Now that Shaq is gone, do we have any power down low to compete in the west? I heard Odom will play as SF, but who will then run the PF? (and I dont think Grant is good enough in the west)
they are going to try and find a decent center but if kobe resigns, it'll be kobe, caron, and odom as the focal points of the offense...i've said it time and time again...if kobe resigns, and we can deal payton + some for a competent center i would love to see a lineup of kobe, caron, odom, grant, + center... honestly...the "loss" of shaq is really not that big of a deal...the lakers werent going anywhere anymore with the duo and the huge salary of shaq so better to deal him now and get some good talent in return for hte future...might be a couple years but the lakers will come around again before kobes time is up
I would like to see the Lakers package Payton and some other miscellaneous people like George, in a trade deal to get Dampier. I know that's not very likely but, who knows. Payton wants out so that could help it. But, since Dampier wants about $60 mil, they'd have to rid themselves of a few contracts to get him, and that could shorten the team a little bit.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">I would like to see the Lakers package Payton and some other miscellaneous people like George, in a trade deal to get Dampier. I know that's not very likely but, who knows. Payton wants out so that could help it. But, since Dampier wants about $60 mil, they'd have to rid themselves of a few contracts to get him, and that could shorten the team a little bit.</div> i am interested as to who would play the point for the lakers if they trade Payton in a package for Dampier (i.e. a center)
Well, if Payton was packaged, I may sound out of my mind to some people who have never watched or paid attention to him, but, Odom is capable of playing the point. He has all the skills to do so. He did run it from time to time as a Clipper and when he was with the Heat. So, he's capable. Plus, Kobe is capable to do so also. But, I don't think they'd do either of these things. And, now that DFish has signed as a Warrior, it's looking less and less likely that Payton will be traded. Who knows though. The Lakers do need a big man, and Dampier is the best out there. They might make a run for him. Also, Vujacic is a point guard. He could start. I don't know if Rudy T would be all that high on starting a rookie at the point, one of the most, if not the most, difficult NBA position to learn. But, we will all soon find out what is going to happen.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">Well, if Payton was packaged, I may sound out of my mind to some people who have never watched or paid attention to him, but, Odom is capable of playing the point. He has all the skills to do so. He did run it from time to time as a Clipper and when he was with the Heat. So, he's capable. Plus, Kobe is capable to do so also. But, I don't think they'd do either of these things. And, now that DFish has signed as a Warrior, it's looking less and less likely that Payton will be traded. Who knows though. The Lakers do need a big man, and Dampier is the best out there. They might make a run for him. Also, Vujacic is a point guard. He could start. I don't know if Rudy T would be all that high on starting a rookie at the point, one of the most, if not the most, difficult NBA position to learn. But, we will all soon find out what is going to happen.</div> that's a good point with Vujacic, but Odom is wishful thinking especially with the lakers sudden lack of proper big man. Kobe could play the point and i'd like to see just how the ball would then be shared
I realize they lack a big man, so the Odom thing isn't likely. It was just a thought. And, could you imagine the match up problems he'd provide? They'd have a very tough time trying to defend him. But, yea, Odom isn't likely. But, who knows, if Payton is gone, it could happen.
I think Payton wouldn't be dealt anytime soon. Coach Tomjanovich has promised him that he will see more playing time when he carries the offense and "plays the way he played in Seattle". Do you guys think Payton asking for isolation play and posting up his opponents like his old days are going to happen next season? Curious about it too.
I actually believe that hte Lakers will still make the playoffs and compete pretty well. They lack in the center position but do have a solid squad. The starting 5 will proably be and should be Grant, Medvedenko, Odom, Bryant, GP with Butler Fox Rush Walton Cook off the bench. That team right there could actually be in the the playoofs w/ out a doubt.
If Payton was sent in a sign and trade deal for Dampier, Payton would go to Golden State along with Fisher (and Van Exel AND Claxton). Don't think that's gonna happen. Payton never really got a chance to play his game last season so I wouldn't be writing him off just yet. The season before that, he was still all star quality. If he can just get more involved (he already said in the off season that he would do better next season), the Lakers would get a big advantage. Another good thing is that the Lakers have two big point guards (Payton and Sasha).
Well it seems as if the Knicks are just about ready to aquire Dampier while we get "THE FLOPPER" Divac. Its better than nothing IMO. Looks like our team is going for the speed, agility, and ability to "FLOP" to beat the big boys in the inside.
How about a starting five like this: Vlade Divac Lamar Odom Kobe Bryant Sasha Vujacic (or Kareem Rush) Gary Payton Luke Walton, Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Rick Fox, Horace Grant, Brian Cook...these guys sitting the bench. We all know Kobe can play SF...almost as good as the 2...so why not move him up and put in a good shooter like Rush or Vujacic? Honestly, I wonder why the Lakers won't sign Dennis Rodman or even Stanley Roberts. I would be shocked if they did...because every other team is overlooking these two guys, but Roberts was just as good as Shaq was back in the early 90's...he just never had the opportunity that O'Neal had. And Rodman may be trouble, but the Lakers can sign him to the minimum (since you can use minimums even when you're over the cap) and he'd be nasty on the boards, even if he played only 15 minutes.
