NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 2/14/12

Hurricane Game

With the rumors of a possible Gasol for Rondo deal, is it time for the pacers to jump in and claim their pg of the future? they tried to get him earlier in the year with their “cp3″ proposal, and now apparently, he will be on the market again if the celtics arent contenders by the deadline.

the pacers can offer alot to the celtics, they can completely consume his contract for a few picks and the celtics dont have to take back any salary. or they can make a deal giving the celtics collison and picks for rondo

or they could even take a much bigger step and trade collison and george for allen and rondo, would be a great deal for the celts and they would save cap, but i doubt the pacers would want to deal both george and collison for rondo and allen, but should they step in and be agressive for rondo?

adding him to their team makes them automatic contenders in the east for years, any chance this happens?

Eric Pincus

Time to chat once again – let’s get to it!

If Rondo does officially go on the block, more than one team should try to trade for him. Given how well the Pacers are playing this year, is that the best move though? They still have $14 million in cap to add to their situation without any major subtractions.

Robert

If you had to choose right now who do you take, Jeremy Lin, Ricky Rubio, or Kyrie Irving?

Eric Pincus

Irving is the most solid, ready to play point guard. He reminds me of Brandon Roy how he’s come into the league at a polished, almost veteran level. Now Rubio has a higher upside and is fantastic to watch. You can argue he will have greater highs than Irving but Kyrie is someone you can bank on. Lin is still an enigma. Ask me in a couple of weeks again. Good question though . . .

Mutang

Eric, really curious about Utah’s PG situation.They have a good young team, TPE’s and draft picks coming, but PG is where they need to address. Who do you see as Utah’s starting PG in 2013, or for the future?? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

Boy, I don’t know. I’m not sure Utah knows either. Perhaps they eventually look to trade Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap for a high-level point guard but I don’t think that’s during this season. Some would argue never do big for small but the Jazz have a lot of size up front and need help in the backcourt.

Tony

When Kobe loses to Detroit and Boston in the finals or gets swept by Dallas the Jordan comparisons die. When he has a streak of scoring 40 plus points they return. Jordan is 6-0 on the biggest stage. That alone should bury the comparison forever regardless of what else Kobe accomplishes. Thoughts?

Eric Pincus

Kobe has been to the NBA Finals more times than Michael Jordan over a longer career. If Bryant wins a sixth, you can argue he’s not as efficient as MJ but I would put them on par. Some will hold fast to Jordan regardless but the one advantage Kobe has over Michael is that he’s still an active player with more to accomplish.

Tony Sarno

Eric it seems that there is an easy solution to the Lakers PG problem: Steve Nash. He would be an expensive rental but I’m guessing that he could be had for the $8.9MM trade-exception and the Dallas and LA #1′s. The numbers will work due to a lock-out anomoly. Nash’s $11MM salary is really only $8.8MM (80%)of $11MM, while the Dallas exception is a hard $8.9MM. I don’t think that any potential deal for Howard will live or die on late first round picks. What do you think?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers cannot use the Odom trade exception to get Nash and I don’t really quite see what LA can offer to get him. That doesn’t mean something out of the box can’t happen, but I’m not going to put my stake on that given I still believe Nash will say in Phoenix for the rest of the year and maybe beyond.

Cheekz

Wassup Eric, big LAKER fan here…I have obvious concerns about pg & bench production so what about signing Agent Zero for the vets minimum & trading 1st round pick + trade excexception to Nugs for J.R. Smith. Does it work salary cap wise & how does it effect the team?

Eric Pincus

It doesn’t work because you can’t S&T trade during the season – a rule change in the new CBA.

Laker Consultant

Why would the Lakers be sour on trading Bynum & Gasol for Howard, as its reported they are? Wouldn’t progressive thinking allow them to see it more as Bynum & Pau for Howard & Deron Williams (who would certainly be interested in LA if that trade went through)

Eric Pincus

The Lakers aren’t sold they should trade Bynum for Howard, let alone both. Also, I don’t see how the Lakers get Deron, given the Nets aren’t interested in taking on what LA has to offer.

