NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 1/17/12

Jack

It is nice to see Kobe drops 40+ pts for four games in a roll. But I think this Kobe’s team still need help. They should go get DW12

Eric Pincus

Just off a fun double-header in Los Angeles on MLK Day, but today let’s chat . . .

Jack, I’m not going to disagree with you that the Lakers still need additional pieces but I’m trying to figure out who DW12 is.

If you meant Deron Williams, good luck getting a player like that during this season. I went to the NBA directory and couldn’t find any DW12 (Dwyane Wade, David West, Delonte West, D.J. White, Damien Wilkins, Deron Williams, Derrick Williams and Dorell Wright).

Google says DW12 is some sort of Indy Car but I don’t see how that’s relevant.

I would say the Lakers could use help in the backcourt but also they need to mind their assets when it comes to making a bigger deal should someone like Dwight Howard or Williams end up available . . .

cholo claravall

hey eric, what’s up? I heard that kirk heinrich is being shopped. is his salary tradable via the trade exception of the lakers? although I heard atlanta may want a big in return, maybe a 3 team deal be possible?

Eric Pincus

The notion of a three-team trade is fun to speculate on but they’re extremely rare. It’s hard enough to get two GM’s to agree, their owners, the agents involved, the players and get through everything that needs to happen including passed physicals, etc. It gets exponentially more difficult. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible and certainly in some cases a three-team trade can make an unworkable two-teamer a breeze.

As far as Hinrich, he’s coming off of a shoulder injury and isn’t even playing yet. He’s more or less a slightly better version of Steve Blake. I’m not sure the Lakers pursue but he’s definitely worth keeping on the list of possibilities.

Matt

What do you think about Leandro Barbosa to the Lakers for Darius Morris and one of the two DAL/LAL first round draft picks? Barbosa would fit in to the LO trade exemption.

The Lakesr have no depth at SG and could use insurance at PG.

Eric Pincus

If I’m the Lakers I’d rather have Darius Morris.

Jozua Powers

Any chance that the Lakers trade Pau Gasol for Deron Williams and Andrew Bynum for Dwight Howard? What about the use of the trade exception to bring in another person of the bench?

Eric Pincus

The Nets are waiting to see if they can pair up Williams with Howard. What would lead to them sending out Deron before the Magic make a decision. If you want to speculate that the Magic first trade Dwight to the Lakers for Bynum, would the Lakers in turn deal Pau for Williams? You can argue LA would go down that path but that’s a major leap first with Orlando and then an even larger one with Williams.

sam

is it a mistake that the clippers got chris paul this year. He is already complaining bout an injury. New Orleans doesn’t have Paul anymore but this isn’t a surprise. He is so injury prone its not even funny. He is always hurt at some point in the season with little knick knack injuries. During his offseasons he is more worried about spending time with his idols Lebron and company than keeping in shape and talking with melo about how bad his team is and how he wants to form a super team. It won’t be long before Cllippers fans realize this.

Eric Pincus

Thanks sam for the thoughts, I don’t agree with them, but I appreciate the participation.

cholo claravall

if ever howard for bynum would happen, who or what do you think will be added to bynum going out? adding gasol would gut the team unless the magic add ryan anderson and jameer nelson

Eric Pincus

I hear the Lakers aren’t in the Gasol + Bynum for Howard business. Until I hear otherwise, I’m going to stick by that. Beyond that, let’s wait until after the All-Star Game. That’s when Orlando will seriously consider their options but they could wait until summer. Would LA still trade Bynum for Howard via sign and trade in July? If they would in March, the odds are they would in summer . . . so maybe it’s worthwhile for the Magic to get one more postseason run with Howard. Of course then they risk he walks for nothing, but those are decisions the Magic have to make, regardless of outside opinion.

Oleg

Hi sir! Is there any truth that kobe and Dwight have been texting each other about playing with each other? And Kobe’s 40+ plus games streak is a way for him to tell d12 that he has a lot left in the tank?

Eric Pincus

There are rumors to that effect but then there are some who fully believe Deron Williams and Dwight Howard will pair up this summer and end up playing together in either New Jersey or Dallas. I don’t put too much into what players say to the media, to each other and even sometimes to their teams . . . until there’s really an active push by the team to deal them.

JaMoomba

Would Memphis take the Lakers TPE and maybe Goudelock/Morris for Mayo? I would love to see Mayo with the Lakers and think a change of scenery would be great for him. I think he could play next to Kobe and could sub in for him. The Grizz already spent a ton of money and aren’t goin to extend O.J. and he gives the Lakers some much needed youth and athleticism(not to mention a guy with loads of potential) What do you think of Mayo on the Lakers? How realistic could this be?

