Baron Davis back in L.A.
This move may not make the Clippers instant contenders (although a core of Davis, a now presumed to be re-signed Elton Brand, Chris Kaman and Al Thornton is pretty talented), but should David Stern decide to award the Larry O'Brien to the team that produces the best film, the red, white and blue now have a serious leg up on the rest of the league.
AK
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This should make the hallway rivalry competitive, for once.
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | July 01, 2008 at 06:32 PM
Allright now let's get Luke out of L.A.
Posted by: never | July 01, 2008 at 06:36 PM
They'll still be the clips.
'Nuff said lol.
Posted by: Faith | July 01, 2008 at 06:36 PM
hahahaahahaah
Baron Davis chosed the "C" instead of the Fakers.
hahahahaahah
So much for everybody wanting to playing with the "best player on the planet"?
ahahahaha
Still laughing at Game 7: oh, forgot no Game 7.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 01, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Ron Artest - As the World Turns
http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/sports/kings/
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | July 01, 2008 at 06:39 PM
ahahahahaa
Baron Davis chosed the "C's" instead of the "L-osers".
aajajaaaaaajhahaha
Still laughing at Game 7: Oh, forgot no Game 7.
jejeejejejej
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 01, 2008 at 06:41 PM
AK wrote:
“This move may not make the Clippers instant contenders (although a core of Davis, a now presumed to be resigned Elton Brand, Chris Kaman and Al Thornton is pretty talented), but should David Stern decide to award the Larry O'Brien to the team that produces the best film, the red, white and blue now have a serious leg up on the rest of the league.”
Boy I agree with this assessment AK;
Hummm… maybe it not such a good idea after all for the Lakers to stand completely pat on personnel this off-season :).
Seriously though, I still can’t help but wonder that the Clippers being the Clippers. A perpetually snake-bit organization. Will nevertheless find a way to screw it all up somehow, even if they bring in Baron Davis and resign Brand. Whether now, later into the season, or the ones to follow.
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | July 01, 2008 at 06:46 PM
LakerTom,
I wouldn't be upset if the Lakers signed Drew to a max deal, but from a business decision it's not a good idea for management. I agree with you that Drew will be a franchise player and he was the third best center for a stretch of the season. But the problem is he only played 35 games this season and his elite play only lasted a month and a half (from Dec. 1st to his injury which I believe was Jan. 15).
That's not nearly enough of a track record to warrant a max deal. I don't see what the rush would be for either side. Bynum will be 21 next year and if the Lakers wait until next year they will still be the ideal situation for Drew. The Lakers can pay him the most money, put him on a national stage and be a part of a potential dynasty.
Posted by: Xodus | July 01, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Ron Artest believes that not opting out was a mistake.
Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3469895
Posted by: R. Joven | July 01, 2008 at 06:54 PM
Since none of the sportswriters are picking up on this, I wanna be the first to give an explanation to Davis's agreeing to signing with the Clippers:
He's clearly offended by the Warriros. Some of us may have seen BD's text message to J.A. Adande where he says Clippers sound nice but he wants to stay with the Warriors. A couple hours after that, the Warriors offer Arenas a max deal, money that would have gone to BD. Well if I was in his shoe, I'd be pissed off that my franchise offered someone else my money. "Be the Warriors backup plan if Arenas doesn't sign? Screw that...I'm going back home to LA." is what I'd say if I was Davis. Sorry Bay Area!
Of course I'm a Lakers fan, but I'm a Clippers fan too. I've got pride for all the So-Cal teams. This is definitely going to be an exciting year for the Clippers. Maybe we can finally have our Hallway Series in the playoffs. Heck yeah. Artest is going to regret not opting out and joining in on this new rivalry!
Posted by: thomaskvu | July 01, 2008 at 06:55 PM
I don't know but this is a good move by the Clippers. You have two scoring big men. One, Kaman, who's good from inside. And another, Brand, who can score from 15 feet and in. Now you put in a penetrating guard like Davis.
If they play basketball the right way...why not the Clippers as serious contenders?
