NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 1/31/12

Jay

Rookie of the Year, Irving or Rubio?

Eric Pincus

Time to stop what we’re doing and chat. Let’s go . . .

I’m going Irving right now although IF the Wolves make a true playoff run to eight or even ninth spot in West, and the Cavs fade, maybe I switch that to Rubio.

Radeesh (Germany)

What do you think about this trade? Indiana gets: Bynum, Redick, 1 Pick Lakers
Orlando: Hibbert & P. Gasol
Lakers: Granger, Howard, Turkoglu

Eric Pincus

It’s interesting actually, one I hadn’t though of before. The premise in the past has been that the Pacers won’t trade Granger. I wonder where they are now on that. Then again, why do the Pacers want Bynum over Hibbert given that Roy is generally healthy? Is the upgrade to Bynum and the addition of Redick worth giving up Hibbert?

Sabin C

Hi.Otis should call Raptors for Calderon and get him.He’d be a great fit for Magic.I don’t think that Raptors will ask much in return.Your thoughts ?

Eric Pincus

Calderon is a good setup point guard and solid shooter. He’s not very athletic – doesn’t defend well – and isn’t a guy who will take over a game a la Steve Nash or say Kobe Bryant. Does he solve the long-term issue in Orlando and get Dwight to stay? Is he an upgrade over Jameer Nelson? In some ways yes, in some ways laterally.

Pete

Gilbert Arenas has not been effective in years. Does this reported interest by the Lakers have anything to do with the rumors of Mitch Kuptchak leaving the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Arenas is an approach the Lakers can take – one that keeps all their trade assets intact. To that end, it may be the best move IF the Lakers can later cash out out those assets for something better. In other words, get a marginal but better player than Gilbert now – but miss out on something great later? In that case a shot on Arenas would be better. Does someone like Ramon Sessions really make the Lakers world-beaters this year?

Pete

Despite the wrist, Kobe is having a nice year but the rest of the team seems out of sync given the limited practice time on offense. Have you seen any indications that Mike Brown is walking on egg shells around Kobe the way he used to with Lebron? I’m not blaming Kobe for the offensive failures, just trying to get a feel of the locker room.

Eric Pincus

There are a lot of dynamics the Lakers are trying to deal with. There’s no reason to say Mike Brown isn’t getting the job done per se, given the many factors out of his control. That said, there’s a sense that he’s allowing Bryant free reign which can be problematic. To be fair, Kobe did slow down a bit but then that coincided with a number of losses. There’s still a lot to figure out internally over in LA.

Pete

If Mitch were to really leave the Lakers, who do you think would be a likely candidate that would be available for GM in LA?

Eric Pincus

I did get some confirmation outside of Roland Lazenby’s original Tweet/article on Kupchak that there is some unhappiness/uncertainty in the front office. I’m not sure how that will resolve. My guess is – if Kupchak left, his replacement would be someone willing to work with Jim Buss doing the bulk of the player-movement decisions. In general, owners have the final say anyway. Some are just more hands on than others.

alessandro

Are the Lakers looking for any specific point guard on the market right now?

Thank you in advance!

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are putting out their feelers across the board to see what would be available if they moved for a guard. The obvious would be Arenas and Sessions. Acquiring someone like Calderon would prove problematic. I’m told that Aaron Brooks is a near impossibility. Fans like to ask about Steve Nash but I haven’t heard anything there yet – last word was Phoenix would hold him. I’m not sure the Lakers upgrade tremendously with Kirk Hinrich but he can play.

alan

dwight howard said he would be open to plaing on the bulls. how much would you give up for him

Eric Pincus

He’d be a great addition and given Joakim Noah has struggled some this season, you start there. I’m not sure how far I’d go but he’s head and shoulders the best center in the league.

Anthony Pascua

Just read an article regarding the Lakers interested in Jose Calderon. Agreeing with the article, I also think it would be a win-win situation for the Lakers and Toronto. Would the Lakers have enough for Calderon and Arenas if possible?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see a clear path to Calderon since the Lakers’ trade exception isn’t large enough. Who on the LA roster would the Raptors really want?

