*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (2 Viewers)

[thecatch]

The Laker fans saying that Bynum, Gasol, and Odom are too much to lose for Howard - you're freakin morons. I would trade all the players on my team except "the superstar" for Dwight Howard. Examples of "the superstar" include Kobe, Melo, Dirk, Blake Griffin, etc...there's only one per team that's untouchable when it comes to Dwight.I would trade Bynum, Gasol, and Odom for Dwight as fast as I possibly could and I would jump for joy when it was done.

OK, it's a legit attitude and I get it. For me the question is, would the team be better if this were done? I'm not convinced that it would. We'll see if it happens, and if it does we'll find out whether you're right.

Don't think the team would be better next season. But at the same time I'd think they were closer to another title once they get the right pieces around Howard.John Ireland on CBS basically saying it's a done deal. Odom for Dallas' trade-exception. Almost got to think LA has something big brewing if they just give Odom away to a rival.

Yup, this is post-Kobe planning by LA. You can always fill out a roster around a top 5 nba player. Howard keeps them in the playoffs for the next ten years even if Kobe retires soon (and gives them the next generation of superstar to market)

 

[the moops]

Some reporter just tweeted...Howard to netsMartin and scola to orlando Lopez to houston

This is just dumb. Orlando gets raped

 

[Abraham]

Some reporter just tweeted...Howard to netsMartin and scola to orlando Lopez to houston

This is just dumb. Orlando gets raped

I'm sure there would.be more to it, but those would be the principles. As a rockets fan I can say this doesn't excite me much.

 

[pollardsvision]

Keeping my fingers crossed that a Howard/Nets deal happens.

I'd love to see the Nets build something with Deron and Howard.

More importantly, I'd love for the Lakers to have given Odom away to the World Champs for nothing.

 

[Kev4029]

If we are doing fake trades, how about Kobe, Fisher and Bynum to Orlando for Howard, Nelson, Reddick and Turkeyglue?

This would leaving the Lakers with:

Nelson, Blake

Reddick, MWP, Ebanks

MWP, Turkeyglue, Odom

Gasol, Odom

Howard, Gasol

That would be the best PF/C rotation in the history of the NBA and the fit of Gasol and Howard would be ideal. The added bonus of this trade would be the legions of Lakers fans trying to make an argument that Kobe is better than Howard. Unfortunately, Kobe would have to accept the trade, so my dream of making JMon cry himself to sleep for the next year won't happen.

 

[the moops]

Keeping my fingers crossed that a Howard/Nets deal happens.I'd love to see the Nets build something with Deron and Howard.More importantly, I'd love for the Lakers to have given Odom away to the World Champs for nothing.

I still dont see how Orlando agrees to a NJ trade. They have little in picks to offer besides their own (they have a top 14 protected 1st round Houston pick next year, and a 2nd round Heat pick). Lopez and Morrow and some middling picks is a terrible haul, IMO.

 

[the moops]

That would be the best PF/C rotation in the history of the NBA

Duncan/Robinson is better, off the top of my head.

 

[pollardsvision]

Keeping my fingers crossed that a Howard/Nets deal happens.I'd love to see the Nets build something with Deron and Howard.More importantly, I'd love for the Lakers to have given Odom away to the World Champs for nothing.

I still dont see how Orlando agrees to a NJ trade. They have little in picks to offer besides their own (they have a top 14 protected 1st round Houston pick next year, and a 2nd round Heat pick). Lopez and Morrow and some middling picks is a terrible haul, IMO.

I don't think it'll happen either. Just dreaming.Then again, if the ORL would rather try to build around Lopez than Bynum and the Lakers aren't willing to send Pau, how much better could the Lakers really do? Genuinely curious. I really don't know.(And it's not a given that ORL really wants to be on the hook for the nearly $60 mill. still owed to Pau)I guess an even bigger issue for the Nets: Is there any possible way they can take Hedo's contract? They don't have enough salary to give back, do they?

