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
LTLF,
"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."
Fair point. I was just poking a little fun - and don't get me wrong - I live in Ohio now, but was a Laker season ticket holder from '86 - '92 and I loved Rambis. He was a hard worker, he hustled, decent guy on the boards and would run the break too - but I thought he had a bit of an awkward shot. I have no data to back me up, but his high percentage was probably a reflection of taking good shots (i.e. lay ups) rather than because he was a good mid-range jump shooter (which is what he's teaching Bynum to do), don't you think ? My guess is he shot less than 75% from the line which tells you a little about his stroke. I mean, Shaq has led the league in FG% nine times, I think, but I wouldn't consider him a good shooter.
Posted by: OhioVic | November 01, 2008 at 12:14 PM
I don't think that y'all need to worry about Lamar not
accepting what the Lakers offer him. Everyone on
the Lakers smells *multiple* championships.
Lamar will take whatever he's offered to stay in LA
where he can work on his non-basketball pursuits
AND contend for NBA championships. Think Rick Fox.
The question in the minds of the Lakers is: Is Lamar
best for winning multiple championships?
For me, I'm undecided. This is his season to convince
me that he should be a Laker. So far, I remain
un-convinced. BTW, don't ask me who I'd want
instead of Lamar. I don't know the upcoming free
agent class & I don't know who *WANTS* to win a
championship more than $$. Ron Artest wanted
$$ more than a championship, although he has some
shot at doing both.
Posted by: hobbitmage | November 01, 2008 at 12:37 PM
Jon-
I think our relationship with the organization/players is fine, but remember, a lot of time in the video/audio, they're talking to a group of reporters, not just one of us.
Floyd-
Far as I know, Kareem still works with the bigs. How much, I'm not sure. Powell has a one year deal.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 01, 2008 at 12:38 PM
Kurt Rambis was an extremely smart shooter (he only took high percentage shots) but he wasn't a great shooter.
It doesn't matter Kurt Rambis and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar know how to play the game, are intelligent, and how to win Championships. The more time Andrew Bynum spends with either coach one-on-one, the better he'll be.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 12:45 PM
OhioVic,
Where are you at in Ohio?
And what the heck are you doing here?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 12:46 PM
Jon K
If LO leaves the Lakers, there is a good chance he'll end up playing for the Clippers.
Posted by: giantsquid | November 01, 2008 at 12:59 PM
'At 10 million kiss goodbye to Ariza,Mihm and maybe Farmar'
The team just picked up the team option for Farmar
Posted by: Thirty2 | November 01, 2008 at 01:02 PM
So if Kobe averages 23 pts 6.5 rebs and 4 assts per game and the Lakers win 68 games while LeBron averages 32,8 and 7 while the Cavs win 50 (leaving aside other candidates), who do you think would likely be more worthy of the MVP?
Posted by: giantsquid | November 01, 2008 at 01:02 PM
LTLF,
I'd rather have someone like Nocioni replace LO if it comes to that. Nocioni is a hard-nosed player that could play D and hit outside shots. He's one of those players that you hate if he's wearing another jersey but love if he's on your team.
Posted by: EJK | November 01, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Giantsquid,
If the Cavs win 50 games and Kobe and Lebron average those kind of numbers, I would say sport writers will choose Lebron as the MVP. I don't like it and while I could understand their reasoning, I still think Kobe is the more complete player in that he doesn't just score and lead but also plays defense very well. To LBJ's credit, only 2 other players has ever averaged 30, 7 ,7 in one season and those were Oscar Robertson and Michael Jordan.
That is what separates Kobe and Lebron. Lebron is probably the better offensive player and better rebounder. But Kobe plays offense near Lebron's level (plus is a better jump shooter) and his best part of his game is defense. Lebron does play solid defense from time to time but he isn't as good as Kobe is. Kobe has won defensive all team selections since his 4th year in the league which Lebron still hasn't secured All Defensive Team selections yet.
