NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 2/7/12

1st LT. Troy Barlo

Whats the REAL story with the Laker’s front office, coaches and players perception with signing Gilbert Arenas?

Eric Pincus

Time for chat. Let’s dig right Lin . . .

The owner is passing the team on to his son. It’s a normal course of business and it’s often tied to drama, egos and general anxiety on the shifting of power. Some believe Jeanie Buss would be better suited but in truth, how many owners let their general managers run wild? Very, very few. The owners veto deals all the time – like the Magic and their initial deal with the New Jersey Nets (and Portland Trail Blazers) for Dwight Howard.

Jim Buss is unproven but he’s also part of the unit that almost landed Chris Paul, won two titles since the original three-peat and may end up leading the Lakers to future glory . . . or not. He may be terrible. We don’t know and it’s too early to judge – although that hasn’t stopped Jim from becoming Scapegoat Prime.

Chris Collins

Would it be a smart trade for both the Lakers and Grizzlies if they traded Pau Gasol for Rudy Gay since Zach Randolph is possibly out for the season? Also what are the chances Kevin Love leaves Minnesota in 3 years and come to LA?

Eric Pincus

The Grizzlies, last check, aren’t moving Rudy Gay.

jonathan

You Think The Lakers Will Acquire Howard?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think they necessarily will but I do believe they have a real shot, so we wait and see.

Robert

Why do some players like Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter lose their skills but players like Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen maintain it?

Eric Pincus

Some players are too reliant on their athleticism so when that wanes, they lose their ability to contribute at a high level. Bryant and Allen are obvious exceptions to the rule.

Robert

Thoughts on this trade?

To Orlando: Andrew Bynum, Goran Dragic,Andrew Goudelock, L.A. 2012 1st Rounder, Dallas 2012 1st Rounder

To Lakers: Dwight Howard, Hedo Turkoglu, Luis Scola, Hasheem Thabeet

To Houston: Pau Gasol, Derrick Caracter

Eric Pincus

The Lakers don’t get enough at all and financially that’s a disaster with both Howard, Scola and Turkolgu’s salaries.

Lars

Would the lakers do a trade like this?

Orl:
Lowry, Martin, Bynum, Granger

Lakers:
Howard, Turkoglu, Nelson (trade exception)

Houston:
Pau Gasol

Pacers:
Reddick, Ryan Anderson,

Eric Pincus

Sorry there Lars, had to trim your question down, a bit too long. Bottom line, if you say two-team idea – you’re throwing a dart at a board. If you say three-team, it’s like throwing a dart at a moving board. If you say more than that? What are the odds you even have a dart? Also, Rockets won’t trade Lowry and at this point probably won’t trade Kevin Martin either.

Mutang

Joel, your Raptors writer co-worker says that the Raps are looking for something like a 10mTPE for Calderon, so that they can then turn that into Wilson Chandler. Utah has a 10m TPE I believe, and a starting PG in Devin that really is like a square peg. They could use a traditional PG, so any chance Raps/Utah do business? If not what does Utah do? I think Calderon would make them from tough team, to the one that nobody wants to play.

Eric Pincus

That’s all not accurate I’m afraid. I don’t believe anyone has a trade exception that large and Chandler can’t get an offer from the Raptors if he doesn’t return from China by March – and he’s expected to be in the playoffs for some itme.

choloclaravall

is the whole “kobe messed it up” statement of dwight howard an actual state of things on the trade front for howard or is it just a smokescreen? does dwight still want to play for the lakers?

Eric Pincus

Smokescreen? I don’t see that. I could fully believe that Kobe and Dwight have had some miscommunication that Bryant doesn’t even realize – but do I know this happened? No I don’t. Ultimately this is going to be a business decision – and money/opportunity for all parties involved will dictate how this goes.

Chris

Hi Eric. Isn’t it about time for Kobe to demand a trade? His Lakers look awful and Dwight isn’t coming to the rescue.

Eric Pincus

Nope. That’s not in the cards.

Oleg

Good day Sir! In your honest opinion, who is the frontrunner in the D12 sweepstakes right now? Are the Lakers really last option among the three teams on Howard’s wish list? Thanks!

