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
Mamba- Remember, substituting * in off limits words isn't allowed.
BK Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 10:02
A THOUSAND PARDONS MY LORD. I HEAR AND I OBEY.
Sorry BK. itt won't happen again. Thanks
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 17, 2008 at 10:11 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
. Tom Posted by: LakerTom | October 17, 2008
ROFLMAO!! PIG DEFEND YOURSELF IMMEDIATELY! LAKERTOM PLEASE SIR DON'T
HURT HIM. He is one of our most valuable soldiers. Come on now guys.
Here I still have some of Toms stash left lets smoke a peace pipe.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 17, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Hey, lighten up a little guys ...
From today's TrueHoop:
# Kobe battle-raps Shaq during halftime of NBA All-Star game. And wins! After L.A. sweeps Phoenix in the first round of the playoffs, Kobe leads off his post-game press conference by saying, "Somebody ask Shaq how that tastes."
# Four members of the Phoenix Suns starting lineup qualify for USGA Senior Tour.
- Andy Ferguson and Ricardo Viramontes, Wieden+Kennedy Creatives
ROTFL
Posted by: Glenn | October 17, 2008 at 10:15 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
You got it Dave. Say what you want about LakerTom , but
his stash is Primo. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 17, 2008 at 10:18 AM
BK,
I second dan the man's request.
"Know Thy Enemy" was quite awesome last year.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 10:21 AM
LakerTom,
"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."
It's unfortunate you would take what I said in what seems to be a pretty intelligent and straightforward manner, according to everyone here who's read what both of us said, and turn it in to some sort of insult. I was merely pointing out your folly in believing that the Lakers can only extend Drew a qualifying offer, which isn't the case. Attacking my intelligence should be the last thing on your mind. Try disproving my point instead of attacking my character.
Also, I only spoke to your language and not your character. If you toned down your rhetoric, perhaps you wouldn't sound so over the top.
"The Lakers have already offered $78M for 6 years."
I'd be interested to know where you read that from a team source.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 17, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Who's the law around here??
Good morning crew, I am glad that the trade mill has stopped for the day. I would much rather see everyone beatup on each other....lol.
Game day tomorrow!
2008/2009 Season will rock!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | October 17, 2008 at 10:39 AM
maybe David Lee has turned into a zombie. Gen_o?
Posted by: Faith | October 17, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Bynum is our Savior
Bynum is our Savior
Laker Tom
Posted by: Chicken Little | October 17, 2008 at 10:51 AM
LakerTom,
I really wish you'd stop insulting "Pig" Miller.
"Pig" Miller is awesome.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 11:02 AM
LakerTom,
http://tinyurl.com/5mf9fj
Listen to Kevin Ding.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 17, 2008 at 11:03 AM
I know that Lamar Odom has a company that makes shirts and such. The Lakers should make a deal with him that in return for taking a pay cut, the Lakers Organization will allow Lamar to sell his t-shirts at the Staples Center and through Lakers.com.
That sounds like a decent compromise.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Faith,
"maybe David Lee has turned into a zombie."
maybe so, but he's still better than Sammy Hagar!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 17, 2008 at 11:06 AM
Who's the law around here??osted by: janaya | October 17, 2008 at 10:39
Taliqs the Sheriff but there is an opening for a deputy.
How you doing Janaya.
Posted by: Mamba | October 17, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Laker Tom
You are overtly excited about Andrew Bynum. Too excited and need to lower you expectations.
But you gotta keep in mind, Pig Miller hates trolls but trolls around the AZ website. That's the kind of blogger he is.
Posted by: Snort Oink | October 17, 2008 at 11:08 AM
KNOW THY ENEMY!!
KNOW THY ENEMY!!
Posted by: dan the man | October 17, 2008 at 11:09 AM
HEY MY POST APPEARED THEN 10 MINUTES LATER DISAPPEARED. EDWIN
LETS SLOW DOWN ON THAT STASH. I"m starting to see the same things
that you are or are not as may be the case. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Please add me to those who don't think the Lakers should jump through hoops for AB's agent. His client showed up not ready to work hard and prove himself. Showing up late, as Bynum did the other day, is inexcusable in any profession.
