Back to the motherland? Or at least the mother continent?
Those Sasha Vujacic negotiations aren't going all that well, it seems, and the LAT's Steve Springer reports that Sasha is prepared to take a deal in Europe if the Lakers won't pony up. How much of this is posturing, it's hard to say- I'm not in the room in which negotiations are taking place- but it's a credible threat, given Vujacic's roots and the recent decision by former Hawks forward Josh Childress to play in Greece.
Having lost Ronny Turiaf, to then lose Sasha would do some serious damage to the team's depth, a strength last season for sure. The pair would also need to be replaced, meaning they'll have to pay someone (with the unavoidable luxury tax penalties), and looking over the free agent lists, the possibilities aren't enticing. I'd encourage them not to get too stuck on a few million here, especially on a player who fills some very specific needs (outside shooting, aggressive-if-not-always-intelligent play defensively) and unlike Turiaf, played a lot of important fourth quarter minutes last season.
More from Janis Carr of the OC Register.
Stay tuned.
BK
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This is what happens when you pay up on Luke Walton. Everyone thinks they should get same.
Though in this case, Sasha really should. Coz he's better than Luke. Yeah I said it lol.
I don't like the manner at which they went about this, but it seems like (from the article), they already went down a mil on their hoped price.
At the end of the day, I love Sasha but if the teams deems it so we can't afford him...all I can say is we can't afford to lose him. lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 24, 2008 at 08:30 PM
Sasha, listen to me.
If you don't like the price, go for 3 years and a 4th year player option.
Learn what's its like to be a champion. Showcase your talents, then when you become a FA, everyone will desire Sasha, you'll be able to command good money from lots of teams (see Posey)
Don't go to Europe. Don't listen to Kobe. Take the Lakers offer.
Posted by: Fatty | July 24, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Sasha has a competitive nature that sets him apart from many NBA players. Its vital that we sign him. Sasha has so much upside, and he can develop it to the benefit of the team.
We all know Sasha can't put the ball on the floor, but I think he will get better as his career progress, much like Brent Barry. Defense is an area Sasha has a chance to improve vastly, because he cares about defense.
And I will not forget Sasha smacking that chair and tearing up when Allen zipped past him in the finals. That should fire right there. We can't lose that. Countless of players on this team are mentally weak, Sasha is not one of them. Pay the man.
Posted by: wow | July 24, 2008 at 08:38 PM
If Luke Walton can get 4+ million and and Vlad Radmanovic get 5+ million a year Sasha Vujacic should get 5 MILLION a year without a problem , he is the best player of the three and he is a perfect fit for the triangle offense . He has been coached by Phil Jackson for a few years now and he knows his role. We all know Kobe loves him.
We need to sign him , So Mitch do your job and sign Sasha. Later work on way to lower salary but Sasha needs to be in a Laker uniform next year.
Posted by: RICO TICO | July 24, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I'm going to be sick.
If the Lakers lose both Ronny and Sasha, I will blame
the following three players:
Lamar (14 mil this season)
Luke (30 mil contract)
VladRad (30 mil contract)
Say what you will about Ronny.
However, at 6'10" and 24 years of age, he has upside.
No need to speak on Sasha.
If the Lakers lose 2 young bench players-and keep 3 over paid soft players-I bet Kobe will leave.
All the good the Lakers management has done in drafting Andrew and stealing Pau will be un-done with the 3 over paid softies (Lamar/Luke/VladRad) and losing 2 young players who could be a part of the team for the next 10 years.
Lose Ronny and Sasha: you lose me as a fan.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 24, 2008 at 08:41 PM
we need to resignature this guy to a contract lakers. brothers if you need me to call in los angeles lakers let me know. i will have time to do this friday after lunch hour buffet. i agree with you to pony up right now or he will leave usa like a mustang horse. i came to usa and love here. what is majority opinion of los angeles lakers blog should sascha stay or let go. ok let me know.
ding how in prattville
Posted by: ding how in prattville | July 24, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Here's the OC register link.
http://tinyurl.com/56j7ne
Posted by: Charles | July 24, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Lakers should definitely keep Sasha. He is an important factor in their offense and sometimes does wonders on defense.
He's getting better each year too.
Lakers offer to him is definitely too low. Pony up a little more Kupchak. Or will you do it to us AGAIN?
Posted by: OT | July 24, 2008 at 08:52 PM
And one more thing:
Lakers team chemistry will be horrible next year if they get off to a horrible start.
