Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Lakers Head Coach Jackson Commits to Another Season

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July 4

New York Times

"Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson will stay in charge for the 2009-10 season, he said on Friday as he ended speculation about his future. Jackson, who collected a record 10th championship ring when the Lakers beat the Orlando Magic 4-1 in last month's NBA Finals, made the decision after having several medical tests. "After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff post-season," Jackson said in a statement on the Lakers website (http://www.nba.com/lakers). "All things point to go!" Jackson, who will turn 64 in September, has had both hips replaced and underwent an angioplasty procedure in ..."

Lakers Poised to Lose Ariza to Rockets, Gain Artest

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July 4

New York Times

"Free agent Trevor Ariza is poised to leave the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers and join the Houston Rockets, while Ron Artest is expected to head in the other direction, according to local media reports on Thursday. The 24-year-old Ariza agreed terms on a five-year contract with the Rockets, the Houston Chronicle reported on its website (http://www.chron.com), just hours after the Los Angeles Times said Artest had met with Lakers executives. The NBA's free-agent market opened on Wednesday, although players can not officially sign with new teams until July 8. Ariza, who has reportedly agreed to a $33 million contract with the Rockets, enjoyed a breakout season in 2008-09 when he averaged ..."

Coach Phil Jackson will return to Lakers for another season

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July 3

Los Angeles Times

"After a two-day retreat to his lakeside Montana home, Phil Jackson decided to return to the Lakers, agreeing on Friday to come back for a 19th season as an NBA coach. "After consulting with Lakers team internist Dr. John Moe, I feel confident that I can gainfully pursue an NBA season with another long playoff postseason. All things point to go!" Jackson said in a statement released by the team. Jackson, who turns 64 in September, completed a battery of medical tests after the season. He recently won his 10th championship as a coach, passing Boston Celtics legend Red Auerbach, and will be coaching his 19th season. He will make $12 million. Neither Jackson nor the Lakers are currently ..."

Artest trading spots with Ariza

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July 3

San Francisco Chronicle

"In a free-agent swap of forwards, the Lakers reached an agreement with Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest and the Rockets have reached agreement with Trevor Ariza, the Los Angeles Times has learned. Artest met with Lakers executives throughout Thursday and agreed to terms of about $18 million over three years. Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same amount that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him. "I had to do what was best for me and family," Ariza told the Los Angeles Times. "I am happy with my decision. I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask ..."

Rockets lose out on Artest, sign Ariza

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July 3

Houston Chronicle

"While Ron Artest headed to Los Angeles and a chance to win a championship, Trevor Ariza, the small forward with a key hand in the most recent title run, agreed to join the Rockets to replace him. Ariza accepted the Rockets' offer of a five-year, mid-level exception deal late Thursday, expected to be worth roughly $33 million, an individual with knowledge of the deal said. Players may sign free agent contracts beginning July 8. The Lakers on Wednesday offered Ariza, 24, a contract similar to the mid-level exception he accepted from the Rockets, but well short of the deal he reportedly was seeking. Ariza, a 6-8 forward, averaged 8.9 points and 4.3 rebounds last season, his fifth season after ..."

Lakers get Artest; Ariza agrees with Rockets

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July 3

Los Angeles Times

"In what essentially became a swap of free-agent forwards, the Lakers agreed to contract terms with former Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest while the Rockets reached an agreement with Trevor Ariza on a Thursday that proved to be as unpredictable and impulsive as, well, the Lakers' newest acquisition. Artest, who will be 30 in November, is a formidable defender with scoring skills who enjoys the Los Angeles lifestyle almost as much as the Lakers took pleasure in bringing him into their fold. He agreed to a three-year deal worth about $18 million, giving the Lakers two of the NBA's top defenders: Kobe Bryant was a first-team All-Defensive selection last season while Artest was second team. ..."

