Think Dantoni wants Novak? Novak+Brew for Artest?

[ibraheim718]

Y'all are crazy.. that's like adding kerosene to a bon fire.

[moocow007]

I am pretty sure Dantoni is not the GM of the Lakers.

Novak actually would probably be one of the most ideal players for D'Antoni right now. You can play him next to Howard to compensate for his difficiencies defensively. He'd stretch the floor for Kobe and Howard. Nash in SSOL should be able to get Novak the ball in perfect shooting situations which likely will bump his 3PT% back up pass 40%.

Novak is shooting 45% from 3

He is? Then what the heck are we looking to trade him for?!?!?!?

[moocow007]

Its Dantoni's system. The GM knows Dantoni needs personnel to run his system. No **** Dantoni isnt the GM.

It doesn't matter.

People continuously underestimate that ownership / front office. They have a plan set. They are eyeing 2014 FA market. They ain't taking any contracts past 2014 unless that player is Lebron James or at the least Kevin Love.

They can always amnesty him if he was not in the plans or trade him in a year or 2.

Who? Novak? If that's who you are referring to, the Lakers would not be able to amnesty Novak.

Teams can only amnesty someone that was on the team already when the lockout ended AND currently under the SAME contract he had when the 2011 lockout ended. For the Lakers that means the only guys they can amnesty are Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Metta World Peace and Steve Blake (and none of them are under contract beyond 2013-2014). Everyone else on that team either was not on the team when the lockout ended (Steve Nash, Earl Clark, Chris Duhon, Jordan Hill, Dwight Howard, Antawn Jamison, Jodie Meeks, Robert Sacre) OR were on the team but has since signed new contracts (i.e. Devin Ebanks, Darius Morris).

But as far as the Lakers not willing to do this deal because of the believed 2014 bonanza? Yes, I agree, they still could. Novak's contract in the final year is not a backbreaker and he should not be difficult to deal at all after the 2014 season if they need to clear the $3.75M/YEAR remaining on his contract when he'll still be in his prime at 31 (not that age really is that great an impact for a 3 point specialist who doesn't rely on his physical tools). It's likely the same rationale the Knicks had when they themselves signed Novak to a new deal that was 1 year longer than pretty much everyone else on the team (If the Lakers have a 2014 plan, then it's easy to argue that the Knicks have a 2015 plan since that's when Anthony, SToudemire and Chandlers deals all go off the books).

[ORANGEandBLUE]

He is? Then what the heck are we looking to trade him for?!?!?!?

Because we have four guys who can shoot 3's at around 40% in Felton, Kidd, JR, and Melo.

Plus we have weaknesses that should be addressed. We don't really have anybody to outmuscle the Reggie Evans' and Jared Sullingers of the league. And it's uncertain whether we'll have the elite perimeter defender we need, with Brewer slipping and Shump's health status still uncertain. It'd be especially helpful to have a versatile defender at the 3/4, so Melo doesn't have to guard the Lebrons and Durants of the league.

I would probably wait until the deadline before making any moves, but Novak is a prime candidate to be dealt because his contract is big enough to allow us to take back salary.

[moocow007]

He is? Then what the heck are we looking to trade him for?!?!?!?

Because we have four guys who can shoot 3's at around 40% in Felton, Kidd, JR, and Melo.

Plus we have weaknesses that should be addressed. We don't really have anybody to outmuscle the Reggie Evans' and Jared Sullingers of the league. And it's uncertain whether we'll have the elite perimeter defender we need, with Brewer slipping and Shump's health status still uncertain. It'd be especially helpful to have a versatile defender at the 3/4, so Melo doesn't have to guard the Lebrons and Durants of the league.

I would probably wait until the deadline before making any moves, but Novak is a prime candidate to be dealt because his contract is big enough to allow us to take back salary.

I know I know...I was just trying to be a smart alec.

I've been a big Artest fan since before that idiot GM Ed Tapscott drafted Frederic Weiss instead of Artest and started the trend of a decade of stupid, stupid moves by a succession of Knick GM's.

[thebuzzardman]

Well, I'm on the fence as Novak can be a real weapon, but Artest is clearly the more well rounded player.

A few concerns:

Last couple of years, Artest looked to be like 75% the defender he used to be. He looked sort of "done" at times - ok, not done as a bball player, but done as elite defender. Is he having a sort of "resurgence" this year based on lingering nagging injury gone or weight loss or something else?

