Report Card - Vlad Radmanovic
The good news about Vladimir Radmanovic's 2008? It was better than 2007. Granted, without landing in the slammer, getting injured in a freak bull-riding mishap, or just retiring at 27, last year was almost impossible not to improve upon. But still, Vlad was better, and not just compared against a season lost to a snowboarding accident and playoff inactivity. He established a career-high FG% (45%) and was within a personal top-three for 3-PT%, FT% and assists. But those marks hardly establish this year as a great one for Vlad. Not really even a good one. Much remained missing during Vlad's season, continuing a perpetual cycle of wondering what it'll take for Radmanovic to discover that extra gear and finally bust out at a level that many still feel he's capable of.
Among the coaching staff, Vlad Radmanovic is considered an enigma of sorts. By his own admission, he's never been as consistent as preferred. Phil Jackson has tried (and failed) to arrange chats with a sports psychologist, the middle ground apparently being tweaks through the media. But it's all done with the goal of discovering a pathway towards yet to be unlocked potential. Maybe a formula can be discovered. I'm neither a motivational speaker nor a fortune teller. But unlike Lamar Odom, whom I always knew could bust out when used in a different role, I think the issue with Vlad is much simpler: Dude is who he is. BK and I have a running observation that Radmanovic is the NBA's biggest "all or nothing" player. And while that take is often prompted by this shooting specialist launching one bairballed three per game almost like clockwork, in some ways, I think it sums up the essence of Vlad. When his hand is hot, he can bury an opponent and will sometimes add contributions beyond the expected. When the mitt goes cold, he typically brings little to the table. Thus, if you count on either "big" or "invisible/shaky" with no middle ground, the "Mystery of Radmanovic" is solved.
That may sound harsh, but the numbers pretty much support it. Vlad's per-48 stats place him among the least productive Lakers when it comes to rebounding, assists, shot blocking, or defending without fouling and mostly middle of the road everywhere else unless it involved shooting. Throw in his occasionally solid (most memorably against 'Melo in the first round) but mostly turnstile defense (most memorably against just about everyone else he guarded) and a penchant for odd decisions and it's no mystery why he rode the fourth quarter pine more than any starter. But having said all that, he'll occasionally come through with a huge game. As a player, Radmanovic mirrors himself off the court. He's got a quirky personality (I mean that in a good way) and things quirky are often tough to pin down. Or very easy, depending on how you view his particular situation.
In any event, I'm counting on more of the same from Vlad next season, although that could lead to one possible difference. As I predicted with Luke Walton, unless Vlad steps up his game, I picture him losing a fair amount of PT to Trevor Ariza. Throw in the amount of time Kobe (and perhaps now Odom) spends at the 3, those minutes drop even further. Obviously, bigger chunks of play will come when the Lakers need him at PF or some outside shooting. But all in all, without a sea change, I think Vlad may end up somewhere between 10-12th in the rotation. Ball's in his court, so to speak.
Final Grade: C-
AK
-RON ARTEST: an entertainment bonanza-
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1054791.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | July 02, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Sonny,
Thanks for the link. Quite a fe bloggers were wanting to get rid of him and find Odom for Artest-Thomas as a fair deal.
I wouldn't mid Thomas anchoring the bench rebounds with Turiaf, assuming we sign Brave heart.
Posted by: Charles | July 02, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I think Rad Vlad deserved a D+ for this year's play. He can do a lot better.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Best. Photo. Of. Vlad. Rad. Ever.
Posted by: ajax | July 02, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Ajax,
"Best. Photo. Of. Vlad. Rad. Ever."
Thanks, man. Not to pat myself on the back, but I had a feeling that one would be a crowd pleaser. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 02, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Jon K.,
I hate to say this but I don't think he can do better, his mind is not into it and if he gets off to a bad start in a game he just seems to die. I would love for him to be better but I don't believe he has in him to be consistent. I say we trade him for a shiny rock to distract players from teams who have ADD, because sometimes I really do think we would get better production from a rock.and I think we can get one for less that ten mil.
