[::2009 Champion LAKERS OFF-SEASON THREAD Vol. Boring Non-News Days Causing In-Thread Tension::]

[kb8sandiego]

So nothing got resolved eh in regards to the LO situation?

Ok, back to the cave for me.

 

[tupac003]

[h2]MIAMI HEAT[/h2] [h1]Pursuit of Lamar Odom puts Riley's negotiation skills to test[/h1] [h2]Lamar Odom is expected to make a decision about his future in a few days, and the Miami Heat's Pat Riley and Dwyane Wade apparently still are lobbying hard.[/h2] [h3]BY MICHAEL WALLACE[/h3] [h3][email protected][/h3]
As the story goes, team president Pat Riley was in a room a few months back with dozens of Miami Heat fans on the verge of canceling their season tickets.

The reasons they gave ranged from having to make sacrifices in a slumping economy to the Heat's gradual drop off since the team won its lone NBA title in 2006.

Riley listened to each concern, rubbed his chin and launched his best sales pitch.

``I had an opportunity to speak with three groups that were on the fence for a number of reasons -- the economy, the product, the price,'' Riley said as he recalled the impact of his message. ``And they all renewed. So just get in a room and let me talk.''

If only things were that simple with the team's ongoing efforts to recruit free agent forward Lamar Odom.

After moving into striking distance of acquiring its top free agent target, the Heat continued Tuesday to play the waiting game for Odom, who is grappling with a decision to sign with Miami or return to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers.

Both teams are hopeful of a decision from Odom within the next few days, according to multiple sources.

Riley and Heat guard Dwyane Wade were in Los Angeles over the weekend for business and personal reasons, but also presumably to further entice Odom to accept the full midlevel contract of up to $34 million over five seasons.

A Los Angeles TV station reported that Riley and Wade were scheduled to meet with Odom and his agent Monday night. A Heat spokesman Tuesday would neither confirm nor deny the station's report.

Odom and Wade have been close friends since they played together on the Heat's 2003-04 team. Odom was traded to the Lakers after that season in a deal that delivered Shaquille O'Neal -- and, eventually, a title -- to Miami.

Wade has used his Twitter account to send messages about his desire to reunite with Odom. After sending a message Saturday that said he was in Los Angeles to bring Odom back to Miami, Wade sent another tweet Tuesday to say he was moving on to Portland for an endorsement meeting with Nike.

Several Internet and print reports outlets have speculated that Odom and agent Jeff Schwartz are using the Heat's interest as leverage to get a better deal from the Lakers.

According to reports, the Lakers initially offered Odom deals spanning three to four seasons worth between $27 millions and $36 million -- or about $9 million per season. But Lakers owner Jerry Buss pulled the offers after he learned that Odom was negotiating with the Heat. Talks between Odom and the Lakers reportedly resumed last week amid reports that Buss had decreased the offer by $4 million to $6 million overall.

Any deal with the Lakers is still believed to be more lucrative annually than the $5.85 million first-year salary Odom could get from the Heat. Miami is limited to only the midlevel because the team is well above the NBA salary cap and slightly above the $69.9 million luxury tax on excessive payrolls.

The Heat is hoping that Florida's income tax break -- which could add about $1 million a season to Odom's take-home pay -- and an early opt-out clause would close some of the gap.

Neither Odom, Schwartz nor Riley have returned repeated phone calls since the Heat first confirmed interest in Odom three weeks ago amid Wade's public questioning of his team's roster and ability to contend in the Eastern Conference.

An Odom addition would be the Heat's answer to splashy moves by Cleveland (O'Neal), Boston (Rasheed Wallace), Orlando (Vince Carter) and Atlanta (Jamal Crawford) -- teams that finished ahead of Miami last season.

Riley said in June that the team's priority was to protect its salary cap space in 2010 and that he likely wouldn't use the team's numerous exceptions on contracts that would extend beyond the 2009-10 season.

But that plan evidently was altered after Wade, who is eligible for a three-year contract extension and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, said he would hold off on a commitment until upgrades were made.

Odom, a 6-10 forward who can play all five positions, has averaged 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds in 10 seasons. He was instrumental in the Lakers' playoff run and was expected to return after he helped the team win its 15th NBA title.

But an early-season demotion to the bench combined with the current contract dispute may have placed discouraging bookends to an otherwise solid run for Odom in Los Angeles.

