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
JustALakerFan,
>>>I would have to respectfully disagree. First off it would be
>>>cheaper to sign AB to long term contract at todays prices
>>>than to wait another year with escalating contracts.
Not if you sign him to a max contract. A maximum contract starts
at 25% of the salary cap for the season it starts in and gives the
maximum raise each season for 6 seasons. So if the Lakers
offer Bynum a max contract, it's amount won't be determined
until the salary cap is set next summer.
It will be the exact same amount regardless of whether you
offer it to him this summer or next summer. Thus if the intention is to pay Bynum a full max contract, you gain
no benefit in offering it to him now vs next summer.
If you offer Bynum some fixed starting amount, then you
are not offering him a max contract.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 02, 2008 at 07:30 PM
---------------------------------------
LTLF
I think you are better versed in that area than I am. But I did say to sign him up to a long tem contract. I did not say max contract but that is all semantics. do still believe in signing AB to ltc at todays prices which would be cheaper. If Agent zero can get offered 127 million when Kobe signed a 20 million contract back then you have to look at it 2 ways.
1) Either GA is better than Kobe and deserves more money which i don't think so. OR
2) Price of getting high profile players has escallated. I think this is more the truth. Signing AB now would be cheaper than signing later. Factor in the good will benefit for locking up now and letting him know he is wanted is a good side benefit.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 02, 2008 at 07:55 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Phiil Jackson can get Rad Vlad to improve, but not the way he's doing it. He has to show Rad Vlad respect and be humble in his criticism, and Rad Vlad will make necessary changes.
I'm not saying that because Rad Vlad DESERVES respect from Phil Jackson or that Phil Jackson NEEDS to be humble, I'm saying it based upon Rad Vlad's personality type.
According to Bio-Chrono, Rad Vlad is a difficult personality type. He has a LOT of potential, but he's a bit different from most people. He's stubborn and he needs to be communicated to in a certain way. He's psycho competitive, but not in the same way Kobe is. He needs to be communicated in a direct, honest, straightforward way, but it also has to be humble and not accusational.
He has to be communicated to as if he is important and what he does is important to the team.
It's just the way he is.
As God is my witness, this is true.
Rad Vlad's stubborness is a statement to his competitiveness. It just needs to be turned outwards, instead of inwards (team/coachwise).
It's just the way he is and there's nothing wrong with that.
It's just the way he is.
Hopefully Phil Jackson with his knowledge of psychology will figure that out soon instead of playing these sarcastic mindgames with Rad Vlad which do nothing but makes things a hell of a lot worse.
Rad Vlad has a LOT of untapped potential. It sucks that he (and Phil) seem to be wasting it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 02, 2008 at 07:39 PM
-----------------------------------
Jon K
I don't disagree one bit. You just gave a better in depth analysis than I did.
Bottom line the way to get to Rad is not the way PJ has been doing it. I hppe you are right and PJ recognizes this but past history tends to lead me to think PJ won't change.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 02, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Long Time Laker Fan AND Laker Tom......Its out there ...The guys at TLN have it up on there site,just as a rumour ...but once again the same guy who broke the Orlando trade is saying the same thing...I know its not 100% ...So sorry for getting hopes up..
Posted by: Thirty2 | July 02, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Fatty,
Oklahoma City:
Bombers
Cowpokes
Cherokees
Wranglers
Saddle Sores
Ropers
Derricks
Gushers
Fertilizers
more to come later
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 02, 2008 at 08:15 PM
JustaLakerFan & exhelodrvr ,
You guys realize I was being facetious with that post about Coby Karl, Mbenga and Newble, right?
Posted by: laker hopeful | July 02, 2008 at 08:19 PM
>>>If Agent zero can get offered 127 million when Kobe
>>>signed a 20 million contract back then you have to look
>>>at it 2 ways.
Kobe never signed a contract for 20 million.
His rookie contract was for a little over 3 million for 3 years.
By the third year of that, he was the starting SG for the Lakers
and was averaging about 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and
1.4 steals. He had also appeared in one All-Star game by
that point and was 3rd team All-NBA.
His next contract was for 5 years for $56,253,000. It was
a max contract under the terms of the previous CBA.
Kobe's current contract was also a max contract for well
over 100 million.
With the new CBA, a max contract offered to Andrew Bynum
would start at 25% of the salary cap of the year it starts and would
give 8% increases each season.
If Bynum shows the level of performance that Kobe showed
by the end of his rookie contract, he will be worth it. But
until he shows more than he has already, I can't see giving
him 125 to 130 million based on what we've seen so far.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 02, 2008 at 08:20 PM
The Sonics are moving to Oklahoma City on Thursday, and leaving the name Sonics, logos, and colors behind.***
You know what that means?
Its time for the Lakers Blog to help out our fellow NBA team and come up with a new name, logo, and colors.
I will log the suggestions over the next few days and send them to the new owners. Compliments of the LA Times Blog Crew.
