Lakers, Bynum agree on extension
The LAT's Mike Bresnahan reports that the Lakers and Andrew Bynum have reached agreement on a contract extension:
The Lakers and Andrew Bynum have agreed in principle on a four-year contract extension worth about $58 million, keeping their center of the future in the fold through the 2012-13 season, according to sources familiar with the negotiations who would not speak publicly.
Bynum, who will make $2.8 million this season, will earn close to $42 million over the first three years of his contract extension. The fourth year will be a team option for about $16 million...
Basically, management and Camp Bynum met in the middle to find some harmony - the Lakers giving more money than originally proposed, Bynum accepting a shorter deal for less than the max that mitigates the team's risk, but to his benefit could get him back on the free-agent market quicker. In the end, both sides ought to come out feeling good about the deal, Bynum especially. $42 million guaranteed is a lot of money. $58, if the option is picked up? Well, that's even more.
For the Lakers, assuming Drew is what they, and most writers and fans, think he is, this is money very well spent. There is some risk -- Bynum is yet to finish a full NBA season as a starter -- but given that they can get out of the deal in three years should things turn sour, it's a very reasonable, relatively low-risk gamble for the organization. While I always believed long term Bynum wasn't going anywhere, I'm a little surprised an agreement was reached before the Halloween deadline and thought Bynum would enter restricted free agency this off-season, but clearly once the terms and perameters were adjusted, it was easier to reach a deal.
UPDATE: More news below!!! but this is the story that will dominate conversation.
BK
Our Lakers-Clippers video recap (player and PJ vids on the side of the page):
Those things are sweeping the nation, you know.
Overall, it's fair to say that whatever NBA scheduling official was responsible for forcing the Clippers, on the one night of the year they maybe, possibly, perhaps get to see top billing on the town's NBA marquee, to open their season against the Lakers ought to be dismissed. Apparently, the news that Lakers fans love to gobble up tix when the red, white, and blue host the purple and gold -- cheap Laker game! -- is yet to reach New York. Thus the Lakers found themselves wearing purple but playing before a very sympathetic crowd Wednesday night as they absolutely crushed the Clipper ship, 117-79.
That's two games and two wins, by a combined total of 58 points. Day-um. Just as it was in Tuesday's win over Portland, the Lakers played some very solid D, limiting the LAC to 36.7% shooting on the night -- this after the Clippers were 11-22 through the first quarter. There was also balance, with seven Lakers finishing in double figures, and the offensive load spread through all 12 guys who dressed. Again, the ball movement was crisp, as the Lakers racked up assists both fancy and pedestrian.
In short, the Lakers looked really good, and the Clippers looked like dudes who had never actually played together. Both sound about right, though Phil Jackson notes it's a little too early to be choosing a caterer for the post-parade bash.
Given their depth, back-to-backs should be less of an issue for the Lakers this season. Of course, blowing teams out on the front end takes the edge off, too.
The Lakers are off today, and will practice Friday.
"Long ago in a far away land, *I* TOLD you that Ariza would be working on his game during the summer. I'm
not going to get into the world of stats because as I
said before: There are lies, damn lies and statistics.
Therefore, I will make no comment about shooting 40%.
We are now in the regular season. Lamar is neither
the starting Point Forward, SG, SF or PF. He came into
camp "not in the best of shape". Ariza came in hungry.
Should Vlad do a "space cadet" routine, expect Ariza to
take his place over Lamar.
What I'm *really* saying is: You need to look at the quality
of the player vs. the ideaology of "our veterans before our youngings". So far, Ariza is out playing Lamar.
Admit it."
No long ago I said Trevor WILL improve his jumpshot while you stood and said "If and only if".
And 2 games into the regular season you go on and say good things about Trevor and how he's all good from 3 point land and he's as good as Radman. Make no mistake I cheer that for him as the Lakers win but this is JUST 2 GAMES. I will admit it when the Lakers WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
You are acting like Trevor is a 3 point threat. Sure his jumper has improved (even though it was still good last year). Come now, which GM would say Trevor is a real 3 point threat that would spread the floor like Vlad Rad could?
