Eddie Money had two tickets to paradise
The Celtics now have one Ticket, a purchase made with the intention of traveling to the same destination that Mr. Money had in mind. Needless to say, this is pretty gosh darn huge. "Big enough to make David Stern stop weeping about Oden and Durant playing for two teams nobody ever sees" huge. "Big enough to make Bill Simmons stop weeping about acquiring Ray Allen" huge, especially considering Jesus Shuttlesworth reportedly played a big role in pitching Beantown to Garnett. Hell, it's even "big enough to overshadow the Lakers signing Coby Karl" huge.
OK, the acquiring of George Karl's undrafted son might have flown under the radar under any circumstances (although it's actually a more inspirational story than KG getting traded). But when it comes to inspiring Laker fans to sing a tune with an excellent guitar riff, the newest Laker likely won't cut the mustard. Karl's presence also appears a long shot to prevent Kobe from licking old wounds, a reaction that could make things rather unpleasant. Thus, it begs the question of where to go from here.
Well, for fans, a trip to El Segundo armed with flaming torches and a cry for Mitch Kupchak's head is unwarranted. I'm not being a front-office apologist, just realistic. Disappointed as I am to see Garnett land elsewhere, I don't think this situation is reasonably on Kupchak's shoulders. By all accounts, an aggressive pitch was made for Garnett. A failure to put him in purple and gold didn't seem due to a reluctance to part with chips, simply a lack of said chips. I've said a zillion times that I didn't think the Lakers had the pieces to make KG a Laker. Here's proof positive. Sorry, but Boston's offer was better than the Lakers' best counter. Compare the particulars and it's obvious:
Kwame Brown represents an expiring contract worth 9 million bucks. Theo Ratliff's is worth 11.7. I'm hardly qualified to teach mathematics at MIT. I can barely do long division. But I remain confident in my belief that 11.7 is more than 9. Bynum is a promising post player. Al Jefferson is a promising post player who's more developed than Drew. That doesn't mean Jefferson's a lock to end up the better player, but it does mean he's pretty a tough commodity to refuse, especially in a holdout for a less-established big man. In addition to draft picks, the Wolves receive youngsters ranging from "all upside" (Gerald Green) to "potentially solid role player" (Ryan Gomes) to "soon to be blessed with a lot of free time to shop for new guns" (Sebastian Telfair). All contracts end in 2008, providing a team that won't likely be good for a few seasons some low-risk, short-term options. And since they won't be solid anytime soon, why take on Lamar Odom's big contract and allow his PT to stymie the growth of Corey Brewer? Even with the Lakers theoretically willing to take Marko Jaric or Mark Blount's bad salaries, the Celts package makes more sense for a rebuilding team. If you wanna blame Kupchak for not having the requisite pieces on hand, fair enough. But otherwise, you're basically blaming him for not being able to con Kevin McHale into taking a clearly less-desirable package. His moves over the years show McHale may be dumb, but the man ain't stupid.
Assuming Kupchak can enter his office without a private security detail, what should he do while at his desk? Hopefully not sign off on a panic move that shows fans (and a certain shooting guard) that he's willing to "make noise." Yeah, noise often reeks of "bold and decisive." But noise also typically precedes a thumping headache. The powers that be are already gobbling Excedrin. No need to willingly end up in rehab for an aspirin addiction. Jermaine O'Neal, for example, is the likely name to pop up in rumor mills. Last time he was sewing circle fodder, the deal involved exchanging Odom and Bynum (unless you're counting the Odom-Bynum-Brown for JO-Troy Murphy proposal, but I don't since it was asinine to even consider). Landing JO gives the Lakers a bigger "name" and certainly brings the much-ballyhooed "noise." But would it also bring bring the funk? I don't think so.
JO might shore up the D a bit in between nursing injuries (which happens quite a bit, for those keeping score). But I don't think he'd transform the Laker hoop into a fortress, either. In the meantime, you lose what LO provides the offense, especially in turns of it running smoothly. Yes, offense isn't chief among Laker concerns, but that's assuming it functions at peak capacity. Remove LO from the equation for a less versatile option and you may downgrade the O more than the D actually improves. JO is a more consistent scorer, but this still strikes me as a sideways (and expensive) move, and I don't know if it's worth trading two of three pieces with any value simply because it represents "bold action." Driving headfirst in a brick wall at 90 mph is bold. Doesn't mean I'm itching to do it. And save the theoretical move for KG, the only way the Lakers were "one player away" was through adding a high-quality player to the mix, not swapping talent. If the Lakers pick up a quality player to accompany Kobe and JO, that's perhaps another story. But I'd hate to see the team dig itself further into a hole so fans know they're "serious about building a winner." "Serious" and "smart" are two different things. I prefer the latter.