I don't religiously catch all Laker games, but Artest seems to singlehandedly lose about every third game I see him in (an exaggeration but follow along): I've seen a LOT of games where Artest just decides he's going to shoot, and keep shooting, forcing shots, wrecking flow, and basically throwing away 4 or 5 possesions that are the difference in the game. Has he toned this down?

[Knicksfan20]

He is? Then what the heck are we looking to trade him for?!?!?!?

Because we have four guys who can shoot 3's at around 40% in Felton, Kidd, JR, and Melo.

Plus we have weaknesses that should be addressed. We don't really have anybody to outmuscle the Reggie Evans' and Jared Sullingers of the league. And it's uncertain whether we'll have the elite perimeter defender we need, with Brewer slipping and Shump's health status still uncertain. It'd be especially helpful to have a versatile defender at the 3/4, so Melo doesn't have to guard the Lebrons and Durants of the league.

I would probably wait until the deadline before making any moves, but Novak is a prime candidate to be dealt because his contract is big enough to allow us to take back salary.

+1

Well, I'm on the fence as Novak can be a real weapon, but Artest is clearly the more well rounded player.

A few concerns:

Last couple of years, Artest looked to be like 75% the defender he used to be. He looked sort of "done" at times - ok, not done as a bball player, but done as elite defender. Is he having a sort of "resurgence" this year based on lingering nagging injury gone or weight loss or something else?

I don't religiously catch all Laker games, but Artest seems to singlehandedly lose about every third game I see him in (an exaggeration but follow along): I've seen a LOT of games where Artest just decides he's going to shoot, and keep shooting, forcing shots, wrecking flow, and basically throwing away 4 or 5 possesions that are the difference in the game. Has he toned this down?

although he's not what he was 5 years ago, he is still a very good defender. He defended Melo well in both games this season (even though Melo couldn't miss first game)

as stated, he can guard the bigger stronger players in the league. I dint want shump on lebron. And he's still a hood perimeter defender, so if he gets caught in a switch with a pg, he will be able to hold his own.

[moocow007]

Well, I'm on the fence as Novak can be a real weapon, but Artest is clearly the more well rounded player.

A few concerns:

Last couple of years, Artest looked to be like 75% the defender he used to be. He looked sort of "done" at times - ok, not done as a bball player, but done as elite defender. Is he having a sort of "resurgence" this year based on lingering nagging injury gone or weight loss or something else?

Yeah he's kinda having a mini resurgence of sorts. I think with all the craziness going on in LA he may have actually (unconsciously) assumed the role of the sane mind there (how's that for irony). But the assumption would be that beyond whatever has caused him to turn around and have a real solid season so far, that actually coming back home to play for his childhood favvy team will make him more beastly of sorts. Obviously it's a risk, the Knicks have very few assets that can get a no risk impact player.

I don't religiously catch all Laker games, but Artest seems to singlehandedly lose about every third game I see him in (an exaggeration but follow along): I've seen a LOT of games where Artest just decides he's going to shoot, and keep shooting, forcing shots, wrecking flow, and basically throwing away 4 or 5 possesions that are the difference in the game. Has he toned this down?

From the games I've seen, yeah. He's been a lot smarter and a lot more focused on not forcing things. Some of this like I said might be him compensating for the craziness going on (just like Rodman, oddball as they may be, Artest is not a stupid guy). Some could be because of a different mix of players (they've added 2 more guys...Howard and Nash...that should be higher than him on the totem pole offensively). He does look in better shape than at points in the past few years so that probably also helps.

[moocow007]

He is? Then what the heck are we looking to trade him for?!?!?!?

Because we have four guys who can shoot 3's at around 40% in Felton, Kidd, JR, and Melo.

Plus we have weaknesses that should be addressed. We don't really have anybody to outmuscle the Reggie Evans' and Jared Sullingers of the league. And it's uncertain whether we'll have the elite perimeter defender we need, with Brewer slipping and Shump's health status still uncertain. It'd be especially helpful to have a versatile defender at the 3/4, so Melo doesn't have to guard the Lebrons and Durants of the league.

I would probably wait until the deadline before making any moves, but Novak is a prime candidate to be dealt because his contract is big enough to allow us to take back salary.

+1

Well, I'm on the fence as Novak can be a real weapon, but Artest is clearly the more well rounded player.

