The Offseason, what are the true possibilities:

[bajaden]

I went back and rechecked the luxury tax penalties, and it appears the Lakers would be able to use a revised verison of the Midlevel exception. About 3 mil. However, thats about it. No bi-annual, and, no sign and trades are allowed either. So they're stuck right now. With the luxury tax still being a dollar for dollar penalty for this coming year, they'll have to pay $13,487,290.00 in penalty on top of thier regualr sallaries. But the real kicker comes in the next season, where, if nothing changes, the Lakers will be $11,237,977.00 over the cap. With the penalty increasing in that year for the amount your over the cap, the Lakers will be looking at around 20 mil in penalties unless they find a way to reduce their total salaries. Couldn't happen to a nicer group.

 

[bajaden]

Also Kobe in two years will make $30 mil. They are painted into a corner. Can you imagine a team that has 2 players using up $50 mil of their salary?

Well the Heat do with Lebron and Wade and Bosh, the three of them take up around 51 mil. Thats around 3/4's of their total salaries. They'll be paying a healthy chunk of penalties as well with $78,053,070.00 in total salaries.

 

[Kingster]

Actually Iggy shot around 38% from the three this season. However, it should be noted that its the highest percentage of his career, so it could be improvement, or an abberation. But in general I agree, that if your looking for outside shooting, I wouldn't bet on Iggy. Its extremely difficult to find that perfect player. In other words, someone with Iggy's skills that can also shoot the ball. Let me see, there's Kobe, Hmmm, anyway, thats an exaggeration, but you get my point.

Fact: We were last in the league in 3pt shooting this season. So I think I can safely say that its an area of need. In the draft, where were picking, Harrison Barnes would certainly help fill that need. But make no mistake, he's no Iggy. At the moment, he basicly a catch and shoot offensive player. He can put the ball on the floor a little, but he's no threat to drive the basket. Defensively, I think he can become a decent defender. Not my first choice, but he would fill a need.

In my post I was assuming that the Kings cast of characters remained the same and we would be just adding Iggy to the equation, but maybe that's not the case. You can add Iggy, but then you need to add (and probably subtract) others as well.

I remain very underwhelmed with Barnes. I'd be very dissapointed with him as the pick.

Based on what little I've seen and everything I've heard, aside from Davis, I'd take MKG. And he doesn't provide the outside shooting nor the length that Petrie says he wants. But he has the competitive fire and the brains. If we get the 5th or 6th pick and Petrie has five or so guys of relatively equal ability, I don't want him to pick the guy with the best outside shot or the length. I want him to pick the guy with the most brains and fire out of the bunch.

 

[bajaden]

In my post I was assuming that the Kings cast of characters remained the same and we would be just adding Iggy to the equation, but maybe that's not the case. You can add Iggy, but then you need to add (and probably subtract) others as well.

I remain very underwhelmed with Barnes. I'd be very dissapointed with him as the pick.

Based on what little I've seen and everything I've heard, aside from Davis, I'd take MKG. And he doesn't provide the outside shooting nor the length that Petrie says he wants. But he has the competitive fire and the brains. If we get the 5th or 6th pick and Petrie has five or so guys of relatively equal ability, I don't want him to pick the guy with the best outside shot or the length. I want him to pick the guy with the most brains and fire out of the bunch.

If Gilchrist's measurements hold up, and I think they will since they come from one of the Highschool all star venues that are usually accurate, then his length is fine. He measured 6'7.5" in shoes, and had a 6'10" wingspan. I hate to keep repeating myself, but Gilchrist has a very good midrange shot. And I don't think his shot is totally broken. It just needs some tweaking. His form isn't that bad. His problem, if you watch closely, is that he doesn't release the ball at the top of his jump, but on the way down. From midrange, it doesn't seem to affect his shot that much, but from 3pt range it does, getting a little flat and short at times.

Here's the deal on Barnes. He came into college as one of the highest ranked highschoolers in the nation. Some had him at number 1. As a result, I think too much was expected of him. In highschool, he had little trouble getting his shot. In college, he struggled. Until Marshall came along and saved the day. He was expected to be the number on option at times, and he just wasn't. And thats where I think you have to make some distictions. I'm not saying we should draft him. But, on the Kings, he wouldn't be the number one option. Nor the number 2 option, and maybe not even the number 3 option.

In that kind of setting, he just might thrive. If all he has to do is find the open spot on the perimiter, and hit his open shots, and play decent to good defense, he could in some ways, be a good fit. He certainly is the right size to play the SF position at 6'8" and with a 6'11" wingspan. He's athletic enough to play good defense. what he doesn't do, at least right now, is shoot with any kind of accuracy when off balance. Like coming hard off a screen. He has a difficult time staying on balance. His ballhandling isn't good enough right now for him to attack the basket, so he's not going to the foul line much.

