Talking with: Maurice Evans, Part I
UPDATE (8-6): We're on the road today, so expect a delay here and there in comments getting posted. We'll do our best to keep up, as will HQ.
As some of you may already know, Lakers swingman Maurice Evans recently took part in the NBA Player's Assn.'s "Feeding One Million" campaign, a partnership with Feed The Children to help provide food, clothing, medicine and other essential items to 1 million children in Kenya. Evans accompanied Ron Artest (Sacramento Kings), Theo Ratliff (Minnesota Timberwolves) and Etan Thomas (Washington Wizards) to Africa, embarking on an eye-opening journey into a plight and poverty most of us are lucky enough to find unimaginable. I caught up with Mo by phone a few days ago, and we discussed the goodwill mission, how the trip affected him on a personal level and, of course, hoops (Lakers or otherwise). Here's Part 1 of what he had to say:
Andrew Kamenetzky: How did you find out about the trip to Kenya?
Maurice Evans: Actually, I have been with Feed the Children already prior to that. They did the "Feed the 5,000," which was feeding 5,000 families in Oakland. We did that when I was in Detroit. We fed 5,000 families there. And last year, with the Lakers, we went to New York and a couple guys from the team were involved with that as well. (Players Assn. President) Billy Hunter knew that I had been involved in the first two and called me over the summer and asked me if I was interested in doing (the trip to Kenya), and I was like, "without a doubt." I wanted to help these people.
AK: Had you heard before about them looking to go overseas, or did this take you by surprise?
ME: I didn't know that they planned on doing a project that feeds 1 million people somewhere in Africa, something like that. When he told me about it, it just sounded like something special, something that I definitely would try to get involved in. It made it that much better to go to Africa to actually give it to people who can't really measure poverty, in my opinion. I mean, people are hungry and starving whether it's in the United States, whether it's in Europe or Africa -- it's all the same. But to be able to go over there and actually see how people are living there and to feel like you could make a difference, it was really cool.
AK: Obviously, you knew going over there that you'd be seeing people living in dire straits. But even with that in mind, was the level of poverty still shocking?
ME: Yeah. It was very shocking. Like I said, you can't measure poverty, but there's so much poverty amongst children. It's really eye-opening. For children, who obviously don't have a hand in what they've been dealt. They didn't have any part in the hand they're dealt, you know? There are children who have limited opportunity to even get an education that are in that situation. We went to the school when we first got there. This building is for educating children and it was one room, two chalkboards, rundown benches, just a long picnic table. The kids sitting there with probably one or two teachers trying to educate a room full of kids. There's no individual attention. There's nobody raising their hands and saying, "I don't understand. Can you explain that to me?" There was nothing like that.
And kids go as much for food as they do for the education. Even more so for the food, because they know that by going to school, the motivation is that you're going to get a meal while you're there. It was so bad that you eat that one ration and you have to provide your own bowl. And some kids couldn't even afford their own bowl, so they had to put it in their pocket. It was beans and rice, and the rice is submerged in, like, juice. So the kid's pockets is all wet and he didn't have any shoes on. And you see the kid with the bowl and he was trying to get as much as he can in it, because it's not only going to feed him but it's also gonna feed his brothers and sisters later that evening.
AK: Is that the worst thing you saw or did it even get more upsetting?
ME: Well, you know, the thing that's so crazy about the situation there was that as poverty-stricken as it was, there was still a bigger discrepancy between "the haves" and "the have-nots." Before we left, they did show us the nice areas in Kenya, where you have nice restaurants. We went on a safari for a couple days. We were able to go see their malls, some of their government buildings.
Probably one of the worst things we witnessed: We went to the Ray of Hope Clinic, and that's where the player's union actually donated money on behalf of all the NBA players. They have these people who have AIDS. And they also help out children, help these people out. I noticed there was a kid standing there who didn't have any shoes on. And he was right in this area called "the slump." "Slump" meaning exactly what it sounds like. Like "slump, that's terrible." And he was walking around barefoot. There's glass. There's rocks. It's hard walking there with shoes on, let alone without. I could see that he was cut all over his foot. I had a little bit of money with me, something like 250 bucks. I see this guy, a vendor, he's selling shoes. I just took the little kid over, tried to get him a pair of shoes. And it wasn't like they were Jordans. They were just like some shoes. Some leather shoes. We took him over to get those shoes and then the next thing you know, here comes another kid who didn't have shoes. And then another kid and another kid.
Before too long, there was a super-long line of kids, and they were realizing that they were going to get a pair shoes if they got in line before the money ran out. I felt so bad that I didn't have more money, you know what I'm saying? You just feel how much of a difference something just small like that will make in their life. When the kids had these shoes, you could just tell the difference. Now they're running around and playing. The kids are playing soccer, kicking a rundown soccer ball with no shoes. Now it seems like when they're playing soccer, they're excited. Little stuff like that.
