710 ESPN Podkast... and MORE!!!
The latest installment of the greatest podkast since the ancient Romans invented the medium back in the day.
As one might expect, we devote some time to Lamar Odom Contract Omni-Watch, along with the possible big man replacement options should LO and the Lakers fail to meet in the middle. The chaff to wheat ratio is alarmingly high, but BK and I did manage to milk the comedic bright side of Brian Skinner at the vet's minimum. But should Mitch Kupchak need to work some magic from the NBA's scrap heap, SI's Ian Thomsen feels comfortable banking on the Lakers GM's ability to roll with the punches. The Jazz will reportedly match the Blazers' offer sheet for Paul Millsap, which allows Portland to retain cap space and add intrigue to this situation.
BK and I also talk Summer Pro League action (and Adam Morrison's progress) with guest Kevin Arnovitz of
ESPN.com's TrueHoop, and reasons why Derek Fisher is more mature than us. Because soooooooo many people would assume we're more mature than Fish without the benefit of clarification.
After you're done listening to us babble, some additional odds and ends:
- The Utah Jazz will reportedly match the Utah Jazz's
- Lakers.com's Mike Truddel chats up second round draft pick Chinemelu Elonu, who digs him some "Coming to America" and current events. The self-described "hustle guy" seems like a nice kid.
- Wolves Prez David Kahn is making a trip to Spain to help facilitate Ricky Rubio's buyout.
- Yao Ming will try to keep afloat the Chinese basketball squad that gave him his start.
- Olympiakos is eying Nate Robinson and David Lee. The player, not the agent. Nobody wants that guy.
And finally, BK was listening to Mason and Ireland today and heard that Sean May worked out for the Lakers today. Dunno if that's an "Lamar is gone" contingency plan or simply a look at someone that could be worth as LO's backup, but like ex-Bobcat Ammo, May is looking to resurrect a lottery pick career gone south. Between injuries and a tendency to pack on weight, the Tar Heel hasn't come close to fulfilling expectations. May, however, insists he's feeling great these days.
BK also heard ESPN's Ric Bucher share his thoughts on LO's situation, but I'll let him add those details, to ensure I don't misrepresent anyone through a game of telephone gone haywire.
AK
Just read an article from a site,it said that buss wanted to "keep the team competitive" that's the reason why he offer lamar a'la mode a bigger contract then he deserved.
Shame on you #7
Posted by: freddyP | July 16, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Repost - sorry. My special ability of my post causing a new thread to form happened again....
OMG - I really, really, really, really, really, really hope the rumor is true and we're moments away from LO siging.
Otherwise that's just cruel & unusual punishment and in retaliation I'll have to put Fido in the pound. Or have him put down. That's just the way I roll.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 16, 2009 at 08:25 PM
Seriously,odom and this whole "tornado watch" is getting played out. If I fall back and check back in next week,we'll have a new starting lineup. I guess checking in every hour is gonna be routine until.......
Posted by: freddyP | July 16, 2009 at 08:32 PM
L.O.C.O Watch 2009!
Brought to you by our Laker Doppler!
Sean May? Please. If he ballooned to 300+ pounds because he got "depressed" over Larry brown's rotations, I can't imagine he's the LO replacement of our dreams. Seriously, if we don't resign Odom, I say we move Powell into the first big off the bench role and let one of our picks get some D-League/NBA experience a la Jordan Farmar and Coby Karl.
Oh well, maybe tomorrow will bring good news.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | July 16, 2009 at 08:34 PM
So - during the Finals we had the rodent commercials and we won.
Now we've got more (and different) rodent commercials - is this a sign of LO signing?
KEIFO - what say you?
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 16, 2009 at 08:50 PM
There is absolutly NOTHING a bonafide Lakerholic like me can do is scour every last site, read every last rumor, check out every last blog - all in a vain attempt to find out WHAT THE HELL is going on with Lamar.
Or I can watch yet another Michael Jackson tribute show.
Hmmmm.....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 16, 2009 at 08:54 PM
"There is absolutly NOTHING a bonafide Lakerholic like me can do"
justa
maybe start getting rid of the "Lakerholic" term. is as redundant as the guy who started it.
i know u suffer for your favorite player. :)
also u can practice by trying to make better choices.
ohhhhhhh, and deep breathing always helps
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | July 16, 2009 at 09:06 PM
Which going to happen first, CA Budget or Signing of LO. Both seems hopeless.
