Kung Pau!
Non-sensical title, I know. But forgive me for feeling a little giddy and carefree, because I think the Lakers just did themselves quite right in this Gasol-for-Kwame/The Critter/two first rounders/Marc Gasol/Aaron McKie in name only swap. (By the way, how random is the "Marc for Pau" element? Is there something to this? Do irreconcilable differences exist between the brothers? Is Juan Carlos Navarro buddies with the entire Sly and the Family Gasol, so GM Chris Wallace is hoping that lil' bro can keep the Spanish guard happy, similar to how they brought the dude in specifically to make Pau happy?)
In my opinion, this is a great trade for the Lakers, considerably better than the play for Jason Kidd many fans clamored for. Great a player as Kidd is, the D.Fish and Farmar combo is doing a more than adequate job, making that theoretical swap totally unnecessary. Not to mention impractical, considering the Lakers are already down bigs (Andrew Bynum, Chris Mihm) and forwards (Luke Walton, Trevor Ariza), with Vlad Rad hardly 100% (or playing particularly well). To trade Lamar Odom and Kwame for Kidd does more to make the Lakers even thinner up front than actually address a legit need, even if adding a theoretical Jason Collins (who, ironically, is heading to NJ for the perennially disappointing Stromille Swift, ending a local "Worst #2 pick ever" competition). This deal, however, makes perfect sense. The Lakers pick up some seriously needed size to pick up the slack in Bynum's absence. And some highly skilled size, I might add.
For the time being, Gasol will be the Lakers starting center until Drew returns (which may be later rather than sooner, according to Ric Bucher). Yeah, he's not a huge defensive presence, but frankly, the defense has kinda sucked since Bynum has been out, so to some degree, what difference does it make? They were bound to suffer along these lines no matter who was in, so you might as well go with the better player (and I don't think it's going out on a limb to declare Pau a mite better than Kwame). Gasol can at least provide some inside scoring, a commodity desperately missed since (ironically enough) Andrew got hurt playing against Memphis at Staples on Dec. 15. Fisher told me after the Cavs loss how lacking a traditional big has thrown the offense out of whack, a matter Gasol can hopefully alleviate. He's also an upgrade over Kwame in the rebounding and passing departments, the latter making me think he'll do well in the triangle. The Spaniard on board also allows Lamar Odom to once again operate as a #3/do-it-all guy, decidedly more his comfort zone. I realize that might strike some fans as a frustrating cop out, but putting aside any "bigger and better" dreams and just dealing with reality, as we saw once Drew broke out, you can do considerably worse than LO as a third banana.
Once Bynum returns, he and Gasol become quite possibly the NBA's best frontline, at least on paper. Any shortcomings guarding the paint on Gasol's part are well covered by Drew's improved ability as a rim protector. You have a classic back-to-the-basket center and a power forward who can work down low or hit a jumper. Both require a ton of attention. Both see the floor well and can move the ball out of the post, meaning wide open jumpers from outside. And say whatever you want about LO's shortcomings as an aggressive scorer, but the dude (now playing SF) clearly has skills hitting the glass. When you're now looking at a situation where he could become the team's third best rebounder, it's safe to say loose balls could land often in Laker paws. The trio combines with Kobe (very big by shooting guard standards) to create one hell of a tall lineup. And in a perfect world with everyone healthy, Jordan Farmar, Sasha "Starting to make a believer of the K Brothers" Vujacic, Luke Walton (now in a bench role where he's better suited), Trevor Ariza, Vlad Rad (should he ever start hitting shots again), Ronny Turiaf and Chris Mihm (should he ever regain semi-form) represent some legit depth, size and versatility off the bench. If everything rounds out to form, the Lakers have a roster that could make a nice playoff run.
