Another name off the board
(PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join us at 11 a.m. for Purple, Gold and Blue. Our guest today is 710 ESPN Radio "insider" Beto Duran. We'll discuss Ronny Turiaf's departure, Sasha Vujacic's hopeful return and anything else topical. Click the show widget on the side of the blog, or go straight to our show page by clicking here.)
Whoever may step in for Ronny Turiaf as a key big off the bench, it's not likely a player rooting for TCU. The Spurs just re-signed veteran C/PF Kurt Thomas, their last-minute 2008 acquisition from Seattle and resident "heady role player." Thomas is also the only Texas Christian University alum currently in the league, so Lakers fans hoping for both a new defensive minded front court guy and a new pal to watch the Horned Frogs do battle with at the local Hooters will simply have to settle for the former. Thankfully, those wings are just so tasty, you don't really need an eating buddy to enjoy them.
Mmmmm. Wings.
AK
Let's hope for a good undercover surprise roster move for the Lakers.
Posted by: Charles | July 22, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Just goes to show all of us, its not what the "fans" and "bloggers" want the Lakers to do, but in actuality, what the Lakers actually are going to be able to do in terms of acquiring a serviceable player to take Ronny's vacated spot..
Exactly why I don't put any weight into suggesting this and that player for the team cuz its neither here nor there, my wants and wish lists dont have nothing to do with what is really gonna go down..
Nonetheless, I am confident Mitch will do his job and make us that much more competitive come this season..
Go USA & the Lakers too of course!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | July 22, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Kurt Thomas is out, that's OK he's oldie but there someone who is available better than Ron Bill Artest, his name is Emeka Okafor who rejected the offer of Bobcats at 12M. I was just thinking aloud if MJ would like to trade place with LO and EO + future 2nd rd pick. Will Emeka the defensive player Lakers have been looking for? The stats with LO are almost the same.
http://www.charlotte.com/507/story/722943.html
According to Kobe: "He's sad to see Ronny Turiaf leave but optimistic that Sasha Vujacic will re-sign with L.A."
So far the Lakers offer on the table is 2.6M not too respectable for the new agent Pelinka who is wheelin' and dealin' of getting better offers. I think Mitch should stop negotiating and close the deal on this one. First, Lakers fans are down in losing Turiaf, don't tell me we lose also Sasha w/o any block buster trade. Second, based on the statement of Kobe, it demotivates a player when he loses his european buddies like Ronny and then Sasha. I think Sasha should be signed at 5M for three years with incentive bonuses.
Javaris Crittenton is back in the trading block. With four guards in the Grizzlies line up, J-Critt is extra baggage. They have Mayo, Conley and Lowry.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jul/22/five-is-a-crowd/
What a blessing if GM Wallace agrees to get Luke or Vlad for J-Critt. Just dreamin' like some other bloggers here. haha!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 22, 2008 at 11:50 AM
I hope so Charles.
With the lack of action in LALA Land, i hope something is brewing.
With both Kurt Thomas and Jorge Garbajosa off the board, LA's list appears to be growing short.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 22, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Toad is:
A) Pinoy
B) Global Beer Drinker
C) Both
Posted by: Charles | July 22, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I never thought he was coming to LA. I'm actually not sure how much he has left in the tank, to be honest.
Posted by: Michael A | July 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Can you please have Adam Rose get us some pictures of the tryouts for those wings?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM
AK
if you want really good wings, you have to go to the original source..............Frank and Theresa's Anchor Bar, Main Street, downtown Buffalo............where they were invented. Anything else is an imitation.
Posted by: toad | July 22, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Charles
the answer is B
Posted by: toad | July 22, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Richtown,
I had to delete that song. Language won't fly for the blog. make sure to sub out the offending words entirely if you want to share something like that again.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 22, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Richtown got in trouble... neener, neener, neener...
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 22, 2008 at 12:40 PM
My bad
Posted by: richtown | July 22, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Mmmmm.... buffalo wings.
I'll take mine Chernobyl hot or creamy cajun.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 22, 2008 at 01:02 PM
With the signing of Kurt Thomas, can you hear it?
Can you hear it rumbling in the distance?
That dark forboding sound of doom like Saurman's troops marching just over the horizon.
My God, I can hear it!! I can hear it!!!!