Posted by: AlFranken | July 16, 2009 at 09:09 PM
where's the link to the podkast?
Also "May, however, insists he's feeling great these days." link doesnt work...
???
Posted by: Touch | July 16, 2009 at 09:10 PM
Edwin,
loyalty and integrity. 2 words that r getting lost in the new millennium. archaisms?
totally agree with the last posts from the previews thread.
by the way, did u know that maybe u r psychic? yesterday u had that historical reference with Louis and Marie antoinette.
u had a typo Louis VI. u missed the X.
is the missing X, the X-Factor a.k.a. LO or will it be the ex-Factor, same LO?! an Odomian slip.
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | July 16, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Touch
Both are fixed. Thanks for the heads up.
AK
Posted by: Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky | July 16, 2009 at 09:15 PM
are you guys seeing this stuff?
Beasley had to fly to LA for some reason:
http://tinyurl.com/leyzor
Dwayne Wade is promising GOOD NEWS:
http://tinyurl.com/kqllb6
Stupposedly Odom just hopped on a plane out of LA...
I think it would be totally rad if we are getting Beasley and trash for Odom. This would STACK us for years and Beasley is still on his first contract.
Bynum, Gasol, Beasley, Artest and Kobe... hoofa... then again, could just be all rumors... LOL!
Posted by: Dallas Raines' GNARLY Hair | July 16, 2009 at 09:17 PM
ouchhhhh -
I like the lakerholic term - it works for me :)
Meanwhile - deep cleansing breaths...........
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 16, 2009 at 09:18 PM
Bah! I tire of this Lamar Odom nonsense. Why are we not going after Tractor Traylor? Or Paperhanger Walker?
Posted by: dave m | July 16, 2009 at 09:19 PM
ouchhhh - LOL - Odomian Slip - classic!
AK - touch.... touche.... potato... potahtoe...
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 16, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Speaking of redundant....how about the use ( or overuse ) of that hhhhhh pal ? Heres to all Lakerholics stay true and feed the need !!!
Posted by: Michael Smith | July 16, 2009 at 09:21 PM
Michael Smith - thanks for having my back lol!
ouchhhhh - you done bin told HAHAHAHA!!
Just messing with you - it's all about the love.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 16, 2009 at 09:28 PM
I'm getting really sick of this guy's face. Too much.
Posted by: Otis | July 16, 2009 at 09:32 PM
justa
i have another suggestion for a Lakerholic
play any Laker game from the past season. in the place of the Live Jabber Box, open a word document. follow just one Laker player at a time. imagine what other bloggers will say and type your line in the doc.
repeat for other players
repeat for the whole team
do not forget the ALL CAPS at the 2 min. mark
do not forget Faith's call at the end of the game.
depending on your mood, u can re-play a frustrating game that the Lakers lost, or a game where they blew the other team out of Staples
playing all the games and the playoffs, one a day, will give u enough material till the practice season begins.
enjoy. :)
ps. please tell us if it is good therapy. we will publish a book with various entries from different fans titled "How I spent a summer vacation as a Lakerholic"
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | July 16, 2009 at 09:33 PM
ouchhhh - you're right - I did forget about re-watching the games. I only have game 4 and 5 saved from this year's finals, but they're the best ones, so I should be good.
Thanks a lot!
However, I think I'll save my typing for you here on the blog. I've got to give a Lakerholic like you somthing to respond to.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | July 16, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Dallas Raines - Hoopsworld is reporting that Boozer is headed to Miami in a trade.
Posted by: Ian | July 16, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Michael Smith
r u the famous jazz piano player? (same name-no joke- he has a J. as middle initial)
u r right
it should be more like
ooooooouch
or
ouuuuuuuuuch, depending the ouch context. as a non-Lakerholic i forgot my screen name after the Post Boston Summer syndrome, and eager to post i had to come up with something fast. (obviously my browser crashed in those 2-3 months, so the screen name was not saved) the last post at the time on the screen ended with Ouch. so, what is the difference. i feel pretty confuse sometimes between laker Truth, Laker This, laker That ..... and so on. or KB24, KB for Life .....
but i guess i can be a LUUUUUUKE fan so, it's your guess.