AK: Did that almost feel surreal, because there are some guys in an NBA locker room who basically get a new pair of shoes for each game?
ME: Yeah. Exactly. It obviously put things in perspective, because even the shoes that we wear for multiple months and multiple games, by the time they're done, they're still in such great condition that anyone would love to have them.
AK: Did these kids know you were in the NBA? Does that mean anything to them?
ME: No. Because the NBA, nice cars, nice houses and lots of money, it's intangible to them. I don't even think they realize what that is. That's not a reality for them, the NBA. I bet you could bring some of the bigger stars that we have and they probably wouldn't be able to recognize them.
AK: Did they know you were basketball players?
ME: They knew we were basketball players, but they knew we were there to help. I'm sure they were extremely appreciative that we were there and we were able to help them out.
AK: Was it weird being there with three other NBA guys and not having people ask you about the Lakers? About Kobe? The NBA?
ME: It wasn't really strange to me, only because I knew what the purpose that we went over there for. It's almost like once we got there, seeing the area, the poverty, what we were in for, we didn't even think much about the fact that we were in the NBA anymore. It was almost like, we're here. Let's see what we can do improve the situation while we're here. Ron brought a video crew so he could document everything that went on and kind of take it in. I think that we did some good things while we were there. All four of us. Theo, Etan, Ron and myself, we all four had a really, really good experience. We really tried to do as much as we could and really tried to be involved with the kids.
AK: Ron learned about his upcoming suspension while you guys were over there. Did that put a damper on anything, or did the circumstances and surroundings make it feel insignificant in the grand scheme of things?
ME: I don't think it put a damper on it, because Ron did a really good job of doing the things to stay positive. He understood. Obviously, he's going to continue to grow and mature every day in this league. He still turned it into a positive. Everyone wanted to call and talk about the dispute that he had with his wife to get suspended. But all he talked about was the good that he was doing and bringing light to the fact that they need even more help over there and around the world. I think he did a really, really good job deflecting that and turning it into a positive.
AK: I read he's looking to build a house in Kenya, just so he can go back and keep tabs on things.
ME: Yeah. Well, I know he also donated money for the Ray of Hope clinic so they could build a lab there, so they can actually help with the medicines and administer them to people. That's one of the pieces they were really lacking. It only costs about $20 to deliver a baby at the Ray of Hope clinic. The people still couldn't afford to pay the $20. The problem is also that they don't turn anyone away. They're there to help people, so it's pretty much free. Also, when they deliver the babies, the problem isn't delivering the baby, it's that they deliver the baby and have the woman go to the recovery room for two to three hours. She'll just sneak out and leave the baby because she can't afford to take care of it. When you're dealing with issues of that magnitude, anything obviously helps.
AK: Did this trip make you think a little differently about the world or put certain elements of your life in perspective?
ME: To be honest, I can't really say that. I can't say that I didn't appreciate life or that I didn't appreciate being in the NBA, given how hard it's been for me. But it makes me want to succeed that much more, so that maybe I can be able to help out even more so on a financial level. I think it serves to be a motivation. Not that I lacked any at all, because I really want to be accomplished. I want to have a great year. I want to build upon the things that I did last year and I really want to expand my role with the Lakers. Just really make an impact for a long time in the NBA. So I think it just serves as extra motivation.
AK: It adds another level of what can come from those accomplishments, aside from the direct basketball results.
ME: It shows you what more can be done. It shows me that there's so much more that can be done. It shows me an extra path where I can really help and affect, in terms of people's lives.
AK: I imagine the answer is yes, but do you plan on staying involved with these programs?
ME: Yes. Like I said, I've been involved for the last three years, and I'm definitely going to continue to be involved and continue to help out in whatever way I can.
Part II to follow soon.
WHAT TO DO, WHAT TO DO!?
Being that it seems its OFFICIAL now, that JO indeed does want to be a Laker, what should we do?
I'm torn because I wouldn't give up Both Odom and Bynum for JO, but it seems like we might have no option at this point due to the fat that NJ can put together a more attractive package than LA at this point. (Jefferson, Kristic, Williams)
I just hate giving up Odom for JO period...I feel we need both of them to compete in the West. Giving up Odom along with Bynum would put us back to square one. The best we will do will be getting to the second round.
Posted by: blaze1bx | August 06, 2007 at 11:03 AM
I like Odom too.
Why don't we just make the DEAL now? Let's meet change with change and take RISKS!
Please don't procrastinate, time is of the essence.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 06, 2007 at 11:03 AM
JO wants to be here, so when is the FO gonna make this happen?! With the comments that have come out today, all the pressure switches to Indy. They pretty much have to move him now, or have a major distraction going into, and throughout the whole season. Indy should be more willing to compromise now, so all Mitch has to do is put together a better offer than New Jersey.
