Yes, I know, I'm crazy, but here me out. Smush Parker is clearly not our answer at the point, and Jordan Farmar is probably a couple years away from reaching his full potential. So I was just thinking, there were names going around like Allen Iverson (Phil Jackson) and Jason Kidd (Shapecity). So I thought, why not Steve Francis? Remember a couple of years ago, before he was traded to Orlando, the guy was considered one of the best players in the league. I remember he gave us tons of problems in the playoffs a couple of years back. Now, he's sitting on the bench in New York, and I am 100% sure the Knicks would love to trade him away, considering they are already loaded with guards. I am positive that if we offer them some expiring contracts, and a maybe a draft pick, the Knicks would be more than happy to give us Steve Francis. Now, I'm not completely sure on Francis's defense, but it can't be any worse than Smush Parker's. Also, the guy is a terrific rebounder, and a good scorer. I'm not sure on how a trio of Francis, Kobe, and Lamar will work out, but I'm pretty sure Phil Jackson could figure something out. After all, wasn't he "a little" bit interested in Allen Iverson? All in all, if we are trying to look for an answer at point guard, Steve Francis is a big "name" player, and will most likely cost us the least amount of talent. Thoughts? PG: Francis SG: Bryant SF: Walton PF: Odom C: Brown After 2007 PG: Francis SG: Bryant SF: Odom PF: Garnett C: Bynum
Steve Francis is not the kind of PG the Lakers need.. Jason Kidd i agree with.. but not Steve Francis
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Steve Francis doesn't play defense.</div> true, but he improved somewhat under JVG, Phil could probably do the same thing....I love Steve, but his biggest problem has always been turnovers and decision making.
<div class="quote_poster">CLos Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">They already have Kobe. They don't need another SG.</div> Francis is a point guard
<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Francis is a point guard</div> Riiiiiiiiiight...
<div class="quote_poster">Bahir Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">If he comes here, I'll start cheering for HEAT.</div> That's not what a real Lakerfan would say. On the other hand, it is a bad idea. I'd rather keep Smush. Because as much as I respect Francis' talentlevel I think he's a bad influence on a teams chemistry.
I like Francis, but he's the last player we need. He cares pretty much only about himself. He has much talent, but you can't only play with your talent. He makes many TO's and he's a shoot-first type player. No, Stevie.
he's got tendenitis in his knee, will need to learn the triangle and I think the Lakers are trying to keep a core of players together and adding Franchise to the team or trading Francis away when he doesn't work out in LA may screw this up. I say no to Francis, though it would work in NBA 2K7 but his injuries just put me off.
Steve Francis is one of my favorite players in the league, he has been since his Rocket days. Although, he is a shadow of his former self I love his passion on the court. He wants to win as bad as anyone who plays the game, don't get that twisted. However, with all his injury problems I don't think he would be the answer for the Lakers. not to mention his ugly contract.
I'm not saying I would like him to come to L.A., because I don't and he is the last thing we need, but he has matured a lot I heard. I think people are selling him short. Reading a lot of articles in the Knicks section has made me aware of Stevies maturity level after he hit rock bottom with the Magic. Apparently (forgot who it was), his mentor said he was to the point of doing whatever he could just to produce a "W".
While he'd be an upgrade over Smush, I don't want him. Our chemistry right now is pretty good and bringing him in could only hurt it. Plus, would he even be able to co-exist with Kobe and Odom? I know Kobe is being less selfish this year and Odom never minds deferring, but would it work? Could he handle being the third wheel of this team?
The Knicks are apparently trying to buy Francis out, because he has a bum knee. If the Lakers can sign him for cheap, it would be a solid pickup.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">The Knicks are apparently trying to buy Francis out, because he has a bum knee. If the Lakers can sign him for cheap, it would be a solid pickup.</div>That's kind of what I was thinking. If we can land him for just a couple mil or so, I'd be for it. Ease him in, let him learn the tri, and maybe if he shows some committment to defense and understanding of the tri, we could toss him in the starting lineup.
