As discussed earlier, the Lakers have dwindling options in free agency as many of the most desirable players were snatched up in a frantic first 24 hours of activity. One of the more appealing options left on the market as of Thursday morning was the Lakers’ own free agent, Ed Davis.
The market moves quickly, however, and reports now have Davis no longer available:
Ed Davis will sign a three-year, $20 million deal with Portland, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2015
First things first, this is a very reasonable deal for Davis. It is slightly above the Mid-level Exception, but in a climate where many players are getting more per/year money than that and inking longer contracts, the Blazers did well for themselves getting Davis for slightly more than a $6 million annual average.
For the Lakers, however, this is pretty rough news. Unless they have another option lined up, this is the type of deal they could have easily offered Davis to stick around. Considering Davis said he would like to stay with the team and, reportedly, that interest was mutual, it is difficult to see why there could not have been a mutual agreement with the end result him being in a Laker uniform next season.
When you consider the Lakers’ depth chart at Center and the fact Davis’ deal still leaves room for, roughly, a 25% max salary slot that would have still allowed the team to chase other players, it’s harder to see why something couldn’t get done.
In other words, if you weren’t fully frustrated before, this type of deal for Davis with another team likely inches you closer to that point.
Lee says
This is a contuation of the mess that is the Lakers now. I can’t believe we are where we are. Under this group it was not improve next year either.
Eros says
When I die, I want the Los Angeles Lakers management to be the pallbearers at my funeral so they can let me down one last time.
greg says
The elephant in the room is that Jim Buss and Mitch are incompetent, don’t know real NBA talent and just let the next Tim Duncan go to Philly. Jerry West and Phil privately have said that Mitch and Jimmy boy don’t know what they are doing. If Jeanne is true to her word, Mitch and Jimmy boy must go.
Chris says
What seriously? Mitch what are you doing? Please help us
fern says
This REEEALYYYYYY pisses me off, a perfect option at reasonable price, we can strikeout on the FAs sure we have discussed the reasons ad nauseum but this inaction is really ticking me off. I defend the FOs decisions for the most part, but this is ridiculous, Davis was a perfectly and easy solution hell he wanted to stay wit the team!!!! I’m really frustrated now, I better stay away for a bit. For the 1st time the words “Regime change” cross my mind. Mitch WTF?
Chris says
This is a nightmare! Offer a max deal to Tobias Harris. We need something especially since we’ll need to attract free agents next year.
Gian says
They were too focused on landing the big-named stars and yet again are missing out on key role players. This is such a nightmare. I am starting to lose my trust in Mitch K.
Jimmy p says
Been a laker fan since 1984 and I have never seen so many stumble screws in my life get the buss family to sell the franchise if they can’t get it together three years of this is enough for us fans show us something damn it we just lost Ed Davis as well what’s left is another disappointing year way to let the fans down again
Archon says
At this point I’m assuming that there are demoralized people in the Laker front office right now. They are staring at the abyss of another 25 win season with the likelihood of not keeping their draft pick and an unhappy and impatient fan base.
We might officially be at rock bottom as a franchise right now.
Frank G says
Lakers are just frustrating their fans now, front office doesn’t know what it’s doing
Anthony says
This was very cheap compared to what other (in some cases less talented) big men have received this offseason. Would have been a great value for a relatively young and effective player.
Gian says
All the excitement coming from draft night just flew out the window. This is going to be a loooooooooonnggg. season.
fern says
I think these fools are holding out for the .000000001% chance that Lebron James decides to leave the Cavs. I swear that’s the reason. OMG this has ruined my day.
chris henderson says
word out there now that the Lakers are in pursuit of … wait for it …
Amare Stoudemire … and …
David Lee
2 mildly expensive vets, not at (beyond) their prime…
as I said before I think Tarik Black can ball, and I was hoping they’d resign Ed Davis…
sigh.
tankyou says
Losing Ed Davis for SO LITTLE really frustrates me.
Ed Davis was an elite finisher around the rim last year, an elite PnR player. He is quick, with a seemingly endless motor, mobile, doesn’t take bad shots, blocks shots, defends the rim. The only thing with him is he fouls a bit much, but that’s it. Players far worse than him are getting handed 10 mill deals. Plus Ed had no real ego, played from the bench and ably covered the center position despite being a bit undersized. Plus Ed was only 26 with almost no mileage on him. It’s likely he only gets better for the entirety of the 3 year contract–he was a steal.
He was young enough for the Lakers to use him during the rebuild. Thus far the rebuild looks like a pipe dream with the team needing 2 of our youngins to become stars basically and they team to sign nothing but defensive stoppers to not be the worst defensive team in NBA history.