Eric Pincus

If you had to say absolutely what is the most likely to happen? I would say all things considered, he ups and walks to New Jersey and signs to play with Deron. But the odds of that aren’t much higher than any other combination of moves.

greg

Hey Eric, what a busy guy you must be with the Clips rolling. I’m wondering about the possibility of the Lakers cleaning house this year for cap space to sign a major free agent, like when they got Shaq? Amnesty MWP, swap Luke’s expiring and Gasol for a high pick, buy out Fish, even let Bynum go or deal him. That leaves Kobe and Blake @ 31 mil. Crazy, huh?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the Lakers getting under the cap in the Kobe Bryant era.

alex p

I have a trade that might help both the Lakers and the PDX. How about Gasol and Walton for Felton and Wallace. Lakers get a descent point guard and a more then capable small forward. They can let Murphy or McRambis start or even bring in Caracter. While they get rid of Walton salary and can amnesty Artest next year.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure the Blazers go there. I’m not sure that’s enough for the Lakers either. Felton is good, above average – but great? Wallace I find to be a risk given the way he plays – health. I’m not seeing it but I will say, I haven’t seen that proposal before.

alex p

Can I dream a little bit here? Lakers dont get into playoffs and stern is forced to let Laker ping pong ball bounce for the number 1 pick in the draft (sort of make up for the CP3 Fiasco). Oh well enough dreaming. Goudelock looks like he is going to be in the Anthony Miller mold (remember him)? what is you opinion of Goudelock so far?

Eric Pincus

Wait – do you mean Pig Miller!?!

javier garcia

hey eric what seems more likely of point guards arenas,sessions or flynn? I still think we need a better starting sf maybe draft picks expiring & part tpe. Jr smith, beasley or jackson?

Eric Pincus

When you say likely – you have to account for the notion that most trades are unlikely. The path of least resistance would say Arenas. It would take some doing but J.R. Smith is at least a possibility using that same logic though not a likelihood.

Kirk Hinrich

Why are the Lakers not inquiring about me? I’m sure alot better upgrade than arenas/sessions/flynn. and I’m on the last year of my contract anyways.

Lastly this is the worst laker bench after the Smush era..

Eric Pincus

He would help marginally. The Lakers really need more than marginal change. If they can’t find something better, then perhaps.

Anthony Pascua

Can you please list 3 realistic trades the Lakers can actually make? Hopefully this will give us an insight of what the Lakers are realistically looking for.

Eric Pincus

Realistic would be first round pick for Sessions. I’m not sure what it would take specifically to get Flynn but not much. I have an article coming out at 2pm that details something much bigger that may be possible in March.

Anthony Pascua

I am tired of the whole D12 ordeal. Honestly, we (Lakers)don’t need him; we need a point guard. Out of all the potential point guards the Lakers are looking at, who would be the most likely to get picked up by the Lakers: Arenas, Sessions, Peterson, Flynn, Calderon, DWill?

Eric Pincus

I have a name you left out in mind. But more at 2pm.

johncarloyu

Goudelock is the only bench player who is consistent in the past 5 games. The lakers need to upgrade their bench. Who will they add?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers need to fix more than their bench. Their starting lineup isn’t that great either. Goudelock is pretty much their fourth best player the last week or so – i wonder if he can keep it up?

johncarloyu

Should the Lakers waive Luke or Caracter to free up roster spot for Arenas?

Eric Pincus

Caracter as a non-guaranteed contract, absolutely and done.

johncarloyu

Will Pau be a snub as all-star reserve?

Eric Pincus

That could happen . . . we’ll see. He may still get in.

johncarloyu

The Lakers are 3 players away for being a serious contender. 1 PG, 1 Big, 1 SF. Right?

Eric Pincus

That’s a lot of players.

johncarloyu

After Kenyon chose Clippers, will the Lakers go after Sheed?

Eric Pincus

Might although that sounds like a post-trade move, if there is a trade.

johncarloyu

With Kenyon gone, Smith will be next going to the Clippers. They are stockpiling talents, where is the balance in the league? Stern should have approved Paul to Lakers.

Eric Pincus

I’m not so sure J.R. will come to the Clippers.

johncarloyu

Will the Lakers go after Brooks if they dont get Sessions or Arenas?

