September 16, 2008 | 6:12
pm
Because if you plan on hitting one of seven designated "premium games" during the 2008-09 season, it'll cost you a few bucks more. As in, $10 to $55 more, depending on where you sit, as some seats appear to be unaffected by the new plan.
At least some theoretically interesting games got the bump. It's one thing to make a contest against Boston (Dec. 25), Cleveland (Jan. 19), San Antonio (Jan. 25), New Orleans (Feb. 20), Phoenix (Feb. 26), Dallas (March 15) or Houston (April 3) a little costlier. It's quite another to say, "The Grizzlies are in town, kids! Better pony up if you want a live look at the frontline scoring juggernaut that is Marc Gasol, Hamed Haddadi and Darko Milicic!"
The official news release from the Lakers is below the jump.
AK
The Los Angeles Lakers will institute a new
variable pricing plan for tickets beginning with the upcoming 2008-09 season, it
was announced today by Senior Vice President of Business Operations Tim
Harris.
In the
new plan, tickets in various sections will have three different prices: a
regular individual game price; a discounted season seat price; and a premium
price. Seven games have been chosen as premium games. They are as follows:
December 25 vs. Boston; January 19 vs. Cleveland; January 25 vs. San Antonio;
February 20 vs. New Orleans; February 26 vs. Phoenix; March 15 vs. Dallas and
April 3 vs. Houston.
“This
has been a growing trend in sports and entertainment ticket pricing in recent
years and allows us to increase revenues to offset our increasing payroll costs.
At the same time, while determining the market value of ticket prices, we were
sensitive to being able to protect our season seat holders by keeping their
price increases to a minimum,” said Harris.
The Lakers also
announced that tickets for individual games for the 2008-09 season will go on
sale on Saturday, October 4.
The tickets will go on sale at 10:00am at all Ticketmaster
locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com and by telephone at
1-800-4NBATIX. There are approximately 1,000 tickets available for each Lakers
home game. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the STAPLES
Center Box Office on this date.
For more
information regarding tickets for individual games please visit the Lakers
website at www.lakers.com.
Well, I am glad I am an STH, or I might be pissed.
Posted by: pslakerfan | September 16, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Like they said, it's the way sports are becoming. Angel tickets have been like that for awhile.
You can get 3 dollar tickets against the Mets but it's 12 dollars against the Yankees.
C'est la vie.
Posted by: Faith | September 16, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Wow. My season tickets went from $80 to $85 per game. The individual ticket price for my seats is $90 and $110 for a premium game. I guess they're going to need this extra money to pay for the millions in luxury taxes they're gonna owe over the next few years. No luck on getting a seat upgrade this year, the renewal rate was 99%.
Posted by: dymandave | September 16, 2008 at 07:00 PM
Yea, I saw this a while ago, its pretty ridiculous. Its already beyond expensive and tough to get Laker tickets and this just made it worse. At least they still have the single game $10 nose bleed seats. And I'm sure all these games will be sold out once tickets go on sale anyways. The best way to get tickets is to find a "steal" on stub hub.
With that being said its a business and Dr. Buss is a great owner. He is ponying up plenty of money to put the quality team on the floor so people shouldn't get too mad for a 10% bump, especially for a quality game. However, I'm pretty sure all tickets already got raised 5% from last year before this second increase.
Oh well, we're all Laker junkies and I know I'll be paying plenty this year to go see a few games.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 16, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Home has better seats, more privacy, better sound, closer view, access to kitchen, halftime diversions and your sports-loving girlfriend, and best of all - mute.
So they played the curb yer enthusiasm tonight when Shack trips over Larry david's leg...the whole city turns on larry for knocking out Shack for two months...he brings Shack, who's in a hospital, every seinfeld episode and Shack says his favorite episode is "the contest."
Shack likes contests. He loves to compete, however he can. He's not down about his declining numbers as long as he can play for a winner.
Interesting that Porter wants to employ Shack in a more brutal fashion than D'ANTONI.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 16, 2008 at 08:48 PM
So they're playing "sounds of the finals" tonite on NBATV and its the DET-LA series from a few years ago.
