Pau Gasol to the Lakers?!

[trmiv]

Originally posted by: wkabel23

Originally posted by: trmiv

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: trmiv

Originally posted by: wkabel23
i personally think gasol is garbage, but he definitely makes the lakers a better team. i'm disappointed that i won't be able to laugh at kwame brown on the lakers anymore. i don't think this makes them favorites in the west or anything though.

Since Bynum is out, no they aren't the favorite, but if he was healthy I think they are the best team in the West. they had the best record in the west before he got hurt. I heard that the swelling in his knee hasn't decreased much and they think he will be out longer, which is what prompted this move. they are fearing falling out of the playoffs.

I like the Lakers, but even that may be a tad much. I don't think of them as better than the Spurs, Suns or Mavs would think that they'd at least begin to be able to compete.
With a healthy Bynum, they should at least be able to make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs.

Well they did have the best record in the West before Bynum went down, and were getting better. The Spurs are declining (11-13 since a 17-3 start), and there is talk Parker could be out long term. I do agree a healthy Spurs team is a challenge, but Gasol really helps because he makes matchups difficult in the frontcourt.

The Lakers are 2-1 against the Suns this season, the loss coming without Bynum. I think the Laker's height and inside play with Bynum and now with Gasol present a serious matchup problem for the Suns, who start Amare at center (who has been dominated by Bynum in two matchups this year). The Suns are a very small team, and that will bite them in the playoffs. Dumping Kurt Thomas was a very bad move for them.

The Mavs, I'm not so sure about, but I still like a healthy Laker's team chances against them.

The Lakers also had one of the best records in the West last season and we all know how that turned out. The Lakers with Pau Gasol and Bynum aren't the favorites in the West, the Spurs are. No one has proven they can beat a healthy Spurs team in the playoffs, Suns had a great chance last year but shit happens.

Judging teams now is pointless, I'm certain the Suns will be playing on another level come playoff time. Furthermore, Skinner has been just as good as KT, if not better. Getting D'antoni to play him is another issue.

When healthy this Laker team is VASTLY better than last years team. Last year's team was a product of Kobe Bryant being Kobe Bryant. Even at 26-13 they were horrible defensively, and inconsistent offensively. Plus they had a front loaded schedule with a ton of easy home games to start the season that made their record inflated. They started Smush Parker at the 1 and Kwame Brown at the 5, I mean come on.

This year's team when healthy had Bynum at the 5, arguably the second best center in the west outside of Yao (if you consider Duncan a PF, if you consider him a center, Bynum is 3rd best), Derek Fisher at the 1 who is MILES better than Smush both on the court and the locker room. Not to mention a much better Farmar off the bench, and Ariza. They were one of the best defensive teams (FG% and defensive rebounding, not the misleading Points Against stat) in the league before Bynum and Ariza went down. Last years early season success was fool's gold, this year it was real.

 

[wkabel23]

Yep, the Lakers are definitely better...I'm not debating that. I'm just not putting them in the WCF yet, especially since Bynum and Gasol are only going to have a couple of weeks at most to develop chemistry before the playoffs. The Lakers made a good move that will prevent them from slipping too far in the standings I think.

All this speculation is annoying though, I just want the playoffs to be here!

 

[amol]

Originally posted by: wkabel23
Yep, the Lakers are definitely better...I'm not debating that. I'm just not putting them in the WCF yet, especially since Bynum and Gasol are only going to have a couple of weeks at most to develop chemistry before the playoffs. The Lakers made a good move that will prevent them from slipping too far in the standings I think.

All this speculation is annoying though, I just want the playoffs to be here!

It's also a long-term move. Imagine what this could do for future seasons. I mean, I'm all for the Lakers representing the West in the Finals (which really is up in the air right now), but this might give us long-term power.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

holy shit i just heard this too. my friends and i are going insane over this.

I heard mitch is working on another deal. oh man oh man.

 

[Syringer]

Originally posted by: wkabel23

Originally posted by: trmiv

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: trmiv

Originally posted by: wkabel23
i personally think gasol is garbage, but he definitely makes the lakers a better team. i'm disappointed that i won't be able to laugh at kwame brown on the lakers anymore. i don't think this makes them favorites in the west or anything though.

Since Bynum is out, no they aren't the favorite, but if he was healthy I think they are the best team in the West. they had the best record in the west before he got hurt. I heard that the swelling in his knee hasn't decreased much and they think he will be out longer, which is what prompted this move. they are fearing falling out of the playoffs.

I like the Lakers, but even that may be a tad much. I don't think of them as better than the Spurs, Suns or Mavs would think that they'd at least begin to be able to compete.
With a healthy Bynum, they should at least be able to make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs.

