Final thoughts on the Lakers' 2009 Draft: All hail cash considerations!
All in all, you'd have to call it a success. Big time. In a bad draft, the Lakers turned the 29th, 42nd, and 59th picks into $4.5 million, two second rounders in 2011, and a big they had on their board in the mid-30s in Chinemelu Elonu of Texas A&M. (That he likely won't make the team isn't the point.) That's a solid haul. Put it this way: That cash, with just a little more on top, could mean a multi-year deal for Shannon Brown. Or most of a season from Trevor Ariza, and so on. You get the point. All for guys that wouldn't play a role next year.
A few quotes from Mitch Kupchak...
On the trade of Patrick Beverley to Miami for $1.5 million and a pick in 2011: "Basically, it's keeping in line with our philosophy with the draft today. We
ranked the players in the draft and we ended up getting the guy that we thought
would be the 34th best player in the draft, we ended up getting him at 59. Guys
drafted in the 30s still have a hard time making the team, but we're pleased
with what we did from a business point of view, trying to manage our roster, and
we got a player that we thought was undervalued in the draft at 59. So we're
pleased with what we've done, and now we've got to move on to our next
challenge."
On whether or not, perhaps in a better draft, if the Lakers thought about taking players as a hedge against losing any free agents: "Not the free agents we have. We have three free agents, Lamar (Odom), Trevor (Ariza), and Shannon (Brown), and I don't think any of the guys that we could have got at 29, 42, or 59 today can beat them out. Not even close. So to draft a player, whether it's guaranteed money or a pick at 42 that has great value, unless it's a guy that you can stash overseas- and we had a couple of those guys, but they were gone by the time we picked- we thought we did the best thing to manage the value of the assets going forward. We were able to get two forms of compensation, something that can help us this summer, and then (picks) that with either one of these teams that may be okay."
Regarding the sale of LA's first round pick to the Knicks, which also comes with a second rounder in 2011, Kupchak said the money doesn't guarantee LA will be able to re-sign their FAs, but that the money obviously doesn't hurt. (Previously posted here): "We think we did the right thing, based on our take of the draft... This year's draft we felt was not a strong draft down in the 29 range... We felt rather than take a player and commit to a player for two years when based on last year's roster that he wouldn't make the team, we thought the best thing to do was to get the best deal, and the best deal ended up being the combination of (the money and the pick)...
...I don't know what the market's going to be... I don't know what the free agent market's going to hold for us. Even though you want a player, if a competing team comes out and makes an offer that we don't think is a good basketball business decision, than it doesn't matter how much money you have, we won't match that or try to match that offer. We've done that in the past. The fact that you sell a pick... doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to translate into a particular player on July 1st. It certainly won't hurt, but the players that we end up signing we feel they have to fall into a category that makes sense."
BK
Sorry for the repost but this went into the previous thread which has now been superceded:
Still have to deal with the guard situation -- long term. D-Fish is my guy, but each year he loses another half step and soon he will be in the "valued back-up" slot. There really is no viable guy to step in and take his 30 minutes at this point. so, that is a point of vulnerability (hey -- pun!)
In the triangle there is more flexibility to hide the fact that you don't have a traditional PG, but still you can't deny that guard like Parker, Brooks, CP3 are on the floor and have to be dealt with. Playing Kobe and Trevor together at the 1 and 2 is simply not a workable solution.
I like Farmar -- I think fans tend to be overly critical of players in general, not recognizing how long it takes most players to develop/adjust to the psychological and physical demands of the game. It can take up to 5 years. Look at rafer Alston as a good example there. (And he has more than his share of critics, and he just got traded -- again).
Anyway, as for JF, I think there is still upside to him. But the economic realities are that, at this point, his contract may just be as valuable as his skills. So, he may get packaged.
In that sense, as smart as this draft has been for the Lakers (stockpiling cash to pay for FA, pay for the parade, avoid paying guaranteed salary for rookie first rounders), this does leave them vulnerable in the mid to long term. So, they have to address that moving forward.
