All Drew, all the time
No surprise that talk of Andrew Bynum's contract extension dominated conversation at practice Friday afternoon in El Segundo. Bynum certainly was in a good mood (wouldn't you be?), and both Phil Jackson and Mitch Kupchak seemed pleased that both parties were able to reach an agreement- one that worked well for both the organization and Bynum for the reasons we've talked about on the site- and that the contract won't over the season. That said, now that the ink is dry, PJ made it perfectly clear that Bynum has work to do:
"He's being paid on his potential. That's what we see- his potential as a player in the NBA. Accordingly, we want him to meet that potential."
On the one hand, Bynum is still the same guy who hasn't played a full season as a starter, who is coming off a major knee injury, who is still a in many ways a "learner," to use a term PJ often employs. Today, I saw him working with Kurt Rambis on the perimeter shot we've seen him try a few times this season. It was very much a teaching moment, with Rambis drilling Bynum on proper form, at one point asking Vlad Radmanovic to hoist up a shot in demonstration. On the other, he's no longer figuratively part of the team's present and future, but financially as well.
Nothing about Bynum's skill and development has changed in the last 24 hours, but the context is different. It'll be interesting to see how fans react. Click below to see the video from today.
BK
As much as extending his range is good Drew needs to keep most of his shots near the post and on the block. I really like the jump shot he developed over the summer but I think sometimes he uses too much and may have made him use them too much instead of using his post moves. While I have seen him posting up as well he hasn't hit many of his shots so far on behind the back moves which a center like him should keep as his primary option of going to the basket.
Like I said, it's great that he's developing his extending his range. The only thing that is concerning is that he would extend it too much into the perimeter ala Rasheed "Must Bleed" Wallace and use the jumper too much instead of going to close to the basket.
tbh, Sheed had he stayed more on the block and post would have become much better player in my opinion instead of shooting 3 pointers about 4 times a game. Guess he just loves hearing the Detroit crowd chant "Sheeeeeeeedddddd".
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 31, 2008 at 06:10 PM
BK,
Great interviews of Drew and Mitch. I think one thing all of us can completely agree upon is that Andrew Bynum is the kind of player you love to have on your team. “I want to be a Laker for life and play with Kobe.” That’s why his agent compromised to make a deal. Seriously, other than more PT, why would any player want to leave the Lakers right now? While the Lakers probably cut Karl to save the salary and tax, part of their motivation might have been anticipating the opportunity of adding a key veteran player looking for a ring later on.
I loved when Mitch was asked about the risk of signing Drew and he responded that it was easy compared to signing a free agent. “We know better than anybody what his upside is.” That’s a theme that Mitch returned to again and again when he was criticized for Bynum, Farmar, Vujacic, and the players the Lakers drafted under his general managership. I think we can all agree now that Mitch has shown that the Lakers did know their players better.
It is interesting that Mitch felt that the team would have had to pay twice as much next year to sign Drew. I interpreted that to mean total dollars rather than dollars per year. It’s easy to lose sight of total dollars committed since most financial moves result from managing annual rather than total team salaries due to the nature of the CBA. Trades, for example, require matching annual salaries but don’t care if teams stupidly assume bad long-term contracts.
I hope Kobe and Lamar show the same attitude when it comes time for them to negotiate possible new contracts. I think Drew’s extension makes it more likely that Kobe and Lamar will also agree to team-friendly deals. For Kobe, such a move would cement his comeback and add to his growing marketability. As has been posted, he might even earn more money.
Anyway, it’s reassuring to me to know that we are set at general manager and center for the next few years and – as Drew confidently predicted – there will be at least three or four more championship before Kobe finally hangs up his sneakers. Lakers for Life. I love it.
Of course, all of this is solely my personal opinion based on nothing more than speculation.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 31, 2008 at 06:37 PM
kobeblitz,
"As much as extending his range is good Drew needs to keep most of his shots near the post and on the block"
I disagree. When Drew is in close, it is harder for Gasol to get a clean look inside. Drew being able to hit that 15-18 foot shot makes Gasol much more dangerous, because it opens up Gasol's inside game.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 31, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Bynum should work on that Tim Duncan bank shot from the wings. Annoying as it is to opponents, it's still the most effective shot in the arsenal of the greatest power forward in history. Bynum could be a bigger version of Duncan.
