:X Lakers 13/14 Thread: 6th Draft Slot "Locked Up" :BYE: (1 Viewer)

[Gr00vus]

They are not managing the cap efficiently

Because they'll have only one guy under contract next year (and that's if they don't deal Nash) and will have a ton of cap space?

 

[ShaHBucks]

Only real hope is to amnesty Kobe and his 30m. It's probably too late for that with the bigger name FA already finding teams. They are fkd capped wise because they could only sign their own players like D12. The only sign and trade I could see is bringing back Bynum but I doubt Hinkie is interested in that.

I don't really understand the point of amnestying Kobe at this time. The time to do that was before Howard left, not after. Now you'd just be begging Cuban to sign him for league minimum and laugh at your sorry ### for having to pay for most of Kobe's salary and get no benefit from it. If they amnesty MWP they'd alleviate much of their luxury tax hit. If they could find a taker for Nash or Gasol, it'd be gone altogether. Kobe's not going anywhere - suggesting that as a realistic option is as stupid as thinking the everyone wants to play for the Lakers just because they're the Lakers.

1) they can't afford him.2) he's not worth 30m.3) he's not healthy4) he's oldI'm really saying they should, but the won't amnesty Kobe. I'm sure some team will bid a good amount of money on Kobe and you won't get hit for the entire 30m. You're right, the time to do that has past. If Kobe and Dwight really had bad blood that could have been a negotiation tactic. Cut Kobe and sign Iggy and J-Smooth or whatever... Then at the deadline you can trade for anyone by offering expiring contracts since every player except Nash and whoever you signed is off the books next year.

Given where the team is and their prospects for this season, he's pretty much the only draw they have. Without him they'd be looking at plenty of empty seats this season. Like it or not the guy sells tickets, tshirts, jerseys, ads, t.v. programming, etc.

If you check attendance records historically winning sells tickets. From a economical standpoint keeping Kobe makes no sense in a league with a salary cap. They only play they have now is dumping expiring contracts near the deadline. LA only has 9mil commited next season.

At this point keeping Kobe makes perfect sense, particularly if you think you might want to bring him back next year. I don't know why you keep belaboring this now after Howard is gone, you haven't really made any salient points.

Bring him back an you'll fight for the 7-8th seed and lose in the 1st round of the playoffs. It will be like the days when Steve Nash sent Kobe home in back-to-back season when he wasn't playing along side a dominte big (how ironic with Nash and D'Antoni as Lakers).I told all my friends last year Bynum for Dwight wasn't a dramatic upgrade even though Dwight is better. I also said this team was old as #### and you have to expect them to decline and/or get injured at this point, which is still true. Gasol and Nash are still better than a average player but they fell of a cliff compared to their usual production last season. I'm sure Dwight thought the same thing before he choose Hou. Hell, Hou summer league team might be better than the Lakers.They are not managing the cap efficiently and they can't make any moves because of it. Without examining every roster Hou, Sa, GS, Okc, Memp, and LaC are all better teams even with a unhealthy Dwight that I watched last season. The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

Who are the Lakers signing that's going to matter at all this year if they amnesty Kobe?That would be the only reason to do it, but there are no options there. It won't save them money or help them get meaningfully better.He'd just sign somewhere else while LA still pays him. He'd probably go to a contender for the league minimum just to stick it to the Lakers.Now, if they could find away to deal his expiring contract for some young assets, that would be great, but I'd imagine that's nearly impossible. They'd have to take back some really bad deals and anybody doing this wouldn't be forking over anybody good and young. Nobody could use a $30 mill. expiring contract more than the Lakers.

Well amnesty doesn't work that way. There are still players left to sign if you free up 30M. I would have went after Iggy and J-Smooth/Milsap while still maintaining the right to offer Dwight the best contract he could sign. I don't really feel like getting into who's left because it won't happen.

 

[ShaHBucks]

They are not managing the cap efficiently

Because they'll have only one guy under contract next year (and that's if they don't deal Nash) and will have a ton of cap space?

They've been repeat tax offenders. It's not major league baseball. LA will struggle to make the playoffs with one of the highest team salary's, so yes they are not managing the cap efficiently.

 

[Gr00vus]

They are not managing the cap efficiently

Because they'll have only one guy under contract next year (and that's if they don't deal Nash) and will have a ton of cap space?

They've been repeat tax offenders. It's not major league baseball. LA will struggle to make the playoffs with one of the highest team salary's, so yes they are not managing the cap efficiently.

For one season. They took their shot at Howard and missed. They also had a deal that sent out Gasol for Paul 2 years ago that the league vetoed. So it's not like they've been clueless here, their best efforts haven't panned out. Being over the cap this year is not ideal but it's better than signing "good" guys to long term deals that won't get you anywhere near a championship. There wasn't a free agent on the market this offseason other than Howard that could have put them in the title contention conversation. In the face of the fact that they're about to have tons of cap space heading into a couple of years where some interesting free agents may/will hit the market your argument that they're not managing cap space well is frankly laughable.