Eric Pincus

They can’t get Brooks this year because of technicalities in the rules, especially if he doesn’t get free of China by March 1st.

johncarloyu

Is Gary Payton the best PG Kobe played in his career? He played with Harper, Fisher, Atkins, Parker, Farmar, Lue, Payton. Did I miss someone?

Eric Pincus

Ron Harper too . . .

johncarloyu

I miss Nick Van Exel on that PG list.

Eric Pincus

Yikes I meant Derek Harper on that last one . . .

Chris G

Can you name a contending team that has ever dismantled its roster to get a superstar like some Bulls fans want the team to do for Howard? Usually it’s lottery or borderline playoff teams (Nets for D-Will, Knicks for Carmelo, Lakers for Gasol) who make moves like that. But the Bulls are a contender already. Haven’t the Knicks shown stars alone don’t guarantee success?

Eric Pincus

If the Bulls can get Howard they should although it can’t be the primary focus given how strong they are.

Rod

Would the Lkers be able to use its trade exception in a sign and trade deal? For example, Denver resigns J.R. Smith and trades him to L.A. for the exception and perhaps a draft pick.

Eric Pincus

The new CBA blocks that midseason – no sign and trade right now.

Jazzfan

Obviously the Jazz ran into a guy by the name of Jeremy Lin you mave have heard that name once or twice by now lol, but it also seems like the Jazz play to the level of the competition they beat the Lakers, have close games against the Mav’s and Clippers etc.. and then lose to teams like Golden State and now the Knicks minus Melo AND STAT, How hard is this type of issue for a coach to correct?, it’s obvious Corbin knows its an issue but seems like he;s having a hard time gettin the team to correct it.

Eric Pincus

The Jazz are playing better than arguably they should. This is a team has a flawed backcourt at this point. They’re a good solid piece or two away – but I do like their size. The Jazz are loaded up front.

Sven

Hi Eric, great power rankings ! Question: what about trading Pau Gasol for Bargnani and Calderon ?

Eric Pincus

I don’t love it – if Andrea was healthy, I wouldn’t hate it either. Bargnani is a good fit with a player like Bynum. If that came up, it’s be worth at least considering seriously.

DC Seattle

When are the Lakers going to do something? There in a terrible mess it seems, esp. on the road. Thanks!

Eric Pincus

Can’t do something until something worthwhile is available to do.

Zach

Jameer Nelson finally looked like his old self yesterday in the 4th. Although they lost could this be a turning point for the magic? Also do you think van gundy gets fired if dwight leaves? I for one think he is a great coach and by far better than any replacement we could get

Eric Pincus

I’m very curious to see the path the Magic take moving forward. It’s a very difficult one to predict.

Jeff

Does Gallo injury mean Denver more likely to bring back Wilson Chandler?

Eric Pincus

They already were going to bring back Wilson, once available from China.

jayjay

A few weeks ago, Hoopsworld writers didn’t believe Varejao would net the Cavs a #1 pick at all. How about now, what would be a realistic value for the 4th leading rebounder in the league and a player under a very manageable 8-9 million contract

Eric Pincus

I always thought the Cavs would get at least a number one for Varejao. I don’t think they even deal him at this point. They shouldn’t.

JPE

1-Is Malcolm Lee going to grow in our lockdown perimeter defender?
2-Is Hassan Whiteside going to develop in a good very defensive minded back up center?
3-Rubio-Love: 1 to 10 chances to be as successfull as Stockton and Malone?

Eric Pincus

1 – Might, 2 – Not sold yet, 3 – I’m not going to say yes, given how long Stock/Malone played together. That’s not to put down Rubio/Love but we’re talking what – almost two decades in Utah?

Gary

Do you think its better for D12 to go to Washington cuz Jwall is on his rookie contract and they can get another star player and then some + top 5 pick.

Eric Pincus

If Howard doesn’t want to go there, he’s not going to end up there.

Ron c

Be honest, ( not that I think you would lie to me-lol) arenas obviously seems to want to play for the Lakers, but lakers reportedly arent sure they’ll attend his workout. So whats the real risk in signing him for the rest of the year even if he’s not as explosivehe’s still better than what we have he makes us better. Id rather get him than trade a vauable tpe and draft pick for sessions or flynn especially if we cant get williams. Whats the risk?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers need the flexibility to make the moves they deem worthy. if that means eventually Arenas is the guy, then so be it. I’m really skeptical that’s the end-game.

