonder, will the lakers now attempt to land jo? i have a feeling they are going to overpay for him now. after all wasnt he plan b?

AK/BK,

Like any machine, there is a mechanical breakdown on your blog. Someone here was complaining his post at 3 AM. I also posted a reply to JK but did not go through. Seemingly, the fabled worms get into your system, they are attracted by the cookies your blogs offers. You need a clean up or many more bloggers will be complaining not because of unworthy content but machine deficiency.

This is a celebrated thread because a lot of bloggers would like to burn the effigies of McHale as well as Kupchak.

This is the worst administrative leadership ever for the Lakers. Not since they were the Detroit Gems have they bungled it so bad. Buss and Kupchek have turned into a couple of bummbling idiots. KG to the Celtics!!
What happenned? Buss lost site of the prize. He choked. He let Jerry West get away. Then what does he do goes cheap. Ya know what, I think Mark Cuban has been proven to be correct.
BUSS IS A CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP gambler. He has given us many wonderful memories. And I guess he's still banking on the fact that enough fans will pay premium dollar for a point guard that doesn't event make a million (smush). For two years the Laker fans have opened the wallet. Well, I will not buy one more Laker thing until Kupchek is fired! Buss better get someone in the GM spot now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is not a team this is a group of guys that Kupcehk/Buss were able to acquire. If it wasn't for Phil. This team would have imploded mid season last year. they are putting all this on Phil and Kobe to fix.
IF the Laker fans continue to be complacent and accept what they are told instead of what they see with thier eyes. They will not see a finals victory for 15-20 more years. And the first 10 years will be financed on the backs of Laker fans.
It's time to revolt Laker fans! Stand up for what you know. This Laker team is not built to compete with the big boys. Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, Suns, Miami. And once they get KG the Celtics are back in the game and way ahead of the Lakers. The fans must hold the Lakers front office by closing thier wallets. Just like Buss has.

Laker-Show, do not start misquote me!!!

I have never said I would not be able to watch the lakers, I have supported the lakers since 1980, I have been supporting them thick or thin. I am lakers' fan for life. You do not know me, so don't start to judge or start speaking for me. I do not need a spokesman or PA. So please do you research and I find the post where you alleged I said this things. If not, I expect an apology for being misquoted and misrepresented by yourself. I expected better from you, but as usual in life, one can be easily let down!!

Aaarrrhhhh!!

Angry_Laker

Let's just face it, Kobe ain't no Jordan. Compare the two. Go watch the highlights.

I caught the old Air Time special that came out in '93 after Jordan's second of SIX championships. Pip was good, don't get me wrong, but not anything special for the most part.

Jordan created opportunity after opportunity and made the impossible possible. Kobe simply doesn't measure up. Jordan made more circus shots by that point in his career than Kobe ever will.

While Kobe is the best wing player in the game today, no way he stacks up to MJ. MJ put a dagger in teams hearts when he felt it was necessary. Kobe just takes advantage of the opportunities he's presented, but falls way short of being Jordanesque. He certainly can't turn it on like Jordan and really take over when the team needs it most.

And with the scrubs we're stuck with again, they'll really need it.

Too bad KB just ain't that guy.

The latest on Navarro...

Memphis is raising the ante and they're really after the compatriot of Pau Gasol. Yesterday, we heard C-Webb saying the Brian Shaw was trying to invite him to the Lakers but he's more vent on going back to the Pistons eventhough they made a decision to stick with McDyes and signed the draft picks.

If the Lakers will lose again to Memphis and Pistons on these two players, wow! what a sorry feeling we have on this team. This is not Kobe as some bloggers are addressing but no confidence on the team itself. This has something to do with the celebrated departure of Shaq accompanied by noises, the flight of mid-level stars through trade and retirement, the acceptance of the scrubs as the centerpiece and finally, the last straw the Kobe rants, we developed a bad reputation as a team. As I said before, once we fail to maintain the standard of the Laker brand, we will lose our luck luster reputation as an acceptable brand to upcoming stars. It took years for Mikan, Chamberlain, West, Baylor, Goodrich, Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Shaq and Kobe built it up, it all get into shambles under the mismanagement of Jim Buss, Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson while the fading, old but still reliable owner slept with his girlfriends. That's a shame.

Smush Parkers say "F-U" to Heat by signing with Heat.

My mistake on previous post, my missing post went through at 11:40 AM, it was just slow.

Our hosts are also getting tired and hungry, don't any of you guys bother send them pizza for the first time?

If this KG to Boston trades goes down, I won't be one of the Lakers fans that will be crying. Why?
1) His salary is going to kill any team that gets him. If he gets an extension anywhere near what he makes now, whoever gets him will be strapped for the duration.
2) Giving up LO, Kwame, Bynum and Farmar is too much. Who's going to play center? Mihm? Turief?
3) KG is not the dominating low post go-to scorer we need. He loves the turn around mid-range jumper. He doesn't muscle anyone down low.
4) When has KG ever led his team to anything? Sam Cassell was the leader in the only time the Wolves did anything. KG is a more consistent Odom, not a Duncan, Dwight Howard or Webber (in his prime).
Saying all that, I would have loved getting him as a FA next year with a reasonable salary, not a max deal.