 

[pollardsvision]

Only real hope is to amnesty Kobe and his 30m. It's probably too late for that with the bigger name FA already finding teams. They are fkd capped wise because they could only sign their own players like D12. The only sign and trade I could see is bringing back Bynum but I doubt Hinkie is interested in that.

I don't really understand the point of amnestying Kobe at this time. The time to do that was before Howard left, not after. Now you'd just be begging Cuban to sign him for league minimum and laugh at your sorry ### for having to pay for most of Kobe's salary and get no benefit from it. If they amnesty MWP they'd alleviate much of their luxury tax hit. If they could find a taker for Nash or Gasol, it'd be gone altogether. Kobe's not going anywhere - suggesting that as a realistic option is as stupid as thinking the everyone wants to play for the Lakers just because they're the Lakers.

1) they can't afford him.2) he's not worth 30m.3) he's not healthy4) he's oldI'm really saying they should, but the won't amnesty Kobe. I'm sure some team will bid a good amount of money on Kobe and you won't get hit for the entire 30m. You're right, the time to do that has past. If Kobe and Dwight really had bad blood that could have been a negotiation tactic. Cut Kobe and sign Iggy and J-Smooth or whatever... Then at the deadline you can trade for anyone by offering expiring contracts since every player except Nash and whoever you signed is off the books next year.

Given where the team is and their prospects for this season, he's pretty much the only draw they have. Without him they'd be looking at plenty of empty seats this season. Like it or not the guy sells tickets, tshirts, jerseys, ads, t.v. programming, etc.

If you check attendance records historically winning sells tickets. From a economical standpoint keeping Kobe makes no sense in a league with a salary cap. They only play they have now is dumping expiring contracts near the deadline. LA only has 9mil commited next season.

At this point keeping Kobe makes perfect sense, particularly if you think you might want to bring him back next year. I don't know why you keep belaboring this now after Howard is gone, you haven't really made any salient points.

Bring him back an you'll fight for the 7-8th seed and lose in the 1st round of the playoffs. It will be like the days when Steve Nash sent Kobe home in back-to-back season when he wasn't playing along side a dominte big (how ironic with Nash and D'Antoni as Lakers).I told all my friends last year Bynum for Dwight wasn't a dramatic upgrade even though Dwight is better. I also said this team was old as #### and you have to expect them to decline and/or get injured at this point, which is still true. Gasol and Nash are still better than a average player but they fell of a cliff compared to their usual production last season. I'm sure Dwight thought the same thing before he choose Hou. Hell, Hou summer league team might be better than the Lakers.They are not managing the cap efficiently and they can't make any moves because of it. Without examining every roster Hou, Sa, GS, Okc, Memp, and LaC are all better teams even with a unhealthy Dwight that I watched last season. The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

Who are the Lakers signing that's going to matter at all this year if they amnesty Kobe?That would be the only reason to do it, but there are no options there. It won't save them money or help them get meaningfully better.He'd just sign somewhere else while LA still pays him. He'd probably go to a contender for the league minimum just to stick it to the Lakers.Now, if they could find away to deal his expiring contract for some young assets, that would be great, but I'd imagine that's nearly impossible. They'd have to take back some really bad deals and anybody doing this wouldn't be forking over anybody good and young. Nobody could use a $30 mill. expiring contract more than the Lakers.

Well amnesty doesn't work that way. There are still players left to sign if you free up 30M. I would have went after Iggy and J-Smooth/Milsap while still maintaining the right to offer Dwight the best contract he could sign. I don't really feel like getting into who's left because it won't happen.

I believe amestying Kobe would put the Lakers at $47 mill. this season and only 8 players. Not sure what the salary cap is or how much would have to be held for each of the 5 empty roster spots, but I think it's safe to say they weren't getting Iggy or Smith even by amnestying Kobe.

Then there's the issue that neither of those moves would've wise anyway.

 

[rodg12]

They are not managing the cap efficiently

Because they'll have only one guy under contract next year (and that's if they don't deal Nash) and will have a ton of cap space?

They've been repeat tax offenders. It's not major league baseball. LA will struggle to make the playoffs with one of the highest team salary's, so yes they are not managing the cap efficiently.

For one season. They took their shot at Howard and missed. They also had a deal that sent out Gasol for Paul 2 years ago that the league vetoed. So it's not like they've been clueless here, their best efforts haven't panned out. Being over the cap this year is not ideal but it's better than signing "good" guys to long term deals that won't get you anywhere near a championship. There wasn't a free agent on the market this offseason other than Howard that could have put them in the title contention conversation. In the face of the fact that they're about to have tons of cap space heading into a couple of years where some interesting free agents may/will hit the market your argument that they're not managing cap space well is frankly laughable.

The NBA owners sure have the fans fooled. Everybody making a big deal about being over the cap and paying luxury tax now. Everybody cool with that money going into the owners' pockets to stay at or under the cap.

