The Back-to-Back NBA Champion LA Lakers Offseason Thread | Page 9

LA9erFan · 2010-06-20T22:53:55-07:00

Laker Free AgentsPhil Jackson - It's being reported that he's strongly leaning toward returning. The only potential hiccup would be Dr. Buss trying to slash his salary. Considering the ownership's commitment to success, I'd be very surprised if something didn't get worked out. Derek Fisher - A virtual lock to be re-signed. For all of his misgivings, he is the emotional leader of the team, and once again came up huge in the postseason. He'll probably get a two year deal as a sign of respect from the Buss family, around $3.5M per year. Jordan Farmar - Farmar is probably gone. He is a restricted free agent, which means that the Lakers can match any offer that he receives, but my impression is that they will let him walk. He's expressed a desire to spread his wings in a more open court offense, and the triangle doesn't match his skill set. He competed hard for the Lakers this postseason, and I wish him well if he does in fact go elsewhere. Shannon Brown - Brown holds a player option on his contract, which he probably won't exercise, but has expressed a desire to stay in LA and a separate contract should be worked out. I believe that they will come to an agreement on a 2 year contract worth around $5M, with a team option for a 3rd year. Josh Powell - Probably gone. The Lakers will likely look to sign a better PF/C at the vet minimum, and there are several available. DJ Mbenga - I think Mbenga's a 50/50 shot to come back. If so, he'll get a minimum contract. Adam Morrison - Goner. So that leaves us with this roster. Let's say Mbenga doesn't re-sign: PG: Derek Fisher SG: Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic SF: Ron Artest, Luke Walton PF: Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom C: Andrew Bynum Team Needs -Outside Shooting -Someone who can get to the hoop -Athleticism What I think the Lakers will look to do in Free Agency With Farmar's departure being likely, our most obvious need is at the PG spot. With that in mind, I believe that one of the following 5 players will be a Laker next season. Earl Watson - Watson is a solid veteran that the Lakers will likely strongly consider. If I had to put my money on one guy signing with the Lakers, it would be him. He's a superb defender at the PG spot, but is a streaky jump shooter and not great at getting to the hoop. Only a so-so distributor as well. Has a nice nasty streak in him, and would fit in well with the defensive mentality of this team. A Watson/Kobe/Artest/Gasol/Bynum defensive squad is a pretty enticing prospect. Steve Blake - Blake is a steady veteran with a high B-ball IQ, and an excellent catch & shoot player. Decent defender. Not a guy who can get to the hoop or finish all that well, but would likely organize the 2nd unit's offense in a way that Farmar did not. He would be a severe downgrade in transition though. Luke Ridnour - From the "God, I hope not" files, Ridnour is an option for the Lakers. Despite being the distributing PG in the group, he's very poor on the defensive end and only a so-so catch & shoot guy. Doesn't seem like a good fit for a team that runs the triangle, but he's a possibility if the Lakers want a "pure PG". Tracy McGrady - Well wouldn't this be a nice and juicy subplot to next season? There are rumors that McGrady is strongly interested in playing for the Lakers, and would a role off of the bench. While he isn't a PG, he would likely fill that role on offense, with Shannon Brown guarding PGs on the other end. As presently constructed, Kobe is the only Laker that can get to the hoop and create shots for others, and T-Mac would be a welcome addition in this respect. Of course there are concerns about his health, but I believe it's worth the risk. He's the player I'd want most out of this group. The second, smaller (but important) signing I believe that we'll make is for veteran, front court depth. I believe that we'll sign either Kurt Thomas or Joe Smith, with Thomas being more likely. With Bynum's injury issues, it would be wise to address our front court depth. Raja Bell: Added to the list due to rumors. He would make a lot of sense in the respect that he's intelligent, defensive minded, and can knock down a catch and shoot three pointer. If we sign him, keeping Shannon Brown is a must though, IMO, due to his athleticism. As is true with all of these guys, what we'd lose in athleticism will be gained in intelligence. The Farmar/Brown backcourt was a dumb one. NBA Draft The Lakers own the 43rd & 58th picks in this year's draft, as Memphis owns our 1st round pick, which finishes up the Pau Gasol trade. I actually think that one or both of our picks is going to make the team this year, despite being a 2nd rounder. I believe that we can address some of our athletic deficiencies in these spots. Here are some of my favorite prospects that may be available at these spots, or guys that the Lakers have worked out. Jarvis Varnado PF - This is the guy I want the most. For some reason, a lot of mocks have the NCAA all time leader in blocked shots slipping down into the Laker's area. It's his one real NBA skill, but he's dominant at it. Blocks shots with both hands, has ridiculous length, and great timing. The idea of the Lakers getting a shot changer like this guy in the 2nd round makes me shake my head. Mikhail Torrance, PG - If it isn't Varnado, Torrance is my 2nd choice. Has great size for a PG (6'5", 209lbs) and is a very good athlete. Has legitimate PG distributing skills, as well as the tools to become a very good defender. I think he has the potential to fit in very well in LA. He's #2 in this video. Nothing incredible here, but you can see his size, length, & glimpses of his athleticism. Charles Garcia, SF/PF Garcia's a bit of a mystery. He has lottery talent, but apparently a 10 cent head, which is why he plays at Seattle University. All of seen of the guy is this clip, and it inspired me to read up on him. He's 6'10", mobile, and explosive, as you're about to see. Matt Bouldin, PG/SG I'm not a huge fan, but the Lakers have worked him out. I don't think he has the lateral quickness to be a factor in the league. Alexey Shved A 6'7" PG out of Russia that's intriguing. Has a bit of Goran Dragic to his game. Final Roster In a big picture sense, we're looking for depth that can minimize the wear & tear on our core group. Fisher/Bryant/Artest/Gasol/Bynum/Odom are going to get the lion's share of the minutes when games are on the line, but if we can get guys that can minimize the stress of the mileage that's put on during the regular season AND contribute in small doses in the playoffs, it will be a successful offseason. PG: Derek Fisher, Earl Watson, 2nd Round pick SG: Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic SF: Ron Artest, Luke Walton PF: Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom C: Andrew Bynum, Kurt Thomas, 2nd Round pick That's the squad that we're most likely to see at the beginning of next year, IMO. OKC's athleticism concerns me against that group, but against anyone else that would be a really tough squad to beat in a 7 game series. And T-Mac instead of Watson would be very, very intriguing. [ Edited by LA9erFan on Jun 22, 2010 at 19:43:05 ]