Again you get scared from statistics. I really dunno why because Trevor at the moment is shooting well for 2 games. Wake me up when Trevor shoots over 40% from 3 point land for 1 season. Why do I say 40%? Simple because the hallmark of a 3 point shooter is 40% such as Radman, Sasha, and even Derek Fisher.
Kobe can hit it from 3 point land but he's not the shooter like Glen Rice, Reggie Miller, or Ray Allen is.
Radman spreads the floor and teams knows that. Because of the TEAM defense the Lakers are shutting down opponents rather than the Man to Man isolation defense that Phil used to do. See my last post for details. This kind of defense can make even the worst defenders look like good defenders (not all like Cook).
I would say if Trevor does good you would be cheering over me and when Trevor does bad I won't be seeing you.
Get facts straight, this is mere 2 games and only against Portland and the Clippers and you are already letting 2 early results say that Trevor is already the best SF we have.
If Trevor was so great wouldn't PJ started Trevor like he did in the 1st two pre-season games? Yeah it was Pre-season but I remember too many jumpers and not too much penetration in the lanes.
I won't admit it because it is 2 GAMES. Bug me when we win the championship AND he shoots from 40% for the season AND the playoffs. Then you will get an "I was wrong" from me.
Don't over rate Trevor. I really like him and him and Jordan really gives lots of excitment to the Lakers but I really hate over rating our players. Just like the TNT announcers who had to over rate Radman's defense.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 30, 2008 at 12:54 PM
charles,
Assuming Sun can play the 2 and 3, I think that signing Crit if it was very cheap would definitely be something the team should look closely at. When he was here he was all about becoming a starter, which could add some conflict to the team, but maybe his time having almost no playing time has changed that. But definitely something that I would look into.
Posted by: copenhagen laker | October 30, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Eric M -
Just jumping in here as it's an open forum - I think the reason your name was parenthesis after mine was because Tom had mistaken you for me a couple times in posts, due to the similarity in our names. It became a bit of a running joke between Tom and I, all in good fun. It seems a bit odd to me... on a day when we should all be in good cheer, that this tit for tat is still going on. Everyone should relax and move on - the deal got done and that's all that matters.
Posted by: dave m | October 30, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Ex,
It depends on who, and how much and for how long. Thus far they have shown a caution in signing players long term (as in max term)...probably because of Luke.
I'm not sure, but I think Trevor is up after this year? He only exercised this year's option...he's not locked up long term. I think he'll be resigned for some change lol.
Posted by: Faith | October 30, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Edwin G
I'm not really surprised Mike T did not show up here today to promote his pet project - KWAME BROWN GREATEST CENTER ON THE FAITH OF THE EARTH. After all what he is going to talk about? Drew has a complete game last night playing against Kaman. I’m really missing his 100-pages “analysis” of 3 scoreless minutes Kwame played in Detroit. How about BUTLER not here either praising SUNS for barely avoiding loss playing at home against Spurs playing without Ginobili? There is a strange coincidence when those two appear here, don’t you think so?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | October 30, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Actually with the D Vlad has been playing of late...I'd say we don't talk about it enough. Dare I say, underrated?
He's been very effective both as a help defender (why our rotations are so crisp) and as a one on one defender. In his spare time, he's knocking down the open 3. What's not to love.
I'm not saying he's Rick Fox or anything, but hey this is the best I've ever seen him play D.
Posted by: Faith | October 30, 2008 at 01:09 PM
As for the Bynum deal,
This is a better deal from both parties. Finally David Lee relented which is what he needed to do instead trying to get the max for his client.
$14.5 is an excellent deal and isn't as bad as max. Bynum clearly didn't deserve the max and this was a more fairer deal for him and for the Lakers than $17.5 million that David Lee wanted.