 

[Gr00vus]

Lakers signing Chris Kaman to a 1 year deal for the mini mid level exception.

Who needs Howard?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Cave man is underrated when healthy. I like the move, especially for the mini exception.

 

[Gr00vus]

Cave man is underrated when healthy. I like the move, especially for the mini exception.

Yeah, like I said before, they could do a lot worse for the money.

 

[Gr00vus]

Kevin Ding reporting the Lakers are going to amnesty Metta World Peace.

It was worth it for the one championship I think.

I'm sending in my resume to be the starting 3 for the team. I figure I'll get backup at least - suck it Gunz.

Just another example of the "poor cap management" - right ShABucks?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Kevin Ding reporting the Lakers are going to amnesty Metta World Peace.

It was worth it for the one championship I think.

I'm sending in my resume to be the starting 3 for the team. I figure I'll get backup at least - suck it Gunz.

You'll be starting by playoff time.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Sooooo who starts at the 3? They can't sign anybody really because they're still over the cap, right?

 

[EYLive]

The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

You mean like block the Chris Paul trade for no reason?

The reason was it was a horrible trade personnel and salary wise for the hornets and the owners of the team (the nba) thought so as well. The trade wasn't helping them on the court or for profitability. The GM should have ran the deal past his owners, knowing approval was necessary, before it being leaked in the press.

Kevin Martin, Scola, Odom and a 1st round pick is horrible? If that imbecile, Stern, wanted to do Dell Demps' job, he should just say so.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Sooooo who starts at the 3? They can't sign anybody really because they're still over the cap, right?

Take this one for me Gr00vus

 

[ShaHBucks]

Cave man is underrated when healthy. I like the move, especially for the mini exception.

Yeah, like I said before, they could do a lot worse for the money.

He stinks

 

[Daywalker]

The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

You mean like block the Chris Paul trade for no reason?

The reason was it was a horrible trade personnel and salary wise for the hornets and the owners of the team (the nba) thought so as well. The trade wasn't helping them on the court or for profitability. The GM should have ran the deal past his owners, knowing approval was necessary, before it being leaked in the press.

Kevin Martin, Scola, Odom and a 1st round pick is horrible? If that imbecile, Stern, wanted to do Dell Demps' job, he should just say so.

Kevin Martin, Lamb, Jones and a 1st round pick for Harden. Where was Stern when you needed him?

 

[Abraham]

The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

You mean like block the Chris Paul trade for no reason?

The reason was it was a horrible trade personnel and salary wise for the hornets and the owners of the team (the nba) thought so as well. The trade wasn't helping them on the court or for profitability. The GM should have ran the deal past his owners, knowing approval was necessary, before it being leaked in the press.

Kevin Martin, Scola, Odom and a 1st round pick is horrible? If that imbecile, Stern, wanted to do Dell Demps' job, he should just say so.

Kevin Martin, Lamb, Jones and a 1st round pick for Harden. Where was Stern when you needed him?

Who is Jones? Terrence Jones is still a rocket.

 

[Daywalker]

The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

You mean like block the Chris Paul trade for no reason?

The reason was it was a horrible trade personnel and salary wise for the hornets and the owners of the team (the nba) thought so as well. The trade wasn't helping them on the court or for profitability. The GM should have ran the deal past his owners, knowing approval was necessary, before it being leaked in the press.

Kevin Martin, Scola, Odom and a 1st round pick is horrible? If that imbecile, Stern, wanted to do Dell Demps' job, he should just say so.

Kevin Martin, Lamb, Jones and a 1st round pick for Harden. Where was Stern when you needed him?

Who is Jones? Terrence Jones is still a rocket.

Was thinking Perry Jones. But that is wrong. Martin, Lamb and the first-rounder. Wasn't their another pick/player?

 

[Short Corner]

The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

You mean like block the Chris Paul trade for no reason?

The reason was it was a horrible trade personnel and salary wise for the hornets and the owners of the team (the nba) thought so as well. The trade wasn't helping them on the court or for profitability. The GM should have ran the deal past his owners, knowing approval was necessary, before it being leaked in the press.

Kevin Martin, Scola, Odom and a 1st round pick is horrible? If that imbecile, Stern, wanted to do Dell Demps' job, he should just say so.

Kevin Martin, Lamb, Jones and a 1st round pick for Harden. Where was Stern when you needed him?

When was he ever owner of the rockets/thunder?

 

[Abraham]

The Lakers are ####ed for a long time unless they change their game plan or the new comish "does something" like Stern would have.

You mean like block the Chris Paul trade for no reason?

The reason was it was a horrible trade personnel and salary wise for the hornets and the owners of the team (the nba) thought so as well. The trade wasn't helping them on the court or for profitability. The GM should have ran the deal past his owners, knowing approval was necessary, before it being leaked in the press.

Kevin Martin, Scola, Odom and a 1st round pick is horrible? If that imbecile, Stern, wanted to do Dell Demps' job, he should just say so.

