Report Card: Pau Gasol
We've got a few more of these to go, lest you think we forgot ...
The Lakers were already a very good team (25-11) when Andrew Bynum went down with his season-ending knee injury, ironically enough against the Grizzlies during a game in which Pau Gasol had 21/18/8. Perhaps that was the image Mitch Kupchak had in his head when he swung the Feb. 1 deal that brought the scruffy Spaniard to L.A. Whatever it was, once Gasol was on board, the Lakers went from really good to damn near unbeatable, losing only four more regular-season games (in which Pau played more than three minutes) for the rest of the year. In contrast, when Gasol missed 10 games because of an ankle injury, the Lakers went 5-5. It's hard to imagine a situation in which a player could have more quickly and effectively integrated himself into a new cast, but Gasol and the Lakers were, like Jenny and Forrest Gump, peas and carrots. His passing out of the high post helped supercharge the Lakers attack, and at the same time the Lakers didn't lose any of the chemistry on the high screen and roll that Kobe Bryant and Bynum had developed over the first half of the year.
He averaged 18.8/7.8/3.5, on 59% from the floor, with 1.6 blocks a night in 27 regular-season games. If you're a fan of the fancier metrics, Gasol's true shooting percentage was almost 64%, his effective field goal percentage nearly 59%, assist percentage 17, and PER 24. All are above, at, or just off career highs. Gasol was the perfect complement to Bryant, and even better, his presence seemed to liberate Lamar Odom, who became a very, very bad man once Gasol was on board. All told, the Lakers went from a strong challenger in the Western Conference to the prohibitive favorite to reach the Finals. All while adding a solid personality and increasing the amount of media traffic next to Derek Fisher's locker (spots formerly occupied by Javaris Crittenton and Kwame Brown) by a factor of approximately seven gazillion.
This, to reiterate, was a very good trade.
In the playoffs, Gasol's overall numbers were still strong- 16.9/9.3/4.0, plus nearly two blocks a night. He had strong efforts in the Denver and Utah series, and though he struggled in the Conference Finals and against Boston for the Larry O, there were good moments as well. Against San Antonio, Gasol's scoring and rebounding, especially early in the series, were limited, but on the other hand, he did a very good job defensively against Tim Duncan. And don't forget, the Big Fundamental isn't exactly a slouch guarding the rack, either.
In the Finals, no question Gasol had difficulty enforcing his will, so to speak, but while he couldn't get it going with consistency against Kevin Garnett and the tight Boston D, he again played reasonably strong against Garnett on the other end. My point isn't that he dominated in the series, and certainly he was absolutely atrocious in Game 6, but some of the flak he received through the Finals was, in my estimation, unfair. Gasol would finish with double-doubles in four of the six games, and while there was a lack of consistency in his production, the same could be said for everyone else on the team. Nobody, from Gasol to LO to Kobe to the guys on the bench, was able to generate sustained success through against the Celtics.
That, and the fact that Boston was a better team, helps explain why the Lakers lost.
Playing out of his natural power forward slot eventually began to wear on Gasol as he was asked on a nightly basis to do some things he's not naturally inclined to do. But I was impressed with Gasol's willingness to try (even if unsuccessfully) to body up and get aggressive. It would have been nice to see it happen more often, but when challenged he usually responded, and even through the Boston and San Antonio series where he was quiet offensively, Gasol frequently logged important points and rebounds late, indicating he was working hard to the end.
Game 6 was a nightmare, but don't let it detract from the monumental impact his arrival had on the Lakers, nor the quality of his play on the floor. He's not a perfect player, but he's pretty damn good, and in this system, playing option B or even 1A on some nights, Gasol was able to thrive on a personal level while greasing the wheels for the guys around him.
GRADE: A-
BK
Uh, excuse me. Pau's coach, the legendary Phillip Jackson, called Pau's game soft. And so did many of the the assistant coaches and those in the sports media. I'd say these are authoritative sources.
Lets not be in denial, guys. If you want to try to sell the idea that Pau is a great player, so be it. But it's documented that Pau is a soft player.
That is undeniable.
