A lot of people think the signing of Ron Artest makes the Lakers a lock to repeat as NBA champions…
… but not so fast.
There were 2 reasons the Lakers were able to walk away with the NBA title last year: Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza. Kobe was Kobe and Gasol did a fine job… but it was Trevor Ariza playing out of his mind and Odom playing like he'd quit weed that really made the difference.
Well, now Trevor Ariza is in Houston. But that was easily offset, at least talent-wise, by Artest. But losing Mr. matchup-problem would a big deal. So these words from Lakers GM Mitch Kupchack can't be encouraging for Lakers fans:
hopeful" of re-signing unrestricted free agent Lamar Odom "as I was
Friday." Asked why, Kupchak said, "It's just a feeling you get. You
have conversations with the player's representative and, right now, I'm
not sure we're on the same page."
As that link continues to explain… the Lakers have apparently offered Odom $8 mil/year without anyone else really in the bidding. I see one of 3 endings here:
- Odom will put the bong down, ask "what month is this? Hooooooly crap… JULY? I was totally expecting a call from the Lakers. I should turn my phone on."
- Another team will finally come calling and give Lamar enough to ditch the Lakers.
- The Lakers will bid against themselves and give Lamar a gigantic contract even though there were no other real suitors.
Knowing what I know about Odom… #1 is the most likely scenario. But I'm hoping he goes to Portland or something. A team out West HAS to know that they not only gain by signing him… they hurt their main competition. Why wouldn't they do it
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