{{{{{ Name the New Oklahoma NBA Team Contest }}}}}
New Name and also Logo, Mascots if you like
Good luck and good naming!
1. Fatty - Okie Dokies - "Oil Wells gushing"
2. Fatty - The Laters
3. Pig Miller's suggestions
Bombers
Cowpokes
Cherokees
Wranglers
Saddle Sores
Ropers
Derricks
Gushers
Fertilizers
Seriously, I really plan on sending the suggestions on to the owner.
Posted by: Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Oklahoma Soonics
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | July 02, 2008 at 08:59 PM
great post re: contract LTFN! props.
Posted by: Faith | July 02, 2008 at 09:22 PM
I will give Andrew Bynum an extension before I give any Laker player and Coaching staff another extension. BYNUM IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET/PLAYER THE LAKERS HAS RIGHT NOW. Period!
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 02, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Bynum is injury prone? WHAT? The guy had bad luck stepping on someone's foot. He was the only player on the Lakers that played all 82 games the year before! Who is that injury prone?
Posted by: zen | July 02, 2008 at 09:25 PM
How sweet it is to have Kobe, Artest and Posey in your Perimeter? and teamed up with Bynum and Gasol. That will be ONE HECK OF A DEFENSIVE FIRST FIVE. With Ariza and SunYue first off the bench!
DEFENSE! DEFENSE!DEFENSE!
TOUGHNESS! TOUGHNESS! TOUGHNESS! Nuf said.
ENOUGH of the softies, Luke, Vlad and Lamar.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 02, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Vlad? Waive him. Just waive him and get it over with. Addition by subtraction...
Posted by: SG | July 02, 2008 at 09:31 PM
Who started this rediculous idea of trading Bynum at this point? He is worth more than Lamar Odom at this point. He played all 82 games 2 years ago! Maybe I should get what your smokin. Injiury prone? He hasn't shown that yet.
I think it would be cheaper now for the Lakers to give him the extension this year rather then the max when he becomes a restricted free agent. If that is the case, if he performs well in camp and pre-season, I fully expect the Lakers to do something.
Because Andrew is so young, he will end up making more than Kobe did when his career is over if he meets his potential.
Posted by: zen | July 02, 2008 at 09:32 PM
SIGN BYNUM to max extension and get Kwame Brown back for 2 MIL. Somebody needs to protect Bynum and Gasol inside and that is the job of Kwame.
Kwame is still only 25 years old. For 9 MIL I did not want him. But for 2 MIL, sure!
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 02, 2008 at 09:38 PM
OH, NO!
NOW THEY'RE SAYING VLAD IS HOLDING BACK THE LAKERS!
WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS TO HIM?
SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!
Posted by: Luigi999 | July 02, 2008 at 09:48 PM
It was revealing to see the Hawks play the Celts in tonight's NBATV classic game. Game 4, which of course the Hawks won. What was telling was how much better the Hawks matched up against the Celts compared to the lakers.
Joe Johnson had a 35-pt game I think, and had no trouble outdoing Paul Pierce when he wanted to get to the rim. Zsa Zsa Pachulia and Al Horford showed lots of pride and fight by getting physical in the paint and refusing to concede it to Doc Rivers.
Then Josh Smith played aggressively throughout the game - Smith, the certain future All-Star. And then the Hawks' coach Woodson countered Rivers' defensive attack with speed and tough rebounding.
Hawks, who beat the lakers last season, took the Celts to 7. The reason the lakers couldn't get that far with the Celts, is because Joe Johnson is better than kobe at playing Paul Pierce, the Hawks' bigs are much tougher than odum and ga-shawl, and, Woodson has learned to play without marquee playas such as SHACK and MJ.
Maybe the clips can stop the Hawks.
Posted by: BUTLER | July 02, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I think the Lakers should have traded Odom for Artest the first time. Now, we have more information about both of them. Artest is a little less crazy. Odom is still very inconsistent.
The poster that mentioned Vlad is more inconsistent than Odom? You're absolutely right. Thankfully, we pay less than half as much for Vlade as we do for Odom. Vlade is a nightmare on defense. He got called out big time by Jeff Van Gundy for his pretend effort on defense.
Here's how my ideal summer goes down.
1. We trade Vlade for a draft pick, likely late first round.
2. We pick up Ron Artest, ideally without giving up Odom, but we probably have to give him up and take a bad contract. Getting another 4 would definiteley not hurt. Artest wanted to get paid, but also didn't want to stay loyal to a team not loyal to him.
3. We pick up James Posey for a full MLE if we can't get Artest.
4. If we can't get Artest or Posey, we go after Maggette.
5. Luke Walton retires to go into show business or gives up on being the 3rd string SF forcing a trade.
6. We retain Sasha and Turiaf.
7. We give Bynum a 3 year, 9 million dollar contract. This type of contract benefits both parties. Bynum gets a life-changing, financially secure payday. The Lakers don't pay huge for a guy with serious injury issues. Both parties benefit if Bynum comes up huge and consistently over the next few years because Bynum gets a beastly extension. Hopefully, this shuts up Bynum's annoying agent.
