Should the Lakers trade Pau Gasol to Minnesota?
With Kobe Bryant and a large contingent of the Lakers' fan base questioning Mitch Kupchak's front-office skills, this deal suddenly validated his presence. With the public clamoring for change, this deal finally settled the uneasiness. And with the Lakers looking to return to the championship level, this deal gave them that missing piece.
The Lakers on Feb. 1, 2008, acquired Pau Gasol from the Memphis Grizzlies in a deal that produced varying reactions. Bryant said he remembered shouting "yes" to himself in excitement. Then-Lakers Coach Phil Jackson acknowledged skepticism that such a trade could happen because the deal involved the Lakers giving up Kwame Brown, Aaron McKie, Javaris Crittenton, two first-round picks and the rights to Marc Gasol, whom the Lakers had drafted with a second-round pick in 2007. And San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich argued that the NBA should set up a panel to prevent such trades from happening.
The perceived magnitude of the trade became reality as the Lakers appeared in three consecutive NBA Finals and won back-to-back titles. Even before the Lakers won the 2010 championship, the front office clearly envisioned Gasol as part of the team's long-term future, extending his contract through the 2013-2014 season. But after Gasol was a key factor in Dallas' four-game sweep of the Lakers in the Western Conference semifinals, his playing future became less clear-cut.
Lakers fans appear split on the issue. Should team officials consider his overall body of work with the Lakers over his performance the 2011 playoffs? Should they view his remaining three-year, $54-million contract as a luxury or a tradable asset? Should they view Gasol's experience and talent as evidence they can still squeeze out a few more championships, or move to secure someone for their long-term future?
Because of their tight-lipped nature regarding deals, it's not entirely clear where Lakers officials stand on the matter, but they've offered a few clues. Both Lakers owner Jerry Buss and Kupchak have said they want to keep the "core" lineup and add "tweaks" to the roster. Buss has added that the team always has to be ready to look at any deal that's too good to pass up, but Kupchak recently told Lakers.com's Mike Trudell that Lakers are not outwardly looking for a trade, particularly involving front-line players.
Still, all of that hasn't stopped a conversation from brewing: ESPN.com's Chad Ford recently reported that the Minnesota Timberwolves privately hope they can find a team to take their No. 2 draft pick in return for what he calls an "impact veteran," referencing Gasol, Monta Ellis, or JaVale McGee. It's clear that the idea reflects the Timberwolves' thinking and not any other team's. As ESPN.com's Bill Simmons recently tweeted, "Funny NBA drama right now: #2 pick is being frantically shopped, but everyone is scared to negotiate with T-Wolves cuz they leak EVERYTHING."
Nevertheless, the report is sparking some debate about what the Lakers' philosophy regarding shipping Gasol might entail.
Hoopsworld's Eric Pincus did a terrific job outlining the salary-cap implications of a deal with Minnesota. There's no need to repeat what he's already explained in great detail, but the article did provide three interesting scenarios.
1. Gasol for Kevin Love and Minnesota's No. 2 pick. Even though Gasol remains one of the best front-line players in the game, the Lakers should make this deal. Love's presence would still give the Lakers a good size combination with Andrew Bynum, and the team would be making a longer-term investment on a younger player. The Timberwolves expect the draft pick to select Arizona power forward Derrick Williams, but the Lakers could use it to address their point-guard needs, possibly with Brandon Knight, Kemba Walker or Jimmer Fredette. Kyrie Irving would also be a good pickup, but the Cavaliers are expected to select him with their No. 1 pick.
2. Gasol for Love and role players. I'm hesitant on this simply because it goes against Jerry West's old adage that a team shouldn't change its roster if it can at least get another championship out of the current one. Jonny Flynn would improve the team's speed but wouldn't solve the outside-shooting problems. Michael Beasley would provide some offensive punch, but the Lakers aren't really lacking for that. And there's no reason Darko Milicic should see much time on the floor.
So in debating the merits of this potential deal, it comes down to how Gasol and Love size up against each other. Love has the advantage on the boards and three-point shooting, while Gasol is superior in pretty much every other category, including mid-range jumpers, post moves and passing. Besides, part of Love's value with Minnesota (53 consecutive double doubles and his status as the league's top rebounder) would be offset by the fact that the Lakers are better than the T-Wolves and that Bynum could assume some of the rebounding duties. No doubt Love will continue to develop, but in the interest of the Lakers having the best chance to secure a title, it's better to stay with Gasol.