KLBeast are just pretending to have no idea about workings behind the KG trade!!

Mchale pulled the trade with Lakers because he did not like what we offering and he wanted KG out of the west.

Please stop this stupid F-U crusade because seriously your the one sounds so F-up!!! Take a chill pill and do your research please.
The only power KG has is to say that he will opt out if he is traded to a team de does not like!!! There no reports saying that he we would have opted out if was traded to the lakers, so that blows you F-U theory.

Try and be objective and stop being so subjective!!!
Please no insults, if that is possible, just trying to have a discussion with a fellow lakers fan!!!

Aaarrrhhhh!!

Angry_Laker

Lake Show

Glad to see you're on board for Jermaine O'Neal now.

That's good. We need him.

How would we stack up with the Celtics in the Finals.

With JO atleast we have a guy who might be able to outplay 1 of Boston's big 3. Kobe will take care of 1 of them and then I think the collective depth of our team with D-Fish and Walton could handle the rest.
KOBE would have to play more out of his mind than KG.

That's what this is about guys. Matching up for the Finals!

Odom and Bynum might get stage FRIGHT.

At least Jermaine O'Neal has been in more WARS than ODOM and BYNUM.

Come on guys, let's win before Kobe's too old or gone!!!

Let's inspire MITCH to make a move!!

Screw JIM BUSS

BJ man 69,

In 2002, the Sacramento Kings were the consensus best team in the NBA, who in spite of getting shafted by the refs throughout the WCF, won a few games anyway.

This sentiment is well known, documented, and league-wide from both a fan and pundit perspective. I wouldn't expect most brokebackers to admit anything. It would be so far out of character for you, and it really doesn't matter now, does it?

You've got the asterisk, em, er, trophy.

Sonnybelfast

1. JERMAINE O'NEAL IS BETTER THAN LAMAR ODOM and less likely to have stage fright in the West or NBA Finals

2. JERMAINE O'NEAL IS MORE READY TO PLAY IN THE BIG TIME TODAY, THIS YR, and NEXT YR than ANDREW BYNUM.

True statements guys!

We got 2 yrs with KOBE and then it's LOSING TIME!!!

On a non Laker issue

Bill Walsh passed away today. One of the great football minds of all time. My prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace.

MH

This is a little off topic, but I say the following quote on a Miami Heat board and had to share:

"i like smush for defensive purposes. he can guard the likes of ben gordon/kirk hinrich, chauncey billups, larry hughes better than anything the heat ha last season because he is big, fast, and has long arms."

Apparently SMUSH is seen in Miami as a defensive ASSET. Man that is going to be a terrible team next year...

Jon Kavulic, I happened to see your post about your posts being deleted. I don't know if anyone else posted this afterwards but I have made some posts which never appeared as well. At first I thought they were being deleted but I think it has something to do with the program that is being used.

Anyway, what I ALWAYS do now is type up my post on Notepad, click "Start", then "All programs", slide up to "Accessories", then slide over and down to "Notepad". You can type your message on the Notepad, then when you are ready to post, click at the top on "Format", and then click on "Word Wrap" to turn the word wrap function off, so the words scroll off your screen, then copy and paste it here for posting. After you have posted, you can go back up and turn the word wrap function back on but you leave the notepad open until you check back here to make sure your post actually appears. You could also save it if you wanted to, but this way, you would have a backup in case something goes wrong, which has happened to me a couple of times so far as well.

Weave-Man:

I'm glad you've been able to enjoy my "completely fictional" stories.

BREAKING!!!!

TRADE IS COMPLETE - AP HAS JUST CONFIRMED BOSTON AND MINNY HAVE COMPLETED DEAL -----

Thank you mothership!

Playing with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce is still way better than what he has in Boston...so you can't really blame the guy. However he's still gonna be under a "celtic"(s) current culture of losedome...so not so much.

Be smart KG, come to LA!

Good post Jandro, props!

done deal......BOSTON GLOBE confirming:

"CELTICS GET GARNETT"

LakerBake,

Hey I agree with you man, Totally. I tried to say the same thing a week or so ago and a guy had the nerve to tell me that everyone agreed that it is not best to trade Bynum & Odom for lets say, an Oneal. Oneal would bring the defense and the offense and rebound. and your right, i dont see IT in Bynum either.

Go Lakers!!!

At this point, i kinda hope KG goes to the Celtics...

The Timberwolves would then be crap for years to come...

Jefferson? - in the west, he a undersized PF. A undersized Boozer. He is going to compete with a Oden/Aldridge frontline? please...
Green? - raw talent, could be good. nice piece
Theo Ratliff? - cap space, but damn, who's going to come to Minn.? really
Telfair? - when he gets a jumpshot, then we'll talk about him.

So now, Minnesota basically gets a top 3 pick next year cuz they suck so bad.
Foye
Green
Brewer (solid player, no star though)
Jefferson
Blount(?)
Telfair
Ricky Davis

woooooooowwww, what a terrible freakin team that's going absolutely knowhere ...

I encourage McHale to make that trade, set his franchise back another 5 years, and prove to be the worst GM of all time.