 

[the moops]

I guess an even bigger issue for the Nets: Is there any possible way they can take Hedo's contract? They don't have enough salary to give back, do they?

Looks like they are about 20 million under the cap. Hedo/Howard make 29 million. Any combination of who they would send out would need to make up for that difference.

 

[biggamer3]

Nets can sign nene and deal him before deadline right? That's only way I can see them making a trade with magic. Nene and lopez for Howard and junk

 

[pollardsvision]

I guess an even bigger issue for the Nets: Is there any possible way they can take Hedo's contract? They don't have enough salary to give back, do they?

Looks like they are about 20 million under the cap. Hedo/Howard make 29 million. Any combination of who they would send out would need to make up for that difference.

From monkeying around with the trade machine, they'd pretty much have to send the entire roster, besides Deron and Outlaw. I assume there's no way ORL takes Outlaw's contract.Looks like the Lakers are in a similar boat if Pau isn't included. Alot of crap that ORL doesn't want (esp. World Peace's contract).

 

[biggamer3]

One thing no one mentions is that bynum has only a two year deal. If he starts beasting with magic then he will do what Dwight is doing now next year, not sure magic want that headache unless he comes with Gasol

 

[boubucarow]

I guess an even bigger issue for the Nets: Is there any possible way they can take Hedo's contract? They don't have enough salary to give back, do they?

Looks like they are about 20 million under the cap. Hedo/Howard make 29 million. Any combination of who they would send out would need to make up for that difference.

The Nets deal has legs IMO only if they can take Hedo. Does any other interested team able to that? I know the Bulls have no chance.Can the Bulls trade the rights to Mirotic as well? Could the Bulls pull in JRich and Howard for Deng, Noah, Asik, Mirotic, Bobcats 1st (lottery protected in 12, then top 12, top 10, top 8, unprotected in 16) , and their own 1st?Almost certain it works salary wise.

 

[pollardsvision]

One thing no one mentions is that bynum has only a two year deal. If he starts beasting with magic then he will do what Dwight is doing now next year, not sure magic want that headache unless he comes with Gasol

Good point. I'm not totally convinced that the best move for ORL isn't to ship out Howard/Hedo for all the expiring contracts they can get and completely bottom out (where I'm sure they'll land a once a generation center like the last 2 times).I'm sure Cuban's selling that at this very moment.

 

[Kev4029]

That would be the best PF/C rotation in the history of the NBA

Duncan/Robinson is better, off the top of my head.

I suppose one could say those two are a better pair, I would disagree because of the comparison to their peers. In the late 90s/early 00s Shaq was far and away the best center (and player in the league) and there were a couple others nearly as good as Robinson at the time (Mourning, Dikembe, Wallace, Hakeem). The turn of the century also saw one of the biggest PF talent explosions ever. That era saw Rodman, Malone, Garnett, Kemp, Webber, Dirk, McDyess [people forget how studly he was with good knees], and Antoine Walker [can't believe your Celtics never won anything with him leading the way!]. Through the prime of the Robinson/Duncan era they were both no better than second best at their positions (Shaq and Malone) and right now Howard is the run away best center in the league while Gasol is probably the second best PF in the league (behind Dirk). But, there isn't much argument that Odom isn't far better than anything the Spurs were running out as their backup PF, unless you are a big Will Purdue or Malik Rose fan. Running Gasol/Odom or Howard/Odom would still be one of the best PF/C pairs in the league, you couldn't say that about anything involving Purdue or Rose.

 

[the moops]

The Nets deal has legs IMO only if they can take Hedo. Does any other interested team able to that? I know the Bulls have no chance.

Bulls can offer up Noah/Deng/Boozer and take back Howard/Hedo/Redick.That leaves Bulls with no power forward and Hedo as the starting small forward, which is pretty ugly.

 

[tommyGunZ]

The part that just doesn't make sense from the Lakers perspective is the Odom trade. If Bynum and Pau are in the Howard trade, why wouldn't LA keep Odom to play PF beside Howard instead of having a gigantic hole? Makes me think the assets acquired in the Odom trade (the Dallas #1 and the trade exception) are essential to the Howard trade. And if Bynum AND Gasol are involved in the Howard trade, those assets shouldn't be necessary.

