<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">One team might as well be heads. The other might as well be tails. That's the difficulty of the decision free-agent guard Derek Anderson faces this weekend. Anderson will choose in the next 48 hours whether to sign with the Lakers or Houston Rockets, agent Tony Dutt said Friday. Anderson, the NBA's first luxury-tax-amnesty casualty, is seeking a one-year deal with a player option for a second season. "He's decided he's not going to base it on money, he's going to base it on opportunity," Dutt said. "He wants to go somewhere he can have a big year this year and then see what happens." Asked if Anderson was favoring one team, Dutt said: "It's like a coin flip at this point." The Lakers have offered Anderson half of their $5 million midlevel salary-cap exception, and the Rockets would give Anderson their $1.67 million biannual exception. Anderson still is owed $18.8 million from Portland the next two seasons. Although the Lakers can offer more money, Anderson would make only about $415,000 more in Los Angeles than in Houston next season, based on league rules covering players who are released with guaranteed contracts and signed by another team. Anderson, 31, would play a significant role in Phil Jackson's triangle offense. He has the size (6-foot-5, 195 pounds) and ability to play both guard spots, and the Lakers need a ball-handler and shooter. Anderson could start in Houston but would compete with David Wesley for the job. The Lakers and general manager Mitch Kupchak brought Anderson in for a workout Aug. 8 and all along have been considered the favorites to sign him. Anderson also drew interest from Detroit, Minnesota and Miami. He visited Houston on Thursday. "They have been very aggressive," Dutt said of the Lakers. "I can tell you from the get-go that Mitch has been very persistent. ... I've probably talked to him more than anyone through this whole thing." </div> Source: Daily News August 20 2005 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I think he'll come to LA. He has a better opportunity to go far in LA. Although the Rockets are seen as the better team, the Lakers still have a bigger chance of going far. He wouldn't have to compete for a starting spot here either. If he realises he'll have to compete in Houston, he'll probably come to LA.
How do the Lakers have a bigger chance in going far? By the way things are going the Lakers are only looking like they will continue to struggle for a playoff spot. Even if Kwame finally played up to potential and we do have Phil back, with our current roster with or without Anderson and/or McKie won't be going anywhere. I'm not tryin to be a negative fan, but realistically we are still far away from going anywhere.
Houston didn't make much noise last year. They haven't made any significant changes that suggest they will get into the middle of the playoffs. The fact is, we have made changes that suggest us making the playoffs. If we do make the playoffs, I believe we could make second round. We have the team that has made changes and with the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Kwame who would bet against us? Even more so, if the sources are right in saying that we are about to aquire Ron Artest. With the trio of Kobe, Ron and Kwame, we are as close as you could get to a guarentee of making the playoffs and getting past the first round.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">Houston didn't make much noise last year. They haven't made any significant changes that suggest they will get into the middle of the playoffs. The fact is, we have made changes that suggest us making the playoffs. If we do make the playoffs, I believe we could make second round. We have the team that has made changes and with the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Kwame who would bet against us? Even more so, if the sources are right in saying that we are about to aquire Ron Artest. With the trio of Kobe, Ron and Kwame, we are as close as you could get to a guarentee of making the playoffs and getting past the first round.</div> The Rockets are a legit middle of the pack Western Conference team. The addition of Stromile Swift could be just what they need to get further in the playoffs. Last year the Rockets took the first two games against the Mavs in Dallas, before they lost momentum after a controversial play. They did it without Juwan Howard for the entire series, so now the Rockets get Juwan back, plus add an intimidating shotblocker to protect Yao on defense. Yao is also not playing for China this summer, so he should have fresher legs. The latest news out of Houston is Sprewell is going to sign with them. Looks like DA's decision is being made for him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">Houston didn't make much noise last year. They haven't made any significant changes that suggest they will get into the middle of the playoffs. The fact is, we have made changes that suggest us making the playoffs. If we do make the playoffs, I believe we could make second round. We have the team that has made changes and with the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Kwame who would bet against us? Even more so, if the sources are right in saying that we are about to aquire Ron Artest. With the trio of Kobe, Ron and Kwame, we are as close as you could get to a guarentee of making the playoffs and getting past the first round.</div> It was Houston's first year together and they did very well and will definately be better than L.A this year. They made a huge FA signing in adding Stromile Swift. I see them being the 2-4 seed in the West. Besides Phil whatr changes have you made? Kwame Brown, yea that was really big. DA ain't gonna fix muxh either. The Lakers are going to have a fight for every win this year because they areen't that good. The second round is out of the question in my mind, I see them having to fight just to get in the playoffs. Artest in L.A with PHil and Kobe? Artest won't have to hit fans anymore because he'll be hitting Kobe by seasons end. Tell me what makes Kwame Brown such a key to the Lakers?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker14:</div><div class="quote_post">It was Houston's first year together and they did very well and will definately be better than L.A this year. They made a huge FA signing in adding Stromile Swift. I see them being the 2-4 seed in the West. </div> A two seed !?! Impossible, the Rockets are not going to win the Southwest Division with the Spurs there. I wouldn't put them ahead of Dallas either. A four seed is possible, but I think 5 or 6 is more realistic. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker14:</div><div class="quote_post">Besides Phil whatr changes have you made? Kwame Brown, yea that was really big. DA ain't gonna fix muxh either. The Lakers are going to have a fight for every win this year because they areen't that good. The second round is out of the question in my mind, I see them having to fight just to get in the playoffs.</div> I agree Lakers have not done much, and they will be lucky to make the playoffs with their <u>current</u> roster. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker14:</div><div class="quote_post">Artest in L.A with PHil and Kobe? Artest won't have to hit fans anymore because he'll be hitting Kobe by seasons end.</div> When did the Lakers get Ron Artest? What makes you think Kobe and Artest would fight, and that Phil couldn't control Artest. Ever hear of Dennis Rodman? How about Bison Dele? Both were bigger headcases than Artest. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker14:</div><div class="quote_post"> Tell me what makes Kwame Brown such a key to the Lakers?</div> He is a key move because it allows Odom to play his natural position ... SF! He also gives the Lakers an athletic big man and another 7 footer on the roster.