I didn't realize the lakers set a Finals record for fewest points scored in a game: 68
Two things struck me about this series in looking back - luke walton was part of the last two failed lakers finals teams...and the lakers' coaching mistake in the DET series of trying to make Shack a primary scorer. The SUNS understand Shack needs to be used as a rebounder and a put back scorer for most efficient use of his weapons.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 16, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Smash.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 16, 2008 at 09:12 PM
All the more reason why those who have to watch on TV should not be subjected to Joel Myers. Use some of that money to employ a more worthy heir to Chick Hearn.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | September 16, 2008 at 10:19 PM
If you want the best you have to pay em. Hate to see the prices go up but a family owner and not a billionaire owner has to do to get us the best.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 16, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Ugh, because seats don't already cost enough, well I just hope the Clippers have a sucky season, that way I can at least get a few tickets to see some good teams. Please Clippers don't mess ths up for me.
Posted by: Elle | September 16, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Butler,
Thanks for the reply.
"It was praise for his shark agent, but yes, Marion was given the best pay of any SUN...17.5 mil...you'd think he'd be happy. But being a millionaire doesn't mean happiness at all, because you've still got your respect as a person and playa to consider. And Shawn was upset...about something."
The news was that Marion wanted an extension. An extension that would have been approximately $20 million per year for 2-3 years. And all agents are sharks. See Ari from Entourage. They watch out for the good pay for their client, and they get paid when the client get their goods.
Besides he got traded to a bottom dwelling team that is hesitant in giving him his extension. I don't know what to say but if you got more info on the Marion conflicts that would be great.
Posted by: Charles | September 16, 2008 at 10:46 PM
"It was praise for his shark agent, but yes, Marion was given the best pay of any SUN...17.5 mil...you'd think he'd be happy. But being a millionaire doesn't mean happiness at all, because you've still got your respect as a person and playa to consider. And Shawn was upset...about something."
MARRYIN just wanted to have a better chance of winning the NBA title than by being struck by lightning. Twice.
'Cause in PEEHONIX you have approximately a 0% chance of the title. If the last 40 years are any guide.
Posted by: Jman449 | September 17, 2008 at 12:11 AM
I couldn't resist but repost this one...
That's right butler...
Are you not aware at all why only NASH has not played for a championship of those who won back to back MVP?... and yet you are telling us here that he is one of the greatest player who ever play ball... Look at your example.. Wilt, Bill, MJ... they are there because they battled for championships.. not just WIN MVP's... they BATTLE for something greater than thier personal accomplishments... THEY went to war and took with them thier team... Your Steve Nash has not brought his team to a single NBA Championship game inspite of having around him 2 All Stars in Amare and Shawn and as you say...with the greatest coach in the NBA...
Are you not aware of this? Do you not see the irregularity of this thought?
Amazing... just amazing...
I am perplexed...YOu are better than this.. wake up man...
At least Kobe brought his team all the way to the finals after winning his first MVP...
Go KOBE!
GO Lakers!
Posted by: dice8up | September 17, 2008 at 03:18 AM
Mr. Friedman-
Joel Myeres is an embarrassment. I wish there was some way to communicate this to whoever has the power to fire him. Do you folks in LA do simulcast to hear the radio hosts instead? I think it is Spero Dedes and Mychal Thompson?
BTW Mychal Thompson used to do color for the Timberwolves when I lived in Minneapolis and it was pretty funny how he always brought up the Lakers.
Posted by: C.S. | September 17, 2008 at 05:36 AM
It's crap like this that creates Clippers fans.
Seriously, ticket seats are priced out of the hands of true Lakers fans and it becomes an "event" instead only able to be attended by vacuous celebrities who don't know who Chris Mihm and Josh Powell are.
And we tend to lose these "events" because people are too worried about their haircuts than they are about supporting the Lakers, and thus we gain no home court advantage.
It was dreadful in the Finals last year. The crowd absolutely sucked. Oh they looked GREAT, but they made no noise and we just a waste. They were as much at fault for losing Game Four as the Lakers were. Terrible.
Donald Sterling may be a dreadful owner, but he makes enough money in his other billionaire activities to charge a reasonable fee to attend Clippers games.