Jersey's best offer will probably include Kristic, and Jefferson, two good players, so Mitch is gonna have to step up. I don't want to lose LO but if we're gonna bring in JO it's probably gonna happen. Our offer should look something like this:
Indy gets:
LO
Bynum
Farmar
Cook
We get:
JO
Armstrong
They get what they want, plus more.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 06, 2007 at 11:15 AM
10 milliondollorZen
Dude, Kobe just cant go to europe and play a year and become a free agent. Where do you get stuff like that. He has a contract with the Lakers. He has to play 2 yrs with the Lakers before he can opt out. Lakers could sue for breach of contract and after a year in Europe he would still owe the Lakers 2 years of service. Just like the Lakers cant cut him without paying him, he couldnt leave the Lakers without some kind of buy out. And when you consider his 20+ million contract that figure would be huge.
MH
Posted by: michael h | August 06, 2007 at 11:30 AM
I want Jo ., but not for BOTH Lamar and Socks. We can do to the Pacers like the Heat did to the Lakers. Socks, farmar, Vlad, Cookie, Sasha and 2 #1's. Can you imagine a starting line -up of:
Fish
Kobe
LO
JO
Kwame
Automatic favorites in the West. W/ Critt/Luke/Mihm/Evans off the bench.
Pacers get 2 future starters and salaries to make it work. Plus they get the 2 #1's to build for the future.I think they're options are limited. Yes, we get the better end, but I don't think the Nets want to gut their team. Make it HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 06, 2007 at 11:35 AM
If the link posted was meant to be for Magic's comments on Laker offseason moves it does not work. Its about Rafer Alston's arrest
Posted by: seraph | August 06, 2007 at 11:47 AM
Just heard on ESPN radio that JO has asked to traded to.... the Lakers, period. No other team mentioned. Could have been a slip up by ESPN, not mentioning other teams but if that is true, it could really strengthen our bargaining position. Taking Lamar out of the equation, the Lakers have more to offer a team wanting to rebuild then New Jersey, the only team that seems to be a player and they dont have the prospects that we do. The biggest piece Jersey can offer is Jefferson and you are not going build a team around a good, not great SF. You rebuild around a big and a PG, and we have both. And Indy already has Granger, a SF with potential. If Bird is truely interested in rebuilding and likes Bynum, which seems to be the case, then we wait, to get our deal. We have to stay focused on what it takes to win a ring and that is 3 quality players, not 2. Personally I do not think Bird deals with Jersey until the trade deadline if nothing gets done with the Lakers. Jerseys deal just isnt enough.
MH
Posted by: michael h | August 06, 2007 at 11:47 AM
The Lakers need to do that trade for Jermaine O'Neal! Jermaine led the Pacers to a 60 win season in his career! He was third in the MVP voting that year! He score 57 points in a game! He's a all-star too! Some of y all idiots think trading Lamar and Byum is too much! Some of y all think the Pacers is going to give up Jermaine for kwame and Byum! Some of y all fools think this is a good offer for JERMAINE O'NEAL! The Pacers do this trade, they must be on crack! To y all laker fans think kwame and byum is a good deal for Jermaine O'Neal then y all on crack!
Posted by: JERMAINE THE KOBE FAN | August 06, 2007 at 11:57 AM
AN THERE IT IS.........
HE WANT'S TO PLAY HERE
KOBE WANT'S HIM HERE......
SO LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN
Posted by: COMPTON'S FINEST | August 06, 2007 at 11:59 AM
How aout trading Odom and Sun Yue to Bucks for Yi and Mo Williams? China's Yi won't come to Milwaukee but SunYue will want to have a chance to play for NBA! Yi would come to LA in a heartbeat!
Bynum
Yi
Vlad
Bryant
Williams
Posted by: Staples 24 | August 06, 2007 at 12:09 PM
Indiana Pacers' O'Neal pushes Lakers trade
By Mark Montieth
mark.montieth@indystar.com
August 6, 2007
Indiana Pacers forward Jermaine O'Neal wants a trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, and says he will opt out of his contract after the upcoming season if he doesn't get one.
O'Neal, speaking with a reporter for Sports Illustrated's Website, made his comments while appearing at a charity basketball game in Los Angeles.
O'Neal did not play in the game, as he continues to recover from off-season knee surgery.
"I would welcome a trade to the Lakers," O'Neal said. "Indiana has given me the opportunity to establish myself as a really good player in this league, but they're into rebuilding and going really young, and I'm just not in a position physically to go through another five to six years with a lot of losses and a lot of down time."
The Pacers and Lakers are believed to have discussed a trade involving O'Neal this summer, but have been unable to reach agreement. Various reports have claimed the Pacers are holding out for Lakers center Andrew Bynum to be included, while the Lakers have refused to do so.