Shape, I just see the two egos of Artest and Kobe not being able to co-exist. I never said they got him, but lekrfan said that he may be coming to L.A so I was speculating that if he did come it wouldn't work out. I'm very high on Houston this year, I just think they have the talent to go far.
Ron Artest is a big fan of Kobe, he respects how hard Kobe works in the off-season and his competitive drive. He said Kobe is the best player he's had to defend. They've also played in the Entertainer's Basketball Classic at Ruckers in the summer. I think they have a lot of common now, since both are viewed as the "bad guys" in the NBA.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">Houston didn't make much noise last year. They haven't made any significant changes that suggest they will get into the middle of the playoffs. The fact is, we have made changes that suggest us making the playoffs. If we do make the playoffs, I believe we could make second round. We have the team that has made changes and with the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Kwame who would bet against us.</div> Even though Kobe is the best player in the league, collectively Houston is WAY better off. Tmac and Kobe are pretty even, and Yao is better than any bigman you guys have. Not making any significant changes? We signed Swift, which is big because it gives us another athletic bigman, something that you guys don't have. So if you want to compare teams, the Rockets have the better chance.
Why does nobody have us making the playoffs with our current roster? I know KB8 has great belief in Kwame Brown blowing up in LA. I know that I have great belief that we will blow up this season aswell. Call me stupid but I can see us making second round and maybe even WCF. I know everyone is going to say I'm crazy and everything, but thats just how I feel and I believe in our team. Last year, I knew the lineup was no good, but this season I know we have so many things to look forward to. The return of Phil, Lamar at SF, Kobe showing he can be a succesful leader, Kwame showing his true potential. There are too many things to look forward to this season. Nobody can determine anything and say that I'm wrong to feel how I feel because nobody has seen this new squad play together.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">Why does nobody have us making the playoffs with our current roster? I know KB8 has great belief in Kwame Brown blowing up in LA. I know that I have great belief that we will blow up this season aswell. Call me stupid but I can see us making second round and maybe even WCF. I know everyone is going to say I'm crazy and everything, but thats just how I feel and I believe in our team. Last year, I knew the lineup was no good, but this season I know we have so many things to look forward to. The return of Phil, Lamar at SF, Kobe showing he can be a succesful leader, Kwame showing his true potential. There are too many things to look forward to this season. Nobody can determine anything and say that I'm wrong to feel how I feel because nobody has seen this new squad play together.</div> I respect you for having faith in your team, but WCF...thats nearly impossible no matter how good Kobe is, or no matter how much potential Kwame has.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">Why does nobody have us making the playoffs with our current roster? I know KB8 has great belief in Kwame Brown blowing up in LA. I know that I have great belief that we will blow up this season aswell. Call me stupid but I can see us making second round and maybe even WCF. I know everyone is going to say I'm crazy and everything, but thats just how I feel and I believe in our team. Last year, I knew the lineup was no good, but this season I know we have so many things to look forward to. The return of Phil, Lamar at SF, Kobe showing he can be a succesful leader, Kwame showing his true potential. There are too many things to look forward to this season. Nobody can determine anything and say that I'm wrong to feel how I feel because nobody has seen this new squad play together.</div> My main concern for the Lakers is their lack of depth off the bench. I think the team will be improved from last year, and have a legit shot at the playoffs, but it's going to come down to which teams can stay healthy and have the depth when a key player gets hurt. Kobe hasn't played a full season the last couple of years, Odom is coming off shoulder surgery, Kwame has been hit with plenty of injuries, if any of them go down to injury, the Lakers don't have someone to step in and pick up the slack. However, if everything goes right with the Lakers, and they stay healthy, a second round finish is not out of the question.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting playmaker14:</div><div class="quote_post">Shape, I just see the two egos of Artest and Kobe not being able to co-exist. I never said they got him, but lekrfan said that he may be coming to L.A so I was speculating that if he did come it wouldn't work out. I'm very high on Houston this year, I just think they have the talent to go far.</div> It seems that everyone but Laker fans are hating on Artest since this trade rumor started. The guy has had his difficulties but what makes everyone think he wont do well beside Kobe? Artest has been struck down hard last year being unable to play the entire season. I dont think he'll make the same mistake. As for working with Kobe, it seems he has more respect for Kobe than hate towards him. I find it hard to believe that Indiana would let go of Artest (he is young and talented), but if this trade for Artest goes through, I welcome it. I think Kobe and Artest will not only co-exist, I believe that they will give any team a run for their money.