3. Gasol for the No. 2 pick and role players. The Lakers would make this move if they had David Kahn in charge. But they don't. It's a silly proposition, and there's really no use debating it. The Lakers would lose one of their distinct advantages in exchange for role players who would add little value and a rookie who wouldn't have the same impact as Gasol would. Williams would be a solid pickup, but rookies should only be expected to be franchise players for basement-dwelling franchises, and the Lakers aren't one of them.
RELATED:
What needs should the Lakers try to satisfy with the NBA draft?
Pau Gasol wants to play for Spain in European Championship
--Mark Medina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Top photo: Pau Gasol works in the post against the double-team defense of Oklahoma City's Kendrick Perkins and James Harden. Credit: Mike Nelson / EPA
Bottom photo: Lakers power forward Pau Gasol goes for the steal against Mavericks power forward Dirk Nowitzki during Game 4 in Dallas on Sunday afternoon. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times / May 8, 2011.
If the Lakers need to trade a player, his name is Bynum, not Gasol.
Posted by: Magic Phil | June 20, 2011 at 10:45 AM
I'm down with that! Adios, Pau!
Posted by: utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER | June 20, 2011 at 10:45 AM
YAY! Login finally works again!
Trade Pau to the T'Wolves? ABSOLUTELY! If it means the #2 and Love. Even if it becomes the #20, Love, Beasley then I'd still do it. A young, quick PG of the future, an active bruising-type power forward that could relieve a lot of the low-post dirty work pressure off of Drew, and Beasley, who could scoot over to the small forward position and give us a much-needed scoring punch at the position.
BTW, about two weeks ago didn't LTLF & LakerTom expand on a comment I made about hearing that Minny wanted to trade their #2 pick? Couldn't those back-and-forths have helped flesh out the current rumors that are sweeping the 'net? Frankly, I don't know if there was any talk of a Laker-T'Wolf trade being rumored before then, and if this trade does go through, isn't it a case of the tail wagging the dog?
Unless I see otherwise, I'm going to attribute this trade -if it ever happens- to this very blog and specifically to everyone that smartly fleshed it out and proposed the very realistic trade scenario's that we see rumored now.
Now, if only we could get Dr. Buss could send along a few percent of Mitch's contract as compensation, we could use it to fund a trade party for all us here on the blog that got it done!
AS ALWAYS - AND FOREVER - GO LAKERS!!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | June 20, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Cyber,
It's confirmed that some of Laker brass has perused this blog in the past - this was true before the back-to-back titles, but I'm not sure if it's true today. Given that the Lakers have fired their scouting staff, perhaps it would not be surprising if they sought the thoughts of some of Laker Nation (but I'd doubt it in general)
As for Gasol for Love & #2... we could do a whole lot worse.
We discussed Kevin Love a few years ago. My comment was that if he's really going to be "Larry Bird" like (this was the comparison made back then) then the Lakers would be stupid not to do everything in their power to obtain the guy.... but I knew the comparison, like most, was over stated. Still, the Lakers could do a lot worse than this. They don't go down THAT much at PF (but they do get worse, make no mistake)... and they have #2 pick.
Two words: YOUTH & ATHLETICISM
If there's any truth at all to the rumor, this is a good sign... and 180 degrees from last summer when we went old & injured and gave up athletic & upside for it.
I would be happier if I woke up and saw the Lakers made a deal for a marquee name like Cp3 though.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 20, 2011 at 11:27 AM
We went to the finals 3 times and won 2 of them since trading for Pau and with an injured Bynum. I think it is pretty obvious who should be traded here.
Posted by: Save_d_whales | June 20, 2011 at 11:29 AM
WARNING: past results are not indicative of future results
This is a principle Dr. Buss knows and has expressed before. He understands this. While it may be true that trading Bynum would make the team better than trading Gasol, there are other factors to consider.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | June 20, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Agree with @whales. Pau is proven over the long haul. AB is not. The only thing that this debate really proves, otherwise, is how fickle "fans" can be.
That said, if the Lakers are looking for a pick, I don't understand what the attraction is to the #2. A good enough point guard could be had down to about 7 or 8 (or even further). There is no reason to take Walker or Knight with the #2.
The only reason to go for the 2 is to deal with Minny and the only reason to deal with Minny is to get Love (and useful parts).
Otherwise, look to deal with a team that has the 4-7. If that is the Cavs, not sure that they need Pau. In that case, it might be Lamar and other parts that would possibly be in the mix. On that line, I am a big fan of Hickson, who I would seek along with the #4.
