Good move.

Go Lakers!

3 years isn't bad.

So this adds another 2.4 million to the luxuary tax. That means the Lakers are around 6 million into the luxuary tax. It'll be interesting to see what the Lakers do next. There has got to be a trade in the works.

mike t.

Finally some good news.

Now we can figure out our little SF problem.

We buy out Vlad, pick up a serviceable PF backup and I'll be as happy as the day they got rid of Brian Cook.

I was about to start demanding some good news. Basketball gods know we needed some.

Good move signing Sasha, Lakers brass. Now lets get one more inside player and get training camp going! Can't wait!

Yes! Good job Mitchell.

-bozz-

I love Mitch...for now. lol.

viva la machina!

3 years, great deal. Glad he accepted a shorter contract, it definitely shows some commitment to the Lakers on his part.

Now go work on your game!!!

i'm happy he is still a Laker!!! He is a very important player to the team...now get to work Machine!

pfunk36,

LOL! I agree with you about Walton. That Walton contract is going to haught the Lakers for the duration of the contract. And I'm with you on the point that because of the Walton error the Lakers feel the need to play him to justify the signing, even though it cost other players the opportunity to show what they can do. (I mean the numbers Walton put up were based on over 30 minutes of playing time per game. I want to see Rad play for 30 minutes and not average 12-13 points.)

The Walton error just makes me think that this was more about race than basketball.

If you'll remember during the time, how almost all of the Southern California sports writers were acting like Walton was the reason the Lakers were winning. But it had nothing to do with Kwame Brown sealing the paint. Even though from the time Shaq was traded the only time the Lakers won was when Kwame Brown became the starting center.

Boston proved that with a center who can seal the lane you have a winner on your hands. That's exactly what the Lakers had on their hands when they started winning and took Phoenix to 7 games that year. And we lost because PJ rode Smush Parker even though he was being killed by Nash.

The next season the Lakers started winning and Walton did well for a couple of months. Then he got injured. Then he had a terrible 2nd half of the season and playoffs, too. But he got a 30 million dollar contract? Then this season you saw the Lakers winning but no one was giving Walton any credit even though he played exactly the same way he played for the 2nd half of the season the year before.

Now all of sudden Walton didn't live up to expectations?

He lived up to everything he did from the year before in the 2nd half of the season and the playoffs.

And now it's what happened to Walton? Nothing!

He played exactly the way he played in the 2nd half of his contract year. He got paid 30 million because the L.A. Times writer were pushing him as if though a slow footed SF was the reason why the Lakers were winning.

Gee, I guess what Boston did to the Lakers in the finals finally opened the eyes of these writers because now they're saying Gasol is soft as a marshmellow (Oh, wait, I'm the one who called Gasol a marshmellow) and now they understand that the Lakers need muscle in the post. And winning is never based on a slow footed SF, ever!

mike t.

Fantastic! Three years...three rings. This team, with Bynum and Ariza back, is going to cream the league and take back the title. And I don't even think the Celts will make it next year. This is going to be the next dynasty.

Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:02 PM:

>>>>>There's no way the Lakers are upping their offer. Mitch said the market is
>>>>>dictating what's going on. The Lakers, I don't think, will offer more than 3 million.
>>>>>Sasha might look at that as an insult. But really, the Lakers aren't in position
>>>>>to offer more than that without damaging what they intend to do.

Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:37 PM:

>>>>>The market isn't dictating that Sasha is going to get 5 million from anyone
>>>>>and now the Lakers are supposed to pay him that much?

Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:48 PM:

>>>>>No, the Lakers can't afford what Sasha does and still address their
>>>>>defensive needs.

Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 09:55 PM:

>>>>>After 2 years, I think, the Lakers are going to Rad for their outside shooting
>>>>>and let Sasha walk. The Lakers can't keep Mihm, Walton, Rad and Sasha.
>>>>>Two are slow footed and two can shoot. Or is that: 4 are slow footed and
>>>>>two can shoot.

Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 08:53 AM:

>>>>> And the Lakers won't pay Sasha 5 million a year not even for 3 years.

Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 11:53 AM:

>>>>>If you can't see that...explaining stuff like this to you is kind of like paying
>>>>>Sasha 5 million a year when one no else in the NBA is offering that type
>>>>>of money. It just doesn't make sense.

Posted by: LakerTom | July 25, 2008 at 12:26 PM:

>>>>> Just watch Sasha get re-signed. If he doesn’t, I will be wrong, for once (that was just for you, LOL), and will be man enough to admit it. But what are you going to say when Sasha re-signs for $5M?

Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 04:38 PM:

>>>> 3 years isn't bad.

Tom

After 3 or 4 years on the job covering the Lakers when are AK and BK going to get some kind of scoop? They have the perfect format to break news but...what's the problem?

mike t.

Ever notice how Laker Tom alway bring my name up?

I've been noticing it for a while now. I think I know why. He post a lot and gets responses for a lot of bloggers. Those responses are like pats on the back to him. Like as if you're telling him...good job Laker Tom.

When I came back to the blog he started adddressing me in some friendly way. I ignored him but I don't think much of his writing. But he keeps coming back with mike t. this and mike t. that.

Here's the deal. Remember when Vlade Divac made a shot against the Bulls in the finals back in '91? He ran to Magic Johnson and bowed his head waiting for Magic to give him his approval.

That's what Laker Tom is doing to me. He wants my approval. But I'll I'm saying to him is: "Get the hell out of my face, kid!"

He doesn't get my approval and that upsets him so now he can't just post about what he thinks. He has to bring my name into it because he's frustrated with me because I have a low regard for his writing. LOL!

Notice how he saves my posts for later use? LOL!

GET THE HELL OUT MY FACE, KID!

LOL!

mike t.

I'm mike t. sucka...Just be glad you're able to mention my name in your posts.

LOL!

mike t.

THE LEGEND BEHIND THE LAKERS
by Preetom Bhattacharya for HoopsWorld.com

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9557

There is no doubt that Tex Winter deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Tom

Sasha took a pay cut to stay in the NBA and with the Lakers.

Good for him and the Lakers for ponying up.

My calcs have the Lakers team salary at 80 mil and rising.

Dr. Buss's wallet got a little thinner today and LA fans got a little happier.

Thanks Dr Buss

What a great deal for both the Lakers and Sasha...

Short Contract for the Lakers and...

Sasha deserves 5M unlike some players we have.

Sasha a Laker for Life! ...Great Day in LakerLand!

BD

Ray Allen go down.
Next year Macheen gurantee.
Macheen dominate.

What is a "troll"? Someone who doesn't agree with you?

Old man...just quit trying to get my attention and you'll be a happier person. I'll never pat you on the back for your writing. I think it's terrible.

mike t.

BLOG CRUE
We finally signed Vujacic. Really cool.

Tim-4-Show
I guess I'll continue to wear his jersey for the next three years at Pepsi Center. I've never seen anyone else with his jersey over there. The funny thing is he remembers my son and I. I'll ask him to swap one of my jerseys for his game jersey. If it happens, you all will know.

Colorado loves the Lakers!

mike t. you are so lame! what a douce bag!

The Lakers stay soft
The title get closer, and
Sasha gets richer

At least I don't go around saving post from someone I say has no credibility.

Think about it.

All Laker Tom want is my approval.

Never!

mike t.

LakerTom,

Mike T isn't even worth it. His posts are always wrong and then he finds someway to change his argument so that he ends up right. Like when he said the Lakers would be a "50-50" team that loses in the second round and that the Grizzlies weren't getting Kwame because of his expiring deal, but because they're looking for more D. And of course he warmed their bench with the best of them.

Mike T,

He's not trying to get your approval. He's trying to show that you have no credibility and that you revise your own history. Get over yourself.

You know, this is a really good deal. It is short enough that maybe Sasha will remain hungry and continue to improve every season as he's done in the past. At that time, if he does what he's supposed to do, he'll easily be worth a long term deal with an even larger pay raise.

And, at that time, the Busses wouldn't even blink on signing him for it. Plus, he's soooo young it can all be a really nice bonanza for him and for us.

We shouldn't have to worry about that Elden Campbell effect with this deal.