Vito Villegas

Good day, Eric. Why couldn’t the Lakers get Jose Calderon? It was featured that the Raptors are trying to clear up some cap space, shouldn’t they be enticed bu Odom’s TPE?

Eric Pincus

Simple math, Calderon makes more than the exception and that’s before his 10% trade kicker.

Peter Tullio

It seems the Lakers are waiting out the Dwight Howard situation. Do you believe they will at least make minor moves that don’t jeopardize their assests such as signing Arenas or JR Smith?

Or do they stand pat until Howard finds a new home?

Eric Pincus

The goal is major moves followed by smaller moves if something great can’t be done. You don’t take away the possibility of a bigger move by making the small ones – which would limit flexibility – first.

Carly Bezilla

Thank you for the great insight and detective work on the Pau for Rondo article.

Is this a real possibility? Has there been more talks of this between the Lakers and Celtics? What other players may be included in this deal?

Eric Pincus

Just have to wait until March, see where teams are in the standings, how they’re playing and who is ready to make a big move. We’re still two weeks away . . .

Neyda De Pau

Why have the Lakers gone from pursuing top tier point guards (Chris Paul) to scrapping the bottom of the barrel with Rafer Alston and Allen Iverson rumors?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers need to look at every possibility. Every team does. Some big moves still require small ones to fill in the gaps. If no great deal comes up, then it’s far better to save the trade assets for a later date than waste them on a middling talent.

Yesenia Navarro

Why is March first such a big date for trade rumors (other than players that were signed that year can be traded)?

Does this mean the Lakers are holding out until March 1st because McRob, Murphy or Kapono are going to be included in a deal?

Eric Pincus

If 25% of the league can’t be dealt, that’s going to limit options across the board. Each team has needs and often multiple offers to consider. The math on the variables in play is insane. Wait til March and then everyone can come to the table with all their assets.

Brandi Marshall

There was an article in which Metta World Peace was trashing Mike Brown’s coaching style calling him a stats man.

Is there a rift between Brown and the players?

Eric Pincus

Peace speaks his mind. Most players have varied feelings on their coach – regardless of ring-count.

Jason De Hera

Steve Kyler said the Lakers are pretty much kicking the tires on every trade option big or small because it’s unacceptable to be in 7th place in the west.

Can you give us more details as to what you’ve heard?

Eric Pincus

I’ve written it many times over and Kyler is spot-on. The Lakers are exploring trades for Pau Gasol, smaller ones for their trade exception, free agency, etc. Now’s the time for research, March is when it’s time to try and solidify something.

Cynthia Gonzalez

Seems like the Clippers are the hot team that free agents are flocking to now. They sign all the free agents that the Lakers want.

Is this bothering the Lakers Front Office in any way?

Eric Pincus

If the Clippers get someone the Lakers want, that’s going to bother the Lakers but then it’s on to the next player . . .

Sam

Eric . . . please update on Mo Williams attitude and could the Clippers trade Cook and Gomes to create cap dollars to sign J.R. Smith.

Eric Pincus

Mo is Mo. He’s unhappy with what happened this summer but is still going to play well on the court. The Clippers aren’t looking to deal him. There’s no way to open more space for J.R. Smith but swapping out players like Cook/Gomes.

Ray Suansing

How long were the Lakers talking to the Hornets about the CP3 trade before the tentatively agreed to send him the the Lakers?

I just wanted to gauge how long it takes for a blockbuster trade to come together.

Eric Pincus

That can vary from years to just a few days.

Felipe C.

With Josh McRoberts in Mike Brown’s doghouse do you think the Lakers will look to move him? Perhaps to the Grizzlies for OJ Mayo?

Eric Pincus

You have to wonder if the Grizzlies and Lakers like that idea, given that Memphis tried to trade for McRoberts more than once. I have it on my back burner as something to keep an eye on. We’ll see – O.J. has played well for Memphis and then equally LA may need Roberts in a bigger role if there’s a trade.

