Good enough for me and Kobe's knee
It's fun to play games with hypothetical questions. If you had to eat a crayon, what color would it be? How would the world be different if run by Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood? Could the Lakers win without Kobe Bryant? Fortunately, for the time being, we'll never have to learn the answer to the third. After a scary hyperextension of his right knee during Tuesday night's exhibition win over Charlotte forced Bryant out of the game and into civilian clothes, many a congregant in the Church of Purple and Gold was on pins and needles. Turns out, everything's fine. Bryant said today at practice that he'll certainly be good to go for Tuesday's opener at Staples Center against Portland, and might even get a little more running in the hpreseason. Of course, if there's even the slightest threat of more damage, Phil Jackson should duct tape him to the bench in Thursday and Friday's fake games, but the point is that Kobe seems to be just fine.
Exhale.
Coby Karl is still holding his breath, though, despite roster moves announced by the Lakers today. Second round pick Joe Crawford and free-agent signee C.J. Giles are gone, leaving L.A.'s roster at 15 and Karl seemingly safe ... but then again, maybe not, since PJ noted after practice that another cut may be coming. You do the math, there.
In other news... fabulous.
BK
A closer look into why we should call Bynum/Gasol "7&7"...
A 7&7 cocktail consists of whiskey and 7-Up. Dark and Light. Black and White. Ebony and Ivory.....Bynum and Gasol.
Both Bynum and Gasol are 7 feet tall. (although Bynum's now grown to 7'1") another reason to call the pair 7&7.
Turn the Lakers, or Los Angeles, "L" upside down, and you got a 7.
And then there's this photo, which I created...
http://tinyurl.com/6o2rvj
Posted by: ajax | October 22, 2008 at 05:37 PM
"you had to eat a crayon, what color would it be?"
Before you ate it, or on the way out? You need to be more specific.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 22, 2008 at 05:42 PM
ExHelo,
"Before you ate it, or on the way out? You need to be more specific."
Belly laughter!
Oh, how your mind works.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 22, 2008 at 06:08 PM
ew. Boys will be boys.
As for Kobe's knee. I figured it wasn't that bad considering he was walking. But I don't know if I agree with the whole no mri thing. Although in real life, with hmos/insurances...we wouldn't do an mri unless it's necessary like swelling is seen, of which there is none in this case. Still.
Posted by: Faith | October 22, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Kobe's Mc Knee. La da da da da dadada. La da da da dada.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 22, 2008 at 06:10 PM
For the record, I think 7n7 is a pretty solid nickname and I could hear Stu Lantz saying it during telecasts.
Posted by: Justin N. | October 22, 2008 at 06:23 PM
ajax,
That's cool!!
Posted by: dan the man | October 22, 2008 at 06:33 PM
If Sun Yue was a better shooter, none of this would have happened!
Posted by: rL | October 22, 2008 at 06:35 PM
BK,
You link to the same article twice, is that intentional?
Posted by: BynumBeliever | October 22, 2008 at 06:48 PM
How about Bynum and Gasol and Kobe be called 24-7?
Posted by: Drew | October 22, 2008 at 06:48 PM
Cobe Karl should have been cut. Everytime he's on the floor during garbage time...he has a WIDE open 3 and he still bricks the shot. He needs to go to D League for a few years.
Posted by: Drew | October 22, 2008 at 06:50 PM
Hyperextended knees can cause tears in ligaments, so it would be better to err on the side of caution.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 22, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Ajax
That was a great anology I personally love it 7&7 all the way
Posted by: kayhan | October 22, 2008 at 06:56 PM
dan,
>>>>>Niners finally move on and get rid of Nolan. Long overdue, but
>>>>>Singletary won't get us to the playoffs. He should just focus on the
>>>>>defensive end and let Mike Martz run the offense.
Hey, good to hear from you. I agree with your assessment. Can’t win when your QB turns the ball over three times EVERY game. I like Singletary but the best thing this team can hope for this year is to lose the rest of their games and get the #1 pick. We need a quarterback – and probably a new head coach. Makes you grateful for Jerry Buss and the Lakers front office, coaches, and players. The Lakers are so good they more than make up for the Niners and Yankees collapses. But then basketball was always my main love.