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | July 16, 2009 at 09:48 PM
I know the sample size is small with Sean May but he did produce PER ratings of 15 and 19 respectively in his first two seasons. He could be a good sleeper for the Lakers.
I hope Tony Gaffney makes the roster. He might turn out to be a good role player if he develops a three point shot. His defense is pretty good already and is a bit more mature for the draft class. I think he's 24.
Posted by: E-ROC | July 16, 2009 at 09:50 PM
hahahah oh man
i remember in 2005 I was mad pissed on draft night because I wanted the lakers to draft either Channing Frye or May with the 10th pick, and Frye was gone and we passed on May for this Bynum kid.
i'd say that it's a good thing kupchak, and not myself, is the Lakers GM
Posted by: Mets Fan Dan (sheesh I know don't rub it in) | July 16, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Ouchhhh,
Nice catch Ouchh, I'm well known in the blog of missing something in my post, one letter, a word, a phrase, chop suey sentences whatever, I apologize. Just try to get the gist of the message and make your own conclusion. Sometimes it is a rambling sermon, sometimes it's rebellion without a cause, we do it for entertainment, at least we don't have million contracts with the Lakers Blog.
Well, integrity and loyalty belongs to the past, in the dot.com world, it is what can you do for me lately? Me and me alone world. For the sake of media or social media, let's keep on lying, eventually those lies will be interpreted as truth thru constant repetition. i consider Odom as the first class prostitute ofNBA being peddled by Mr. Sharkz to the highest bidder. A couple of days ago, he approached Billionaire Cuban, then to SuperEgo Riley who is dreaming of Dwade, Boozer and Odom, now back Pritchard of Blazer but P prefers David Lee. We are the fans, scoundrels and suckers! We don't earn anything from these players or these teams except forunconditional love of our Lakers. We blog, we pray, we wish, we dream, we become emotional, temperamental, joyous in a parade in 20 deep of people yet no $$$$ value on such passion, just purely unmitigated and selfless passion. Tell me, why would this people deserve honor and respect? If they have the "me and me alone" philosophy, don't we (many here are unemployed or underemployed) deserve to elevate self respect as well? To follow the travails of these modern Machiavellians and Medici's are hallmark of this generation of NBA players. It starts from David Stearn down to the lowest level of the totem pole. I have been a Laker fan since 1969, witnessed so many mega stars and superstars from entertainment world that rose and fell, I can say this, it is not the money earned but how u manage that money? Most important is character and education that will take care of the future, not those few millions negotiated here and there which will eventually absorb by taxes and drugs. You can't bring wealth to your grave.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 16, 2009 at 09:53 PM
Its only been the offseason for a month and it really seems like forever.
Ouchhhhhhhhh, I even got nostalgic for the live blog there for a moment.
Speaking of, do you think Luuuuke and Jordy became best buds in their meetings for victims of liveblog abuse?
Posted by: Anna in Bondi | July 16, 2009 at 09:54 PM
Hey Mr. hhhh....did you see that parade? How about the upcoming banner hoist and the pending ring ceremony? Get used to it 'cause we aren't going anywhere!!! You need to come clean with YOUR loyalty and stop hiding behind those hhhhh !
Posted by: Michael Smith | July 16, 2009 at 10:04 PM
Mamba fan games three and four are classics and are NEVER to be erased.....Mr. hhhh if you want to know what its like to be a champion just ask a Laker fan and we will let you know 15 times over !!!!
Posted by: Michael Smith | July 16, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Sean May = Glenn Davis + 37 pizzas + 158 milkshakes + bad knees
If May could stay healthy, he'd be about as productive as Davis.
The problem is, I doubt he can stay healthy.
He's someone woul would probably accept an offer for the
veteran's minimum though.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 16, 2009 at 10:11 PM
Jail Blazers to offer Odom a 5 year deal:
https://twitter.com/NBAInsideSource
Posted by: kb24for3 | July 16, 2009 at 10:14 PM
Anna
i never thought of that: Luuuuuuke and Jordy
sometimes it is called team mates, sometimes it is called camaraderie but we also have codependency. and usually it is connected with misery. or the American saying: takes one to know one. the answer is somewhere floating in the Bermuda pants/triangle called lakers bench MOB.