Posted by: Elle | July 02, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Lukamir Waltmanovich deserves summer school.
Leave it to the clipps to sign davis and lose brand -- warriors are making a strong run at brand. mo money, mo money, mo money!!
Posted by: HmrHed | July 02, 2008 at 11:21 AM
When I look at the Lakers salary structure, I just want to throw up in my own mouth.
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir are guaranteed $74,000,000.00.
I repeat: $74,000,000.00!
Un-believeable.
Man, I envy the San Antonio Spurs.
Duncan: $19 million (and worth every penny).
Parker: $10 million (a bargain in my opinion).
Ginobili: $9 million (a steal in my opinion).
Bowen: $4 million (a steal in my opinion)
After the above 4 Spurs: every remaining player on their roster earns less than 4 million (Kurt Thomas' 8 million comes off the books and several other Spurs are free agents that I'm sure will be released for cap space).
By the time Lamar/Luke/Vladimir salaires are freed up, Kobe will be 35 years old with bad knees.
Only Andrew/Trevor/Sasha will benefit when those clowns are release.
Again: Lamar/Luke/Vladimir: $74,000,000.00.
All that money and no rings will ever come to past.
Pathetic.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 02, 2008 at 11:26 AM
The Lakers did well enough this year to keep the blog on the subject of basketball in the off season but...
Anyone miss summer Zombie posts and offseason generic.one haikus? Vlad break downs are close but....
ahh, the not as good old days.
Posted by: Vman | July 02, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Elle,
I have to agree. I mean if the dude hasn't motivated and psyched himself up to now, in all of the chances he's been given, I don't know when he will. It's a damn shame because when he's on his rainbow shots are a thing of beauty, but those games are too far and in betwen. If there was one Laker I'd want to get rid of it'd be him, but I just don't see anyone taking him.
D/D+
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | July 02, 2008 at 11:33 AM
He and Luke are worthless. I don't care about his 3 pt shot, so what if he makes 1 or 2 a game, he will give up twice as many points from bonehead plays and lazy defense. You can't count on SpaceCadet!
Lakers got rid of the other trash...Kwame and Smush...please, please dump these worthless players.
Just wish the Lakers could get 1 good SF instead of these worthless 3s, like Odom, Luke, Vlade...these players need to go, we already start Fish at guard which is bad enough since he is not a starting guard anymore. Love Fish but he needs to come off the bench..
Can't wait till he is traded along with Phil's special child Luke.
BD
Posted by: BD | July 02, 2008 at 11:38 AM
If we played Coby Karl 48 minutes, he would average 21, 10, and 6, plus 2.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks. The guy would be a star. Newble would average 17 boards. Tacos would average 15, 10 and 4 blocks. Why don't they play more consistent minutes? What's wrong with Phil Jackson? Fire him, I say. Fire him.
Posted by: laker hopeful | July 02, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Jon K.,
I think Vladimir can be improved not denigrading his character, not forcing him but by motivating him. It may not come from the personality of PJ but perhaps more of Kobe, Pau, Sasha and Fisher.
They guy has a history of pride and stubborness. If you read his biography with his Yugoslavian coaches: S. Pesic in '02 wherein he was thrown out of the the team, he didn't yield nor mind the embarassment. In 2005 with Zeljko Obradovic Yugo Coach, he was reprimanded for being a so-so player, he did not care, he just insist on his own. With Sonics under Nate Mcmillan when he was taken starting line up, he said: "Maybe the Sonics should have hired the head of the Serbian national team as their coach......" He just plain stubborn. However with Clippers under Dunleavy, he was doing great with an average of 10 PPG. When PJ called him space cadet, need a psychologist, it didn't work, his reply in the exit interview, "I have my own way and Phil Jackson has his own way of coaching." If NBA find Artest a nutty case, well Vlady is a nutty Yugo. Lakers should not have chased him in 2006
This year, there is a tremendous improvement on Vlady's game compared to the previous year in the snowboarding adventure. Lakers should focus on his strenght as a 3pt specialist, rebounder not on his weaknesses as a defensive shooting forward. This guy is a cold warrior and a rebel at the same time. If you want him to move mountains, got to work on his emotions and he has to be convinced of your sincerity. Let his teammates work on him and get him involve than isolate like a sore thumb. I will go to Fisher, Kobe, Pau and Sasha to talk him b/c the style of PJ will not work on this Yugo nut case, if not, then TRADE him now.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 02, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Is it just me, or does it look like Vlad is snowboarding and just coming off a mogul.