This year's draft is really tricky - and possibly treacherous. I think that we will see a large number of players from 15 to 35 playing in the league in 5 years. The problem for the Lakers is somehow getting into that range. It looks like they are just going to miss on Coles (someone is going to snap him up just ahead of them); the other attractive, rising "sleepers" at PG or SG project to be gone by #30.
The alternative is to wait for the CBA and, likely, build with vets, once the parameters of the agreement/the NBA's future are clear.
This is where GMs earn their money (or don't and get canned). Not an easy job at all. I don't envy Mitch.
Posted by: t_sensei | June 20, 2011 at 11:44 AM
No
Thanks
PSP Intern
Posted by: Practice Season Police | June 20, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Tim-4-Show: Laker management read the blog? If that is really the case they would be well-served to do so. There are a lot of very intelligent Laker fans, longtime Laker fans here that are big NBA fans in general.
Seems like Laker fans, on the whole, are more well-rounded about the NBA than fans of other teams. I've gotten that impression since the early days of the 'net. Laker fans are also more hardcore basketball fans in general, at least compared to the average fan of other teams. Maybe it's the history of the team, whatever it is I've always noticed that to be the case.
Anyways, I'm with you in that strictly speaking, Love for Pau is a downgrade. Also, getting a young PG in the draft isn't ideal for this particular team given that it is built to win now. We've seen young point guards need a season or two to start to mature their game and acclimate to the league.
Throw a Beasley in there, and of course the T'wolves looking to probably move Johnny Flynn, a combination of those pieces around Love would make up for it. Maybe the Wolves would be interested in Luke Walton, he has shown to be great at running the triangle (assuming of course they retain Ramis as HC).
The one thing Mitch hasn't done as well is in mixing in veterans with young players. Look at Dallas, they had just about the perfect mix of vets/youth. We've been drafting late in the draft, we really haven't had an NBA-ready young player since Drew. It's catching up to us now.
I'm with you, I'd prefer a CP3 or a D-Will, however I would be very happy to see them pick up youth and athleticism - and finally address our point guard need. Love though is rounding into a nice player, and he has developed a fairly consistent mid-range shot, something that we wouldn't lose too much with Pau leaving. I could see him being a nice complimentary piece right beside Drew.
So, if Mitch is reading this: JUST DO IT!!!!!
AS ALWAYS - AND FOREVER - GO LAKERS!!!!!!
R.I.P. to Ryan Dunn of Jackass/Bam - I'm sure he's making those in heaven laugh like he did all us!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | June 20, 2011 at 11:52 AM
I'd do the first option and that's it.
Pau failed us in the playoffs with a heartless effort. We don't forget that in Laker Nation.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 20, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Cyber - Glad login works for you. If one option fails you again, try some of the other login outlets in the future.
If the Lakers keep Gasol, I'm convinced he'll bounce back into a really good real. For better and for worse, Gasol needs outside motivation to push him along.
Posted by: Mark Medina | June 20, 2011 at 12:00 PM
if a trade does not involve a player named "Howard", Lakers: dont change anything! just add young quick P.G.
as for the rest of you "laker" fans....COME ON! there is no shame in losing to what amounted as the eventual NBA champs!
lets keep it real!
later.....
Posted by: karl c | June 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM
Cyber - Glad login works for you. If one option fails you again, try some of the other login outlets in the future.
If the Lakers keep Gasol, I'm convinced he'll bounce back into a really good real. For better and for worse, Gasol needs outside motivation to push him along.
Posted by: Mark Medina | June 20, 2011 at 12:01 PM
No I wont trade Pau for those wannabe's.Its been proven the last three years that Pau and Kobe works better with each other.I rather trade the injury prone Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest for Dwight Howard and JJ Reddick...
Posted by: kobe24_adrian | June 20, 2011 at 12:20 PM
No - I say hold out and stay in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.
@fever - Pau had an up and down regular season and a flat out bad post-season so I understand your frustrations. Many Laker fans share your sentiment. However, Pau has been in the league 10 years and has never played as bad as he did in the playoffs, therefore, I would have to say that was an anomaly. But time will tell.
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawn4EQ5LBrg8co8TTwBuNxRn7nO-lqyuZYs | June 20, 2011 at 12:33 PM
No - I say hold out and stay in the Dwight Howard sweepstakes.
@fever - Pau had an up and down regular season and a flat out bad post-season so I understand your frustrations. Many Laker fans share your sentiment. However, Pau has been in the league 10 years and has never played as bad as he did in the playoffs, therefore, I would have to say that was an anomaly. But time will tell.