What do you think of Jordan Farmar’s play? He looks great but I still wish he would use his smarts and anticipate the ball handler’s direction and jump over and try to take a charge rather than getting picked off every screen. At any rate, he is on schedule to start within the next year. Not quite as quickly as I had hoped and lobbied for (LOL) but that all changed when we got Fisher. Even Farmar knows he must pay his respect and bide his time. He will play starter minutes of he keeps up his current play.
I have to say that I am also very satisfied with the job that Phil has done getting the team to this point. We had some pretty big issues to deal with this camp and preseason and it is looking once again that even though many of his specific actions drew justified criticism, the end result was again the result of coaching and team building genius. After two rough opening games, the team has solidly shown that it is going to be deeper and better. We now have a 12-deep rotation with half the players poised for break-out or career years.
Drew and Pau seem to working out how to play great together, Kobe has adopted the Doberman role as perimeter defender and leader he played for Team USA (for which I lobbied all summer), Lamar has suddenly become a dynamic and willing 6th man (another move for which I lobbied all summer), and former UCLA Bruins Jordan Farmar and Trevor Ariza have bonded and transform the bench mob into a dazzling, ball-hawking and fast-breaking second unit that could hold their own against some team’s first unit.
Sweet times to be a Lakers fan – but that’s really nothing new. Lakers always rule.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 22, 2008 at 07:00 PM
"If Sun Yue was a better shooter, none of this would have happened!" -rL
Can somebody tell me why they kept Sun Yue and waived Crawford? SY looks absolutely terrible. No, I take that back. Is there a word that's worse than terrible?
Posted by: | October 22, 2008 at 07:06 PM
More Approrpriate Nicknames for the twin geeks
1. Tall & Skinny
2. Wussy & Lucy
3. Boozer & Loser
4. Hurt & Wimpy
5. Nothing 4 Nothing
6. Injured & Insured
7. One & Done
8. Timber & Tumble
9. Nothing so Far & IR
10. Sign & Trade
Vote now for the more truly accurate nicknames then the less than imaginative ones you local yocals have been submitting.
Seriously,
Sequoias, Twin Towers, Redwoods, Twin Peaks, Pillars, Titans, Big & Tall, Clock Towers, Pyramids, No Fly Zone, The Trees, 7 & 7
And what was Jon K.'s top two?
Cagney & Lacey, Green Hornet & Kato?
One word LAME
How unoriginal can you be
LOL
My 2 favorites are...
1..Timber & Tumble
2..Nothing so Far & IR
Posted by: Troll Man | October 22, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Ajax
"A 7&7 cocktail consists of whiskey and 7-Up. Dark and Light. Black and White. Ebony and Ivory.....Bynum and Gasol."
I sorta like 7 & 7, but that's a bit of stretch. lol
Whiskey becoming dark, then black, then Ebony, and finally Bynum? haha
Posted by: Fatty | October 22, 2008 at 07:13 PM
LakerTom,
"I have never said that I don’t think the Lakers should try to get the best deal that they can."
YES YOU HAVE!
Your original position was "Pay him the Max; Pay him now; and don't risk hurting his feelings".
You can't change your original thesis just because the blog beat you over the head for such a stance.
And PLEASE, don't Re-post the same "No-Risk; Some-risk" junk you've already posted at least 20 times before. "
posted by: Eric M.
Hate to spill your marbles but Tom, Eric M does have a point.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 22, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Bynum Believer-
Nope, that was an accident. Thanks for the pickup.
New link there now.
As for Sun, for those asking, he was kept b/c his contract is guaranteed. Crawford's wasn't. Nobody expected Sun to be competitive right now, so that he's playing poorly isn't really a big deal (good thing, because man, does he look bad right now). The goal is that he'll be useful by, likely, sometime next season. He's a project, no question.
As for Karl vs.Crawford, no question Coby hasn't looked good in preseason, but there is some utility to having a guy who knows the offense already and has worked within the system around in case he's needed. We're talking about the 14/15 spot on the team, on a squad with MANY backcourt options. If you have to hit that emergency button, familiarity is a nice thing to count on.
