Something to talk about besides Artest

First to post,

I believe in you Kwame Brown.

Nice video, but let's not get too excited, folks. Just a bunch of newbies playing each other, and the other newbies represent the Griz. None of them would look so good going up against Pierce, Garnett, and Allen.

I don't know about you, but the reason I keep checking the blog is for an update on the Sasha signing. What is everyone waiting for (Mitch) (Sasha) (Sasha's agent) (anyone)?

Happy Monday, everyone! Go Lakers!

Nice to see Coby on the floor. The kid's an inspiration and should get some minutes this season.

It's fun watching the young fellas out there, but I don't put much stock in it. I remember watching Devean George dominate about 7 years back LOL

On a team like the Lakers, the most any of these kids can hope for is to be the 14th or 15th man. I'd rather be that guy though than #1 on the Grizz or Clips.

Repost, Sorry guys.

I just feel this team needs:

1. Players that you know are going to bring contribute consistently positive to the table. Whether it is defense, rebounding or shooting.
2. A player or two that’s going to get us over the hump. Which is that perimeter defense and shooting.

Regarding Luke and Vladimir: We are stuck with those contracts. Being culpable for those contracts is tough due to the amount of money the can be used for team improvement. I would love some dream scenario like Tayshaun Prince for Luke Vlad but time to get of the Alice in Wonderland ride. (Though Vlad will have the tradability due to 3 years versus the 4-5 left with Luke.) Might as well Treat Walton as a 12th man situation player. Use him against the Wally Scerbiaks (spelling) and 2nd-3rd string slow, un-athletic SF-PF’s. Vlad, is either a 1st quarter guy and if he cools down pull him out.

I understand we were 2 games from a Championship. But if you recall the Miami Heat from the 2004-2005 Roster had:
Damon Jones
Eddie Jones
Christian Laetner
Steve Smith
Wang Zhi-Zhi
Rasual Butler
Keyon Dooling

And then they had the following for the Championship Year:
Toine Walker
James Posey
Jason Kapono
Derek Anderson.

We have made great strides by trading and not resigning:
Kwame Brown
Cook
Parker

And acquiring the following was instrumental for last season:
Fisher
Gasol
Ariza

While there is no news on Posey, I say resign Vujacic and sign Posey.

For the Ronny Fanatics: If there is a way for Golden State to do a Ronny for Vladimir barter via Sir Stamford Raffles and the East India Company trading port on the Straits of Malacca. That would make the Turiaf maniacs happy. Radmanovich would look like Toni Kukoc on Nellie’s system. With the Triangle offense, Vlad look’s like Jelani McCoy shooting 3’s.

Since Artest is his own agent, either:

1. Bill-Ron earns himself a buyout and sign for the midlevel with us.
2. Convince the Kings for this deal. Cash, draft pick, and expiring contracts next year. http://tinyurl.com/68n58x

Fantasy I know.

Sign Artest if we keep Odom. The Kings have someone who wants out.

Another Bombshell for the Commish. Everyone knows the odds of being only 1 cheating ref are low. No wonder the military was called in.

BD

Son of GEORGE!!!

I can't wait to see Coby Karl gelling with the Bench Mob. Next year should be a good year for our young guys. It won't be the same without Ronny though.

AK,

Thanks for attempting to direct conversation away from Ron Bill Ron Bill. Urgh.

Coby Karl seems to be playing well. Good.

GO LAKERS!

Laker Tom

So you are a left wing lunatic sorry to hear the news mate...Liberalism = multiple mental disorders.....And stay away from my rifle and guns :lame: I need my protection from the gangsters and criminals.

Coby Karl, nice kid, nice jump shot, needs to BULK UP. He needs Weight Gain 3000. He will get punished in the NBA if he plays in any situation except garbage time (which is what Summer League is really all about, 48 minutes of garbage time, I know, i used to watch the lake Show at the CSULB Pyramid in Long Beach, my home). I know that he's an inspiration and that he was our secret weapon against the Nugs, but seriously, he won't be NBA ready for another couple of years at best.

Re-sign Sasha. He's just testing the waters, he wants to be a Laker (beleive what he said in print BEFORE he met with his agent, most players say what their agents tell them to say, Sasha said he wanted to be a Laker for life, than met with his agent and said he'd see what was out there. That's just good, smart business)

Also, people should lay off Luke and Vlad Rad, they contributed to a CHAMPIONSHIP RUN. Wether they are over-paid or not isn't the question. It's how to get them to the next level. Both are young, both are getting hungry, I should think especially so in Luke's case (I would want to have my own legacy to banter about the Walton table o' grub) let's see what a summer of work and focus from both the players and the staff can bring to the table.

I wish that we could wave some sort of wand and make all GM's as maleable as those in charge of the Grizzlies, but these guys work hard to craft a roster that not only blends talent and persoanlity, but a chance to win in the most competitive sport, and in our case, the most competitive conference in sports today.

The Lakers were the best team in that conference. Not because they had the best player or the best coach or the best team plane, but because they were the best team. Why dissect and dismantle a great team? Especially before you ever see it at full strength. I think that the Yankees have proven that big contracts and lots of star players do NOT win championships, they create ego wars. They bog down franchises. That Boston hunger that we were faced with this year has been sated, that's why I think they'll be one and done, the fans will not be as rabid, the older players will either be gone (PJ Brown and Sam Cassell) or feeling entitled (Paul Pierce and Ray Allen) which is going to leave KG and his big heart wondering where all that defensive fire went. I think Doc Brown was able to reach those guys on a level that is rarely seen in sports. It reminded me of Mike Soccia, but basketball is much more transitory than baseball. Attitudes change drastically from year to year (See our Kobe Bean Bryant) and NBA athletes seem to have a great capacity for self-satisfaction and let down.

Re-sign Sasha, let Ronny go (I do love him, but he's more replaceable...business) and don't move LO before you see what this team can do. Give the team a chance to get it done. They proved everybody wrong last year and here's one fan who thinks that they can go all the way next year.

GO LAKERS!!!!

Rick Friedman/Puddle,

Oh, don't get me wrong. I put very little stock in how well anybody plays in SPL, too. Like I said, I just thought folks might enjoy the highlights, taken for what they are.

AK

guys, the reason sasha isnt doing anything is because the league is waiting to see what happens to turiaf. if he is resigned, then GMs might feel that we're too far into luxury tax to match a midlevel offer and try a slightly lower figure. but if he isn't resigned then they'll be a bit more anxious about tabling a bid for sasha knowing that we'd likely resign him and would probably end up offering more money than they would otherwise in hopes that we don't match

anyhow thats my take on why we're not hearing anything

Artest ?? I want the "Matrix" !!!

I just called Doc Rivers Doc Brown.

Heh.

One point twenty-one jiggawatts!

What the hell is a jiggawatt?

JustLakerFan

OK. Memphis was a much better team when Gasol played center than they were when he played PF. I guess that's not relevant. The fact that Gasol was listed as a center the year he made the all-stars is probably also irrelevant except for the fact that you brought it up.

http://tinyurl.com/657fgy

Hey dudes, I was hoping some of you guys could give me some feedback on some of my latest pieces in between our Bill Artest arguments.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080714/NEWS/746330123

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080624/NEWS/300530157

http://tinyurl.com/5tyok3

Jamie Sweet,

"What the hell is a jiggawatt?"

It's that thing that goes to eleven for the extra push to Rock Out.

AK,

So are you saying that we shouldn't be thinking about bringing Kobe off the bench next season. Phew...don't want a shooting guard controversy. We'll leave stuff like that to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

Xodus,

"AK, So are you saying that we shouldn't be thinking about bringing Kobe off the bench next season. Phew...don't want a shooting guard controversy. We'll leave stuff like that to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers."

Oh, no. I think they definitely should bring Kobe Bryant off the bench in favor of Coby Karl. I'm just saying, it's not because of the way Karl plays in SPL. It's because of everything Karl's done in the NBA. haha

AK

Thank you Charles, i wasn't too sure, I thought it might be a cocktail measurement for a London Buck.