Posted by: troy | July 11, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Caliphilosopher,
You’re welcome. I have thought the same after reading many of your posts.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 11, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Great article by Charlie Rosen on the potential LO-RA trade:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8333122/Artest-to-
Lakers?-Crazy-enough-to-work
Here is his bottom line:
"So, then, factoring in all the knowns and all the guesses, the Lakers bringing in Artest certainly involves their taking considerable risks. But if dethroning the Celtics is the organization's uppermost motivation, then it's a gamble well worth taking. In truth, it's a gamble they absolutely must take"
A gamble they must take...I agree. Pull the trigger, Mitch!
Posted by: Laker Kev | July 11, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Just read this,
MILWAUKEE (AP)—Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut will sign a five-year, $72.5 million extension later this week, his agent said Wednesday.
If Bogut is worth 72.5, then AB is worth 80.
Posted by: Laker Kev | July 11, 2008 at 06:07 PM
HIGH CHEESE,
Brilliant analysis. Your post is similar to what I mean by my analysis of a GOOD PLAYER VERSUS AN EFFECTIVE PLAYER.
I love Lamar. He's a good player who is not effective. I think Ron Artest is an effective player. He's good, too, but he's more of an effective player than Lamar is.
Lamar won me over this season, and I would hate to see him go. But if it means trading a good player for an effective player, I say go for it.
Posted by: troy | July 11, 2008 at 06:07 PM
lakersrydeordie,
Thanks. I almost never make trade proposals because they are too fantasy league for me but I thought this made good sense for both teams. The problems with concocting trades is that you have to make too many assumptions about what teams want and will accept. And assumptions can be twisted to support whatever trade you might dream up.
For example, I assumed the Kings would be willing to trade Miller instead of Thomas or Abdur-Rahim because his contract is bigger and ends the same time and Steve Hawes is set as their future at center and the likely starter. Thus a Mihm for Miller trade would give them Chris’ expiring contract and their backup center for Hawes.
The tougher assumption, of course, is that the Kings would take Walton and his 5 year contract. I assumed they would because I think Luke fits their style of play and the Kings actually get help in lowering their salaries because of Lamar’s $14.5M expiring contract replacing Artest’s $8.5M expiring contract.
Of course, the Kings end up paying more salary long term due to Luke’s 5-year $26M contract but their main concern is the year after next when LeBron et al go free agent. Bottom line, however, the Kings get Lamar, who would be perfect for what Petrie wants to do, which is run. They get a guy they probably would look to re-sign long term, whereas they had already decided Artest was not coming back.
Anyway, I doubt anything is going to happen but this would be a great deal for the Lakers because it would get them Artest and save them over $20M in luxury tax down the road. Jeez, no more trade proposals for me. They are just too crazy and unpredictable.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 11, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Half Time Score Pistons 42 Lakers 32 Leading scorers are Stuckey and Affalo while the Lakers Coby Karl. I don't see any promising players here from Crawford and Kemp and I have not heard anything from Davon Jefferson. Mata-Real was a good in defense but accumulated fouls so he's a poor man Turiaf.
Commentary about broadcasters.....
The announcers on this game are borrrrring! The game is already being played by college kids with lot of athleticism but translated into too many turnovers due to travelling calls, poor ball handling and still broadcasters don't make any play-by-play broadcasting but more on analysis-paralysis of their own takes, their own experiences, their own spins just like listening to Joel Myers. While the game is being played in the 2nd Q., they interviewed Leon Powe, the Celtic Champ. By gosh, why don't you interview him during timeout or between quarters? I think I will never come across another Chick Hearn who would provide enthusiam even at his late seventies and make the game interesting to watch and listen. He described plays with creativity and the audience are his first priority. He would let the celebrities wait and stay on the sideline while he made his own priorities. The sportscasters of today have no conviction but just kept on yacking about them, why don't they just join us in blogging if that's what they will do on the air?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 11, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Long Time.
I’m sure you’re probably right. I was just trying to avoid taking Thomas or Abdur-Rahim as fodder that would take up salary cap and roster space. I had heard that Hawes was going to start and Miller come off the bench since he would be gone year after next. Oh, yeah, and get rid of Luke and save money at the same time. Impossible for sure. LOL.
The Kings are shooting to play in the free agent market the end of the season after next so Miller would be traded next year or just let go to free up cap space, just like Thomas or Abdur-Rahim. In fact, all three guys comprise a $38M expiring contract right before LeBron et al can go free agent. Petrie has them in a pretty sweet spot and it will to be to get somebody big to go to Sactown. LOL.
