My guess on Kurt’s post is either the promise of Crit/Farmar future or how the trade front seems to be strong for the Lakers now than it was a few weeks ago.

Nets reportedly turn down the JO trade, Phoenix not in the running for KG anymore, GSW having trouble putting a deal together, Joe Smith signing with Bulls so Mihm can most likely be signed for a reasonable contract.

Front office has been strong on not trading Kobe and showing no panic therefore regaining some trade leverage.

Lakers are in a good position to make a move, however the nature of such a huge deal still makes it very unlikely anything will happen…but Lakers are in as good a position as anybody else if something does go down.

http://lakers.topbuzz.com/PNphpBB2-viewtopic-t-3376.html#45411

By offering that much money to Fisher I don’t think we can sign Webber and Mihm at the same time…

PS: 100th post is mine

The true trading season might end abruptly and quickly, or it could last until the trading deadline. We need to keep our nerve and confidence.

On paper, we’ve turned our backcourt liability into a strength. Jordan Farmar is our starting point guard. He became the point guard by ousting the Smusher. Jordan battled Laker stereotypes that would have sent him to the development league almost to the end. He far exceeded expectations. He’s not a slug.

Javaris Crittendon is a point guard Rookie. He appears to be a terrific prospect but . . .he hasn’t even begun the battle to get serious minutes as a Laker yet. For the time being, it might be best to regard him as trade bait (though I don’t expect him to be traded). Next year, we can write him in more definitively if he’s still here.

Derek Fisher can play many roles–but he especially needs to be fresh for the playoffs. He will be used as needed throughout the season.

We shouldn’t entirely forget Sasha. In the Laker system, Sasha could be a pg at times. You might even see Sasha paired as a pg with Derek as a shooting pg–especially If we face the Suns in the playoffs.

A number of teams that might have made Mihm an offer are already somewhat or totally out of the game: Sacto (Mikki Moore), Chicago (Joe Smith), Heat (Elonzo Mourning), Memphis (Darko Milicic).

We may end up giving Mihm a “prove yourself” first year at a low amount, with a two year option to follow. In some ways, Mihm solidifies the bigs just as Fisher solidifies the backcourt. He becomes our veteran center.

I hope the signing happens soon.

Here is what could follow (my fantasy):

1. The Lakers trade Kwame/Andrew for Pau Gasol (to make the deal, the Lakers may add a draft pick)

2. The Lakers trade Lamar Odom for Ron Artest +Shareef Abdur Raheem

So, the Lakers lose: Kwame/Andrew/Lamar

Gain: Pau/Ron/Shareef

Grizzlies get two true centers–Bynum would bring in the crowds w/Conley

Sacto. gets a new “Webber” gets rid of unneeded veteran with hanging contract (Abdur Rayheem)

Lakers get two stars (Gasol/Artest), great veteran (Abdur-Raheem).

Good balance. Better overall defense. No slugs.

They are slightly under the salary cap!

I think the Lakers are not done dealing but are looking hard into the requirements. They obviously are not rushing to any deal at the moment (which is a good thing) but are really considering the idea of JO (being the only deal available at the moment).

Trading both Odom and Bynum for JO constitutes overpayment. Everyone knows this, its just a question of “deal or no deal”. In my mind, I have conceded to the fact that we can be better both ways, but should the deal push through, JO will really help us in many ways. Jermaine will never yield Shaq-like numbers but his game compliments that of Kobe’s. He is also surrendered to the fact that he will be the 2nd option if ever he plays alongside Kobe.

Having the post skills of JO and his ability to score back to the basket is one dimension the team lacks right now. His defensive skills down low will also benefit our interior defense deficiency. Kwame can hold off the offensive player with his size while JO rolls over for the help defense.

These comments I make are not rumors ansd speculations, but are best described as me, “having the reason to believe” this will happen.