"Whipee!"
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Here's how we solve next season's weakness at small forward:
Sign Sasha to the MLE, and swap him to the Warriors (who need to rebuild now) for Stephen Jackson. This instantly solves the “spread the court” problem with LO at the SF, while giving us one of the best defending SFs in the league, and letting LO come off the bench as a super sub. The Lakers might need to include Coby Karl to make the salaries match, but this lets them finally sign last year's 2nd round pick Sun Yue to play both guard positions (perfect game for the triangle).
Posted by: The Dude Abides | July 02, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I agree though, that is one of my favorite pictures of Vlad. Was that taken from the 2nd to last game of the season against the Spurs?
I like Vlad and I bear him no ill will or feelings, but he really needs to work on the defensive end and not look lost on the court. I do remember the moments where he stepped up big time (like against that Dallas win when Pau was out or the game against the Kings to clinch division title or was it conference title?) But he just wasn't consistent enough.
Well, if there are players I want to be traded ASAP on the Lakers team, it wouldn't be Vlad. I'd trade Luke and Chris Mimh first.
Posted by: PeanutButterSpread | July 02, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Haha
GS Warriors are now offering Brand a huge offer to steal him away from clips.
SF Chron.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Hi all: I agree with Elle. I think we have seen the best that Vlad can do/be, etc. and it certainly isn't Laker championship worthy. Medicore at best - too bad we are stuck with him. Here's hoping Mitch can pull another Kwame trade out of his rabbit trick bag.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | July 02, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Vlad Rad the Space Cadet gets a D in my book. He is the key component in The Triangle of Mediocrity (joined by Luke and LO). The triangle must be broken! Can't we go dump him with one of the last place teams in the Eastern Conference? Dude doesn't want to be here - as shown by his exit interview. So let him bounce, for goodness sake!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | July 02, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Hi all: I agree with Elle. I think we have seen the best that Vlad can do/be, etc. and it certainly isn't Laker championship worthy. Medicore at best - too bad we are stuck with him. Here's hoping Mitch can pull another Kwame trade out of his rabbit trick bag.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | July 02, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Good observations AK. I've always felt that unless he's feeling it in quarter #1, it may be time to let him sit until the next game. Leave him in when he's hot, but don't continue to ride it out if he's not (as Phil has a penchant of doing). I don't know how many times I screamed at the TV "Do what you're paid to do!!!" after he airballed a 3.
They signed Vlad because he was the shooter we didn't have. But now Sasha and Fisher are those shooters. Send him to another team that needs a shooter and can give us a banger down low. Vlad for Varajao?
Posted by: puddle | July 02, 2008 at 12:05 PM
I'm hoping Vlad will play less and have more big moments next year. He's a wild card player and just might hit a legendary shot some day. Definitely a risk player but he's our's.
Posted by: dave m | July 02, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Jettisoning the underachieving but overcompensated Radmanovich will be a difficult task, unless it involve a package deal with another Laker of marketable value such as LO or Gasol -- which is pretty much a longshot proposition. Unfortunately, the organization is stuck with this enigmatic Euro with a penchant for the "feast or famine". As of recent years, he's been more famine than feast for us all. I'd like to get more bang for the money by applying Vlad's $6M per toward a more effective athletic swingman like Cory Magette or Mikael Pietrus.
