Baron Davis back in L.A.
July 1, 2008 | 6:10
pm
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
xodus,
Calling Baron a shoot first point guard is misleading and simplistic. He's much smarter and better than that. He adjusts his game to the situation extremely well.
He would be a huge credit to the Lakers. Just one year ago in the playoffs, he was the best player in the first round!
Is it bad to have a point guard that can score when needed?
Magette's D is questionable. Maybe he could improve it much like Pierce did when his offense wasn't as important? With his offense, his defense might not matter much. Between he and Kobe, we could have the other team in foul trouble 80 percent of every game.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 02, 2008 at 01:45 AM
yo AK, is BK going to have to do a clippers blog now?
Posted by: yellow fatty | July 02, 2008 at 02:01 AM
The Lakers should sign Pietrus from Golden State. He's a SF who plays is extremely athletic and fast on defense. He also shoots the trey and would fit in with our other foreign players. Its such a perfect fit.
Posted by: Will | July 02, 2008 at 03:49 AM
It pains me to say this, but AK was right. At the time, the Clippers were a better team. The Lakers either tied or won the heads up series that year, but the Clippers made it to the second round of the playoffs (it helps that they tanked to get a 6th seed to take on the weakest team in the playoffs, the 3rd seeded Nuggets).
Brand is just better than Odom. I'm sorry, but it's true. Efficiency, scoring, defense, consistency. Brand is really, really good though. It's not a bad thing to be worse than a top 10 power forward in the league.
Thankfully, as Faith said, the Clippers are still the Clips. They could get Brand and Maggette both back and still screw it up.
I mean, c'mon, aren't they still the losingest team in professional US sports history?
I even remember a Clippers promo and it featured a score in which they were ahead of the Lakers by 2 points. It was the only point in like 4 years they had ever been ahead of the Lakers in a game.
How pathetic is that?
Posted by: Benjamin | July 02, 2008 at 05:29 AM
So, this situation I just came upon is unusual. A player stated in unequivocable terms that he's already made plenty of money and that he wants to be on a winning team.
That player was Corey Maggette. Interesting, eh?
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9328
Maggette Getting Offers: The Orlando Magic may want Corey Maggette, but they are not alone, and if the Mid-Level is all Corey can get, Boston would rather give it to him. Sources say Boston's interest trumps Orlando's interest, because there are title possibilities. "I was very surprised they called. They just came off a championship," said Maggette in a phone interview with Boston Globe reporter Marc Spears. "It's not always about money… I've been in the league a long time and I've made a lot of money. I'm tired of losing. I want to get back to the playoffs and win." Maggette was seeking an $11 million starting pay range from the Clippers, so dropping to the expected $5.8 million mid-level exception is a steep drop. The one element most people over look in talking about going to a title contending team is that Boston cleared more than $2 million additional dollars from the NBA Playoff pool, those dollars are split in equal shares – basically an additional $135,000. All things being equal, Boston does have that extra $100,000 in their favor, but anyone who knows Corey will tell you, he also wants to play, and where do his minutes come from? Or is Boston preparing for Paul Pierce to miss some time due to that knee injury?
Posted by: Benjamin | July 02, 2008 at 05:59 AM
James Posey and Brent Barry?
I'm not impressed by the lack of creativity.
I think there are better fits out there.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 07:03 AM
Benjamin,
Corey Maggette and Kobe Bryant are good friends.
I'd love to see Maggette as a Laker.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Good Morning Family!
I would like to recommend that the lakers NOT sign Corey M. Reason being is that he is a POOR 3pt shooter, and he doesn't defend in a superlative manner. Does he get to the rack? Undoubtedly. I think that we already have a player like that who is younger, cheaper, and hungrier (Trevor Ariza).
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | July 02, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Amazine_Happens said:
"The Lakers should get every available player on the market/trading block and stockpile 25-30 players on the roster."
That sounds pretty good to me.
Posted by: sclakerfan
Ya, everyone except Kwame Brown.