Posted by: LRob2 | June 20, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Does anyone have interest in Monta Ellis as a Laker? He's not a classic PG like Paul or Williams, but arguably he's a better scorer, and he now has a developed passing game. He'd provide serious scoring punch when Kobe is on the bench, and also be in a position to take Kobe's place as lead SG when he retires.
Not saying the Lakers should prefer him to Paul or Williams, but if those two are unavailable, or a better overall deal for Ellis comes about, is he at least an option to think about?
The Warriors pretty clearly seem bent on moving him, to leave Steph Curry as the unquestioned leader of the team.
Suppose Gasol for Ellis and David Lee, and throw in Steve Blake to make the salaries match.
Lee doesn't quite have the game that Gasol does, but he plays harder and is a better rebounder, though still soft on defense. He'd presumably be the back-up big to Bynum and Odom.
Would the Lakers be interested? Would the Warriors? From their perspective, Gasol would be the C they have not had for many, many years. That might be enough to get them to part with both Ellis and Lee.
Posted by: jimjoyce25 | June 20, 2011 at 12:39 PM
>>>I don't know if there was any talk of a Laker-T'Wolf trade being rumored
>>>before then, and if this trade does go through, isn't it a case of the tail
>>>wagging the dog?
Yes. My posts are the mandate for future Laker trades. That's the ticket.
Now get that Dwight Howard for Luke and a bag of chips trade done. :-)
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 01:04 PM
t_sensei,
>>>Otherwise, look to deal with a team that has the 4-7. If that is the Cavs, not
>>>sure that they need Pau. In that case, it might be Lamar and other parts that
>>>would possibly be in the mix. On that line, I am a big fan of Hickson, who I
>>>would seek along with the #4.
They might be willing to do a Lamar for Hickson, Sessions, and the #4 deal. Not sure, but maybe. I'd be kinda iffy on that, though. I'm not that sold on Hickson.
Now if it was Varejao and the #4, I'd be all over that deal.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 01:08 PM
I say no on the trade of Gasol...yes, we need to get stronger at the point guard position, but I say, something will pop up, c'mon, trade those 4 #2's for something!!!! Ebanks and Caracter have a year of experience as NBA people, but not players, thanks Phil...also absolutely no trade of Lamar, you trade him, and we lose alot of flexibility in substitutions....and who knows, maybe he will continue his slight improvement over his history. Don't act frantic. A year ago, where were the Lakers...Dallas is not filled with "spring chickens", nor is Boston, and Orlando, they are going to have focus issues. Miami, Lebron and Wade add up to a mental of "one". Drop Joe Smith, and see if Kris Humphries wants to go for a ride, heavily discounted of course. Hey it costs to get into Disneyland....
Posted by: Humanomaly | June 20, 2011 at 02:14 PM
>>>Agree with @whales. Pau is proven over the long haul.
Pau was very good in 2008, and awesome in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he shot 42% for the playoffs.
You know who's shot better for the playoffs recently for the Lakers?
Sasha Vujacic shot 43% for the 2010 playoffs (and with 40% 3-point shooting, his effective shooting % was MUCH higher than Pau).
Vlade Radmanovic shot 44% for the 2008 playoffs (again, boosted by lots of 3-pointers, much better shooting than Pau)
Josh Powell shot 42% for the 2008 playoffs.
are you ready?
Luke Walton has shot 42% in the playoffs for his career (and again, he shoots 3-pointers, so his effective shooting % is higher than Pau shot in 2011).
That's right. Pau's 2011 shooting performance was Waltonesque.
Is he slowing down a step and losing his mojo? Was he just pouty with Kobe? Was it the girlfriend breakup rumors?
Don't know. But he laid a big egg for the Lakers this year. Want to gamble that he'll do it again next year?
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 02:15 PM
If there is a trade between MN and LA, it must involve Kevin Love and the 2nd pick for Pau. With Love, LA will still have a solid inside presence under the basket. With the 2nd pick, they will have the opportunity to inject much needed youth for the projected long-term. Perhaps, a point guard who could score.
As a side note, with the 2nd pick, LA might be able to send it to NO for CP3. Just a thought.
Posted by: Jack Bauer | June 20, 2011 at 02:17 PM
>>>Lakers: dont change anything! just add young quick P.G.
So would Jonny Flynn be good enough? He is young and quick. He can't shoot to save his life, and he's a shoot first PG, but he is young and quick. And that's about the level of guy you could get without breaking up any of the core.