MMMMmmmmmm. London Buck.

AK, no knock on the video. It was fun to watch. I was just anticipating a few overwrought GHF+ posts declaring a second coming of Kobe1.

JustLakerFan

OK. Memphis was a much better team when Gasol played center than they were when he played PF. I guess that's not relevant. The fact that Gasol was listed as a center the year he made the all-stars is probably also irrelevant except for the fact that you brought it up.

http://tinyurl.com/657fgy

Posted by: giantsquid | July 14, 2008 at 02:04 PM

----------------------------
Giantsquid,

Actually I did not bring up center position in Memphis. But still that is not the point of debate. Regardless of the position in Memphis it will make no difference in LA due to the surrounding talent around him. In Memphis he could be keyed in on but not in LA.
So the point is forget the point differential of the teams you named because it will be different with LA with better talent freeing him up more. That is my point.

When does training camp start? I am getting antsy.
Need Laker fix. Anyone know where I can watch full replays of final series on line?

Charles,
"It's that thing that goes to eleven for the extra push to Rock Out."

LOL! You're dating yourself!

Xodus,

Duh!! Obviously they are showcasing Coby Karl for a trade. After the Kings see this clip, they will happily sign off on a Karl + Vlad for Artest trade.

Do Ihave to freakin' spell everything out for you?

AK,

You need to check out this article posted in the last thread. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,381842,00.html

It's super incriminating against Scott Foster.

Excerpt:

"The records show Donaghy placed 134 calls to referee Scott Foster — more than the 126 calls Donaghy made to his bookie — between October 2006 and April 2007, the period during which he has confessed to either betting on games or passing on game information to gamblers. The majority of the phone calls lasted no more than two minutes and occurred prior to and after games Donaghy officiated and on which he admits wagering.

With the exception of 150 calls Donaghy placed to Thomas Martino, to whom he says he provided “picks” to win games and who was the middleman between the disgraced referee and a bookie named James Battista, the ex-ref phoned no one more than he called Foster. During this period, the most calls Donaghy made to any other referee were 13."

AND

"Donaghy might logically communicate with other referees he was officiating with, and there are many such calls in Donaghy’s records. But Donaghy and Foster did not referee a single game together during the 2006-2007 season.

Donaghy also had three other cell phone numbers registered in his name, all of which he used. But he called Foster using the phone the feds say he designated for mostly gambling-related use.

The short calls with Foster stopped abruptly in mid March 2007, when Donaghy is believed to have stopped his gambling."

Holy crap!

I was just reading fox.com. Its seems a waste to pay big bucks for players when you can - apparently - buy a ref's influence for only $2,000 - $5,000 per game.

It is now two referees. One of whom went 8 for 10 on his first bets. The game cannot be totally fixed, but in a close game a call or two can be very influential.

The sad thing is that the only time he did not call his bookie gobetween was on a Clippers game. I guess there was no action as the outcome was obvious and any deviation would have raised suspicion.

GOOOoooOOOO LLAAAAAKKKKERRRRRRSSSS!!!

JustaLakerfan,

Training camp won't start until early October (Oct. 1, I believe). We've still got a long way to go. At least college football and the NFL start soon!

Snort. Coby "Bill" Karl couldn't carry Sasha "Bill" Vujacic's jockstrap.

Sir Exhelodrvr,

"LOL! You're dating yourself!"

I am ahem; single...

Today is July 14...the day Bynum was to start training in Atlanta...Is he or is he shut down till Laker Doctors clear him?

LTLF have you heard anything?

BD

JustLakerFan

You implied that Gasol was playing PF when he made the All-star team didn't you?

Memphis Grizzlies

With Gasol at center +7.3 pts/48 min
With Gasol at PF and Milicic at center - 19.8 pts/ 48 min
Without Gasol and with Milicic at center -8.7 pts/48 min

Memphis was better with their star player on the bench than with him at PF. And much better with him at center.

It's the only metric other than Jerry West's eyes to judge how well the Laker's might do with Gasol playing PF

AK,
Yeah man, that wasn't directed at you for sure. I know you don't put much stock in these games either because I'm sure you, like I, have watched many a summer league star fizzle in the NBA (I'm looking at you Von Wafer and Marco Belinelli). But, like Rick, I am anticipating people clamoring for Karl to get 10-15 min a night. As modest as it sounds, it's a lot of time for a guy who has been shaky at best during garbage time.

Now, I'm sure if Karl shows some serious promise during practices he'll see a little game time and if he performs well there then maybe his minutes will go up. But people see these games and go "Damn, Phil Jackson should have played Coby Karl in the Finals! Phil's overrated and needs to go!" and it starts to annoy the crap out of me.

I didn't get to read all the posts, so I apologize in advance if this point has been made already.

Can Coby Karl be the next Sasha Vujacic?

Seriously.

Size wish, it's a wash. Coby gives up a couple inches but he's much stronger.

Coby tested top of the class on lane agility at last year's pre-draft camp, so the ability is there.

AK/BK both have stated on numerous occasions the kid's work ethic is off the charts (see running, and running, and...)

So what's the difference?

Sasha was great this year (comparatively speaking) but we all remember him as nothing more than "The Face" beforehand. He sucked. Completely. For years.

I watched the game last night and I absolutely know that the Summer League is not the best indication, but Coby Karl has ability.

Plain and simple, he's better than Sasha was at year two of his career.

Let's say an opportunity presents itself to trade for a difference maker and it means Sasha can't be resigned, I say go with Coby.

Anyway, it's something to talk about besides Artest.

BD,

Your initials answer your question regarding Andrew Bynum.

It is BD day. Aka Bastille Day.

Just came out of my "Lakers dominated in the finals" induced sports coma.

Nice to see you all are still holding down the fort. :)

Andrew Z et all,

Which channel are you guys catching the Summer Games?

Andrew Z,

I think Coby is probably in Sasha's league as a shooter, but I don't know if he'll ever catch Sasha on D. Sasha isn't an all-league defender by any means, but he's made himself into a pretty good defender.

Colby looked pretty good. I was impressed with Crawford.

AK, I dont know about you, but this free agency season has been alot of fun so far for me. Full of supsence, surprises and twists. I have been having a ball. Cant wait for Posey to sign so we can start watching the dominoes fall.

Puddle,

I heard that.

I wanna see the block Coby had on OJ.

giantsquid

Are you really still trying to compare "Donnie" Darko Millicic to Andrew Bynum? Seriously, man, Pau would've been better paired with Samaki Walker than with the Disappearing Darko. Darko is a 7 footer who loves to shoot from 20' out. He is not a post player, he's a third wolrd Dirk Nowitzki. Maybe. Pau shouldn't be penalized for dragging around a Sisyphusian weight around. Neither did he have a legitimate second threat on the team, for all his millions, Mike Miller is a streak shooter that doesn't play defence or take it to the hole. Name another Memphis Grizzly player without looking up the team roster online...oh yeah, Mighty Mouse Damon Stoudemire. Well, we all saw how he impacts a game, just ask Gregg Popovich why he didn't play him in the WC Finals. I understand the argument that Pau isn't your typical banger of a 4-spot, but he does have a number of skills that make the Lakers nearly unguardable as a squad. Numbers lie all the time, just look at how ESPN's power rankings are totally out of whack, or a player effeciency rating. Those stats, while fun and probably helpful for Fantasy Leaguers, are VERY misleading.

I'd take Andrew and Pau and Odom as a front court any day of the week.

patience is a virtue, Laker fans, let's show a teeny bit.

forget about the contents of the. Video or Artest... I'm still surprised the K's know how to embed vids haha, jk.

Go lakers!

Giantsquid -

You're correct in pointing out that Gasol is more effective as a center. In truth, his advantage as a center (his quickness) is more pronounced than his advantage as a PF (his length) and his primary disadvantage (his strength, or lack of it) is the same, regardless of the position.