Aimee Hamby

If the Lakers do find a taker for Pau Gasol is there a way that Pau can block the trade? He seemed like he was very upset about the possible trade to Houston. Looks like he won’t be happy about being traded in general.

Eric Pincus

Players can try to scare a team off but ultimately no.

Christine Perez

Hi Eric,

You seem to have a good understanding of the Lakers front office,

If you were the Lakers front office, how would you realistically fix the problems the Lakers have (point guard, bench production)?

Eric Pincus

Patience and if the right deal for Pau came up, take it. I know it’s hard for some fans to let go of the notion that LA’s size advantage up front somehow makes them a dominant team – but I don’t see it. If the Lakers were truly committed to it, they would be able to make it work but my understanding is they’re not.

Joe Lustre

If the Lakes are unable to make any trades by this year’s deadline, how do you see them improving the roster considering that they are way over the cap?

Eric Pincus

A free agent signing like Arenas – trades over the summer, etc.

Joe Lustre

Im confused by the multiple reports on the Arenas workout. Was the workout a private workout only for the Lakers or was it an open invite to any team?

Thanks for clearing this up

Eric Pincus

Open to multiple teams. . . .

kenia sanchez

Do you know what the Lakers consider their top priority in a trade?

Is it PG?
Is it a bench player?
Is it dwight howard?

Eric Pincus

It’s point guard . . . Howard is a curiosity but the team is comfortable relying on Bynum moving forward.

eddy

People are unsure whether Carmelo fits in with the Knicks. I disagree. He can play the Joe Johnson or Jason Richardson role. If that doesn’t work, Mike D’Antoni can design his rotation to make it so Carmelo will get most of his minutes when Iman or Douglas are on the floor so he can get his touches.

Eric Pincus

We shall see, won’t we? I look forward to finding out.

Matteo Fernandez

I read a report that the Lakers are only considering Arenas, Sessions, and the like as a “last resort” if they can’t get their next superstar player via trade.

Is it safe to assume if the Lakers do sign Arenas or JR or Sessions that they lost out on a bigger trade?

Eric Pincus

I wouldn’t say Sessions is a last resort, but not the priority.

Ian Sedinsky

Is it true that Arenas’ private Laker workout was held at a Laker season ticket holder’s re-creation of the Lakers court at his house?

How odd is that? And why was Jerry West reportedly there too?

Eric Pincus

It was held at the Jackson home, long-time season-ticket holders. They used to make shoes for Shaquille O’Neal. I’ve been to the gym – it’s beautiful.

Jason Thompson

Rockets are still interested in Pau Gasol? Do you think they would give the Lakers Kyle Lowry instead of Martin. Any way the Rockets could help the Lakers in a three way to either get Howard or Deron Williams?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Rockets at this point will give up Lowry for Gasol . . .

Gerald Wada

What do you feel would be the best use of the Lamar TPE around draft time? Can the TPE be traded for a high draft pick?

OR

Are the Lakers holding on to it in order to fill a position that may be vacant after a big trade?

Eric Pincus

The trade exception may be very valuable around draft time when teams are more willing to disband a roster.

Gerald Wada

Is it considered bad form if a superstar player wants to use Kobe’s old #8 (say like a deron williams?).

Eric Pincus

Good question. That might be on Kobe . . .

Carmen Ayala

Is Pau Gasol enough to pry away either Stephen Curry or Monta Ellis from GSW?

What is the primary trait they want in a point guard at this point? – Youth? Passing Ability? or Defense?

Eric Pincus

I look at the Warriors as one of three viable destinations for Gasol. There may be others . . . but the Warriors need someone like Pau. The difficulty is finding a deal that works for both. I would expect LA to want Curry over Ellis.

Elliott Ehlig

Laker fans are on pins and needles waiting out the trade deadline.

Eric, please give us fans a nugget of info about what they are trying to do on the trade front.

