Lakers 2009/2010: 45-15 Comeback Against Nuggets

vick805 · #**1301** 07-02-2009, 10:29 PM

I'm happy yet sad that we got Artest but let Ariza go. Ariza had a better upside than Artest. Artest is on his way out while Ariza can only go up. I'm alos not sure how Artest and Kobe and Phil will all fit into the LA equation. Artest can be a bit of a handful. How will he react when things are not going smoothly and the team isn't winning? I dunno I think getting Artest was a bit too risky

JShow34 · #**1302** 07-03-2009, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vick805

I'm happy yet sad that we got Artest but let Ariza go. Ariza had a better upside than Artest. Artest is on his way out while Ariza can only go up. I'm alos not sure how Artest and Kobe and Phil will all fit into the LA equation. Artest can be a bit of a handful. How will he react when things are not going smoothly and the team isn't winning? I dunno I think getting Artest was a bit too risky

On his way out?? Artest is like 28 years old! lol

My opinion on the matter is that you now have a guy in Artest that is tough as hell and brings the defensive intensity every night. There isn't a player in the league this guy can't and won't guard.

With Ariza, we are basically looking at a guy who made some key plays in the playoffs but has yet to prove that he's worth close to that type of money, has bounced around the league some, and seems to be somewhat injury prone.

Ariza will never see the open looks he saw in LA with the Rockets.

I love the move and I can't see how anyone can justify keeping Ariza over Artest outside of the fact that Artest may go completely nuts at any given moment.

Not that he isn't a good player, but how many contracts has Phil gotten for guys who were marginal players before they became either a Bull or Laker?

Long list.

Deftoner · #**1303** 07-03-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vick805

I'm happy yet sad that we got Artest but let Ariza go. Ariza had a better upside than Artest. Artest is on his way out while Ariza can only go up. I'm alos not sure how Artest and Kobe and Phil will all fit into the LA equation. Artest can be a bit of a handful. How will he react when things are not going smoothly and the team isn't winning? I dunno I think getting Artest was a bit too risky

Fortunately, I don't think that will be the case too often. I can't imagine the Lakers finishing worse than a Fourth Seed in the West.

Anyways, Artest was on SportsCenter tonight confirming the deal. Guy is going to be quite entertaining in L.A. Not Shaq entertaining, but as much as anyone else who's played there recently. Hopefully Odom can re-sign now that his childhood friend is on the team.

Quote:

"I am very excited to finally be going to L.A.," Artest said in a statement. "For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align. I'm finally a Laker and I can't wait to get on the court with Kobe, Pau and the rest of the team, and play for Phil.

"The Lakers really made me feel wanted. . . . I look forward to helping the Lakers defend their championship, and it will be great to finally not get booed in the Staples Center." Artest told ESPN he was disappointed that the Rockets were not more aggressive in their attempt to keep him and that he was happy with what he'll make as a Laker, despite the fact that he will be taking a pay cut after earning $7.4 million in his only season in Houston. "I've made money over my time in the NBA, I lost money when David Stern suspended me [in 2006 for his role in the infamous Pacers-Pistons brawl]," Artest told ESPN. "I'm not playing for the money anymore."

The Rattler · #**1304** 07-03-2009, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JShow34

On his way out?? Artest is like 28 years old! lol

My opinion on the matter is that you now have a guy in Artest that is tough as hell and brings the defensive intensity every night. There isn't a player in the league this guy can't and won't guard.

With Ariza, we are basically looking at a guy who made some key plays in the playoffs but has yet to prove that he's worth close to that type of money, has bounced around the league some, and seems to be somewhat injury prone.

Ariza will never see the open looks he saw in LA with the Rockets.

I love the move and I can't see how anyone can justify keeping Ariza over Artest outside of the fact that Artest may go completely nuts at any given moment.

Not that he isn't a good player, but how many contracts has Phil gotten for guys who were marginal players before they became either a Bull or Laker?

Long list.

I hate to agree with you JShow but I have too here...

Artest has his tempermental side but I believe Kobe will keep that in check when the games really start to count...

As far as Houston goes, they're a lottery team next year...

Deftoner · #**1305** 07-03-2009, 01:13 AM

Looks like Kobe is pretty excited about getting Artest on the team.

JShow34 · #**1306** 07-03-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rattler

I hate to agree with you JShow but I have too here...