Does that mean I wanna stand pat? No. The front office should aggressively go after any good player on the market and those reportedly untouchable. But I don't think they should move heaven and earth, no questions asked. Especially if the primary motive is making Kobe happy, since the odds are low, anyway. Garnett was the guy he wanted. That's no longer a possibility. I don't picture any other moves that'll automatically put a smile on his face. Except, of course, trading him. Which, as I've said before, I think the Lakers should seriously consider. Not because I "want" to trade Kobe. Nobody really "wants" to trade the league's best player still in his prime. I'd much rather put a team around him, all things being equal. But this isn't about what I want. It's about what I think is best for the Lakers, and sometimes what you want to do and what you should do are two very different things.
If you can't utilize Kobe's abilities to their fullest by building around him, there's no real point to having him here, especially if he's counting down the minutes (perhaps in a vocal and distracting fashion) until he can bolt. You're simply avoiding the inevitable, and procrastinating could limit whatever returns are possible for Kobe. Like it or not, the Lakers may be in a position where rebuilding is the unattractive but necessary solution. If that's the case, you're better off obtaining (and retaining) the most pieces and options to make it happen. No Laker will fetch more loot than Kobe. Were I Mitch Kupchak, I'd keep my ear to the ground for possibilities. But if I'm hearing nothing but silence, I would approach Kobe and lay everything on the table. If we acquiesce to your wishes, will you widen the list of reportedly acceptable destinations beyond "Chicago" and "Chicago" (although the Bulls could very well be more interested in a Kobe trade these days, now that Boston's a legit three-headed monster)? As stubborn as he can be and as much as he hates relinquishing control, Kobe might be open to a compromise focused around speeding up his wishes. Or he might take that stance as a sign of weakness and relish having the Lakers by the short and curlies, aping how Shaq handled his trip out of town. But if I had to guess, a cooperative olive branch is more likely to help than hurt. And it may be the best move for the franchise (if a bitter pill for fans to swallow).
In any case, I'd be lying if I said I'm not curious about what comes next. I'm already exhausted thinking about how many hours I'm gonna be chained to my laptop writing about it. But curious nonetheless.
-- AK
KG to the Celtics! It's official now! That triumvirate will definitely tip the scales of talent in the east.
p.s. I hope I'm the first one to post. I'm looking to be the first poster 3x now! Don't let me down!!!!
Posted by: Never | July 31, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Wow. they gave up an entire lineup (every position player) plus two pcks for KG.
Amazing.
But I still love the deal. I'm torn now. I'm a huge KG fan. I really hope he gets to the Finals and win it...but he's a CELTIC. BOOOO.
Posted by: wasabi | July 31, 2007 at 01:02 PM
Maybe I'm being naive, or maybe it's just sour grapes, but does anyone else think Boston gave up WAY too much? I mean Garnett is great, there's no doubt about it, but this trade leaves Boston with no role players of consequence, and no future. What happens when these guys go to the bench? Who is gonna step up for them, Glen Davis? IDK maybe I'm going crazy but I think this is a little ridiculous:
Gerald Green
Al Jefferson
Ryan Gomes
Theo Ratliff
2 first round picks
Now, I could see if they guys were scrubs, but Green has MUCH upside, Jefferson is already putting up all-star numbers, and Gomes is gonna be a pretty good player. I guess the picks aren't that bad since they'll be in the 20's, but what if they get the injury bug like we did last year? They could end up giving Minny 3 really good young players, and a top 10 draft pick.
Sitting here typing this has actually woken me up. Boston got a top 2 big man in this league for a guard who is unproven, a really good player who prolly won't put up the numbers in the west, and a utility guy. LOL, I guess I really was going crazy.
Posted by: Weave-Man | July 31, 2007 at 01:07 PM
The Lakers are up the river in a canoe without a paddle.
Jim Buss has gotten his desire... we WILL live or die by Socks.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | July 31, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Kobe nemesis Ray Allen looks really good. He has beat Kobe so bad. I mean he predicted Kobe, and now he is the one playing a dominant big man.
Posted by: wow | July 31, 2007 at 01:14 PM
Wrong GM offiice strategy.