However, players do improve, and in a few years, he just might be one of the better SF's in the league. Of course if I have a choice, I take MKG. And while it would be an unpopular pick, I'd take Jeffery Taylor over Barnes. Barnes may be better in the long run (no guarantee), but Taylor will be better in the short run. And Taylor will be a lock down defender in the same mold as MKG.

A guy to watch on draft day is Drummond. If he's not taken in the top 4 picks, then he could slide all the way down to 8 or 9. He reminds too many people of McGee and DeAndre Jordan.

 

[hrdboild]

In my post I was assuming that the Kings cast of characters remained the same and we would be just adding Iggy to the equation, but maybe that's not the case. You can add Iggy, but then you need to add (and probably subtract) others as well.

I remain very underwhelmed with Barnes. I'd be very dissapointed with him as the pick.

Based on what little I've seen and everything I've heard, aside from Davis, I'd take MKG. And he doesn't provide the outside shooting nor the length that Petrie says he wants. But he has the competitive fire and the brains. If we get the 5th or 6th pick and Petrie has five or so guys of relatively equal ability, I don't want him to pick the guy with the best outside shot or the length. I want him to pick the guy with the most brains and fire out of the bunch.

If it's brains you want, than probably you take Barnes. He seems somewhat lacking at times in the fire department though. But really, once you get past Davis and MKG there just isn't a perfect-fit player left. There are certainly a lot of talented players, but many of them carry question marks about how close they'll get to achieving their potential and others just aren't a very good fit for our current collection of players. Unfortunately, as is often the case, there aren't very many players available that combine top-level talent with can't-miss effort and intangibles. You can reach a bit and get a player with the right attitude but less potential or you can take a chance on someone with a few question marks. If it was easy, GMs wouldn't be getting fired every 5 years or so.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

If you don't want Gasol and his big contract, that's fine, I can understand that. I'm not even sure it's what I want, but not doing it because it's the Lakers? that seems foolish.

You don't think another team would jump at the opportunity to 'bail the Lakers out' of that contract? I know teams would. I know teams will. So why not us (if that's what we want)? Gasol is good. Established. Veteran. Champion. Things we need. If the price is right, I'd go for him.

That being said ... Money will be an issue. Gasol will expire when Cousins needs to be paid, so that works out, but the Maloofs.. that would be the biggest hurdle.

 

[rainmaker]

If you don't want Gasol and his big contract, that's fine, I can understand that. I'm not even sure it's what I want, but not doing it because it's the Lakers? that seems foolish.

You don't think another team would jump at the opportunity to 'bail the Lakers out' of that contract? I know teams would. I know teams will. So why not us (if that's what we want)? Gasol is good. Established. Veteran. Champion. Things we need. If the price is right, I'd go for him.

That being said ... Money will be an issue. Gasol will expire when Cousins needs to be paid, so that works out, but the Maloofs.. that would be the biggest hurdle.

Actually, I'd definitely consider it, and laughed a little when I saw your posts as I thought about it while watching them. If we can't get a shotblocker, the next best thing would be a damn good man, help and team defender. Hes not an All-NBA defender, but he's damn good. He's also not a guy who'll be taking 12-15 or more shot per game at this point. I think he and Cuz would fit very well together, would spread the floor, make it hard to double either with the help big, both can play the high low, both can shoot, both can pass, and his presence both in the locker room and on the floor would help greatly. BTW, Cuz has a lot of respect for Pau.

His salary is an issue for some. Please. We payed our impotent SF core more than Pau made this last year, and that core was responsible for Reke needing to move to SF and cover their asses. You proposed maybe our pick and MT to start it. A top pick runs around 3-4M, plus MT makes about 7.5M next year. So LA could cut 9M? per from their payroll while getting younger, and they desperately need shooting, while adding most likely a top 5-6 pick. Given what our pick plus MT makes, we're not all the sudden throwing 19M more at Pau, but actually adding 8-9M to our payroll more than last year. I'd think about it. Without a doubt. Those who wouldn't also don't complain about paying our SF rotation 19.8M. As you said, it's also only 2 years, and if we're a playoff team at that point and he's playing next to a top 2 center, he probably re-ups for considerably less than what he's making now when he's 34 at that point, and still most likely pairs very well with Cuz.

