Lakers Enter Francis Derby

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Orlando Sentinel - Add the Los Angeles Lakers to the list of possible suitors for Orlando Magic guard Steve Francis. The Lakers are "aggressively" pursuing a trade that would send forward Lamar Odom to the Magic for Francis in a multiplayer deal, NBA sources told the Orlando Sentinel today. Odom, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound forward, is an all-around player lost in Kobe Bryant's immense shadow with the Lakers. He was acquired in that megadeal involving Shaquille O'Neal and the Miami Heat . Odom, who is averaging 13.9 points and 9.2 rebounds, has four more years remaining in a contract worth about $51 million. Francis, who has three more years and about $48 million left on his deal, is in Houston, where he has a home and is attending the festivities involving the NBA All-Star Weekend. Francis' agent, Jeff Fried, said today that the Magic haven't informed him that a trade was pending. The trade deadline is Thursday. "There's no change in Steve's situation that I'm aware of," he said.</div> http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/391..._francis_derby/

 

The lakers shouldn't make this trade. Lamar Odom adds a lot of rebounding and can defend ok. Francis would be an upgrade over what they have now at point guard but they would also lose a lot in Odom.

 

I wouldn't jump to conclusions, fellas...not yet...Francis won't don a Lakers jersey, but he could be involved somehow.

 

Kobe and Francis? Hmmm...I don't think this trade will go down.

 

Good Idea, the Lakers need more options for Kobe, big time. Smush can come off the bench. Having a 18-20 point guy would really help Kobe and I think they could get the 5th or 6th seed if they can grab Francis.

 

This trade sucks for Lakers unless they get some kind of replacement for Odom. Other then him and Mihm, there's not much at the bigs.Also, Kobe and Francis? <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Having a 18-20 point guy would really help Kobe and I think they could get the 5th or 6th seed if they can grab Francis.</div> Losing Odom, gaining Francis doesn't help them gain any ground.

 

Kobe is a great player, but he demands and needs the ball most of the time. Even more of that goes for Francis. That would not work out well

 

Again guys, don't worry...Francis isn't going to LA, but he could be part of a deal involving LA.

 

I read somewhere that Houston had interest in getting him back in a Rockets uniform, as well..

 

David Wesley and D.A for Francis?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Real Deal)</div><div class='quotemain'>Again guys, don't worry...Francis isn't going to LA, but he could be part of a deal involving LA.</div><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (hoopskidd5)</div><div class='quotemain'>I read somewhere that Houston had interest in getting him back in a Rockets uniform, as well..</div>

 

I dont remember the source mentioning any players that Houston would send back (I think it was hoopshype), just that they had an interest in bringing him back..

 

That's what the Lakers need though. A good Point Guard.

 

If it costs them Odom, I dont think they improve, because even though Odom hasnt put up tremendous numbers, he is a very versital big man that are tough to come buy. Its much easier to find good wing players than it is to find big guys with talent, they are much harder to come buy. I think they are better off keeping Odom and building around him and Kobe..

 

I don't think this will benefit either team. Lakers don't need another ballhog, and the Magic would have a bad backcourt. Darko maybe being in LA though could be funny.

 

not gonna happen

 

Giving up a guy like Odom does not help the Lakers unless they get a decent guy to play the four, something they havent done. The Lakers best case scenario is that they can get Chris Bosh in two years and have him and Kobe form a duo, then use guys like Odom, Smush, Mihm in a more defined, less expected role. But Steve Francis will not be a Los Angeles Laker, ever.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Feb 19 2006, 02:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Good Idea, the Lakers need more options for Kobe, big time. Smush can come off the bench. Having a 18-20 point guy would really help Kobe and I think they could get the 5th or 6th seed if they can grab Francis.</div>HAHA, If we trade for francis then were off to the lottery again.Kobe and francis would be disastorous. Both are shoot first guys and that can only turn out into faliure.

 

Well don't you want someone that can compliment Kobe? Your team scoring would go up with Francis. I didn't read that you would be trading Odom before I typed that but you never know how it could turn out.