I predict also that Trevor would also take around the same kind of money as Sasha or Radman at worst so that is another signing that we have Trevor for the following year.
I don't expect Mihm to be back unless he accepted a small deal like 2.5 Million again.
As for the draft we will need to pay around 1 Million (I'm hoping for a PF project that we could develop).
Lamar either will have to take the Mid-Level exception (8 Million at most) or let him walk.
But this is great news that Bynum took less money to stay with the team. If Kobe can do a Gilbert Arenas and go for less money so we can possibly resign all of our FA and take a real project in the draft that we can develop.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 30, 2008 at 01:16 PM
LAL_Fan,
Hell even Mike T. said that Kwa-may Brown the soft marshmellow scrub would start at Center for the Pistons. LOL!
Faith,
Expect Trevor to sign around Mid-Level exception money.
And remember, with the way our defense is with the 1-2-2 trapping zone trapping defense almost anyone (Cook and Kwa-may doesn't count) can defend great. Radman's quickness and 6'10 frame really helps him in rotating over and help defense. He would though get creamed still in personal defense if he had to play man to man isolation plays (which the Lakers will come and help him out).
This defense though reminds more and more of the Bach defense that Chicago used during the 1st Three-peat since while I see zone, it's not really the 1-2-2 zone even though at times it does look like it.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 30, 2008 at 01:26 PM
copenhagen laker and EJK,
Thank you for the response. I like the kid. I just worry because of the fact that this is his 2nd team and he is not getting PT.
Do you guys feel he is not getting Playing Time because he is piled in a heavy guard rotation (stacked with 1's and 2's) for both teams?
Either way thanks for the response. Have a great one fam!
Posted by: Charles | October 30, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Joining the Fun,
"Pig" Miller is one of my favorite bloggers.
Trolls hear his name and tremble in fear.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 01:30 PM
When you consider that Kaman's deal was for 50 something million and AB has made him look like a statue when they've played against each other ---
God is a Laker fan --
Posted by: HmrHed | October 30, 2008 at 01:31 PM
So, what's Laker Nation going to do with so little to complain about?
I guess worry about players leaving NEXT YEAR.
Crazy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 01:37 PM
Faith,
I KNOW!
Rad Vlad has been playing GOOD DEFENSE!
His lateral movement/speed is great!
Miracles do happen!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Hey Jon.
Thanks man. You rock. Even though you can get a little violent at times.
J/K
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 30, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Who is this (Jimmy the) 'Toucan'?
Let's read what he wrote:
"THE LAKERS ARE DESPERATE,THEY KNOW THEIR FRONTLINE PACKS NO DEFENSIVE TOUGHNESS,AND THEIR BACKCOURT IS SUSPECT, WITH OLD D FISH AND YOUNG FARMAR, THEY STILL NEED A LARRY HUGHES TYPE BIG POINT GUARD TO DEAL WITH THE D.WILLIAMS. C BILLUPS, RHONDOS AND SUCH, MAYBE MITCH WILL TRY TO BRING IN A J TINSLEY TO SOLVE THEIR OBVIOUS WEAKNESS SINCE DETROIT EXPOSED IT."
Is he kidding? Has he even looked at our roster? What color is the sky in his world?
A. The last thing the Lakers are is desperate. Period.
B. With Bynum back the analysts are saying very little about the Lakers' offense (no need to after last season) and are saying much about the Lakers' defense. Almost too much.
C. Willams, yes, he's big and tough to guard. (Of course, that goes for ANY PG in the league guarding him.) Billups is now older and slower. He's still smart and wily, but not that much of a physical challenge anymore. (He's 6-4, 202 - Fisher is 6-1, 210...and much stronger.) Rondo is not big by any stretch of the imagination (6-1, 171,) but he is fast. Perhaps too fast for Fish, but a good matchup for Farmar. And I'm not sure which other guards you're talking about unless it's T. Parker and CP3. They're almost too good for anyone in the league, but the rest of their teams' matchups make them less effective against the Lakers than in years past.