This is ONLY thing I dislike about the Lakers: They charge too much for tickets to the point where they eliminate accessibility for average (and more passionate) fans.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 17, 2008 at 07:54 AM
Butler...
I disagree with you.The lakers didn't lose the '04 finals to Detroit becasue Shaq was being used as a primary scorer....they lost becasue he wasn't used enough as a scorer and becasue Kobe Bryant's shot selection was horrible.The other guys took the rap for not stepping up but Kobe went into the series intent to jack it up and win the finals MVP...sure there were guys hurt etc but when you look at that team they could have won that series had they looked to actually involve the other guys....and Shaq made 10 of 16 field goal attempts per game while Kobe shot well below 50 percent.At that time Kobe still thought he could win games on his own and had the excuse that guys were hurt but he approached the series all wrong.
Sorry to those who dont like it ...and I love Kobe but its the truth about that series.
Posted by: Kiwi | September 17, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Kiwi,
How dare you imply that Kobe Bryant is infallible!
Posted by: Xodus | September 17, 2008 at 08:20 AM
but when you look at that team they could have won that series had they looked t
o actually involve the other guys Sorry to those who dont like it ...and I love Kobe
but its the truth about that series. Posted by: Kiwi | September 17, 2008 at 08:03 AM
KIWI, KIWI, KIWI! Don't revise history. OK let's look at that team. Their Power Forward
The Mailman, out for the series and never played again. Their small forward Rick Fox, hurt.
Their point guard, The Glove did'nt know a damn thing about the Triangle. Now that's 3/5 of
the regular lineup. and how did they win the only game in the series they won. KOBE! KOBE! KOBE!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 17, 2008 at 08:23 AM
'Cause in PEEHONIX you have approximately a 0% chance of the title. If the last 40 years
are any guide Posted by: Jman449 | September 17, 2008 at 12:11 AM
OH THE HUMANITY!!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 17, 2008 at 08:26 AM
Kiwi -
I was half joking about Shack, and I believe you're right about the reasons for a failure vs. DET. Of course, DET needs credit because they played very very well as a team especially defensively. Thanks for the good points.
Dice8up sez:
"Your Steve Nash has not brought his team to a single NBA Championship game inspite of having around him 2 All Stars in Amare and Shawn"
That's quite true, but you're missing my point - isn't the MVP about reg season success? Nash and the SUNS had amazing reg seasons and provided the most entertaining ball in decades. I'm telling you, watching them every night was basketball heaven. Titles are for bragging rights but witnessing a basketball genius directing an atheltic team night in and night out was awesome!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 17, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Hey Rick Friedman;
Right on!! Joel Myers is the frigging worst - Why in the world are the Lakes sitting on this boob? Not that he'd want to take a pay cut, but Jim Rome would be an interesting choice. He has revolutionized sportstalk lingo in the last 10 years and is certainly an original. Romer - if you catch this blog, this is beans from KTMS. Love you always!!
Posted by: Otis Campbell | September 17, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Kiwi,
I think you're partially right about the 2004 Finals, but I think another key element was Karl Malone's injury. If he would have been healthy, we would have won that series.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 17, 2008 at 08:51 AM
As others have mentioned didn't the players complain that there wasn't enough real fans during the finals at Staples and now they go an do this...so the home crowd during those 7 games is going to consist of people who are there to be seen and not watch the game..... /fail.
Also Joel Myers is friggin' horrible. He makes it so hard for me to sit through a whole game. At least Spiro pays attention to the game. They should have let him do the simulcast like Chick used to do
Posted by: The Infamous El Guapo | September 17, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Rick Friedman
"those who have to watch on TV should not be subjected to Joel Myers"
I'll second that for the 30th time. They won't make a move because the ratings are good enough with the team winning.
But Stu needs a younger counter part. A "likable" younger counterpart.
Posted by: Vman | September 17, 2008 at 09:00 AM
How 'bout that Josh Howard? Couldn't give a s__t about the national anthem 'cause he's black. OK, it's a free country and maybe not the best tune ever written, but did you have to share the sentiment on camera with a new season about to jump it up?
