Welcome to the Machine
No, the Lakers didn't sign Roger Waters or David Gilmour (although that would make for some killer postgame jam sessions in the locker room after wins). Instead, according to the Press-Enterprise, they have retained Sasha Vujacic, allowing the "Machine" era to carry on another three seasons to the tune of $15 million, a yearly salary that's something of a compromise between parties. Not sure if Team Vujacic coming down in price led to fewer years than originally requested (so he wouldn't be locked in as many years) or if Team Buss coming up in price meant committing shorter term. But either way, Lakers fans won't have to say "wish you were here" to Sasha.
More thoughts later, but just wanted to keep everyone in the loop.
(UPDATE: More from the L.A. Times)
AK
"LOL. You’re just another troll who with crazy ideas who thinks he is a star and doesn’t realize that he’s really just a joke. Here’s some news for you: those people you think are laughing with you – they’re really laughing AT you. Not WITH you but AT you!"
Oh gee, your words have such deep impact.
Don't you realize that I've infiltrated your mind?
When you read my post, if you'll notice, I usually don't mention anyone's name unless I'm answering some question that has my interest.
Laker Tom, you and others just come out so many times referring to me because you have nothing original to say. That's OK, but don't you understand how I'm in your mind?
Think about it.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 06:31 PM
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.
Posted by: Xodus | July 25, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Chris Paul and Deron Williams are something special. They are definetly the best two point guards in the league. Their handles is just off the charts. I would love one of them on the lakers.
Posted by: wow | July 25, 2008 at 06:36 PM
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.
Posted by: Xodus | July 25, 2008 at 06:37 PM
The only racist on this sight is that loser Mike T. God, I just wish he would go away... his annoying posts are so.... annoying!
Posted by: Johnnyb | July 25, 2008 at 06:37 PM
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
Posted by: Fearless | July 25, 2008 at 06:38 PM
aloha
good signing and its a moveable contract down the road if need be. Except for maybe adding a bench big on the cheap, I dont think there will be any further moves. as far as the SF position goes, we already have one of the best small forwards in the world on our team. His name is Kobe Bryant. If you all recall it was Kobe at SF with Sasha at the 2 in crunch time. Why not start Sasha at the 2 slide Kobe down to the 3(by the way, its the best part of the court for his offensive game) and bring Lamar in with Jordon early? I think that our best line up. Sasha can hang with most 2's in the league and Kobe can handle 3's. Talk about spreading the court. Cant wait for training camp.
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 25, 2008 at 06:40 PM
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.
Posted by: laker hopeful | July 25, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Team USA go
LakerTom wants approval
Mike T gets laughed at
Posted by: Rocky | July 25, 2008 at 06:42 PM
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.
Posted by: p ang | July 25, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Another one.
Exodus, when do I ever address you? Yet, you constantly use my name in your post. Do yourself a favor and stick to your friends and you'll be a lot happier.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 06:45 PM
"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¬´.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 25, 2008 at 06:51 PM
Yay for Sasha, my hats off to Dr. B, Mitch and the organization and TAKE THAT Europe!
Posted by: eevee | July 25, 2008 at 06:55 PM
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…"
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 25, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Faith,
I'm with you, I wouldn't mind seeing prince in a Lakers jersey, just don't want to give up LO for him.
Mike T.
STFU. Seriously. It's getting old. Stop. Thanks.
-bozz-
Posted by: bozz | July 25, 2008 at 07:03 PM
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
Posted by: SBY | July 25, 2008 at 07:03 PM
Mike,
>>>>>At least I don't go around saving post from someone I say has no credibility.
LOL. Save your posts? Why would I bother. You probably didn’t realize this since they don’t teach it in prison but you just type Mike T. in the search box and it brings up all of your old posts. What, you didn’t realize you were leaving a trail? That’s why you ended up where you ended up, Mike. Wake up! LOL.
As for “infiltrating” my mind, get real. You’re the one who is obsessed with trying to insult me. I could care less what you think. And in the future, I won’t waste any time reading any of your posts. I’ll just LOL and scroll past. Like everybody else does. Pretty soon, your tail will retreat between your legs and you’ll scamper off to whatever little hole you crawl in to come up with your brilliant basketball ideas and comments. Good bye and good riddance, Mike.
May you somehow escape the inevitability of recidivism and remain a free man.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 25, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Face it Mike T, you got owned.
Your tired rerun is about to get canceled.
I'm so sick of your obvious racism.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 25, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Just watched USA Canada.
First Sasha resigns, next USA plays great D with highlights from all over the place and wins by 55 points.
Yes, 55.
The tide has turned.
