uPtoWnNY said:

Graycap23 said:

......until next week.

If Isiah's given the keys to the Knicks, he'll make the team a joke again.

Maybe. Or maybe he'll work with D'Antoni to make defense part of the game plan.

You're right that I hadn't read this was still going on. I actually thought we'd moved past this. I DON'T think they should bring Thomas back (nor do I understand why they would), but I think D'Antoni is a strong enough coach that Isiah wouldn't have free reign to make stupid decisions like he did before. So long as he stays in an office it might work out. Still doesn't make a lick of sense, though.

The Lakers should definitely keep hold of Kobe and Pau, Odom too IMO. You can add Bynum to the list, but he is suspectible to injury. Thing is, do they trade Bynum for someone who they'd get a lot of minutes and production out of, or keep Andrew Bynum around in hope he'll stay relatively injury free?. Matt Barnes is worth keeping around, same with Shannon Brown, Luke Walton & maybe Steve Blake too. Ratliff and Smith are 15 year veterans and therefore not worth much in trade value, Fisher is 14 year veteran too, so you're right that Artest probably would be the guy that makes the most sense to trade.

They don't need to do anything major because the starting unit if you add Odom to the mix at SF is Fish, Kobe, Bynum, Odom and Gasol, which is a solid unit. You could interchange Blake or Brown at PG too but I think they might need abit of speed in their starting line up against younger teams like the Thunder and teams who play at a high tempo like the Heat. A player similar to Westbrook or Rondo would be ideal for the Lakers, but again, with so many bigs on the Lakers team they need a PG to fit in their style of play.

I think Ron Artest does have a role to play still with the Lakers, but he needs to step his game back up. I'm guessing it might be a motivational issue with Ron and/or there's something else causing him to not play as well. If they do decide to trade Artest, I'm not sure if Phil will be thinking of bringing in another big guy at PF/SF or to fix the PG position. Question is, which teams would be interested in signing Ron and would it be worthwhile for what the Lakers get in return. Maybe a lower conference team would be interested in a trade or a younger team looking for a more experienced player like the Kings, Wizards or the Thunder.

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

If Isiah's given the keys to the Knicks, he'll make the team a joke again.

Sounds like the owner might have personality conflicts with Walsh.

For two years, Walsh tried to hire Chris Mullin as GM, but Dolan said no. Last year, Dolan tried forcing Walsh to hire Isiah, but Walsh threatened to resign. James Dolan is a fucking asshole - a rich man's son who knows nothing about running a franchise. He blames Walsh for not closing the deal with LeBron James. For some reason, he's got a love jones for Isiah. But it was Donnie Walsh who spent the last two years cleaning up Isiah's mess. Walsh actually got the team under the cap, but he gets no respect from this fucktard owner. And you know Isiah's constantly in Brain-Dead Dolan's ear, telling him he can bring so-and-so to NY.

Amar'e - 17 of 21, 41 points - MVP!!!

uPtoWnNY said:

Amar'e - 17 of 21, 41 points - MVP!!!

Not if "Big Head", Kobe has anything to say about it...

Boston took it to Orlando yesterday. Celtics always do a solid job defending Dwight Howard. They're able to throw wide bodies at him.

I'll be at the Laker game Friday night.

uPtoWnNY said:

Amar'e - 17 of 21, 41 points - MVP!!!

Fucking Knicks.

They won the second of back to back games with the Sixers over

the weekend.

shorttrini said:

uPtoWnNY said:

Amar'e - 17 of 21, 41 points - MVP!!!

Not if "Big Head", Kobe has anything to say about it...

Kobe for MVP, nope not this season.

It's mid season and I still see things the same in the East, Boston takes it.

In the West it's all about the Spurs - Lakers IMO

Where the hell did THIS guy come from? Scariest thing in the NBA since Cherokee Parks!

[img:$uid]http://clutch.mtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/birdman.jpg[/img:$uid]

Carmelo Anthony talks are heating up;

http://sports.espn.go.com/new-york/nba/news/story?id=6094827

Now I'm hearing the Lakers or Bulls might be interested.

uPtoWnNY said:

Now I'm hearing the Lakers or Bulls might be interested.

The Bulls don't have the skills set 2 pull off such a move. The Lakers do.........

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

Now I'm hearing the Lakers or Bulls might be interested.

The Bulls don't have the skills set 2 pull off such a move. The Lakers do.........

I wouldn't want an injury-prone Andrew Bynum. I'd listen to the Bulls offer first.

uPtoWnNY said:

Graycap23 said:

The Bulls don't have the skills set 2 pull off such a move. The Lakers do.........

I wouldn't want an injury-prone Andrew Bynum. I'd listen to the Bulls offer first.

Bynum is OVA.

Graycap23 said:

uPtoWnNY said:

I wouldn't want an injury-prone Andrew Bynum. I'd listen to the Bulls offer first.

Bynum is OVA.

So many rumors flying around about Carmelo. Mike Francesca reported Mark Cuban would take Anthony even if he doesn't sign the extension. He's willing to take the risk and rent him for the playoffs.