Interesting!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 01, 2008 at 06:57 PM
What a move by the Clips! They pretty much replaced E.T. Cassell with Baron Davis, if they are able to resign Elton.
I would say the Clippers are right there now. Especially with an improved Caveman, this is going to be an exciting team. They will challenge the Lakers, that's for sure.
I'm not a big Mike Dunleavy fan though. How he didn't beat the Bulls in 1991 is completely beyond me. We had a great team then with Magic and Worthy at their ultimate primes mentally and physically. Phil Jackson owns him.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | July 01, 2008 at 07:08 PM
While we we admiring Jordan Farmar, falling in love with calves of Drew, focused on Sasha and Turiaf, a good PG slipped by and snatched by the silent worker Elgin Baylor. From 17M he is Ok with 13/yr for five years, I mentioned Baron in my dream list. Imagine having Fisher as a 2nd stringer, Baron on the first with Kobe, LO, Pau and Drew that could have been a run-run team. We should have offered Luke, Vlad and Farmar to the Warriors in close contact with Baron. I'm sure Baron would prefer of playing for a Championship bound team with Kobe et al. We can't cry on spilled milk, our F/O have stated in advance that they just intend to re-sign Lakers F/A.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 01, 2008 at 07:11 PM
On the Clippers:
This is a huge signing for them, and they've just become relevant again. Grouping a top 5 PG, a top 5 PF and Kaman, who was a top 5 center this season is a great foundation. And they've still got a promising young player in Al Thornton and they drafted Eric Gordon.
Where does that put us in the West? 11 playoff caliber teams now.
Posted by: Xodus | July 01, 2008 at 07:14 PM
no one should be suprised it's not like the rest of the league was going to stand pat(lol)!!!!!!
Posted by: vi lakerfan | July 01, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Sonny B -
As Artest Turns....
What a knucklehead Artest is. I love the guy as a player and can see the pros and cons to any team making a run at him, Lakers included. He always seems destined to say and do both the right and wrong things at the same time - no self-edit whatsoever. The league would be a more boring place without him... and he'll probably always limit his own earnings and career potential. Alfred E. Neuman with a killer game.
Posted by: dave m | July 01, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Edwin,
"We should have offered Luke, Vlad and Farmar to the Warriors in close contact with Baron. I'm sure Baron would prefer of playing for a Championship bound team with Kobe et al. We can't cry on spilled milk, our F/O have stated in advance that they just intend to re-sign Lakers F/A."
No offense, but if you honestly think Golden State would have bitten on that deal, I'll take a double of whatever you're drinking. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 01, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Great for BD. Clippers looking good.
Artest you are not only crazy but you are DUMB!
LakerTom has it right folks. If he looks good in pre-season they will sign him to a max deal.
BD
Posted by: BD | July 01, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Let's go C's! ,
I see you have found a home here in Lakersblog. Welcome to the community.
Posted by: never | July 01, 2008 at 07:32 PM
"ahahahahaa
Baron Davis chosed the "C's" instead of the "L-osers".
aajajaaaaaajhahaha
Still laughing at Game 7: Oh, forgot no Game 7.
jejeejejejej"
gotta love a clips fan showing his face and talking smack, must be over confidence from all of those clippers championship runs
Posted by: Kyle | July 01, 2008 at 07:33 PM
AK, not that I want to disagree with you (haha)...but who could have fanthom the memphis grizzlies giving us Pau for Kwame? Expiring contract or not lol.
That said...I love BD...but even I knew that was a pipe dream. We just simply do not have that much flexibility as it pertains to the salary cap/luxury tax. Which is why it's imperative we stay smart as it pertains to re-signing our own. Yes even Sasha :-)
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 01, 2008 at 07:36 PM
BD,
Correct me if I'm mistaken, but I believe LakerTom is saying the Lakers should sign Drew to a max deal this summer. Now, if Drew returns to his previous form in the preseason and the Lakers max him out, that's reasonable. A bit hasty, since he hasn't played a full season at a high level, but reasonable.
