| laborlitigator |
Phil just stepped down as coach.
Kobe is opting out.
Shaq wants a trade.
Looks like they're going to try to keep Kobe and build around him.
Big question is where does Shaq land. But since McGrady has demanded out of Orlando, Shaq may not end up there after all. |
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| Mr. Mom |
| The Spurs might take him. :) |
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| CountDrAcura |
If the Lakers are doing everything they can to keep Kobe, what happens if he's found guilty?
I would think that it makes sense to trade him straight up with someone like McGrady or Francis and keep Jackson and Shaq.
I don't know what Kupchac is thinking. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Kupchac seems to be basing his decision on age as opposed to skill. |
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| CountDrAcura |
quote:
Originally posted by laborlitigator
Kupchac seems to be basing his decision on age as opposed to skill.
Kobe's skilled too, don't get me wrong. It just seems that hedging your teams future on the unknowns is a big risk.
Phil is the most successful NBA coach hands down. Shaq is still 'a' dominant center in the league. The triangle offence is still one of the most effective out there.
Kobe's relationsip with Shaq and Phil, along with his legal situationi, had a big impact on the mental stability on this team.
Kobe should be traded straight up. He's great. But too risky to hold on to.
IMHO |
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| Warzau |
| DejaVue it's the bulls all over again:4: but then again they won their last Championship before it all went in the crapper. |
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| xfactor |
We all knew this was the last dance with this crew. Just too bad it ended with no ring...
I've head rumors that Rudy T. , Bibby, Mussleman, and Karl are on the coaching short list...
Another rumor has Shaq going to Dallas for Dirk, Nash, Findley, and a 1st round pick. Along with that, Nelly would be fired, then Jackson would replace him... I wouldn't put anything past Cuban...
Dr. Buss confuses me..
You allow the best executive in NBA history to skip town.
You allow the best coach in NBA history to skip town.
You ignore one the best centers in NBA history until he demands to skip town.
:confused:
I'ts going to be some looonng seasons ahead...
:( |
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| laborlitigator |
Thing is, the Lakers are relying upon resigning Kobe. If he actually signs elsewhere, I don't see how they could woo back Shaq into playing for them.
The Lakers had better resgn Kobe. |
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| mullysalt |
quote:
Originally posted by xfactor
We all knew this was the last dance with this crew. Just too bad it ended with no ring...
I'ts going to be some looonng seasons ahead...
:(
Too bad for you........Dante......
GREAT for DETROIT BASKETBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm back from my little weekend getaway. It seems as though we've chased off a longtime member and the lakerdrama lingers on............
Personally, I hope the Clippers go on a three decade run and the Lakers circle the drain.
mdxxxxxxxx.........I know you love your lakers but if the Celtics and lakers never win another title, well, that would be just fine by me.
BAD BOYS 4 LIFE................ |
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| xfactor |
quote:
Originally posted by mullysalt
Too bad for you........Dante......
GREAT for DETROIT BASKETBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm back from my little weekend getaway. It seems as though we've chased off a longtime member and the lakerdrama lingers on............
Personally, I hope the Clippers go on a three decade run and the Lakers circle the drain.
mdxxxxxxxx.........I know you love your lakers but if the Celtics and lakers never win another title, well, that would be just fine by me.
BAD BOYS 4 LIFE................
LOL - Your jubilation was/is predictable. However, several teams are poised to make a sustained championship runs... Most notably the Spurs, Timberwolves, and maybe the Kings (now that the Lakers are seriously re-tooling)... Remember Mully, it does not take very long to re-tool. History shows that the Lakers will surface for a few championships every decade... We'll be back...:4: |
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| mullysalt |
History shows that the Lakers will be back.........
but it doesn't hurt to dream......
I agree it doesn't take long to retool or rebuild. Joe D took the job as president with the 'stons 4 years ago to the day of last Thursday's victory celebration. |
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| laborlitigator |
quote:
Originally posted by mullysalt
History shows that the Lakers will be back.........
but it doesn't hurt to dream......
I agree it doesn't take long to retool or rebuild. Joe D took the job as president with the 'stons 4 years ago to the day of last Thursday's victory celebration.
Mully, I think you're getting more outspoken every post. Tell us how you really feel. I think props should be given to Mr. Dumars for the job he's done. I think the media isn't giving him enough kudos for putting together a team devoid of any Hall of Famers (for now) and bringing home a championship.