Anthony Pascua

Are there any other deals besides the obvious D12 & DWill that the Lakers are constructing before the deadline in March?

Eric Pincus

All teams are shopping to a certain extent, some more than others. I would say we’re reaching that point now where teams have identified who and what they are – perhaps not as conclusively as they would in a normally-paced season. The Lakers have some obvious needs but not a lot to offer outside of their trade exception – or go big with Gasol and/or Bynum – and that doesn’t appear to be likely just yet.

Kristy Gore

Hi Eric,

Why are the Lakers looking at cheap options to fill their backcourt (ramon sessions, gil arenas, mo peterson)?

Don’t they realize that they need a significant upgrade at PG? Or are they being cheap right now in hopes that it won’t mess up their plans at a big fish (Dwight Howard or Deron Williams)?

Eric Pincus

If there was a significant upgrade, certainly the Lakers would be all over that. We’re about what, six weeks away from the team briefly landing Chris Paul? Just because the need and desire is there – doesn’t mean there’s a path to it.

Debbie Salangsang

I read a disturbing rumor that Mitch Kuptchek will resign soon as the Lakers GM.

Please tell me this isn’t true. What have you heard?

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard that Kupchak is currently in an uncomfortable position but it’s difficult to flesh that out because Mitch isn’t going to break that down for any reporters. Anything on that is going to be second or third hand.

Andrea

in your opinion How many years will Bargnani remain to the Raptors?
in which team would you see him better?
Lakers??

Eric Pincus

He’d fit on the Lakers with a center like Bynum, but I don’t see the Raptors moving him at this time. Other than the injury, he’s having a career yet. It’s not like he has a lot of support on that roster.

ray "noodles" suansing

James Worthy commented that the Lakers seem like they are still having locker room issues this year.

Is there any discontent in the Locker room that you know of?

Eric Pincus

The team isn’t fully bonded. There’s not enough time to learn Mike Brown’s system and adjust from the triangle/Phil Jackson era, so naturally there’s tension (especially with the road record). Additionally Pau was traded, kinda of, and so there’s that in the background – and uncertainty with what happens with Bynum. Andrew is becoming the team’s second option but then he’s also getting double-teamed and struggling with that now – while Gasol is searching for his place (and is more naturally passive). So are there true locker room issues, like players not liking each other? Not really. But it’s not truly harmonious either. Winning cures all and the team isn’t there yet . . .

johncarloyu

Missed the chat last week,
Who would you trade for? R.Sessions? D.Harris? J.Calderon? Mo Williams? D.Augustin?

Eric Pincus

If you’re the Lakers – I don’t like Harris much for LA. Mo Williams isn’t available. I’m skeptical on Augustin – I’m not sure he has a body built for the rigors of the NBA. Sessions is adequate, solid-even – but isn’t a shooter. Path of least resistance that preserves almost all assets would be Arenas and in absence of a deal that really pushes the Lakers forward, that may have more appeal. if it’s not Arenas, then that model – preserving the trade exception for the draft and the picks for trades.

Then again, if the team only needs a small push forward and the Lakers can make that – then by all means. There’s reason to try to improve in the here and now.

johncarloyu

Will this trade ever happen? Pau to Nets for Deron and Bynum to Magic for Dwight?

Eric Pincus

My understanding is that the Nets don’t desire Gasol, especially for Deron.

johncarloyu

1.LA trades for Sessions and Varejao for Gasol

2.LA trades for Harris and Millsap for Gasol

3.LA trades for Calderon and Barbosa for Gasol

4. Mo to Lakers for picks and LO exception

5. Augustin, Thomas, Brown to Lakers for LO exception + fillers

Who would you take?