Posted by: EJK | October 31, 2008 at 07:02 PM
The upsides on Andrew out-weighted potential risk associated with his knee injury last year. I'm certain that Lakers' staff received all the updates on Andrew before agreed to the contract extension. If he continued to develop as we've seen it before his injury, the Lakers's future is pretty bright and they have an excellent chance to redeem themselves after the disappointing Finals earlier this year.
Posted by: Wallace | October 31, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Of course, all of this is solely my personal opinion based on nothing more than speculation.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 31, 2008 at 06:37 PM
LOL. I guess you figured out how to avoid the wrath of the angry blog mob......
Posted by: pslakerfan | October 31, 2008 at 07:47 PM
It looks like Farmar has a nice shot off the glass now
Posted by: dave m | October 31, 2008 at 07:47 PM
I agree blitz, he's an homage to the traditional C. Stay in and dunk everything!
Posted by: Faith | October 31, 2008 at 07:53 PM
IT"S ALL ABOUT HALLOWEEN (the bros don't like it?)
you guys are my best friends
through thick and thin
we always been together
were four of a kind
havin fun all day
laugh'n around
and pallin away
just best friends
BEST FRIENDS ARE WE!
I LOVE YOU GUYS
Evil Cartman
Posted by: Evil Cartman | October 31, 2008 at 08:07 PM
I agree that Drew should continue to work on his post moves, but Drew adding a little midrange jumper will add more diversity to his game as well as the entire team's on the offensive end.
Posted by: Xodus | October 31, 2008 at 08:12 PM
We definately don't want AB to become Rasheed Wallace, Sheed is probably the reason Detroit hasn't won another title. His decision to remain on the perimeter severely weakened Detroits inside presence. How happy Boston (and Cleveland 07) must have been to see Sheed not want to mix it up with the BIG BOYS
Posted by: You Ever Notice | October 31, 2008 at 08:17 PM
A lot of people seem to be forgetting that one of our complaints about Shaq was that he never expanded his game. Bynum seems to have the ability to add an outside game to his inside game, whether it be with a jump shot or skyhook. Why pigeonhole him?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 31, 2008 at 08:29 PM
My first post in the new Season of Redemption
A miracle happened in the last game between the Lakers and the Clippers. In the middle of the game, Jesus came down and cured the limp, Phil Jackson. Phil Jackson stood up for no particular reason. It was so unusual that everyone mistook him for calling a timeout! Can we assume from this apparition that Phil is serious about this season?
I like all the players in the Lakers team, including Luke Walton as long as he is the third in the rotation. It was amazing to watch 2 ex-starters playing at garbage time – Luke Walton and Chris Mihm. It shows how much the Lakers has improved. If the Lakers want to save money. There are only 3 players that are overpaid – Luke Walton, Vlad Radmanovic and Lamar Odom. I am a fan of Odom but how can you call him an all-around player if he can't make a consistent mid-range shot. However, if Lakers want to trade him, they should package him with Vlad and Luke.
Andrew Bynum is still untested. He didn't play much in the last 2 seasons. He has good fundamental but his repertoire is still limited. Last season before the injury, his improvement has already stagnated. At this time, I don't think he can bang with the centers in the playoff - Duncan, Chandler, Yao and Perkins. I doubt Bynum can out-rebound Perkins.
After last playoff with San Antonio, I started counting seconds every time Tim Duncan shooting free-throws. More than half of his free-throws are questionable. Funny things is that his accuracy did not improve by staring at the net. If this blog can achieve one thing, I wish it was the trend of hecking the freethrowing Duncan. So, please start the trend!
Posted by: PJ Doubter | October 31, 2008 at 08:44 PM
Drew's mid range game should be when he's wide open and the lanes to post up are clogged. Otherwise he should mainly stick on the block and use post moves and go for alley oops.
Sure the legends like Hakeem the Dream, The Admiral Robinson, and even The Big Dipper had developed jumpshots. But their main offensive arsenal was in the post. One of the reasons why Shaq was so dominant offensively was because he didn't stray too far ahead and take jump shots. Most of shots were dunks and very close jumpers and as a result he shot a very high FG% who regularly led the league in FG% and the only one who has done it more is Wilt.