What I thought was the cool thing that might make a deal like this go is that it really helps the Kings free agency situation since most of Luke’s contract doesn’t hit until after that. For the Lakers, cutting $7.5M in salaries saves $15M down the road.
Don’t respond because it is not worth it. Just a old timer’s try at fantasy basketball. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 11, 2008 at 06:39 PM
HoopsWorld says Spurs also trying to sign Garbo.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9441
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 11, 2008 at 06:45 PM
Long Time.
The other thing that I forgot to mention about Miller was what gave me the idea in the first place, which was his 5-day suspension by the NBA for recreational drugs. That could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back as far as the Maloofs are concerned.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 11, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Final Score of the first game in the Summer League Piston won by 11. Nothing fantastic with the Lakers except Coby Karl. You will all see a lot of action on Coby Karl, I believe he can run the point. He can shoot, he can pass, he can rebound, he will be the new favorite of Kobe. From Coby to Kobe and back pass to Coby...yeah and one!!
Joe Crawford will be in the D'League or euro bound. Pinnock is better than this shooting guard from Kentucky. I'm disappointed with the local players, bozeman and mata-real, they did not show any kind of promising moves being Bruins that went for the Final Four. They're lazy and constantly missing F/T's.
Interviews went on, this time w/ Mitch Kupchak on the 3rd Q. He is extremely silent on the prospects of Turiaf and Sasha but very polite in telling that they are still in negotiation. When Bynum was mentioned, he said IF HE CAN BE HEALTHY, Lakers will be the team to watch.
Between Spurs and Lakers competing for Garbo, we're on the inside because of Pau while Spurs are on the outside b/c of Parker.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 11, 2008 at 07:37 PM
FWIW, from Ian Thomsen's column on si.com:
http://tinyurl.com/6ngfac
"1. Ron Artest to the Lakers. I'm not vouching for the rumors or even suggesting that the Lakers are serious about trading for him. I'm saying that it's a move everyone can agree on: Lakers fans will hope that Artest can provide the defense, toughness and big playmaking needed in support of Kobe Bryant; Lakers haters will hope that Artest destabilizes a franchise that was volatile one year ago. Coach Phil Jackson had terrific success in rehabbing the career of Dennis Rodman with the Bulls, but this would be an entirely different kettle of fish, with high levels of mercury and latent piranha-like traits. I thought nonetheless that the Nuggets should have traded for Artest at the deadline last season, and I think the Lakers should try to get him now. He's a risk worth taking."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 11, 2008 at 07:44 PM
artest for lamar an cash...........thats it.
If kenny thomas is some-how gets added HELL NO........
RESIGN RONNY.........
A must.........A super role player who does everything the coaches ask of him........he is only going to get better.
You cant replace( HEART....PASSION.....SOUL) An expect to replace him with.........
mihms
any thomas
kwame.
I just think about all the bad contracts that we gave out over the years.
1 luke the worst in LA history......because we didn't let him play the market like what were doing with sasha an ronny.......we just threw money at him the first day.
2 kwame
3 brian cook
4 mihms
5 vlad.......an now we dont have enough to sign ronny are sasha.
AN WHATS WITH THIS 8 MILL A YEAR........FOR HIM.
It's every-body contracts.....imagine paying
10 million to luke
10 million to vlad
28 million to lamar
30 million to pa.......I can go on all day......it's not just ronny contract its every-bodies.........LOSING HIM WOULD BE A BIG MISTAKE........That's my word.
COMPTON
Posted by: COMPTON'S FINEST | July 11, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Mike T is on drugs
That whole Laker's vs other teams run down, none of which was proven true last year, was he even watching last year???, Bynum a question mark, WE WERE IN 1st PLACE in the western conference when he went down for goodness sake. Gasol so soft that he dominated Boozer, Frustrated Duncan, punished Denver, Yes he could have played better against Boston but Kobe could have as well.
Posted by: tomK | July 11, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Compton's Finest,
I agree to what you wished. The contract of Ronny would be very reasonable if:
we can move Luke multiple years
we can move Vlad multiple years
we can move Mihm 2.5M
The reality, we're stucked with them by lock, stock and barrel. I think they are the Laker players forever without saying it on the interview, they are just laughing loud on the inside. They jiffed us big time! lol! Our lakers blog was so effective that the scouts of other team are just reading our comments, no need to watch them on tape, we gave out all the secrets. I think it was also our fault.....LMAO!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 11, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Compton,
"artest for lamar an cash...........thats it. If kenny thomas is some-how gets added HELL NO........"