Can't say no to something like this, because we're paying Cisco this or Salmons that. Not sure how it'd get done though. But Buss seems more concerned with trimming payroll than getting equal value in return. Plus, Pau's playoff run hurt his value.

 

[VF21]

...Can't say no to something like this, because we're paying Cisco this or Salmons that. Not sure how it'd get done though. But Buss seems more concerned with trimming payroll than getting equal value in return. Plus, Pau's playoff run hurt his value.

I think Pau Gasol would welcome the change of scenery, and a chance to come to a place where he would be appreciated. I just worry about what we'd have to give up to get him. After seeing the look on Kupcake's face tonight, however, it might not be as steep as we might expect. The Lakers have to go young or face years of mediocrity. We've got a high draft pick in a deep draft. I don't care if it's trading with the devil - I'd be tempted.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

His salary is an issue for some. Please. We payed our impotent SF core more than Pau made this last year, and that core was responsible for Reke needing to move to SF and cover their asses. You proposed maybe our pick and MT to start it.

I'm pretty sure that if we traded MT and our pick for Gasol, that Tyreke would be our starting SF again next year.

Because how would we fill up the SF at that point? We would have traded away basically our only good trade piece to not get a SF. We would have traded away our draft pick to not get a SF. And we would have used our cap space to not get a SF. We would have about $4M left at that point, so it would be MLE time. We could in principle amnesty Garcia, but I think in practice we all know that the MaCheaps aren't going to spend a dime more than necessary.

Can't say no to something like this, because we're paying Cisco this or Salmons that.

But that's exactly the reason you say no to a deal like this. We've got about $16M to spend this summer. We could come out of that with a package of (JT + MT + top-7 draft pick + $6-7M SF), or we could come out of it with (Gasol + MLE SF). I simply think that the former package is a much wiser way to spend our money. Now, if we weren't spending $17M on 3 SFs who are unlikely to start, it's a different story. But those contracts eat up our flexibility and we have to be smart with how we approach the cap.

 

[Glenn]

If you don't want Gasol and his big contract, that's fine, I can understand that. I'm not even sure it's what I want, but not doing it because it's the Lakers? that seems foolish.

You don't think another team would jump at the opportunity to 'bail the Lakers out' of that contract? I know teams would. I know teams will. So why not us (if that's what we want)? Gasol is good. Established. Veteran. Champion. Things we need. If the price is right, I'd go for him.

That being said ... Money will be an issue. Gasol will expire when Cousins needs to be paid, so that works out, but the Maloofs.. that would be the biggest hurdle.

I agree with the sentiment.

 

[bajaden]

I'm pretty sure that if we traded MT and our pick for Gasol, that Tyreke would be our starting SF again next year.

Because how would we fill up the SF at that point? We would have traded away basically our only good trade piece to not get a SF. We would have traded away our draft pick to not get a SF. And we would have used our cap space to not get a SF. We would have about $4M left at that point, so it would be MLE time. We could in principle amnesty Garcia, but I think in practice we all know that the MaCheaps aren't going to spend a dime more than necessary.



But that's exactly the reason you say no to a deal like this. We've got about $16M to spend this summer. We could come out of that with a package of (JT + MT + top-7 draft pick + $6-7M SF), or we could come out of it with (Gasol + MLE SF). I simply think that the former package is a much wiser way to spend our money. Now, if we weren't spending $17M on 3 SFs who are unlikely to start, it's a different story. But those contracts eat up our flexibility and we have to be smart with how we approach the cap.

The idea that we would give up JT, Thornton, and our top 7 pick, for a 32 year old player making 19 million a year, is pure desperation. Thats a hell of a price to pay for experience.

 

[KingsCitizen]

If somehow we land Barnes, I'd like to get a chance to grab Marshall on the later picks by trading Freddette.

Something like talking with the Hornets who might lose Gordon for a trade that involves Thornton+Fredette for Belineli(if he a Free-Agent?)+probably 10th pick, which is a good chance for Marshall.

In that case, we anoint Evans as the real starting SG, Barnes as SF. Then we stabilize the PG spot with IT and Marshall (who I think can have a career like Andre Miller, not overly athletic but superb IQ and passing skills). And Belineli can the shooter from the bench.

 

[Kingster]

Gasol just doesn't look like he's into basketball like he was a couple of years ago. He's not a leader type, more of a filler type, so you don't get the vet leader that you might want either. If you're looking for a good older vet on the downside of his career I'd still take Paul Pierce. He has more toughness and competitiveness than Gasol, by far. I can see Gasol tolerating the losing in Sacramento, but not Pierce, and I don't want to bring in a guy tolerant of losing. If Pierce "blew up" because the Kings didn't perform, maybe that would be a very good thing.