O'Neal, who said he also would welcome a trade to New Jersey, will earn nearly $20 million in the upcoming season. He can opt out afterward and give up the $44 million he would be owed over the final two seasons of his contract.
He said he will do that "if things don't work out this year."
Pacers president of basketball operations Larry Bird issued a statement saying the team would have to get "fair market value" in a trade.
“In response to Jermaine O’Neal’s published comments today regarding a trade, we have stated repeatedly that if we can make our team better through a trade, we will do so. Jermaine has become an All-Star player with the Indiana Pacers and in any discussions regarding him or any of our other players, the expectations for the franchise and our fans is to receive fair market value in return if a trade is to be considered," Bird said.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 06, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Reactions on the blog sometimes tend to be weird in the conclusions they draw. I made a simple comment on a complex issue pointing out that the problems of Africa go beyond solutions linked to the charity of athletes and got accused of disparaging such acts of charity and Kobe in particular.
Another post focused on removing the historical blame from the US and placing it solely on Europe. Come on! It's not a question of who's less to blame but of how we can move away from renewed forms of exploitation. When a continent is weakened by history, who isn't going to try to exploit its weakness? That's the way our system works and rewards people. Bill Gates's charity is great, but, when you look at what's behind it, his policy is one of shameful exploitation. Read the articles the LA Times published earlier this year about how his investment policies work against the official mission of the charities he heads. (And part of his vision is getting backward Africa up to speed with Windows).
Who can be so naive as to think that the whole point of global business is to seek advantage and to take it wherever it's easiest to claim? That was the spirit in which Africa was despoiled by Europe (at a time when America was part of Europe), but when Europe started having qualms even Thomas Jefferson ("all men are created equal") encouraged and defended slavery (for his own personal benefit as well as out of political convenience). And, of course, it wasn't just slavery. Slavery was an instituion reserved for Africans.
I live in France. France is both relatively enlightened about Africa and hopelessly hypocritical, just as is the US, but in a different way. I was one of the first to applaud Mo Evans on this thread and without efforts like his, we would all fall into the deepest cynicism. But let's not delude ourselves that we're not responsible for what has happened to Africa. Yes, corruption is a vast problem (several years ago I started negotiating a plan to boost education in the Ivory Coast with private investment and when I mentioned appealing to the World Bank the people from the ministry told me to forget it, World Bank money would only go to the channels of corruption). But corruption has also become an excuse, a way of blaming Africans for their problems. The French are notorious for propping up corrupt governments to allow French industry to exploit their resources. The US has tried a different approach but with the same underlying logic: take advantage of weakness. There's more than one way to bribe people.
Africans have collectively suffered for centuries, far more than the people of any other continent. Yes, we need to encourage charity, but we also need to change our thinking and stop defending those aspects of our own culture that make it easier to persist in keeping them in a position of weakness.
Many thanks, on the other hand, to Sunny Ballfest (sorry about the return of favor) and Rocky for listening with a sympathetic ear.
And now, in defense of Kobe against the haters (in particular KL and Gunner), I throw out the question of how do they account for Jason Kidd's and Jermaine O'Neal's remarks about playing with Kobe?
Posted by: Tsphere | August 06, 2007 at 12:26 PM
I just had a nickname idea for young Coby Karl:
co-Kobe, or, Cocoa Bean, not be confused with Kobe Bean.
Posted by: The D | August 06, 2007 at 12:43 PM
JERMAINE ONEAL INTERVIEW:
I'm 100 percent right now. I really want an opportunity to rejuvenate myself. At 28, I'm going into my prime. The game is slowing down for me, I understand it a lot more, so I'm ready to go out and show people what I could really do."
Posted by: Staples 24 | August 06, 2007 at 12:43 PM
First BIG props to Mo Evans! Every little bit helps my brother!
thanks tha Sho*
Is Mitch still napping or what? Snoop Dogg is out recruiting and networking for J.O. and our front office is nowhere to be found? Can't we just bump into him in the parking lot or something... Mitch has gotta do this, the writing is on the wall. Both, J. Kidd and J.O. want to play with Kobe and we can't get a deal done that will bring either?
Posted by: lakerfaze | August 06, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Don't worry about loosing Odom and Bynum... Our current roster can withstand loosing two in exchange of the one we need down low!
Mihm/Kwame = servicable centers
Oneal/Turiaf = great low post offense/defense
Vlad/Walton = great combo for shooting and all around player
Bryant = great perimeter player offense/defense
Fisher/Crit = solid PG, decent shooter, decent defender, great chemistry
Our new five is well balanced to the needs of the team, better than having Bynum and Odom.
Posted by: Staples 24 | August 06, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Michael H, though you maybe right...
I won't put the faith of the Lakers on the hands of Bird and the Nets and wait fro something not to happen.
