So Orlando wants to deal with another all-star center with an expiring contract? Chances are Bynum will take the money but it's a gamble.
Biggest question in my mind is... "Will Howard sign an extension before being traded, despite his insistence that he would not?" That's the ultimate question, b/c if the answer is yes, I would image LA and Orlando can find a way to make it work.
I think this may be headed to a stand off where Buss believes that based on Bynum's age and contract, he is worth MORE than Howard and want the Magic to take back a bad contract..... the Magic will argue Howard is worth more than Bynum and the Lakers should take back garbage contracts.. Also is Howard going to agree to a contract extension to play with a 35 year old Kobe? Would the Lakers deal Bynum for a soon to be free agent?.... I don't see it...
Kurt Helin: No way Howard signs an extension with anyone. In his financial interest to become free agent and re-sign under Bird rights, more years +$. 1 minute ago Read more: http://hoopshype.com/twitter/media.html#ad_not_found#ixzz1zaLCvIO8
Lakers fans are in for a world of hurt because Buss isn't trading Bynum. He'd trade Kobe if the fans bofore that happens.
If this happens rockets lineup: Lowry/ ??? Richarson / Lamb Parson / jones / white Gasol / Donuts Asik / Camby (if we sign him)
So if Howard goes to LA are they the favorites to come out of the West, or is it still about OKC since Perkins can hold Howard 1-1 and Durant > Kobe?
It is OKC. The Lakers are dependent on Gasol. If Gasol plays like he has the last couple of postseasons, the Lakers can't win a title. If Gasol plays like he did when he first got to LA, the Lakers can win with or without Howard.
no way LA takes the risk of trading bynum without an extension from Howard I am guessing Howard isnt going to budge on that Will test the FA market either then demand a S&T then or re-sign with whatever team he was originally traded to anyway i doubt howard will walk away from a bird-rights max deal contract for a max deal contract no way the lakers get Howard without an extension if Howard does leave then the Lakers are stuck with an even older Kobe, an older Gasol (who could decline even further) and no other real parts -- that team would be a disaster at least if Bynum was still around you still have one all-star level player that is just about to enter his prime you can build around
Ken Berger @KBergCBS [rquoter]Any deal with Lakers for Dwight that includes Bynum -- i.e. the only such deal Orlando would consider -- contingent on commitment from D12. As of this morning, Dwight had yet to reassess his position that he'd only sign with Brooklyn if traded, league source said.[/rquoter]
If the Magic are going to trade Howard before the season, I think he ends up with either Houston or LA.
If I am the Lakers I don't sell off any of my stars for a guy who hasn't committed long-term. Makes the most sense for both teams, talent wise. You can build around Bynum, he's a vet, but only like 25 y.o. with 7 yrs in the league. You start drafting well, sign a few decent players and you are back at Howard's team level in less than 3 years, potentially 2.