But ultimately, that point is moot. Even playing PF, he's better than every NBA PF not named Brand, Garnett, Nowtizki, Bosh, Stoudemire or Duncan, and is probably on par with David West and Carlos Boozer. The best Laker lineup will feature Gasol AND Bynum together, and there's no way Bynum plays the 4, so the argument is moot unless you're suggesting trading Pau or Bynum (something I wouldn't advocate, but to which I'm also not diametrically opposed).

Andrew Z,

I think that Sasha can be the difference maker that everyone is scouring NBA rosters for. He's a pretty dynamic player that can shoot the 3, hit a pull up J on the break and is the best defender off the bench. If he improves his game in any way, he'll be more valuable still. Sasha also has the gym rat menatllity and has been to the NBA Finals, you cannot replace that experience.

Is Luke Walton much bigger than Coby Karl? Could Phil give Coby a try with Luke's minutes next season?

Jaime Sweet -

I don't think giantsquid was intending to compare the Lakers to the Grizzlies or Milicic to Bynum or say that Gasol is overrated. He's simply stating that perhaps relying on the logic that Pau will be even better because he was playing out of position all last year may not be sound if he was, in fact, playing the position for which he is best suited.

Bring Sasha back. We need the hair.

-bozz-

Amazing Happens,

"Is Luke Walton much bigger than Coby Karl? Could Phil give Coby a try with Luke's minutes next season?"

Actually, Walton is considerably bigger than Karl. 3 inches and 20 pounds. Remember, Luke sometimes plays as an smaller PF. At 6'5", Karl would be pretty undersized as a SF, much less literally taking over Luke's role. His best bet for more minutes would be to become as good a SG as possible. Keep it simple.

AK

-Lakers and Bill are not a good fit-

http://www.hoopsworld.com/story.asp?story_id=9467

Sonnybelfast

I need to make a revsion, certainly meant to say that I was NOT impressed by crawford.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?
slug=jy-summerleaguenotes071408
&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Andrew Z,
>>>>>I watched the game last night and I absolutely know that the Summer League is not the best indication, but Coby Karl has ability. Plain and simple, he's better than Sasha was at year two of his career. Let's say an opportunity presents itself to trade for a difference maker and it means Sasha can't be resigned, I say go with Coby.>>>>>>

I completely agree with you. Although Coby Karl was playing against some young studs in OJ Mayo, Mike Conley and Crittenton, he looked like the best player on the court last night. He seemed much more experienced than anyone else. Coby is obviously not as talented as those guys, but his athleticism is underrated.

When comparing Coby to Sasha, Coby's release is not as quick, his jumper is not as consistent, and he is not as long and tall as Sasha, but Coby seems to have a higher basketball IQ, and better defensive instincts and anticipation. His jumper will only improve with added minutes. Anyways, I would like Carl get some NBA minutes, and see what he's got.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt

=Ak6c..Udn3RGUQ4qbdUJlGO8vLYF?slug
=jy-summerleaguenotes071408&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba

JustaLakerFan

When did I compare Bynum to Darko? My point is that Pau is a much better center that he is a PF. Really Pau's problem with PFs won't be near the hoop, it's mid-range and out. Pick and pops etc. Drew won't be nearly as effective out there. If I played the Lakers, I'd pick and pop all day long unless Pau's guarding Okur, Dirk etc. then I'd play those guys off screens near the arc. He'll match-up best with PFs like Duncan (Bynum may actually take Duncan) and others that play close to the basket. Really there are very few PFs that Pau matches up well with at the defensive end and those that he does match up with may actually be guarded by Drew (Boozer, Duncan, Brand, etc.)

Crap.

I lost count of how many days until this suffering is over and we actually have games to talk about. Reading all of this rumor and innuendo stuff is like reading the enquirer.

How many days until training camp?

At least Team USA is starting next week, and against a Canadian squad that won't put up much of a fight without Steve Nash in the lineup. That will be a thrashing.

**86 days till preseason opens with Lakers vs Clippers**

Since this is something that we don't talk about much...by most accounts Kobe will be postponing his surgery till after the olympics well the olympics start on 8-8-08 and preseason starts on Oct. Will he be able to join the team during training camp or will it be like last year?

Go Lakers!

Next season, my friends, an afternoon game in the Sunday ABC whities...

Kobe into the front court, looking for Kobe. Kobe curls around the screen, gets the feed from Kobe, two dribbles, back to Kobe...for three. IT'S GOOD! Kobe with the three, Kobe with the assist.

Finally, even if only in print edition, all those "Kobe is a ball-hog" bastards will be proven correct. LOLALSM

Respectfully,
HIGH CHEESE WHIzzzzz

Sorry, I have to go where the heart takes me--Ron Artest. I have no doubt he would not only be a model citizen off the court, he would (literally) be a model teammate for the King's blue (purple) and gold. He would model defense, toughness, intensity, valor (I think so), steadfastness and focus--things we need.

I'm just so mad that he didn't think this stuff thru. I mean, this shows some serious mental deficiencies to me. How can you want something so bad, only to give it such little thought when decision time comes around? Blame your agent all you want, but it's 100% your fault.

If he really wanted a ring, if he really wanted a championship, if he really wanted to play with Kobe in Los Angeles where record deals are more common than pretty women, then he would have saved everyone all this useless drama and opted out 2 weeks ago when he had the chance.

Now we have to lose Odom to get this guy.

However, if this calamity, if this poetic injustice can somehow get us Artest at a reasonable price, say, no more than 7 or 8 million a year for 4 or 5 years, if he somehow convinces the Busss that he wants to fit the team financially as well as physically, then...uh...

Maybe we should...

Wes

What was Donaghy saying to referee Scott Foster?

http://tinyurl.com/65muro

Did anyone explain that Jiggawatts are the amount of power needed to make the flux capacitor work in "Back to the Future?"

Week #27 for Andrew Bynums's injury and still counting
4 times as long as expected.
Do not risk the farm on this guy.
At what point does the Laker medical staff get to check out his knee?
Just because he has his own doctor doesn't mean the Lakers don't have the right to evaluate his progess, or does it?
Someone in the know, please enlighten me.

Off topic on the fate of our Lakers Blog.

On Bastille Day, the guillotine man appointed by Tribune to be Times Publisher Hiller finally quit the LA paper. The irony, our paper is still owned by Chicago Tribune under the Zell Group of Companies. Lakers Blog survived the reign of terror at LA Times cost cutting measures with the departure of the best Times columnists and editors like Dean Baquet and Publisher Jeffrey Johnson who was replaced by Hiller. He chopped a lot of jobs, award winning writers and it's good that WE, the bloggers or postters saved our blog & made money and escaped from being chopped. Overall, the paper continue to slide down, hey the solution is to sell it local billionaires who knows LA well than Sam Zell.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiller15-2008jul15,0,2815645.story

WHO BEST FITS NEXT YEAR’S GAME PLAN?

That’s the big question that I’ve been trying to answer in my mind over the last few days. Which of the players being discussed as coming or going from the Lakers best fit the team’s likely offensive and defensive game plans for next year? How we will play next year with Andrew Bynum back could dramatically alter how we value Lamar Odom, Ronny Turiaf, or Sasha Vujacic or how far we are willing to go to add a Ron Artest or James Posey.

So what exactly is the Lakers’ game plan for next year? The reality is that a basketball game is a continuum where the offense and defense need to fit compatibly and flow seamlessly. The dual reality is that good offense leads to good defense and vice versa. Finally, it is also clear that the Lakers’ game plan for next year will be based on the return to the court of their 20-year old phenom superstud center Andrew Bynum.

While we will still feature the Triangle as our half-court offensive set, look for the Lakers next year to bring back Showtime and recast themselves as a premiere fast break team, with Andrew Bynum’s defensive rebounding triggering more opportunities for fast break points. Also expect to see more pick and roll plays in our half-court offense as well as more posting up of Andrew to force double teams and create open 3-point looks via inside-out play.