Artest accepts Lakers' offer

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July 3

San Antonio Express-News

"While Ron Artest headed to Los Angeles and a chance to win a championship, Trevor Ariza, the small forward with a key hand in the most recent title run, agreed to join the Rockets to replace him. Ariza accepted the Rockets' offer of a five-year, mid-level exception deal late Thursday, expected to be worth roughly $33 million, an individual with knowledge of the deal said. Players may sign free agent contracts beginning July 8. The Lakers on Wednesday offered Ariza, 24, a contract similar to the mid-level exception he accepted from the Rockets, but well short of the deal he reportedly was seeking. Though long a top-level small forward athletically, Ariza's stock shot up as his shooting ..."

Artest signs with Lakers

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July 3

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"Ron Artest, who nearly derailed the Los Angeles Lakers' championship drive, will apparently be joining them for the next joyride through the playoffs. Multiple news media outlets reported Thursday that Artest had reached an agreement to sign with the Lakers. Artest confirmed the deal in an interview with CBSSports.com and in a text message to ESPN.com. "I am happy to say I am goin' to L.A.," Artest wrote in the message to ESPN. A Lakers official confirmed Thursday night that a three-year, $18 million deal had been reached. The NBA has a moratorium on signings and trades, and no deal can be completed until Wednesday. Artest, a fearsome defender and a potent scorer, is coming off perhaps his ..."

Lakers get Artest; Ariza agrees with Rockets

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July 3

Los Angeles Times

"In a free-agent swap of forwards, the Lakers reached an agreement with Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest and the Rockets have reached agreement with Trevor Ariza, The Times has learned. Artest met with Lakers executives throughout the day and agreed to terms of about $18 million over three years. Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him. "I had to do what was best for me and family," Ariza said. "I am happy with my decision. I'm glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that's all you can ask for." Ariza's agent, David Lee, said the ..."

Trevor Ariza talks with Rockets

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July 2

Los Angeles Times

"The Trevor Ariza NBA tour has officially begun. The Lakers' free-agent forward is meeting today in Las Vegas with Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey and Coach Rick Adelman, according to Ariza's agent. "They both flew in to meet him," agent David Lee said. Ariza has also had a discussion with Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James about joining the Cavaliers."

Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly make a play for Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza

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July 2

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Two players who didn't seem like they were going to be available to the Cavaliers ended up in the team's crosshairs at the end of day one of the NBA free-agency period. According to several league sources, the Cavs are attempting to land Houston Rockets free-agent forward Ron Artest, and the pitch included a meeting with LeBron James on Tuesday night in Los Angeles as both were in Southern California for various events. In addition, a league source indicated the team is trying to attract Los Angeles Lakers swingman Trevor Ariza, who appears to be disgruntled with the Lakers' early attempts to re-sign him. Ariza's agent, David Lee, told the Riverside, Calif., Press-Enterprise Wednesday, ..."

Kobe translates well in Asia

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July 2

Orange County Register

columnist Marcia C. Smith

"Knocked in the spine with a TV camera, poked in the ribs by a photo-ready cellphone, clubbed in the face with a boom microphone and shoved clumsily into the velvet ropes bordering the Beverly Hilton's red carpet, there was nothing to be lost in translation. You should never ever - even if your Thursday column depends on it - stand between his Asian fans and Kobe Bryant. It's like wrestling with Godzilla only to be left trampled then torched. A few weeks removed leading the Lakers to the 2009 NBA championship and winning NBA Finals MVP honors, Bryant was honored at a black-tie gala Tuesday night by Asia Society Southern California as a "global ambassador." Bryant is so popular in Asia that ..."

Ariza keeps his intentions unknown

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July 2

Orange County Register

"Trevor Ariza wants to remain with the Lakers. He said as much during his exit interview. But the free agent didn't say much more than that during a radio interview Wednesday, declining to reveal if he will re-sign with the team. Ariza, Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown became free agents Tuesday night. Ariza is expected to be one of the hottest free agents on the market because of his athleticism and defensive abilities. He is expected try to double his current $3.1 million Lakers contract. "It's a business and I understand that business side of it," Ariza said on KSPN/710. "(And) I have to do what I have to do in the business side of things. It's exciting, it's a good experience for me and I'm ..."