Tomorrow do we find out that we got Battier and Scola?
Posted by: Benjamin | July 25, 2008 at 07:19 PM
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?
Posted by: reality check time | July 25, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Mike T,
I'm happy as can be. I'm not obsessed with a 6-10 NBA player with limited skills that was buried on Memphis' bench behind Darko Milicic and Jason Collins.
Posted by: Xodus | July 25, 2008 at 07:22 PM
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.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 25, 2008 at 07:22 PM
Prince a Laker
Faith's dream come true
Settle for Battier
lol.
Posted by: Faith | July 25, 2008 at 07:26 PM
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.
Posted by: Long Live Chick | July 25, 2008 at 07:38 PM
AK,
Love the floyd!
now thats good stuff.
Posted by: jandro | July 25, 2008 at 07:43 PM
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.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 07:46 PM
Mike T
Or you could just admit you were wrong. No??? Whats that?? You'd rather run away and hide for 6 months when things don't go your way??
Cool that sounds about right.
Posted by: jandro | July 25, 2008 at 07:51 PM
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
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | July 25, 2008 at 07:56 PM
"Or you could just admit you were wrong. No??? Whats that?? You'd rather run away and hide for 6 months when things don't go your way??
Why should I stick around to see what I already knew what was going to happen?
I told you that when the Celtics beat the Lakers in the finals I would be back to say I told you so. But not only did I tell the Lakers would lose in the finals but I told you how. I told you all that Perkins was too big and Gasol was too weak and Boston would kill the Lakers.
I told you that days after the trade for Gasol. Why should I stick around to prove my point when my point wasn't going to come until the Celtics beat the Lakers in the finals.
I was't wrong. I was exactly right. The Celtics manhandled the Lakers.
I wasn't wrong. I told you Bynum was going down with injury and he did.
Bynum is going to have microfacture surgery. I'm not wrong about that, either.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Now if you'll excuse me...I have to study some grant writing material.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 08:00 PM
The sad thing about signing Sasha to 5 mil is we won't have enough money left to pay Kwame.
Thaaat's why Mitch was holding out for so long!
To save money for Kwame.
You just can't have everything
Posted by: Fatty | July 25, 2008 at 08:10 PM
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
Posted by: LakerTom | July 25, 2008 at 08:16 PM
ex,
I agree 100% with your comment regarding the difference between restricted and unrestricted free agents as far as assessing a player’s market value. The issue is further confused because of the qualifying offers and the free agent’s right to just accept the qualifying offer, play out the extra year, and become an unrestricted free agent. Most blogger don’t understand that a low qualifying offer doesn’t mean anything because it is just 120% of the player’s last salary and not really the team’s opening bid.
As you pointed out, restricted free agents don’t really have much power and don’t get many offers, primarily because teams know you have to overpay or you will be matched, the Lakers situation being exacerbated due to their being beyond the luxury tax threshold. Rather than going to Europe, I think the trend you are going to begin to see is guys just accepting the qualifying offer and playing the year needed to become a free agent. Why go overseas? Most teams will just issue qualifying offers to hold onto a player’s rights so all you are doing is postponing things and throwing your life in chaos going overseas.
I don’t see the league and the players changing the cut in profits in the next CBA but there will probably be some change in the maximum amount that teams over the cap can offer to a free agent, maybe increasing the MLE to be average salary plus 20% or something like that. There also seems to be a trend of shorter contracts from the player’s side to protect against teams going bad and to be able to do an even bigger contract in 3 years time. This may help unrestricted free agents but I still don’t see many restricted free agents changing teams.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 25, 2008 at 08:18 PM
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.
Posted by: LakerBake | July 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM
ex,
I agree 100% with your comment regarding the difference between restricted and unrestricted free agents as far as assessing a player’s market value. The issue is further confused because of the qualifying offers and the free agent’s right to just accept the qualifying offer, play out the extra year, and become an unrestricted free agent. Most blogger don’t understand that a low qualifying offer doesn’t mean anything because it is just 120% of the player’s last salary and not really the team’s opening bid.
As you pointed out, restricted free agents don’t really have much power and don’t get many offers, primarily because teams know you have to overpay or you will be matched, the Lakers situation being exacerbated due to their being beyond the luxury tax threshold. Rather than going to Europe, I think the trend you are going to begin to see is guys just accepting the qualifying offer and playing the year needed to become a free agent. Why go overseas? Most teams will just issue qualifying offers to hold onto a player’s rights so all you are doing is postponing things and throwing your life in chaos going overseas.
