Spree Still Free

So what happened? The Lakers reportedly offered what was left of their mid-level exemption. The other half went to McKie who scored a whopping 1 pt per game last season while sitting mostly on the bench. Then came the reports of a sign and trade deal possibly even involving other teams. A sign and trade would have created more income for Spree so he could "feed his family." Two problems arose. One, the Lakers apparently did not want to give up the player or players that Minnesota wanted. One report said Minnesota wanted Devean George. Secondly, the Minnesota roster was already maxed out with players under contract and they didn't need another player. So they had no motivation for helping Spree unless they could literally steal a good player from the Lakers.

So why would the Lakers want to take on Spree. Well, they were willing to take on one head case, Kwame Brown, for Coach Jackson to work his ZenMagic on. So why not one more. If you look at Spree's numbers last year, 12.8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg with and EFF score of +10.8, you notice that his production per minute played did not fall off at all. His shooting percentaqe held up as well. That last 3 players the Lakers brought in combined did not produce what Spree did. Mckie, only scored 1 ppg, Blount could not find a job last year and would have remained retired this year if the Lakers hadn't salvaged him out of mothballs, and Kwame only averaged 7 ppg.

So, the Lakers, in a year of off season gambles, might have been willing to roll the dice again. But training camp has opened, Spree is still not here, and still available. There aren't any other Spree rumors out there. This seemed to be the only deal his agent was working on. And still may be. But hopes of a sign and trade have faded and if Spree does come to camp it will probably be for the 2 1/2 Mil for two years with a 3rd year option, in keeping with the Lakers long range plans. Don't worry, if Spree signs, he still will be able to "feed his family." JamFan