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | July 16, 2009 at 10:27 PM
Tom Looney on Fox Sports Radio said that a source of his said that Lamar has agreed to a 4 year deal but that he wanted to verify it with one other person. We'll see.
Posted by: Andy | July 16, 2009 at 10:31 PM
Has anyone figured out legitimate numbers for all the LO contract talks being mentioned? I'm sure there are way too many variables for me to have this right, but I'm going to give it a shot:
Miama/Dallas offering 5 years at (approximately) MLE: $34 million = $6.8 million a year.
Los Angeles (formerly) offering 4 years at $36 million = $9 million a year.
If Lamar had taken that contract, and let's assume it's his last big one, then signs a 1-year contract somewhere for $5 million (at the ripe old age of 34,) he still averages $8.2 million a year.
I've heard the talk about "no state tax" in Florida and Texas, but that only applies to games he plans in-state. (And not to get political, but who knows how much the tax structure is going to change in the near future...)
Now Portland, that's a different story. They were offering Millsap $8 million a year. (Their tax rate is lower than ours, but very soon every state's will be...) But then, Paul is 24, not 30. Will they extend the same to LO? Is he going to want to live in Raintown after living in Sunnyville? Are his feelings so hurt that he'll pull a Trevor and go elsewhere for the same (or less) money to spite Dr. Buss?
When they say they want to stay with the team...it's about money.
When they say they want to be recognized for their contributions and it's about respect...it's about the money.
When they say they want to win another championship...it's about the money.
When they say it's not about the money...it's about the money.
Posted by: Chris | July 16, 2009 at 10:43 PM
In 2006-07, California raked in $102M by taxing "out-of-state athletes", by way of the "Jock Tax".
So, why is Cali still broke???
NY, Cal, Illinois, Missouri are the most aggressive in collecting...while Massachusetts barely even bothers.
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | July 16, 2009 at 10:44 PM
Andy,
With whom did Lamar agree to?
Posted by: Charles | July 16, 2009 at 10:49 PM
So, why is Cali still broke???
NY, Cal, Illinois, Missouri are the most aggressive in collecting...while Massachusetts barely even bothers.
the more money they have, they more they spend. nothing is new. just like patrick ewing said, we make alot of money, but we spend alot of money too.
Posted by: DodgersFanInAz | July 16, 2009 at 11:04 PM
Actually, if Lamar is going to leave the best thing for the Lakers would be for him to go to Portland. They get nothing out of Miami -- no S&T since Haslem is part of the Boozer deal (i.e. to Utah).
They can go with the tax relief it gives them -- thus doing nothing. Or they can try to fill in their needs and remain in tax threshold -- by working with portland to pick up Fernandez (who would be great off the bench) and Outlaw who is also an athletic upgrade for the bench.
I doubt that Portland wants to play along (by helping the lakers) -- on the other hand they have to help themselves if they commit Odom suicide: they can't have all those players sitting, stewing, waiting for minutes.
But, bottom line, talk of this LO to Portland sounds fishy -- someone else made the excellent point that they can't offer that kind of money to a back-up, when they have front line guys making far less and sitting on pending negotiations.
So . . . what was I writing any of this for?
Posted by: t_sensei | July 16, 2009 at 11:06 PM
CHRIS WILCOX
CHRIS WILCOX
CHRIS WILCOX
Lamar is gonna be sorry!
Posted by: warren with butterknives | July 16, 2009 at 11:07 PM
Correction: of course I meant "over the tax threshold" as is:
They can go with the tax relief it gives them -- thus doing nothing. Or they can try to fill in their needs and remain over the tax threshold --
Posted by: t_sensei | July 16, 2009 at 11:18 PM
JUST HEARD THE BRICK SAY THRU THREE SOURCES
LAMAR GONE TO MIAMI !!!!!!!!!!
THE LAKERS ARE IN TROUBLE NEXT YEAR
Posted by: TONI | July 16, 2009 at 11:18 PM
from FB&G
" By the way, people keep talking about the state tax issue in Texas and Florida. That is not as big a deal as you think — the players are taxed per game at the rates in the states they play. Meaning, when the Heat come and play the Lakers, Wade et al get taxed at California rates. When the Lakers go to Dallas, they get taxed at Texas rates. Basically, to play in a state with no income tax impacts only 50% of your checks, and while there are some savings it’s not as dramatic as some lead to believe."