Rack some of it up to immaturity, to be sure, but so far Andrew seems to exhibit some of Shaq's worst habits and that is a cause for concern.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 17, 2008 at 11:12 AM
YOU GUYS HAVE CREATED A BEAST, I mean a MONSTER.
Posted by: Magia32 | October 17, 2008 at 11:27 AM
BK,
Was my post deleted too just now, b/c I copied and pasted the * word in replying to Mamba's post? Good Lord, are we having menstrual period, why are we so picky today? I remember the days in the past when you used to email us in order to generate postings, now we're getting the wrath of the K-Bros. Suggstion: when you censor a post, please copy and paste the post that you don't prefer so next time we will know what not to say.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 17, 2008 at 11:28 AM
What up people -- 11 days and counting.
Pig and Laker Tom -- play nice now....
Hoopsworld is hearing rumblings that the Lakers will opt to have LO come off their books this summer to spend it on KB and AB -- also they have heard that Dr. Buss will want to stay under 100 Mil payroll -- discuss ....
Posted by: HmrHed | October 17, 2008 at 11:29 AM
LakerTom
>>>. The Lakers have already offered $78M for 6 years.
Okay, since you got all hot under the collar when I made a
mistake and said that they should wait until a couple of weeks
into the season before even making him an offer (which was
wrong, since there's an Oct31 deadline), I have to point out
the error of your ways.
The Lakers couldn't possibly make such an offer to Bynum.
This summer, the max number of years they could offer
him are 5 years. What is being bandied about (rather loosely)
is 5 years for 78 million vs 5 years for (approximately) 88 million.
Perhaps you'd care to provide a link to an article that claims
that a LAKERS source has reported that they've offered
Drew 78 million, then I'd be more convinced. Or even
one reporting that the Lakers HAVE offered him that much.
What was reported by ESPN was something like "The Lakers
want to pay him more like 78 million".
But either way, the Lakers couldn't offer Bynum a 6 year
contract until next summer.
And I've heard no confirmation from the Lakers' front office
that they've even offered him 78 million. AFAIK, that's
some number that some journalist pulled out of his back
pocket (if you catch my drift).
From the comments by David Lee, the Lakers haven't
made ANY offer yet. That's what he and Mitch are meeting
to discuss today.
And if I were Mitch and had only seen what I'd seen so far
in the pre-season, I'd tell him to come back a couple of days
before the deadline so I'd have more time to evaluate Drew's
health. Then I'd ask PJ to start playing Andrew 30+ minutes
a game to better assess if he is really in good health and good
condition.
If you're going to buy a used Maserati that's been wrecked
and restored, you want to take it on as long a test drive
as possible to make sure that it's back to good condition...
esPECially if the car salesman (which is what David Lee
is coming off like right now) is telling you that he wants
full max original sticker value, even though the car has
had a serious wreck and has been restored.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 17, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Bynum is our Savior
~~Yes and LakerTom is one of the Three Kings that visited him from Bay Area. Give him 88m instead of frankinsence and myrrh.
Mamba24,
We're the heretics back to the Inquisition Era.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 17, 2008 at 11:33 AM
>>>This whole "salary cap" thing in the NBA simply isn't
>>>working.
If by "isn't working" you mean it's preventing the Lakers and
Celtics from being in the finals every year, then yeah, you're
right.
The point of the salary cap is to try to balance the league
and allow teams in small markets to be profitable while at
least having a tiny chance to compete. In that sense it's
working fine.
In a league with no salary cap, nobody would want to play
in places like Utah or San Antonio or Minnesota. The
salary cap allowed Minne to field a good enough team to
make the playoffs for a bunch of years in a row and allows
well managed/coached teams like Utah and San Antonio
to be real contenders (and in the Spurs' case winners) for
NBA titles.
So if you live in LA, then yeah, the CBA sucks. Without
it, the Lakers would probably have been starting 5 all
stars the last few seasons.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 17, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Crap. I can't believe I just defended the salary cap.
`scuse me. I've got to go wash my mouth out with bleach.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 17, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Lakers Seaon + Lakers Playoffs + Dodgers Season + Dogers Playoffs = Tired Kamenetsky Brothers in Need of a Week in the Bahamas
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Sammy Hagar rocks, what are you talking about ex!