Posted by: t_sensei | June 25, 2009 at 10:19 PM
I'm very happy with the decisions the Lakers made. $4.5 mill is alot of cash. Drafting players that wouldn't make an immediate impact when we are already in the red wouldn't be very smart.
A healthy Drew is a big improvement. He will add alot to the team when we repeat.
Jordan is gonna improve his game with Shannon breathing down his neck. Another plus.
Sasha, well can it get any worst than 0%? He will improve his shooting(replace the spark plug sasha)
And when we sign UPS, more time learning system will increase his role on the bench.
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 25, 2009 at 10:25 PM
The Knicks and Heat just paid Trevor Ariza's salary for next season in exchange for 2 players who would had have never made our team AND the Lakers get two 2nd rounders to toy with. Great job by Mitch
Posted by: Paul | June 25, 2009 at 10:25 PM
All in all, I thought it was a good draft for the Lakers. I wouldn't have been opposed to trading all 3 of the picks. I think our roster is set and why not invest in a potential draft pick years down the road for one now that we know is not going to make the team?
Well done, Mitch!
Posted by: Micky Spahic | June 25, 2009 at 10:36 PM
well, once my last post shows up on the last thread, I will repost. In the meantime, the lakers draft anthem;
sorry, it's not tiny url, but it is rather short.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_iQZiVD_zA
Posted by: phred | June 25, 2009 at 09:15 PM
well, my final thoughts, sort of. I am wandering through espin.coms analysis and I was reminded that chad ford was the guy who (*&(* on Lute Olsen for leaving arizona about five minutes before they announced that Lute Olsen had had a stroke and was a bit, um, under the weather. Well, i guess it doesn't matter much, but I wanted to remind everybody who might look to espin.com for analysis, chad ford is a D bag. and S container. And A....well, something nasty and derogative. ah, whatever. It is all about the love. I guess.
Posted by: phred | June 25, 2009 at 09:27 PM
or maybe i have no idea what i posted when. Sort of fits the whole draft meme, perhaps. or maybe not. mock me as you will. I stand by my statements as regards to..
WE WON! WE WON! YAAAAHAAAAA! BOOOOOYAAAAH! WE WON!
anybody that wouldn't trade every single player drafted tonight for this championship, raise your hands. the whole ward of double arm amputees, raise your hands. same number, I think.
WE WON! WE WON!
WHOOOHOOO!
[yes, i am going to keep doing this for all of next year]
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: phred | June 25, 2009 at 10:38 PM
oh, there it is.
repost;
chinemelu elonu. the penultimate mr irrelevant, and a pretty decent name. other than that, not sure if I really care anymore. If i ever did. I am pretty happy about Shaq going to cleveland, vc going to orlando, and the bubonic plague going to europe circa 1400 something or other, for similar reasons, if I disliked europe circa 1400 something or other, anyway. well, i'm sure they had some nice columns or something. poor 15th century europeans. sob.
Hey, I just remembered:
WE WON! WE WON! WE WON! Screw you, medieval europeans! WE WON!
THE LOVE OFFICIALLY DENIES THAT IT HAS EVER ADVOCATED OR ENJOYED THE DEATH OF ANY MEDIEVAL PERSONS
IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: phred | June 25, 2009 at 09:05 PM
Posted by: phred | June 25, 2009 at 10:41 PM
We saved over 6 million dollars tonight. That's great, right? And I think it really is going to help in the re-signing of our guys. We're so financially strapped that we're selling off our young guys. This should help in negotiations. I think.
Good money that we'll put to a good use. This team is in very good shape with no bloated contracts, no superstars past their prime, no overpaid, desperation free agency contracts, no long contracts.
I'd still like to see Sasha and Farmar packaged for an impact player. Let it be a vet with only 2 years left. I'm OK with that and I'm OK with giving the backup PG role to Shannon.
