HmrHed,

That's why I'm going to name my son Lukamir Waltmanovich K.

GO LAKERS!

Long Time,

>>>>>“ The Lakers will not lowball Andrew Bynum.”

The Lakers would definitely be lowballing and insulting Andrew if they used any of the figures or comparisons you are throwing around. Fortunately, the Lakers have a higher opinion of Andrew Bynum’s value to the franchise than you seem to have. Hopefully, you will be more appreciative of Andrew after he wins a few championships.

Tom

Tom,

Do you really think we're likely to offend Bynum?

Have you considered the prestigious history of the Lakers organization? Most players are very excited to play for us.

Have you considered that right now we're a great team? Why would Bynum want to miss chances to win a few rings?

Have you considered that the vast majority of NBA players like LA and would prefer to live there rather than, say Philadelphia, Memphis, etc.?

Have you considered the fact that we'll be able pay Bynum more and sign him to a longer contract than any other team and he doesn't have to move?

Have you considered the fact that we've shown faith and loyalty to him mutiple times? We picked him up in the draft when no one else did. We didn't trade him multiple times when we could have. We allowed him to heal so he was 100 percent, to baby his big old knee.

You act as though we have nothing unique to offer Bynum. We do.

Bynum said a naive thing to the world when he was willing to settle for less than a max contract to be with the Lakers. He obviously likes us and wants to stay.

His agent came in and (like a tool) acted like there was some desperate immediate need to sign Bynum to a max contract right now, or else. His agent did need to fix the bargaining hole that Bynum put the two of them in, but he bungled it. He made statements that no one with critical thinking ability could possibly believe.

You are operating out a position of fear. You are operating under the assumption that Bynum will be as good as Hakeem Olajuwon and you can't bear the thought of losing that. That is why you are making mistakes.

We appreciate Bynum. We don't take him for granted. Everything between the Lakers and Bynum is very good. We are going to keep him and whatever he's able to do, he will do for us.

So relax baby. We got this. Just like Kobe jumped the Aston Martin, except this is absolutely real.

Also, you say motivation is 'drew getting his big contract out of the way. It hasn't panned out that way and it often doesn't pan out that way with other NBA players. Most players play better with the carrot out in front of them, 'drew included. Just ask Phil Jackson.

I think as a symbolic gesture Kobe and Bynum should be signed to extensions at the same time. They are the future of our franchise.

passionate Lakers fan

Boycott watching Lakers games?!

My wife wishes I would do that. lol

But honestly guy, you are taking this way too seriously.

I live and breath Lakers, but you're letting this get to you. The only one hurt by you not watching, will be you.

Mitch has already said nothing really big going to happen this summer. He likes our chances with the squad we have.

Part of being a "loyal Lakers Fan" is taking the good with the bad. Agreed Vlad and Luke have been disappointing, but we always have hope when you have the rest of the guys on the team.

The Lakers best players, Kobe and Fisher are real excited about next years group. PJ and Mitch are giddy with expectations. And you want to miss out on a growing and competing team, now a contender?

15 months ago we were the butt of jokes and now ALL the teams in the West fear us. No one said it would be easy, but when Kobe stole my "enjoy the ride" comment, lol he meant it, and I am truly enjoying it, even with a fews bumps along the way, with my friends on the blog.

Your venting today, and that's understandable. But observing your posts for awhile now, shows me, you got the addiction just as bad as the rest of us. I feel PLF will be around when the season starts.

Peace

Kwamicality - I haven't heard anything about the Houston offer either, or any other real offer. I figure we'll sign Sasha for somewhere between 3 and 4 a year.... he's a restricted agent after all and I kind of doubt another team's going to put out an offer in that range just to see us match it.

Jon - re: Kamen's new citizenship.... well, he's from Michigan. They take their beer gardens seriously. As long as he doesn't don the lederhosen, everything will be okay.

I still say, let him earn it, then we'll talk.

Go Lakers!

I like Drew. I think he'll be serviceable at worst...but come on. Wilt? KAJ? Already? The guy has yet to show health to play a full season...not to mention his track record in hs did not speak of good consistent health.

Just remember, other well paid bigs showed flashes of brilliance as well. Enough to get a big contract and then what?

Just read what LTLF said re: Kobe. There's the main argument right there.

Let him make an allstar game, let him lead this team to something other than playing good for 30+ games. Then we'll talk. All I know is, he needs a new agent. He'll figure that out sooner rather than later.

The Celtics will not, under any circumstances, give up Pose. No way.

Pose is smart enough, Like Horry, to know that he needs KG, Allen and Pierce and company to win titles.

I'm sorry to say that you Fakers will not win titiles with Kobeef as your lone superstar.

Baron Davis had a chance to play in LA, why did he choose the crappy Clippers instead of teh mightly Fakers?

'nuff said dude.

Boston Rules! Sox, Paritots and Celtics!

Decades of the Bostonians.

Still laughing.

hahhhahhhahhahhahhaahhahahahahhahahaha

Let's not forget...Drew's agent is demanding max on an injury ridden year. Not to mention an unsure outcome injury. I can't imagine what he would demand on a year Drew actually plays full strength all the way through (again something he has yet to show he's capable of).