Posted by: Joe SixPack | October 17, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Hey Edwin,
Welcome to the club. Your post was probably deleted because you were answering me. I'm on BK's black list. lol
Taking Mega contracts in hard economic times may look just as greedy as the movie stars making 10's of millions for just acting.
My suggestion, if they are making millions is to share some of the wealth, and to do it sincerely. Look for causes that need resources. Many good charities will take major hits in a recession.
Set an example for others.
Yes they earned the pay, if the club will pay them. But turn your good fortune into something that will help others that are truly in need.
Posted by: Fatty | October 17, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Just curious, is Kareem as active this preseason, as he has been in the past as regards to mentoring Drew?
Posted by: dave m | October 17, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Rest when you're dead!
KNOW THY ENEMY!!!!
KNOW THY ENEMY!!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Edwin,
"Was my post deleted too just now, b/c I copied and pasted the * word in replying to Mamba's post? Good Lord, are we having menstrual period, why are we so picky today? I remember the days in the past when you used to email us in order to generate postings, now we're getting the wrath of the K-Bros. Suggstion: when you censor a post, please copy and paste the post that you don't prefer so next time we will know what not to say."
Yes, the post was deleted because you coped the * word in question. It shouldn't have gone through in the first place, and we deleted the original post, too. But this is hardly enough being "picky" or "menstrual." We've said zillions of times that you can't just take one letter out of the "S" word. Any regular reader who doesn't know that by now either isn't paying attention, isn't thinking about it or is trying to slip it past us. But the problem isn't us not spelling out the restrictions.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Rick F.
Ouch! You're hard on poor old Andrew. "Inexcusable in any profession"? Sometimes being late cannot be helped. We don't know the reasons for his tardy arrival, do we?
As far as professions, I'm thinking you've never hung out with musicians much.
The View from Up Here
Posted by: The View from Up Here | October 17, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Long Time Lakers Fan,
Let me get this straight. In your defense of the salary cap, are you basically saying that you WOULDN'T want to see the Lakers in the Finals every year?
Because it seems like that's what you're saying.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 17, 2008 at 12:00 PM
KNOW THY ENEMY!!
KNOW THY ENEMY!!
I know you're getting this Brian and Andrew, please give us a heads up!!
dan
Posted by: dan the man | October 17, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Laker Tom
You are overtly excited about Andrew Bynum. Too excited and need to lower you expectations.
But you gotta keep in mind, Pig Miller hates trolls but trolls around the AZ website. That's the kind of blogger he is.
Posted by: Snort Oink | October 17, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Oh you mean the same kind of blogger you and Buttler are....OH, ok!
Posted by: Chepa la loca | October 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Yes, Know thy Enemy is coming. We appreciate you waiting patiently for the response. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 12:07 PM
HEY FATTY , EDWIN SUDDENLY I THINK WER'E NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE. THINK I'LL GO FISHING
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM
you're too witty for me Ex. I had to look that up lol.
More and more I'm thinking Lakertom IS Drew's agent. Wonder what happened to his Jordan Farmar love though.
Posted by: Faith | October 17, 2008 at 12:10 PM
it's kind of hard to argue with anything the NBA does right now considering they're at their most popular internationally. See olympics.
Aside from the biased refs that is lol.
Posted by: Faith | October 17, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Oh you mean the same kind of blogger you and Buttler are....OH, ok!
Posted by: Chepa la loca | October 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Oh how sweet of you! I've used this same user name. But you just used this one. Let the irony begin.
Troll multi posting wars.
Besitos. El Pollo Loco!
Posted by: Snort Oink | October 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Rick F,
"so far Andrew seems to exhibit some of Shaq's worst habits and that is a cause for concern"
I was concerned about that his first two seasons. Last year that wasn't an issue; it sounds like that may be an issue again. Hopefully this is just temporary.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 17, 2008 at 12:15 PM
>>>Hoopsworld is hearing rumblings that the Lakers will opt
>>> to have LO come off their books this summer to spend it
>>>on KB and AB -- also they have heard that Dr. Buss will
>>>want to stay under 100 Mil payroll -- discuss ....
That is a good option. It gives them Lamar's skills for one more
season and lets them re-sign Bynum and Kobe, and maybe
Ariza and Mihm as well, if they are able to be solid contributors
this season.