Bynum achieved a FG% of 63% during the 35 games he played. Once the lobs were getting predictable he began to use close post moves and shot just as well. This season he developed his jumper as an addition. What the point is, that he should not use it as his main weapon since he is bigger than most guys. He has the potential to dominate in the post even more than Dwight Howard. Like I said, I do not have a problem with extending his range, it makes him all the better.
The thing is for him not to settle for those and become Rasheed Wallace. He is true center, not a Forward-Center. He should be the main post guy. Pau is a power forward he can hit the mid range game and can drive to the basket. It's the biggest strength of his game and while he can post up just as well, because he is more power forward than a true center he doesn't have the strength that Drew would have.
I also don't think he should become like Duncan. Make no mistake, Duncan is the best power forward in NBA history and what I will say right now is not a knock on him. That being said, Tim is not a true center despite his height. Drew should copy his post moves maybe but not his game since his bank shots are just unreal to the point where I dunno how many big men can do that. Drew would get his greatest benefit if he could stay in the post and hit open mid range jumpers when necessary. Otherwise he could become Rasheed Wallace and just shoot from the perimeter.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 31, 2008 at 08:46 PM
OK, OK I know Hollinger is an idiot and all (although it is fun to have someone pick Utah every year...lol), but he really thinks three of our players will get worse this season? I know it's impossible to distinguish between skills, productivity and stats with him, but he's not just saying their numbers will go down - he thinks they will diminish as players.
Well, all our players numbers will go down because minutes and touches per minute will go down. But if we play good basketball together, every player on the team should get better because better players make each other better if they play together. Duh.
Anywho,
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Cameron | October 31, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Something is really odd....
First Portland is leading the Spurs who gave the Suns a run at their money (granted no GINOBILI!)
Plus the Clippers are leading the Nuggets (granted no Carmelo) by a comfortable margin and Baron Davis isn't the one who is getting the stats.
Either Spurs, Suns, and Nuggets are terrible teams (which while could be pleasantly entertaining to think about, shouldn't be taken as fact) or the Lakers who blew out the Clippers and the Trailblazers are a team out of this world already.
Yeah true the Celtics did a blowout of the Bulls as well so of course they probably will win the east.
This Laker team who blew both the Trailblazers and the Clippers is really the big deal and so talented that Kobe might not win MVP :( [Because they would probably make the argument Kobe has a loaded team though if he wins Defensive Player of the Year and Finals MVP then it's all good].
But w/e the case is, as long as we are holding the trophy next year heck it's all good.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 31, 2008 at 08:57 PM
One more post,
Ex,
One of the reasons why I don't want Drew to settle is that he might just settle for jump shots instead of keeping up with his post moves.
Yeah we complained about Shaq not developing more moves but heck, he was scoring very close to the basket and kept his game mainly like that.
And I said before I don't have a problem with him finding new moves. The point is that he shouldn't settle for mid range shots. Otherwise he will become Rasheed Wallace who had some very nice post moves in his prime but gave it up because he could shoot jumpers.
I don't want Drew to become Rasheed Wallace.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 31, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Hollinger is an example of someone who just knows enough to be dangerous.
Posted by: LakerinBC | October 31, 2008 at 09:08 PM
Cameron,
I actually agree with Hollinger that Fisher could be worse this season. Last season was probably the best year of his career. What are the chances that he replicates that at 34?
Sasha I don't agree with but I understand his reasoning. Sasha's 4th season was light-years better than his first three and it is logical to assume he'll take a stepback from it. I don't think he will but it's not unreasonable.
With Pau, I also understand his reasoning, but I don't agree with it. Pau is still going to get his fair share of post touches, so I don't see him falling off much. It does look like he will be grabbing less boards and blocks this season, though.
Posted by: Xodus | October 31, 2008 at 09:13 PM
kobeblitz,
POne of the reasons why Shaq was so dominant offensively was because he didn't stray too far ahead and take jump shots"
No - the reason for Shaq's dominance was that he was very strong and amazingly agile for someone with that size and strength. The reason he didn't take jump shots was because he couldn't. Which is one reason why his career has tailed off significantly the past few years - as you age, you'd better have a level of sophistication to your game.
"Drew's mid range game should be when he's wide open and the lanes to post up are clogged."