WFAN reported the Lakers said no to the deal.

[Edited 2/8/11 10:22am]

I don't see Kobe and Carmelo complementing each other(like Jordan and Pippen) at all. What happens to Gasol? If you move him to the 5 and Artest(or Odom) to 4, that's not good either.

I don't see Melo becoming a Laker. I think a better fit would be with the Bulls and they could potentially go from a playoff team, to one which could be a championship contesting team. Chicago would most likely have to trade Noah or Deng for Melo, unless they try and sign him in the summer. Another team which I think Melo would fit in for some reason is the Magic, but he'll most likely be joining the Knicks. The Nuggets should try and make a deal happen soon though, as if Melo does leave as a free agent they've lost their best player with nothing in return.

thetimefan said:

I don't see Melo becoming a Laker. I think a better fit would be with the Bulls and they could potentially go from a playoff team, to one which could be a championship contesting team. Chicago would most likely have to trade Noah or Deng for Melo, unless they try and sign him in the summer. Another team which I think Melo would fit in for some reason is the Magic, but he'll most likely be joining the Knicks. The Nuggets should try and make a deal happen soon though, as if Melo does leave as a free agent they've lost their best player with nothing in return.

I do see it. The Lakers are looking for somebody to be "star player", whom Kobe will take under his wing and prepare him to be the furture "star" of the Lakers, after Kobe's days are over. Melo and Kobe have also played together on the Olympic team, are great friends so there is a history. Kobe is not getting any younger, next year will be his 16th season and the Lakers are preparing for the future. Besides, Bynom for Anthony, sounds a lot better than what the Knicks are offering for Anthony....

shorttrini said:

thetimefan said:

I don't see Melo becoming a Laker. I think a better fit would be with the Bulls and they could potentially go from a playoff team, to one which could be a championship contesting team. Chicago would most likely have to trade Noah or Deng for Melo, unless they try and sign him in the summer. Another team which I think Melo would fit in for some reason is the Magic, but he'll most likely be joining the Knicks. The Nuggets should try and make a deal happen soon though, as if Melo does leave as a free agent they've lost their best player with nothing in return.

I do see it. The Lakers are looking for somebody to be "star player", whom Kobe will take under his wing and prepare him to be the furture "star" of the Lakers, after Kobe's days are over. Melo and Kobe have also played together on the Olympic team, are great friends so there is a history. Kobe is not getting any younger, next year will be his 16th season and the Lakers are preparing for the future. Besides, Bynom for Anthony, sounds a lot better than what the Knicks are offering for Anthony....

(from a Laker fan at another site):

You need to rebound and defend the paint to win a title and LA is taking a major hit in that area if they send Bynum packing.

Gasol at center with the rest of that front court and your team isn't winning anything. Get that small ball Phoenix/New York stuff out of here. That team now matches up less favorably with Miami (since they're giving away one of their biggest advantages in size/rebounding/interior D) and would get their tails kicked inside against Boston or San Antonio.

We saw how badly LA was manhandled up front in the 08 Finals without Bynum. We saw how Perkins missing Game 7 last June cost the Celtics the title. You NEED these players to win titles. Pau on his own isn't cutting it, he winds up in Duhwight's situation.

Bigs aren't what they were in the 80's and 90's in terms of centerpieces but they are still a much more important piece to a title team than many realize. I know he's injury-prone and only a role player but I do not give up Bynum for Melo unless you're thinking long term and willing to sacrifice a bit in the present (which I would understand - trying to build around Pau/Melo over next 5-6 years). You do not win a title now if you flip-flop Melo and Bynum, I don't care what anybody says. You won't convince me.

Melo and Kobe would coexist fine (at least while Phil is still around), the defense and rebounding though - meh.

(another fan):

i dont want melo if i have to give up Bynum, potato chip knees and all. we would be giving up our 1 major advantage over the Celtics, REBOUNDING!

the Celtics are not a good rebounding team. thier in the bottom half of teams this year and was there last year as well.

with a perimeter defense of Fish, Kobe, and Melo, we will get shredded. a frontline of Odom and Pau will get punked consistently. hell, Odom gets punked by smaller post players now.

i want no part of melo. ill rather wait and take our chances of getting Dwight in a couple years.

uPtoWnNY said:

shorttrini said:

I do see it. The Lakers are looking for somebody to be "star player", whom Kobe will take under his wing and prepare him to be the furture "star" of the Lakers, after Kobe's days are over. Melo and Kobe have also played together on the Olympic team, are great friends so there is a history. Kobe is not getting any younger, next year will be his 16th season and the Lakers are preparing for the future. Besides, Bynom for Anthony, sounds a lot better than what the Knicks are offering for Anthony....

(from a Laker fan at another site):

You need to rebound and defend the paint to win a title and LA is taking a major hit in that area if they send Bynum packing.

Gasol at center with the rest of that front court and your team isn't winning anything. Get that small ball Phoenix/New York stuff out of here. That team now matches up less favorably with Miami (since they're giving away one of their biggest advantages in size/rebounding/interior D) and would get their tails kicked inside against Boston or San Antonio.