Tom

Hey Eric, if Dwight isn’t really interested in the Lakers anymore what moves would you make now to help expedite the transition to the future. Would you shop Gasol to try to get younger and relieve cap space even if it made us worse in the short term. At this point it doesn’t seem like Kobe is going to age gracefully, but do you see him changing in a year or 2 to try to get his team mates more involved.

Eric Pincus

I’m not really focusing on the soap opera side of this. At some point in March the decision will be made whether or not Howard goes – or if this stretches out til summer. Whoever has the best package in March, regardless, will get him if the Magic are ready to deal. Where the Lakers fit on that? There’s no answer yet.

Jim

If Chancey is gone for the season, who would you think are legit free agent fillers outside of JR Smith? Larry Hughes was recently waived. Eddie House was waived in Dec. Arenas? Are they viable.

Eric Pincus

Smith is at least on the radar but I’m not seeing that yet either. I’m thinking LA looks at what Bledsoe can do, Foye, Mo Williams, etc. From there they look around the league to see what they can do. Personally I like Courtney Lee, who I know is available. I’m just not sure what the Rockets want back and it may be more than the Clippers are willing to give.

James

Eric, I was reading the chat transcript with Bill Ingram he said this about the Dwight Howard thing and how it might have been Kobe’s “fault”: “Chris Paul would have been nice, though Kobe sabotaged that one, too.” Does he know something we don’t already know did he have a vested interest in contacting David Stern and nixing the deal? I know this might be out of your realm of knowledge being that you didn’t say this, I just want to clear misconceptions that people might begin to make about Kobe unfairly when he did nothing of the sort ..at least that has been reported so far.

Eric Pincus

The Laker trade didn’t happen because of Stern and other factors, not Kobe. I can’t speak for Bill, but there has been some buzz that Kobe wasn’t thrilled with losing both his big men (Odom/Gasol).

Mitch

Will the Clips apply for an injury exception? I’m assuming this would be more than the vet minimum to sign JR Smith.

Also, should they look at James Posey?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers would get half of what Billups is making on an exception so about $1 million – which is about what a player would make on a minimum contract in most cases – so there’s no real reason to make a claim to the league.

Justin

76er look legit and by all means should stay the course but if they were to make a trade to put them over the top, who would that person be and why? Thanks

Eric Pincus

If I were the Sixers, I’d just hold fast and try and win with this group. They have great chemistry and possibly a very strong cap position this summer, especially if they amnesty Elton Brand.

Leo

I’m really disturbed by the pattern of the Lakers having the game in control (i.e. 7 point lead w/5-6 minutes in game) and then just completely folding/choking (happened twice in Mav’s series). You wouldn’t expect this from a veteran team. Is there any reason for this or is it just personnel?

Eric Pincus

I would expect this of a team that’s not that great – and that’s how I view the Lakers.

chris in montclair

if the clippers stay healthy the rest of the season, how far does this current roster take them in the playoffs?

Eric Pincus

Easily a playoff team. How far? It depends on matchups but the Clippers have real potential to get to the second or even third round – beyond that, it’s difficult to say. At some point experience comes into play, free throw shooting, execution, etc. Chris Paul is one of those rare killers who can make something happen in the postseason. I’m not sold the Clippers go all the way this year but it should be their best season ever.

chris in montclair

if everything stays the same right now, who finishes higher in the west, the clippers or the lakers?

Eric Pincus

I’d easily say Clippers . . .

JC

I’m not knocking Coach Brown’s style but if the Lakers had hired Adelman, would he have been able to convince Kobe that Bynum should get a handful more of Kobe’s shots per game?

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers wanted to continue on with what they were already doing – they would have either stuck with Brian Shaw – or went with Adelman (keeping Odom, etc.) – but they went in a completely different direction – recognizing it was time to rebuild. We’ll have to wait and see how long that takes. As far as balance, that will evolve over time but Phil Jackson had a very hard time managing that with Kobe – is there anyone else who can?

chris in montclair

could deandre win the slam dunk contest if he entered it? and when was the last time a center did?

Eric Pincus

Dwight, no? And sure, DeAndre is a heck of a dunker although it’s mostly on the catch/lob.