KWAME BROWN.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 22, 2008 at 01:04 PM
just kidding Richtown.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 22, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Jon,
Is that sarcasm, or do you like Kwame back in LA?
I hope his feelings weren't hurt too bad last year.
I, for one, think Kwame would be a good fit. He's the same player he always was, but this time around we don't need him to do anything but show off his calves (and throw his body around on D).
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 22, 2008 at 01:11 PM
I would love Emeka Okafor to be a Laker, but the thought of trading Lamar isn't too comforting. Many people here love to talk down about LO but he is a matchup nightmare for many teams. Yall do remember what he did to "the Matrix" in the playoffs in the past right?
Posted by: Semper Fidelis | July 22, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Benny,
Bringing Kwame back would be like re-electing Obama, er, Jimmy Carter.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: Sonnybelfast | July 22, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Enough!!! I've been reading this blog for 2 years and I love it but when we talk about Kwame I have to scroll through! Mike T always makes points about how Drew gives us points but gives up just as many because his lack of position D and the IRONY is ridiculous! Kwame is an alrite defender but can't even CATCH a freaken ball....he's a turnover waiting to happen! How does he help on offense when defenders are free to double team Kobe or anyone else. Even with Mbenga its 5 on 5 basketball. Please lets stop talking about Kwame.
My logic is un-denyable!
Posted by: Semper Fidelis | July 22, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Per AK request the Radio Edit Version...lol
I hope the changes are enough for masses now:
I found this in on Slam today
Total fiction, just one guy ‘imagining’ what Kobe’s response to Shaq’s freestylin’ could be..
Pop goes the Diesel…
Your reign on the top was short like leprechauns
Sure-thing rings lost to Wallaces and Olajuwons
You’re a true, what? You’re a true blue pr--k
On the outside you’re happy, on the inside you’re sick
Oh, my bad, I forgot, that’s just part of your schtick
Admit it, you just mad ‘cause your career’s almost over
You’re a black hole while I’m still supernova
And while we’re on the topic of being a star
I’ll be in Phoenix in February—can I borrow your car?
Since I’ll be in the game, I won’t drive it too far
I remember when you had the Reebok Shaqnosis
Now you’re working on a coronary thrombosis
I live in the gym, you’ve got a body by Hostess
Nike makes me shoes and spots, I jump cars for fun
Tell you what, I’d rather hang with Jack@** than be one
You claim to be a player, but I did your wife
Yeah, that’s just jokes, but—haha—I did your life
Wanna go after me for your problems, nah, that’s all on you
And those big alimony checks—those are all on you too
Watch Shaunie stack those chips while you get blue
And what’s this I hear about how you went after Kareem?
You’ll never be like him, he was part of a team
Forget about Cap, were you even better than Dream?
Please explain the MDE with one MVP?
That’s like calling yourself a forest when you’re only one tree
Russ had five, Wilt had four, even Moses had three
As for the rings, yeah, you wound up with four
But the Most Dominant Ever should really have more
You weren’t the most feared to ever step on the floor
Those three titles we won, yeah, I couldn’t have done it without you
At least I can admit it, how ‘bout you, Shaq-Fu?
It’s always all about you—the big center of attention
But you ain’t notorious, never had that dimension
Coulda stayed in L.A. but you had to have that extension
You can score in the paint, can’t get it done at the line
Say “I hit ‘em when it matters” and everything’s fine?
Those ugly bricks don’t take from your shine?
Nah, I guess not, but while it may not hurt your fame
It’s something to consider when you’re benched at the end of the game
And now new guys are coming through to rip that S off your arm
Bad enough you lost your game, now you even lost your charm
What ever happened to you, when did you get so bitter?
Used to be a champion, now you’re a quitter
Could have done more in Miami if you only got fitter
If you couldn’t take the fire, should have stayed out the Heat
You’re so out of shape you can barely THINK on your feet
And they even took your badges, that I’m sorry to hear
Because at least then you might have had another career
Call yourself a cop? You’re nothin’ but a pig
And rhyme all you want, you can never be Big
I’m a Laker for life, you’re just another man on a journey
In fact, don’t ever speak to me, just call my attorney
Keep playing with fire, you ain’t gonna burn me
You think you can spit? Like those six Grammies mattered?
