It's all about the Benjamins
Seriously, that seems like all everyone's talking about these days. Between Olympiakos rumored to be cooking up an offer for Kobe Bryant just slightly lower than the amount of the federal bailout plan to Andrew Bynum's looming extension to Lamar Odom talking about taking a future pay cut to what it'll take to keep Manny Ramirez in town (I know, wrong blog, but BK and I are hip deep in that topic, too), there's a whole lot of dollar talk going on. Lot of question marks floating about, too. Some big. Some small. Some in existence purely to panic fans over nothing (unless he think it's the only way he can finally stop the questions about going to Europe, Kobe ain't going to Europe, people). But either way, cash rules everything around me, so it was interesting to get some direct and peripheral perspective.
Bynum was asked about the contract extension talks leaving his agent frustrated, and unless he's got one heck of a poker face, David Lee's client seems much less concerned about the matter than Lee himself. "I don't really think about it too much. I know the Lakers take their sweet time doing everybody's deals. I'm just going to be patient." What's high on Drew's mind at the moment? His 21st birthday 264 hours on the horizon. "I can't wait to do that. We'll have a nice little party. It's supposed to be a surprise party, but I know about it now," smiled Bynum. I asked what he was giving more thought to, the shindig or his deal with the Lakers. "The birthday, actually, because I'm going to have a lot of friends coming in from out of town."
I guess we can gauge progress by how many front-office types are invited to Drew's bash.
As far as Lamar Odom, his situation has struck many as potentially sticky. There's at least a chance he'll be asked to come off the bench this season, a matter that would be delicate for any career-long starter, much less one in a contract year. LO's a dude who's typically prioritized teammate numbers ahead of his own, but that doesn't mean human nature, ego and insecurities become automatically easy to ignore. Even if Lamar cooperates (and I strongly suspect he will), an adjustment will be in order. It reminded me of when Gary Payton arrived for the 2003-2004 campaign, which meant incumbent starter Derek Fisher accepting a pine role that had less to do with a better player in the fold (Fish actually outplayed The Glove) and more do with team chemistry and not pissing off the oft-moody GP. The gig change not only presented a potential psyche bruise for Fish, but one to his wallet, as he planned to exercise an early termination clause and test the free agent waters. You'd be hard-pressed to find a superior "pro's pro" in the NBA than Derek Fisher, but he still wasn't thrilled about the idea of facing second stringers ("Generally, you're a professional athlete for a reason and it's because you desire to compete at the highest level.") and perhaps a less profitable future.
"I can relate," nodded Fisher. "Emotionally, it's a big hit, and in particular, in a contract year
where you feel like you want to establish your market value and give
yourself the best opportunity to give yourself to get the best job the
following year, then the timing of it really sucks as far as how you
feel personally. It was tough for me, but I got through it and we got
through it as a team. There's a lot of emotion involved with just trying to keep yourself focused, and that's tough to do, in particular when you're playing for a team that's supposed to "win a championship," so you're supposed to kinda just throw your stuff out the window and just concentrate on the team."
That may strike some as lesson plan material for "Team Sports 101," but it's often easier said than done. As I noted, life does go on after that season ends, a fact often hard to just disregard, even if you're genuinely and selflessly busting ass in hopes of winning a title. The scenarios are not mutually exclusive, especially when this is, all obviousness aside, your actual job. And while it may not be all about the money, that doesn't mean it's not about the money, either.
"You recognize that it is your career," said a matter-of-fact Fisher. "Because you're a professional, your responsibility is to go out and provide for you and your family. In team sports, there's always that delicate balance of you how carry on in that manner. I think Lamar's been great at it since he's been here and I think he's been great at it his whole career."
And for Lamar, acquiescing to a sixth man role and landing a solid payday aren't necessarily mutually exclusive objectives. Should he play "Manu Ginobli" for the 2009 O'Brien holders, that would go a long way in bumping his worth around the league. According to Fisher, champions gaining additional value is "an unwritten rule in profession sports and definitely in the NBA" He oughta know, too. As folks may remember, Fish got waaaay more cheddar from Golden State than anybody possibly expected. "I didn't have the best statistical season that year," admitted the point guard. "But because it was the fourth time in five years that I'd been on a team that had been to the NBA Finals and I'd been able to contribute on very good teams, that kept my value at a very high level." Thus, if you're a key player in adding banner to a franchise's building, scoring 25 points per game isn't a prerequisite for G.M.'s seeking out free agents. "You can score ten points on a championship team and probably get the same deal. Ask James Posey."