A hungry Sasha is a good Sasha.

Just my $.02

--Fearless

Alright, Lakers will officially be the NBA Champions next year. Thank you Mitch, thank you Buss family. Just fill Turiaf's position with a decent free agent.

LakerTom,

As a rule when I see your name at the bottom of the post, I always read it. I realize lately i've been skipping them because of a) its about Bynum's salary, b) it's a debate with Mike T. Please stop and come back from the dark side of the force.

"I'm mike t. sucka...Just be glad you're able to mention my name in your posts.

LOL!

mike t."

I can't believe people still respond to him after garbage like that. He's a ƒ¨ç˚ˆ˜© ∆´®˚. Go away you åßß˙ø¬´.

SOme good thoughts on the logic of signing restricted FAs vs signing unrestricted FAs, from "Darius" at forumblueandgold (from prior to Sasha's signing):

"You’re not taking into account the circumstances that surround an RFA vs. a UFA. Look at almost every RFA that’s been on the market. How many have actually gotten offers (from other teams, I know that Ellis just re-upped with the W’s)? Ronny is one, and Kelena Az. is another. Can you name another one? Off the top of my head I can’t (besides Childress, who coincidentally may mirror what Sasha is doing right now), but maybe there was another one out there. Anyways, Ronny was offered a contract that we think was too high, and Kelena was offered a fair contract. Ronny walked and Kelena was retained. But overall, the market on these players is non-existent. The reason is that when you offer an RFA a contract, you better make sure that you propose the right deal, or it’s not even worth it as you either won’t get that player or could end up wildly overpaying for that guy. And what have we seen, guys like Deng, Gordon, Iguodala, JR Smith, Josh Smith, Okafor, Kristc, Gomes, Louis Williams…not one of these guys has been offered a contract by another teeam or their own team. So, I don’t think it’s fair to say, that the money isn’t out there for Sasha (or any of these other players). The money isn’t out there for ANY RFA as the burden/uncertainty surrounding their status is what drives the offer. Saying that Sasha isn’t worth what his camp is saying he’s worth is just a circular argurment/reasoning that doesn’t add up (The $ isn’t there because no one has offered it is true, but the reason WHY they haven’t offered it is complex and involves nuance). So, all I’m saying is, pay the guy what he’s worth, we can lock him up, so do it. The market place is much more deliberate for UFA’s but for RFA’s it’s tricky, that’s all I’m saying…"

they need to sign an Artest type player. Kwame rumors? he could be bynum backup if they get him for $1. Mihm's career is over sadly. trade rad if they can and get a physical strong player

Face it Mike T, you got owned.

Your tired rerun is about to get canceled.

I'm so sick of your obvious racism.

Time for a reality check!

First, props to Mitch and Jerry for retaining Sasha. He was my choice last year for the one Laker who would have a breakout year. Pretty sure he showed his value in the playoffs.

Just looking for see if I am the only one who is concerned about Bynum's future. It worries me that his agent is such a hurry to push for a max deal. The agent wants it completed before the end of September. That WAY before training camp. Why the rush?

Could it be that Bynum and his agent realize that his knee is much worse than they led on. Is it possible that they want to secure a deal before the Lakers staff get a good look at him on the floor? Very suspicious....

One would think if the medical procedures had gone well and he was making good progress the agents would be showcasing his workouts to prove their client deserved the max deal. So far just alot of delays and mixed messages. Maybe I am just paranoid. WHAT SAY YOU?

bozz,

If you watched Prince today you might reconsider giving up LO for him. He is tremendous. He can get juked pretty hard and is still so long it doesn't matter.

Of course against Canada, the whole US team was able to really show what it does best. You always look better against lower competition.

That's even without Lebronze (hopefully to be Lebron again within a month).

The sick dribble moves to nice finishes by CP3 and Deron Williams really got me going. Just awesome stuff.

And the IDIOT blogger of the year goes to....

Unanimous choice...

Of course, Michael C. Teniente

You know, when Mike leaves this blog AGAIN, I DON'T WANT TO HEAR FROM ONE FREAKIN BLOGGER THAT HE IS MISSED. Because that is so far from the truth.