Eric Pincus

Not #1. Not #2. Not #3. Number 4 is not available on the Clipper side. I don’t really see La taking on Tyrus Thomas. Was there a number 6?

johncarloyu

Is it possible that the Lakers will acquire Sessions for LO exception? Sessions is worth 4.3M and the exception is 8.9M.

Eric Pincus

Possible and the Lakers would still have the difference available as a trade exception.

johncarloyu

Is the lakers really pushing for Scola and Lowry trade for Gasol? I bet the rockets will sa NO to that. What if the Lakers trade for Scola, Flynn/Dragic, Williams/Lee?

Scola would be a downgrade for Pau but he is a blue chip player.
Flynn/Dragic would start. I would love Flynn to tha Lakers.
Williams/Lee the one should replace Kobe for minutes.

Eric Pincus

The Rockets don’t plan on trading Lowry. I’d recommend that move for LA but understand that Houston highly values Kyle. I’m not a big backer in Jonny Flynn for LA. I don’t see it.

johncarloyu

Do you see D-Lock in the same situation as Gibson under Mike Brown? Do you see Ebanks, Caracter, Goudelock, Morris as the future of the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

G-Lock, and no. The kids may help but they’re not building blocks.

Oleg

Hi sir! Love your chats? Can you share any latest laker rumors? And is there really a better offer for Howard than the lakers could give (minus Gasol)? Thank you sir!

Eric Pincus

Thanks – at this point the Magic don’t want to move Howard and the Lakers aren’t willing to do Bynum and Gasol – so it appears they’re just waiting for the right opportunity – which may not come for some time.

Jeremy Barnes

There’s a lot of names being thrown out in the rumor wheel as the Lakers target for an upgrade at PG. But most are third tier guards.

What happened to going for the home run trades – deron williams and dwight howard?

Are they not on the market?

Eric Pincus

Deron is not on the market and Howard isn’t expected to be dealt until at least after the All-Star Game and maybe not until summer. It’s like trying to hit a home run when you’re not even on deck yet.

Erik Hernandez

Is Steve Blake’s injury a lot worse than what’s been reported?

Seems like the Lakers are trying to fill the pg spot pretty quickly, but what happens to D. Fish, Goudelock, Morris and Blake if they acquire a pg soon?

Eric Pincus

Duplication is an issue but sometimes one you have to deal with when rebuilding/reshuffling the roster.

Carly Bezilla

Now that Kevin Love has re-upped in Minnesota, do the Lakers change their approach on whether to trade Pau Gasol?

Or do the Lakers give in and trade both he and Bynum for Dwight?

Eric Pincus

Love was one of the targets. A high-level power forward at a cheaper price along with a viable point guard would work for LA. I would imagine they’d like to do Stephen Curry and David Lee for Gasol, although Steph’s ankle injury is a concern. The Warriors aren’t there yet as far as moving those players either – but that’s the idea of what the Lakers would like. They may end up settling for less but I don’t think they settle for anything just yet – except the status quo in the absence of a better move.

Joe Lustre

Are the Arenas, Sessions talk all smokescreens? Why would they settle for players less talented than what they have when only a few months ago they had their sights on big name players like CP3?

Eric Pincus

What would be the point of putting out false information to create some sort of smokescreen? Let me know who on CP3′s level is available right now?

Joe

Am I the only one who finds it odd N.O. are sitting Kaman rather than showcasing him? It’s not like they couldn’t use his numbers. Is there possibly an injury concern they are trying to keep on the down low?

Eric Pincus

The Hornets want to have the worst record in the league this year with a shot at the top overall pick in a very interesting, exciting NBA Draft.

johncarloyu

Where will Howard and D-Will end up after trade deadline?

Eric Pincus

I would look at Dallas as the primary suitor for both but there are many, many hurdles for the Mavs to overcome to accomplish that. I’d look at the Nets next . . . and beyond that, perhaps the Lakers or other . . .

johncarloyu

Should the Lakers force D-Fish and Walton to retire after this season? Offer Fish and Luke position to the organization.