Added Fish with a chuckle, "Ask Derek Fisher."
AUDIO
- Andrew Bynum: Download andrew_bynum_10.16.08.mp3
- Derek Fisher: Download derek_fisher_10.16.08.mp3
- Luke Walton: Download luke_walton_10.16.08.mp3
AK
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THE KID WILL BE SIGNED BEFORE HIS BIRTHDAY…
Because there is NO way that the Lakers are going to allow Andrew Bynum to become a free agent, whether restricted or unrestricted. And fans who believe that the Lakers will still have a lock on Drew if they allow him to become a restricted free agent are uninformed. If the Lakers do NOT sign Drew to an extension by October 31, 2008, they will NOT be able to sign him until he becomes a free agent. They can tender a qualifying offer to bind him as a restricted free agent, but all Drew has to do is to accept the qualifying offer and play out the year to become an UNRESTRICTED free agent the following summer, when there will be a dozen teams under the cap and looking to sign big name free agents like LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. And the Lakers will have no power to do anything to prevent it from happening. That’s the facts!
As politics, people sometimes just do not recognize a savior when they see one. Drew is a once in a generation franchise player. Jerry and Jim Buss and Mitch know this, which is why I am NOT worried in the slightest that Drew will NOT be signed to an extension, especially since the team and player are only $10M apart if the rumors are true. I think the Lakers just want to see Drew play like last year’s Drew before they sign up, which I have no problem with other than it has to be unsettling for the player no matter what. We have seen many times how delicate it can be to negotiate with players who cannot help but have an inflated ego and sense of their worth. That is why you probably don’t and won’t see Mitch go public with any negotiations. He will take the utmost care to be sure NOT to insult Drew or his agent, especially over $10M.
Drew’s birthday, by the way, is October 31st. Mark my words, Drew will be signed by then.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 16, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Fish is one of the smartest players in the NBA. THere's a reason he's the pres of the Player's Assoc.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 16, 2008 at 07:48 PM
The sky is falling.
The sky is falling.
LakerTom
Posted by: Chicken Little | October 16, 2008 at 08:58 PM
PIg sez:
"THere's a reason he's the pres of the Player's Assoc."
Because he is known to do "favors" for those who nominate him. And I'm not talking about mutual scratching of backs.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 16, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Tom,
"They can tender a qualifying offer to bind him as a restricted free agent. If the Lakers do NOT sign Drew to an extension by October 31, 2008, they will NOT be able to sign him until he becomes a free agent. They can tender a qualifying offer to bind him as a restricted free agent, but all Drew has to do is to accept the qualifying offer and play out the year to become an UNRESTRICTED free agent the following summer, when there will be a dozen teams under the cap and looking to sign big name free agents like LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. And the Lakers will have no power to do anything to prevent it from happening. That’s the facts!"
Yes, but that doesn't mean they can't offer him more. You're wrong.
I'll include excerpts from the current CBA for your edification.
"A Team that makes a Qualifying Offer to a player following the second Option Year of his Rookie Scale Contract may elect simultaneously to offer the player an alternative Contract covering six (6) Seasons that provides Salary for the first Salary Cap Year equal to the Maximum Annual Salary under Article II, Section 7(a), with annual increases in Salary equal to 10.5% of the Salary for the first Salary Cap Year (a “Maximum Qualifying Offer”)."
So, the Lakers can and will, in the event that they don't sign him to an extension prior and he deserves it, extend Drew both a qualifying offer, which they would to retain Right of First Refusal, while also extending him a Maximum Contract offer.
I think you must use the most pompous language of anyone that posts here. The blog sync think that you seem to always tap into is roundly against you on this issue, yet you continue to force the issue because you're blinded by your fandom. You've got to take off the P&G goggles and look at the situation from a pragmatic standpoint. Drew has proven nothing in his career yet, other than he had a good 7 game stretch. If NBA teams only based the player salaries on potential, they'd be in big trouble. You assert that you know things you don't and your arguments suffer because of it.
"Mark my words"
I am. I'll be certain to accept that you were correct if the Lakers do sign Drew before the end of the month.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 16, 2008 at 09:02 PM
The whole Lam-OD business is beginning to undermine the success the lakers enjoyed last season.