Kevin Martin, Lamb, Jones and a 1st round pick for Harden. Where was Stern when you needed him?

Who is Jones? Terrence Jones is still a rocket.

Was thinking Perry Jones. But that is wrong. Martin, Lamb and the first-rounder. Wasn't their another pick/player?

Martin, Lamb, 2 firsts (including the Raptors pick) and a second.

 

[Gr00vus]

Sooooo who starts at the 3? They can't sign anybody really because they're still over the cap, right?

Take this one for me Gr00vus

They can sign anyone willing to take the veteran minimum.

 

[Gr00vus]

Cave man is underrated when healthy. I like the move, especially for the mini exception.

Yeah, like I said before, they could do a lot worse for the money.

He stinks

Quality analysis here. I think I'm going to let whatever future trolling you care to do go unanswered.

 

[Gr00vus]

Here's a list of UFA 3's.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Here's a list of UFA 3's.

James Johnson for the minimum please.

 

[Timmay]

Luke Walton? Ahhh!! I see 2006 Lakers all over again.

 

[Gr00vus]

Luke Walton? Ahhh!! I see 2006 Lakers all over again.

Just wait until they bring back Farmar, Vujacic and Odom.

 

[timschochet]

Luke Walton? Ahhh!! I see 2006 Lakers all over again.

Just wait until they bring back Farmar, Vujacic and Odom.

I want Smush!

 

[ShaHBucks]

Cave man is underrated when healthy. I like the move, especially for the mini exception.

Yeah, like I said before, they could do a lot worse for the money.

He stinks

Quality analysis here. I think I'm going to let whatever future trolling you care to do go unanswered.

You're excited about Chris Kamen!? Lol let me break this down for you. The deal is 3.2 mil for one season. Factor in penalties and the deal is 7.5mil. Kamen has never been good. He's had 2 ok seasons in his 10 year career. The last was 2008. He hasn't played over 1400 minutes in 3 years. To top it off he's been awful for the past 4 years. There is smarter ways to spend 7.5 mil, especially after trying to save money by getting rid of MWP. There is logic behind amnestying MWP. Too bad Kobe and Pau eats up majority of the salary cap. They are still over the luxary and that hampers what they can spend. The only options they have is to used their Midlevel Exception to sign their meh players from last season, or sign players for the minimum. Guess what? Both option will come with penalties. And if you read the rules they actually increased the budget by a extra mil because they have to pay the luxary. They would have been better off by doing their due diligence in the d-league or overseas by handing out a bunch of min contracts.

The only players to play in 50 games or over 2000 min was Howard and Kobe. Howard is gone and Kobe might not start the season at least. The only other respectable players on the team were Jamison, Nash, Blake, Jordan Hill and Gasol. Hill is coming off of injury, he can help if he healthy and actually gets time. Of the rest, Gasol is the youngest at 33! Nash, Gasol and Blake played under 50 games last season like I mentioned. I guess now you resign Jamison and hope his level of play stands up. He's not usually as good as he played last season.

They saved a little money. Kaman isn't good. You're stuck with a old roster. The only good young player is Jordan Hill. You won't find a better replacement for Meta most likely. You could have signed some D-League players for the min if you wanted to save a buck. Good job at replacing D12. How can you say they are doing a good job at maximizing the cap? They are wasting money to put a bad team on the floor. If you're tanking because the 2014 draft is supposed to be great than I take everything I said back

 

[ShaHBucks]

Whats the over/under?

 

[drummer]

Luke Walton? Ahhh!! I see 2006 Lakers all over again.

Just wait until they bring back Farmar, Vujacic and Odom.

Is White Chocolate playing anywhere? I mean, even in a rec league.

 

[Gr00vus]

Am I excited about Chris Kaman? No. Could they have done worse for the money?

Kaman's averages last year:

20.7 mpg, 10.5 ppg, 5.6 boards per game, .8 blocks per game, 1.3 assists per game, 50.7% from the field, 78.8% from the line, 3rd highest PER of his career at 16.3. He will make $3,200,000 in 13/14. Expires after that. He's 31 years old.

NBA center A's averages last year:

26.0 mpg, 9.7 ppg, 8.8 boards per game, 1.0 blocks per game, 1.2 assists per game, 47.7% from the field, 57.1% from the line, 8th highest PER of his career at 15.8. He will make $14,544,687 in 13/14. Expires after that. He's 30 years old.

NBA center B's averages last year:

24.7 mpg, 10.3 ppg, 6.4 boards per game, 0.8 blocks per game, 1.6 assists per game, 56% from the field, 74% from the line, 2nd highest PER of his career at 18.7. He will make $9,000,000 in 13/14, with another 3 years at the same price after that. He's 28 years old.

Spoiler

NBA center A is Emeka Okafor, NBA center B is Tiago Splitter.

 

[ShaHBucks]

Am I excited about Chris Kaman? No. Could they have done worse for the money?

