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
LakerBake,
>>>VLAD RAD to the SIXERS
>>>for REGGIE EVANS and cash.
Doesn't work that way. Cash can be included in a deal, but
it doesn't count toward salary matching. Only the salaries
of the players involved in the deal count for salary matching.
And the Sixers only have 7 players under contract at this
point, so they're not going to trade two players for one.
And by the way, Evans' deal lasts just as long as Rads,
and he's less productive than Rad. So it wouldn't be much
of an improvement even if they could do it.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Edwin Gueco,
I agree with you that Nik Caner-Medley was one of the more
promising guys on the summer league team. He was certainly
a high energy player (like Ronny). He's not really tall enough to
backup Center, as Ronny was, but with Bynum/Gasol/Mihm,
the Lakers could probably get away with that.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Sasha signs for five
Can afford to date Faith...love
Haikus of summer
Posted by: Vman | July 25, 2008 at 10:42 PM
LakerBake,
If you're looking to trade Rad for a banger, maybe try Houston.
Houston was a weak 3-point shooting team last season. They
did add Brent Barry, but they may be interested in more shooting.
And here's the important part...
Houston currently has 15 people signed for next season
and they have 2 more they are almost definitely going to
re-sign (Carl Landry and Mike Harris) and one rookie they
might want to sign (Joey Dorsey). That puts their potential
roster level at 3 players over the max roster size. So they're
going to need to get rid of (or not add) three contracts anyway.
Rad's contract is only 3 more seasons, so it's not completely
heinous, and he is tall, which is something Houston is
lacking other than Yao Ming.
So who might Houston be willing to give up for Rad?
For starters, you can rule out Yao, T-Mac, Battier, Rafer Alston,
and Luis Scola. Those were their 5 most productive players
last season.
I think you can also rule out Aaron Brooks, their young PG,
and Donte Green, their rookie 1st round pick.
So here are some expiring contracts:
Bobby Jackson - $6,090,000
Steve Francis - $2,634,480
Jackie Butler - $2,552,000
Justin Reed - $1,573,000
Steve Novak - $797,581
Non expiring deals include Luther Head (just under 2 million)
and Chuck Hayes (ditto)
And the two guys they're trying to re-sign are Carl Landry
and Mike Harris. They're actually having problems re-signing
Landry. It's similar to the Sasha situation - a difference of opinion
about how much he's worth.
Of those players, the two that Houston would most want
to get rid of (to make room for Harris and Landry) are
Bobby Jackson and Steve Novak. Neither is a banger,
but both are expiring deals.
But here's the deal. They're overflowing with existing and
potential players. So maybe if you took Jackson and Novak
off their hands, they'd throw the rights to Joey Dorsey in
the deal.
Joey Dorsey is a 6'9" PF who played for Memphis. Good
rebounder, good shot blocker, good defender. Not a lot
of offense, but definitely not "soft" by anybody's definition.
Even if Houston isn't down for a trade for Vlad, the Lakers
should inquire about getting the rights to Dorsey from Houston.
Maybe for a future 2nd round pick, as Houston isn't likely
to sign him.
But if the Lakers could pull of that trade - Radmanovic for
Jackson, Novak, and the rights to Dorsey, they'd be out
of the rest of Rad's contract, could play Jackson for a
year as a veteran backup guard, and could try out Dorsey
for a couple of years as a backup banger at low cost.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Ok..A lot of people didn't realize Boston was going to beat the Lakers in the finals...I knew the Lakers couldn't beat Boston and Im sure deep down every Laker fan knew it. The Lakers got Lucky to get past San Antonio in my opinion.
We ALL knew we were lacking strength, experience, and toughness.. It was no suprise and it didn't take a mental giant to realize it..