In a way, his errant move that injured bynum may well be symbolic of his effect on this team.
A big question facing bynum's return has already begun to be answered: chemistry
Posted by: BUTLER | October 16, 2008 at 09:14 PM
SMASH! MONGO NO LIKE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 16, 2008 at 09:15 PM
yo, JEEVES, get me a luffa and turn down the bed.
Hop to-it, chap.
chop chop.
Posted by: EHomp, sick of the BUTler | October 16, 2008 at 09:41 PM
LakerTom,
We have all the leverage when it comes to Drew. There's no reason why we should be forced to give him an $88 million contract he absolutely doesn't deserve. He missed most of last season and hasn't come close to making an all-star game.
1. We can re-sign him in July
2. He should have to earn his contract.
3. Drew turning down a big deal from us next summer and taking a qualifying offer instead is a terrible financial decision on his part. What if he were to get injured again?
4. Even if he does become an unrestricted free agent in 2010 we can pay him more than any other team.
5. We didn't become the Lakers by giving completely unproven players max-deals. We leave that stuff to the Knicks.
Posted by: Xodus | October 16, 2008 at 09:52 PM
"Pig" Miller
Slaaaammmm Dunk
Ouch
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | October 16, 2008 at 09:56 PM
Lakers Tom
When reading your post, I kept hearing this loud, magnified voice in my head, like from the Wizard of Oz.
"I am Lakers Tom, and I have spoken!"
But you don't fool anyone. We know who the man behind the curtain is. A kind, gentle, mild and meek, genuine Lakers Fan from good old Marin County, California. We also know where that smoke is coming from. lol
With AB and the Lakers, a compromise will be met. From earlier comments from AB, we know he is reasonable, in spite of his agents rants.
What the $ amount will be, we don't know, but we are confident of a long term solution. Bynum will never go nuclear with the Lakers and play for the one year qualifying offer and then walk.
No agent in his right mind would advise his client to risk his career on a one year gamble.
If I were laying odds.......
- A high percentage would be a five year contract before the season starts.
- A medium percentage on a deal being offered at 12:01 AM, the start of Free Agency
- A low percentage of AB seeing what the market can bare and the Lakers matching
- An even lower percentage of Drew going nuclear, taking the qualifying for a year, then walking (Even then the Lakers have Birds rights)
Bynum's agent threats are empty. Lakers are at a position of strength. Even still, Bynum will have a very nice contract of a Birthday present before the season starts.
If I only had a brain Fatty
Posted by: Fatty | October 16, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Laker Tom,
A savior......hmmm
Let's see just exactly how many times Drew scored over 20 points.......last season before the injury
December 9, 2007: VS GSW, 20 points, 11 rebounds
December 21, 2007: @ PHI, 24 points, 11 rebounds
December 25, 2007: VS PHX, 28 points, 12 rebounds
January 6, 2008: VS IND, 23 points, 13 rebounds
January 11, 2008: VS MIL, 25 points, 17 rebounds.
Less than 5 TIMES did Andrew scored 20 points or more last season out of 35 games or less than 14.2% of the games he played.
Kobe Bryant in his 3rd season was averaging 19.9ppg.
Phil was right. 10 rebounds? That is very doable, especially since Radman's improvement might get Lamar off the bench so it will be him and Pau to be fighting over rebounds (and Kobe isn't bad either). 3 blocks? Very doable too since he will be guarding the post and the Lakers are getting more aggressive on defense in practice (more traps similar to the Bach trap that was used in Chicago). 2nd Fiddle? Not just yet, Pau still has more offensive weapons than Drew and more range. I would see Drew score inside if he could power his way and isolation in the post plays combined with tons of his scoring from assists.
Savior? I want to wait and see how this works out.
Pig is also correct. The Lakers can also offer him an extension even as a Restricted Free Agent, in fact it's better as a RFA since they can match any offers at the mean while give him more money. If Drew helps us brings a championship, then they wouldn't hesitate to give him what his agent wants (super star money).
Does the Lakers view him as the future? I'm sure they do. Does he still have to prove he's worth $17.6 million? Yes, having 5 games of over 20 points does not deserve a superstar money.
His performance this season will and should determine if he deserves it.
"I'll let my play determine my salary".
And that's what should be the case.
