<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">LONG BEACH - There has been much speculation that only increased once the Lakers acquired power forward Kwame Brown that the team would waive forward Brian Grant in a cost-saving measure. But Grant's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Friday that in his recent conversation with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak there was no indication of releasing Grant. In fact, Bartelstein said he and Grant are under the impression that Lakers coach Phil Jackson is considering starting Grant at power forward. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, there is a one-time provision that allows teams to waive a high-salaried player and not have to pay the luxury taxes on his contract. If the Lakers were to waive Grant, who is due to earn $14.3 million this season and $15.4 million next season, the Lakers would save paying about $30 million in luxury taxes. The Lakers still have to pay Grant and his salary would count against the salary cap for the next two years. The Lakers have until Sept. 30 to make a decision about Grant. "Mitch told me at this point, nothing has changed with Brian," Bartelstein said in a phone interview. "He absolutely is the starting '4.' Unless something changes, that's where it's at. Brian is working hard, getting ready for next season. We're just moving along with the Lakers. That's what we're prepared for until something does change." The Lakers traded Caron Butler and Chucky Atkins to the Wizards for Brown, a 6-foot-11, 245-pound forward. Brown, 23, has the ability to play two positions, center and power forward, which fueled more speculation that the Lakers would take advantage of the amnesty and waive Grant to save money. </div> Source
What in gods name is Mitch Kuptchak thinking? Why would he acquire Krappy Brown if Grant is a starter at the 4? Unless he is thinking about starting Krappy Brown at the 5. I dont what the lakes are thinking if they dont waive Brian Grant!
Could this mean what I was praying for all along, Caron is not involved in the trade. Could it be Mihm, George and Chucky for Kwame Brown? If so I still think its not worth it but its better than losing Caron. I still think people here and other fans give Chucky too much grief. Remember, the media were the people that took what he said about Kobe out of context. Since when did we start believing what the media said? Chucky is a decent offensive player and he can be useful as he can hit the three. His defence is the only thing that lacks. With Phil here, if he could improve his defence, I wouldn't mind him staying on. The same goes for George, except his defence isn't that bad at all. He can be a 10ppg,6rpg,6apg type player and he can hit the three. Mihm is a waste as he is too soft for my liking. Saying this, I hope that Caron stays and two out of the three mentioned go in place of him. You can actually tell that Jackson likes Grant. He see's something in him that we don't. I don't mind Grant, if he performs with decent numbers. He is a team player and can give vetran advice to the younger players. On the main subject of this topic, it looks like Kwame will be the replacement if Shaq. Kwame will have the same role as Shaq but with a less strength and more speed and skill type roll. This could be the lineup: PG-Caron Butler SG-Kobe Bryant SF-Lamar Odom PF-Brian Grant C-Kwame Brown It looks as if this could be what the final trade turned out to be: Shaq, Deaven George, Gary Payton and Rick Fox for Lamar Odom, Kwame Brown, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Jumaine Jones, one of the draft picks (I think) and the other player that seems to be coming with Kwame Brown from DC. If the above is true, it looks like Mitch done well because GP, Rick Fox and Shaq would all have retired within three years. Only one of the players we recieved would be retiring within three years.
