Ron Ron for LO? Or both? Or stand pat?
Some of y'all have been discussing Kurt's recent Forum Blue And Gold post about the notion of swapping Lamar Odom for Ron Artest, a plan of attack he's not particularly down to follow. Kurt breaks down the stats that, in his opinion, make the Lakers better off sticking with Lamar Odom, but there's another angle that dawned on me after perusing his nitty-gritty. Given that Ron Ron is, to put it kindly, something of a flake, and at his unpredictable worst is capable of, to put it kindly, wrapping up his team in a considerable amount of drama, it would behoove the Lakers to surround the small forward with as many positive influences as possible.
Ironically, their #1 available asset might be Lamar Odom, who grew up with Artest and probably knows him better than anyone else with the franchise. That background might help LO reach his old pal, or at the very least, keep him from going goony bird and messing up a rather unified locker room (with all due respect to the combined presences of Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher, don't even pretend it can't happen). Along those lines, it could make sense for the Lakers to go out of their way to keep Lamar in the mix, assuming such wishes are even possible.
Thus, I began wracking my brain (and ESPN's trade machine) to come up
with a scenario to retain LO while dealing for Artest. I immediately skipped the
solution most fans would drum up, dealing/packaging either Vlad Radmanovic or
Luke Walton, since there's no logical reason the Kings would take on either's salary. I don't care how disgruntled Artest may grow in Cow Town; Sacto would be better off buying him out or even suspending him for the entire season and watching him walk "for nothing" than screwing up their looming cap flexibility with role players. On the flip side, the Lakers ain't offering Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Fisher (or, in this scenario, Odom) and have no other matching salaries, so here was the one deal I could come up with that might (and I emphasize "might") entice the Lakers' divisional rival.
Trevor Ariza, Chris Mihm and Jordan Farmar for Artest.
Every outgoing Laker contract is expiring (always a plus), and in Ariza and Farmar, the Kings get to take a look at two young players, the former a super athlete who showed some promise last season and the latter who could, at worst, make a nice backup to Beno Udrih and, at best, possibly take over if he ends up a one season wonder. But here's the problem. The Lakers would be left with just seven players under contract, meaning they can't do this unless Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf are resigned (as the replacements would either be guys like Joe Crawford and DJ Mbenga or dudes on a split up MLE, likely not a powerhouse lot). Even with those two in the fold, losing Ariza (increased backup minutes for Vlad and/or Walton, both of whom struggled last season), Farmar (who doesn't really have a replacement) and even Mihm (if theoretically healthy) could hurt the rotation more than Artest helps it.
Thus, after all the brainstorming, we're back to the original drawing board proposal: Artest (and probably Kenny Thomas) for LO, valuable in his own right, great for team chemistry and perhaps a stabilizer to prevent Artest from destroying it. So between that notion and the points brought up by Kurt, would you stillmake the swap? As I already said in LO's report card, I'm of the opinion that Odom should be retained until we see what's doing with the NBA's longest front court. I'd have been willing to add Ron Ron as a free agent (had he pulled the opt out), but under the current circumstances, I'd likely pass.
But I'm wondering what you think.
AK
Charles- Chris Mihm for the Space Continuum. We must go 88 mph.
Only if the flux capacitor is included. Otherwise, screw it and walk away from the deal.
Charles-Apolonia and Vanity as the backup PG's.
Vanity can't go to her left to save her life. Plus, her outside shot hasn't been the same since that bar fight in Chicago with Debbie Gibson. I gotta admit though, Apolonia is a straight up baller. Good call on her bro.
Yeahhhhhhh mannnnnn
Posted by: | July 08, 2008 at 11:06 AM
PsychedLakerGirl,
Glad to see you agree with the blog-sync-think. I agree with your comments about Jackson. I like his toughness and defensive abilities but you are right about his BB IQ.
As for Artest, he is a better defender than Lamar but Lamar is as good a shooter in my mind and far superior passer, ball handler, and one of the top rebounders in the league.