Some current players will look at Lamar/Luke/VladRad and say to themselves:
Why are we paying these 3 soft gummy bears all that money and they won't show up yet we lose two young players that would have played with intensity and who would have cost us 9 mil combined?
This. Is. Sad.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 24, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Sasha took a paycut when he came to the NBA. I'm sure he figures that it's time for a substantial raise. Somewhere there's a number that's gonna work to keep him here - Mitch and his guys are experienced negotiators - same obviously goes for Rob Perlinka. I'd be stunned if a deal wasn't reached, very soon.
Posted by: dave m | July 24, 2008 at 08:58 PM
There's no way the Lakers are upping their offer. Mitch said the market is dictating what's going on. The Lakers, I don't think, will offer more than 3 million. Sasha might look at that as an insult. But really, the Lakers aren't in position to offer more than that without damaging what they intend to do.
The Lakers are going defense next year. There's no way they can do that by signing Turiaf and Sasha and still having Mihm, Walton and Rad on the roster. And since Mihm, Walton and Rad are on the roster then there's no room for Turaif and Sasha if the Lakers are intending to change to a defensive philosophy.
There's no way they can do that with Mihm, Walton, Rad, Sasha and Turiaf on the roster and that's not to mention Farmar and Karl, too. It doesn't make sense.
Changes are coming!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:02 PM
MY BOY HAS EARNED EVERY PENNY HE HAS BEEN PAID, WITH HIS REBOUNDING SKILLS, AND BANK SHOT SHOOTING, IF I COULD ONLY GET HIM TO WEAR A HEADBAND ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! AND BEARD
Posted by: BILL WALTON | July 24, 2008 at 09:02 PM
The Lakers better not screw this up. Sasha was huge for us this year.
And yes Faith, Sasha is better than Luke. I don't think anyone denies that.
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Give Sasha his money.
Posted by: Rocky | July 24, 2008 at 09:14 PM
Sign Sasha and trade Mike T to the CelticsBlog
Posted by: giantsquid | July 24, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Mike, is this like when you said the Grizzlies were looking to get more defensive by trading for Kwame?
You need to know more about free agency and the salary cap before you make claims like this. All the Lakers would have to offer players if they let Sasha walk is the mid-level. So who exactly are they bringing in to make these changes and how are they going to do it, with two less trade chips? If they were really trying to make wholesale changes they'd have matched Ronny's offer sheet and package him with LO's expiring deal or something like that.
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Sign Sasha and trade Mike T to the CelticsBlog
Posted by: giantsquid | July 24, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I can't stand Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
However, I will feel for them if Ronny and Sasha leave.
Man, the pressure the felt during the play-off will be nothing compare to the scrutiny they will feel if they play like the softies they are.
Wow.
I can not believe the Lakers are even entertaining the thought of not signing Sasha.
His signing should have been automatic.
A message to Lamar/Luke/Vladimir:
Play like all-stars or get ready for pain from Lakers fan that will make the embarassment you three dis-played against Boston look and feel like a walk in the park.
Play like garbage and Lakers fans will remind you while you 3 wear the Purple and Gold you are to blame for losing both The Predator and The Machine if the aforementioned comes to pass with Sasha going over seas.
Luke: 30 mil. contract.
Vladimir: 30 mil. contract.
Lamar: 14 mil this year.
And we can't keep Ronny and Sasha for a combine 9 mil?
Two players who are young and who have heart?
Again: wow.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 24, 2008 at 09:17 PM
BK,
Lakers will have to give in here. Sasha is worth that to the Lakers because he is the best 3-point shooter on the team. If we want to play big, we need the shooting that Sasha brings. Even if it means $30K over 6 years.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 09:18 PM
giantsquid,
I concur!
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 09:20 PM
He will not go back to Slovenia but to Khimki Moscow and join the rest of ex NBA players Childress, Nachbar, Garbajosa, Calderon, Navarro and very soon Vujacic. It is all about the power of Euro, it 40% higher than the dollar. The euro team are not bound by the CBA Rules so once Sasha decides to go to Europe, do we have a replacement?
This is three-in-a-row of getting busted in black jack game
- lost the Finals
- lost Turiaf
- got a useless joker rumor, Kwame and his peon Mike T.
- may lose Sasha soon
What's next? Mitch Cupcake, make the deal please.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 24, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Mike,
>>>>>There's no way the Lakers are upping their offer.
