Author Archive for Jaime Quintanilla

Source: Jackson intent on return (because of Artest?)

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 3, 2009 in 2009 Off-Season. 3 Comments

ESPN: … One theory already in circulation holds that Lakers owner Jerry Buss wanted to sign Artest in part to entice Jackson with a challenge to come back after winning his record-setting 10th championship ring as a coach, breaking his longstanding tie with Boston Celtics patriarch Red Auerbach.

The ability to keep Dennis Rodman plugged in with the Chicago Bulls, something only Jackson and Michael Jordan managed after Rodman’s early days with the Detroit Pistons, helped him win two of those rings.

Asked during a SportsCenter appearance Thursday if he believes he’ll be playing for Jackson when he reports to Lakers training camp in October, Artest said flatly, “He’s my coach.”

Artest also told the Los Angeles Times: “I had a great talk [Thursday] with Phil. I’m a huge fan of his and I can’t wait to show him what I can do.”

Continue reading ‘Source: Jackson intent on return’

Plaschke: Lakers make the wrong move going with Ron Artest

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 3, 2009 in Articles. 47 Comments

It’s easy to understand Plaschke’s reasoning, but when your getting a player that can play both sides of the court and shoot over 40% behind the arc for 18 million for three years, it’s really hard to complain at all. What are your thoughts, Lakers Nation? Sound-off!

bffL.A. Times: Less than three weeks after the parade, the NBA champion Lakers have already met the biggest threat to their throne.

Themselves.

What are they thinking? What are they doing?

They just won a title that would not have been possible without the strong defense and stunning shooting of a 24-year-old kid with a limitless ceiling.

Yet they send the kid packing for an aging nut whose greatest hits have occurred on the heads of fans.

They just won a title with a locker room bathed in the soothing light of unselfishness, teamwork and a quiet temerity.

Yet they cut the power and added the darkest of moods, a guy who has made a career out of hoarding the ball, the attention, and the anger.

Tell me again, why did they get rid of Trevor Ariza for Ron Artest?

Explain to me, please, why they wouldn’t even negotiate further with Trevor Ariza before quickly agreeing to sign Ron Artest?

Continue reading ‘Plaschke: Lakers make the wrong move going with Ron Artest’

Kupchak’s Statement on Ron Artest

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 3, 2009 in 2009 Off-Season. 9 Comments

smileLakers.com: The following is a statement released on Thursday evening from Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak:

“We have entered into discussions with Ron Artest and it is our intention to sign him to a contract at the conclusion of the moratorium period.”

The free agency moratorium period started on July 1, when free agents were allowed to begin speaking with NBA teams.

The period concludes on July 7, which sets July 8 as the date for the potential and official agreement between the Lakers and Artest.

Ariza’s Agent: “… It was about going someplace where you felt appreciated.”

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 2, 2009 in News. 89 Comments

Very interesting stuff coming from Ariza’s camp. What are your thoughts? Sound-off…

L.A. Times: Ariza agreed to a five-year deal with the Rockets for about $33 million, roughly the same that the Lakers had offered in their effort to retain him.

“I had to do what was best for me and family,” Ariza said. “I am happy with my decision. I’m glad this all worked out. The Rockets are going to give me a chance to improve my game and that’s all you can ask for.”

Ariza’s agent, David Lee, said the 24-year-old forward passed up a more lucrative contract offer from another team with salary-cap space. “We decided to go with Houston anyway,” Lee said. “It was never about the money. It was about going someplace where you felt appreciated.”

Here’s more on the situation…

My Fox Houston: I can tell you definitively Trevor had an offer that was nine million more than what the Rockets offered and he decided to go with Houston,” said David Lee, Ariza’s agent, in an interview Thursday with FOX 26 Sports.

“It’s like I told (Lakers General Manager) Mitch Kupchak. It was never about the money. It was about being at a place where he felt wanted and appreciated.”

Podcast: Voice of the Nation – Episode #59 – The Ron Artest Deal

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 2, 2009 in Voice of the Nation. 12 Comments

Laker Nation, join us in welcoming your newest Los Angeles Laker… the True Warrior: Ron Artest.

