That's what I was thinking. The only team this trade really makes sense for is the Lakers. Maybe it's some kind of reverse-psychology.
Pau Gasol is one of the top 15 players in the league offensively *and* defensively and he's locked up for a few more years. Scola is the same age, has less tread on the tires, shorter and is a sieve on defense. Martin is a one way player. What young and upcoming player were Martin and Scola going to net? The deal potentially clears space for the younger players to get minutes and possibly get Nene.
I would hope we would at least come out of this by lowering the salary cap so we can make an offer to the Chuck Wagon. Just saying. But SOMEthing more must be coming back to the Rox than just Pau Gasol for KMartin, LScola, umpteen draft picks and whatever. No need to help the Lakers so g.d. much if we don't improve significantly. Although, a big man of Pau's talent? It's all good.
giving up both scola and martin for gasol might be a bit too much, unless gasol can still score 20 pt/game, which dont think he can do that anymore. dunno where the scoring will come from...
To me the end game here is quite clear: We have enough for a max contract if we decline team options on a few rookie contracts (TWill, Thabeet) with a very strong supporting cast for Dwight Howard.
After more thinking, while I still like the deal somewhat it is very bizarre that we would fire Adelman, hire an unproven McHale, and then go out and get a top player like Gasol. Obviously this was unforseen but if the strategy is to try to win now with veterans then why did we let go of Adelman? I thought part of the reason he was gone is because he wouldn't play the kids like Thabeet and T-will? Seems more should be coming. On paper I still like it, but it confuses me about our strategy here.
I really don't understand. If we traded Martin, Scola, Dragic, and picks for Paul, wouldn't we have the cap space in 2012 to sign Dwight Howard? PG: Paul/Lowry SG: Lee/Williams SF: Budinger/Parsons PF: Patterson/Morris C: Howard/Motiejunas That's a great, young team right there. What more could Paul want?
This thread is moving by so damn fast lol. I think giving up Martin and Scola to go along with picks is too much for Gasol.
Ahhhhh..... it all makes sense. Can Lowry/Gasol/Howard win a title?... I dunno but thats a damn good start if they Dwight "chooses" to come play in Houston.