>>>>>Mitch said the market is dictating what's going on.
>>>>>The Lakers, I don't think, will offer more than 3 million.
>>>>>Sasha might look at that as an insult.
>>>>>But really, the Lakers aren't in position to offer more than
>>>>>that without damaging what they intend to do.
$3M per year? You would insult Sasha. What are you going to say when the Lakers sign him for 5 or 6 years at $5M? That’s what’s going to happen. Wait and see.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Dr. "Billionaire I'm Not Going To Live Very Long" Jerry Buss needs to man up.
Has anyone seen "Citizen Kane" where Kane is told he's losing a million dollars a year? And he says, "But I'm worth a hundred million dollars."
Exactly.
Winning is a lot more important than profit.
When we die what is more important? Our victories or our profit?
We need to win. We are the Lakers.
Drop this nonsense.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I really dont think we lose Sasha unless there is some other trade they are working on. While I loved Ronny, with Drew coming back he wasnt vital to the team. With Sasha however, we really do not have anyone in place that can fill his role. I Believe he will get his 5 mil or close to it.
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 24, 2008 at 09:25 PM
ding how my brother - please call the front office after buffet tomorrow. resignature is definitely in order.
p.s. - what happened with the color scheme - did the k-bros kill it? I would have suggested sweet and sour red but i guess it's a moot point now.
Posted by: dave m | July 24, 2008 at 09:26 PM
You draft well.
Ronny and Sasha. You develop them, they learn the system, and they are turning into solid players. Then you let them go with nothing in return.
So what do you do next? We are now looking for someone who can fill the role, but has no experience in the triangle, and hoping to do it on the cheap. If we are lucky, we find someone, but more than likely, they won't do it better.
Especially if we are talking team chemistry.
So why draft in the first place, develop the player, if you don't plan on keeping the good player. I can see if they don't work out, you at least make a trade, but to just give them away? Don't get it.
If this was the plan, then next time trade the pick, and get the cheap vet when available. 2-3 years of developing our guys, then dumping? Doesn't make sense.
Posted by: Fatty | July 24, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Okay, let's say Dr. Jerry Buss "loves" his family.
In all realism, loving your children does not involve spoiling/ruining them.
If I was a billionaire, I would leave each of my children a million dollars and the tools to build wealth, so they could have the personal pride in building their own fortune.
I would not cripple my children by giving them everything I had earned.
I would have faith in them.
Dr. Jerry Buss, to me you are like family, like an uncle, not an immediate uncle, but still family.
We really care about you and the Lakers. Please recognize that.
It's not all about business decisions.
For millions of people it is about something deeper that is hard to explain.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:32 PM
dave,
>>>>>ding how my brother - please call the front office after buffet tomorrow.
>>>>>resignature is definitely in order.
Dang it, dave. LMAO. You are probably also ding how but it’s so damn funny that I don’t care. You’ve created a unforgettable character, as freaking real as Mike T. LOL. Sort of a combination of Charley Chan and Hop Sing. Chop suey, LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 09:35 PM
The market isn't dictating that Sasha is going to get 5 million from anyone and now the Lakers are supposed to pay him that much?
The Lakres, with Sasha's qualifing offer, are 4 million in luxuary taxes. Now you say add another 2.5 million to that total and bring up the luxuary tax to 6 million?And to top it off that's 6 million in luxuary taxes for 11 players. And that without addressing their defensive needs.
None of this makes sense. Changes are coming. Philosophical changes.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Trade for Luther Head. Buh bye, Sasha.
Coby Karl can make the team ONLY if he offers to massage Kwame's calves after practice. Plus, with no real rookies, we'll need somebody to carry everybody's bags.
What's Bonzi Wells up to? Does he have anything left in the tank?
If we're keeping Odom then Radmanovic should be traded. Surely some Eastern, fun and gun team could use him?
Posted by: Kwaminus III, 4th Earl of the Secret Society of the Brimming Calves | July 24, 2008 at 09:37 PM
The only way the can justify the insanity of losing both Sasha and Ronny:
I trade is in the works.
If not:
The Lakers will not win a championship with this team.
Who comes off the bench and scores 15 points and plays defense?
Not Jordan or Kobi Carl.
Mark my words:
Kobe will do a Kevin Garnett move and head to the East and play with 2 all-star type players in Philly: EB and AI.
Kobe is about winning championships.
If the Lakers do not win a championship next year, Kobe will keep quiet (like he is doing this summer).