I will take action action and get Oneal now. Offer Bynum/Odom for JO and close the deal! I repeat do not wait and take what you want.
Posted by: Staples 24 | August 06, 2007 at 01:03 PM
So, JO wants to be traded to the Lakers and play alongside Kobe.
All the more reason for Mitch NOT TO BLINK. As I've said a zillion times here, we need KB24, JO and LO.
The Pacers now have their back to the wall. Don't blink!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 06, 2007 at 01:05 PM
bynum
kwame
sasha
cook
farmar
for
JO
5 for 1
fish/ jc
kobe/ evans
vlad/ luke
LO/ Turiaf
JO/ Mihm
And just like that, the Lakers are back!
Posted by: jandro | August 06, 2007 at 01:05 PM
Fish Guy,
WE would all love nothing else than to stick it to Indy and not give up Odom in the trade, but wake up and open your eyes, the trade will not, I repeat, WILL NOT go down without both Bynum and Odom. Why would they take Bynum, Farmar, Cook and others when they can have Kristic, JEFFERSON, and Williams from the nets. If you were Bird, which would you do?
Posted by: tripgame | August 06, 2007 at 01:07 PM
I think the only reason this tarde is taking too long is because the Lakers has seen something in Bynum during summer workouts and are having second thoughts of giving him up.
That is something they see and we don't. But I would go with Oneal a proven all star coming into his prime at 28. Matches perfectly with our superstar Kobe Bryant at 28.
Posted by: Staples 24 | August 06, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Just heard on ESPN radio corfirming hat Jermaine O'Neal would prefer the LAKERS and also the NETS, but he says those are the only two only two team he wants to play for ---remember though, Garnett's song sounded kind of the same a few weeks ago, and now look where he's at......I think when given an opportunity that a player didn't perhaps think about before, they reallize that things sometimes need to be shown to them before they see that horizons are bigger than they thought, so to speak....so, I wouldn't be surprised if another team got into the mix......
Now, Kobe can certainly "retire" from the NBA for the time being and then re-enter when the length of his previous contract is complete (or even a little before, if some things are agreed to)---
and I do believe that he can play in another non-affiliated league, and although he would lose salary dollars, he would reap international endorsement dollars- as one of the huge American stars playing oversees---I'm not %100 percent sure this if could happen (I'm searching about it right now) but I belive their is precedent, certainly in baseball with a couple players who have left to play in Japan----
Again, I'm just saying that if NJ can find away to get JO with pieces similir to what the Lakers were to offer, JO says he'll be happy with that deal too, and it just seems, unless all information we've read is just beyond false, that it would establish that the Lakers are not willing to help Kobe in the immediate without jeopordizing their future, and it really would be in the best interests of both parties, the Lakers and Kobe, to trade him.
We'll see......
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | August 06, 2007 at 01:11 PM
Larry Bird speaks out:
Report: O'Neal wants trade to Lakers
FOXSports.com, Updated 5 minutes ago STORY TOOLS:
print
send
blog LIKE THIS STORY?
Jermaine O'Neal wants to be a Los Angeles Laker.
The Indiana forward said he "would welcome a trade to the Lakers," and would opt out of his contract after the 2007-2008 season if he doesn't get one, according to a report on the Indianapolis Star's Web site.
O'Neal made the comments while speaking with a reporter for Sports Illustrated's Web site at a charity basketball game in Los Angeles, the report said.
According to the report, O'Neal will earn more than $19 million this season, and would lose the $44 million he would be owed over the final two years of his deal if he opts out next year, which he said he will do "if things don't work out this year."
Larry Bird, Pacers president of basketball operations said in an issued statement: "In response to Jermaine O'Neal's published comments today regarding a trade, we have stated repeatedly that if we can make our team better through a trade, we will do so. Jermaine has become an All-Star player with the Indiana Pacers and in any discussions regarding him or any of our other players, the expectations for the franchise and our fans is to receive fair market value in return if a trade is to be considered."
Last season, O'Neal averaged 19.4 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game for the Pacers.
Posted by: Sunny | August 06, 2007 at 01:24 PM
The lakers have all the leverage now with the pacers. If the pacers are not willing to trade JO for either bynum or Odom as the trade package, but no combination of those two, then JO can be a free agent when he opts out. Imagine that there is a possibility of not giving up either Bynum or Lamar, and we can sign JO next free agency period.
But what will happen is that the pacers hopefully will do bad, and by next yrs. trade deadline the pacers will be willing to get what they can for JO unless they dont get another at all for JO and JO actually opts out.
I would rather have JO through free agency next year and not give up Odom or Bynum. Imagine a team like this, and by next year I bet you bynum will be contributing in the league significantly.
Next years starting lineup team ,2008-2009:
Fisher
KOBE
LAMAR
JO
BYNUM
Damn!!!! that is a good team, with playoff experince like no other.