Kaman's averages last year:

20.7 mpg, 10.5 ppg, 5.6 boards per game, .8 blocks per game, 1.3 assists per game, 50.7% from the field, 78.8% from the line, 3rd highest PER of his career at 16.3. He will make $3,200,000 in 13/14. Expires after that. He's 31 years old.

NBA center A's averages last year:

26.0 mpg, 9.7 ppg, 8.8 boards per game, 1.0 blocks per game, 1.2 assists per game, 47.7% from the field, 57.1% from the line, 8th highest PER of his career at 15.8. He will make $14,544,687 in 13/14. Expires after that. He's 30 years old.

NBA center B's averages last year:

24.7 mpg, 10.3 ppg, 6.4 boards per game, 0.8 blocks per game, 1.6 assists per game, 56% from the field, 74% from the line, 2nd highest PER of his career at 18.7. He will make $9,000,000 in 13/14, with another 3 years at the same price after that. He's 28 years old.

Spoiler

NBA center A is Emeka Okafor, NBA center B is Tiago Splitter.

I'm really not sure what point your making. Okafo and Splitter have 0 to do with this. Kamen is nowhere near as productive as Splitter on a per min basis. PER is a horrible advance stat to quote for future references. It doen't penalize players for missing shots like Kamen does compared to other good Centers. Thats why you would think Splitter at 56% is just as impressive as Kamen at a better than career avg of 50% last season.

 

[Gr00vus]

Kaman - could the Lakers have done worse for the money, part 2.

Here's a list of all the C and C/PF who played 20+ mpg, ranked by PER from last season.

I guess they could have tried to trade for Koufos, we'll see how much Muellens goes for, Valanciunas and Drumond aren't on the market I don't think (and I doubt the Lakers have anything worth trading for).

Outside of those 4, there isn't a guy on that list who makes $3.2M or less.

 

[Gr00vus]

Jordan Farmar back in camp.

Vujacic, Odom, Walton, Turiaf all still available. I'm sure a last second appeal to Bynum will be happening any time now so they can put the whole band back together. Is Fish still under contract?

 

[sbonomo]

[SIZE=10.5pt]I never thought i would say this but I love what the Lakers are doing here....As an avid Suns fan, i am excited at the downward spiral thanks to mismanagement of a historic franchise. Thanks to the Nash trade we have landed four future draft picks picks. And as an added bonus this team is not going to be able to recover for a long time so our rebuilt team has a good chance of dominating the Lakers for years to come. Lebron James: I give us the same chance of getting him as you. Thank you remaining Buss family for giving me something to look forward to while we rebuild – Suns fans everywhere.[/SIZE]

 

[Gr00vus]

[SIZE=10.5pt]I never thought i would say this but I love what the Lakers are doing here....As an avid Suns fan, i am excited at the downward spiral thanks to mismanagement of a historic franchise. Thanks to the Nash trade we have landed four future draft picks picks. And as an added bonus this team is not going to be able to recover for a long time so our rebuilt team has a good chance of dominating the Lakers for years to come. Lebron James: I give us the same chance of getting him as you. Thank you remaining Buss family for giving me something to look forward to while we rebuild – Suns fans everywhere.[/SIZE]

 

[tommyGunZ]

Jordan Farmar back in camp.

Vujacic, Odom, Walton, Turiaf all still available. I'm sure a last second appeal to Bynum will be happening any time now so they can put the whole band back together. Is Fish still under contract?

I'd welcome Odom back with open arms. The rest? No thanks.

 

[timschochet]

[SIZE=10.5pt]I never thought i would say this but I love what the Lakers are doing here....As an avid Suns fan, i am excited at the downward spiral thanks to mismanagement of a historic franchise. Thanks to the Nash trade we have landed four future draft picks picks. And as an added bonus this team is not going to be able to recover for a long time so our rebuilt team has a good chance of dominating the Lakers for years to come. Lebron James: I give us the same chance of getting him as you. Thank you remaining Buss family for giving me something to look forward to while we rebuild – Suns fans everywhere.[/SIZE]

The Lakers are always eager to play the Suns, just as Alabama is always eager to play Georgia Southern.

 

[Gr00vus]

Jordan Farmar back in camp.

Vujacic, Odom, Walton, Turiaf all still available. I'm sure a last second appeal to Bynum will be happening any time now so they can put the whole band back together. Is Fish still under contract?

I'd welcome Odom back with open arms. The rest? No thanks.

I think a season of The Machine in D'Antoni's system could be fun to watch.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Kevin Ding reporting the Lakers are going to amnesty Metta World Peace.

It was worth it for the one championship I think.

It was worth it for this: "Wheaties!"

