Do you think the Lakers will make any moves before the deadline? I really think it would be in their best interest to trade for a good pg, someone who can pass the ball, let Kobe move off of the ball and do less ball handling. Someone like Steve Blake. I wouldn't mind them trading: Tierre Brown (why is he in the league), Slava, and/or Vlade.
Well, as a MD fan naturally....ive seen steve blake play many a game. Hes a pure PG but in my opinion he wouldnt bring too much extra to the LA team. LA needs to dish Brown for sure, the guy has an incredible ability to get to the basket, but once he gets there and the lane is closed off he has no clue what to do then, we cant have that. Im not in favor of trading luke walton, i see much potential in him down the road, sooner then later. Slava, other then kobe hes my favorite laker...i love his offensive hunger, its just the boy sleeps too much...no defense. He is trade material, i know there are a few coaches out there who wouldnt mind working with him on developing his downlow presence to compliment his outside game. I stated it before and ill do it again, the lakers need a Charles Oakley Garbage man type PF. Someone to not only grab that loose ball, that extra board or set that extra pick. But someone who is gonna bring a attitude to your team, that we are gonna jump on every loose ball and were gonna throw any guards shot that comes into the paint. Now you cant replace shaq, but you can get a couple of solid big men to set a similar tone in the paint. Im not in favor of trading lamar, as i feel when hes playing his game NOONE in the league can cover him (check his games against Timmy and KG) He's a unique player, just needs to WAKE UP! he limits himself and it frustrates me. Killer instinct is needed here. Exploit your opponents weaknesses and hit the chippys lamar! ive seen him drive to the hoop and do that same left handed float thingy off the glass and miss. clean it up Chucky has really impressed me with his clutch shots and his set up 3's lately. He went on a cold streak as most shooters do, but he has played very well. But chucky is no starting PG, shouldnt be handling the ball all the time, nor should kobe. We need a Damon Stoudimire type player, who can handle the rock and can be a threat also. Chucky is more of a spot up shooter. The lakers will have the chance to get a couple big name players within the next 2 years, but for now they need to package Brown, Grant and slava...maybe someone else also, and get either a all star PG, and or a true PF garbage man. DMK
I would personally like to see a a PF added. Move Odom to the SF spot and see how that turns out. Butler off the bench! 6th man! KILLER!
The closer the deadline date approaches, the less likely I see the Lakers making any significant trades. The Lakers are still in the playoff hunt despite Kobe being out for a duration of the season. We probably would have seen a deal done, if the Lakers had dropped to the 10th or 11th seed. However, Minnesota and the Clippers have been in a tailspin and have not taken advantage of the Laker's sub .500 record withouth Kobe on the floor. To get into the mind of Kupchak, he probably feels the Lakers still have a chance to make a run in the second half. Kobe is now back, George will be back soon, and when they get to the post-season Vlade will be available. Basically, the Lakers are on track despite two major setbacks, Kobe and Rudy T. Another reason why I don't see the Lakers making a deal, is because of the coaching situation. The Lakers still need to find a long term headcoach, who's going to be a part of the team for the next 5 seasons. Once they bring in a new coach and implement a new system, the Lakers will have a better idea of the personnel changes that need to be made. Finally positioning of assets. The Lakers really don't have anything to offer in terms of talent, expiring contracts, or draft picks, unless they make Kobe, Butler, or Odom available. However, after this season the Lakers have a lot more assets to offer. Both Devean George and Vlade Divac will have expiring contracts. Assuming the Lakers bring back Luke Walton, him, along with Vujacic and Cook should hold higher value because they will have another season of experience under their belts. A team looking to rebuild might be willing to gamble on one of these players. Also the Lakers have a potential lottery pick if they miss the playoffs this year. So I don't expect much to go down this year. But the off-season could get very interesting in Los Angeles.
I don't expect the Lakers to do anything. They're still in the playoff hunt and finally have Kobe back. I believe the Lakers would be in a better position had Kobe not gotten injured, but he is finally back, so things are starting to look better for Laker fans. I believe this team has the potential to make a run in the second half of the season, especially if they get a head coach (Hamblen ain't workin right now), and actually move the ball, play as a team, and work on the defensive end. I don't see the Lakers trading off the likes of Odom, Butler, or anyone else. Unless something absolutely terrible happens soon, I don't believe the Lakers will be moving anyone. They still have an entire second half of the season to get the record better, and with Kobe back, I think anything is possible. The team has all sorts of talent and athleticism. They're more than capable of winning with this team and I don't believe a big trade is needed.