Then again, Mully, he might really regret not taking Carmelo. Heck they might have swept the Lakers if he was there. |
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| mullysalt |
That's the way I grew up. I said to myself, "Self, you're not going to be like your old man who just keeps everthing buried inside and lets it fester into apathy or resentment."
So, I speak my mind. All season I shared your opinion about the carmelo issue, LL. After Prince's block of Reggie I put that issue to bed. |
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| socalJD |
Why is everyone outside of So Cal over-analyzing this situation. No panic here, just obvious & expected business decisions:
1. Phil didn't 'step down' - his 5 yr contract was up and Buss simply did not tender him a new one. Phil wanted over $8mm/yr base salary+ and Buss doesn't want to pay that. Phil made $6mm/yr on last contract and got 2mm BONUS for each title. Maybe banging Dr. Jerry's daughter has something to do with this . . .
2. I've posted in the past that Kobe would opt out - it's a no-brainer. Current contract pays him 10mm/yr, way under market value. Lakers can now offer him 7yr/141mm or double current contract, no other team can offer as much or more - if you're his agent, what do you advise him to do ?!?
3. Shaq is still under contract for 2 yrs at 28mm & 30mm - he can opt out after next season. IMO, Shaq's going no where, he's just publicly whining because Kobe's getting all the attention and love from the Laker brass & media and it's killing his superego. It probably didn't help that Kupchak publicly stated he would honor a trade if Shaq wanted (where did THAT come from) - I think there is some friction b/w Shaq & Kupchak which really has nothing to do with Phil, Kobe or Buss. Reality is Kupchak will only take 'like value' for trading Shaq, but he's no fool so he's not going to deal him to a west conf team - thus Garnett, Duncan, Webber or Nowitzki (like value) are out. IMO the only option in the east seems to be Indiana who could offer J O'neal, Artest & maybe Croshere, but I just can't see Bird pulling the trigger on this (I would love to see this happen). So bottom line, Shaq stays in LA.
4. Malone opts out. He only made $1.5mm on the veteran's exception this year - clearly he's worth more. If he's 100% healthy for next season, Lakers will bring him back at the mid-level exception or 5.5mm.
Here's some speculations:
- Payton will not opt out and will come back next season. Phil is gone so triangle is gone, Payton's doing cartwheels in his living room - as he suffered tremendously under the triangle. Besides, where else can Payton make 5.5mm and still have a chance at a title . . .
- Fisher will opt out and become a free agent. Fisher currently makes 3mm/yr and is probably worth more. He is well liked by teammates and is a fan favorite - and Buss will not forget his 0.4 second miracle shot againts the spurs. I expect Fish to come back at double his old salary.
- George will not be protected and will be drafted by the Bobcats. (or at least we can hope)
Now all you armchair GMs and analysts are up to speed . . . |
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| mullysalt |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
Besides, where else can Payton make 5.5mm and still have a chance at a title . . .
Now all you armchair GMs and analysts are up to speed . . .
socal, nice to hear from you. Still vacationing on De Nile River I see. With a post like that are you sure you aren't the armchair GM or analyst. It seems as though you've contradicted yourself again criticizing the rest of us for over-analyzing about the lakerdrama and you lay out a 4 step plan complete with bullet points. If Payton wants a title he should opt-out and come to Detroit where he could be the third string point guard.
P.S.-J. O'Neal for Shaq is a bad deal for Indy. They would never do it. So dream on. Did you ever think that it's time to give Del Harris a call? |
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| xfactor |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
.... IMO the only option in the east seems to be Indiana who could offer J O'neal, Artest & maybe Croshere, but I just can't see Bird pulling the trigger on this (I would love to see this happen). . . .
I read anther intriguing scenario that has Shaq to the Nets for ...
Jason Collins C
Kerry Kittles G
Kenyon Martin F (sign and trade)
Rodney Rogers F
The math would work out. |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by mullysalt
History shows that the Lakers will be back.........
but it doesn't hurt to dream......
I agree it doesn't take long to retool or rebuild...
Ah #3, not bad, only took 15mins for your claws to come out . . .
Yes, I am an armchair GM, as we ALL are, else why would you bother replying in cyberspace to a monitor and keyboard ?!? You seem to forget that we know YOU play fantasy sports . . . :D
Speaking of dreaming, please refer to above quote . . . From your mouth to God's ear, Lakers will be baaaacccckkkk . . .