Probably showing my homer bias, but I'm still thinking Kupchak believes he can get Howard for Bynum w/o including Pau.

 

[boubucarow]

The Nets deal has legs IMO only if they can take Hedo. Does any other interested team able to that? I know the Bulls have no chance.

Bulls can offer up Noah/Deng/Boozer and take back Howard/Hedo/Redick.That leaves Bulls with no power forward and Hedo as the starting small forward, which is pretty ugly.

No chance meant there is no way I saw the Magic taking Boozer.That would actually leave the Bulls with Gibson at PF.

 

[pollardsvision]

The part that just doesn't make sense from the Lakers perspective is the Odom trade. If Bynum and Pau are in the Howard trade, why wouldn't LA keep Odom to play PF beside Howard instead of having a gigantic hole? Makes me think the assets acquired in the Odom trade (the Dallas #1 and the trade exception) are essential to the Howard trade. And if Bynum AND Gasol are involved in the Howard trade, those assets shouldn't be necessary.Probably showing my homer bias, but I'm still thinking Kupchak believes he can get Howard for Bynum w/o including Pau.

Would the Odom trade exception allow the Lakers to take back Hedo's contract without including Pau?I'm not familiar with how trade exceptions work.

 

[the moops]

Would the Odom trade exception allow the Lakers to take back Hedo's contract without including Pau?I'm not familiar with how trade exceptions work.

I think it would be. But, Bynum + getting rid of Hedo + a few ####ty draft picks, is not enough of an incentive to let Howard go.

 

[biggamer3]

I know this will never happen but by god it makes SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much sense!

Clippers deal Eric Gordon and Minny 2012 first round unprotected pick for Paul. Cant see Hornets turning this down as its everything Stern wants for Paul, a young all star and a great future pick.

Now the Clips offer Blake for Howard. Not sure about Cap room possibilities but if they have to throw in Kaman or whatever to get it done the Magic will auto accept.

IMO Howard is better then Blake and still almost as young as Blake, thus making him a better player.

Clips would need assurances that they will both resign with them and they are title contenders THIS YEAR.

Howard

Jordan

Aminu

Butler

Paul

Why wouldnt they do this?

 

[Good Posting Judge]

What if every team traded every player to some other team at once?

 

[timschochet]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago.

Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

 

[tommyGunZ]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago. Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

tim, the Lakers just signed a massive TV deal that will pay an insane amount of local TV money starting next year ($150M+). The Lakers are not trying to "save money".

 

[Gr00vus]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago. Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

You're such a drama queen. There's no way they're going to scuttle their immediate winning chances if they're keeping Kobe on the roster. Stop buying in to every rumor and just wait and see what actually transpires.

 

[biggamer3]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago. Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

You're such a drama queen. There's no way they're going to scuttle their immediate winning chances if they're keeping Kobe on the roster. Stop buying in to every rumor and just wait and see what actually transpires.

What still makes no sense to me is why the hurry to deal Odom to Mavs so quickly? Mavs were going to do the Odom deal in a week if Lakers told them in a week they would do it, now if Dwight deal stalls they lost Odom for a TPE and a bad first round pick

 

[oneohh]

Who in their right mind would trade for Bynum? If the Lakers get away with flipping another bum for a superstar you should tighten up all your favorite WWE-esque conspiracy theories, 'cause it's 'game on' again. What a joke.

 

[biggamer3]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

 

[biggamer3]

As expected the Bulls are entering the Howard trade zone

 

[timschochet]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago. Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

You're such a drama queen. There's no way they're going to scuttle their immediate winning chances if they're keeping Kobe on the roster. Stop buying in to every rumor and just wait and see what actually transpires.

I am a drama queen, admitted. I hope you/'re right. I can't understand why Odom was traded to the Mavericks at this time, without assurance of a larger deal for Howard in place. Can you explain it?