Posted by: Rollo Tomassi | July 02, 2008 at 12:24 PM
The grade of C- is far too generous. Your analysis of his Defense would merit an F. His consistency as a shooter would merit him a D+. Therefore, VladRad should get a D-.
A coach with less patience than the Zenmaster would move VladRad to the end of the bench. Only because Luke was more inept and Trevor was injured did Vlad receive the minutes he got and a place in the starting rotation.
If a player's got game, he's got game far more consistently than VladRad. Quirky is nice if you're talking about the circus, and not so nice if you're in the NBA.
The bottom third of the current Laker roster just doesn't deliver: Vlad, Luke, Coby, Mbenga, and Newble. Those spots should have value. Vlad and Luke are the only ones in that group with long-term contracts. In a perfect world, they would occupy positions 14 and 15 (13 and 14 if Mitch keeps one open as he likes to do). As much as I love Mbenga, unless Phil plans to use him more, he, Ira and Coby need to be replaced by better players unless VladRad and/or Walton can be dealt to a GM who would buy the Brooklyn Bridge.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 02, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Vlad is not an ingredient to a championship level team.As long as he is part of the picture in any meaningful way (and I share the idea that Ariza will take a lot of his minutes next year), they are further away from winning the trophy. Its the complete lack of D on his and Walton's part that makes me fear for the future.
Commitment to defense..thats the key and it starts with the players taking the pledge. Vlad just isn't a guy who can do that without crossing his fingers behind his back. A likable fellow but a big mistake by the Lakers to tie him up long term.
Posted by: Rob D | July 02, 2008 at 12:51 PM
FROM DAVIS TO ARTEST, WHAT FREE AGENTS ARE WORTH
By Charley Rosen for FoxSports.com
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8305382/From-Davis-to-Artest,-what-free-agents-are-worth
“James Posey
“While it's hard to envision Posey abandoning the Celtics, the temptations of Los Angeles should never be discounted. Also, given Andrew Bynum's return to the threshold of greatness, the addition of Posey would seriously threaten Boston's ability to repeat. The prospect of becoming a starter in L.A. would likewise be hard to resist. In fact, should Posey decide to change uniforms, donning the Lakers' blue-and-gold would be the only reasonable alternative.”
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 02, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Speaking of Kwame, his agent thinks he's the cat's meow.
{Just curious, but what sport is he talking about?)
Brown, a former No. 1 overall pick, is an unrestricted free agent - "He's a young, talented guy," Bartelstein said. "Obviously, he hasn't had great success yet but in the right situation it definitely could happen for him" -
He sounds like a used car salesman trying to palm off a lemon.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Charles,
Lamar was a Kings killer before he became a Laker, one of the big reasons your team signed him in the first place. I've always liked Lamar as a player and a person.
But, based on what I'm hearing, a serious backlash could occur if Testes ends up in purple and gold. In the midst of new arena negotiations and team rebuilding (which, by the way, is going very nicely), Petrie and the Maloofs do no want to piss off the fan base further.
Wherever Ron goes, his new team will instantly be better. He is an indomitable force. The Kings won't allow him to become a Laker. Laker fans need to hope that he doesn't end up in Boston. As we all know, stranger things have happened.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: sonnybelfast | July 02, 2008 at 12:57 PM
TRADE BYNUM BANDWAGON:
Chief Advocate - LakerTom
Second in command - Edwin G.
Strongly approve - Jon K.
Not Sure - Charles
For Sure - Faith
I agree with y'all, Bynum for Lopez
Posted by: | July 02, 2008 at 01:03 PM
AK,
“But all in all, without a sea change, I think Vlad may end up somewhere between 10-12th in the rotation. Ball's in his court, so to speak.”
Excellent analysis, Andy. Both Luke and Vlade are on the cusp of not getting much run or playing time unless they come into camp with improved games and attitudes, which we all agree would be great to see but unfortunately not to be expected.