Eric Pincus

That’s be an interesting trick. Teams can’t force players to retire.

Laker Consultant

Do the Lakers need to send Bynum & Gasol to outbid other teams? Or, if they do so, would they be outbidding themselves?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers aren’t going to outbid on a deal they don’t believe in.

d

Magic Fans wish list about now.
1)Fire Otis.He Ruined this team.Hire someone who knows talent.
2)Dwight to either shut up or trade him.-Right now we in Orlando could care less if he’s around,we’re tired of his team bashing atmosphere,then he doesn’t show up in the clutch,misses too many FT and blames everyone but himself.We’re ashamed to know he’s the Franchise leading scorer now with all this.We’ve enjoyed him for a long time but this is just stupid. I like Amare and Tyson for Him.
3)The TEAM to start winning games again.

Eric Pincus

I hear you. It’s a difficult situation in Orlando right now.

cj

in your players on trade block article yesterday you said MIN was SG away from being better than they are now. what do you think of this
leandro barbosa and a pick for michael beasley and wayne ellington? or maybe just beasley for barbosa straight up?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure I wrote that but the Wolves could use a shooting guard. I don’t think anyone doubts that. JJ Barea just hasn’t been healthy so he hasn’t filled that same role he did in Dallas as the third guard off the bench. I’m not that high on Barbosa at this point. He can score but is essentially a one-trick pony.

Kevin

Hey Eric,

I’ve seen the rumours flying around that the Lakers are looking at either Arenas as a free agent or Sessions as a trade. Who do you think they’ll pick up? Put on your hypothetical GM hat, if you were Lakers GM who would you go after?

I don’t know how much Arenas has left in the tank but he seems like a relatively low risk/high reward signing. If he’s done wouldn’t be to much to just cut him loose.

Eric Pincus

Low risk, medium reward for Arenas. If keeping the assets in check lead to a bigger deal later, then he may be the guy to get. I’m not sure how much he has left to offer though . . .

Kevin

Also, what do you think about Ridnour for the Lakers? Seems surplus to requirements at the wolves especially if they land a starting SG which he has been spending some time at. Surely he could be had relatively cheaply

Eric Pincus

Solid but not great. I view him as a key part of what the Wolves are doing as they bring along Rubio.

johncarloyu

Great poster dunk by Blake last night but I dont see him as a long time franchise player for the Clips. He wont be a champ and a HOF.

Eric Pincus

None of us can predict the future but as a restricted free agent and a player likely to get a super-max rookie deal the moment he’s eligible, expect him with the Clippers for many more years to come.

johncarloyu

When Kobe retires, who will be the next face of the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

That’s the question . . .

Ray

Do Kobe and LeBron get along?

Eric Pincus

I’ve never been at like a hang out with just the two of them . . .

george y

Will the clippers have enough cap space to offer Howard a maximum contract assuming they amnesty Mo Williams next season?

Eric Pincus

No. The Clippers are not going to be a cap team but they have trade assets if need be.

Alan Siegel

so, eric..what’s your gut feeling about howard coming to the lakers? and how much will it ultimately matter? i’m sure it’s not their biggest concern but with the lakers slide and the increasingly competent and exciting clippers next store…it must be galling. considering it will be harder to make moves with each sucessive year of the CBA, the chances for major improvement dwindle, don’t they?

Eric Pincus

If they had Howard and Bryant, the Lakers are going to find ways to fill in with the right role players. It wouldn’t be easy but it would work. Eventually the team would need their game-changer at guard outside of Kobe. I’m not sure how that happens just yet – let alone Howard. LA would like to make their push but the CP3 fiasco was a sizable setback. We’ll have to all wait and see how LA navigates through that.

Josh

Eric,

Have you been impressed with the Jazz this season? Is there something to the issues that come about having superstars in small markets that want out? I think teams like the jazz and denver are playing better because they have to depend on each other and play team ball. What do you think?

