[choicez]

I believe Kobe has 2 years left so the Lakers really need to worry about the future. If not, they will fall victim to the drought during the 90s with stars like Cedric Ceballos, Sedale Threatt, and David Rivers. Lakers will need a shooter and the star power to bring in the fans so Carmelo makes sense. They also don't have the players to trade (Gasol is prolly untouchable) to bring in big name free agents except Bynum.

[OC Guy]

Originally Posted by choicez

I believe Kobe has 2 years left so the Lakers really need to worry about the future. If not, they will fall victim to the drought during the 90s with stars like Cedric Ceballos, Sedale Threatt, and David Rivers. Lakers will need a shooter and the star power to bring in the fans so Carmelo makes sense. They also don't have the players to trade (Gasol is prolly untouchable) to bring in big name free agents except Bynum.

There will be free agents then too.

D12 comes to mind.
Blake Griffin...

[OC Guy]

Keep in mind sources are often Agents or other team officials who have vested interests. If there is a leak, it's most likely intentional.

[choicez]

Originally Posted by OC 335i

There will be free agents then too.

D12 comes to mind.
Blake Griffin...

I highly doubt Dwight will want to be part of another rebuilding process in that time of his career. Also, he would sign for less and pay taxes on his contract if he played in LA. Blake is a possibility but I'm confident the Clipps will give him the max contract extension. He's bringing in the fans and might even steal more of the LA fan base when Kobe retires.

[OC Guy]

Originally Posted by choicez

I highly doubt Dwight will want to be part of another rebuilding process in that time of his career. Also, he would sign for less and pay taxes on his contract if he played in LA. Blake is a possibility but I'm confident the Clipps will give him the max contract extension. He's bringing in the fans and might even steal more of the LA fan base when Kobe retires.

I do not think he would be rebuilding if he came to LA.

btw
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_yl...nasmagic020611

[Tee212]

Dont do it Mitch, it will take Luke out of the rotation

[OC Guy]

Dwight could come here as early as 2012/2013.

Kobe/Gasol would still be under contract. I don't see where a rebuilding process would come into the equation here.

[choicez]

Originally Posted by OC 335i

Dwight could come here as early as 2012/2013.

Kobe/Gasol would still be under contract. I don't see where a rebuilding process would come into the equation here.

True but Gasol & Kobe will have 2 years remaining on their deals in 2012. That means Dwight would prolly sign a short term contract unless he wants to rebuild afterwards. That's a huge gamble for him financially & careerwise to bank winning a championship with a really old squad and escpecially Kobe at the end of his career with barely any knees left. Trade for Dwight now, different story.

[OC Guy]

Originally Posted by choicez

True but Gasol & Kobe will have 2 years remaining on their deals in 2012. That means Dwight would prolly sign a short term contract unless he wants to rebuild afterwards. That's a huge gamble for him financially & careerwise to bank winning a championship with a really old squad and escpecially Kobe at the end of his career with barely any knees left. Trade for Dwight now, different story.

I don't think it's a huge gamble for him financially at the very least. He goes into a bigger, better market (LA as opposed to Orlando). LA has a proven formula for success. With Gasol/Kobe off the books, don't you think they could attract free agents? That's almost $50 million off the books.

BTW, I believe Kobe would most likely sign another extension at that point if his health holds up.

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/la_lakers.htm

[Flight135]

Jim Buss,turned down a Carmelo Anthony for Andrew Bynum trade, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News (on twitter). He adds that Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant were dismayed.

[OC Guy]

Originally Posted by Flight135

Jim Buss,turned down a Carmelo Anthony for Andrew Bynum trade, according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News (on twitter). He adds that Phil Jackson and Kobe Bryant were dismayed.

There are reasons for this. I believe negotiation. Here's a good take from a Lakers forum. Bolded is one post and non-bolded is a reply.

Something is fishy here. I can't believe that Jim would turn it down or that Jerry/Mitch would be ok with it. Jim is NOT the owner of the Lakers.



Exactly.


That's why I think this is a negotiating tactic. If the good Dr wanted to overrule Jim- he would. And I doubt the details of Jim putting killing the deal would leak out this quickly unless the Lakers wanted it leaked out. Make it seem that getting Bynum will be next to impossible. Meanwhile, Mitch is on the phone saying it's doable if Nene is included.

Mitch, Jim and Jerry are no dummies.

They know like most on this board that a straight Drew for Melo swap leaves the lakers vulnerable up front vs Boston and the Spurs, etc.


They also aren't going to give up both Drew and LO, when they can see that Denver is getting completely lowballed by the Knicks.

To make a Bynum, Luke, Brown, Barnes, Caracter and picks deal work for Melo and Nene, they have to send a very clear message that Bynum for Melo straight up will not happen.

The worst case for the LAkers is they keep Bynum, have an excellent shot at 3peating and then can turn their attention to Dwight after the new CBA is agreed upon. Worst case for Denver is losing Melo for nothing, so they are the ones under pressure. And the team under pressure always gets the short end of the stick.

Dr Buss is a master poker player. He's playing this hand very well.

[Bimmer335i]

man, this whole Melo trade involving bunch of teams is more exciting than the potential playoffs...me liking it...can't wait til the 24th now...lol

[dayala0902]

D Rose Conference Finals or bust!

[c0nstant]

http://www.didthecavswinlastnight.com/

[Bimmer335i]

Originally Posted by jh valley

http://www.didthecavswinlastnight.com/

i really don't know why people baggin on cleaveland, i mean they had a major shocker last year, going thru some serious injuries, and it's just natural that they will sink to new lows...imagine if Kobe's out the rest of the year!

so i think people should just leave cleaveland alone, let them deal with their issues and maybe they'll come back healthy next year...

[NYCGP]

Originally Posted by Bimmer335i

i really don't know why people baggin on cleaveland, i mean they had a major shocker last year, going thru some serious injuries, and it's just natural that they will sink to new lows...imagine if Kobe's out the rest of the year!

so i think people should just leave cleaveland alone, let them deal with their issues and maybe they'll come back healthy next year...

In other news, I forwarded that link to every basketball fan I know. They thought it was one of the funniest things ever.

Nice find, JH.

Going to see Uconn play St. Johns tonight in MSG. Should be fun.

[c0nstant]

made this wallpaper last night in preparation for today

http://i51.tinypic.com/1zxqekm.jpg

[OC Guy]

Originally Posted by jh valley

made this wallpaper last night in preparation for today

http://i51.tinypic.com/1zxqekm.jpg

Legit. That's nice man.

[c0nstant]

thanks

also, looks like jerry sloan is retiring mid-season

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/7...to-resign.html

[OC Guy]

^ yes what a damn shame. He just signed a 1 year contract extension. The GM went in the locker room the other day and they had a heated discussion apparently.

How stupid and what a shame he had to go out like THAT.

[OC Guy]

Dwill to LAL, calling it now.

[Bimmer335i]

Originally Posted by jh valley

made this wallpaper last night in preparation for today

http://i51.tinypic.com/1zxqekm.jpg

Can't believe it's been 9 yrs since Chick Hearns passed away! It seems like it was just yesterday he was on the mike...man, time's just flying by...sigh