Posted by: wow | August 06, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Nice to hear JO say he wants to come here and play with Kobe. To be honest, a trio of Kobe-JO-LO and the supporting cast would be a tough competitor.
If in fact Indiana is looking to rebuild, a package of Andrew Bynum, Jordan Farmar, Kwame Brown, Maurice Evans, Sasha Vujacic, $3 million cash (going to be needed for them to buy out some of these guys) and two first round picks gives Indiana exactly what any rebuilding team needs, expiring deals, young prospects and draft picks.
We have the big three and role guys Derek Fisher, Chris Mihm (who actually becomes a starter), Ronny Turiaf, Crittendon, Brian Cook, Luke Walton, and Vlad Radmanovic.
This all assumes that the Lakers still won't deal Lamar AND Bynum. I'd ship Bynum out a lot sooner than LO due to the fact that Kobe-JO and pieces still wouldn't be competitive. You keep LO and pair him with the Kobe-JO duo and I think we compete with any team in the league.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 06, 2007 at 01:41 PM
Makes me appreciate everything I have and think twice before complaining about anything ...
Posted by: AKK | August 06, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Because JO makes almost $20M, LO and Bynum wouldn't be enough to make the salaries match. Perhaps Bynum is the piece they want but the kid only makes $2.1M this year and LO makes $13.5M. Any additional filler the Lakers have to include just hampers Indy's salary cap considerations.
Considering our front-office's track record, I doubt a deal for JO happens this summer. If they pursue this at the trade deadline, then Indy might be enticed to take LO and Kwame's expiring contract. That's $9.5M in cap relief they can cash in on next off-season and LO's $14.5M is an expiring contract the season after. If a team can't get equal value in terms of talent and production, cap relief is the next best thing LA has to offer.
That also brings up an interesting point about LO. Since he is only on contract this year and next, is LA really going to considering offering him a long-term extension that begins with a raise from $14.5M and nice bumps for an additional 4-5 yrs beyond that?
Posted by: lakers_sth | August 06, 2007 at 01:46 PM
Interesting quote from Brian Urlacher, in Peter King's SI.COM column today, in relation to the Lance Briggs holdout:
"Urlacher: "No, but I didn't get involved in it. That's his business. I'm so glad he's back. I can't be the player I am without him. And that other stuff, I don't blame him at all. I totally understand. In fact, he called me at one point and told me, basically, 'I love playing with you but I want to be the guy somewhere.' I totally understand. Who wouldn't want to be the man?''"
Of course, it's bad when it's Kobe who feels that way.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 06, 2007 at 01:50 PM
wesjoenixon,
You don't know all the circumstances to make comments about Kupchak like that. Maybe both players wanted the full-level, and now they are settling because nobody wants to pay the full mid-level to them. At this point Webber and Posey are taking what they can get. They are desperate now.
Posted by: zen | August 06, 2007 at 02:00 PM
A Paul Pierce Celtics need a KG and Ray Allen to get to the top.
A Kobe Bryant Lakers need a JO to get to the top.
The differnec is clear! The future clearer!
Celtice/Lakers 2008 Finals
The Ainge-McHale-Bird greatest NBA coup deta..... Bring back the Lakers/Celtics rivalry and takeover the NBA once again!
by: Staples 24
Posted by: Staples 24 | August 06, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Regarding a possible LO and Bynum package for JO, I think it wouldn't be that bad. Bynum's production this year won't be much more than what Chris Mihm will provide.
Immediately, we lose LO and what should be our third string center for an All-Star.
Seems kind of no-brainer-ish to me.
And I still like having Kwame's expiring as the year goes on.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 06, 2007 at 02:04 PM
"I just hate giving up Odom for JO period'.
We know already that Kobe + Lamar tandem doesn't work.
What else need to happen or we have to wait to recognize that .
If laker's can keep Lamar....Wonderful.
If they have to make a choice between Socks/Lamar and Jermaine. Jermaine is the obvious one.
But, hey...we are talking about Mitch/Jim Bus brain here.
Guys who see elephants in the moon...
Guys who take gold colored toys as 18 kilates.
Posted by: jorema | August 06, 2007 at 02:10 PM
O.K the JO trade interview is posted on espn.com and oh, K.L and Gunner, its the LAKERS that he is asking to be traded to. And he takes a few swings at Bird. He says Larry trys to make unreasonable trades. That he is a hard man to deal with. And that he trys to gut a team when making a trade. J.O goes on to say that he doesnt want the Lakers to have to gut their team to get him. That a few promising players and draft picks would be fair. (Looks like JO understands that they need to keep Lamar as well.) Anyway, it,s crunch time Mitch. Keep your cards and do not fold. This is turning into Indys version of the Shaq deal.