D. "Solve their obvious weakness since Detroit exposed it?" What in the world is he talking about? Is he going back to the 2004 Finals? Because that's the only way that statement makes any sense.
Those must be some pretty powerful hallucinogenics he's on...
Posted by: Chris | October 30, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Chris,
HUGE props for the "Jimmy the Toucan" reference. The Brothers K are ginormous fans of "The Freshman."
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 30, 2008 at 01:46 PM
My New Name for Our Lakers:
THUNDER and LIGHTNING = 1st Team and 2nd Team
The Big guys make noise and the young one's make fast
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | October 30, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Because of the shrew negotiations by Mitch that signed Andrew Bynum for three years at 42 MM, the Lakers can now keep their core players (Bryant, Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Fisher, Farmar, Ariza, Radmonivch, Vujuacic, and Walton) together through the 2010 season without worrying about going over the $90 MM mark. This is obviously contingent on Odom signing a similar deal that he did with Miami five years ago, and signing Ariza to an offer sheets similar to the ones we gave Rad and Walton. I do still think that one of our small forwards not named Ariza is expendable. But it is exciting to know that this team isn’t a one and done team. The large nucleus of this team will remain intact ensuring exciting basketball deep into June for all of us Lakers fans. Now there are still questions regarding contacts for Mihm, Ariza, and Odom after this season. Kobe will mostly likely opt out this off season to get a bigger three-four year offer from the Lakers. Fisher’s contract expires at the start of 2010, Vujacic only signed for 3 years, so his contract is also up in 2010, and Farmar is a restricted free agent at the end of 2009. But all and all it is hard not to think of this as a happy day in Laker Land. Besides winning last nights game by a cushy 30 points, it is especially sweet to win in such fashion 2005 when all those bandwagon fans were all over the clippers jock. Welcome back to reality.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | October 30, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Charles in charge.
JC yes, he is a baller. He is buried in rotation. There is a reason that he is not getting any playing time and that's because he has been commonly labled as out of control when running an offense.
Posted by: Joining the Fun | October 30, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Disagree...
Not everyone can play great in it. There's a certain amount of speed and athleticism involved (who knew Vlad had it with him? lol)...because we're not just trapping, we're rotating.
If you're part of the trap that's one thing...but often you have to run to the end of the court to cover someone else's man...hence rotation. That requires some speed and athleticism.
But most of all what has impressed me is how he now uses his size. In the traps he throws with LO, or Kobe, or Fish...he seems to use his length and hands more to disrupt the opposing player and without fouling!
Posted by: Faith | October 30, 2008 at 01:48 PM
LAL_Fan,
"I'm not really surprised Mike T did not show up here today to promote his pet project - KWAME BROWN GREATEST CENTER ON THE FAITH OF THE EARTH. After all what he is going to talk about?"
Michael Teniente may be delusional, but he's not an idiot.
He knows he'd have to apologize or something like that after reality has made it abundantly clear that he fanatically supported a position that he can by no means now defend.
Say what you will about Michael Teniente (including the reasoned criticism that he is a "divider" not a "uniter"), I do generally miss what he brought to the blog.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 01:49 PM
"Pig" Miller,
Sometimes the opposition just needs a punch to the throat.
What can I say? Someone's got to deliver that punch, right?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Dave M.
You may be right regarding why my name was down. Eric and Dave are so much alike. lol
If that is the case, then I'm sorry for my rebuttal.
He was still wrong on both points but I wouldn't have pointed it out.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 30, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Baywood,
While I'm all a big fan of thunder storms, unfortunately your nicknames remind me of the "Oklahoma City THUNDER" and the "Tampa Bay LIGHTNING".