Posted by: Fire32 | July 02, 2008 at 07:45 AM
Caliphilosopher,
But Corey is a great rebounder (which we need some help with) and he's one of the best in the league in getting the other team into foul trouble (which undermines the aggressiveness of the opposing defense--which would have been helpful against the Celtics.)
Anyhow, don't we already have Fisher, The Machine, Farmar, Rad Vlad, and Kobe to shoot three-pointers?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Good morning y’all!
jus10,
“I think bynum doesnt deserve an 80m 5yr deal the most he deserve is 7 to 9m pr year. If his agent gets greedy trade him for marc gasol and two 1st round pick.”
No offense, really, but have you lost your flippin’ mind? We’re talking about a possible top-3 center in the whole league, and you think he’s worth a hair above the money that we’re giving Luke per year? I’ll just pretend that you were kidding when you wrote that buddy.
Will,
“The Lakers should sign Pietrus from Golden State. He’s a SF who plays is extremely athletic and fast on defense. He also shoots the trey and would fit in with our other foreign players. Its such a perfect fit.”
Just some names for ya: LO, Ariza, Vlad, Luke, maybe Kobe. Those are all the SFs we have, if anything we should be looking to take away the amount of SFs on our team, not add any more. He’d be nice if we only had two of these guys on our team, no doubt, but with the glut at the 3, we certainly don’t need another player complicating matters.
Jon K.
“James Posey and Brent Barry?
I’m not impressed by the lack of creativity.”
I agree. Posey I can kind of understand, but he only really offers D, not much else. Barry is getting up there in age, plus if we re-sign Sasha we won’t need another 3 point specialist.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | July 02, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Good morning LAKER MORNING CRUE!!!!!!!!!!!
Posey???? Barry????? OMG - is that what this off-season is coming to???? Someone - for the love of god - please - help!!!! Seriously - we can do better by doing nothing at all.
The trolls are still on here?? Wow - I'm starting to really feel sorry for the little guys....pitiful.....pathetic....Maybe we can just call them Laker mascots - then maybe they'll start feeling a little too close to becoming an actual Laker fan and they'll go away. Just at thought!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 02, 2008 at 08:00 AM
By the way, I was reading the Hoopsworld article courtesy of Benjamin and they referenced Paul Pierce's knee "injury."
Ridiculous.
I must state that Paul Pierce's theatrics is the most cowardly display of a lack of physical fortitude I have personally ever witnessed from an athlete, and that statement is not just limited to professional athletes.
Pathetic.
And from a guy who likes to throw out gang signs at games.
What a moron.
I have no respect for that man.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 08:07 AM
bozz,
I know.
Part of the brilliance of the Pau Gasol trade was that it was an "outside the box" type of trade that worked for both teams.
Brent Barry and James Posey doesn't seem to be much of an "outside the box" approach, nor does it really address an glaring needs we may have.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 08:16 AM
justanothermambafan,
Perhaps that should be the final addendum to the "Understanding the Nature of the Troll and Combating their Corruption Codex."
Identify the Troll.
Wound the Troll.
Starve the Troll.
Pity the Troll.
It must suck to be such a pathetic, lonely, envious, bitter, friendless creature.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Amazine_Happens/Fire32,
Why stop at 30 players? I mean, there's talent in the Development League and abroad. I think we could easily push this team up to a 50 man roster! With all that talent we'd be unstoppable!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 08:22 AM
I have a great idea. Let's all panic because other teams are making offers and signing players! We just went to the Finals! Settle down about these other teams.
91 Days until October 1
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 02, 2008 at 08:23 AM
LTLF,
We mentioned Arenas playing with Kobe for the sake of argument between two big stars. Agent Zero is now out the Lakers ballpark at 127M for 5 years. Here is the market trading results as listed by Hoopshype:
http://hoopshype.com/market_center.htm
I think Verajao can help the Lakers. He has two years to go with a total of 12M. Of course, they would want something in return. Do they like Luke plus another player? Do they like Vlady?