Eric Pincus

The Jazz are solid. They play hard. I expect their record to take a hit once they play enough road games.

Kenny V

Would you say that OKC needs scoring inside presence? Perk and Ibaka are good defenders but they bring little offense to that team!

Eric Pincus

Not much but they do need one more scorer from somewhere on the floor – and a more suitable backup point guard rotation.

Chance Milano

Is Mo happy with the Clips? Would he rather be a starting PG for another team? I think he is invaluable off the bench and shouldn’t be traded, but would we be able to afford him if he wants to stay aboard the Clipper ship?

Eric Pincus

Mo has been miserable this season. I haven’t checked in on him for a couple of weeks. He’s a big part of what the Clippers want to do this year. He’s been tremendous and they don’t intend/want to trade him – regardless of his feelings. At some point a player has to sacrifice and understand the big picture and I’m not sure Mo is there yet. What happened was uncomfortable for him but you can argue it’s great for his career. He may just not see that yet.

Megan Thompson

Do the Lakers have a plan in place in case they don’t get Howard or Deron Williams? It seems that all moves are handcuffed to this one big move that probably won’t happen.

IF they miss out on both, how do they obtain a superstar to transition to when Kobe leaves?

Are there any other stars that might be available after this year and before the CBA kicks in that the Lakers might target?

Eric Pincus

All teams have plans but they’re also dependent on outside forces which often make those plans meaningless and/or necessarily fluid.

Byron Guerrero

Why are the Lakers still holding out for Dwight Howard’s when Howard’s representatives warned the Lakers that Howard would opt out of his contract and test the free-agent market next summer?

This was reported on ESPN

Eric Pincus

There is still some hope/belief that a Howard deal can happen long-term but uncertainty on what steps LA will take in absence of that . . .

Leo

Kobe is about 94 points away from surpassing Shaq to rank 5th in All Time Scoring. Even though the Lakers are struggling, are you surprised that no one is really bringing it up?

Eric Pincus

It’s been coming up and will more so when he nears it in a few games.

larry

How does this trade sound? Portland receives: steve nash, marchin gortat Phoenix receives: Marcus camby, ray felton, elliot williams, nolan smith. Phoenix gets 18.7 mill off the books after the season and a few young gaurds. And if phoenix still doesnt bite throw in a 1st round pick.

Eric Pincus

I don’t see what the Suns get out of that.

Bhagdeep

Hey Eric
What do you think about this trade between raptors and lakers. Toronto sends Bayless, Barbosa and Amir Johnson to LA for Steve Blake, Trade Exception and 2 First Round picks for 2012 (LA and Dallas)? Raptors get a bit more cap relief for next summer along with two late picks that they could probably swap for a mid round pick to grab a pg like teague of kabongo and a veteran pg in blake to mentor that rookie PG. Lakers get backcourt help with bayless and barbosa (Who would be a great 6th man-scoring off the bench) and a Big in Amir. Toronto gets rid of the logjam in the frontcourt for next season when jonas arrives and once they amnesty calderon in the summer they become big free agency players.

Eric Pincus

As far as I can tell, the numbers don’t quite add up. Naturally LA can’t take in more than 15 players so they’d have to send out two more with Blake, perhaps evening out the math. Two first-round picks for all that? Nah. One pick perhaps. I like Johnson and while Barbosa isn’t ideal, he can score. Bayless is young and still has tremendous upside although he has struggled to reach it. LA still doesn’t have a point guard – essentially you’re adding on two more scorers.

Also, I’m skeptical the Raptors like all that. Is the attraction Blake? A late pick? Two late picks?

Kurac Pickan

What are the Lakers going to do? Are the talks getting serious in trading for Ramon Sessions? How about the latest on the Gilbert Arenas rumors. Do not understand why they have yet to take a chance on Gilbert, even atleast a 10 day contract while Steve Blake has been out, and they are hanging by the thread in the PG department. Sign Gilbert for the Veterans minimum, which is not much. If he proves he was not worth it, simply cut him loose.