Any downside? I guess, but not much. Yeah, Gasol's long contract (through 2011) is expensive and he's had injuries, so it could be a long, bumpy ride if things go sour. But there are risks with any trade and the Lakers will be in cap hell for a couple seasons, anyway. If you're gonna go full speed ahead with little flexibility, it might as well be with a young, All-Star caliber PF in the fold. And yeah, Javaris Crittenton could end up a very good player. I happen to think he will. His brief court stints revealed flashes of great athletic ability and skills, plus he's a bright kid with a solid attitude. But as they say, you gotta give to get. And unless the Lakers planned on eventually playing Kobe at the 3 with a Farmar/Critter backcourt, they'd be deciding between the two at some point, anyway. I think they made the right one for now. Could the Critter end up the better player? Sure. But there's no question that Farmar is light years ahead when it comes helping right this second, and the Lakers are playing for the "right this second." If come 2012, they wouldn't mind having Javaris back but have a 15th banner to show for his absence, any retroactive pining is more than worth it.
As for Kwame, on a personal level, I'll miss the guy. He's one of the nicer dudes in the NBA, much less (formerly) on the Laker roster. Very good sense of humor, too. And to some degree, his play went occasionally under-appreciated, in terms of people not always recognizing the importance of his one-on-one post D. But to a considerably larger degree, Kwame was mostly disappointing (or exactly what you expected, depending on your cynicism). In three seasons, he may have improved a bit, but considering this is the level reached, that's not saying much. His offense remained completely unreliable (I doubt I'll ever see another 6'11" cat with less ability to make a layup), his rebounding remained ridiculously spotty, his hands remained stone-like and his feel for the game remained in neutral. Most importantly, Kwame's desire to reach greater heights remained seemingly non-existent. BK and I have always suspected Kwame's awful experience in Washington's spotlight created a desire to blend in before standing out. Maybe that's the case, maybe not. But whether seeking a low profile, blessed with more inherent athletic ability than internal motor or simply not as talented as predicted, Kwame was given a lot of opportunity in L.A. and didn't make it happen. I wish him well, because like I said, he's a very good dude. But to be honest, I'm expecting Kwame to enjoy more barbecue than increased success in Graceland.
Finally, Mom's thoughts on the deal. BK called our Laker lovin' mama and told her the news. Her reaction? She doesn't know who Pau is, but when informed Kwame was being moved, she responded with a matter of fact, "that makes sense." Gotta love Mom's ability to sum things up.
AK
"giddy and carefree"
Go AK! That's what we like to hear!
Posted by: Faith | February 01, 2008 at 04:12 PM
Laker game online:
www.channelsurfing.net
Wes
Posted by: | February 01, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Bill Walton just said the Lakers are the favorites out of the west. Pinch me, I'm dreaming.
Posted by: HmrHed | February 01, 2008 at 04:13 PM
Is there a link for where I can watch the game now? I'm tired of waiting for KCAL feeds.
Posted by: mx | February 01, 2008 at 04:14 PM
We've got to wait and see...nuff said.
Posted by: Island_Gamer | February 01, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I'm not sold. It does improve the Lakers in the short-term, but long-term? Why are we jumping the gun here? Why did we need a trade? Kobe said they were championship level with Bynum, and I definitely agree with that.
When Kobe was the #1 option and Bynum was #2 and Odom/Fisher #3, they were as good as anyone in the league, and Bynum was just barely getting started. And you all know it. So will Pau get in the way of Bynum's growth? Does he know the triangle?
Someone in here just said "we now have a real #2 option." Have you completely forgotten how 1 month ago we had a superb young growing #2 option, that had elevated the Lakers to best record in the West?
I guess what it comes down to for me, is whether Pau can be the complementary player. If Pau is cool with being the fourth option, and just doing the hustle stuff that Kwame did, then I guess it's alright. But then why pay so much for an all-star complementary player? Why kill cap space by trading a strong big guy who cannot catch passes for a strong big guy who (presumably) can catch passes?
Color me confused...
Posted by: OptimusPrime | February 01, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Now you can keep your job my good ol' friend, I owe it to the FAITHFUL Lakers fans, enjoy the bandwagoners.
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Jerry West | February 01, 2008 at 04:17 PM
I take back everything I said about Kupchak.
He missed the deal of the century - KG, but
this may top that, because he gave up no
one and got rid of Kwame in one move.
Now if we can just get rid of Odom....
Posted by: Jeff M | February 01, 2008 at 04:18 PM
I'm still confused as to how this deal actually went through. What possessed Memphis into thinking this was a good deal?
