prediction: Lakers reconstructed & still relevent next year

[kingjames23]

well, it looks like the Lakers just lost the will to hold the title. they will need some youth, speed, and outside shooting next year to stay relevant. i am pretty sure the roster will get blown up. outside of Kobe,Gasol, Odom.... anyone could be traded.

I am thinking that Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest will be traded for Dwight Howard (its well known he is unhappy in Orlando.) and this sounds fair to Orlando to get a young up and coming Center to replace Howard, plus a solid perimeter defender. besides Artest and Bynum just wore out their welcomes with the blatant flagrant fouls in the Mav's series. GONE. DONE. fuck 'em. the Lakers dont need poor sports on their roster.

my next thought is they would cut some payroll and pick up Tayshaun Prince in free agency?

Fisher isn't cutting it anymore, perhaps Kobe should shift over to the point and the bring in a Michael Redd at the 2, or even just a shooter like Kapono, those guys are still free agents next year right? if you look at the 90's bulls teams, Jordan was the 2, but he handled the ball more, and his backcourt mates were mostly spot up shooters.( "think" kerr, paxon, armstrong, hodges)... the same thing might work in LA. in any case, they need 3 point shooting and some young HUNGRY players.

keep Kobe(the franchise), Gasol(just in a slump, would be freed up to play his game with Howard in the mix)) and Odom(6th man of the year, one of the most versitile players in the game). everyone else needs to go.

[benji]

I am thinking that Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest will be traded for Dwight Howard (its well known he is unhappy in Orlando.) and this sounds fair to Orlando to get a young up and coming Center to replace Howard, plus a solid perimeter defender. besides Artest and Bynum just wore out their welcomes with the blatant flagrant fouls in the Mav's series. GONE. DONE. fuck 'em. the Lakers dont need poor sports on their roster.

Yeah, because that's exactly what Orlando wants for the most dominant big man in the league!

my next thought is they would cut some payroll

How?

[Cleveland wins]

Lakers need younger talent, does Kobe need to retire? Hm, maybe, lakers need to trade Bynum maybe for Dwight Howard? Some kind of big trade by the lakers and several other trades by the lakers need to take place this offseason. Lakers problem though is not their big men positions, but their point gaurds are terrible.

Derek Fisher, Steve Blake and Ron Artest all need to be traded. Lakers need a PASSING point gaurd, Fisher likes to jack up threes and long range shots, and i hate his release when he shoots. He's ok but not great and never will be great. The lakers had a point gaurd problem for many years.

Lakers also need a defensive minded coach as well, Mike Brown? Probably a bad idea. Lakers need to trade for picks as well. Kobe needs a starting back court running mate as soon as possible. I think a great fit for the lakers would be Jameer Nelson, a player who can shoot threes and is a decent passer.

[Kenny]

Lakers are going to have to throw a whole lot of cash and draft picks to make a play at Howard. I think they need a new point guard more than anything.

[Patr1ck]

Kobe and Bynum need to get healthy. Bynum isn't ever going to be worth much since he gets injured every year. Lamar Odom coming off an award year could get someone good in return if the Lakers are looking to trade. Fisher is too old to even get into position to flop a charge anymore, let alone defend anyone.

A new coach will mean a new style of play. Who is available?

Cutting payroll is for rebuilding teams. The Lakers don't really have a defensive enforcer. I thought that was supposed to be Ron Artest. They don't have that knock down 3 point shooter, or any consistent perimeter shooters to really backup Kobe and Gasol when they are doubled.

[shadowgrin]

The Lakers got swept and the crazy talk begins.

I am thinking that Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest will be traded for Dwight Howard (its well known he is unhappy in Orlando.) and this sounds fair to Orlando to get a young up and coming Center to replace Howard, plus a solid perimeter defender.

What young up and coming? Bynum is only two years younger than Howard. Bynum is also brittle compared to Howard.
An injury magnet bigman and a crazy shot jacking aging defender won't cut it. Even Carmelo got exchanged for more in his trade, what more for the best bigman in the league?

Kobe should shift over to the point

wut? Have you seen Kobe play? He's a chucker. Only way that would possibly work is if Phil Jackson and the Triangle offense comes back next season.

even just a shooter like Kapono

lolwut again? Kapono sucks now. Granted that the Sixers don't have bigmen to draw the defense and make Kapono open, deal is Kapono can't create his own shot and is a bad defender. The Lakers are basically getting a bigger Derek Fisher.

Jordan was the 2, but he handled the ball more, and his backcourt mates were mostly spot up shooters.( "think" kerr, paxon, armstrong, hodges)... the same thing might work in LA.

Point. Forward. 33.
That thing might work with the Lakers if their offense is still the Triangle next season.

Lakers need a PASSING point gaurd, Fisher likes to jack up threes and long range shots, and i hate his release when he shoots. He's ok but not great and never will be great. The lakers had a point gaurd problem for many years.