That trade would be illegal by CBA rules. There's a 3 mil limit to how much cash you can throw into a trade to make the numbers work. You would need at least 4-5 (doing the math in my head) for this one.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 11, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I posted this interview this AM, but feel there is some confusion understanding the source.
First the Hoopshype article (that Laker Tom sited) preceded the Garbo interview.
I found this after reading the original story that the Lakers and Spurs were interested in Garbo. It posted on the marca site later in the day. When you read it, like Edwin said, the Lakers are the clear front runners.
http://tinyurl.com/5txkdf (spanish)
Excerpts from interview translated below, without any thoughts from me
Headline: Garbajosa: I feel very good inside that the Lakers want me to play for them next year.
“Especially after what happened to me last year, I’m excited for the opportunity to play again”
“I have to give the credit to my friend Pau Gasol. He was the one that spoke up for me to the Lakers. With out him it would not be possible”
The Raptors terminated his contract because of his leg injury feeling he couldn’t compete at the NBA level again.
The fact that the Lakers have offered him a contract has erased any doubt of that and he’s very grateful that this would remove the cloud hanging over him.
“This should shut up the talk from Toronto. I just want to enjoy playing again”
He will have no problem being released from his obligations here.
End of story.
Posted by: Fatty | July 11, 2008 at 08:36 PM
CAN SOMEONE FRICKEN TELL ME WHO'S ON THE SUMMER LEAGUE TEAM? URUGHELJMF L:KJDSFo:ieumfpeamclsjmpfxijm
This should be a lot simpler.
Screw these crazy trade scenarios. I want to see how Joey Crawford and Coby Karl are doing.
No more "LET'S TRADE FOR GILBERT ARENAS" or something moronic like that.
God....
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 11, 2008 at 09:07 PM
Brand.
Favre.
I'm so tired of these fricken spoiled multi-millionaire athletes being further corrupted by their greedy agents.
I mean, once you've got $50 million dollars in the bank, shouldn't loyalty be something of a consideration?
It just makes me sick.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 11, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Just a thought on the whole Artest trade thing. Has Mitch ever done a deal that the media picked up on? Last year both Trevor and Pau came out of the blue. I wouldnt be surprised that the whole artest trade is just a smoke screen for something else he's working on.
As for Artest, man I just don't know. Ya he is a great defender but he has to play offense too. He is a volume shooter with a higher opinion of his offese then he coaches do. From a physcilogical aspect, how would respond to a role were he could easily be the 4th option? I am not sure.
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 11, 2008 at 09:12 PM
Fatty, in addition to the background of Jorge Gabajosa, he is the Euro League MVP in 2005-2006. He'll be 31 by the end of the year, therefore we get the prime time of his basketball power. He is not soft with huge muscular biceps and calves that Mike T will be proud of. lol!
http://tinyurl.com/629px8
Let us sign him now while he's hot to be a Laker. Once other teams get to know that Lakers are eyeing on him, they will go on bidding until it become a Garbo Auction. We again priced out ourselve b/c of luxury threshold.
I'm sure he has passed to the radar of Scout Vlade Divac, Pau Gasol, and Asst GM Ronnie Lester. SIGN HIM NOW!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 11, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Mike T....I dont understand why you like so many others are in love with Blazers...Like i posted to you on the other thread,The Blazers are overrated ...They have proved nothing and have a rookie in Oden that has not been tested at all...Do you honestly think he will come in and dominate the NBA just like that?..Pizbilla will still play the bulk of the mins at center and Aldridge is softer than Pau......As for Shaq...And you can quote me on this...He wont play more the 60 games again this season..The suns dug a very big hole with the Shaq trade,so pull the lever on your recliner all the way back,enjoy your cold beer and watch the Suns get dismantled ...I know i will
Posted by: Thirty2 | July 11, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Edwin,
I agree, all this negative talk about players has opened the eyes of scouts and they no longer want our players.
I suggest to solve the problem, we state complaints in a more positive way. Blame others for their faults. Be quick to highlight the good stuff, and downplay the bad.
Like...."Luke doesn't shoot well, but he more than makes up with it with his high basketball IQ. His type is very rare. Any one in the NBA can shoot, jump and dunk. But can they beat you with their brain? And can you believe we have him locked in for 5 years at only 5 million per?" Be sure to always add, "I hope the Lakers never trade him or we are in trouble."