Of course. That is the whole point why he should develop an outside game, which you said you didn't think he should do.
"Sure the legends like Hakeem the Dream, The Admiral Robinson, and even The Big Dipper had developed jumpshots."
Most of the great centers have had an outside game.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 31, 2008 at 09:15 PM
kobeblitz,
Sorry, reread your post, and you weren't as negative on his outside game as I thought.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 31, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Nothing to do with this thread but the Spurs/Portland game has been a good one. Portland has been a whole lot better than the other night.
Posted by: dave m | October 31, 2008 at 09:59 PM
ENOUGH ABOUT BYNUM ALREADY!!!!!!
Posted by: keifo | October 31, 2008 at 10:02 PM
This is my first post and im glad i found where the laker nation is at.
"This gives me and my family financial security, and more importantly, cements my future with the Lakers, which in my opinion is the best organization in all of professional sports. I couldn't be happier." - Andrew Bynum
what does that tell us about andrew bynum? he wants to win and he recognizes this is the best place to do that. its not all about money with him. he wants to win and he wants to be a laker. no ego. for me that just confirmation on what i already believe and shows how most if not all free agents are about money grubbing and not about winning. nice to see andrew puts a chance to win at the top. alotta guys dont figure that out until they are washed up and its too late. we struggled for years to get a quality free agent but all just wanted the money.
i dont know whats wrong with plashke. this is the safe way to go because we all know that letting bynum go was not an option anyway. who you gonna try to target thats better and you have a chance of getting? waiting would have definitely raised the asking price. and my question is what are we waiting for? andrew might have grown bitter and become less loyal to the lakers. andrew will reach his potential and in a year or two kupchak is gonna look real smart when bynum is tearing up the league and that 14 mil a year looks like a steal. i think
we have learned that kupchak is the man and cant be second guessed. and he has an unbelievable amount of patience. getting karl malone and gary payton was a big time move that even the all time great jerry west couldnt pull off after he assembled the core championship group.
i believe jerry west to be the all time greatist champioship builder but i feel very comfortable with kupchak stepping into his shoes now. i didnt always feel that way but kupchak has proved his skill at this job and ther is noone else i would want to be our gm.
the draft picks that eventually became good players and trading for ariza and gasol those are all great moves. the only way we could get stars at the time alongside kobe was to trade for them. and he had to trade up with the likes of kwame brown and mo evans and brian cook. its amazing he was able to do that. even this year i was thinking we need to add posey or artest or someone. but kupchak stressed patience and that having drew back and ariza really for the first time healthy, we were adding 2 players we didnt have last year. watching our lakers so far this year it looks like we added new players who are making our team better. these 2 games have given us alot of hope and i hope we keep it going against denver whic there should be no reason we cant improve on the beating we gave them last year but this is when expectations can lead to disappointment. i dont believ that will happen. its only 2 games and i might be tripping but there seems like a different feeling this year. remember 2000 when you couldnt wait for our team to go up against the best in the nba because we knew our team was gonna win the championship and we could beat any team that came at us. im starting to get that feeling again. i dont think there is any reason to question kupchak. in kupchak we trust. GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: md | October 31, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Sky hook? If you were 7'1 and 21 wouldn't you add the greatest shot in the history of basketball? Don't have to bang, don't have to face up, just rotate and roll it off your fingertips for the next 20 years.
I'm assuming the reason we haven't seen it would be???
Posted by: VMan | October 31, 2008 at 10:40 PM
"Who wants to take a pay cut?" Odom said
Well, there you have it. Can't imagine he'd take the kind of cut that's been bounced around the blog even with his business in LA. It's his last contract. Not that I don't have confidence in Lamar the entrepreneur, but it will undoubtedly be his last big payday.
It's going to be a great year followed by a long hot summer.
Posted by: VMan | October 31, 2008 at 10:51 PM
I'd have to agree with ex. Shaq is the perfect example of why Bynum should add a midrange shot to his repertoire. Once Shaq lost his agility, his only option was to overpower people in the post and try to dunk, which led to a lot of offensive fouls. Shaq never developed a level of sophistication in his game that would have offset a loss of athleticism. Bynum doesn't have the power of Shaq, so he'll be forced into a lot of jump hooks and mini-fadeways in the post. It'll help him to have a face-up game too.
