<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Sunday's ugly loss to the Rockets notwithstanding, things have been going fairly well for the Lakers recently. They're on an 8-3 run in their past 11 games, a stretch that has gotten them back into a place where few thought they'd reach this season -- contention for the playoffs, and even a shot at the Pacific crown. And things could get even better, starting tomorrow in Yakima, Wash., where erstwhile forward Ronny Turiaf is set to begin his comeback -- in the Continental Basketball Association. Turiaf, a 6-10 banger in the paint, was a Lakers second-round pick last June, before it was discovered that he had an enlarged aortic root in his heart. He had open-heart surgery in July, and some wondered if he'd ever play in the NBA. But he made a speedy, almost miraculous recovery. Doctors cleared him to play last week, and he stopped by the Lakers locker room before last Friday's game. The problem is that the Lakers have a full roster. Turiaf signed a contract, but (obviously) did not pass the physical, so the contract is void. The Lakers can't now sign Turiaf and send him to the NBA's developmental league, because he would count as a roster player, and the team would have to waive someone. The solution, then, which was worked out over the weekend and soon will be completed, is to send Turiaf to the CBA's Yakima Sun Kings, monitor his progress and evaluate a potential roster move later. The Lakers own Turiaf's rights until June. Lakers coach Phil Jackson spoke about signing Turiaf last week. "We have to really sit down and discuss this intently about how this is going to happen for us to make this work and for him," Jackson told reporters. "There's no way that we thought there would ever be a possibility he'd play this season. "We're still thinking that it's something far off. But the more and more we get medical reports and the more we see him, the more we realize he's anxious to play, he's been cleared and there's a possibility that he may be on the court playing." He is the kind of inside player Jackson and the Lakers could use. The team has talented-but-soft big bodies in Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm and Slava Medvedenko, and Jackson prefers to use forward Lamar Odom on the perimeter. Turiaf is a rookie, but he was a three-year player at Gonzaga, averaged more than 15 points and 9 rebounds as a senior. He has international experience. Playing for Jackson in the triangle offense is, of course, a challenge for any new player, but Turiaf's skills could be an immediate help -- as soon as he proves himself in the CBA. </div> Source Glad to hear Turiaf is ahead of schedule and the Lakers are doing everything they can to keep him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Forward Ronny Turiaf, who underwent open-heart surgery five months ago, passed his physical and was cleared to play by team doctors Monday. Turiaf, a second-round draft pick from Gonzaga, is still at least two weeks away from joining the team, a Laker spokesman said, and would have to improve his conditioning and learn the triangle offense before officially coming on board. Money wouldn't be a problem — Turiaf would gladly accept the minimum NBA salary of $399,000, which would then be prorated for time played — but Coach Phil Jackson has the ultimate say on when and if Turiaf returns. "Conditioning and skill level are to be determined now," Laker spokesman John Black said Monday. "Then it becomes a decision for Phil to make whether or not he'd be a benefit to the team on the roster." The Lakers would have to reduce their roster via trade or by waiving a player, either Devin Green or Von Wafer. Turiaf, who turns 23 next month, can't practice with the team unless he is under contract. Currently a graduate assistant coach with Gonzaga, Turiaf has scrimmaged with the nationally ranked Bulldogs several times in the last two months. He underwent surgery to repair an enlarged aortic root in July, a month after being selected No. 37 in the draft.</div> Team Doctors Give Turiaf the OK to Play Let's waive Slava.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bahir:</div><div class="quote_post">Waive von Vafter or try to trade Slava+perhaps someone else for a second round pick.</div> why not just trade wafer, a young talent with potential and slava for a second rounder? back to the turiaf topic, this really is a special kid. no one even really expected him to be back this season, yet he comes back in a couple of months. he is special and i hope he has a good nba career. i just hope he didnt rush back.
He worked so hard to get back into playing shape..I want to keep this kid here in LA....his dedication gives us a glimpse of what we may expect in the future....a kid who will work as hard as he can to improve...I believe he should make this team not only because of his skill, but for his work ethic, dedication, and committment
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">He worked so hard to get back into playing shape..I want to keep this kid here in LA....his dedication gives us a glimpse of what we may expect in the future....a kid who will work as hard as he can to improve...I believe he should make this team not only because of his skill, but for his work ethic, dedication, and committment</div> True, after having a big man notorious for not working hard (who could that be?) having someone that works that hard just to make the team is encouraging and deserving of reward. I'm interested in watching this guy play. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Let's waive Slava.</div> His expiring contract is an asset, as are his skills. He's a big that can shoot the ball. Waiving Devin Green would be a better idea, I haven't seen him do anything all year, whether or not that's his fault doesn't matter- the Lakers aren't using him. Let him showcase his talents elswhere.