Plus, I think they still believe he has a chance to be a decent player. Remember, Sasha is a guy who was often abysmal in his first few seasons, then finally put it together last year. I don't think Karl has a chance to be that good, but on a smaller scale he could develop into a useful player.
That said, it still wouldn't shock me to see them cut him before the start of the year.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 22, 2008 at 07:24 PM
"What do you think of Jordan Farmar’s play? He looks great but I still wish he would use his smarts and anticipate the ball handler’s direction and jump over and try to take a charge rather than getting picked off every screen. At any rate, he is on schedule to start within the next year. Not quite as quickly as I had hoped and lobbied for (LOL) but that all changed when we got Fisher. Even Farmar knows he must pay his respect and bide his time. He will play starter minutes of he keeps up his current play."
Tom I agree with you on Jordan and that next year will be his year at the starting role. This year if he sustains his play throughout the year plus not wilter in the playoffs then the Lakers have the point guard for the future.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 22, 2008 at 07:31 PM
WHAT in the world is loading when I come on to these commentary pages? Is there a video loading or something? The way my computer comes to a grinding halt, you would think I was downloading an entire movie or something...
Oh yeah, cutting Crawford and Giles and keeping Coby Karl?
HORRIBLE!
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | October 22, 2008 at 07:41 PM
THE BYNUM EXTENSION
by Eric Pincus for HoopsWorld.com
http://tinyurl.com/6yyt26
An excellent, timely, accurate, and well-balanced article that presents both Bynum’s and the Lakers sides of the issue. The only thing that I disagree with in the article is Eric’s closing comment that the “Lakers have the leverage.” In my opinion, the great player ALWAYS has the advantage. It’s situations like this where a team believes it has an disadvantage when it doesn’t that result in the team getting surprised in free agency. Mitch knows this and is just trying to get the best deal possible, relying on Drew’s love of his teammates and desire to be a Laker to temper Lee. But he will not risk NOT signing Drew to an extension. Nor will he allow anything to be disrespectful of Drew.
Here is a quote from the Bynum side of the article:
>>>>>
On the open market, Bynum would get maximum offers to lure him away from the Lakers. Bynum arguably has a greater upside than Bogut, even in the short term - and he'd like a contract to reflect that. LA is said to be below the Bogut numbers.
If Bynum is the future of the Lakers as Bryant plays through his thirties, shouldn't they be treating him like the franchise player that he is?
LA can wait a year if they decide but playing the restricted free agent game is only insulting to the player - and breeds discontent. The Lakers don't want that - and shouldn't want that considering they have one of the most exciting, young big men in the game . . .
>>>>>
Mitch will sign Drew to an extension that will be fair to both sides. What will not happen is the Lakers allowing Drew to become a free agent.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 22, 2008 at 07:42 PM
>>>Can somebody tell me why they kept Sun Yue and
>>>waived Crawford? SY looks absolutely terrible. No, I
>>>take that back. Is there a word that's worse than
>>> terrible?
1. Because the contract they signed with Sun Yue is two years
of guaranteed money. So they'd have to pay him if they waived
him or not. Giles and Crawford were make-good contracts,
so they only had to pay them for training camp and preseason
up to the day they waived them
2. Because Sun Yue is a 6'9" player with good dribbling and
passing skills.
3. Because Sun Yue has actually looked impressive at times
against NBA level players. You may not know this but he actually
did play some games of basketball before this preseason
and played very well. I recommend viewing of the USA
vs China game at the Olympics, for example.
Get over it. Neither Crawford nor Giles will ever be a starter
or even a rotation player in the NBA. They are not that good.
Sun Yue looked like he was very nervous or excited to be
playing in the NBA, and it made him play like crap. He'll
get over it. Trust me.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 22, 2008 at 07:52 PM
Dave,
>>>>>Your original position was "Pay him the Max; Pay him now; and don't
>>>>>risk hurting his feelings".
>>>>>You can't change your original thesis just because the blog beat you over
>>>>>head for such a stance.