Eric Pincus

I get a lot of Mayo to Lakers questions but for whatever reason, I’ve never really heard much out of the Lakers regarding interest in the guard. Perhaps that’s because he’s expecting a large contract this summer and he’s not a player the team is ready to invest in. It’s certainly possible LA has interest that they’ve kept quiet but there have been multiple occasions where Mayo was nearly dealt and LA never seemed to make a swipe at him.

JaMoomba

Regardless of whether or not the Lakers trade for Howard, which I think is becoming less and less likely, I think Gasol needs to go. He’s looking slower and softer every year. They need to trade him for a package of a solid vet to fill in at the PF, a young talented wing or PG, picks and maybe a few young guys with potential that someone has given up on. If you had to trade Gasol, what kind of deal would be ideal to you?

Eric Pincus

I would argue that if you got Howard, you initially keep Gasol. If not, and the Lakers are committed to Bynum, you can argue that Gasol should be shopped for either an elite point guard or a comparable, younger power forward. To that end, the Lakers have been interested in moving Pau for players like Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Kevin Love and Stephen Curry (along with other Golden State considerations).

This is an evolving situation, so we need to watch how the Lakers play, how other teams fare and the trade market in general. If the Lakers feel they can win this year, they make take a different approach if they think they’re just a good team rather than a championship one . . .

Anthony Pascua

Since Steve Blake is out for awhile, are the Lakers interested in trying to get Mo Williams or Andre Miller? Both are solid point guards and are looking for more playing time?

Eric Pincus

I would say the Lakers probably have a passing interest but not the opportunity at this time. The Clippers at some point may shop Mo Williams, given he’s somewhat miserable about his playing situation. Some people handle things well (Pau Gasol) when there’s adversity, others let emotion get in the way (Lamar Odom). So far Williams has been more Odom than Gasol here.

That said, the Clippers need a healthy Eric Bledsoe before they consider something serious with Williams. If the team believes they’re better with Mo, regardless of his bruised ego, they’ll happily keep him and expect him to contribute.

I can’t see the Nuggets trading Miller. I don’t think he returns after this year but that’s an offseason issue in my mind.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric! I look forward to your chats everytime. Rumor has it that the New Jersey Nets might be willing to trade Deron Williams. Is there a way for the Lakers to acquire him? If so, who might it take, Pau Gasol, perhaps? Would it be a wise move for the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Thanks Vito, I addressed this earlier, but to reiterate . . . the Nets want Howard and have a real shot at Howard, so no yet on Williams. My question is – does it make sense to add an expensive over-30 power forward to a team with no guard support (especially at the point) if Williams leaves? If there was some sort of Gasol/Nets deal, I would imagine it would need to be something similar to what almost happened with Houston and New Orleans, where the Nets get a number of quality players instead of the Spaniard.

All of it at this point is a stretch but none of it should simply be disregarded as too fanciful. It’s just a waiting game starting with the Howard decision.

If I were to guess, the most “likely” outcome for Williams is that he signs in Dallas as a free agent this summer.

michael

What do you think of a lakers raptors trade? With the main pieces being pau gasol & andrea bargnani? I think this could help both teams, andrea would open the floor for bynum, and pau gasol could help give demar derozan an inside presence and even make the raptors a playoff team, what do you think? Win win?

Eric Pincus

I would argue that Bargnani is an excellent fit with a power center like Andrew Bynum (or Dwight Howard). Equally, the Lakes need a point guard but I’m not sure I’d consider Jose Calderon at his dollar (and foot-speed) as the answer. Additionally Bargnani is having a very strong year in Toronto. I don’t view him as the issue. The Raptors need more guard support.

I have Bargnani on my list but I don’t know if I see him as the likely play for the Lakers. Equally, does Gasol make sense up north given his price-tag and age?

johncarloyu

Who do you think will be a Laker this season? Martin, Wilson, Brooks, Smith?

Eric Pincus

Easiest would be Smith. I wonder if the Suns are interested in a pick in return for a Brooks sign and trade (via LA’s trade exception). I wouldn’t “expect” any of those moves but they should be considered, especially Brooks given what he did to the Lakers as a Rocket.

johncarloyu

Is there a truth Pau-Love rumor? Will he be a Laker this season? Who else the Lakers targeting behind Howard, Love, williams?

Eric Pincus

I don’t really know of a Pau/Love rumor. Just because the Lakers are interested in Love, that doesn’t mean there’s a rumor. Around the draft the Wolves offered LA the #2 pick and the Lakers responded by asking for Love and the #2.