You live in SF? For some reason, I thought you lived in LA. We’ll have to get a NorCal Lakers fan club together for games next year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 08, 2008 at 11:06 AM
AK - what happened to my post?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 08, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Mamba I ate it. Di you want me to tell you how your post taste?
Posted by: SHAQ | July 08, 2008 at 11:06 AM
PsychedLakerGirl,
Glad to see you agree with the blog-sync-think. I agree with your comments about Jackson. I like his toughness and defensive abilities but you are right about his BB IQ.
As for Artest, he is a better defender than Lamar but Lamar is as good a shooter in my mind and far superior passer, ball handler, and one of the top rebounders in the league.
You live in SF? For some reason, I thought you lived in LA. We’ll have to get a NorCal Lakers fan club together for games next year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 08, 2008 at 11:06 AM
You got to be kidding me! What??
To read all the BS on the post about how Artest would ruin the Laker Team and how a poor teammate he would be is AMAZING!
And you wonder why there are KOBE haters??
The BS that Artest will shoot us out of the game, he will go ballistic just being in LA, he is a poor teammate, will just DESTROY chemistry and it just goes on and on.
God I thought I was reading about Kobe and found out it was Artest you were talking about.
Here I thought you guys know basketball.
ARTEST WILL BE THE ANSWER BEFORE ODOM EVER WILL BE.
Go ahead and wait another 5 years for Odom to improve his shooting and mental toughness.
In the meantime I would do almost anything to get Artest and find way to get rid of Odom and the other junk we have in Vlade and Luke. Lets just hope they go with Odom when he goes.
GET ARTEST
GET RID OF ODOM FOR A TRUE SF!
BD
Posted by: BD | July 08, 2008 at 11:07 AM
THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD SIGN ME
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBx8LSwqRpE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD796H08J7w
Posted by: RON-RON | July 08, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Sorry, this was me... Stupid fat fingers.
Charles- Chris Mihm for the Space Continuum. We must go 88 mph.
Only if the flux capacitor is included. Otherwise, screw it and walk away from the deal.
Charles-Apolonia and Vanity as the backup PG's.
Vanity can't go to her left to save her life. Plus, her outside shot hasn't been the same since that bar fight in Chicago with Debbie Gibson. I gotta admit though, Apolonia is a straight up baller. Good call on her bro.
Yeahhhhhhh mannnnnn
Posted by: magicman | July 08, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Hey Charles, while we're at it, please give me your thoughts here…
You think we might be able to get Jules Winnfiled and Vincent Vega in exchange for Coby Karl and cash considerations? I mean, I know resigning Jules next year will be tough. But I think a full year of him yelling at opposing PF’s to “Say what again!!” will be worth it. Your thoughts?
Posted by: magicman | July 08, 2008 at 11:18 AM
Chris Andersen - A Laker possibility?
Just been re-instated after 2 year suspension where he tested positive for using abusive drugs. A brief history of Chris written by ESPN. The guy is so out of it, Andersen lies when he says he talks to and visits his mom. (it was a Mother's Day story)
Its obvious from the article, drugs has messed up his life and continues to influence his thinking.
http://tinyurl.com/6lfghn
I'm sure there's a reason why no rumors of Lakers talking to him.
Posted by: Fatty | July 08, 2008 at 11:19 AM
MR. KWAME BROWN ESQUIRE,
With your calves, you are a can't miss hall of famer.
Why everyone doesn't see it is maddening.
Posted by: Eric M. | July 08, 2008 at 11:19 AM
BD,
You must admit that RonRon has some mental and off court issues that could be detrimental to the team.
Yes?
Posted by: Eric M. | July 08, 2008 at 11:21 AM
TO ALL YOU HATERS KOBE WANTS ME TO BE A LKAER FOR LIFE
http://thelakersnation.com/blog/2008/05/24/ron-artest-interviews-kobe-bryant/
Posted by: RON RON TRU WARRIOR | July 08, 2008 at 11:24 AM
magicman,
You know what they call a... a... a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
Posted by: bozz | July 08, 2008 at 11:25 AM
MR. KWAME BROWN ESQUIRE,
With your calves, you are a can't miss hall of famer.
Why everyone doesn't see it is maddening.