Yeah I know, the line is corny and sounds like some B Horror movie, "He beat Them with his Brain", but these scouts will fall for that stuff if we play it right.
Or...."Vlad is lost on defense sometimes, but its only because of that know it all PJ and his poor coaching. And that prima donna Kobe yelling insults. But man can that guy shoot the 3. What a deadly, clutch shooter, a real hard to find championship gamer. And to think, he's only being paid 6 million, what a steal! I hope the Lakers never trade him or we are in big trouble"
Using the old 'insult others' routine will help draw away attention from the real problems we want to hide.
You see Edwin, its really not even lying when said that way. Its just a little less than being truthful.
Remember, we are being watched. What you say bad and negative, may only insure, that the player you want the most off the Lakers, will stay longer than you like.
If loose lips can sink ships in war, then overly bad talk can sink the Lakers and make Mitch's job more difficult.
Posted by: Fatty | July 11, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Long Time.
Shoot, I’ve caught the damn trade fever. If there is a Odom for Artest trade in the works, the only contract we should accept back is that of Brad Miller – not Thomas or Abdur-Rahim, who would just clog up the roster and add nothing for 2 years.
Here’s a revised and simplified deal that I think makes sense. Go to it, please.
Lakers get:
---Ron Artest, $8.5M expiring contract
---Brad Miller, $11.4M this year, $12.3M next year.
($19.9M salary this year, $12.3M next year, $32.2M total)
Kings get:
---Lamar Odom, $14.6M expiring contract.
---Chris Mihm, $2.5M expiring contract.
---Trevor Ariza, $2.9M expiring contract.
($20.0M salary this year, $20.0M total)
The Lakers lose two productive players and get two productive players in return who make their roster tougher, bigger, more experienced, and better balanced by position. They take on $12M in extra salary next year but could cut that in half by trading Miller’s expiring contract the middle of next year and not matching Turiaf’s offer this year.
The Kings get rid of Artest, get Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza, who should be perfect for their system and Mihm to back up Hawes, all expiring contracts if they don’t work. Most importantly, the Kings save $12.2M in salaries, which is why they make the deal.
We get the defensive stopper we need to control Pierce and an excellent backup center whose expiring contract we can trade next year to a team looking to get under the salary cap for the LeBron James free agent sweepstakes after the 2009/10 season. And I love the roster we end up with, assuming we re-sign last year’s players and add Sun Yue.
C: Bynum Miller Mbenga
PF: Gasol Garbo Turiaf?
SF: Artest Radmanovic Walton
SG: Bryant Vujacic Karl
PG: Fisher Farmar Sun
Miller just received a 5-day suspension from the NBA for substance abuse and is in the Kings doghouse. Slated to be gone when his contract expires in 2 years anyway, Miller has probably lost his starting job to Spencer Hawes and should be expendable, especially if we give them Mihm to back up Hawes.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 11, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Fatty and Edwin,
Thanks. That was what I was hoping.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 11, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Artest doesnt seem reliable and I dont seem to recall the Kings becoming a playoff contender once he joined them..seems like they went in the tank. Lamar is the most important rebounder on the team. Especially with the three-point shooting these days you need his long arms to pull down those long rebounds. instead of trading Lamar try to pick up Kwame for as little as possible so you have the physicality in the lane when you need it. The Lakers would be champs now except for not being able to defend against the Celtics style of offense, which seemed to include more than a few pile-driving blocks in the lane that the refs let go..point being you just need a guy who can stand up to it and/or, stick an elbow in their ribs. Also dont rely on Bynum and Gasol to make it all the way through the season healthy. If you go by the past they are likely to get about 100 games combined on the court. Odom will be key when one or the other is out.
Posted by: jeffgrotke | July 11, 2008 at 10:17 PM
troy -
shut up idiot.
Posted by: hey jerk, that's my team | July 11, 2008 at 10:29 PM
If we are thinking about Lamar's rebounding when he is moved to the three, let's think about Kobe. Kobe usually gets double digit rebounds or near to it in games where he is moved from 2 to the 3 position while he only gets around 5-6 rebounds at the 2. So it's still likely that Odom will get his rebounds even when playing the SF.
just my 2cents. ;)
-- grail
Posted by: grail | July 11, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Aloha Laker Tom,
Really, the question I have for you is, why do we need a stopper to control Pierce? My goodness he had Vlade and Luke guarding him. Can you imagine the Series Kobe would have had with those two on him?