If the Lakers win 70+ games though, then Kobe will probably be the regular season MVP again, very few teams has won more 70 teams or more (the most was 72 by the Bulls) so if we get that kind of record then sportswriters will choose Kobe as the MVP and should since until he is 36+, Kobe will still play the game at a high level and play offense and especially defense really well.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | November 01, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Having been a good shooter is not a requirement for being a good shooting coach. A coach needs to be able to pick out flaws in someone's technique; that is a skill that is separate from the skill of being a good NBA shooter.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 01, 2008 at 01:20 PM
EJK,
'his versatility will be virtually impossible to replace"
Sure, if you try to replace him with one individual. But there are a number of players on the team that are going to end up being underutilized. Combine the additional contributions that they could make; replacing Lamar's contributions is not that hard.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 01, 2008 at 01:23 PM
giantsquid,
I think the media have already decided to give the MVP to LeBron this year. He's going to post incredible stats again this year and he'll have less support than Kobe. The Cavs' offense is an ugly sight when LeBron isn't on the floor. I'd be surprised if LeBron doesn't win it this year. Hopefully, in two years, he'll decide to team up with Kobe.
Posted by: EJK | November 01, 2008 at 01:24 PM
LTLF,
I really enjoy your contributions to this blog, especially your take on personel and salary cap issues. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Andrew Z | November 01, 2008 at 01:25 PM
BK,
I understand, but obviously your voice is recognizable. So we can tell when they're talking to you or AK specifically.
giantsquid,
Sure I'd rather see Lamar Odom in a Clipper jersey than say... a Hornet jersey, but I'd rather he stay with the Lakers more than anything else.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 01:26 PM
giantsquid,
Kobe.
Posted by: laker hopeful | November 01, 2008 at 01:27 PM
Long Time & Wes,
As great a job as Mitch Kupchak has done building this team, I agree that he really has his work cut out keeping it together. I think the Lakers are unlikely to make any major changes midseason, other than possibly signing a veteran player for the minimum to fill out the roster. I think they love the current roster and believe it is good enough to win the title.
But even assuming the Lakers prevail and win the championship, next summer looms as the next major challenge for Mitch. The agenda will likely include dealing with Kobe’s right to opt out of his contract and become a free agent, Lamar Odom’s expiring contract, and Jordan Farmar’s possible contract extension. Needless to say, that is a pretty full plate.
The core of the problem obviously is how much Jerry Buss is willing or able to pay in player salaries and luxury taxes to keep this team together. I think it has been obvious, beginning with their dealings with free agents Ronny Turiaf and Sasha Vujacic and continuing with their negotiations with Andrew Bynum, that the Lakers are on a teamwide mission to hold down salary increases to try and keep most of their current core of players under contract.
For the current year, the Lakers are committed to total salaries of $78.85M, which means that they will incur a luxury tax of $7.70M, the amount by which their salaries exceed the luxury tax threshold for 2008/09 of $71.15M. The luxury tax threshold, just like the salary cap, increases every year. Last year, it was $67.87M. Next year, it will be near $75M.
With Drew’s new contract taking effect next year, the Lakers total salaries are $75.31M, which includes $23.03M for Kobe Bryant but nothing for Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza, Chris Mihm, Josh Powell, DJ Mbenga, or Sun Yue (who actually will be under contract but for some reason does not show up in hoopshype.com’s salary figures).
If we assume that Powell and Mbenga (or their replacements) and Sun Yue will make the same as this year, that would add $2.15M in salaries, bringing the total to $77.46M, not including Odom, Ariza, and Mihm – or any increase to Kobe if he opts out of his contract. Since the luxury tax threshold will be around $75M, which means the Lakers would have to pay double for any deals that they make for Odom, Ariza, or Mihm or raise for Kobe.
My best hopes would be for Kobe to opt out and re-sign a 6-year long-term deal with the Lakers for $20M per year. This would save the Lakers $3M next year and $4M the year after, while giving Kobe another $80M guaranteed and probably make him a Laker for Life. This would leave the Lakers at $74.46M or practically right at the luxury tax threshold.
