A Little FA News

[Louie26]

Not sure why everybody is getting all excited about Aldridge.....I think he stays in Portland.

No way! Already traded Batum and they drafted his(LMA) replacement.

I think he ends up in San Antonio or LA.

 

[Louie26]

Aldridge is a beast, but I am worried about our defense. Lamarcus is agreat assset, but we need a big man who can d up. Monroe will probably be the best option istead of Lamarcus. Either way I will be happy with either... GO LAKERS!

Why not get LMA or Monroe and get Brendan Wright as a rim protector??

 

[Louie26]

Might be talking about a 2 or 3 year deal with player option after 1.

Would be like LeBron's contract now, right?? 2 year deal, player option for year 2.

 

[trojanfight]

Lakers Rumors: LaMarcus Aldridge 'Leaning Toward' Signing With L.A. | Lakers Nation

 

[tomodach10]

If we don't sign a big it makes drafting Russell the wrong move IMO.

 

[Retroram52]

Since Wade just opted out of his contract, wouldn't it be a hoot if Aldridge, LeBron, Love, and Wade all ended up with the Lakers. Afterall, LeBron and Love had the famous poolside meeting yesterday. LOL! I know, I am having a private dream here.

 

[Retroram52]

I get the distinct impression that Kobe is not too keen on Aldridge being the guy the Lakers should go after for the center spot. Even though Mitch has already stated they don't bother with Kobe's advise, apparently nobody told Kobe. Kobe is doing a little behind-the-scenes, Lebron-esque, salesmanship. Frikin' Kobe. He got a hold of Deandre Jordon to lobby him to walk across the hall. lol.

Report: Kobe Bryant called DeAndre Jordan to recruit him to Lakers | ProBasketballTalk

 

[TheSnowdog]

Speaking of the 3 year re-build. Am I the only one getting so excited that they seem to be "righting the ship" that they're having trouble remembering that it's a 3 year re-build?

The caveat to my 2 cents is that it depends on who the Lakers sign in FA
Assuming they sign a solid big - and I don't see any reason why they won't - the Lakers will surprise this upcoming season. Not a championship team but I do agree they are on the right track and are "righting the ship"

Laker fans and FO have to be patient though - Lakers might surprise teams this year but FO can't let that suck them into thinking that they are "this" or "that" player away and end up giving up youth for said player

if they stay the course with their youth building plan it will be better in the long run

Here is a song for you Laker fans:

 

[Kold]

From here on in, everything is cake. I thought we had a real good shot at Love until they got by Chicago, and I had no idea that we were even in the running for Aldridge(even though I think he'll choose SA). I have no expectations going in, but if we pull something off I'll be happy. We need to stay away from Deandre Jordan however

 

[shopson67]

Personally, I like Kobe better as a 3.

Based on what though? He's been a 2 all his career. He doesn't have the strength, size, or vertical to complete with the bigger SFs.

 

[shopson67]

So? It's still Summer League.

If you can't get excited to see a Lakers lineup that's better than what they put on the court most of last season, that's your issue I guess. This is a real glimpse into the future of the franchise.

 

[shopson67]

I get the distinct impression that Kobe is not too keen on Aldridge being the guy the Lakers should go after for the center spot. Even though Mitch has already stated they don't bother with Kobe's advise, apparently nobody told Kobe. Kobe is doing a little behind-the-scenes, Lebron-esque, salesmanship. Frikin' Kobe. He got a hold of Deandre Jordon to lobby him to walk across the hall. lol.

Report: Kobe Bryant called DeAndre Jordan to recruit him to Lakers | ProBasketballTalk

I think Jordan could be a better fit for a conventional lineup than LMA, but I think he's vastly overrated. He's basically just a weakside shot-blocker with flashy dunks. If you can live without some of the flash, Asik and maybe Robin Lopez can bring similar games (with more offense in Lopez' case) for less money, leaving some cap for other improvements.

Latest news I saw on LMA was that he most likely choosing between a 5 year max with Portland or leaving for the Spurs. At least that was the headline on Bleacher Report; reading the article below it didn't seem to indicate that at all. It's really tough to get a read on this, and it seems more and more teams are lining up to meet with him (latest are the Suns and Raptors).

 

[Retroram52]

Man Shopson, these reports change by the minute. I guess will only know when the transaction actually occurs.

 

[DJ Fieri]

Upshaw could be a steal.

 

[trojanfan12]

Man Shopson, these reports change by the minute. I guess will only know when the transaction actually occurs.

Yeah, it's pretty funny. As soon as one site reports one thing, another site refutes it. Yesterday, an article was linked saying that L.A. was leaning to the Lakers and Portland was out of the running. Now, shopson posts info. that he is trying to decide between Portland and the Spurs.

Things will start to clear a bit beginning at midnight tonight.

 

[shopson67]

Why not get LMA or Monroe and get Brendan Wright as a rim protector??

Lakers have $23M to spend. LMA will be $18.8M. Will $4.2M get Wright? What about SF?

 

[shopson67]

Man Shopson, these reports change by the minute. I guess will only know when the transaction actually occurs.

It's all just conjecture anyway; more reliable info will start flowing once the process actually starts.

 

[lakersrule]

How much does he stand to make next summer if he signs the 4.4 mil qualifying offer to become a UFA next season? That's the real question. He's bet on himself once before turning down an extension, I wouldn't be all that surprised if he bets on himself again

Certainly more than $90 mil. I'm just saying that's a lot of guaranteed money. As I said earlier, he's not an injury-prone player but shit happens. Like you, I wouldn't be surprised at all if he bets on himself again, especially if he really wants to be in Los Angeles.

 

[lakersrule]

If they strike out on the likes of LMA/Jordan/Love and can't pry a RFA wing from their current teams, do they pursue players like Lopez, Chandler, and Carroll? Adding both Lopez or Chandler along with Carroll is easily done with the cap space and gives Byron a couple of nice defenders at the wing and rim. Or do they sign one year fillers like we had last season? Lots at play soon enough.

 

[lakersrule]

Upshaw could be a steal.

Why Robert Upshaw Can Be Steal of the 2015 NBA Draft for Los Angeles Lakers | Bleacher Report