Who cares, he wants to get a ring. That's all he's talked about. He said that he doesn't care about the scoring title or MVPs all he wants is the ring.
Jim Buss loves 19-year-old center Andrew Bynum and doesn't want to trade him. Riverside Press-Enterprise
Later on, Mitch seemed to indicate that Andrew might be on the table this time around. I'm sure it would still take a lot, but Mitch basically said that the Lakers were going to build around Kobe and that they'd aggressively pursue every opportunity to improve as a team via free agency, the draft, or trade. The No. 1 priority seemed to be to find help in the backcourt. Phil Jackson acknowledged that they need an upgrade over Smush Parker at the point. And I don't think they want to put Jordan Farmar in the position of being the starter so early on into his career. Los Angeles Daily News / May 4
Asked about trade talk, Bynum said: "It's good to know I'm wanted by other teams. It means I'm doing something right." Asked about new faces perhaps coming to the team, Bynum said: "I have no idea what's going to happen. I just hope to see myface on the team next year." Orange County Register
Bynum "maybe" could score 12-14 points per game next season, Jackson said. He said the Lakers will monitor Bynum's workouts all summer, though Bynum said he will spend time taking college classes in math and English. "We are going to have great input in what he does this summer and watch him carefully and hope his development increases as much as it did from Year 1 to Year 2," Jackson said. Orange County Register
Odom said he "definitely" hopes to stay, saying: "This is a team I want to retire with." And after the death of his infant son last summer and then injuries this season, Odom expects next season could be his breakthrough. "When I do come back in shape and physically fit and focused, I don't think there should be anything that's going to stop me," he said. Orange County Register
Mihm will become a free agent this summer and indicated that he'd like to remain in Los Angeles. His plan is to assess his market value first and then decide what kind of contract he's looking for. Because of the ankle injury, Mihm admitted that he might have to sign a shorter contract. "Any time you miss a season, there's going to be questions," he said. "I understand that's going to come. I just want to be ready to prove to people that the surgery was necessary to repair something that wasn't going to heal." Los Angeles Daily News
The Lakers already have made one decision, and that was to let Smush Parker know he won't be back next season. "Smush is not someone that we are going to actively seek out to come back and play with us," Phil Jackson said Friday. Riverside Press-Enterprise
__________________ "Gasol reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas boom boom Pau" - Mark Jackson.
Buss family are a lot like Al Davis. They were the biggest force behind the stature of the franchise, but now they are killing the team.
I think this team has to completely rebuild, aside from Kobe and if Kobe cannot handle it then trade him too. I would like to see Odom on the team still (as the third option), but we are probably going to have to trade him. Bynum is our best trading asset, so he has to go.
I think Andrew Bynum can be a very good player in the NBA, and potentially a star. But 12-14 PPG next year isn't going to do it. If the Lakers don't want to push him to improve fast, then they might as well trade him because everyone's patience is gone right now.
If the Lakers wait 2-3 years for Bynum and Farmer to produce at a high level (that seems like it is managements time table), they'll be asking for disaster, IMO. Kobe will have actually killed someone by then. Jackson might actually retire by then.
This might be the best off season to 'steal' a star from another team. There will be a number of stars that could be had. From KG to Gasol. Maybe even Kidd, Pierce, Allen, and J. O'Neal. A few secondary players like Jefferson, Artest, among others.
Having so many stars out there, should reduce their prices. It will still cost, but it probably will be a cost that is reasonable.
__________________ "President Obama's speech on the gulf oil disaster Tuesday night was written at a 10th-grade level, which, according to analysts, may have gone over the heads of many in his audience." - The Dumbing Down Of America Continues...
I'm not sure how you guys feel about this upcoming offseason but I desperately want the Lakers to get Gasol. He's big, athletic, and seemingly a better fit for the triangle offense than anyone outside of KG. Since it's unlikely we can land Garnett I'm completely opposed to acquiring JO. He's been banged up for the past 3 years and his shooting % continues to drop and it was a terrible sub 45% last season. Not to mention that one of the Lakers' glaring weaknesses was rebounding and O'Neal just isn't a great rebounder for a big man.
Charlie Bell would be a very nice addition IMO as well. The guy has some offense, but more importantly he's a solid defender and does the little things it takes to win and win in the playoffs. He's a RFA but a perfect MLE player.
I'm not sure how you guys feel about this upcoming offseason but I desperately want the Lakers to get Gasol. He's big, athletic, and seemingly a better fit for the triangle offense than anyone outside of KG. Since it's unlikely we can land Garnett I'm completely opposed to acquiring JO. He's been banged up for the past 3 years and his shooting % continues to drop and it was a terrible sub 45% last season. Not to mention that one of the Lakers' glaring weaknesses was rebounding and O'Neal just isn't a great rebounder for a big man.
Charlie Bell would be a very nice addition IMO as well. The guy has some offense, but more importantly he's a solid defender and does the little things it takes to win and win in the playoffs. He's a RFA but a perfect MLE player.