I don’t see the league and the players changing the cut in profits in the next CBA but there will probably be some change in the maximum amount that teams over the cap can offer to a free agent, maybe increasing the MLE to be average salary plus 20% or something like that. There also seems to be a trend of shorter contracts from the player’s side to protect against teams going bad and to be able to do an even bigger contract in 3 years time. This may help unrestricted free agents but I still don’t see many restricted free agents changing teams.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 25, 2008 at 08:28 PM
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.
Posted by: LakerBake | July 25, 2008 at 08:30 PM
I'm a little bit late in catching up with the blog. Well, well Congratulations to Sasha and Mitch Kupchak, good we got it for three years at 5M per Did we also sign Mike T.? Why is there so many posts about him?
Mike T., you never change your ways and it has been three years now, only the KBros are happy when you are around for you attract so many posts. Can you be a team player in the blog by being positive and apologetic to people that you trample upon? it helps you change your persona - nobody attacks you if you don't attack them - why not be a team player? First things first, have peace w/ the blog participants, with LakerTom, Xodus, Pig and so many others who became antagonistic to you. Try it and they will give you a chance to be part of the team.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 25, 2008 at 08:35 PM
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.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Now if you'll excuse me...I have to study some grant writing material.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 25, 2008 at 08:00 PM
Take your time. Please.
Lamar = Laker trade bait, due for a pay cut.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 25, 2008 at 08:54 PM
I don't ever want Mike T. on my team.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 25, 2008 at 09:01 PM
OKLAHOMA CITY -- The NBA has filed for trademark rights to six nicknames for the league's new Oklahoma City franchise: Barons, Bison, Energy, Marshalls, Thunder and Wind.
So, there you have it. The possible names for the Oklahoma City team.
Lamar = Laker trade bait, due for a pay cut.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 25, 2008 at 09:01 PM
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-
Posted by: bozz | July 25, 2008 at 09:10 PM
1. The League should soften up the salary cap a bit.
2. The League should contract 2-4 teams. Yep, I said it. Some teams are watered down.
3. The League should not allow contracts over 5 yrs with your own team and the limit should be 4 yrs with free agency.
Teams are getting Jammed with too many bad contracts and this will save owners from themselves.
4. Call this the Luke Walton rule
Posted by: LakerBake | July 25, 2008 at 09:30 PM
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!!!!!!
Posted by: LakerBake | July 25, 2008 at 09:33 PM
If that is the case then let's just leave Mike T. alone, he has a mind of his own. If we respond to his posts we're condoning his presence, He is bored so from now on, please isolate him and leave him alone.
Bozz, with regards to Prince for Odom, IMO, I will take Odom. He may be a good shooter but his thin posture worries me about his defense in the post. We only move LO for a better defender, otherwise let's just wait till his contract expires.
Now that we signed Sasha, here is my roster for next season:
Fish/Farmar/Yue
Kobe/Sasha/Karl
Ariza/Vlad/Walton
Gasol/Odom/Caner-Medly
Bynum/Mihm/Mbenga
Why Caner-Medley? This kid is a good shooter and a banger in the post. With the presence of Yue, Karl and Medly, this will push guys who are so lackadaisical with their games. This is like Farmar & J-Critt psychology, if there are players capable of playing then it will pressure the weak veterans.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 25, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Reggie "Nutcracker" Evans?
I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole. And I don't even have nuts haha.
Sorry.
Posted by: Faith | July 25, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Too bad I couldn't threaten my boss with switching sides to the Russians. Seriously, the Sasha deal is good for all parties. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 25, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Yahoo - Sasha remains a Laker!!! That made my night while watching the USA whoop the Canadians!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | July 25, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Lakertom,
"Most blogger don’t understand that a low qualifying offer doesn’t mean anything because it is just 120% of the player’s last salary and not really the team’s opening bid"
Even if you were not referring to me I would assume u were because im among those blogger that made a big fuss of Mitch offering Sasha that one year qualifying BS offer.
I will say I understand this concept, but with the way the CBA is constructed with Unrestricted free agents it would not matter. Why? Not a single team signed Sasha to an offer sheet because the CBA is BS. The only reason Mitch and the lakers got serious and offer Sasha what he truly deserved was because of European teams. The hawks offered Childress a qualifying offer that was Bull crap and looked what happened to them. Its just better to offer them what they deserve in the first place then dragging this process forever in the first place. If you are serious about retaining a guy, don't play the BS negotiations game and just get to it.
Posted by: wow | July 25, 2008 at 10:29 PM
I quite enjoy this blog. But really, shunning works. All engaging does is bring the trolls back.
Glad to see Sasha resigned.
Posted by: FatSam | July 25, 2008 at 10:38 PM