NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 5/22/12

jaime

People think the Lakers might amnesty Pau, but wouldn’t a small market not attracting players team take him?

Eric Pincus

Playoffs in Los Angeles are done for the year, today we chat:

Jaime, I don’t look at Gasol as an amnesty option. Remember, teams still have to pay that money, why pay $38 million for Gasol not to play when there will probably be multiple suitors.

robsa

What do you think of this idea-Lakers amnesty kobe,then he gets to go to the Spurs for vets min,play for Pop,learn how to pass and be a team player,burnish his legacy and get 2 more titles to surpass Jordan? If Pop can get SJax to behave I think he could do same w Kobe. Lakers get out of Salcap tax hell, get competent 2 guard and Nash on the cheap?

Eric Pincus

There’s an old-school song by Earth, Wind & Fire called “Fantasy.”

John

Hey Mr Pincus were u at the laker/ Thunder press conference on 5-18-12 i though I saw you but if the lakers win this year what moves do you see them making does Gasol/Bynum trade value go up? also if its an indy/Philly ECF match up do you think all 3 of the Western conference contenders could easily take them in 4-6 games?

Eric Pincus

I was at press conferences over the weekend and according to various texts received, I may have made a television appearance or two. Obviously you asked this question before the series ended – but the Lakers expect to keep Bynum long-term and I think it’s clear they’ll shop Pau. I see the title going West this year.

calvinzero

In your own opinion, is Mike Brown still applicable to be the headcoach of the Lakers next season? Some fans puts the blame on him because of their disappointing campaign this current season. Thanks, Eric.

Eric Pincus

Brown hasn’t fully proven himself to me but does he deserve another year? Yes, I believe he does. There’s only so much a coach can do to be honest given the circumstances. Phil Jackson had a similar result last year.

Marc pal

Hello Eric,

I remember a few years back when Tim Duncan restructured his contract so that the Spurs could sign more players. Do you think any of the big three on the Lakers will agree to take the same approach? What are the rules for restructuring an NBA contract under the new CBA?

Eric Pincus

It’s not legal and that’s not what happened with Duncan. When the time comes and a player is a free agent they can take less money to stay. That’s not the position the Lakers are in with Kobe/Pau – and don’t look for Bynum to take less (and frankly why should he?).

jesse

So Mo says he’s opting in…Considering that, what players have the most staying possibilities? I like Young, Billups and Martin but how much will they ask for and what is reasonable? Also, if Mo’s traded for an exception can we use that exception to sign these guys back or must we then use that exception to ‘trade’ for players? I like Mo but with the emergence of Bledsoe we just don’t need a third pg making 8 mil

Eric Pincus

I expect the Clippers to shop Mo. Maybe they keep one of Reggie/Martin (perhaps the former).

HoopsNationCA

Hi Eric, I was at the Clippers game Sunday and it was a great game until the buzzer. While it’s not totally embarrassing to be out coached by Popovich (Coach of the year) It is kind of embarrassing to admit that Pop was giving VDN advice all year long. Is it any surprise that Pop & the Spurs knew how to counter the Clips at every turn? Who’s coaching the clips next May?

Eric Pincus

I would argue none of that even matters. Most teams know fully what the other team is going to do before they do it. The trick is stopping it. Good coaches, whether you think Vinny is one of them or not, talk to other coaches and they learn from each other. Some do it differently than others – Phil Jackson learned from Tex Winter. It’s just part of growing as a coach.

robsa

Eric- Do you find it harder and harder to like the Lakers? I’ve always been a fan,but living in SA I’ve come to love the Spurs…they make being a fan so easy! What’s not to like? play hard,no petulance,have a plan on both offense and defense,pass like crazy,models of professionalism…best and funniest coach around…?Sound like the exact opposite of anyone in LA? btw kudos to Clips…very gracious after loss…again, the opposite of youknowwho!

Eric Pincus

Everyone has their personal preference on teams. Some are die-hard. Some are fickle. The Spurs don’t keep players long who rock the boat, they’ve been very stringent in making sure they have team-oriented players. The Lakers may have bigger swings up or down, but they’re certainly entertaining when they win and entertaining when they lose.

