Andrei Kirilenko is the Missing Piece for Championship

[Jajwanda]

I have another idea:

Since Orlando wants J-Rich gone, include Blake+McRoberts (shorter salaries) in the Howard deal. Then see if Minnesota would bite on a J-Rich for Barea deal.

[ROballer]

How long does he have to play for us to get his bird rights?

If we offer a 2 yr deal worth 3 mil per year(MMLE) with the second one being a player option(so he won't pick his option),it's possible after the 1st year to sign him to a more lucrative offer ?

I think he'll be okay to make 3 mil in one year,if we promise him we'll sign him for more money later
Of course,if that's possible

[semi-sentient]

Anyone remember that game from 2006 or 2007 where AK absolutely abused Odom defensively? I don't think I've ever seen anyone get in Odom's ass the way AK did. Odom was having a hard time even getting a shot past AK... lol.

[Sedale Threatt]

Yeah, there was a stretch there where he was an absolute monster on D. Seem to remember some games where he gave Kobe a tough time as well. Smart player who can do a lot of things well. Didn't like him at max money but for whatever we can offer he would be an unbelievable pickup. We can dream...

[Cares]

Alright you persuaded me guys...let's get him!

[Penberthy]

Anyone remember that game from 2006 or 2007 where AK absolutely abused Odom defensively? I don't think I've ever seen anyone get in Odom's ass the way AK did. Odom was having a hard time even getting a shot past AK... lol.

It looked like a big brother who had the little brother's number. Like you said, he literally couldn't even get a shot off.

[milesfides]

It's awesome that we got Nash. Let's say we even get Howard. That doesn't necessarily mean we match up well against OKC and Miami.

OKC and MIami have been just blitzing teams with their talent and athleticism on the perimeter. They're putting their small forwards at the four, their shooting guards at the three.

I know the Lakers have been obsessed with the "Twin Tower" strategy the past few years. But when a big is matched up against Lebron or Durant, forget about it. Not going to work.

Kirilenko is the kryptonite for the mismatch that Lebron and Durant poses. Kirilenko is a barefoot 6'9", in shoes 6'10", the length to challenge shots, moves his feet to chase on drives, and just spectacular defensive instincts that put a lid on the basket.

He's a unique player.

And he'll come at the lowest price tag of his career. He is a free agent. He is 31 years old, young enough to still have plenty of juice left, old enough to be affordable, old enough to chase a championship. He has been keeping in shape by tearing it up in Europe.

And...

"The Russian forward, who signed a multi-year deal with CSKA Moscow, wants to pen a multi-year deal in NBA where he has played for 10 years with Utah Jazz. New Jersey Nets and Utah Jazz are the teams interested in him while Kirilenko would love to live in Los Angeles and sign with Lakers or Clippers. Kirilenko will play with CSKA Moscow until he signs a deal in the NBA." -sportando.net

[miggs]

It's awesome that we got Nash. Let's say we even get Howard. That doesn't necessarily mean we match up well against OKC and Miami.

OKC and MIami have been just blitzing teams with their talent and athleticism on the perimeter. They're putting their small forwards at the four, their shooting guards at the three.

I know the Lakers have been obsessed with the "Twin Tower" strategy the past few years. But when a big is matched up against Lebron or Durant, forget about it. Not going to work.

Kirilenko is the kryptonite for the mismatch that Lebron and Durant poses. Kirilenko is a barefoot 6'9", in shoes 6'10", the length to challenge shots, moves his feet to chase on drives, and just spectacular defensive instincts that put a lid on the basket.

He's a unique player.

And he'll come at the lowest price tag of his career. He is a free agent. He is 31 years old, young enough to still have plenty of juice left, old enough to be affordable, old enough to chase a championship. He has been keeping in shape by tearing it up in Europe.

And...

"The Russian forward, who signed a multi-year deal with CSKA Moscow, wants to pen a multi-year deal in NBA where he has played for 10 years with Utah Jazz. New Jersey Nets and Utah Jazz are the teams interested in him while Kirilenko would love to live in Los Angeles and sign with Lakers or Clippers. Kirilenko will play with CSKA Moscow until he signs a deal in the NBA." -sportando.net

is he aware of how little we can pay him? Also, would the Clippers be able to offer more?

[Jajwanda]

I'm getting excited over the possibilities. Kirilenko played out of position for years as a SF. He's a backup big man, a tweener 4 that should come off the bench.

[Kilroy]

is he aware of how little we can pay him? Also, would the Clippers be able to offer more?

Someone posted that he's making around $3M/yr from Moscow...

That's less than the MMLE, but I'm not sure what the Vet Min is.

[miggs]

is he aware of how little we can pay him? Also, would the Clippers be able to offer more?

Someone posted that he's making around $3M/yr from Moscow...

That's less than the MMLE, but I'm not sure what the Vet Min is.

Still, could the Clips give more? Unless he's hell bent on coming to Los Angeles, I feel other teams would offer him more. Kirilenko is a quality piece, especially in these times. He would REALLY put us over the top. I just don't see him coming here for only $3m regardless of his contract situation in his home country.

[Jajwanda]

Why do you not see it? The Clippers can't give more. Utah is interested but they're not going buck wild and if his price overseas is in the same range he can definitely come to his favorite city and well after that we have a role player like L.O. (except he's arguably more complete).

[miggs]

Why do you not see it? The Clippers can't give more. Utah is interested but they're not going buck wild and if his price overseas is in the same range he can definitely come to his favorite city and well after that we have a role player like L.O. (except he's arguably more complete).