Artest has his tempermental side but I believe Kobe will keep that in check when the games really start to count...

As far as Houston goes, they're a lottery team next year...

Why hate to agree?

Anyways, I think Ariza is a nice role player but to me it just doens't make sense for the Rockets. They need a guy who can create on his own, not another spot up defender.

It's one thing to chase the money but Ariza should have atleast considered setting himself up in a system where he'll succeed and get an even bigger payday his next contract.

Deftoner · #**1307** 07-03-2009, 01:17 AM

According to the Times, Lakers will be talking to Shannon Brown again tomorrow. They also seem to believe that the best Odom could do if he resigns would be a 1-year contract. Unfortunately not too many NBA guys like those 1-year deals.

Deftoner · #**1308** 07-03-2009, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JShow34

Why hate to agree?

Anyways, I think Ariza is a nice role player but to me it just doens't make sense for the Rockets. They need a guy who can create on his own, not another spot up defender.

It's one thing to chase the money but Ariza should have atleast considered setting himself up in a system where he'll succeed and get an even bigger payday his next contract.

Apparently, Ariza turned down more money from another team to sign with Houston. That other team is believed to be Toronto. As it is, Ariza is getting a 5-year, $33-million deal from Houston.

Deftoner · #**1309** 07-03-2009, 01:55 AM

Actually Jim Hill from CBS seems even more excited about the move than Kobe. Check out the end. You don't see too often after an interview.

YouTube - Ron Artest SECOND Lakers Interview

I remember I saw Jim Hill a few times at the Fritz strip club in Bellflower. He'd get there straight after his 11 p.m. sports show. Straight pimpin!

Lawdog · #**1310** 07-03-2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vick805

I'm happy yet sad that we got Artest but let Ariza go. Ariza had a better upside than Artest. Artest is on his way out while Ariza can only go up. I'm alos not sure how Artest and Kobe and Phil will all fit into the LA equation. Artest can be a bit of a handful. How will he react when things are not going smoothly and the team isn't winning? I dunno I think getting Artest was a bit too risky

Factoid in youtube clip above I did not know: Artest is a year YOUNGER than Kobe.

vick805 · #**1311** 07-03-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deftoner

According to the Times, Lakers will be talking to Shannon Brown again tomorrow. They also seem to believe that the best Odom could do if he resigns would be a 1-year contract. Unfortunately not too many NBA guys like those 1-year deals.

Yeah but you seem to forget that next year is the best FA market in the NBA so having a one year deal doesn't seem that bad if I were Odom. He would be getting some nice big offers once the other top free agents get picked up next year

vick805 · #**1312** 07-03-2009, 10:08 AM

I have to say that I was wrong on my assessment of Artest. He seems older than he appears. I just get a bit scared with his attitude and his history but I guess winning can be the answer right???

Deftoner · #**1313** 07-03-2009, 02:51 PM

I don't think anyone really thought he was not going to come back.

Quote:

From the Los Angeles TimesCoach Phil Jackson will return to Lakers for another season
He has several medical tests and says, 'All things point to go.'

By Mike Bresnahan

1:15 PM PDT, July 3, 2009

After a two-day retreat to his lakeside Montana home, Phil Jackson decided to return to the Lakers, agreeing on Friday to come back for a 19th season as an NBA coach.

"After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason. All things point to go!" Jackson said in a statement released by the team.

Jackson, who turns 64 in September, completed a battery of medical tests after the season.

He recently won his 10th championship as a coach, passing Boston Celtics legend Red Auerbach, and will be coaching his 19th season. He will make $12 million.

Neither Jackson nor the Lakers are currently looking beyond next season.

"The present agreement between Phil and the Lakers runs though the 2009-10 season," said Jackson's agent, Todd Musburger. "There is a comfortable and positive relationship between Phil, Dr. [Jerry] Buss, his sons that are in management, and certainly [General Manager] Mitch Kupchak, that if both sides feel an extension is something they want, then obviously it could happen. But for the moment, there's another terrific season to look forward to and nothing formal planned on seeking answers beyond the coming year."

Jackson missed a game in Portland toward the end of the regular season because of painful swelling in his lower right leg. He also has had both hips replaced and underwent an angioplasty procedure in 2003 to open a clogged artery in his heart.