It raises an interesting question of whether the Laker will really go after Posey to play the small forward position, considering the glut of players and money already at the position, not to mention the fact that Lamar, Kobe, and Trevor are definitely going to reduce the playing time available to Luke and Vlade. Personally, I would go after Posey because he would give the Lakers the tough defender they need to guard Pierce next year. I also like the addition by subtraction from the Celtics represented by Posey. Had Posey played for the Lakers, they might well have won the Finals even without Drew. The key to landing Posey would be promising him the chance to start, which the Lakers may not do for very obvious reasons. At any rate, he is the only player out there that makes sense.
Obviously, the only way the Lakers are going to be able to get rid of Luke’s and Vlade’s contracts is to trade them for players with longer and more onerous contracts, which is not going to happen, which means that Luke and Vlade become insurance against injury and will only play when there is a matchup that favors them or the guys ahead of them are not getting the job done. Even if Luke and Vlade raise their games, it is doubtful that they will get anywhere near as much playing time next year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 02, 2008 at 01:05 PM
he gets off to great starts.........
but dont see the court again until the second half.......
AK..........that ws well said.........I could'nt have said it better.
I just wish pj would run 1-2 plays for him to get him going........dude only shoots like 6-7 times a game, it's hard to find a flow like that.
COMPTON
Posted by: COMPTON FINEST | July 02, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Is there any way Vlad can be convinced to return to Europe and get paid in Euros instead? If that happens, does that open up space for the Lakers to get Posey or another vet w/rings role player?
I think Vlad and Luke are the 2 most untradeable contracts in the Lakers bec. they are overpaid and last too long. Two of Mitch's mistakes.
With the depth in the SF position of Odom, Ariza, Luke and Kobe all getting SF minutes, and the possibility of signing Posey to the MLE, I agree w/AK that Vlad will end up as the 10th-12th man on the bench next year. He will probably get more minutes as a PF sub behind Gasol and Odom. Unfortunately, much as I like Turiaf, I think he will get more money from some other NBA team.
C: Bynum, Gasol, Mihm
PF: Gasol, Odom, Radmanovic
SF: Ariza, Odom, Posey, Kobe, Luke, Radmanovic
SG: Kobe, Brent Barry (we lose Sasha to free agency and sign Barry), Coby Karl
PG: Fisher, Farmar, Odom
Still the deepest team in the NBA by far even by losing Sasha and Turiaf to FA, not resigning Mbenga, Newbie, and signing FA Posey and Barry.
Posted by: LakerinBC | July 02, 2008 at 01:45 PM
For those of you who say that the Lakers should just throw
a maximum contract at a promising but perenially injured
Andrew Bynum.
Use the Denver Nuggets as your model.
Kenyon Martin and Nene were BOTH promising young front
court players who Denver signed to max deals ignoring their
injuries and the fact that neither had ever played up to all-star
level for more than a game.
Over the next 3 seasons, the Nugs will be paying a combined
24 million, 26 million, and 28 million for two perennially
injured, underachieving players. Even with Iverson off
the books next summer, you add in Camby and Anthony
and a couple of role players and they're capped out for
years to come.
Lamar has had less injury problems than Nene or K-Mart,
but he's kinda in the same boat. If you're being paid over
10 million a year, your name should at least come up when
they're talking about potential all-stars each year. Lamar's
name has never seriously been considered. All three
of these guys should be making about 7-8 million a year.
So I say if Bynum is willing to sign an extension starting
at around 7 to 8 million a year, that's fine. But giving an
untested player like Bynum 12 million and up per season
is too big of a gamble, especially when Bynum still has another
full season to show that he is worthy of a larger contract.
People are saying, "Oh, but Bynum will be the difference
between winning and losing in the finals!". I say, "Prove
it.
Stay healthy enough to actually PLAY in the finals and then
we'll talk."