Posted by: zen | July 25, 2008 at 11:16 PM
LakerBake,
We can always use another good ball handler.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 25, 2008 at 11:28 PM
I must say I was surprised that Sasha agreed to a 3-yr. deal. I was expecting it to be 4 yrs. with the last year being a player option. I guess this term is just right considering that Sasha is still very young. Going over the salaries, I noticed that all contracts end at the same time... after 2010/2011... except Luke Walton's. OMG Luke's contract is really dragging us down. Mitch should find a way to trade this guy. Maybe he should talk to the Pacers. Larry Bird took the humongous contracts of Dunleavy and Murphy from the Warriors. Maybe try to get Brandon Rush and/or Shawn Williams and change for Luke.
Posted by: SamLL | July 25, 2008 at 11:40 PM
to Lamar, Luke and Vladrad,....
take the criticism, and channel it toward proving everyone wrong....you guys are making the money, because at one point it was agreed upon, right before you signed your contracts, that that was what you were worth....as for Luke, maybe it wasn't for being Vince Carter, at his best, but it's for what you can bring to the team. Everyone needs to figure it out, and do it. Now I'm starting to sound like PJ.......
When Lamar is on his once a week roll, he looks underpaid!!! Now don't slam me for that, but I just love his versatility. I didn't say I loved anything else (not like let's go c's)....
Shoot for 82-0 and we'll settle for 81 and 1, that would be a coincidence 81 again....what the hell, lose that one to the Clippers, they need some help. Dunleavy would have gotten us that one if not for the injuries, it was a perfect playoff team, 3 post up players, in Magic, Worthy and Perkins, and a slower, tougher, less showtime game....that champinship should have been ours!!!
Posted by: humanomaly | July 25, 2008 at 11:54 PM
I was going to respond earlier today!
There was an awful lot of whinning;
"Please sign Sasha! PLEASE! PLEASE!
Come on guys! havent you learned by now? Just let Mitch do his thing, he will handle it. Mitch Knows what the market value is for a guy like Sasha. I love Sasha too, but you don't just go throwing 30 million around out of fear.
I still say Bynum will get a max deal though because he is the cornerstone of the franchise for the next generation. We are set now guys can't wait until next June. First because we'll win the ring and second because I'm expecting to be in Australia :)
Posted by: THE original Ken | July 25, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Thank God.
I can sleep well tonight.
Only a few more things to take care of.
Good.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 26, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Good Day LakerTom,
I always enjoy your viewpoints as a fan of the Lakers. Kudos. Whew! The Lakers finally locked up Sasha for 3 and 15. That's a whole lot of money considering the years given (I'm just glad he won't be bringing his game to the Euroleague). His passion for the game and willingness to learn are certainly attributes that could not be ignored. Despite the generous contract, I feel he will get better with time and experience.
However, in order for this to happen and EARN his new contract, he must continue to not only improve on his offensive perimiter shooting game, but also his offensive penetration and perimeter DEFENSE (especially on screens). I'm sure that the deal he received (which was quite a lot as I stated earlier) should allow him the freedom to up the stakes per say in regards to his play. As long as he does not make the money go to his head (as it has with most players), he should be fine.
I have a question for you in regards to your earlier post regarding what the Lakers should do in replacing Ronny in the bigs department. Who is/are the player/s the Lakers are looking at SERIOUSLY to fill the void with their MLE still available? There is no question we need more size up front (preferably a veteran) to battle much improved teams in the Western Conference. Finding a point guard with size as well would certainly help the cause.
With all this in mind, could the Sasha signing mean a possible huge trade in the near future to get a player or two to fill those positions (without having to use the MLE)? I'm curious to know which players would be tradable based on their current contracts and who we can get REALISTICALLY out there to match them. Kindly share your thoughts on this.
Laker pride through adversity! Peace!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | July 26, 2008 at 12:23 AM
mike t
"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.
I wish you continued success with your medical practice. Please re-read the information provided to you by the health care organization which employs you about HIPAA, unless you are thriving in private practice, which is difficult to succeed in now, with the 3rd party insurance agreements. As a health care professional, no, I do not shave you knuts pre-op, I have to abide by HIPAA for the privacy of patients. However it is amazing how much information still leaks out. It's a serious thing, read up on it. Bynum's camp inviting the Lakers to his workouts does not mean, btw, bring your doctors and you can have all access to his medical records. Here's a funny thing, it's like keeping 2 sets of books, Ding How probably knows how to do that, just as any business owner. I used to joke that the best dish at a certain Asian restaurant was "Twice-cooked books"....If Kwame wiggles his tush onto the bench he should ask for jersey #34, and no, I don't wonder what it tastes like.