Jun 30, 2010 at 7:50 PM

#121

StOnEy333
Hall of Fame
Posts: 99,664

Originally posted by DynastyChile:
Sooooo what do we think about our draft picks?

Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter

They're decent picks for our team. Neither guy looks to be a superstar, or even a starter. But they could find a role on the bench.

Jun 30, 2010 at 8:03 PM

#122

DynastyChile
Veteran
Posts: 14,808

Originally posted by StOnEy333:
Originally posted by DynastyChile:
Sooooo what do we think about our draft picks?

Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter

They're decent picks for our team. Neither guy looks to be a superstar, or even a starter. But they could find a role on the bench.

I've heard that Ebanks is in the mold of a Posey/Ariza type player, which is exactly what we need IMO, to go along with a Perimeter shooter/PG. We need someone to come off the bench when Artest is constantly an offensive liability/needs a breather so Kobe doesnt need to guard the other teams best player. I was reading a lot about him on LG and they think he has the defensive ability to guard the Durants/Carmelos etc in a couple years.

I really would like the Lakers to pick up Blake or Ridnour. Blake can hit those open shots with serious consistency, something this laker team hasnt had since.....Glen Rice? I think after all the big deals that are gonna be flying around, teams are not gonna be overpaying for players like Watson, Ridnour, Blake, Farmar, esp with the new CBA coming up.

While both Farmar and S Brown are much more athletic, Blake is a much more sound basketball player, and you know what you're gonna get every night. Farmar has too much attitude and looks for his own shot instead of the open man, and S Brown is just a wildcard in every aspect of the game. Blake is the opposite of both of those, and I think thats what we need when Fisher goes out.

Sign Blake and either sign Critt/resign S Brown with Ebanks and I'd be pretty happy with our offseason.

[ Edited by DynastyChile on Jun 30, 2010 at 20:05:42 ]

Jun 30, 2010 at 9:51 PM

#123

SoCal9er
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Posts: 11,496

Article rumoring Bosh to the Lakers for maybe Odom or Bynum?!?

Jun 30, 2010 at 9:57 PM

#124

StOnEy333
Hall of Fame
Posts: 99,664

Originally posted by SoCal9er:
Article rumoring Bosh to the Lakers for maybe Odom or Bynum?!?

I don't think Bosh is coming to the Lakers.

Jun 30, 2010 at 10:01 PM

#125

SoCal9er
Veteran
Posts: 11,496

Originally posted by StOnEy333:
Originally posted by SoCal9er:
Article rumoring Bosh to the Lakers for maybe Odom or Bynum?!?