If the Lakers want a young quick TALENTED PG, then they have to give something up.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Why is everyone overlooking the obvious? Just because we trade for the #2 Pick doesn't mean we can't turn around and trade that pick for a player. Observe:
We trade Gasol and a couple of our 2nd round picks to Minn for the #2 Pick and M.Beasley & M.Webster. New Orleans then joins the fun and sends us Chris Paul for that #2 and the joy of Luke Walton's contract. Just so all the $$$ match up, the TWolves send the Hornets both J.Flynn and N.Pekovic. Nice and tidy.
We get younger and more athletic, not to mentions our own superstar PG. Minnesota gets a legit, all-star level big man to match with K.Love. Finally, the Hornets get a shot at one of the available PG's in the upcoming draft, not to mention a direct replacement in Flynn. Everything works...Mr.Kupchak are you reading this?
Look it up:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=3mg6fdj
Posted by: SMarq17 | June 20, 2011 at 02:54 PM
>>>As a side note, with the 2nd pick, LA might be able to send it to NO for CP3.
And now we're back to what I originally proposed a month ago.
New Orleans might be willing to accept Kevin Love and the #2 in a deal for Chris Paul. That gives them one All-star and one possible all-star for a player who might leave for nothing next summer. It just speeds up the rebuilding process. Unless they think they could win it all next season, which I just don't see.
Even without Kevin Love, If New Orleans is convinced that CP3 won't re-sign with them, perhaps the Lakers could convince The Hornets to take a care package of the #2 pick plus any 3 players they want not named Love or Rubio from Minnesota for Paul.
I would give up Pau Gasol for Chris Paul and a backup big (either Milicic or Beasley -- maybe even Tolliver) gladly.
Less likely, but the same sort of deal might work with New Jersey. Kevin Love + parts + the #2 pick for Deron Williams. They could draft one of the rookie phenom centers and they'd have an awesome Pac-10 front court of Lopez and Love. Again, that sort of trade hinges on them believing that Deron Williams might walk next summer.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 02:58 PM
Or, as a third possibility - if Minne agreed to Love + the #2 (which I still heavily doubt), then the Lakers could dangle the #2 + one or more of the spare parts for a lesser PG who would be a big upgrade - like Felton or Harris - and keep Love.
That way the Lakers would get an All-Star PF and an upgrade at PG.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 03:00 PM
New Jersey might be a more attractive trade partner. Deron Williams can be plugged in instead of C.Paul and because of their similar contracts everything works exactly the same...plus New Jersey has the #27 Pick that could be sent our way along with Williams.
A good, young backup C could be found at #27. Although signing S.Dalembert as a F/A would be my choice to find a backup to Bynum in the case of Gasol being traded.
Perfection everywhere:
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4xhzth9
Posted by: SMarq17 | June 20, 2011 at 03:25 PM
N.Vucevic would look great at #27 and K.Benson at the #41 would be awesome.
Come on Kupchak! Get-er-done!
Posted by: SMarq17 | June 20, 2011 at 03:35 PM
Check out my silly song I made about Pau Gasol last year:
http://365songsfor2010.wordpress.com/2011/06/20/pau-gasol-song/
Posted by: Dustbunnyrecords | June 20, 2011 at 05:01 PM
For that matter, here's my favorite song:
"Kobe Time"
http://365songsfor2010.wordpress.com/2011/05/08/kobe-time-song/
Posted by: Dustbunnyrecords | June 20, 2011 at 05:02 PM
SMarq17,
Nice try, but the #2 pick by itself isn't nearly enough for Chris Paul. If you were handing Beasley and Webster to New Orleans and the Lakers were taking the trashy players like Pekovic and Flynn, then maybe.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 05:02 PM
SMarq17,
Both Deron Williams and Chris Paul are at least as good as Pau.
If New Orleans wanted the #2 pick and didn't care what else they got back, they could trade directly with Minnesota.
Why should they settle for Nikola Pekovic and Jonny Flynn when they could have Michael Beasley and Martell Webster instead?
Even with Rubio coming in, I have 100% confidence that the Timberwolves would gladly offer the same set of pieces for Paul/Williams that they'd be willing to give up for Pau.
And they wouldn't have to take Luke Walton to do it.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Actually, I partially retract that... Minnesota wouldn't give up a bunch of chips for Chris Paul or Deron Williams, as they'd almost certainly bail next summer.