I'm a bit torn on amnestying MWP, as on the one hand it smacks of nothing more than a cash-saving exercise, and while the Lakers should be prudent with their money, the franchise shouldn't make moves that negatively affect the team on the court merely to save money. However, if this is Kupchak's way of positioning the team for a shot at a high draft pick in 2014 without blatantly coming out and saying so, I understand (and mostly agree) with the move. And I like what Mitch has done so far. Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I find myself less disappointed than I thought I would be with Howard signing with Houston. He never showed the desire to make the most of his athletic gifts or to integrate himself into the team. I remember thinking how he would flourish in LA with Nash and Kobe running pick and rolls given how he has, statistically speaking, been the most productive player in the league at finishing that type of play. Instead, he wanted to go to the low block and have the ball dumped into him. The problem with that is he hasn't put in the time to develop a low post arsenal that would merit that type of approach. I find it interesting when people say he will now get to learn from McHale and possibly Olajuwon to be a low post player. Well, a pretty decent post player named Kareem offered to help Dwight once he got to LA and Howard never followed up on that. How badly does Dwight want to be a low post threat if he can't even pick up the phone (or ask a Laker staffer to do so) and call the NBA's all-time leading scorer? And doesn't Houston have a key player who is really good at the pick and roll? Is Dwight going to set picks for Harden when he wouldn't do so for Nash? Weird.

The Lakers certainly share a good part of the blame in losing Howard to Houston and they have a number of issues to address before the 2014 off-season. I don't have much faith in D'Antoni (though it was interesting that the Lakers kept him on even though they knew it hurt their chances to keep Dwight), and I'm not enamored of Jim Buss as well, though I am encouraged by the fact that he and Jeannie seem to be mending fences. But I think Mitch will continue to do a good job, though his greatest task lies a year from now. People call Howard going to the Rockets as a watershed moment in Laker history. The 2014 off-season will be a much more significant time, in my opinion.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

[SIZE=10.5pt]I never thought i would say this but I love what the Lakers are doing here....As an avid Suns fan, i am excited at the downward spiral thanks to mismanagement of a historic franchise. Thanks to the Nash trade we have landed four future draft picks picks. And as an added bonus this team is not going to be able to recover for a long time so our rebuilt team has a good chance of dominating the Lakers for years to come. Lebron James: I give us the same chance of getting him as you. Thank you remaining Buss family for giving me something to look forward to while we rebuild – Suns fans everywhere.[/SIZE]

Buss family squabbling >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sarver

 

[Abraham]

Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I disagree. I think they will compete for a playoff spot. Assuming Nash is in better health than last season (doesn't he say that he is?) I think that he and Gasol will be able to more than hold down the fort until Kobe returns. They aren't completely void of talent - Jamison, Kaman....they have some vets that can gut out some games and help them stay competitive. They aren't winning the title and Kobe's injury throws a wet blanket on the first part of the season, but people leaving the team for dead are mistaken IMO. Oh, and Houston/LAL Christmas day - book it (along with Brooklyn/Miami and OKC/SAS).

 

[tommyGunZ]

Kevin Ding reporting the Lakers are going to amnesty Metta World Peace.

It was worth it for the one championship I think.

It was worth it for this: "Wheaties!"

I'm a bit torn on amnestying MWP, as on the one hand it smacks of nothing more than a cash-saving exercise, and while the Lakers should be prudent with their money, the franchise shouldn't make moves that negatively affect the team on the court merely to save money. However, if this is Kupchak's way of positioning the team for a shot at a high draft pick in 2014 without blatantly coming out and saying so, I understand (and mostly agree) with the move. And I like what Mitch has done so far. Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I find myself less disappointed than I thought I would be with Howard signing with Houston. He never showed the desire to make the most of his athletic gifts or to integrate himself into the team. I remember thinking how he would flourish in LA with Nash and Kobe running pick and rolls given how he has, statistically speaking, been the most productive player in the league at finishing that type of play. Instead, he wanted to go to the low block and have the ball dumped into him. The problem with that is he hasn't put in the time to develop a low post arsenal that would merit that type of approach. I find it interesting when people say he will now get to learn from McHale and possibly Olajuwon to be a low post player. Well, a pretty decent post player named Kareem offered to help Dwight once he got to LA and Howard never followed up on that. How badly does Dwight want to be a low post threat if he can't even pick up the phone (or ask a Laker staffer to do so) and call the NBA's all-time leading scorer? And doesn't Houston have a key player who is really good at the pick and roll? Is Dwight going to set picks for Harden when he wouldn't do so for Nash? Weird.

The Lakers certainly share a good part of the blame in losing Howard to Houston and they have a number of issues to address before the 2014 off-season. I don't have much faith in D'Antoni (though it was interesting that the Lakers kept him on even though they knew it hurt their chances to keep Dwight), and I'm not enamored of Jim Buss as well, though I am encouraged by the fact that he and Jeannie seem to be mending fences. But I think Mitch will continue to do a good job, though his greatest task lies a year from now. People call Howard going to the Rockets as a watershed moment in Laker history. The 2014 off-season will be a much more significant time, in my opinion.

Your sentiments w/re to Dwight mirror my own. It's amazing how easy it is to turn the page on his whiny ###.

But it's probably going to be more painful when the season actually starts and the losses mount. Losing Dwight was a monster, monster loss for the franchise.