Mitch and Jiom Buss wouldn't be able to finish a trade for all star for only one reason:
They overestimate Lamar Odom and Bynum value.
When they will recognize that Lamar is a third rate player in the league?
When they will recognize that Bynum value is losing esteem the more they keep trying to sell him as the 9th wonder of the wold.?
Odom value isn't even in the same caliber rigth now of Chancey Billups, Gerald Wallace, Rip Hamilton, Caron Butler, Ray Allen. I don't thing San Antonio would trade Ginobili for him.
Bynum value is a all time low. Work ethic questions marks, weight problems, lack of desire, temper, lack of heart.
Of course, everything is backfiring now. I doubt they will be able to get O'neal since they lost leverage with the Garnett signing.
To those who think Odom + Bynum is too much for O"Neill....I laugh in their ingenuity. They obviously don't know about basketball, those are the bandwagon-big mouth-talkers that are jumping to crown Crittendon as the new Rip Hamilton, same like as they did with Farmar last year, a all star in the making without playing more than 2 months.
Posted by: jorema | July 31, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Jefferson, Brewer, Foye - Wolves are starting to look like Portalnd and Seattle... Young and a bright near future!
Celtics are BACK!
Kobe has to carry the legend of Lakers vs Celtics, has to defy Shaq and Wade now Snush included, has to battle Lebron for supremacy. That's just the EAST... If Kobe can ever come out of the tough WESTERN Conference?
It's a good thing Kobe has trimmed down ready ti fight! Who's goimg to fight with him, KWAME? hahaha!
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 31, 2007 at 01:23 PM
I don't think Kobe will say anything. He's focused on Team USA. He
*WILL* look Mitch, Jim & Jerry directly in the eyes with disgust. He will
watch the Celtics this year and if they do well, he'll leave as soon
as possible.
He will not go to Boston to play with KG. I predict that if he walks,
he'll head to clevland to play with LBJ for the minimum. When the
Cavs come to LA he will play out of his mind and drop 72 on the
Buss family and SHAQ will be in the stands to watch EVERY SINGLE
F*&^ING POINT! Magic will *NOT* be in the stands, because he'll know
that the Lakers FO screwed the pooch big time!
ps. Has anyone else noticed that Mitch seems to have a thing for
unathletic white guys?
pps. Last year we carried how many guards? Why do we have so many
guards again? Also, we've now filled the roster. We couldn't add anyone
if we wanted to. Didn't they say they didn't want to do that again?
ppps. If there is going to be a Laker FO crucifiction, please let me know so I can attend.
-- A truly disgusted Laker fan.
Posted by: hobbitmage | July 31, 2007 at 01:25 PM
repost
BTW, with all the conspiracy thoeries out there regarding the NBA especially with refs. I think they should hold an investigation regarding this KG trade. I think it was monopolize by Ainge and Mchale. They just dangle Kg to other teams but Mchale knew he wont trade him unless its to Boston. It ws an INSIDER TRADING..they hanged martha stewart for that..lol
Ron L
Posted by: ron l | July 31, 2007 at 01:28 PM
AK
That was so WEAK. I mean same old same old story from you. Nothing personal with ya but, Lamar making the offense flow is BALONEY. Luke Walton can do that and D-Fish knows the offense better than Lamar. Lamar should do his job as the 2nd most dominant player and personality on the team. He fails and has failed for 3 yrs.
HE GETS HURT AS MUCH OR MORE THAN JERMAINE O'NEAL. He's hurt RIGHT NOW!!
We have the best offensive machine in the league. Our offense will be fine and no KOBE won't have to jack up 35 FGA's.
We don't stop anyone on defense. That is what JO adds. We also don't have enough dominant personalities with a SWAGGER to win. We need one and JO has that more than Lamar Odom as much as you like him as a guy.
KOBE, JO, D-Fish, Luke Walton and the rest of the cast gives us a better chance. It's up to KOBE to put us over the top. He's got to go get it. That's why we got him. He's maxed out with the current group.
I can't believe you talk about SMART moves. The Lakers are not led by the smartest people. Check the resume.
This move is smart because JO is all that's available to the Lakers today and tomorrow (during the season outside of Camby maybe).
There are no phantom players that will be available. We all know the LEAGUE and the rosters.
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 01:34 PM
AK
The news is bad enough, but now you've get William Shatner's version of "Two Tickets to Paradise" stuck in my head. Thanks.
