Deron Williams entered the L.A. Convention Center on Wednesday appearing eager to perform a basketball video game demo.
The Lakers would be equally eager to see Williams across the street next season, walking to Staples Center and performing in a Lakers uniform. And with a little less than a month before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, the New Jersey Nets point guard told The Times he hasn't "closed any windows" on where he'd play for in the 2011-12 season.
As far as the Lakers are concerned, Williams appeared well aware that the Lakers' payroll is limited.
"I know they don't have any money to just go out and sign me," Williams said. "It'll have to be some kind of deal."
Williams spoke Wednesday at the E3 Expo, where he was promoting the video game "NBA Baller Beats," which features him on the cover and will be released in September. Who knows if Williams' interaction with people at E3, many presumably who root for the Lakers, would play a part in any courtship. But the Lakers could use any help they can get.
Even though the Lakers bolstered their backcourt by acquiring Ramon Sessions before the March 15 deadline, he averaged only 6.8 points on 35.3% shooting in the team's Western Conference semifinals loss to Oklahoma City. The Times' Mike Bresnahan reported Sessions is expected to opt out of his $4.55-million player option in hopes of getting a long-term contract. Meanwhile, Williams' skill set vastly exceeds Sessions. Williams' 21 points per game ranked third among the NBA's guards and his 8.8 assists per game ranked sixth among guards.
Well, in regards to the title of the thread, yeah, that's the only way the Lakers can get him. _________________ I'm like a Hadouken, down-right Fierce!
June 6, 2012, 12:00 p.m.
This is the ninth in a series of posts grading the Lakers on the 2011-12 season.
Player: Matt Barnes
How he performed: 7.8 points on 45.2% shooting from the field and 33% from three-point range and 5.5 rebounds in 22.5 minutes in regular season; 3.5 points on 27.1% shooting from the field and 16.1% shooting from three-point range and 3.3 rebounds in 16.8 minutes in postseason.
The good: Even with Mike Brown's dizzying rotations at small forward, Barnes remained the team's most reliable reserve in the regular season. That's no small task considering Barnes jumped around from not playing at all, starting at small forward, and then coming off the bench behind Metta World Peace. Regardless of the fluctuating role and minutes played, Barnes stayed consistent on making hustle plays, throwing effective outlet and swing passes, cutting into the lane and making offensive putbacks.
In some moments, Barnes became the team's wild card when Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol met persisting double teams. He posted double-digit scoring figures in 20 games. Barnes scored in such fashion in four consecutive games in April, including a 24-point effort on nine-of-11 shooting, four-of-four from three-point range and 10 rebounds in the Lakers' 103-97 win April 11 against Denver. After the Lakers acquired Ramon Sessions, it appeared Barnes immediately benefited from his presence. Sessions' quick speed complemented Barnes' sharp off-ball cutting and ability to find open gaps in transition. The Lakers as a whole lacked a dependable reserve unit that could produce despite not having any plays called for them. During the regular season, Barnes became the team's main exception to that trend.
COMMENTARY | Kevin Garnett is proving himself to be an absolute beast in the 2012 NBA playoffs, as evidenced by his outstanding Game 5 performance (26 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks) against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night.
With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers have to be at least intrigued by the possibility of acquiring a player like the Boston Celtics' star power forward, who will be an unrestricted free agent following the postseason.
Questions about his age have come up frequently in the last few years, especially when it comes to his effectiveness as a primary component of an aging team. But one thing that's never been in question is his passion for the game and heart.
That's why Lakers' brass have to explore the possibility of bringing in KG via a sign-and-trade involving Pau Gasol. The Spaniard has all but worn out his welcome in Los Angeles, and even though his skill set is unique, it's likely that he and the team will part ways.
With that in mind, here are five reasons why Kevin Garnett would be a good fit in Los Angeles:
Deron Williams entered the L.A. Convention Center on Wednesday appearing eager to perform a basketball video game demo.
The Lakers would be equally eager to see Williams across the street next season, walking to Staples Center and performing in a Lakers uniform. And with a little less than a month before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, the New Jersey Nets point guard told The Times he hasn't "closed any windows" on where he'd play for in the 2011-12 season.