Well they did have the best record in the West before Bynum went down, and were getting better. The Spurs are declining (11-13 since a 17-3 start), and there is talk Parker could be out long term. I do agree a healthy Spurs team is a challenge, but Gasol really helps because he makes matchups difficult in the frontcourt.

The Lakers are 2-1 against the Suns this season, the loss coming without Bynum. I think the Laker's height and inside play with Bynum and now with Gasol present a serious matchup problem for the Suns, who start Amare at center (who has been dominated by Bynum in two matchups this year). The Suns are a very small team, and that will bite them in the playoffs. Dumping Kurt Thomas was a very bad move for them.

The Mavs, I'm not so sure about, but I still like a healthy Laker's team chances against them.

The Lakers also had one of the best records in the West last season and we all know how that turned out. The Lakers with Pau Gasol and Bynum aren't the favorites in the West, the Spurs are. No one has proven they can beat a healthy Spurs team in the playoffs, Suns had a great chance last year but shit happens.

Judging teams now is pointless, I'm certain the Suns will be playing on another level come playoff time. Furthermore, Skinner has been just as good as KT, if not better. Getting D'antoni to play him is another issue.

Yeah except they were 42-40 and had the 7th seed in the playoffs.

 

[trmiv]

The more I think about it, the less I think Lamar will be traded this season. His value is really this off-season before the draft or next season. His expiring contract will be very appealing to teams looking to cut salary for a good free agent class the next year. I think the Lakers will see how he handles being the #4 option behind Kobe, Bynum and Gasol, and just depend on him for rebounding which is his one strength on this team. A front court of Bynum, Gasol and Odom is a rebounding machine. I'm not saying they don't dangle him out there, or deal him if a deal comes around, but I don't think they will go nuts trying to move him.

 

[cheezy321]

This is a pretty good trade.

Good move by Mitch. Good move for the lakers. Looks like they will have a bright future ahead of them (As long as kobe doesnt leave).

Being a longtime suns fan, this might hurt us. I doubt they will beat us if they make the playoffs however

 

[OneOfTheseDays]

This trade put the Lakers over the top. They will win the WC with this team and contend for the next 4-5 years and beyond when they retool around Bynum.

 

[trmiv]

I'd love to hear from people in Chicago what the Bull's fans reaction to this is. I know they wanted Gasol last year and this year, but Paxson has been reluctant to part with anyone from the team he built. I bet the Bulls fans are calling for his head about now.

 

[BrokenVisage]

Originally posted by: OneOfTheseDays
This trade put the Lakers over the top. They will win the WC with this team and contend for the next 4-5 years and beyond when they retool around Bynum.

The Suns will continue to do better than the Lakers and will at the least 1-up them in playoff seeding each of those 4-5 years. Meaning they won't come close to winning the WC let alone their own division. Gasol is a great role player but this by no means puts them over the top, KG would've put them over the top, but not PG.

 

[NeoV]

Gasol is a monster in the blocks - he can score with either hand, and does a nice job passing from the high post as well -he's not great defensively though, and is a decent rebounder. Remember that Bynum is still out for a while - so he'll be playing C for some time - when/if Bynum comes back they have 2 big-time post players.

It's possible they could move Odom, but we'll see.

I don't think the Spurs are coming out of the West this year, though I think sitting Parker now is smart, he was clearly bothered by the foot.

Retool around Bynum? It's not like Kobe is an old man - he's still the franchise for the next 4-6 years. Having Gasol and Bynum to go with this does make them formidable for a while.

Walton is not garbage - he's got a great court IQ and rarely makes mistakes

Consider this as well - it's not like the Grizz are getting K.Brown to keep him - they are only after his expiring contract. They've got Rudy Gay and Conley - they may very well trade Mike Miller as well - they are clearing out cap space and stockpiling some draft picks - painful for a bit, but a good way to rebuild a team that was going nowhere.

 

[Cruisin1]

Los Angeles Lakers 2008 NBA Champions

 

[Cruisin1]

Also as a huge lakers fan I have one thing to say... DING DONG KWAME IS GONE!!! Oh man... I'm so excited...

 

[cheezy321]

Man I loved watching the trainwreck that is kwame brown.

Hearing him get boo'd during the last Suns/Lakers game AT HIS OWN ARENA just made me laugh.

Him and odom are the twin towers of suck

 

[Pshawn5]

wow no more kwame?! whos going to be throwing cakes at people in LA now?

 

[IAteYourMother]

Why would they trade Odom? He's a really good as a role player. Everyone who bashes Odom sees his play when he's the no.2 scoring option, which he clearly isn't comfortable with. When Bynum was healthy, Odom's own game was also elevated.

 

[prontospyder]

Originally posted by: Cruisin1
Also as a huge lakers fan I have one thing to say... DING DONG KWAME IS GONE!!! Oh man... I'm so excited...