But Bynum better not rest on his laurels. I'll be watching next camp to see what he's done to add to his game. If he's done nothing, we may have to consider the Bynum / Bosh trade that’s been rumored.
Can you imagine a lineup of Gasol, Bosh, Ariza, Kobe and Fish? Hmmm.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | June 25, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Finals-proven players are worth way more than draft picks.
Plus they got future picks so the cupboard's not bare.
I think this was exactly the right move.
Now the K Bros should put a Lakers spin on the current zeitgeist with a "Remember the Time" reference tomorrow.
Posted by: Scott | June 25, 2009 at 10:51 PM
Nice job Mr. Kupchak.
Posted by: erhyk | June 25, 2009 at 11:01 PM
AK,
"The difference is that Udonis Haslem has a very good mid-range, which helped open the lane. Cleveland has no bigs like that except Z, who would be awful with Shaq defensively and can't cover PF's."
If I recall correctly, Varejao and Joe Smith are also good mid-range shooters. Either one of them would clearly play PF when Shaq is on the floor. But the more important point is that the guy guarding Shaq can't leave to help out on LBJ. As much as he has declined, Shaq still is a big body who can dominate around the rim.
With this trade, I think Cleveland has the slight edge over Boston and Orlando. Orlando's trade to get Vince Carter looks good on paper, but I don't see it improving the team on the floor all that much.
I think the biggest obstacle to the Lakers is the Spurs now. The Richard Jefferson trade makes them that much more athletic and potent on the offensive end, not to mention the fact that RJ is an underrated defender. It should be a good match in the WCF.
Posted by: EJK | June 25, 2009 at 11:12 PM
Nice job Mr. Kupchak.
Posted by: erhyk | June 25, 2009 at 11:01 PM
well said.
Posted by: phred | June 25, 2009 at 11:21 PM
WesJoe,
Saved 6M on the 1st rd, Lakers really don't have to pay the 2nd rd if they will play abroad. Well, $ 1.5M, that's a good price for 2nd pick but we lost time development on one potential player, we have to wait for 2011 to replenish that pick.
Now that Lakers have 4.5 M + playoff's increments, I hope the agents of LO and Trevor will not be greedy in going for bigger pay day. Mitch has to prepare for contingencies if one of them does not materialize. What we also missed,(tho perhaps there were no takers) were packaging the 2nd draft picks w/ one regular playerin a trade thereby saving salary cap space.
Other contenders improved, Lakers are still hanging on a balance resting on T-L-S resolve of coming back with the team at a reasonable price. We are still banking on our 2nd unit which helped the team in a mediocre bandaid but leaves a lot to be desired. Farmar, Walton, Vujacic and Morrison carrying 16.1 million contract are heavy baggage for a team aiming for repeat compared to athleticfree agents available out there. and the change of landscape among contenders. Because we are over the cap, we can only go for MLE and Bie which will hit for double amount due to luxury taxes. We're back to 2006 draft year in believing that our current personnel is enough to make another run without any improvement through trades or draft picks. If Buss and Mitch are playing cheap to raise cash on a 2nd draft pick, I hope that is not the case.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 25, 2009 at 11:32 PM
good job mitch!
now we just need to re-sign odom, ariza, and ups
and i hope bynum gets healthy and gets back to his pre-injury form. that would be great. he needs to play like he wants his jersey retired at staples and we got ourselves a REPEAT!!!! GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: charles alikin | June 25, 2009 at 11:38 PM
We need to address the guard situation especially with Denver's acquisition of Ty Lawson. He's speedy quick. We struggled enough against Denver before they got him. Now they just get a better point guard to counter attack our weaknesses. Really need to get that point guard spot figured out.
