[jamesofwhite21Participant]

Why the hell did the Lakers make the moves they did this offseason? The front office is losing it. Matt Barnes for $1.76 and a player 1yr player option for an addition year at $1.9 million? Steve Blake for $4 million and 4yrs? Joe Smith and Theo Ratliff each at $1.35 million?

This is a joke. Matt Barnes has had more layups than defensive plays this year, Blake is a joke (JJ Barea tore his ass up last night, even worse than CP3 did in the first round) and Smith and Ratliff rarely see floortime and are complete wastes of roster spots if you ask me. I don’t care what anyone says… the $8.35 mil they spent this year was money they might as well have given Chuck Sheen for coke and strippers. And signing Blake for four years? WHY!?

I don’t care if I sound like a meth-head or not, but this is what I wish (keep that in mind, those of you who take posts too literally on these forums, that this is what I wish could/would/should happen) the front office of LA to do:

– Trade: Pau Gasol for Dwight Howard. Why? People are already scrambling to start speculating about DH leaving Orlando, forcing his hand the way Melo and LeBron have recently. Pau Gasol is on the books until 2013/2014. If the Magic are so afraid of losing him without receiving at least some compensation for him in return, then this is their trade to bite on. I can’t think of many other scenarios where they get a big return like this one. DH can be signed and traded over and both sides win. I haven’t seen the last post move TOWARD the basket from Gasol. When he gets the ball you can hear Staples Center hold its collective breath because they know it’s going to be a sweeping hook or some soft fadeaway from Pau. He’s losing it. You can’t be soft and average 10 boards a game, but he has no power whatsoever. Howard may be Superman to everyone down in Orlando, but it’s time to face the facts. What will being a hero with no hardware make him feel if he were to stay, versus moving to LA and winning a few rings. And Kobe would get a career revival, playing with Dwight would give him a few more years to knock down a few more records. A few more pieces could be added or taken away… but I don’t see this as outlandish. Dwight Howard, Otis Smith and the Lakers front office all need to realize what’s going on and get this done. Everybody wins.

– Trade: Andrew Bynum for Nene. Why? After the Melo trade, Nene showed more of what he can do. With increased touches, he became the leader of the team. Andrew Bynum is about as big a question mark on the Lakers roster as anybody. Probably the biggest. This trade is assuming Denver can tender him an offer if he opts out that he finds appealing. The possibility of Bynum being healthy in the future and another big piece to build around in Denver would be something to think about for their front office. Jim Buss needs to come down off his ‘I discovered Bynum’ high and get rid of him while the demand is still there. I can’t think of many teams that would pass on trading for him if they had the chance and the Lakers had him on an open market. Denver would get a potential building block and Nene would get his money. There may need to be other smaller pieces involved (perfect time to unload Blake or Walton, they suck and are financial obligations seeing as they provide nothing of value to the team).

– Sign: Kenyon Martin, JR Smith Why? Smith is one of those guys that year after year, we find ourselves saying ‘if that guy could grow up, he will have a hell of a career.’ He is only 25. If Kobe had a chance to take him under his wing and show him what it means to have a real work ethic and head on his shoulders, he could have the potential to take over the throne. He has just as much or more athletic ability, and if he applied that to studying the game and working on his ball handling, passing, consistency and defense he could be GREAT. Those are huge ifs. I think that Kobe is one of only a few players who could truly help Smith do so, though. Smith would surely jump at a chance to sign with LA, and if he did I think good things would come of it. KMart is on the decline, I know… but there is no denying his heart. He has had more knee surgeries than most people have fingers. He shouldn’t still be playing. He is an absolute alien. He is still a very capable and above average defender. He is a leader, and brings toughness to any team he plays on. He has stated multiple times that he is over looking for paychecks, and that he wants to be on a contending team. He came back this year healthier looking and hungrier than I have seen him in a few seasons. I would not be shocked if LA could get him for vets minimum this offseason.

