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
I am baffled by the fact that no one is able to explain 6yr longterm contract for Luke! The thirty million is a non issue for me. Just explain the six years?
Posted by: chuck23 | July 26, 2008 at 04:06 PM
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chuck23
Simple, because of PJ's long term love affair with Luke.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 27, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Jon,
>>>>> Does anyone know how profound Sun Yue's mastery of English is?
>>>>>Kind of important in terms of coaching and team communication.
If Ding How can advise the Kambros without difficulty, I don’t think Sun Yue will have any problems with Phil. LOL. It’s a Zen thing, you know. Focus on those ephemeral aspects of the game that are universal: grab ball, shoot ball, block shot, defend rim, rebound ball, drive to basket, switch men, the KB special – pass me the effing ball. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 26, 2008 at 05:12 PM
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Jon,
Look back at Yue's tryout video and you see he is following trainers instrutions quite easily and no interpreter nearby.
Hope that helps.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 27, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Resigning Vujacic was a must - good work Mitch. Now, I can't believe I am saying this, but, I think the best move left is to get Kwame back at a market value contract. I can't believe I just said that, but consideing who is left vs. what we need - Kwame makes sense. As role player off the bench, he can play low post defense, he can block shots, and get an occassional dunk. His biggest problem (well, one of his biggest problems) was his large contract. He simply wasn't worth it. If we can get him for the veteran minimum, it might just work. That way we can pair him with Odom off the bench as back up Center and PF.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | July 27, 2008 at 08:57 PM
LakerTom
You're right,
I think we are closer in what we're looking for than we know.
No qualms with what you said.
The task and matter at hand is of great interest.
I agree that it will be helpful from day one having Andrew in our mix.
You might also say that you're on to something with the type of ball the VanGundy principles dictate to the offensive end also which I don't like.
I like offensive flow but not the way Phil Jackson over extends on that end of the court's teachings.
I tell you what, if we could really do and be as the Spurs are as a defensive team I'd be happy.
Posted by: Lakerbake | July 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
LakerTom
Shifting gears a bit and this is the last challenging question I have about Andrew Bynum for you
All of us who really watch the games know that Kendrick Perkins did an "aggressive number" on Bynum in the 2 games against him. He had the help of the Celtics pack it in attack.
I won't doubt Andrew after his quantum leap last season because 12 months ago I was more with Kobe than not with him.
You was a cooling head who believed the hype of Andrew Bynum being at El Segundo working.
How will Bynum fair with this aggressive East coast physical style of Kendrick Perkins with the scowl and all??
KG scowls too!
I think that is important for Bynum to be ready for.
I hope Kareem gives him confidence. I'm not sure he can look at Gasol and Odom and said if something goes down yall got me.
Kobe and Fish yes, but they're small.
Bynum from a manhood perspective has to get over the aggressive nature of Kendrick Perkins.
The brute dominated Bynum twice this yr.
I'm concerned.
Posted by: Lakerbake | July 28, 2008 at 09:57 AM
So I got some time at work and here are my thoughts:
We need 2 things on this team:
1) A backup rebounder/shot blocker/put back...er
2) PERIMETER D!!!
With this trade we rid of bad contracts (i.e. Walton & Radmonivic)...we pick up 3 expiring contacts.
This deal works for the Lakers because they get to take flyer on Morrison & May. 2 guys who haven't proven anything, however, in the right circumstances Morrison could be what Vlad already is, a great shooter with terrible defense and May is the guy Lakers initially wanted instead of Bynum. May takes Turiaf place as the 3rd string PF & Morrison takes Vlad's as the spot up shooter. All he has to do is shoot for the bench mob! Can you imagine all the 3's we will be taking with Farmar, Sasha & Morrison (And you can't under estimate a man with that great of a mustashe!!!) and all the while we upgrade Odom with Marion! I think that this deal looks great on paper for the Lakers.
Now, can Kuppy sell the Cats & Heat on it? I hope so.
Give me your thoughts AK?
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/traderesult?players=617~1016~2027~3218~510~3201~2776~3016&teams=14~30~14~30~13~14~13~13&te=&cash=
Posted by: J.C. | July 28, 2008 at 04:13 PM
JustaLakerFan,
Thanks for the support. You're a good blog friend and smart and knowledgeable blogger. Always a pleasure having you watch my back.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 27, 2008 at 05:19 PM
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LakerTom
NP. What are friends for anyways? LOL
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 28, 2008 at 10:39 PM