Posted by: EJK | October 31, 2008 at 10:54 PM
The scary part about this story from BK is that Andrew's shooting teacher is Kurt Rambis ? Any of you guys rememeber his shot from 20 years ago ?
Posted by: OhioVic | November 01, 2008 at 06:38 AM
WAKE UP PEOPLE -- it's game day.
Denver coming off an OT win last night + Rested Lakers = Lakers 104, Denver 92.
Posted by: HmrHed | November 01, 2008 at 07:18 AM
We won't know till Oden fully recovers from his injuries and Bynum remains healthy. Let's hope both improve their stamina and remain healthy and THEN we might know who might become the NEW SHAQ!
Posted by: Michael DuBasso | November 01, 2008 at 08:14 AM
md,
Yes. It is clear now that Bynum wants to win, isn't greedy, is reasoned in his decision making, and is not a narcissist (which makes him a better teammate).
I'm very happy with this signing.
VMan,
Andrew Bynum should absolutely learn the sky hook. He couldn't find a better mentor in Kareem. The shot is unblockable. Period.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 09:03 AM
i hope he'll be more aggressive and a healthy bynum...
More powers lakers!!!!!
let's finish the nuggets!!!! wohooooo!!!
Posted by: darkhangelsk | November 01, 2008 at 09:03 AM
AK/BK,
Just from the body language and vocal intonation of Lakers when you interview them, it seems like you two have a pretty good relationship with the organization.
Would that be fair to say?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Vman,
I think Lamar Odom will stay for a long-term contract that somehow bundles Lamar Odom's business activities with the Lakers organization and lakers.com.
If the Lakers can push to help make his Los Angeles-based businesses (one of which makes t-shirts) more profitable, it makes sense for Lamar to stay even at a cut in salary.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Good Morning Charles....Good Morning Everyone...
AK / BK
How much is Kareem working with Bynum / Pau / Mihm / Mbenga ?
Also can players be traded for just draft picks, or is that dependent on if the other team is under the cap?
What is Josh Powell's length of his current contract?
Thanks (as always) for the info...
I am really looking forward to tonight's game--I find it increasingly difficult to wait between games....and I thought I was a Laker freak before.....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY (AND SEASON) TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | November 01, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Cameron,
>>>OK, OK I know Hollinger is an idiot and all (although it
>>> is fun to have someone pick Utah every year...lol), but
>>> he really thinks three of our players will get worse
>>> this season?
I think people may be misinterpreting this a little. His assertion
isn't that the players "are going to get worse", but rather that
their statistical averages will be lower.
For example. with a healthy Bynum sharing the front court,
Gasol will get less touches, and thus will make less points,
less rebounds, etc.
And he's predicting that Fisher will lose some playing time to
Farmar, so his minutes (and points and assists) will go down.
He did also predict that Fisher & Vujacic's shooting %s would
go down. I'm not sure I agree with him there - Vujacic has
improved each season and I think he'll do it again. Fish
is benefitting from all the double teams guys like Bynum
and Gasol & Kobe get, so he gets more open looks than
he did in Utah.
To be honest, I'm surprised he didn't predict that Kobe's
stats will go down as well. As deep as this team is, Kobe
may end up only playing a little over 30 minutes a game
and averaging low 20's points.
So don't read it the wrong way... Hollinger wasn't saying
that any of these players would get worse, but rather that
the depth of the Lakers will reduce their minutes, and thus
their stats.
And to balance it, he had Farmar on the all-breakout team,
and would have had Bynum on it, but he said that Bynum
broke out last season.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Quote from the Times,
"Lamar Odom is in the last year of a six-year, $65-million
contract and said he wanted to stay in the range of $10
million to $11 million a year on his next contract."
That pretty much seals it. Lamar is gone next season. It
could either be by just letting him walk away for nothing, or
it could be a trade near the trade deadline, but he's gone.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Andrew Bynum is still untested. He didn't play much in the last 2 seasons. He has good fundamental but his repertoire is still limited. Last season before the injury, his improvement has already stagnated.
--PJ Doubter.
No way buddy. Before the injury Bynum was soaring like a tick on the back of an eagle. He was showing improvement on an almost daily basis, an hourly basis it seemed, showcasing all kinds of post moves, dunks, put backs, alley oops, blocks, dynamic snatch-rebounds and surprising athleticism.