Defensively, I expect the Lakers to adopt a protect-the-rim defensive strategy anchored by Andrew Bynum’s great shot blocking ability that enables the Lakers’ perimeter defenders to play an aggressive tight 1-on-1 defense designed to force steals and generate turnovers that will lead to easy fast break points, relying on Drew to protect the rim if their man beats them. That will be a major change from this year’s strategy where Lakers perimeter defenders were constantly burned trying to help prevent penetration. Now that help will be Drew’s job.

Philosophically, protect-the-rim is a much more effective strategy than the Celtics’ and Tom Thibodeau’s defend-the-lane strategy in that it enable perimeter defenders to pressure their men rather than sagging off and trying to help teammates prevent penetration. Defend-the-lane is the strategy that teams without a great shot blocker do to prevent points in the paint. Protect-the-rim defensive strategy is a more aggressive and proactive strategy.

So how do the players being discussed fit into the Lakers’ new game plan and strategies for next year? To start with, if the Lakers want to run more on offense, they may find that Lamar Odom is too valuable a player to let go in a trade. Lamar’s great rebounding and ability to grab a board and ignite a coast-to-coast one-man fast break could be a perfect fit, especially as a 6th man who plays starter minutes. Offensively, you have to favor Lamar, even if you concede that Artest might be a better long range shooter.

Defensively, Artest’s ability to play tough man-to-man defense as a small forward is known. There’s really a lot to be said about trading for him “just” to guard Paul Pierce in the Finals. And if you are going to switch to an aggressive man-to-man perimeter defense, Ron Artest again makes perfect sense. He is exactly the kind of player that nobody wants to have be guarding them. He would definitely give the Lakers the “enforcer” that they need and make the team much tougher. Defensively, you have to favor Artest.

As for Sasha and Ronny, I think the Lakers will match whatever offer Sasha gets as he is a vital scorer off the bench who may see increased minutes. I also think the Lakers will not match Golden State’s offer to Ronny and will instead sign Jorge Garbajosa to replace him. Garbo is around the same size but is known for being a great defender and team player as well as a good friend of Pau Gasol, who really alerted the Lakers to Garbo’s availability. Garbo should help make the Lakers tougher and more experienced.

Finally, if the Lakers do not make the deal to get Artest, what about offering James Posey the full MLE for 3 years, which is more than the 2 years the Celtics are offering? Bottom line, I like the idea of keeping Lamar and signing Posey to guard Pierce rather than trading Odom. Because of the luxury tax issue, however, I would probably pass on Posey at this point. We can still review things before the All-Star break next year and make a move if needed.

So here’s my proposed 15-man roster though I’ll support whatever Mitch ends up doing:

C: Bynum Mihm Mbenga
PF: Gasol Odom Garbajosa
SF: Ariza Radmanovic Walton
SG: Bryant Vujacic Karl
PG: Fisher Farmar Sun

Tom

And I quote from Hoopsworld:

"But, that exact point about the Kings being better without Artest is the number one reason why the Los Angeles Lakers should not trade Lamar Odom for the league's most notorious villain. We can probably debate over way too many drinks at the local watering hole and for way too many hours which player – Odom or Artest – is the better player in a vacuum, but what cannot be debated is Artest is a horrible fit for the Los Angeles Lakers."

Lamar Odom = Laker for Life.

GO LAKERS!

Sure are boring times in Lakerdom. I prefer the player report cards.

Jamie Sweet wrote:

“…I'd take Andrew and Pau and Odom as a front court any day of the week.

patience is a virtue, Laker fans, let's show a teeny bit.”

But how do you really envision Odum’s role in such a long frontline at the SF? For example, if we were to make an ironic comparison to a similar successful strategy of our main adversaries the Boston Celtics in the 80s with their legendary big frontline of Parish, McHale, and Bird.

If Bynum is to be sort of our Robert Parish at center. And Gasol is to play a role similar to that of the lengthy Kevin McHale at the PF. Then how can Odum be a Larry Bird at SF who could shoot outside to prevent opponents from sagging in on Parish and McHale?

Not that Odum has to shoot the rock as well as the great Larry Bird did. Of course not. But this is why all the talk of trading for Artest. The Lakers need a true SF with defensive quickness and as a reliable shooter at the 3 to spread the floor. So Gasol and Bynum have room to operate underneath.

Otherwise teams are simply going to sag off Odum much as Garnett already did in the finals. Zone us and clog the middle on Bynum and Gasol.

What a scary thought!

Lakers blog was almost no more!

Go Lakers! Go Lakerville!

Coby Karl does look real confident out there. He might be able to give us some garbage minutes this year.

He is not better than Sasha though. Give me a break with that. Sasha plays with way more intensity than Karl, although Karl looks real smooth in Summer league.

Resigning Sasha is a must. The guy is a clutch player schooled in the Zen ways his whole career. Sasha is only beginning to tap into the potential he has.

Sasha>Coby Karl

LakerTom,

You have been attacked by die hard conservatives who could not stand ur confession about the weeds of yesteryears. How can one define the sixties without the inclusion of Mary Jane and Flower People? Give peace a chance who want war of words. With all your well organized posts and thoughts, they also expect you to be Saint LakerTom. LOL!

It is best to just let it go, all of us get hit by sling shots.

Slow times as far as news. Good point brought up on whether Bynum started his training in Atlanta or not. Does anyone know. This whole Artest thing is crazy and he's not even a Laker. He had the chance to become a free agent and didn't. I think he's a great player and maybe even more consistent to Odom. I'd give it a try but I won't discuss this any further unless he does become a Laker. I think we should drop it for now. What's the latest with Vujacic? Anything?

Colorado loves the Lakers!

-CUBAN RUMORED TO OWN LA LAKERS AND SACTO KINGS-

http://www.theonion.com/content/news/mark_cuban_buys_sports

Sonnybelfast

Tom,

Would you then agree that we are weakest at the Small Forward Position with your line up?

I'm glad to see you have Laker for Life Odom on your list. I'd almost rather lose with a nice guy than have a jerk propel this team over the top. Then again, anything to make Mr. Bryant happy.

I am now supplementing my idea of Luke showing team spirit by voluntarily lowering his salary to allow us more mobility. Some of the money can go to the refs so he can get less fouls and more plaing time. How about it Luke?

GOOOOooOOO LAKERS!!!

Chopperman,

Karl and Vlad for Artest?

Well, why didn't you say so???

Just throw in that 2014 second round pick and you're on.

Sonnybelfast

Now that I think about it, I've reformulated my proposal.

Luke paying for less fouls so that he can get more playing time is a bad idea. How about, his voluntary salary cut of good will that goes to refs buying fouls away from the ball whenever he turns it over. That will not extend his time on the floor and he won't look like he has such low IQ basketball hands.

GOOOooOOOO LAKERS!!!

LakerTom

There is simply no way that Ariza will start over LO. Not a chance.

Laker Tom -

I definitely like the idea of Garbajosa playing for the Lake Show, but I just worry about his medical history. Mind you, I don't question his heart (how can someone when he played on one leg for his team in Spain?), I just haven't heard of any updates on his leg. Has he been cleared to do activities, or is he taking his time still?

If Mr. Artest would like to play for the lake show, then he should play out the last year of his contract and then sign next season - I'd like to see how seriously he takes this year, since it probably will be his last long-term deal.

Priority List.

1. Do not sign Turiaf but sign Sasha
2. Trade Odom for Marion or Artest
3. Then the impossible--get rid of Luke and SpaceCadet

If Mitch is able to get all this accomplished by end of July I really think LakerNation should vote on building a monument for Mitch on Mt. Rushmore.

BD

I am more than sure , Its was a few *bad apples* or may be the whole branch or who known the whole tree of refs influencing the games. But I still cant believe they actually agreed to influence the outcome of games , they have probably worked the spread of the games there the outcome was out of the question.

Five I'd like to see play the last 6 minutes of each game.