That’s right Ron-Ron will be in the Purple and Gold come next season, so D-Bricks and G-Small had to give you exclusive analysis of this huge deal.

They talk with Senior writer, Eric Pincus, who goes in-depth on the newest member of your Los Angeles Lakers!

Come on in, and lets talk about the big trade!

Music -
Notorious BIG – Going Back To Cali.
Keri Hilson ft. Kayne West and Neyo – Knock You Down

Other Audio -
Ron Artest Highlight

Subscribe: RSS | iTunes


Download Link: Voice of the Nation – Episode #59
Backup Download: RapidShare

Ariza verbally commits to Houston

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 2, 2009 in 2009 Off-Season. 29 Comments

We’ll miss you, Trev. No matter where you go, you’ll always be a Laker for life.

nottobeESPN: The Houston Rockets have answered the defection of Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers by quickly reaching an agreement to sign Trevor Ariza away from L.A.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that Ariza made a verbal commitment Tuesday night to sign a five-year deal with the Rockets on Wednesday — the first day free agents are permitted to sign new contracts — not long after the Lakers and Artest reached terms on a three-year deal worth an estimated $18 million.

ESPN.com’s Chris Sheridan reports that Ariza, according to sources, will receive the Rockets’ full mid-level exception, which is being projected to come in at $5.8 million for next season. If the exception for the 2009-10 season is indeed set at $5.8 million Wednesday when the league announces next season’s salary cap and luxury tax, Ariza’s deal would be worth $33.5 million.

The Rockets shifted their focus away from Orlando Magic restricted free agent Marcin Gortat on Thursday when it became clear that Gortat was on the verge of reaching terms with the Dallas Mavericks and when it became known leaguewide that Ariza was determined to leave his hometown Lakers — in spite of his vital contributions to L.A.’s championship run — because they were unwilling to start his new contract higher than the mid-level exception.

Continue reading ‘Ariza verbally commits to Houston’

Sources: Ariza may leave Lakers

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 1, 2009 in 2009 Off-Season. 18 Comments

Not good, not good at all…

ESPN: Trevor Ariza’s short but sweet stay in Los Angeles might be coming to an end.

The 24-year-old swingman, who played a key role in the Lakers’ run to their 15th NBA championship, is on the verge of leaving the club, sources close to the situation said on Wednesday.

With at least five teams pursuing Ariza, the Lakers are currently unwilling to pay him more than the $5.6 million mid-level exception.

“They’re letting him go,” one of the sources said.

Cleveland is making a hard push for Ariza, and the Cavaliers’ coaching staff was speaking with him on Wednesday. While Cleveland can only offer the mid-level as well, Ariza’s disappointment with the Lakers’ stance has moved other suitors ahead of his current team.

The Rockets, Clippers, Raptors and Blazers are also showing interest in Ariza. Portland and Toronto could each offer more than the mid-level exception.

Continue reading ‘Sources: Ariza may leave Lakers’

Podcast: Voice of the Nation – Episode #58

Published by Jaime Quintanilla on July 1, 2009 in Voice of the Nation. 1 Comment

We’re the best, around, nothings going to ever bring us down! As the champagne dries and the last pieces of debris are picked up from the Coliseum, the rest of the NBA plots to dethrone the new kings.

G-Small delivers the first Lakers off-season report, and talks about re-signing the key free agents needed to make another Championship run.

Orlando pulls off an amazing deal to get Vince Carter, Shaq has another lead guard to throw under the bus, and are Kobe & Phil setting everybody up for a grand exit next season?

Voice of the Nation #58 continues to give you Lakers talk when no one else will!

Tracklisting -
LWO Song – G-Small
Stand Up! – G-Small
Born-2-Ride – G-Small
Jam – Michael Jackson

Additional Audio -
Lakers vs. Magic Game Audio (6/14/2009)
The Tonight Show (6/16/2009)
The Tonight Show (6/19/2009)

Subscribe: RSS | iTunes


Download Link: Voice of the Nation – Episode #58
Backup Download: RapidShare