I like Kirk Hinrich and the Bulls are shopping him. I doubt we could get him though, we don't have anything to offer the Bulls to make it a decent trade for them
Posted by: cinz | June 25, 2009 at 11:58 PM
From a business stand point the Lakers did what was needed. I hope the can get all their free agents signed. I hear good things about the last draft pick. It could not hurt to have another big that can rebound and block shots. So Lamar Odom or Pau Gasol don't have to get worn down and beat up. Only time will tell. Other teams in the NBA would love to be in the Lakers shoes. D-Fisher is the man yet he is a year older maybe its time to let the young one get more run... We shall see what is in store for the NBA CHAMPS....
Posted by: T.P Paul | June 26, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Mitch is smart.
Intelligent all the way around.
If anything, it communicates a real commitment to signing Trevor, Lamar, and Shannon, and that will hopefully help our guys to compromise.
Everyone needs to compromise to make this work.
When everyone needs to compromise, it makes it easier to compromise.
We've got something special here. Let's make it work.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 26, 2009 at 12:15 AM
this from LA times...
The Lakers contacted the Houston Rockets about acquiring Farmar or buying the Lakers' first-round pick, but the Lakers were turned down,
really WOW! great news.. looks like mitch thinks is a our pt guard of the future...
this from AOL...
http://tinyurl.com/m284t5
i used to resent shaq but i think now i'm starting to pity the foo...
Posted by: yellofever | June 26, 2009 at 12:26 AM
now lets pray that we could get lamar, trevor, and shanwow back.... is there any hope that kobe would opt out and resign with less salary to help us get those guys??? i think that's the best way to keep the team together... but i'm not sure kobe would do that..
Posted by: kobe.4.mvp | June 26, 2009 at 12:28 AM
Bosh is a,amazing and I think he should be given a chance before his career is over to play with a contender.....maybe the lakers
Posted by: freddyP | June 26, 2009 at 12:29 AM
The bosh thing sounds great but you guys forget that if we sign odom then what will he do now because bosh will close games out. And plus this will make gasol guard all the centers which he can do but he likes to score and bosh will take that away from him. It's great idea but we have to be patient one more chance for bynum and then if he does not show up or is injury prone then he has to go. But we have to stay healthy in order to repeat and get odom and trevor and shanon back and phil. So if we can do that i dont see why cant win another one. Yes the point guard is still a problem we will sign one after next year.
Posted by: omega | June 26, 2009 at 01:49 AM
Maybe Elonu can beat out Mbenga for one of our last roster spots. He could be of some value down the road plus he's supposedly improving every year.
Posted by: rdlee | June 26, 2009 at 05:54 AM
Friday Morning Sure-Shot: The Lakers are not done making moves. A solid draft day for Mitch. But he knows that even if he can re-sign Lamar and Trevor, some upgrades are needed if the Lakers are to repeat and three-peat.
Expendable: Ammo, Sasha, Jordan, and even Shannon, if need be. Walton will stay; he fits PJ's system more than any other, and whether we like it or not, the coach has confidence in him.
Bynum, too, is still a question mark, and the Lakers may seek a more dependable option if there is one in the quest for a new dynasty. Really? The Buss family will do everything possible to maximize the window Kobe has left. Bynum may indeed have unlimited potential, but the jury is still out with the fans who fill seats and pay the bills. How many fans have you seen sporting Bynum jerseys?
Outside the absolute "must" of re-signing Lamar and Trevor, the off-season is not likely to be as quiet as many think it will.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 26, 2009 at 06:20 AM
This is a good draft for the Lakers. The team is already very young (Ariza, Brown, Bynum, Farmar, Morrison, Sasha and Sun are all 25 or younger).
More young players, especially late picks, are unlikely to make this team stronger and some cash might help to bring some guys back.
So Kupchak did his job here, a very small step in getting ready for next year.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | June 26, 2009 at 07:21 AM
I agree with the folks who have said that Ariza struggles defensively with stronger PFs (Anthony, Pierce). Well, first, everyone struggles guarding those guys.