Eric

Do you think the Lakers would consider bringing back Lamar Odom if his option isn’t picked up by Dallas?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers can’t bring back Odom until December because of the rules – and no.

paprika

Wassup erik? Now that season is over for the lake show it is hard and sad but i already knew it will be hard to beat okc from the start. Sad but exiciting cause we fans know the change is about to come.before u give me the HP writters line of lakers will have a hard time making roster changes i as a fan still believe that gm kupchz will redeem himself and give kobe the best before he retire. Anyways thanks erik for giving LA fans a good cover for this quick season.my prediction is,if no dh12 dwilliams will be a laker. Gasol is surely out. People call me crazy now. Just remember me by nov. When my predictions are already true. Thanks hoopsworld!

Eric Pincus

Eric actually, no “k.” I think the question you asked was “Wassup?” – The answer would be, still trying to shake off my long-weekend at STAPLES Center.

adobo at bagoong

Yo erik hope all is well? Coach of okc said kobe has the best footwork on his position….. Aint jordan a 2- guard too? Awwwww whats your take?

Eric Pincus

You know it says “Eric” right up above – a few times even.

Kobe’s footwork is amazing. Jordan had amazing footwork as well. Side-by-side who’s better? I’m not sure – on that level anyway.

stan

If you were the GM what changes would you make on the Lakers team next year ?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers need to get out of the financial commitment to Gasol at this point. They need younger, athletic players who can defend but perhaps more than anything else – they need shooters. That doesn’t mean the Kapono/Murphy/Korver/Novak type – where they’re one-dimensional. The Lakers need role players across the board who can do a bit of everything AND shoot.

DC Seattle

Hi, now that LAL is out. Do you think Sessions is the long term solution at PG? I don’t, seems they should have gone after Beasley who could have opened up the floor and
made a weak bench stronger. What else can they do???

Understand the Cap ramifications but heard LAL signed a $200M/yr tv deal.
That should help cover the costs.

Eric Pincus

The Time Warner deal will be paying for revenue sharing, luxury tax and – hopefully not for a very long time – inheritance tax. The Lakers are facing a very difficult situation moving forward financially with the repeater tax on the horizon.

Sessions, because he’s on the team and they have his rights (and assuming he opts out), would be a better fit on a team that had Bynum but no Gasol. Add in shooters and you can play to more of the hybrid game. Sessions can feed the post when Drew is on the floor – run when the Lakers go with a speed lineup.

As constructed, LA was almost all “power ball” except the power dimmed when none of the perimeter players could make an outside shot. Sessions will get better but the Lakers need shooters at three and four to make this all work.

Eric

Is Sessions the answer at PG? If not, who’s out there?

Eric Pincus

The question would be return on Pau if they dealt him. If that’s not for a better point guard and the Lakers have just $3.1 million to offer in the Mini-MLE? Then yes, Sessions is the answer because he’s the one available given LA’s means.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric! Always looking forward to your chats! What’s next for the Lakers? Is Jordan Hill a lock to be resigned? Who goes and who stays? What would be the Lakers priority?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers went with Jordan Hill instead of Michael Beasley and eventually he did prove that he can help the team. He’s limited but as a role player he looked like an asset worth bringing back. It depends if he gets any other offers but all LA can offer him is $3.6 million starting salary. If that number works for Hill, LA should keep him.

Deven

To follow up from my other question, What’s next for the Clippers?

Eric Pincus

Here’s my (first) in-depth look at the Clippers heading into the offseason. A ton of quotes, issues, etc. – Vinny, Mo, size at two, a stretch four, luxury tax, amnesty, injuries, etc. I touch on all that!

NBA@2: Clippers Weighing Options
http://www.hoopsworld.com/nba2-clippers-weighing-options

Jazzfan

Eric thanks for your time, better move for the Jazz try and sign Dragic, Trade for Calderon, or if the lottery balls bounce GS way try to trade back into the first round to get Marshal or Lillard?
I dont think theres any FA PG that fit the Jazz well that is an upgrade besides Dragic

Eric Pincus

Dragic is solid. I don’t think Calderon is the answer.

Nik

Lin to lakers? Young to lakers? Harden to lakers? Any of this true?

Eric Pincus

Of the three, perhaps Young if the Clippers don’t want to keep him. LAC can pay Nick more than the Lakers but if they use their resources elsewhere I suppose.