And like Pig, I will accept your words if the Lakers do sign him before the deadline.
And like what Pig says, try to be more pragmatic, Drew is and will be good, don't be too zealous.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobeblitz | October 16, 2008 at 10:12 PM
"5. We didn't become the Lakers by giving completely unproven players max-deals. We leave that stuff to the Knicks. "
Hehe Xodus, nice one and that was funny too.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobeblitz | October 16, 2008 at 10:14 PM
The biggest deal the front office should offer Bynum is 5-years, 55-million.
Posted by: Xodus | October 16, 2008 at 10:14 PM
If Drew's still the player we all hope and believe he is, the a deal will get done, plain and simple.
As far as David Lee goes, he's just stirring the pot. It's what agents do. The other thing to realize is that he doesn't have a lot of NBA clients - Drew and Ariza and that's about it as far as I know... maybe Hassan Adams... and he's not at a big agency, last I heard he had his own shop. So, he's got a chance to negotiate a big contract and he's going to work it. This isn't a good thing or a bad thing, he's just trying to work his angles, that's all. And, of course, this guy's basically going up against the whole Lakers organization and we can all recite that, chapter and verse.
So no worries. This thing should be relatively bomb proof unless someone's really determined to start throwing sticks of bynumite... ow, I did not write that!
Posted by: dave m | October 16, 2008 at 10:24 PM
"As politics, people sometimes just do not recognize a savior when they see one."
I'm sorry that we're not all as enlightened as you are to see the Messiah, both in politics and basketball. I'd say it's only rational to not want to invest over $80M in a person based on a rather thin resume. Anyone can show flashes of brilliance for a short period of time. It's only sustained greatness that merits max money.
Posted by: EJK | October 16, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Blitz,
haha, Thanks.
Good post on your part, too. I believe Drew will prove to be a very good player in the NBA, but he hasn't earned anything other than a "you're a big man with potential" contract. That generally means you should get paid about 9-10 million a year, like the deals Kwa-may and Nene received a few years back.
Since Drew has shown more signs of a being a very good player I'd give him an 11-million a year deal of 5-years, 55-million. If he wants to get a max deal he should have to play the whole season and put up roughly 15, 11 and 2.5.
Posted by: Xodus | October 16, 2008 at 10:37 PM
And Tom, I've got to agree with Blitz and "Pig" that you're being WAY over the top here.
Savior? Really?
35 games don't make a savior or a franchise player. I know you're a Mr. Positive, but you're not being very reasonable. We're a championship contender with or without Drew at this point. Obviously our ceiling is higher with a healthy Drew, but he's not our savior by any means.
Let the guy put together a full season of great play before we anoint him. Is that really uninformed?
Posted by: Xodus | October 16, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Xodus,
15ppg, 11 rpg, and 2.5 blocks are a very nice goal for Drew. In fact combine this with playing great defense could be enough for an All Star berth (probably reserve). Only Yao Ming in the Western Conference really will be the true experienced center as a starter. Oden could be one but that is a big IF, Shaq is 35 and would be close to 36 and he isn't the same Shaq that produced 27ppg and 11 rpg and Kaman should no way be confused as an All Star (he was embarrased when teams smoked him on the German Team). Tyson Chandler is a possibility but he only has averaged 10-10 which isn't bad but not an all star capable thing unless he is a freak at defense for New Orleans. So Drew if he performs well and does those numbers has a great shot at making the All Star Team.
And if he does that $55 Million is really good. Though if we win the championship and he has averaged those numbers in the playoffs or better then the Max contract wouldn't be out of the question either don't you think?
-blitz
Posted by: thekobeblitz | October 16, 2008 at 11:00 PM
From the "I bet you did not know that" dept.
Sun Yue has been assigned #9 by the Lakers.
But, "I bet you did not know" that......
Nine (九 pinyin jiǔ) is considered a good number in Chinese culture because it sounds the same as the word "longlasting" (久 pinyin jiǔ)
Nine is strongly associated with the Chinese dragon, a symbol of magic and power.
Was it a mere accident Sun Yue was given the number nine? Did his girlfriend have something to do with it? Or is it just a coincidence he is called the "Chinese Magic Johnson"?
The Lakers hope is that 'Nine' becomes a dragon, devouring the competition...........