Sometimes you can judge a book by it's cover, he's as stupid as he looks.
The NBA, where dumb dumb dumb dumb happens.
Posted by: Vman | September 17, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Kiwi,
I don't know, it seemed like Shaq was pretty ineffectual that series. Ben Wallace bodied up on him and forced the refs to make calls when Shaq tried to back him down. If I recall correctly, Shaq was in foul trouble most of those games and he had a ton of offensive calls go agianst him because of Big (mini) Ben. Shaq also shot horrendously from the stripe and GP was a total Finals bust, the dude shot about 30%. What stood out for me that series...Luke Walton. He played way out of his head for a rookie, he put up decent rook playoff numbers and he kept the offense on track. At the time, I hoped Luke would slim down and try to become more of a point-forward, but then we got Lamar next year and we all knew who'd be iniating the offence one way or another.
Kobe did shoot a lot, but he was also the hardest playing guy on our team. I think that Shaq and GP had had it with the Boy Wonder and pouted their way through the Finals, Phil intimated as much in 'The Last Season'. Overall, I thought the whole team walked into that series thinking that the East was weak and that they were 4 - 5 games away from another title. Wrong attitude.
So close, training camp, so close...when's press day?
Geez, I'm a junkie for this team.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | September 17, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Good morning all
I know this must be a stupid question, but... is training camp in Hawaii??
GO LAKE SHOW!!
Posted by: keifo | September 17, 2008 at 09:20 AM
Kiwi
I don't disagree with your post on:
Posted by: Kiwi | September 17, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Posted by: Charles | September 17, 2008 at 09:25 AM
So did you hear the latest Josh Howard antics... He was at
an Allen Iverson charity game, and while they were playing
the national anthem, Howard used his cellphone to shoot a
youtube video where he says ""'The Star-Spangled Banner'
is going on. I don't celebrate this [expletive]. I'm black."
You know, it's nice to have a summer where there are no
reports of a Laker dissing the country or getting pulled over
for being drunk in Vegas, or getting injured doing activities
that are prohibited by their contract, or bringing hos & pot
into their room at an NBA function or stalking their ex-girlfriend,
or any of that junk.
Instead the Lakers reports are that they're winning gold
or silver medals, encouraging cooperation between Israel
& Palestine, rehabilitating and working out, and a passel
of other healthy activities.
How long has it been since we could say that?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 17, 2008 at 09:45 AM
Give the pistons their due - they were a phenomenal defensive team.
And shame on the lakers for hiring K Malone! A great in his day but dislikable...
Like I said, SHACK is best as a rebounder and put-back man, not the go-to guy....the SUNS use him for his strengths - if only he would shoot the granny FT!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 17, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Butler...
"Nash and the SUNS had amazing reg seasons and provided the most entertaining ball in decades. I'm telling you, watching them every night was basketball heaven. Titles are for bragging rights but witnessing a basketball genius directing an atheltic team night in and night out was awesome!"
You've got to be kidding!!
I'd rather have a championship than an "entertaining" regular season!
It'll be entertaining to watch them emplode when they make it to the playoffs!!
GO LAKE SHOW!!
Posted by: keifo | September 17, 2008 at 10:12 AM
LTLF,
Don't jinx it. Something negative could come out anytime.
Posted by: Benjamin | September 17, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I watched quite a few suns games last season and let me tell you shaq missed alot of put backs and when a missed shot bounced to him, not him to the ball is how he actually got some boards. Shaq's strengths are now 6 fouls and being a decoy.
Posted by: Magia32 | September 17, 2008 at 10:41 AM
I don't know if you guys already seen it or not, interview with Kobe (part 1 and 2)
http://tinyurl.com/2txj32
http://tinyurl.com/3onenq
Posted by: LAL_Fan | September 17, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Titles are for bragging rights but witnessing a basketball genius directing an atheltic team night in and night out was awesome!
Butler,
You sound like a fan who's team has never seen a championship!! How ridiculous is that!! It's like a virgin saying "Even though I'm in love with her, I don't want to have sex because it'll ruin her image." You continue to push the limits of idiocracy.