Last years team looks like defensive stalwarts compared to who we have signed thus far, especially since the defensive guys like Lopez etc appear to be disappearing. So sick of Aaron’s year long comments about how great it is to suck arse for a pick.
Calvin says
Looks like the plan this coming season is code name Tank Aaron.
dashun smith says
I really Love the Lakers…I watched them from van exel days too Now…Man I’m truly heart broken… Right Now……we can’t even sign ah dam Ball Boy…I Despise you Jim and Mitch….really don’t want U … any where near Staples center Kobe u On Real Thin Ice …and its crackin..homie… Jeani Fire every body Please As Fans!!!! Why are Y’all Ruining ah Great Franchise Y….Byron Scott old coaching ways is Trash!!! 2015 from Lakers fan …I have really been let Down 3yrs straight thinking next year is our Year Time to clean House…from the Top to Bottom ..Dammmmmmm
beau says
Time for mitch to go!
dashun smith says
I really Love the Lakers…I watched them from van exel days too Now…Man I’m truly heart broken… Right Now……we can’t even sign ah dam Ball Boy…I Despise you Jim and Mitch….really don’t want U 2 any where near Staples center Kobe u On Real Thin Ice …and its crackin..homie… Jeani Fire every body Please As Fans!!!! Why are Y’all Ruining ah Great Franchise Y….Byron Scott old coaching ways is Trash!!! 2015 from Lakers fan …I have really been let Down 3yrs straight thinking next year is our Year Time to clean House…from the Top to Bottom ..Dammmmmmm
John says
The sad thing is that the F.O is going to smile and act like they have everything under control again. Please keep Jimmy away or just sell the team for Christ sake Buss Family…You dont know what you are doing and I’m starting to think Jeanie’s being getting a pass all this time only because she is a woman. Forget that BULL and start putting pressure on the managements to sell the franchise ,Please!!!!!!! sports writers,..we the fans have had enough of the incompetency.
Yours Truly,
A disapointed Laker Lifer that starting to like the Clippers more and more because of the Buss kids.
fern says
seriously thinking about boycotting this team until this ownership/FO goes away. Shame on them!!!
fern says
Hey cheer up we picked up Robert $%#@&^ Sacre option. Welcome back Jordan Hill!!!! pffft
Aaron says
Calvin,
Just trust me and the Lakers FO. We won’t let you down. Anorher top three pick will give us the best young core in the NBA.
tankyou says
Maybe we can beg Jordan Hill to come back on a 1 year contract and shoot 18 footers for us and goof off with Swaggy. Good thing they “experimented” last year with Sacre starting–he may end up being our starting Center. Tarik Black can be our back up Center and PF. Kelly can get owned by whoever he tries to cover. I wonder if teams can average 115 a game against us next year?
Craig W. says
That people could say Ed Davis was an elite anything is simply amazing. I really liked what he brought to our club last year – and I am disappointed that the Lakers couldn’t have had an informal agreement to match other offers (perhaps they did…) – but he was strictly a backup player at either 4 or 5.
Fans seem to be taking the concept of short attention span to new heights. We just finished a draft, where we did fairly well in plugging 3 different holes on our team. This is following a draft where we got two players who apparently are going to contribute next year. Because our club wasn’t in a position to compete for a title next year we should fire our front office staff???
We were long-shots to get anything other than Ed Davis in this free-agency. We – like the Knicks – are the ‘pig with lipstick’ club. What was intended with the last CBA and The Veto is what is coming to pass. This is a process and we will have to work our way through it. It would be nice if we all recognized this fact and simply slowed down and exhaled.
This doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be some changes made, both in philosophy and personnel, but the time for that is in August and September – not now. Now we need to focus on getting what we can out of what is left of free-agency.
fern says
There is a Tsunami of backlash building up the likes of which w have not seen before, Lakers fans are in an uproar anywhere, this is not good. Way to go Lakers way to destroy all hope, optimism and good will in less than a week.
Aaron says
Should’ve taken jahlil okafor lol
Anonymous says
Management is getting slammed here and Robert and Ko have not even commented yet
fern says
Jordan Hill is getting a raise booyahh!!!!
Calvin says
Robert probably wants this to happen so Jim Buss finally throws in the towel after his deadline.
Shaun says
Well looks like Phoenix is getting aldridge and not San Antonio … shipping away a marcus brother after they both took paycuts to stick together though is cold by pheonix FO … markieff’s contract might be the best in the league right now
Calvin says
Two weeks ago, I was also in favor of tanking but remained optimistic to what LA would do in the draft and free agency. But now, it’s looking like stealth tank is the way to go. This time around, I don’t know if they can even hide it. Mitch – let’s go all in for the tank. Sign me up – I will play for free jerseys and sneakers. Play me 20 minutes a game, and I will guarantee you keep the draft pick next year.