Jasen

What is Tristan Thompson’s upside? In reviewing his numbers they are comparable to fellow Longhorn LaMarcus Aldridge’s rookie stats. Also, you see the cavs being a player with Mayo or Crawford in FA? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure Thompson is close to that level – yet – but he has a lot of good qualities I like. He just needs to keep developing.

crzyfan

Eric, I don’t want to sit here and rant. But where do the Lakers go from here? Do you think you think the playoffs would of been different if they had Beasley? We definitely needed another scorer. Game 4 we almost had 5 players in double figures and we still got blown out. Also I don’t see bynum taking us past the Kobe era. He’s not a marquee name. Should we do anything possible to get Howard.. Bynum’s attitude and lack of understanding of passing out out you le teams has really hurt this team. We seemed to be more competitive with gasol at center. Also I don’t see Sessions as a starting guard for this team. Any thoughts ?

CrzyFan

Eric Pincus

I don’t see LA making a run at Howard. They need shooters as I noted earlier. Beasley would have helped a lot actually.

Kevin in Tokyo

Hey Eric, how are you?

Sorry if this has been asked before, but I figure it’s kind of a new question again now that the Lakers are out: Who says no, Lowry and Scola for Pau?
P.S. At least you LA fans still have the Kings

Eric Pincus

I’m curious to see if the Rockets and Lakers revisit a deal. It’s certainly in the ballpark.

crzyfan

Eric, I know its coach Browns first season, but do you think he is experienced enough to handle the egos on this team. And a high enough profile for the Lakers. I’m not completely confident in his coaching. In Cleveland he had home court throughout and lost with James. They had some good seasons but lost in the playoffs. Eventually his star left.

CrzyFan

Eric Pincus

Like I said, not sold yet on Brown but there’s a lot he did right. Defensively the Lakers were better but eventually out-matched. Offensively I don’t see a true system the players can rely on but then again you need the horses and I said throughout the season I wasn’t confident in the Gasol/Bynum pairing and didn’t think Sessions would solve the problem (before they traded for him) because of his lack of outside shot.

Chris Collins

We all know Pau Gasol is the most likely to go this offseason, is there a chance the Lakers shock everybody and trade Andrew Bynum (a trade that does not include Howard)?

Eric Pincus

While anything is possible, I don’t believe that’s how it will go.

Chris Collins

A sign & trade that includes Gasol & Sessions and another piece to Brooklyn for Williams, would that attract the Howard trade to the Lakers if it happened?

Eric Pincus

Well the Nets don’t want Gasol, so that’s your problem right there.

John in Houston

Grade this proposal for both teams. Rockets send Scola, Martin (contingent on ext. w/ lower 2012 salary) and S&T Dragic for Gasol, Blake and picks. Rockets can’t afford Dragic so its a sunk cost. Blake is decent backup. Lakers get cheaper PF and better PG. Plus Martin. Both teams end up worse financially but better on the court.

Eric Pincus

I don’t think that’s the combination that happens if LA and Houston make a deal. I believe the two franchises have fertile ground for discussion. We’ll see if they can get anywhere.

jayjay

Now that Ramon Sessions has taken a step back or two, how do you stack up Cleveland’s move in trading him?

Eric Pincus

The Cavs wanted a first-round pick and were willing to pay another year to Luke Walton to do so. Sessions wasn’t staying. I don’t mind the trade for Cleveland but it depends on if that pick ends up worth that extra money going to Walton.

shaulenny

Before the sadness of game 5, I spoke with one of my 11-year-old sons, Shaul (the youngest of 3 generations of Laker fans-my Mom’s almost 95 and has been watching the team since Showtime)about whether he understood that Laker fans like us diehards were spoiled by the team’s success, given how many franchises haven’t ever made the finals, let alone win a title. He did. In this hour of disappointment, I wanted to thank everyone in the organization, the front office, Coach Brown, Kobe, whose greatness is taken for granted, and Pau, who broughtr LA 2 titles in 3 years, and the other members of the team. They were in the same league as OKC-given the two closs losses, but it wasn;t to be this year. I have faith the front office will make the right moves to get Kobe help in pursuit of #6, but even if that doesn’t happen, it’s been a great run. Eric, if you were GM what would your priorities be?

Eric Pincus

Thanks for the comments. I’ve touched on it already but the Lakers need young, dynamic, two-way players who can defend and shoot. The economics say that’s probably at the cost of Pau. If LA can find their next star player, by all means – but that may not happen this summer.