 

[timschochet]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago.

Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

tim, the Lakers just signed a massive TV deal that will pay an insane amount of local TV money starting next year ($150M+). The Lakers are not trying to "save money".

This is from Sports Illustrated:It's an astonishingly low price that Dallas will pay for Odom, and the latest indication that the times and priorities may be changing in L.A. With Lakers executive Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss, heading the operation these days, the Odom trade will do little to change the opinion of those who believe they Lakers are "in cost-cutting mode," as one source close to the situation said. "I think the Buss' kids are now running the team, for the most part, and they're trying to make as much money as they can," the source said. "Everything is changing there."

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/11/lakers.odom/index.html#ixzz1gFIJY7Sz

So you and Gr00vus don't want to believe it, heck I don't want to believe it either. But it appears to be happening.

 

[Sea Duck]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Okafor is a victim of his own contract.

 

[biggamer3]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Okafor is a victim of his own contract.

And its not even that bad by NBA Centers standards. I would rather him then Deandre Jordan who is getting 4/40 now.If Oak was a FA this offseason, i could for sure see a team giving him a 4/40 deal. So He is making 3/36 for next 3 years, its not that bad

 

[Abraham]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Oh, not me. I'd love for him to come to Houston. I'd rather have him at 13 then nene at 15

 

[biggamer3]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Oh, not me. I'd love for him to come to Houston. I'd rather have him at 13 then nene at 15

I love Tyson signing for Knicks as they badly needed a center. But I think I would have preferred Okafor to Chandler primarily because of the health issues.Oak has missed 10 games COMBINED over last 4 seasons whil Chandler has had two of last three seasons be derailed by injuries.Oak is same exact age, has been a better scorer, shotblocker and rebounder. Actually damn, this dude is worth the contract he has. On the right team Oak is a beast like Chandler was finally considered good on the right team.

 

[Kev4029]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Here is another comparison for everybody (Stats/36 minutes):11.7 pts (.573), 10.8 reb, 2.0 blk, 29 YO this season - Okafor who is perceived as overpaid at $12.5m13.1 pts (.654), 12.1 reb, 1.4 blk 29 YO this season - Chandler who just signed a $14m/yr contract13.2 pts (.527), 7.9 reb, 1.9 blk, 27 YO this season - Gasol who may be getting a max contract ($18.6m/yr)17.1 pts (.615), 9.0 reb, 1.1 blk, 29 YO this season - Nene who may be getting a max contract10.0 pts (.686), 10.1 reb, 2.5 blk, 23 YO this season - DeAndre Johnson probably getting a ~$10m/yr contract12.3 pts (.599), 10.8 reb, 2.9 blk, 33 YO this season - Chris Andersen, included because I need some hope for the Nuggets, even though he can only play about 20 mpg.Gasol is gonna end up with probably the highest paid contract of any center other than Howard, Duncan and Bynum when he is probably much closer to a middle of the pack center than a top flight center and people aren't surprised by this. At the same time, Okafor is paid like a borderline top 10 center and performs as such, yet he is perceived as very overpaid. Strange.

 

[Kev4029]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Oh, not me. I'd love for him to come to Houston. I'd rather have him at 13 then nene at 15

I love Tyson signing for Knicks as they badly needed a center. But I think I would have preferred Okafor to Chandler primarily because of the health issues.Oak has missed 10 games COMBINED over last 4 seasons whil Chandler has had two of last three seasons be derailed by injuries.Oak is same exact age, has been a better scorer, shotblocker and rebounder. Actually damn, this dude is worth the contract he has. On the right team Oak is a beast like Chandler was finally considered good on the right team.

Okafor has a history of injuries himself, hes managed to play a whole lot of games these last 4 years, but he has some serious (or at least formerly serious) back issues which I imagine will pop up again here in the next couple years.

 

[tommyGunZ]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago.

Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

tim, the Lakers just signed a massive TV deal that will pay an insane amount of local TV money starting next year ($150M+). The Lakers are not trying to "save money".