To all others who call us NAMES:
As I said in my previous posts, many bloggers here could not stand numerous proposals being thrown in. Live with it, they are just proposals. Where are the bloggers who were HOT during game threads in trading players everytime they noticed misfits and flaws in the game. Well, this is trading time, where amazing talk of trades are being discussed. You can't remain stagnant and would not participate in the discussions. When the game begins, live or play with the players on hand. That is the time to SHUT UP! How many of us thought of BD would reduce his salary to 13M or 65M for 5 yrs. just to play in LA? It is ridiculous but it is going to happen, so please don't disrespect other stupid ideas, nobody here has the monopoly of KNOWLEDGE, many suggestions do help our F/O or scouts develop situations and scenarios. (Well even in big companies, this is what they do, read market research results, brainstorm situations, evaluate competition, check cost and benefit analysis, throw all kinds of ideas on the table as suggested by dealers and outlets, then formulate a plan.)
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 02, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Long Time Laker Fan
You took my comment out of context.
My response was to an erroneous remark by LTLS, where he said the Clips could not participate in a sign and trade.
He was completely wrong. I was completely correct. As he later stated in a comment.
Peace.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 08:25 AM
Posey? Barry? Why???
Didn't the FO say that their priority was finding a vet who could boost up our D? Why bring in a declining 3 point shooter or - even worse - THE ENEMY?
As far as Ron Artest not opting out - no sweat. He'll be in Purple & Gold in Summer 2009.
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | July 02, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Benjamin,
I agree that I like Davis more than most guys who get labeled shoot-first PGs. I do enjoy watching him play very much. But he takes too many bad shots for my tastes. He averages 5.3 3-point attempts per game for his career and took 6.4 a night last season. And he's averaged over 7 three pointers, three different times and got over 8 three-pointers one time.
Posted by: Xodus | July 02, 2008 at 08:29 AM
Benjamin,
One reason why I root for the Clippers (outside of the fact that they're from Los Angeles and that the fans in the seats have a lot of dedication to the team, moreso than celebrity Lakers bandwagoneers) is because they are forever tied to the Lakers.
1. Donald Sterling bought the Clippers on the advice of Jerry Buss.
2. Elgin Baylor is the Lakers least appreciated True Great because he never won a Championship.
3. Mike Dunleavy was a fine Lakers coach who took the Lakers to the Finals... and lost.
Every Clippers decision for the last 20 years has been rooted in Lakers history. Sterling reacting to Buss's success. Baylor reacting to his own lack of a Championship. Dunleavy reacting to Lakers Finals defeat and his Western Conference Game Seven Finals defeat... at the hands of the Lakers.
These two teams are tied together more than any two non-true-rivals in professional sports history. And no one seems to take notice of it.
I like the Clippers and I want them to do well. Do I want them to beat the Lakers? No. But I want Sterling, ex-Lakers Great Baylor and ex-Lakers coach Dunleavy to do well.
And I want a rivalry to develop, not out of mutual hatred, but out of mutual competition born out of a love and respect for Los Angeles and it's Great basketball heritage.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Baron will make Staples the Clips' playground - lakers don't have the inside size or toughness to deal with the Clips' bigs, so adding a guard who is better than kobee to the team will mean that the Clips shall rule LA!
It'd be great to see Baron with a decent team that plays D, unlike the warriors.
As for PHX SUNS, check this out my demoralized laker friends: The SUNS have last seaon's #1 pick coming to the team. Oh wait, say you, wasn't the #1 2007 pick Greg Oden? Yes, technically, that is correct.
But the SUNS drafted swing man ALANDO TUCKER that year, who was selected Big 10 playa of the year over Oden. Conclusion: The SUNS have the #1 pick joining the team next season.
Go ahead, it's okay to cry!
Posted by: BUTLER | July 02, 2008 at 08:38 AM
LTLS
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my comment. I feel flattered that you would take so much time to answer my observations.
You go to bed with one thought and then wake up in the AM to see things changing on the NBA scene, since FA talks begin. (see BD) lol
Lots more stuff from Maggette, everybody wants to sign this guy. And now he's saying clearly, through his agent, he wants to play for a contender.