So how much would Dr. Buss be willing to pay in total salaries? I have read some rumors that Jerry would be willing to go as high as $90M to $95M next year provided the Lakers win the championship. If true, that would mean that they would have around $15M to $20M to re-sign Lamar, Trevor, and Chris, assuming that they wanted to resign all three players.
The wrinkle in the mix, however, is Jordan Farmar, who will be eligible for an extension next summer, just like Drew this summer. There is no way that the team would be able to give Jordan a big extension and sign Lamar, Trevor, and Chris to new contracts. I would guess Jordan and Trevor, because of age and salary level, would get priority over Lamar and that Chris would walk since he would be able to get more money and playing time elsewhere.
If we assume that the Lakers could re-sign Lamar for $9M and Trevor for $6M per year, the Lakers would then have total team salaries of around $90M for next year. Add in another $7M to $8M per year for Farmar’s extension and team salaries the following year would approach $100M, which is probably more than even Jerry Buss and the Lakers revenues could stomach, which makes it very likely that the team will opt to let Lamar Odom go, Farmar and Ariza being better investments for the future for the team.
Note that all of this is solely my personal opinion based on nothing more than speculation.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 01, 2008 at 01:31 PM
How well does each do at the end of close games? I think that will be a significant factor, although (hopefully) LeBron will be getting more of those opportunities than Kobe does.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 01, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Jon K,
I think it's safe to assume LO's next contract will not be with the Clippers. Considering how bad the terms they parted on, it would be seriously surprising. If he's not a Laker, he's not in L.A.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 01, 2008 at 01:36 PM
Win the' 09 Championship.
Convince Lamar to stay for $9 mil a year for 5 years.
Give Ariza $5 mil a year for 4.
Let Chris walk.
Lock up MBenga for league minimum.
Go repeat!!
dan
Posted by: dan the man | November 01, 2008 at 01:48 PM
The Bynum signing was a great move from the lakers front office...
As Ex says they know what they ae working with now but it also shows a commitment to winning this year because they are looking to minimise the senarios that could threaten to undermine the team.Bynum is under enough scrutiny and pressure as it is - great move.
If Odom averages 10,7 and 3 in a contract year hes gonna be mad.Thats going to be as big of a threat as anything else to resigning him but financially knowing what you have to pay Bynum and getting him at a decent per season rate actually increases the odds on resigning Odom and anyone else they might really want to keep.
If Kobe isn't prepared to take a pay cut can he sign a contract where he defers a certain amount of money say the first three years?...or if he forgoes money can the majority of it come out of the first three years of his contract or smn?
I hope Kobe will take less money but I dont really see it happening
Posted by: Kiwi | November 01, 2008 at 01:49 PM
ex,
Of course you can combine the contributions of other players and it'll equal LO's statistical contributions. But having a player that combines a lot of good qualities into one package is different from having multiple players try to equal that. For example, would you say Kobe is replaceable because we'll have two players combine to equal Kobe's scoring average?
Posted by: EJK | November 01, 2008 at 01:53 PM
The bigest factor with Odom and how much "less" he'll have to take to stay here is the larger market. It really depends what other offers he gets, and it's hard to tell right now what that'll be.
The economics are going to make it tough for LO to stay, but the biggest factor could be what the rest of the league is offering. I wouldn't expect Odom to have said that he would take a deep discount to stay on the day he didn't get an extension. It's not exactly the world's most outstanding negotiating tactic, especially when you keep in mind they can't do anything on his contract for months.
There are so many factors involved in LO's LA future, most of which won't play out until later in the season and into the offseason. And a title could be the biggest factor of all...
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 01, 2008 at 01:55 PM
EKJ,
That's not at all what I am saying. Take Odom's 30 minutes, and divide them up among Gasol/Mihm (with Mihm playing backup center instead of Gasol), Ariza, and Vlad, possibly Powell, depending on how he comes along. At a minimum, you will get very close to what you get from Lamar, possibly more.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 01, 2008 at 02:04 PM
ex,
>>>>> How well does each do at the end of close games? I think that will be a
>>>>>significant factor, although (hopefully) LeBron will be getting more of
>>>>>those opportunities than Kobe does.