8. We bring in Sun Yue and he develops over the course of a few years playing lots of D-league and summer league games.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 02, 2008 at 10:30 PM
bynum didnt play his junior or senior years of high school basketball because of injury. thatld be 3 of the last 5 years, and his rookie year about the only injury he could have gotten was a splinter. still, kinda scary how good he is given just how little basketball he's played. heres to hoping this isnt a trend.
ps. we're stuck with lukomir, stop deluding yourselves with trade notions.
Posted by: db | July 02, 2008 at 10:36 PM
Fatty sez:
"1. Fatty - Okie Dokies - "Oil Wells gushing"
2. Fatty - The Laters
3. Pig Miller's suggestions
Bombers
Cowpokes
Cherokees
Wranglers
Saddle Sores
Ropers
Derricks
Gushers
Fertilizers
Seriously, I really plan on sending the suggestions on to the owner.
Posted by: Fatty | July 02, 2008 at 08:50 PM "
typical sentiment from a typical angelino. Woody Guthrie pegged your type long ago and so did John Steinbeck.
I vote for Oklahoma Wife Stealing Bastards!
Posted by: BUTLER | July 02, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Long Time Laker Fan.....Re your thoughts on the possible sign and trades...Battier and Landry i really like..Landry is working on a contract with the Rockets at the moment..Its not out of the question..Landry had a great season and Battier is just what the doctor ordered at the 3..The more you think about a sign and trade the more it seems possible..Im sure they would want Lamar before Battier is let go..
Posted by: Thirty2 | July 02, 2008 at 10:52 PM
Benjamin, your ideal offseason would be great, even if it is a bit complex (and unrealistic). Bynum for 3 years and $9 million? Dude can get 5 years and $80 mil and you think he'll give up $71 million? Doubtful. Equally doubtful is the idea that anyone will agree to trade for Vlad or Luke (or that Luke will walk from $5 mil a year).
I'd be totally happy with a Lamar for Artest (and Thomas) deal, plus re-signing Sasha and Ronny. That is a team that is vastly improved from this year's team--needing only 2 more wins than this year's group.
Posted by: Leo | July 02, 2008 at 10:56 PM
LTLF,
You're absolutely right about Bynum. LakerTom worries that the Lakers may somehow offend Bynum by not showing him proper respect and commitment. I think Tom forgets that the Lakers are a storied and prestigious franchise in a city with great weather and lots to do. Since the Lakers are also currently a good team, it also makes them attractive. I have zero worries that we will lose Bynum. We didn't trade him for Hall of Famer Jason Kidd. We've shown serious commitment. Waiting to see how things turn out is not a problem.
The Spurs have to do a careful job of managing their budget. They're in a small market and worth less money. As such, they require tighter financial management. They've been shopping for value some time. It works well because they have a great coach, a good system, and the star player buys into the whole banana so everyone else does too.
They are a very good organization despite their limitations.
Ariza and Sasha for Battier/Head? Hell yes. For Scola/other guy? No. Turiaf for Scola? Yes.
Thanks for the schooling on exactly how a max contract works. I didn't some of what you said.
You're very on it today!
The Dude Abides,
Captain Jack? We can only dream of such good things. Like Artest, he's a very smart, very talented player that plays with heart and plays good D. He can take some responsibility of bringing up the ball and running the O. He's like Odom with a little less versatility (post play), much better shooting, worse rebounding, and more consistency (fewer mental mistakes).
Posted by: Benjamin | July 02, 2008 at 10:58 PM
passionateLakerFan,
>>>By the time Lamar/Luke/Vladimir salaires are freed up,
>>>Kobe will be 35 years old with bad knees.
Lamar's salary comes off the books after next season. Do you
expect Kobe's knees to grow feeble within the next year?
>>>Again: Lamar/Luke/Vladimir: $74,000,000.00.
Again. You're exaggerating. It's $60,000,000. And that's
for 9 seasons of play, not for next season.
>>>that money and no rings will ever come to past.
And just like you are wrong about the amount Luke and Lamar
and Vlad are paid, you're wrong about that.
>>>Pathetic.
You calling yourself a Lakers "fan"? Yes, it is pathetic.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 02, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Hey Long Time Laker Idiot:
When I typed 74 million, I'm talking about:
Luke will earn $30,000,000.00 as a Laker.
Vladimir will earn $30,000,000.00 as a Laker.
Lamar remaining contract pays $14,000,000.00.
And when the Lakers are done paying out all that money the Lakers will have no rings to show for it!
That's what my post was all about, Long Time Laker Idiot!
And let's see how smart (or dumb) you are:
Do you think the Lakers can trade Luke or Vladimir?
If you answer with what's left of your pea brain (and not with that empty cavity area where your heart used to be) you will undoubtedly know that the Lakers are screw!