Mbenga, Powell will be returning to Lakers

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July 2

L.A. Daily News

"The Lakers let a deadline to terminate the second-year contracts of center DJ Mbenga and power forward Josh Powell pass without action Wednesday, meaning they'll be back with the team next season. Each player's deal is now worth a guaranteed $959,111 for 2009-10. Mbenga was the Lakers' third-string center last season, playing only 23 games and averaging 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds. He became a crowd favorite, however, with some fans sporting "Banging with Mbenga" T-shirts. Powell also served as a backup, averaging 4.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 60 games. He had one start, and made the most of it by scoring 17 points and grabbing nine rebounds in the Lakers' March 11 win over the Houston ..."

Lakers are far apart with free agents Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom

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July 2

Los Angeles Times

"The Lakers had a near-perfect June, breezing through the NBA Finals in five games and capping it off with a victory parade and championship rally under sunny Southern California skies. The first day of July, however, wasn't as picturesque. The Lakers remained far apart on negotiations Wednesday with their two main free-agent pieces, forwards Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. In particular, Ariza and his agent weren't thrilled by the Lakers' annual offer of $5.6 million over an unspecified number of years. Ariza, 24, was hoping for $7 million to $8 million a year. Odom, 29, is believed to be seeking $10 million a year, though it was unclear what the Lakers offered him. Ariza's agent, David Lee, ..."

Bryant Opts to Stay With NBA Champion Lakers, For Now

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July 2

New York Times

"Kobe Bryant has opted not to terminate the final two years of his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and is expected to sign a three-year contract extension later this month. Bryant, who led the Lakers to their 15th NBA crown with a convincing 4-1 series win over the Orlando Magic last month, has spent his entire 13-season career in Los Angeles. He had until Tuesday to become an unrestricted free agent but decided not to exercise that option with the Lakers seemingly poised to add more titles in the next few seasons. "Kobe passed on his option to cancel the final two years of his contract," John Black, vice president of public relations for the Lakers, told Reuters on Wednesday. ..."

Bryant decides not to opt out

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July 1

Orange County Register

"Kobe Bryant isn't going anywhere, just as he said. At least it seems not for the coming year. By not contacting the Lakers via phone or fax by Tuesday's 9 p.m. deadline, indications are the star guard elected not to terminate his contract early and become an unrestricted free agent, a move that could give him leverage down the road. Bryant, who will earn $23 million next season, is believed to be seeking a new five-year deal from the Lakers worth $135 million. "This is my home," Bryant told the crowd during a rally at the Coliseum after the team's celebratory parade. Bryant, who turns 31 in August, could have opted out and sought another team to pay his hefty asking price. But only ..."

Can Lakers keep pieces to championship puzzle?

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July 1

Orange County Register

columnist Jeff Miller

"Even fate, it now appears, is a Lakers fan. Can't you just see fate, in a purple-and-gold feather boa, Kobe jersey and Kurt Rambis glasses, looking cheerleader enough to work in local radio? That can be the only explanation for why everything keeps coming up Laker these days. From the forgiving end of the regular season to the accommodating run through the playoffs to the friendly pairing with overmatched Orlando to this: A free-agent period thin enough on money and buyers that the Lakers might be able to keep both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom. What next, Vic the Brick's beard refereeing next season's Lakers-Cavaliers Finals? In a normal world, the economy wouldn't have eroded to the point ..."

Can Lakers keep pieces to championship puzzle?

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July 1

Los Angeles Times

columnist Jeff Miller

"Even fate, it now appears, is a Lakers fan. Can't you just see fate, in a purple-and-gold feather boa, Kobe jersey and Kurt Rambis glasses, looking cheerleader enough to work in local radio? That can be the only explanation for why everything keeps coming up Laker these days. From the forgiving end of the regular season to the accommodating run through the playoffs to the friendly pairing with overmatched Orlando to this: A free-agent period thin enough on money and buyers that the Lakers might be able to keep both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom. What next, Vic the Brick's beard refereeing next season's Lakers-Cavaliers Finals? In a normal world, the economy wouldn't have eroded to the point ..."

