Webber want to go West. Interested in Lakers?

[ImAKing]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/baske...163.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nba-lakers

Webber shows definite interest

By Mike Bresnahan, Times Staff Writer
January 12, 2007

Free-agent forward Chris Webber and the Lakers took another step toward each other Thursday, with Webber's agent saying his client was highly interested in heading west, and the Lakers acknowledging they were more than willing to listen.

"They're definitely a team that Chris is considering," agent Aaron Goodwin said. "He wants to be in a situation where he can continue to play and get significant minutes. He's rested, healthy and ready to go. The Lakers are playing well. Kobe's doing a great job of integrating everybody and turning it into a winning organization this year."

"There's a few teams that he's reviewing and then we're going to move forward. He's definitely excited."

Webber has narrowed his choices to the Lakers, Dallas, Detroit, Miami and Orlando, Goodwin said.

The Lakers weren't unhappy to hear they were on Webber's short list.

"Whenever a player like that is available and expresses interest, as an organization, you have to huddle with your coaches and discuss it," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said. "We'll discuss this some more [Friday]. I think the first hurdle is for us to figure out what makes sense for us. He's a heck of a player."

The Lakers could offer Webber, 33, a two-year contract worth about $2 million, and they would have to waive a player to make room for him, probably Aaron McKie.

The Lakers will have to decide whether Webber, a jump-shooting power forward, will get the playing time he wants. Lamar Odom, their starter at the position, is due back by the end of the month from a sprained knee ligament.

Webber's weighty $43-million contract was bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers, who waived him Thursday. He can't officially sign with another team until Monday, although he will be having over-the-phone discussions with his teams of choice. He will not work out for any teams, Goodwin said.

The top pick in the 1993 draft, Webber averaged 11 points and 8.3 rebounds in 18 games this season. The five-time All-Star has averaged 21.4 points and 10 rebounds in his 14-year career.

Other teams could offer Webber more than the Lakers. Miami has its full mid-level exception, worth about $5 million this season, and Orlando has about half of its mid-level exception.

Dallas, Detroit and the Lakers used their mid-level exceptions during the off-season, the Lakers to sign Vladimir Radmanovic.

There is, however, another factor tilting in the Lakers' favor, Goodwin said.

"Chris loves Los Angeles," he said.

 

[KingsChick]

Interested in Kings ?

 

[Geoff]

Let bygones be bygones, I supposed...why should Chris buy into our Laker hatred?

 

[Bibby_10]

After the way the Kings management traded him for a bag of chips and a coke, I doubt Chris cares about our "Laker hatred".

 

[Gargamel]

After the way the Kings management traded him for a bag of chips and a coke, I doubt Chris cares about our "Laker hatred".

Players rarely have true allegiances. Fans have a hard time figuring that sometimes. We probably don't wanna know how many players actually could give a crap less about their fans.

Malone was glowing about the opportunity to be a Laker back in 98 when everyone in LA hated his guts. He didn't care about that. He didn't even care that he was working with the guy who he helped railroad out of the league in 92. Pro affaletes are a different breed.

 

[Double-K]

Oh man.... not the Lakers please....
It'll be like seeing Mitch or Vlade went there.......

I'd rather see him going to Dallas and win a ring than him going to the Lakers........






Slightly Off topic here, but I really hope the Lakers never win a ring before Kobe retires and 10 years later people will be saying "Kobe drove Shaq away from the Lakers and he never able to reach to the top anymore while Shaq went on and helped Miami to win a champion...."


Half of that is done!!

 

[Bricklayer]

Let bygones be bygones, I supposed...why should Chris buy into our Laker hatred?

This about sums it up.

 

[love_them_kings]

This about sums it up.

I agree, and I personallly wouldn't blame Webb for going to the Lakers if that's the best fit for him.

But, wow, seeing him in a Laker uniform would hurt. Nothing like seeing one of your all time favorites players wearing the uniform of the team you hate!

 

[vladetomiller]

Slightly Off topic here, but I really hope the Lakers never win a ring before Kobe retires and 10 years later people will be saying "Kobe drove Shaq away from the Lakers and he never able to reach to the top anymore while Shaq went on and helped Miami to win a champion...."


Half of that is done!!

Which half

 

[Double-K]

Which half

The "Shaq helped Miami to win a champion" part...

 

[Gargamel]

The "Shaq helped Miami to win a champion" part...

Well...the Mavs did make it out of the West, fortunately. SA woulda taken Mia out.