Note that Bynum is a restricted free agent, so there is
absolutely no way the Lakers could lose him by offering
an extension that he has shown to be worth this summer
or by waiting till next summer to make him an extension
offer.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 02, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Edwin Gueco, off topic, if I may. As a boxing enthusiast that you are, will you be watching the HBO televised bout of the Pacquiao-Diaz this Saturday? What do you think about the proposed bout against Hatton?
Posted by: Rollo Tomassi | July 02, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Whoah! Dude. What? We're gonna swap Sasha for Stephen Jackson? If I was Mitch, I wouldn't let Mullen hang up the phone, I'd latch on to Sasha, fly with him up to Oakland, keeping Mullen on the line the whole time until I was at his door, delivering Sasha. Here! Take him! Give me my Stephen Jackson!
Warrior fans would have one thing to say about this:
This aggression WILL NOT STAND! That Stephen Jackson really tied the room together...
Youtube: _cking Short Version
is this gonna get posted or deleted? LOL!
Posted by: Kwaminus Brownicas, Keeper of the Stone Hands, Protector of the Sublime Calves | July 02, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Everyone loves to talk about Odom's inconsistencies but I'm going to say Vlad is the most inconsistent Laker. Sometimes he shows up for the 1st quarter, very rarely(and I mean very rarely) he shows up for a whole game, and most of the time he's a non factor getting burned on defense. I'll give him some credit though. At times he can be huge for our momentum when he drains three straight threes, but those are few and far between. While Vlad is the only Laker I'm willing to give up on (mostly because he is one of the only Lakers with nothing "different" to bring to the table) I say just keep him to keep the team in tact. You never know what you're going to get. Maybe Vlad can turn in to a future 6th man of the year.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | July 02, 2008 at 02:16 PM
If we can get Posey, I'd give him the starting SF position and make Lamar our superstar, uberdynamo 6th man. We need to get serious about defense, and this gets us heading in than direction while drastically improving / toughening our bench.
And I don't think Bynum is going to do a max deal. He might do a 3 year 30 million dollar deal which puts him in a position to cash in big if he lives up to the hype, and gives the Lakers the big man they need at a price that's probably fair for everyone.
Posey does play SF, doesn't he?
I just think it's a dangerous thing to try to ride all these young players to multiple championships instead of cashing a few in for a solid vet who improves our odds of winning an immediate championship, though will offer fewer years of overall service.
No? Who's our Robert Horry? Our Rick Fox? Our Ron Harper or Brian Shaw or A.C. Green? Where are the battle tested warriors? I know the Celtics have them.
We need to add a few, and if Lamar + Walton + Turiaf + Vlad can land us a few rock solid, no nonsense tough guys, lets take a look.
Wes
Posted by: | July 02, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Rollo Tomassi ,
I thought the Pacquiao-Diaz fight was last weekend?
Posted by: Charles | July 02, 2008 at 02:46 PM
Wes
Great post.
Posted by: Charles | July 02, 2008 at 02:47 PM
LTLF-
Remember when Lamar shaved the star in his head because this was going to be his "all star" season? haha. I really like Lamar (one of my favorite Lakers of course) but I agree, he is not an all star and shouldn't be paid like one. He deserves to get paid. but not more than $10 mil. Lamar is all about the little things he brings. And little things don't deserve huge pay days. I just want Lamar to retire a Laker whether hes over paid or not.
And I agree with you regarding Bynum. We shouldn't give him a max contract just because his agent has a big mouth. Make him show us he's worth it. If he plays well, he will get a HUGE pay day, no questions asked. I think the Buss family has already proven we will keep Bynum at all costs. Bynum will be a Laker for a long long time. We will all just sleep a little better knowing he can play well longer then a month before we throw multi season changing money at him.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | July 02, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Long Time Laker Fan
I think an argument could be made as well that if the Lakers sign AB this summer they might save some money over the next five years.
If AB has a great year as we all expect, for sure some team will offer him the Max in FA forcing the Lakers to match, which they would.
Right now the Lakers would be negotiating on promise and potential.
I will admit, I'm excited about his potential, but it is not fulfilled as yet.