Posted by: humanomaly | July 26, 2008 at 01:59 AM
Mike t and Lakertom,
"I’m sorry you were wrong about Sasha, Mike. Just keeping diverting attention and the hurt and disappointment will go away. Just like you when we don’t re-sign Kwame. Have a good day, Mike."
HAHAHA! Mike t is a looser. HAHAHA! But he is a looser who is beloved in this blog. Just like Kwame, a looser but I still want him to resign for a vets minimum to entertain us. HAHAHA!
Unlike Smush and Cook, loosers I do not want back.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 26, 2008 at 02:14 AM
zen...
deep down, can you give me the lottery number winnings for california for all games in the next week, since you've zen'd in on seeing things, see them, then let me know when you have them, I don't want to have them posted, it'll dilute the winnings, and don't worry, I'll spend the money wisely. I'll only use it for the good of humanity. I'll buy the OC Register, and rename it the
"The Orange County Register of Orange County, with no mention of Los Angeles, only the bad things"
Here we go, Kevin Ding, ....hmmmmmm Ding How???
Do I win a taco?....If I'm right, damn, I'm good....
Posted by: humanomaly | July 26, 2008 at 02:28 AM
I really thought we would loose Sasha. Nice to have him back. THE MACHINE!!! Yeah!!
Wow, Walton and Vlad really have to be embarassed now. Why? We loss Ronny and we only have Sasha for 3 years. LUKE WALTON GOT 5MIL for SIX YEARS. I remember one LAKER BLOGGER LOOSER to very much disapproved of it, can anyone say his name? I guess not, you are all don't want to give where the credit is DUE. So I will say it for all of you, MIKE T was damn right about it, YES HE IS RIGHT! and JON K, was very wrong defending that signing of 30 MIL for Luke Walton.
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 26, 2008 at 02:31 AM
Hey Mike T
It concerns me that your main goal seems to be in peoples minds even if they find you irritating,illogical and consider you to have nothing to add of value.
Think about that for a second.Its not normal...I mean most people come here for a discussion,to learn,test ideas and contribute.Nobody does it out of some inner need to be important or 'in somebody elses mind' I mean why bother? theres something almost psychopathic about that
To my knowledge this blog kept going and people kept themselves interested without you around...why the sense of self importance? I'd find healthier ways to get attention and work on it being positive.Nobody says you have nothing to add but why can't you just contribute to a discussion like everybody else.
Me? I'm always up for debate and managed to get some sense out of you for a while.I consistently defended both you and some of your ideas
I felt you had something to offer.But you stopped responding when I started beating you with superior logic so now I dont bother.
Looks like Im going to ahve to leave the blog alone again like I always do when some self indulgent egotistical gotham city type troll character swoops in to take over the blog.I cant be bothered with the inane discussions and abuse
Posted by: Kiwi | July 26, 2008 at 05:00 AM
I
Wow
'if you are serious about retaining a guy, don't play the BS negotiations game and just get to it.'
I agree with you...but theres also the negotiation process and teams expect to have their first offer rejected....sure you shouldnt lowball people but you need to allow room to move your offer up too.This culture of feeling 'disrespected' in the NBA complicates this I guess.
Theres no way Sasha wanted to go to Europe - hes got a great opportunity with the lakers and finally established himself.Professionally it would of been worth him taking a pay cut simply to consolidate himself a James Posey/Horry/Steve kerr/John Paxson type.
I agree though - the Europe thing definitely helped the deal get done.Right at a time where teams are less willing to fork out this comes along to balance it out.