Thanks!

Eric Pincus

I thought I did? Point guard, point guard, point guard.

Elliott Ehlig

Does Luke Walton has any trade value since his contract is going to expire next year (prior to the more restrictive CBA kicking in)?

Eric Pincus

His value increases the closer he gets to the end of his contract. Keep in mind, he actually has a small trade kicker.

Debbie Salangsang

Are the Lakers interested in Rasheed Wallace? They don’t have a true backup center and are very thin after Lakers shipped out Lamar.

Will the Lakers look to shoring up the backup center position?

Eric Pincus

Another example of looking at every option . . .

Debbie Salangsang

What’s preventing the Lakers from signing Gilbert Arenas at this point. He was described as being fluid and energetic in the workout.

Eric Pincus

I saw a number of reports saying the same thing – so much the same thing that it makes me feel like someone was using those exact words to try and pump up his value.

Justin Cruz

Eric,

Did you ever think that the Lakers would be close to getting Chris Paul for basically Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Did you see that coming?

What do you think the Lakers can get for Pau Gasol now?

Eric Pincus

I didn’t expect the Lakers to find a package for Paul that didn’t include Bynum and ultimately they didn’t.

Shaun Wharton

What is the Lakers plan B if they are left holding the bag after dwight does not come to LA? I realize dwight is a once in a generation but arent the lakers front office making a huge mistake by hancuffing themselves to one big move?

Eric Pincus

Dwight isn’t Plan A, he’s maybe a corollary? Pau for a guard is more the thinking with some way of filling the hole at power forward.

Austrian powers

What do you think of the following trade: lal gets gay, lee, gsw gets pau and morris, mem gets ellis, blake. Then the lakers use their te on hinrich.
Greets from austria

Eric Pincus

You’re getting a little too cute here I’m afraid. Once you add in a third team, it gets far less likely. I don’t believe the Grizzlies are moving Gay this year.

Brendan

Do you know when Brook Lopez is likely to comeback and how well do you think he will perform when he does?

My fantasy team has been beset by injuries (Horford, Bogut, Dirk, Rose, Gallo) so was hoping he might be able to give me a boost if I can sign him.

Eric Pincus

Lopez is supposedly a week or two away. Good luck.

johncarloyu

Jeremy Lin took over the NBA last week. Is he just a one week star or a long time?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure. I don’t think anyone can be but we saw something unique this past week. I would like to see it continue.

johncarloyu

Did the Lakers regret not picking Jeremy from the waivers?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers never had the opportunity to pick up Jeremy Lin from waivers.

johncarloyu

Any update on Sessions and Flynn?

Eric Pincus

Lakers looking for more important options first.

johncarloyu

I suggest the Lakers should trade Pau for Scola, Martin and Flynn. The Lakers will get 3 potential starters for them.

Eric Pincus

I don’t like the pieces coming back to LA. I don’t think the Lakers like the pieces either, especially economically.

johncarloyu

Who will you pick on a 7 game series? Lakers vs Clippers? Bulls vs Heat? Hawks vs Pacers? Mavs vs Lakers? Thumders vs Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Right now the Clippers beat the Lakers but I wouldn’t swear it stays that way. Today HEAT over Bulls but long-term I have Bulls. I’ll go Pacers, Mavericks and Thunder otherwise.

johncarloyu

This should be the Lakers starters:
C – Bynum
PF- Gasol
SF- Barnes
SG- Bryant
PG- Morris

Give Fisher a Asst. GM position
Give Walton Asst. Coach position

Eric Pincus

How do the Lakers take with their lottery pick?

choloclaravall

since the lakers have been searching for pointguards, may I add another name. why not check on tyreke evans? i think his value is low right now..can he be tradable via the TPE?

Eric Pincus

He’s not available at this time to the Lakers although if he was, I’m sure they would look at him.

