Readin CNNSI, according to hoopsworld(again!!!) Lakers are sending caron butler plus expiring contracts for Jamal Magloire and PJ Brown... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/scorecard/06/20/truth.rumors.nba/index.html How about us sending our expiring contracts, Spoon, Baker n Norris for Magloire and PJ Brown???
What are we going to do with Magloire and Brown. Magloire can't play PF, he's a center. And Brown is old. It's an upgrade for the Lakers, but it's not like this move makes them contenders or anything. Put your away. This is nothing to get excited about.
are they trying to build a poor man's version of the Bulls over there? Kobe-the Jordan role Odom-the Pippen/sidekick (he slides to the 3 if this trade goes down) Magloire-the HoGrant role (i'd think he'd play PF with Mihm at starting center) Atkins-the non-shooting version of BJ Armstrong (which basically makes him worthless)
That would be a terrible deal for N.O. I understand them wanting to get a SF in Butler. I understand them wanting to move PJ Brown. But Maglore? He is rock solid as their center. They probably would want to keep him. I am sure the Lakers would LOVE to get their mits on Maglore. But to me Butler and expiring contracts just doesnt do it. Butler + the Lakers 1st round pick seems like a deal that would be better for N.O.
I'm no fan of the Lakers---hell, even my girlfriend was sick of TV's Lakers-worship, and she hardly ever watches sports---but I'll give them credit if they can pull off a trade that nets them another decent first rounder. Then their options would be unbelievable. They could draft two talented young prospects, they could package them to move into the top 10, they could package one or both in a trade with or without Butler or Odom (I won't hold my breath on a Show-be Bryant trade). Unfortunately, the economic health of the NBA depends on a couple of franchises. We all tuned in to the Lakers in the playoffs in past years because we wanted to watch them lose, to whatever team. We wanted to watch all those moms wearing Kobe jerseys (that still floors me; Kobe's not much of a role model) just gape in stunned disbelief whenever the referees' whistles weren't enough to elevate the Shaq-Kobe-Phil Show to yet another NBA Finals. I don't mind watching the Lakers down and out, but they're gonna rise again anyway, so we might as well Love to Hate Them.
http://www.nba.com/pacers/news/question_050620.html Is Report of L.A. Trade Accurate? Monday, June 20, 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you'd like to pose a Question of the Day to Conrad Brunner, submit it along with your full name and hometown to Bruno's_mailbag@pacers.com. Brunner’s opinions are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pacers players, coaches or management. QUESTION OF THE DAY Conrad Brunner Q. According to www.hoopsworld.com: "As originally revealed by Hoopsworld.com in April, Jonathan Bender is indeed on his way to Los Angeles along with the 17th pick in the draft. In return, the Lakers will send Devean George, Slava Medvedenko and a second-round pick. Loose ends: which Laker second-rounder goes to Indy? Did the Pacers convince the Lakers to send Brian Cook instead of Medvedenko? Expect the deal within a day or two of draft day, although it may not be triggered until June 28." Is this true and this does not sound like a good deal at all for the Pacers as both Devean George and Slava Medvedenko are both unproven talents compared to a first-round pick and Bender? (From John in Indianapolis) A. The story is not accurate. Franchise CEO Donnie Walsh was unequivocal in his dismissal of that particular trade report. No such discussions are taking place, and there's nothing on the table with the Lakers. Though Bender has gone through two nightmarish years with injuries, there's little reason for the Pacers to trade him becaue there is little to gain by doing so. Bender's trade value is minimal because of his history of injuries. The franchise has invested quite a bit of time (and money) in Bender, to that point that it would be counterproductive to give up on him now. Whatever the odds Bender will find a way to get healthy, stay healthy and become a productive NBA player, the Pacers are willing to stay in the game and keep rolling the dice because they know the potential payoff is worth the risk.
I have no opinion on this reported trade. I haven't the slightest clue if this rumor is true. Quite frankly, I couldn't care less. I just wanted to point out that I think it's hilarious when journalists use a GM's statement as irrefutable proof to shoot down a rumor.
ESPN was reporting last night that a giganto deal was imminent once the Lakers signed Phil. and they were suggesting that Kobe could be traded or a that Kobe gets a superstar wingman.
I don't know why people think Kobe is gone because of PJ. The Lakers aren't going anywhere near full value for him and I think they have probably learned their lesson from the Shaq deal. The Lakers alientated a bunch of fans when they dealt Shaq, they would have the be the dumbest franchise in history to deal both Kobe and Shaq two years in a row. Their best bet is to try to package Butler/George/#10 for a big man and a PG.
the media keeps on mentioning kobe and phil's past relationship but seem to forget phil left the lakers over the same reason shaq left. pj wanted more money but was denied.
With the new CBA, the Lakers could wave Brian Grant and have cap mobility to do something. Kupchak got a free pass this time.
The luxury tax won't affect anything the Lakers do. Money is not an issue. The cap is something they can't avoid. So Brian Grant's contract will be a thorn in the Lakers' side for 2 more years.
Sorry for the delayed response....I forgot I posted in this thread. Bickerstaff had the '94 Nugs who were a serious up and coming team (first #8 to beat #1, yada yada yada) and the moron just let it fall apart. Let Mutombo walk for nothing (even though a three way deal was in place to give us Horry and, I believe, Cassell from you guys) and then just started making random trades. Then he decided to try coaching and that was worse than the Issel disaster(s).
Money IS an issue. The reason that Shaq and Kobe never got a decent 3rd option, until Malone and Payton took massive paycuts, is because Jerry Buss didn't want the payroll to get THAT high. I mean he was paying out probably $60+ million per year. Another $10 mill or so could mean the difference between turning a profit and hemoraging millions of dollars. Consider Grant waived. The Lakers are in the tax now. And Grant's production isn't worth the extra millions that it would cost to keep him. Especially if they draft a PF next week.
I remember that, the initial trade had Mutombo going to the Suns, Barkley going to the Rockets, and Horry/Cassell going to Denver, but Den backed out at the last second.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that would remove him from their cap unless someone claimed him off waivers (extremely unlikely). It would free a roster spot only. Same thing if there was a buyout. IIRC, Mutombo remained on the Nets books even after they bought him out, keeping them well over the cap. Has something in the new CBA changed this? Evan