Posted by: Eric M. | July 08, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I BEG YOUR PARDON MR. ERIC M. BUT YOU MAY NOT REALIZE THAT KWAME
BROWN ESQUIRE IS ONE OF THE FIFTY GREATEST NBA PLAYERS OF ALL TIME.
Posted by: MR. KWAME BROWN'S ESQUIRE'S RIGHT CALVE | July 08, 2008 at 11:30 AM
BTW folks;
Given the complete silence (to my knowledge anyway) from all the other ball-clubs since the Lakers submitted qualifying offers to Sasha and Ronnie.
Is it that none of the other NBA clubs are really interested in them?
Or in all fairness, is it still much too early in the off-season FA process for such an assumption?
I mean, I know that from the get-go Mitch has attached great importance to resigning these two since the season’s ignominious ending. But I have to say while it may ultimately aid the Lakers financially to bring them back for a bargain price. It is nevertheless somewhat embarrassing that no other teams seem to be showing any interest in Sasha and Ronnie. At least enough to challenge the Lakers paltry QOs of $2.6 million for Sasha and $1 million for Ronnie.
Therefore, I wonder if the Lakers should be as overly concerned about resigning them first as they seem to be. And allow this to continue to delay any plans for signing a FA(s) starting tomorrow?
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | July 08, 2008 at 11:31 AM
magicman
But Vincent Vega got jailed in the ho-hum...
And what happens when Jules has his moment of clarity?
Clayton,
Soft Power! Nice one! Yeah need some Rocks up in here.
Posted by: Charles | July 08, 2008 at 11:31 AM
There's no reason not to give LO a chance at SF. This summer he needs to work out with Kobe and work on his lateral quickness and the jumper.
If LO comes into next season able to spread the floor and can use his length to play stingy D on the perimeter, we have possibly the BEST front court in the NBA.
If LO proves to be inconsistent again, then we should move him to the bench and start Ariza. LO could be the first guy off the bench at either the 3 or 4. The bench mob would follow him off the bench a few minutes behind and there would be no release on the throttle. A bench mob of Turiaf, LO, Rad/Luke, Sasha and Farmar would be the run and gun fastbreak crew to put points on the board against the other teams bench.
If LO is off the bench, Ariza helps our perimeter D and gives us a big finisher at the rim with the starting lineup.
LO and the LONG front line need to be given a chance. And although i'm against trading LO, his expiring contract will be more valuable near the trade deadline than right now.
Posted by: Benny Blanca | July 08, 2008 at 11:34 AM
magicman, You know what they call a... a... a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris? Posted by: bozz | July 08, 2008 at 11:25 AM
I KNOW , I KNOW, THEY CALL IT THE SECRET TO MY BEAUTIFUL CALVES. AFTER WHICH I
THROW A CAKE FOR GOOD LUCK. WELL I HAVE TO GO NOW AND PRACTICE WITH RON RON
Posted by: MR. KWAME BROWN ESQUIRE | July 08, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Showtime,
>>>As these Finals showed, we are a ways from being
>>>able to truly compete at a championship level.
I don't think the finals showed that at all. With the Lakers
missing their best interior defender and their best bench
wing defender, they won two games and stayed close in
3 others.
You can't just look at game 6. Yes, the Lakers got blown out...
in ONE game. Every other game they were within striking
distance at the end.
Add in Bynum as an improvement over Gasol at protecting
the rim and Ariza (at full health - not his first pro game in
2 months) guarding Pierce for 20 minutes and the games
are all a lot closer, possibly with the balance tipped in
favor of the Lakers.
Last year, Cleveland made it to the finals and got ABSOLUTELY
DOMINATED by the Spurs. That is a signal that you need
roster upgrades.
