it's funny that even though he plays in the media capital of the world, he's pretty much an unknown this year. Doesn't help that the knicks are struggling.
It's not an option because of Ron-Ron, but what do you mean? Amnesty clauses only applied to contracts signed before the new CBA. A new extension for Kobe wouldn't be covered by that rule.
The Lakers can stretch Nash's contract so it only counts for $3 million but then it'll be on the cap at that amount until 2017.
This. Franchises like the Lakers and Yankees happily overspend to keep their reputation intact for being the best destination for marquee talent.
There's no "loyalty" in this business and there shouldn't be given the goal of trying to compete for titles. This kind of sentimentality is destructive of that goal. The Lakers would be a destination city without this gross mismanagement; the marketing opportunities are better, the weather is great and the opportunity to cross over into the entertainment industry is easier for those players so inclined.
Their track record suggests they know what they're doing. It's all about building a "larger than life" image to appeal to the massive egos.
In Kobe's absence, Lakers fans believe Steve Blake is playing at All Star level, LOL: http://forums.lakersground.net/viewtopic.php?t=165064
He hasn't played terribly, he's just playing better because he's the best one on the court for that shitastic team. So, there's that. LOL.
nah, have them trade Gasol to NYK for Melo, then max-entend him. Gasol's still got something in the tank, and I'd rather him use that gas somewhere other than LAL.
For the record, I think this holds LA back more than it helps. So I approve of this signing. That's a lot of money tied up by an aging player coming off a serious knee injury. Don't get me wrong, Kobe is still a heckuva player, but he's also showing some cracks. Kobe tying up that much money handcuffs the Lakers, and I just can't see them putting together enough talent around Kobe to be serious contenders.
"Steve Blake is the best player on the court for the Lakers right now." That sentence makes me so happy.
I totally spaced that, forgot about the CBA. I am happy that the Blakers tied up that much $ on him though!
The Knicks have a similar image, what has that got them? I’m happy to let the Lakers waste their cap space to enhance an “image”. An image can’t dribble the ball up the court; with the new CBA teams that waste money don’t have a chance of contending.
For all their faults at least you can't say they weren't loyal to Kobe. It's the way teams should treat legends of the game. He stuck with them when they were at their lowest so only fair for them to do the same. If that same loyalty also hurts them I won't mind one bit
How did he stick with them? He demanded a trade when they were still a playoff team. He badmouthed management and wanted Andrew Bynum traded for an old Jason Kidd. He ran teammates and free agents out of town. Dirk and Duncan are guys who were loyal. Kobe does not have the legacy of Duncan, he rode the success of Shaq. Dirk and Duncan both took less money to surround themselves with winning teammates.
