Post#45 » by Lakerholic44 » Wed Jul 9, 2008 5:30 pm
Maggette gone to GS
James Jones, probably gone to Miami
Pietrus gone to Orlando
So, that leaves LA with a few other options....
James Posey. It all depends on what offer is best for him at this point as he's looking to get paid as much as possible, being that this is his last contract. We all know about his toughness, clutch shooting, defense, and intangibles...which is why he's appealing.
Jarvis Hayes. IMO, could be a better version of James Posey once he settles down with a team and gets more minutes in a rotation as he has better handles and is a better outside shooter. His defense isn't as tenacious nor his rebounding, but he is more skilled overall.
Kelenna Azubuike. A tough, well-built two guard who can stroke it from the outside and can finish strong at the rim. He needs work defensively, especially after playing for Nellie a few seasons, but he has the athleticism and skills set to flourish on both ends of the court. IMO, would be an upgrade over Sasha and won't get pushed around by any 2 guard. Would compliment Kobe nicely as he wouldn't be asked to handle the ball two much, something he needs some work in, but can guard the 1 and the 2 positions while being able to overpower almost all the 1s when he's on offense. IMO, if LA offers him enough, they can pry him away from GS as they likely won't match.
Ricky Davis. Talented, can shoot lights out, but is cantankerous as heck. Still, would be an upgrade over Snasha in several ways, except his overall heart and commitment. Maybe Phillip can help straighten his dome as Phil loves to deal with these types of players.
Shaun Livingston. Worth a risk? I would do it at the right price, but then I would keep my fingers crossed that he gains some weight and works on his outside stroke....and stays healthy, of course, but that goes without saying.
Gordan Giricek. A decent euro replacement who can shoot, to replace Snasha...if Snasha were to leave.
Kareem Rush. A decent vet who can shoo to replace Snasha...if Snasha were to leave.
Maurice Evans. If Sasha leaves, he's worth a look. We all know about Maurice and what he brings to the table.
Quinton Ross. I'm not sold on him the way other people are, especially because he gets worked by bigger SFs, he can guard the 2 spot and smaller slighter built 3s, and although he can guard some 1s, he can't stay with the elite 1s in any way shape or form. So, being that he's almost one-dimensional on offense, I really can't see how he could LA much. Come to think of it, why is he even on this list?
Eduardo Najera. Sign him to the LLE or part of the MLE, and Turiaf won't be missed at all as he's a tougher baller, can stroke it from the downtown, and has better handles. Oh yeah, plays better on ball defense as well AND would be cheaper than Turiaf.
Kurt Thomas. Out-rebounded Turiaf and the Lakers single handedly when he got some minutes in the playoffs against LA. Long in the tooth, but he has a season or two left and would be great off the bench as well at teaching the youngsters a thing or two about how to cheat, err, how to use some vet tricks and get away with them. A solid mid-range shooter and very good rebounder and solid defender. Also an upgrade over Turiaf.
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One traded I'm really intrigued with is this...
Lamar Odom and Luke Walton for Andres Nocioni and Kirk Hinrich. This would solve two things for LA, they would find a tougher and better shooting baller at the 2 spot and if Nocioni has problems guarding some 3s...then bring in Ariza. Hinrich would be and upgrade on both ends and would flourish next to Kobe and in the triangle. Hinrich won't get worked as much by other 1s and is a very good defender. Meanwhile, LA gets rid of Walton who is dead weight, IMO, and Chicago upgrades at the PF position.