You never were crap, but I’m glad you were flattered
You never really could rhyme, got carried by many
Kind of like how it worked with Dwyane, Kobe and Penny
People only rhymed on your records because they knew you had money
You think they laughed at your jokes ‘cause they thought you were funny?
Always thought you was Vito when you’re really a Sonny
As for your movies, they laughed WITH you, as far as you know
But maybe you should go back to school, like Neon Boudeaux
And hey, my coach came back, unlike Mike D’Antoni
He chose the KNICKS over you, you big phony
You think you a horse, but you barely a pony
I’ll be in Beijing this summer, going for gold
You could be too, if you weren’t so old
Face it, you mad, that’s why you came at me first
If I show you my trophy, will it slake your MVP thirst?
I got to stay home, you got displaced.
As years go by, your memories erased.
What was that, Diesel? How does your ass taste?
Shouldn’t you know? You’re the one $#!%faced.
Posted by: richtown | July 22, 2008 at 01:30 PM
Guys, guys, guys, why all the gloom around here. Just because we haven't made a big-name trade/acquisition doesn't mean the Lakers are in a bad position. We made it to the finals with no true center. Ronny was a great player off the bench but Ronny didn't win or lose any games by himself this season and as much as I love the guy, 8 points off the bench can be easily replaceable.
We've questioned Kuptchack pretty much his entire career as GM but after pulling off the Gasol heist this past February, I've got to trust the guy on this one. No one's taking the Artest bait from the Kings. Many other teams have pretty much written him off because of Sactos other demands. If the Lakers hold out a little longer, we may still be able to get Artest and be able to keep LO too (ok, maybe wishful thinking). Or maybe we can get Artest and not have to take on some ridiculous contract in return that'll tie our hands for a few years.
Let's focus on resigning "The Machine" for now. I have a feeling he'll be a Laker next season.
Now I'm going back on vacation until I hear anything meaningful from Laker Nation. Love you all...have a great rest of the summer.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | July 22, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Benny Blanca,
I know, but for a second there I wanted to take my ball and go home :)
Posted by: richtown | July 22, 2008 at 01:32 PM
Benny Blanca,
I've been hypnotized by the magic of calves. Please forgive me. I cannot help myself.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 22, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Maybe if Luke weren't just off surgery we could swing this puppy:
This Trade Succeeded! Go back to adjust your trade or start over.
Los Angeles Lakers incoming Players:
Jason Kapono (Toronto Raptors)
Salary: $5,784,480 Years Remaining: 2
Outgoing Players:
Coby Karl
Salary: $711,517 Years Remaining: 1
Luke Walton
Salary: $4,420,000 Years Remaining: 5
Just a thought, a dream, a perhaps...
Wes
Posted by: Wes J. Nixon | July 22, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Here we go, more Kwame talks lol
But in all seriousness.
Kwame does suck.
But I'd take him any day of the week as long as it is for no more than the player's minimum. Oh, and maybe just a 1yr. contract.
At $1 mill a year I don't really care if he throws cakes at people coming to my daughter's birthday party.
We already have plenty of firepower.
All he would need to do would be to bang his body against the likes of Duncan, Garnett, Stoudemire and Howard.
And only for certain specific parts of the game.
Outsidergua.
Posted by: Outsidergua | July 22, 2008 at 01:41 PM
>>>So far the Lakers offer on the table is 2.6M not too
>>>respectable
The 2.6 million isn't a number the Lakers pulled out of a
hat and said, "This is what Sasha is worth to us". Most
first round rookie contracts are for 4 or 5 years, the last year
of which is a specific value which is the qualifying offer.
By signing the paperwork to confirm that offer, it gives the
Lakers the right to match offers from other teams.
But the thing is, you're making the assumption that that's the
ONLY offer the Lakers have on the table for Sasha.
I've seen reports that say that Sasha's agent wasn't able to
work out a deal with the Lakers and I've seen reports that
say that Sasha changed agents because of this and has
gone back to negotiating with the Lakers.
I haven't seen any reports that tell what other offers the
Lakers have made to Sasha or what Sasha and his camp
are asking for? Have you? Has anybody? Links?
Maybe Sasha saw Maggette get 10 million per and his
agent told him, "Machine is better than Maggette. I can
get you 12 million per", and they're negotiating with that
assumption. Maybe the Lakers are playing hardball now
that most of the free agent money around the league has
dried up. I don't know. If you do know, please enlighten us.