Kiwi,
>>>>> If Odom averages 10,7 and 3 in a contract year he’s gonna be mad.
When we talk about sacrificing for the team, it always seems to be in a detached abstract sense that implies that we’re only talking about minutes and points when in reality the actual sacrifice extends much further. It is not only going to be Odom whose stats are going to be cut back but also Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. So while Lamar may end up sacrificing a lot of dollars on his future paychecks, Kobe’s team play may well cost him the MVP Award and Pau’s team play a lot of votes for the All-Star team.
While we all know the first two games are an unrealistic level to expect any team to play consistently, it is obvious this team is loaded and 10 or 11 players deep. Further, there won’t be any sneaking up on other teams this year. Instead, we have to play with the added burden of great expectations, which means we need to dominate in order for our players to be given due credit when it comes to awards and such. Anything less will likely doom Kobe’s MVP shot, Pau’s All-Star team chances, and Lamar’s free agency glitter.
There is a trade-off, however, if the team does truly dominate and win the championship. Suddenly, everybody’s resume is enhanced. Championship experience definitely adds to a player’s marketability and future earnings potential. We could see Lakers dominate the West’s All-Star team much as the champion Pistons dominated the East All-Star squad, granted that the competition in the West is far tougher. But Kobe, Drew, Pau, and maybe Lamar or Jordan could conceivably make the team. And start if Yao Ming is not healthy.
And the big reward, which the Lakers players understand, is playing the game at a championship level. Kobe and Fish know what that is like. Drew and Sasha have already agreed to take less than what they originally wanted because they want to be part of it. Hopefully, the team will continue to play like they have and will be rewarded accordingly.
Of course, all of this is solely my personal opinion based on nothing but speculation.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | November 01, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Yeah, Tom...
If we win the championship this year I think the odds of keeping Lamar increase dramatically. There is no way he's gonna want to leave after riding those double decker busses in the victory parade before a quarter millions fans. And if he's willing to take the mid level, I think the team gives it to him.
And Lamar, unlike the majority of players signed by the mid level, will absolutely be worth it. It all depends on winning.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 01, 2008 at 04:20 PM
EJK,
LeBron James is going to the Knicks or the Nets.
I guarantee it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | November 01, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Tom I agree with you and of course hope it plays out that way.I definitely agree that for most players on the team the possibility of championship experience is a worthwhile investment (even financially) Sasha,Farmar,Bynum (sacrificing stats and potential leadership for experience and visibility) Pau having had the opportunity to show what he can do as the number one guy,Ariza who is a perfect fit,All these guys couldnt be in better situations...Bynum before the signing was the exception which as I say this was a great signing beyond the black and white and dollars and years like Bill P was on about.
Odom however,isn't James Posey he's a guy that considers himself a potential all star coming off a great individual season...he's a guy that probably wont get the credit even if the lakers do win the whole thing - I cant see,given his reputation, teams lining up to a pay him on his championship savvy...once again it seems he falls in between boxes.He's not 'a lesser talent with clutch playoff tendencies/leadership' and i can't see him ever being viewed that way.
he's a player that will be looking to be paid and treated like a star and you can't blame him.He's gracefully taken on a lesser role and I expect that to continue but I'm not sure he'll be wild about it if the lakers lowball him next year and other teams aren't prepared to shell out star money.
Who knows? but now Bynum sorted Odom is the one issue as far as all this stuff is concerned although unlike Bynum its les likely to be a distraction... I do think he's the one guy that potentially stands to lose more than he gains championship or no championship...you've got to remember that the impression is we can win without him.
But its funny where credit ends up and with a good playoff run Odom's selflessness could become a story and if he gets a reputation as a veteran leader then I guess its possible someone might throw big money at him while reading between the lines on his stats...but a patchy or even average playoff performance and he wont get the money he wants - maybe thats the idea!
Posted by: Kiwi | November 01, 2008 at 05:44 PM
giantsquid,
>>>If LO leaves the Lakers, there is a good chance he'll end
>>>up playing for the Clippers.