Lamar is an under rated defender who is long and quick enough to keep up with Pierce. There are a few small forwards in the league that maybe to quick for him but Pierce isnt one of them. and even if he beats him we have Drew and Pau to rotate over.
Now we both know that we will be completely healthy next year, all year, since injuries NEVER happen to us but just on the slightest outside chance that Pau or Andrew goes down, who do you want playing Power forward? Who would be left? Even if we resign Ronny, wouldnt the 7th leading rebounder in the league be just a little better?
And what of Artests ego. Think he can handle being the 4th option. Heck you have posted the reports on his sometimes very poor shot selection.
Every guy on our roster accepts their role. What if we bring in someone who doesnt? I think Mitch is working on some things but like I posted earlier, he has a way of pulling off deals that nobaody expects.
You are usually so sensible. Perhaps take another look at what your thinking.
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 11, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Favorite blog anyone?
Not counting the LA Times?
Inquiring minds need to know. What are the best NBA blogs around?
Love,
Wes
Posted by: Wes J. Nixon | July 12, 2008 at 01:07 AM
michael h,
There were short periods with Odom on Pierce. Pierce is too quick for Odom. Pierce is unusually quick for a guy of his physique. Think Charles Barkley - 10-20 pounds during his playing days.
Odom is only an okay perimeter defender. He's a very good high post defender or that distance defender when he puts his mind to it. That's something unfortunately you can't always count on.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 12, 2008 at 02:12 AM
Artest and Miller for Lamar? That's a joke. Never gonna happen.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 12, 2008 at 04:31 AM
The guys getting their grades later are at an advantage cos everyones had time to digest and get over the finals..
A plus for me...the mere mention of the words 'Pau' or 'Gasol' has had me feeling all warm inside for months now in the same way the words 'Smush' 'Parker' or Katelyn still make me feel squeemish...
Posted by: Kiwi | July 12, 2008 at 06:01 AM
John K
The teams dont think that way why should the players???
Posted by: Kiwi | July 12, 2008 at 06:04 AM
[None of the NBA wire services are carrying this article. Its my pleasure to bring you this for your consideration]
Pau Gasol’s interview from Spain regarding Garbajosa.
(Translated by MRF Marketing Services)
http://tinyurl.com/6cpvzm (Spanish) Translated into English below.
Title:
Pau Gasol: “I would love to have Garbajosa on Los Angeles”
Pau was not surprised to hear when we mentioned the Lakers interest of Garbajosa. “We’ve talked and clearly I would love to have him playing in Los Angeles, but its not my decision to make.”
We showed him a illustration of Jorge dressed as a Lakers. Pau smiled and laughed, then remarked with a joke, “Its very becoming of him.”
Pau has no problem justifying why he wants him on his side:”First, because he his my friend, someone I appreciate and have deep respect for, but more importantly, he would help us a lot. Jorge is a great player, he’s exceptional at reading the play and situation, is one of those rare players that makes everyone on his team better. It would be very good if we could include him as a player.”
The quality of Garbajosa, according to his opinion, is unquestionable:”He’s shown before his injury, that he can play at a good level on any NBA team.” Pau doesn’t believe his injury would prevent him from playing. “Its shown that he has recovered, he’s getting better day by day, it will take some time for him to get back to where he was (unknown expression). But I feel it should be no problem for him to get to where he was before.”
End of story.
Posted by: Fatty | July 12, 2008 at 07:52 AM
good morning sunshines today is the day to decide on background colors.. i will be contact brian and andy kamenetski to see what can be done to liven the spirit in the of season of los angeles times blogs lakers. some other movements in the nba najera went to nets, some other guy did to but don';t know who he is. the latest on sascha is that we don't know. things have been very quiet and for sure he is not happy with the low interest he has received. one positive for us los angeles times blogs lakers is that may be that meens we can resign him for not to expensive. appears that rony will receive his payday guaranty. charles and sushi. chinese buffets have added the japanese cuisine of sushi because people likes it even thogh it is not original chinese also it is easy to make. my friend like they say don't hate the player papi hate the game. as we have seen from rony and elton money talks...ok for now
Posted by: ding how in prattville | July 12, 2008 at 08:14 AM
A good point that I read somewhere yesterday:
Restricted free agents who sign with other teams are almost always overpaid for, because if the offer is fair, their original team will match it.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 12, 2008 at 08:33 AM
During a pretty skimpy summer market, it looks likes the few deals out there are getting done quickly. Najera is going to the Nets. Posey has a lot of interest and it mainly seems to be in the east. B. Barry signed with the Rockets.