– Draft: Cam Long. Other Options: Jacob Pullen, LaceDarius Dunn or Isaiah Thomas. Why? The Lakers are long in the tooth and unathletic at the PG spot.  This is a problem. Kobe may as well be their point guard. If they play a tier one guard like CP3 Kobe ends up having to substitute his offense with defense on the other teams best backcourt player. This is hurting LA. People saying Kobe’s scoring days are over are idiots. With Kobe exerting so much effort on D since his other backcourt teammates are virtually incapable, he is exhausted on offense whether he wants to admit it or not. He hasn’t lost a step, he is wearing himself out on D. Having a true threat at the 1 spot would help. I have been really impressed with Cam Long. He plays good defense and has a pretty good offensive game, but could use improvement overall. He tends to make good decisions. Jacob Pullen is undersized but has the heart of a champion. LaceDarius Dunn has limited game but with Brian Shaw (or whoever takes over) and the Laker vets helping he or Isaiah Thomas out each could play very well if they TRULY work on their games at the next level. Basically, the Lakers need backcourt help.

If all these things happened, the Lakers team would look something like this:

– PG: Derek Fisher, Cam Long (drafted), Isaiah Thomas (drafted)

– SG: Kobe Bryant, Shannon Brown, JR Smith (signed)

– SF: Ron Artest, Devin Ebanks

– PF: Nene (trade), Lamar Odom, Kenyon Martin (signed), Derrick Caracter

– C: Dwight Howard (trade), Keith Benson (drafted) 

I expect to get some flac for this, but I have seen dumber things on these forums. This team would more than compete. Derek Fisher and Kobe could coach up the backcourt additions and draftees. The frontcourt would be versatile and tough. The Lakers would be complete on offense and defense and make up for the offseason mistakes they made this year. I didn’t add in a trade for Ron Artest (it’s quite possible) but you guys can go that route for yourselves.

I love the Lakers but they are embarassing themselves in the playoffs. I never doubt Kobe but I honestly think they get swept by Dallas. With D12 getting knocked out in the first round by the Hawks (surprise team of the playoffs) he has to be pissed, no matter what he’s telling people. The Lakers almost got taken out by CP3 playing one-on-five and it is time to shake some things up. This way at least Orlando isn’t left with nothing when Dwight leaves. JR Smith isn’t just another one of ‘those guys’ when it’s all said and done, KMart gets a shot at a ring, Nene gets his cash, the Lakers restock on guards and the world can keep spinning.

 

Am I on crazy pills or can anyone else see this happening? Like I said before, I’ve seen worse material on here.

[goneParticipant]

Lol lol Dwight Howard lol lol Nene lol lol Jr smith and Kenyon Martin

 ….I’m gonna pray for your points

[LazarusMunozParticipant]

Whoah dat guy has lil legs and a beard…and hes dancing!   he’s all happy and having a good ol day…little does he know that people from there computer can make fun of him and mock and ridicule him anytime they want….stick that up your pipe Jethro

[JimmeredYaWabafetParticipant]

The Magic are better off doing this http://www5.picturepush.com/photo/a/5528983/640/5528983.jpg than getting Gasol,also the second makes no sense Nene is overrated and is not a good rebounder. 

[RickyRubio9Participant]

 I would think the Magic would want Andrew Bynum rather than an older Pau Gasol..

[Jlv2011]

look at your post.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The Lakers should trade Bynum (maybe throw in Matt Barnes) and a pick or two for Dwight Howard.   The Lakers need to retool and Dwight Howard is the best center out there. 

Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom would be a terrific backcourt.  The Laker’s defense wasn’t that good this year, and Howard would help.  That would be the big front line that they would need.  Then bring Ron Artest off the bench at either forward spot.  Then use Shannon Brown as the designated scorer off the bench with Derek Fisher as a backup 3 point shooter.  Devin Ebanks has more upside than Matt Barnes.

Howard is a great superstar to build around, and Pau Gasol is a classic second option.  Odom had a great season and is a better starter.  Both forwards can play at a high level for another few years which will keep the window of opportunity opened up a little longer out in LaLa land.

Then find Kobe a legit point guard.  Someone with decent speed who can get to the basket and defend quick point guards. 

Kobe, Howard, Pau, and Odom would be a new Big Four in WIN NOW mode.  They need to find a point guard that will complement those guys.  Scoring should not be a major issue given that Kobe can give you 25-30 a night, Howard gives you around 20, Pau around 20, and Lamar Odom and give you 15-16 points a night.  