Kobe
Lamar
Bynum
Sasha
Farmar

Best "Showtime" Five

Ariza
Lamar
Bynum
Kobe
Farmar

I really don't see how we can run the break all that well with

Ariza
Gasol
Bynum
Bryant
Fisher

Only Fisher and Kobe handle the ball well in the open court. Only Kobe and Ariza run the court exceptionally well (Gasol runs the court extremely well for someone his size but that's like saying someone's Dachshund is fast; maybe so but its still not a very fast dog). And only Kobe runs the break exceptionally well.

Starting lineup

Lamar
Gasol
Bynum
Fisher
Kobe

Key subs

Ariza
Sasha
Farmar

It'll probably be a nine man rotation for the most part, not sure who the 9th man will be. Probably Walton or Radmanovich. It could be Mihm, but from what I've seen, I doubt it. I think either Bynum or Gasol will have to be on the court at all times. Not really a bad thing since it'll give Gasol more time playing center.

Jon K, that's a ridiculous quote. and it is completely backward. We are talking about the SF position, not the PF position that Odom played the last 2 years.

Artest is a better perimeter shooter than Odom, and a far superior defender. He's also much tougher (mentally and physically) and he is much more consistent.

Odom is not a good fit at SF. Artest is an allstar caliber SF (Lamar, by contrast, has never made an allstar team). The Celtics expose the Lakers inability to spread the floor by sitting back in a zone. The SF position requires a guy who can space the floor, and that requires consistent jumpshots. Lamar consistently turns down shots, and when he takes them, he misses them (unless they are layups--which he won't get as a SF).

Artest is a huge upgrade over LO at the SF position....

LTLF,
Although Igoudala is good it would not be TERRIBLE for the Sixers to lose him. They still have Andre Miller, Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams and Dalembert. Add Brand to that mix and it is still an nice team and better than the Clippers IMO.

Especially in the Leastern conference...

"Did anyone explain that Jiggawatts are the amount of power needed to make the flux capacitor work in "Back to the Future?""
-Mob Wagoneer

OK....... it's spelled Gigawatt, not "Jiggawatt". wow.

TIME TO KETCHUP…

I have been amazed at the energy on the blog the past two weeks – over a 100 posts and thousands of viewings have kept the blog humming even though it’s off season. Thanks to AK and BK and everybody for keeping the Lakers Blog rocking.

Tom

- - - - - - - - - -

Andrew Z,

>>>>>I would absolutely love to have Ron Artest on this team. There aren't many guys
>>>>>in the league that I like watching play more than him. The dude plays his heart
>>>>>out every second on the floor and the fact that he is absolutely crazy makes it
>>>>>even better. Do you think KG would have been doing all that yelling and chest
>>>>>pounding if Artest was on the Lakers? Hell no!! He would have been freaked
>>>>>that Artest would go nuts and eat his children. He would be the absolute perfect
>>>>>fit on this team, craziness, bad shot selection and future contract
>>>>>extension included.

The old Andrew Z would have listed the top ten reasons why NOT to get Artest. LOL.

- - - - - - - - - -

Jamie Sweet,

>>>>>This just in Jordan Farmar might be Barack Obama's running mate...on the break.
>>>>>J Farm was spotted at the Balboa Bay Club visiting the Democratic Presidential
>>>>>Nominee. Farmar to Obama, he shoots, he scores!

I once hoped that Bill Bradley would someday become our first president. Gotta love a president who understands round ball. Farmar to Obama. One biracial player to another. Pretty cool stuff happening now in America. Obama, Gay marriage, and Lakers season. The Audacity of Hope is an understatement.

- - - - - - - - - -

ex,

>>>>>A major consideration on the Artest/Odom question will be what the F.O.
>>>>>thinks it would take to re-sign each of them for subsequent seasons.

As usual, you have a good sense for the subtle but important points in the situation. My sense is that Lamar is currently overpaid some and Artest underpaid some. My guess would be that the cost to sign Lamar would be around $12M and Artest $10M per year.

- - - - - - - - - -

Eric,

>>>>>As one of those people who clutches to his religion and right to hunt,
>>>>>I found his comments made up in San Fran very offensive.
>>>>>Dress it up however you want, but it's one reactionary left wing socialist
>>>>>feeling comfortable with another. You might want to cut back on the weed
>>>>>since it is proven to impair mental ability.

Funny, I also believe in God and have a load handgun at home but was not offended by Obama’s remarks. I am more an Obamacon or libertarian politically than a “reactionary left wing socialist” but thank God you didn’t call me a communist – that would have hurt.

And for your information, I handle my love for “weed” more responsibly than most people handle their jones for booze. Plus, I never smoke and drive or blog.

Hope you enjoy the election and the “change” that is coming soon. LOL.

- - - - - - - - - -

Dr. John Smith,

>>>>> So you are a left wing lunatic sorry to hear the news mate...
>>>>>Liberalism = multiple mental disorders.....And stay away from
>>>>>my rifle and guns :lame: I need my protection from the
>>>>>gangsters and criminals.

Let’s see: I believe the Second Amendment gives individuals the right to have a loaded gun in their homes. I believe there is a place for religion to be a positive force to solve our problems. I believe abortions are to be avoided but the decision must be the woman’s. I believe the government needs to balance the budget and stop spending recklessly. I believe that fighting terrorism sometimes requires playing dirty. I believe in America.

Oops. Guess that makes me “a left wing lunatic,” LOL.

- - - - - - - - - -

Benjamin,

>>>>>Wow, one person makes a joke (partly?) in jest to LakerTom,
>>>>>Tom replies in a funny manner how he sees it and a bunch of reactionary
>>>>>folks jump all over Tom.

Thanks for having my back. It’s really funny because many of my friends consider me to be a backroom conservative. I would describe myself as a pragmatic centrist who wants to see us change how we run our country. I love Obama for his vision and inclusiveness which is exactly what is needed to stop the divisive nature of politics in this country. As I do with the Lakers blog, I look at life as GHF rather than GHE and prefer my politicians to do likewise.

>>>>>I have no idea how you could say LA has better access to quality weed
>>>>>than Sacramento. You're kidding right? The only thing that could give you
>>>>>such a strange idea is, ironically, the stuff you've been smoking. :P
>>>>>Vancouver, Green Triangle, Bay Area vs. LA?

Realistically, you always find the best stuff where there is the best demand. Medical pot has given patients and purveyors of weed a selection of strains and varieties that you could only find in Amsterdam or Tom Cruise’s house in LA or Calvin Klein’s pad in NY, both former customers of friends of mine who used be in the business in the early days.

The key with any drug – be it booze, weed, coke, or whatever – is moderation and responsibility. We don’t want anyone driving or blogging under the influence. LOL.

- - - - - - - - - -

Fatty,

>>>>>The comment of the weekend.
>>>>>Laker Tom responding to the Lakers being a soft team.
>>>>>Winning is the determining factor when considering whether a team is soft or not."

Thanks. If we had won 2 more games in the playoffs, the media would have been all over the Celtics for how they didn’t measure up.

- - - - - - - - - -

Sonny,

>>>>> At any event, why would your team consider giving up Lamar
>>>>>(who is functionally the Laker MVP) for anyone? As good as Bill is,
>>>>>that's just nuts!
>>>>>Your appraisal of pot laws and attitudes is right on.

Thanks for the honest appraisal of Thomas and Abdur-Rahim. Light one up for me.
Bud has always been the best way to kick back and relax after a tough day, the martini of the discriminating set – or was that “criminating” set? LOL.

- - - - - - - - - -

humanomaly,

>>>>>Alanis Morrisette once said in an interview about her song "Ironic"....
>>>>>that the irony about it is that there was no irony. Heard if from >>>>>
>>>>>Apple iTunes exclusive, where she commented about her music.
>>>>>Still trying to figure that one out.

Now there’s a woman you don’t want to have angry at you. Her fingernails probably cut deeper than a razor blade. I like strong personalities in my women but she scares the hell out of me. Like her lyrics and music, though.

- - - - - - - - - -

Long Time,

>>>>> It would be TOTALLY ironic if the Clippers
>>>>>made a big front-loaded offer to Iguodala.

That would take more balls than Donald Sterling has but it would be a great idea.