But Ariza turns 24 next week, he is getting more mature physically. He should be hitting the weight room this summer and adding some bulk and strength.
It seems to me that Ariza getting stronger as he gets older and being better able to defend stronger guys is more likely than a 6' 8" inch guy having the quickness to chase Brooks and Paul and Parker.
Ariza is going to be a very good SF. I think the Lakers' solution to their guard needs will come from somewhere else - the develoment of young guys like Farmar, Brown and Sahsa or from an acquisition.
Posted by: Tom Daniels | June 26, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Skip to my Lou Rafer Alston is now in Jersey, and I think his contract would allow us to get him. play Fisher off the bench, and improve the roster..A BIG GUARD with Kobe playing some defense helps alot. Tweek this roster, Mitch, as the competition had responded big time.
Posted by: Justine S | June 26, 2009 at 07:48 AM
AK/BK ...
We trying to bring back the championship squad and the opposition is trying to improve ... can we get a summary on how you think all the recent activity will affect the landscape ... major ones i can think of are:
i. Orlando gives superman air canada
ii. Spurs go out and get air canada's former jersey teammate
iii. Cavs find and recruit the original superman
iv. Nuggets trade up in draft to get a pg that can push the ball
How will these moves affect our chances of repeating assuming we're able to resign ariza/odom ... and oh btw after seeing shaq's interview on draft day, if he meant half of what he said (e.g. willing to come off the bench, acknowledging this is already a great team) then this is a great trade for the cavs then again there's a difference btw saying and doing ... but ego is what i thought he'd ruin the cavs with and he seems to be eager to show he can put his ego aside ...
But umm I digress ... the opposition is retooling ... should we be concerned?
Posted by: Taliq | June 26, 2009 at 08:12 AM
Good morning CRUE!!
Way to go Kupcake!! Ummmm... I mean Kupchak!! LOL - just kidding - the Kupcake name has now been officially retired, never to be heard from again.
Wow - I really hope this translates into keeping this team intact. I want to see a REPEAT - even a THREE-PEAT - and this team (at the very least) deserves the chance to defend their crown.
Now that some money has been banked, let's hope some sacrifices are made to bring back your LOS ANGELES LAKERS 2009 CHAMPIONSHIP team in it's entirety.
I will NEVER get tired of saying that. Phred - I'm with you - WE WON!!!!! WE WON!!!!! BOOYAH!!!!
WE GOT THIS AND WE WANT MORE!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 26, 2009 at 08:14 AM
kobe.4.mvp ,
"kobe would opt out and resign with less salary to help us get those guys??? i think that's the best way to keep the team together... but i'm not sure kobe would do that.."
Dude y'all need to stop acting like Kobe owns the team ... he is earning less than market value even at the max salary he is getting paid ... ask the Buss family to open up their wallet ... ask lamar/odom to sacrifice some of their pay, afterall staying with this championship squad will give them endorsement opportunities they normally wouldn't have (ala not being bonafide super stars) ... ask coach phil jackson to take a pay cut too ... but do not look to our finals mvp and ask him to lead the pay cut movement ... pay the man his due
Posted by: Taliq | June 26, 2009 at 08:19 AM
And one last thing for all those eager to get mamba to take a pay cut ...
Look around you and see what other teams are willing to do to get talent ... Orlando is like no problem to luxury tax in the hopes of signing vince ... Spurs are like bring jefferson on ... Cavs, shaq's contract ain't nada to us ... New York, is dumping contracts like crazy so they can throw their entire wallet at lebron after this coming season ...