1) How do you know Utah isn't going buck wild? They could really use AK-47 with that squad now. Al Jeff moves slow enough.

2) Keep in mind he was playing back home, for all we know he took less money to play for that powerhouse CSKA Moscow.


I'm just not trying to get all excited, I'm grateful for Steve Nash and possibly Dwight, however, I do think if that article miles posted has sources that are credible and not like other foreign sites/publications like Marca, which is always full of it. So we'll just have to see, seems way too good to be true. I'm not sure you're aware of how good AK-47 would be for title competing teams looking to slow down the small ball that's taking shape here.

[Jajwanda]

More than aware...

He was an all-star PF with only bulk being his only problem. Coming off the bench that's mitigated. Upgrading over one year from McRoberts/Murphy to Kirilenko would be as big of an upgrade as Sessions to Nash and that's without exaggeration.

[miggs]

More than aware...

He was an all-star PF with only bulk being his only problem. Coming off the bench that's mitigated. Upgrading over one year from McRoberts/Murphy to Kirilenko would be as big of an upgrade as Sessions to Nash and that's without exaggeration.

Of course brother, of course. I'm just saying, it's a long shot to get him for $3m and that our hope in signing him here is if 1) He's sold on settling in Los Angeles and 2) Clips can't offer more. You said Clips can't offer more so I'll take your word for it, I'm too lazy to check it. It's break time at work

[Lakerholic44]

milesfides, you're one of the few posters whose posts I actually take the time to read and or respond to...albeit my posts are scarce. You're dead on with Ivan Drago.

The way James and Durant will keep on evolving it's going to be essential for teams to find ballers on the defensive side of the ball that can me life a little tough for Durant and James. Just they way it seemed like ever team was trying to find ways wing defenders to try and deter Kobe, Wade, and others in years past (Raja Bell, Bruce Bowen, Doug Christie, etc.), now the focus will obviously shift to KD and LJ.

It's funny, because I've seen so-called writers and so called tv analysts claim that if Grant Hill is added to the Lakers, that it would propel them over OKC in the west. Grant would get eaten up alive going up against KD or LJ, and their length and strength (with LJ mostly, of course) would hurt him severely on the offensive side of the ball.

I say the lakers need to add at least one more defender to to try and nullify James and Durant. Kobe and D up against them in short stretches, but at his age, he'll get eaten alive both in the perimeter and in the post if he does so for long stretches. Ronald Artest, IMO, did a very good job on Durant this season including the post-season. Durant did the majority of his damage against other defenders not named Peace and also in the fast break. But, head-to-head, when Perkins wasn't setting another one of his patented illegal screens, Peace was very good against Durant.

However, the problem was that LA didn't have anyone to turn to once Peace tired and/or went to the bench. Ebanks has the length and potential to be a strong defender, and has shown glimpses, but he needs to learn angles and use his feet better to go with his length and athleticism. IF the Lakers re-sign him, which I hope they do, then he needs to really focus on the D side as well as the offensive side of the ball.

Ebanks in the fold, does that mean no AK47? Nope, I would still go strong after him as he would also be yet another long and very good defender to throw at KD and LJ. I won't detail AK47s attributes, as my post is already to lengthy and the initial post did plenty of that already. Furthermore, AK47 would give the Lakers the capability to unleash more athletic lineups if needed. If the Lakers want sheer speed and athleticism? Go with Jordan Hill, Kirilenko , Ebanks, Kobe, and Nash. Severe length? Byum, Gasol, Kirilenko, Kobe, Nash. Severe length and power? Byum, Gasol, Kirilenko, MWP, Kobe? A variant of athleticism? Gasol, Kirilenko , Ebanks, Kobe, and Nash.

In these scenarios, something is clear. LA still needs a hyprid combo guard than can spell Kobe or Nash. Goudelock or Johnson-Odom might do the trick. Emphasis on MIGHT. Morris, I'm not touching, he was way to erratic last year. I'm hoping Blake gets moved or amnestied as he was way to unpredictable and a huge liability on defense. This combo guard would be someone like Randy Foye or OJ Mayo. Mayo, can get more money elsewhere, but he would be my first choice.

However, Foye would demand the full mini as would AK47. I give the nod to Foye in this instance, only because LA needs a reliable and backup combo guard badly, and because they already have Peace on board (with Ebanks potentially blossoming). However, Foye is reported to want to go to the Knicks in search of a starting spot. Food for though, after the All-Star break, Foye led the NBA for most three-pointers made with 87, edging out New York's Steve Novak by two makes.

[desertlakerfan]

AK47 going to be on NBA TV right now, Russia vs Nigeria in the Olympic qualifying tourney. Time to see how he looks.

[Jazza2319]

Am i in the minority thinking this guy would be phenomenal for our team?

He can't really shoot but he's a awesome defender and weak side shot blocker. He'd be a great asset to throw at guys like Durant and Lebron and i think nash would be the perfect PG for him. He's also a great passer but that tends to be overlooked.

For the MMLE I'd say he's the absolute perfect compliment to our team and his value on the defensive end come playoff time would be huge. I know he mentioned always wanting to play in LA last offseason so it should really only be a question of money or what he wants to do.

Imagine being able to throw grant hill and kirilenko at the premier offensive wing players to conserve Kobe.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2

[Dr Aki]

did you miss the AK47 thread 6 levels down?

[Sofa King]

What a brilliantly non-original idea!

(Here's the link the mile's thread that Aki pointed out.)