(as in: they are stuck with the 3 contracts!).
The Lakers will not trade Lamar (they will not take on a contract with years attached since his come off the books).
So in closing:
Lamar will earn $14,000,000.00 this season.
Luke will earn $30,000,000.00 as a Laker.
Vladimir will earn $30,000,000.00 as a Laker.
And unless some stupid fool take on Luke and/or Vladimir's contract: that's $74,000,000.00.
Get it, Long Time Laker Idiot?
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 02, 2008 at 11:02 PM
LTLF,
Ira and Coby playing during Lakers game as a replacement of regulars. Yeah right, garbage time when fans are heading to the parking lot. Cameo appearance that they're responsible for holding the score so that the audience gets a Taco treat. Ira is a decent player when he was with the Cavaliers but a bench warmer under PJ. I think LTLF we watched the same ball game where Walton play long minutes more than usual. Coby is a well disciplined player son of a coach. (By the way, according to my son who works at UCLA, he always see Coby practicing everyday at Pauley Pavillion. I asked him, how do you like him? Well, he thinks he's more of an assist man than a shooter. He rarely shoots but do a lot of passing.) Are we going to expect him in the coming season? Maybe, against Denver Nuggets.
PJ should be humbled by two defeats in the Finals. He should be a kinder and more considerate Coach in '08-'09 respect his enemies as well as rookies applying for a job in his team. Nobody is perfect and that applies to the 9ring Coach HOF.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 02, 2008 at 11:08 PM
The all you idiots who continue to love:
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
Do you or do you not want to win a championship.
The Lakers will never win a championship with:
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
Never.
I'll make all you idiot Lamar/Luke/Vladimir lovers a bet:
I will never post on this blog again if even one of the 3 above players is still on the team and we win a championship.
If you seriously want a ring: all 3 (not one, not two, but all 3) must go.
They are soft (and the Celtics are hard and have at least 3 good years left).
Stupid Lamar/Luke/Vladimir lovers.
When the 3 stupidteers blow again in the finals, I will come back on this blog and state I told you so.
What stupid Laker fans.
The Celtics would boo these bums out of town.
But not Lakers fans.
You guys, are soft.
Get rid of these 3 bums.
Posey or Artest Now!
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 02, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Guys, get real on Bynum. LakerTom was right, if he can play the usual flair we saw the first half of the season, it will be 80M for 5 years (take it or leave it type of negotiation) If the deal is below the figure, then we should be scared that he is not the player we expected him to be. Why? Because that is his price during his prime. You can't avoid the demand and supply of talents especially for Centers. There will always teams that will give him that rate especially if he plays with Lebron or Wade or even Pierce.
Where can we save? Only be trade
Passionate Laker Fan,
You have to put realism with your passion. I know you're angry at this 3 players but come up with a reasonable suggestion on the team who would take them. Extremism on both ends produce pressures and anxieties. There is a happy medium between optimism and pessimism. At the end of the day, this is just an entertainment, let's enjoy it.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 02, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Long-time reader, first-time commenter. I'm a Bulls fan in LA, but don't worry. I love basketball in general and have a deep respect for the Lakers. I just wanted to throw my 2-cents in on free agency.
- The Lakers have a real chance at signing Posey. The Celtics didn't offer Posey the full MLE according to the Boston Globe, otherwise Posey would've agreed already. He wants the full MLE as the starting point of a 4-5 year contract. If they signed Posey for that amount, they'd have to let Tony Allen and possibly Eddie House go. Coupled with Cassell's eventual departure, that leaves Rondo and Gabe Pruitt as their PGs. As much as it pains the C's, signing Allen and another player might make more financial sense. Allen's athletic, a good defender and can shoot 3's, he just missed most of last year. They might replace Posey with Allen and another guard and hope for the best.
- I'd REALLY worry about the Hornets who are tossing around their MLE at Posey and Maggette. They have a starting spot (Mo-Pete's) and the chance to play with the best PG in the game. Having a guy who makes you look good while playing for a title contender is a huge draw. The Cavs also offered Posey, and they have the easier path to the finals plus a chance to play with James. I think the Lakers are in the thick of the Posey sweepstake, but I can't say they have a real advantage over other teams.
- I do not expect Maggette to settle for an MLE with anyone, even if he has a chance to play for contenders like the Spurs, Hornets, Jazz or the Magic (OK, they're not contenders, but they were the first to offer Corey). He's in his prime and this is possibly his last shot at a massive payday. I don't blame him either. Look for a team with lots o' cap room like the Sixers or Warriors to sign him outright for $7-8 million/year.
- Andrew Bynum should ask for the max right now in case he gets hurt, and the Lakers should wait a year to see how he holds up. I don't think AB will sign a lesser deal. Agents and players generally will go after the most money possible in their careers. It's a risk, but he should play the year our and seek the max next year. The Lakers will gladly match if he's worth it. Even if he gets hurt, some team will pay a lot for potential. Amare came back from a similar injury at a similar age, so someone will use that as comparison.
