Lakers Blog

ALERT: THE LAKERS WORKED OUT GUILLERMO DIAZ ON 5/26. WORKED OUT SHAWNE WILLIAMS, FRESHMAN, MEMPHIS, 6'9" WITH POINT GUARD SKILLS, ON 5/24.

It is amazing how many hits this website is getting, especially since it is the most quiet time of the year. The hits have far surpassed our sister website that follows the Clippers http://clippers.topbuzz.com

The reason things are so quiet, besides the season is over for the Lakers, is that the draft is still a month away, the Lakers can not even talk to free agents, even their own, until July 1, and can not sign anyone until July 12. Moreover, the Lakers are better than most teams at keeping quiet what their intensions are.

All of the mock drafts are all over the place in terms of where players will be drafted, especially after the first 10. Any mock draft that you read right now is definitely going to get a big shakup on June 15 when college players who have not hired an agent will have to decide if they are staying in or not. A lot of players are going to leave the draft. These are mostly players who are on the bubble of being drafted in the first round. So it will mostly affect teams who are drafting after the lottery picks, which is where the Lakers are setting. So it is hard to imagine who the Lakers might be drafting with the 26th pick.

The Lakers may draft the best player available. But you would think the best point guard available would be a priority, especially if there is a sleeper who unexpectedly falls in the draft and they can get somebody who they think is going to be the next Steve Nash, or Mike Bibby or........

There are a couple of interesting point guards who might be there when the Lakers draft. We have already written about Jordan Farmar of UCLA, whom the Lakers have already worked out. Two point guards who are likely not to be available when the Lakers pick are Marcus Williams of UConn and Mardy Collins of Temple. What would cause them to drop. Mock drafts do not seem to know what to do on a consensus basis with two point guards out of Europe, Marco Belinelli and Sergio Rodriguez. If these two go high, it could possibly cause Williams or Collins to drop into the Lakers lap. Other top prospects besides Farmar, are Rajon Rondo out of Kentucky, Kyle Lowry from Villanova, and Guillelrmo Diaz of Miami. Two likely second round point guards who could move up or maybe be available to the Lakers in the second round are Dee Brown of Illinois and Quincy Couby of Rutgers.

Of all of those prospects, the one that is the most interesting to me, and who is likley to be there for the Lakers is Guillermo Diaz of Miami. He is reportedly the most explosive guard in the draft, hits 3's like layups, and can literally jump out of the gym with his 42" lateral vertical leap. And he is a smothering defender. The only reason he might would be there late in the first round is that some question his pure point guard skills and decision making. But, he just might be the best athlete.

We will analyze the likely candidates more closely after June 15 and the draft is more settled. Meanwhile, the only Lakers trade rumor is that Chicago might want to trade for Chris Mihm. This could be just a writer's speculation and there is no mention who or what the Bulls would give up.

The Lakers continue to work out players, but nobody that many of us would even recognize since they worked out Jordan Farmar, Aaron Affalo, Leon Powe, and Taj Gray. If they work out sombody who is likely to go in the first round I will let you know. Keep the faith.

JamFan

The rules regarding cap space must be really confusing because I have read so many articles that have a slightly different take on what the status is of the Lakers roster and their lack of cap space. It seems simple to me.

In round numbers, the Lakers current payroll is 67 Mil while next years cap is estimated to be 52 Mil. Three contracts belonging to Vlade Divac, Devean George, and Slava Medvendenko, will come off the books and total about 10 Mil. Because Brian Grants 15 Mil contract will still count against the cap for one more year before it disappears, the Lakers basically have no money to spend. They will have their 5 Mil and 1.8 Mil exemptions that they could use to attract that veteran point guard that they so desparately need.

But who would come in to sign for just one year, maybe with a one year option. A young, viable point guard would be looking for a longer contract. The answer is a veteran point guard that is either considering retirement, or looking to retire 1 or 2 years down the road. So who are we talking about? Who would sign for the 5 Mil exemption? It is strange to say it but Gary Payton comes to mind. He is on the fence about whether he will retire and coming back to LA he gets a decent payday, a coach, a town, and a system he already knows. Sam Cassell is another who might fit the bill, even though he might want 6 - 7 Mil for 2 or 3 years.

I am starting to feel that the Lakers will not be able to pull off that blockbuster trade that would bring in that additional franchise player. If they hold on to what they have now, when Brian Grant's 15 Mill comes off next summer they can sign a Max player and still keep their core roster in tact. The starting lineup would be Kobe, Kwame, Lamar, Bynum, and .........the player of our dreams. Imagine adding somone like Mike Bibby, Chris Kaman, Dewayne Wade, Lebron James or Dirk Nowitski who are all free agents next summer. Sadly, all of these free agents either have team or player options attached to their free agency so its possible none of them will be available. The only impact free agent without an option is Vince Carter. So the pickings will be slim next summer as well. Imagine finally having all that money to spend with nobody to spend it on.

