NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 6/19/12

Yoichi

“Hypothetical “question

Let’s just say IF Lakers get both Howard and Dwill for Max, some how traded away rest of.roster not named Kobe and follows with vet min players and win 3 chanpionships in a row. They will be paying the super tax but would this be worth it for.the franchise.financially? Will they still he making profit ???

“Hypothetical ” question

Eric Pincus

Chatting a little early today – my youngest is graduating preschool! Let’s get to it quickly:

Hypothetically the Lakers would be paying a mint but when Kobe’s contract comes up, they may not consider paying him near what he’s making now.

Sean

Hey Eric,

I read an article today that the Lakers should try a John Salmons for MWP trade. Both players have the same contract length (Salmons has an extra year but its a team option). Kings would do this because it saves them roughly 5 million for the next two years plus World Peace would possibly retire and there was no playing time with all of their young players anyways.
Lakers would do this because they get rid of the distraction in World Peace and get a decent 6th man Swingman who can do a little bit of everything. That was the argument I think its valid what do you think of this trade? Should Lakers try and make it happen?

I do think MWP is a great distraction I do not even think he is focused on basketball anymore I see him doing weather reports and acting stunts. Save that for retirement last I checked you admitted you were out of shape last season focus on that. And stop elbowing people

Eric Pincus

I’d rather have Peace.

Mr. Trent TNT Breland.

Gd. Afternoon Mr. pincus and continue success to your daughters basketball team, I enjoy your chats and this is my first time leaving a chat. I have a two (2) three team trade I would love you too coment on 1st trade idea L.A sends P. Gasol & future 2013 #1 pick ( top twenty protected) to N.O for their #10 pick, N.O also sends Oakafur & T. Ariza to Atl., Atl then sends J. Smith & M. Williams to L.A. (this trada works on the trade machine) 2nd three team trade, L.A sends out A.Buynum & R. Session to B. Nets, Nets send D.Will to L.A and B. Lopez to Magic, L.A also #10 pick from N.O to Magic for D. Howard, this is an awesome way for L.A to rebuild and be back on top not only while #24 has about 3, 4 years of elite basketball left but the franchise is still top contender after he retires ( this is possible and benefits all teams; you can run this this by Mitch & Jim) ” Lets shock the whole nba and leave them with there mouth wide open & in disbelief”

Eric Pincus

Alas our best player had to miss the weekend – her mother misread the schedule and had her in summer camp when we were one game away from the Finals. Our remaining girls gave it their all but we were over-matched by a team with a ton more size than we had.

Thanks!

Oh and as to your question, the Hornets get Gasol by dumping two contracts they don’t want and a so-so pick? I’m not sure LA will go for that. In return they get Josh Smith and Marvin Williams? Personally I don’t love the Smith fit next to Bynum because he can’t shoot.

Now where the whole thing falls apart I’m afraid is what the Hawks are receiving for Smith. That will never fly. Also, the Lakers won’t trade Bynum for Williams I hear. We’ll see.

Laker Consultant

Kyle Lowry seems to pop up a lot as a potential target for a Gasol trade. It seems to me the Lakers need a PG to be a sharp shooter, create easy baskets, and most importantly defend the top notch attack PG’s in the West. Does that sound like Lowry? Can you break down his game. Is he reall a singnificant Sessions upgrade?

Eric Pincus

While Lowry is a good fit, the Rockets need to make sure they have Goran Dragic back (unrestricted free agent) before moving a very solid point guard in Lowry (on a good contract).

Mr. Trent TNT Breland.

Does this lineup when a campionship and does it make the lakers #1 in the west again. Pg-D. Will, C- D. Howard, Sg- K. Bryant, Pf- J. Smith, Sf-Mwp/ M.Beasley ; 2nd unit J. Hill, Gouldlock, M. Williams, M. Beasley, Morris, ( try to avcquire R. Allen, N.Young, R.Foye, J. Meeks, D.Stephenson,) trade with denver for C.Brewer for McRoberts and bring back L. Odom hoe does this squad look and compete with OKC. Thks. Mr.pincus

Eric Pincus

So hold on, the Lakers get Deron, Howard and Josh Smith – and Beasley? And you still want them to try and get Ray Allen? I’m thinking your expectations are not in line with what is going to come.

John

Lakers – Iguodala
Rockets – Gasol
Sixers – Lowry/Martin

Seems fair and everyone gets what they want – what do you think?

Eric Pincus

I’d think LA would want Lowry. Also, are we all so sure the Sixers trade Iguodala? I’m not so sure.

Bill

Am I dreaming when I see that the Hornets are offering the #10 pick if somebody takes on Ariza’s contract? If Damian Lilard is still available at #10 in the draft should the Lakers not hop on this trade immediately. From what I have been reading it seems that Lilard would be the perfect fit along Kobe and Bynum plus he would be cheap on a rookie contract. All they would have to do is use the Odom exception for Ariza’s contract. More importantly I know the Lakers do not want to take on salary but with a trade like this it allows the Lakers to trade Gasol for more assets (as in draft picks and non-guaranteed contracts) instead of players straight up. With Lilard and Ariza that solves two of the Lakers holes. They could then trade Gasol for a good PF and Bench fillers.