So, who are the Pistons leaving unprotected in the exp draft ? and will they show 'Sheed some love and re-sign him . . .
Late
SocalJD |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by xfactor
I read anther intriguing scenario that has Shaq to the Nets for ...
Jason Collins C
Kerry Kittles G
Kenyon Martin F (sign and trade)
Rodney Rogers F
The math would work out.
Can't see where that is 'like value'. Lakers were in the Finals with Shaq, but nowhere near with this trade, and NJ instantly becomes favorites for making the Finals . . . Kmart is no Garnett or Duncan or even J Oneal . . . |
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| mullysalt |
So you could play for second with the rest of the losers, socal. What's the big deal anyway you do too. At least that was the story you were telling in the MLB thread.
Speaking of losers, Shaq will be the next to leave the lakers. It would be smart to trade him now since he still has value. The window is closing fast on Shaq.
P.S.-LL, shouldn't all of this be going in the NBA 2004-05 thread? |
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| xfactor |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
Can't see where that is 'like value'. Lakers were in the Finals with Shaq, but nowhere near with this trade, and NJ instantly becomes favorites for making the Finals . . . Kmart is no Garnett or Duncan or even J Oneal . . .
I get your point. I guess the like value is in monetary value only. Maybe the Nets can include Kidd? ;) |
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| mullysalt |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
I think there is some friction b/w Shaq & Kupchak which really has nothing to do with Phil, Kobe or Buss. Reality is Kupchak will only take 'like value' for trading Shaq, but he's no fool so he's not going to deal him to a west conf team - thus Garnett, Duncan, Webber or Nowitzki (like value) are out. IMO the only option in the east seems to be Indiana who could offer J O'neal, Artest & maybe Croshere, but I just can't see Bird pulling the trigger on this (I would love to see this happen). So bottom line, Shaq stays in LA.
Friction between Shaq and Kupchak? Ya Think? He refered to the people who run the team as "knuckleheads" . |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by mullysalt
. . . Shaq will be the next to leave the lakers. It would be smart to trade him now since he still has value. The window is closing fast on Shaq.
Stop the presses !!! Mully actually agrees with me on something . . .
Unfortunately LL does not, as he worships the ground that Shaq teeters on. But as I posted before, not too many GMs can or are willing to give up 'like value' for the MDE (his words), especially in the east which is the most realistic place for him to go. As soon as Kobe re-signs, Kupchak can roll out the red carpet and heap the praise upon Mr. MDE that he desperately craves and needs, and all we be good again. |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by mullysalt
Friction between Shaq and Kupchak? Ya Think? He refered to the people who run the team as "knuckleheads" .
Remember, Shaq has a big mouth, so no surprise to me. He keeps calling Sacto the 'queens' - which is ironic in that the Maloofs may be desperate enough to trade for him . . . he's taken similar shots at Cuban when the Mavs sent video to the commish about Shaq stepping over the FT line on his FT attemps (like it really matters when you shoot >50%) - and Cuban may also be 'maverick' enough to trade for Shaq . . . |
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| xfactor |
quote:
Originally posted by socalJD
... But as I posted before, not too many GMs can or are willing to give up 'like value' for the MDE (his words), especially in the east which is the most realistic place for him to go. As soon as Kobe re-signs, Kupchak can roll out the red carpet and heap the praise upon Mr. MDE that he desperately craves and needs, and all we be good again.
I hope your are right... |
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| CountDrAcura |
quote:
Originally posted by xfactor
Remember Mully, it does not take very long to re-tool.
Except for Boston.:) |
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| laborlitigator |
| And you thought last year was a circus. Why don't they try to get John Wooden and John Thompson as assistant coaches. |
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| xfactor |
quote:
Originally posted by hammermdx
Looks like Kobe decided to stay put with the Lakers: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1840336
Ok, that's all well and good. Now to address the center position. Maybe Dampier? When does Yao's contract expire, and he opts out? |
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| laborlitigator |
If you're a premier big man, why would you ever want to play with Kobe?
Knowing what you know about his attitude and selfishness.
I don't see Duncan or Garnett leaving to play with him. Or even Yao. Vlade does look to be a good fit because he's more than willing to give up the shot. |
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