 

[MassachusettsKingsFan]

I'm pretty sure that if we traded MT and our pick for Gasol, that Tyreke would be our starting SF again next year.

Because how would we fill up the SF at that point? We would have traded away basically our only good trade piece to not get a SF. We would have traded away our draft pick to not get a SF. And we would have used our cap space to not get a SF. We would have about $4M left at that point, so it would be MLE time. We could in principle amnesty Garcia, but I think in practice we all know that the MaCheaps aren't going to spend a dime more than necessary.



But that's exactly the reason you say no to a deal like this. We've got about $16M to spend this summer. We could come out of that with a package of (JT + MT + top-7 draft pick + $6-7M SF), or we could come out of it with (Gasol + MLE SF). I simply think that the former package is a much wiser way to spend our money. Now, if we weren't spending $17M on 3 SFs who are unlikely to start, it's a different story. But those contracts eat up our flexibility and we have to be smart with how we approach the cap.

I don't fault the strategy, but the question is .. who is the 6-7M SF out there that fits our need? I don't think one exists in this FA group. According to the other thread, the SF free agents for this season are

Jeff Green (I'd guess over 6-7 .. or right around there)
Andrei Kirilenko (over 6-7)
Bobby Simmons (under 6-7)
Nick Young (fits in 6-7, don't want him)
Gerald Wallace (P) (over 6-7)
Shawne Williams (don't want)
Josh Howard (under 6-7)
Nicolas Batum (R) (over 6-7)
Sam Young (R) (under 6-7)
Landry Fields (R) (under 6-7)
Ersan Ilyasova (over 6-7)

That is why, I think, Gasol would be an interesting move. Options are limited.

You obviously HAVE to fill the SF whole somehow under this scenario. Evans is not an option there in my opinion. Josh Howard on a 1 year deal could be interesting. He came on a bit for Utah at the end of the season before getting hurt. We'd finally have a full size SF who's always been a good defender.

Other than Howard .. you'd obviously have to turn your attention towards making a trade. Maybe the Wolves would take Hayes for Webster? Just thinking out loud.

 

[bajaden]

I don't fault the strategy, but the question is .. who is the 6-7M SF out there that fits our need? I don't think one exists in this FA group. According to the other thread, the SF free agents for this season are

Jeff Green (I'd guess over 6-7 .. or right around there)
Andrei Kirilenko (over 6-7)
Bobby Simmons (under 6-7)
Nick Young (fits in 6-7, don't want him)
Gerald Wallace (P) (over 6-7)
Shawne Williams (don't want)
Josh Howard (under 6-7)
Nicolas Batum (R) (over 6-7)
Sam Young (R) (under 6-7)
Landry Fields (R) (under 6-7)
Ersan Ilyasova (over 6-7)

That is why, I think, Gasol would be an interesting move. Options are limited.

You obviously HAVE to fill the SF whole somehow under this scenario. Evans is not an option there in my opinion. Josh Howard on a 1 year deal could be interesting. He came on a bit for Utah at the end of the season before getting hurt. We'd finally have a full size SF who's always been a good defender.

Other than Howard .. you'd obviously have to turn your attention towards making a trade. Maybe the Wolves would take Hayes for Webster? Just thinking out loud.

Obviously I'm not on board for the Gasol move. I won't argue it since it would be a waste of my time. One player I don't think I listed in my freeagent thread is Beasley, who is a restricted freeagent. His playing time went down last season with having two other recent draftpicks at the SF position in Derrick Williams and Wesley Johnson. He's not going to get many minutes at the PF position with Love there. So my gut tells me that if the T. Wolves extend a qualifying offer to Beasley, which I doubt, they won't match any good offer, unless they think he has some value in a trade.

Problem is, his qualifying offer is just over 8 mil, and so you would have to exceed that amount, or he would just accept the qualifying offer for one year.. I don't think he's worth that amount. But if they don't extend the offer, then you can offer him what ever the market will bear. He may be at that point in his career where maturity is starting to overcome his stupidity. He's a talented guy, and I've seen him play some very good defense at times, so I know he's capable. Just a thought!

 

[Uncia03]

I wouldn't have any problems trading for Gasol if we were trading a package of Salmons/Garcia/Hayes for him.
But any realistic chance of getting him would require us spending our limited assets to place that 19 mil/year anchor around our necks while keeping the bad contracts we currently have.
Gasol isn't going to take us any place unless we're also able to address the other holes on this team, and acquiring Gasol would put us in a position where we'd probably have to wait 2 years for his contract expires before we could make the necessary changes.