Your thought on Philly is interesting. They have the money, and although not a contender, he could easily rationalize that he could be a missing part to them contending.
With Boston limited to exceptions to sign a FA, it would be an either or, when it comes to Posey or Maggette. Posey is a FA and not their property, though you would think, he would prefer to stay. His agent, Bartellstein, this AM, commented he would be interested in a contending team, mentioning the Lakers as a great team, a possibility. uhm?
I guess, Mitch didn't bull over Sasha and Ronny, like he did Luke last year. Still hopeful for a good conclusion.
Peace
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Morning Fam!
I say resign Sasha and Ronny. Posey = Yes, Maggette = Maybe. But only if we take care of the glut of Small Forwards we have.
When the Lakers FO people are quite, I feel a deal maybe in effect. Just like the Ariza and Gasol trades.
Best,
Posted by: Charles | July 02, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Jazz are interested of Ronny Turiaf.
http://tinyurl.com/4zbyjd
Lakers should respond by talking to Paul Millsap or possible swap. They have more or less same value. Again, prefer to be redundant how about Walton for Millsap + draft picks?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 02, 2008 at 08:43 AM
JustaLakerFan,
Thanks for the reply on | July 02, 2008 at 12:30 AM
Posted by: Charles | July 02, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Jon K,
I actually think Posey would be the ideal SF for this team. He plays great D and will stretch the defense with his great three-point shooting. I'm hoping LO and Trevor can improve their perimeter shots so we're less dependent on using Rad and Luke next season. If we weren't so overloaded with SFs Posey would be a great pickup.
Posted by: Xodus | July 02, 2008 at 08:47 AM
The Lakers just got some guy named Marcelus Kemp.
Posted by: sclakerfan | July 02, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Davis and Brand in LA are both Film makers and have made their cheese. At this point they both want to compromise on being highly paid and focusing on their other area of interest: Film.
Posted by: Charles | July 02, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
Technically speaking, you're correct that the Clips could do a sign and trade with Maggette even after renouncing his rights, but not using an MLE (as you suggested) and not with their cap situation, assuming they resign Brand (which they are expected to). They'd be over the cap and can't make that deal. Basically, for their particular situation, as I understand it, what you're suggesting isn't doable.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 02, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Magette to the Spurs.
Nice move there. He'll complement those players well, and fits their mold. The west just remains brutal.
I predict the Lakers will let Sasha go, and sign James Posey. The Ray Allen breakdown of Sasha is burned into my brain for eternity.
The thing that I think Posey brings, that Sasha doesn't, is the truly long defensive presence. Posey can stretch the floor like Sasha as well. I can see a big lineup with Kobe or Lamar handling the ball, Posey playing big at the 2/3 and then the Pau/Drew Combo on the blocks. You have Kobe and JP keeping the guards honest, Lamar has the ability to drive and distribute and the big guys are high low for inside to mid range scoring.
Phil Jackson believes it's a big man's game. He likes big players. Think Bulls and Lakers backcourts. One 6' 1-4" guard/shooter and everyone else is big. Sasha is more of a Steve Kerr type. Not a lot of defensive ability (if not for lack of effort) and a good 3 pt shooter. We have Jordan for that role. Here's how I see the make up of this team when compared to Bulls/Lakers of the past:
Fisher/Farmar = Armstrong/Paxson = Fisher/Shaw
Kobe/Posey = MJ/Harp = Kobe/Harp
Lamar/Ariza = Scottie/Caffey/MJ = Fox/George/Horry
Gasol/Turiaf/Lamar = Rodman/Kukoc = Grant/Horry
Bynum/Gasol/Mihm = Longley/Dele/Wennington = Shaq
Sasha just doesn't seem to fit at 2/3. He's turnover prone and streaky, with some pestering, but not fundamentally sound defense. I think Posey is a better fit and brings some of the toughness the Lakers lack.