Posted by: The D | July 31, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Is frustrating to do a post, only to see it lost in oblivion, while we see KLbeast posts, 10 or 15 posts appearing constantly writing the same all message.
Can we play fair game here?
Can the blog be saved from the new rules?
Posted by: jorema | July 31, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Weave-man,
I think Minnesota got a tremendous deal from Boston. If they are able to move two or more of their other crappy contracts before the season starts, they will have to look at it as a successful first step in transitioning out of the KG era.
AK,
If the Lakers do trade Kobe in a similar type deal that Minnesota just did (and I hope they would, rather than go the "bring in another all-star" route), you would have to think that the front office would look to be competitive at the same time as Portland, Seattle, Memphis, and now Minnesota. Of course, the whole thing banks on the idea that Duncan, Nash, KG/Allen/Pierce, and Shaq will all be on their way down in 3-4 years.
I too am interested to see how the front office handles this, but I feel that we could be successful either way. As I've stated before, I think the chance, however slim, that KG could come to LA has caused more trouble than it was ever worth. I'm ecstatic to get that out of the way.
Posted by: Andrew Z | July 31, 2007 at 01:44 PM
If Kevin Garnett had wanted to come to LA, it would have happened. He had to approve and compromise in order for the Celtics to acquire him. What did Kobe say in that phone call from Garnett (during the KG to the Lakers trade buzz)? After that phone call, the Garnett to Lakers trade momentum seemed to fade. What did Kobe tell him?
Posted by: Jeff | July 31, 2007 at 01:44 PM
LakerBake,
First and foremost, no offense taken, so no worries.
Actually, Odom doesn't really get hurt any more than JO. Maybe historically, perhaps, but check their career stats. LO played in more games the last two seasons than O'Neal. They're both pretty injury prone, end of story.
And I don't agree with the logic that taking a guy because he's available makes it "smart." If it doesn't make the team better, all in all (which I don't think it will), why take on a guy with an even bigger salary (23 mil by the end of 2010) that'll make it even tougher to add pieces? Sorry, but Kobe, JO and a bunch of role players aren't gonna make much noise in the east, I don't think.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 31, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Weave-Man,
You forgot about Theo Ratliff and his 11+M coming off the books by the end of this season.
I agree with AK. Lakers just did not have pieces to outbid Boston. However it'll be interesting to see how this trio going to coexist and share the ball. Pierce and Allen is not known to be pass first type of players and Boston was putting talent around Pierce the same way as Seatle use to do around Allen and Wolves around KG. Good luck to Doc Rivers to massage 3 egos. Not to mention good luck to Boston to figure out how to put NBA players around them and how to pay for this experiment next year.
About projection and things like 'instant contender'... Its long season and we'll see how things developed over 82 games. On paper it looks formidable as Miami use to before last season or Dallas before playoffs. We should remember, all 3 of them in their thirties and been in this league for many with a lot of mileage.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | July 31, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Weave,
Yeah..... Tim Perry, Jeff Hornecek and Andrew Lang come to mind.
Posted by: McGarnagle | July 31, 2007 at 01:47 PM
AK,
I feel what you're saying about JO's injury history, but you have to remember he won't have to carry as much of the load here, which should keep him fresher, and keep the injuries away. Ever since Reggie retired he's pretty much had to carry that team on his back offensively, AND defensively. Here he wouldn't have to do either. Kobe is gonna be the number 1 option on offense, and if we keep Kwame in the trade with Indy, he can guard the other teams best low post scorer, with O'Neal only having to focus on weakside defense, and rebounding. What do you think about this roster:
Fisher-Armstrong-Crittenton
Kobe-Evans-Sasha
Patterson-Luke-Vlad
JO-Turiaf
Kwame-Mihm
I know Indy would have to compromise to make this happen, but they would be getting everything they want, except they wouldn't be losing a big contract. And if they really wanted to get rid of one of their bad contracts I think they would be willing to take on Vlad's contract, and substitute Tinsley for Armstrong which would leave our roster like this:
Fisher-Tinsley-Crittenton
Kobe-Evans-Sasha (or Coby Karl)
Patterson-Luke
JO-Turiaf-Cook
Kwame-Mihm
Either one of these rosters can run with any team in the west.
Posted by: Weave-Man | July 31, 2007 at 01:50 PM
AK,
You can't disguise the fact that deep down, you're just a Kobe hater!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 31, 2007 at 01:50 PM
why cant the lakers trade kwame, farmar, another player and a future second pick for camby or artest? pathetic.