I think The Bench Mob is still a great name for our second team.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Jon K,
I know what you are saying. But for example, you are on a long list of bloggers I respect.
You are open to apologizing and sticking to your guns. When you ask for something you don't turn around and do the opposite. (Such as my points)
When there was the "I'm sorry for" thread that AK started; you were one of the more eloquent bloggers to admit. And have posted many endearing post's about our beloved team.
I respect your passion for the Lakers Jon.
Posted by: Joining the Fun | October 30, 2008 at 02:09 PM
ExHelo,
"Do you think that if the Lakers don't re-sign Lamar at all, they would be willing to re-sign everyone who is up for new contracts?"
No.... Even letting LO walk only gets us to about 90-95 million depending on how "Nice" all the other players are.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 30, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Nik Kannan,
Just curious why you think Dr. Buss will go to $90+ million? I've heard several quotes from him that he doesn't want to be above the cap ($65 million).
Not trying to argue, just hoping you have more recent info I'm not aware of?
Posted by: Eric M. | October 30, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Charles,
Getting Javaris back would depend a lot on the progress of Yue. If he is worth keeping, then they very likely won't sign another "project" PG. I could see Farmar taking over the starting position, and Fisher getting a low-priced contract extension while Yue develops.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 30, 2008 at 02:19 PM
"I think The Bench Mob is still a great name for our second team."
I'm kinda partial to The Minutemen ever since I first heard Phil say that name.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | October 30, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Jon K,
"Michael Teniente may be delusional, but he's not an idiot."
As you can see I did not say he is, just sounds sometimes like one. This is the difference between stubborn and reasonable people. The reasonable, when faced with hard reality and facts, will admit about being wrong. Just check his so called “analysis” of Drew’s not so great first game against Portland. I can not recall the same kind of “analysis” he is ever done during Kwame’s era. Can you?
Posted by: LAL_Fan | October 30, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Eric,
I tend to think that they would try to re-sign everyone other than Lamar, although they would still be three-deep at SF, so it may be difficult to keep Ariza. However, if they can trade Walton or Vlad, that would make it much more palatable.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 30, 2008 at 02:23 PM
LAL_fan,
fyi ... Jon K has a man crush on mike t ... I vaguely recollect him lamenting the absence of mikey on the blogs a while back
Posted by: Taliq | October 30, 2008 at 02:25 PM
Ex,
I think this is LO's last year on the team. Unless he's willing to take the midlevel. Even then our salary will likely be pushing $100 million.
Posted by: Xodus | October 30, 2008 at 02:27 PM
Piggy Wiggy
“Thanks for the feedback. I'll try to reign in my rhetoric so as to please the masses. “
It’s only etiquette man. You don’t REIGN in anything. You are not “Majestic” on this blog. You are just getting called out for telling people to do an act, in turn you doing the opposite. Goes to show you also lack grasp of the post. Plus the masses aren’t complaining. Only I. Get it? Probably not.
“Keep up the good work on policing my posts and taking time to search all of things that I've said in the past.”
“I'll try to do a better job of being completely inoffensive and benign and not expressing my opinion. “
Promise? I seriously doubt that. Besides, again you are missing the point. Express what you want, just don’t express something and contradict yourself.
“I'll also work harder at not giving in to my humanity and responding to "trolls."
Just do it. Or better yet, don’t tell people to not respond to trolls and then you respond. Or even encourage people to invade and talk smack on another blog. I personally feel it is not INHUMANE when you do respond. Isn’t this a public forum?
“I don't believe in the slightest that you're a Lakers fan. “
How’s that? You want to have fun on the blog and
challenge fellow posters. But when you get challenged… Typical of someone who can’t reply factually; just maniacally. You don’t know how many games I have attended at Staples. Better yet, the Forum. How can I not be a Lakers fan if I have been following the blog? To follow up with that, see my response to your next point…
“How do you know that I spend time with the guys at the Suns blog? Keep up the nice detective work.”
