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Post subject: Odom or Not?
Posted: Jun 19, 2008 - 10:21 PM PST
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Big-Time Laker Fan

Joined: May 15, 2007
Posts: 901
  votes: 16
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I have read in several sites that after the Finals ended, a lot of specualtion boiled over that odom was definitely on the trading block after his "soft" showing in the Finals. You know, I have always liked Odom's game; he's long and lanky and is as versatile as they come. The only knock on him is that he is as inconsistent as inconsistent can be. One day he is the next Magic Johnson, next he will be Brad Lohaus shooting threes all night long.
This playoffs were an acid test on whether Lamar is a fit for the Lakers. The answer? I don't know. Why? Because two of the frontcourt players of the Lakers are actually playing out of position. As we all know, Lamar is a true SF and Pau is a PF. The two were assigned their positons due to an injured Andrew Bynum. Can we say that they were comfortable in those positions? I would say yes. But are they effective in them? Not really.
Seeing the Celtics burn the Lakers frontcourt only proves that they need more muscle and banging inside, which Andrew will definitely provide next year. Which brings us to the question: if Andrew comes back like his old self, will we still need Lamar?
Let's get the Pros and Cons first before we make any conclusions. Pros: Lamar was our leading rebounder last year, at least after Andrew went down. He is a certified 6'10" who can lead your fastbreak. He is a great passer and ball handler. Cons: Spotty shooting. Foul prone. Clutch-less. More of a guard than a power forward.
Now, what we have to recognize if we still need the contributions (or lack thereof) of Lamar.
We are lucky that even though we have no draft picks, we know that our biggest "acquisition" will be Andrew coming back. Now, with that in mind, where will Lamar be? Will he be effective playing the three, chasing guys like Vince Carter, LeBron James and even Paul Pierce? Will he use height advantage to smaller defenders, or will he bowl over them like he always does and get an offensive foul? Will he be the perimeter threat that Phil likes to use in his starting 5, or will he be a non factor as usual?
Let me just say that if ever we do trade Lamar, we can get a lot in return. Maybe a more suitable "SF" or "shooting forward" will be better. Or a tenacious defender at the three? Here are some of my suggestions:
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/t ... &cash=
Lamar Odom for Andres Nocioni and Drew Gooden
Nocioni brings us another all world player, combining tenacity and high basketball IQ. His defense can be a shining asset for Phil Jax. Gooden can be nice role player and can fit nicely to the Triangle. Lamar can mix it up with Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich to form a good nucleus for the Bulls, who also have the first pick.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/t ... cash=13:17
Lamar Odom for Richard Jefferson
Jefferson will provide another dependable athletic scorer who can take off double teams from Kobe. His defense maybe suspect, but he can take the scoring load off Kobe. Lamar can give the Nets some size in the frontcourt.
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/t ... &cash=
Lamar Odom for Tayshaun Prince and Antonio McDyess
Prince can give us that much needed perimeter defender with a good reliabel shot. McDyess can give us a good big who can shoot from 15 ft. Lamar can give the Pistons a different look, knowing that they could be trying to mix up their lineup that can't win.
I actually have others in mind, but these are more unlikely than others. Ron Artest could be a good fit for us but he has vested interest in staying with the Kings. A Mike Miller type of shooter could catch Phil Jax's eye, but I guessing Memphis wont't deal with us anytime soon.
The Finals just gave us a good measuring stick on where we need to improve or need to add to. And it seems, Lamar is the odd one out. |
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sneakerhead24
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Post subject: RE: Odom or Not?
Posted: Jun 19, 2008 - 10:38 PM PST
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Laker GM


Joined: May 05, 2007 Age: 17
Posts: 2847
   votes: 3
Status: Offline
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kbfan88
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 20, 2008 - 12:05 AM PST
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Topbuzz Newbie

Joined: Jun 27, 2007
Posts: 12
   votes: 1
Status: Offline
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| I would get tayshaun for odom in a heartbeat. He fits our needs better with his tough defense, veteran attitude, and consistent shooting. Note, I said consistent, not great shooting. He also has the perfect attitude to play the team game embodied in the triangle, unlike a certain player AKA Mr. ARtest |
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JohnnyxRocket
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 20, 2008 - 12:36 AM PST
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Casual Laker Fan