This year, the Lakers made it to the finals and gave the
Celtics a series with their third best player out and one of
their better defenders barely back from injury and not really
playing up to speed. That does not signal any need for great
change.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 08, 2008 at 11:36 AM
THIS IS MY OVATION AFTER WINNING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CALVES CONTEST AT STAPLES
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8eMsEXPmX0
Posted by: MR. KWAME BROWN ESQUIRE | July 08, 2008 at 11:42 AM
FINALLY, FOR THOSE WHO MISS ME HERE IS A RETROSPECTIVE TRIBUTE. AFTER THIS YOU WILL BE
BEGGING ME TO COME BACK
http://youbeenblinded.com/kwame-brown-iswas-a-partyin-sob/
Posted by: MR. KWAME BROWN ESQUIRE | July 08, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Pig Miller,
why you complain so much? get a girlfriend n how's your crappy blog?
Posted by: Clayton Bixby | July 08, 2008 at 11:47 AM
oh yeah, let's get THIS guy:
On November 19, 2004, Artest took center stage in arguably the most infamous brawl in professional basketball history
In spite of his abilities, Artest has been the subject of much controversy. During his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls, he was subject to criticism for applying for a job at Circuit City, just to get an employee discount. He once attended an Indiana Pacers practice in a bath robe. He was suspended for two games in the early 2004-05 season by Pacers coach Rick Carlisle after he allegedly asked for a month off because he was tired from promoting an R&B album for the group Allure on his production label. Artest had also been suspended for three games in 2003 for destroying a television camera in Madison Square Garden, New York City, and for four games for a confrontation with Miami Heat coach Pat Riley in 2003. He has also been suspended several times for flagrant fouls.
According to a Placer County report obtained by the Sacramento Bee, on January 30, 2007, Animal Services officers issued a “pre-seizure” notice to Artest regarding suspicions that a dog at his home in Loomis was not receiving adequate food. On February 5, officers returned and seized Socks, a black female Great Dane, removing her into protective custody with a local veterinarian. The seizure action cited a law that requires animal caretakers to “provide proper sustenance.” Artest later sent an email to the Bee, writing “I'm glad to say all problems are solved now, and I'm looking forward to getting my dog back.”
In April 2007, the Placer County District Attorney's Office announced that it would not file charges against Artest over the incident. It also was reported by Placer County Animal Services and by Artest that he agreed to allow Socks to be adopted by a new owner.
On March 5, 2007, Ron Artest was arrested for domestic abuse, and excused from the Sacramento Kings indefinitely by GM Geoff Petrie.
Posted by: Kwaminus Brownicas, Keeper of the Stone Hands, Protector of the Sublime Calves | July 08, 2008 at 11:48 AM
I'm overall with AK on this one. If Artest would have opted out,
I would have loved if the Lakers could have picked him up with
the full MLE. But I wouldn't do either trade AK proposed. Mihm
is no great loss, and Artest would give the Lakers what they're
hoping Ariza might ultimately become. But Farmar would be
hard to replace. Remember, Phil actually changed offensive
tactics at the start of last season to accomodate Farmar's
ability
to push the ball. That was part of the key to the bench mob
being so effective. They came in and put the pedal to the
metal and teams that didn't switch gears fast enough got
run over.
So I can't sanction either trade for Artest.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 08, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Fire 32,
Instead of a Clayton Bixby, can I get a Tyrone Biggins?
Posted by: Charles | July 08, 2008 at 11:53 AM
hey guys i just got back from eating giant jalapeno burger. don't be mean on me charles, i too a lakers fan. i'm just saying let mitch be the gm. to many guys here have to much of there opinions get them better. i saw the artest show on you tube and hes crazy . i dont know if hes the answer. but let me ask you will we get posey?.
ding how in prattville
Posted by: ding how in prattville | July 08, 2008 at 11:53 AM
Ding-How - dangnabbit, I been the gm since Jerry west left, that's when! If I want to pull the trigger on the Birdman I will! Gimme back my bullets!!
Fatty - thanks for posting the Andersen article. I have been playing around in my last few posts about the guy becuase it's summertime and I get bored with all the traditional, oft-repeated rumors. In all sincerity though, I hope the Birdman makes good somewhere. I didn't get the same impression that you did from the article. He's had a long road back to reinstatement and the league has kept a very close watch on him. As far as his relationship with his mom - I'm not going to even go there. Chris had a very difficult childhood and family relationships have continued to be thorny. It happens.