I don't think Bosh is coming to the Lakers.

Since Bynum can't seem to stay healthy for an entire season and doesn't play with a mean streak I'd be okay with trading him. He's still young and could develop into a beast though. Getting rid of Odom and his reality show wife would be okay with me, too. Dude would be awesome if he applied himself.

Jun 30, 2010 at 10:02 PM

#126

GameOver
Veteran
Posts: 12,170

Originally posted by StOnEy333:
Originally posted by SoCal9er:
Article rumoring Bosh to the Lakers for maybe Odom or Bynum?!?

I don't think Bosh is coming to the Lakers.

I dont WANT Bosh at the price of LO & Bynum

Jun 30, 2010 at 10:05 PM

#127

StOnEy333
Hall of Fame
Posts: 99,664

Originally posted by SoCal9er:
Originally posted by StOnEy333:
Originally posted by SoCal9er:
Article rumoring Bosh to the Lakers for maybe Odom or Bynum?!?

I don't think Bosh is coming to the Lakers.

Since Bynum can't seem to stay healthy for an entire season and doesn't play with a mean streak I'd be okay with trading him. He's still young and could develop into a beast though. Getting rid of Odom and his reality show wife would be okay with me, too. Dude would be awesome if he applied himself.

I think Bosh is too similar to Pau, and doesn't bring what Bynum does as a big man. That's not to say they wouldn't do it if they're doubting Bynum's ability to stay healthy, but I think the idea of bringing on a max contract with Kobe and Pau already getting what they are is crazy. That more than anything makes me think it won't happen.

Jun 30, 2010 at 10:37 PM

#128

LA9erFan
Veteran
Posts: 66,021

Please no Bosh. And if for some reason we did do that retarded trade, I'd want Jarrett Jack AND for them to take Luke Walton's contract back too.

Jul 1, 2010 at 12:02 AM

#129

StOnEy333
Hall of Fame
Posts: 99,664

Lakers Call Fisher, Brown As Free Agency Begins

Derek Fisher is the main free-agent concern for a Lakers team that is well over the salary cap but definitely wants him back without going too far beyond a $2.5 million deal for next season.

Fisher wants to make closer to the $5 million he earned this past season.

The Lakers and Fisher did not agree to terms Wednesday.

Shannon Brown's agent also received a call from the Lakers as free agency began.

Jul 1, 2010 at 1:44 PM

#130

GameOver
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Posts: 12,170

Watson would like to play for Lakers

Add Earl Watson to the list of the point guards the Lakers are taking a strong look at, a league source said.

Watson lives in the Los Angeles area with his actress wife, and his first preference would be to sign with the Lakers, the source said. The Lakers are high on Steve Blake, but would prefer to not spend their entire midlevel exception, possibly making Watson an affordable option.

Jul 1, 2010 at 1:45 PM

#131

GameOver
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Posts: 12,170

Lakers eye Blake

The Los Angeles Lakers are smitten with signing free-agent point guard Steve Blake, but sources believe Blake would have to take less money than the Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic and New York Knicks could be willing to offer.

Blake finished the season with the Clippers, and sources say he’s intrigued with the idea of joining the defending champion Lakers. Still, Blake is a veteran guard whom several teams value, and he could walk away with a multiyear deal totaling around $20 million-$25 million.

Jul 1, 2010 at 1:53 PM

#132

valrod33
Hall of Small
Posts: 138,122

Phil Jackson announced he is coming back next year

Jul 1, 2010 at 1:56 PM

#133

GameOver
Veteran
Posts: 12,170

Originally posted by valrod33:
Phil Jackson announced he is coming back next year

Link or your boobies will get bigger (pinnochio effect)

Jul 1, 2010 at 1:57 PM

#134

StOnEy333
Hall of Fame
Posts: 99,664

Originally posted by valrod33:
Phil Jackson announced he is coming back next year

Quote:
“Count me in,” said Jackson. “After a couple weeks of deliberation, it is time to get back to the challenge of putting together a team that can defend its title in the 2010-11 season. It’ll be the last stand for me, and I hope a grand one.”

3, is a magic number!!!

Link to LG thread with links

[ Edited by StOnEy333 on Jul 1, 2010 at 13:57:41 ]

Jul 1, 2010 at 1:57 PM

#135

FredFlintstone
Veteran
Posts: 46,741

Originally posted by valrod33:
Phil Jackson announced he is coming back next year

3 PEAT!!!!!