Posted by: Kiwi | July 26, 2008 at 06:05 AM
wow,
"The only reason Mitch and the lakers got serious and offer Sasha what he truly deserved was because of European teams"
Not necessarily; what you say would be correct if they only wanted him for one year. If they are interested in a player for longer than one year, though, they will still want to make a viable offer. But the qualifying offer gives them some idea of what the lower range of the NBA market value is.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 26, 2008 at 07:47 AM
LakerBake,
"The League should contract 2-4 teams. Yep, I said it. Some teams are watered down"
The problem with the league is not that there are too many teams, it is that the players aren't learning the fundamentals well enough; either at an individual level or at a team level. Contracting a few teams isn't going to address that issue.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 26, 2008 at 07:50 AM
"Ok..A lot of people didn't realize Boston was going to beat the Lakers in the finals...I knew the Lakers couldn't beat Boston and Im sure deep down every Laker fan knew it. The Lakers got Lucky to get past San Antonio in my opinion.
We ALL knew we were lacking strength, experience, and toughness.. It was no suprise and it didn't take a mental giant to realize it.."
Behold! An honest man.
One thing I do regret terribly. I should have raised 5000 dollars and put it on the Celtics. Sometimes when I'm walking in the isle of a grocery store...I think to myself: Why didn't I just somehow get 5000 dollars and go to Vegas and place a bet on the Celtics. Damn it! I knew the Celtics were going to beat the Lakers.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 26, 2008 at 07:55 AM
wow,
>>>The hawks offered Childress a qualifying offer that
>>>was Bull crap and looked what happened to them.
Well, actually they made him two offers -
The actual qualifying offer was one year at a little under 5 million.
They also reportedly made an offer of 5 years for 36 million,
which is just a little bit over the MLE.
The money he got from Olympiacos was 3 years for 20 million.
To be honest, the money he's getting from Olympiacos is
about the same. But if my understanding is correct, they're
also paying the taxes on it, so that's his take home pay. If
he accepted the Hawks offer, then the IRS would be
taking about 40% of that.
So the way people are reading it is that it's roughly the
equivalent of if Atlanta had offered him a contract of 10
million a year.
But no team in the league would have offered Childress a
deal starting at 10 million, even if he had been a restricted
free agent. Memphis was the only team with cap space
left, and they are playing it cheap this summer. So even
if Childress was an unrestricted free agent, the most he
would have gotten from any other team was an MLE.
To be honest, I think Atlanta's offer was cheap, but only
a little bit cheap. I'm pretty sure that even if Childress had
been an unrestricted FA when Golden State and the Clippers
and Philadelphia had all that cash that none of them would
have offered him 10 million per. He's not an all-star calibre
player, just a very good role player. I could see him getting
a contract starting at 7 or 8 on the open market, but not 10.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 26, 2008 at 08:00 AM
We all know what type of Machine Sasha is now: an ATM, Cash Machine! $15MM over 3 years, cha-ching, cha-ching. Go Lakers!
Posted by: MItch B | July 26, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Seems a Odom and Walton trade to Sac for Atrest and Walton will work.
Now I've been a fan of Sasha for a long time. I didn't think the Lakers would sign him because they were already over the luxuary tax and I didn't think they could afford it not because I don't think that Sasha can't shoot. But Sasha still doesn't address the defensive issues the Lakers need to deal with. So, clearly, a trade has to be in the works.
I said it earlier. Of the 3 players: Walton, Rad and Sasha...2 had to go. But now I'm thinking 1 has to go. Since the Lakers signed Sasha, obviously he's not going.
That brings me to the Odom trade. There's no way this roster can stay the same, espcially at the 3 spot.
In theory the Lakers are going to try Bynum, Gasol and Odom on the frontcourt. So now we have Walton, Rad and Ariza as back-up SF? That's just a waste.
The logical thing to do is to trade 2 of them or, follow this, 1 of them.
The logical thing to do is to trade Odom for Artest. Since Sac is insisting on including Thomas to the deal, we have to insist on Walton in the deal. This deal is like trading 1 of them using Odom and Artest as an even swamp.
That would leave us with Artest, Rad and Ariza with Rad drifting over to PF from time to time.