This is Fatty from, "I bet, you did not know that"
Posted by: Fatty | October 16, 2008 at 11:06 PM
Every time I see that pic of odom in the video screen above, I wonder what the video producers were thinking.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 16, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Blitz,
Oh, my 55-million a year offer would only be my offer for a deal this summer. If he puts up 15, 11, 2.5 he'd be an all-star lock backing up Yao and we'd likely win the title so I'd jump at giving Bynum a max-deal.
The Lakers will probably give him a deal in the 70 million dollar range if they sign him this summer, which I think is overpaying for him at this point, but I'm glad they're holding firm on not giving him the max.
There is absolutely no pressure on Mitch and Jerry to give Bynum a max deal. The fact that David Lee is losing his head over this is the sign of a rookie agent grasping at straws.
1. The Lakers are championship contender for the foreseeable future.
2. The Lakers can pay him more than any other team.
3. Taking a qualifying offer is a risk on HIS part, not the Lakers because he'd risk injury and possibly losing millions. If David Lee is fighting this hard for a max deal now there's no way he's accepting a QO.
The Lakers have all the leverage.
Posted by: Xodus | October 16, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Get rid of Kent, Jones, Pierre, and sign Manny. Those other guys never proved anything in a Dodger uniform.
Also can someone send Kwame Furcal somewhere else? I know he had a great season but his NLCS was terrible. I mean that I would just bury my head in a hole for a long time.
Can someone also send Martin a broom and dust pan because that's the only way he'll clean up the bases.
Every Dodger except Manny, MacDonald, and Karudo should be ashamed of themselves
Posted by: never | October 17, 2008 at 02:24 AM
Good Morning Charles
Good Morning Morning Crew
Good Morning Sheriff I see the town is quieting down now that you are back
Gooooood Morrrning Laker Nation
AND SO IT BEGINS…A 3 part trilogy
PART 1.
Summer is over there’s a chill in the air
Last Season was nothing but joy, then despair
Don’t be so pessimistic, stop all the trade talk
Even a baby has to crawl, before it can walk
Your team has 14 titles, yes this is true
I guess you think number 15 is your birthright too.
When a system update is put on your PC
You know d@mn well, some bugs there will be
Not only was our team young, but the triangle was revised
No more just walk to a spot, but also showtime, Surprise
We surprised and shocked the league last season
The record we compiled was not within reason
We got to smug, We thought victory was our right
Till we met a veteran team that didn’t believe the hype
We ran out to big leads we forgot the extra pass
And a team called the Celtics knocked us right on our @ss
OK we deserved it, we had to learn the hard way
But Celtics we didn’t deserve the rest of the sh+t you had to say
You know there’s an old sayin, never kick a dog when he’s down
Get ready you Celtic b@stards, we coming for your crown
And I just want to say we ain’t mad at you
So when we whip your @ss, it’s just a job we have to do.
The Force is unbalanced, you sent that “Butler” thing to spy
You don’t really think we gone let that kind of crap go by
“THE TRUTH” has a big mouth and he’s an even bigger fool
If he thinks he better than Mamba, Paul Pierce you’re a d@mn tool.
You’ve seen the triangle and you think you know us
But the triangle you saw, sagged from injuries and rust
Be afraid NBA, the injuries and rust are no longer here
The triangle becomes a deadly weapon after being in it for a few years
If you ever seen a functioning triangle it would be frightening to you
It’s beautiful but deadly, much like Jeet Kune Do
When Bruce Lee beat a person, he did it with a sense of style and grace
Unlike you we won’t act like thugs when we take the title from your place…..
TO BE CONTINUED
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 17, 2008 at 06:13 AM
I'd do a shorter contract with more per year. 3 years 12 million. Puts him just past the 2010 mark where all the teams project to have money. It also isn't too long like Vlads contract. If he turns into Vince Carter and under acheives we can just not resign him. If he is a true star we can pay him more when the contract is up but we will atleast know he is worth it.
Posted by: tommythecomicguy | October 17, 2008 at 06:25 AM
This is my 3rd notice, two of my posts in yesterday's thread one addressed to Fatty about Drew's contract was deleted, I don't know why? Am I now the new Mike T or KL? Well, only the Lords can speak for their decision.
