The story/detail no one is talking about (Bynum)

[LateRoundFlyer]

I've had serious doubts for a while now about whether Bynum would actually sign an extension with us...
I think it might have already happened otherwise.

But was he even offered one? That's the REAL detail no one here is talking about. I've seen maybe one person ask this question in the last month or so. Seriously, it's that rare.

Yes, we know the FO picked up the team option on his contract, which will keep him on board for at least one more year. What we don't know is whether he was given an offer sheet to extend. The ramifications of this are huge. Wouldn't this mean that there are finally some signs of doubt in management, about whether Bynum is the future of the team?

I mean, people here and elsehwere love to rag on Jim Buss for giving Bynum head any chance he gets, and yet his golden boy hasn't been offered an extension yet?

Either people are just slow to put two and two together or they really are just homers that are wedded to the belief that Buss is gay for Bynum -- in which case, nothing will change their minds, probably not even a trade that includes him for Howard.

[Stebo_SSK]

Anyone that thinks Bynum is going to be a franchise guy or is as good as Howard needs to check their basketball mind. The only people that I've seen with this mindset are the 20 percent of idiot fans we have and Skip Bayless. One of them really doesnt believe it. Dwight may be immature and what not but I seriously doubt if he is traded here he will tank the season and try to leave easily. For one, that will reaaaaaaallly look bad. No team is going to want to invest in a TO like personality, another thing is, no contenders especially the teams that were on his "list" will have cap room to get him. LA at that point will have his bird rights so leverage will already be in there favor.

Another thing is, Kobe has 2 years left...highly doubt he will be elite status after that. One year with Howard gives him a clear shot to win...the longer he waits for Bynum the worse Kobe will get. Im all for a rebuilding process after Kobe leaves. So if Howard dips on us, that leaves us with plenty of cap room to rebuild. What I dont want to see is Kobe going out in the 2nd round for the rest of his career and the Lakers just being an above average team.

[tviper]

Howard has made it crystal clear he does not want to come to LA (according to "sources"). However, there are a lot of things that can change over the next two weeks.

If DWill signs with the Nets and they follow through with the Joe Johnson trade, there won't be any room to sign Howard to a max deal next year. So then the focus shifts to DAL, but would he want to bolt to a team with only Dirk after (presumably) having success with Kobe and Pau? Best case scenario, obviously, would be a title, but even short of that would he just bolt to DAL without any other players?

The other thing to watch would be CP3. The two could go to a team with mega cap space but that would require planning with the team involved. It is unclear whether Godfather Stern would permit such collusion.

I am sure Mitch will be very cautious before giving up the second best big man in the game, but I could see a scenario where Howard's preferred destination is foreclosed and he will have no choice but to resign with the team that trades for him or take a lot less money.

[Stebo_SSK]

I say call his bluff and would teams really commit to a guy that shafted 2 teams? Howard is a great player but he isnt worth destroying your house after he destoryed 2. I seriously think LA has little to lose. Bynum just isnt that good and after Kobe retires they will have to rebuild anyway. Why not go for broke this year for a ring to keep the interest in LA. Highly doubt he wins a ring here and decides to split and even if he does, if LA cant win with Howard and Kobe and Pau/or replacement then their days were over anyway. Decisions Decisions.

[Kilroy]

For me it's not so much about whether to make a trade for Howard or not, as it is about getting the right price for him... With no extension, the most I'd offer is Pau...

With an extension I might do both Bynum and Pau if I could get back some nice complimentary pieces...

Houston is going to be trading like crazy if Howard goes somewhere else, they might as well help us get Dwight and take Pau in the bargain.

[Speedlot]

Bynum follows the money.

[chickhearnsmike]

Just do D-12 for Bynum. Don't look back. This has gone on too long and it is a distraction. The Hornets deal that fell apart will forever haunt the Lakers until a big move is made.

32 year old passive Gasol is the perfect 3rd wheel. Think Nike - Just do it.

i love this quote!

And yes DO IT! NOW!