 

[Section 101]

I wouldn't have any problems trading for Gasol if we were trading a package of Salmons/Garcia/Hayes for him.
But any realistic chance of getting him would require us spending our limited assets to place that 19 mil/year anchor around our necks while keeping the bad contracts we currently have.
Gasol isn't going to take us any place unless we're also able to address the other holes on this team, and acquiring Gasol would put us in a position where we'd probably have to wait 2 years for his contract expires before we could make the necessary changes.

Nope. Not for his contract.

 

[SacTownKid]

If somehow we land Barnes, I'd like to get a chance to grab Marshall on the later picks by trading Freddette.

Something like talking with the Hornets who might lose Gordon for a trade that involves Thornton+Fredette for Belineli(if he a Free-Agent?)+probably 10th pick, which is a good chance for Marshall.

In that case, we anoint Evans as the real starting SG, Barnes as SF. Then we stabilize the PG spot with IT and Marshall (who I think can have a career like Andre Miller, not overly athletic but superb IQ and passing skills). And Belineli can the shooter from the bench.

Trading a true 2nd tier SG with as complete an offensive game you're going to find at the position who is also on a sweetheart deal for that is selling way short.

Is it smart to trade Thornton just to find a spot for Evans? I don't think so. Still have a SG that can't shoot who's best asset is going to be emulating PG duties.

 

[LongLiveIverson]

What about this

Trade Marcus Thornton for Taj Gibson, Ronnie Brewer
Maybe even Throw in Thompson in a sign and trade.
I'm a Sixers fan too and saw Gibson manhandle us defensively, 9.5ppg, 6rebs 1.7 blocks in 23mins per
Chicago doesn't turn this down, Thompson takes Gibsons place as first big off bench and can actually be effective on a team with a defensive Center (Noah/Asik). Thornton gives them scoring to compliment Rose and Rip can slide to the bench taking Brewers spot.

Trade 5th, Jimmer, Garcia for Kyle Lowry, Marcus Morris
We swap first round busts for a change of scenery. Were loaded at guard, Rockets are loaded at SF/PF
Lowry is a terrific defender, and has a great outside shot. Morris is a developmental project

Free Agency - Robin Lopez - Brings shotblocking and defense. Can spell Cousins or play the 5 and let him side over to the 4 for stretches
Landry Fields - Busts his tail on D, can hit the outside shot. ALOT cheaper than the bidding war you will have to win for Batum

At 35 Darius Miller out of Kentucky is a no brainer. Talented team player who knows how to co exist with stars. Can defend and hit the open shot. Shane Battier mold

C. Cousins/Lopez/Whiteside
F. Gibson/Hayes/M.Morris
F. T.Williams/Brewer/D.Miller
G. Tyreke/Fields
G. Lowry/I.Thomas

Whats difference? DEFENSE. Lowry, Lopez, Whiteside, Hayes, Darius Miller, Brewer, Garcia, Terrence Williams, Taj all are exceptional defenders. Tyreke and Cousins have no choice to elevate their effort on that side.
When you have talented scorers like Tyreke and Cousins you don't surround them with more shoot first players (Thornton, Jimmer) See Durant Westbrook, Harden...Ibaka, Sefolosha, Perkins, Collins ect. LeBron Wade Bosh have Haslim, Joel Anthony, Battier, Norris Cole, Chalmers..Shaq and Kobe had Fox, Horrace Grant, and Fisher. Wade and Shaq had Haslim Jason Williams. Role players..

 

[DesertFox]

What about this

Trade Marcus Thornton for Taj Gibson, Ronnie Brewer
Maybe even Throw in Thompson in a sign and trade.
I'm a Sixers fan too and saw Gibson manhandle us defensively, 9.5ppg, 6rebs 1.7 blocks in 23mins per
Chicago doesn't turn this down, Thompson takes Gibsons place as first big off bench and can actually be effective on a team with a defensive Center (Noah/Asik). Thornton gives them scoring to compliment Rose and Rip can slide to the bench taking Brewers spot.