Silly Piggy, because I am a Lakers fan I follow the blog. Maybe you forgot that you posted it here on the blog that you were trolling on their website. You forgot your charge to post on the Suns website?
You know what, you still haven’t replied to the hypocrisies that I have brought up.
So silly Piggy…
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Joining the Fun
You are a coward.
That's the kind of poster you are.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 30, 2008 at 12:47 PM
You were dying to get that in huh? I’ll take it as you sticking your tongue out in the playground.
Silly Piggy. Don't worry. Wallow. This will be my last post for you today. In "Pig" Fashion, don't bother replying.
Posted by: Joining the Fun | October 30, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Joining the Fun,
I appreciate your nice words.
Still, it's important to keep in mind that no one here on this blog is perfect and we all have faults (that includes the Overlords of Laker Nation, Baron von Kamenetsky and his nefarious brother Duke von Kamenetsky).
With rare exceptions (trolls), everyone has something positive sometime to communicate to the blog. That includes controversal bloggers like Michael Teniente and KLBeast.
"Pig" Miller has been a long-time core member of the blog and while he can be argumentative at times, that's just an element of his passion.
I think "Pig" Miller is a real benefit to the blogmunity and I think if you step back and review the positive things he brings to the blog (not just the negatives), you'll come to the same conclusion, or at least a similar conclusion.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Joining the Fun,
It's important to remember that we all don't have to like each other here in Laker Nation... but we do have to love the Lakers.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Congrats to Big Drew. Good contract by Mitch.
Now you can make it rain $20 bills instead of $1s.
Go Lakers
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | October 30, 2008 at 02:39 PM
LAL_Fan,
I'm not defending Michael Teniente, but I am defending his value to the blog.
As many know Michael Teniente and I once had a personal email flame war where we were literally threatening to cause grave bodily harm to one another (if not outright kill each other) over our disparate views regarding the future of the Lakers.
We were literally trying to find a joint meeting point where we could meet and thus hospitalize one another.
So, yeah, Michael Teniente is crazy and I suppose I am too at times.
But Michael passionate about what he's passionate about and that's worthy of note.
Michael Teniente isn't good for the blog because he's often right about things, quite the opposite, he's wrong 90+% of the time, but his passion in being wrong opens up debate on subjects (usually related to the center position) which usually brings the greater concensus of the blog to a clearer understanding of truth.
I hope that makes sense and if you don't agree with me, that's okay.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Eric M,
I have read from several different articles that it was the $100 Million threshold that Buss was trying to stay away from. The Lakers were in the Luxury tax during the Kobe-Shaq dynasty and I figure Buss understands the cost of winning championships may include being in the tax. Boston's payed about $8 MM in luxury tax last year and the Heat paid about the same the year before that. I think the most important number for any business is the Revenue Margin. Which is greatly heightened by winning and advancing in the playoffs. But you are right, II am sure every owner wants to stay away from tax. Except for maybe Dolan, he seems to like playing other teams money.
*Note the Luxury Tax threshold changes every year*
Posted by: Nik Kannan | October 30, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Taliq,
"Jon K has a man crush on mike t ... I vaguely recollect him lamenting the absence of mikey on the blogs a while back"
I wouldn't call it a "man crush". It's more like a bizarre sardonic amusement that someone would get watching their alcoholic uncle angrily make a scene during Thanksgiving dinner. ("Why is he shouting so loudly over the choice of stuffing?")
And I wasn't the only one lamenting Michael Teniente's absence (though most of us questioned "What was I thinking?" when The Prodigal Son returned.)
Michael Teniente is a complex subject.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 02:52 PM
AK was right on B. Cook, He is on the Magic roster but did not play coach decision while MO Evans is now with Atlanta Hawks who made 8 pts. won against Magic. My eyes are bad interchanged the two teams.