Posted by: the WOLF | July 31, 2007 at 01:51 PM
McHale sends Garnett to the Celts? I sense a Zombie conspiracy. G1?
Of course, it could be the NBA player market reacting to the talent saturation in the West. Too many good players in the West are shut out of what is good in the NBA life: playoff runs, All-Star spots and exposure. All the while, all above-average players have free reign in the East. When trade talks commence and when contracts expire, these sorts of things tend to correct over time.
Probably though, it's the Zombies.
Posted by: The D | July 31, 2007 at 01:52 PM
LakerBake:
"That was so WEAK. I mean same old same old story from you. Nothing personal with ya but, Lamar making the offense flow is BALONEY. Luke Walton can do that and D-Fish knows the offense better than Lamar. Lamar should do his job as the 2nd most dominant player and personality on the team. He fails and has failed for 3 yrs."
If Lamar is given the chance to stop running the offense as much as he has, he'll improve offensively. And yes, he does allow the offense to flow better because he's a pretty big threat to opposing teams. When he's healthy, he's quite obviously the "2nd most dominant player and personality on the team."
"HE GETS HURT AS MUCH OR MORE THAN JERMAINE O'NEAL He's hurt RIGHT NOW!!"
Actually, the last several seasons JO has missed more games than LO has by a good amount. Plus, LO's injuries are easier to come back from than JO's. JO's problems are primarily in his knees and that's not good for a big man.
"I can't believe you talk about SMART moves. The Lakers are not led by the smartest people. Check the resume."
Jerry Buss: 8 Championships.
That's pretty much all that needs to be said.
Posted by: generic_one | July 31, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Time to get league pass. I think the Celtics are going to absolutely tear up the Eastern Conference in the regular season.
If only Kobe was as lucky as Michael Jordan, his circumstances might be different. And if you think Kobe made his own bed, now he has to lie in it -you're wrong. Because Kobe may have made the bed when it was clear he didn't want to play with Shaq, but Lakers Management took the whole bed away when they traded for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler, and Brian Grant. And then traded Butler for Kwame. And then did not take any risks.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | July 31, 2007 at 01:55 PM
AK,
I think what you're saying is, everybody's screwed.
You're saying if the Lakers keep Kobe, they can't start rebuilding. On the other hand, anywhere Kobe goes he's screwed because they'd have to gut pretty much an entire franchise to make room for him.
You're saying if we trade for JO our offense goes down and our defense goes up. If that's what you're saying and you're right, one might argue that we should make the move for JO, since Defense is the Lakers biggest weakness right now. The team as constituted is still likely to give up too many points on any given night.
My opinion is, we should stand pat. If the Zenmaster can sell a defensive mindset, keeping our offense viable and playing smarter defense is the answer.
There will be more free agents available next year of a higher caliber. Kwame's money will be off the books. Other GMs will have all season to see what Bynum, Crittendon, Farmar are really worth, which is hopefully more than they are worth right now. Either Lamar will have the breakout year he's capable of, or he won't. Keep Kobe now and see what the team can deal for next summer.
The current group is capable of getting back to the playoffs and maybe even going a round deeper. That's not the same as a ring and a parade, but it is not the end of the world, either.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 31, 2007 at 02:00 PM
AK
is always the first guy saying that hey we should not be rebuilding and contending at the same time yet,
he wants to continue to do that as oppose to making a BOLD move like Jermaine O'Neal.
I ask what else is available?
The summer is based on keep KOBE or trade KOBE.
You can't trade him and management has said they have ZERO interest in it.
If you keep him then you have to make BOLD moves to make the team better or push the needle over towards better and a better chance.
We're going to rebuild and loserville soon enough. We might as well take a shot at winning big now.
You don't rebuild with the 10th overall pick in the draft more than likely anyway. We have to go to the top of the lottery to truly rebuild so WHY KEEP half a*$ doing it.
Makes no sense.
We need to try and contend and make this team better. Judging from the last 3 yrs it's not that hard if we make moves.
KOBE took the team to 2 playoffs by himself.
I think AK has a DEEP BONE to pick with KOBE. He wants him out of here and fast.
He's gonna shout hooray when he goes but we have no plan or no leader.
Get over the KOBE thing.
Let's play ball.