Leo

I think the Lakers need a new coach. With how the Buss’s are trying to save money, though, I can already see that they’re probably going to say that Mike Brown is fine, and that there were other circumstances (i.e. condensed season, no practices, etc.) as to why he wasn’t successful. To me, they just don’t wan’t to give him his 12 million for nothing.

Is there any way to keep him on the team as an assistant coach, so that he could be our defensive specialist? That way, we’re not paying him for nothing, and can maybe at least try to get a stronger coach.

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers got a new coach, no Mike Brown isn’t going to stay on as an assistant. At some point though, it’s not coach – it’s players.

Azzar Nadvi

My man. Bynum is a great player and still room to grow. i love this guy. my only problem is that the lakers are slow and in need of athleticism. any chance lakers and magic re-open bynum + filler for Dwight talks? i hear orlando might trade him to avoid drama anyway. and Brook Lopez has been injured most of the year, your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

The “slow and in need of athleticism” needs to be answered at other positions – not Andrew’s.

Azzar Nadvi

Can the lakers still use their Lamar TPE? if so who can you see coming for it? beasly? a shooter?

Eric Pincus

Actually Beasley would have to come via sign and trade – if by that exception – and he would help although it depends on what other bigger picture moves are made. LA has until December to use that Odom TPE. We need to see what happens with Gasol because LA may not be willing to take on salary if they’re paying Gasol $19 million.

TJ

Serious Laker Fan here but it is so obvious that Kobe is the reason the Lakers lost those 2 close games to OKC. Pau made 1 bad turnover. Until Kobe understands he needs to use his teammates the whole game, it doesnt matter who we get… the Lakers are NOT winning again. Your thoughts??

Eric Pincus

Kobe was part of the problem but who is he is who he has always been. If his teammates don’t step into the moment, Kobe will do too much. There was some of that – but there was also a lot of “I don’t want the shot” going around in those games from Bryant’s teammates.

I don’t mean Bynum either – he had multiple defenders all around him – it was the so-called floor-spacers who didn’t look to capitalize.

Gregory

Jerry Sloan and his system appear to be the perfect fit for the Clippers, Stockton to Malone, now Paul to Griffin. Do you agree and could it happen?

Eric Pincus

You can argue that. The Clippers so far aren’t giving a pulse on that but I’m sure that will changes in a few days – when they decide with VDN.

Ryan

I know there are many moves to be made, but your gut feeling, who has a better record next season? Clips or Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Without knowing the moves – it’s throwing darts. If we’re talking identical teams, I’d still probably have the Lakers up by a slight margin.

MexFound

Very uncharacteristic of a Laker team to no perform in the clutch. What do you attribute to that issue?

BTW….great job all season long.

Eric Pincus

I appreciate that – the Lakers became so predictable, defending became simple – especially when the game was tight and the role players faded. Steve Blake stepped up against the Nuggets in that role and had a chance to be the hero against the Thunder. It didn’t drop – but that’s what was missing.

In theory if you have players who can do that, it doesn’t come down to a last shot. LA actually played the Thunder very well in three games, better than maybe they should have and some of that was coaching.

Jim

Eric, if you were the Clips GM and had to spend all $5M of the MLE on one guy, would it be prudent to use it all on KG if he was willing to live in his Malibu home? He seems to fill a bunch of holes right away. For late game situations, he can defend the 5,make FTs, stretch the floor and intensifies the locker room.

Eric Pincus

It’s an interesting idea actually. He spaces the floor, defends well and knows how to win.

Pete

In game scenario: If Kobe driving to the hole is fouled by Perkins and Kobe’s potential continuation for an “AND 1″ was blocked by a help defender like Ibaka……does Ibaka get credit for a block even though the whistle is blown for the foul call?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe so.

Pete

Does a “tip in” count as a rebound plus 2 points?

Eric Pincus

Yes.

Pete

I read and 100% agree with your “It’s Complicated” article. In light of Bynum saying he doesn’t care if he’s back or not: Does he really mean that or is it just his temperamant speaking again?

Eric Pincus

Bynum is a bit too honest and logical in an illogical way.

Pete

If the Lakers were to find cap flexibility by trading Pau for a solid package, is there any chance MWP stays on board or is he a goner no matter what??………By “goner” I mean the use of the amnesty on him…..

