Roster Improvement: Free Agents Now and Later?

charvin · by **charvin** on Wed Jan 23, 2013 12:00 pm

I understand your point and what you're saying, but with these players it's a little problematic to do so. Howard, Gasol, et al. are "star players" and with that title, they are "entitled" (not taking a stance here) to some leeway as to the amount of effort they put in compared to an ordinary player like Meeks/Duhon. They put in just the "right amount" of effort to go through the motions, but mostly not enough to warrant a waive/trade.

You would be correct about Gasol, because one can be forgiven if you have a bad day, week, or even a month, but to not recover after an entire year just means that your usefulness has pretty much completely diminished for this team/organization.

therealdeal wrote:Those people that go to work and don't do AT LEAST a good enough job deserve to be fired immediately because there are literally thousands who'd kill for some work right now.

Same in the NBA. If you're not going to come to work for the Lakers and AT LEAST make the playoffs, you deserve to be traded or waived. End of story.

therealdeal · by **therealdeal** on Wed Jan 23, 2013 12:04 pm

I know obviously that the world is more complicated than the way I put it, but it's the basis for what needs to be done.

We showed Gasol a little loyalty after the botched trade job and that was alright. We're giving Howard a nice long leash because we're trying to make him part of our future, I understand that too.

But the two together are intolerable. The consistent lack of effort is unforgiveable and SOMETHING needs to be done. It's a slap in the face to us as fans and it's a slap in the face to Dr. Buss and the Buss family sine THEY are the ones paying these players. If a regular joe schmoe in the office (aka me) wasn't even doing a satisfactory job, I'd be fired without hesitation. The same standards should be shown to these players.

If they cannot even TRY for us and for the Buss family, they need to made to show respect. If you're still dedicated to Howard, fine, but that means showing Gasol the door immediately.

khmrP · by **khmrP** on Fri Jan 25, 2013 12:06 pm

thoughts on using Hill medical exempt and try to get O'neal from Pho? I read he's been having issues with his PT in Pho and last 2 gms he's been held out due to "heart condition" but I think its more the fact he got into a shouting match with the GM cause new coaching staff wanted to reduce his role.

The Rock · by **The Rock** on Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:13 pm

Ahhh!!

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/21614044/postups-whether-dealing-gasol-howard-or-standing-pat-lakers-in-bind

Toronto is perhaps the most realistic landing spot for Gasol, given the uncertainty in the organization about whether Andrea Bargnani will ever develop into a star there. Bargnani wouldn't have to be a star in LA. He would simply have to stand at the 3-point line and make shots, a La Howard's former teammate in Orlando, Ryan Anderson. Toronto also has a point-guard problem to solve. And while Jose Calderon has frequently been mentioned as trade bait, league sources say the Raptors are far more amenable to trading Kyle Lowry, who has not made many friends in his new surroundings. The Raptors gave up a sure lottery pick for him (which Houston subsequently sent to Oklahoma City in the James Harden trade), so Gasol might be a way to salvage that transaction. Plus, with the new CBA taking effect and shortening teams' windows for winning, a team like Toronto might feel better about committing 1½ seasons to Gasol than using its cap room this summer to sign a lesser player for four years.

I think Toronto would love to unload Fields (Since they have Derozan, Alan Anderson Terrance Ross) and Amir Johnson (Fat contract but they have Valanciunas, Ed Davis and now Pau to shore up PF/C). Duhon's contract is only partially guaranteed

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=aqmvssq

Do it Mitch?

XXIV · by **XXIV** on Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:49 pm

^ We'd have to cut 2 players in order for that trade to happen.

The Rock · by **The Rock** on Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:54 pm

^ Morris and Ebanks. Done. Blake is coming back and we have enough SF's already

XXIV · by **XXIV** on Fri Jan 25, 2013 7:55 pm

As much as I would love for those two to be cut, I just don't see it happening. If they do move Pau or Dwight they will try and combine them with as many scrubs as they can.

The Rock · by **The Rock** on Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:00 pm

^ I think Ebanks and Morris have a no trade clause so if they could agree to it sure we could sent them to Toronto

therealdeal · by **therealdeal** on Fri Jan 25, 2013 9:18 pm

Something a teensy bit less ambitious:

Gasol/Duhon for Lowry/Johnson/Kleiza/Gray

The Lakers get the perimeter assistance they really need, a suitable athletic Power Forward for our bench, some more able bench players in Gray and Kleiza.

We waive Ebanks and Morris or send them along too if they'll go. I like Morris the guy, but Morris the player is garbage.

Toronto gets a really solid Center to pair with their stretch 4 and they get a guy who can potentially convince Calderon to stay. They'll sell some tickets.