Get rid of the jerk agent. Go Lakers!

Benjamin,

Good post about Drew. You won’t find anyone on this blog who believes more in the mystique of the Lakers franchise and I know that Drew wants to be a Laker for Life. I am hoping we will see that help us land James Posey as a free agent. And it is definitely a big selling point for Drew or any player. Enough said.

What I find is naïve, however, are bloggers who feel we do not have to use kid gloves when dealing with today’s overly sensitive young players with inflated egos and agent fueled dreams. Just look at the danger that the franchise dodged this summer when Kobe and management were not on the same page.

Despite what Long Time and you and other Lakers fans may feel, the Lakers are going to sign Drew to near-max deal before next season begins to save money and lock him up in a long term contract. And they will overpay rather than risk creating ill will or bad feelings that could come back to haunt them.

The Lakers, Drew, and his agent all know that the best deal is for Drew to give the Lakers a break in pay and the Lakers to give Drew the security of an extension before the next season begins. That is the smart move that you can count on seeing. I guarantee it.

Tom

Kwamico writes, "if I were your vampire". Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!!!!

I love this blog!

LakerTom,

>> Come on, Long Time. You have to pay players what they expect in today’s market –
not what you think they deserve.

You are a sharp guy, but that statement is not one of your most insightful. Using your logic we would pay EVERY player the max.

What business doesn't judge on a daily basis what it is willing to pay it's employees?

You got to get over the touchy-feely "Don't hurt his feelings arguement. If he is that shallow.....we don't want him.

The Sasha rumor turned out to be a hoax.

Its posted as a rumor even though when you go to the source, the source itself says its a joke.

TLN, knowing that to be the case, irresponsibly, treated it like a real story and still hasn't pulled the thread, even when clearly exposed.

Sasha Vu-Yuk-Chick rumors?

[Big sign of relief]

hahahahaha

Keep your Euro-flopper. Dude isn't even a good shooter.

What's upw ith the girly bandana? Faker!

JSNV

Regarding the Olympics.

ESPN is showing a documentary on Team USA. To all Fans here, be sure and watch it.

These guys had tears in their eyes for the honor to rep their country in China.

jason

Why would you say we can't make the finals next year, when we did this year. While breaking in a new center, Pau Gasol, Kobe with an injured hand hurting his shooting touch, having the bad players Luke and Vlad, as you say, and missing two of our defensive standouts, AB and Ariza?

I'm curious to see how you answer that.

Ain't no shame in losin' to da Reys.

They're a good team this year.

At least my C's kicked your Faker's in the azz.

Made history in doing so to.

Still laughing.

hahahaahahahahhahahaahahahhhaha

"I'm going to Disneyland" --Ray Allen

The Los Angeles Lakers have a new recipe for success. Combine one cup of international talent with two cups of athleticism, and sprinkle with determination. Slowly mix in legendary coaches and all-star teammates, and let simmer for 27 years. The outcome may be a sweet surprise named Vladimir Radmanovic.

With few things constant, Radmanovic managed to find comfort in the popular sport of soccer. “It was my first sport,” he said. “Everyone in Europe played soccer. You go to school, and at breaks play soccer. You go to class, you have a little break, you play soccer. You come back home, you do your homework, you play soccer.”

Regardless of his dedication and love for the game, Radmanovic’s physique did not conform to the sport’s physical demands. “Playing basketball just came out of nowhere,” he explained. “I grew a little bit taller than the other kids, so I figured out I wasn’t the guy for soccer anymore.”

In retrospect, it was thanks to this growth spurt and his nomadic way of life that basketball became a part of Radmanovic. Shortly after the realization that he was not fit for soccer, his family moved to Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Once again he was in a new place. “I didn’t know any people around because I just moved there,” Radmanovic said, “so I figured the best thing to do was play a sport, and it was basketball.”

Following this decision, his life, like his three-point shot, blossomed. Radmanovic became an instant success in Europe due to his talent and work ethic. He played on a number of European teams from 1996-2001, and was noted for his deadly three point field goals, and athleticism and versatility in both forward positions.

With a strong game and competitive nature tempered by an outwardly relaxed attitude, Radmanovic caught the eye of more than a few NBA teams.

His competitive drive led Radmanovic to the Seattle Super Sonic s in the first round of the NBA Draft as the 12th pick overall in 2001.

Radmanovic’s initial response to being drafted by the Sonics was, “Why Seattle, why that city? It has such bad weather ...” After playing on the team for four and a half seasons, making the 2001-2002 NBA All Rookie Second Team and participating in the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout at the 2005 NBA All-Star Weekend in Denver, Radmanovic reflected, “Once I got there (Seattle), I really had a lot of fun. The city has really good people and I have no complaints about Seattle besides the weather.” Radmanovic managed to escape the weather a few times to return to his home town and play basketball for Yugoslavia in the offseason of 2002, and for Serbia-Montenegro in Eurobasket 2005.