Kbj says
I think it’s time we acknowledge that the Lakers either don’t know what they are doing or they are secretly tanking again next season.
Brian P. says
Woj is reporting Phoenix would have to trade Markeif as well to make room for Chandler and Aldridge. Maybe the Lakers can get in on Markeif Morris if that report is accurate.
Chobe Bryant says
The Ed Davis signing with PDX really stings. We have made zero news during this whole FA period, other than all the negative reporting that’s floating around social media.
There is a legit 7-foot player available who has produced in this league. His name? Andrew Bynum.
George says
The risk of the FO doing something really stupid (trade wise) just went through the roof.
Can’t wait for the FO supporters to lecture us again about the FO keeping all of their moves secret. Well, now we know why there are no leaks – because there is absolutely nothing going on in those offices.
The only saving grace for the FO is Tobias Harris and the odds of Orlando matching is pretty high.
Aaron says
I didn’t make the Okafor joke… Someone was impersonating me. but not a bad joke.
R says
Aaaarrrrrrghhhh!!!!!!!
Brian P. says
Woj now reporting Lakers are trying to get another meeting with LA….Laker front office not looking very impressive to the public right now. I hope they pull a rabbit out of their hats or the Laker brand is going to take a major hit. I keeping my hopes up , thi is only day 2 of free agency. A lot could happen still.
fern says
Woj says the Lakers got a second meeting with Aldridge, HUH?
barty says
What did the Lakers offer Davis? Literal peanuts?
fern says
@barty I bet not even that I bet they said “we are busy but we get back to you”
Shaun says
Keef Morris ?@Keefmorris 16m16 minutes ago
Lol this a foul game here man!
Markieff is pissed
Best contract in the NBA right now – 8mil per for the next 4 years
Even Marcus is a steal at 5mil per
Id even take PJ Tucker as our defensive wing at 5mil for the next 2 years
Geoff says
So basically LA went on a date with LA front office (who thought they were the most popular girl in school) only to be unimpressed and call out said front office for being the DUFF. Now, the same DUFF wants another shot or (closure) for being publicly dumped. If anything this is shaping up to be a huge PR nightmare.
fern says
Interesting that LA agreed to a second meeting.
T. Rogers says
They already got KO’d by Aldridge the first time. Why do they want to step into the ring with again? The Suns have made themselves into a true option for Aldridge now. And thanks to the Lakers let Ed Davis get away Portland still has to be an option for Aldridge. With San Antonio, Phoenix, and Portland as real options (with much more to offer) why are the Lakers seeking more embarrassment by asking for a second meeting?
Summer league can’t come fast enough.
Oldtimer says
Plan C is going down too fast. Hill to the Knicks; Davis to Blazers; Ellington to Cavs; …….woe we still have Swaggy P and Kelly. Next will be Robin Lopez And Kuopos, I could just imagine the panicky atmosphere at the office of Jimbo, Jeanie and Mitch.
If by July 9th zero acquisition, I hope Jim Buss resigns early for the good of the franchise. Change course the right the ship, not his fault but it is the call of the times. We give you “A” for efforts and “F” for results.
Todd says
The FO must be laying in wait for Harris. If that’s not their play then they will be fairly open to the criticism that is building up about their ineptness. I’m on record as not being a fan of Jim. However, I have always wanted to believe that Mitch can do this if given the chance (he does report to Jim).
If we strike out completely in free agency then my faith in Mitch will have been shaken. At that point I will be forced to look at the Lakers as a car without a driver – only so long you can go without crashing and burning.
Keeping my fingers crossed: Phoenix will have to clear salary to bring on both Chandler and LA. One of the names being tossed around as expendable is Alex Len, a 3rd year center from Maryland, drafted 5th in 2013. I think the Lakers should take a flyer on him. Much rather go with an upside play than Roy Hibbert.
Michael says
What identity is the front office envisioning? Do they want a team that hustles? Plays defense nightly? Now I hear they are showing interest in Boozer and Hill!!!! Are you kidding me??? Also Stoudemire and Lee are in the rumor mill. God help us. None of these guys are worth while. They haven’t even contacted Robin Lopez!!!!!
fern says
Could it be that they felt a hint of the massive backlash that is coming there way and decided one last frantic push was necessary to save face? They are going to need Laker themed kneepads for this one. Jeeeeesus…
BigCitySid says
– Not sure why anyone would be surprised at current Laker players leaving for other teams. What messages have they rec’d from the FO. Minimum one year contracts say “you’re not in our future plans”. Can anyone really blame Ed Davis?
-Lakers roster this upcoming season will look a bit like last years…players who couldn’t get jobs elsewhere…think Michael Beasley.