Not really. The Clips are only 4 million under the salary cap for
next season, so they can't offer Lamar any more than the Lakers
could.
So who has the cap space to offer Lamar 10 million per next summer?
Atlanta
Memphis
Minnesota
Oklahoma City
Portland (if they waive Channing Frye and Ike Diogu)
That's it. Presumably a few other teams could get far enough
under the salary cap by dumping players off on those teams.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 05:46 PM
Thirty2
>>>The team just picked up the team option for Farmar
That's fine for next year. The year after is his qualifying
offer
year.
If they pay Lamar a flat 10 million per year, that puts the
Lakers' total salary for 2010/11 at 81 million dollars for
Kobe, Bynum, Pau, Lamar, Vlad, Sasha, and Luke.
That's assuming you've already let Fisher, Ariza and
Mihm leave for nothing.
That's 7 players. Let's say they keep Mbenga, Powell, and
Sun Yue around with minimal salary increases. That
brings it up to 84 million for 10 players. League minimum
is 13 players, so throw in two more minimum contracts and
you're up to 85 million for 12 players before adding Farmar.
Rumor is that Buss isn't willing to pay 100 million in salary. If he's willing to go to 95 million, you probably get
to keep Farmar. If he's only willing to go to 90 million,
Farmar is gone.
And that's assuming that Fisher, Ariza, and Mihm are all
replaced by minimum salary (read "crappy") players.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 05:57 PM
>>>I'd rather have someone like Nocioni replace LO if it comes to that.
I like Noc, but that's not going to happen.
Nocioni's salary does decrease a bit over the next three years,
but it's still more than any player other than the big 3 on
the Lakers (Kobe, Pau, and Andrew).
If the Lakers hope to keep Ariza and re-sign Farmar when
his contract renegotiation comes up, they probably shouldn't
take on any contracts bigger than about 5 million.
It's my opinion that a core of Kobe, Pau, Bynum, Farmar, Ariza
is better than a core of Kobe, Pau, Bynum, Odom (with Rad,
Luke, and Sasha thrown in either way).
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 06:04 PM
Andrew Z,
>>>I really enjoy your contributions to this blog, especially
>>>your take on personel and salary cap issues. Keep up
>>>the good work.
Thanks for the props.
It's actually a dirty job to think about this player or that player
needs to go so we can keep most of the team together, but
if you don't plan ahead, you end up like the Knicks, unable
to get out of debt enough to rebuild for 5 or 6 years.
I wish the teams made enough that they never had to think
about how much they were paying the players and could just
pay them whatever, but that's not realistic.
Maybe when they work out the new CBA in 2011, they'll
raise the level of the luxury tax or something, which would
reduce the squeeze on Buss and let them keep more of our
faves.
Or maybe Lamar and Trevor and Jordan will get all philanthropic
and work for cheap to keep the team together. We can only hope.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 01, 2008 at 06:13 PM
Jon K -
"OhioVic, Where are you at in Ohio? And what the heck are you doing here?"
I live in Hudson - moved here about a year ago from Avon Lake - if you know where those places are. I was transferred here with my job several years ago. How about you ? And..Go Lakers ! back at ya !!
Posted by: OhioVic | November 01, 2008 at 06:21 PM
To the doubters,
I said before that I hope the Lakers and AB sign a contract that both sides are happy with.
The agent Lee for AB chose his starting point at max which is what he should have done.
Mitch also verified what I said before that it is better to sign him now or pay likely twice as much. For quick math 2 X $57 = $114. Total rounded down but a lot more money as I have said. I chose $130 million for sake of argument because that is what GA was offered but signed for $113.
I also see that Lakers are doing what I proposed in that they should change paradigm and not have bench and starters. I see now that the Lakers are been looked at as first starters and second unit starters.
I see PJ is starting from beginning of season to win which he should have done his prior seasons since comming back intead of his mind game tactics.
Looks like Lakers chances are a lot brighter this season.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | November 01, 2008 at 06:33 PM