However, behind the scence, I bet he will believe Sasha and Ronny would have made the difference if they do not win it all next season.
Just you watch.
Sasha will be the next Ginobili.
He will play well overseas for 3 years and return to the NBA in his prime at the age of 29 (and looking for more than 5 mil a season).
Better pay up Dr. Buss.
Or lose The Mamba to his home town of Philly after next season where he will lead the Sixers to the finals.
I'm going to bed (I'm too depressed at the thought of possibly losing 2 of our toughest and youngest players while still stuck with 3 soft players-Lamar/Luke/VladRad-who are all head cases).
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 24, 2008 at 09:40 PM
I don't think that Lakers will be as good as they were this year if they lose Sasha as well. I hope they give him a strong offer.
Posted by: Anna Louise Kerri | July 24, 2008 at 09:42 PM
I really love this team and I hope that our administration does the right thing.
Yes, it is a business, but there are more important things in life than profit.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Actually, I'm hearing he's gonna get 4.5 per year and a pilot deal at ABC/Disney.
Okay, I'll duck now.
Posted by: dave m | July 24, 2008 at 09:45 PM
passionate lakers fan,
If we lose BOTH Ronny and Sasha I will have a fricken heart attack.
Spend the damn money!
Don't they want to win?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Tom - haha - I wish I was that sublime. My money's actually on Charles.
Posted by: dave m | July 24, 2008 at 09:48 PM
Ronny and Sasha don't address the Lakers defensive needs. If the Lakers didn't have Mihm, Walton, Rad and Farmar taking up roster spots then we could sign these guys. But, in theory, a roster with Mihm, Walton, Rad, Farmar, Turiaf and Sasha on the roster...that too many roster spots that are defensively weak. That's half the roster spots.
Mihm, Walton, Rad, Farmar and Sasha, right now, take up almost 17 million in contracts. And that pushes the Lakers 4 million into the luxuary tax.
Again, that's half the roster that can't play defense. Then you add Gasol to the mix and where is the defense? That's another 15 million. That's a total of 32 million on players who can't play defense.
No, the Lakers can't afford what Sasha does and still address their defensive needs.
The dollars and players that make up this squad don't add up to a sound defensive squad.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:48 PM
I've got an idea, to decongest the tight salaries of the Lakers, Vlade Divac should have a new job.
Sell/Trade/Find a team for Walton and RadMan to the Euro League, Dubai League, Red China League then Lakers will have less headaches as they leave the team amicably. Right now they're adding luxury taxes and causing problems gamewise and moneywise.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 24, 2008 at 09:54 PM
After 2 years, I think, the Lakers are going to Rad for their outside shooting and let Sasha walk. The Lakers can't keep Mihm, Walton, Rad and Sasha. Two are slow footed and two can shoot. Or is that: 4 are slow footed and two can shoot.
We could only keep one of the shooters at the 5 million mark. To pay two shooter the same amount is nuts. It's bad enough that the Lakers are paying two players, Walton and Rad, about the same money for a roster spot that they share and that Odom is going to be taking over.
It doesn't make sense.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Michael Teniete,
I am mucking tired of you blindly hating on white people and generally masquerating as a Lakers fan!
While I respect your intelligence, your dedication, and your passion, Mike, you've got to get stuff in perspective.
It's not just about your opion!
Be a member of Laker Nation! Drop your insane biases!
(By the way, I truly believe that resigning Kwame Brown is important to te future success of the Lakers.)
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Pay 2 shooters is one thing. But unlike both Vlad and Luke...Sasha actually plays D.
We need D. Keep the man. Lose the stiffs.
Posted by: Faith | July 24, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Another idea is to take the Bulls trade offer of Hinrich and Nacione for Odom and Farmar. Whatever savings derived there, pay Sasha. Bring in the three new PG's Sun Yue, Coby Karl and Joe Crawford, I'm sure D'Fish will be able to train one of them as his future replacement. With the presence of sasha, hinrich and nacione, the Lakers will be a good perimeter team with Vlad, Pau and Gasol as well as Mihm manning the posts. Kobe can handle those changes, we don't compromise much but bring new players to the mix. Our enforcer will be DJ Mbenga and Ariza. Luke will be the Lakers new Towel boy and Cheer leader. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 24, 2008 at 10:05 PM
brian and andy kemetskis never contacted me feedback on colors los angeles lakers blog background. i feel any colors would be best then bright white. im still working but i need feedback from brothers. also i would like to add picture of blog people to see brothers sisters together. kemetskis brothers how long before i get feedback on colors background. as spokeperson for los angeles times lakers blog l can make phone call on friday after lunch hour. we are in what they call central time zone. when i call at 1pm prattville time it will be 11 in morning los angeles time. we need to keep sascha vejacic for some years. sweet and sour red is better then bright white. ok goodnight.
ding how in prattville
Posted by: ding how in prattville | July 24, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Mike T says paying two shooters 5 mil each is nuts.
