Luke Walton considering retirement

The Skyhook · Post #1 » by **The Skyhook** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:53 pm

Was reading ESPN today and came across this.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/71478 ... candidates

The only apparent disclaimer is the possibility that the Lakers could double dip in terms of savings in the form of injury relief should Walton elect to retire, which would then make a subsequent amnesty divorce from the mercurial Metta hard to resist financially. One team insider said that Walton, though just 31, has indeed begun to contemplate retirement because of a debilitating back condition, with Walton himself telling ESPN.com's Andy Katz earlier this summer that he's seen multiple doctors who have advised him to stop playing. So stay tuned.

If Luke were to retire that could possibly open up a spot for someone like Battier. It would leave the Lakers with amnesty which probably would come down to Blake and Artest. There are also rumors that J.R Smith would be released from his Chinese team once the lockout ends. Even though I don't think J.R. Smith would be thrilled to play on the Lakers behind Kobe, he would still be my first choice to go after.

Post #2 » by **Kilroy** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:58 pm

The Skyhook wrote:Was reading ESPN today and came across this.

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/71478 ... candidates
The only apparent disclaimer is the possibility that the Lakers could double dip in terms of savings in the form of injury relief should Walton elect to retire, which would then make a subsequent amnesty divorce from the mercurial Metta hard to resist financially. One team insider said that Walton, though just 31, has indeed begun to contemplate retirement because of a debilitating back condition, with Walton himself telling ESPN.com's Andy Katz earlier this summer that he's seen multiple doctors who have advised him to stop playing. So stay tuned.

If Luke were to retire that could possibly open up a spot for someone like Battier.

I saw this too... Luke and Metta out... Someone decent in.

I generally don't get too caught up in who might come in as a FA in the off-season generally because it seems like the guy that eventually does come is the one who wanted it most and is therefor the best fit.

But I think there's an opportunity there for us to bring in a good contributor or 2 at the SF and/or G spots.

Post #3 » by **dockingsched** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 7:48 pm

luke retiring would be very welcomed news at just the right time.

Post #4 » by **Slava** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 8:05 pm

Do it Luke

The_Trade_Seer · Post #5 » by **The_Trade_Seer** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:08 pm

If Luke retires I say we amnesty Blake and trade Odom and MWP to the 76'ers for Iggy straight up.

We then sign an amnesty cut PG like Baron/Arenas/Calderon, split the MLE between Kenyon Martin and Grant Hill and give vet min contracts to Iverson and Kwame.

PG: Fisher/Blake/Morris
SG: Kobe/Iverson/Barnes/Goudelock
SF: Iggy/Hill/Ebanks
PF: Gasol/Martin/Caracter
C: Bynum/Kwame

Post #6 » by **TyCobb** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:20 pm

I'd promise him a Front Office job if he retired.

Post #7 » by **Kilroy** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:23 pm

TyCobb wrote:I'd promise him a Front Office job if he retired.

Hell, Brown is hiring everyone and his brother for his staff as it is... Making Walton and assistant coach couldn't be that big a deal...

Post #8 » by **snaquille oatmeal** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 9:41 pm

keep in mind that if Luke retires we don't have to amnesty anybody right away. the amnesty is good for as long as the new CBA is valid. so we could potentially wait a while to take advantage.

Dalakerbox · Post #9 » by **Dalakerbox** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:01 pm

snaquille oatmeal wrote:keep in mind that if Luke retires we don't have to amnesty anybody right away. the amnesty is good for as long as the new CBA is valid. so we could potentially wait a while to take advantage.

very true, who knows Blake and Metta might work out in Browns system.

Gek · Post #10 » by **Gek** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:12 pm

snaquille oatmeal wrote:keep in mind that if Luke retires we don't have to amnesty anybody right away. the amnesty is good for as long as the new CBA is valid. so we could potentially wait a while to take advantage.

I realize no one knows if there will be an amnesty clause or not, but was the last one only applicable for salaries on a team's books at the time that he new CBA begins?

Post #11 » by **dockingsched** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 10:14 pm

there will be an amnesty, thats a given.

the last one gave teams a two week period to use their amnesty from the time the CBA was ratified.

Dr Aki · Post #12 » by **Dr Aki** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 12:10 am

the amnesty is valid throughout the life of the CBA right (or is it 2 years?)

i wouldnt be using it on MWP or luke. thats meagre savings compared to a potential hedo or arenas amnesty

id wait until i had a true albatross contract to waive before id use it. if not, then use it on artest after this season

Jetset · Post #13 » by **Jetset** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 12:26 am

it's throughout the life of the cba.

and doesn't artest become an expiring after this season?

KingLakers · Post #14 » by **KingLakers** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 1:09 am

Nothing is official yet about how long the amnesty is good for some said its 2yrs others say the full CBA. Also AI on LA i really doubt the Lakers will make such drastic changes before a lockout shortened season. At most if Luke retires and Artest is amnestied I see Barnes moving to the starting 5 and then maybe splitting the MLE between Battier and a backup SG and then signing a bakup C and backup PF with vet minimums.
My Lakers roster is this if Walton retires and Artest is amnestied
PG. Fisher, Blake, Morris
SG. Kobe, D. Stevenson
SF. Barnes, Battier, Ebanks
PF.Pau, Lamar, Powell
C. Bynum, Foster
I didn't include Godluck or Caracter because there no guarantee either of those 2 will make the final roster. I think Josh Powell can be brought back at an affordable price. Foster just fits and Stevenson i think is the best option of the free agent SG's out there. Other options at backup SG are Shannon because if he doesn't get immediate interest from someone whenever free agency starts he may come back to LA also potential amnesty cuts Roy and Arenas could be options but it depends how much money they want.

Wavy Q · Post #15 » by **Wavy Q** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 1:10 am

KingLakers · Post #16 » by **KingLakers** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 1:11 am

Artest has a player option for the 2012-2013 season.

tugs · Post #17 » by **tugs** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 1:17 am

if Luke retires and they don't cut anyone right away, it'll be a thrilling trade deadline.

Wait,is there a deadline for using the amnesty in a season?

That Nicka · Post #18 » by **That Nicka** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 3:14 am

Wow thats awesome... I love Luke, but it would be great for us if he retired... If we do get a MLE, however, I would use it Blake and not Artest.... Use MLE to get a solid PG... Thats our biggest need and Artest is still a good defender and ok 3 pt shooter

Post #19 » by **semi-sentient** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 5:32 pm

Jay From LA wrote:

Post #20 » by **dockingsched** » Tue Nov 1, 2011 6:55 pm

KingLakers wrote:Artest has a player option for the 2012-2013 season.

2013-2014, a yr after what you posted. this season (whatever there is of it) and next season are fully guaranteed.