Musburger expressed relief that Jackson's medical tests all supported a return to the Lakers.

"Obviously, everybody close to Phil is equally thrilled with that news," Musburger said. "He's excited first that his health is what it needs to be. It's going to be an exciting year. This move that they just made [to acquire Ron Artest] is filled with intrigue."

Last month, Phil seemed cautiously optimistic that he would return next season.

"There's a couple appointments I still have that have to be made and fulfilled before I can make that decision," Jackson said at the time. "I'm feeling good. It's been great."

Deftoner · #**1314** 07-08-2009, 11:56 PM

Well Ron Artest is in the bag, Shannon Brown re-signed to a 2-year-deal, leaving one more missing piece to next season. Kupchak said we'll know more about Lamar Odom by the end of the week, or next week.

m2k989 · #**1315** 07-11-2009, 01:06 AM

As usual, most of the guys on the Lakers' Summer League team aren't worth paying attention to, but I'm keeping an eye on it anyway. Going in, you'd expect Adam Morrison to be the only guy who makes the 2009-2010 roster, with Chimenu Elonu having an outside shot.

Anyway, the Lakers beat the Raptors by one in their first game today. Morrison scored 24 but only made one 3, while Elonu had 2 points in 14 minutes. Impressive performances by NC State PF Ben McCauley (24 and 15) and Oklahoma State SF David Monds (17 points). Taylor Rochestie, a great college player in his own right at Wazzu, had 8 points on perfect shooting. Notable players that the Lakers faced: DeMar DeRozan and Smush Parker.

Deftoner · #**1316** 07-16-2009, 09:39 AM

Just as I thought, not many options available. Too bad we couldn't get into the Carlos Boozer trade discussions.

Quote:

PRO BASKETBALL

After Lamar Odom, the Lakers' options aren't pretty

There are players available, but the best ones are probably too expensive and they can't match the versatility of Odom, who is talking to the Heat.

By Broderick Turner
July 16, 2009

So where will the Lakers turn to now that they have pulled the deals they offered to Lamar Odom off the table?

The pickings left on the free-agent heap are slim, and were made even more difficult for the Lakers because they have exhausted their best spending tools.

They used the mid-level exception of $5.8 million on Ron Artest and the "bi-annual exception" of $1.99 million on Shannon Brown. All they have left at their disposal to sign a player is the veteran's minimum annual salary because they are over the salary cap.

The veteran's minimum is a sliding scale, starting at $457,588 for a rookie and going up to as much as $1.306 million for a veteran with 10 or more years of experience.

Then the issue becomes whether an unrestricted free agent will take less money from the Lakers because they are the NBA champions who have a chance to repeat and they play in Los Angeles.

The Lakers could do a sign-and-trade for Odom, or trade another player to get a quality player.

The Lakers probably will look for a big man, someone who can play backup power forward and center.

Players such as Chris Wilcox, Joe Smith and Drew Gooden fit that mold and are still available, but probably will get the mid-level exception or a portion of it.

Stromile Swift, Sean May, Jarron Collins, Sheldon Williams, Mikki Moore, Ike Diogu, Tim Thomas, Juwan Howard and former Laker Chris Mihm could be possibilities for the Lakers.

But none of those names has the versatility of Odom.

The Lakers offered deals of four years at $9 million a season for a total of $36 million or three years at $10 million for a total of $30 million to Odom and his agent, Jeff Schwartz. But after not getting a response, Lakers owner Jerry Buss pulled the deals off the table.

Odom has been talking to the Miami Heat about signing the mid-level exception of $5.8 million, which would adjust to five years for $34 million. On Wednesday, teammate Kobe Bryant called Odom to find out how negotiations with the team were going.

Deftoner · #**1317** 07-16-2009, 09:50 AM

At least this is good to hear. Maybe it'll make him more appealing for a trade.

Quote:

LAKERS
Adam Morrison rides a hot hand in Las Vegas

By Lisa Dillman
July 16, 2009

Reporting from Las Vegas -- Reading the reviews might have been the first mistake for the Lakers' Adam Morrison.

"I had a lot of criticism after my first year," Morrison said of his rookie season with the Charlotte Bobcats in 2006-07, having been the third overall pick in the NBA draft.

"I remember one website saying I was the worst player in the NBA. All that stuff."