Y'all better start acting like Kobe is the super-nova that he is ... Y'all better stop thinking a ring is enough to keep him here ... Pay the man his due ... not just in money but by bring back ariza/odom as well ... You re-extend kobe to max dollars now, you pay ariza/odom as much as you can get away with (and pls dnt start saying luxury, ain't nobody beg u 2 giv bynum that paper early, we would get him so much cheaper now had we waited but hey watz done is done)
But really stop stop stop saying kobe should take a pay cut ... unless y'all trying to picture him in a different jersey
Posted by: Taliq | June 26, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Taliq,
I had actually planned on writing something about the question you posed, but in a nutshell, I think the Lakers should be concerned about teams retooling, in that you always have to be mindful and respectful of your opponent. But assuming the Lakers can keep the team intact, you're not only bringing back a championship squad, but with the major advantage of continuity. You can't underestimate how big an advantage it is not having to go through a period of adjustment, but rather keep building on what you have.
I'm also sold on some deals more than others, but that's another story.
But either way, if you're asking me if the Lakers should abandon the approach of bringing back TA, LO and Shannon for a different plan in reaction to these moves by other teams, I'd say absolutely not. There's no reason to assume those teams would be better than the Lakers attempting to be kept intact.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | June 26, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Taliq-
Just to add a point to what Andy wrote, I can't figure out how the Lakers could make themselves better beyond re-signing their own guys, assuming the payroll isn't infinite. They'll be pushing 90 mil (possibly past it) to bring Shannon, TA, and Odom back as it is. It's hard to figure they can go much higher.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | June 26, 2009 at 08:43 AM
ok, party is over, now we have serious business to do if we want to repeat.
Magic got Carter, Cavalier got Shaq, Spurs got Richarson, and we can't be just standing still. If you still remember how hard we had to work to get that trophy.
I say find it from Clippers, they have lots of talent and now they get this super lottery....
Posted by: Madson | June 26, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Though as you'll see (probably later this afternoon), we're not going to agree on Kobe...
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | June 26, 2009 at 08:46 AM
AK,
It will never be wrong to want to get better. If Courtney had not missed that layup; if Ariza had not stolen those 2 games from Denver, the Lakers might not be what they are today. It will never be wrong to want to get better.
What if Bynum be what he has been after his return?
What if Odom disappear 3 games out of 5 again?
I say find the complement from the Clippers.
Posted by: Madson | June 26, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Hey why not package a few guys for Ricky Rubio. Solves the point guard problem for the future and may make the free agents want to come back at a reduced rate or be more attractive for other ones to come in. Everyone is saying that he was drafted only to be traded and that Minnesota wantes Johnny Flynn to run their point. If Rubio doesn't want to play with the Timberwolves he may stay in Spain for the next few years. I'm sure that the chance to play with Kobe & Co. would change his mind.
Posted by: NN | June 26, 2009 at 09:01 AM
Mitch maximized our position and made absolutely some of the best decisions yet for a draft.
He has grown up before our eyes and is one shrewd GM. He played his cards perfectly.
3 million for a #1 and 1.5 for a mid #2? Outstanding!
I give him an A-
Why not A+? Because I wanted Patty Mills, but I see his logic in #59. If we don't take the options for Powell or MBenga, #59 could actually make the team as an insurance back up for less money.
Remember folks, draft picks are for losers. No draft pick could break our rotation for over two years. If we need anybody down the line, its a part-time, fill a roll vet.
This team is built to compete NOW, will improve next year as it stands, AND the rest of the league is tying to catch up to us.
I'm officially joining the "Yoo Hoo bandwagon. We won" and we are the best for years to come.
Posted by: Fatty | June 26, 2009 at 09:02 AM
Expendable: Ammo, Sasha, Jordan, and even Shannon, if need be. Walton will stay; he fits PJ's system more than any other, and whether we like it or not, the coach has confidence in him. Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 26, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Morning Crue!, Rick, JustAnotherMambaFan, Jon K.
& everybody. I know i been out of it for a lil while but who is Ammo?
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 26, 2009 at 09:03 AM
I don't mind the Lakers saving money to re-sign Odom and Ariza along with Brown. However, I think they left a lot of shooters on the board like Chase Budinger and Danny Green, a known lockdown defender at the college level when they traded the 42nd pick. Outside of Shannon Brown, no one really shot the ball well from three. Maybe Ammo will bring some hot shooting off the bench when he comes back 100%.