The Heat also has been linked with vary levels of interest to free agent guard Allen Iverson and disgruntled Utah Jazz forward Carlos Boozer.

But if the Heat fails to land Odom, it is unclear if Riley will continue to pursue major moves this offseason or fall back to his initial plan for an overhaul next summer.

``I think he sees what we're doing, understands what we're trying to do,'' Riley said of Wade. ``He knows that we're not just trying to build a team around him, but a team to win.''

 

[percy.]

I really hope this week is the end of it so that we can just move on. It's been about almost a month of this dragging on and everyone's getting anxiousand impatient.

 

[heat23]

I have this gut feeling that LO will stay with the LAkers

 

[herman818]

Don't flame me but what about bringing in the "Answer" Allen Iverson if Lamar jets? Everyone has counted him out and I think he can still ballbetter than most of the other people in the league. Hell, we already brought in Artest. If Kobe can tame him then why not Iverson too? Kobe can play the 3 andAI can play at the 2. Only issue I see is the backcourt will be small. Imagine having a Lakers Iverson jersey. I can dream right.

 

[iminchucks5]

i dont see AI fitting in with LA at all

 

[ryda421]

 

[iminchucks5]

Ron artest got a new haircut....avy check

 

[tupac003]

Originally Posted by herman818

Don't flame me but what about bringing in the "Answer" Allen Iverson if Lamar jets? Everyone has counted him out and I think he can still ball better than most of the other people in the league. Hell, we already brought in Artest. If Kobe can tame him then why not Iverson too? Kobe can play the 3 and AI can play at the 2. Only issue I see is the backcourt will be small. Imagine having a Lakers Iverson jersey. I can dream right.

You can dream but you shouldn't.

AI doesn't fit at all. He isn't the answer to anything right now.

Just get LO back.

 

[CP1708]

Iverson.
Jesus Christ.

This is a friggin nightmare.......

 

[noblekane]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Iverson.
Jesus Christ.

This is a friggin nightmare.......

hey i would have iverson off the bench to run that unit but iverson dont wanna come off no bench

i would have no problem with ai coming off the bench and doing what the hell hewants.

back to odom....what the hell is his problem? he gonna go back to the team that sold him out for shaq? the lakers could have traded his butt but they didnt...they remained loyal to him. if you look at the situation, its karma for pat riley... you sold your soul to the devil (trading your young guys for shaq) and nowyou gonna pay the price cuz you have nothing now and so wade is gonna bolt. Take it like a man riley and get whats coming to you!

 

[ctdaprince]

ive always admired iverson and his game but if he dont wanna come off the bench than i dont want him

could you imagine a bench with iverson and LO that would be

 

[CP1708]

Iverson and Artest, could we add anymore non winners to the roster? Why not Nash? Maybe we could dust off Chuck and bring him back to fill Lamar's shoes.

Please, no more anit winners on this team. I'm begging. 1 is enough. Let AI go play for the Grizz, or the Bobs. Better yet, send him to the Spurs orCeltics.

 

[ctdaprince]

http://www.youtube.com/v/l3BUkLmrvPA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01http://www.youtube.com/v/l3BUkLmrvPA&hl=en&fs=1&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01

i guess this is for one of his endorsment deals

i cant wait for the season to start

 

[notorious 858]

Originally Posted by NobleKane

Originally Posted by CP1708

Iverson.
Jesus Christ.

This is a friggin nightmare.......

hey i would have iverson off the bench to run that unit but iverson dont wanna come off no bench

i would have no problem with ai coming off the bench and doing what the hell he wants.

back to odom....what the hell is his problem? he gonna go back to the team that sold him out for shaq? the lakers could have traded his butt but they didnt... they remained loyal to him. if you look at the situation, its karma for pat riley... you sold your soul to the devil (trading your young guys for shaq) and now you gonna pay the price cuz you have nothing now and so wade is gonna bolt. Take it like a man riley and get whats coming to you!

Nah man I look at it this way. Slick Pat is just trying to do anything he can to keep DWhistle from leaving south beach for the Big Apple nextsummer. DWhistle right now is in the same situation where Kobe was back in the summer of 2007 where he's frustrated of losing seasons, 1st round exits, andnow he's trying to win a ring without Shaq. Slick Pat knows that Odom is the key to them getting Carlos Boozer also. I just don't think a team builtwith DWhistle, LO, and Boozer could be serious contenders in the east with the C's, Cavs, but they would have a better shot than the Magic of making it tothe Finals next season.