Anyway, I think LakerTom you're way out of the ball park in the changing times. $88M for a kid of 20 year who hasn't proven himself in the last three years, made a cameo appearance last year from Nov to Jan, of course not his fault but his fate. An 88M 5 years for Drew, 25M per year for Kobe, 11M for LO, 16M for Gasol, then comes Ariza, Farmar, Mihm asking for more money, plus the never ending contract of Vlad and Luke....well it may not be our money but that leads to possible extinction of the Lakers (like Lehman Bros.) as a financially viable team. Bear in mind, we are in a economic doldrums, currently the financials and Wall St. are severeky affected by the recession and in months to come, it may trickle down to the workplace resulting to mass lay offs and closing of several franchises that are not making any money. It could affect the pocket books of Laker fans budget for entertainment or the advertisers of the team. Nobody here have imagined a situation where people will have to make a choice, it is either basic needs or entertainment, that could happen. Players should understand such economic predicaments, they're no follies of GHE but headline of today in every website whether national or globally. As I said yesterday, there are no sacred cows or individuals that are so indispensable during period of austerity. In due time, somebody and somehow will replace values of commodities or human beings to attain survival. Therefore, to regard Andrew as the Laker savior.....that's a stretch and very un-lakerlike. We might as well all become oversimplistic homers, why don't we proclaim him now as a playing-Hall of Famer and build him a monument receiving as an assist pass from Magic's mural?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 17, 2008 at 07:05 AM
The Lakers should wait until the end of the season to deal with Bynum's contract. He has to earn it. He should probably fire his agent for causing problems since Bynum was willing to take $10 million a year. Hopefully Kobe opts out and takes only $10 million a year. Lamar too. I'd trade Walton, Karl, Mbenga, Crawford, and possibly Mihm for Mike Miller. When will the Lakers use Lamar as PG? No team in the NBA could match up with him there. Bynum has a very rewarding young career in sight as long as he doesn't get greedy or let his agent get greedy for him.
Posted by: Marco | October 17, 2008 at 07:05 AM
As usual, Laker Tom is smoking too much of his product.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 17, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Five years, $55 million sounds most reasonable for Andrew Bynum.
When Laker Tom begins screaming about a max contract for Bynum, I get really nervous.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 07:46 AM
Good morning Mamba24, Charles & the fabulous Laker morning CRUE!!!
Almost game day - can't wait for tomorrow. This should be a lot of fun! Does anyone know the start time?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 17, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Given they can match,the longer they drag the thing out the better...if they are prepared to into the $70's then they will be prepared to go into the $80's but why do that?
They're offering money that isnt an insult - if he takes it then they save some...if he doesnt the worst thing that happens is they pay him what he wants later after having a decent chance to look at him.If I was Bynum at his age with his injury history i'd take a a deal from the lakers in the $70's asap.At that level with that future earning potential whats ten mil over a number of years.?
why gamble so much with so little to gain...things can change fast.
Posted by: Kiwi | October 17, 2008 at 08:12 AM
I want to know how many Lakers players will be at Andrew Bynum's birthday party OR if the team as a whole is taking him out for his birthday.
Unless he's bonded deeply with this team there should be the slightest Laker Tom-esque talk of a max contract.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Man, I'm sure getting antsy for the season to start. What are we, 11 days away? This season is going to be historical, it has to be, unless he have some injuries.
Anyone think Kobe has a shot at repeating as MVP? I do, the Lakers are going to be the best team and Kobe the leader and the best player on that team. The only competition will be Lebron. If he has a breakout season and the Cavs are half decent then the voters will probably give Lebron the edge.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 17, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Good morning guys!
Posted by: Charles | October 17, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Steven V,
It's an extension, so the money wouldn't kick in until next season. Drew will still make the cash this year, regardless of how it shakes out.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Edwin Gueco,
I can't speak for BK, but I don't personally recall deleting any of your posts. The only thing I can think of is that maybe some of yours didn't have a signature and that's why they weren't posted. We generally don't put anything through unless there's an ID attached.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 08:35 AM
steven-
to add to that, they're already over the salary cap, but the league allows teams to continue to be over in an effort to resign their own players. There is no limit (in terms of salary cap) to how much the Lakers can spend on their own players. There are luxury tax implications, but that's a question of Dr. Buss being willing to pay more to keep his roster together.
The Lakers are "capped out" for the next few years at least. Most teams, though, are over the salary cap, too.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 08:56 AM
Mamba24 - hahahaha!!! Pinch me off a little of that humboldt county stash, will ya?