A few concerns:

Last couple of years, Artest looked to be like 75% the defender he used to be. He looked sort of "done" at times - ok, not done as a bball player, but done as elite defender. Is he having a sort of "resurgence" this year based on lingering nagging injury gone or weight loss or something else?

I don't religiously catch all Laker games, but Artest seems to singlehandedly lose about every third game I see him in (an exaggeration but follow along): I've seen a LOT of games where Artest just decides he's going to shoot, and keep shooting, forcing shots, wrecking flow, and basically throwing away 4 or 5 possesions that are the difference in the game. Has he toned this down?

although he's not what he was 5 years ago, he is still a very good defender. He defended Melo well in both games this season (even though Melo couldn't miss first game)

as stated, he can guard the bigger stronger players in the league. I dint want shump on lebron. And he's still a hood perimeter defender, so if he gets caught in a switch with a pg, he will be able to hold his own.

Yeah another thing about Artest and his defense is that while he does rely on his physical ability, like Rodman, they are also very smart, aggressive and mentally willing to defend. So even older, Artest still knows what to do, when to do it and how to do it. He may not be able to get where he needs to go as fast, which will result in some blown assignments but you do not have to worry about Artest not knowing what to do and making mistakes defensively. Also he's still physically as strong as he's ever been so the closer you get to the basket, the more useful he is defensively and closer to what he was earlier in his career. And of course there's the toughness and fearlessness that opposing players won't be able to punk.

[Sky_Knicks]

No way would I want this deal.

[sol537]

If Lakers were smart, they would consider this season a loss and plan for next season. If they don't want to keep Howard, decide now and trade him. I would trade him to NJ and I'd keep Gasol. I'd plan for a new coach for next season. Go for another title next year with Gasol/Kobe/Nash and whatever picks/guys you get for Howard. That's just me though.

I think they will miss the playoffs and D'antoni will be canned again (but paid, again).

[BKAY]

Would hate to see Novak go but Woody would coach the s*** outta MWP

[Knicksfan20]

Just saying for those completely enamored with Novak.. We could sign kapono who is a FA to do the same exact thing Novak does.

Your really overatong his impact on the floor. I'd rather play 5 on 5 both ends then 4 on 4 on offense and 4 on 5 on defense and rebounding.

[Thugger HBC]

I think artest is being overrated honestly.

Trading away our best 3 point shooter and one of our few legit defenders doesn't make much sense.

The Lakers have been getting lit up all year, what has Artest done about that?

[Fury]

Trade is a toss up to me, but Steve Novak is a momentum shifter. Dude hits a 3 and the team goes nuts.

[Thugger HBC]

Trade is a toss up to me, but Steve Novak is a momentum shifter. Dude hits a 3 and the team goes nuts.

and opposing coaches too, alot of times they call a time out when he hits one.

[Knicksfan20]

I think artest is being overrated honestly.

Trading away our best 3 point shooter and one of our few legit defenders doesn't make much sense.

The Lakers have been getting lit up all year, what has Artest done about that?

so I guess Dwight Howard and Kobe are bad defenders as well.


Artest defends, can shoot the 3, can drive and finish, and as states is one of the strongest players in the league. He adds more championship experience and toughness.

what does Novak do outside of space the floor and collect 1 rebound every 12 minutes. We could sign Kapono to fill the same roll and Novak and Brewer will both be losing minutes soon anyways.
and brewers defense has been anything but legit for us. He's not bad, but def not what I was expecting and definatly not on artsts level.

[Knicksfan20]

Trade is a toss up to me, but Steve Novak is a momentum shifter. Dude hits a 3 and the team goes nuts.

and opposing coaches too, alot of times they call a time out when he hits one.

which is what? Twice a game or so?

is that really worth the horrible defense and rebounding that he also brings the team? So 6 points in 25 minutes plus spacing is wirth more then 30 mins if gritty defense and balanced offense?

I'll take the defense.

[Quick Kick]

I think artest is being overrated honestly.

Trading away our best 3 point shooter and one of our few legit defenders doesn't make much sense.

The Lakers have been getting lit up all year, what has Artest done about that?

so I guess Dwight Howard and Kobe are bad defenders as well.

Kobe is definitely a horrid defensive player now, and has been for a couple years.

[ORANGEandBLUE]

Really depends on how you feel about Melo at the 4. If you like him there, then you probably want a starting calibur 3 that compliments his game. Right now Brewer and JR are the closest to that, but Brewer should not be playing 30 mpg and JR is too small to be a smallball 3.