The guy is simply an IDIOT troll. His arguments are pathetic, his knowledge is suspect (not to mention he sold his soul for Kwame's calves and Bynum's injury--the irony here is that he didn't realize the injury would get Kwame traded). He puts his agenda before the TEAM and plays voodoo with his Bynum doll.

Yet after he left the first time, I was astonished to read that some people actually missed him.

Go away Satan's boy. Just say no.

I prefer trolls like Butler and Let's go C's (as much as that makes me vomit in my mouth to even say that) to Mike because Mike tries to get us to believe he actually likes the Lakers.

LOL!

You people have nothing better to write about except to address me. Why is that?

I think I know why.

"Brown, who was part of the deal that sent Pau Gasol to the Lakers, got the "good riddance" treatment from LA fans who saw him as a drastic underachiever. it seems the Lakers coaches and brass saw things differently."

SHUT UP!

LOL!

I don't think Laker Tom will recove from that one.

mike t.

Yea, is Bynum playing basketball yet? Has anyone actually seen him play? I sure hope so. He has been out WAY to long. Hopefully Bynum will come back strong like Amare (even though different injuries). A healthy Bynum will mean everything to the Lakers.

Lamar = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS

Now if you'll excuse me...I have to study some grant writing material.

mike t.

p ang,

>>>>>Please stop and come back from the dark side of the force.

LOL. I’m trying. That was my final post to Mike. Can’t promise too much on Drew but I have been restraining myself. Thanks for the nudge. The Map of the World.

Tom

What's up LakerTom

Glad we got Sasha for a sensible deal and not a dollar more.

We need to fix our top problem.

Luke Walton and Vlad Rad are dead weight on the roster.
NO ONE WANTS LUKE WALTON BUT HIS DADDY.

How about this trade?

The Sixers are looking for a Kyle Korver repalcement in the worse way.

VLAD RAD to the SIXERS
for REGGIE EVANS and cash.

This gives us a BANGER and someone to help take minutes and wear and tear off of Bynum, Gasol, and Odom in order to make it through 82 games healthy.

No one considers how important making it through 82 games is from an attrition standpoint. The season beats on your roster. That's where we miss Rony Turiaf now.

I WANT REGGIE EVANS for VLAD RAD.
Both have 3 yrs left on their deals.

exhelodrvr

I agree that we're still soft.

I think counting on Chris Mihm is a huge mistake.

I think Odom and Vlad Rad could both net something.
A team needing a shooter might take Vlad Rad.

Not many will bite though, Sixers just might.
Denver has nothing contractually healthy to send back.

I think the team is inclined to wait before moving Odom. That's probably a dead issue until Xmas/New Yrs at the earliest.

Edwin Gueco,

LOL! Man, what do I care what these people think?

Having ever heard of the word: Boring!

That's what they are.

mike t.

I don't ever want Mike T. on my team.

Benjamin,

Yeah, I watched the game too, pretty entertaining. I'm all for keeping LO, I want to see how the Three Towers will work out. But if I did have to deal LO then the one player I'd want coming to us is Prince. I think he's just as good as Battier on D, probably not as good as Artest, and he does have offensive game when he's asked to play that role.

Oh well, we got Sasha back, I'm happy. If we could only grab one more big presence to clog the lane then I'll be set. Just as long as it doesn't start with "K" and end with "wame Brown."

-bozz-

1. The under the radar great deal of the summer:

VLAD RAD and cash/or/Coby Karl for

REGGIE EVANS of the Philly 76ers

Awesome move for Mitch

It gives Phil Jack his banger and adds more rebound insurance along with attritution help for the long grind we have to survive in order to get back to June.

Go ahead and compete for the GM of the yr award again Mitch!!!!!!

Reggie "Nutcracker" Evans?

I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. And I don't even have nuts haha.

Sorry.

Yahoo - Sasha remains a Laker!!! That made my night while watching the USA whoop the Canadians!

GO LAKERS!!!

I quite enjoy this blog. But really, shunning works. All engaging does is bring the trolls back.

Glad to see Sasha resigned.