The truth is, that 12 million demand speculation by me is just as
realistic as your assumption that all the Lakers are offering
Sasha is the1-year tender offer.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 22, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Waves in the NBA people, rippling across the Pond and settling on Europe. Ahhhh, Europe, land of the Euro, gyro, and your-o. Alright, the last one was amde up.
I think it's great that NBA players are taking a stand against executives and chinzy franchises. The Hawks have been one of the worst teams in all of sports for about a decade now. The Clippers, too (sorry Clipper fans, but as a life-long Angel fan I know how decades of misery and pain can make your relationship with your home team...difficult). These franchises are seeing the error of their ways. I'm not saying that NBA players are the most loyal lot, but nobody tunes in or drops $200 to see Elgin Baylor now, or Mitch for that matter.
The players are the product, everything else is glittering distraction. That's why Elton Brand is gone, that's why Kobe couldn't leave and that's why we'll here about Josh Childress playing in Greece next year.
People, we are spoiled by having one of the best franchises in all of sports right here in our own backyard. I know we all bitch about Mitch, whine about the training staff and rant and rave at AK and BK's grading scale but we have the best people in every position. Jerry Buss keeps it together. We have the best player in the game. We have the best coach. We came up two games of becoming king of the heap again. Man I love this team!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Please let Kwame find an over seas team to play for, that way he can at least get in the habit of throwing eclairs...mmmmm, eclairs.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | July 22, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Another thing to remember is that Ronny played a lot of minutes last year and if this year is going to be anything like last year, or in fact like the last three years, then our big men are going to be on the injured list and were gonna need a more than serviceable big man/men to play big minutes.
And I don't bean Mbenga, I mean a big man with some skills; someone who can play both C/PF positions, can hit an outside shot as well as pass and rebound. I hope we're looking...
Wes
Posted by: Wes J. Nixon | July 22, 2008 at 01:50 PM
>>>I think Sasha should be signed at 5M for three years
>>>with incentive bonuses.
That sounds very reasonable. Less than a full MLE, but with
the opportunity to earn more than MLE money if he continues
to play well & improve.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 22, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Wes,
I wouldn't mind that trade too much, but you realize that
Kapono is a much worse defender than Luke (or even worse
than Radmanovic).
If the Lakers were going to make a trade like that (and if
Toronto were willing to give up the best pure shooter in the
game), I'd trade Rad instead of Kapono. Kapono is sorta like
SUPER-VLAD. MORE POWERFUL SHOOTING. MORE
SUCKTASTIC DEFENSE. IT'S SUPER VLAD.
Luke offers a different skill set, so if you traded him for
Kapono, then you'd have both Vlad and SUPER VLAD.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 22, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Sonnybelfast
As the self appointed, Political Comment Censor and blog hypocrite.
I will have to give you a 'Yellow Card' warning for your below the belt way, Carter comment.
Posted by: Fatty | July 22, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Benny Blanca,
Theo Ratliff, Kwame Brown or Brian Skinner? All for cheap of course.
Manong Edwin Gueco,
Let me dream with you. Vlad for Marc Gasol and Javaris. And then Luke for the Dark Knight.
Posted by: Charles | July 22, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Hello friends. Just thougt I would drop you a quick note to let you know that I'm still trolling around occasionally. I'm very sorry to hear about the fires. That's unfortunate and even though you're fans of a corrupt sport and a team that's benefited from it, you are not deserving of such destruction. I wish you the best.
I've come to the conclusion that the WWFNBA will sweep all of the conpsiracy threories under the carpet and will convince the federalis to do the same due to the current state of our economy. Too much money involved
and it would be another hit to our economy along with the mortgage and credit crisis. Funny how the taxpayers will have to bail out multi- millionaires who have been making their money via corrupt lending practices. Sure,one might say "the buyer signed by the X," but we have to believe in trends just like the corrupt officiating trends during the playoffs. We can't hang a carrot in front of a rabbit's face and not expect him to bite. These grown-up executives and drones need ttheir bank accounts stripped and given to the public and then they need to be spanked just like a lbad little child.
I'm going to count my blessings and each some lunch now. I will be back later to see if you have anything worthwhile to say.