Anyway, enough of the Birdman stuff. Maybe I'll start lobbying to sign Paul Shirley.
Posted by: dave m | July 08, 2008 at 11:56 AM
HELLLLL NO!
You guys talk about Artest like he is a proven winner. Sure, he's a solid player but in the end he is detrimental to team chemistry and is only out there for the $$$. He could care less about winning the championship...really!
No thanks. The Lakers need to toughen up does not mean bringing in some thug. This guys is problematic and unpredictable.
Lamar will work out next year, with Bynum back. He will flourish coming off the bench or being at SF..just watch! Give him a chance!
And giving him up for Ariza and Farmar?? Farmar is our future PG...he will be an all star! We are positioned for success for the next 5 years...let's not gamble it away for a problematic ticking timebomb!!
Posted by: Lakafo0 | July 08, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Ron??? No thank you.
Posted by: Laker Bandit | July 08, 2008 at 12:03 PM
"I would have no problem trading Vlade (and let’s say Luke to match salaries) for Rashard but not Lamar." -- LakerTom
Tom,
I would love to dump Vlad and (much as I hate to say it) Luke, but I don't see Orlando going for that deal because it doesn't help them.
Benjamin,
I would rather take Turkoglu as well, but it just doesn't seem possible. Here are the three trade possibilities I see:
1)Vlad for Turkoglu - I don't see how this helps Orlando, so they would/should decline
2)LO for Turkoglu and Battie - good for the Lakers but leaves Orlando with Howard, LO, and Brian Cook as their only bigs, Orlando should never do that
3)LO for Turkoglu, Bogans, and Brian Cook - I hope this in the one and only time we ever discuss bringing Brian Cook back to the Lakers, and I apologize for bringing it up.
Posted by: Dan | July 08, 2008 at 12:05 PM
i just read this post and had to respond
"I want a Paul MIllsap, Jasom Maxiel, Kwame Brown, Kurt Rambis, AC Green, Rick Fox, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley next year in Lakers uniform."
you want a kwame brown!?!?!?!?! wth!!!
Posted by: kman | July 08, 2008 at 12:06 PM
bozz-You know what they call a... a... a Quarter Pounder with Cheese in Paris?
A Royal with cheese. You know why right bozz?
Charles-And what happens when Jules has his moment of clarity?
Phil would be the absolute key to helping Jules reach his moment of clarity. Honestly, I think it's his lack of clarity that keeps him from reaching his full potential. I believe that Phil could help make Jules an All Star. Of course, once Phil has unlocked the door to enlightenment, there is always the concern that Jules will just choose to walk the earth. You know, like Caine in Kung Fu.
Posted by: magicman | July 08, 2008 at 12:12 PM
ding how in prattville
I give you kiss on top top cheek, not bottom cheek. I like them Posey's, and I like them Ron's. But there is big problems... Too much headache or moneys to give.
Stand pat for right opportunity and improvement from all players I like. Plow experience necessary...
Welcome to blog! Handshake and Pats on the backs. I'm sorry for mixed messages and indirect signals. I love you do you love me?
Posted by: Charles | July 08, 2008 at 12:12 PM
To be honest, I don't think the Kings would be willing to do any
trade with the Lakers as I think the Maloofs hate the Lakers.
But, since AK was foraying into the trade machine, I thought
I'd try to cook up a trade that would get the Lakers a veteran
defensive minded SF who isn't a head case.
Remember, the Lakers aren't the ONLY team that want Artest.
What I think the Kings want most is young players to build
a good young core around Kevin Martin and Spencer Hawes
and Francisco Garcia and their other good young players.
Thus I think they'd be more interested in Ariza and Farmar
than in Lamar and dumping off Thomas' contract.
So here's a couple of ideas I worked up in the trade machine:
http://tinyurl.com/59eh8d
Lakers send Mihm + Ariza + Farmar to Sacramento
Sacramento sends Artest to Houston
Houston sends Shane Battier & Aaron Brooks to the Lakers
Battier isn't as good an offensive player as Artest, but he's
just as good a defender and he's not a head case. Lakers
also get back a young PG with potential to back up Fish.