- Unless they get creative with LO, I don't see the Lakers doing anything drastic. Luke and Vlad are untradeable and they're right at the cap and luxury tax level. LO's really their only huge bargaining chip. Their best chance is using that MLE as best as they can. Since they are the Lakers, that MLE will go a lot farther than other team's. With AB and a new player or two (preferably a veteran), they will be the preseason favorites in the West.
- Finally, I expect Brand to stay with the Clippers. But it doesn't hurt to look around, just in case he gets a mind-blowing offer he can't refuse. And the Clippers will use their MLE to fill out their bench. If Baylor's copying a template, he might as well copy last year's Celtics.
Posted by: JB | July 02, 2008 at 11:39 PM
As bad as Vlad played in the Finals, Luke was far worst than Vlad. Lakers is stuck with the worthless POS Luke for another 4 years...Forget about trading him, no team on earth would take this unskilled players with $5M price tag.
Vlad has yet to demonstrate that he is capable of producing consistent scoring threat for the Lakers. He had moments during the playoff but not enough...
Posted by: Wallace | July 03, 2008 at 12:00 AM
zen,
If you'll recall, Bynum also missed most of his senior year of college
with an injury. But you are correct, he did play all 82 the year before,
which shows promise that he could stay healthy and that the injuries
are anomalies.
Nene had one season where he played 80 games and another where
he played in 77. K-Mart has had several seasons where he
played in more than 70 games. But I think you would agree that
neither one of those players is worth more than 10 million a season.
They are poster children for why it's not wise to just throw down
max dollars before you know what you're getting. Denver's financial
situation is now screwed for years to come, but when they signed
on both of those guys to huge contracts they thought their future
was rosey.
When you go to a car dealership, do you look at one car and
say "I really like how that one looks, I'll take it right now! And I'll
pay full MSRP!"
You know, there is a chance that while you're looking at other
cars on the lot, someone else could come and buy that one
that you liked. So you really should spend full sticker price,
even if you could get it for 20 percent less just for asking.
Obviously, that's not the way you buy a car. You check out
the inside. You take it for a test drive. If it's a used car, you
have your mechanic give it a once over. You take the time to
figure out how much the dealer will actually take for the car
and you offer that amount. You don't just blithely overpay for
it.
It's the same thing with NBA players. Barring a career ending
injury, Bynum will be playing with the Lakers for a long long time.
There is absolutely positively no way that they can lose him by
not offering a maximum contract this summer. None. Zero. Zilch.
But there IS a chance that if they give him a max contract, he could
turn out to be another Nene/K-Mart and hurt their chances of
extending or acquiring other players.
I agree that they should make a contract extension offer this
summer. If the Lakers' doctors check out Drew's knee and say
it is fine, and if he gets in some workouts for the club showing
that he's back in good health and will be ready to contribute again
next season, then yes, make him an offer.
But right now there's no way that offer is 80 million.
I wouldn't even consider making an offer to Bynum until I see
what this summer's dilettante free agents sign for. If Deng and
Gordon and Igoudala and Okafor are getting 65 and 70 million
dollar deals, then that sets a ceiling on what Bynum should be
offered. ALL of those players have produced a lot more than
Bynum in their careers. I think eventually, Bynum will be better
than all of them, but by the end of each of their third years, they
had shown a lot more progress than Bynum.
So my strategy would be this:
1. watch what Deng and Igoudala and Josh Smith sign for. That
is your absolute ceiling for what you would offer Bynum right
now.
2. Keep up to date with Bynum's summer workouts and how his
knee is recovering. All the swelling gone? Any pain?
3. Look at the financial situations of other teams for next summer.
How many of them will have cap space? How much cap space
will they have. If no team in the league could POSSIBLY offer
Bynum a max contract next season, and if the best players from
the year before him are not getting max contracts, then why
overpay him. And even if some team's cap situation does change
and they make Bynum a max offer, then so what. The Lakers are
free to match it.
4. Make an extension offer a little before training camp. The amount
will depend on how well he AB recovered and what those other
guys made.
a. Sit Andrew and his agent down and point out to him
that every team in the league is tapped out and that the best
players from the draft class before him are making X and they
have all produced better statistics than him to this point and
blah blah blah.
b. Make him an offer that is similar to what the Deng/Smith/
Gordon/Igoudala group got. The base offer should be 10-20
percent below what those guys are paid.
c. Add a bunch of performance incentives to the contract, like
playing in 75 of the 82 regular season games or playing in 10
or more playoff games in a season. The ideal incentive would
be that if the Lakers won a championship in any year of the
deal and Andrew played in the finals, then the remainder of the
contract will be become a full maximum contract.
d. Tell Andrew that you definitely want to keep him, and if he
wants a max contract with no incentives required to get the
max money, then he needs to show that he is worth that much
this season. Don't make the team project how good he MIGHT
be... SHOW that he is better than Deng and Josh Smith and
Igoudala.
e. Point out the actions of Kevin Garnett, Baron Davis, Elton Brand,
(and Gilbert Arenas if he does this), who took less than the maximum
they could make in order to allow the team to keep other good
players around them. Suggest that it would be easier to sign
Jordan Farmar and Lamar Odom and possibly free agents to
play with him in the future if he's willing to take less than the
max.