Posted by: Engineero | July 22, 2008 at 02:02 PM
The spurs got that much closer to the nursing home. Good or bad.
Meanwhile our young guys just gained a valuable year of experience.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 22, 2008 at 02:04 PM
SonnyB,
C'mon now, you know 'W' is the Kwame Brown of US Presidents.
The vaccuum Kwame left went unfilled.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | July 22, 2008 at 02:04 PM
LTLF,
good call. The 2.6 is merely the qualifying offer that's part of the process. There's no way that Sasha or his agent would understand that as a "slap in the face".
If Sasha wants to get upset, there's only two reasons:
1. No other team has offered him anything yet.
2. Luke Walton was signed almost IMMEDIATELY last summer (although i don't think he was restricted).
Jamie,
ELCAIRES... LOL!!! i haven't had a good creamy eclaire in years.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 22, 2008 at 02:11 PM
And why is Jorge Garbajosa off the market? Has he signed somewhere, or God forbid was he on one of those ill-fated WWII fighter planes that mysteriously disappeared over the calm Atlantic waters just after reporting a strangely shaped object flying at great speeds in circular motions just above him? And just before the radio transmissions were lost and the plane vanished forever over the cloudless skies of this warm July afternoon did the brave captain alert the base of the sure, quick approach of the strange flying ship?
At worst he's well fed in some interstellar zoo...lets hope.
Wes
Posted by: Wes J. Nixon | July 22, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Got tickets to see Kobe and Team USA stomp Canada on Friday.
:)
Posted by: frank1rizzo | July 22, 2008 at 02:20 PM
LUOL DENG TO THE LAKERS?
According to Hoopsworld, it's a possibility. Though, I think it's HIGHLY unlikely.
Reports yesterday suggested that Chicago Bulls’ forward Luol Deng and his agent were ready to issue an “ultimatum” to the Bulls, basically saying if Luol did not have a deal done by September 1st, that he would back away from negotiations and not negotiate again with the Bulls. The reports suggested if Luol did not get a deal he’s comfortable with, he’d sign the Bulls’ $4.4 million qualifying offer sheet and become an unrestricted free agent next year and walk. After spending the bulk of the day on the phone talking with Bulls and league sources and a couple of agents, there is some truth to this stance. Let’s not call it an ultimatum - the parameters of the negotiations have been established. That’s how the agents frame it. The Bulls have had several discussions with both Luol Deng and Ben Gordon and are basically offering both players the same kinds of packages they offered last year. In Luol’s case, $57 million is not enough for a number of reasons. First, other teams are offering sign-and-trade packages that Chicago seems lukewarm on exploring. Those sign-and-trade packages could get Luol in the $13 to $14 million a year range, which is substantially more than Chicago’s offer - roughly $9 million per year. Some teams are telling the agents of the restricted class to take the qualifying offer this year and get radically paid next year as unrestricted free agents; this includes Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. League sources suggested that the Lakers, Pistons, Heat and Jazz have all had discussions with Luol Deng’s camp about the framework of a sign-and-trade.
Posted by: Xodus | July 22, 2008 at 02:31 PM
kwame would be a good fit for the lakers at the veteran's minimum of $1mil a year for 1 year. Let's be honest, the lakers need some more toughness and a back-up big that plays D, bangs a little, and doesn't need the ball on O.
Chris Mihm's career is over, let's face it. His 2 minute stint in the finals was the WORST performance in a short time i've ever seen.
Mbenga is NOT better than Kwame. People just like him the same way they like a mascot. He's all out of control.
Let me be clear: Kwame was a JOKE as a starter in the NBA. He's a joke as a 6th man. However, Kwame as a back-up center/PF bruiser at the veteran's minimum to back-up Bynum and Pau is a pretty decent deal, I think. 10min a night, a few fouls, 3-5 boards, 1-3 turnovers and a cpl missed free throws is probably ok.
Posted by: sean | July 22, 2008 at 02:39 PM
My list is down to the following:
Brian Skinner
Chris Andersen
Theo Ratliff
Ryan Gomes
With Garbajosa, Craig Smith and Thomas gone (and Mutumbo assumedly gone), we're getting low on FA options.