That brings us back to this summer and the need for a veteran point guard now. They only need to find that one player that can do the job. Will it be "The Glove" or "Sam I Am"? Who do you think might come in under the above mentioned circumstances? I want names!

JamFan

The Los Angeles Lakers and the Clippers are reportedly going to work out UCLA Bruin stars Aaron Afflalo and Jordan Farmar. Both players have declared for the draft but have not hired agents which means they can drop out and go back to school if there isn't a team committing to taking them in the first round.

My opinion is that they would both benefit by going back to school. I feel Jordan is more ready for the NBA than Aaron. Under pressure during the tournament, Jordan stepped up and kept the Bruins in the games when others struggled. Aaron on the other hand seemed to disappear at times during the tournament and only played well in stretches.

The chances of either player deing drafted by the Clippers are slim, even though drafting Aaron for the shooting guard postion is a possibility. The Lakers definitely do not need another shooting guard but do need a point guard. Jordan Farmar is a possibility for them late in the first round, especially if they think he could become the next Mike Bibby. This year, they might get him late in the first round. Next year he might go to high for the Lakers to get him. Drafting him will not stop the Lakers from going out to find a veteran point guard to run the team.

If they are interested, trust me, they are not going to tell anyone. Not even their mothers.

I'm JamFan, and that's my opinion. What's yours?

The Los Angeles Lakers have begun the search for who they will draft in the first and second round of the NBA Draft.

They have reportedlly worked out Leon Powe, the 6"8" forward who last year played for the University of California. He worked out against Oklahoma's 6'9" Taj Gray. Leon also had another work out in LA for NBA scouts. He shot well in both workouts. When I saw him play last season against the UCLA Bruins he played really well. Some scouts think that he is actually only about 6'6" and change. We'll see.

In another workout the Lakers brought in Cal St. Northridge guard Mike Efev-bertha who averaged 17.1 PPG last season. He worked out with Chris Hernandez who played point guard last season with Stanford.

The Lakers reportedly will invite the former Mr. Basketball Minnesota & Mounds View graduate Nick Horvath to play for their summer league team. He played last season for a New Zealand professtional team.

There are currently no substantial trade rumors out there that you haven't hear before. Moreover, there isn't any free agent speculation of any substance. If anything gets hot, other than the usual speculation that floats around the media., we will let you know.

JamFan

I'm sure many of you have read all the opening offseason stories about what the Lakers are going to do to take another step forward. I've read them to. You can now discount just about everthing you have read.

Most sports writer just don't do their homework or don't take enough time to think things through. They need to fill space fast.

So, here is what we know. There are some second tier free agents available that the Lakers migtht be able to afford. At guard, Marcus Banks, Sam Cassell, Bobby Jackson, and Speedy Claxton. The Lakers will only bring in a veteran (not washed up) point guard who can truely make a difference and can guard the best and fastest in the league. For Bigs, we have Melvin Ely, Reggie Evans, Al Harrington, Nazr Mohammed, or Lorenzon Wright.

Of the available guards, Sam Cassell is the most productive and brings the most to the table but he just can't guard anybody. Amongst the Bigs, the most productive by far is All Harrington with 19 points and 9 rebounds and a good shooting percentage. At age 26, his numbers have improved every year and he has a home in LA.

Where all this wishful thinking goes down the drain is that the Lakers are still committed to what they are going to do after next season when Brian Grant's 15 Mil contract comes off the books. According to that strategy, barring a trade, the only Lakers they are committed to past 06/07 are Kobe, Lamar, Kwame, and Bynum. The reason the Lakers are unlikely to sign any free agents this summer is the same reason they couldn't sign anybody last year. Good free agents want more than a 1 or 2 year contract. They want 3 to 5 years. Top free agents want the max. So, this year will be even harder than last year when we could only come up with Aaron Mckie, and we all know how much he contributed. And trust me, even if he was healthy, he was a wasted 5 Mil. Smush was an out of work free agent who made the team but it is obvious he can not take the Lakers to the next level unless he improves alot and becomes more consistant.

The Lakers would be willing to commit to a player for more than one year, but only if that player is the franchise player that they are seeking to pair with Kobe and build around for the next 6 or 7 years. But that is unlikely to happen this summer unless........they are willing to give up existing contract dollars to get that player. That means players with the larger contracts like Lamar and Kwame. Could they package these players along with Chris Mihm and some first round draft choices and bring in a franchise player like Allen Iverson, or Kevin Garnett? Only time will tell. The problem is we have GM Kupcake trying to do the work to pull off such a trade and that lessens our chances.

