Lakers "Realistic PF" Alternatives

[joe.linnen]

Tim Thomas- 3 point range, nice size, and can play both forward position. WIth a loaded team like the Suns in 2005-06 season in 24.4 minutes Thomas put up 11.0ppg/4.9rpg/43.5FG%/42.9 3p%. That was with him playing with Nash, Bell, Marion, and Diaw in the starting line up and Barbosa coming off the bench. Playing with players like Bryant, Gasol, Bynum, and Artest will get him all the open shots he'll need. He'll be able to spread the floor better than Odom as well.

[The_Trade_Seer]

NO THANKS to Tim Thomas. If LO leaves, we don't need more scoring, we need defense, rebounding and toughness. We also really need someone who can play some minutes at the 5 and not just the 3/4.

That said, I like four options and they are as follows:

1.) SHELDEN WILLIAMS: 6'9, 250, 25 years old

Per-40-averages: 14.2Ppg, 14.5rpg, 1.4bpg, 2.0spg, 1.0-1.7 ast/to ratio, 44.1 fg% and 66.7 ft%

WHY: "The Landlord" can flat out rebound, block shots, get steals and play great man to man and team defense. He isn't going to score much but can knock down his free throws unlike Ben Wallace. He's also just 25 years old and could be a solid role player for the next 5-7 seasons.

2.) BEN WALLACE

Per-40-averages: 5.1Ppg, 11.1rpg, 2.2bpg, 1.5spg, 1.3-1.0 ast/to ratio, 44.5 fg% and 42.2 ft%

WHY: The guy can't shoot to save his life but he is a warrior and still a good defender. One last year and one more ring is all Big Ben is thinking about so why not let him expend all his energy to accomplish such as a Laker?

3.) JOE SMITH

Per-40-averages: 13.2ppg, 9.8rpg, 1.4bpg, .6spg, 1.6-1.0 ast/to ratio, 49.6 fg% and 75 ft%

WHY: Old man Joe is just flat out "solid" in every aspect of the game, and has a hunger to win his first NBA title, nuff said.

4.) IKE DIOGU: 6'9, 250, 26 years old

Career Per-40-averages: 19.7ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.0bpg, .6spg, 1.0-2.5 ast/to ratio, 50.1 fg% and 80.4 ft%

WHY: Check out the per 40 stats above and understand those are for his career. He put up insane per 40 stats of 25.9ppg and 11.0rpg with the Kings last year including real stats of 60 points and 24 rebounds in the team;s final two games of the season. This kid has potential and is a great low post scorer, solid rebounder, high percentage shooter and good free throw shooter. He's not the defender that the above three players are however.

[Mindflayer]

I like your logic AI-in-LA fro 1, 3, and 4. No way would I consider Ben Wallace over Mbenga at this point. BW is done.

[richboy]

You also have trade options. The Lakers could work out a sign and trade with Odom and the Heat. Actually if I was the Lakers I would let that go public. Easy for Miami to say they give Odom the full MLE. If he knows LA will work a sign and trade if he chooses suddenly Miami will be expected to get closer to that 5 years 50 million.

If the Lakers could get Haslem I would almost feel like they are better. Nothing against Odom but his biggest impact on the team is offense. With Artest now this team isn't really in need of another offensive first player. Haslem would fit exactly what they need.

Could also trade Morrison to a team that wants to get more cap space for next summer. Even something like Morrison/ Walton for Curry could make sense. Having Curry on the roster wouldn't be my first option. Having another legit center that can challenge Bynum isn't a bad thing. Really if you could get 48 minutes of solid center play you wouldn't have a need for Odom. Odom is only needed because the big question mark about Bynum. You add another center I'm not sure you have much to worry about.

[SApuro_]

If LO decides to depart for Mia your best option is someone you already have...thats Bynum. Tim Thomas isn't the answer, Big ben looked terrible last yr, and Warrick is too expensive. I think Joe Smith would be a nice pick up but looks like Cle is going to lock him up.

Your best bet is to give Bynum all those mins and put pressure on him to produce. It's not like he isn't capable of putting up big numbers and he's already getting paid big dollars.

LO leaving might be a blessing in disguise as Bynum will finally make big strides like he was pre-injury.

[daddyfivestar]

Tim Thomas does not have any game left. If he did, Chicago wouldn't have RELEASED him and eaten his 6m cap hit.

^ SApuro exactly, if Odom goes, that's why I'm saying forget all this PF talk and get in a better b/u C to give Pau Zero minutes at the 5 and let him play exclusively at the 4. Then there is no need to get another PF. Powell and Ron Ron can handle the other 8-12 minutes per game at the 4.
Bynum for 32-36 mpg at Center and a solid b/u for 12-16 mpg takes care of business, and gives a C rotation of Bynum, backup, Mbenga (and only then if there is massive foul trouble go to Pau).

[Mamba Venom]

The reality is that there are none

Its either pay an extra mil per year OR

next years squad will have Artest but no LO or Ariza

So a weaker Laker squad vs. a better Celtics, Cavs, Spurs, Magic squad...

I hope Buss isnt turning into Al Davis