Kobe grants the Lakers a stay

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July 1

Los Angeles Times

"The annual free-agent scramble began for the Lakers when their most important player decided not to be part of it. Kobe Bryant elected not to terminate the final two years of his contract and was expected to sign a three-year extension sometime this month. Bryant would make a guaranteed $47.8 million over the next two years and could earn another $86 million to $91 million with the extension, depending on NBA salary-cap figures to be determined in 2011. There was optimism that the sides would reach agreement, one source familiar with the situation calling it "a layup" but declining to speak further about specifics. Under terms of the extension, the earliest Bryant could opt out again would ..."

If Kobe Bryant wants a new contract, today's the deadline to ask

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June 30

Los Angeles Times

"Where's Kobe Bryant? Today is the last day for Bryant to terminate his contract and become an unrestricted free agent, but the Lakers hadn't received any notice as of Monday night from the NBA Finals MVP. If Bryant wants to opt out of his contract, he needs to officially notify the Lakers via fax by the end of today. The Lakers declined to comment. Bryant's agent, Rob Pelinka, did not return a phone call. Knowing Bryant's flair for the dramatic, it could be a wait-until-the-last-minute decision. It wouldn't be the first time. As a free agent in 2004, he made the Lakers and Clippers wait until the last possible second before announcing he would sign a seven-year contract with the Lakers. ..."

Ariza bleeds purple and gold

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June 30

Orange County Register

"Having just gotten off the phone with Trevor Ariza's agent, it seems the Lakers forward seriously wants to re-sign with the team. How much? Well, for one he is a Los Angeles guy, having grown up here and played high school (Westchester) and college (UCLA) here. Plus, having grown up here, he has been a lifelong Lakers fan. "If Trevor falls down and bruises his knee, he bleeds purple and gold," said Ariza's agent, David Lee said Tuesday morning. Lee doesn't beat around the bush. He said the Lakers should make Ariza a priority, however, he also expects his cell phone to be ringing constantly after 9 p.m. today, when free agency begins. Ariza is considered a hot (hottest) commodity on the ..."

Will Lakers -- or someone else -- show them the money?

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June 30

L.A. Daily News

"One by one, they said they hoped to come back to play for another NBA championship next season. Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown said they were happy and at home with the Lakers and wanted to re-sign with the team. The Lakers want them back, too. General manager Mitch Kupchak and coach Phil Jackson each said the journey to a second consecutive league title begins by re-signing the three unrestricted free agents. Kupchak made two moves toward retaining the services of Ariza, Odom and Brown when he traded two of the Lakers' three draft picks for cash and future selections. He didn't want to add players or their salaries to the roster. The next and most important step begins at 9 ..."

Bryant having some troubles in La La land

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June 30

Washington Examiner

"Apparently it wasn't just Shaq that Kobe Bryant did not want to share the spotlight with in Los Angeles. Turns out he's not a big fan of the mayor, either. According to the Los Angeles Wave newspaper, the parade for the Lakers two weeks ago was held up because of a diva-esque battle between Bryant and Los Angeles's media-hungry mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (better known for dating hot TV anchors in the city). The parade was delayed an hour because Bryant reportedly did not want the mayor on the same bus as him, loudly saying that he did not like him and that, "I'm not going to let him pimp my popularity!""

O'Neal Is Set To Be Best Since Jordan

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June 27

Washington Post

columnist Mike Wise

"When the rumor first gained genuine steam some two weeks ago, Kobe Bryant's championship night was nearly upstaged. When the trade officially went through Thursday, Blake Griffin's big moment was shoved to the back burner. The Orlando Magic, meanwhile, heard footsteps ominous enough to make the defending Eastern Conference champions go out and procure Vince Carter later that day. And now, two days later, the reverberations of Shaquille O'Neal pairing with LeBron James in Cleveland are still being felt, with Shaq undeniably gaining an upper hand on Kobe and Tim Duncan in the race for a fifth NBA championship ring. All of which begs the question: More than 10 years after Michael Jordan ..."