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 02:02 PM
The D,
I gave you a Homer Simpson version of the song. Wherever your mind wanders from there isn't my fault. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 31, 2007 at 02:05 PM
Sad when your team does not have a single player that other teams desire or want to trade for. From Kobe to Turiaf no Laker is wanted by any other team , either because they make too much (Kobe) or because they make too much and are over-rated (LO) or they make too much and they suck (Vlad) or they don't make much but are lame (Bynum) , or they make too much and are super lame that even in their last year of contract no one wants them (Kwame)
Posted by: Kobeyashi | July 31, 2007 at 02:07 PM
I was the first poster! WOOOOOO!
Posted by: never | July 31, 2007 at 02:08 PM
Hey Generic_One
Since you think Jerry Buss is so smart, you better HUG those 8 trophies cause NO MORE are coming with the current outlook.
That sounded ridiculous.
We're trying to win now and you can't rebuild with the 10th overall pick who didn't even like basketball until he was a 11th grader or whatever it was.
So why does Jerry SMART Buss's son consider Andrew Bynum his future.
Give it a break!
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 02:09 PM
JOREMA
Here here, clap clap, you're so right.
You're absolutely right. Everyone affiliated with the Lakers me included over value what Lamar Odom really is. He is a #3 guy disguised as a #2.
That's why we need to move him for a real #2.
Bynum is what you said too.
We better wake up or go to sleep like the Celtics for 10-15 yrs.
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 02:11 PM
The D:
Very well may be. It's definitely not a good sign for KG, as he's probably already been turned.
Posted by: generic_one | July 31, 2007 at 02:13 PM
I would like to make an official apology here and now for spreading the lies that come from the spirit world!
My poor mother was being used as an instrument of lies and deciet by vicious entities, stating the coming of KG to the Lakers. I feel appalled and ashamed for installing false hope in Laker fans. I hereby pledge never to forward any messages from the spirit world again on this blog. I am truly sorry!
Now I must continue to vomit, as I have done all day long... Abandon ship! All hope is lost!!! Let's kamikaze this franchise into the face of sycophant a-hole Kevin McHeil Hitler...
Posted by: Andy L | July 31, 2007 at 02:14 PM
repost
The D
"What I don't understand is your theory that Kobe would rather have stats than wins. Is there any evidence to suggest that Kobe's not intent on winning?"
Perhaps kobe should have thought about turning into Barry Sanders when shaq was on the trading block and kobe just sat there and gloated that he, kobe bryant, defeated his nemesis shaq. perhaps kobe should have embraced playing alongside shaq when he had the privilege.
If kobe truly cares about winning, and only winning, why let shaq go? why be an a$$ to the only person on his team which has produced winning results?
so I have to respectfully disagree with you that kobe cares about winning above all else.
Posted by: KLBeast | July 31, 2007 at 02:15 PM
Rick F,
In general, I agree with your post.
"There will be more free agents available next year of a higher caliber. Kwame's money will be off the books."
That is true, but the only part that will be available to use for free agents will be the amount that is below the salary cap. That likely won't be a lot, so the team really needs to try and trade him during the season, to get the "full value" of his contract.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 31, 2007 at 02:16 PM
Wow
Even exhelodrvr sees the KOBE hate in AK.
Man, let's get over it.
AK & Rick Friedman
If we do nothing then it's not like we're up next for having CAP room for a big summer.
As long as we keep signing Vlad Rad's and Luke Walton to deals that put more on our cap we won't have room.
When Kwame falls off if we let him, we will not have cap room.
So the flexibility that you crave still won't be there without a few yrs of HELL, not wanting to view the NBA Pass because of the pain, and the top of the LOTTERY.
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 02:16 PM
Some people here totally insane. Do you understand one simple fact -
IN ORDER TO MAKE A TRADE YOU NEED TO HAVE AN AGREEMENT OF BOTH PARTIES. JUST BECAUSE MITCH WANTS IT OR KOBE WANTS IT OR DR BUSS WANTS NOT NECESSARILY MEANS THEY WILL FIND TRADE PARTNERS WHO WILL AGREE.
Boston put better deal on table. End of story. We don't like, it's another story.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | July 31, 2007 at 02:18 PM
Great write-up, AK.
Man, I feel like I've been kicked in the gut.
Next season is all about Phil Jackson and Andrew Bynum. The time is not tomorrow. It is now.
Urgh.
I'm not one to attack the Lakers front office. I'm one to defend it.
That much said, I do not believe that Mitch Kupcheck and Jim Buss are helping the Lakers right now. I think Mitch has the right intent, but he may not have the skills and may have his hands tied by conflicting interests in the front office. Jim Buss is no Dr. Buss. Let's just say that.