As for Kenny Thomas he's list at 6'7 and as a PF, which I don't know how that addresses the Lakers needs because he's too short to be effective against elite bigs. But that's a contract we would eat for 1 season because he has just 2 season left on his deal. The next season he would be easy to move. And this way we get out from under the 5 years left on the Walton contract.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 26, 2008 at 08:46 AM
OK Sasha is re-signed NOW we have to move on to.......
MBENGA , we need "TACOS" re-signed ASAP
can't be that hard, and let's move on the free agent signing before their all gone please !!!!
Question is has Coby Karl demonstrated thru Summer League play that he should be a Laker this year? If so than sign him.
Posted by: tomK | July 26, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Why the hell are so many people getting upset by Michael Teniente? Annoyed, I understand, but upset? Haven't you guys learned by now that he shouldn't be taken too seriously?
Just mellow out and ignore him.
This is a good day. We resigned Sasha!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 26, 2008 at 09:08 AM
One year ago....
AK,
It's a three way deal involving Lakers, Minn. and Memphis
Kwame Bynum and Randy Foye go to Memphis
Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol go to Minnesota
KG goes to Lakers
It works in ESPN Trade Machine and Real Gm
Posted by: laker hopeful | July 25, 2007 at 03:58 PM
Hopeful,
Gotcha. From the Lakers and Minny' perpesctive, very interesting. L.A. gets KG and keeps Bynum while Minny gets some good pieces, which could make rebuilding easier and quicker. But Memphis is getting a pretty crappy end of the stick. Replacing Gasol with Kwame is a downgrade (and Memphis doesn't have cap issues, so the expiring contract isn't all that tempting) and I don't know if Foye is enough compensation for an All-star big just now entering his prime. I like Foye, but still.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 25, 2007 at 04:39 PM
Posted by: giantsquid | July 26, 2008 at 09:09 AM
Staples 24,
>>>LUKE WALTON GOT 5MIL for SIX YEARS.
Luke's contract hasn't hit 5 million yet. It's 5 million average.
Sasha will earn more than Luke next season.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 26, 2008 at 09:13 AM
I love this comment that someone posted on espn:
"He sure did earn that 15 mil. Lord knows he needed it after
Ray Allen shook the change out of his shorts on the game
winning drive to the hoop."
That made me LOL.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 26, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Giant Squid,
Wow. Blast from the past. Well, clearly I was wrong about what Memphis would take, although I still think, unless Marc Gasol and/or Crittenton end up very good, they got the crap end of that deal. And I still contend that extra cap space isn't all that valuable for Memphis (they had a lot anyway), since no top tier free agents ever want to go there. Thus, they'll either end up overpaying some B+ level guy or just sit on it. Yes, the extra space also leaves them room for when they eventually lock up Mayo, Conley, and some of the other young guys, but that's a ways off and fairly cart ahead of horse (and who knows if those guys will ALL end up worth it to begin with).
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 26, 2008 at 09:20 AM
LakerBake is exonians on espn.com.
That's just my theory.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 26, 2008 at 09:21 AM
USA vs. the world: Step up to the (pay) scales
http://www.sacbee.com/100/story/1111109.html
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: Sonnybelfast | July 26, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Now, why did we banish those damned maple syrup drinking socialists from up north?
No LeBronze.
Team America looked good last night. It was nice to see that level of play. There IS basketball in the summer. Thank God.
Last night I had to endure people looking up at the televisions in my favorite haunt and blurt out upon seeing the unbalanced score, "Whoa! Wait until LEBRON gets back! We'll win by a hundred points!"
Urgh.
The sycophantic devotion of Cavaliars fans to LeBron annoys the hell out of me.
The guy spreads herpes without even caring if he infects people or not. Ridiculous.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 26, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Mike-
I don't care if I knew in advance that the celtics were going to win, and had the change to make thousands of dollars betting on them- You'll never see me do it. If it means actually betting on the celtics to win, not gonna do it. Even if I knew the celtics were going to win, I damn well wouldn't be making money off of them.
