Lakers Trade Rumors

Artest joins Lakers, Ariza set for Houston in virtual swap
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July 4
Denver Post
 
"Ron Artest, the mercurial forward who has bounced from Chicago to Indiana to Sacramento to Houston, has landed in Los Angeles, and Trevor Ariza is on his way to the Rockets. Artest, 29, said Thursday he has agreed to a contract that will make him a Laker next season. The Lakers cannot comment on pending deals - contracts cannot be signed until Wednesday - but Artest's agent, David Bauman, said the deal was for five years and between $34 million and $35 million. "I don't care about the money," said Artest, who played for the Rockets this past season. "I'll play there for nothing. L.A. was very interested in me, and they got me." Artest's presence meant the Lakers probably would have had to ..."
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
Comment
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, ..."
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 ..."
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 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 ..."
Duke coach Krzyzewski: `I'm not going to the Lakers'
Comment
July 1
L.A. Daily News
 
"Longtime Duke coach quashes rumors about him taking over NBA champions should Jackson decide to retire. DURHAM, N.C. - Mike Krzyzewski made it clear: He's not ever going to coach the Lakers. During his annual summer meeting with reporters Tuesday, one of the first topics covered by the Duke coach was the simmering buzz that had him leaving the Blue Devils for the Lakers if Phil Jackson retires. "I'm not going to the Lakers. They have one of the great coaches in the game," Krzyzewski said. "I don't know where that rumor started, but there has been nothing done like that, and I'm not leaving Duke. Whatever you hear about anything like that, I will never leave Duke until I leave coaching." ..."
If Kobe Bryant wants a new contract, today's the deadline to ask
Comment
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 ..."
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."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
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 ..."
Lamar Odom hopes to remain with Lakers
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June 19
Los Angeles Times
 
"Lamar Odom cleaned out his locker Thursday and left the Lakers' training facility, perhaps for the last time as part of the franchise that has employed him the last five years. Odom will be an unrestricted free agent July 1, one of two forwards the Lakers hope to re-sign to keep their frontcourt intact. Trevor Ariza is younger and has plenty of potential, but Odom can play three positions and provide much-needed backup help whenever Andrew Bynum gets in foul trouble. The Lakers hope to sign both Ariza and Odom, but owner Jerry Buss will first have to evaluate how much to offer Odom, a non-starter on a championship team. Odom was on the Lakers' books for $14.1 million this season, though he ..."
Money talks; will any Lakers walk?
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June 16
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Lakers will officially close the books on their championship season with Wednesday's victory parade and a few days' worth of individual exit meetings, but one question won't be answered amid all the confetti and congratulations. What's next? The Lakers will experience a flurry of activity between now and mid-July, starting with the draft June 25, in which they have the 29th, 42nd and 59th picks. Then the real decisions begin with free agency. Kobe Bryant can terminate the last two years of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Forwards Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza officially become unrestricted free agents that day, as does reserve guard Shannon Brown. The Lakers ..."
Lakers assistants are interested in coaching position at USC
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June 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"The direction USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett could take with his beleaguered basketball program is up Figueroa Avenue to Staples Center. Lakers assistants Jim Cleamons and Brian Shaw are trying to win an NBA championship with one eye on the Trojans' job that opened when Tim Floyd announced his resignation Tuesday. Both coaches are interested in the position, according to sources close to them who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Garrett is expected to move quickly to replace Floyd, though the circumstances surrounding the program might make the process difficult. USC's football and basketball programs are being investigated by the NCAA. The basketball portion of that examination ..."
It's time to start Nelson at point guard
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June 7
Orlando Sentinel
 columnist Mike Bianchi
"All of this conversation and consternation about whether Magic point guard Jameer Nelson should be playing in the NBA Finals is as ridiculously aggrandized as the "Sorry, honey" $4 million purple diamond ring Kobe Bryant bought his wife. As the Magic ready for tonight's crucial Game 2 against the Lakers, we should not be asking why Nelson is playing. What we should be asking is this: Why isn't Nelson starting? Why are the Magic and Coach Stan Van Gundy skirting and skulking and hemming and hawing about this move? Why are they being so indecisive and unclear? Let's review, shall we? A couple of weeks ago, after a Magic practice in Boston during the conference semifinals, the injured Nelson ..."
Odom hopes to remain a Laker
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June 6
L.A. Daily News
 