Posted by: JSNV | September 17, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Well looks like Josh Howard is at it again. Anyone still want to trade Lamar for this idiot?
http://tinyurl.com/5l7mce
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 17, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Donald Sterling may be a dreadful owner, but he makes enough money in his other billionaire activities to charge a reasonable fee to attend Clippers games.
This is ONLY thing I dislike about the Lakers: They charge too much for tickets to the point where they eliminate accessibility for average (and more passionate) fans.
-----------
Come on Jon, I agree with you in that the fans attending the games, particularly the Finals, are too cool to cheer loudly and that many "Real Fans" are priced out of Staples, but this is economics 101: Supply and Demand. It is also about what makes LA, we just happen to be the home of many wealthy, pompous idiots who want to be at the Laker game because it's the IN thing to do as opposed to regular season ticket holders in a city where NBA is the ONLY thing to do. Sad to say that Lakers games are becoming more like Angels games, (cuz I hate Angels games) but I guarantee if I go to a game, there's no way I'm not screaming my head off!!
What I don't like is your statement that makes Sterling out to be a kind soul who wants to bring affordable NBA to Los Angelinos. Sterling would LOVE to charge Lakers prices, but then nobody would want them!! They BARELY want them at the prices they charge now!! I know I'm looking to cop tickets for the Lakers vs. Clippers game to catch a look at our boys!!
Posted by: JSNV | September 17, 2008 at 11:34 AM
This sucks...
As a student I work full time just to pay my way to school. Im a die hard laker fan, have been since i could remember. Ive been to a bunch of laker games, many of those during the seasons when those "laker fans" you saw in the finals wouldn't even turn on the tv to catch a game. It sucks that the die hard laker fans who can't afford to drop 100 bucks on a laker ticket can't go to see their team in these special times.
However, i understand why they raise ticket prices. You can't expect to have pau, kobe, lamar and their big contracts on the same team without sacrificing something. If i can't attend a laker game this season it will all be worth it if i could be sitting down on the sidewalk in front of staples in June for the parade.
Go Lakers
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | September 17, 2008 at 12:04 PM
As an STH and someone who sees what types of fans go to games first-hand, I really can't stand all the characterizations about only the wealthy and celebrities going to games. And, no offense, it's not the "in" thing to do. Frankly, if someone isn't a basketball fan, going to see it live is actually an excruciatingly boring thing to do. You can see more celebs and get closer to them eating at any handful of restaurants, shopping at a grocery store or going to the right Coffee Bean or Starbucks.
The uber-rich sit courtside or on the premium-level but that's no different than any other sports franchise including the Clippers. And, there are plenty of other teams that charge just as much, if not more, than what the Lakers charge for tickets. There are just as many "real fans" in attendance as there are for any other team.
Personally, I'm loving the fact that my seats stayed at $28/game. It's about time that they gave STHs a discount.
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 17, 2008 at 12:14 PM
JSNV, last season I bought a game pack through the Clippers, it included a Lakers game section 200 and two more games, Rockets and Pistons, the total was 400.00. I used the Lakers tickets but then i realized i had no intrest in actually going to a Clippers game so I tried to sell my remaining tickets and I virtually had to give them away, I sold all four tickts for $100.00 total not each, the tickets for these games were behind the basket in the 100s, I was really afraid that I would have to actually have to go to a Clippers game or worse have the tickets go unused. I was glad I got as much back as I did.
Posted by: Elle | September 17, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Not that anyone should need another reason to appreciate KB24's decision to sacrifice surgery for playing time, here's the latest from the Washington Post:
Arenas to Miss Camp, Season's First Month After Surgery
Gilbert Arenas confirmed that he underwent a surgical procedure this morning that "cleaned out some debris" in his left knee. Arenas, who has undergone two surgeries to repair the left knee in the last two seasons, has been limited during the rehab process all summer and said he has planned all along on not participating in training camp or the preseason.
http://tinyurl.com/3wa8bh
Agent Zero will be on the sidelines until early December while the Mamba will be at work building on his legacy. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | September 17, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Jaime Sweet,
I hate Shaq but even I have to admit he was the only player that had a good series for us in the 2004 Finals.