That approach shows Bynum that you still want him, and that
you are willing to pay him the max, but that you have expectaions
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 03, 2008 at 12:02 AM
>>>Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
>>>Never.
>>>I'll make all you idiot Lamar/Luke/Vladimir lovers a bet:
>>>I will never post on this blog again if even one of the 3 above >>>players is still on the team and we win a championship.
promises, promises.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 03, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Pose is not leaving the C's.
No way Jose. No way.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 03, 2008 at 12:08 AM
Let's go C:
SHUT UP!
Posted by: Sire54 | July 03, 2008 at 12:19 AM
I'm still a little confused. All of the reports say that Baron Davis is an LA guy. Why is he going to the C's and not the Fakers?
I jus don't gets it.
Still laughing.
haaaaaaaaaaaaaa haaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
"Top of the World" --KGarnett and Boston Nation
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 03, 2008 at 12:22 AM
JB,
Very nice first post--chock full of info. Keep up the good work.
I wouldn't trade Lamar for Artest or Posey, though I'd give either of those players Lamar's starting job if we did somehow acquire them. Huh?
That's right
Lamar is more talented than either Artest or Posey and can do more things with the basketball, but I really want to see the impact a little more defense has on this roster. With Bynum, Fisher, Kobe AND a new, defensive-minded stud in the starting 5, we'd pummel teams into submission. Then unleash the Lamar/Jordan/Sasha Kraken and play pop goes the cauliflower ear with our opponent.
Yeah baby.
Wes
Posted by: | July 03, 2008 at 01:53 AM
Leo,
I dare to dream baby! I didn't say it was realistic. I don't think getting all of those is.
Bynum can only get 80M for 5 years if he's perfectly healthy this entire year and can perform like he did for 6 weeks this past season. I hope he performs and gets it. I want everyone to win. If the agent has gambling debts or something (he's coming across as hyperaggressive and desperate), I was offering a temporary compromise that can benefit both parties. Insisting on a max contract right now before the season starts is madness.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 03, 2008 at 02:27 AM
LTLF,
The ESPN source you read about concerning the Jazz inquiring about any former Laker player as well as others (who are proven winners) should not surprise anyone. Heck, every team has done it at one time or another!
One explanation may very well center on teams wanting to create a game plan to STOP us. Remember, we are the most HATED and LOVED team in pro sports with a history of winning! Most of the time, we get in their way. Look no further to players who were exposed to our system. Why not? Makes perfect sense. I'm sure they are asked by their respective team's coaching staff about the X's and O's (strategies, tendencies, etc.) they learned in Lakerdom since we already pose a threat to their playoff aspirations (as we rarely miss the playoffs). You're RIGHT about one observation. Teams love our players! As a matter of fact, I see quite a few former Lakers playing for teams in both conferences that are quite GOOD ( ex. Robert Horry for Spurs, Lindsey Hunter for Pistons, Janerro Pargo for Hornets, Devean George for Mavs, Caron Butler for Wiz, Maurice Evans for Magic, and some others just to name several). Wow! Coincidence maybe? Who needs spygate? Maybe we need to reverse the trend on our part by obtaining James Posey. YES, JP (the potential second coming of Robert Horry)!
FINAL FOOD for THOUGHT: Thanks to our Lakers 3-Peat, beginning at the turn of the 21st Century, our team set a high STANDARD for WINNING along with the Spurs, just as the Bulls did in the 90's, just as our Lakers and rival Celtics did in the 80's and so forth. With all this in mind, tradition and success breed envy. Envy breeds feelings of hatred. Hatred breeds rivalries. That's why most our former players are WANTED by other teams (once we release them or lose them via FA). Our Lakers are a big part of what their respective team wants to become! WINNERS!
Laker pride through adversity! Peace!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | July 03, 2008 at 02:51 AM
HOOPSWORLD:
The Celtics did make an offer to Posey that was far less than the full boat median exception he has been offered from other teams, leaving Posey feeling unwanted. Add the Maggette commentary and Posey wants to talk with other teams. Sources close to the situation content that James Posey would love to be a Laker and that the Lakers are willing to go the full exception to land him.
Bye Bye Sasha.
Like I said yesterday, Sasha is gone, because he just isn't big enough.
"I still believe that this is a big man's game" – Phil Jackson
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 03, 2008 at 06:39 AM
JustaLakerFan & exhelodrvr ,
You guys realize I was being facetious with that post about Coby Karl, Mbenga and Newble, right?
