I really like some of the pieces on this team and I see some vet teams out there that are really struggling. Maybe we could put together a couple packages to get some decent players and make a push for the championship this season. I see some real parity in the west and I think it's ripe for the taking. We would have to give up our cap space this summer, but I think if we add a couple solid players to go with Aldridge, Wallace, Wesley, and Batum, I think we could really make some noise. First trade http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=6rb5gad Second trade http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=788ux4v Nash/Smith Wes/Crawford Wallace/Batum Aldridge/Lopez Gasol/Thomas I think an eight man rotation of Nash, Wes, Wallace, Aldridge, Gasol, Crawford, Batum, and Lopez is one of the best in the league. You've got shooting with Nash, Wes, Crawford, and Batum. You've got rebounding with Wallace and Gasol. Sure, this team would have a window of one or two years, but the Lakers are probably in blow it up mode and the Suns are terrible. I think Nash has at least one or two more good years in him, and Gasol gives us a steady hand at the center position where I think he plays his best. Forget thinking about the future and lets try to seize this opportunity in the west.
I don't see the first one happening--from either team's perspective. I don't think the Lakers are in "blow it up" mode yet, and are still hoping to be able to trade for Howard, so Gasol's not leaving. As for the second, I'd be in favor of that. In fact, I think that deal alone probably makes us a contender, and also positions us well for the future with Lopez as a long-term answer at center.
I do think there may be at least a few "blow it up" older teams (Lakers-Bos-Mavs-SA-PHX-Nash) and some opportunities might be there, it's way early but one of those things you keep in the back of your mind and wait and see what develops
I don't know.... I think the Lakers are willing to make some drastic moves. I don't think they expect to win the championship this year, and I also don't think they expect to trade for Howard. Why would Orlando want Pau? I think they have a better shot of clearing space and signing Howard in the offseason. Pau has three years left on his deal, so maybe we could entice them with expiring contracts and some young talent? I'm not a HUGE Pau fan, but I think if you pair him with Aldridge and surround him with good players, he will go back to being an All-Star caliber player.
I think we should wait to see how we do against some good teams on the road before we decide if we are buyers or sellers. We have had a pretty easy schedule so far.
Ok, I have a doozy of an idea: This player is a 20PPG scorer from the PF/C postion, 7'1", 26 years old but unfortunately can't guard a chair. He'd stretch the floor and give LMA the spacing he needs on the block. Owed $10m+ until 2015. [video=youtube;Chg--QemPMI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chg--QemPMI[/video] It would be an interesting fit for Bargs. He's never played alonside defenders like LaMarcus, Wallace and Batum.
im sorry but i hate both trades the lakers would be fools to do the first and nash is at least 75 years old at this point, he could fall off a cliff TOMORROW and i dont want to trade oden, i like his old face
Trade Felton and a pick for Nash, then sign KMart in March. I don't think that Gasol trade is very feasible. Then we're all set at making a serious run at the playoffs with some big man depth.
It pains me to say it, but Nash looks finished. I know it's only a couple of games, but he looked dreadful against the Sixers.
My ultimate go-for-broke scenario is for the Celtics to continue to suck so we could make a pitch for Rondo.
Well I know some may think it's tiring that I keep bringing up the 98-99 Blazers; but I will do it again. We really do have a good team. There is this "togetherness" I haven't seen in quite a while. I know some think it was an upgrade when we traded almost our entire 98 team to get Smitty and Pippen, but I really think we had something with the team we already had. I like OKC's approach. Keep the team together and grow to be a contender. I think we can follow this same path with what we have.
OKC has made plenty of trades. The biggest reason they are where they are is that they drafted in the top 5 of the lottery 3 years in a row and didn't pick busts.
OKC stockpiled assets using cap space. They got 3 1sts in 2 separate trades involving Kurt Thomas. They traded one of those picks they busted on (Mullens) for CHA's 2nd. They used cap space to trade a second for ERic Maynor and Harpring's EC. They used cap space to get Daequon Cook and a 1st. SOmeone tell Presti that cap space and draft picks in a small-market town are meaningless.