With the Clippers he averaged 10.7 points per game and played in his “most memorable professional game” during the 2006 playoffs against the Phoenix Suns. Scoring 18 points and setting the Clippers’ playoff record of five three-point field goals, Radmanovic seemed to fit in well with the rest of the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Following his post season performance, Radmanovic got an offer from the Los Angeles Lakers for an estimated $31 million over five years. “I got a few phone calls from my favorite Lakers legends and decided, maybe I should just do it, and not let the deadline pass,” Radmanovic said about signing the new contract. “The Lakers are a big team that always seek the best results, and that’s what I wanted.” Listening to Coach Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson and friend Vlade Divac’s persuasive talks, Radmanovic decided to set his nomadic lifestyle aside and change teams without changing home courts.

Now in his second season with the Lakers, Radmanovic’s three point field goals are having an impact on Jackson’s legendary triangle offense. On November 2, 2007, at Phoenix, Radmanovic had a team high 19 points and made all four of his three- point attempts in 23 minutes of play. With Radmanovic’s attitude, work ethic, and focus all in sync, he leaves his role on the Lakers up to the coaches. “Whatever happens, happens,” he says. “If I’m on the floor, I’m going to do whatever I can. If I’m not on the floor, I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team win. That’s my main goal.”

After a lifetime of globe-trotting, it appears Radmanovic believes he has found a home. “I’m happy here,” he says with a big smile.

There are a lot of Lakers fans that are happy too.

"Ain't no shame in losin' to da Reys.

They're a good team this year."

I know you learned graaammaaaar at the boastaaan public school system, but wow.

Yeah the Giants were pretty good too -- get use to losing again.

Fatty and Kwame's body parts that stand out a mile...The only reason i posted the Houston rumor was not only because of the TLN story but because a guy i chat to over there in the states mentioned it in an email...Sorry for getting hopes up...

Fatty....And still on TLN .When i first saw the story on the site,below it was an article that said..Sasha to meet with Lakers..Then half an hour later it was gone ...Not sure whats going on over there....

Kwamuss....A good way to get those calves to stand out....Rub coconut oil into them..It will help them shine and put other players off with the smell.

LakerTom,

I respect all your opinions, but you are really putting your credibility on the line with your unconditional support for AB. As it is stands right now, his numbers are nowhere comparable with Wilt's, Shaq's or Kareem's at the same age. Even if you extend his one and half month's performance to a whole season.

I still remember the Shaq's first rookie season (he had the same age as AB): his coming into the league was like a perfect strorm (even peers like Magic and Jordan made that remark). His stat line: 13.9 reb, 3.5 blocks, 23.4 points for a SEASON. That is, except rebounds, TWICE as high as AB's numbers for ONE AND HALF MONTH. And he played at least 79 games all his first THREE seasons. And he EARNED a ROOKIE max contract for his first FOUR YEARS.

I guess that a comparison with Wilt or Kareem would be even more unfavourable to AB, but I digress.

My point is that before you play God here in this blogosphere and ask respected bloggers like LTLF and others what they will do if "greenhorn" and totally "unproven" AB gets a max contract, you should ask yourself what you'll you have to say if AB will never be better than a decent but not a HOF center like Chris Kaman. His numbers are same or better and he even seems to be more durable. Will you still have your credibility in this blog for having tried to compare this kid who might be forgotten in 10-15 years to true HOFamers.

No hard feelings here, just a little reality check.

Vaasa

Pose ain't leavin' the C's, he ain't, he aint.

I don't believe it. Hooop world is crazy.

HmrHed:

Pls remind me of who the MLB raining champs are?

Pls tell me who the reining NBA champs are?

Still laughing.

hahahhhahahahahahahhaahaah

My grammy is great.

hahahaahhahhhaahhahah

Jon K - This is for you [Hoopsworld; Eric Pincus]

Another option for the Lakers might be Clippers' guard/forward Quinton Ross, a high-level defender who is likely a casualty of the Clippers play for cap room. He'd be a more economic option and would give LA a guy to put on the quick point guards and high scoring perimeter threats. Again - no sense that he's even on the team's radar.

Should restricted free agent Sasha Vujacic get a full MLE offer from another team, the Lakers may be inclined to let him walk - creating a need for a replacement like Ross, Maggette or James Posey.

In the meantime, it's hurry up and wait for Brand and the Clippers to conclude their negotiations.

Pincus also said Maggette has interest in the Lakers, he "Loves LA" and not Boston. lol

passionate Lakers fan,

Lay off JustaLakerFan.

Dude, you're just another moron who thinks that the key to a successful team is having 10 all-starts on it. It doesn't work that way.

You're also the type of tiresome person who is only "passionate" about complaining.

If we had a healthy Andrew Bynum on this year's team, we would have been NBA Champions.

We have the opportunity to tweak this team, get a healthy Bynum back and with an additional year together, this team will be a monster next year.

You are too much of a moron to see that and would instead rather throw a third of the team under the bus in a childish, playground tantrum.

You are a tool.

Next year we are winning the Championship WITH Luke, Lamar, and Rad Vlad on the roster.

And you will still complain.

GO LAKERS!