The unproven part I agree with, the rest, no way.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 01, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Hey, in case you didn't see any of the Orlando-Memphis game,
Marc Gasol played pretty well. He defended well enough that
Dwight Howard only got 14 points, and made 10 of his own.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 10:47 AM
why no skyhook yet?
because it is hard. if the motion is perfect, it's high percentage, if not, it's as good as a turnover.
there's nothing wrong with this team right now. everyone's doing what they should. if there are no major injuries, this is the first of several championship years.
i watched West and Wilt, Magic and Cap and Shaq and Kobe. this crew looks potentially better(at least starting the season), more awesome, than any of them.
we have 2 1/2 teams! who can run with that for 48minutes, especially with a fresh Kobe as the cherry on top?
it's in God's hands. no injuries, there will be parades. i'm not afraind of setbacks like losses, because this team seems to be willing to learn from mistakes.
Posted by: mud | November 01, 2008 at 10:47 AM
so Odom said "who wants to take a pay cut?", what's the problem there? did he say he wouldn't take a cut? did he say that he didn't want to stay?
who DOES want to take a paycut? i don't blame him for trying to keep all his money. we'll see what Buss has to say when the time comes!
one thing i got watching the Kupchak presser on the Bynum contract was Mitch smiling about Lee's use of the media and saying(paraphrased) "no, that didn't affect us at all. everyone has different styles. WE PREFER TO KEEP IT ALL BEHIND CLOSED DOORS."(emphasis added). the Lakers aren't saying ANYTHING publicly about what they will or won't pay to whom. anything heard in the news is strictly heresay and foddder for the watercooler and the blog...
Posted by: mud | November 01, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I say we win this one for Lamar. I think it's his last year as a Laker, I think this will probably be the closest shot at winning a ring that he'll have in the remainder of his career, I think he has a great attitude and I think he's really, really hungry to get a ring.
I don't think we'll trade him, because we'd literally have to get 2 or 3 players back to match Lamar's skills, let alone his salary. Every single trade scenario I've gone over with Lamar has us taking back less talent than we're giving up. And then if we end up taking 2-3 players back, some of those contracts are going to extend beyond next year and I don't think the Lakers are planning on dumping Lamar's all-around talents and still taking on extended contracts.
Lamar might take the mid-level and that would be great for us. Otherwise, I think he's heading to NY to play Marion's role in D’Antoni's system (though they can't offer more than the mid-level either).
Hmm.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 01, 2008 at 10:56 AM
OhioVic,
>>>The scary part about this story from BK is that
>>>Andrew's shooting teacher is Kurt Rambis ? Any of
>>>you guys rememeber his shot from 20 years ago ?
I do. Kurt was a career 53% shooter. With all the offensive
weapons on the Lakers, he didn't shoot much, but he was
pretty effective. But when the other shooters on your team
are Magic and Worthy and Kareem and Cooper and Scott
and McAdoo and Mychal Thompson (etc. etc. etc), you don't
really take a lot of shots.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 11:27 AM
BIG DOLLARS, NO CHANGE FOR LAKERS' BYNUM?
By Janis Carr for the OC Register
http://tinyurl.com/5n758d
An excellent article on how Andrew Bynum is still the same kid after signing his extension. Here are some interesting excerpts:
>>>>>
The Lakers wrapped up the month-long negotiations a day before the deadline that would have left Bynum a restricted free agent in July had he not signed an extension.
The Lakers would have retained the right to match any offer he received, but the 21-year-old center also could have signed a one-year deal next season with the Lakers for approximately $3.8 million and become an unrestricted free agent in July 2010.
>>>>>
Another gamble is whether Bynum will follow in the footsteps of other great Lakers centers, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal.
"I thought Andrew began to blossom last year and unfortunately his season was cut short," Kupchak said. "Would he continue to play that well, and would have continued to improve, I don't know. So that's a risk."
>>>>>
Lamar Odom was happy for Bynum, even though the center's deal could eventually spell the end of Odom's own stay in L.A. Odom is in the final year of his contract and the Lakers deferred until next summer to make a decision on him.