Allison

Do you think Aaron Brooks will be signed?

Eric Pincus

Eventually yes, by the Suns.

chris in montclair

wouldn’t dh do better in chicago with rose than in dallas?

Eric Pincus

It depends on if he’s in Dallas with Deron Williams. Also, there’s a lot at play here beyond just best fit. Business is business.

chris in montclair

with one third of the season gone, what is the playoff picture in your mind for the top 16 teams?

Eric Pincus

Close to what it is no with the Blazers, Grizzlies and Wolves trying to unseat someone. The Nuggets are a little more vulnerable with Gallinari out a bit (ankle). The Rockets and Jazz aren’t locks either. I do think Lakers and Mavs make it. In the East, This may be it with the Bucks the one bubble team – Cavs, and Knicks may upset that.

chris in montclair

what fa do the clippers go after in the off season this summer?

Eric Pincus

Let’s get through this year first and see how bad the Billups injury is.

Tasos

Hi Eric from Greece,
Lakers:Flynn
Rockets:Caracter+2nd round pick+Trade exception
I think Flynn can offer in LA team.Lakers should make some change if we want to win the champain. KOBE BRYANT well done..Keep Walking!!

Eric Pincus

I don’t see Flynn helping the Lakers substantially actually.

Geoffrey B

Any chance for a Nash trade to LAL?

Eric Pincus

If Nash tells the Suns, trade me to the Lakers – you’d have a chance. I don’t expect that.

Geoffrey B

We have the best SG, one of the best PF and C’s in the league but we are near .500, what’s the deal?

Eric Pincus

The combination of Gasol/Bynum wasn’t why the Lakers won two rings and they don’t quite fit together. Also, the rest of the team isn’t that great.

chris in montclair

do the wolves make the playoffs this year, and how does that affect the mini pick that the clippers gave noh if they do?

Eric Pincus

The pick goes to the Clippers regardless of if the Wolves make the playoffs – but naturally gets re-routed to the Hornets in the CP3 trade.

Anthony Pascua

Eric, I am a big fan of the website and you as a Lakers’ insider. How may I get a Hoopsworld shirt or any other merchandise?

Eric Pincus

Hmm, I’ll have to get back to you on that one. Thanks!

Chosen One

Do you think Michael Beasley will ever reach his potential? I’ve always liked him ever since Miami, and I don’t want him to be a Kwame Brown.

Eric Pincus

I thought he had a good year last season. He can play but he has some limitations, and I’m not sure he’ll ever reach your expectations.

Geoffrey B

Devin Harris was an up and coming pg once upon a time; any chance he can re-energize his career playing alongside Kobe, Pau and Andrew?

Eric Pincus

Eh, not sold on that one either. Harris has lost some of his zip athletically. That’s an issue.

chris in montclair

do you feel that the new cba has helped the small market teams so far, or is it still business as usual for these underdogs?

Eric Pincus

To an extent, yes – but we need to see how things shake out over time. Forget star power and balance, we need to see balance sheets and income statements to know.

Niraj

Looking at the Lakers, it seems like they just need some other pieces to make it work. The big three can work, but they need either some better bench players that are consistent from night to night or a steady PG to calm everything down and stop the Lakers from getting burned from the perimeter every time. Agree?

Eric Pincus

Look at what Jeremy Lin has done in two games in New York? The Lakers clearly need to upgrade at the point. That’s nothing new.

Aevi

Hi Eric. Do you think Kobe will ever learn to defer to his teammates to make winning easier for himself?

Eric Pincus

I expect Kobe to be who he is and who he has been his whole career – for better or for worse – and often for better.

MAC

Good Afternoon E! Wonder how Laker management feels about the Artest / Ariza trade now? Hate when teams trade old for young… 1 ring, ok but look now and we could have probly won with Ariza that year as well.

Eric Pincus

It wasn’t actually a trade but I get your point. Ariza hasn’t played especially well since leaving LA either. I preferred Trevor but understood where LA was going with Artest/Metta and they got a ring out of it, so almost by that alone it was the right move . . . even if Ariza in theory could have meant more rings. No way to know.

Vlad

should Rubio be considered for All-Star game? I do not think that Nash or Westbrook are obviously better. Rubio is the best defender of them and while not shooting greatly, does make big shots consistently. Equal to Nash and a lot better playmaker then Westbrook.

