Can things get even better??? (AK47 rumor)

[mmyers37]

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10639860/2

Maybe the Lakers just gave up worrying about the cap here, but could there be a better replacement for Odom? The one guy who is even more versatile? If this is true, they are creating a monster.

"Although Odom is having a terrific impact playing alongside Gasol, a source told CBSSports.com that another move could be in the works. Completely throwing it out there, but it would be interesting if the Jazz would set aside the stigma of dealing with a conference rival if it meant trading Andrei Kirilenko and saving on paying a couple of extra years of his large salary."

[Danny Darko]

I seriously doubt thats a possibility this year. Next year Odom becomes a large expiring and we will have had time to evaluate his new role. He's lighting up the boards and succeeding right now, and next year he's worth a ton. He's also the guy who helped spawn the chemistry we have. He set up team dinners and made the big effort to bring the team together.

[Kilroy]

That seems extremely far-fetched...

But who is the better defender at SF?

I haven't followed AK47s career very closely...

If we're going to improve, it has to be on the defensive end.

[Kobe_for_3]

It not going to happen, at least not this season!

[mmyers37]

I have my doubts too, but not because I wouldn't LIKE to trade Odom for AK47 (however they expect the money to work out). What would be the value in waiting to use his expiring contract if we could get somebody now?

[Kilroy]

I have my doubts too, but not because I wouldn't LIKE to trade Odom for AK47 (however they expect the money to work out). What would be the value in waiting to use his expiring contract if we could get somebody now?

We got Gasol for Expiring Kwame this year...

Maybe we could get Lebron for Expiring Odom next year

[Gus McCrae]

check my signature...do it mitch!!

[hermes]

-= original quote snipped =-



We got Gasol for Expiring Kwame this year...

Maybe we could get Lebron for Expiring Odom next year

ah beat me to it

[feoekells2]

I don't understand why people keep saying we need to trade Odom. We WANT his expiring to expire so we can sign Bynum. Making trades will ONLY lock up money for longer periods of time. Hopefully Odom will re-sign for less in '09 if we win championships. Otherwise, I see him going back to Miami for mo money.

[tkb]

We'd lose some rebounding until Bynum gets back, but AK is a very good defender.

I'm just really torned on Odom right now. I wouldn't have minded trading him a couple weeks ago, but he's been amazing lately for us.

[hermes]

as much as everyone wants to trade odom, it won't be done if at all until next year when he's expiring
if everything clicks with odom when bynum comes back i'd love for him to sign for less and stay

[Jordan-esque]

I seriously doubt thats a possibility this year. Next year Odom becomes a large expiring and we will have had time to evaluate his new role. He's lighting up the boards and succeeding right now, and next year he's worth a ton. He's also the guy who helped spawn the chemistry we have. He set up team dinners and made the big effort to bring the team together.

I think the Lakers are going to keep him until he can show what he can do when Bynum comes back.

[mmyers37]

I don't understand why people keep saying we need to trade Odom. We WANT his expiring to expire so we can sign Bynum. Making trades will ONLY lock up money for longer periods of time. Hopefully Odom will re-sign for less in '09 if we win championships. Otherwise, I see him going back to Miami for mo money.

I'm pretty sure we can max out Bynum's deal regardless of our cap situation. Bird rights.

Am I wrong?

[Jordan-esque]

Pros:
+ 1-time All-Star
+ Better defensive player
+ Better perimeter game

Cons:
- Injury ridden
- Not known for playmaking
- Sub-par rebounder
- Have to learn the Triangle
- Complains about not being used offensively the "Right Way"
- Contract runs through 2011 and is owed $18 million

Don't know how his locker room personality is, but everyone in the Lakers right now are very tight like Joel & Stu mentioned.

[mmyers37]

as much as everyone wants to trade odom, it won't be done if at all until next year when he's expiring
if everything clicks with odom when bynum comes back i'd love for him to sign for less and stay

Even if Odom does click, do you think he would click more than Kirilenko??? The only weakness in Kirilenko's game is his hair-do.

Our cap is busted. The only reason to save money at this point is if you are really feeling sorry for Jerry Buss's personal bank account.

[djericho]

I say no...

Go to war with the team we have now. I think it's a perfect fit with Odom right now with the addition of Gasol. Gets only better when Bynum comes back. See how we do in the playoffs. I say with the talent at least WCF, depending on seedings only the Spurs would scare me on this team with a healthy team including Bynum and Ariza.

Only move I would do is see if Artest opts out in off season. If he does and wants to come in, we move Odom and go with Artest.

I think Artest would fit, he's a hot head but heck so was Rasheed Wallace. Phil can work with him like he did Rodman and Bison Dele.

[mmyers37]

Cons:
- Injury ridden
- Not known for playmaking- Sub-par rebounder
- Have to learn the Triangle
- Complains about not being used offensively the "Right Way"
- Contract runs through 2011 and is owed $18 million

I've seen him make some remarkable passes. You're right about the injuries though.

He would also have to learn the triangle, as you say, but so would anybody we pick up to replace Odom. I guess it comes down to whether or not you have fallen back in love with LO. I, personally, fall in the "get rid of Odom" camp, regardless of the recent statistical spike. He's still the guy that makes bad decisions at critical times.

[Sedale Threatt]

I say no...

Go to war with the team we have now. I think it's a perfect fit with Odom right now with the addition of Gasol. Gets only better when Bynum comes back. See how we do in the playoffs. I say with the talent at least WCF, depending on seedings only the Spurs would scare me on this team with a healthy team including Bynum and Ariza.

Only move I would do is see if Artest opts out in off season. If he does and wants to come in, we move Odom and go with Artest.

I think Artest would fit, he's a hot head but heck so was Rasheed Wallace. Phil can work with him like he did Rodman and Bison Dele.

Good post.

As skeptical as I am that Odom's going to maintain his production at a position that could highlight his biggest weaknesses, the chemistry on this team right now is as good as I've ever seen it. We should at least let this squad ride and give ourselves a postseason run to fully evaluate everything before we make any decisions.

[Deity Allah]

I like AK, but I would rather have Odom in the system you guys run with the players you guys already have.

You guys usually complain about Odom's turnovers. Wait you AK comes to town with his showboat passes that 50% of the time ends up in the hands of the other team or out of bounds.

His handle is suspect. Everytime he has the ball in his hands I get nervous that he's going to cough up the rock. He's the walking Turnover, not Odom.

Hands down, he's a better defended her than Odom obviously, but you guys are spoiled rotten. Ariza, Bryant & even Walton can play decent to good perimeter defense and guard the 3.

Plus, Kirilenko has a tendency to disappear in games (New Casper/Derrick Mckey)

Also, I'm not sold on Ak's shot. Sure, he's been working with Horny, but I don't really see where he's more of an improvement from the perimeter than Odom.

You guys better stick to what you have and be happy.

[8'sReverse]

Everything changed when Gasol was brought in... Odom should stay.