Odom is making $11.4 million this season, and his salary cap number is $14.1 because of a clause in his contract when he was acquired by the Lakers in 2004.
"It's great, he's a superstar. He deserves it," Odom said of Bynum "I'm not worried (about my situation). I get paid for this year to play basketball. I can't complain. I'm in a good position."
>>>>>
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 01, 2008 at 11:30 AM
>>>so Odom said "who wants to take a pay cut?", what's
>>> the problem there?
He also said he expects to get 10 to 11 million per in his next
contract (which actually would be a pay cut for him).
At 6 million, the Lakers could afford to keep him.
At 8 million, it would be pretty dodgy and they might not be
able to keep both him and Ariza.
At 10 million, kiss goodbye to Ariza, Mihm, and maybe Farmar
to keep him.
So what do you think the Lakers will go with? Keep Ariza
and Farmar, or keep Lamar Odom?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 11:34 AM
LTLF,
"That pretty much seals it. Lamar is gone next season."
Unfortunately, I do believe you are correct.
There are a couple of scenarios where he could stay, but they are so unlikely that they're not worth mentioning.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 01, 2008 at 11:42 AM
wes,
>>>I don't think we'll trade him, because we'd literally have
>>> to get 2 or 3 players back to match Lamar's skills, let
>>>alone his salary.
True. Any trade that they make for Lamar this season will
make the Lakers worse this season. I totally agree with that.
>>>Every single trade scenario I've gone over with Lamar
>>>has us taking back less talent than we're giving up.
That goes without saying. The problem is that if you want
to get back equal talent to Lamar (which might be possible)
you'd have to take on a player with a big contract like Lamar.
If you're trading Lamar for financial reasons, the team gets
worse this year, but maybe is better than it would be for the
next two or three years (and is more likely to keep everybody
else around).
>>>And then if we end up taking 2-3 players back, some
>>>of those contracts are going to extend beyond next
>>>year
Actually, that's the whole point. If you let Lamar walk at
the end of this season for nothing, then you're better this
year and you get nothing for him.
Let's consider an example trade: Lamar Odom and Josh
Powell for Drew Gooden, Joachim Noah, and Thabo Sefolosha.
For this season, neither Gooden not Noah is better than
Lamar as the backup PF. But both of those guys are better
than Powell, so you're still 5 deep in the front court.
And next season, Gooden comes off the books, but you
get to keep Noah and Sefolosha around for a little over
4 million combined. No, they're not Lamar Odom, but for
about 2 million each, they'd be very affordable players.
If given the choice of 10 million for Lamar vs 2 million for
Noah, I'd take Noah every time.
And Noah has the potential to become a very good front court player. Not an all-star, but potentially starter level.
So they get a little bit worse this season, and better for
the next few years (compared to letting Lamar leave for
nothing).
>>>and I don't think the Lakers are planning on dumping
>>> Lamar's all-around talents and still taking on extended
>>>contracts.
The key is not to take back any BIG extended contracts or
players that you have to re-sign for big money next summer.
Basically, you want one or two players whose contracts go
on for a total of 6 or 7 million tops. They don't have to be
starter quality, just good rotation players.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 11:53 AM
All this talk of Lamar leaving is creating a bit of anxiety with me. I'd rather change the subject if possible.
Lamar Odom = 6th Man of the Year and (Hopefully) Laker for Life.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 12:08 PM
I'd hate to see LO go. Although his play can be frustrating at times, he's a perfect fit for the Bench Mob and his versatility will be virtually impossible to replace. But with his salary demands, I don't see much of a chance that he signs with the Lakers next summer. Perhaps we can sign Artest at a lower price.
I think we could still win championships with just Kobe, Pau, and Bynum, but all three would have to stay healthy all season long for us to have a chance. Our bench would be that much weaker also. I hope we can add a backup PF in the mold of Horace Grant - someone who could play excellent post defense, rebound, and hit midrange shots. I don't think Josh Powell will cut it.
Posted by: EJK | November 01, 2008 at 12:12 PM
LTLF,
"Kurt was a career 53% shooter."
That may be true, but only because the great majority of his shots were dunks or within 2 feet. Shooting was not a KR strength. Kurt was/is a great Laker, but I see OhioVic's point.
Posted by: Eric M. | November 01, 2008 at 12:14 PM