Eric Pincus

Teams can’t sign players to 10-day contracts yet.

Jason

Eric
How much truth is there to the rumors of calderon to the lakers for the trade exception so raptors go after wilson chandler? What are the chances of this trade happening, how do you think it pans out for each team if the deal goes down?

Eric Pincus

All that is basically impossible I’m afraid – Calderon for the trade exception doesn’t work. Chandler to the Raptors doesn’t work because of complicated reasons that I can’t get into just yet, pending a Larry Coon report to break it all down.

Marcus

Hey Eric
With Bargnani injured again, do you think it will cost him the chance at his first all star appearance even though he had been playing so well? And what do you think of Demar Derozan’s slump this season?

Eric Pincus

It may keep Bargnani out of All-Star. Really, the Raptors need to upgrade a lot of pieces – and that’s going to impact options like DeRozan, etc. I don’t quite see what Toronto is doing for today – I’m not sure winning is the priority – but gearing up for the 2012 NBA Draft.

Kevin

Hello Eric,

I’m sure this is mentioned before numerous times but wouldn’t a trade of Bynum, Gasol, and Trade Exception for Dwight, Hedo, and Nelson be the best deal both teams can get? Being that both teams are struggling right now and Dwight has lost control over his team, could you see a move happening before the all star game? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I don’t think either the Lakers or the Magic believe that yet. Perhaps those opinions change in a month+.

Brian from Modesto ca

what do the sacramento kings need? that one super star? team chemistry? leader? coach? or a consistent SF? they have the talent.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure where to start. I can’t answer this one in a brief chat question. The Kings have a lot of things to work out.

Lazeric

Hey Eric thanks for answering me. So I may not be a doctor but I believe I’ve found a remedy to the Knicks problems, trade Carmelo for the best package available. 2 many teams search for equal talent instead of making a deal that makes the team better. I see Dantoni getting fired due to s lack of players who fit his system. Do u agree?

Eric Pincus

Nah, not yet. Get a point guard. Fill out the roster with the right role players and see what the team can do.

NATH

Dwight Howard is messing up his image by calling out on teammates. Will he replace Lebron James as NBA villain after the trade or FA? Can he let Kobe lead if he come to LA?

Eric Pincus

I would say Lebron’s “villainy” was stoked by the Decision special that just came off as arrogant and was poorly, poorly executed. I don’t think the Howard backlash will be as strong but clearly it’s not in a good place today.

j. Bizz

Is Stephen Jackson on his way out of the Bucks, it doesn’t seem like he wants to be there.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure who wants to trade for Stephen Jackson.

Andrew

Bynum to Cleveland for Jamison, expiring fillers and a first. Gasol and Walton to Atlanta for Josh smith and Kirk hinrich. amnesty metta before next season and we have Kobe, smith, cap space, and three first round picks. How is that a bad thing?

Eric Pincus

What about Peace, Blake, Fisher, McRoberts and any cap holds on open roster spots? No cap room to be had.

Beau

Did Blake shrug off DeAndre’s post-dunk bear hug because he didn’t want to come off as showboating? I know both guys said it was becausw he couldn’t breathe but the replay seems to show more than that…

Eric Pincus

Just caught up in the emotion of the moment, I don’t think much more . . .

Luis Isidro

Seems like the Clippers are slowely becoming LA’s team. Does this concern the Lakers management?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are concerned about the Lakers. The Clippers need to prove they can sustain lasting success. The Lakers may be able to climb out of this dip or it may go deeper for a few years. We’ll have to wait and see.

James Gordon

The Bulls currently are the best rebounding team in the nba, #2 defensive team, and the deepest team in the league. How much does trading for Dwight Howard help? He’s not a go to scorer in the fourth.

Eric Pincus

He’s better than what the Bulls have now but what does Chicago have to give up? It’s not as clear as “Just do it” but then it could help them become super-elite as well . . .

edmund

Who comes out of the pacific division?