Anything signed now, for less than the max, could become a Lakers bargain for the next five years. Especially if AB becomes the Beast and Celtics destroyer.
Although AB's agent wants the max now, in AB's heart, he would be content with less then the max. He knows his game is still developing and will become a dominant center in time. But good lord, he's not an allstar yet, and shouldn't be paid like one.
AB is very young and has plenty of time to get the Big Contract in the next extension. But playing this year without a contract is risky if he is seriously injured. So get something done AB for your sake.
Whatever happens is a gamble for the Lakers.
That's just my opinion.
Posted by: Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I thought the Pacquiao-Diaz fight was last weekend?
It was, and the Philipines are still rocking over his win.
Wes
Good comment. We could use some gammers. I was hoping for a Vladimir "Horry" like shot against Boston to, but sadly it never came.
Posted by: Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 02:55 PM
I do not care what anybody says , you dont need to be a basketball expert to see what Radmanovich is not reliable, not a fighter , not a performer in the clutch and he will never change because he simply lacks mental toughness and desire to fight for every ball .
We did something really unwise by signing him for a multi year contract.
Posted by: novolakers | July 02, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Bynum isn't even a true free agent until AFTER the '09-'10 season. He'll be restricted next year, so whatever. He has a good season, the Lakers extend him. He has a good season and gets mad they didn't extend him this summer, we just match the offer sheet for a max deal. The Lakers are not in any position of weakness at this point.
Drew will be a Laker, if he performs up to snuff for a whole season.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 02, 2008 at 02:59 PM
I just read that Elton Brand, the real star of LA, is opting out of his contract to receive less pay, so that the LA Clippers can go out and sign Baron Davis.
Now that's Paul Pierce, KG and Ray Allen classiness.
What will Starlet Bryant do in this situation?
Classless Bryant will probably talk trash and scare away Davis like he did with KG last summer (thank you BTW).
Still laughing.
haaaaaaaaaaaaaa haaaaaaaaaaa
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 02, 2008 at 03:03 PM
Bynum's agent is just looking for the kid. Why? Because no one wants to say it but Bynum is not out of the woods with this injury. Young Andrew, I believe, is worried that his injury might be career ending.
So with that idea young Andrew says he's willing to sign for less than the maxiimum. He doesn't want to come away from this situation with almost nothing. The only way that Bynum's agent can get the most for the kid is to ask for the maximum, if Bynum's injury is more serious than his people let on.
Bynum would gladly accept something far less. I'm willing to bet that Bynum would accept something in the range of 5-7 million per session. But if Bynum's injury is career threatening than that amount of money would be a big risk for the Lakers even at that price, how much more of a gambe for a max deal?
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 02, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Wow
Comparing Clipper moves to Celtic moves. I am a C's fan. Clippers and Celtic Fan. Sold my soul to the Laker blog.
aka Fire32 Butler Let's go C's Troll Man. Could be Pig Miller, maybe just Fire 32 as another multi poster.
Snort Oink Hahahahahaha!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 02, 2008 at 03:14 PM
I sure hope that Elton Brand doesn't go to the Warriors. That would totally suck.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 03:17 PM
LakerTom,
"Excellent analysis, Andy. Both Luke and Vlade are on the cusp of not getting much run or playing time unless they come into camp with improved games and attitudes, which we all agree would be great to see but unfortunately not to be expected."
I agree with your point but not your conclusion. Luke Walton is hard on himself, perhaps too hard. He'll come into camp next year prepared.
You may be more correct regarding Rad Vlad. He's stubborn. Very much so. While this is good in dealing with criticism from his competition, it's not so good in dealing with criticism from those who are supposedly "on his side." Actually, with these kind of people, sarcastic criticism can be crippling from coaches, fan base, teammates, etc. because it really screws up their ability to adapt, so stubborn are they.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 03:22 PM
I second ajax's conclusion.
Best. Photo. Of Vlad. Ever.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 03:23 PM