LOL. Whatever, Dave. My original position was to sign Drew regardless of cost, which I still maintain is what is going to happen. If the Lakers can sign Drew for less, great. But who says I can’t change my position? You? LMAO. After all this is just a blog for Lakers fans. It’s not like it’s a race for president. LOL. Anyway, we all know these are tough times for you so no hard feelings. We can all at least cheer together for the Lakers, can’t we?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 22, 2008 at 07:55 PM
blitz,
>>>>>And yes Drew needs to have ONE SEASON PLUS THE PLAYOFFS to
>>>>>really prove he is the type of person to pay that kind of money. That's what
>>>>>me, Xodus, and Jon K. thinks should happen first before giving Drew a
>>>>>check for $17 million per year.
It’s a moot point because Drew will be signed to an extension and I don’t have time to joust with an indefatigable advocate as yourself. In the end, what you, me, Xodus, or Jon thinks we should pay Drew doesn’t matter one iota. We’re just seeing who can piss better upwind. Let’s wait and see what Jerry and Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak think. I don’t care what Drew gets paid. If it’s less, great! That means more to keep another player. In fact, that is the better argument for Mitch to make than Drew has not proved himself, which can easily turn explosive if a player gets offended. Knowing Mitch, the luxury tax and keeping the team together is probably the argument that he will use to close a deal. Bottom line, isn’t that what we all want anyway? I mean this is Monopoly money we are talking about. It’s like the financial markets bail out. An extension will be signed and that is all that matters. That is what the Lakers’ bottom line is in this situation. JMHO.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 22, 2008 at 08:16 PM
All I can say is, keep Kobe away from the doctors who were responsible for Bynum's recovery.
I think the Lakers should keep a roster spot open going into the season in case a veteran like PJ Brown becomes available during the season. I like Coby Karl and he certainly has a great story, but I think keeping him on the roster at this point is mainly a sentimental move.
Posted by: EJK | October 22, 2008 at 08:21 PM
LakerTom,
I'm on Eric Pincus' mailing list and he says he's learning towards Bynum not being signed in the next week. That doesn't mean he will or won't, just interesting.
Posted by: Xodus | October 22, 2008 at 08:42 PM
LakerTom,
"I have never said that I don’t think the Lakers should try to get the best deal that they can."
YES YOU HAVE!
Your original position was "Pay him the Max; Pay him now; and don't risk hurting his feelings".
You can't change your original thesis just because the blog beat you over the head for such a stance.
And PLEASE, don't Re-post the same "No-Risk; Some-risk" junk you've already posted at least 20 times before. "
posted by: Eric M.
Hate to spill your marbles but Tom, Eric M does have a point.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 22, 2008 at 07:15 PM
===========================
LakerTom,
The one who argues with no clue suggested you spilled your marbles. Very disrespectful I would say.
Anyways you are right about AB and I posted my thoughts several threads ago today as I was catching up on threads. I will repost the part about the risk of losing AB when it appears on earlier thread.
Regards
JLF
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 22, 2008 at 08:43 PM
Prediction: Coby Karl will be gone by the weekend. Right now, he's just insurance until Sasha is able to suit up and play his normal number of minutes. Karl may be a good person; he has a wonderful life story. But is he NBA material? No.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 22, 2008 at 08:49 PM
LakerTom,
"In my opinion, the great player ALWAYS has the advantage."
Not to sound terse, but your opinion doesn't make it true and it's certainly not true in this case. The fact is Bynum can't hit the open market until 2010, when the Lakers will be able to pay him considerably more than any other team. And for Bynum, getting to the point where he is unrestricted in 2010 would mean he's taking an unreasonable risk by taking the Lakers QO instead of whatever long-term deal the Lakers offer or an offer sheet from another team.
In other words, there is almost no way Bynum will hit the open market and fears of it happening are akin to fears that you shouldn't board an airplane because it could crash. Could it crash? Yes. Is it likely? Absolutely not.
Knowing that Bynum couldn't possibly hit the open market for two more years and that they can pay him more than any team in the extremely unlikely event that he does, the Lakers indeed have all the leverage.