If the Lakers don't match Golden State then we'll obviously need another 4 - we were already a bit thin there. My guess is that we'll do it with a minimum salary deal that won't be fully guaranteed.... finding someone through camp, waivers, etc.... and preserve the MLE for midseason.
The roster probably won't yield any surprises, other than swing players (notably Odom) finding their comfort spot with both Bynum and Pau starting). I would not be at all surprised to see Luke bulk up a bit over the summer and put in more time as an undersized 4.
Bynum, Mihm
Gasol, Vlad
Odom, Trevor, Luke
Bryant, Sasha
Fish, Farmar, Sun Yue
IR, DJ, Coby, a camp fodder 4.
Posted by: dave m | July 12, 2008 at 08:49 AM
sounds like Garbajosa is what we expected Luke Walton to be... hmmm...
How about Artest wanting people to call him "Bill" now? Still think this dude isn't out of his friggin mind?
Posted by: the chicks dig the Kwammus and the Kwammus digs the chicks | July 12, 2008 at 09:08 AM
since everybody is doing crazy trade ideas, Odom for: Artest, Matrix or Hinrich...
what about... Chauncey Billups?
If Detroit is going to "re-arrange" and go younger, perhaps Sheed gets moved as well? You slide Odom into the PF slot over there and of course they would get some kind of starter for another position for Sheed...
just throwing it out there...
Posted by: the chicks dig the Kwammus and the Kwammus digs the chicks | July 12, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Artest's New Name
Those who are willing to take on Artest should consider his latest foray into a world only inhabited by the likes of MT: He wants to change his name to Bill Artest because the name Ron Artest is getting him some bad press. Seriously.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 12, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Dave M
"... and preserve the MLE for midseason."
You are preaching to the choir here.
It seems that every year, someone of quality is released mid-season. By being able to save the full MLE, the Lakers would be in a unique position to out bid other teams that have already dipped into their MLE.
Not that the Lakers want to increase payroll, but what if we have a major injury, or the perfect player becomes available?
Already our key competition have spent part or all. Spurs have only 1.9 million left. If Boston wants to keep Posey they have to pay the full MLE....etc...
Using the minimum or Bi-annual exceptions to sign someone like a Garbajosa could pay great dividends later. Using the vet minimum when we can is even better, because the NBA gives a large credit when you sign a vet.
Just an example. New Yorks new GM and consultant, Paul Pierce, said the Knicks should release Marbury and pay him off. Gee, I wonder why Pierce would recommend that? If that were to happen, and the Lakers could use him, we would have 5.6 million and Celtics might have only 1.1 mil to offer in a bidding war.
This is another reason why we want to sign our own FA's like Sasha. Greater flexibility down the line.
Posted by: Fatty | July 12, 2008 at 09:35 AM
>>>If Bogut is worth 72.5, then AB is worth 80.
Bogut also wasn't out half of last season with an injury that we
don't know if he'll ever come back from.
And by the way, Bogut's contract has performance incentives
in it. It's really 60 million base salary with 12.5 million incentives
that he MIGHT earn.
I've been proposing the same sort of contract for Bynum.
Assuming the Lakers medical staff can observe Bynum
working out and playing at a high level and confirm that
his knee doesn't swell up the next day and all that, I'd
offer Bynum a contract starting at 55M with performance
incentives going up to 80M, no problem.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 12, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Hey Wes -
What you should do is go to Hoopshype, click on "full menu" and they'll have a blogs tab - it has links to a ton of blogs. Some you might want to check out in particular, if you haven't already done so - Eric Musselman has a great website - he covers all kinds of stuff and is posting and writing all the time. It's called Eric Musselman's basketball notebook and is at emuss.blogspot.com. The guy is also quite accessible which is refreshing for someone of that stature. Also check out Free Darko (some truly funny stuff), True Hoop(by Henry Abbot) and Blog Maverick by Cuban - it's pretty heavy on tech business but should probably be on your project list.
Hope this helps.
Posted by: dave m | July 12, 2008 at 09:50 AM
I wonder why Bill? Is it because of the movies "Kill Bill"?