"Lamar Odom hopes to remain draped in purple and gold for a long time. Odom said Friday he intends to re-sign with the Lakers this summer. He is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1, which means he can sign with any of the league's 30 teams. That also means he can re-sign with the Lakers. Asked point-blank if he wants to return to the Lakers, he said, "Of course." Asked if he would give the Lakers a hometown discount, he said without hesitation, "I mean, it would probably take an offer I couldn't refuse for me to play somewhere else, you know? It would take something incredible, which I don't think is going to happen. Most likely, hopefully, I'll be wearing a Lakers ..."
Jameer Nelson not expected to play tonight
Comment
June 4
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson isn't likely to play tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers, but he is expected to be activated and dress out, the Sentinel has learned. The chance of him playing in the series is still remote. Nelson has been feverishly trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery. The Magic have been evaluating his progress the last few days, and it appeared he might be a long shot to play after returning to practice this week. Nelson was two months ahead of his projected six-month rehab schedule and had increased the intensity of his workouts the past three weeks, he did not participate in his first formal practice with the Magic ..."
Jameer Nelson closer to getting nod for NBA Finals
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June 3
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson looks to be closer to playing in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers as observers said he was flying down the floor, running with the second team in Tuesday's practice. Teammates are convinced that Nelson is making a return after missing four months of the season. Nelson has been trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery and the club is using practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, in Los Angeles, to evaluate whether he can play. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Anthony Johnson, the veteran back-up point guard to starter Rafer Alston. ..."
Players: Nelson to play in NBA Finals
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June 2
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson looks to be closer to playing in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers as observers said he was flying down the floor, running with the second team in Tuesday's practice. Teammates are convinced that Nelson is making a return after missing four months of the season. Nelson has been trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery and the club is using practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, in Los Angeles, to evaluate whether he can play. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Anthony Johnson, the veteran back-up point guard to starter Rafer Alston. ..."
Count Rambis Out
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May 27
Philadelphia Inquirer
 
"Count Kurt Rambis out of the running for the vacant 76ers' coaching job. A source in Los Angeles tonight confirmed that the Sixers have informed the longtime Los Angeles Lakers assistant coach that they are going in another direction in their search. Rambis was in the first wave of prospective candidates to meet with Sixers president/general manager Ed Stefanski, that session taking place last week in Santa Monica, Ca. Rambis, though, remains in the running for the Sacramento job, but the same source indicated that he would not meet with the Kings until after the NBA's Western Conference finals series against the Denver Nuggets that continues tonight in Los Angeles. The Kings have also let ..."
Odom's back injury makes him questionable for Game 5
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May 11
Los Angeles Times
 
"Lakers forward Lamar Odom has a bruised lower back and is questionable for the Game 5 Tuesday night against the Houston Rockets at Staples Center. Odom fell on his back after being called for a charge on a driving layup attempt in the third quarter Sunday in Game 4. Odom ran into Houston forward Shane Battier on the play and was called for charging. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson did not specify today who might start in Odom's place. Odom had a CT scan and MRI this morning, and he received treatment at the team's El Segundo practice facility today. After Sunday's game Odom said of his injury: "Pain. Immense. It hurts.""
League source: Derek Fisher likely to be suspended
Comment
May 7
Los Angeles Times
 
"NBA disciplinarian Stu Jackson has a long day ahead of him, but of all the scuffles and incidents from Game 2 of the Lakers-Rockets playoff series, he has narrowed his focus on the elbow thrown by Lakers guard Derek Fisher at Houston forward Luis Scola, according to a league source. Fisher will probably be suspended for Game 3 of the best-of-seven series Friday in Houston. The series is tied at 1-1 after the Lakers' 111-98 victory Wednesday at Staples Center. Jordan Farmar or Shannon Brown would start in Fisher's place. Houston forward Ron Artest is not expected to be suspended for running across the court and getting in Kobe Bryant's face near the midpoint of the fourth quarter, though ..."
Kobe Bryant misses Lakers practice because of sore throat
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May 4
Los Angeles Times
 