Nash/Lowry/Blake
Bryant/Meeks
Artest/Jamison/Kleiza
Clark/Johnson
Howard/Gray/Sacre

IR: Jordan Hill

dwighthowardsdad · by **dwighthowardsdad** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 12:25 am

The Rock wrote:Ahhh!!

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/21614044/postups-whether-dealing-gasol-howard-or-standing-pat-lakers-in-bind

Toronto is perhaps the most realistic landing spot for Gasol, given the uncertainty in the organization about whether Andrea Bargnani will ever develop into a star there. Bargnani wouldn't have to be a star in LA. He would simply have to stand at the 3-point line and make shots, a La Howard's former teammate in Orlando, Ryan Anderson. Toronto also has a point-guard problem to solve. And while Jose Calderon has frequently been mentioned as trade bait, league sources say the Raptors are far more amenable to trading Kyle Lowry, who has not made many friends in his new surroundings. The Raptors gave up a sure lottery pick for him (which Houston subsequently sent to Oklahoma City in the James Harden trade), so Gasol might be a way to salvage that transaction. Plus, with the new CBA taking effect and shortening teams' windows for winning, a team like Toronto might feel better about committing 1½ seasons to Gasol than using its cap room this summer to sign a lesser player for four years.

I think Toronto would love to unload Fields (Since they have Derozan, Alan Anderson Terrance Ross) and Amir Johnson (Fat contract but they have Valanciunas, Ed Davis and now Pau to shore up PF/C). Duhon's contract is only partially guaranteed

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=aqmvssq

Do it Mitch?

This is the deal right here. It gives up a backup PG; that is a need that is so sorely needed right now. Also, gives us more youth, speed, & athleticism at the SF, spot, and we get an athletic PF back. I like it. None of the contracts go beyond 2014. Sign me up...

Doc Brown · by **Doc Brown** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:00 am

I'd do that trade but take out Lucas and Kleiza and add in Gray.

Pau/Duhon/Ebanks for Lowry/Fields/Johnson/Gray. It makes our team more balanced.

Nash/Lowry
Kobe/Meeks
MWP/Fields
Clark/Johnson
D12/Gray

Lowry and Fields can add in the offense we would miss with Pau and Johnson/Gray provide an upgrade on defense.

I actually really like that trade. Our bench becomes worlds better than before, we get a legit starting PG as a backup and Fields/Johnson do nothing but upgrade our defense. Add in Gray the bruiser.

tigerjeterkobe · by **tigerjeterkobe** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:00 am

lakerfan2 wrote:Toronto is not giving us Lowry. It's Bargs and Calderon, and neither of those guys solve our problems.

As I said weeks ago - people around here want lowry gone, and he wants to be gone.

tigerjeterkobe wrote:I agree that bargs is soft and not a good rebounder. Disagree about lowry. All we hear around here is that he is unhappy and won't stay - starter or not. Wants to be back in US in a warm climate.

As for minny - ok. But they need bodies. If they trade Pek while injured they lose the 10-day sign option. So we would send them 2 of Morris, Ebanks, Meeks, Duhon, Clark or Sacre with Gasol. Think Kahn would want Gasol and either Clark or Jamison? Why don't they just sign Martin?

http://www.hoopsworld.com/raptors-would ... -calderon/

Kyle would give us exactly what we need - a young, fast, playmaker to back up Nash, spark the bench, and who can defend decently. Jut have to find a place for Bargs. But I would love to add Lowry and see how we work with him and Kobe creating for themselves and others.

therealdeal · by **therealdeal** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:04 am

The Lakers want no part of Bargnani's contract though. Having him stuck here at 10 million for that 2014/2015 season is going to ruin their rebuild plan. I don't know that they'd value Lowry enough to ruin that.

And if we were willing to take that contract, we'd expect Toronto to give us Calderon's expiring I'm sure.

Same goes with Fields. That 3rd year is a killer. The only reason I think Amir works in any of these trades is because his 3rd year isn't fully guaranteed.

tigerjeterkobe · by **tigerjeterkobe** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:32 am

Raps are not trading Lowry to Lakers without packaging Bargs.

Wouldn't Gasol's trade kicker require a little more - so we can send Ebanks or Morris, if willing?

Then again, I can't see any player agreeing to be sent to Toronto, another country with frigid weather, even for a little more playing time.

tigerjeterkobe · by **tigerjeterkobe** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 8:48 am

Well, I think we can get from Bargs what we get from Gasol, mostly, and without any pouting or media shots or drama. And I guess we would have to gamble that Bargs can look good playing with Dwight (they should fit well together and Bargs could be the second option with our bench guys and look a little better that way too) so that we can trade him next year at the deadline for an expiring so that the plan is in place.