Trade 5th, Jimmer, Garcia for Kyle Lowry, Marcus Morris
We swap first round busts for a change of scenery. Were loaded at guard, Rockets are loaded at SF/PF
Lowry is a terrific defender, and has a great outside shot. Morris is a developmental project

Free Agency - Robin Lopez - Brings shotblocking and defense. Can spell Cousins or play the 5 and let him side over to the 4 for stretches
Landry Fields - Busts his tail on D, can hit the outside shot. ALOT cheaper than the bidding war you will have to win for Batum

At 35 Darius Miller out of Kentucky is a no brainer. Talented team player who knows how to co exist with stars. Can defend and hit the open shot. Shane Battier mold

C. Cousins/Lopez/Whiteside
F. Gibson/Hayes/M.Morris
F. T.Williams/Brewer/D.Miller
G. Tyreke/Fields
G. Lowry/I.Thomas

Whats difference? DEFENSE. Lowry, Lopez, Whiteside, Hayes, Darius Miller, Brewer, Garcia, Terrence Williams, Taj all are exceptional defenders. Tyreke and Cousins have no choice to elevate their effort on that side.
When you have talented scorers like Tyreke and Cousins you don't surround them with more shoot first players (Thornton, Jimmer) See Durant Westbrook, Harden...Ibaka, Sefolosha, Perkins, Collins ect. LeBron Wade Bosh have Haslim, Joel Anthony, Battier, Norris Cole, Chalmers..Shaq and Kobe had Fox, Horrace Grant, and Fisher. Wade and Shaq had Haslim Jason Williams. Role players..

That team will be lucky to hit more than a couple 3 pointers a game. You will have great D, but then the starting lineup has 4 guys who need the ball. And that bench will have a hard time scoring.

Lowry and Gibson are studs but not the kind that this team needs.

 

[sidney]

We have a 23M/year pile of non-impact vets on our team so to shoot down the idea of Gasol without consideration for what a trade would be is hasty. We're already paying more than his salary and getting just about nothing in return.

If we miss on Davis, or if we end up with MKG which adds ANOTHER young rookie starter to the lineup we'd be lucky as hell to get Pau freaking Gasol on this team in a trade. A 31yo multiple time all-star who is versatile and not a prima donna. He would need to start but be ok as a 3rd option scorer/facilitator/rebounder. Only a 2 year commitment at his current salary which expires when Cousins needs to be maxed? If I'm Petrie this is on my radar depending on where we land in the lottery.

Trade:
Hayes
Garcia (expiring so finally an asset this year)
Jimmer
2012 2nd
5.5M trade exception and tax relief

for

Gasol

Would the Lakers do this? maybe...I suspect they are going to get a lot of uninspiring Scola/middling pick type offers for Gasol. CBA luxury tax changes start in a year which are going to hit teams like the Lakers hard so we have that to offer. The net increase in our 2012-2013 salary would be 5.5M. Gasol's impact is easily worth that...all assuming we don't land the #1 pick of course.

 

[Capt. Factorial]

Trade Marcus Thornton for Taj Gibson, Ronnie Brewer
Maybe even Throw in Thompson in a sign and trade.
I'm a Sixers fan too and saw Gibson manhandle us defensively, 9.5ppg, 6rebs 1.7 blocks in 23mins per
Chicago doesn't turn this down, Thompson takes Gibsons place as first big off bench and can actually be effective on a team with a defensive Center (Noah/Asik). Thornton gives them scoring to compliment Rose and Rip can slide to the bench taking Brewers spot.

I don't think Gibson is a better all-around player than Thompson. He's certainly not worth shipping off Thornton AND Thompson to get. You're right that Chicago doesn't turn this down but I think there's a reason for that - it's terrible for us. If we're going to trade Thornton, we need to get a quality return, and that's not it.

Trade 5th, Jimmer, Garcia for Kyle Lowry, Marcus Morris
We swap first round busts for a change of scenery. Were loaded at guard, Rockets are loaded at SF/PF
Lowry is a terrific defender, and has a great outside shot. Morris is a developmental project

No, no, no, no, no. I DO NOT trade our top-8 pick for Kyle Lowry, especially when we already have IT and Tyreke who can handle the job just fine. I'm not willing to just close the book on Jimmer, either, as he did show improvement over the course of the year. If we want to think about Lowry, it's not a terrible or ridiculous idea, but it can't include our pick.

At 35 Darius Miller out of Kentucky is a no brainer. Talented team player who knows how to co exist with stars. Can defend and hit the open shot. Shane Battier mold

This I agree with. Probably a bit of a logjam if we bring him in, but he's a quality player if he slips to #36. (Minor note: we're at #36 unless the Nets jump us in the Lottery - that pick is usually listed as Portland's but it stays with the Nets if it's top-three. If the Nets do jump us in the lotto, we then move to #35 in the second round. Weird tiebreaker rules.)

 

[Capt. Factorial]

We have a 23M/year pile of non-impact vets on our team so to shoot down the idea of Gasol without consideration for what a trade would be is hasty. We're already paying more than his salary and getting just about nothing in return.