>>>>> Chinese Basketball league is weak. He'd get harder competition playing
>>>>>pickup ball in the men's gym at UCLA than in the CBL.
>>>>>And the D-League is way better than the CBL.

You are absolutely correct. And as much as the quality of competition is important, Sun Yue also needs to overcome the cultural differences between “in your face” NBA ball and the less aggressive style that reflects his Chinese culture.

- - - - - - - - - -

Edwin.

>>>>> Thanks for the clarification LakerTom. Not I don't believe on AK's point,
>>>>>as usual he easily he gets peeved if you don't accept his answer on the
>>>>>first response.

I think I will let that one fly by because I know exactly what you mean. JK, Andy.

- - - - - - - - - -

Tom

LakerTom,

That's the lineup I'm hoping for next season. I've gotten over the Artest thing. The only way I'd want him is if we could sign him and have him play with his two friends Kobe and LO. And it appears there's no way for that to happen.

I'd love to see us grab Posey. It'd definitely be a coup to not only have him leave Boston, but have him join our side. He'd become the new Robert Horry.

Bringing LO off the bench is definitely ideal for us. He could still play about 30-32 minutes a night backing up Drew, Pau and grabbing a few minutes at the 3. He'd be our big man version of Ginobili.

Jon K.-

Nice quote. I agree with that of course. Any time I hear the words 'Artest' and 'Lakers' in the same sentence, I cringe. He would be an awful fit. We just have too many stars on the team already. Thats one of Lamar's beauties, he doesn't want to be the star. I don't know too many players that are as selfless as Lamar. Plain and simple, Lamars the man, straight up.

Lamar = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS

Luke Walton is 28yrs old, and getting growing older and slower by the second! So stop hoping this clown will get better or improve as a nba player because his career is over! Mitch and Phil should be flogged unmercifully for this signing! Case in point how many teams looking to sign Sasha? None! Don't get me wrong I like Sasha he has shown improvement and should be resigned but at what price? If the Lakers would have used the same or similar process in the give Luke a good ole boy club signing we would have money to go after more athletic players who can defend and jump and hit open shots.

Luke Walton is a bum! If I missed something please add!

Sasha should be re-sign but not the equivalent of MLE contract, it's a $ for $ for many years to come in luxury taxes. There are some good points that Sasha could bring to the Lakers and continue improving his D. It is just painful to remember how he and Gasol were taken by Ray Allen to school on how basketball is played. I'm sure he took that hard as a good lesson.

While we praise on Coby Karl, the kid is trying to prove that he belongs to the Lakers at $1M salary. We should all be happy with that attitude while others are thinking of more money when the team is on the verge explode in salaries, this kid just wants to play more minutes. For you guys protecting the interest of your favorites who are not in the Summer League, too bad! Hopefully, Karl will be the new Fisher who will help the Lakers problem in the point or as SG. He can play both positions as long as given more playing time.

Now if Karl is not the player you want in the Summer League, who is better than him in this Summer League w/ Lakers. I was hoping to see on Crawford, Mata-Real and Jefferson noooo, they're long way to go. PJ will just sit on the bench until they gather dust and cobwebs. Crawford plays like a poor man'sFisher when he was new. He can shoot but gets into T/O with their NCAA experiences, as Chick says: too many rookie mistakes.

JustaLakerfan,

Training camp won't start until early October (Oct. 1, I believe). We've still got a long way to go. At least college football and the NFL start soon!

Posted by: Xodus | July 14, 2008 at 03:00 PM

Thanks for the input.

How about finals replays?

JustLakerFan

You implied that Gasol was playing PF when he made the All-star team didn't you?

Memphis Grizzlies

With Gasol at center +7.3 pts/48 min
With Gasol at PF and Milicic at center - 19.8 pts/ 48 min
Without Gasol and with Milicic at center -8.7 pts/48 min

Memphis was better with their star player on the bench than with him at PF. And much better with him at center.

It's the only metric other than Jerry West's eyes to judge how well the Laker's might do with Gasol playing PF

Posted by: giantsquid | July 14, 2008 at 03:12 PM

---------------------
For the sake of not going round and round lets just focus on Gasol with Lakers and how effective he will be in the mix with the surrounding Laker talent. I don't care about Memphis days as I am saying I think he will be effective as PF here and at sometimes center.

Thanks for the reply.

JustaLakerFan

When did I compare Bynum to Darko? My point is that Pau is a much better center that he is a PF. Really Pau's problem with PFs won't be near the hoop, it's mid-range and out. Pick and pops etc. Drew won't be nearly as effective out there. If I played the Lakers, I'd pick and pop all day long unless Pau's guarding Okur, Dirk etc. then I'd play those guys off screens near the arc. He'll match-up best with PFs like Duncan (Bynum may actually take Duncan) and others that play close to the basket. Really there are very few PFs that Pau matches up well with at the defensive end and those that he does match up with may actually be guarded by Drew (Boozer, Duncan, Brand, etc.)

Posted by: giantsquid | July 14, 2008 at 04:29 PM

----------------------
I never said you did. Someone else posted that. I still say forget Pau as Memphis player and think of how he will be as PF. I think at pf he will be very good perimeter defender with size and speed. He can cause problems for perimeter shooting bigs as AB will guard the paint. That is my point. He has a good midrange shot but as center used more dunks, layups and hooks near the basket. Back at PF he will go back to midrange game and drives to basket from perimeter. And yes pick and rol or pick and pop from high post.

At least Team USA is starting next week, and against a Canadian squad that won't put up much of a fight without Steve Nash in the lineup. That will be a thrashing.

Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 14, 2008 at 04:35 PM

--------------------
Will it be televised? If so when and where? TV or online?

Love the Lake Show

I'd take Odom Bynum and Gasol as our frontline for more of a defensive presence than any other reason. You have three guys averaging 9 - 10 rebounds/ contest, about 6 blocks a game between them (although in Andrew's case this is theoretical). Odom is quick enough to stay with a SF like the Matrix OR is big enough to muscle an Artest or Battier. Gasol is under-rated on defence, which works to his advantage, and makes up for bang with quickness, and Bynum was a monster...before he got hurt.

As far as the offence goes, I think that Gasol spreads the defence in the triangle better than Odom at the four because he can shoot outside more reliably, he won't be bombing trey's, but I think our 3 point shooting is one of our weakness' as a team. He will keep the opposing team's best rebounder (typically a 4 in the league these days) from sagging. On offence, Odom does best when he moves without the ball and exploits opponents who sag off him as he cuts to the hoop. With Pau operating at the pinch post or out at the top of the key, he'll either have open passing lanes to Lamar or Andrew or have an open J. He's such a good passer and is quick enough off the dribble that he can take most 4's to the hole for a nice looking and-one.

With regards to your ironic Celtics comment: I would say that we ran the Celtics old system this year, with Gasol as the Chief, Odom as McHale and Vlad Rad as Bird and we came up two games short. It worked great until they just clogged the lane, we stalled on offence when we didn't t get any closer than 12' or so. Now in the Finals, and especially Game 6, this was a limited phenomenon. I thought we attacked the rim much more aggressively leading up to the Finals. But I don't think that is a working formula, I think it's too predictable, even for the triangle. It doesn't create movement with two guys like Vlad Rad or even Luke (although Luke is always better to have on the court because he plays better D and rebounds more consistently). The Celtics were able to exploit our biggest wealness: Our SF are limited in their ability to take it to the hole.

With the Andrew/Lamar/Pau you will have a much better dynamic of skills. Now you will have a better shooting 4 in Gaso but without losing any court visionl. The same type of close to the hoop skills, but with more bang, in Bynum. Best of all, we'll have a SF that can take it to the hoop and, if he gets better at free-throws in the off-season, raise his scoring average to that 20 ppg we all envision. .

Ok, ok, just kidding on that last bit. I'll settle for 18 ppg in the regular season and 22 ppg in the playoffs.

I say patience because we came up one good defensive play short in Game 2. Because we, as a city, wilted in Game 4. Because the blood was in the water in Game 6.