I doubt the Lakers can get Gasol, KG or even Oneal. I think Gasol is staying put until they resolve the ownership issue in Memphis, if they land Oden in the draft they have their own version of the twin towers. Gasol and Oden would complement each other very well Gasol known more for his offense and Oden for his defense.
Mchale and Glen Taylor have publicly said they don't want to trade KG. Even if KG gets traded I doubt it'll be to a Western Conference team. I agree with you about Oneal. One of the Lakers weaknesses is their interior defense and rebounding. Both of which Oneal lack. Sure he's a nice offensive player shooting jumpers but we already have that in Brian Cook and cost far less.
It doesn't look like Smush Parker will be back next season which in my opinion is a good thing. Farmer outplayed him the playoffs with his shooting, passing and played decent defense on Nash. Parker has the physical tools to be a good pg in the nba, but he doesn't have the mental tools to suceed. Parker showed flashes of his ability if he focusses.
Looks like the Lakers have the 19th pick in the draft. I'd like the Lakers to pick a PG to replace Smush Parker and compete with Farmer for the starting PG position. Players who could be available when the Lakers pick are Acie Law or Rudy Fernandez. The pg crop is very thin in the 2007 Draft mainly dominated by post players and swing men. If either Law or Fernandez are gone by the time the Lakers pick they could select Mcroberts. He's an athletic big man who can pass, I can see him sucedding in the traingle offence.
If the Lakers can somehow keep Walton for a moderate price and pick up a pg in the draft or via free agency (Mo Williams, Billups ( wishful thinking) ) the Lakers barring injury should be able to be a 6-8 seed once again. If they want to join the Big Three (Mavs, Suns and Spurs ), the Lakers need to make some changes and to quote Kobe, " Do something and do it now. " .
__________________ "Gasol reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas boom boom Pau" - Mark Jackson.
Do you think the Lakers should explore moving Kobe? I know it sounds wierd, but that is how the Suns did it. They moved Jason Kidd and then Marbury and now they have the right combination.
Stephon Marbury may have been the Suns' best player when they got rid of him, but he was never at Kobe's level. The Lakers shouldn't trade Kobe unless they got an offer that was unrefusable. Remember that the Suns managed to go under the salary cap in the Marbury deal and got multiple first round picks (how else could they have signed Nash). On top of that, they already had Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion. The Lakers would have Bynum, Odom and Farmar left, but who would you get to be the star?
Pruitt may be a good fit for the Lakers. Large point guard that can shoot and defend. I would be happy if we drafted him. A post player that could score too, obviously would be a big help, but I am not sure we can get that in the draft.
Do you really think the Lakers can change it around with just a draft pick? Kobe is one of the best players in the league but the guys around him don't work with him well. I think they trade Kobe for another superstar or do like Golden State and trade a bunch of role players.
Maybe they could make a play for Andre Miller or Jamaal Tinsley
Do you really think the Lakers can change it around with just a draft pick? Kobe is one of the best players in the league but the guys around him don't work with him well. I think they trade Kobe for another superstar or do like Golden State and trade a bunch of role players.
Maybe they could make a play for Andre Miller or Jamaal Tinsley
Regardless of the draft pick, the current Lakers with a healthy Kobe Bryant can contend for a 6-8 seed out in the West. The Lakers lack a great post up player though Brown showed flashes of brilliance during the playoffs even getting some "KWAMEHH! " chants from the Staples crowd, he's very inconsistent and never showed up during the regular season. If the Lakers can trade for another superstar post up player such as Gasol or Garnett they can turn the team around and contend for a top seed in the West.
Andre Miller would be a nice upgrade over Farmer but I doubt the Sixers would let him go. Miller is turning out to be a good fit in Philly and may warrent a contract extention with the 76ers. Tinsley is damaged goods, in the past 4 seasons he's always been injuried and hasn't lived up to the contract he got a couple years back.
And I still think the Lakers should've kept Butler and not traded him for Brown.
__________________ "Gasol reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas boom boom Pau" - Mark Jackson.
Do you really think the Lakers can change it around with just a draft pick? Kobe is one of the best players in the league but the guys around him don't work with him well. I think they trade Kobe for another superstar or do like Golden State and trade a bunch of role players.
Maybe they could make a play for Andre Miller or Jamaal Tinsley
Regardless of the draft pick, the current Lakers with a healthy Kobe Bryant can contend for a 6-8 seed out in the West. The Lakers lack a great post up player though Brown showed flashes of brilliance during the playoffs even getting some "KWAMEHH! " chants from the Staples crowd, he's very inconsistent and never showed up during the regular season. If the Lakers can trade for another superstar post up player such as Gasol or Garnett they can turn the team around and contend for a top seed in the West.
Andre Miller would be a nice upgrade over Farmer but I doubt the Sixers would let him go. Miller is turning out to be a good fit in Philly and may warrent a contract extention with the 76ers. Tinsley is damaged goods, in the past 4 seasons he's always been injuried and hasn't lived up to the contract he got a couple years back.
And I still think the Lakers should've kept Butler and not traded him for Brown.
God that trade sucked for you guys. I enjoy having Butler on the team, even though he himself has had some health issues. He's received a nice little contract extension and fits in well with the team and city.