I wouldn't mind trading for guys like Amir Johnson, Carl Landry or Brandon Bass however. It's too bad that you can't do in basketball what you can in baseball where you trade a guy and continue pay a part of his salary to make him more attractive to another team (ahem, Vlad).
Posted by: puddle | July 22, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Odom for Okafor is starting to look like a good deal for both sides...
Charlotte cannot sign him to a one year tender and then trade him before the deadline, so they have to make a deal with someone. Lamar's 14 mill expiring will look mighty tasty as a chip...
C'mon Mitch....you can do it.
Posted by: DrewPauKobe | July 22, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Charles,
Theo... i sure like what he used to bring to the court. Can he still do it?
Skinner... I like. i am curious as to who else is interested.
What about Adonal Foyle, did he already resign with the Magic?
Posted by: | July 22, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Sean -
No, Kwame has no place on this team and I don't think the Lakers would even consider him after the stinker seasons he put up here. Mitch, from a PR perspective, would be in such a sh*t-storm that he'd need a boat and an umbrella to get out if it. I doubt Kwame would even consider L.A. anyway after the abuse he went through here.
Posted by: puddle | July 22, 2008 at 02:52 PM
frank rizzo
That's like super great. The official name of the game should be like 'The Calgary Stompede'. Sort of like Custer's Last Stand, but more fun for the loser.
Jon K
You may be right aboat having Minnesota annex O' Canada, eh. It will be easier, besides the two almost speak the same language, eh hosier.
Reporting from the Great White North - "Coo coo coo coo coo coo coo coo!"
Posted by: Fatty | July 22, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Post about a contract dispute?
Cue LakerTom . . . "This is why the Lakers have to give Drew an extension . . ."
Posted by: Anthony "Pig Bill" Miller | July 22, 2008 at 02:58 PM
I looked at the trade idea i proposed the other day and thank you for your comments on it. From looking at it i came up with two other solutions. One with lamar and one without lamar.
trade w/o lamar:
Detroit gets T-Mac
Houston gets Billups, Vladrad, Mihm
Lakers get Prince/Battier (no mihm in trade then)
This could be a 3 way trade, or just 2 trades right after eachother. It makes sense. It fills the needs of the teams, just i don't know how houston would take vladrad and mihm for Prince or Battier unless they felt they needed those two and they didnt need the extra SF. I would rather have Prince than Battier but they both are good.
trade with lamar (this is in the situation that lamar doesnt work at SF and the other two teams feel a trade would help them at that point in the season):
Detroit gets T-Mac
Houston gets Lamar, Billups
Lakers get Prince, Scola
Once again this could happen by one trade or two trades pieced together. Detroit gets their superstar, so they're happy. Now Houston, if done with two trades, has two SFs and they only need one. The idea of getting lamar for one of those SF and Scola would be very attractive. i mean, a starting line up of Yao (C) Lamar (PF) Battier (SF) ?? (SG) and Billups (PG) would definitely have the potential to do something in the west. Not only that but, correct me if I'm wrong, after the season is done they would be under the salary cap and allow them to go after who ever they want, maybe even Bron Bron?? The Lakers would get the SF they were looking for and they back up PF in Scola that would take fill Ronny's spot for sure.
Thoughts?
Posted by: Troy S. | July 22, 2008 at 03:11 PM
Wes =
"And why is Jorge Garbajosa off the market?"
Because Jorge said 'nyet' to the Lakers and signed a Gazillion Ruble contract to play with Moscow's Club Mafia Khimki.
In the end, Pau Gasol's friendship with Garbo wasn't enough to overcome the extra $3 million and the 'do the contract or lose your right hand' deal he got from the Russian Mafia team.
The Lakers got screwdenskied again.
Posted by: Fatty | July 22, 2008 at 03:15 PM
LO and Luke for insert one (Nocioni, Hinrich or Gooden) and Deng (sign and trade).
i love dreaming... and don't wake me up. I'm busy winning championships.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 22, 2008 at 03:15 PM
sean,
Mbenga IS not better than Kwame Brown.
But Mbenga has more heart than Kwame Brown and we'v e seen his game improve over the year, while Kwame's got worse.
Truth be told, at the same salary I'd rather have Kwame "I Loves Me Some Cake" Brown back, but if Kwame wants something like three million a year? Forget about it!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 22, 2008 at 03:20 PM