Why is Chris Mihm available? Well, it is obvious to the Lakers that Kwame plays a lot better at center than power forward and Bynum is the center of the future, which means we are now crowded at the center position. If the Lakers do indeed bring in another power forward like Al Harrington, I feel Chris is the odd man out. But you never know. Another possible scenario for the Lakers is trading for a top tier player who is in the last year of his contract. You usually have to give up less to get that player and you are not committed to him past the 06/07 season. During the season there might be a bottom division team who would trade a top tier player in exchange for Brian Grant's contract so that they can rebuild after the season using that contract when it comes off their books.

My view is the Lakers are unlikely to make the big trade this summer for the franchise player of thier dreams. Mostly because there are other teams who could offer more than the Lakers. It could only happen if that franchise player had control over where he could be traded and he demanded a trade to the Lakers. More likely they bring in the best free agent within their budget that they can sign to a multiyear contract without messing up their long range plan. Al Harrington is the best available but the dollars may be to big. And their most glaring need is at poing guard. I don't see a point guard out their that can defend and make a difference running th offense. So that leave us with a trade for a player in the last year of his contract.

The Lakers are in a tough spot. What ever they do they should stike fast. Getting that player that makes the NBA take notice will allow them to take better advantage of the 5 Mil and 1.8 Mil exemptions to attract another valuable player. We could possibly get an upgrade at point guard and power forward. If not, we better be prepared for the Lakers to look next year alot like the Lakers we had this year and with similar results. Our best chance of the Lakers to return to glory will be after next season. But hope springs eternal.

JamFan

Say it ain't so. Kobe is reportedly switching his jersey number next season to 24. His current jersey that he has worn for 10 season as a Laker, is the 4th highest selling Jersey in the NBA.

Kobe is refusing to elaborate on the reason why he is making the change. But he is not new to #24. It is the number he wore before his senior season at Lower Merion High. He went with 33 as a senior, but when he became a Laker that number was retired for Kareem.

I have become used to Stu referring to Kobe as "eight" or "#8" during broadcasts, so I'm not sure how I feel about all this. I wonder how the thousands of fans who have purchased a #8 Jersey are going to feel. Betrayed maybe?

Kobe says he will discuss it after the playoffs. I hope he has a good reason that all his fans will understand. Kobe doesn't need any unnecessay controversy just when everything is on a roll for him.

Go Lakers!

JamFan

Both teams will have to get past the first round, but if they do, at least one LA team will be heading to the Western Conference Championship Game. The good news is, both teams got the play off seedings and opponents they wanted.

The Lakers finished the season with a 5 game win streak, winning 11 of the last 14 games, and looking every bit like a team ready for the playoffs. They finished 8 games over 500 at 45 - 37. With Chris Mihm back, everyone is healthy and ready for the playoffs. They are playing with the best chemistry they have had in the last two seasons. Holding on to the 7th seed, the Lakers like their chances against Phoenix. With Amare not returning and their starting Center injured, look for the lakers to attack the basket. The key to victory is containing the fast break as best they can and perimeter defense.

The Clippers, winners over Dallas last night 85-71, won 3 of their last 5 games, while holding out starting players so that nagging injuries could heal and to get their legs fresh for the playoff run. They finish 47 - 35, their best recond since becoming the Clippers and the best since the 1975-76 season. By conveniently losing a couple of games while starters sat out, they dropped to the 6th seed and a date with the Denver Nuggetts. The Nuggets have not been playing all that well, and the Clippers will have home court advantage.

Beating the Suns will be a challenge for the Lakers. But the Lakers are one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now. Kobe will also be motivated by all those folks who say that Steve Nash is the MVP. Watch for Kobe to dominate. Many analyst will have the Clippers favored to win their series with Denver. If they both win, the second round will take place entirely at the Staples Arena.

It will be battle for LA. It will be a battle royal to make it to the Western Conference Championship Game.

JamFan

Sure, you've noticed that the Lakers have made the playoffs. But how the Lakers played earlier in the season has dampened your enthusiam for their chances in the playoffs. Well, it's time to wake up and smell the coffee!

The Lakers aren't just finishing the season with a wimper. Their record over the last 13 games is 10 - 3. And it's not just the wins, it's how they are winning. It used to be the Kobe show and the Kobe show only.

Suddenly, Lamar, Kwame, and Luke, have begun to step up and stop just going through the motions of being Kobe side kicks. Mr. Triple Double, Lamar Odom, is not just threatening to be a triple every night, he is doing so aggressively, no longer satisfied to just defer to Kobe.

Kwame, who struggled to find his role and played with a lack of confidence, has finally found his "Mojo." The team is actually going to him in the post, and he is aggressively answering by powering to the hoop and the free throw line.