Oh man this is so good for us. And the fact that it was orchestrated by Kupchak blows my mind. I think we all underestimated him, the same way WE ALL underestimated Bynum last year...
Posted by: Henry D | February 01, 2008 at 04:18 PM
JC and others- I agree things dont look good for Lamar. yes he could go back to SF but the lakers already tried that this year with less than impressive results, which is why he was moved back to PF.
I like Lamar but his days with the lakers appear numbered.
Today the trade looks great for the lakers but these types of trades really cant be evaluated for several years, especially with the 2 draft picks the lakers traded away.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 01, 2008 at 04:19 PM
I'll tell you what I won't miss. I won't miss kwame making a great post move with his feet only to rocket the ball off of the backboard or rim. dude had zero post game. this is a GENIUS trade! I think Gasol will fit nicely in the triangle.
I haven't been this excited since a few weeks ago. Just hope Bynum doesn't take as long as they say he is.
Posted by: jusdeuxit | February 01, 2008 at 04:20 PM
www.channelsurfing.net just scrolldown and look for the game
Posted by: fabian | February 01, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Kobe's gonna go off for 50+ today not out of necessity, but out of sheer joy. What pleasure it is to play with less pressure. GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Chris H. | February 01, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Faith,
Glad my happiness is making you equally happy. haha
Also, below is a repost to you from an earlier thread. I thought it might get buried in all those comments, but I wanted you to see it, since you raised an interesting point.
REPOST
I actually don't think the D will be much worse with Gasol swapped in for Kwame. It could might actually be better.
Gasol may not be able to body a guy in the post as well as Kwame, but he's a better shot blocker and rebounder, which balances it out to some degree. The frankly, the D we had going right now without Bynum was pretty bad anyway. The defensive improvements this season were due considerably more to Drew than Kwame, and by a long shot. So in a lot of ways, you're playing a waiting game to get that back no matter how you slice it.
But in the meantime, I think some of the defensive problems were due to offense having no options inside, which led to bad shots, turnovers and bad transition D. Gasol's presence can go a long way towards fixing that problem. A smoother O generally leads to better D.
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | February 01, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I'm writing this entry from a little place I staked out on Figueroa St for the upcoming parades... that's right, I said parades. And I'm not talking about the Doo Da Parade either.
The news of this move just about floored me.... I don't know about you, but I could've sworn I heard the entire Western Conference just let out a loud sigh in unison. Particularly the folks over in Phoenix and Dallas.... They had their window to succeed, but failed miserably at their best chance of bringing a championship to their clubs. It was their opportunity to seize the title whilst the Laker Organization regrouped.
Unfortunately for all of them, this Laker organization is looking really good right now and are now ready to make some serious noise come play off time. Talk about a shot in the arm during a time of disarray and malcontent in the ball club ... this is more like a morphine shot of excitement than anything...
Ahlayn
Posted by: ahlayn | February 01, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I just wanted to take the time to WELCOM Pau Gasol to the Lakernation. Welcome Pau!! Glad you are a Laker.
Posted by: Lakers4Life | February 01, 2008 at 04:24 PM
lakermania iz running wild in 2008!!!!!! los angeles bytches!!!
Posted by: lkrsrunningwild | February 01, 2008 at 04:25 PM
What a Steal for the Lakers. I am sorry but Kwame did not hustle and was constanly flat footed, very lazy. Gasol will now make the lakers a contender for the West Crown. Hope this is what will make Kobe happy. It may not be Kevin Garnet or Jason Kidd but at a avg. of 18ppg Gasol is a true Big man player. Mitch nice job. Keeping Kobe and dumping Shaq, look where shaq is now, looks like retirement is upon him. Jerry Buss was well informed that he, Shaq would decline. Now the Lakers other than Fish we have a good young nucleus. I am sure the Suns, Spurs and Mavs are thinking OH SHIT!
Posted by: CJ Peters | February 01, 2008 at 04:29 PM
Something tells me Pau will be happier being a #2 or 3 option on a serious contender of a Lakers team than being the #1 on the lottery bound Grizzlies squad. We don't need him to score 20/10 every night; we just need the threat. I also see his defense improving on this team, especially when young Andrew gets back.
