<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">The Lakers have effectively made similar offers of $2.5 million to guards Aaron McKie and Derek Anderson, sources said, with the understanding that the first one who accepts gets it. The sources say the Lakers have couched it in diplomatic terms as having had "financial discussions" with both players. Those conversations make the Lakers the high bidder for both players and the only team in the running with a starting job open. Nevertheless, the team will have to wait out the weekend to see if either will come. Laker General Manager Mitch Kupchak had no comment Friday, saying only the team is continuing to explore its options. Anderson is said to be making up his mind between the Lakers and Houston, which can offer only $1.7 million. However, Anderson visited the Rockets on Thursday, met with Coach Jeff Van Gundy and told the Houston Chronicle, "I think it went real well." "They were real upfront and honest with me, and that's what I wanted," Anderson added. A source said Anderson is leaning toward the Rockets but will take the weekend to decide. McKie was thought to be close to agreement with New Jersey until the Lakers became involved last week. McKie is a Philadelphia native, which would make staying on the East Coast attractive. However, having used or promised their exceptions to Jeff McInnis and Robert Traylor, the Nets have been offering McKie only the veteran's minimum of $1.1 million. Under a formula that allows amnestied players to "double dip," getting their old salaries plus some of the money from their new teams, McKie would keep $900,000 of his salary from the Nets. In comparison, McKie would keep $1.6 million from the Lakers. In either case, he would also get $6.5 million from his old team, the 76ers. Also, the Lakers would give McKie or Anderson a chance to start at point guard. They are being projected as reserves in Houston and New Jersey. The Lakers have been limited in what they can offer by owner Jerry Buss' insistence on saving cap space for the summer of 2007, which means they can offer only two-year deals. They offered the entire $5-million exception to Antonio Daniels but lost him when Washington offered him that much, but on a five-year deal.</div> Source: LA Times August 20 2005
If i had my choice between the two, I'd take Anderson. He's more explosive of a player, and his decline seems to have been a little less steep than Mckie's ...
I agree, I prefer DA over McKie because he's more athletic, a better scorer, younger, and faster. Adding McKie reminds me too, much of Mitch Richmond when he joined the Lakers. Quality character, but not much left in the tank.
My question now is why not Spreewell? If the Rockets have a shot at him, I dont see any reason why we dont? I realize he has a relationship with Van Gundy, but he also has some stakes here in L.A., including his business...He'd also be guarenteeed given significant playing time..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting notMuchgame:</div><div class="quote_post">My question now is why not Spreewell? If the Rockets have a shot at him, I dont see any reason why we dont? I realize he has a relationship with Van Gundy, but he also has some stakes here in L.A., including his business...He'd also be guarenteeed given significant playing time..</div> I'd give you a typical response, because our GM is an idiot. Realistically I think it comes down to Sprewell not wanting to play with the Lakers. He is targeting teams who have a shot at going far in the playoffs, Pistons and Rockets. I'm not sure if he wants to learn and play in the Triangle offense either and he probably doesn't feel confident he could put the Lakers over the top.
GM is not an idiot, he would be if he pursued Sprewell. Lakers couldn't pay his salary. Last year that poor man only made $15 million, not enough to support his children.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting YourNewChef:</div><div class="quote_post">GM is not an idiot, he would be if he pursued Sprewell. Lakers couldn't pay his salary. Last year that poor man only made $15 million, not enough to support his children.</div> The Rockets can only offer Sprewell $1.8Million, if he's willing to play for only $1.8Million, then you have to wonder why the Lakers are not being considered when they can offer him half the MLE, roughly $2.5Million.
i think lakers should get Mckie cause he can run the point and has experience in that department..we are in desperate need of a point guard
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">The Rockets can only offer Sprewell $1.8Million, if he's willing to play for only $1.8Million, then you have to wonder why the Lakers are not being considered when they can offer him half the MLE, roughly $2.5Million.</div> what??!! i thought he had to feed his family?!