The 6-foot-8 forward is trying to find himself in Las Vegas -- along with his shot -- in the friendlier, light-on-defense confines of the NBA Summer League, at the wise suggestion of Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak.

Keeping it in perspective because, after all, this is summer league, not the heart of the NBA season, things are going well. He has averaged 20.8 points in four games. He scored 20 points against the Clippers on Monday, and had 17 points the next night against Oklahoma City.

"He's a shot maker . . . and it looks to me like he's playing with confidence," Kupchak said during Monday's game.

Said Clippers General Manager and Coach Mike Dunleavy: "I think he's made a good recovery from his knee injury. He has the ability to score. He's the main focal point of their [summer] team, but I still think he's doing a lot of good things that show separation. Potentially, he can create himself a role with the Lakers."

Morrison was less pleased with his performance after the Thunder game but opened up to reporters about his struggles since his Gonzaga days, when he was the go-to guy and Wooden Award finalist.

He stood in the hallway outside the locker room at Thomas & Mack Center and answered questions about his confidence (improved) and his knee (better) and helpfully repeated his answers if a newcomer joined the scrum.

Morrison realizes there is much on the line, starting in Las Vegas. He will turn 25 on Sunday, but this represents a career juncture for him.

"Yeah, it's my contract year," he said. "If I don't perform well, I might not be in the league. It's definitely a big year."

In Charlotte, it got worse for Morrison before it would get any better. He suffered a torn ligament in his left knee in an exhibition game against the Lakers in October 2007 that required surgery.

"It was terrible," he said.

Not only because of the pain and career-threatening nature of the injury, but Morrison felt a chance to correct the pro record had been wrested away, pulled out of his control.

He was jokingly asked whether the critical website in question had asked him for an interview after he was traded to the Lakers in February along with Shannon Brown for Vladimir Radmanovic.

"Not really," he said. "A lot of people thought I was terrible and done for good and one of the worst picks of all time," he said. "I heard all of that. It was tough to swallow.

"Like I said, to come back and get hurt and not get the chance to prove myself was probably the worst."

He praised the Lakers for giving him this opportunity, saying he felt his confidence soaring even in practice, and even though he was on the bench in their run to the title.

The message? Well, his career is not six feet under.

"A lot of people left me for dead," Morrison said. "A lot of people said I couldn't play. And [the Lakers] gave me a chance to get healthy, and I'll get a chance hopefully to prove I can play."

ACC Rulez · #**1318** 07-22-2009, 07:00 PM

Real GM is reporting Odom re-ups with the Lakers:

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Report: Odom Agrees To Terms With Lakers

Report: Odom Agrees To Terms With Lakers
Jul 22, 2009 7:12 PM EST
Lamar Odom will re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, coming to terms on a $40 million contract over four years, according to sources close to the forward.
The deal will likely be consummated when owner Dr. Jerry Buss returns from vacation in Hawaii.

trainwreck · #**1319** 07-22-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACC Rulez

Real GM is reporting Odom re-ups with the Lakers:

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Report: Odom Agrees To Terms With Lakers

Report: Odom Agrees To Terms With Lakers
Jul 22, 2009 7:12 PM EST
Lamar Odom will re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, coming to terms on a $40 million contract over four years, according to sources close to the forward.
The deal will likely be consummated when owner Dr. Jerry Buss returns from vacation in Hawaii.

Pretty much figured this was going to being the compromise. Nice to get this done. The bench was going to be really thin without him.

_illapeeno · #**1320** 07-22-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACC Rulez

Real GM is reporting Odom re-ups with the Lakers:

RealGM: Basketball Wiretap Archives: Report: Odom Agrees To Terms With Lakers

Report: Odom Agrees To Terms With Lakers
Jul 22, 2009 7:12 PM EST
Lamar Odom will re-sign with the Los Angeles Lakers, coming to terms on a $40 million contract over four years, according to sources close to the forward.
The deal will likely be consummated when owner Dr. Jerry Buss returns from vacation in Hawaii.

Glad to see Odom coming back, he wasn't going to get that money from any other team unless it was a sign and trade which wasn't going to happen. Guess that means Miami is going to go hard after Boozer now that Odom isn't available.

This upcoming season is going to be interesting with the elite teams being stacked as they are. I think the talent level will cancel each other out to some extent it'll come down to health.