If the Lakers traded George, released/traded Medvedenko, released Malone, released Fox, and released Russell, how much do you think they could get back in return (money or players)? Since the Lakers only have one superstar now, I'm guessing we have to look for depth and these are the guys I think the Lakers can easily withstand losing. Do you think we could get SOMETHING out of these guys?
The pickings are pretty slim. And we dont need more than one superstar on our team. Just solid roleplayers... All you have to do is look at MJ and his supporting cast.
I believe that Slava was resigned earlier, so, cutting him is likely out of the question. Malone opted out so his contract isn't on them anymore. In fact, the only player making any significant amount of money out of all those listed is George, so, outside of him, it won't make much of a diff if they cut them or not.
All I'm going to say is, trenchteam: MJ had scottie, scottie was not just a role player. He was a superstar, if jordan wasn't there (ex. jordan's first retirement) pippen was daaamn good on his own.
Scottie in my eyes was a great player, but not a SUPERSTAR. Superstar players are Kobe, Jordan, Magic, and Drexler. No doubt pippen could hold his own, but not championship caliber. Im hopin Odom can fill the shoes pippen did. Odom just needs to learn to play some defense, but the guy is athletic. He'll never be an superstar but he definately is a great player.