Posted by: Gary M | July 16, 2009 at 11:39 PM
Edwin from San Dimas....
You are so right, if only these pro athletes were to go to skid row, to Tiajuana, to spend time with those less fortunate, they'd realize how blessed they are! Maybe they would learn to be more wise with their money and "live within their means" and just enjoy the game that God blessed them with the ability and height to play. Sure, they must put in hard work, but I dunno about the rest of us fans, but I put in 10 hour days and work hard too...I just don't get paid millions a year (and never will and I'm okay with that)....
hubbit
Posted by: hubbit | July 16, 2009 at 11:45 PM
I forgot to mention the team that Tom Looney was referring to. He said the Lakers. He said that his source wasn't completely reliable and that he would have to verify with someone else.
Posted by: Andy | July 16, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Save 50% of tax making 10 mil a year and get another ring or get paid 8 mil a year and watch the playoffs from a cot?
Posted by: freddyP | July 16, 2009 at 11:57 PM
If LO goes to Miami - good riddance!!!!! They will inherit the pot smoking, candy snorting, greedy sob - and most of all he will drive the fans of Miami insane with his inconsistent play!!!! Can we send Luke with him too?!?!?!?!?!
He won't be able to control himself in the Miami clubs and will eventually end up in the tabloids like Brittney Spears and Linsdy Lohan!! Ha ha ha!!! Good luck Miami fans!!!! You'll need a good psychologist!!!!
Posted by: DrPepper | July 17, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Welcome back Lamar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | July 17, 2009 at 12:26 AM
no crybabies from portland needed...if trevor assaulted him, wait till Artest gets riled up.The dude won't be able to get up.
If Odom doesn't take the Laker offer, the remnants of it, he is truly an idiot, because no one else can pay him the money or give him the lifestyle he loves.
If he leaves, can't wait till first game against him, KOBE AND PAU, will destroy him.
Posted by: humanomaly (aka "The Anti-Crust") | July 17, 2009 at 12:32 AM
a Laker-holic view of the LOCO. enjoy with your morning coffee or whatever rocks your boat
http://tinyurl.com/njskkr
Posted by: ouchhhhhhhhh | July 17, 2009 at 01:31 AM
LTLF,
-Loss of Posey hurt, but only to a degree. Once KG went down {Posey or no Posey}, it didn`t matter. Season over!
-No more than 20% of Celtic fans still yearn for Posey, and less than 5% blame Danny for not giving him that 4th year he demanded.
-Lakers are crazy to offer 4 years to LO! He will "sleep" during the first three, wake up in year 4 to try to get another contract. Meanwhile, what`s left of KB`s prime will be squandered.
-LO got his ring. He couldn`t care less about a second. Laws of diminishing returns applies here.
-LO just wants to play ball, kick back, and make money. Another ring wouldn`t mean a thing to him. He`s played twice in LA, and the thought of duplicating that in Miami probably appeals to him.
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | July 16, 2009 at 10:02 AM
=================
Geez wtf.
Garnett situation had no effect against Lakers. I say outcome the same even if he did not get hurt.
He as healthy each time we beat them last year. imo NOTHING CHANGES IN fINALS IF THEY WOULD HAVE MADE IT.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 17, 2009 at 01:51 AM
JustaLakerFan:
"I have been away a couple days but I must chime in now.
I think the TA and RA situation is a bad thing. We are sacricicing future for the now.
Kone and Artest all abount same age with Kobe being a year older. Both will be declining and end of careers for both at same time. Trevor has more yers and can continue to improve. "
What future are we sacrificing? When you're already a championship team, you try to maximum your roster and win as many championships as possible. When Kobe start declining, it's time to rebuild anyway, and Ariza is not the kind of player you build your team on.
Our future is NOW, not when Kobe (and Pau) start to decline.
Posted by: Dion | July 05, 2009 at 11:49 AM
====================
No future is now AND then. TA is not what you build franchise around and I did not suggest that. But he would be intregal cog in the team. A RA type player as he matures without the basket case brain.
We built team around Kobe with scubs and see the results. Ig Bynum becomes the franchise player then he needs help too in future.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 17, 2009 at 02:01 AM