CopenhagenLaker, we both agree on JCritt. Re: Mo, well Evans is a decent player but the Lakers trade last year was a better deal with Ariza. Were you able to watch both games in Copenhagen? Are the Danes discussing the NBA? I know basketball is not the national sport, more attuned with soccer now that Denmark has qualified in the World Cup.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 30, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Joining,
I'm not really sure what it is you're trying to prove. I post on the Suns board, not as a troll, but as the fan of another team looking to have basketball conversation. I, in vain I might add, attempted to "fight trolls" here at this blog for a long time until I realized that no amount of effort by me or anyone else will get rid of them. I do my very best to avoid engaging certain posters because it eventually ends in frustration and circular conversation. I recently tried responding to Butler about Lamar Odom making the Lakers bench better, with facts as he requested, and got no response, so I called him a troll. You can get your handy little search out and check that if you like. I don't call for the "starving of trolls" anymore because in asking people to do that, you've effectively done the opposite.
Perhaps my hypocrisy is that I've said something in the past and then changed my mind, as many people do in the light of learning the error of their ways. If that is true, I am a hypocrite, and am not afraid to admit it.
I'm not ashamed of what I write here, and I'm not ashamed of what I've written in the past. I'm also not afraid to put my thoughts and ideas out for everyone to see, unlike you, who's magically appeared only today to call me out.
I called you a coward because you are one. You've waited until today to post because I engaged a fellow blogger in a healthy convo about basketball, now you're gonna call me out? Where have you been until now? Why would you call me names if you weren't trying to goad me? What does all of this prove?
Whoever you are, I hope you're enjoying yourself. Coward.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 30, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Lal_Fan,
Knowing Mike Teniente, he always has a way out of any argument. He could say Pistons won so no need for Kwame to play big minutes, they were not threatened so his services are not needed. The truth is, his services are not needed b/c his time on the floor would be a disservice to the team as a whole. In Halloween parlance, he is a treat in the bench but a trick to scare stars of other team on their limbs and possible injury just bumping Kwame. lol!
Anyway, I go with Jon K, the blog becomes merry and alive when Mike T. is around, he has a way of raising people's blood pressure or awaken sleepy cells. Seemingly, it energizes the base of dissenters from Xodus to Pig and others. Now we become bored and lonely when we all agree with one another and the blog jester is quiet.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 30, 2008 at 03:29 PM
When I saw Bynum and Kobe sitting next to each other on the bench last night, both smiling and obviously happy to be a Laker (and teammates) I couldn't help but think how sad it was (is) that Shaq could not force himself to accept Kobe as an equal when he was a Laker.
Posted by: Ervin | October 30, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Pig,
I like your combativeness. I think usually it is not over-the-top.
I like to think of your going to the Suns blogs as a similar strategy as a pest exterminator who has been stomping cockroaches and in exhaustion finally decides, "This will never work. I've got to destroy the nest!"
So you heroically decided to invade the evil planet Sun-blog and engage the enemy at the source! Well accomplished!
I have zero problem with soldiers of Laker Nation laying waste to our enemies' blogs, but Heaven help those trolls who would dare enter the sacred grounds of Laker Nation!
Us against the World! Us against the World!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 30, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Piggy Wiggy,
I am not a Coward. Go ahead and name call. This is my first day to post. But an avid reader. Not as any other name. After all Piggy Wiggy, you are using Anthony Miller's name. If you wanna keep it real, why don't you use your real name. Didn't you use to post as PHX Laker Fan and names a such? My hypocritical multiposting friend. I have been a fan since I the Wilt years.
I will be posting as this name.
"I'm not really sure what it is you're trying to prove. I post on the Suns board, not as a troll, but as the fan of another team looking to have basketball conversation."
Ah but yes you are trolling according to your definition. You are making it seem that you are so "Hi-ho, jolly friends. Shall we commence our talks about the Sport that Mr. Naismith invented?" Back tracking from your arrogant tones. Go ahead back up.
