The Lakers Nation

Hoopsworld’s Eric Pincus chimes in with the latest Kidd/L.A. rumors as well as provides us with new tidbits about it…

Hoopsworld: Lots of rumors involving the Los Angeles Lakers have been bouncing around recently, specifically in regards to Jason Kidd and Jermaine O’Neal. What’s interesting is that both players make the same $19,278,000 salary this season.

The Lakers are currently on an upswing behind the play of developing center Andrew Bynum. While the New Jersey Nets and Indiana Pacers wouldn’t make a deal in earlier talks without the inclusion of Bynum, it’s become apparent he is simply untouchable.

In Jersey, Kidd would love to make a move to play alongside a player like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony. Facing a mediocre product, declining attendance and an unhappy superstar, the Nets are open to making a change.

Similarly a source says the Pacers aren’t averse to moving Jermaine O’Neal for similar reasons (though O’Neal has been more of a good solider).

While both teams want value in return, financial relief is a considerable factor.

The problem the Lakers have is coming up with enough expiring contracts to trigger a deal. At this point that may not be possible with either New Jersey or Indiana without a third team’s participation.

Considering how well the Lakers are playing, they’re not willing to do a 5-1 swap, crippling their depth to take on an overpaid star. Even if they decided to package sparkplug point guard Jordan Farmar with the expiring deal of Kwame Brown, the Lakers simply don’t have enough short contracts to make up the gap.

Continue reading ‘Pincus: Rumors - Laker Blockbuster Unlikely’

After an interesting week of Jason Kidd rumors, a new article suggests there is no Kidd-ing around now…

NJ.com: About all those magnanimous trade proposals that all those GMs are making to Rod

Thorn regarding Jason Kidd:

“They’re going down,” the Nets president admitted last night, with a trace of relief and derision.

Because … why? Have they finally caught on that it’s futile to try to steal the Nets point guard?

“Yeah, you could say that,” Thorn replied with a laugh.

Are the calls picking up with regard to any of his other players?

“One or two,” Thorn said.

Though Thorn refused to name names, it is widely assumed that the most sought-after Net is Sean Williams, with Richard Jefferson (and his $12.2 million salary) a distant second.

Continue reading ‘Thorn says GMs aren’t Kidd-ing around as much’

Interesting article on what Los Angeles could be up to. Problem is… take it with a grain of salt. It IS Sam Smith:

Chicago Tribune: And the balance of power could rest with Jason Kidd.

Though both teams continue to deny it vehemently, a rival general manager said last week he’s still hearing talk of a Nets-Mavs deal involving Kidd.

It’s not hard to believe, with the Nets an ongoing mess. They had the most pathetic excuse of the year Saturday, complaining about fatigue after a loss to the Knicks in the second game of a back-to-back. They played Friday night at home, about 8 miles from Madison Square Garden. The Knicks had played in Chicago.

Kidd is said to be upset that Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson have better contracts than he does.

Dallas remains Kidd’s most likely destination, but the Lakers are frequently mentioned. The Lakers’ refusal to give up Bynum for Kidd last winter now looks awfully smart. The Lakers have Kwame Brown’s $9 million expiring contract and some young pieces and draft picks that might make sense for the Nets. And, the Mavs have plenty in reserve to make a deal as well.

…The Suns have been arguing on the court and on the bench, and there has been outspoken criticism of Boris Diaw, who seems a likely trade possibility. Ron Artest remains with a Sacramento team going nowhere and with an opt-out. He has long been on the Lakers’ radar. Maybe somebody latches onto Andre Miller for young players and cap relief from the rebuilding 76ers.

And so coming east again are the Lakers: harmonious, confident, controversy-free, playing well and with possibilities.

Continue reading ‘Sam Smith: Lakers - Talk of Kidd & Artest on LA’s Radar’

Interesting. After losing to the Clipps though, if I were Thorn I’d listen to those calls.

RealGM: Nets team president Rod Thorn said there have been calls about Jason Kidd but he doesn’t see anything imminent for the Nets on the trade front. He maintains help must come from within.

“No question, we have not played well. The record we have is the record we’ve earned,” Thorn said. “We need to play better. It’s not the fashionable answer and I know it sounds trite and cliched but if we want to turn it around, we just need to play better.”

As for trades, “I make it a habit to talk to GMs/team presidents as a regular matter of course and that’s what I’ve been doing [so] I wouldn’t say we’re actively trying to do something.”