by Stop Mike Lupica on February 1 at 3:09PM
Indeed, the Lakers have allegedly completed a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies for Pau Gasol, in exchange for Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, and 2 future first-rounders. The second one (2010) might be a surprising bonus for the Grizzlies, if Kobe opts out early and the Lakers fall apart. Doubtful, but always a possibility.
Things to note: The Lakers could afford to take on Gasol long term, because aside from Kobe, they have no other major contracts. They'll still have pretty decent salary cap flexibility to fill in holes down the road. J-Crit was expendable, because Jordan Farmer is still the point guard of the future in LA. Gasol and Andrew Bynum (when he is healthy) form a scary frontcourt to team with Kobe.
The Grizzlies cleared a ton of cap space. In fact, by getting rid of Gasol's entire contract (J-Crit only adds about $1.5 million to next year's cap), the Grizzlies are about $18 million under for next year. The better to overpay for another mediocre free agent to keep Darko Mililic (now the 2nd highest paid player on the team) company on the bench. Spend that money fast, Grizzlies, because Rudy Gay is due for an extension in a few years...
Oh, and the Lakers now move up to the top tier of contenders. We wrote a post (you'll see it on Monday) about the following teams being the likeliest to make moves, because they see the vulnerability of the Spurs, Mavs and Suns this year: The Hornets, Lakers, and Nuggets.
One out of three down...
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Things to note: The Lakers could afford to take on Gasol long term, because aside from Kobe, they have no other major contracts. They'll still have pretty decent salary cap flexibility to fill in holes down the road. J-Crit was expendable, because Jordan Farmer is still the point guard of the future in LA. Gasol and Andrew Bynum (when he is healthy) form a scary frontcourt to team with Kobe.
The Grizzlies cleared a ton of cap space. In fact, by getting rid of Gasol's entire contract (J-Crit only adds about $1.5 million to next year's cap), the Grizzlies are about $18 million under for next year. The better to overpay for another mediocre free agent to keep Darko Mililic (now the 2nd highest paid player on the team) company on the bench. Spend that money fast, Grizzlies, because Rudy Gay is due for an extension in a few years...
Oh, and the Lakers now move up to the top tier of contenders. We wrote a post (you'll see it on Monday) about the following teams being the likeliest to make moves, because they see the vulnerability of the Spurs, Mavs and Suns this year: The Hornets, Lakers, and Nuggets.
One out of three down...
Leave a comment
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The Lakers are RIGHT THERE! As long as Bynum comes back healthy...