"Kobe Bryant missed practice today because of a sore throat and is considered day to day, a team spokesman said. Knowing Bryant's threshold for pain and discomfort, it would be surprising only if he didn't play Monday in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against Houston."
Lakers forward Walton expected to sit out Game 1
Comment
May 3
L.A. Daily News
 
"Luke Walton's injured left ankle has improved, but not to the point to which the Lakers forward will be able to play in Game 1 against Houston on Monday night at Staples Center. Lakers coach Phil Jackson all but ruled Walton out of the opener of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Rockets, saying, "It will be a big surprise if he's ready for the first ballgame." Walton, a backup, was injured in Game 4 of the Lakers' first-round victory against Utah."
Return of Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant is promising for Lakers
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April 18
Los Angeles Times
 
"Lakers Coach Phil Jackson has given a variety of answers as to whether he will return next season, though the latest indication is that he'll be back. And indications are that Kobe Bryant will be too. "I always go through the process of having to reassess the season in the summertime," he said. "I have a contract, and I mean to fulfill it. If I abrogated it and said no, I would be shocked at myself." Jackson, 63, has a one-year option for about $12 million next season. He always takes time after the season to review his health and determine if he will return, though he sounded optimistic as the Lakers prepare for their playoff opener Sunday against Utah. Jackson made the comments to i a ..."
Lakers' Bynum says he hopes tonight is the night
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April 9
L.A. Daily News
 
"Officially, the Lakers declined to say whether Andrew Bynum would play tonight against the Denver Nuggets at Staples Center. Unofficially, two Lakers insiders gave conflicting statements when asked about Bynum's participation. "Oh, yeah, he's playing," one said Wednesday afternoon. "No, Andrew told me he will not play," another said. "Maybe on Sunday." Bynum, who has been sidelined since Jan. 31 because of a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee, said he hoped to play tonight. He said he wanted to play against the Nuggets, and that he was ready to play. "I think (tonight) is possible," he said. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said a decision hadn't been made and probably wouldn't be ..."
Bynum says he'll 'definitely' return
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March 16
Los Angeles Times
 
"Andrew Bynum will be back this season. He guarantees it. The Lakers center is feeling optimistic entering his seventh week since sustaining a torn medial collateral ligament in his right knee Jan. 31. "It's been a good six weeks," he said Sunday afternoon. "I'm running on the treadmill, no pain, every day. I just hope that the lateral movement gets a little better in the next couple of weeks. That's what the doctor told me." Bynum has been out since Kobe Bryant collided with him in a Jan. 31 game at Memphis. He is on schedule to return in April, though whether it's earlier or later in the month remains to be seen. "I went to get on the court and see what happens if I start trying to do ..."
Maybe only six regular-season games for Bynum
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March 10
Orange County Register
 
"Figure on Andrew Bynum getting maybe six regular-season games, at most. Given that Phil Jackson doesn't expect Bynum until sometime in April, it'd be reasonable to envision the Lakers bringing Bynum back for a relatively cushy situation on Jan. 5 against the Clippers, whom Bynum roasted last time the teams met. That would give Bynum six games before the playoffs. (Jan. 3, the Lakers' first game back from a seven-game trip, brings Houston and Yao Ming.) When a reporter asked before the game for an update on Bynum's attempt to return from his torn knee ligament, Jackson said: "There's nothing that's going to go on here until April." So the Lakers apparently aren't expecting Bynum to beat the ..."
Status quo works for Lakers
Comment
March 4
L.A. Daily News
 
"Joe Smith appears set to sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers for the rest of the regular season plus the playoffs after he clears waivers today. Meanwhile, Drew Gooden appears ready to join the San Antonio Spurs. It also appears the 15th spot on the Lakers' roster will remain vacant while they wait for Andrew Bynum to return from a torn right knee ligament that could keep him on the sidelines until at least April. Lakers coach Phil Jackson said Tuesday night he spoke with general manager Mitch Kupchak about pursuing help for the stretch run plus the playoffs, and they agreed it would be best to stick with the status quo. "We like what we've got," Jackson said before the Lakers played host to ..."
Lakers don't make any moves
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March 4
Los Angeles Times
 