Posted by: Karl | July 01, 2008 at 07:38 PM
thomaskvu,
Thanks for the info.
Faith,
Good one!
Man Artest is indecisive. Maybe he can force a trade? If he forces, maybe he gets some choice in 3 months when it's possible to trade him?
Interesting, Artest really made a strong effort to be on Team USA. The ESPN article makes it sound like he's putitng in a serious effort to be a good citizen. Which, he obviously needs to do.
A lot of people don't know this, so I'm going to repeat it. Artest is always amongst the most giving of all NBA players. Being that he came from one of the worst projects in New York, it's understandable that he would appreciate the hardship perspective that some people experience.
Now if he could just not be so crazy and join the Lakers, we'd be great!
Posted by: Benjamin | July 01, 2008 at 07:40 PM
AK,
If the salaries match in the trade machine, what could possibly be the problem!? :P
Posted by: Benjamin | July 01, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Good moves by the Clippers, but they still have an injury prone team. I really don't think a team will mess with the lakers in the west, but the Clippers will surely make the west more competitive.
Golden State on the hand is in trouble, because Gilbert will not signing with them even offering him max contract. With them not signing either Arenas or Davis I honestly don't expect them to compete in the west. But you sure can't count out a Don Nelson team.
Posted by: wow | July 01, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Benjamin,
"If the salaries match in the trade machine, what could possibly be the problem!? :P"
Oh, it cleared the trade machine? My bad. I spoke out of turn. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 01, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Magette is now available and what does Ainge do? Offer him the full MLE (hoopsworld)
A whole bunch of teams will be offering the same, maybe the Lakers as well. So Mag will get to choose his team.
Sign and Trade?
If Mag wants more money, this is his best route.
Do the Lakers want him?
Offer Vlad and Luke, ($10) for Mag. or any other combo that suits the Clips and Lakers. I think something is doable, if the Lakers are interested.
Both teams benefit and Mag gets his money.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 01, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Faith,
"AK, not that I want to disagree with you (haha)...but who could have fanthom the memphis grizzlies giving us Pau for Kwame? Expiring contract or not lol."
Actually, the scenarios aren't even comparable. As one sided as the Gasol trade may end up, you can at least see what Memphis found appealing (even if they could have gotten more). A big contract off the book. A couple of nice young players (The Critter, the other Gasol) to take a look at on the cheap. The veteran leadership of Aaron McKie. (kidding) That's all appealing to a rebuilding team. Whether it works out is another story, but you can at least see the logic, even if it ultimately turns out crummy.
On the other hand, what would possibly be Golden State's logic in dealing Baron Davis for two role players underperforming to expectations in long deals and a PG who's yet to show he can start? Especially considering they're currently trying to lock up Ellis and Biedrens. If there's an angle I'm missing, please share. But otherwise, this would blow the Gasol-Kwame deal out of the water, as it both receives 50 cents on the dollar AND cripples a cap.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 01, 2008 at 07:55 PM
I'm glad.
The Clippers and Lakers should ALWAYS be in the playoffs.
This, at best, makes the Clippers a second round playoffs team, particularly because they lack sufficient depth and, well... they have Tim Thomas.
Still, I'd rather see the Lakers win the Finals and the Clippers be in contention every year than anything less than that.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 01, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Karl,
LakerTom is on top of it but from what I got from the Mitch interview was yes they would sign him this year since they didn't think the injury was serious but still wanted to see him in camp first before signing. Makes since right?
BD
Posted by: BD | July 01, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Western Conference Playoffs 2008-2009
In Order:
Lakers
New Orleans
Utah
Clippers
Portland
Houston
San Antonio
Phoenix
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 01, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Let's Go C's,
>>>Baron Davis chosed the "C" instead of the Fakers.
>>>
>>>hahahahaahah
>>>
>>>So much for everybody wanting to playing with the
>>>"best player on the planet"?
Okay, now I'm certain this is KL Beast. That's the exact same
line of bull he was spewing last summer. And of course,
he was wrong. Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol, and Trevor Ariza
all all came to the Lakers.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 01, 2008 at 08:01 PM
oops, that post by Karl was me. Stupid typepad makes me post under that name on this board when I'm signed in on another board.
