Lakers Thread

[Andrew]

It's another feather in his cap. It helps make a stronger case for him moving up into the upper echelon of the greatest of the great we've seen but in terms of securing his place as a historically significant player, it doesn't change anything (he already is) nor do I think it puts him over the top as the greatest player (but again helps his case). It's huge for him, no question, but not something he could hang his hat on if he never won another title again or retired after this season, not that he's at all likely to do the latter.

[shadowgrin]

Remember I said we had to pick our poison?

No I don't. Neither do any search. Quote it for me then.

[Fresh8]

No I don't. Neither do any search. Quote it for me then.

Ah yeh. My bad. I just re-read what I wrote.

What I was thinking at the time, we either have Bynum and Gasol trying to stop Dwight but that puts us at risk of the Magic shooters being spaced out and open for shots (well... not that Bynum and Gasol have really had much success against Howard... althoguh we're lukcy Howard has a raw offensive game...) and then when I said Odom should start, yeh, Pau would try to 'stop' Howard but mainly I was thinking I'd rather have Howard try to beat then the Magic getting hot with their shooting because they got a good shooting team.

[Jackal]

It hurts to read the gay titles you come up with from time to time for this thread.

[Fresh8]

Thanks Jackal. Much appreciated.

[Jackal]

Always a pleasure.

[Bodz]

Kobe May Opt Out

[Fresh8]

If he does, it's probably to get a longer contract. Hopefully he can sign for less money so that we can keep our core intact. We need money to keep Odom/Ariza. I wonder how willing Kupchak is to spend money.

[Bodz]

Perhaps Odom is willing to sacrifice some "ka-ching" for the sake of another shot at a repeat...

[Angelo]

Can they go for another luxury tax?

[Bodz]

According to NBA.com, here's the dilemma Lakers maybe facing...

The Lakers already have approximately $74 million already committed to eight players next season. That figure does not include Ariza, Odom and Brown, three key members of L.A.'s rotation, who are all free agents come June 30.

The luxury tax threshold is estimated to be in the $70 million range for next season, so L.A. will be penalized even if it fills the required 13-man roster out by signing five players for the league minimum.

Ariza and Odom will fetch much more than the minimum. One Western Conference executive said both players will warrant the mid-level exception at least, set to be in the neighborhood of $6 million next year.

Just signing one of the two players at that price, plus four more players to round out the roster, would put L.A.'s salary figure around $85 million next season. That figure would jump to $100 million if you account for the $15 million in luxury tax L.A. would have to pay.

Before L.A.'s management can put the team back together again, it must figure out the Lakers' chicken-egg conundrum: What comes first, Jackson or the free agents? Will Phil come back if Trevor and Lamar don't? Will Trevor and Lamar re-sign if Phil is gone?

Lakers conduct exit interviews, ponder free agents

[Jackal]

Hmm, a dilemma indeed. I wonder if Buss is willing to shell out the cash to make another run at things.

[MikeMan™]

Kobe May Opt Out

Hmm , I was disappointed when Mitch Kupchak didn't trade Kobe to the Bulls ( well just for me )
I always wanted to see Kobe in a Chicago Uniform .

[Angelo]

In your Dreams

[Andrew]

If he does, it's probably to get a longer contract.

I'd assume so, I'd be surprised if Kobe wanted out of Los Angeles at this juncture.

[Stress Fracture]

I think he doesn't want to go out of L.A. He still wants to win another championship with a strong supporting cast. What teams, if it happens, can Kobe go with a strong supporting cast?

[Bodz]

Kobe Expects To Re-Sign With Lakers

Kobe Bryant is expected to re-sign with the Lakers for five years and about $135 million.

[NovU]

It'd be extremely unusual if Kobe leaves the city. He's basically going to be a legend as a Laker, like MJ is to the Bulls. Not only that, there just seem to be no reasons to... The city is great, the team is great, besides he already spent the whole career as a Laker.

[Jackal]

This is good to hear, I had a dream he had proved his point in LA and wanted to go save the Knicks for some reason.

[Angelo]

Sorry for the off topic but Jack why did you change your avy and sig?

[Jackal]

Because this is the usual avi/sig I sport. The Lakers one will resurface sometime again.

[Fresh8]

The good thing about Buss is that he doesn't mind using his money on the Lakers as long as he sees some possible return and since the team is a championship contender (on paper first and foremost, and also looks strong enough in practise), I'm pretty sure he'd be willing to have the team get Odom and Ariza back. I'm fairly confident the core of this Lakers side will be retained.

However, have read that Pistons are interested in Ariza.

Anyone got any word on who the Lakers are looking to draft in the first round?

[Angelo]

Anyone got any word on who the Lakers are looking to draft in the first round?

I think theyll pick Joe Ingles

[Fresh8]

I'd be disappointed if they wasted a first round pick on him, sorry to say lol

[The X]

Lakers will take a backup PG given the large number available in the 1st Round....especially with Fisher's age....they might throw it away on Collison though....