"The final phase of player movement in the NBA took place without the Lakers adding anyone else to their roster. They inquired about the availability of free-agent forward Joe Smith, but the Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly agreed to terms with him Tuesday night. Smith was waived by Oklahoma City last week. "We explored it and put in our two cents' worth," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said Tuesday. Several players were waived before Sunday's deadline, allowing them to sign with other teams and still be eligible for the playoffs. Forward Drew Gooden is expected to sign with San Antonio, forward-center Stromile Swift will join Phoenix, and guard Luther Head will sign with Miami, ..."
Andrew Bynum's injuries probably just bad luck
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February 4
Los Angeles Times
 
"The latest injury to Andrew Bynum probably has more to do with bad karma than inherently bad knees, medical experts said Tuesday. The Lakers' 21-year-old star suffered his second major knee injury in two seasons Saturday when Kobe Bryant collided with him in the first quarter of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Bynum's two injuries are unrelated, however, and don't foreshadow a career punctuated by knee problems, sports medicine doctors say. "They are two completely different injuries," said Dr. Nicholas DiNubile, a spokesman for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a former team physician for the Philadelphia 76ers. "It's not like, 'oh my God, this guy has really ..."
Jackson done after next season? Maybe, maybe not
Comment
January 25
Orange County Register
 
"Phil Jackson sounds like he plans to retire after next season, but that's not necessarily what he meant in a taped television interview Friday. When asked about his future plans in the ESPN sit-down, the Lakers coach said: "One more year after this one with the Lakers. Dr. (Jerry) Buss has insinuated that he would like me to coach longer, but I said, 'Let's just do one year at a time right now.' So that's what we are doing." Jackson, 63, declined to clarify those remarks after Saturday's light team practice, saying, "I signed a two-year contract, and I will do one year at a time. Which is pretty normal, right?" Jackson, whose contract runs through the 2009-10 season, never has wavered from ..."
Odom's gesture offends Clippers
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January 25
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Clippers were so upset by Lamar Odom's dunk and crotch-grab during the Lakers' victory Wednesday, they contacted the league office to protest. No disciplinary action has been handed out, and none is expected, but that didn't stop Odom from sounding hurt when asked about it Saturday. "No, somebody's wrong" he said when informed the Clippers had complained about his actions. "I have no hard feelings toward the Clippers. Oh, man. That's too bad. I wouldn't do anything like that. Nah." The Clippers drafted Odom out of Rhode Island in 1999, and he had four productive seasons for them before signing with the Miami Heat as a free agent in the summer of 2003. He came to the Lakers in the ..."
It's an injury merry-go-round for the Lakers
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January 14
Los Angeles Times
 
"Someone finally left the Lakers' injured list instead of joining it. Lamar Odom was back after a three-game absence, collecting 10 points, four rebounds and four assists in the Lakers' 105-100 victory Tuesday over the Houston Rockets. He had been sidelined because of a bone bruise in his right knee, but played 27 minutes against Houston, including almost 11 in the fourth quarter. That's the deal with the short-handed Lakers. There's no rest for the weary, not to mention the recently injured. "When you hurt something, it's going to be sore," Odom said. "I think it was a good time to come back, especially with Sasha being hurt. I'm a gamer." Oh, yeah, Sasha Vujacic. Not all the medical news ..."
Lakers' Odom says he's doubtful for next two; Jackson refutes that
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January 12
L.A. Daily News
 
"Lamar Odom was on the Lakers' active roster for Sunday's game against the Miami Heat at Staples Center, but he could not play for the third consecutive game because of a lingering bone bruise in his right knee. What's more, he said he might not play in either of their next two games. "It's swollen and it's not stable enough to support a 6-foot-10, 242-pound frame," Odom said of his injured knee. "I can take pain. If my knee is not able to hold me up, I can't go out there. I'm going to be cautious with it. I don't want it to re-occur. "With a knee (injury) you've always got to be careful. ... We've got to play until June. I listen to myself and I listen to the trainers." Asked if he would ..."
Why the griping about the Lakers?
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January 5
Orange County Register
 