Eric Pincus

The future on a lot of levels isn’t clear. I’m not expecting, right now, for Peace to be amnestied but that could easily change.

Pete

Any idea if Mitch is leaving the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard some things on that. The possibility exists but I have no reason to believe it’s on the horizon yet.

balut

A guy twitted bynum harden maybe lakers future.. is this crazy talk? No way the lakers got the money right?

Eric Pincus

Right about now that’s fantasy-land. Down the road if the Thunder are facing too many salary issues and aren’t winning titles? Perhaps the situation changes.

Pete

Eric, put yourself in Buss’ shoes, knowing what you know / or don’t know about Dwight’s back injury, if the Magic called you next week asking for a straight up swap for Bynum, do you do it?

Eric Pincus

If I believed that Howard was going to absolutely come back at full force I’d consider it long and hard. I actually don’t expect the Lakers to trade Bynum for Howard.

Sir Charles

So how many years in a row are you L.A. media members gonna give Kobe a pass? The dude chucks shots up like he’s M.J. but he only makes like 42%. I still stick with my assessment that if LBJ chucked game winners up like kobe, he would’ve made just as many.

Eric Pincus

Yeah, don’t follow your logic. I don’t care what percentage a guy is hitting as he’s getting rings. I don’t think you get like a partial ring for missing shots others might be too afraid to take.

Tom

Hi Eric, do you think Kobe’s assessment that his teammates need to get more aggressive is really fair. Not to necessarily defend gasol or Bynum (both have their issues), but if one guy dominates the ball and takes the majority of the shots in the 2nd half, how do you expect your teammates to develop any rhythm and have confidence to step up and make a play or a shot in crunch time. Not everyone is as mentally tough as he is.

Eric Pincus

I didn’t have a problem with Kobe calling out Pau. I know a lot of people didn’t like it.

Leo

A lot of people want to trade Gasol for an all-star point guard. In my opinion, it would benefit us MORE if we traded him for 2-3 solid players. Not sure if Denver does it, but something along the lines of Gallo, Lawson, Brewer…Or Gallo, Afflalo, Brewer. Get depth, and deal with the drop-off at the 4.

Eric Pincus

I don’t think that package works for Denver but perhaps the same idea with other teams might be the path.

MexFound

What happened to Matt Barnes?

Eric Pincus

Injury – confidence.

alan

Eric, It appears Bynum has a team option for the coming season? If the Lakers bring him back as expected, doesn’t he automatically become a free agent? Then, as a free agent, aren’t their rules that now make it harder to trade a FA?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers can offer Bynum and extension. If that works out after this coming year, he’s locked in. If it doesn’t, he’s an unrestricted free agent.

Michael

When do players decide if they are picking up there option?

Eric Pincus

There’s some fluctuation but typically before July.

Alfredo

Some of your colleagues think possible Gasol interest would involve Josh smith, Derrick Williams package, or a scola lowery package…which is most realistic and which do you think is the best fit? Do the Lakers move gasol if it affects their 2014 capspace? I don’t think so.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers need to make sure they’re under the tax in a couple of years – or at least in a manageable position so they’re not hit with the repeater tax. I don’t expect the Hawks to pay Gasol with Joe Johnson, Al Horford and the rest . . . which looks like a luxury tax nightmare for Atlanta. We’ll see on the rest.

Matt (UK)

Having had a close up look at the Nuggets where do you see the young core of Lawson, Afflalo, Gallinari, Faried and McGee ending up? Can you see them making the western conference finals or would you try and package a couple of those starts, maybe Chandler too to find a bigger talent?

Eric Pincus

That’s a strong team but a team that’s going to battle to get to the second round. Without more help, I’m not sure that’s a Western Conference Finals team. I like the starting point but they need more.

Bryan

What will the options be for the Lakers at point guard next season? Clearly Sessions is not the answer. Any chance of D-Will, Nash, or maybe someone coming back in a trade for Gasol?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see the way Williams makes it to the Lakers. I can’t see Nash coming for cheap. Trade is always a possibility but a team needs to want Gasol and I don’t see the Nets going there. I can’t see the Suns taking on Pau if they’ve moved out Nash – maybe there would be interest in a Gortat/Nash/Gasol core? I have some Phoenix scenarios worked out that are speculative but we’ll dig into that in the next 24-48 hours.