This is from Sports Illustrated:It's an astonishingly low price that Dallas will pay for Odom, and the latest indication that the times and priorities may be changing in L.A. With Lakers executive Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss, heading the operation these days, the Odom trade will do little to change the opinion of those who believe they Lakers are "in cost-cutting mode," as one source close to the situation said. "I think the Buss' kids are now running the team, for the most part, and they're trying to make as much money as they can," the source said. "Everything is changing there."

Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/sam_amick/12/11/lakers.odom/index.html#ixzz1gFIJY7Sz

So you and Gr00vus don't want to believe it, heck I don't want to believe it either. But it appears to be happening.

B/c Sam Amick says so?

 

[biggamer3]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Here is another comparison for everybody (Stats/36 minutes):11.7 pts (.573), 10.8 reb, 2.0 blk, 29 YO this season - Okafor who is perceived as overpaid at $12.5m13.1 pts (.654), 12.1 reb, 1.4 blk 29 YO this season - Chandler who just signed a $14m/yr contract13.2 pts (.527), 7.9 reb, 1.9 blk, 27 YO this season - Gasol who may be getting a max contract ($18.6m/yr)17.1 pts (.615), 9.0 reb, 1.1 blk, 29 YO this season - Nene who may be getting a max contract10.0 pts (.686), 10.1 reb, 2.5 blk, 23 YO this season - DeAndre Johnson probably getting a ~$10m/yr contract12.3 pts (.599), 10.8 reb, 2.9 blk, 33 YO this season - Chris Andersen, included because I need some hope for the Nuggets, even though he can only play about 20 mpg.Gasol is gonna end up with probably the highest paid contract of any center other than Howard, Duncan and Bynum when he is probably much closer to a middle of the pack center than a top flight center and people aren't surprised by this. At the same time, Okafor is paid like a borderline top 10 center and performs as such, yet he is perceived as very overpaid. Strange.

good job, glad to see Chandler is a better rebounder then Okafor. I never thought Okafor was a bum, but the way these trade pundits are saying that Hornets should toss in Okafor to shed payroll was crazy as he is an asset IMO. He might have been injured 5 years ago but 10 games missed in 4 seasons is as good as it gets for an NBA center.If i had to choose between Chandler and Oak right now i think i would go with the safer pick in Okafor. IMO he is very similar to Chandler.

 

[timschochet]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago.

Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

tim, the Lakers just signed a massive TV deal that will pay an insane amount of local TV money starting next year ($150M+). The Lakers are not trying to "save money".

This is from Sports Illustrated:It's an astonishingly low price that Dallas will pay for Odom, and the latest indication that the times and priorities may be changing in L.A. With Lakers executive Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss, heading the operation these days, the Odom trade will do little to change the opinion of those who believe they Lakers are "in cost-cutting mode," as one source close to the situation said. "I think the Buss' kids are now running the team, for the most part, and they're trying to make as much money as they can," the source said. "Everything is changing there."

Read more: http://sportsillustr...l#ixzz1gFIJY7Sz

So you and Gr00vus don't want to believe it, heck I don't want to believe it either. But it appears to be happening.

B/c Sam Amick says so?

No, but he's quoting sources. Maybe those sources are completely wrong. I hope so. What do you think is going on?

 

[Kev4029]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Oh, not me. I'd love for him to come to Houston. I'd rather have him at 13 then nene at 15

I think it would depend on what you were looking for, Nene is a legit scoring option and a strong post defender, Okafor is good help defender and a decent post defender who is also a good rebounder. Nene matches up better with the big centers because hes stronger and bigger and doesn't have much of an issue holding his position. Nene fits better with more PF (or center) teammates because hes big enough to play center and quick enough to play PF while being a well rounded offensive big man (passes extremely well out of the post, and has a very good face up game. Okafor has a mediocre offensive game which has to be played at the hoop so he needs a high post PF (like West or Scola on your Rockets) or he would be a complete waste on offense. And like I've mentioned a few times in this offseason, offense>defense especially with a low post player that needs a double team.