I honestly think that Lowry is worth the gamble -- we are seeing that Nash has declined and overwhelmed often by other team's starting PGs, speed, and traps (Blake will have the same issues and more0. limiting Nash's minutes and giving him some run during second unit time would do wonders for him -- reduce the pressure on him, allow him to focus on scoring more, and conserve his energy for his defensive efforts (A for effort).

So Duhon has to go - which Toronto will take because of his Team-friendly contract. Again (as I was saying a couple of weeks ago), we could add Martin for big man depth. And during certain mintues -- early second quarter against other team's back ups, we can go small with Lowry at PG and Nash at SG (like GS does with Curry and Jack or Den does with Lawson and Miller).

Nash, Lowry, Blake
Kobe, Meeks, Morris
Ron, Ebanks, Jamison
Clark, Bargs, Martin
Dwight, Martin, Sacre

Again, with Lowry, Kobe, Ron, Clark, and Dwight closing for defensive purposes.

Balance&Options24 · by **Balance&Options24** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 10:48 am

Is Josh Smith a max player?

This is all that matters right now about Smith, specifically regarding his tenuous future with the Hawks: His contract is expiring and his asking price for a new one is going to be high. It's going to hit the ceiling. It's why his days in Atlanta may be numbered. “I feel like I’m a max player,” Smith said Friday. And yes, that is the first time he has said that. “I feel I bring a lot to the table. I have a lot of versatility. For what I do and what I give this ball club, I feel like I’m worth it.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

karacha · by **karacha** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:01 am

No, he is not. He should be paid a lot of money, but not the max. Just my opinion, of course.

Doc Brown · by **Doc Brown** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:10 am

http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=a2rfzmd

Send the Magic some a bundle of draft picks from Boston/Memphis and assist with their rebuild project.

dwighthowardsdad · by **dwighthowardsdad** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:11 am

Smith has already negotioted the process I see...

The Rock · by **The Rock** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:21 am

If we were to make a deal with them I dont think we'd take Bargnani. Raptors might as well keep him and then amnesty him.

The Rock · by **The Rock** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 11:22 am

Balance&Options24 wrote:Is Josh Smith a max player?

This is all that matters right now about Smith, specifically regarding his tenuous future with the Hawks: His contract is expiring and his asking price for a new one is going to be high. It's going to hit the ceiling. It's why his days in Atlanta may be numbered. “I feel like I’m a max player,” Smith said Friday. And yes, that is the first time he has said that. “I feel I bring a lot to the table. I have a lot of versatility. For what I do and what I give this ball club, I feel like I’m worth it.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution

He plays like a max player on half the nights. I'll say that. He still has some inconsistency issues. His game is a little flawed, he doesnt shoot the J very well and he doesnt post up very well. His value kind of like Dwight is on the defensive end, and also able to run the fastbreak. Above average passer for his position. Hes a more athletic version of Lamar who plays better defense

Battle Tested20 · by **Battle Tested20** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:49 pm

Doc Brown wrote:http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=a2rfzmd

Send the Magic some a bundle of draft picks from Boston/Memphis and assist with their rebuild project.

The Holy Grail of Yes! :jam2:

borri · by **borri** on Sat Jan 26, 2013 3:52 pm

One thing for sure about Josh Smith in P&G....our D would get exponentially better.

Kobe8Fan · by **Kobe8Fan** on Sun Jan 27, 2013 12:21 pm

[size=150]Cavaliers Could Trade Gibson, Casspi and Speights Before Deadline[/size]

By Marc Stein

The Cleveland Cavaliers are already receiving trade interest from other teams in Marreese Speights.

Speights was acquired last week in a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Cavaliers have $12 million in expiring contracts.

Daniel Gibson and Omri Casspi are also candidates to be traded by the Cavaliers.

http://espn.go.com/nba/dailydime/_/page ... saying-now

Kobe8Fan · by **Kobe8Fan** on Sun Jan 27, 2013 12:22 pm

Sources: Raptors Would Prefer To Trade Lowry Over Calderon

By Ken Berger

The Toronto Raptors would prefer to trade Kyle Lowry over Jose Calderon, according to league sources.

Lowry was acquired last offseason from the Houston Rockets in exchange for Gary Forbes and a future first-round lottery pick.

Lowry is averaging 13.8 points and 5.8 assists in 27.7 minutes behind Calderon.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/story/2161 ... rs-in-bind

Roster Improvement: Free Agents Now and Later?

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

Re: Roster Improvement: So how's your 40 dash? You're hired!

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Cavaliers Could Trade Gibson, Casspi and Speights Before Dea

Sources: Raptors Would Prefer To Trade Lowry Over Calderon

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