If Phil Jackson comes back for next season, Triangle offense doesn't need a passing PG and it didn't either with the Jordan Bulls or Shaq Lakers.
Triangle also didn't need a great PG. Fisher wasn't great and he didn't need to. He filled his role perfectly for the Lakers but age has finally caught up with his defense.

[Mavs4Life]

Yeah it would take a lot to get Superman. i think they should keep Bynum, though. All he really needs is to learn how to work with the team. Sometimes it's like it's just all about him. I'd like to see Dwight in L.A. though. That would be a beast forntcourt.

[Andrew]

During the Heat/Celtics halftime show yesterday, Magic Johnson also expressed the opinion that the Lakers need to be blown up and rebuilt around Kobe, followed by Jon Barry bringing up the possibility of acquiring Howard with Kobe being the only Laker off limits in trade talks. Much was made of the Lakers' age, which is funny because they're only slightly older than the Mavericks, most of their core is still fairly young (Fisher of course stands out at 36) and only a couple of years ago they were talking about how they had the pieces to remain contenders for another five years or so.

Personally, I think it's overreacting. Yes, they just got swept and the series clinching game was a crushing defeat. But they also had a few players play below their abilities and ran into a team that was deeper and posed some matchup problems. They could certainly afford to trade a player or two (Artest comes to mind, if they can manage it), you certainly listen if a player like Dwight Howard is available and they could stand to improve their bench. I don't think they need to give up on everyone apart from Kobe and start over, though. Let's not get carried away.

[Axel The Great]

Yeah, I find it pretty funny that people think this roster should get blown up. Yes, I'm rejoicing in the Lakers' defeat, but I honestly don't think I'll be rejoicing this early next year, or if I'll be rejoicing at all. This sweep is just added motivation for Kobe to come back stronger next year, and I think the Lakers just ran into a hot Mavs team. The threes fell for the Mavs, they didn't for the Lakers, and add what Andrew said about the supporting players' slumps, just makes it even harder to win a series that way.

I don't think the Magic would be interested in Bynum, the injury risk is just too big to take. Before he came back from his injury this season, I had always thought he was overrated, that it was really all just Kobe and Gasol (well, partly Gasol) doing the dirty work, but after watching him play this season, he completely silenced me and changed my mind about him. The way he was able to just gobble up offensive rebounds, maneuver his way in the post and score, and block shots in some of the games I watched, it made me realize his importance to the Lakers. All he really needs is to stay healthy.

I honestly don't think Phil is just gonna retire this way; he's too arrogant and too good of a coach to go out this way. Still, Jackson or not, I see the Lakers remaining relevant next season, having another 50-win season.

As much as I really hate to admit it, I don't think the Lakers' championship window is closed. If they restock their bench, maybe trading Artest or someone else in the process, getting a younger point guard to help out on defense, and Kobe begins to care, the Lakers may get farther in the playoffs than they did this season, possibly winning a championship.

[Andrew]

The Magic don't really need to be in a rush to trade Howard, either. He can opt out after next season but depending on what happens with the lockout and possible new salary structures, it might not be in his best interests to do so. The Magic bowed out in the first round this year but they're not exactly at a dead end themselves, improving the roster may be easier said than done but he isn't necessarily in a rush to leave Orlando. If they were to trade him, I'd expect the Magic would want a decent amount of picks in return, as few bad contracts as possible and a handful of young, talented players; a package similar to what the Nuggets got for Melo, at the very least.

As far as Phil Jackson is concerned, it does sound like he's had enough. I guess you never want to say never, I mean he took a year off once and then ultimately came back but he's older, he's been at this for a while now and he's already established an outstanding legacy in the coaching ranks. Right now, I say he retires as planned but having said that, I wouldn't consider it the most shocking development if he did change his mind. At this point though, I doubt he does.

Assuming he is calling it quits, Shaw almost seems a given to be his replacement and that's probably a good move. He knows the players, it's likely he has their trust and respect and he's likely going to stick with the triangle. As I mentioned before, I'd try to trade Artest; it might not be the easiest deal to make but he doesn't have a terrible contract and if Gilbert Arenas can be moved, anyone can be once the right situation presents itself for all parties.

I also trust that Gasol can and will play better in the future than he did this postseason, I hold onto Bynum and look at getting him more involved and I look for another point guard to replace Fisher in the starting lineup, though I perhaps keep Fish around in a bench role to mentor the new point guard in the triangle and give them some decent minutes here and there.

[shadowgrin]

Fisher as an assistant coach could also be a possibility.

[Andrew]

I wouldn't be surprised if he transitions into that role, similar to the way Avery Johnson did at the end of his career. I believe that's kind of how it went with Brian Shaw as well.