Jazzfan

Do you think Ty Corbin is legitmate candidate for Coach Of The Year? considering he took over for Jerry Sloan unexpectdly in mid season last year then loses DWill almost immediatly after, then there’s the lockout and the shortened training camp with little time to implement his system, they get off to a horrible start with the blowout losses and then turns it around and has us in playoff contention and were doing better than most “experts” expected us to.

Eric Pincus

He’ll get some votes but I’m not sure just yet. You might see Doug Collins or Frank Vogel.

Brooks

Sup Eric! Love your chats man. What do you think of this upcoming draft? The draft is my favorite thing to watch and I look forward to it all year. As a huge LAL fan, you think any top prospects could fall to one of the Lakers two first-rounders because it is so deep of a draft?

Eric Pincus

It’s a nice draft, absolutely – but I don’t really get into it until after the trade deadline and then even ends of regular season when we know the approximate draft order. We’ll hit that topic down the road.

Pete

I once wanted Mitch to get Ray Felton with a part of the TPE but I no longer want that seeing how he is operating outside of MDA’s offense now in Portland. Will Mitch hold on to all his assets firmly until the Dwight and D Will situation is resolved first? Or will he be coerced by Jim to make a move just to make a move?

Eric Pincus

Lakers aren’t waiting on Howard or Williams.

Pete

You know Mamba better than any of us. Do you see him causing any type of “one man mutiny” against Brown if this horrible play keeps up or is Kobe’s frustration directed more at Jim Buss?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see any of that coming any time soon.

Pete

Is Kobe looking at Life After Pau now or do they still speak Spanish to each other on the court? It doesn’t seem like they have the same chemistry anymore. I’d like to be wrong here but I don’t feel like I’m seeing any type of chemistry blossoming with the whole team under Brown’s offense.

Eric Pincus

Winning breeds chemistry. It’s a feedback loop and the Lakers just aren’t there right now.

Drew

Couple of trade Ideas. 1. D Williams for Evan Turner? (helps both teams) 2. Beaz or Luke,Randolph and Memphis’s 1st we have for Mayo? 3. Randolph and Webster plus Memphis or Utah pick for Marvin Williams?! Finally what do you think are the chances JR Smith comes to Minny! And how good a fit would he be? Thanks!!!

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect the Wolves to trade Derrick Williams. I’m not sure the Wolves are rushing to trade for Mayo given he’ll hit free agency this summer. Judging by JR’s Twitter feed, he doesn’t list the Wolves although I had recently been told they had a shot.

Danny Flores

I keep hearing rumors that the GSW are talking to the Lakers about a Pau + filler for Curry and Lee. Any truth to that? I think that would be a win win situation for both teams.

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe that to be true. I don’t expect the Warriors to give up both Lee and Curry although if they did, I’m sure LA would jump at the chance.

Dwayne

Don’t you think the debate over the best player in the league “Kobe or Lebron” is a little unfair because of the age difference? I mean obviously right now Lebron is that guy, but do people forget how athletic Kobe was in his early years? I mean you can’t find a guy on youtube he didn’t posterize. He dominated games when he had to, but wasn’t quit the passer Lebron is. If their career’s started around the same time who would be the better player?

Eric Pincus

There have been a lot of “best players” to come along and try and take over the top spot but Kobe’s outlasted most. LeBron still needs rings to be in the discussion.

glen peters

With limited trade assets on the roster, being outbid by the Clippers in the FA market, and being way over the cap, How do you see the Lakers improving the team within the next two years?

Eric Pincus

Trading Gasol – using the trade exception to fill in the gaps. Getting payroll to a manageable level. Filling in the rest the best they can.

Aevi

Hi Eric. Been hearing a lot about how Deron Williams will definitely be a Maverick next season. Do you think the Nets will try to get something for him before the deadline? Will a package starting with Pau be good enough for them?

Eric Pincus

Nothing is “definite” and anyone claiming it’s definite is overstating their position. No, don’t expect the Nets to move Deron. If they did, I hear it wouldn’t be for Pau.