-----------
Note that Houston also is sorely lacking in 3-point shooting,
so they're one of the few teams who might consider taking
on Rad's contract to get his 41% 3-point shooting, so dig
on this one:
http://tinyurl.com/5azetm
or
http://tinyurl.com/6mhtdb
Lakers send Odom to Sacramento
Lakers send Radmanovic to Houston
Houston sends Shane Battier & Bobby Jackson to the Lakers
Sacramento sends Ron Artest to Houston
Sacramento sends either Thomas or Abdur-Rahim to the Lakers
So Houston, who needs more outside shooting and another
offensive player to go with Yao and T-Mac gets both things
in Rad and Artest.
The Lakers get rid of Rad's longer contract and get back
a shorter expiring contract in either Thomas or Abdur-Rahim,
and they also get a non headcase defensive SF and a
veteran backup PG whose contract expires next year.
Sacramento gets Lamar Odom for Artest and either Thomas
or Abdur-Rahim, which is the originally proposed Lakers
Kings swap.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 08, 2008 at 12:16 PM
the farmar,ariza, mihm deal is much more palateble than lo for artest and thomas.
-the lakers are already dealing with at bad contract in vlad (player option in (2010-11)and somewhat walton(injuries really slowed him this year). Thomas would be just another bad contract (over 8.5 mil in 09-10) if they give up lo. I don't know If buss would be willing to make that move. Plus farmar and drew were really gelling together on the floor. If they give up farmar (who really improved last season) the "chinese magic johnson" better be all that he's been hyped up to be. Or bynum might not be as happy with the team when it comes to signing his extension
The other side of the coin would be that artest would be a perfect fitting peice to the lakers puzzle with his defensive abilty and outside shot. With artest the lakers could put him on pierce, magette, james, etc. Would he shut them down not likely-but he would definately make things more difficult for them and easier for kobe? without question. The loss of ariza at this point of his career would be like when they traded mo evens away (athletic defender/slasher) although ariza is only 22 he has always had foot problems and that was no different after he got here. If "CMJ" is what we hope he is then you are looking at a possible future starting line up with kobe being the shortest starter on the floor.
I've said this several times before. Keep LO. At least see what he, bynum and gasol can do together befor you go and trade him . Besides maybe lakers can do what the pistons did a few yars ago with rasheed wallace. Wait until artest get traded to a crappy team looking for cap space and then make a trade with them
Also here's somthing off topic if the lakers want a ginobli type player sun yue could be it.
Posted by: richtown | July 08, 2008 at 12:19 PM
LakerBake,
>>>Ariza was not put on Paul enough
This is what I mean about not being up to full speed. When
Trevor was put on Paul Pierce, Pierce pretty much blew right
by him just as he did with Walton and Rad. Ariza generally
seemed a step slow in his rotations. And a couple of times
he got defensive rebounds and then let a Celtic just take the
ball away from him (as opposed to Farmar who looked like
he was about to take PJ Brown's head off when PJ fouled
him trying to steal a rebound).
Ariza hadn't played in a long time and it showed. If he was
playing at his full capacity, I'm sure you would have seen a
lot more of him, a lot less of Rad, and fewer points from the
Celtics.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 08, 2008 at 12:37 PM
First of all, I almost spit my drink through my nose at the idea of trading LO for Rashard Lewis. What the hell is that guy thinking. Lewis is one of the SOFTEST players in the league. He averages 5 rebounds a game as a 6'10" guy!!! He'd be eaten alive by a team like the Celtics. I don't care how good a shooter he is, his contract is killer too.
Anyway, back here in the land of sanity...
I go back and forth on LO and Artest. My head says LO and my heart says Artest. I want to smack Lamar every time he blows a layup, smiles that smirky smile at the most inopportune times, bricks a crucial free throw, gets called for a charge I could see coming 10 seconds before it happened or shoots that God-awful jumper. But I also recognize the value in his hustle (despite claims to the contrary, I think he has heart), his uncanny ability to tip rebounds to himself away from bigger guys, his highly underrated defense, his fastbreaking abilities and his interior passing work with Pau. Plus, you can't measure statistically the camraderie he brings to the team and the fact that his contract is an expiring one, wiping 15 million off the table after this season.