Elonu determined to make Lakers

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June 27

San Antonio Express-News

"An elated Chinemelu Elonu watched the sun rise Friday morning, hours after his selection by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round of the NBA draft. Had Elonu been up all night, celebrating his move from Texas A"

The Lakers got what they wanted in draft

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June 26

Orange County Register

"The biggest news for the Lakers in the 2009 NBA Draft wasn't who they got, but what they got and that was money. The Lakers are looking to trim the luxury tax they expect to face for a payroll that tops $74 million. By trading their draft picks, it not only saved them from paying for a first-round player, but gave them money to re-sign free agents Trevor Ariza, Lamar Odom and Shannon Brown, who become unrestricted free agents July 1. So before the Clippers made Blake Griffin the No. 1 overall pick in Thursday's Draft, the Lakers had worked out a deal that would send the draft rights to their No. 29 pick (Toney Douglas of Florida State) to the New York Knicks in exchange for a 2011 ..."

Lakers decide to cash in their selections

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June 26

L.A. Daily News

"Call it the non-draft. The Lakers did all they could to avoid selecting players who might actually make their roster next season. They traded their first-round pick in the NBA draft Thursday night to the New York Knicks for $3 million and a second-round pick in 2011. "We think we did the right thing," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. Kupchak hopes to keep the Lakers' 2008-09 championship roster intact for a run at a second consecutive league title next season. Potential salary cap and luxury tax concerns meant he did not wish to add another guaranteed contract for 2009-10. So, the Lakers selected guard Toney Douglas of Florida State with the No. 29 overall pick and dealt him to ..."

Lakers sell two draft picks with an eye on free agents

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June 26

Los Angeles Times

"With one eye toward free agency and another toward the bank, the Lakers sold two of their picks in Thursday's NBA draft for a combined $4.5 million. The Lakers sat out the first round for a second consecutive season, selling the 29th overall pick to the New York Knicks for $3 million. Then they sent the 42nd overall pick to the Miami Heat for $1.5 million. In both deals, the Lakers also received a 2011 second-round pick. All told, the Lakers are $6.2 million richer than they were before the draft, raking in $4.5 million while saving another $1.7 million that would have been guaranteed to the 29th pick over the next two seasons. Thursday's cost-conscious activities will only help the ..."

Knicks send cash and future 2nd-round pick to Lakers for 29th pick

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June 26

New York Daily News

"The Knicks have acquired the Lakers first round pick - No. 29 overall - in Thursday night's NBA draft, the Daily News has learned. Sources said that the Knicks paid $3 million for the pick and are also giving the Lakers their second round pick in 2011. The Knicks appear to be targeting Georgetown 6-8 forward DaJuan Summers with the selection. The Knicks have made it known over the past few days that they want to add a second No. 1 pick to their No. 8 selection. With Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza becoming free agents on July 1, the Lakers didn't want to take on a new guaranteed contract and had been actively trying to sell or trade their pick."

The Knicks Deal, but Don't Get What They Want

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June 26

New York Times

"The home crowd serenaded Jordan Hill with its usual patter of disgruntlement. For Hill, a forward from Arizona, it served as both his introduction and initiation into professional basketball in New York. He walked the steps of the Theater at Madison Square Garden to the same soundtrack that many a Knicks draft pick had before. The selection topped a frenzied day as the Knicks continued to purge their recent past and looked to clarify their still murky future. They also shipped the swingman Quentin Richardson to the Memphis Grizzlies for the backup center Darko Milicic and bought the rights to the Los Angeles Lakers' 29th overall selection for $3 million and a 2011 second-round selection. ..."

Knicks buy Lakers' pick

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June 25

Yahoo! Sports

"New York Knicks officials are telling peers they have purchased the Lakers' No. 29 pick. The Knicks are planning to draft a point guard with their choice at No. 8, and sources say they're targeting a big man at 29. Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak said on Wednesday the team hoped to sell its pick and use to money to help re-sign free agents Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza."