I am really sad about losing J-Crit, though; I had high hopes for him, and I'd love to see him do well in games not against the Lakers. If Jordan hadn't developed so quickly, Javaris wouldn't have been expendable, so he served a dual purpose in his short Lakers career.
Posted by: Tully Moxness | February 01, 2008 at 04:29 PM
I just LOVE the trade. I can hardly wait to see lakers in full strengths. GO LAKERS.
Posted by: Manwarul Alam | February 01, 2008 at 04:29 PM
There are two more lakers being rumored to place Kidd. I don't think will materialized due to contract size and too much alterations in one day. I think whatever trades, let's leave it this summer when there are more players to be offered in the market. Pau and Drew are powerhouse on the Centers, we just develop them into defensive gems and we're really in competitive.
What happens to Mike T? is he in mourning too? No, Paul Gasol is much easier to analyze rather than fitting Kwame in the triangle peg. With Pau, his transformation is minimal and I think Kareem is happier amd became younger to have Pau as his students than going with the basics with Kwame. Our strenght lies on the perimeter success of Sasha and Vlad connecting those shots. They indefensible so keep on perfecting them, the same is true with Farmar and Fisher. How about Lamar and Luke? If they don't improve, they are surely targetted by fans and F/O, suddenly Lakers is the place to be on the road to Championship.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 01, 2008 at 04:31 PM
If you are questioning Pau competence in the triangle, go back and watch that world championship that Spain won. Pau operated at 15 feet out mostly. His brother played closer to the rim. It wasn't the triangle, but his play was in the high post.
I'd even go so far to say that he would fit better than if we brought Jason Kidd in. He'd give Bynum much more room to operate. And thinking of this over the course of a game, he and Bynum don't have to be in together. This gives us SOOO many options on offense.
And Pau isn't as bad on D as people think. More savvy, mental D than body to body D. Cuts down your options because he's long, backs off, and tries to make you shoot over him. I don't see as many lapses on rotation that we saw from Kwame or even Shaq.
Posted by: #4 | February 01, 2008 at 04:31 PM
Have some fun checking other teams' blog reactions to the trade:
The Suns
http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/story/2008/2/1/16058/80637#commenttop
The Spurs
http://www.poundingtherock.com/story/2008/2/1/172655/9559
The Mavs
http://www.mavsmoneyball.com/story/2008/2/1/171219/0618
Posted by: DodgerBlueBalls | February 01, 2008 at 04:34 PM
What is Mike T. going to do without Kwame around?????
Posted by: Eagleboy | February 01, 2008 at 04:34 PM
now that i've changed my pants.... how does ESPN editor know bynum might be out for the season, and if so can he come back during playoffs?
Posted by: CHRIS M | February 01, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Forgive me if I've made a few mistakes, but by and large, here's how far we've come. Dang.
Now
Fisher / Farmar
Bryant / Vujacic / Karl
Odom / Walton / Ariza
Gasol / Turiaf / Radmanovic
Bynum / Mihm
Yesterday
Fisher / Farmar / Crittenton
Bryant / Vujacic / Karl
Walton/ Ariza
Odom / Turiaf / Radmanovic
Bynum / Brown / Mihm
Start of Season
Fisher / Farmar / Crittenton
Bryant / Evans / Vujacic / Karl
Odom / Walton
Turiaf / Radmanovic / Cook
Brown / Bynum / Mihm
End of Last Season
Parker / Farmar / Williams
Bryant / Evans / Vujacic / McKie
Walton
Odom / Turiaf / Radmanovic
Brown / Bynum / Mihm
Posted by: DWIGHT | February 01, 2008 at 04:37 PM
I am having trouble wrapping my head around how great this deal is for the Lakers. The two picks one (2008) will be about a 20th selection, but the 2010 pick will really be about a 25th or 26th selection because the Lakers will be so improved. So they really wouldn't help the Lakers that much anyways. Being that he used to be the man in Memphis, did Jerry West help out the Lakers by speaking with Grizzlies front office, the same way that McHale helped out his former team the C's in the Kevin Garnett deal?
Posted by: richard | February 01, 2008 at 04:39 PM
WE DO NOT NEED J KIDD!
HE CAN'T SHOOT AT ALL (LOOK @ HIS %.. ITS LIKE 36%!!!)