Chris Jordan

What are the specific big trade targets (other than Howard) that are hindering the Lakers from signing a JR Smith or G. Arenas with the open 15th man spot on the roster?

Eric Pincus

If Smith chooses Lakers, they give up that open roster spot. For Arenas? What’s the rush and you need open roster spots to make trades where you’re bringing on multiple players, etc.

Steve

Can you please tell me why the thunder are so adamant on Westbrook playing pg..this guy is clearly a sg scorer..he led the league in turnovers last year..they can make a trade for a veteran pg and just let Westbrook score cuz he’s a natural scorer..how come the thunder don’t see this??

Eric Pincus

There’s nothing wrong with a scoring point guard if you build the team around that concept.

Michael

Nash for Bledsoe?

Eric Pincus

The money doesn’t work but wait, don’t they have Chris Paul? Why do you want Paul and Nash? That’s not the same as Paul and Billups.

Ron C

Where did all the hate people have for Jim Buss come from? I don’t live in LA so I’ve never seen him personally, i cant think of anything he’s done terrible in my eyes.

Eric Pincus

The power structure in place – which close ties to long-term media members – has taken a hit and has lost power/jobs. Meanwhile Buss isn’t a known quantity so he’s been chose to be the lightning rod for anything bad and the bystander for anything good. I don’t know what to make of Jim Buss yet but I’m not going to jump to conclusions just because it’s the popular or easy thing to do.

Dwayne

True/False: It couldn’t hurt signing Gilbert to a 10 day contract.

Eric Pincus

Did Gilbert say he would sign to a 10-day contract and not the entire season?

William

If JR Smith does not sign with clippers…. Should the clippers pursue Ray Allen or maybe W. Johnson from T-wolves. I think with Chris Paul at point guard it could probably elevate W. Johnson’s game…. Chris Paul makes everybody around him ten times better, that’s a reason I see JR signing with clippers..

Eric Pincus

If Ray Allen became available, that changes things for LA. Otherwise I don’t expect a lot in trade.

santiago

if the clipps land jr smith is mo williams more likely to trade having bledsoe ????

Eric Pincus

I don’t see either Mo or Bledsoe being traded this year.

Hudsen

If jr smith signs with the knicks he will get a starting spot with plenty of minutes and the green light to shoot the three. The knicks style of play allows him to excel. Where do you think he signs? And how soon will it happen considering he’ll be back in the US by wednesday.

Eric Pincus

Orlando has the most money to offer. That – in and of itself – may mean the Magic.

Leo

I know he’s not a conventional PG, but I think that Goudelock earned a starting spot on the Lakers. He is outplaying Fisher and Blake, doesn’t commit too many turnovers, and most importantly isn’t a liability where the other team can so freely double Pau/Drew/Kobe without ANY repercussions. What ever happened to playing our best players?

Eric Pincus

Goudelock has trouble running plays. It’s an issue but one he’ll eventually overcome. If you say Andrew – go score. That plays to his strength. If you start Kobe, Bynum and Pau – you really want the offense to be all about Goudelock and his points?

Tyler Michels

Because of the shortened season do you expect more trades to happen at the deadline? Which teams do you expect to be most active?

Eric Pincus

I expect fewer trades actually.

Eric P

So “sources” say regarding JR Smith, Pacers are going “another direction” Any clue what “direction” they are going?

Eric Pincus

The direction of not-J.R.

Mike Matelyan

What’s the holdup with the Lakers signing Arenas? Considering how poorly Blake and Fisher have played all season, I no longer see the harm in signing him to the team. Especially since after the big 3 their next highest scorer is averaging 7PPG.

Eric Pincus

Trade flexibility is apparently hard for me to fully communicate. I tried last night with some friend who just didn’t get what I was saying. The smallest detail like a roster spot, a few $100k short in a deal, etc. – all of that can cause a big move to fail. Kupchak needs every asset. If he signs Arenas and then makes a deal – he may have to cut and lose Gilbert to another team – just to make a more important deal through. Instead Mitch can wait, make a deal, then sign Arenas if necessary. If he’s gone by then, was he really the savior? No.

