How the economy brought a championship to Ptd

by Paul Allen:

In the 25-minute interview, Buss alluded numerous times to the sagging economy and the possibility of its trickling down to the NBA. Buss would probably have to sign off on a five-year contract worth $135 million if Bryant opted out next summer.

"I can't see it," said Buss. "But there are people who are wealthy enough in the world that could make astronomical offers, and I certainly couldn't compete with that. But quite honestly, I just don't think that's a real threat."

 

This would make DaRizzle shit the bed.

 

Is this your fantasy, or a real story? I don't see a link.

 

Little bit of both . . . real interview, real quotes . . . but talking about if Kobe will go to Europe.

Unfortunately, NBA has salary cap max . . . or Kobe would be a Blazer . . . but given how clearly worried Buss is about the economic future, maybe . . .

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/rumors

 

Is Buss not that rich, or just kind of cheap in not wanting to pay some players? You'd think being a Lakers owner, money would be no object. He must make a ton with those ticket prices and all that gear those bandwagoners pay for.

The guy is also always wasting money away on those poker shows so he's got to have some money to burn.

 

i've heard he isn't nearly as wealthy as most would believe. i would think that yes PA would go after Kobe, but the real one to watch out for would be Cuban. the guy has been chasing a title for years and his team isn't going to get it done as presently constructed.

 

this is a 2005 piece from USA Today... www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2005-salary-owners.htm - 75k

estimates him at 380 mill, but his (i'm guessing minority) other owner is worth 7.8 bill according to forbes.

 

I find it hard to believe that the Lakers aren't generating the kind of cash needed to meet any contract.

I paid $260 a ticket (face value) to see the Blazers play them opening night!

Anything in the lower bowl of staples (probably 10k seats) is $120 and up. These seats are essentially sold out for the entire season.

 

You would expect the Lakers to be one of the top revenue producers in the NBA. Is Buss not working hard enough to maximize his income - or is he just spending it too fast on poker and girls?