Posted by: Xodus | September 17, 2008 at 12:48 PM
Keifo,
That's just something people who root for loser franchises say. And I mean that with all due respect, BUTLER.
Posted by: Xodus | September 17, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Xodus,
Shaq shot about 63% from the field and averaged 26/10 over the Detroit series (including two 30 pt games and a 36/20). If that's "ineffective," sign me up.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 17, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I still can't believe Washington gave Arenas the payday. He was clearly still hurt and the next best offer he MAY have received wouldn't have been within 30 mil of the money he ended up getting.
It's also going to make the FO take a serious pause on the Bynum extension (sorry Tom).
LAMAR=NOT A LAKER FOR LIFE
Posted by: htj | September 17, 2008 at 01:13 PM
LakersSTH,
As someone who attended a lot of home games even before the blog's inception (while doing ESPN work), I agree that the Staples crowd rep- all rich, indifferent "spectators," as opposed to fans)-isn't accurate. Yes, there are courtside celebs/pretty people on their blackberry, but that's no different than the suits in any other city who got primo seats because a client wants to show them a good time. The only difference is that courtside fans in L.A. are more famous.
Where I do think the Laker fans lack, however, is in crowd volume. I'd always noticed before that Staples noise runs in waves, but that never really hit home until going on the road this season. The Laker fans are the quietest crowd and by a fairly large margin. Players notice the difference, too. I remember Vlad saying that he appreciates the Laker fans, but they're almost like a theater audience. I don't know if it's the result of a So Cal "mellow" vibe, Staples being pretty cavernous (making it's harder to create noise) or just a cultural thing, but whatever the reason, I do consider that (along with general timeliness) an area where Laker crowds could improve.
But having said that, I don't think it's fair to say they're in the house just to "be seen." They care and it's obvious.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 17, 2008 at 01:29 PM
htj,
>>>>>I still can't believe Washington gave Arenas the payday.
>>>>>He was clearly still hurt and the next best offer he MAY have received
>>>>>wouldn't have been within 30 mil of the money he ended up getting.
I agree. However, it was a good move by Gilbert to forego around $20M. For once, an athlete asked the question of how his and his family’s life were going to be different with $110M vs. $130M.
>>>>>It's also going to make the FO take a serious pause on the Bynum
>>>>>extension (sorry Tom).
Don’t worry. The Lakers are not going to pause even for a second. Drew will sign an extension within the next 30 days for $70-75M. He will accept a little less than max because of the Lakers committing now. He will be under contract for the next 6 years (1 year on existing contract plus 5 year extension) before his birthday on 10/27.
The Era of the Beast has begun. Go, Lakers!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 17, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Elle,
>>>I was really afraid that I would have to actually have
>>>to go to a Clippers game
Oh ! The humanity!!
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 17, 2008 at 01:33 PM
>>>>>It's also going to make the FO take a serious pause
>>>>> on the Bynum extension (sorry Tom).
>>
>>>Don’t worry. The Lakers are not going to pause even
>>>for a second.
LOL. Good one. The Arenas situation is a textbook example
of why the Lakers WON'T offer Bynum anywhere near
a max contract until and unless he shows that he can play
at full strength in real 5-on-5 NBA game situations.
>>> Drew will sign an extension within the next 30 days
>>>for $70-75M.
He may get that much, but only if it's a couple weeks into
the season and he's playing at full strength with no limp
and no new complications.
>>>He will accept a little less than max
>>>because of the Lakers committing now. He will be
>>>under contract for the next 6 years (1 year on
>>>existing contract plus 5 year extension) before his
>>>birthday on 10/27.
I hope you're right. But it won't happen until the Lakers
front office are positive that he's not going to pull an
Arenas on them. That kind of money for that number of
years puts a serious hurt on your cap space whether the
player is playing or not. So you want to make damn sure
they're going to suit up and contribute.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 17, 2008 at 01:39 PM
AK,
Yeah, how anyone can say Shaq struggled against Detroit is beyond me.
Posted by: Xodus | September 17, 2008 at 01:41 PM