Yeah, it's definitely a lot nuttiler than paying one brick-handed stiff 9.1 mil.
Posted by: dave m | July 24, 2008 at 10:12 PM
Now that Golden State has signed Turiaf, re-signed Ellis and Azubuicke and is looking to re-sign Biedrins, they have opened up a perfect play for Kupchak.
Instead of being held hostage by Sasha Vujacic and his agent, Rob Pelinka, (also Kobe Bryant’s agent), Kupchak should immediately go after Evans with the Lakers mid-level exemption.
Evans averaged 9.3 points and 3.1 rebounds in 68 games for the Magic compared to Vujacic’s 8.8 points and 2.1 rebounds. Their three-point percentage is also very close. Evans averaged 40 percent while Vujacic averaged 43.7 percent.
Although it would seem like an even exchange, Evans is a much better defender than Vujacic. The Lakers have offered Vujacic $2.6-million. Evans could be had for the same figure or possibly less per year over 3 years..
If Kupchak could land Evans, it would essentially mean that the Lakers obtained Trevor Ariza for Brian Cook.
But, as usual, I expect Kupchak to sit and wait silently on Vujacic and Pelinka and drop the ball on bringing Maurice Evans back into the Lakers fold.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/
40771-lakers-mitch-kupchak-about-to-commit-a-double-dribble
Posted by: lotecq | July 24, 2008 at 10:13 PM
BYE-BYE Sasha VUJACIC!!!!
I can see Sasha being the MVP in the Eurolegue. He is just going to get better in that league.
This is what happens when we have Luke AND Rad.
Like what I said, ANDREW BYNUM is what counts> with BYNUM we get a ring whoever plays with him.
Without a healthy BYNUM, NO PEACE!!!!
Bynum
Gasol
Odom
Bryant
Fisher
WINS A NBA RING!!!! We all know these.
I luv Sasha n Ronny, but can't have them Luke and Vlad already have their contracts..
Sign Mata Real and Sun Yue and let's move on.
Bynum/Mihm/Mbenga
Gasol/Mata Real
Odom/Vlad/Walton
Kobe/Ariza/Karl
Fisher/Farmar/Sun
\
That's all the Lakers can afford.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 24, 2008 at 10:19 PM
Initially I was going to write something negative about the current management.
Then I read a little further. This sounds to me like a tough negotiation more than anything.
Sasha called Kupchak's bluff that the Lakers will not pay him more than 4M a year. The league called Sasha's bluff that he was worth a full MLE. Now they have to work something out.
I'll be patient on this one. I think we get Sasha back.
If Evans was really a bad influence on Bynum, I absolutely don't want him back. I like the guy, but Bynum is going to be our second biggest investment in the near future. We need to get the best out of him.
We were willing to lose Evans once, but we did have Sasha as a back-up (who did a nice job of filling the vacuum). If we lose Sasha, what then?
I prefer Sasha strongly over Evans. We need that outside shooting.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 24, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Lest we forget Sasha won a game for us in the FINALS.
One.
How much is that worth?
Posted by: Faith | July 24, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Sasha is not a $10 millon player. But the question is whether his presence is worth $10 million to the Lakers in 08-09. By a very narrow margin, I say yes. We will not replace his shooting or his defense, and without them, we are much thinner and vulnerable. I don't like the contract, I think they can probably get him down from 5 years @ $5 mil/yr, but if not, they should meet his price.
When you feel that your team can win without adding anything, then you must keep your important players.
Posted by: Jman449 | July 24, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Benjamin - I totally agree. I think we'll get Sasha back, there's a middle-ground number that will work - the sides aren't that far apart. As for those that are talking luxury tax, Buss knew full well what the numbers were when he signed Pau. The season paid off with a trip to the finals. He knew he'd be well into the tax this season - he'll take a little hit with Sasha but I'd lay money that he won't use the MLE.
Posted by: dave m | July 24, 2008 at 10:57 PM