HE'S ALSO NOT SO HOT ON D ANYMORE, OPPOSING PGS OFTEN KICK HIS BUTT.
OK, HE CAN PASS AND GET TRIPLE DS
BUT... HE WOULD BE THE WORST POSSIBLE FIT FOR THE LAKERS. WHY DO PEOPLE STILL WANT HIM?
Posted by: NO TO KIDD | February 01, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Dwight, don't forget DJ Mbenga in his own enforcer category (as temporary as that may be).
Posted by: Enrico Polazzo | February 01, 2008 at 04:45 PM
AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
WE'RE BAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKK!
I'M ABOUT TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK.
I officially apologize to Mitch and Jerry for all those horrible things I said about them last summer.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | February 01, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I posted this on the previous blog, so I apologize for the repeat, but it is worth repeating....
WOW!!!
I just read about the trade and I was shocked to see Mitch make such a brilliant trade. Do you think that Jerry West had some influence on this decision by Mitch or that this was solely Mitch's idea? I think West had a hand in this....
I'm probably one of the few Lakers fans that liked Kwame... not for his offense (or lack of), but for his defense. His big body helped to clog the middle. However, with Bynum's growth, Kwame's departure was inevitable. I actually thought that Chris Mihm would be traded before Kwame because he's been hurt, but I'm glad that Mihm is still here. I like Mihm. He works hard, hustles, and can score. His main problem is staying out of foul trouble.
It's too bad to see Crittenton leave as well. I thought he had a lot of potential, but sometimes you have to make sacrifices to succeed. Oh well, I guess not all GM's or VP's of Basketball Operations are as stupid as Kevin McHale, who traded away one of the premier players in Kevin Garnett for scrums.
Pau now gives us a legitimate #2 or #3 scorer behind Kobe and possibly Bynum (when he gets back). Now less weight will be on Odom's shoulders, so he can focus more on passing & rebounding, which are his best assets. As a second (or third) option to Kobe (and Fisher), I would rather have Pau take a game winning shot as opposed to Walton or Odom.
The Lakers now have a legitimate chance at winning the championship with Pau, along with the returns of Bynum & Ariza.
Woo Hoo!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Stephen Ward | February 01, 2008 at 04:47 PM
Optimus - I understand your skepticism, and I'm certainly not looking for an immediate impact. Gasol may or may not take tot he triangle. It might take him a while or he might catch on pretty quickly. If history is an indicator, he might not really be in the flow until next season.
Still, he can make an impact now. True, his D isn't the best. He doesn't especially like to run. He doesn't really like to play a back-to-the-basket game. But ... he's an upgrade over Kwame until Bynum returns.
In the longer run, it is an even bigger - potential - upgrade. Gasol is a big who has shooting range, can pass and rebound. I'm not saying he's Nowitsky or Garnett, but his skills are similar. And he is an all-star player.
One of the biggest knocks (of many) on Kwame was that he couldn't play the 4 spot, not with Mihm and not with Bynum. Gasol can and will, which will give the Lakers a front line of impressive range and skills.
Gasol's a team player, a very important asset in the triangle. In fact, it takes a special individual to really WANT to be "the man". Kobe's got that quality. MJ had it. Shaq had it. But Gasol doesn't want to be "the man" any more than Odom does. What that gives the Lakers is a set of very skilled team players in support of a superstar who is finally being more and more of a team player himself.
IMHO that gives the Lakers a very impressive long term.
I'm less than sold on THIS season. Who knows what kind of play Bynum will show when he returns from a scary knee injury? Same iwth Ariza. Treveor's game is athleticism and cutting and slashing and lock-down defense. Will he have that right from the get-go when he returns? Will Bynum be playing above the rim for lobs and blocks and dunks and rebounds?
We won't have those answers until March. But the prospects sure are good.
Posted by: Zingaro | February 01, 2008 at 04:49 PM
What do you guys think of now putting Lamar on the trade market??? Earlier on Lakers Zone Mitch didnt exactly say this Laker roster is done and complete. Although Lamar's length provides some matchup problems in the post for almost every team in the league (never count on Lamar's offense), he is a very below average perimeter defender. Defending SF wing's like Carmelo, Pierce, Josh Howard, Steph Jackson, etc has proven very difficult for him.