Posted by: Xodus | July 01, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Awesome move by the Clips! Props to a sorry franchise, maybe this will mark a turning point.
I don't think you guys grasp the value of Bynum at Center for us. Dude is worth max dollars, every last penny. He was improving exponentially before he went down. Every game for 10 straight games, it seemed he added something new, he was on an absolute tear, his confidence going up with each new success. Then... he met Odom's foot...
The dude... has been trained by friggin Kareem Abdul Jabbar! The footwork, the technique... oh man, next year Bynum is going to WHOMP some booty for us, Gasol gets to go back to being a good passing PF, and Kobe will have 2 sure hands (4 hands?) to drop the ball off to on drives to the basket. Kobe could get 10+ assists/game next year between those 2 and whoever is standing alone out at the 3 point line. If Bynum looks ok in the preseason, I'd lock him up immediately, then you wouldn't have to deal with Kobe's AND Bynum's situation at the end of next season.
Posted by: Kwaminus Brownicas, Dutchess of the Stone Hands, Sister of the Sublime Calves | July 01, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Maggette and Kobe are good friends. Personally, I think Corey would make a great Laker.
Tough.
Goes to the foul line.
Plays with heart.
He'd be a GREAT Laker.
{Him and Quinton Ross.}
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 01, 2008 at 08:08 PM
AK,
I'm super optimistic since Kwame et al was traded for Gasol. Vlad and Farmar can be developed under Nelson, now they are on the hunt that may land Fargo to the Warriors
Lets look at the Clippers playoff bound line up
Kaman/Paul Davis
Brand/Fazekas/Powell
Thornton/Thomas
Mobley/Gordon/Ross
Davis/livingston/Williams
versus the perennial Dynastic Team (without really trying)
Bynum/Mihm/Turiaf
Gasol/Vlad
Lamar/Ariza/Walton
Kobe/Yue/Crawford
Fisher/Farmar/Karl
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 01, 2008 at 08:08 PM
Considering that they're pretty much sure they're going to lose BD...why not make a deal for him, and strengthen their bench as well. Plus keep in mind that this is the same team that signed (and traded) Dunleavy lol.
You consider too the coach that they have. He's one that likes the flexibility of a shooting 3. He loved Peja. Maybe he would think of Vlad as Peja-lite lol.
My point is really more, most didn't see that move coming. Nor did they see the other side of the deal...I don't see why this can't be similar. Somewhat lol.
Posted by: Faith | July 01, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Another board Xodus? Are you cheating on Lakerville? haha, jk.
Please don't feed the trolls.
Posted by: Faith | July 01, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Long Time,
I was thinking the same thing about Let's go C's. He's freaking KL with a new computer and IP address. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 01, 2008 at 08:14 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Dude, he's BUTLER. And he's a fourteen year old virgin.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 01, 2008 at 08:17 PM
Faith,
lol. I'm a boardultress.
Posted by: Xodus | July 01, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Faith,
I guarantee if the Warriors are given the option of taking on Vlad and Luke's contracts with Farmar as the "icing" or lose him for nothing, they're gonna roll with option B. The deal Edwin proposed doesn't help them nearly enough to make them better and actually takes away their cap flexibility. It simply makes no sense. Again, even if nobody saw the Gasol-Kwame trade coming and it ends up completely lopsided, there is still a benefit that can be immediately seen (huge expiring deal).
Also, just an FYI, I know it was meant as a joke, but Nellie never coached Peja.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 01, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Fairweather Fatty,
"Magette is now available and what does Ainge do? Offer him the full MLE (hoopsworld). A whole bunch of teams will be offering the same, maybe the Lakers as well. So Mag will get to choose his team. Sign and Trade? If Mag wants more money, this is his best route. Do the Lakers want him? Offer Vlad and Luke, ($10) for Mag. or any other combo that suits the Clips and Lakers. I think something is doable, if the Lakers are interested. Both teams benefit and Mag gets his money."