Posted by: laker hopeful | July 02, 2008 at 08:19 PM
-------------------------------------------
Hey Laker hopeful,
If you were you were then unintentionally right. IMO I think these guys could have done so much more if given time. I thought you were exaggerating a bit but the point was well taken. Too bad it was facetiuos because it rang so true.
Oh well have a good one.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 03, 2008 at 07:01 AM
>>>Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
>>>Never.
>>>I'll make all you idiot Lamar/Luke/Vladimir lovers a bet:
>>>I will never post on this blog again if even one of the 3 above >>>players is still on the team and we win a championship.
promises, promises.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 03, 2008 at 12:04 AM
Don't laugh.
I'm dead serious.
In fact, as stated to my co-workers, if Lamar/Luke/Vlad are still with the team during the up-coming regular season, I will not watch a single game this season.
I mean, what's the point?
Sure, they will win close to 60 games.
However, the Celtics will crush them again.
Yes, Kobe and Andrew will have great season.
However, the Celtics, being a defensive team, will find a way to take away Andrew and Kobe and the lanes.
That will once again force Lamar/Luke/Vladimir to make a jump shot.
And they can't handle play-off pressure.
Lamar parties after play-off games at 2:00 a.m.
Luke is busy making Youtube clips and cooking BBQ.
Vladimir is simply a head case.
How is the hell did the Lakers end up with not one, not two, but three head cases?
So go ahead LTLI (the I is for idiot):
Keep loving these clows.
When feeling the frustration of losing in the finals again, just think about me to lessen your pain:
"Dam, Passionate Lakers Fan was right and I should have took heed to his July 2, 2008 post to have avoided this pain I feel today."
Stop drinking the Kool-Aid, sheep.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 03, 2008 at 07:07 AM
>>>If Agent zero can get offered 127 million when Kobe
>>>signed a 20 million contract back then you have to look
>>>at it 2 ways.
Kobe never signed a contract for 20 million.
His rookie contract was for a little over 3 million for 3 years.
By the third year of that, he was the starting SG for the Lakers
and was averaging about 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and
1.4 steals. He had also appeared in one All-Star game by
that point and was 3rd team All-NBA.
His next contract was for 5 years for $56,253,000. It was
a max contract under the terms of the previous CBA.
Kobe's current contract was also a max contract for well
over 100 million.
With the new CBA, a max contract offered to Andrew Bynum
would start at 25% of the salary cap of the year it starts and would
give 8% increases each season.
If Bynum shows the level of performance that Kobe showed
by the end of his rookie contract, he will be worth it. But
until he shows more than he has already, I can't see giving
him 125 to 130 million based on what we've seen so far.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 02, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Yes it was a typo on my part. I meant 120 million dollar contract. Again with the semantics though. I did not say a max contract but a long term contract.
As I said you are better versed in that area in statistics etc than I am but non the less see what I am saying and don't read extra into it. IE don't miss the point going blind over statistics and semantics. I am not arguing but stating a POV.
Have a good one.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 03, 2008 at 07:09 AM
I have to admit, the superbowl does get me down on how we blew it....
Posted by: Lets go C's | July 03, 2008 at 07:30 AM
Staples24,
>> get Kwame Brown back for 2 MIL. Somebody needs to protect Bynum and Gasol inside and that is the job of Kwame.
I agree with the second part of your comment, but do you really think it should be KWAME?
Do you forget that he can't catch the ball? And when he is fortunate enough to catch it, he either throws it away, or travels.
Kwame is great on the defensive end, but on the offensive end, we have to play 4 on 5.
KWAME is the WRONG guy to be our defensive roll player.
STOP THE KWAME MADNESS!!
Posted by: Eric M. | July 03, 2008 at 07:36 AM
anymore updates on AB?
Posted by: laker32 | July 03, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Good morning LA MORNING CRUE!!!!!!!!!!!! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and it's a great day to be a Laker Fan!!!!!!
I was kind of disappointed, though, to see there's really no news on the state of our union....Let's get this party started already lol! Oh to be a fly on Mitch's wall & hear what other magic tricks are up his sleeve. But I have to say that should be stand firm as is, I would be happy with that. We've got 3 guys returning to 100% come training camp - Bynum, Ariza & Mihm - plus guys like Fish will be healed up, so I say we're in great shape to take another run at this thing.If anything is done, it should be on the magnitude of a tweak - not an earthquake. This team has solid chemistry & really doesn't need any major shakeups.
I know many are now screaming "Puke" or "Lukomir Waltmanovich" needs to go!! That may be true, but I don't know that there's anyone out there who would take that trade.....unless as Elle said we get some nice shiny rocks.....even so.......LOL! Anyhoo - it will be interesting to see if some magic, some slight-of-hand if you will, will be bubbling up out of the FO. Regardless, we are contenders right now - look out NBA!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 03, 2008 at 07:51 AM
Lets go C,
Is KL. KL is the only one that can keep going like this. I don't think you can make another carbon copy of KL. There can only be one KL and its Let go C. I mean this dude is still here and the championship has ended for awhile now. And the way he blast kobe all the time is the way KL does it.