Luke, is not overwhelming us with numbers or excelling in any one stat. But coach has been starting him a lot during this run, and he has responded with his game at the highest level we have seen during his young carreer. If you need a shooter, facillitator, or a guy to run the middle of the break, he seems to be able to do it all. For a guy who was originally supposed to be a small forward, he plays point guard very well.

These players are jelling just at the right time. The Lakers are jelling just at the right time. And with these guys stepping up and playing with more confidence and aggressiveness, Kobe is still getting his 35 .

Chris Mihm will likely be back soon. Don't expect a return to the starting lineup. There is no chance that coach will mess with the best chemistry this team has had in the last two years, immediately before the playoffs. Kwame has hijacked his job anyway. Chris will play as a back up at center and power forward.

So, what does this all mean. I think the Lakers chances in the playoffs are better than we all could have hoped for. Am I talking Western Conference Champions? Nope! But anything better than losing in the first round would be and indication that the Lakers are on their way back.

JamFan

The team has a dismal record since their last trade with Boston, and the players they signed last summer haven't worked out. They aren't even close to making the playoffs and without major changes are not going to be there any time soon. And time, for the soon to be 30 year Kevin Garnett is a precious commodity.

Moreover, changes that would make a difference when you have already maxed out the cap, are harder to make. That all leads to a possible trade of KG this summer. Timberwolve management will continue to deny it. But that is what they are supposed to do. Coming off like they are in a panic only diminishes their chances of getting a good deal in return for their franchise player. Any deal has to come close to offsetting KG's 20 Mil contract. New York has a bunch of high priced contracts, but it is unclear that the Wolves are interested in any of them. In New York, KG could be paired again with Stephon Marbury but they didn't win a championship the last time they were together.

Much of the trade speculation centers on the Lakers. News of KG buying a home in Malibu, working out with Kobe, attending Laker summer league games, leads some to believe his heart is already in Los Angeles. Not to mention that a pairing with Kobe Bryant could mean bling for KG.

But if a trade were to be made, who would be left to play with them. Lamar Odom would certainly be gone because he has the only large contract other the Kobe's that the Lakers have. I believe to get KG, the Lakers will only be able to protect Kobe. They certainly will try to protect Andrew Bynum and try to build around those three. Kwame, Smush, and Mihm, along with Lamar could all be gone. A first round pick would be gone as well.

All of this would be worth it to get KG. There will be others who will want to come to LA as free agents just to be a part of what is about to happen. Kobe and KG are two of the hardest working players in the NBA, and they compliment each other perfectly. It is a match made in heaven. But we need Kobe and KG together now, not when KG's contract expires and he is free agent 4 years from now. Can GM Kupcake get the job done? The clock is ticking.........

JamFan

The result was he got booed by the Staples Arena crowd on a couple of occasions. Kwame, known for being emotional and having thin skin, seemed to go into a funk when that happened. But the last couple of months, the Lakers and the fans have seen a more consistant Kwame show up every night. He had some good games at times over the years but 1 game out of 10 isn't good enough in the NBA.

I don't know if it is Phil or Kareem or both having an effect on Kwame but you can see his consistant progress. In the last 3 games he have averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds. His best game was against Sacramento when he went for 21 points and 12 rebounds. Moreover, over the last 5 games he has shot 71% from the field.

As he has emerged and become a force in his new role as starting center, other teams are finding it necessary to foul him and send to the line. If he can also improve his foul shooting which stands at 53% for the season, back up to his career average of 64%, it would also be a plus.

The biggest change has been watching his team actually go to him alot down low. They are feeding him the ball and he is being agressive with it. He even hit a jump/sky hook from about 12 feet out last night. Kareem must be working with him on that. They Lakers have done a better job of spacing and spreading out, giving him room to work down low. And with Mihm out, the center is not clogged up which gives him room to work. Except for Turiaf, other Lakers forwards prefer to work from out on the perimeter. Maybe Coach Jackson has found a formula hear that works. It is the same offensive strategy they used with Shaq. Spread out so he can't be double teamed.

It remains to be seen if Kwame can continue to progress and become the player of his potential when he was drafted #1 out of high school. He is still a emotional young guy who probably didn't have the kind of support he needed the first couple of years in the NBA. Coach Jackson probably is the best coach for Kwame.

Last night, after playhing injured, having his nose bloodied twice, hitting all 7 of his shots, and finishing with 16 points and 6 reobounds, he left the game late in the 4th quarter to a standing ovation from Laker fans at Staples. If we see more of that, and the Lakers have another force on the floor beside Kobe and Lamar, their chances in the playoffs are greatly improved.

JamFan