I'd understand if the Lakers wanted to try this thing out first before they blew up a team that made it to the Finals without its 2 best defenders. But I think I'd be more excited about the season if Artest were in the mix. Tough call. I'm probably in the pro-Artest group, but only barely.
Posted by: puddle | July 08, 2008 at 12:39 PM
i'm happy to be in america charles my friend. I love this country.
ding how in prattville
Posted by: ding how in prattville | July 08, 2008 at 12:39 PM
mrbarneydangles,
>>>Hopefully Lamar is in a gym somewhere working on his jumper.
Now you're talking. If Lamar could improve his outside shooting
this off season as much as Sasha and Jordan did last off season,
then he'd be a killa starting 3.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 08, 2008 at 12:40 PM
NO TRADEY TRADEY TRADEY LO FOR NO ONE!!
ARE YOU GUYS NUTS?
THANK GOD THAT NONE OF YOU HAVE ANY SAY IN LAKERS ORGANIZATION NOR WILL EVER AND I REPEAT EVER, NOT THIS LIFE TIME PERHAPS NEXT IF YOU BELIEVE IN REBIRTH.
If you guys are trade happy sappy then get rid of Vlad and Luke for Ron Artest and throw in a bit of mustard DJ Mugemba!!
Posted by: TRADER JOE | July 08, 2008 at 12:50 PM
seriously? Do you guys really believe Lamar is developing a jump shot during the offseason. What will it take to get him to actually take the open shot? Will somebody have to scream at him, "shoot it! shoot it!"
How many quarters do you think Lamar can go without taking a shot? What's the record? Maybe he'll go 5 straight games playing 30+ minutes and never take a shot? Who will notice? I know Lamar won't...
If he's going to play guard, shouldn't he be working on his ball handling skills? That left arm just keeps extending and extending but the right arm... is like the arm of a TRex, it seems half as long as his left arm and about as useful...
If Lamar is going to be such a great SF for us, why didn't he step up and demand to guard Paul Pierce in the finals? Maybe because Pierce would blow right past him. Just what Bynum needs down low, first, our PG's can't stay in front of anybody, now we're going to have to carry Odom at SF so guess who's going to be in foul trouble every game? Bynum that's who.
How about how teams defend our offense? We've got Bynum and Gasol in the low and high posts, ok... you've got Fisher and Kobe who can be threats from outside so... how do you play Odom? You back off him, double on Bynum and Gasol and dare Odom to hit the outside jumper. Yeah... tell me how that will work out...
Posted by: Kwaminus Brownicas, Keeper of the Stone Hands, Protector of the Sublime Calves | July 08, 2008 at 12:54 PM
I have seen Ariza play and that is not much with any team he has ever been on.
So you see him dunk a few times and go GAGA over him.
Thats the regular season when their are numerous defensive breakdowns by teams, you didn't see him do that against Boston did you? Paul Pierce blew by him time after time but everyone just wants to remember the block he had on Ray Allen. Heck, PJ was playing Luke over Ariza for the most part when he was healthy and Luke outplayed him because Luke can defend the slower bigger forwards in the league. WHAT GAMES WERE YOU WATCHING?
Ariza has started a total of 32 games his entire career
There's a reason why New York and Orlando didn't play him that much, HE WASN'T VERY GOOD.
What you think since now he is a Laker he's next coming of Scotty Pippen?
Moronic Stupid Idiot homerism.
One year and he's out of here.
This coming season you'll be crying all year long how we need a Ron Artest type player because Lamar will not be able to extend the defense nor guard the quicker small forwards. He will continue to miss layups and have mental breakdowns. And he will smile that smile of his. You think in his tenth year he will all of a sudden develope his right hand, learn how to box out, learn how to dribble, learn how to shoot, learn how not to disappear, learn how to not make boneheaded plays, learn how to make a layup, learn how to get out to his man on the perimeter, learn how to not get offensive charging fouls???????