I'm a fan of the Lakers- making money at their expense would make me feel....dirty.
Go over to the Celtics blog- they'd like you there.
Good day, Sir. I SAID GOOD DAY.
Posted by: Jeff | July 26, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Well, Okafor search is still alive, can't get any reconciliation with Bobcats. He is available now or at the end of the year w/o trade but if the Lakers are over the cap, we'll be the last team to get him. It is really worth navigating of getting this defensive star and rebounder, he is the equivalent of a small Dwight Howard and 5x better than Ronny Turiaf. Will Bobcats accept three players Walton, VladRad and Mihm for Okafor + 2nd draft picks. What'd you say LTLF?
http://www.charlotte.com/507/story/728690.html
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 26, 2008 at 09:35 AM
humanomaly,
"However it is amazing how much information still leaks out. It's a serious thing, read up on it. Bynum's camp inviting the Lakers to his workouts does not mean, btw, bring your doctors and you can have all access to his medical records. Here's a funny thing, it's like keeping 2 sets of books, Ding How probably knows how to do that, just as any business owner. I used to joke that the best dish at a certain Asian restaurant was "Twice-cooked books"....
Interesting comments. Although I don't think I said that the Bynum camp inviting the Lakers to Atlanta was about bring the Lakers' doctors. I think I said it was about just getting a chance to see with their eyes what Bynum is doing with his body. The doctors can go back and forth all they want (the two books?) but the bottom line is how much pressure can Bynum's knee absorb. That's something that has to be seen and not talk about by doctors.
Twice cooked books? LOL! I suspect that you're right about this. Two version of the same situation.
What get me thinking that something is wrong is a number of things. But this of it this way: San Antonio and Utah...It seems to me if they were planning on making a move to the finals next season they would be targeting the Lakers. In other words they would be preparing for Bynum, Gasol, and Odom as the Lakers frontcourt.
I know with a few adjustments the Spurs and the Jazz can handle the Lakers with just Gasol and Odom in their frontcourt. But there's no way they can deal with Bynum, Gasol and a Odom or Artest frontcourt. Let's break it down even further. Just Bynum and Gasol at the 4 and 5 spots.
Why wouldn't the Spurs upgrade with some muscle to defend Bynum and Gasol? Tim Duncan yes...But Kurt Thomas who's listed at 6'9 and 235? He can't deal with a Bynum/Gasol. Or Fabricio Oberto who's listed at 6'10 and 245.
The last we heard Bynum was weighing something like 280. A tall and skinny legged 280 but 280 none the less.
I think Gasol can handle Oberto and Duncan and Bynum can play to a draw. That means the Lakers would beat the Spurs. Why wouldn't the Spurs bring in someone like Kwame Brown who is 6'11 and 275 of muscle to deal with Bynum and let Duncan and Gasol go at it?
That's just an exsample of an elite club not getting ready to meet the Lakers in the WCF. Could it possibly be that the Spurs and Jazz (and other clubs, too) medical staff understand the nature of Bynum's injury and have determined that they don't need to plan for a Bynum/Gasol frontline?
That's pretty fishy to me. Opposing teams are not preparing for a Bynum/Gasol frontline. Why not? In theory, that would be pretty scary.
On the Lakers side of the matter I understand the HIPAA rule. But the nature of Bynum's injury is really no secret, which, again, brings up the question. Why aren't the elite teams of the west preparing for a Bynum/Gasol/Odom frontline?
Could it be as you said:
"However it is amazing how much information still leaks out. It's a serious thing, read up on it."
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 26, 2008 at 09:37 AM
>>>If Kwame wiggles his tush onto the bench he should
>>>ask for jersey #34,
YES!!!! OHHH YESSSSS!!!!
If Kwame re-signs, he absolutely MUST wear #34.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 26, 2008 at 09:46 AM
"If Kwame wiggles his tush onto the bench he should ask for jersey #34"
IF Kwame returns he should ask to wear the Towel Guy uniform. Because he's not touching any basketball any time soon.