Posted by: dave m | October 17, 2008 at 09:22 AM
mrbarneydangles,
Regarding Kobe Bryant as repeating MVP, it could happen, but, remember, Chris Paul is out there lurking in the swamps of Southern Louisiana living off bugs and practicing his jump shot.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 09:22 AM
There is no limit (in terms of salary cap) to how much the Lakers can spend on their own players. There are luxury tax implications, but that's a question of Dr. Buss being willing to pay more to keep his roster together.
Shoot in that case give Bynum his moneys, just as long as Buss doesn't let the utility bills go PAST due at Stapels. It would be a drag to get the water, sewer and light services get cut off at the arena.
Posted by: Magia32 | October 17, 2008 at 09:22 AM
BK,
Are you guys gonna do "Know Thy Enemy" this year??
dan
Posted by: dan the man | October 17, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Ahhhhh....so good to be back home.
Hello all! She's back...........
And oh how I have missed all you guys (and girls). Glad to see the same crew is here and chatting.
Sorry to be away for so long but company went under, had to find a new job and now I am working the phones like crazy. But it's almost opening day and I can't wait!
The only thing I have to add right now to all this money talk is that the recession is going to affect everyone including big time athletes and max dollars are not going to be had. Everyone has to tighten their belts.
Charles - love the start and we are ready to go!!!
Lastly, LakerTom: while I applaud you for sticking to your guns regarding AB - I don't think he will be having a lot of treats on Halloween. He didn't come back in game shape, he hasn't had a great camp and the Lakers have the luxury of time and restricted FA in their pockets. He'll get re-signed by the Lakers but it won't be until next Summer. And once again.......the blog will be flogging Kupchak. I think Mitch likes the torture.......
LET's GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | October 17, 2008 at 09:34 AM
The future arrives early on the 28th and Andrew the kid could become Mr Bynum when GOden comes to town.
A dominant to good performance that night would get cell phones ringing in the Laker FO, making for a happier birthday.
Posted by: Vman | October 17, 2008 at 09:37 AM
Pig,
>>>>>I think you must use the most pompous language of anyone that posts here.
Thanks for the response. Your name is truly descriptive of your meager intelligence and communicative skills. You are truly a porcine specimen of a fan with a pigpen of a mind.
Drew will sign an extension before his birthday on October 27th. Oink off, Pig.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 17, 2008 at 09:43 AM
This whole "salary cap" thing in the NBA simply isn't working. It needs to be adjusted or a new system created.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Xodus,
>>>>> The biggest deal the front office should offer Bynum is 5-years, 55-million.
Wrong. The Lakers have already offered $78M for 6 years. Lee wants $88M. Drew and Lakers will compromise and sign an extension before October 31, 2008.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 17, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Eric,
>>>>> As usual, Laker Tom is smoking too much of his product.
LMAO. Time for “Smoke Two Joints” by the Toys to kickoff the weekend. Lakers game Saturday night makes for a great weekend.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 17, 2008 at 09:50 AM
By the way, I think the Kimbo Slice look does not work on Lamar Odom.
I think he should try a huge handlebar mustache instead.
Lamar Odom = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Mamba-
Remember, substituting * in off limits words isn't allowed.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Hmm good to see the blog has a consensus on this, i.e. the lakers should wait. Matter of fact I wouldn't even offer him 88 mil right now .. Kevin Ding on oc register had this to say
[Lakers trainer Gary Vitti, in explaining the complexity of Bynum’s injury a few days after it occurred, confirmed Bynum’s predisposition to certain knee injuries. Said Vitti: “He has a wide pelvis and is knock-kneed. It makes him prone to this type of thing.”]
sounds like we should definately wait
Laker Tom,
"As politics, people sometimes just do not recognize a savior when they see one. Drew is a once in a generation franchise player. "
Sure, funny how everyone screams trade lamar despite the fact he was a critical part of our team last year (even with the occasional no show effort) ... boy please Drew is our savior?, what a diss to everyone on the team that took us to the final last year ... I love drew too but 88 mil should buy you more than potential ... I'd say more (cuz u know da blind kobe love in me is boiling at what your savior comment implies ) but knowing your history I'll just penn it down as u being overly enthustiastic, after all at some point farmar was as good as cp3
Taliq
Posted by: Taliq | October 17, 2008 at 10:08 AM