MH
Posted by: michael h | August 06, 2007 at 02:20 PM
Anybody else check the Lakers web site lately? Believe it or not, Smush Parker is still prominently featured.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 06, 2007 at 02:25 PM
coby karl nickname = kobe light.
light skin and light game
JO for drew, farmar, kwame. salaries should match up. c'mon larry legend, do it.
Posted by: greek dude | August 06, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Right on, Michael.
We can give them a young big, a starting level PG, role players and draft picks.
My big thing is when was the last time someone truly wanted to be here?? Aplayer of JO's magnitude. That is huge and we need to take advantage of it.
I don't think Bird wants to come out empty handed out of this. And when was the latest "big" trade a team made where they sent their "stud" to their own same conference?
The possibility of JO/LO w/ Kobester together has bigger ramifications and effect than just getting KG in my humble opinon.
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 06, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Lakers_sth,
"Kwame's expiring contract. That's $9.5M in cap relief they can cash in on next off-season "
Since they are already over the cap, the only benefit they will get will be the amount below the cap that the expiration of his contract creates; which will be quite a bit less than his contract value.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 06, 2007 at 02:31 PM
I want JO badly but not at the expense of losing LO and Socks. If they both go, we're going to be in the same bind, but we'll be shifting our problem from the Center to the PF position. I love Bynum, but if it's only him and other parts in a deal for JO, then let's get it done. I do think we're the front-runner if it's only between NJ and us - Bird would much rather trade him out of the conference than to a rival. Imaging that Kwame would be included in the deal, I'm still worried about only having Mihm as a backup to O'Neal, because Ronny isn't really a center. However, I'll take my chances on this team:
1 - Fisher/Crittenton
2 - Kobe/Evans
3 - Luke/Vlad
4 - Odom/Turiaf
5 - O'Neal/Mihm
Bench: Karl, FA
Posted by: Tully Moxness | August 06, 2007 at 02:35 PM
If we do relent and give up both LO and Bynum we need to add more salary. I think they should have to take back Vlad and his contract. Add a first rounder and we're all set.
If not they can have the Bynum-Brown pu pu platter and we can go about holding up our end of the deal of the Celts-Lakers 2008 Finals.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 06, 2007 at 02:46 PM
is the tide turning?
more pro-jermaine o'neal posts than in recent weeks.
the blog is also KL Beast and gunner free.
if jermaine o'neal can make the consistent KL Beast and Gunner stay away from the blog, i'd say he's ALREADY done wonders for the laker fans just by saying he'd like to play here.
make the deal happen kupchak.
let's build around our best player NOW.
instead of hoping to eventually build around a potentially good center 4 years from now.
peace.
Posted by: tha show | August 06, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Keep either Socks or Lamar, but don't give up both. The problem is that Larry hates the Lakers and he will never help the Lakers.
He's crazy if he thinks JO is still an all-star. It doesn't count if your injured all the time.
Posted by: zen | August 06, 2007 at 03:00 PM
My .02 on the Jermaine O'Neal situation.
From JO's interview, he and Kobe have been talking a lot this summer, which is a very good sign.
I hope the Lakers try as hard as possible to get the job done. I wouldn't sanction the trade that
Larry Bird was pushing for (Odom+Bynum+Brown for J.O.+Todd Murphy), but I wouldn't balk at
giving up both Odom & Bynum. If I was Mitch, I'd try for an either-way package first, but if all
else failed, I'd offer a stripped down Odom + Bynum package.
Offer #1: Bynum + Kwame + Farmar OR Crittendon + Evans + Vujacic + a first round pick
It's the young players and expiring contract buffet. perfect for a team that's
rebuilding. If the Pacers prefer, the Lakers could keep Evans &/or Vujacic and throw
Brian Cook instead.
Offer #2: Odom + Kwame + Crittendon OR Farmar (Indy's choice) + a first round pick
If Indy wants, they could add Tinsley or Daniels or Foster and the Lakers would
add Vujacic (big contract for expiring contract) to sweeten the deal. No Dunleavy
No Murphy.
Offer #3: Odom + Bynum + choose 1 from {Rad, Cook, Vujacic} + a first round pick
If Radmanovic is the third player, then the Lakers could take back one of Tinsley,
Foster, or Daniels.
I think the first deal (which keeps LO) would vault the Lakers up into the top 4 in the West.
Though the other two wouldn't move them up quite as far, it would get them one piece closer
to getting up there. And in the third deal, they'd still have a few tradeable pieces around
(notably the two young PGs with potential and Kwame's expiring contract), so it would be
possible that at the trade deadline they could get someone as good as Lamar.
Posted by: Long time Laker fan | August 06, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Trip Game,
you summed this up well.
WE would all love nothing else than to stick it to Indy and not give up Odom in the trade, but wake up and open your eyes, the trade will not, I repeat, WILL NOT go down without both Bynum and Odom. Why would they take Bynum, Farmar, Cook and others when they can have Kristic, JEFFERSON, and Williams from the nets. If you were Bird, which would you do?