We have never seen this line-up. It looks like the kind of thing someone would create at home on NBA Live 2006. Just what if it works.

Re-sign Sasha.

Unless he's like Adrian Beltre.

Since this is something that we don't talk about much...by most accounts Kobe will be postponing his surgery till after the olympics well the olympics start on 8-8-08 and preseason starts on Oct. Will he be able to join the team during training camp or will it be like last year?

Go Lakers!

Posted by: Faith | July 14, 2008 at 04:58 PM

--------------------------
I read somewhere that he is expected to miss training camp recovering from surgery. But who knows. But if he does that is more reason to hold on to Odom for his experience in early part of season.

Also, to giantsquid and puddles.

Sorry for the mis-understanding regarding Bynum and Darko. I re-read puddles point and it does make lots of sense.

Sometimes posting at work isn't such a good idea.

You get harried.

GO LAKERS!!!!!

Not that Odum has to shoot the rock as well as the great Larry Bird did. Of course not. But this is why all the talk of trading for Artest. The Lakers need a true SF with defensive quickness and as a reliable shooter at the 3 to spread the floor. So Gasol and Bynum have room to operate underneath.

Otherwise teams are simply going to sag off Odum much as Garnett already did in the finals. Zone us and clog the middle on Bynum and Gasol.

Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | July 14, 2008 at 06:25 PM

---------------------------
You forget Kobe in this equation. Odom can dish to Kobe for 3 or dish to Kobe and dive to basket for midrange or to rim.

Artest to represent himself as his own agent? That could be interesting.

Uhm………

The setting: Artest and his Pit Bull with Jeannies dog in his mouth, entering Mitch Kupchak’s office.

Janice, Mitch’s secretary: Mr. Kupchak, Mr and Mr Artest to see you.
Artest: Yo Mitch, I’m here to rep my client Bill in the negotiations. Fido, put that dog down, you don't know where its been?!
Mitch: And you are?
Artest: [puzzled] Oh I get ya. It all depends. If you want to talk to Bill, you just say Bill. If you want to talk Ron, you just say Ron. Got that?
Mitch: I think so.
Artest: I anticipated this very problem, so I had these two hats made. One says Bill the Player, and the other says Ron the Agent.
Mitch: So what can we do for you......Ron?
Ron the Agent: Oo, I almost forgot the hat.[laughs] My client wants to play for the Lakers and he wants to know if that sounds good and what you think of him?
Mitch: It sounds interesting, but I have to let you know, we think Bill is a great player, but the Lakers are worried about his stability.
Ron the Agent: Thanks, I’m sure Bill appreciates that. But I can assure you, my client Bill is as stable as the stock market and a bull in a china shop. [laughs heartily]
Bill the Player:[changes hat] What do you mean, not stable!? [Stands up in a threatening manor]
Ron the Agent: [changes hat] Be quiet Bill. its cool, the man is just expressing himself
Mitch: [Distracted watching Artest's Pit shaking Jeannies dog in the background] Ron, Bill, you are still under contract with the Kings, right? The CBA and ethics prohibit me from talking to you.
Ron the Agent: Excuse me Mitch, but we playing in the NBA, not no CBA crap league.
Bill the Player: [changes hat, standing again] And who is this Ethix dude? No one can tell me I can’t play! [as he kicks the trash can across the room] I’m in my prime. You tell that punk to come in here and say that to my face!
Mitch: Just a minute [as he picks up the phone, now whispering into it] Janice, send for security, no, check that, make it the SWAT Team.

To be continued…….

Laker Tom

Sorry mate I jumped to conclusion's.I live down-under, my neighbor is a liberal professor from Queensland and the women gives me horrible grief over my gun collection.And I have been quite short of late from her laconic attacks. Anyway sorry again mate.

hey guys .. I know its OFF THE TOPIC .. but can ANYONE tell me when will the 08-09 Schedule be released??? PLS

Sonny,
"Just throw in that 2014 second round pick and you're on."

Don't go overboard - sometimes you find some real gems in the second round. Just wait until you see Crawford in the finals this year!

The pursuit of Artest is fueled, no doubt, from Phil's disappointment with the lack of aggression, heart, and conviction of his so called number 2 player, the weak of mind Pau Gasol.

Since we need an effective SF, the wimpy Pau may just serve an unintentional purpose. At least he was good for one thing.

All this talk of trade but I wouldn't be surprised if the Lakers stand pat and don't do anything. And come training camp, we have the same group of softies (minus, Kobe, Andrew, Fish and one or two others)..I just keep thinking about Kupchak saying we weren't going to blow up the team or make any major changes only a tinkering if there was an opportunity. Hell, even if we somehow was able to get a Reggie Evans type player, it would make us more of a physically imposing kind of team..Nonetheless, I still think we need to ship out one of those small forwards..

I'm someone who is opposed to trading LO. I think with AB and Pau his game could blossom to new heights. But just for kicks and giggles and for imagination's sake, what about a trade for T. Prince out of Detroit?

I haven't looked at the numbers and if more players would need to be included in the deal, but I do know that the Detroit FO is looking to unload players, and TP is near the top of their list. He'd give us very good D, good scoring (probably as much as LO), and decent rebounding. Plus, the man's not afraid to take it to the hole and he always hustles.

I've always been a big fan of his. Sure, he won't get in your face and scream his arse off like KG, but the man is a serious defender who could bea less volatile, and cheaper, alternative to Artest.

Just a thought.

-bozz-

Dr. John Smith,

You come on to the Lakerblog for your first post and your main concern is your guns??

You're nothing but a gun freak, mate.

LakerTom,

What are you blowin' on man? Now every time someone disagrees with you, they can pull the 'smoke weed' card on you.

You must have some goodies...

Go Lakers!

didn't see this posted:

Vujacic switches agents again
July 15th, 2008, 7:15 am · Post a Comment · posted by JANIS CARR, OCREGISTER.COM
Anybody heard of any teams that have expressed interest in Sasha Vujacic? Perhaps Vujacic hasn’t either.

Maybe that’s why he has changed agents — again.

Vujacic used to be with Rob Pelinka (Kobe Bryant’s agent) before switching to Bill Duffy. Now, he is back with Pelinka, maybe with the hope that he will be able to attract a few offers some time before training camp opens.

Vujacic, a restricted free agent, was offered a one-year qualifying deal for $2.6 million by the Lakers, but seems to waiting on other teams to call. GM Mitch Kupchak was vague about being contacted by other teams regarding Vujacic, saying that several teams have expressed interest in Vujacic over the years.

Otherwise, it continues to be quiet around the El Segundo offices. The Lakers have until Thursday to match Ronny Turiaf’s 4-year, $17 million offer from the Golden State Warriors and all indications are that the Lakers will pass on the affable player.

Matching up against Boston

I didn't see the 2 regular season games we lost against Boston, but I understand Bynum was playing. We didn't have Gasol at that time, so we were short on big piece we have now, just as in the finals we were short one big piece in Andrew. So in all the games we were short one of our stars.

Was that the difference in why they beat us? Why were they able to beat us handily during the season with Bynum playing? I think we match up poorly against Boston.

From some of you who watched those regular season games, why did we lose them badly to the Celtics?

John

Justa,

ESPN I think. July 25th. Not sure what time.

chuckie,
"If the Lakers would have used the same or similar process in the give Luke a good ole boy club signing we would have money to go after more athletic players who can defend and jump and hit open shots"

LOL! Nice try, but without Walton under contract, the Lakers would still be 12M over the salary cap, and thus unable to go after 'more athletic players who can defend and jump and hit open shots'. You do realize that, don't you? It must be painful constantly trying to twist everything to fit your ant--Walton bias.

Good morning CRUE!!

Does anyone know when Team USA's first game is? And what channel will be broadcasting? I'm going through some serious b-ball withdrawal here.....