Slappy says
This is not nearly as bad as more than a few of you are making it out to be. First, given the current roster, no elite FA was signing on. Period. End of story. And thank Deity that the team did not offer the likes of Monroe the max. If they want to overpay, then wait for the in season trade, where the team can take back an overpaid soul, a decent lad on a reasonable contract, plus a first rounder for Kobe’s expiring contract. We will know the FO’s mettle and/or intestinal fortitude if and when the talk turns to trading Kobe’s expiring contract.
By the way, related to trading Kobe and his expiring contract, the other side of the, let’s sign Kobe to an ungodly extension to show our gratitude and loyalty, is what we are seeing now. Vastly overpaid in relation to talent and so a turn off for would be incoming FAs. Was fairly predictable. I said the same thing some time ago, i.e., the deluded were saying what a draw it was, the paying as gratitude and loyalty, while the sane were saying, every player then has to fear being stuck on the team with a dead weight 25 mil contract for some other soul. They can atone for their error by trying to trade Kobe and his expiring contract when the time comes. It is, as even the players now say, just business. Otherwise no danger of him going into the Hall wearing some other team’s uniform.
Lastly, for another by the way, this is also likely where Jerry Buss himself screwed up. Could easily have had the team as part of his testamentary trust with the family getting their fair share of the profit while some others run the team. Is why, by the way, monarchy is not a good idea. Meaning, great thing to have the beneficent and enlightened soul rule by decree (certainly better than govt by lowest common denominator aka democracy), but what happens when the son takes the throne? That’s the problem, as junior might not be all that beneficent and enlightened. As someone else so aptly put the matter, there’s billions of humans alive on the planet, so what the odds that the one soul’s son and daughter make for the best possible management combo?
And even worse than that is the possibility that instead of making the decisions on your own, you’re constantly asking yourself what daddy would have done. Why I was never happy with the story that Jerry was the one responsible for D’Antoni. I mean, he hadn’t been to a game in years and so it isn’t like he just got sick one day and died the next.
Oh, and for those who all Jeanie types, what does she really know? She’s the one who said that it didn’t matter when they conveyed the initial 1st rounder, since they are going to have to do that sooner or later. My one and only thought was, as we are seeing now, even if Clarkson, Randle and Russell turn out to be all that, they won’t be all that for a few years, so get the development time out of the way, and so take the pick now and convey it later on. How hard was that to figure out?
And that first rounder that hopefully comes with a trade of Kobe and his expiring contract, obviously won’t be an early pick, so think of where Charlotte took Kobe, and where Jerry took Eddie Jones, and hope for one of those two (and not Anthony Peeler or George Lynch). And hope they also keep their top 3 protected pick and nail that one as well. Why I had to laugh at the one soul elsewhere, a Spurs fan, speaking to reloading for a decade with Aldridge. He’s 29 going on 30, so 30, 31, 32, and 33 for this max four year deal. If we’re lucky he’ll be right and the Spurs will sign Aldridge to a five year max follow on deal for ages 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. Same thing with Durant, by the way. Will be 27 at FA time, but 28 in September, so 4 years of 28, 29, 30, and 31. Then you have to worry about still elite for 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36.
So the best hope is draft and trades. The miracle option is someone like Davis not taking the max following 2 year rookie, and then 3rd and 4th year team options, but instead a 1 year deal and then unrestricted FA. That is simply the CBA as it now stands. And the player has an agent who also wants to get paid, and so the agent is going to say, take the guaranteed five year max and don’t risk a career altering or ending injury during the one year deal that eliminates the restricted from the free agency. Oh, and if you want to know the height of arrogance, simply recall no word that the Lakers objected to any of this. Because their only big FA signing ever was Shaq. So why worry about when you can get free agents? What does the one commercial say, past performance is not a guarantee…. They might have wanted to limit the thing to the 2 year rookie deal, then team option for 3rd and 4th seasons, and perhaps even keep the 5 years versus 4 years, but no on the restricted FA (which is, more or less, for anyone with 3 or less years in the league, and for 4 year souls, you’re an RFA is you were a 1st rounder, and so your team gets to match any offer).
rr says
They can atone for their error by trying to trade Kobe and his expiring contract when the time comes.
—
I am pretty sure that he has a full NTC, so no.
rr says
The miracle option is someone like Davis not taking the max following 2 year rookie, and then 3rd and 4th year team options, but instead a 1 year deal and then unrestricted FA.
—
Davis has re-upped for 5/145 with a player option after 2020.
Busboys4me says
INEPT!!!
Busboys4me says
The Lakers and Angels are two inept and archaic organizations that are doomed to mediocrity until the management is changed. They are the modern day Sterling Clippers and Al Davis Raiders!!!
R says
BusBoys – mediocrity is looking pretty good right now.