Maybe free agency will yield some gems for the bench like Anthony Parker, Dontell Jefferson, Gerald Green, Luther Head, Chris Wilcox, and Morris Almond. There is a bit of project in Robert Swift. Mitch might also have a mid-season Ariza-like trade in him. Idk. I just think the bench could use some competition and/or upgrades.
Posted by: E-ROC | June 26, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Sheriff I see you laying down the law!! Yes sir that's what I say, keep your cotton pickin hands out of Kobe's
pocket. Not that i'm a MJ fan or anything but they did the same thing to MJ. That boy was under paid his whole career untill the last 3 years. Plus with a new Labor contract comming up Kobe better get all he can while the
getiting is good!
Larry(mamba24)
By the way what's wrong with you people, THE KING OF POP is dead and not one word about it. he may have been weird but the boy was the best and I dare anybody to dispute that!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 26, 2009 at 09:08 AM
Mamba24,
its Adam Morrison..
LGFI
Posted by: Laker Guru From India | June 26, 2009 at 09:09 AM
*
Yoo Hoo We won - BANDWAGON
*
(01) FATTY - Owner
(02) MAMBA24 - DRIVER - and still can't believe it!!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 26, 2009 at 09:11 AM
I´m not used to the way trades and payrolls and the like works on nba so don´t laugh at me if I´m asking something silly but, is there any chance of trading Sasha for Turkoglu? Or is it imposible now that he is going to become a free agent? Just asking.
Posted by: HugoSpain | June 26, 2009 at 09:12 AM
As for Rubio, here in Spain there´s a rumor that says Florentino Perez, Real Madrid General Manager (Presidente in spanish), is on the hunt of Ricky Rubio to play with Real Madrid (basket team actually haha). So maybe he remains in Spain; Perez is known for taking what he wants (a guy I don´t like, to be sincere). I do prfefer Rubio to be in the nba, but with this man involved it could come not happening.
Posted by: HugoSpain | June 26, 2009 at 09:20 AM
Thank you Laker Guru from India. I should have known I could
depend on you for enlightenment. Lol!
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 26, 2009 at 09:25 AM
I just compiled a list of all stars or ex-all stars players Shaq ever played with in his career. The list is impressive.
Orlando Magic:
- Penny Hardaway
- Horace Grant
LA Lakers
- Kobe Bryant
- Nick Van Excel
- Eddie Jones
- Dennis Rodman
- Glen Rice
- Mitch Richmond
- Gary Payton
- Karl Malone
Miami Heat
- Dwyane Wade
- Alonzo Mourning
Phoenix
- Amare Stoudamire
- Steve Nash
- Grant Hill
Soon to be Cleveland's teammates.
- LeBron James
- Mo Williams
- Big Z
Posted by: curious | June 26, 2009 at 09:36 AM
HugoSpain, since Turkoglu is a free agent, he must be signed before he gets traded. Orlando could do a sign and trade him to the Lakers, but why would they want to help out the team that just whupped them in the Finals? as for the Magic, the only way they return to the Finals again is if they resign Turk. he's essential to their team, and now they're hurting depth-wise, after subtracting Alston, Lee and Battie.
we've talked about the "Kobe taking less" argument to death. i think everything that can be said (that makes any sense) has been said. only thing the Blog can do now is to wait and see what Kobe does, and how much Mitch/Buss offers him. and then what Kobe's reaction is to that offer. if it's Max dollars, i'm sure Kobe would be happy.
but who knows, maybe Kobe would ask, "Mitch, how does this affect our ability to resign Trevor, Lamar, and Shannon?" Mitch, "it doesn't help our chances of resigning them if they get offers from other teams." Kobe, "Your priority should be to resign the other guys, then we'll hammer out a deal that would be good for both me and the Lakers."