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Updated: Aug. 22, 2005, 12:06 AM ET Anderson has made choice, agent saysAssociated Press National Basketball Association News Wire HOUSTON -- Free agent Derek Anderson plans to sign a two-year contract with the Houston Rockets, his agent said Sunday. Tony Dutt, Anderson's agent, said he informed the Rockets of Anderson's plans, and he expects Anderson to join the team this week. Anderson was released by the Portland Trail Blazers as part of the NBA's amnesty program. He met last week with Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy. Dutt said that was a pivotal meeting. "I think he loved the fact of the team concept, and he's gonna earn every minute that he plays," Dutt told Houston television station KRIV. Dutt told the Houston Chronicle that Anderson agreed to a two-year deal, the second of which would be at his option. The Rockets could only offer $1.67 million because of the salary cap. Dutt said the decision wasn't about money, but about the right opportunity. </div> SOURCE ya can have your McKie...we got DA ..gl making it to the playoffs, ya need it more then we do
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">We have the team that has made changes and with the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Kwame who would bet against us?</div> I can think of a large number that would, without a doubt,bet against the lakers. if the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Kwame is meant to work well enough to make playoffs, why didn't Lamar and Kobe even get close to be in the playoffs, let alone win a game in the playoffs. I would love DA to play in LA but it said he wanted chance to be in a winning team, and play a larger role, which sounds like he wants to win games more likely to sign with houston, even with all their guards.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">why didn't Lamar and Kobe even get close to be in the playoffs</div> 1st off Lamar and Kobe didnt even get a chance to mesh as the Laker 1,2 punch.. Lamar Odom 64 total games played. Kobe Bryant 66 total games played. There was a stretch when Lamar played on his own while Kobe was injured and vice versa. Hardly enough games together to mesh and make the playoffs. Plus Lamar played the 4 in the West. Tough matchups for him. 2nd- Rudy T. We all thought he would be our salvation and the first half of the season it looked like the Lakers were going to be able to make the playoffs. His resignation in the middle of the season impacted the Lakers chances at making the playoffs. 3rd-Style of Play The Lakers never got consistent. One game. Triangle. Next game. Something else. Consistancy is key to any playoff team. You should know that. The Lakers have Pjax back now who coaches defense and only the TRIANGLE. Kobe is healthy, Lamar will now play at the 3, and we have a legitamate forward playin the 4 with Kwame. I think the Lakers have a chance at the lower playoffs spots as anyone in the Western Conference. The Lakers are still far from Elite in the West, but if they can stay healthy, I dont see why the Lakers cant get into the first round....
So it's pretty much official? DA's going to the Rockets? I'm not sure what he's thinking, if he wants to have a huge year- it's not going to be in Houston. In LA he has two of the greatest basketball personell ever (PJax and Kobe) and a starting position waiting for him. He would play a prominent role in the revitilzation of the Lakers. I mean that's story book career stuff were talking about. Instead he wants to sign with the rockets for less money, and probably play about as many minutes as he did in portland? Aside from the fact that I'm disappointed about this news, I'm totaly shocked he wants to be a rocket. He musta gotten into some of Damon's Stash.... ANYWAYS- Back to the talk of Lakers and their playoff aspirations...Lamar Odom can play scottie pippen style with Phil behind him, and the other guy....well we all know who he reminds us of. Add to that a capable PF with huge potential (I think Kwame will be solid at worst) and a servicable Center, along with a Veteran Point gaurd and Phil yelling from the sidelines, this is a very solid team that I think has a chance to go deep into the playoffs. I'm not sure who said it up there about WCF but I echo that statement. It's going to be a lot of IF's, but IF everyone stays healthy IF Kobe trusts his teammates (this doesn't just mean handing out easy assists) and IF Kobe and Phil get along, and IF their weak bench over acheives, then yes...The Lakers will see the Western Conference Finals. And to answer your question yes....Derek Anderson will regret his decision.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">I can think of a large number that would, without a doubt,bet against the lakers. if the trio of Kobe, Lamar and Kwame is meant to work well enough to make playoffs, why didn't Lamar and Kobe even get close to be in the playoffs, let alone win a game in the playoffs.</div> If the didn't make it to the playoffs how could they win a game in the playoffs? Lamar was playing at PF, not his natural position. Lamar, Kobe and Caron, our top 3 players, played together for roughly 50 games of the season. Rudy T left, so we were left with a make shift coach. When Rudy T was there, we were in a playoff spot at the number 7 or 8. He left and then we started dropping.