Posted by: Xodus | October 22, 2008 at 08:49 PM
MASSIVE ATTACK!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 22, 2008 at 08:52 PM
LakerTom,
A bit of literary criticism. Not that you're concerned, but I think if you used words and phrases like "I think" and "in my opinion" before you assert that Drew will get an extension, you might not seem to be . . . how can I say this without insulting you . . . so snooty. I think your opinions are really legitimate and that you're presenting them in a nice way, but it all gets lost in the tone.
Also, Drew doesn't seem like the vindictive type. The way he keeps mentioning that if he plays well, the contract will take care of itself. It seems to me like he'll sign either this coming week or after the season, regardless.
We should all just get past this issue. Seriously. It's kind of getting tired, and repetitive.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 22, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Laker Tom,
Thanks for the feedback. Hope everything is well for you and your fam. I agree with that (niners) #1 pick remark.
And as long as we don't get Holmgren to be our next head coach, I'll be happy.
"What do you think of Jordan Farmar’s play? "
Man, I think It's awesome!! Back when we were battling over Smush vs Farmar, I really never thought Jordan would turn out this good, and It seems like we've only scratched the surface on this kid's potential. Gotta hand it to you Tom, you saw it all along!!
He does need to improve some things, but I don't see any reason why he won't. And although Fisher's return to the Lakers probably did push back Jordan's "starting" date, I feel in the long run Jordan will benefit from Fishers presence.
All is good in Lakerland..
The season can't get started soon enough!!
Peace!! :)
dan
Posted by: dan the man | October 22, 2008 at 08:56 PM
Tom,
What me, Xodus, you, or Jon K. thinks is like what you said, moot because we are just bloggers and not the ones who will pay Drew lol.
What the point is that it's not as simple as giving Drew an extension, heck we all want that to happen.
The point is the it's the Agent called David Lee is the problem. He is seeking to give Drew $17 million per year. Now how many other players actually get that kind of money currently in the NBA? Here's the list:
Kobe Bryant
Kevin Garnett
Ray Allen
Tracy McGrady
Shawn Marion
Shaq
Tim Duncan
Jermaine O'Neal
Plus he is demanding $17 million and doesn't seem to want to accept less, which the Lakers want to do because there are other concerns for not just this year but the next. Kobe could opt out and will need another paycheck. Odom seems to wanting to stay with the Lakers but it is unknown how low he is willing to go down (hopefully the mid level exception). Plus Jordan Farmar who is likely to go up this season will want the same kind of money as Sasha got this offseason. Can't forget Trevor too as the way he is playing he would want as much as Sasha is getting too. Mihm will probably wanting money as well though I think we can afford to lose him and replace him with a Draft Pick next year (he have a 1st Round Pick that is likely to be near the end of the first round). If Bynum really shows he's worth $17 million then the Lakers will pick up the phone the minute free agency starts and would probably sign him at that minute just as they did to Luke Walton. If Lee is willing to accept less than $17 million and give the Lakers more flexibility then we would have a deal made by now and all of this talk would be moot.
Next year this could be the way we resign our free agents:
Kobe Bryant-Larry Bird Exception (Assuming he opts)
Lamar Odom-Larry Bird Exception but HOPEFULLY he signs near the Mid Level Exception
Andrew Bynum-Larry Bird Exception/Matching any other offers (assuming no deal is made by 31st)
Trevor Ariza-Either Mid level exception or maybe Early Bird Exception
Jordan Farmar-Larry Bird Exception
Chris Mihm-Bi-Annual Exception or Early Bird Exception
If there is no deal made I ask that you don't blame the front office, they offered him $50 million already with incentives, it's the bone headed David Lee that is making resigning him all the worst.
That's just my opinion.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 22, 2008 at 09:02 PM
LakerTom Said:
"But who says I can’t change my position? You? LMAO. "
At least now when you give one of your "Mark My Words" lectures, we won't bother because your now on record as not having any convictions.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 22, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Tom -
re: your post:
Dave,
>>>>>Your original position was "Pay him the Max; Pay him now; and don't
>>>>>risk hurting his feelings".
>>>>>You can't change your original thesis just because the blog beat you over
>>>>>head for such a stance.
