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The question has come up a million times and was discussed at some length by a Lakers source today. Are the Lakers, who have been struggling of late, looking to make a move?
It seems they are, as our source told us today that there are a couple is issues going on behind the scenes that could lead to a major roster move. Of course, there has been plenty of talk about the team moving Lamar Odom, and it makes a degree of sense to link the Lakers with the Charlotte Bobcats in this area. The Bobcats are shopping basically everyone, and Gerald Wallace could solve some problems that are currently facing the Lakers.
Let's be clear - trading Odom would have nothing to do with Lamar himself wanting to leave. In fact, he told HOOPSWORLD over the weekend that he would stay in LA for less money just to continue as a Laker. That feature is coming soon, so watch for it.
No, this is about what Phil Jackson sees his team needing to gear up for what many believe will be another showdown with the Boston Celtics . . .and Paul Pierce. Gerald Wallace is a piece who would not only help contain Pierce, but also keep him busy on the defensive end.
The other issue facing the team right now, as you can probably guess, is that a couple of the guys who signed huge contracts over the summer are trying to do too much. Andrew Bynum and Sasha Vujacic feel like they need to score a lot of points to justify their deals, but the team doesn't necessarily need that from them. Points are good, but defense and, in the case of Vujacic, facilitating the offense more is what's called for.
There is also the Farmar issue, which is looking like a long-term problem for LA. While Jackson talks about this kind of injury often being a 2-3 games out kind of thing, Farmar is telling people he won't rush back. The meniscus is an injury that can damage a player long-term if they come back too soon. Farmar told reporters recently that he understands this is a business, and he doesn't want to risk his long term employment picture by coming back too quickly this season.
It sounds like the Lakers may be in the market for a point guard, as well.