"The Lakers improved to 27-5 Sunday night and now possess the NBA's top record, which might postpone the release of Lamar Odom, the trade of Andrew Bynum and the firing of Phil Jackson for maybe two or three days. Why can't anyone enjoy this? Have we all forgotten the days of Chucky Atkins and Tierre Brown? Is it really a capital offense when you lead by 23 and win by nine? If there is a Laker nation, it's grumpier than Iran. Here the Lakers slapped around the beardless Portland Trail Blazers, 100-86, but, ahh, what about the first quarter? The Lakers kept kicking the ball around, and LaMarcus Aldridge kept draining jumpers. A startlingly springy French rookie named Nicolas Batum also kept ..."
Will the Lakers have a new starter soon?
Comment
November 20
Orange County Register
 
"Vladimir Radmanovic was puzzled, perhaps a bit lost, by the questions. What did he think of his coach's dismissive attitude about his play? What does that say to you? "I'm confused," he said, shaking his head. The Lakers small forward had no idea Jackson refused to discuss his role as a starter before Tuesday's victory against Chicago, giving the impression the coach was not pleased with Radmanovic's recent play. Radmanovic is averaging 8.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in the Lakers' first nine games. Jackson was asked, "How entrenched is Vladi as that fifth starter?" Jackson: "I'm not going to answer that question." Reporter: "Because he's not that entrenched?" Jackson: "I don't want to ..."
Shaq: Feud with Kobe was 'designed by Phil'
Comment
November 16
L.A. Daily News
 
"Shaquille O'Neal said he hasn't ruled out a return to the Lakers as a free agent in 2010. He also claimed he never had a problem with Kobe Bryant while they played together with the Lakers. He said he believes they could have won more titles together if he hadn't been traded to the Miami Heat in 2004. "I swear to God we never had a problem," O'Neal, now with the Phoenix Suns, said during an interview posted Friday on the Web site of the Sacramento Bee. "On the court, we never had a problem." Instead, O'Neal blamed their creative tension on Lakers coach Phil Jackson. "I think it was all designed by Phil," he said. "Because, if you think about it, Phil never called us into the office and ..."
Lakers, Bynum agree on extension
Comment
October 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"The Lakers and Andrew Bynum have agreed in principle on a four-year contract extension worth about $58 million, keeping their center of the future in the fold through the 2012-13 season, according to sources familiar with the negotiations who would not speak publicly. Bynum, who will make $2.8 million this season, will earn close to $42 million over the first three years of his contract extension. The fourth year will be a team option for about $16 million... Basically, management and Camp Bynum met in the middle to find some harmony- the Lakers giving more money than originally proposed, Bynum accepting a shorter deal for less than the max that mitigates the team's risk, but to his ..."
Kobe Bryant says he might play Thursday
Comment
October 23
Los Angeles Times
 
"Kobe Bryant said today he might play Thursday night in an exhibition game against Charlotte, confirming the initial diagnosis that his hyperextended right knee was a day-to-day situation. Bryant seemed relieved that it wasn't worse, particularly when describing the tension he felt after banging knees with teammate Josh Powell in an exhibition Tuesday against Charlotte. "My knee just went back and I felt a little crunch, a little pop," said Bryant, who wore a large elastic bandage around the knee today at the team's training facility. "I was worried. That's the scariest part, is just sitting there for five or 10 minutes and waiting to see what's going to develop." How scary was it? "I saw ..."
Could city's own NBA team soon follow?
Comment
October 8
Orange County Register
 
"The Los Angeles Lakers made their annual pilgrimage to Anaheim Tuesday night to play a preseason game at Honda Center. For some local fans, it was an exciting chance to welcome their favorite team and send a reminder that Lakers fans come from Orange County, too. But for others, it was a reminder that Anaheim - home to world-champion professional baseball and hockey - has yet to land a National Basketball Association team. That could change soon, an Anaheim official said this week. "I'm pretty confident that, maybe not next year, but within the next five years, Anaheim will have its own NBA team," said Greg Smith, executive director of sports, entertainment and conventions for the city. ..."
Lakers Forum Top 5
  1. Hard double teams on Kobe...
    Last post:Storch
  2. Ariza was Plan A
    Last post:Statik1
  3. what's the next Laker Move? Jose Calderon anyone?
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  4. Arizas Agent is to blame for all this!
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  5. next step after signing odom?
    Last post:Lakeshow86