However, if Andrew Z is right and we can pile a bunch of shit up for Indiana with some #1 picks in the 20s of the draft too and keep Lamar Odom that might be a great way to go.
We can put together a very similar deal with SOCKS playing the role of Al Jefferson. Hopefully we can keep Mo Evans and Crittenton with the throw in's.
Man did we need this shot in the arm after the KG situation.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 06, 2007 at 03:22 PM
One thing about Rod Thorn, he's old school, savvy, and when he raises up to fire from a draw, he fires to hit something.
This scares me with Mitch and Jimbo at the reins.
We need to be ready to toss Odom and Bynum if it has to happen.
If this is the Jason Kidd screw up all over again, we really should trade KOBE cause as someone above in the blog said it would make it CLEAR that the Front Office wants to save pieces for the future and just make MONEY off of KOBE.
Winning is a long term puzzle in their eyes if so.
Posted by: LakerBake | August 06, 2007 at 03:24 PM
No speculation, no guessing, no hoping.
Direct quote from Jermaine O'Neal:
"If I'm here, I'm going to help this team win a championship. We can get the Lakers to elite level," O'Neal believes, adding that his recent surgery to repair a torn meniscus will have him completely healthy for the first time in two years. "People need to realize that my last two years weren't down years. I didn't go into the last two seasons healthy at all. I'm healthy now and, at 28, I'm in my prime. The game is slowing down for me. I understand it a lot more. I'm ready to show people what I can do."
for those Lamar lovers, i'd like to know what he plans on doing for the lakers...
Posted by: tha show | August 06, 2007 at 03:28 PM
get j.o....give up bynum,kwame,cook,farmar and who everelse they want but dont give up lamar......bird's sweating it right now.......is he going to fold
nets offer is a slightly better one Kristic, JEFFERSON, and Williams........i hope that the nets are over it......
or work out a three team deal
get it done mitch
dont give up lamar
Posted by: pruple&gold 4 eva | August 06, 2007 at 03:33 PM
Listen, I know I losing LO will hurt, but we HAVE to make this move. If we stand pat like some suggest, we are not going to get anywhere. As you can see, FA's will only take less money to go to a TITLE CONTENDER. As much as I would like to believe we are, we're just not. If we were we would be the ones negotiating with guys like Webber, and PJ Brown. Instead we're sitting here begging our FO to make this deal happen, while Dallas, and Phoenix are fighting each other for ways to get stronger, and closer to a championship.
O'Neal might not make us favorites by himself, but the FA's he'll help bring in will. If we could put this roster on the floor we would be vaulted to the top of the conference:
Fisher-Armstrong-Crittenton
Kobe-Mo-Coby Karl
Patterson-Luke-Radmanovic
JO-Webber-Turiaf
Kwame-Mihm-
Maybe not #1, but we could beat any team in the league (Hell, we could run with the big 3 from our conference last year). We're MUCH better defensively, get more veteran leadership, we're deeper and the best part is our main guys will be HUNGRY!!! Kobe, and JO have both gotten negative press lately, and both feel they have something to prove. Neither Patterson, or Webber have been close to a CHIP so you know they're hungry. And the rest of the squad is pretty strong.
PS: I think Patterson is more of a realistic pick-up than Webber, but even someone like Mutombo would definitely help.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 06, 2007 at 03:52 PM
Who doesn't believe that if you don't mortgage your future for instant gratification (you only hope) now, that Kobe will be a non factor (except in terms of further disruption of the team) this coming season?
If you turn loose of Bynum, you'll deserve what you get, and it won't be pretty two or three years down the road, if not much sooner.
On the other hand, if fools you must be, we'll take Andrew off your hands.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 06, 2007 at 04:02 PM
ctlaker,
"Any comments on Oneal demanding to be traded to the lakers... How is this any different from what Kobe did."
Well lets see....Did JO embarass Larry Bird and Donnie Walsh by calling them an idiot? Did JO go on all radio station and become a biatch about the situation?
I think you have your answer why this is not the same as Kobiatch.
Posted by: Gunner | August 06, 2007 at 04:06 PM
"I want to make it clear that I don't want to gut a team that I come to because then it'll be like I'm in Indiana all over again. If I'm here, I'm going to help this team win a championship. We can get the Lakers to elite level," O'Neal believes, "People need to realize that my last two years weren't down-years. I didn't go into the last two seasons healthy at all. I'm healthy now and, at 28, I'm in my prime. The game is slowing down for me. I understand it a lot more. I'm ready to show people what I can do."-Jermaine O'neal
This is music to my ears.
Get it done Mitch!
Posted by: Rocky | August 06, 2007 at 04:10 PM