Dave

Eric,

You state the Clips can offer Billups and Young over $17 million and $4.4 milion, respectively, AND still have the 5 MLE even without their Bird Rights…how is this possible if the Clips are basically over the cap come the start of free agency (assuming Mo opts in)?

Eric Pincus

A team can offer their exiting player a raise of 120% whether they have Bird Rights are not. If the players is already over the max, the available raise is 105%.

Mario

Whats up eric in your opinion do the lakers or orlando make a trade with chicago now or if not where do you think the bulls should go now any ideas

Eric Pincus

The Bulls may not be a contender this year, given Rose is a huge question mark. From there – is it worth keeping the core or is now the time to reshuffle some and try to get out of the tax? I’m not sure yet. Howard? That’s another difficult one re: Orlando and what they have in mind.

jose rizal

In case the thunder dont win it this year,u think they should stay intact? Will fisher retire and say i got one more than kobe if the win the title this year? Thanks for the time.

Eric Pincus

The Thunder need to keep growing off of this existing core. Losing to this year’s Spurs won’t sit well with the team, but still OK City is very much on the right path. Not sure if Fisher retires – last word was he wanted to keep playing.

Fern

What is your opinion of eric bledso performance in the playoffs? What kind of player do you see him becoming

Eric Pincus

Bledsoe was tremendous. I still don’t see him as a starter yet but a very valuable sixth man.

Kurt

Many Lakers fans including me expect to be in the Finals every year. With the CBA and an aging roster, is there any hope that the Lakers can be any more than marginally better next season?

Eric Pincus

Sure.

afritada

Watching mitch kupchak in the last game,i saw sadness probqbly because he felt the lost badly. Do u feel like this will be a chip on his shoulder and drive him coming draft day?

Eric Pincus

What, armed with the 60th pick?

Ashley

Hey Eric, as you know I’m a depressed Lakers fan today but is it too much a ‘knee jerk’ reaction to want Mike Brown fired now, despite the limitations he was faced with. I really just think this is a horrible fit for him.

Eric Pincus

Ashley, I hear you. I think the quick response is to look for someone to blame and Brown is not your wizened-old Phil Jackson who has rings on his rings. Even Phil took a lot of junk from the fans every time the Lakers lost. Mike is a good guy and sometimes a good guy looks weak just because they’re a good guy.

Bottom line, Lakers weren’t that good. They had no depth – no shooters – and their third option was just uncomfortable in his role as a “stretch four,” which he clearly wasn’t.

The Lakers defended well most of the year but at some point they just weren’t good enough – and though some of that falls on coach – it’s more on personnel.

I’d like to see a more cohesive offensive philosophy but it’s not like the season afforded any time anyway!

Nathan Schwartz

In the past the lakers chose to support a young kobe and trade out the aging shaq. Any chances they chose the younger Bynum and try to deal Kobe? If they did. Who would be interested / who do you think kobe would acsept since he can veto any trade?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers aren’t trading Kobe.

david v

With the value of Eric Bledsoe skyrocketing what are other teams offering?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers will get a lot of offers for Bledsoe but given they have no other guards locked in other than Chris Paul (and possibly Mo Williams)? I wouldn’t move him.

sy

8th pick, James Johnson + Amir Johnson/Ed Davis for Rudy Gay??? Yes for both teams?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Grizzlies are ready to move off of Gay.

Francesco

Funny how the only LA team still standing in the Staples Center is the LA Kings.

Anyway, would it be fair to say that Kobe lost the series for them? He took terrible shots down the stretch in games 2&4, which lost them those games. He claims that his teammates weren’t helping him out, but is that really true? Bynum was a beast during the first half of game 4 and then he barely touches the ball in the second half, partially because Kobe kept taking those ridiculous tough shots.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Kobe. he had an incredible game last night, with like 5 dunks, something he almost never does anymore. But I think he should take a long, hard look in the mirror before next season.

Eric Pincus

As I wrote the other day, it’s more complicated than that. http://www.hoopsworld.com/lakers-its-complicated

Len

Can the Lakers shed enough salary to get under the Luxury Tax Apron this offseason?

Eric Pincus

Technically yes but it’s doubtful they will or even need to take those kind of extreme measures. LA will be a taxpayer and this year isn’t really the issue anyway. There’s another full year before the repeater tax starts to take hold.

