<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak will be in attendance tonight in Yakima, Wash., to watch forward Ronny Turiaf play what could be his last game before signing an NBA contract. Although he dispatched scouting director Bill Bertka to Sioux Falls, S.D., to watch Turiaf play two games last week, Kupchak said he wanted to see Turiaf play in person before the Lakers decide about signing him for the rest of the season. Turiaf played 58 minutes in back-to-back games this weekend, totaling 27 points and 11 rebounds in one and 18 points and 5 rebounds in another. He has played eight games with the Yakama Sun Kings of the Continental Basketball Association in his comeback from heart surgery. "We're very encouraged with what we've seen," said Kupchak, who worked out Turiaf twice before he signed with the Sun Kings last month. The Lakers also have guaranteed the contracts of Smush Parker, Von Wafer and Devin Green. With 15 players under contract, the Lakers would need to either make a trade or reach a settlement with an injured player to free a roster spot for Turiaf. Forward Slava Medvedenko (back surgery) and guard Laron Profit (ruptured Achilles tendon) are not expected to play the rest of the season. Agent Keith Moss said Turiaf's conditioning is at about 80 percent. Moss said Turiaf went to the CBA with the twin goals of getting into game shape and giving the Lakers time to make a roster move. "I think (the Lakers) would be happy with where he is now compared to three weeks ago," Moss said. "He did what he was asked to do in going to the CBA and playing 'X' amount of games. He got some of his conditioning back." Kupchak said no deadline to sign Turiaf has come up in conversations with his representatives. But Moss said Turiaf would like a decision by the end of the week. Turiaf has offers to play for teams in Spain and Italy. "My understanding is Ronny does want to be a Laker," Kupchak said, "and we have given him every indication in the world that's what we want, too." Lakers coach Phil Jackson cautioned against expecting Turiaf, who would play behind both Kwame Brown and Brian Cook, to make a significant contribution if he is signed. "I can't anticipate how a rookie could add a big lift to a team," Jackson said. "He's a kid that has no experience in the game. He's recovering from the open heart surgery in (July). "We'll be happy to have him on the team. He's a good spirited guy. He's a Mark Madsen-type of guy who's going to support guys off the bench. If he can contribute six or eight minutes in the first month and help us out, that'll be more than we ask for." </div> Source With the propensity of getting into foul trouble from the current Laker bigs, Turiaf is going to have a lot more impact than 6 to 8 minutes. He has a motor like Madsen, but Turiaf can actually score and dunk the ball on people.
I swear, if Kupchek doesn't bring him in, I'm going to be very pissed. Turiaf IS EXACTLY what the Lakers need. He brings toughness inside, he can score and defend in the post...essentially he gives them the frontcourt help they've been needing all year. In my opinion, it's a no brainer to sign him, so if Kupchek doesn't, he deserves to be fired (amongst other reasons).
I want to read this on the BSPN ticker when I wake up tommorow. " Lakers Sign Ronny Turiaf and Traded Bynum for Artest" Simply because: Word from the wise in La-La Land: Phil Jackson strongly encouraged Jim Buss to include Andrew Bynum in a package proposal for Ron Artest, but the owner's son fervently negated the notion. Though everyone in the front office maintained shared aims last June, people in the know maintain Buss and assistant GM Ronnie Lester were instrumental in the drafting of 7-foot Bynum, whereas Jackson and GM Mitch Kupchak preferred Sean May and Danny Granger. How the Lakers could hire Jackson for three years and select an undeveloped high-school project when the team clearly needed immediate help has never been explained logically or otherwise. I used to think Jackson was overpaid at $10M per. Now I'm convinced he's underpaid. Still, at least one cockeyed optimist within the organization remains convinced the Lakers somehow will bag Artest. "I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet Ron would bring to our locker room," he dryly declares.
Well it's a Peter Vecsey article, and he's one of the least credible reporters in the industry. He is very close with Donnie Walsh of the Pacers (highschool buddies), but I don't think the Pacers have finalized any deal. I'm 50/50 on dealing Bynum for Artest. I think it's ok if the Lakers get back Harrison or Foster in the deal as well. However, if the Lakers do not get another frontline player, I wouldn't trade Bynum away. We saw last night how quick Mihm & Kwame can get into foul trouble. We simply don't have the depth to bail those two out. I definitely want to see Turiaf signed though.
I'm with Shape on this one....we need a big man in return if we are trading Bynum....hey Shape you have any video of Ronny...I didnt get to see him play...it would be great if you had some..thanks
I dont know...Turiaf would be a nice addition in the long-run, but I dont see him being any sort of difference maker this year. Phil just doesn't play rookies. I dont believe Turiaf has much Triangle experience outside of Summer league, so its gonna take him a lot of time ... Either way, sign or dont sign, I dont see it being a big deal as far as the Lakers' success
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting shapecity:</div><div class="quote_post">Well it's a Peter Vecsey article, and he's one of the least credible reporters in the industry. He is very close with Donnie Walsh of the Pacers (highschool buddies), but I don't think the Pacers have finalized any deal. I'm 50/50 on dealing Bynum for Artest. I think it's ok if the Lakers get back Harrison or Foster in the deal as well. However, if the Lakers do not get another frontline player, I wouldn't trade Bynum away. We saw last night how quick Mihm & Kwame can get into foul trouble. We simply don't have the depth to bail those two out. I definitely want to see Turiaf signed though.</div> Then I'd Say Trade: Mihm + Kwame + Miami 1st rounder for Artest Foster and Anthony Johnson. I love fosters feel for the game. He hussels and gets on the offensive boards.
Personally, I'm not all for Bynum being traded. I think he and Kobe can be a hell of a duo in the next couple years, and he gives us frontcourt depth. Plus, he's taken a lot of strides since coming to the Lakers and he's learned the triangle better than both Mihm and Kwame. He wants to learn and he wants to get better, and I really like that about him. Mihm and Kwame are the opposite. Neither seem like they care and their careless play shows it. I want to see Bynum in a Laker uniform and stay in one, cause I think he has far too great of potential to trade, even if that potential won't be realized for another year or two.
Turiaf posted a near triple-double last night with Kupchak at the game. 21pts, 9 boards, 8 assists. He showed off his stuff last night and if Mitch isn't convinced we need this guy yet I'll really be calling for his head. The only reason to delay is if the Lakers are still in trade talks and want to keep the roster as flexible as possible. However, two players are already done for the season, Laron Profit & Slava. If we waive Profit, the Wizards have to pay the remainder of his contract. Slava has an expiring contract, but if we aren't going to package it in any trade it's time to waive him and fill that roster spot with a live body. Boxscore
Turiaf could work on his free throws a little bit, Jackson isn't gonna be too pleased to have another struggling big man at the free-throw line. Lakers are bad enough at the FT.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting notMuchgame:</div><div class="quote_post">I dont know...Turiaf would be a nice addition in the long-run, but I dont see him being any sort of difference maker this year. Phil just doesn't play rookies. I dont believe Turiaf has much Triangle experience outside of Summer league, so its gonna take him a lot of time ... Either way, sign or dont sign, I dont see it being a big deal as far as the Lakers' success</div> Even if Turiaf plays limited or zero minutes he will still be a nice addition to the team. He brings that frenetic energy to his teammates and you need those guys around to pump players up and lift the spirits. He'll also elevate the intensity in the practice sessions and hopefully his energy starts rubbing off on Kwame and Mihm.