Posted by: wow | July 03, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Mornin Guys.
Pig Thanks for the info!
Posted by: Charles | July 03, 2008 at 08:21 AM
The all you idiots who continue to love:
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
Do you or do you not want to win a championship.
The Lakers will never win a championship with:
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
Never.
I'll make all you idiot Lamar/Luke/Vladimir lovers a bet:
I will never post on this blog again if even one of the 3 above players is still on the team and we win a championship.
If you seriously want a ring: all 3 (not one, not two, but all 3) must go.
They are soft (and the Celtics are hard and have at least 3 good years left).
Stupid Lamar/Luke/Vladimir lovers.
When the 3 stupidteers blow again in the finals, I will come back on this blog and state I told you so.
What stupid Laker fans.
The Celtics would boo these bums out of town.
But not Lakers fans.
You guys, are soft.
Get rid of these 3 bums.
Posey or Artest Now!
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | July 02, 2008 at 11:10 PM
PLF
I take exception to your tirade. As I have said before it is ok to disagree but be civil. Well you crossed that threshold by calling everyone who does not agree with you an idiot.
Well I disagree with you and I am not an idiot.
I say only Luke Walton should go. He has only one role on team and that is to play bulky physical slow players like Harpring. He is outplayed by atheltic fast SFs.
Vlade spreads the floor , passes, shoots 3's and dives and drives to the basket. As for being soft was that not Vlade who was knocked down by Tyson Chandler got up and sprinted down floor and put TC on his arse? Did he not go face to face with Chandler? He is not soft.
He has talent which needs to be gromed and brought out like learning post moves from KAJ to improve his post up game.
LO has so much versatile talent it ain't funny. You need talented role players as you can't have a whole team of allstars. He brings a lot to the table.
Now only an idiot with only a legend in his own mind would not see that and call anyone who disagrees with him an idiot. You are entitled to your opinions no matter how idiotic they are. I thought you were a much better poster than that.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 03, 2008 at 08:23 AM
If Bynum shows the level of performance that Kobe showed
by the end of his rookie contract, he will be worth it. But
until he shows more than he has already, I can't see giving
him 125 to 130 million based on what we've seen so far.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 02, 2008 at 08:20 PM
I don't say you are but this sounds like a variation of the anti AB people.
Before it was trade him he is a project with a high potential but we want to win it all now. He may turn out to be another Olowacadi (SP). And other things were said like being lazy etc (I am glad FO did not go for that BS).
Now it is a variation of AB has not shown enough and is injury prone. Don't give him huge contract, let him earn it. (Hope FO sees through that BS too).
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 03, 2008 at 08:33 AM
COMMENTARY
Being a long timed watcher of NBA teams that come and go, I felt distraught with the people of Seattle and Washington Huskies fans for losing an NBA team. It happened before to the people of Kansas Kings, San Diego Clippers, Syracuse Nationals, Cincinnati Royals, St Louis Hawks, Vancouver Grizzlies etc. teams settle in the city and establish loyalty, once the team's financials turned red, sell the franchise, blame the City, leave their fans cold and dry without any refunds. When Fall and Winter rains comes to the Northwest, there is no more basketball to watch, no more relaxation of watching their own NBA team that will relieve them from the long season of cold winter rains. I hope the mighty owners of Microsoft, Costco as well as Boeing will get together and apply for a franchise as a continuation of Seattle Supersonics. Sonics has a big following in the state of Washington and all the way to British Columbia, Canada where the Winter Olympics will be held in 2010. This is not a dead area as envisioned by Howard Schultz former owner or that Starbucks honcho and this new corporate raider, an oil magnate from Oklahoma, Clay Bennett. I am glad that Mr. Bennette will pay additional 75M just to take this franchise to Oklahoma. Who will benefit from that 75M? Well, the Seattle lawyers, local politicians, cable companies and the losers are the Sonic fans, local business around the arena and young avid fans who bought the jerseys Kevin Durant, seasoned tickets, Sonic paraphernalias collectors. How will Bennett regain that 75M? By jacking up tickets this time to the people of Oklahoma, create a new craze market and ask for the support of NBA basketball enthusiasts that they have now a permanent NBA franchise, come and visit Oklahoma.
I'm cynical to what happened because the owners mismanaged the operations of the Sonics and then they take away that entertainment away from the legion of fans. That is so sad. So I hope to all NBA basketball fans out there, when you exhibit that burning desire for a team, extreme passiones, ready to die equivocating: "us against them".... remember what happened to our fellow basketball fans with Seattle Supersonics ....while to the (former and new) owners, it's OK it's just business baby, the show must go on with the message of: "As a new franchise, please give us a name."
Fairweather Fatty, I'll submit a cynical name for the new franchise: "OK Bennett"....and the new fans will be known as Bennettistas (fans of a franchise snatcher)
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 03, 2008 at 08:37 AM