Rumor Roundup: Brand, McGrady, Rondo, Darko, Farmar

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June 25

SI.com

"The 76ers have shopped Elton Brand. ... Other teams "very aggressive" in pursuit of Tracy McGrady, according to Rockets GM Daryl Morey. ... The agent for Rajon Rondo, the subject of trade rumors, is unhappy with Celtics boss Danny Ainge. ... The Knicks are close to acquiring Darko Milicic. ... The Lakers have contacted Houston about acquiring Jordan Farmar or buying their first-round pick."

If Jackson returns, he'll do it full time

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June 25

Orange County Register

"Phil Jackson will not serve as a part-time coach but continue as the full-time coach of the Lakers - if he returns next season. Jackson had suggested during a radio interview Tuesday that because of his health, the Lakers considered having him coach only certain road games, leaving assistant Kurt Rambis to handle most of the travel. General Manager Mitch Kupchak said he and Jackson since have agreed that scenario would be unacceptable. "Phil and I had a long discussion this morning," Kupchak said. "What he said, he didn't mean for it to sound the way it sounded. If he comes back to coach, he will come back and coach both home and away games. "I don't want to put words in his mouth (but) ..."

Lakers likely to stay put, trade top pick

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June 25

Orange County Register

"Mitch Kupchak has his eye on specific players in today's NBA draft. The Lakers general manager knows exactly which players he wants to take with the team's three draft picks. "Blake Griffin, Ricky Rubio and (Hasheem) Thabeet," Kupchak said Wednesday with a straight face, adding, "if they're available." Kupchak's glib remark evoked laughter from the media that attended Wednesday's briefing on which players the Lakers might choose with their three picks. Kupchak's other answers were not as quick or easily forthcoming. With three potential free agents, Kobe Bryant opting out and the Lakers' desire to keep intact their NBA championship team, Kupchak doesn't possess clear-cut ideas of how the ..."

Clippers, Lakers feeling a draft

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June 25

L.A. Daily News

"The Clippers intend to keep the No. 1 overall pick in today's NBA draft. They intend toAll-American Blake Griffin of the University of Oklahoma. They intend to add him to a group of recent draft picks that includes Eric Gordon and Al Thornton. That's the Clippers' plan, anyway. "The pick is not going anywhere," Neil Olshey, the Clippers' assistant general manager, promised earlier this week. "We're not going to miss an opportunity to add another great young 20-year-old player." The Clippers are looking for a do-over after finishing with a puny 19-63 record. Meanwhile, a few miles down the freeway, the newly crowned NBA champion Lakers haven't got a clue what they might do with their three ..."

Lakers GM Kupchak: Jackson won't be part-time coach

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June 25

L.A. Daily News

"Lakers coach Phil Jackson met with general manager Mitch Kupchak on Wednesday at the team's El Segundo training facility and they agreed there was no way Jackson would serve strictly as a part-time coach next season. Jackson suggested during a radio interview Tuesday that the Lakers had "toyed" with the idea of having him coach only selected road games in 2009-10, with longtime assistant coach Kurt Rambis handling most of the travel. "Phil and I had a long discussion this morning," Kupchak said. "What he said, he didn't mean it to sound the way it sounded. If he comes back to coach, he will come to coach both home and away games. "I don't want to put words in his mouth, but I guess there ..."

Lakers prefer a deal to a draft pick

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June 25

Los Angeles Times

"The Lakers just won the NBA championship with a deep, young and talented team that could remain that way if they sign their three free agents. The Lakers also have three picks in today's NBA draft, but the players available are not likely to make their roster next season, so they'd rather make a deal to have the money available to sign Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza and Shannon Brown, who become unrestricted free agents next month. "There is a better than even likelihood that we'll move one of our picks," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said Wednesday. That means the Lakers, who have a first-round pick (No. 29) and two second-round selections (Nos. 42 and 59), could make a trade in a ..."