Leon

Do you think the Lakers will use that trade exception they got from Dallas? Or will the Lakers try and save money this upcoming season?

Eric Pincus

I expect the Lakers, in some fashion, to use that exception. If there are ways of adding talent without adding on salary, then they’ll do so (like dumping Walton as they did). We’ll see. The Lakers have until December on that one.

Clippers fan

Who pays Chris Kaman more than the MLE this summer?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t looked team-by-team but a lot of franchises need size and there are few strong fee agents and a high number of cap teams – so he may get a big-money short-term deal.

TennisMindCamp

Hey Eric,

Do you think the Clippers and Lakers Would Be Great Trading Partners? Clippers Have A lot Of Young Talent, And The Lakers Have Vets… Why Not Swap A few… LIKE ERIC BLEDSOE maybe? A Possibility?

Eric Pincus

What would the Clippers possibly want from the Lakers?

spence

Hey Erik. Just kidding Eric.

To me and fans around, the Clippers had an amazing season and I really couldn’t have asked for anything more (except maybe at least 1 win against the Spurs!)

What is the mindset like with the players right now? Is it in accordance with the fans – that it was a great run and now it’s time to relax. Or is it frustration – believing that they could have done better and now it’s time to work towards that goal.

Just curious, since this season definitely exceeded/met expectations for us as fans.

Eric Pincus

Thanks Spence – I would say the fact that it was Chris Paul who was hurt, didn’t make the shots, etc. – was the best possible scenario for the Clippers. Chris isn’t blaming anyone else but himself instead of pointing at some of the other flaws. The Clippers know they had a great year. It’s really only CP3 who expected more. This is an exciting time for the Clippers and their fans. The future is bright but then the front office needs to execute their vision – and that’s never an easy thing to do.

Steve

Who do you think the Clips keep next year between K-Mart and Reggie? No way they can keep both, right?

Eric Pincus

They may have a chance to keep both but I don’t think they do. Martin is technically the better defender and all-around players. Evans is more of a unique role-player for the Clippers but was he exposed by Gregg Popovich for his free throws.

Tasos

Hi Eric from Greece,

LA:Salmons+Garcia+Evans
SAC:Gasol

can be done? thanks!

Eric Pincus

I’d have to look at the math but my initial memory says it does. As far as will it? I’m not sure the Kings are ready to invest in someone like Gasol and give up on Evans – but you can argue there’s some merit there. I have the Kings on my list of teams to research as far as Pau interest, although that’s a big bill for a young team to take on. Are they ready for that?

Cousins/Gasol is actually a very intriguing front court.

J

Hey Eric,
What do you think of Pau for Josh Smith + Marvin Williams? I see this as a win win situation. The Lakers get more athletic and get a chance to improve the bench; ATL gets the veteran low post to get them over the hump.

Also, what do you think of Odom’s chances to be back as a Laker next year?

Eric Pincus

Odom = nah. As I mentioned with Smith, the concern is Atlanta’s tax bill. They’ve have $38 mil just in Gasol/Joe alone – and then another $13.2 million in Horford.

Rico

If Cavs don’t pick up Daniel Gibson’s option, do you think Lakers give him a look? He would provide some much needed 3pt shooting and has decent athletic ability.

Eric Pincus

I actually thought Gibson would be a good get for LA but that didn’t materialize. I’m not sure he’s consistent enough.

nemaia faletogo

The Lakers should just pursue Michael Beasley and Brandon Rush…let Barnes leave as a FA and get younger pieces for Gasol if possible…Beasley and Rush would make us younger and athletic immediately

Eric Pincus

I’ve said multiple times that Rush would be a good fit for the Lakers (and Clippers actually too) but I’m not sure if the Warriors are willing to let him go. He’ll likely be a restricted free agent this summer.

alan

Nobody is talking about Jordan Hill, but he played very well in both series. It would be a shame to see him leave. He is not Lamar Odom, but he could become an important piece on their second unit. your opinion?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. I did my best to get to everything but as always there were more questions than I could possibly get to in the time allotted. As it is I went over 15 minutes! Let’s do it again next week.

Alan,

Hill was solid. I think a lot of Laker fans have been talking about Hill. His field goal percentage wasn’t great but he played hard, rebounded and was an unexpected boost. I’m not sure he’s starting material but if he’ll return for the $3.6 million that LA can offer (they can’t do any more than that) – then by all means.