With all the offense we need with the addition of Gasol, could we turn our focus to a more defensive minded perimeter player/SF?? I think a Ron Artest?Lamar Odom swap would greatly benefit our team come playoff time. Artest is a shutdown defender and a more DEPENDABLE offensive threat than Lamar Odom. All we would really be giving up in such a trade is Lamar's rebounding ability, something I dont think is that necessary with Pau and Bynum down low now. Normally Kobe has to guard the opposing teams best perimeter player, with Artest, Kobe can take somewhat of a break on D, maybe prolonging his career.
Lamar for Artest?? BK, Laker Nation, what do you guys think??
Posted by: Neel | February 01, 2008 at 04:50 PM
I'm not sold. It does improve the Lakers in the short-term, but long-term? Why are we jumping the gun here? Why did we need a trade? Kobe said they were championship level with Bynum, and I definitely agree with that.
When Kobe was the #1 option and Bynum was #2 and Odom/Fisher #3, they were as good as anyone in the league, and Bynum was just barely getting started. And you all know it. So will Pau get in the way of Bynum's growth? Does he know the triangle?
Someone in here just said "we now have a real #2 option." Have you completely forgotten how 1 month ago we had a superb young growing #2 option, that had elevated the Lakers to best record in the West?
I guess what it comes down to for me, is whether Pau can be the complementary player. If Pau is cool with being the fourth option, and just doing the hustle stuff that Kwame did, then I guess it's alright. But then why pay so much for an all-star complementary player? Why kill cap space by trading a strong big guy who cannot catch passes for a strong big guy who (presumably) can catch passes?
Color me confused...
Posted by: OptimusPrime | February 01, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I agree with you that this trade leaves me puzzled. I like the acquisition but we gave up way too much. I would have kept JC and offered Rad or Luke.
Memphis got JC, 2 1st round draft picks, Aaron McKie (no big deal) and the rights to Pau's brother Marc Gasol.
That is one Crit too many for just Gasol and 2nd round pick. It may look good now but we have seen what happens to Fish when he gets tired and Farmar will not be as good imo as Crit will be. Just just got thin at the point guard position after we had good depth after so many years of finding a good set of pgs. I think we will suffer at the point.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 01, 2008 at 04:53 PM
Mitch for president.
Posted by: hay | February 01, 2008 at 04:55 PM
All I can Say is NO MORE HANDS OF STONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Goodbye Kwame hello PAU GASOL
Posted by: Alfred Rueff | February 01, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Geez Lamar!
Stop passing a wide open 3-points shot. SHOOT IT!
Posted by: Steve | February 01, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Great trade for the Lakers!
Is there any truth to ESPN's report that Bynum may be done for the season?
Maybe that's why the Laker's made this trade...
Posted by: Navid | February 01, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Gasol is proven champion and team player. This is gonna kick ass!
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | February 01, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Alleluia!!!
Finally a move that make a lot of sense. I can leave with that. Mitch you just earn some of my respect. Let's the winnings biggin.
Like the great Mamba24 will say:
WE ARE THE FREAKING LOS ANGELES LAKERS WINNER OF 14 NBA CHAMPION. ETC...ETC...!
Mamba from the east coast
Posted by: Mamba24Fan4Life | February 01, 2008 at 05:15 PM
I just have t say that the grizzlies got the best end of the deal. Pau Gasol is the biggest crying, Spanish baby LA will ever see. Good Luck Dealing with him
Posted by: Jon Smith | February 01, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Bienvenido PAU....eres el futuro de los lakers...vas a ganar un campeonato.
viva ESPANA...viva los LAKERS
gracias Mitch kupchak.
SO LONG KWAMEEEEEE
I really am giddy!!
this is AWESOME FOLKS....BYNUM PAU..KOBE....ODOM,.....FISH..
CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE NEXT YEAR AND MAYBE TWO AND MAYBE THREE.....COUNT IT!
hugoooo....COLORADO LOVES THE LAKERS!
call me bro...we need to catch some of this action!
kwame.eeeeee...goodbye!
Posted by: Lakers4realz | February 01, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I'm just going to throw this out there.
