Comments on: Lakers Season Preview

By: Justin

Justin — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 20:09:32 +0000

I am really happy with the start of the season; the Lakers have been a pleasant surprise this year. They have managed to put the Kobe trade drama behind them and focus on playing basketball, by the way I think he is staying with the Lakers the book I bet with http://WWW.Wagerweb.com NBA Lines has the odds oh him leaving at 20/1 so about a 4% chance of him leaving, hope they are right and he sticks around long enough for other players to evolve and have a shot at a championship

By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:24:29 +0000

Exhelodrvr,
For the purposes of my argument,Kwame would not be resigned,Marion would opt out. Adding in Bell’s salary,and assuming $3mil cap increase for next yr and you have the savings. (Actually it’d be a few $mil less because of draft picks,still…) I’d assume Lamar would be traded,but you never know.
Look at Lakers 08/9 salaries,subtract Kobe,Cook add Bell and the Lakers payroll would be around $42mil. Don’t resign Sasha,add two draft picks and it would be @$45mil,give or take a couple of $mil. Assume the 08/9 cap is $59-60mil and that’s my math.
It could be sold as Kobe gave the franchise 10 yrs of great basketball,helping us win 3 Championships,and in appreciation we want to do what’s best for Kobe.

Again tho,I don’t think Kobe is getting traded this yr.
But,the FO may be laying the groundwork for next yr w/other teams. Saying Kobe can be had,but it’s going to take a package of draft picks and cap relief-or whatever the team makes known to other teams. This way interested teams can make some deals to set up for a run at Kobe.

By: exhelodrvr

exhelodrvr — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:50:50 +0000

Stephen,
“Leaves Lakers w/between $15-20mil in cap room.”

The Lakers are 15M over the cap, and that isn’t going to get much better, unless you also let Lamar and Kwame go “for free” at the end of their contracts.

By: Jim

Jim — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 15:19:14 +0000

Predictions for tonight’s game against Houston anyone?

If Kobe plays:

LA 91
HOU 106

If Kobe sits:

LA 85
HOU 106

By: 33

33 — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:23:46 +0000

This is from Ernie Grunfeld (president of the WIzards basketball operations) regarding Arenas for Kobe (via the Washington Post):

“I don’t normally comment on rumors but there is no truth to this rumor. We’ve never had any conversations with the Lakers or with anyone else about Gilbert.”

I think this rumor can safely be put to bed.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:06:43 +0000

I personally don’t think Kobe is going anywhere but if he does get traded there are three routes to go.
1)Trade for several pretty good players. This is most common and has a long history from Kareem to KG. Usually results in a long run of mediocrity.
2)Trade for another comparable star. Pretty hard to do. The best viable match I see is Vince Carter-and he would be in LA to sell tickets while rest of team developed. Only if Lakers get desperate.
3)Trade for draft picks and cap space. Which leads to an interesting possibility. Kobe and Cook to Phoenix for Marion,Raja Bell,and the 08 Atlanta First.
The 08 Draft is also supposed to be deep and the Atlanta pick has a decent chance of being a top 10.
Make it clear to Marion he won’t get much more than MLE-type money from Lakers and he opts out. Leaves Lakers w/between $15-20mil in cap room. Think Elton Brand would look good next to Bynum? The 08 Free Agent class is very good w/young players like Childress and Wright who might make good facilitators for the Triangle.
Now as to trading to Suns. The Lakers are looking at 2 yrs before Bynum can start and dominate-if he can. In two yrs Nash will be 35. The Suns will be capped out,so their roster will be the same for the near future.Plus there is the legitimate question of can Kobe adopt to a moving-the-ball offense where he’s not the focus for a full yr,not for a few weeks.
Just a thought.

By: 81 witness

81 witness — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:41:51 +0000

FYI – Lakers signed one-year extensions on Farmar and Bynum.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:26:48 +0000

The Wizards rumors are interesting and could potentially work out extremely well for the Lakers. Gilbert Arenas, being a younger player in the league with superstar status, has the opportunity to work with Bynum, Farmar, Crtitenton, Ronny, Walton, and Radman to build a team of more consistency and hard work ethics. I like the topic, but once again, it must just be the media making up some random rumors that motivate the fans but never has a chance to go through. I want to see something happen, either Kobe shut everyone up or see him put on a different uniform. Whatever it may be, I’m annoyed by the drama and want to see some basketball. Enjoy opening night tomorrow everyone. Check out preivews throughout the season at http://www.laballtalk.com

By: George

George — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 02:03:55 +0000

Chise, sorry for the confusion. When I said the situation for Kobe would not be better for him if he was dealt to the Wizards, I meant not better than staying here in LA. In regards to Washington over Chicago, I think the Wizards are a better destination for Kobe, and a better trade partner for the Lakers. I do not see the Chicago deal happening, but with the Wizards, I see potential.

However, in my opinion, I believe Kobe’s best option is to continue to play in LA, see how our talent develops, maybe a player breaks out, maybe moves are made to bolster the roster with Kobe.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 01:57:17 +0000

Kurt,
I’m a Rockets fan living in LA. Got LP last yr and this yr,so when I’m not watching the Rockets I watch alot of Lakers and Clips.

Funny how Spurs did not make Kobe’s list. I mean he does want to play for a team w/chance to win it all ?
If Kobe does get traded,wonder if he’ll be a 1 yr rental and he forces another trade to his favored Suns.