The Wolves indicated they weren’t willing to deal Love let alone Love and the pick. Sources have told HOOPSWORLD that the team intends to keep Kevin long-term. Until that happens, he’s a possibility for the Lakers but I would argue a distant one.

Jimmy

Do you think that Paul Pierce is getting unfair treatment from the media? He’s getting blamed for Boston’s free fall this year, yet hes coming off a nasty heal injury which are always slow to heal. Pierce and Ray actually seem to be playing close to the same level as 2008, its KG who has declined. Why is he escaping media criticism? He missed countless open jumpers vs the Thunder yesterday as he did against the heat last year…

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure who is blasting Pierce, I haven’t. The Celtics gave up Kendrick Perkins, ultimately for nothing until Jeff Green can return (heart), and didn’t appreciably improve over the summer. They’re an older group trying to play through the difficult scheduling of this 66-game season. I do think they improve over time and are a threat to almost anyone in the playoffs, but I don’t point to Pierce and say he’s the scapegoat.

MagicJoe

With the clippers on D12′s list how does this change the overall landscape of other team deals,and who could they get in return from the clippers?

Eric Pincus

We have one report saying the Clippers are on Howard’s list. The Magic and Howard, on Twitter, have said otherwise. Keep in mind that if the Clippers did get in the Howard chase, they would not be offering Blake Griffin. If the Magic, at some point, are interested in a DeAndre Jordan package . . . Jordan can’t be traded until March 1st and he has a veto until July 1st given the Golden State offer sheet that was matched by LA.

I don’t anticipate Howard being moved to the Clippers this season, although like I generally say – don’t write off any true possibility, if it’s legal. Perhaps if the Magic keep Howard until summer.

One way of looking at it, Bynum may be the best center out of Brook Lopez and Jordan, but he has the questionable knees – Lopez has the broken foot – at least Jordan has been healthy throughout his career to date.

Rico

So what is your take on Darius Morris so far with 15 games into the season? I see very solid potential in him. He seems to be able to get into the lane decently, but is a bit passive in looking to attack. I guess he is still getting his feet wet. Having knocked down a handful of threes gives me a since that he could develop into a solid outside shooter. Do you agree with my assessment?

Eric Pincus

Here’s my article from earlier today on Morris. He’s improved as an outside shooter but still has a long way to go in general as a player given his inexperience.

Sam

What teams would be interested in Mo Williams? Do you think Mo will become a distraction? Also what SG’s are available that would be a good fit for the Clippers?

Eric Pincus

As I noted, it’s a little premature to shop Mo but no, i don’t think he’ll be a distraction. He’s just not happy and he’s not the kind of guy who is capable of pretending he’s happy. The Clippers have no reason to just dump him a la trade exception to the Lakers unless there was something worthwhile coming back.

LA could use a reserve center with true size and a taller two/three with shooting range. Someone like Shane Battier would be the ideal but isn’t available. Let’s just monitor how the Clippers play over the coming weeks. At this point there’s no reason to make a move given their production as a squad.

Once Bledsoe is healthy, that might change the equation. I spoke to Eric yesterday and he said he feels he’s about two weeks away from getting back into it (likely longer from returning to practice to actually playing in a game).

Ben One

On the subject of Stat’s numbers being low since Melo came aboard and even lower this year. Do you agree with me that this is do to diffusion of responsibility, or in other words, Stat giving up the responsibility to his teammates more because the focus isn’t solely on him as a leader? It’s hard not to see it that way for me. He had a hunger the first half of last season that is almost completely gone and he also had a really nice chemistry with Felton and they were nicely above .500 as a team… then. It’s funny to think that that trade actually made NYK worse and DEN better considering the “star power” of Melo. I even predicted that DEN would be better without Melo after that trade but I never would have predicted that NYK make such a slide. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

The Knicks need a point guard. I’m not sure they can be judged until they have the right pieces to run an offense.

Jason

Was watching the Laker Mavs game last night and was wondering what was it that Kobe said to Odom at the end of the game before Fisher hit that big three?

Eric Pincus

I didn’t see that until after I got home and didn’t ask. Live we reporters don’t always have the benefit of the broadcast!

Felipe C.

Do the Lakers have any interest in bring in a fill/stop gap pg while Blake is on the mend or do they just roll with what they have in the meantime because it puts their Howard and/or D. Williams in jeopardy?

Eric Pincus

I would argue any move the Lakers make won’t get in the way of their Howard/Williams/etc. opportunities. That may mean no move until then – or small ones . . .