 

[CP1708]

Originally Posted by Notorious 858

Originally Posted by NobleKane

Originally Posted by CP1708

Iverson.
Jesus Christ.

This is a friggin nightmare.......

hey i would have iverson off the bench to run that unit but iverson dont wanna come off no bench

i would have no problem with ai coming off the bench and doing what the hell he wants.

back to odom....what the hell is his problem? he gonna go back to the team that sold him out for shaq? the lakers could have traded his butt but they didnt... they remained loyal to him. if you look at the situation, its karma for pat riley... you sold your soul to the devil (trading your young guys for shaq) and now you gonna pay the price cuz you have nothing now and so wade is gonna bolt. Take it like a man riley and get whats coming to you!

Nah man I look at it this way. Slick Pat is just trying to do anything he can to keep DWhistle from leaving south beach for the Big Apple next summer. DWhistle right now is in the same situation where Kobe was back in the summer of 2007 where he's frustrated of losing seasons, 1st round exits, and now he's trying to win a ring without Shaq. Slick Pat knows that Odom is the key to them getting Carlos Boozer also. I just don't think a team built with DWhistle, LO, and Boozer could be serious contenders in the east with the C's, Cavs, but they would have a better shot than the Magic of making it to the Finals next season.

I hope that's a typo.

Gotta be......

 

[goldmember]

^

 

[notorious 858]

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by Notorious 858

Originally Posted by NobleKane

Originally Posted by CP1708

Iverson.
Jesus Christ.

This is a friggin nightmare.......

hey i would have iverson off the bench to run that unit but iverson dont wanna come off no bench

i would have no problem with ai coming off the bench and doing what the hell he wants.

back to odom....what the hell is his problem? he gonna go back to the team that sold him out for shaq? the lakers could have traded his butt but they didnt... they remained loyal to him. if you look at the situation, its karma for pat riley... you sold your soul to the devil (trading your young guys for shaq) and now you gonna pay the price cuz you have nothing now and so wade is gonna bolt. Take it like a man riley and get whats coming to you!

Nah man I look at it this way. Slick Pat is just trying to do anything he can to keep DWhistle from leaving south beach for the Big Apple next summer. DWhistle right now is in the same situation where Kobe was back in the summer of 2007 where he's frustrated of losing seasons, 1st round exits, and now he's trying to win a ring without Shaq. Slick Pat knows that Odom is the key to them getting Carlos Boozer also. I just don't think a team built with DWhistle, LO, and Boozer could be serious contenders in the east with the C's, Cavs, but they would have a better shot than the Magic of making it to the Finals next season.

I hope that's a typo.

Gotta be......

Nope !

Seriously. I really look at it this way. The Magic took a couple steps back with the off season moves they made. Losing Turgolu and then trading Courtney Lee& Rafer for Halfman/Half a season. Also losing Gortat was a big loss for them.

 

[pdoggy85]

Originally Posted by Notorious 858

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by Notorious 858

Originally Posted by NobleKane

Originally Posted by CP1708

Iverson.
Jesus Christ.

This is a friggin nightmare.......

hey i would have iverson off the bench to run that unit but iverson dont wanna come off no bench

i would have no problem with ai coming off the bench and doing what the hell he wants.

back to odom....what the hell is his problem? he gonna go back to the team that sold him out for shaq? the lakers could have traded his butt but they didnt... they remained loyal to him. if you look at the situation, its karma for pat riley... you sold your soul to the devil (trading your young guys for shaq) and now you gonna pay the price cuz you have nothing now and so wade is gonna bolt. Take it like a man riley and get whats coming to you!

Nah man I look at it this way. Slick Pat is just trying to do anything he can to keep DWhistle from leaving south beach for the Big Apple next summer. DWhistle right now is in the same situation where Kobe was back in the summer of 2007 where he's frustrated of losing seasons, 1st round exits, and now he's trying to win a ring without Shaq. Slick Pat knows that Odom is the key to them getting Carlos Boozer also. I just don't think a team built with DWhistle, LO, and Boozer could be serious contenders in the east with the C's, Cavs, but they would have a better shot than the Magic of making it to the Finals next season.

I hope that's a typo.

Gotta be......

Nope !

Seriously. I really look at it this way. The Magic took a couple steps back with the off season moves they made. Losing Turgolu and then trading Courtney Lee & Rafer for Halfman/Half a season. Also losing Gortat was a big loss for them.