 

[Kev4029]

And I love people making Okafor into a total bum. Dude is a Center who gets 10/10 and close to 2 blocks a game every year. He is slightly overpaid at 13M a year, but he is far from a throw in IMO

Here is another comparison for everybody (Stats/36 minutes):11.7 pts (.573), 10.8 reb, 2.0 blk, 29 YO this season - Okafor who is perceived as overpaid at $12.5m

13.1 pts (.654), 12.1 reb, 1.4 blk 29 YO this season - Chandler who just signed a $14m/yr contract

13.2 pts (.527), 7.9 reb, 1.9 blk, 27 YO this season - Gasol who may be getting a max contract ($18.6m/yr)

17.1 pts (.615), 9.0 reb, 1.1 blk, 29 YO this season - Nene who may be getting a max contract

10.0 pts (.686), 10.1 reb, 2.5 blk, 23 YO this season - DeAndre Johnson probably getting a ~$10m/yr contract

12.3 pts (.599), 10.8 reb, 2.9 blk, 33 YO this season - Chris Andersen, included because I need some hope for the Nuggets, even though he can only play about 20 mpg.

Gasol is gonna end up with probably the highest paid contract of any center other than Howard, Duncan and Bynum when he is probably much closer to a middle of the pack center than a top flight center and people aren't surprised by this. At the same time, Okafor is paid like a borderline top 10 center and performs as such, yet he is perceived as very overpaid. Strange.

good job, glad to see Chandler is a better rebounder then Okafor. I never thought Okafor was a bum, but the way these trade pundits are saying that Hornets should toss in Okafor to shed payroll was crazy as he is an asset IMO. He might have been injured 5 years ago but 10 games missed in 4 seasons is as good as it gets for an NBA center.

If i had to choose between Chandler and Oak right now i think i would go with the safer pick in Okafor. IMO he is very similar to Chandler.

I would agree with that and that was pretty much the point I was trying to make. People get too wrapped up in hype sometimes.

 

[tommyGunZ]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago.

Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

tim, the Lakers just signed a massive TV deal that will pay an insane amount of local TV money starting next year ($150M+). The Lakers are not trying to "save money".

This is from Sports Illustrated:It's an astonishingly low price that Dallas will pay for Odom, and the latest indication that the times and priorities may be changing in L.A. With Lakers executive Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss, heading the operation these days, the Odom trade will do little to change the opinion of those who believe they Lakers are "in cost-cutting mode," as one source close to the situation said. "I think the Buss' kids are now running the team, for the most part, and they're trying to make as much money as they can," the source said. "Everything is changing there."

Read more: http://sportsillustr...l#ixzz1gFIJY7Sz

So you and Gr00vus don't want to believe it, heck I don't want to believe it either. But it appears to be happening.

B/c Sam Amick says so?

No, but he's quoting sources. Maybe those sources are completely wrong. I hope so. What do you think is going on?

I think Howard is coming, and I think either Gasol is staying, or the Lakers are going to bring in another PF if they don't get another big in the Howard trade. In other words, I think the Odom trade was for flexibility/trade assets, and not an attempt to dump a $9M salary. I think that money will simply be spent on someone else.

 

[Kev4029]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago.

Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

tim, the Lakers just signed a massive TV deal that will pay an insane amount of local TV money starting next year ($150M+). The Lakers are not trying to "save money".

This is from Sports Illustrated:It's an astonishingly low price that Dallas will pay for Odom, and the latest indication that the times and priorities may be changing in L.A. With Lakers executive Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss, heading the operation these days, the Odom trade will do little to change the opinion of those who believe they Lakers are "in cost-cutting mode," as one source close to the situation said. "I think the Buss' kids are now running the team, for the most part, and they're trying to make as much money as they can," the source said. "Everything is changing there."

Read more: http://sportsillustr...l#ixzz1gFIJY7Sz

So you and Gr00vus don't want to believe it, heck I don't want to believe it either. But it appears to be happening.