Debbie Salangsang

Any chance the Lakers might be interested in resigning Odom if he is let go by the Mavs next year? Seems like his heart is still in LA.

Eric Pincus

I would say no.

Carly Bezilla

The Lakers defense has been pretty decent this year so far. The offense on the other hand is subpar. Will this get better over the season or is the only fix a better point guard?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers haven’t had a single full-contact practice since the season started. Brown had to chose what to focus on and since he is a defensive-minded coach, the Lakers have spent most of their time going over that side of the ball. The results are clear and LA has been ahead of the curve on D but lacking on O. A slower schedule coming up could allow for some improvement but there are indeed some flaws in this roster, especially at point.

Carly Bezilla

Kobe is getting blocked and stripped of the ball on a regular basis now with his mangled hand and wrist. What can the Lakers staff do to minimize these types of turnovers?

Eric Pincus

Not much.

George

Hey Eric, any chance the Lakers go for a steal in PG like….DJ Augustin? I really like the kid and he’s a solid PG and i also think Bobcats want to start Kemba

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure the Bobcats are ready to start Walker. A lot of teams like to have a veteran start while they bring on their rookie at a more measured pace. Walker has struggled some, especially shooting (at a 38% clip), and Augustin provides a cushion for the team and the rook. Perhaps that changes if the team continues at their current pace (3-11) but we’ll have to wait and see.

I’m not sure what the Bobcats would want for Augustin given he’s a restricted free agent this summer. He has some good points offensively but is probably not one of the better pg defenders in the league to say the least.

Ryan

Where do you see wilson chandler signing in March?
Denver is the obvious choice but they are pretty frugal with their dollars. I could see them refusing to match an 8million/year contract.

Do you think Cleveland or Toronto would make a run at him?

Eric Pincus

Here’s the big question with the Nuggets – if they have 15 players on their roster, what happens if Chandler signs an offer sheet with another team? In theory they’d have to waive a player to make room but the CBA actually doesn’t specify exactly how this goes down. HOOPSWORLD has Larry Coon investigating.

Regardless, I expect Chandler in Denver when all is said and done.

Mark

I have heard that after the failed trade for Paul, Odom immediately requested a trade and Mitch then asked him not once, but twice whether he would instead like to remain a Laker. However, so many people seem to think Lamar was forced to leave. Can you clarify?

Eric Pincus

In my mind, the Lakers decided to move Lamar. He didn’t take it well when the Paul trade didn’t go through but the Lakers had already made up their mind and let Odom’s reaction be the public face on why he was dealt.

Aevi

Hi Eric. After the loss to the Nuggets, Mike Brown spoke of trying to get Kobe to his spots easier, which resulted in a string of 40+ points games with 50% shooting. How do you think he can similarly focus on Pau and Andrew’s offensive issues?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers need a lot of work offensively, across the board.

Mark

Given Kobe’s mindset, do you think it wise for Laker management keep trying to acquire their future franchise player now? I don’t see Kobe *ever* accepting anything less than being top dog. Bill Ingram even suggested that he was against the Paul trade for this reason. Perhaps it might be better to look for solid “B”-type veterans (like Pau) for the next 2-3 years, then just blow everything up once Kobe retires?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have to think beyond Kobe, and do.

Vahan

As impressed I am with the lakers effort and success on defense, it just seems like we are so predictable on offense. We have nothing to get Bynum and gasol easier shots in the half court. Also, with our non existent shooters, teams can double them and make it turn into Kobe isos all game. Don’t u think this will be a problem in a 7 game series?

Eric Pincus

It’s an issue but one the Lakers hope to have solved by then. I’m not sure they do.

Lewis1201

Do you see the magic going after blanche and/or mayo??? Do you really think they will let dwight walk??? I understand the all star game is in orl but you have to think about ur future??? Do you see orl trading Dwight to the nets at the dead line??? So he can’t get into the playoffs and plus it’s orl gets a top 5 pick???

Eric Pincus

If you believe the Magic and the buzz around the team, Howard won’t be dealt until the offseason. I do think a deadline deal is possible but if the Magic continue to win games at a 75% clip, I don’t see Dwight being dealt.

Cameron

do you really think Kobe will be a laker for life? Obviously players like Jordan, Wade and Duncan are all beloved by their cities and will be for a long time, but if he really wants to win more rings that Jordan…something tells me he needs to get out of there…

Eric Pincus

I expect Kobe to retire a Laker but certainly anything is possible.

Alex from Burbank

How much worst does World Peace have to play for coach Brown to cut him? He’s hurting our team.