Co-coach plan just might work for Lakers

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June 25

Los Angeles Times

columnist Kurt Streeter

"Can't you just see it? It's midway through next season and the Lakers are in Memphis, the crowd apoplectic because L.A. is down by three as the final buzzer nears, and Kurt Rambis, like any other normal head coach on planet Earth, looks very much like he wants a timeout. But noooo . . . Instead, Rambis digs in his pocket and fishes out his purple-and-gold iPhone, which has buzzed incessantly for the last minute. From Malibu, a text: Timeout? Don't even think about it! Let them work it out, let them arrive at harmony amid chaos. This, my friend, is a teachable moment. Best wishes, Sensei Phil. Of course, no timeout is called and the game comes down to the last possession and the Lakers ..."

Kurt Rambis, Phil Jackson mull life ahead with Lakers

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June 24

Los Angeles Times

"Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis spent most of Tuesday waxing his truck, relaxing and running to get food for his daughter later that night when his telephone began ringing constantly, all wanting to know his feelings about the comments from Lakers Coach Phil Jackson. Rambis, after picking up dinner, said he had been aware that Jackson is open to the idea of having Rambis coach some road games next season in his place and that Jackson will make a decision on his coaching future in early July. Rambis coached one game for Jackson last season when he elected to remain in Los Angeles instead of traveling to Portland for the game because of swelling in his legs from plantar fasciitis. "This ..."

Lakers GM Kupchak deserves to take a bow, even though he'll never do so

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June 21

L.A. Daily News

columnist Ramona Shelburne

"There will be nothing exciting about this column. No big words, no pretty phrasing nor dramatic imagery. As an ode to its subject, the Lakers' patiently virtuous and unassuming general manager Mitch Kupchak, who quietly reached the pinnacle of his career last Sunday as the Lakers won the NBA title, anything that distracts from the goal of this column will be edited out. All puns, superfluous punctuation and attempts at a rhetorical flourish will be screened for their efficacy in supporting the goal of the column. The purpose of this story is to pay tribute to the stoic architect of the Lakers' team that brought home the franchise's 15th NBA title just two years after its star player ..."

Lakers shouldn't expect Bryant to take pay cut

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June 20

Orange County Register

columnist Kevin Ding

"It's downright un-American, really, this notion that Kobe Bryant should swing by the 11,000-square-foot home Lakers owner Jerry Buss inhabits alone, tear up his player contract and cut his salary for next season and beyond in hopes of keeping the Lakers at a championship level. The rationale is that Bryant can get the Lakers to re-sign both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom at fair-market value if he scales down his personal salary. This is like complaining the best umbrella on the beach is too big and bright instead of surveying a full picture of the landscape. Aside from the fact no one does more for Buss' revenue streams than Bryant, let's be clear: Buss can pay Ariza and Odom as much as he ..."

Bryant: 'I'm not going anywhere'

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June 20

ESPN.com

"Kobe Bryant said he plans to stay with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers even if he opts out of his contract this summer. Phil Jackson said his health will dictate whether he returns as coach. Bryant met with Jackson and general manager Mitch Kupchak for an individual exit interview Friday. The finals MVP can terminate the last two years of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He's spent his entire 13-year career with the Lakers, winning four NBA championships. But he could get a new, longer deal if he opted out, but he wouldn't necessarily make more money.. Asked by reporters if he would opt out, Bryant said, "I've been deflecting that all year and I ain't going ..."

It looks like taxing times for Lakers

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June 20

Los Angeles Times

"These NBA taxes are anything but luxurious. They're kind of a headache to understand, too. The Lakers had a payroll of $78.3 million for the 2008-09 season, well over the NBA's soft salary cap of $58.68 million and also over the more important number to them -- the luxury-tax threshold of $71.15 million. The Lakers' payroll was $7.15 million over the luxury-tax trigger, meaning the team will pay an additional $7.15 million in penalties because of a dollar-for-dollar luxury tax. It's a penalty that could be even higher for them next season. And the Lakers have already committed $74 million to eight players on their 2009-10 payroll and will face a much larger luxury-tax hit if they re-sign ..."