"Perhaps my hypocrisy is that I've said something in the past and then changed my mind, as many people do in the light of learning the error of their ways."
But then you will revert back from point1, action2, and then back to point1. (Starve Trolls, Not Starve Trolls, and the Tell people to Starve em') You have not admitted anything. So many excuses. You are not accountable. Excuses.
"I'm not ashamed of what I write here, and I'm not ashamed of what I've written in the past. I'm also not afraid to put my thoughts and ideas out for everyone to see, unlike you, who's magically appeared only today to call me out."
You shouldn't be ashamed. I never told you to be ashamed. Now it makes me think you are shelling.
Like I have said, in the first paragraph this is my first time posting. But a long time observing. So magically should only be used for Earvin Johnson.
"I called you a coward because you are one. You've waited until today to post because I engaged a fellow blogger in a healthy convo about basketball now you're gonna call me out?"
There wasn't much of a conversation considering the "Rings" comment you made in the previous thread. And being over paid. Rick's point was in comparison from LBJ to Kobe. Not marketing."Rings" baby, "Rings".
"Where have you been until now?"
Other Laker Blogs.
"Why would you call me names if you weren't trying to goad me?"
Wow you are now elevated to Captain Obvious status. Challenge you is more like it.
"What does all of this prove?"
That you are so weak to where you can not ignore me. That there are people out there that don't appreciate your attitude on the blog. That your know it all style is unappreciated by some. That you are so upset about being challenged. That there are other bloggers that are up to your condescending ways.
"Whoever you are, I hope you're enjoying yourself. Coward."
Why thanks. I just had some pork. You know, in arizona roast pork is delicious.
Posted by: Joining the Fun | October 30, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Another way to look at Bynum's salary.
This year he gets 2.8 million. Lakers are getting a bargain bonus of a year.
Add that to the 58 million and you get 60.8 mil or an average of 12.2 mil per year for the five years.
And speaking of bargain bonus's for the Lakers. Farmar has become quite a bargain at practically minimum wage.
Posted by: Fatty | October 30, 2008 at 05:14 PM
Eric M -
"You may be right regarding why my name was down. Eric and Dave are so much alike. lol"
Haha - touche - they're not that much alike - but still, the mix-up happened in a couple posts and became a running joke between Tom and myself and I'm pretty sure that was the reference. I shouldn't speak for him however. What was REALLY bad was when I read some stuff that was posted by another "Dave M"... I said, WTF??? Then I wenrt on the Dodgers blog and discovered that sure enough, there's a guy who blogs by the name there... and now and then he'll blog here as well. No reason why he shouldn't of course, I don't have a patent on the name. Just FYI to fellow bloggers however, anytime you read something by "Dave M" that you don't agree with - it's probably the other guy.
Posted by: dave m | October 30, 2008 at 08:46 PM
regarding lebron's salary vs bynum's:
don't worry about cleveland paying lebron 13 mil while lamar makes 11 mil and andrew makes 14. cleveland couldn't pay anything close to how valuable he is to that team. and lebron doesn't need them to. can you imagine how much money he makes through endorsements alone? i'm sure he's fine. also consider when he received that contract.
Posted by: mike | October 31, 2008 at 02:56 AM
wow, i'm behind in the times. i just found out about the contract extension this morning. whew!
i'm glad LA isn't paying Andrew max $. he might be worth it in the future, but this league is and should be about "what have you done for me lately?" and lately Bynum hasn't been exactly playing like a guy that deserves to make what a guy like Kobe or Lebron makes. not even close. let's see him average at least 20 and 10 and 2 for a season, first.
not that i'm a Bynum Hater or anything. i love the kid and his potential. and he comes from the same state i came from, NJ.
oh, i hope to God that Mitch can resign Lamar, Trevor, Jordan, and Mihm.
-leonard
Posted by: leonardbast | October 31, 2008 at 08:11 AM