A bench of Ron Artest, Derek Fisher, Shannon Brown, and Devin Ebanks would be small but scrappy.  Earl Barron would be a great addition to the bench.  He can score and he is a pretty solid rebounder.  Could come cheap.  That would give the bench a couple of vets and a couple of new guys. 

I think that Odom should start, and it looks like Pau Gasol needs more help down low.  Dwight Howard would be a great anchor.  Those four guys should be able to make most point guards look good.  If the Lakers have to throw in their second round picks to get Dwight Howard then that is fine.

If you can get the best center in the game you should do it.

 

[LazarusMunozParticipant]

oh yeah back on topic…get rid of Artest ASAP…just bench him,hes too volatile and unpredictible

[sbealer22Participant]

 Here is my opinion on where Dwight will go.

1. New Jersey – Makes too much sense. The Nets owner NEEDS to make another splash. He wants to make another splash. Lopez is a good center with the potential to grow, but Howard along with a great passer in Williams would be great for the Brooklyn Nets. Lopez in return would be a great return for the Magic

2. Either LA team – Both could use him. The Clippers have more pieces, the Lakers have the name. Clippers can start a package with Jordan, Aminu, T-Wolves 1st. Lakers can start one with Bynum, but they really cannot match what the Clips can offer. Lakers have the name, and Howard would resign with them no doubt. The clippers do not have that luxary.

3. Other teams that should and possibly could go after him (just my feelings):

Dallas- Cuban is always looking to make a huge move. I am not sure what exactly they could move to the Magic, but the Mavs would be willing to take back contracts such as Arenas to get Howard.

Philly- They have the pieces to grab Howard. Start with Iggy or Turner (whichever one they want), Hawes, Lou Willams, and they might have a match. Would Howard sign in Philly? maybe. Would the Sixers management consider it, maybe. It probably won’t happen.

Ultimately, I think he is going to stay in Orlando, become a FA, and see what happens, but these senarios are plausible IMO…… The point is, he is not going to LA for Gasol.

[doubledribblerParticipant]

Do you really think the moves the Lakers made this past season were so horrible? They spent nothing on Barnes, Ratliff, Smith and Blake in terms of NBA money. You can say that the moves didn’t work, but at the time they were smart moves. Barnes was part of what ignited Orlando last year. Ratliff and Smith were brought in more for insurance reasons and both are worth the minimum on a good team. Blake had been a steady hand on every team he had been on and should have been a perfect fit for the triangle. I think you have 20/20 vision from seeing how things turned out. It’s not like the Lakers had a lot of money to spend since they were over the cap and the options were already limited.

The biggest problem with the Lakers are that guys are not playing up to their ability. As far as roster goes, they should have spent some time over these past few years finding someone that could defend quick point guards. If I remember correctly, they were the ones that actually drafted Tony Douglas, only to trade him.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If the Magic trade for Dwight Howard straight up then Andrew Bynum might be the best they can do.

I think the Bulls need to make an offer of Noah, Brewer, Boozer, cash, one of their two 1st round picks, and a future 1st round pick for Dwight Howard.  The Bulls get the best center in the game, a better shot blocker and another superstar to pair with Derrick Rose.  The Bulls lose their best interior scorer, but I think that Boozer is too slow and not a good enough defender.  Taj Gibson is a little bit quicker and more athletic.  Kurt Thomas is a solid power forward off the bench.  Plus, the Bulls would still have Asik up front.  In trading Brewer they remove their log jam at the swing positions and will let Luol Deng and Bogans start with Kyle Korver off the bench. 

The Magic thrived in an up-tempo game with Dwight Howard as the anchor on defense and the dunker put-back guy on offense, along with a above-average point guard with a bunch of shooters to fill out the roster.  Derrick Rose is a big upgrade over Jameer Nelson, and Deng, Korver, and Bogans can hit shots from outside.  I bet that the Bulls could add another shooter and an upgrade at back up point.  I like the power forward rotation of Gibson and Thomas since one is more of an athlete and the other is more of a banger.  Those two guys could get close to what Boozer gave them this year, and Dwight Howard can more than make up for Noah’s scoring output.  Rose has a good running buddy and Luol Deng goes into a situation where he is the ideal 3rd option behind 2 superstars.  With Dwight Howard getting all the attention down low, Kyle Korver should get more open looks.  Bogans should also get more open looks.  While the Bulls might still need a solid fourth option behind The Windy Three (Rose-Howard-Deng), it is far easier to get a fourth option than it is to get a superstar second option.  They have two superstars at the two most important positions (and would oppose the Heat’s two weakest positions), a solid all-around player in Deng who can score in lots of different ways and a pretty solid supporting cast.  Might not be as deep, and it might lack a traditional low post scoring threat like Boozer but I think it is built more for the playoffs.