Putting aside that I doubt the Clips would make that deal (especially since Vlad screwed them over by committing, then reneging), if the Clippers renounce his rights as expected (so they can sign Brand), they can't do a sign and trade with Maggette. He's a FA. That's why he's expected to get a MLE somewhere.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 01, 2008 at 08:28 PM
No knee jerk reactions.
Lakers are already awesome. That said, Corey Magette for the MLE would be really nice if Buss doesn't mind the cap hits for the next couple of seasons.
I think Magette ends up in Philly. He wants payday.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 01, 2008 at 08:34 PM
Great Move for the Clippers…
Per the scuttlebutt, Brand opted out and told the Clips to do something serious if they wanted him back. Hence the deal with Baron. Basically the same thing that Agent Zero pulled with the Wizards when he told them to sign Jamison before he would sign. Kind of like Kobe demanding a better team, wouldn’t you say.
With Baron, Brand, Kaman, and Thornton, the Clips will have a nice nucleus. Jon K should be in heaven. Now what the hell is going on with Sasha and Ronny. Obviously, neither must have been impressed with the Lakers first offer, which is not the same as the qualifying offer they made to preserve their rights to match any offers for the two.
I wonder if the Warriors made the offer for Agent Zero before Baron opted out? If so, they may have really screwed up badly. Except that once Baron signs, they will be under the salary cap and can go after free agents like Maggette. Without Baron, the Warriors are not going to make the playoffs next year in my opinion and with Baron, the Clippers will surely take their place. Sad times for NorCal and Warriors fans.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 01, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Fairweather Fatty wrote:
“Magette is now available and what does Ainge do? Offer him the full MLE (hoopsworld)”
“A whole bunch of teams will be offering the same, maybe the Lakers as well. So Mag will get to choose his team.”
“Sign and Trade?”
“If Mag wants more money, this is his best route.”
“Do the Lakers want him?”
“Offer Vlad and Luke, ($10) for Mag. or any other combo that suits the Clips and Lakers. I think something is doable, if the Lakers are interested.”
“Both teams benefit and Mag gets his money.”
The Clippers have already renounced their rights to Magette in order to clear cap space for Baron Davis and Brand. Therefore there can be no sign and trade involving them.
And while I do not think the Celtics can get Magette for the MLE, I admire Boston for not merely resting on their laurels and trying to continually improve themselves.
In light of this, the Lakers would be wise to do likewise by offering their full MLE to someone like Magette as well. Luxury tax penalties notwithstanding.
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | July 01, 2008 at 08:37 PM
C'mon AK, you're joining the chorus line on Vlad, Farmar and Luke. You just gave Farmar a B+ which will be an equivalent of junior Baron Davis (you see both are Bruins) but added the fire power of Vlad. Well, Luke may just need a new scenery and pan out there without the pressure of triangle, with a pretty face, he'll have a legion of San Frans fans. They still have Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Biedrins, Barnes and Harrington not bad. Better having a bird in one hand than having none and go for hunting.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 01, 2008 at 08:39 PM
I feel good tonight.
Good things are going to happen as a result of this.
For both teams.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 01, 2008 at 08:39 PM
The Lakers need to do everything they can to get Corey Maggette not because they need this guy, but they need to prevent him from going to the Spurs or the Celtics. Imagine either of those two teams with this guy.
Posted by: sclakerfan | July 01, 2008 at 08:47 PM
ABOUT LUKE’S AND VLADE’S CONTRACTS…
If you guys want to make a deal to trade Luke and Vlade, here is the rule that you need to follow in order for your deal to make any sense.
(1) Make sure the players we get in return are not better than Luke and Vlade.
(2) Make sure the contracts we get in return are for more years than Luke and Vlade.
(3) Make sure the contracts we get have same salary total as Luke and Vlade.
(3) Make sure the contracts we get are for more total dollars than Luke and Vlad.
That’s the only way we are going to get rid of either players’ contract. This should save a few hundred posts a month that could be better directed to other subjects.
You’re welcome.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 01, 2008 at 08:48 PM