I'm interested to see what comes of all this.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 02, 2008 at 08:56 AM
sclakerfan
The Denver guy that averaged 20 points? Must be for the summer roster... Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Charles | July 02, 2008 at 09:05 AM
Amazine_Happens/Fire32,
Why stop at 30 players? I mean, there's talent in the Development League and abroad. I think we could easily push this team up to a 50 man roster! With all that talent we'd be unstoppable!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K.
I agree, but I say lets stick to a 30 players roster not 50 b/c then people will start saying that we bought our championship.
Posted by: Fire32 | July 02, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Marcelus Kemp is close to a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, his agent said Tuesday. Reno Gazette-Journal
Grieg said a deal should be finalized in the next 10 days to two weeks. "The Lakers have liked him and have been watching him for a while," Grieg said. "They're feeling fortunate to get him where they have, in a sense. He'll leave on Sunday to head to L.A. to begin his journey. "He fits in with their kind of style. The triangle (offense) is a multipurpose guard format. I think he can fit in well with that." Reno Gazette-Journal
Posted by: sclakerfan | July 02, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Repentance comes at the last - Ron-Ron Artest
http://tinyurl.com/4ly9la
Can he still opt out at this time? He said that he gave already gave his word. By giving his word, he entrusted Kings to trade him starting at 8m than work with MLE, after one year he want to work it out with that team with long term contract. Is he communicating with the Lakers? Maloof will never trade his player with a close competitor like the Lakers especially the fresh '04 playoffs scandal is still in their mind. So if Artest would not change his stance now, he will never be a Laker, let's go to the next round of players, Posey, Verajao or Pietrus?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 02, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Information about this free agent period has been pretty thin. I've heard very little about which player is visiting whom, who's talking, so forth. What's happening with Sasha and Turiaf? are they visiting other teams or what?
and WHAT??? IN GOD'S NAME!!! is happening with Kwame Brown???!!!
Posted by: Kwaminus Brownicas, Keeper of the Stone Hands, Protector of the Sublime Calves | July 02, 2008 at 09:12 AM
Good Morning Lakers Nation
Day two and still no announcements on Ronny and Sasha
In reading the wire reports, one name keeps on coming up on all kinds of team's rumors, Kwame.
"The Kurse of the Kwame Kalves Kontinues"
Even Pincus has speculated he could be a Lakers again.
Bozz
With out making a move, the Lakers just signing its own FA's, and getting healthy, can contend for a Title. Posey, Barry talk has to be part of an insurance plan by Mitch in case Sasha doesn't sign.
Compared to the previous summer, Mitch has it easy
Mitch's Things To Do This Summer -
1. Draft #58 pick
2. Sign Sun Yue for camp
3A. Re-sign Sasha and Ronny
3B. If plan A fails, look for replacements
4. Assemble Vegas Summer League team
5. Assess talent for Camp Invitee's
6. Take Vacation sometime after Vegas Summer League.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Spurs get CM. That is a nice pkup for them. Just what that team needed too.
Nobody wants Luke? Doesn't somebody want his IQ?
BD
Posted by: BD | July 02, 2008 at 09:19 AM
sclakerfan,
I don't know much about this Marcelus Kemp chap. If it's more "out of the box" signing, I'm great with it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 09:23 AM
Fairweather Fatty,
Yeah, you're right, and that was the feeling I got too with the Posey and Barry news. I'm still holding out and hoping we can bring Sasha and Ronny back because I believe, when healthy, that this is a championship caliber squad. The Kwame thin is a little intriguing though, but I'm not sure if I'd ever want him back in a Lakers uni.
And you're right when you say he has it easier this summer, it couldn't get much harder after last year...
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | July 02, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Kwaminus Brownicas, Keeper of the Stone Hands, Protector of the Sublime Calves,
We all want to know what is happening with Kwame Brown. We do. Seriously. We do. Even those who hate him do.
Everyone wants to know the final destiny of the Great Shotputter of Birthday Cakes.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 09:27 AM
AK
I didn't suggest the MLE, only a sign and trade.
Which was the question, Could the Clips do a sign and trade if they have renounced their rights to Maggette?