B/c Sam Amick says so?

No, but he's quoting sources. Maybe those sources are completely wrong. I hope so. What do you think is going on?

I think Howard is coming, and I think either Gasol is staying, or the Lakers are going to bring in another PF if they don't get another big in the Howard trade. In other words, I think the Odom trade was for flexibility/trade assets, and not an attempt to dump a $9M salary. I think that money will simply be spent on someone else.

Big Baby = RINGS

 

[DaveGrumbles]

It appears that my biggest fears as a Lakers fan are being confirmed. Apparently the Lakers have traded Lamar Odom as a cost cutting move, and Jim Buss's first priority is to save money. Yes, they would still like to get Dwight Howard, but that is nowhere near a locked deal and they're going to have to compete with the likes of New Jersey and Chicago.

Trading Odom to Dallas, our biggest competitor, for a couple of future draft picks and an exemption is a terrible decision if our goal is to win more championships in the near future. I was sort of hoping that the remaining years of Kobe Bryant would be years in which the Lakers competed for the title again. Now I'm starting to wonder if, with Jim Buss in charge, that is the case. Guess we'll see.

tim, the Lakers just signed a massive TV deal that will pay an insane amount of local TV money starting next year ($150M+). The Lakers are not trying to "save money".

This is from Sports Illustrated:It's an astonishingly low price that Dallas will pay for Odom, and the latest indication that the times and priorities may be changing in L.A. With Lakers executive Jim Buss, the son of owner Jerry Buss, heading the operation these days, the Odom trade will do little to change the opinion of those who believe they Lakers are "in cost-cutting mode," as one source close to the situation said. "I think the Buss' kids are now running the team, for the most part, and they're trying to make as much money as they can," the source said. "Everything is changing there."

Read more: http://sportsillustr...l#ixzz1gFIJY7Sz

So you and Gr00vus don't want to believe it, heck I don't want to believe it either. But it appears to be happening.

B/c Sam Amick says so?

No, but he's quoting sources. Maybe those sources are completely wrong. I hope so. What do you think is going on?

This is more like one way of interpreting the current corner that the Lakers have been painted into with these trade vetoes. The Lakers are now forced to move two guys who have been traded twice. Motivating Odom is already hard enough without this kind of stuff hanging over the locker room. This isn't a change in philosophy just a change in strategy in order to get out from under the NBA veto-fest. They will package Dallas' exception (among other things I'm sure) with Gasol for Howard or something else.

 

[the moops]

They will package Dallas' exception (among other things I'm sure) with Gasol for Howard or something else.

There is nothing else they can offer besides Bynum though. The draft picks they have are worthless, and there is nobody else on their roster that Orlando wants besides Bynum. Orlando doesn't take Gasol and draft picks for Howard and Hedo.I'm sure the lakers have a plan, but it sure is difficult to figure out what that plan is right now.

 

[Premier]

I'm starting to warm up to that Gasol/Bynum thing for Dwight.

 

[Kev4029]

I'm starting to warm up to that Gasol/Bynum thing for Dwight.

I think it would be a pretty good trade for Orlando. Nelson, DuhonReddickJ-Rich, Q-RichGasol, Anderson, Big BabyBynum, Big BabyThat's a decent start to a team, if they could somehow land a good SG (I think this would be preferred as I think that Richardson should move to SF and think that change should have been made 5 years ago) or a SF that would be near a 50 win team IMO. And if somehow Bynum could take a step forward and stay healthy they could still compete with Chicago/New York/Atlanta/everybody but Miami in the east. They would be incredibly desperate for another wing though.

 

[Daywalker]

No way do I believe the Odom deal was a cost-cutting measure. Not with 2-3 years of elite Kobe left. Would be hell to pay.

Perhaps it is Bynum and the trade-exception for Howard and Hedo. That might be preferable for Orlando then Bynum and Odom.

 

[shadyridr]

I'm starting to warm up to that Gasol/Bynum thing for Dwight.

its a ####in haul. doubt la would do that