Daniel

People are saying JR is a good fit for the Clippers, but I’m skeptical. Not the most stable player, on or off the court, and can hog the ball sometimes. Also, despite his size and athleticism, I don’t think he fills our biggest need as a strong wing defender. He isn’t exactly known to play great defense. What do you think? Is he a good fit?

Eric Pincus

JR would help in areas. He isn’t a bad defender when motivated.

Eric P

Greetings Eric, So is Eric Gordon Jonathon Bender , part 2? Or are these injuries a result of bad luck , timing etc.? Will this effect his net worth or do you see a “max like” contract next year?

Eric Pincus

I expect Gordon will be fine eventually. Remember, the Hornets want that number one pick more than they want to win any games this season.

Eric P

How are the two ex Pacers fiting in so far? (McBob and Murphy)?

Eric Pincus

Good in spurts – ineffective in others.

KSFantastic

Hey Eric. Could the Lakers be waiting to sign Arenas because of JR Smith? Judging by the rumors and the video of Gil throwing down some dunks, it looks like he’s regained some of that explosion that made him dangerous. I would think Arenas is a low risk high reward signing. We wouldn’t have to give up any assets to acquire him.

Eric Pincus

That’s certainly one of many factors. Arenas is low risk, medium reward but even a roster spot is technically an asset when it comes to complicated trades.

Eric P

Alright so my Pacers have lost 3 in a row. My question is , is this a bump in the road that all teams will have during the course of a season, or is this a result of teams starting to fugure them out and adjust?

Eric Pincus

The Pacers will adjust. I do think they played a little over their heads so far but this is a playoff team.

Eric P

Pacers have a lot of cap room, does Bird make a move or do we sit on the cap space until next year?

Eric Pincus

If someone viable comes available, the Pacers will act. I could see Chris Kaman as a possibility to bolster front-court depth.

Nick

If the Cavs are totally out of the playoff picture by the trade deadline do you see them trading jamison for basically whetever they can get or just releasing him to be able to chase a ring(since he is well respected and want to do him a favor)?

Eric Pincus

Jamison could end up traded in March.

LeBron S. Pippen

How is Fisher dealing with everyone and my mama saying he is done?

Eric Pincus

Fisher has a thick skin – thicker especially after the offseason of labor negotiations.

daniel

Do you believe the Lakers are looking into any trade for stephen jackson/

Are the Lakers thinking about getting rid of Metta World Peace?

Eric Pincus

The only way to argue Stephen Jackson is to say he has a shorter contract than Peace – and you’re swapping poor fit for poor fit.

Ray

Hey Eric,

How much can the lakers offer JR Smith? Is he willing to come off the bench as a pure scorer? I think he’d be exactly what the Lakers need, someone off the bench that can actually make a shot.

Eric Pincus

Lakers have just the minimum to offer. We’ll see if he takes it. I heard no, based on compensation level but that doesn’t mean Smith makes an unpredictable decision.

Hen1040

Laker coaching? If phil was still coaching how many more number wins would the lakers have right now?

Eric Pincus

The benefit for the Lakers is they’d be playing the same system so it’d be a higher comfort level. They’d be better but not dramatically. Jackson’s success was always more about postseason.

gus26

hey EP sorry bout your grandmother…
if lakers miss out on howard and d.williams… do they go into full rebuild mode… like getting picks and young players to build with bynum.. or do they try to get players to continue the kobe era?…

Eric Pincus

Thanks Gus, The Lakers are already trying to rebuild on the fly. The Kobe era is at least two more seasons. We’ll see if they can reconfigure wisely and quickly.

Nelson Ocampo (@winningguy)

There has been speculation that the Lakers have yet to sign Arenas because they are exploring other deals first.

Is it also possible that Arenas is the one holding things up? Maybe he wants to see where Dwight ends up before committing to the Lakers.