Um, are you confusing me with Eric M again? I think I'm going to have to change my blog name, What's even worse, there's another Dave M that posts on the Dodgers blog. He posted on this blog too once... I was quite annoyed, haha.
p.s.. whoever suggested 7&7 - that's pretty good.
Posted by: dave m | October 22, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I like 7&7. That has to be the winner, no questions asked.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 22, 2008 at 09:32 PM
KEEP COBY!!!! keep all 15!! we don't need to keep a spot open because no one else fits into our system. we are fully loaded.
we don't need another veteran or someone to just ride on our ship. we already have an excellant team, and keep coby because us fans love him and plus, he tries so hard and still has the jitters.
just keep all 15 please!!!!!
Posted by: dun dun duuuuuun | October 22, 2008 at 09:34 PM
dave,
I don’t know what to say except to plead senility. I just read the post and didn’t even notice the fau paux. And I didn’t even have the M’s in there. I was really mostly interested in getting a little political jab at Eric. Must be some form of senior dyslexia. LOL. Sorry about that. I know you’re enjoying the way the world is shaping for the Lakers and everything. In a way, I can’t blame Eric for being a little testy. LOL.
Let’s see if I can avoid the hat trick. The over-under is…
Ajax’s 7&7 is not bad. You know that it’s 2 lucky numbers connected by an “upper case 7.” God supposedly rested on the 7th day, meaning 7 represents the pinnacle of accomplishment. And of course, 7 is Lamar Odom’s number. So maybe Kobe and the 7’s is more appropriate? Some guys and names just don’t seem to be right for nicknames. Nobody every came up with a good nickname for Tim Duncan. I still have the same problem with Jordan Farmar and Trevor Ariza and Pau Gasol. If they don’t get nicknames soon, they never will. I see also understand why Kobe doesn’t like recycled nicknames like Twin Towers. I feel a little bit the same with the Beast, since it used to Dwight Howard’s name before he became Superman. That’s why I like A-Train, which is listed on Drew’s website as his nickname. Anything but Socks. Anyway, you can tell right now that none of the names being bandied around is going to stick.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 22, 2008 at 09:51 PM
He also said so on the K's radio/web show.
Informative stuff.
Posted by: Faith | October 22, 2008 at 09:52 PM
Xodus,
Another Great point, especially with the Airplane comparison.
Pig,
NIce post.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 22, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Is there going to be a fantasy league this year? Any open spots?
Posted by: Fish Guy | October 22, 2008 at 09:59 PM
Pig,
>>>>>A bit of literary criticism. Not that you're concerned, but I think if you used words
>>>>>and phrases like "I think" and "in my opinion" before you assert that Drew will get
>>>>>an extension, you might not seem to be . . . how can I say this without insulting you . . .
>>>>>so snooty. I think your opinions are really legitimate and that you're presenting them
>>>>>in a nice way, but it all gets lost in the tone.
Thanks for your comments. I do agree with your criticism and will try to be more careful of my tone. I realize that it comes off as brusque pronouncements at times even though it is always just my opinion, which changes all of the time, often as a result of reading posts on the blog. What can I say. It’s just the way I have always been. Trying harder. LOL.
And I also agree that Drew is as level-headed a 20-year old future superstar as I have ever seen. And Mitch knows how to be respectful while being earnest. That is why I am not really worried about Drew NOT getting an extension. As for blitz begging me not to blame the Lakers front office if they don’t get the extension, that had me laughing. He should realize by now that I trust in Jerry and Jim Buss and Mitch to make the right moves. And like you, I feel the same about Drew, which means he will sign an extension. Hey, I could be wrong – but I don’t think so. Not this time. Drew will be a Laker for Life.
For the record, I was a Lakers fan before Kobe and long before Drew and I will be one after they both have retired – of course, that’s provided I live that long. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: | October 22, 2008 at 10:13 PM
I made an error,
Farmar won't be a free agent next year since the Lakers can pick up a 4th year option on him though the year after he will need to be resigned.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Xodus,
>>>>>Knowing that Bynum couldn't possibly hit the open market for two more years and
>>>>>that they can pay him more than any team in the extremely unlikely event that he
>>>>>does, the Lakers indeed have all the leverage.
