Spend spend spend?

[Dr Aki]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketbal ... ory?page=2

Buss is currently on pace to pay about $10 million in luxury taxes this season and might pay a similar dollar-for-dollar penalty with a commitment of already more than $75 million toward only nine players on next season's payroll.

He shrugged when presented the financial facts on Sunday.

"We have to do what we have to do," he said. "I certainly don't like to pay the luxury tax, but if that's what it takes to win, then we're going to pay it."

on top of the houston win today, is this more reason to celebrate???

[Anklebreaker702]

I think so, it tells me he's willing to pay to keep the needed players & Mitch will find a way to trade away pieces & get under the cap if need be. I like hearing that

[Erik Eleven]

As I've always said, Buss won't pinch the pennies if he knows he has a contender. Let's just hope the players in question don't get greedy for PT after this season.

[lakersfanatic]

Now that's an owner you would love to have on your side. "whatever it takes to win" He knows as well as most of us do that we have a very good chance at it this time around. I'm not trying to say that we're already winners because we're like what... 5 games into the season only. But given his commitment to this group already shows he's all in (no poke punn intended lol).

I'm all in as well.!! yall with me!!

GO LAKERS!!!

[Sedale Threatt]

I found it somewhat disappointing that the subject of Odom was not broached at all in the article. That's a pretty glaring omission in my opinion. "Retaining Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson are priorities" reads the tag line. Well, no isht. What about Lamar and Trevor Ariza?

[Minhee]

just playing devil's advocate here, wasn't this a PR move/statement? What else would he say? "I'm losing sleep over this payroll and I will go cheap on you next year when I let Ariza and Odom walk. "?

I have a feeling we will lose Ariza like the Celtics lost Posey.

[Tommy Trojan]

The man is all about winning, one word!

[Erik Eleven]

I have a feeling we will lose Ariza like the Celtics lost Posey.

I have a feeling they won't let him go anywhere.

[hermes]

just playing devil's advocate here, wasn't this a PR move/statement? What else would he say? "I'm losing sleep over this payroll and I will go cheap on you next year when I let Ariza and Odom walk. "?

I have a feeling we will lose Ariza like the Celtics lost Posey.

its a good point, he doesn't have a lot of choice in the matter on paying the 10 million this year

but its nice to hear it, instead of us just assuming that he'll pay it

[CITYOFANGELSX3]

When ariza becomes a free agent, all we'll have to offer him is the MLE right?

[kobesmyhomie]

What title contender isn't paying the luxury tax right now?

[dockingsched]

paying luxury tax was never in question so the article doesn't really add anything new. how much luxury tax he's willing to spend is the real question that needs to be answered.

[Sedale Threatt]

Exactly.

Now we have Buss on record, twice, as saying he'll assume the financial burden of keeping this team together. That's great.

But he still didn't offer many details -- something I blame the reporters for. Even Ding let it slide, and he's usually about as on-point as they come.

Does Jerry's statement mean mean he'll give Odom the 10-11 million he'll probably want? Does that mean he'll pay the mid-level offers Ariza might end up getting?

The whole story in question revolved around Bryant, which to me is a no-brainer. There's a set salary the Lakers can offer, and he's going to get it. End of that story. (Personally, I think it's kind of lame that he's probably going to expect a needless salary bump that might end up driving off a key piece, but that's another story for another day.)

But what about the not-so fine print? Still too abstract for my tastes.

[snaquille oatmeal]

I have a feeling that Odom and Ariza will be gone next season and Artest will be in. one for the prize of less than two.

[Luxury]

My bad, but I rather have Odom and Ariza than Artest.

[Dr Aki]

when you look at artest's play in houston, im not sure whether hed be a good fit for the lakers anymore

great man defense, crappy help defense, tends to be a black hole on offense at times

the mancrush for ronron was from seeing rad get pasted by pierce, now that hes improved his D, why are we looking to give out another MLE deal??

[salmahayek]

Buss is committed to winning and has shown that. The Gasol trade and the extension of Bynum are proof positive.

However, at what point does he say enough is enough? Bryant is going to opt out and re-sign for more $$$. Farmar is going to be extended as well, as the starting point guard, probably as soon as next year.

Luke Walton and Vladimir Radmonovic are essentially making MLE money, way past their true market value. It will be hard for the Lakers to move those contracts and reduce salary.

Odom will command a $10 - $11 mil a year and Ariza, with a nice year, will be a cinch for the MLE from someone.

Buss is committed to winning and wants to pass the Celtics for all - time # of championships won, before he passes on and Jim and Jeannie are making all the decisions.

This current group can possibly do that if kept together, but it could mean luxury taxes that might pay off the national deficit.

Artest is a logical focal point if the Lakers were to lose Odom, Ariza, or both. Artest will be out of Houston after this year when he sees first hand that you are not going to win a championship with Yao and T-Mac. Houston management possibly realizing this before this year's trade deadline might move Artest this year while they can still get something for him.