Official Los Angeles Lakers Thread

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T-wolves should go far in the playoffs, what with Hudson back, Cassell healthy and KG better than ever.

Here's my pick for NBA Champions:

#1 = Spurs
#2 = Wolves
#3 = Kings

[minew_m]

I always thought Fisher would be better than that. Looks like he's like the rest of the Lakers, money hungry, lol.

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Originally posted by minew_m
I always thought Fisher would be better than that. Looks like he's like the rest of the Lakers, money hungry, lol.

I'd have to be honest - if I were in Fisher's shoes, I'd do the same thing

Think about this:

Fisher did a great job as a Lakers starter, then Payton and his big-mouth came along and was given the starting job

Then, when Payton wasn't fitting in well with the triangle offense, he still ™™™™™ed and moaned about how he wasn't getting enough playing time, despite the fact that Payton wasn't scoring worth a damn, and Fisher was playing better defense (who'd thunk Fisher played better defense than Payton last year?!?!) and offense.

Now, in the upcoming season, given that Payton is re-signing and probably will again be given the starting job........

if you were Derek Fisher, why would you choose to stay with the Lakers for less money, less years, and less playing time, not to mention, 99.99% chance of not winning the NBA title next year?

that's the perfect storm in forcing anyone to leave

if you're going to be playing for a loser, at least get paid - that somewhat offsets the sting of losing 50+ games a season, and besides, Fisher's already got 3 titles that he was a big part of.

[minew_m]

I at least expected him to go to a contender. He could have started other places. I know the Heat and Rockets were both interested in him. They are contenders in the respective divisions.

Now how are the Lakers going to look this year? The starting lineup may look like this:

G- Kobe
G- Payton
C- Douthit (tallest guy on the team and he's only 6'10")
F- Odom
F- Grant

They do have decent players, but then they really only have Walton, Buttler, and Rush off the bench. They are going to be terribly undersized in a division that requires it. I wonder how much money they have left though? They need another big man!

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Originally posted by minew_m
I wonder how much money they have left though? They need another big man!

Lakers are capped out until 2007 (coincidentally, Yao Ming will be available that year)

All the Lakers have are the $5-6M mid-level contract and a $1.8M contract

after that, they are over the cap, and will have to pay $1 for every $1 they are over the cap

Kobe wanted it this way, and we shall see just how good he is

And I will be intrigued to see how the Heat will do - they should have no problems in the playoffs until they run into the Pacers or Pistons late in the playoffs

[minew_m]

Originally posted by podstock
Lakers are capped out until 2007 (coincidentally, Yao Ming will be available that year)

All the Lakers have are the $5-6M mid-level contract and a $1.8M contract

after that, they are over the cap, and will have to pay $1 for every $1 they are over the cap

Kobe wanted it this way, and we shall see just how good he is

And I will be intrigued to see how the Heat will do - they should have no problems in the playoffs until they run into the Pacers or Pistons late in the playoffs

Wouldn't that be something, to see Ming in a Lakers uniform! It probably won't happen, but it would be nice to dream about. I just can't see the Rockets letting go of their franchise player.

I think Eddie Jones said it best the other day when he stated it's extremely difficult to win without a big man. He even stated that he took it for granted in LA when he played with Shaq. I think that's why many teams are overpaying for size. When Nesterovic and Okur are getting $50+ million dollar contracts, there's something seriously wrong, lol.

I also agree with your heat statement. Barring any injuries, they won't get past Detroit or Indiana. They are financially in the same situation as LA. They can afford 1 $5-6 million contract. Now that Fisher is out of the picture Kukoc and Malone are back in. There's a chance that none of those will be signed. Their back up looks to be Lindsey Hunter.

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While Yao Ming probably would have to take about $15-25M total for a contract with the Lakers, he can easily make that up in endorsement fees.

I think Shaq also had to take a paycut to get to LA, but not sure what the contract rules were back in 1996

If I am Yao, do I want to stay in Houston, or do I go to LA and establish a legacy, led by the likes of Mikan, Wilt, Kareem, and Shaq?

Houston has Olajuwon

[minew_m]

I know if I were Yao, I would go to LA. But what we don't know is how he likes it in Houston. I know the fans love him and he has a great coaching staff behind him. Hell, Ewing was brought on just to teach him. He could stay with Houston just to be loyal to the Franchise the brought him into the NBA. But heck, what did staying loyal to a franchise bring to Miller, Malone (unitl last year), and Stockton do for them.

[minew_m]

Welp, looks like the Lakers may get another Center. This guy is stuck between the Clippers and the Lakers. His name is....
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Vlade Divac, lol. Looks like the Lakers want him to be the guy to replace Shaq. They are offering $5 million per year. I think that is way to much for a player like Divac.

[minew_m]

It's final. Divac is bringing is 18 minutes a game and 6 points per game average to LA next season for $5 million:

http://msn.foxsports.com/story/2587286