Kwame Brown is garbage. I said it then, and I'll keep on saying it. The guy is very big and has a body for a power forward and dominant post player. But, he just doesn't use it. Not sure how much you are into football, but if you are familiar with Ron Dayne, he is a huge runningback. He can truck people and keep on going. Instead, he doesn't use that body to his advantage, much preferring to dance around defenders and try to avoid everyone.
Until Brown asserts himself physically, he is never going to be more than an average, streaky player, who is a bust for a #1 pick.
Do you really think the Lakers can change it around with just a draft pick? Kobe is one of the best players in the league but the guys around him don't work with him well. I think they trade Kobe for another superstar or do like Golden State and trade a bunch of role players.
Maybe they could make a play for Andre Miller or Jamaal Tinsley
Regardless of the draft pick, the current Lakers with a healthy Kobe Bryant can contend for a 6-8 seed out in the West. The Lakers lack a great post up player though Brown showed flashes of brilliance during the playoffs even getting some "KWAMEHH! " chants from the Staples crowd, he's very inconsistent and never showed up during the regular season. If the Lakers can trade for another superstar post up player such as Gasol or Garnett they can turn the team around and contend for a top seed in the West.
Andre Miller would be a nice upgrade over Farmer but I doubt the Sixers would let him go. Miller is turning out to be a good fit in Philly and may warrent a contract extention with the 76ers. Tinsley is damaged goods, in the past 4 seasons he's always been injuried and hasn't lived up to the contract he got a couple years back.
And I still think the Lakers should've kept Butler and not traded him for Brown.
God that trade sucked for you guys. I enjoy having Butler on the team, even though he himself has had some health issues. He's received a nice little contract extension and fits in well with the team and city.
Kwame Brown is garbage. I said it then, and I'll keep on saying it. The guy is very big and has a body for a power forward and dominant post player. But, he just doesn't use it. Not sure how much you are into football, but if you are familiar with Ron Dayne, he is a huge runningback. He can truck people and keep on going. Instead, he doesn't use that body to his advantage, much preferring to dance around defenders and try to avoid everyone.
Until Brown asserts himself physically, he is never going to be more than an average, streaky player, who is a bust for a #1 pick.
You're right on that one. He has the physical gifts of a dominant post player but never uses it. Whenever I watch him play I always think he's rushing or over anxious when he gets the ball. As if he's afraid he won't get the ball back so he just throws up a quick hook shot that clanks off the hook. The pressure and criticism he got in Washington during his time there didn't help either, his confidence and attitude may never be the same again.
__________________ "Gasol reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas boom boom Pau" - Mark Jackson.
You guys don't want Hughes. As talented as he is, I don't think Hughes is worth the money, not to mention the players you would be giving up, for him missing at least 20 games in all but three seasons. It isn't worth that.
You guys don't want Hughes. As talented as he is, I don't think Hughes is worth the money, not to mention the players you would be giving up, for him missing at least 20 games in all but three seasons. It isn't worth that.
I'd take Hughes over any of our current guards aside from Kobe. Though he is overpaid, he showed a lot of potential in Washington where he earned the contract. He's been struggling with injuries, but when healthy he's deadly.
__________________ "Gasol reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas boom boom Pau" - Mark Jackson.
Lakers' Brown To Have Surgery Next Week
26th May, 2007 - 5:11 am
ESPN -
Lakers center Kwame Brown will have bone spurs removed from his left ankle next week, the Los Angeles Times reports. The surgery casts some doubt over his playing status for the start of next season and could factor into trade possibilities for the Lakers during the offseason.
Kwame Brown
Brown
Ankle specialist Dave Porter will perform Brown's surgery in Indianapolis, the newspaper reports, and Brown's agent Mark Bartelstein told the Times that Brown will undergo reconstructive surgery if doctors deem it necessary.
"We're not sure if it needs to get reconstructed or not," Bartelstein told the newspaper on Friday.
"They're going to go in and test the strength of the ligaments and see if they need to repair them. He also has some bone spurs he needs to get cleaned out."
__________________ "Gasol reminds me of the Black Eyed Peas boom boom Pau" - Mark Jackson.
» Welcome to SportsRumorMill.com - Come Strong or Don't Come At All!
Welcome to Sports Rumor Mill! We are one of the top sports destination for talking about the latest news, rumors, trades and scores. If you feel you have something important to say about sports, say it here. We only have 1 rule, "Come strong or don't come at all." Or in the words of Jim Rome, "Have a take and don't suck!"
Stop being a Lurker and Signup! Take a couple minutes and REGISTER for your FREE ACCOUNT. Once you are registered, you will be able to participate in all this site has to offer! If you are an existing member who forgot their password, visit our Lost Password Recovery Page.
Linear Mode
Welcome to Sports Rumor Mill! We are one of the top sports destination for talking about the latest news, rumors, trades and scores. If you feel you have something important to say about sports, say it here. We only have 1 rule, "Come strong or don't come at all." Or in the words of Jim Rome, "Have a take and don't suck!"