We need Jerry West back.
Sigh. This year's model is still better than last year's model. It just hurts to see KG wearing a fricken Celtics uniform. God...
How does the last place in the East Celtics have more chips than us? What the hell?
Urgh.
We made a bad trade to the Heat for Shaq.
We made a bad trade to Washington for Caron Butler.
We did well in our trade for Fox to the Celtics.
Overall, it appears that there is not a clear vision in the Lakers front office.
We are betting A HELL OF A LOT ON ANDREW BYNUM. He better fricken show up next year or he will be known forever as the experiment that ruined the Lakers franchise.
God, please bless the Lakers.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | July 31, 2007 at 02:19 PM
Hey Rick Friedman
Defensively speaking,
The Zen Master sells nothing he does not have the personnel to excute.
He's sold minimal defense for 2 yrs.
Payton told us all that he doesn't practice defense.
All that Chicago defense was offensive execution like running the ball in football and JORDAN, PIPPEN, HO GRANT, and RODMAN!!
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 02:23 PM
Let me be the fist to say a healthy laker team as it stands now will be better than the one in Boston !! Aa far as KL goes...those posts should be limited soon as summer comes to an end and KL will have to focus on school as 5th grade will be starting up again !
Posted by: lalakerlover | July 31, 2007 at 02:26 PM
Jon Kavulic -
I'm with ya. This Bynum guy is all we got now. He'd better start producing some results, fast.
Posted by: Kobe Apologist | July 31, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Lakerbake,
"AK is always the first guy saying that hey we should not be rebuilding and contending at the same time yet, he wants to continue to do that as oppose to making a BOLD move like Jermaine O'Neal.I ask what else is available? The summer is based on keep KOBE or trade KOBE. You can't trade him and management has said they have ZERO interest in it."
I understand that the front office is saying that they have no interest in trading Kobe. I'm saying, I don't agree with them. Thus, I'm not interested in entertaining the best way of going about implementing a flawed strategy (like adding the best guys available while making an already thin team even thinner). Like I said, I'm not interested in making a bold move simply for the sake of making it if I don't think it makes sense.
"Judging from the last 3 yrs it's not that hard if we make moves.
KOBE took the team to 2 playoffs by himself."
Honestly, Kobe didn't "take the Lakers to the playoffs" last season. The team basically backed in. They were 9-17 in March and April. Had NO/OKC or the Clippers gotten their act together down the stretch quicker down the stretch, the Lakers would have missed the playoffs. I'm not saying this to downplay Kobe's season, because it was incredible and obviously helped with the games they won. But truth be told, poor play from teams behind them had as much or more to do with the Lakers making the playoffs as anything the Lakers or Kobe did.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 31, 2007 at 02:28 PM
gr8 celtics sign kg and we sign coby karl. but who am i to speak i'm not even in the nba. i bet kobe is "smiling and real happy abt this"
Posted by: komplex | July 31, 2007 at 02:30 PM
Rick Friedman,
I agree with you. Trading LO and Bynum out of desperation for JO will kill us. If Kobe decided to leave Lakers they will have JO with 23M to pay through 2009-2010? Plus take useless Troy Murphy for 40M for another 4 seasons? Thanks, but no thanks.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | July 31, 2007 at 02:32 PM
AK,
What I dont understand about the possible trade with Indiana for Jo is this. If we offer up LO and Bynum, we would seemingly be in the drivers seat on this trade. So why are we having to take on Murphy's heavy contract as well? Why cant we push and see if LO, Bynum and Brown can get us O'neal (overweight contract) and Granger? If not granger, maybe diogu (who we would then have to pkg for someone else)? O'neal is not ideal for our team, but if we have to give up a good player (with not that bad of a contract if u compare to most of the signings in the last three years), a good prospect, and an expiring contract, it seems like we could up our asking price a little bit.
Posted by: Kyle F | July 31, 2007 at 02:33 PM
First time on this blog in a long time........Jim Buss and Mr.Cup-Cake........will go down in history as one of the two worst players in upper-management to lead a NBA ORGANIZATION...........Lamar Odom isa CLASSIC C player.............good in two out of ten games and injury prone..............andrew (the dud)bynum...........lazy.....no backbone...........no heart.............and rude............that is what they call him where he was raised in new jersey..............but you see buss doesnt give background checks and cupcake is pathetic..............kobe byrant gone next year..........................the lakers have gone to hell...............this is sad...............................