Joined: Aug 17, 2007
Posts: 90
  votes: 1
Status: Offline
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I say we wait to see what happens with the free agency first before we decide to do any trades.
Ron Artest looks like he's the top candidate that will opt for free agency and where he decides to go will play a factor with our offseason moves. Artest wants to play with Kobe AND Lamar. If Artest opts out of his contract and decides to sign with the Lakers, we can keep Lamar and bring him off the bench. Artest did say that it's not about money. Our team is a championship team and with Bynum returning we will definitely be stronger. If Artest signs with us, he will provide offense, but most of all...DEFENSE.
If we can bring him in and have Lamar come off the bench, Lamar will be like the second unit leader, providing a scorer off the bench. His role will be like Manu Ginobili's on the Spurs, he comes off the bench, but he gets his minutes and points in. Lamar will be able to drive in and kick out to Sasha and Farmar as well.
If Ron decides to stay with the Kings or go elsewhere, we can look at other options. I like our team now so I really don't want to trade Lamar. Tayshaun Prince would be a great player to add, but I would just rather wait to see if Mitch can pull off something amazing again. Getting Artest after he opts out is like getting a great player for nothing. |
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Ty
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 20, 2008 - 03:33 AM PST
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Casual Laker Fan

Joined: Jan 27, 2008
Posts: 109
        votes: 2
Status: Offline
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I agree with Johnny. If the Lakers do acquire Artest and decide to do nothing else, then Odom will have to come off the bench. If this is the only move the Lakers make then I think it will be a "let's test this out" kind of thing. If it doesn't work, then the Lakers should have no problem moving Odom during the season.
He would be the highest paid bench player in the league, but I don't see any other way. You'd have to start Artest.
FISH
KOBE
ARTEST
GASOL
BYNUM
FARMAR
SASHA
ARIZA/WALTON
ODOM/VLAD RAD
TURIAF
I don't know...seems like a very expensive second unit. |
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Drewballer93
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 20, 2008 - 03:50 AM PST
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Casual Laker Fan


Joined: Jun 20, 2008
Posts: 123
         votes: 1
Status: Offline
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| I think artest is a nutcase. I like the vlad rad , walton and odom for marion. With ariza off the bench why do we need walton and radman. We can pick up a sf in the draft or free agency if we need one. Marion brings outside shhooting better rebounding better defense and more explosiveness then lamar. |
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Lakerspurplehulk
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 20, 2008 - 04:05 AM PST
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Topbuzz Newbie

Joined: Jun 18, 2008
Posts: 25
 
Status: Offline
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I dont think we can afford Odom and Artest at the same time... Maybe we have money now but in the long run i dont think is a good idea.... coz were paying kobe in the maximum right now and we have gasol... and odom is overpayed... If we get artest and doesnt win championship in the next 3 season, probably because of chemistry issues "we are gonna get broke" and kobe's game might slow down coz of age then we are doomed...
I say we get ariza to work his outside game this offseason... buff a lil bit, or get kobe to teach him a thing or two then i think well be fine next season... probably sign odom for a minimum all star pay (hope he swallow his pride) if not theres always a lot of very good potential sf talent always wanna play for our Lakers... this is what we guarantee our players "Less Money but your Guaranteed a Ring" Hows that?? |
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biglakers
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 20, 2008 - 09:14 AM PST
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Casual Laker Fan

Joined: Jul 05, 2007
Posts: 52
        
Status: Offline
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| If I get some inside presence?. If bynum and Gasol play together. A Muscle PF could fit with Pau Playing Center... |
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cuckooroller
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 20, 2008 - 09:49 AM PST
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Die-Hard Laker Fan


Joined: Mar 27, 2008 Age: 58
Posts: 2287
Location: Italy

  votes: 22
Status: Offline
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Artest wants a ring - won't get it with that bunch of dogie punchers! I seriously doubt he will want to settle for an unlimited lifetime supply of cow dung, so, unless they offer him something exhorbitant...maybe his own personal herd of heifers.
Don't get your hopes up much for getting good value for Space Balls, personally, I would jump at the chance to trade him for a paraplegic hot dog vendor... |
_________________ Steve
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LakersGM
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Post subject:
Posted: Jun 21, 2008 - 03:33 AM PST
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Topbuzz Newbie

Joined: Jun 21, 2008
Posts: 9
 
Status: Offline
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| LAMAR is soft and lacks the killer instinct like ARTEST has.... Lamar's offense is not steady and his defense is not very good either. 14 million is alot to pay for a player who did npot deliver when it was needed the most.. |
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lakers_fan_from_ny
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Post subject: Odom
Posted: Jun 21, 2008 - 03:35 AM PST
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Big-Time Laker Fan

Joined: Jun 26, 2007
Posts: 980
  votes: 11
Status: Offline
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| How many Odom posts are we going to have...can somebody make an official Odom trade post?...please!!! |
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