But I will hold that the #2 pick and the worst players on Minnesota's roster wouldn't be enough to pry CP3 or DWill away from their current teams.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | June 20, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Trade Gasol to MIN for Love and #2 Pick
Trade Bynum & Odom for Dwight Howard
LA Starting 5:
Fisher
Kobe
Artest
Love
Howard
Impressive, athletic rookie off bench: Derrick Williams
Posted by: Dvdigenova | June 20, 2011 at 09:17 PM
Gasol for Love and the rights to Ricky Rubio. That would be a good trade.
Posted by: Paul Randall | June 20, 2011 at 10:44 PM
Ditto to that. Love is the first chip to the new front line. Dwight Howard is the 2nd. Love and Rubio come in June. Dwight comes at the trade deadline. Done.
Posted by: Brian Michaels | June 21, 2011 at 12:47 AM
Trade the #2 pick. Bring in Rubio. OR get both. Love's a free agent. Rubio dont want to go to Sota. He aint gonna say no to LA.
Posted by: Brian Michaels | June 21, 2011 at 12:49 AM
What makes everyone think you can only trade either Gasol or Bynum? Orlando and Minnesota both have their backs to the wall with all stars who are going to leave them with nothing. Think big.
Gasol and Fisher for Love, Rubio, and the #2 pick.
Then. The #2 pick and Bynum to Orlando for Howard.
Why not? Dollars work.
Posted by: Brian Michaels | June 21, 2011 at 12:56 AM
Not for nuttin but, there is a good chance that Love has already played his best basketball...a lot like KG did, wasting away in Minne-ville. And while the same might also be said of Pau, with a much larger skill set, what he has left will be much more valuable to Kobe and the Lakers
than whatever Love has left. That makes the deal in essence Gasol, a multiple time all star...for an unproven rookie pg or pf. Neither position is a learn on the fly job. It takes work...and a lot of it. Would the Lakers be better on opening day with either an unproven point guard or an unproven power forward, and no Gasol? DEFINITELY NOT.
Time to hunker down and make the big play for Dwight Howard at the trading deadline, or at the end of the season.
Posted by: Brian | June 21, 2011 at 07:44 AM
The front office has a few things in their favor this year:
#1 D. Howard wants out
#2 Miami can't trade without getting rid of one of the "pep boyz"
#3 boston...ditto
#4 Minnesota is desperate to appease rubio (spanish connection?)
#5 For once it will be easier to bring in new players without the "triangle" hangover
#6 Blake, Barnes, and Brown may have better seasons without said triangle offense.
Posted by: DOC4DALakeShow | June 21, 2011 at 07:50 AM
ot for nuttin but, there is a good chance that Love has already played his best basketball...a lot like KG did, wasting away in Minne-ville. And while the same might also be said of Pau, with a much larger skill set, what he has left will be much more valuable to Kobe and the Lakers
than whatever Love has left.
Posted by: Brian | June 21, 2011 at 07:44 AM
So much of that was wrong.. Kevin Love just finished his 3rd year in the league.. and Pau just finished his 10th. And yet, according to you, Pau somehow has more left in the tank??????? Kevin Love is just getting started on his career and when you combine him, with #2 pick=Derrick Williams, you get one of the youngest, best rebounding, PF's in the game (Love) & a rookie who is ATHLETIC AS f*#* with big upside (i think Williams is really going to turn in to a solid shooter)
It's a no brainer--if Kahn will sign off on this trade, please god, take advantage of his ignorance and ship pau out of L.A.
P.S. Thank you Pau for the 2 rings- It was good while it lasted.
Posted by: Dvdigenova | June 21, 2011 at 08:14 AM
#6 Blake, Barnes, and Brown may have better seasons without said triangle offense.
Posted by: DOC4DALakeShow | June 21, 2011 at 07:50 AM
Excellent point, sir~ I think we'll see a lot of positives to L.A. next year without the triangle. A fresh approach for everyone.
Blake will definitely improve w/o the triangle. I thought Barnes played well last year prior to injury, but with the intangibles he brings, he should be able to contribute in any system. My jury is still out on Shannon though--his game is too limited and I don't think it was the triangle holding him back- I just don't think he has the game.
Posted by: Dvdigenova | June 21, 2011 at 08:18 AM
Pau is so likable though, however if you have a chance to trade one or two players for Love do it. Jump on it, do what ever it takes, just don't sell your self to short. Love is only going to get better. Its a simple game.
Posted by: titantimithius | June 22, 2011 at 03:18 PM