As far as the Lakers are concerned, Williams appeared well aware that the Lakers' payroll is limited.
"I know they don't have any money to just go out and sign me," Williams said. "It'll have to be some kind of deal."
Williams spoke Wednesday at the E3 Expo, where he was promoting the video game "NBA Baller Beats," which features him on the cover and will be released in September. Who knows if Williams' interaction with people at E3, many presumably who root for the Lakers, would play a part in any courtship. But the Lakers could use any help they can get.
Even though the Lakers bolstered their backcourt by acquiring Ramon Sessions before the March 15 deadline, he averaged only 6.8 points on 35.3% shooting in the team's Western Conference semifinals loss to Oklahoma City. The Times' Mike Bresnahan reported Sessions is expected to opt out of his $4.55-million player option in hopes of getting a long-term contract. Meanwhile, Williams' skill set vastly exceeds Sessions. Williams' 21 points per game ranked third among the NBA's guards and his 8.8 assists per game ranked sixth among guards.
Contrary to reports, Phil Jackson and Orlando are still in talks for a front office job
In a new proposal, Jackson would work remotely and Brian Shaw would be coach
Magic CEO Alex Martins appears to be against the proposal; ownership is conflicted
A proposed plan could reunite Phil Jackson (right) and former Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw in Orlando.
Noah Graham/Getty Images
The pitch for Phil Jackson to run the Orlando Magic isn't dead just yet.
Five days after the Orlando Sentinel reported that the former Lakers and Bulls coach with 11 championship rings had "bowed out" of a plan to be the lead personnel man for the Magic, two sources close to the situation told SI.com that a revised version of the proposal that still included Jackson's involvement was submitted to the team Tuesday morning.
Former Charlotte coach Sam Vincent, who played for the Bulls during Jackson's days as an assistant in Chicago and also played for the Magic, continues to captain the cause that would have Jackson work remotely (likely from Los Angeles, where his longtime girlfriend, Jeanie Buss, remains with the Lakers) most of the time. Vincent would operate in a front-office role in the plan, while the team would be coached by a protégé (or two) of Jackson's.
By TNT analyst David Aldridge
Posted Jun 6 2012 6:45PM
In an unusual display of independent solidarity from NBA parties, both the agents for Phil Jackson and an Orlando Magic source denied Wednesday any contact between the parties on a potential kingmaker role for Jackson with the Magic organization.
Former Bobcats coach Sam Vincent was freelancing a proposal with no authorization to speak for the Magic, the agents said.
Stories in the Orlando Sentinel last week and on SI.com Tuesday said that a proposal that would bring Jackson to the Magic as an executive was on the table. However, Jackson's longtime agents, Todd and Brian Musburger, said Wednesday that the Magic has never contacted them about Jackson. And a league source familiar with the Magic's search for a new general manager said that Vincent was not speaking for the Magic, nor are the Magic interested in hiring Jackson.
"One, Phil never voiced any interest in Orlando," Todd Musburger said "never had us check it out, never checked it out himself. Two, Orlando never called."
Brian Musburger said Wednesday that the 66-year-old Jackson was interested in a "hybrid" management role -- a Pat Riley-Tex Winter combination," Musburger said -- that would make Jackson the head of basketball operations and give Jackson authority over the entire organization, including picking the next coach. (That coach would run Jackson's beloved triangle offense.)
The Magic's list of general manager candidates remains at five: former Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard, Oklahoma City assistant general manager Troy Weaver, Thunder assistant general manager Rob Hennigan, Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey and former Hornets general manager Jeff Bower. Former Pacers and Knicks executive Donnie Walsh had been on the list, but Walsh removed himself from consideration last week.
Contrary to reports, Phil Jackson and Orlando are still in talks for a front office job
In a new proposal, Jackson would work remotely and Brian Shaw would be coach
Magic CEO Alex Martins appears to be against the proposal; ownership is conflicted
A proposed plan could reunite Phil Jackson (right) and former Lakers assistant coach Brian Shaw in Orlando.