Eric Pincus

Clippers and Lakers – no playoffs for Warriors, Kings and Suns.

MIke D

Is it a lock that Kenyon Martin is gonna join the Clips in Feb? Also what would be the trade market for a player like Eric Bledsoe if he proves he is healthy… could they swap him for a valuable piece for a deep playoff run?

Eric Pincus

Not done yet but it wouldn’t surprise me if Martin joined the Clippers. LA will keep Bledsoe until they know if Mo, Billups and/or Foye are returning next year.

Angie

Would Aaron Brooks be a better point guard for Orlando?

Eric Pincus

Brooks isn’t available.

MAC

Why is point guard always a need for the Lakers? do they not value the position the same as other positions?

Eric Pincus

Given how many resources a team can throw at a roster, point guard was less important that Shaq/Kobe and Kobe/Bynum/Odom/Gasol. Now? They value point guard but are searching for the means.

Andy

Who is the best team in LA?

Eric Pincus

Right now Clippers but the season is young. Things can change quickly either way . . .

Steven

Your idea on how Lakers best way to become contenders.. Mine is amnesty kobe..

Eric Pincus

I don’t see how that helps.

Baywarrior

hello there: ok your the LAL GM GSW calls and say how do you feel about Ellis lee Wright and a 2nd rd pick for Pau Goudelock Ebanks and a 1st rd pick what do you say? give it a thought

Eric Pincus

From a budgetary perspective, I believe LA would want Curry and Lee instead of Ellis.

Nelson Ocampo (@winningguy)

Do you know if there is a feeling of tension an urgency in the Lakers organization? Do they believe that this current team is inadequate? Or do they feel that this team just needs some time and practice?

Eric Pincus

And there’s a solution? If they loved this team or wanted to change every piece – how do you force opportunities that aren’t there yet?

Oliver

Hi Eric,

which point guards would you call better than Steve Bash at this very moment? Best wishes from Germany!!!

Eric Pincus

Hmm . . . Steve Bash. Don’t recognize the name but I’m liking it. There needs to be a guy in the NBA named Steve Bash.

Fob

How likely do you think CP3 will stay in Clippersland?

Eric Pincus

I expect him to re-sign past this current contract.

Oliver

Where would you rank Marcin Gortat among Centers in the NBA? I think he is already TOP TEN material. How about you? What do you think is his ceiling? Love your chats by the way!

Eric Pincus

Gortat is one of the better centers in the league. He’s strong and solid. The Suns just don’t have a lot of support.

victor

Do you think Brook lopez and Dwight howard can play together?

Eric Pincus

Actually yes, if it came to that. Brooks has a face up game and Dwight is athletic enough to avoid the lumbering factor the Lakers currently have to deal with.

AlAlekoff

As of today, do you think the Clippers could make a push for the finals?

Eric Pincus

They need a little bit more defensively. I could see someone like Kenyon Martin, who can guard multiple positions – as a positive difference-maker. The concern would be experience up front in Blake/DeAndre. It takes a lot to make a full playoff run and are those two ready for it all? Certainly not at the free throw line.

Henry

D howard?? Is it true his people has warned the lakers that he would test the market even if they trade for him? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard the same. There’s a push to get Howard into Dallas although there’s a lot still up, up, up in the air.

cole

Have you ever seen a team as bad on the road and as good at home as the blazers are? any guesses way the problem is?

Eric Pincus

Teams that aren’t there yet – they tend to win at home and die on the road. That’s nothing new. The true, quality playoffs team start to play .500 ball on the road (or greater) which puts them into elite territory. That’s hard to do.

Drew

Would Memphis trade Mayo for there pick of Randolph and Ellinton, or Darko or Miller (if they want an opt out after the season to save $) plus in any scenario give Memphis back the 1st we have of theres. Would they accept any of them and if so which one.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure the Grizzlies trade Mayo at this point. He’s become a valuable rotation player but if they continue to slide, perhaps that changes.