My answer was based on the CBA, so I am correct.
I proposed two scenarios in my original commment.
1. Magggette is limited pretty much to the MLE on the FA market.
So...
2. Maggette could get more with a sign and trade if the Clips co-operated.
(I proposed the Lakers could offer a combo of players to the Clips)
On point two, I was challenged incorrectly, that the Clips couldn't do a sign and trade, but they can. (with restrictions of course, which I mentioned in my reply, the MLE being one)
So I'm correct on how the CBA rules apply. Right?
Sorry if you misunderstood my original comment causing you to reply incorrectly. lol
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 09:30 AM
My God! The Utah Jazz have become infected with Kwame-mania!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 09:31 AM
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
----------------------------------
Good points and now substitute team from Clippers to Lakers and change player from BD to AB.
That is what may happen if AB gets mad at Lakers for not pursuing him. He wants to be a Laker, he has it all here with KAJ and LA City. Just now wants respect and know hes wanted here. Besides it will cost more if we wait as pay scales are escalating out of control.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 02, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Jon K,
Elgin Baylor did not have any Championship as a GM because his hands are tied to the wallet of Don Sterling. If only, he has the freedom to do what is best for the team, then Clippers will be out there competing against their hometown rivals. Firstly, Clipper should be occupying the Orange County-San Diego area where there is a vacuum but Don S. prefer to be close in LA market. As a realtor, he believes in location, location and waiting for the opportunity when the Lakers go down, he can put up the Clippers alone standing. Many people did not see Elgin Baylor play, one of the Laker greats, he is not a role player like Mitch, but a star in own right with acrobatic moves way ahead of Kobe and MJ.
Here is a short story why Jerry Buss will never ask Don Sterling to leave LA? Courtesy of California Sports
"On May 18, 1979, Cooke sold the team to Jerry Buss, a chemist turned real estate tycoon. The deal, characterized by the New York Times as "the largest single financial transaction in the history of professional sports" and "the most confusing, complex transaction in the history of sports," was valued at $67.5 million and included not only the Lakers but also the L.A. Kings hockey franchise, the Forum, and, reportedly, a lease on New York City's Chrysler Building. The deal almost fell apart the day before it was to close when Buss realized that he was $2.7 million short of funds. The money was raised through last minute phone calls to Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, and Sam Nassi, who would later purchase the Indiana Pacers."
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 02, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Lakers cant sign any free agents without a sign and trade due to salary reasons.. is this being discussed?
Posted by: DS | July 02, 2008 at 09:34 AM
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
------------------------------------------
AK
Because its way too long since they gave us a gift. Silk was the last one so we are overdue. HA HA
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 02, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Mitch's things to do this summer??? Dude has a full plate:
1. try to trade up in the draft and grab value in the 50's
2. Re-sign Sasha - which appears to be tougher than advertised
3. Re-sign Turiaf - while telling him we have no minutes for him
4. RE-SIGN KWAME BROWN!!! or at least get somebody with some meat on their bones who can hold their position against the bigger Centers in the league
5. Bynum's upcoming contract "issue"
6. address the PG situation. Fisher and Farmar are too small, to ignore this is to possibly cost another shot at the title.
7. the Vegas summer team, look for buried gems like Matt Barnes
8. figure out if Sun Yue can actually make the team next year
9. the SF position - are we going with Radmanovic as the starter next year? looks like it.
10. the Odom situation. Loyalty vs making a great deal vs salary cap situation.
11. are we going to sign Posey and hope he wasn't playing so hard because he knew he was auditioning for a new contract? What happens when he gets the big contract? also, how old is Brent Barry? did he date my grandmother? is he the father of Dan Issel?
12. monitor Mihm over the summer, do we have a backup Center or not?
13. ???
Posted by: Kwaminus Brownicas, Keeper of the Stone Hands, Protector of the Sublime Calves | July 02, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Andrew K!
You're going to love this!
Finally a replacement for Von Wafer on the Lakers!
http://www.nbadraft.net/admincp/profiles/marceluskemp.html
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 09:41 AM