 

[The Kansas Comet]

Kevin Ding reporting the Lakers are going to amnesty Metta World Peace.

It was worth it for the one championship I think.

It was worth it for this: "Wheaties!"

I'm a bit torn on amnestying MWP, as on the one hand it smacks of nothing more than a cash-saving exercise, and while the Lakers should be prudent with their money, the franchise shouldn't make moves that negatively affect the team on the court merely to save money. However, if this is Kupchak's way of positioning the team for a shot at a high draft pick in 2014 without blatantly coming out and saying so, I understand (and mostly agree) with the move. And I like what Mitch has done so far. Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I find myself less disappointed than I thought I would be with Howard signing with Houston. He never showed the desire to make the most of his athletic gifts or to integrate himself into the team. I remember thinking how he would flourish in LA with Nash and Kobe running pick and rolls given how he has, statistically speaking, been the most productive player in the league at finishing that type of play. Instead, he wanted to go to the low block and have the ball dumped into him. The problem with that is he hasn't put in the time to develop a low post arsenal that would merit that type of approach. I find it interesting when people say he will now get to learn from McHale and possibly Olajuwon to be a low post player. Well, a pretty decent post player named Kareem offered to help Dwight once he got to LA and Howard never followed up on that. How badly does Dwight want to be a low post threat if he can't even pick up the phone (or ask a Laker staffer to do so) and call the NBA's all-time leading scorer? And doesn't Houston have a key player who is really good at the pick and roll? Is Dwight going to set picks for Harden when he wouldn't do so for Nash? Weird.

The Lakers certainly share a good part of the blame in losing Howard to Houston and they have a number of issues to address before the 2014 off-season. I don't have much faith in D'Antoni (though it was interesting that the Lakers kept him on even though they knew it hurt their chances to keep Dwight), and I'm not enamored of Jim Buss as well, though I am encouraged by the fact that he and Jeannie seem to be mending fences. But I think Mitch will continue to do a good job, though his greatest task lies a year from now. People call Howard going to the Rockets as a watershed moment in Laker history. The 2014 off-season will be a much more significant time, in my opinion.

Your sentiments w/re to Dwight mirror my own. It's amazing how easy it is to turn the page on his whiny ###.

But it's probably going to be more painful when the season actually starts and the losses mount. Losing Dwight was a monster, monster loss for the franchise.

True. It will be, especially as Dwight may play better as he gets healthier and feels more comfortable. Of course, I don't think Dwight would have felt comfortable enough to be the player in LA that he may be in Houston. Next year will be unpleasant to watch, especially if Kobe's recovery takes longer than he thinks, and if it hurts his play on the court more than many anticipate. I am looking forward to seeing Pau get the ball more, though. He is a good fit in the post with his passing and court awareness. Of course, MDA could try and mess with his head again next season.

 

[sbonomo]

[SIZE=10.5pt]I never thought i would say this but I love what the Lakers are doing here....As an avid Suns fan, i am excited at the downward spiral thanks to mismanagement of a historic franchise. Thanks to the Nash trade we have landed four future draft picks picks. And as an added bonus this team is not going to be able to recover for a long time so our rebuilt team has a good chance of dominating the Lakers for years to come. Lebron James: I give us the same chance of getting him as you. Thank you remaining Buss family for giving me something to look forward to while we rebuild – Suns fans everywhere.[/SIZE]

Buss family squabbling >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sarver

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c339/TucsonDevil/a449b3c355fec84a1220b5e4f40868d8-ge.jpg Sarvers wife >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> buss family

 

[Gr00vus]

Kevin Ding reporting the Lakers are going to amnesty Metta World Peace.

It was worth it for the one championship I think.

It was worth it for this: "Wheaties!"

I'm a bit torn on amnestying MWP, as on the one hand it smacks of nothing more than a cash-saving exercise, and while the Lakers should be prudent with their money, the franchise shouldn't make moves that negatively affect the team on the court merely to save money. However, if this is Kupchak's way of positioning the team for a shot at a high draft pick in 2014 without blatantly coming out and saying so, I understand (and mostly agree) with the move. And I like what Mitch has done so far. Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I find myself less disappointed than I thought I would be with Howard signing with Houston. He never showed the desire to make the most of his athletic gifts or to integrate himself into the team. I remember thinking how he would flourish in LA with Nash and Kobe running pick and rolls given how he has, statistically speaking, been the most productive player in the league at finishing that type of play. Instead, he wanted to go to the low block and have the ball dumped into him. The problem with that is he hasn't put in the time to develop a low post arsenal that would merit that type of approach. I find it interesting when people say he will now get to learn from McHale and possibly Olajuwon to be a low post player. Well, a pretty decent post player named Kareem offered to help Dwight once he got to LA and Howard never followed up on that. How badly does Dwight want to be a low post threat if he can't even pick up the phone (or ask a Laker staffer to do so) and call the NBA's all-time leading scorer? And doesn't Houston have a key player who is really good at the pick and roll? Is Dwight going to set picks for Harden when he wouldn't do so for Nash? Weird.