Taking L's left and right.

 

[black entourage inc]

Originally Posted by Notorious 858

Originally Posted by CP1708

Originally Posted by Notorious 858

Originally Posted by NobleKane

Originally Posted by CP1708

Iverson.
Jesus Christ.

This is a friggin nightmare.......

hey i would have iverson off the bench to run that unit but iverson dont wanna come off no bench

i would have no problem with ai coming off the bench and doing what the hell he wants.

back to odom....what the hell is his problem? he gonna go back to the team that sold him out for shaq? the lakers could have traded his butt but they didnt... they remained loyal to him. if you look at the situation, its karma for pat riley... you sold your soul to the devil (trading your young guys for shaq) and now you gonna pay the price cuz you have nothing now and so wade is gonna bolt. Take it like a man riley and get whats coming to you!

Nah man I look at it this way. Slick Pat is just trying to do anything he can to keep DWhistle from leaving south beach for the Big Apple next summer. DWhistle right now is in the same situation where Kobe was back in the summer of 2007 where he's frustrated of losing seasons, 1st round exits, and now he's trying to win a ring without Shaq. Slick Pat knows that Odom is the key to them getting Carlos Boozer also. I just don't think a team built with DWhistle, LO, and Boozer could be serious contenders in the east with the C's, Cavs, but they would have a better shot than the Magic of making it to the Finals next season.

I hope that's a typo.

Gotta be......

Nope !

Seriously. I really look at it this way. The Magic took a couple steps back with the off season moves they made. Losing Turgolu and then trading Courtney Lee & Rafer for Halfman/Half a season. Also losing Gortat was a big loss for them.

Uhh....Gortat is still on the Magic...they matched his offer

 

[CP1708]

Now that was funny. I chuckled.

 

[badboyf0life420]

Originally Posted by Notorious 858

Nope !

Seriously. I really look at it this way. The Magic took a couple steps back with the off season moves they made. Losing Turgolu and then trading Courtney Lee & Rafer for Halfman/Half a season. Also losing Gortat was a big loss for them.

just stop ... you cant have an opinion if u dont even know whos playing on oneteam...
btw vince carter >>>>> hedo

 

[senorroboto2k5]

Nash Reflects, Rips Gasol Trade
Jul 29, 2009 3:48 PM EST
Having just signed a contract extension with the Suns, Steve Nash took just a few seconds to look back on the last few years.

"You know what? I enjoy life too much to look back a lot," Nash told the Arizona Republic of his five years with the Suns. "I have too much to look forward to each day, too much left to accomplish and work for. Yeah, it's a shame and it hurts, if I take a minute to stop and think about it. But I don't really have any regrets, and I look forward to continuing to improve and being part of a great environment and a great team."

As positive and forgiving as Nash sounded, he proved that he could be bitter too.

"No one gave us Pau Gasol for nothing," he added.


Nash sounds bitter like his "ring was taken away from him." Maybe he is Zodogg after all?

LeBron-Kobe Matchup On Christmas?

Jul 29, 2009 4:07 PM EST
The NBA is beginning to piece together its 2009-10 schedule and a few marquee matchups are rumored.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the Cavaliers will host the Celtics on Opening Night, and that the NBA's two most recent MVPs will face off on Christmas.

The league is expected to pit LeBron James and the Cavaliers against Kobe Bryant and the Lakers on Christmas. Last year, Los Angeles battled Boston on the holiday.

Nash was referring to a February 2008 trade between the Grizzlies and Lakers. Los Angeles acquired Gasol and a 2010 second round pick from Memphis for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Aaron McKie, the rights to Marc Gasol and two future draft picks.


Safe bet that this will be in LA

. I wonder who they'll get their rings against. I say Houston, since they gave the Lakers the biggest trouble but notenough to be a marquee Xmas/MLK matchup and Trevor can get his ring too. There's also the usual suspects like Dallas, San Antonio, or Denver.

 

[CP1708]

Zo is damn lucky he gone right now, or I would be all over that Nash quote. ALL OVER IT.

But I'm a calmer person these days.

 

[badboyf0life420]

Originally Posted by SenorRoboto2k5

Nash sounds bitter like his "ring was taken away from him." Maybe he is Zodogg after all?

wow even if the lakers dint get pau gasol last yr, they wouldnt even come closeto making the finals...