Eric Pincus

Rubio = sure. The three players you mention deserve consideration.

Kiani

can you please ask Mike Brown why Fisher starts and why MWP gets any playing time?

Eric Pincus

No one else to play really who will make a big enough difference – and don’t throw out Ebanks as a retort.

Vlad

1. Do you think MN would make playoffs this year?
2. What is Williams trade value? Is it still pretty high?
3. Should MN trade D.Williams or try to work him at 3?

Eric Pincus

My understanding at this point is that the Wolves do not intend to trade Derrick Williams.

Luis Isidro

Are the Lakers actively looking for a PG at the moment? It seems the picking went from great (CP3) to (Johnny Flynn) worst in just a couple of months

Eric Pincus

As I noted – looking at all options. I have an article at 2pm Pacific that should add another name to the mix.

Clippers fan

Assuming KMart pans out for the Clippers in a reserve role, what might his value be this summer as a free agent?

Eric Pincus

That’s a difficult call. I don’t see Martin anywhere more than a Mid-Level player next year – if that.

Jay English

Do the Warriors have a shot at Howard?

Eric Pincus

He doesn’t seem willing to come and on that, it doesn’t look like it.

Luis Isidro

Is the Laker front office content with this roster? Are they willing to blow off these two next seasons and just get under the cap?

Eric Pincus

No and probably not.

George

Could you see the Knicks pick up D. Caracter? Better fit than Jordan, agree?

Eric Pincus

Actually I had heard the Knicks were interested in Caracter, although I’m not sure they go there yet. Something to monitor.

JonathanM

Hey Eric, Love the inside info you always bring…latest rumor has Lakers interested in Johnny Flynn, is he a lottery bust, or could he possibly be starting PG waiting for the right team?

Eric Pincus

This isn’t new info. Flynn is a possibility among many. A marginal upgrade . . .

Luis Isidro

Has Goudelock garnered any trade interest from other teams? Think he’ll be a throw in in any laker trades?

Eric Pincus

The basic idea – if you find a young player on a minimum contract who can produce – and is locked in for a second year? You don’t deal that player barring fantastic return.

Beezy

How devastating would losing Billups for the year be to the Clips?

Eric Pincus

It’s very disappointing for a team that was so well-constructed. The Clippers can flourish without him but it’s a blow.

Drew

Assuming all are available who should the Tpups go after and in what order. Mayo, Ellis, C Lee, Morrow, J Richardon.
And which of these players would you put D Williams(our most attractive asset) out there to get (knowing Rubio,Love and probably now Pek are not available)

Eric Pincus

I’d go J.R. Smith and see if that will work for the year.

Luis Isidro

Can you give any vague hope to Laker fans. I know you can’t mention names or teams but are the Lakers trying to do something on the trade front? Is it something big or small? Any info would be appreciated.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are exploring any and all options. I would say, barring something surprising with Howard, that the team’s core moving forward is Bynum and Kobe. It’s going to take something awfully special for LA to move Gasol but it’s one of many possibilities.

Vignesh

Make a prediction for what the lakers will do by the trade deadline (if you had a gun to your head)

Eric Pincus

I would expect at least one trade but if they don’t get the offers they like, think simple free agent signing a real possiblity.

gus26

hey EP, great chats as always…i appreciate what fisher brings more than the next guy… and i do see the positives… but the negatives just out weigh the positives now…
utah loss… earl watson goes off the last couple mins and wins that game…
philly loss… lou williams goes off the last couple mins and wins that game…

i honestly think blake coming back will be huge for the lakers… thoughts?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are flawed. Steve Blake helps but they’re still not elite.

Luis Isidro

When Phil Jackson leaves he leaves the roster in a post triangle offense haze and it takes years for the Lakers to rebuild a winning combo on the floor.

Do you know/think they will be able to rebuild this team if things go right trade wise before the CBA kicks in in two years?

Eric Pincus

The new CBA is already in place – but the rules do get harder over time. The Lakers may struggle to get there but a dip should be expected after so many years on top. Let’s see if they can navigate through. They might.

Nelson Ocampo (@winningguy)

Kobe has denied the text conversation that supposedly had him saying something to that discouraged Dwight from the Lakers.