Oh but wait, Kwame can't catch towels either. Nevermind
Posted by: ajax | July 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Andrew the K,
Not to throw more oil on a fire, but based upon your connections and dialogues you've had, now that Sasha's been resigned with the Lakers, what is the liklihoold that Kwame Brown could be resigned with the Lakers?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 26, 2008 at 10:12 AM
"Why wouldn't the Spurs bring in someone like Kwame Brown who is 6'11 and 275 of muscle "
Simple. Kwame Brown is a very poor basketball player with a poor attitude when it comes to basketball.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 26, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Yeah! Let's get Okafor, pay him $13m/year and then he and Odom, making $14m/year can both come off the bench! Makes perfect sense!
Reggie "the ball grabber" Evans? There's a running joke about this guy dribbling the ball off his HEAD for 6 straight games! Chris "The Beautiful People" Kaman says NO! on Reggie the ball grabber, then he winces at the memory of playing the ball grabber... and starts stretching... walking funny, stretching his legs out...
Posted by: Kwaminus III, 4th Earl of the Secret Society of the Brimming Calves | July 26, 2008 at 10:15 AM
In the USA Basketball game last night, vs. Canada, the announcer said that Kobe's man on the Canadian team "must have 1/100 the talent of Kobe, but he sure is keeping in there". It was hilarious. 1/100 the talent. He said that guy only had 1% of the talent Kobe had, on national tv. haha
Posted by: ajax | July 26, 2008 at 10:20 AM
"Good day, Sir. I SAID GOOD DAY."
LOL...I've got to admit, that was a good one. When I see the imagery of how that plays out in your mind, classic!
LOL! (I am actually laughing at this one. Not a mean spirited laugh but the comic genius behind this one...well, that's just too funny.)
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 26, 2008 at 10:47 AM
From the LA Daily News:
Filling out the roster
Now that Vujacic's deal is done, the Lakers have 11 players under contract for next year, leaving two spots to be filled.
The team has had ongoing conversations with the agent for Sun Yue, the second-round draft choice from 2007 and Kupchak affirmed that he expected Yue to be with the team in training camp. Yue just needs permission from his team in China to come to the U.S., and his agent said that process has already begun.
Also in the mix for a roster spot will be this year's second-round pick Joe Crawford, and fan-favorite Coby Karl.
"Assuming one of them (Yue, Karl and Crawford) makes the team, that brings you to 12 and then we'd probably look for a big player, a front-court player or a young developing player because there might not be that many minutes available for that person."
Kupchak dismissed the the numerous trade rumors that have swirled around the Lakers this summer-most notably with Chicago and Sacramento- as speculative.
"Our main focus was to try and get Ronny and Sasha back in the fold," he said. "'Now that that's done, we can look around a little bit, but there's really been no effort to make moves other than trying to bring this team back together."
Posted by: Fatty | July 26, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Jon K - [After the Brand incident, I thought you would especially like this take on Sasha. He just went up a few notch's on Fatty's ladder.]
More from the LA Daily News:
Vujacic's overseas offer, Kupchak said, was believed to be more substantial than what he ended up agreeing to with the Lakers.
"From what I understand - whether it was real or unreal, you'll never be able to know - but what they were offering was substantially more that what he got from us. If that's the case, then he made a decision based on his want and desire to remain in the best league in the world," Kupchak said. "You want to get paid, but clearly he's a Laker at heart.
"I spoke with (Sasha) today and he said, 'Mitch, I've tasted what it's like to be in the locker room in the NBA Finals and I want to win a championship. It's important to me.' That's what's important to us, too."
Posted by: Fatty | July 26, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Here are the benefits of resigning Sasha...
1. He's good for the team and will continue to improve.
2. He annoys other teams with his pescky defense and other fans with his good looks.
3. The Lakers Cheerleaders are happy and Sasha's getting plenty of dates.
4. Admit it! Laker Nation loves the slightly silly moniker of "The Machine." We get to still banter using that nickname.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 26, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Why did we choose not to match Golden State’s offer to Ronny Turiaf?
