<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LOS ANGELES - A representative for Ronny Turiaf said Wednesday his client will sign a contract with the Lakers within the next two weeks. But Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said there have only been preliminary discussions of "what-ifs." Turiaf, who had open-heart surgery about six months ago, has played well enough in two games with Yakama of the CBA that the Lakers think the 6-foot-9 forward soon may be ready to play in the NBA. The Lakers drafted Turiaf in the second round (37th overall) but had to void his contract when he was unable to pass his physical. The Lakers retained his rights. Keith Moss, Turiaf's representative, said his client will sign a three-year deal worth about $1.23 million, although Turiaf will get a prorated part of his minimum salary of $398,762 for the games he would play for the Lakers this season. "The Lakers stuck with Ronny, and he's a loyal person," Moss said in a phone interview. "He thinks he fits in, and he appreciates all the Lakers have done for him during his surgery." The Lakers already have the NBA maximum 15-man roster and would have to either waive or trade a player before they could sign Turiaf. The Lakers could waive guard Laron Profit, who is out for the rest of the season after having surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles' tendon, and not have to pay the remainder of his $835,000 salary. The Wizards, who traded Kwame Brown and Profit to the Lakers, would be required to pay Profit. The Lakers could also waive Slava Medvedenko, who is out with a herniated disc in his lower back, but he is expected back before the season is over. The Lakers have the option of waiving rookies Von Wafer or Devin Green, neither of whom has a guaranteed contract. All NBA contracts become guaranteed for the remainder of the season on Jan. 10, meaning the Lakers have 13 days to make a decision. Turiaf had surgery July 26 to replace an enlarged aortic root, and it was thought then that he'd be out at least a year. Kupchak said the Lakers will watch Turiaf play at least two more times. Turiaf had 17 points and nine rebounds in his last game, which was the second of back-to-back games. Turiaf will play again tonight. "As we have said all along, it's not far-fetched that he would play this season," Kupchak said. "But nothing has happened yet. He has to get himself into NBA shape first." </div> Source One Ron down, one more to go.
LOL, I was just about to say that yesterday when we found out there's a good chance we might get Artest. Good stuff, shapecity!
Depending on how is does in practice, and handles playing time during games, as well as conditioning- I would love to see him inserted in the starting lineup over KB (no...not Kobe, Kwame) just to see what he can do in the triangle.