Eric Pincus

That’s not my understanding of the situation.

Gio

J.R. Smith or Allen Iverson for the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

More likely than not, neither – although J.R. is unpredictable.

Ron

Which team is Dwight playing for next season? Does he go there via trade or opt-out/free agency? Which team gives him the best chance to win next season through either scenario? Personally its to the Nets through free agency so that they keep their assests and have a high draft pick.

Eric Pincus

A lot of questions and the answers may not all add up. You can argue the Bulls would give him the fastest chance to a ring but they don’t appear to be the favorites. Everyone wants to see how this one ends but there’s no real guessing. The Magic don’t have a lot of leverage but they have a big say in the matter until they don’t . . .

stern=edi amin

happy valentines, dr smooth. youre gonna get a lot of laker pg questions but give me your most realistic and feasible (which means it happens soon) scenario:
a) sessions
b) arenas
c) rondo
d stand pat till off season

I’m gonna go out and hit on all the single ladies tonight.

Eric Pincus

Good luck with the ladies. The most likely scenario is a combination of D and something else that’s a small return. That doesn’t mean they are looking and in general I’m never going to say a big trade is likely – because that’s just not how I see the NBA.

Andrew

If Smith does not sign with the Clippers, what other options is Olshey considering to upgrade at the 2? Randy is too streaky to be a starting 2 if the Clips have any real hopes in making a deep playoff run.

Eric Pincus

It’s a concern. I don’t have a true answer yet. I’m not sure the Clippers do either given what’s available. That’s why teams wait and see because unexpected opportunities tend to pop up.

gus26

chances of pau/blake/mcroberts to sota for wesley johnson/beasly/williams/jj barea…

do you do that deal? do the lakers? does minny?

Eric Pincus

I would say that’s slim but LA might consider it, especially with Derrick Williams in the package. I don’t know if something that wild ever comes about though . . .

Chris Cruz

Any hope for the Warriors to make a move by the trade deadline for a Solid Big Man Center? Does Curry have any trade value in the league or is he perceived as ‘broken’ with his gimpy ankles?

Eric Pincus

Curry still has substantial trade value, but he’s not necessarily at his peak value.

greg

It’s killing me to see Ebanks stuck in neutral. Any hope he’ll start to get some playing time to develop?

Eric Pincus

Eventually he’ll get a shot, although it may not be this year on a sustained level.

Kendal

Hey Eric, what the latest with the jr Smith update and whats the chance he actually signs with the clippers. And if he doesn’t sign with the clips can you see the clips going after courtney lee or t-will from the rockets or another 2 guard?

Eric Pincus

Lee makes the most sense around the league but the Rockets want a first-round pick and at this point that’s more than LAC is willing to offer.

Gio

It almost seems like Lakers Fans can’t wait till March to see what happens. March can’t be here any sooner.. your thoughts..

Eric Pincus

I always look forward to the trade deadline with great anticipation!

BIG D

Similar to what the Lakers did in 1996 trading Charlotte for the 13th pick, do you think it is likely for the Lakers this year to trade for a high draft pick to draft a point guard with high potential to pair up with Kobe and Bynum?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure there’s an elite point guard in this draft on that level.

AlAlekoff

Do you see the Clippers winning Pacific for sure and do the Lakers have what it takes to make a push for it? All pundits were giving the Lakers an edge 2 months ago!

Eric Pincus

Clippers have a real chance to win the division. The Lakers are still a work in progress and the battle isn’t over between the two, but for now I see LAC taking the Pacific.

Ric

At the start of the season, Utah was known to be interested in trading Big Al or Millsap to make room for Favors and Kanter. Are they still looking to do that now that they’re eyeing a playoff berth?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for today! Thanks for participating. I didn’t get everyone in but try again next week.

Ric, the Jazz were hoping to get more initially out of Favors and Kanter and while but players are helping, the veterans are carrying the team. Long-term, it doesn’t work in my mind. This year? I think Utah sticks with it.