We saw how badly LA was manhandled up front in the 08 Finals without Bynum. We saw how Perkins missing Game 7 last June cost the Celtics the title. You NEED these players to win titles. Pau on his own isn't cutting it, he winds up in Duhwight's situation.

Bigs aren't what they were in the 80's and 90's in terms of centerpieces but they are still a much more important piece to a title team than many realize. I know he's injury-prone and only a role player but I do not give up Bynum for Melo unless you're thinking long term and willing to sacrifice a bit in the present (which I would understand - trying to build around Pau/Melo over next 5-6 years). You do not win a title now if you flip-flop Melo and Bynum, I don't care what anybody says. You won't convince me.

Melo and Kobe would coexist fine (at least while Phil is still around), the defense and rebounding though - meh.

(another fan):

i dont want melo if i have to give up Bynum, potato chip knees and all. we would be giving up our 1 major advantage over the Celtics, REBOUNDING!

the Celtics are not a good rebounding team. thier in the bottom half of teams this year and was there last year as well.

with a perimeter defense of Fish, Kobe, and Melo, we will get shredded. a frontline of Odom and Pau will get punked consistently. hell, Odom gets punked by smaller post players now.

i want no part of melo. ill rather wait and take our chances of getting Dwight in a couple years.

Hey, I agree. I would rather see him in a place like NY or Chicago. That being said, those teams really have nothing worth giving in return for Melo and L.A. does.

shorttrini said:

Hey, I agree. I would rather see him in a place like NY or Chicago. That being said, those teams really have nothing worth giving in return for Melo and L.A. does.

Exactly what does an injured Bynum do 4 the Nuggets?

Graycap23 said:

shorttrini said:

Hey, I agree. I would rather see him in a place like NY or Chicago. That being said, those teams really have nothing worth giving in return for Melo and L.A. does.

Exactly what does an injured Bynum do 4 the Nuggets?

I don't think Denver is looking at it that way. They are more concerned with Melo and making him happy. Even though Bynum health risks are real, when healthy he can be force to be reckoned with at center. What trips me out is how people view Bynum's health as if he is the only one in the NBA with health issues,(Melo for example has play 70 games once, in the past 4 seasons). If I am not mistaken, this would be the last year of Bynum's contract anyway, so even if it does not work out, the Nuggets would not be responsible for his contract anyway.

Nuggets will drag this Melo-drama out until the 24th.

shorttrini said:

Graycap23 said:

Exactly what does an injured Bynum do 4 the Nuggets?

I don't think Denver is looking at it that way. They are more concerned with Melo and making him happy. Even though Bynum health risks are real, when healthy he can be force to be reckoned with at center. What trips me out is how people view Bynum's health as if he is the only one in the NBA with health issues,(Melo for example has play 70 games once, in the past 4 seasons). If I am not mistaken, this would be the last year of Bynum's contract anyway, so even if it does not work out, the Nuggets would not be responsible for his contract anyway.

Then they had better WAKE up.

Good point about Bynum for Melo. Although if he can keep injury free, Bynum could be a center for the Lakers for the next 6 - 7 years, so for that reason, I don't see LA trading him, not at this time anyway. I agree that the Lakers do need a star to follow on from Kobe, but he's still got a few good seasons left IMO and I think they'd look to a Kevin Durant or Blake Griffin to be the new star of the Lakers.

I read an article with Chris Paul talking about possibly teaming up with Stoudamire and Melo in New York (CP3 will be a free agent after the 12/13 season) and I think that's a more likely possibility, or alternatively Melo could team up with Rose, Noah and Boozer now in Chicago which like I said would turn them into a title contender this season.

Graycap23 said:

shorttrini said:

I don't think Denver is looking at it that way. They are more concerned with Melo and making him happy. Even though Bynum health risks are real, when healthy he can be force to be reckoned with at center. What trips me out is how people view Bynum's health as if he is the only one in the NBA with health issues,(Melo for example has play 70 games once, in the past 4 seasons). If I am not mistaken, this would be the last year of Bynum's contract anyway, so even if it does not work out, the Nuggets would not be responsible for his contract anyway.

Then they had better WAKE up.

I agree. For some reason, they are in another world. I did not agree, with them getting Billups. He did nothing special in their last play-off appearence and they should have gotten rid of him. The core of that team is, Anthony an dto a certain extend, Martin. When will they wake up, is beyond me.

What a disgraceful performance last night by the Knicks. No effort on defense whatsoever.

uPtoWnNY said:

What a disgraceful performance last night by the Knicks. No effort on defense whatsoever.

Their defense was appauling. I don't know what their coach was thinking, not putting a body on that guy, who as just making shots, especially three-point shots.

shorttrini said:

uPtoWnNY said:

What a disgraceful performance last night by the Knicks. No effort on defense whatsoever.

Their defense was appauling. I don't know what their coach was thinking, not putting a body on that guy, who as just making shots, especially three-point shots.

D'Amphony is a fraud coach.