I just hope that if Odom goes somewhere other than LA and the Lakers end up not doing as well as they did this year, that people on this board don't blame it on Artest. I expect the Lakers to take a step back if Odom leaves, not because Artest makes them worse.
Portland would probably prefer using their cap space to acquire a player via trade rather than signing Odom. With cheap guys like Fernandez, Oden and Outlaw they have the assets to acquire a Chris Paul or Amare Stoudemire. Seriously.
Amare would not fit in their half court style of play... getting a player in a trade that uses their capspace is the way to go now for portland. I agree though if I was Odom agent I'd be on the phone with Pritchard right now even if he doesnt sign there it gives them leverage. Also Odom can fit in either style of offense and still can relieve Roy of playmaking duties while given them even more length up front.
I think they go after Odom now since he is the best player left and he is a Championship piece that makes them taller, longer, and better rebounding wise from the SF position. It makes sense from a winning stand point but from a youth and long competition standpoint they may go after Lee.
You have to remeember that Pritchard is this teams GM. He's a moron and he's had pressure to make a splash. He's been Denied TWICE. I'm sure he'll go after Odom just as a reaction.
I don't know about idiot... This guy has compiled a roster full of young, athletic, talented, and cheap players while maintaining flexibility. And also added a young coach to grow with that exciting core.
Coach doesn't want to sign a long-term extension with the team. More than anything that's an indication of where the team is headed. THe only players I like on that team are Pryz, LMA, Fernandez and of course Roy, already one of the best in league at 24. The rest are normal players you can get anywhere. Oden may be an exception but with his injury concerns I'm not holding my breathe.
You like Pryz? The guy is dirty. No talent, just cheapshots. Hate that fool. But yeah, Portland has alot of promising young players. You can't deny the job Pritchard has done building the squad.
He's solid, I never said anything about all star talent. I'm not sure if he's overpaid or not though, but he's good enough to make drafting Oden over Durant an embarrassment day after day after day. If I was Pritch I'd be on the phone trying to get Odom. 30 isn't that old, especially considering Roy and co. are ready to make some noise. Odom isn't exactly mr. veteran presence, but the talent and skill compensates for that. He does a little bit of everything except the actual scoring- rebounding, playmaking, defense you want you got it. Like I said the scoring's basically the only problem since he's too inconsistent, but with Roy and Fernandez on that team scoring shouldn't be a problem at all. I think the Blazers are at the point wherein they need to consolidate their assets and upgrade what they can. Getting rid of their sf projects (Webster, Outlaw) and getting Odom would be a solid step in that direction. No way would they be able to pay all their guys the money they want anyway
Odom's best scenario when it comes to financial compensation and the best chance of winning the title again is still with the Lakers. The only thing that would attract Odom to other team is starters minutes.
With Ariza gone and Odom if he leaves, do y'all think not wanting to be teammates with Kobe has anything to do with them changing scenery?
i heard on the radio a couple hours ago that odom was offered 5 yr/$35 million by miami and he is taking it and that boozer will also be going there. if so, why would odom refuse la's offer of 4 yr/$36 million? the miami offer is $1 million less and 1 year more. even if he knew that boozer was going there is it really that much better than la, who just brought in his childhood friend ron-ron?
This makes a lot of sense -_- Yeah, Ariza is like best friends with Kobe, and the reason he was so "Good" was because of the open looks Kobe being doubled allowed him to have.. Just watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpbHdV5OeAk&feature=channel_page And Odom says he wanted to stay in L.A. but is looking for the best deal before he commits, because this probably will be his last contract..
the extra year means a lot to some players since its just "job security" especially if they are the type to blow through money really quick also as mention cali taxes like crazy so he is actually making significantly more over the course of his contract if he played somewhere in florida or texas when compared to california
From Ric Bucher's latest tweet: "Last LAL source said they've moved on from LO. LO source suspects same, hopes otherwise. Me? Can't fathom LAL letting Ariza and LO go." Hmm. Looks like LA is looking in a different direction?