Phil Jackson says his future with Lakers depends on his health

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June 20

Los Angeles Times

"Lakers Coach Phil Jackson sat in a chair today with his hands crossed, his voice strong and deep as usual while he talked about his future with the team, saying much of his decision will hang on his health. Jackson said at a news conference that he hasn't made a decision on whether or not to return as coach, even after talks with Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak about it over the last two days. Jackson, who is due to earn $12 million next season, said he needs a few more medical tests soon to get a gauge on his health concerns. Jackson, who'll be 64 in September, said he has a date in his contract in which he has to inform the Lakers of his decision; he wouldn't divulge the date. "That ..."

Kobe Bryant and Lakers: Return of the kings?

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June 20

Los Angeles Times

"The last of the Lakers completed their exit meetings Friday with their coach and general manager, but not before providing a triple-barrel blast of hope for the future as everybody went their separate ways for the summer. Kobe Bryant re-emphasized that he would return to the Lakers, Coach Phil Jackson said he would too if a series of upcoming medical tests went well, and General Manager Mitch Kupchak said he was "hopeful" that unrestricted free-agent forwards Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza would be back. Still basking in the glow of the franchise's 15th championship, the Lakers peered into the future and universally liked what they saw. Bryant can terminate his contract and look at other ..."

Is PJax still hip enough?

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June 20

L.A. Daily News

columnist Tom Hoffarth

"And now for The Purple 'n' Gold Hangover: Stay in L.A., or lay out in Leisure World? Blaze up another cigar in memory of Red Auerbach in the Lakers locker room, or puff on the peace pipe with his neighbors in FlatheadLake, Mont.? In trying to determine if it's hip to move forward with hips that tend to dip from side to side, which life coach does Phil Jackson listen to most in trying to decide the pros and zens of coming back to coach the Lakers? Jeanie Buss, since she coaxed him into coming back the last time and really is looking out for his best, long- term interests? Dr. Jerry Buss, because he knows all about team chemistry (that's his USC degree) and still pays the freight? His real ..."

Lakers give Jackson more time to decide about whether to return

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June 20

L.A. Daily News

"Phil Jackson's future as the Lakers' coach could depend on a battery of medical tests that will be performed in the next few weeks. If all goes well, then Jackson will return to coach the NBA champions for the final season of his contract. Jackson faced a deadline next week to let the Lakers know whether he intended to coach again next season, but he and general manager Mitch Kupchak agreed this week to push back the deadline until after the medical examinations are completed. "There are a couple of appointments I have that have to be made and fulfilled before I can make that decision," Jackson said Friday. "I'm feeling good, got a couple of good nights sleep, so that's been great. I ..."

Jackson's health will dictate future

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June 19

ESPN.com

"Phil Jackson said he'd like to coach another year, but "medical issues" will have to be addressed in the next couple of weeks before he can commit to the grind of another NBA season. Jackson, who turns 64 in September, was on the "Waddle & Silvy" show on ESPN 1000, and he talked about the possibility of chasing his 11th NBA title after guiding the Los Angeles Lakers to his record-setting 10th championship on Sunday. "No, I'm not," he said when asked if he's set on pursuing another championship. "I have some medical issues that I have to resolve, and I have to take care of those in the next couple weeks before I recommit to this thing." Jackson reportedly has undergone two hip replacement ..."

Odom faces tough choice: Stay or get bigger payday

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June 19

Orange County Register

columnist Kevin Ding

"There was Lamar Odom, discussing his hopes of re-signing with the Lakers, in the middle of the season: "I feel like winning is the cure to all that." Here was Lamar Odom, having won, speaking Thursday: "Three years, $80 million." Odom was just jesting, drawing big laughs from reporters in suggesting those were the terms he threw at Coach Phil Jackson and GM Mitch Kupchak in their just-completed season-ending meeting. Odom was his typical entertaining self, even though he said he was "tired as hell" from wild ride that the past several days have been since the Lakers won the NBA championship Sunday night in Orlando. He needed to get geared back up again for the "official" team party ..."

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