If we miss on Davis, or if we end up with MKG which adds ANOTHER young rookie starter to the lineup we'd be lucky as hell to get Pau freaking Gasol on this team in a trade. A 31yo multiple time all-star who is versatile and not a prima donna. He would need to start but be ok as a 3rd option scorer/facilitator/rebounder. Only a 2 year commitment at his current salary which expires when Cousins needs to be maxed? If I'm Petrie this is on my radar depending on where we land in the lottery.

Trade:
Hayes
Garcia (expiring so finally an asset this year)
Jimmer
2012 2nd
5.5M trade exception and tax relief

for

Gasol

Would the Lakers do this? maybe...I suspect they are going to get a lot of uninspiring Scola/middling pick type offers for Gasol. CBA luxury tax changes start in a year which are going to hit teams like the Lakers hard so we have that to offer. The net increase in our 2012-2013 salary would be 5.5M. Gasol's impact is easily worth that...all assuming we don't land the #1 pick of course.

A similar trade to this one was suggested over on STR, except it was Thornton instead of Jimmer and our 1st instead of our 2nd. I basically said "no way" on the 1st rounder wherever it lands and said the Lakers would have to settle for Thornton/Hayes/Garcia or forget it. (I got lol'ed at, but that's beside the point. I'm just bitter.) In the end, I think that looks pretty similar to the one you've suggested, though they get a bigger asset (Thornton) for a bigger salary cap hit. I have no idea whether they'd take it, but I don't think they're going to get offers like a top-8 pick for Gasol, certainly not from a team like us that's not ready to win now.

Anyway, if we could add Gasol, MKG/Barnes, JT and T-Will this offseason while turning over Hayes, Thornton/Jimmer, Garcia, (possible 2nd rounder?) and all of our cap space, I think it's hard for us to say no to that. The Lakers probably want a bit more than Thornton and "moveable pieces", but the question is whether they can get it given Gasol's salary, and how badly they want to get rid of him.

 

[sidney]

A similar trade to this one was suggested over on STR, except it was Thornton instead of Jimmer and our 1st instead of our 2nd. I basically said "no way" on the 1st rounder wherever it lands and said the Lakers would have to settle for Thornton/Hayes/Garcia or forget it. (I got lol'ed at, but that's beside the point. I'm just bitter.) In the end, I think that looks pretty similar to the one you've suggested, though they get a bigger asset (Thornton) for a bigger salary cap hit. I have no idea whether they'd take it, but I don't think they're going to get offers like a top-8 pick for Gasol, certainly not from a team like us that's not ready to win now.

Anyway, if we could add Gasol, MKG/Barnes, JT and T-Will this offseason while turning over Hayes, Thornton/Jimmer, Garcia, (possible 2nd rounder?) and all of our cap space, I think it's hard for us to say no to that. The Lakers probably want a bit more than Thornton and "moveable pieces", but the question is whether they can get it given Gasol's salary, and how badly they want to get rid of him.

Yeah, this is one possibility I'd like to see. There is blood in the water in LA - Gasol / Kobe feuding + this salary cap change coming up. They are going to either have to max out Bynum or get lucky enough to trade him for Dwight. Kobe's at 30M in 2013. There is no way they can then have a 3rd player making 19M at that time so I think they have to trade Gasol for role players, young players, or salary relief.

 

[Uncia03]

We have a 23M/year pile of non-impact vets on our team so to shoot down the idea of Gasol without consideration for what a trade would be is hasty. We're already paying more than his salary and getting just about nothing in return.

If we miss on Davis, or if we end up with MKG which adds ANOTHER young rookie starter to the lineup we'd be lucky as hell to get Pau freaking Gasol on this team in a trade. A 31yo multiple time all-star who is versatile and not a prima donna. He would need to start but be ok as a 3rd option scorer/facilitator/rebounder. Only a 2 year commitment at his current salary which expires when Cousins needs to be maxed? If I'm Petrie this is on my radar depending on where we land in the lottery.

Trade:
Hayes
Garcia (expiring so finally an asset this year)
Jimmer
2012 2nd
5.5M trade exception and tax relief

for

Gasol
Would the Lakers do this? maybe...I suspect they are going to get a lot of uninspiring Scola/middling pick type offers for Gasol. CBA luxury tax changes start in a year which are going to hit teams like the Lakers hard so we have that to offer. The net increase in our 2012-2013 salary would be 5.5M. Gasol's impact is easily worth that...all assuming we don't land the #1 pick of course.