I read on a Lakers Message Board that Memphis may buy out Kwame's contract and release him? And then the Lakers will pick him up after clearing waivers?

Anyway, great trade. GO LAKERS!!!

 

[IAteYourMother]

Originally posted by: Atif
CONSPIRACY THEORY Anybody else think that Jerry West is going out of his way to help the Lakers by letting this trade go through?

Peace

this is a solid trade for Memphis as well. Whereas McHale is just a dumbass.

 

[DanTMWTMP]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother
Why would they trade Odom? He's a really good as a role player. Everyone who bashes Odom sees his play when he's the no.2 scoring option, which he clearly isn't comfortable with. When Bynum was healthy, Odom's own game was also elevated.

I really agree with this. W/ gasol in there now, he's now back in his natural spot, and will be a tripledouble threat every night. He's a very quiet contributor.

I can only hope that the rumors about Bynum being out longer is false. This is very exciting news and I really can't wait to see a healthy Laker team play.

Next season, this team has a lot of things to be absolutely dominant.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

good move for both teams...lakers get a solid big man and the griz get to dump a big contract. you gotta remember that kwame only has 1 yr left on his deal.

in any case, the spurs cruise until april...come playoffs they're gonna be tearing teams up.

 

[indamixx99]

Originally posted by: Pshawn5
wow no more kwame?! whos going to be throwing cakes at people in LA now?

Well.. we still do have Odom

 

[Miramonti]

Nice move, aside from the shaqfu-jinx that will have Pau tearing a rotator cuff or acl after a few games, it definitely strengthens the lakers.

 

[Dacalo]

WTF is Memphis thinking? Gasol of POS Kawame? LOL!

EDIT: Ok, read a bit more, 2 first round picks and right to Marc Gasol, Pau's brother.

 

[Inspector Jihad]

Originally posted by: Dacalo
WTF is Memphis thinking? Gasol of POS Kawame? LOL!

EDIT: Ok, read a bit more, 2 first round picks and right to Marc Gasol, Pau's brother.

the expiring contract is the biggest reason prolly...they wanna get their hands on some big time free agents.

I was following up on marc gasol cause i like pau's game but unfortunately while marc is bigger he is slower and not as skilled in the post.

 

[wkabel23]

Originally posted by: Syringer

Originally posted by: wkabel23

Originally posted by: trmiv

Originally posted by: Funyuns101

Originally posted by: trmiv

Originally posted by: wkabel23
i personally think gasol is garbage, but he definitely makes the lakers a better team. i'm disappointed that i won't be able to laugh at kwame brown on the lakers anymore. i don't think this makes them favorites in the west or anything though.

Since Bynum is out, no they aren't the favorite, but if he was healthy I think they are the best team in the West. they had the best record in the west before he got hurt. I heard that the swelling in his knee hasn't decreased much and they think he will be out longer, which is what prompted this move. they are fearing falling out of the playoffs.

I like the Lakers, but even that may be a tad much. I don't think of them as better than the Spurs, Suns or Mavs would think that they'd at least begin to be able to compete.
With a healthy Bynum, they should at least be able to make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs.

Well they did have the best record in the West before Bynum went down, and were getting better. The Spurs are declining (11-13 since a 17-3 start), and there is talk Parker could be out long term. I do agree a healthy Spurs team is a challenge, but Gasol really helps because he makes matchups difficult in the frontcourt.

The Lakers are 2-1 against the Suns this season, the loss coming without Bynum. I think the Laker's height and inside play with Bynum and now with Gasol present a serious matchup problem for the Suns, who start Amare at center (who has been dominated by Bynum in two matchups this year). The Suns are a very small team, and that will bite them in the playoffs. Dumping Kurt Thomas was a very bad move for them.

The Mavs, I'm not so sure about, but I still like a healthy Laker's team chances against them.

The Lakers also had one of the best records in the West last season and we all know how that turned out. The Lakers with Pau Gasol and Bynum aren't the favorites in the West, the Spurs are. No one has proven they can beat a healthy Spurs team in the playoffs, Suns had a great chance last year but shit happens.

Judging teams now is pointless, I'm certain the Suns will be playing on another level come playoff time. Furthermore, Skinner has been just as good as KT, if not better. Getting D'antoni to play him is another issue.

Yeah except they were 42-40 and had the 7th seed in the playoffs.

The Lakers led the Pacific Division early last year and they quickly nosedived into into a low seed. trmiv knew what I was talking about, it wasn't that hard to understand if you're a NBA fan.

but congrats on being an idiot.

Let me show you how the English language works:

"The Lakers had one of the best records in the West last season"
-at a point, the Lakers had one of the best records in the West. No where does that say the Lakers had the best record at the end of the season.

"and we all know how that turned out"
-the Lakers could not keep their good pace and dipped to the #7 seed.