that's MY dream scenario. before everyone jumps on my case, i'm not saying kobe is not deserving of max money; he certainly is. in fact no one in the league deserves it more than kobe, because he is the hardest worker in the league, most dedicated, and sacrifices his body the most. but we are in a recession. Jerry Buss will probably not make as much money next season (not to mention there are shareholders to think about). just because they made a good profit this last season doesn't translate into what will happen next, as unemployment is rising, the economy is getting worse, which translates into fewer fans going out to games, etc. and the fact that salaries are going up (especially for Bynum), Lakers already in luxury tax land. (the total salary is at about $70 mill right now, right? i assume that's including Kobe's last deal) (but i assume if kobe opts out, he can take less money in the next two years, with a larger pay-day at the end of the contract)
but the bottom line is (and i know someone else stated this): everyone must sacrifice. when farmar, sasha, and luke's contracts are up, i'm sure they'll be asked to sacrifice, too. (or they'll be out the door)
oh yeah, i also applaud Mitch Kupchak for his cost-cutting decisions of selling/trading those picks.
Posted by: leonardbast | June 26, 2009 at 09:45 AM
NN, depends which guys for Rubio. if you're thinking Ammo and Yue, i'm with you. but most of the other guys are serious rotation players. and Rubio is probably a couple of years away from being Championship calibre, Phil Jackson calibre, triangle offense, and defensively ready. he's got some serious skills, but he's also a project, and i heard his outside shooting needs improvement. i think, like Jason Kidd, his particular skill-set is not a good fit for the triangle. a guy that can stand there at the top of the key or on the baseline, and just catch and shoot. that would be a good fit for us.
Posted by: leonardbast | June 26, 2009 at 09:55 AM
--RIP Micheal Jackson--
*Well, it looks like the Lakers are trying to dump Jordan Farmar. I'm not sure this is the right move. I actually think that Farmar gives the Lakers a dimension that every team needs. Obviously, Laker leadership doesn't believe that is the case. I'll go ahead and trust what Kupchak is doing here, he's earned it. I would hate to see Jordan Farmar playing well for another team though.
*I'm looking forward to seeing what Enolu looks like. He looked pretty good on highlights. He looks like a Mbenga type of player. Hopefully, he's better.
*I actually think the Shaq trade makes Cleveland significantly better. They now have 2 very good centers to throw at anyone. I don't think Shaq clogging the lane will be that burdensome for the Cavs because Big Z will still play a good number of minutes. Plus, Cleveland has a lot of good shooters. The presence of Shaq and Lebron will open up good shots for the rest of those guys.
*Too bad for the Cavs though, and the Celtics for that matter, because with the Magic adding Vince Carter, the Magic have to be the favorites in the Eastern Conference. What a team the Magic have now; Howard, Rashard, and Vince? Wow! That will be fun to watch.
Go Lakers!
2009 NBA Champions!
--RIP Micheal Jackson--
Posted by: Rocky | June 26, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Okay okay, now do we non-insider fans just sit around and wait til Wednesday?
I know nobody is saying anything in public cause they can't, but there MUST be some kind of negotiation going on with Trevor and Lamar (and hopefully Shannon). What will they take? Who else might go after them? I'm not worried about Detroit - they seem focused on Boozer. But I am worried about Portland - they're a real contender with two young stars with a huge upside. Plus they hate the Lakers and would just love to improve themselves and screw us in the process.
I can't believe there isn't some kind of behind the scenes talking going on between agents and GM's of all of the above.
I bet AK and BK know - but they're just not telling...
Posted by: Jay Jay | June 26, 2009 at 10:11 AM
AK,
That's exactly how i see it. It would be suicide for the opposition NOT to improve their roster. All the activity is proof of that. And i also agree that the chemistry that we already have will continue to improve, giving the Lakers the advantage.
Posted by: ChicNstu | June 26, 2009 at 10:16 AM