I think Rose could give them 25 a night next year, with Howard at 22 or 23.  Deng would give them around 16 or 17 with Gibson and Korver at 8-10 a game each.  They would then need to get about 20-25 points a night from Bogans, Watson, Thomas, Asik and whoever else they can sign or use their other draft pick on.  I think that is doable. 

The Magic would get a solid up-and-coming center in Noah who starred at of Florida in college.  Boozer can score in bunches inside.  Brewer would add back court toughness.  Noah, Boozer, and Bass would be very solid up front.  J-Rich, Brewer, Reddick, and Ryan Anderson are pretty good on the wings.  Hedo would be their designated go-to-guy/creator in crunch time.  Jameer Nelson is a solid point guard who can fill it up.  They would cross their fingers that Agent Zero can give them something off the bench next year.  That would be a better half court scoring team next year.

Depending on how much the Celtic’s big three slip, the newly revamped Magic could end up being the 3rd best team in the East next year.  Boozer and Nelson are legit scorers, Hedo can create some offense for himself and others, Bass would be a great inside scorer off the bench, and J-Rich, Reddick, and Ryan Anderson can all hit shots and score.  Noah can be a solid defensive/emotional anchor inside.

[Moon RiverParticipant]

No doubt they have personel issues that Kupchak needs to address this off season. However, when does Phil Jackson get called out?  I think the Zen master already has his mind on Wyoming and retirement.  I love you Coach as your brough multiple titles to the Lakeshow, but this is not exactly the way I want to see you go out.

[sheltwon3Participant]

Howard will not be moved unless someone takes on one of their bad contacts.  Considering that Bynum and Gasol has not given Kobe the help he needs and Odom is more versatile.  I think trading Bynum and Gasol for Nelson and Howard would be a good deal also with some added picks.  Orlando could draft a good young point guard.   They would have Gasol, Bynum, Hedo, Reddick, young point guard drafted.  Arenas on the bench and some other pieces.

[iguapops420Participant]

 They spent the money assuming Barnes would be healthy and tht Blake would be able hit his open 3’s like in previous years. Hasn’t worked out so far. I’m still not so sure they don’t make it out. Hopefully we see Odom in game 3 as starting 3 in place of Ron. 

If I’m LAL, I’d trade Bynum,Ebanks,future1st for Dwight(Only possible if he FORCES his way to LAL).While I believe on Bynum’s best days he’s a much more of a beast than Dwight(more than numbers), though those days are so few and far between. Dwight is the surefire thing.

Use the MLE on a guy like Nick Young, JR Smith.  Neither are gonna be able to become Kobe for the team but an All-Star appearnace wouldn’t be bad. Have a similar role to Kobe and with his history of helping young guys develop, I could see either become all-star caliber players similar to Rip Hamilton or Jalen Rose. 

Trade Pau(terrific contract/player)Walton, for Iggy,Hawes #16. 

I’d draft Reggie Jackson with the 16th, Jeremy Tyler  at 41, Deandre Liggins at 46 Then Gary Mcghee at 57 just for some size and toughness.. Just let the young guys develop and have Character step in as backup 4. 

Dwight/Hawes/Mcghee

Odom/Character/Tyler/RonRon

RonRon/Barnes/Iggy

Kobe/JR or Young/Liggins

Iggy/Blake/Jackson/Fisher

Given that would be a very versatile back court but when you wanna change gears and go uptempo you looki similar to this.

Dwight/HawesMcghee

Odom/Tyler/Hawes/Character

Kobe/Ron/Barnes

JR or Young/Liggins

Iggy/Jackson/Blake/Fisher. 

Assuming the young’ns develop properly they could have one of the most versatile and athletic group of defenders able to compete with the Heat as top athletic team.

 

[Author]

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