Henry

I know there are a bunch of factors that is really causing problems for brown and the lakers. But what is your grade for Mike Brown so far? Thanks

Eric Pincus

Brown defensively earns high marks. Managing the team, their personalities, strengths and weaknesses? Overworking them? I see needed improvement.

Henry

From the sound of your replies to all these laker questions. The lakers should ride out the season. See what happens with howard (make a push if available) and try to make trades during the draft and off season. Your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Barring something that truly improves the team in the here and now, which may not really be available, agreed.

Joe

Why don’t the lakers revisit the Houston deal of Gasol. I remember Gasol for Scola,Martin,Gragnic and a pick. move Kobe to Small forward and Martin starts at the 2 guard. Gragnic a point and Bynum and Scola down low

Eric Pincus

The Houston deal doesn’t work for the Lakers – positionally – financially.

Dan

How much longer does the magic have to lose for them to pull the trigger on Howard?

Eric Pincus

If the Magic want Andrew Bynum for Howard. Andrew Bynum will be available to them in July. If there is a glimmer of hope they can find a solution to keep Howard, wouldn’t they be smart to take it if they can get the same return over the summer?

Nelson Ocampo (@winningguy)

There’s a rumor that Arenas likes the Lakers, but doesn’t want to have to do a work out. Any validity to that?

Eric Pincus

I don’t know but I don’t believe that to be true regarding the workout.

WC in LA

Eric,
would you please tell mitch to get a-randolph from minny or a-nocioni from philly. should be cheap to get, they will be able to help the #3 spot. also, fisher should retire. he is very lucky to play in phil’s system for years resulted in all those open shots. he didn’t do a beep in GS or Utah. most overated player ever!

Eric Pincus

How do either of those players make the Lakers any better? I don’t view your take on Fisher as accurate but we’re all individuals with welcome opinions.

Matthew

Do you think its not a big deal if the lakers dont score over 100 a game. if they win those games, people wouldnt be saying anything bout lakers not scoring alot. whats your take on this?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers play at a slower pace with defense as a priority so it’s going to be lower scoring. You’re seeing also the impact of the lockout – most teams can’t score this year. I’d look to see the Lakers improve defensively and over time, one or two years, the offense will uptick significantly. Of course that assumes the Lakers work out their personnel issues.

Henry

Bynum and Gasol for Howard? I am for it without blinking. Please tell me why I am wrong for doing it.

Eric Pincus

Perhaps at some point but not yet. The Lakers want more for that. They’re not sure they can compete with what’s left on the level they’d need to. They likely think they can get more in return. We’ll see.

Reed

Would LA have to part with their 1st round pick and the TPE for Sessions?

Eric Pincus

Unclear but I know that’s initially what the Cavaliers are asking . . .

AH

After back to back wins @DEN, vs. OKC, are Clips contenders? Just WCF or Finals?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers are contenders in the West. I’m not sure they’re favored to get out and even have a chance to beat teams like the HEAT or Bulls – but don’t count them out yet. I’m curious to see the team develop and if they can make minor tweaks to improve defensively.

Henry

Wow you have the lakers pretty much at the bottom of the chances of landing howard.. I have been saying that all along… If you are the insider and feel that way. We are doomed for sure. Lakers please don’t make the playoffs this year. Am I wrong for wishing that…

Eric Pincus

I’m afraid this will have to do for the week. Thanks for a great turnout!

Henry – I wouldn’t say the Lakers are last. They have a viable chance at getting Howard – and keeping him long term. I don’t think anyone is doomed. There’s just a cycle in the NBA of up and down and the Lakers tend to have far-longer upswings than down. Perhaps that changes as the Lakers turn over from Dr. Jerry Buss to Jim Buss as primary decision-maker – but then shouldn’t Jim get some credit for the Lakers essentially landing CP3 before the David Stern stepped in?

The path isn’t clear for the Lakers but I’m not counting them out either.

As always, time will tell . . .