Noah Graham/Getty Images
The pitch for Phil Jackson to run the Orlando Magic isn't dead just yet.
Five days after the Orlando Sentinel reported that the former Lakers and Bulls coach with 11 championship rings had "bowed out" of a plan to be the lead personnel man for the Magic, two sources close to the situation told SI.com that a revised version of the proposal that still included Jackson's involvement was submitted to the team Tuesday morning.
Former Charlotte coach Sam Vincent, who played for the Bulls during Jackson's days as an assistant in Chicago and also played for the Magic, continues to captain the cause that would have Jackson work remotely (likely from Los Angeles, where his longtime girlfriend, Jeanie Buss, remains with the Lakers) most of the time. Vincent would operate in a front-office role in the plan, while the team would be coached by a protégé (or two) of Jackson's.
In an unusual display of independent solidarity from NBA parties, both the agents for Phil Jackson and an Orlando Magic source denied Wednesday any contact between the parties on a potential kingmaker role for Jackson with the Magic organization.
Former Bobcats coach Sam Vincent was freelancing a proposal with no authorization to speak for the Magic, the agents said.
Stories in the Orlando Sentinel last week and on SI.com Tuesday said that a proposal that would bring Jackson to the Magic as an executive was on the table. However, Jackson's longtime agents, Todd and Brian Musburger, said Wednesday that the Magic has never contacted them about Jackson. And a league source familiar with the Magic's search for a new general manager said that Vincent was not speaking for the Magic, nor are the Magic interested in hiring Jackson.
"One, Phil never voiced any interest in Orlando," Todd Musburger said "never had us check it out, never checked it out himself. Two, Orlando never called."
Brian Musburger said Wednesday that the 66-year-old Jackson was interested in a "hybrid" management role -- a Pat Riley-Tex Winter combination," Musburger said -- that would make Jackson the head of basketball operations and give Jackson authority over the entire organization, including picking the next coach. (That coach would run Jackson's beloved triangle offense.)
The Magic's list of general manager candidates remains at five: former Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard, Oklahoma City assistant general manager Troy Weaver, Thunder assistant general manager Rob Hennigan, Spurs assistant general manager Dennis Lindsey and former Hornets general manager Jeff Bower. Former Pacers and Knicks executive Donnie Walsh had been on the list, but Walsh removed himself from consideration last week.
The source with knowledge of Orlando's search said that Vincent, the former Magic player and Bobcats head coach, met with Orlando CEO Alex Martins, who is heading the GM search, last Thursday. Vincent, according to the source, said he had "a big idea" and could "deliver" Jackson to Orlando. But, the Musburgers said Wednesday, Vincent hadn't discussed the proposal with Jackson or with his agents.
The SI.com story said the proposal Vincent was shopping would give Jackson part ownership of the Magic, with former Lakers assistant Brian Shaw, now the Pacers' associate head coach, taking over as the Magic's new head coach. Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen, the SI.com story said, would also be brought in as an assistant coach, with Vincent taking over as the Magic's general manager.
But Vincent isn't on the Magic's list for potential GMs. And the team is bristling that an idea it did not conceive of or endorse is being portrayed as fact -- especially when it has insisted on absolute secrecy from the other candidates currently being interviewed.
Vincent could not be reached for comment.
The SI.com story said that under Vincent's proposal, Jackson could run the Magic but continue living in California, where his longtime love interest, Lakers Executive Vice President Jeanie Buss, remains. But the source indicated that Martins wants no part of such an arrangement where Jackson was a "part time" director of basketball operations. At any rate, the team wasn't, and isn't, interested in pursuing the proposal.
However, the Magic is "very fond of" Shaw, the source said, and Shaw would be on the team's short list for potential head coaches after the GM is hired.
Jackson would definitely live in the city where he gets a job, Todd Musburger said, saying it was "insulting" to believe that Jackson was interested in being a commuter executive. "You will not find Phil Jackson on the golf course," he said.
Shaw, who was Jackson's choice to succeed him in Los Angeles, and who had the backing of Kobe Bryant, was passed over for the Lakers' job in favor of former Cavaliers head coach Mike Brown, having been caught in the middle as the Lakers' vice president of player personnel, Jim Buss, announced his authority as the team's new power broker.