You’ve vouched for the reporter who broke the story.

Could there be a “source” that is purposely being used to leak incorrect information for some type of purpose? Maybe leverage?

Eric Pincus

It could be anything. That’s certainly possible. I can’t know. You can’t know. We just have to wait and see. As I noted, I don’t think it’s significantly an issue. Certainly if there was a miscommunication between Dwight/Kobe – does that mean a telephone call can’t clear it up if things get hot and heavy between LA and Orlando in March?

hen1040

Does a stephen jackson for metta trade help the lakers this year?

Eric Pincus

Jackson hasn’t really contributed much this year. It’s like for like. You can argue it either way.

hen1040

Devin? I read in your chats before you don’t like Devin for the lakers. Why not? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I’m not that impressed by Harris’ game the last couple of years. I see a point guard who needs his speed and athleticism to perform and it’s fading. Harris doesn’t shoot well enough to cover for age.

Luis Isidro

I can’t wait until 2 pm to hear about another PG the lakers might be interested in…

Hint please! I’m guessing Monta Ellis, Steve Nash, Stephen Curry or Brandon Jennings.

Eric Pincus

I didn’t write about Monta or Curry by the way, but I could see at some point the Lakers and Warriors having talks if Golden State decides it’s time to blow it up for an All-Star big like Gasol. We’ll see, I’m not sold on anything but it’s in LA’s best interest to have a lot of conversations before making any move. That’s why when someone throws out a Johnny Flynn or Ramon Sessions, I say hold up first . . . take the lumps over the schedule in February and get the best deal in March. The next move(s) will depend on the bigger move – and that trade exception may be very valuable and needed for an entirely different position . . .

Tzvizzle Dizzle

What are you hearing about Billups? It seems he is done. Do they have a better shot at JR now that he can be the starter?

Eric Pincus

I would say it helps a little with Smith if a starter role may come but at the minimum with the Clippers? I’m not so sold. Gotta wait on Billups, haven’t heard yet but from what I understand from our HW guys in the locker room last night (Orlando) – it’s not good.

Luis Isidro

Your feelings on the fit/possibility of JR Smith or Sheed to the Lakers. Do you think the Lakers have the need? the need for sheed?

Eric Pincus

Doesn’t everyone have the need for sheed?

Luis Isidro

I hear that McBob is the doghouse right now, any chance lakers flip him for Mayo in March?

Eric Pincus

Perhaps . . . I’m not sure how that one goes given the Lakers were happy to get him – but supposedly the Grizzlies have liked Mayo for McRoberts for some time. At issue – Josh is locked in on a reasonable contract and OJ would be looking to get paid. I’m not sure LA wants to negotiate a large contract at this point with a free agent. Is Mayo really a core building block? He might be. I’m not sure yet.

Kevin

I’m very hot and cold about the clippers. Their highlights are ridiculous, but sometimes it feels like their frontcourt cares more about highlights than making the right play. I don’t think their selfish players or anything, it’s just once in awhile I see Paul give Griffin a perfect pass and all he has to do is lay it in. Instead he dribbles it out and tries to beat his man off the drive for a throwdown. Of course this happens with other teams as well. Do you think this is an issue in the NBA or am I just overanalyzing??

Eric Pincus

There’s going to be ups/downs/etc. as the team learns. You have your veterans like Paul and Billups (well maybe not Chauncey I’m afraid) but your young, athletic pups like DJ/Blake. It’s going to evolve and improve but not perfectly.

gus26

why haven’t the lakers looked into steph curry and david lee for pau… i love pau… but lee fits better next to bynum… and curry could play 40 mins a night at pg… can shoot lights out and create his own shot… would you do that trade?

Eric Pincus

I would argue that’s a trade the Lakers should pursue and probably have/will. I’m not sure the Warriors get there though.

Richard

Bynum said that there would be changes coming if the road trip turned out unsuccessful. So far, it’s been unsuccessful, do you expect the Lakers to finally make any moves?

Eric Pincus

I’m afraid this will have to do for now! It’s been a great chat, let’s do it again next week.

By the way, here’s my article that just went live NBA PM: Rondo for Gasol a Possibility?

Richard – I break down what I think could be a possibility – but not until March. I do think the Lakers understand this roster as constructed is flawed.