Last offseason they basically used Gasol to be the primary piece to get the best PG in the game in CP3.
Now I think Gasol has a horrible contract and his trade value has plummetted after this post-season, but I would be shocked if they would ever consider the above trade.

However, if the trade you're proposing is on the table, then I'd take it.

What I don't want is:
1.) Adding Gasol's 19 mil to our 23 mil of unproductive players
2.) Giving up our 1st rounder
3.) Giving up Thornton

But if they want to trade Gasol for an expiring Garcia + flexible pieces (Hayes/Salmons/Outlaw) + last year's rookies + a 2nd round pick, sure I'd be on board with that.

I'd prefer a good shotblocking big next to Gasol, but if none are available, trading some of our flexible pieces for Gasol, then re-signing JT to be the 3rd big, and developing Whiteside some more could work pretty well, especially if we're then able to pick up a quality SF in the draft.

 

[sidney]

Last offseason they basically used Gasol to be the primary piece to get the best PG in the game in CP3.
Now I think Gasol has a horrible contract and his trade value has plummetted after this post-season, but I would be shocked if they would ever consider the above trade.

Very true although to be fair the trade also included them sending Odom as well who had high value at the time just coming off the 6th man of the year award.

No doubt the Lakers would still balk at something like this, but screw them. They are getting older, the cap rules are putting their back up against the wall, and their main players are fighting. They aren't going to get that much for Gasol right now. I wouldn't go overboard to get him but just because he makes 19M doesn't mean he's out of the question.

I'd guess Houston will make another run and getting Gasol maybe for Lowry now that they like Dragic and will likely resign him.

 

[bajaden]

Very true although to be fair the trade also included them sending Odom as well who had high value at the time just coming off the 6th man of the year award.

No doubt the Lakers would still balk at something like this, but screw them. They are getting older, the cap rules are putting their back up against the wall, and their main players are fighting. They aren't going to get that much for Gasol right now. I wouldn't go overboard to get him but just because he makes 19M doesn't mean he's out of the question.

I'd guess Houston will make another run and getting Gasol maybe for Lowry now that they like Dragic and will likely resign him.

One possible flaw in your proposed trade, and I should add that I'm still brushing up on the new CBA. But when the word exception is used, as in, Mid-level, or bi-annual, and lastly, trade, it means it can only be used when over the cap. Which is why its called an exception. Since the Kings aren't over the cap, I don't think the 5 mil trade exception is available to trade. I'm sure the Capt or someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[sidney]

One possible flaw in your proposed trade, and I should add that I'm still brushing up on the new CBA. But when the word exception is used, as in, Mid-level, or bi-annual, and lastly, trade, it means it can only be used when over the cap. Which is why its called an exception. Since the Kings aren't over the cap, I don't think the 5 mil trade exception is available to trade. I'm sure the Capt or someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

I probably didn't clearly write that but I was referring the the trade exception that would be created for LA since they send more salary to us that we send back - possible because we are under the cap.

Exceptions like these:
http://www.shamsports.com/content/pages/data/salaries/exceptions.jsp#sanantonio

I could be wrong though - maybe these don't work the same way in the new CBA. But you are right that MLE and similar exceptions can't be traded.

 

[Rookie]

Very true although to be fair the trade also included them sending Odom as well who had high value at the time just coming off the 6th man of the year award.

No doubt the Lakers would still balk at something like this, but screw them. They are getting older, the cap rules are putting their back up against the wall, and their main players are fighting. They aren't going to get that much for Gasol right now. I wouldn't go overboard to get him but just because he makes 19M doesn't mean he's out of the question.

I'd guess Houston will make another run and getting Gasol maybe for Lowry now that they like Dragic and will likely resign him.

Funny you mentioned Odom. That is exactly how I see Gasol will be for this team. At best, he will performed to keep his value at the cost of the team development. I don't see a guy who can't self motivate to play above and beyond on a contending team to be selfmotivated to help a bottom team rise. So a No vote on proposition twentyGasol for me.

But if it was a trade to get rid of our junk as proposed by Uncia03..I may consider that. I would not want to lose Thornton for Gasol though.

 

[Big Cuz 15]

I wouldn't have any problems trading for Gasol if we were trading a package of Salmons/Garcia/Hayes for him.
But any realistic chance of getting him would require us spending our limited assets to place that 19 mil/year anchor around our necks while keeping the bad contracts we currently have.
Gasol isn't going to take us any place unless we're also able to address the other holes on this team, and acquiring Gasol would put us in a position where we'd probably have to wait 2 years for his contract expires before we could make the necessary changes.

don't forget outlaw. we need to erase ALL our mistakes in one fell swoop.