Stein on crack once again. MLE? http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1915464 The Lakers, meanwhile, have already rejected formal Kidd trade proposals, opting to move the expiring contracts of Gary Payton and Rick Fox to Boston instead. Sources say that's because L.A. thinks it has a better shot at signing Houston's Yao Ming in the summer of 2007, with Rudy Tomjanovich as its coach, than many believe. As one rival executive noted, Yao could sign with the Lakers for the mid-level exception (nearly $5 million) -- even though it would never come to that -- and easily recoup any lost salary through the myriad endorsement opportunities he'd have as a Laker. Whether its Yao dreams are worthwhile or merely fantasy, L.A. prefers to grind through the next couple seasons, no matter how hard they are, and see what it can do with salary-cap room two or three off-seasons from now . . . as opposed to committing well over $200 million to a too-small pairing of Kidd with Kobe Bryant.
I'm not worried. Les even said, during his comments about the recently-signed TMac extension, that they will lock Yao up as soon as it is possible.
At this rate Houston might want Yao to take a long hike. If I was them they should try to setup a trade to get as many (quality) players they can get thru a three way trade or something than wait until Yao can exercise his option. With Yao going to the Lakers as part of the second option behind Kobe they will have greater chances at more titles while T-mac is a great great player KB has 3 rings. You just can't put a price of experience like that.
I love the consistent hummers doled out to the Lakers by ESPN. Opening night, the defending champions winning and getting their rings was on the front page of the NBA section of EVERY major sports site (Fox, CNN/SI, Sportsline, etc) except one - ESPN, who had a giant picture of Kobe. That obsession with LA is getting really, REALLY old.
Rox will sign Yao. Bank on it. If Yao is unhappy or does not realize his potential here then someone will be happy to take his contract off our hands and we will get something back in trade. If Yao gets advised to not sign here long term then the ROX would be able to hold an auction for his services next year. and send him as a sign and trade for whatever they want. No way Yao goes to Lakers or anyone else as a FA!
how about the Lakers getting TWO nationally televised games on the first 2 days of the season ... then rolling over to UTAH
While I don't think it will happen, it isn't impossible. First of all, it is LA-the NBA's Dynasty Team. The greats have played there, and maybe that is what Yao wants. Also, remember how much Yao looked up to Rudy T (not literally)? Rudy was like a father to Yao and he probably won't forget that. If you had your choice, who would you pick? Rudy or JVG?
A factor that Stein only hinted at was the Chinese influence. IIRC, China wasn't too thrilled about him going to Houston originally, they preferred he was in California with the high Chinese population. Houston obviously can afford to max out Yao whatever the contract is. But LA is one of the teams most in China follow and he would tap into much more endorsements internationally. Who cares about what he gets in any NBA city when comparison to the Chinese community The concentration ESPN (both positive and negative) on LA is sad but LA is a marquee team in a way even currently better teams like Houston or San Antonio are not. This rumor will likely grow or die as soon as Yao is able to sign an extension. If he does, then LA has to move on. If not, let the speculation begin.