Are we done with the "trade LO for Bill-Ron" yet? Arrgghhh - I seriously hope so. Bozz - I'm intrigued by the idea of TP - what would it take for him as an upgrade to the defense? (Although in NO WAY would I want to give up LO to get him....plus he'd need a new nickname. No one on this team can be called TP!) It's an interesting thought, but is there a way to tweak the team with his addition as opposed to blowing it up to get him?

LakerTom - catching up on the thread I've learned something about you that is just on the other side of the "too much information" line....LOL!

BTW - Fatty - GREAT interview last night! Can't wait for the 2nd installment!

justanothermambafan,

Like I said, I haven't looked at the numbers and logistics of the deal (if my boss finds out what I'm doing, well, let's just say that i'll have a lot more time to spend on this blog, if you know what I mean) but I'm guessing that LO would have to be part of the deal. Detroit won't want to take on Luke's bad contract. Vlad's a possibility, but he's not a centerpiece type of player when it comes to trades. Ariza and Farmar would definitely have to be involved if LO isn't, but I'd hate to give up on two promising young guys such as them.

I'm guessing LO and hopefully, hopefully, Vlad for TP and maybe someone like Maxiell (sp?) to give us some insurance if/when we lose Ronny. Dollars would have to match though, but I like that TP isn't a high-dollar type of guy.

I still say keep the team as it is and experiment with the Three Towers.

-bozz-

Good stuff Fatty-

That was hilarious and had me laughing for sure. Bill is definitely a huge head case and will only ruin this Laker squad. He will go bananas with rapping and all his business ventures in LA. Odom has his fair share of business ventures but he never lets it affect his games, which is a huge plus.

Lamar = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS

Leo,

Ron Bill Ron Ron is not mentally tough. He's a child on the verge of collapse at any given moment. We don't need any more psychological nutcases on this team.

Korey,

I'd love to see Igoudala in a Clippers uniform.

GO LAKERS!

Fatty - Wow. That interview was genius. Ron-Bill's dual personality was so real I could almost feel it... and it scared me.

Hey A/BK, has anyone heard about Bynum's development? We're all dying here for a positive update.

Fatty,

That Mitch/Bill/Ron dialogue made my day. Keep it up.

85 days is too long.

I need Summer League updates. Hopefully Coby Karl scored 87 points today and pulled down 35 rebounds. Maybe that would change the subject away from Ron Bill Ron Ron d'Artest for a couple days.

GO LAKERS!

Fatty,

I think you just became the Official Blogger Interviewer of Laker Nation. Wear that title with dignity!

So, to reiterate my points...

1. Don't trade Lamar.
2. Resign Sasha (and hopefully Braveheart).
3. Don't sign Ron Bill Ron Ron d'Artest.
4. Take advantage of the Clippers dysfunction (Sign Quinton Ross and James Singleton.)
5. Resign Coby Karl.

That's it.

GO LAKERS!

Andrew the K.,

So, seriously here. Seriously. Is it even financially feasible for the Lakers to resign Kwame Brown? Seriously.

GO LAKERS!

Bozz - I agree. I want to see what our team can do when healthy before we start the crazy experimenting! (And make sure you stay under cover bro, even though more Bozz posts are never a bad thing - lol!)

AK/BK - with all the lay-offs at the Times, I'm assuming you guys are not in any danger?

>>>Did anyone explain that Jiggawatts are the amount of
>>>power needed to make the flux capacitor work in "Back
>>>to the Future?"

Technically, those would be Gigawatts.

mrbarneydangles,

Right you are about Ron Bill Ron Ron d'Artest. Los Angeles just has too many distractions for him. I don't hate Ron Bill Ron Ron like I used to. I recognize now that he's like a child emotionally. He's not a bad guy. Just really immature and screwed up. I don't think he'd have a positive impact upon the chemistry/dynamic on the team.

GO LAKERS!

justanothermambafan,

Of course the Kamenetsky Brothers aren't in any danger of being fired! The L.A. Times knows that if they go Laker Nation will march on the Times Headquarters and burn that place to the ground!

85 days and counting....

GO LAKERS!

bozz,

>>>But just for kicks and giggles and for imagination's sake,
>>> what about a trade for T. Prince out of Detroit?

I like Tay a lot, and I'd love to get him. Only problem is, Joe
Dumars has said that he'll only trade any of his starters for
an all-star, and he's even more particular than that. He was
trying to trade Billups for Carmelo Anthony. Denver offered
Iverson and he said no thanks. So it can't even be just any
all-star. I'm pretty sure Lamar doesn't qualify.

I proposed a three-way trade yesterday that was basically
the standard Artest trade floating around, except that
Sacramento sends Artest to Detroit and Detroit sends Prince
to the Lakers. In other words...

Lakers send Odom and Mihm to Sacramento

Sacremento sends Kenny Thomas to the Lakers
Sacramento sends Ron Artest to Detroit

Detroit sends Tayshawn Prince to the Lakers

Does that work for you?

john_in_houston,

>>>Was that the difference in why they beat us? Why were
>>>they able to beat us handily during the season with
>>>Bynum playing?

I'd have to say shock value.

Boston plays very very very aggressively on defense. More so
than any other team in the league right now. When you only
play a team twice a year, even if you hear media that Boston's
a really good defensive team and all that, until you're in the
game with them experiencing it, you don't "get it".

If you play them 5 times a year, then after the first time or
two, your coach has time to adjust and find ways to beat it,
but when you're in the middle of shock-and-awe, it's hard
to adjust on the fly.

Note that in the playoff series, Phil was able to make adjustments
and win a few games. For example, switching and having
FIsh chase Allen around and having Kobe cover Rondo. Kobe
totally disrupted Rondo's game in games 3-5. Also how they
played Leon Powe after game 2. And in some of the later
games, Kobe was aggressively throwing off Kevin Garnett
when he tried to hold on screens.

Note similarly that the Lakers' shock-and-awe offense can be
countered. If Denver played the Lakers again in next year's
playoffs, I bet they'd win a game and you'd see some strategies
that you hadn't seen before.

Of course the Kamenetsky Brothers aren't in any danger of being fired! The L.A. Times knows that if they go Laker Nation will march on the Times Headquarters and burn that place to the ground!

Posted by Jon K - Torch Bearer of the 2008 Laker Nation

LOL!

LTLF - thanks for the break-down on what it would take to get TP. I guess we'll pass..... Fun to think about these kind of scenarios, though, but too much must be given away.

LO = Laker for Life

Goooooooooooooooooooooooood morning Blog!

Posting from work, eeek!

Hopefully it'll be a good day in Lakerland. I can see it now:

Mitch'll get a little more tan waiting on the beach for desperate teams offering some measely excuse of a trade for Lamar.

Lamar will have a great day designing some trendy threadsd to sport at next years PG interviews. Then he'll shoot 500 free-throws and work on his up-and-under move.

Luke will have shot 1,000 jumpers and worked on his funky white-boy post game. Then he'll grub down on some Waltonian fare.

Sasha will have sat by the phone all day, but the only person calling is his buddy Pau saying..take the 2.5...take the 2.5...then he'll work on getting a shot off AFTER he takes the ball to the rack.

Ronny will say, my heart is in LA, but the green is in the Bay. Then he'll do a little shimmy and call Andrew B.

Andrew B. will pick up on the other line and say, "Dang Ronny, you got a new heart and were playing again in like...6 months, dog. What's a fella got to do to get his knee back proper?

Trevor's sitting at home saying, I love LA!

Kobe's finger is magically regenerating in his newest shoe commercial. Like Wolverine regenerating!

Pau is playing badmitton on the beach saying, "Who's soft...OOOH! watch the birdie! Hey, lemme call Sasha V, "Take the 2.5....take the 2.5...."

Derek's at home with his family saying, I love LA!

PJ and JB are larking through a field of daffodils and poppies...well, Jeanie's larking and Phil's lurching.

Doc Buss is looking around his room saying...man, I know I put a playmate SOMEWHERE around here...Mitch?!

GO LAERS!!!!

The biggest improvement the Lakers could get if they face
Boston again in the finals next season...

is not a pl