I honestly believe Rodman is more manageable than "Bill Bill"
Artest's mistreatment of his wife, with a conviction, seven game suspension, and a promise from Stern, that it will be more severe if it happens again, is more serious than Rodman's dresses, hair colorings, and being late to Lakers events like practices or games.
No Lakers player, nor even the great Kobe, (I can control him) will volunteer to stay with Artest 24/7, trust me, to keep him from going crazy on his wife. Personal family problems should stay private. But when the police are involved, the NBA has taken a Stern approach to Artest.
Its one thing to 'control' him on the court. But, off the court, away from the coaches and players, is impossible.
Posted by: Fatty | July 12, 2008 at 09:53 AM
troy,
>>>Phillip Jackson, called Pau's game soft.
Phil frequently will say things about players to motivate them.
I'm guessing Phil said that after game 1 or 2 of the Boston series
to get Pau (and Lamar) to play harder, which they did.
But here's another quote from Phil (from sportingnews)
about Pau Gasol:
"... that perhaps that had been carried with him, that
perhaps he was not a center, he was more of a forward
type of player," Jackson said. "He wasn't tough enough or
powerful enough to be a center.
"But he's constantly risen to the occasion in every series
that we've gone through this year. I find it remarkable
how well he's played. I mean, he's really taken the
challenge and played very well."
Phil slinging out a zinger in a post-game conference proves
nothing. Phil in an interview discussing the player is more
indicative of his overall opinion.
"Soft" is an arbitrary epithet that has no quantifiable
method of proving it other than consensus opinion. If EVERYBODY
thinks a particular player is "soft", then they are. If there are
a small minority who think someone is soft, then they clearly
aren't.
In a way it's like judging art. If 100 people say a particular
painting is artistic and you say it's "garbage", that doesn't
make it garbage.
If "soft" could be measured, then surely you could provide us
with the facts proving that Pau is soft. Since it can't be measured,
but is merely a subjective opinion, you can't prove it.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 12, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Tom,
>>>The other thing that I forgot to mention about Miller was
>>>what gave me the idea in the first place, which was his
>>>5-day suspension by the NBA for recreational drugs.
>>>That could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back as
>>>far as the Maloofs are concerned.
Really? Have they had other problems with Miller? I wasn't
aware of that. Well then, yeah, if he's been arrested for shooting
a gun in front of a club or something, then yeah, they might
want to dump him off.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 12, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Wes - further to my last post, you'll find that a lot of the overall NBA blogs aren't as interactive as this one... specific team blogs generate more conversation due to the vested interest from their fans - the Times Lakers blog in particular generates a huge amount of traffic. I don't know if you've clicked on any of the other Times blogs but for instance, the Olympics blog has very little in the way of comments.
Blog's like Muss's are more oriented to host commentary and articles, but he does provide links to most of the other well known NBA blogs.
Peace.
Posted by: dave m | July 12, 2008 at 10:07 AM
OMG all of you STOPPPPPP.
I've even read someone saying the Blazers will be the 2 seed next year.
Kill ITTTTTTTT. Man Oden is a inside presence yes but dude isnt the next coming of Shaq so be realistic.
Kwame brown was a Ok post defender, but overall he wasnt that great defensively.
Just get healthy and Odom work on your outside game and we should be fine..
P.S. Let Ronnie Turiaf go and sign a Kurt thomas and try to get a Posey or resign Newble. I really felt Phil didnt allow the guy to catch a groove.
Also Dont give up on Walton. I know I've been a harsh credit on him but the beginning of last year before the ankle injury slowed him up he was a nice corner spotup shooter. He just needs to get his confidence back thats all.
BE SUPPORTIVE OF OUR TEAM STOP DOWNSIZING THEM. HEY WE LOST IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP BUT THERE WERE 2 GAMES IN THAT SERIES GAME 2 AND GAME 4 THAT COULD HAVE EASILY GONE TO US. AND WE DIDNT EVEN HAVE A HEALTHY BYNUM OR ARIZA
Posted by: Paul Lee | July 12, 2008 at 10:16 AM
Fatty - I'm with ya all the way. Right now, even though high-end trade speculation is fun, I'm really more interested in who our undiscovered 12th man could be - the guy who could give us 8-10 minutes of trench warfare.
Posted by: dave m | July 12, 2008 at 10:17 AM