Man, how the worm turns (battle for LA)

[madmaxmedia]

How about some semi-on-topic talk about the other LA team?

A couple of years ago, it was looking like the Clippers were going to start ruling Staples, and Kobe was going to be auctioned off. Fast forward a couple of years, and it's like we're back in the 90's-

1. Clippers are looking forward to the lottery and getting injured players back.
2. Lakers are IMO on the verge of another mini-dynasty.

The Lakers roster is awfully impressive and could win the next 3 titles very easily. 3 athletic 7-footers (or near 7-footers) in the front court, a HOF wingman who is perhaps the best player in the league, and a bunch of quality glue guys- Fisher, Walton, Farmar, Turiaf, Ariza, etc. Plus the Zen Master coaching them.

What do you guys think? I think in the next 5 years they will get 3 titles. No reason to hate, we're all in the same town.

The main issue for them will be contracts. But the 2 main guys coming up will be Odom and Gasol. I think Odom is happy and doesn't need (nor can he get) top dollar, and I think Gasol is much happier in LA than somewhere like Memphis. Buss will definitely go over the cap to keep this core together too. Bynum could be a big issue later though. As a sports fan, I'd like to see them stay together and see how successful this team becomes.

[loflin3hree5ive]

I wouldn't call the Lakers overwhelming favorites to win a ring any time soon. They're certainly capable, way more than us, but I'd say a lot depends on what the rest of the league does. This is unlike when they had Shaq in his prime when you knew the Lakers had to win at least one.

It hurts giving up what looked to be a major advantage over the Lakers a couple of seasons ago when our future was looking much brighter, but I'm not ready to say we can't be right back on that level until at least next year. I've still got plenty of hope we can rival the Lakers once again.

[madmaxmedia]

For sure we have some pieces even if we've had setbacks. So definitely we can rise even as they've come back.

I really do believe that they have the best roster top to bottom for the next couple of years, until they either lose someone, or some other team gets an unexpected boon like the Lakers did with Gasol. That frontcourt alone is a killer that few teams can match up against at 3, 4, and 5. Then you throw in Kobe.

But yeah, there are some very strong teams out there. I just have a feeling about this Laker squad. I think the main players have all struggled enough to now appreciate what they have.

[jgustav1]

I'd expect Odom to be the odd man out and the Lakers will likely do everything possible to keep Kobe, Gasol and Bynum together and surround them with role players that play for the mid-level exemption or less. Depending on how Farmar develops, he might be an exception if he continues to improve over time.

Odom is worth somewhere between the mid-level exemption and his current salary so I can't him resigning with the Lakers.

[madmaxmedia]

What are their options regarding Odom? I guess you have some flexibility with the cap to re-sign your own players, of course you then pay luxury tax.

Could the Lakers re-sign Odom for more than the MLE without losing Bynum or Gasol down the road, if they are willing to pay luxury tax?

[Heyvoon24]

Laker fan here. I watched many of your games on ktla this year and I truly believe that you guys are gonna make the playoffs next year if you get the troops healthy. Al Thornton will be a beast next year. Add another lottery pick, and you guys are looking good.

Best of luck to you.

[loflin3hree5ive]

^ Thanks man, hopefully you're right.

[mkwest]

It would have been nice to be the better team but at this point I'm not too concerned about the Lakers and their potential success. I just want the Clippers to be a better team with at least a decent chance at making the playoffs. The Gasol heist was a no-brainer and put that team in a place where they'll be contenders for the foreseeable future. Imo Odom is the odd man out as far as their salary concerns go. He's not worth $14M (worth about $9M imo) although being demoted to the 3rd option with the addition of Gasol has been a blessing to him and their team. Bynum's injury (and possible surgery) has raised a big question mark as to what/when he'll collect on his payday. He's eligible for extension this summer but it's probably not in his best interest at the moment given the circumstances. Kobe & Gasol are going to earn more than half of the salary cap, then when you add Bynum to the mix and possibly Odom (assuming he takes a discount), they'll be over the threshold. If they were to win a championship, I think that would be worth the cost to Buss.

[madmaxmedia]

If they were to win a championship, I think that would be worth the cost to Buss.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking with Odom. They have Bird rights or whatever with these guys, so they could conceivably re-sign at least the big guys if Buss is willing to pay luxury tax, right?

If so, eating a few more million on Odom is probably worth it for Buss even from a business standpoint, if Odom is willing to give a little on contract size. The Lakers could win titles without him, but keeping that frontline would be huge IMO- their length and athleticism would be extremely hard to top. With SA getting old and Dallas and Phoenix imploding, I think the Lakers become a huge heavyweight in the league.

There are already plenty of teams that pay luxury tax without winning rings or playing in a big market like LA.

[T-Spot]

Mayo
Maggette
Thornton
Brand
Kaman

Talk about an exciting starting 5.

[jgustav1]

Mayo
Maggette
Thornton
Brand
Kaman

Talk about an exciting starting 5.

Mayo isn't a PG, he will need to play SG in the pros.