His best hope is coming off the bench, now that would make the second unit great and his deficiencies would not be so scrutinized and critical as the one I've just done. In fact, sixth man might get him to relax on the court and play better, we've all seen what he's not accomplished as the #2 or #3 option and don't expect being the #4 option is going to help any.
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
Posted by: Do You See What I See | July 08, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Come to think of it, I wish people would be pushing more for a Gerald Wallace-Lamar Odom trade. Gerald Wallace is a young Ron Artest, without the crazy.
Posted by: puddle | July 08, 2008 at 12:59 PM
thanks to whoever posted the Kwame links.
The missed layups. Oh the missed layups. They haunt my dreams.
Charles,
That Clayton Bixby dude is cramping your style by posing as you. I know it's not you.
Free speech makes me sad sometimes, because it means stupid people get a say too.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 08, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Long Time,
I like your thought process with Houston. What do you think about this:
Houston gets:
Ariza
Radmanovic
Lakers get:
Battier
Brooks
Hayes
Radmanovic gives them the guy they need to spread the floor, and they get a young, athletic defender in Ariza to replace Battier. I don't know how attached to Brooks and Hayes they are since they've got Francis, and just drafted Joey Dorsey.
If push came to shove I would even take Francis instead of Brooks, and just throw him at the end of the bench and see if we could get something for him at the deadline.
Posted by: Weave-Man | July 08, 2008 at 01:24 PM
AK - ok sorry about that. I didn't mean to offend the sensibilities of the blog...........wait a second........Does anyone here have any sense?? LOL!! Just kidding y'all!!!!!
To try & remember what I had said basically boils down to "if the Lakers trade LO for Mr. Testes, they have no sense". We have a space cadet, and don't need Marvin the Martian adding to the loon-acy.
LO was the guy who promoted the great team chemistry that we have all seen & loved this year. LO was the guy who we saw bust out more times than not this year. LO is the guy who Stu nicknamed "the windex man" because he cleans up on the boards, and "the swiss army knife" because he can get to the hole with the sweetest of ease. He brings WAY too many things to the team that cannot, and more importantly, SHOULD NOT be overlooked. To talk about trading him for RonRon is an insult to this man, this Laker player, this beautiful human being whom life has insulted too much already.
I am an LO lover and proud of it. We need him - nuff said.
LO = Laker for Life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 08, 2008 at 01:27 PM
ding how in prattville - is that you Butler? You cute little thing - trying to be all incognito & stuff.....! Did you finally move out of your Mom's basement? Good for you!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 08, 2008 at 01:28 PM
ExHelo,
"Marmalard"
You got me on that one. Don't recognize the knick name. Who is it?
Posted by: Eric M. | July 08, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Dave m
That was an interesting article on Andersen, wasn't it?
You don't think someone coming from the country would have such a hard upbringing. Those snake nests in his house, eeeyah!
I hope he gets his life together to. When I mentioned the drugs are still controlling his thinking, I'm not saying he's still taking hard drugs, just that its still effecting him. And may do so his whole life.
As for as he went down on drugs, I think it will be hard for any team to risk too much in a contract.
His mom is no angel, but cmon. on Mothers Day and her birthday he can't give her at least a call.
Birdman is an interesting person for sure.
Posted by: Fatty | July 08, 2008 at 01:36 PM
As far as LO for Artest goes, I wouldn't do it. Not because I think Artest would go crazy, but because I think we would need BOTH of them to win. We NEED a defender like Artest to body up on defenders like LBJ, and Pierce. And we need LO's ability to rebound and push the ball up the court. LO has too many skill sets to just give away.
We obviously wouldn't be able to start them together, but I think LO might be best off the bench. We need a small forward to keep the defense honest by hiting the open jumper, and I just don't trust LO's jumper. Artest is a decent to good 3 point shooter, that can get hot, and obviously is the defender we lacked in the finals.
Bringing LO off the bench to be our super sub would be best for the team. That way he can run with the bench mob(since he's great in the open court), and be the rebounder, and offensive option that the second unit lacks.
Posted by: Weave-Man | July 08, 2008 at 01:37 PM