Eric Pincus

A coach can’t cut a player, that’s up to the general manager. Peace has struggled. The Lakers are still looking for a role given his salary but it’s possible after this year he’s either traded or amnestied.

Roger

Would a three team trade sending Bynum to Orlando and Gasol to NJ for Deron and Dwight work out for every team involved with maybe a few fillets?

Eric Pincus

Not when the Nets want Dwight over Gasol.

Joe Lustre

Out of these rumored failed Laker trades talks from last year which one has the best chance of being revisited again this year?

Andre Iguoudala
Monta Ellis
Kevin Love

Eric Pincus

If I had to say of the three, who was the most likely to be moved regardless of destination – I would say Ellis.

Jazzfan

Paul Millsap has been on a tear for the last few games, if he keeps up this play do you see the Jazz trying to trade him before the deadline or do they keep him?

Eric Pincus

If the Jazz are in the playoff mix (as they currently are), why do they move a big part of that in Millsap?

Brett from down under

Seeing as the clips didn’t have a 1st round pick in the last draft and could potentially be in the playoffs this year and lose their pick to the Celtics i think (and the min pick long gone)…. Isn’t that against draft rules in terms of not going consecutive drafts without a first round pick? What would the clips options be?

Eric Pincus

The past doesn’t apply. Teams cannot give up consecutive FUTURE picks. Each year a team can trade their pick so that they never have a first, given the last year is past and not future and doesn’t apply.

Celia Ramos

The only Laker Jersey I have bought is Pau Gasol’s, and now he seems to be on the trading block.

Should I craiglist his jersey now so I can get something for it before he’s traded?

Eric Pincus

I wouldn’t say that Gasol is on the trading block right now – that could change certainly.

Ignacio

Wouldn’t the ideal situation for the magic be to wait until the last moment before the deadline and then trade howard to NJ. That way, they can guarantee a higher lottery pick to go along with Lopez and whatever else they get assuming NJ keeps losing until then?

Eric Pincus

It’s in the best interest of the Magic to either keep Howard or get the absolute best return for him. They have to decide when that its and it involves many, many factors.

Navin

Please tell me what free agent center the Warriors can get this offseason. i think they have upwards of 11-12 million in cap space.

Eric Pincus

A lot of teams will have cap room, some far more than Golden State, so they may end up in the same position as this past year – making bids on guys but falling short. I do believe the Warriors will improve over time but the path isn’t clear yet.

Celia Ramos

Putting your journalism aside, what realistic/semi realistic moves would you like the Lakers to make in order to improve this roster?

I always like to know what people “in the know” view this Laker team.

Eric Pincus

If I were GM, I’d wait for the Howard and Deron decisions and save the Odom trade exception until after. If LA ended up with either, the exception could be valuable in filling whatever hole was created.

I would also consider in the meantime an offer to Aaron Brooks, via sign and trade with help from Phoenix (a long shot perhaps but possibly for a pick) once his contract is up in China.

Shahin O.

Hey E!

I read that Kobe and Dwight have been talking via text, and that Kobe’s several 40+ games were a ‘message’ that he’s still got a lot in the tank. How much truth might there be to the chatter about them talking, it’s possible effect on Dwight’s trade demands… and is it even ‘legal’ for players to chat about joining up? I know it’s not ok for GMs or owners to contact players directly about that stuff, but how about players?

Eric Pincus

Players can talk, the NBA doesn’t have any interest in stopping that. Tampering is more about team officials making comments about other team’s players.

Leo

I would love Mo Williams on the Lakers. Guy is just making all of his shots this year. Clips need the financial flexibility going forward. Which side would say no, and why?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers don’t really need that financial flexibility, certainly not yet they don’t. Besides, Williams may opt out of his contract on his own after this season.

oscar

The few clipper games iv seen.. they have been able to close games on good teams.. what say they dont make it deep into the playoffs?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers are good. They’re still figuring it out but this is a playoff team with a shot at advancing if they stay healthy and improve as they go.

Celia Ramos

How scary is Steph Curry’s ankle injury? Is it as bad as say Bynum’s knee?

Would you take a chance on Steph if it meant sending Pau + filler to GSW?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week! Once again, thanks for participating!

Celia,

If I were the Lakers, I would consider Gasol for Curry but then you’ve got to fill in the blanks to make the numbers work. Would Andris Biedrins be worth picking up for LA at his $9 million a year salary if it meant Curry? Probably not if it also meant Gasol is gone.

The Warriors are a team to monitor – notably Curry’s health – and the future of Ellis. They want to make major moves but it’s unclear how they do so.

I could see Golden State having interest in Gasol but enough to move Curry and pieces?

We’ll have to wait and see.