[Sauru]

wtf is going on in this thread? the lakers can bring back the exact same team next year and win it all. whats all this talk about breaking the entire team up? kobe needs to retire? what a fucking stupid thing to say.

did anyone watch the series? anyone notice the mavs could not fucking miss? when a team catches fire like they did you lose, end of story


however all that being said i do hope kobe retires and the lakers blow up the team but you know thats just my opinion

[Andrew]

That's pretty much what the majority of the people have replied to the thread have said so yes, I'd say most people did watch the series.

[benji]

wtf is going on in this thread? the lakers can bring back the exact same team next year and win it all. whats all this talk about breaking the entire team up? kobe needs to retire? what a fucking stupid thing to say.

did anyone watch the series? anyone notice the mavs could not fucking miss? when a team catches fire like they did you lose, end of story

Nope, you make this trade: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=3htr85y

Wait, no, this one: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=3szpwfy

[kingjames23]

http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=5rb9kd5

well.... this is how i would do it... if i were a GM. its my opinion. feel free to ream me for it. i have also been up all night, so pardon my poor grammar.

how about giving LA, ORL, (still hoping to contend) and PHX, & DET (who are both rebuilding) something to build around instead of unrealistically gutting other teams in ways nobody would ever go for?

LAKERS (with a HUNGRY young Howard, a DESPERATE old Nash... and an upgrade in the spot up shooter category, i think this would put them right back in the mix at the top of the league. with a great 3 man rotation in the paint With Odom spelling Gasol or Howard at any given time, a rotation of SG/SF's who can spread the floor, chances are that at least one of these guys will be hot from outside on any given night. i dont mind Fish as a backup to Nash either)

Howard/Ratliff
Gasol/Odom/Smith
Reddick/Q-Rich/Barnes
Bryant/Brown
Nash/Fisher

MAGIC ( he is a top 5 center when he is healthy, so maybe Bynum can be like "Dwight lite". they would have Artest's perimeter D and some good shooters still coming off the bench... i would look for Ben Gordon to flourish on a team like this. good depth all around, i think. i think they would be damn near as good as they were last year)

Bynum/Anderson/Orton
Bass/Allen
Artest/Turkoglu
Gordon/Richardson
Nelson/Duhon

SUNS (losing Nash like i think they will anyways, why not get a set of scorers for their loss? Arenas wasn't fitting in in ORL and PHX needs a pointguard when Nash jumps ship)

Lopez/Gortat
Warrick/Frye
Pietrus/Dudley
Hamilton/Childress
Arenas/Blake

PISTONS (this is a team rebuilding, so give them a star in VC and let him re-team with T-Mac, Hamilton was basically benched the 2nd half of last season.. i dont see him staying in DET so thats why i see him headed to PHX with Arenas)

Wallace/Monroe
Maxiell/Wilcox/Villianuava
Prince/Walton
Carter/T-mac
Stuckey/W. Bynum

[Fresh8]

Or what about

C: Bynum
PF: Gasol
SF: Odom
SG: Bryant
PG: Someone new

[benji]

I love Laker fans.

[Oznogrd]

Or what about

C: Bynum
PF: Gasol
SF: Odom
SG: Bryant
PG: Someone new

This from the same guy who started a youtube campaign for Fish?

[rise]

Or what about

C: Bynum
PF: Gasol
SF: Odom
SG: Bryant
PG: Someone new

Agreed, Odom was great when he played at the 3 the other night.

I would go for Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Bryant, Brown and give Shannon Brown some nice point guard training. Then load up the bench.

[puttincomputers]

Nope, you make this trade: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=3htr85y

Alberta Clippers anyone?

[rise]

Nope, you make this trade: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=3htr85y

So who's the starting SF, Luke Walton?

Alberta Clippers anyone?

No puttin, the Clippers are NOT moving to Alberta. I really should start ignoring this guy.

[puttincomputers]

Nope, you make this trade: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachi ... Id=3htr85y

So who's the starting SF, Luke Walton?

Alberta Clippers anyone?

No puttin, the Clippers are NOT moving to Alberta. I really should start ignoring this guy.

why wouldn't they move if they make a bonehead move trading their star in Blake Griffin?

[S_Brat]

I am thinking that Andrew Bynum and Ron Artest will be traded for Dwight Howard (its well known he is unhappy in Orlando.) and this sounds fair to Orlando to get a young up and coming Center to replace Howard, plus a solid perimeter defender. besides Artest and Bynum just wore out their welcomes with the blatant flagrant fouls in the Mav's series. GONE. DONE. fuck 'em. the Lakers dont need poor sports on their roster.

Yeah, because that's exactly what Orlando wants for the most dominant big man in the league!

my next thought is they would cut some payroll

How?

howard a laker?.... i think im goin to throw up.....

[Fresh8]

Or what about

C: Bynum
PF: Gasol
SF: Odom
SG: Bryant
PG: Someone new

This from the same guy who started a youtube campaign for Fish?

Well, that was last season and now it's time to move forward. And I do know that Fisher was clearly out of his depth starting at point guard but believed the intangibles he brought to the table outweighed everything he didn't bring.