Whether to change direction or save money -- or both -- the Lakers removed almost all of the living vestiges from the Jackson years last summer, letting go several long-time club employees, including assistant general manager Ronnie Lester, director of athletic performance Chip Schaefer and most of the team's former scouting staff.
Shaw interviewed last week for the Bobcats' vacant head coaching job. But he hasn't spoken with Vincent about the proposal, said his agent, Jerome Stanley.
"As far as Brian's concerned, we haven't been contacted by anybody about anything," Stanley said.
Shaw is also committed to running the triangle. If he were to get the Magic job, it's uncertain how that commitment to the triangle would play with Dwight Howard, the franchise center whose future with the team remains uncertain despite his decision to "opt in" last February and play out the last year of his contract for the 2012-13 season. The Magic will insist that Howard commit to a long-term deal this summer; if he does not, the team will trade him.
Jackson, both Musburgers said, is not likely to coach again, even though he's been given a clean bill of health after having his left knee replaced in March. He would rather be a kind of consigliere to a new head coach, in the role that Winter played for him in Chicago and Los Angeles.
"Phil would be very comfortable I he never returns to the NBA," Todd Musburger said. "But I think he would be very comfortable returning. There's a lot of frustration when you're sitting in your living room and watching a team try to defend a screen and roll, and you can't put your hands on an organization."
Said Brian Musburger: "He gets frustrated this time of year."
But wouldn't it be hard for any coach, no matter how secure in his own abilities, to take over a team knowing that there was a guy with 11 rings down the hallway?
"It was probably intimidating having Red Auerbach down the hall, too," Todd Musburger said, referring to Auerbach's 20-plus year reign in Boston as the Celtics' GM after his coaching days were over. Jackson passed Auerbach as the NBA's all-time coaching winner in championships in 2009 when he won his 10th title, as the Lakers beat Orlando. Jackson added an 11th title in 2010 when Los Angeles beat Boston in seven games, but insisted the 2010-11 season would be his last.
Todd Musburger said Jackson would like to be involved with the new staff, "not to second-guess them, but to help them prepare for doing their job. I think he would find that challenging and rewarding."
Said Brian Musburger: "he valued that relationship (with Winter) too much (to interfere with a new head coach). I think he would love to mentor somebody in that kind of way" Winter did with him.
The Musburgers acknowledged that there had been inquiries made by the Knicks about bringing Jackson, who played on New York's 1973 championship team, back to the organization. However, the entreaties were made by third parties -- ambassadors without portfolio," as Todd Musburger put it -- and Jackson was never contacted by Knicks chairman James Dolan or the president of Madison Square Garden Sports, Scott O'Neil.
The Knicks subsequently removed the interim tags from both general manager Glen Grunwald and head coach Mike Woodson, who got a new multiyear deal late last month.
"We are not in contact with anybody who is in any authority to do anything," Todd Musburger said. "Until we hear from people who have real authority and real decision making capability, there's nothing worth discussing."
PJ and BShaw to Orlando? Can Orlando run a triangle? I'm not sure they have the personnel to run it. I need a couple of adult beverages to think that one over.
This one deserves its own separate threads because there are plenty of possible repercussions if PJ and BShaw end up in Orlando. Seriously, I doubt that PJ has the stomach or the patience to deal with agents and contract negotiations. I just don't see him being a give and take kind of guy.
Joined: 30 Jun 2001 Posts: 14951 Location: Winchester, CA.
Posted: Wed Jun 06, 2012 4:32 pm Post subject:
Man, this off season is gonna be nuts. The Lakers MUST get Deron Williams this summer, it would be the first step of the beginning of the next phase of another championship run.
Man, this off season is gonna be nuts. The Lakers MUST get Deron Williams this summer, it would be the first step of the beginning of the next phase of another championship run.
I think Gasol can be traded for an exception, which the Nets would probably take rather than get nothing.