That Shaq trade was genius. It just took a while to kick in. Just think of it this way:
shaq for odom, caron, and dirt.
caron for kwame
kwame for gasol
then, take out all of the stuff in the middle and you get:
old broken down shaq for odom and gasol.
see. genius. i'm just sayin'
Posted by: jusdeuxit | February 01, 2008 at 05:20 PM
To the guide who said "Gasol has a shot at attracting and expanding the sizable Latino fan base for both the Lakers and hoops generally. " Do you think Kupchak or the NBA actually went into this trade thinking about DEMOGRAPHICS? Hasn't Pau been in the NBA for FIVE years? You telling me because he was in Memphis, no Latins knew who he was? And as far as helping L.A. hispanics, I think the Lakers have been THE FAV NBA team in CALIFORNIA for DECADES! What a Stupid comment to make!
Now back to SERIOUS hoops blogging... Somebody on here says Odom benefits from moving back to #3. Frankly, once Bynum returns, Odom needs to be traded. He's not swift or agile enough to be a #3
Look at the match up problems for Lamar at small Forward: Josh Howard, McGrady, Lebron, Durant, Caron Butler, Joe Johnson, Hedo, and Jefferson of the Netsl.. They are all too swift.
Odoms, a good rebounder and, for his size, a very good ball handler at PF and is good passer. But he ALSO doesn't score well enough to be a #3. See, at the Ssall forward spot, the emphasis on outside shooting goes up NOT down because its the Power Forward who needs to have the post up game since he plays closer to the basket. Odom has always been, at best, an average outside shooter. So why move him to #3? Do you want MORE airballs like seen in Detroit last night?
I think with the trade of two #1 pick for two of the next three years, Odom & Walton are trade bait. Plus Odom is being paid $15 MILLION! I think his contract may expire after next season too!
Posted by: | February 01, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Andrew Z,
>>>Considering Kwame's been bitching and moaning about not being
>>>healthy, I bet he could rehab for 30 days and come back to sign with
>>>the Lakers. Give him a couple bucks and he's not a bad backup.
Oddly, I wouldn't mind that. I would be happy to see the Lakers pay Kwame
half a million for the rest of the year to be a 15 minutes a game backup for
now, and an end of bench player when Bynum comes back.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | February 01, 2008 at 05:22 PM
Hey Navid- where did you read that ESPN report?
Posted by: LakerLass | February 01, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Trading Shaq led to this. Shaq to Miami for Butler, Butler to Wash. for Kawame, and now Kawame for Gasol (for at least the next 3 seasons no less!!! LOVE IT! And don't forget we got Farmar because of the Shaq trade too. Shaq is a shell of his former self and now we have Gasol, Farmar and Lamar to show for it. Thank you Dr. Buss and Mitch soon to become exec. of the year Kupchak!!!! FIFTEEN COMING SOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: 15cmngsoon | February 01, 2008 at 05:28 PM
That is one Crit too many for just Gasol and 2nd round pick. It may look good now but we have seen what happens to Fish when he gets tired and Farmar will not be as good imo as Crit will be. Just just got thin at the point guard position after we had good depth after so many years of finding a good set of pgs. I think we will suffer at the point.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | February 01, 2008 at 04:53 PM
You have to be joking dude,sure you are not related to a certain mike t.
Posted by: White mamba24 | February 01, 2008 at 05:30 PM
JustaLakerFan you are not an ASTUTE lake fan! What makes you think Memphis would TAKE Walton and Vlade!? I don't get all this love for Javaris? A guy who is a rookie not playing most of the games so far! If he is that damn good, how come he was NOT a Lottery Pick? Remember Farmar is no older than Javaris and has a year of pro experience. Frankly, I was not sure why Lakers picked him anyway? I thought they didn't give Farmar enough time to see what he can do. Javaris is fast but so is Devin Harris with the Mavericks and Dallas, after 4 years, is still not sure if he is their long term PG answer! So I say trade the young, EXTRA PG you have for a YOUNG (27) ALL Star PF where you have a hole to fill!
Posted by: Ken | February 01, 2008 at 05:31 PM
I love you mitch!
Posted by: SK | February 01, 2008 at 05:41 PM