Hey, Karl. It’s just my opinion. Where did I say that made it true? Here is what I consider to be a fact: The primary reason why teams sign their first round picks to extensions after the third year of their four year contracts is to ensure that the player cannot become a free agent. That is why I believe the Lakers will sign Drew to an extension. It is just my opinion and I am entitled to it just as you and blitz and everybody else are entitled to theirs. As I said, let’s see what happens. Either way, we’re still all Lakers fans so let’s stop the stupid bickering. It will all be over soon anyway and the season will be under way. Good night and good wishes.
Posted by: LakerTom | October 22, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Sun Yue is still adjusting w/ his new life in NBA and after afflcted with this mono... disease his confidence and stamina may have been affected. Sasha was also weird during his first few games, everyone was at Cupcake's case on Smush & Sasha plus Kwame. Today, Sasha is a blue chip. Therefore, consider Sun Yue as watered down stock after magnificent showing in the Olympics, he's finding his role in the Zen teaching. What he knew about Zen teachings was in chinese, not the double talk and/or the broad shoulders stare. So the kid gets nervous everytime he touches the ball. Give him a little time to get the feel of NBA life, a time when he is longer enamored playing with Kobe, Fisher and Gasol, I'm sure he communicates home his new life here, bragged w/ his friends and relatives in mainland China the new things he learned in every game, his excitement as well as his fears playing in the NBA, where a slight mistake could mean an lifetime of embarassment. If Yi or Yao Ming were playing with him, I'm sure they can relax this kid a little bit in a new athmosphere that may bolster his confidence.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 22, 2008 at 10:46 PM
"The draft is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you'll get, till you sign somebody up, and get them into camp."
- Mitch, Mitch Kupchak
Posted by: Fatty | October 22, 2008 at 10:58 PM
with all our 7 footers(or almost), i suggest we call them...
Jackpot!
Posted by: Quazzar | October 22, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Wow, I never imagined someone criticizing the literary prowess of my good friend LakerTom. A sentence without "IMO" or missing "I think" makes a lot of difference to others. There appears to be LakerTom fatigue. hoho! Apparently, they don't know LakerTom, when his blood oozes with optimism, it is unstoppable. Three seasons ago, he was selling Sefolosha, Tyrus Thomas then Farmar as the starter& today it is the early signing of the rolling eyes of Socks. Once Sun Yue connects his shots, I am definitely sure he will be selling a new player i.e. his compatriot who is not a half vietnamese. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 22, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Edwin,
I agree on your points on Sun (though he does not have an excuse for missing 3 free throws in a row). Many people were on Sasha so much because of his confidence in learning the American game. When Phil came back he had to adjust to a new system and was the backup guard and was burned defensively quite often and by the end of 2007 Playoffs there was even a comparison of him being a "water torture".
I think tend to forget though that Sasha shot 60% from 3 point land back in 2006 Playoffs against the Suns since Kobe and Lamar were penetrating so much that the Lakers got him to play where he was best: spot up shooting. Now he has improved (as well as playing his natural position of shooting guard) so he can create his shot but improved as well on his spot up shooting so he can also stretch the floor and looks to be the starter in 5 years hehe (not too bad playing behind Kobe).
For the case of Sun, he was picked as a starter on the Chinese National Team plus the Lakers scouts were really impressed even before the Olympics. Phil said he had some "moxie" in him suggesting he has potential. Does he have to work on his shot? Yup and that 3 missed free throws without a doubt needs to improve. Will he be a 3 point threat? Time can only tell. But unlike Sasha, Sun has more time to develop his game with the Lakers and both the D-League. And he's only being paid for $422,000 per year which isn't bad and he isn't pressurized like Sasha was to perform. If PJ and the Lakers scouts had faith for him to be picked early in the 2nd Round, then Sun could really have potential and his only thing is adjusting to the NBA and the effects of his illness. And Jon K, don't even think about it, I remember when you were "so" disappointed when at first Radman seemed to do nothing over the offseason then all of a sudden Radman seemed like a true starter in pre-season so far LOL!
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 22, 2008 at 11:16 PM