Posted by: thomas aka laker nation | July 31, 2007 at 02:33 PM
LakerBake:
You know, I'm getting tired of hearing all this "sky is falling" crap. Our future was looking pretty dismal when Magic retired. It took us the better part of a decade to get back to the top (12 years if you count the total time between championships). Building a contender doesn't happen overnight. Period. It's been three seasons since we were in the finals and any team is going to suffer after they have to trade away one of the most dominant big men in the game.
Saying that we won't see a championship again is ridiculous. Why mortgage our future for a second round exit (JO + Kobe)? Sports fans in general are an irrational bunch, but I think Laker fans top them all. There are always exceptions (as demonstrated by many on here), but for the most part they were spoiled with our run in 00-02.
Be patient, dudes and dudettes.
Posted by: generic_one | July 31, 2007 at 02:33 PM
I hope Bynum calls Kareem sometime while he's working out at El Segundo so much.
If so I wish Kareem would tell us that the kid is ready for a HUGE yr.
WISHFUL thinking!
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 02:36 PM
Lakers Bryant Odom Brown Mihm Walton Fisher tells you we are not rebuilding...
Lakers Bynum, Turiaf, Farmar, Crittenton tells you we are rebuilding...
So which is which?
When we brought Odom and Brown we were not rebuilding, but beacuse the two failed to what they were brought here for to help Kobe win Championship.
Anderw Bynum was drafted as a project and that's all. He has done well the last two years and maybe more for a 17 year old project. Therefore, don't blame Andrew for all the expectation you have put on the kid. Blame Odom, most especially Kwame for the Laker's current situation. Salary wise, age wise, planning wise, tiiming wise, trade asset wise, Odom and Brown were the cause of all Lakers problems. Mitch and the Lakers executives are partly to blame, but not really their fault. We all saw potential in these two and they did not deliver.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 31, 2007 at 02:44 PM
Laker Nation,
In regards to KG, we really did not have the pieces. Per the K brothers comments, we may blame the FO as far as not having the developing pieces for KG.
As far as what Kevin Mchale and Danny Ainge, they are alumni and will take care of each other.
I don't know if it is Jim Buss' arrogance and incompetence and Jerry Buss' withering experience , and Mitch Kupchacks paid scapegoat role, or just using the Donald Sterling technique of "We'll make that money anyways" because we have Kobe. All in all, it is this 3 headed monster of the FO that has been the common denominator for all piss poor decision making. (We were so blessed to have Bill Sharman - A Celtic I might add and Jerry West to handle the late 70's through the late 90's.)
In regards to Kobe, I ultimately still feel he is talent-wise the shining superstar that can not handle the leadership role. Kobe needs a firm commander in chief on the floor, for him to let loose and rule the hardwood. I feel he is best used as player, not a player coach. Neither is he culpable for his personal actions. (I.e. Implicating Shaq in the rape case, getting into beef with Karl Malone regarding Vanessa, and his recent video tirade - like he shouldnt be aware of cellphones with video recording capabilities) Kobe has the skillset to be the greatest, but not the generalship. I truly believe Kobe is best used in CONJUNCTION WITH ANOTHER SUPERSTAR.
But let me say this: Kobe is the best basketball player in the NBA/World. The Laker organization needs to give Kobe a chance to play with another strong willed Superstar. The Laker organization needs to recognize the countless fans (check this blog for proof) who live and breathe Lakerdom. If the Buss' keep taking Kobe and the Fans for granted, we will become the west coast New York Knicks....
Maybe I feel dissapointed, maybe I am tired an exhausted, maybe I am jealous, but I feel numb about the KG trade and the lack of FO activity....
Charles
Posted by: Charles | July 31, 2007 at 02:45 PM
Generic_One
What I said was the current configuration of the Lakers won't win one. We'd need a 1980s US Hockey miracle on ICE to do it or a TON of injured NBA teams.
You incorrectly stated that I said we'll never win one. Of course we will one day, we're the Lakers but we ain't doing crap to get there today if you not doing 1 of 2 things.
TRADE KOBE and rebuild which is NUTS.
BUILD the best you can around KOBE.
(That's what mgmt says they are doing and WE SHOULD do it.)
You assemble your team BEFORE training camp not during the season adding on guys to play with you.
THIS IS NOT PICK UP BALL.
GUYS NEED A TRAINING CAMP with their team.
Posted by: LakerBake | July 31, 2007 at 02:47 PM