If Magic trade Howard somewhere else (maybe for Hibbert and George? Haven't looked into the possibility but sounds like a win-win) Nets would have nothing else to do but trade D-Will because he doesn't want to be in the rebuilding process, LA wants to move a big man or maybe even 2 and we could work out a decent package with either Houson,Atlanta or Utah.
I don't think Magic will let Howard walk or trade him to the Nets, Nets lost their pick which means they have nothing to give but Lopez and maybe an S&T with Wallace, sounds like the worst case scenario for them (considering they would make Brooklyn contenders, would take on horrible contracts, etc.) _________________
Deron Williams entered the L.A. Convention Center on Wednesday appearing eager to perform a basketball video game demo.
The Lakers would be equally eager to see Williams across the street next season, walking to Staples Center and performing in a Lakers uniform. And with a little less than a month before he becomes an unrestricted free agent, the New Jersey Nets point guard told The Times he hasn't "closed any windows" on where he'd play for in the 2011-12 season.
As far as the Lakers are concerned, Williams appeared well aware that the Lakers' payroll is limited.
"I know they don't have any money to just go out and sign me," Williams said. "It'll have to be some kind of deal."
Williams spoke Wednesday at the E3 Expo, where he was promoting the video game "NBA Baller Beats," which features him on the cover and will be released in September. Who knows if Williams' interaction with people at E3, many presumably who root for the Lakers, would play a part in any courtship. But the Lakers could use any help they can get.
Even though the Lakers bolstered their backcourt by acquiring Ramon Sessions before the March 15 deadline, he averaged only 6.8 points on 35.3% shooting in the team's Western Conference semifinals loss to Oklahoma City. The Times' Mike Bresnahan reported Sessions is expected to opt out of his $4.55-million player option in hopes of getting a long-term contract. Meanwhile, Williams' skill set vastly exceeds Sessions. Williams' 21 points per game ranked third among the NBA's guards and his 8.8 assists per game ranked sixth among guards.
Yes Deron, Mitch and everyother Laker fan is aware of this..... Damn! This is news? Now Kwame Brown committing bank fraud WAS news untill I found out it was a ANOTHER Kwame Brown from DC...LOL
PJ and BShaw to Orlando? Can Orlando run a triangle? I'm not sure they have the personnel to run it. I need a couple of adult beverages to think that one over.
This one deserves its own separate threads because there are plenty of possible repercussions if PJ and BShaw end up in Orlando. Seriously, I doubt that PJ has the stomach or the patience to deal with agents and contract negotiations. I just don't see him being a give and take kind of guy.
...And this is why this scenario would've worked seemlessly right here with Mitch Kupchak doing what he does best. Which is balancing the books and doing all of the heavy lifting on that end. Too bad Jimbo couldn't get out of his own way and let it happen. _________________ Whenever the Lakers benefit all of a sudden rules need to be changed and trades need to be blocked.
Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 52713 Location: Making a safety stop at 15 feet.
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:22 am Post subject:
Runway8 wrote:
D. Williams talking about it. LOL. That means he wants to be here.
Not at all. He simply could be answering a question. He's in LA promoting a basketball video game and someone asks him about the possibility of playing for LA. The logical answer is that the Lakers don't have the cap space to sign him so it would have to be a trade. That doesn't mean he expects or wants it to happen.
Deron Williams is just a smart businessman who will go where the money is.
1. What do you think he's talking about when he says, he has to consider himself and his family before where anyone (ie: Howard) else is playing.
2. He went overseas to play during the strike but put in his contract to return if the NBA season started.
3. Telling the interviewer that the Lakers would have to do a sign and trade. Basically, "I will sign with the Lakers if they give me the money. There is no chasing the ring discount but I will use that in my press conference if I sign with them".
After flip flopping enough times and Howard deciding to play at least one more year with Orlando, Williams probably said to himself "wtf, now I gotta take a discount if I wanna go play with him in Orlando? Williams out!"
Will Brandon Roy make his NBA comeback as a Laker? While the question of Roy possibly teaming up with Kobe Bryant remains unanswered, Sportando reveals that during the last few days, Roy was indeed – L.A. bound. Sources close to the player confirmed, "Brandon (Roy) landed in Los Angeles on Monday and is scheduled to leave on Friday."
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