The Lakers certainly share a good part of the blame in losing Howard to Houston and they have a number of issues to address before the 2014 off-season. I don't have much faith in D'Antoni (though it was interesting that the Lakers kept him on even though they knew it hurt their chances to keep Dwight), and I'm not enamored of Jim Buss as well, though I am encouraged by the fact that he and Jeannie seem to be mending fences. But I think Mitch will continue to do a good job, though his greatest task lies a year from now. People call Howard going to the Rockets as a watershed moment in Laker history. The 2014 off-season will be a much more significant time, in my opinion.

Your sentiments w/re to Dwight mirror my own. It's amazing how easy it is to turn the page on his whiny ###.

But it's probably going to be more painful when the season actually starts and the losses mount. Losing Dwight was a monster, monster loss for the franchise.

True. It will be, especially as Dwight may play better as he gets healthier and feels more comfortable. Of course, I don't think Dwight would have felt comfortable enough to be the player in LA that he may be in Houston. Next year will be unpleasant to watch, especially if Kobe's recovery takes longer than he thinks, and if it hurts his play on the court more than many anticipate. I am looking forward to seeing Pau get the ball more, though. He is a good fit in the post with his passing and court awareness. Of course, MDA could try and mess with his head again next season.

I'm with you guys on all of this. The only silver lining is, unlike going in to last season, my expectations for this season will be zero, so anything good that happens will be a bit more enjoyable and I won't be worrying about whether they make the playoffs or not.

 

[Gr00vus]

Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I disagree. I think they will compete for a playoff spot. Assuming Nash is in better health than last season (doesn't he say that he is?) I think that he and Gasol will be able to more than hold down the fort until Kobe returns. They aren't completely void of talent - Jamison, Kaman....they have some vets that can gut out some games and help them stay competitive. They aren't winning the title and Kobe's injury throws a wet blanket on the first part of the season, but people leaving the team for dead are mistaken IMO. Oh, and Houston/LAL Christmas day - book it (along with Brooklyn/Miami and OKC/SAS).

Only if they're healthy for a great majority of the season, and they're already starting out on the wrong foot/tendon there (yuk yuk yuk). It's hard to see who brings up the rear in for the playoff spots for the WC, but I imagine teams will emerge that can take advantage of the Lakers having injury problems. Utah almost knocked them out of the playoffs as it was.

Also Jamison probably isn't coming back - I think he's talking with the Clippers.

 

[Gr00vus]

Bobby Sac back in camp.

 

[Abraham]

Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I disagree. I think they will compete for a playoff spot. Assuming Nash is in better health than last season (doesn't he say that he is?) I think that he and Gasol will be able to more than hold down the fort until Kobe returns. They aren't completely void of talent - Jamison, Kaman....they have some vets that can gut out some games and help them stay competitive. They aren't winning the title and Kobe's injury throws a wet blanket on the first part of the season, but people leaving the team for dead are mistaken IMO. Oh, and Houston/LAL Christmas day - book it (along with Brooklyn/Miami and OKC/SAS).

Only if they're healthy for a great majority of the season, and they're already starting out on the wrong foot/tendon there (yuk yuk yuk). It's hard to see who brings up the rear in for the playoff spots for the WC, but I imagine teams will emerge that can take advantage of the Lakers having injury problems. Utah almost knocked them out of the playoffs as it was.

Also Jamison probably isn't coming back - I think he's talking with the Clippers.

I think Gasol is being wildly underrated in all of this.

 

[Gr00vus]

Next year won't be pleasant from a win-loss standpoint, but it is a bitter pill that will have to be swallowed.

I disagree. I think they will compete for a playoff spot. Assuming Nash is in better health than last season (doesn't he say that he is?) I think that he and Gasol will be able to more than hold down the fort until Kobe returns. They aren't completely void of talent - Jamison, Kaman....they have some vets that can gut out some games and help them stay competitive. They aren't winning the title and Kobe's injury throws a wet blanket on the first part of the season, but people leaving the team for dead are mistaken IMO. Oh, and Houston/LAL Christmas day - book it (along with Brooklyn/Miami and OKC/SAS).

Only if they're healthy for a great majority of the season, and they're already starting out on the wrong foot/tendon there (yuk yuk yuk). It's hard to see who brings up the rear in for the playoff spots for the WC, but I imagine teams will emerge that can take advantage of the Lakers having injury problems. Utah almost knocked them out of the playoffs as it was.

Also Jamison probably isn't coming back - I think he's talking with the Clippers.

I think Gasol is being wildly underrated in all of this.

Not by me. I still the guy, and I hope they find a way to keep him on after this contract expires (assuming he'll take a realistic salary of course). But he had his own injury problems last year. At least it sounds like he's skipping EuroBasket this summer - he hadn't been taking enough time off and I think it's starting to catch up to him healthwise. Getting Kaman really helps him out too so he doesn't have to spend all his time at the 5.