It would be sad to lose Lamar, but it's like I've been saying.
Rich guys don't get rich by losing money in their investements.
Buss wants to win a championship, but spending 100
million doesn't guarantee that any more than spending
80 million does.
It would be nice if the Lakers could get something back
for Lamar without breaking the bank, but giving him a
full season and a chance to help the team win a ring
and then wishing him well would be good as well.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 17, 2008 at 12:21 PM
If I get compared to anyone, it should be Oliver Stone.
I'm a truth-teller, and am here to help lakers management make sound decisions.
So far the SUNS have the best 1-2 punch at C with SHACK and LOPEZ. None better in the league.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 17, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Ok, OK, you are the masters, from now on we don't want to read any kind of cursing in your blog whether prefixed or suffixed with *$#. We will measure you rule based consistency of the threads in the future.
Supposing we read one post with that word or another objectionable words, is there an appelate court within LAT to report your violation or are you the police and also the judge too?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 17, 2008 at 12:27 PM
>>>Let me get this straight. In your defense of the salary
>>>cap, are you basically saying that you WOULDN'T want
>>>to see the Lakers in the Finals every year?
You didn't read my followup, obviously.
I was basically playing devil's advocate. I was explaning that
the CBA pretty much does what it was intended to do. But
what it was intended to do was balance the league out by
limiting the big market richest teams in the league.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 17, 2008 at 12:28 PM
The View from Up Here,
>>> As far as professions, I'm thinking you've never hung out with musicians much.
Actually, most of my closest friends are musicians. The ones who have achieved any kind of success are very punctual. Those who are not have issues with chemical dependency. I've been around musicians since I started my career as a disc jockey on a 50,000 watt Philadelphia powerhouse at age 17. I'll stand by my statement.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 17, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Edwin-
No, there isn't, and yes, we are.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 17, 2008 at 12:44 PM
Lakers should sign Monta Ellis for MLE in a heart beat IF he becomes a unrestricted FA. JFarmer is not yet proven to be a starter but 15-20 mins solid back-up PG.
Warriors May Consider Voiding Ellis' Deal?.....Do it Mitch!
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=10284
The Warriors are retaining the option to extend the 30-game suspension of guard Monta Ellis, possibly all the way to voiding the six-year, $66 million deal he signed in July. Golden State would only throw that switch IF Ellis struggles mightily to recover from an ankle injury that is now expected to sideline him until December or January, and even then would be a tough call, probably in summer 2009 at the earliest. He turns 23 next weekend, and players have come back from much worse. It's just that the W's don't want to be on the hook for $66 mil for damaged goods, since Ellis violated the contract by riding a moped and then lied to management by claiming he got hurt in a pickup game. In the unlikely event the deal is voided, Ellis would be waived but not go back to his previous status as a restricted free agent in a negotiating advantage for the Warriors. He would be unrestricted.
Trade Lamar + fillers for Marion (unload $17 mil). Do it Mitch!
Lamar is one of the most inconsistent players who makes double digit salary and there is no improvement in his game every year.
Trade Lamar + Puke + Space Cadet = Lakers 2008-09 Champ
Posted by: Joe | October 17, 2008 at 12:45 PM
hey, has Coby Karl been cut yet? Should be in the next few days, no?
Phil commenting on Giles was interesting... makes you wonder...
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | October 17, 2008 at 12:48 PM
I'VE GOT IT.
I've come up with a plan how the Lakers can keep Lamar Odom
and still not go over 100 million in salaries...
Trade Bynum.
The Lakers made it to the finals without him, his knee is a huge
question mark, and his agent is insisting on more money than
he's worth. Trade him to some bottom feeding team that
can have a good center for cheap for 2 years and give the
Lakers some lottery action for quality backup players at
low salary.
How `bout Bynum for Michael Beasley & a couple of draft picks.
Or maybe Bynum for Al Horford and a draft pick.
Or Bynum and Farmar for Joakim Noah and Derrick Rose
Only I'd mention the trade to Andrew and his agent first
and ask if they'd like to reconsider this malarkey about
wanting max dollars for a damaged body that hasn't even
shown max contract potential when he was healthy.
Posted by: Laker Tom's evil nemesis | October 17, 2008 at 12:52 PM