Mitch Kupchak: We didn't feel that based on our depth chart and the minutes that were available that the financial commitment was in line with how many minutes he would probably play. Another factor was ronny didn't feel that his future was in los angeles. In other words, he looked at our depth chart and thought that he wouldn't play either. That's a factor. We could have matched him, but he indicated to us that he didn't feel his future was in Los Angeles. When you look at what you're compensating someone based on minutes played, we didn't think it was justified. So it was a combination of those 2 issues that led us not to match the offer.
Posted by: Fatty | July 26, 2008 at 11:09 AM
Somebody wrote,
"Could it possibly be that the Spurs and Jazz (and other clubs, too) medical staff understand the nature of Bynum's injury and have determined that they don't need to plan for a Bynum/Gasol frontline?"
Let's just flip it around. The Lakers know Bynum's situation better than anyone. If they were worried about him they wouldn't have let Turief go. They'd be actively chasing quality big men instead of letting them get signed by other teams. They're obviously feeling okay about the whole thing.
Yawn, next.
Posted by: dave m | July 26, 2008 at 11:31 AM
Mike T
Funny Post from earlier in the thread. I like your trade scenario to Sacramento especially since it involves Walton. I just don't think ANYBODY is silly enough to take on Luke Walton's contract for 5 more years. Unless God is a Laker fan we are stuck with this guy...........Walton has reached Kobe status but in an inverse relationship...........THEY ARE BOTH UNTRADABLE!!
exhelodrvr: Quote from previous thread
..........pfunk36,
"nobody else wanted him"
Now why would you say that, when you have no idea whether it's true or not? Oh, yeah, I forgot. Walton is white.
exhelodrvr:
Now why would I say that? Because if you check the facts buddy there were no teams interested in Luke Walton. In fact there weren't any teams "rumored" to be interested........not even Utah!
It has nothing to do with skin color ( at least not from my vantage point) but everthing to do with ability. I understand these things on a conscious level and I am not afraid of addressing the pink elephant.
Ironically most of the Bloggers agree with me.......albeit sub-consciously.......Do you want to know how I know?
I had some down time this morning and I looked at previous blog entries in the archives........and with the exception of Mike T's trade to Sacramento................Nobody has included Luke Walton in any trade scenario.
Bloggers have entertained trading Odom in a deal because they know he has value to another club.........they have included Vladdy because they are pretty sure that another team could use a 6'10" guy with a lifetime shooting % from 3 over 40%. A lot of teams would be interested in Vladdy because he has a specific skill set............he can change a game with his shot from the perimeter and space the floor.
........But very few if any mention Walton........hmmmmmm?
I think bloggers on a sub-conscious level know Walton is worthless on the open market but are simply afraid to examine it because of all the subsquent questions that would follow...........such as:
1. 2-time NBA champion coach Rudy Tomjanovich thought he was worthless.........what does Phil see in him?
2. If Luke Walton is desired by nobody outside of L.A.........What is his value to us?
3. Value is detemined by supply and demand. There is only one Kobe Bryant........but everyone wants him..............this increases his value to the team that employs him.
There is only one Luke Walton (thank God!) and on the open market his skills (whatever they are?) are not in demand.............yet he managed to get $30mil for 6 long years? Why?
exhelodrvr, AK, BK, or anybody.........Help me?
Posted by: Pfunk36 | July 26, 2008 at 11:41 AM
yes we keep the machine!!!
hope that means more vids like these from the playoffs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8NcET64lUI&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1ewIkVRdEo&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uOnCRzBrgg&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uiI58ZDSiQ&feature=related
they are all a good laugh
Posted by: andand | July 26, 2008 at 11:49 AM
You have said that Ronny wouldn’t have gotten enough playing time as those minutes would have been filled by Bynum. How is he doing on getting back on the court full time?
MK: I saw Andrew on Monday when he came in for a physical with our team doctor. He looked great. He's been cleared by his physical therapist in New York. My understanding is that he left on Wednesday to go to Atlanta to train for the rest of the summer.
Posted by: Fatty | July 26, 2008 at 12:22 PM