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard the Hornets want more than just salary relief for the #10.

clay

As a mavs fan I’m confused, why exactly are we pursuing d will? With the new cba it makes zero sense to Max out a pg, especially one that led the nets to 22 wins in the leastern conference, smart money would be use that money on kg and Nash on two yr deals, feel out the bench, and completely rebuild in two years, deron has already proved he cant carry a team to anything

Eric Pincus

A high-level point guard can make a good team great. Deron is a high-level point guard last year playing on a team with barely any talent – and what talent they had was injured much of the year.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric! What do you think will the Lakers address more this off-season? – Another upgrade at the point, a shooter, or a bruiser at the paint? Will their mini MLE and Odom’s trade exception be enough?

Eric Pincus

I see the Lakers shopping Gasol, minding the bottom line economically while trying to find a combination that can compete now. Difficult to do.

Anthony

Since Houston will be busy trying to get D12. How about something along the lines of

Bulls: Artest, Gasol
Timberwolves: Korver, Brewer, Deng
Lakers: Beasley, Derrick Williams, Noah

And then Lakers trade Noah for a sign&traded Dragic or a three team deal for Mo Williams with the Clippers. Obviously there is fillers needed, draft picks, cash etc. What do you think?

Eric Pincus

That’s a great haul for the Lakers if they could but I’m thinking it’s too much of a stretch.

Deven

When will Pau be traded?

Eric Pincus

If he’s traded, I’d guess in July. June seems a bit much. Wait, did that last poster say trade Noah for Dragic? Yikes, no.

Deven

Did the Clippers make the right choice in bringing back Coach Del Negro for another season?

Second, who will the Clippers be targeting in the offseason?

Eric Pincus

The VDN question will only be answered in the playoffs next year – do the Clippers improve upon what they did this year? LAC needs a stretch four and a shooting guard.

Deven

Is Dwight to LA still a possibly?

Eric Pincus

Dwight to Bobcats is still a possibility technically – my point being anything that is legal is possible. I don’t expect Howard in LA, at least not with a firm commitment (legal or not) that he stays with the Lakers past free agency.

calvinzero

If you are in the Mitch Kupchak’s foot, what will you do for the Lakers in the upcoming draft? You will trade Gasol for the better pick or look a descent #60 pick? If you are looking a descent #60 pick, who is this and why?

Eric Pincus

I don’t love this draft. There are a few players who would be nice to get but I wouldn’t trade into it really unless the price was quite cheap.

manny got punked

Will.next season be the fall of the spurs,celtics and lakers? And the rise of clippers, wolves and knicks? Lastly, would the lakers be able to get a pick besides 60th? Who should they draft? Thanks

Eric Pincus

I’m not burying anyone prematurely. Power shifts quickly in the NBA and often unpredictably.

manila tapsilog

Will blake ,mwp,mcbob be a lakers next season? Who will replace tmurphy? Will a nolan smith/ dmorris trade work? Or would portalnd ask for goude? Lastly sir, will rfelton go back to.the knicks or play back up for spurs ,magic or be a mavs target? Thanks

Eric Pincus

I don’t think the Blazers are looking to the Lakers bench players for trade (re Smith). The Lakers need to see if they can find a worthy Gasol trade. That will determine the course of the roster.

larry the birdman

I keep hearing from.you that LAL will trade gasol i dont believe mitch can do that. No team in the nba wants pau. Unless you are talking amare or boozer. So why spread.rumors pau is on the table. Not one LAL Management confirmed his a goner. Coach brown seems to want him back

Eric Pincus

The Lakers spent all season shopping Pau last year. They believed they had traded him actually. That hasn’t stopped. Economically they can’t afford to pay him as a third option. Of course they’ll say publicly they’d like him back. That’s par for the course. There’s nothing pending. No deal on the verge. Just an LA team that needs to restructure and they’ve decided the one to go is Pau not Bynum/Kobe.

tatsu flag

Will dmorris be traded ? Is there any interest in ebanks or.is it euro time for next season? Will mardy collins ,after a successful dleague stint be able to get an nba contract?

Eric Pincus

Morris is a restricted free agent.

Jason (Sydney)

Hey Eric, love the chats, always very insightful and fun to read. Leading up to the draft, do you think there is a real chance that the Lakers make a splash and move Gasol on draft night? The proposed deal that seems to be common is the one with the Wolves/Rockets/Lakers (with Lowry, Williams and a re-signed Beasley going to the Lakers, Martin to the Wolves and Gasol to the Rockets) seems to be a realistic option. Is there any chance this goes down on draft night (so picks can be considered in the trade) or if something of this scope happens will it be closer to training camp, or even the trade deadline?

Eric Pincus

I don’t expect a draft night move (though it’s certainly feasible) – mostly because more teams have cap room and a number of players who are not available in June may be available in July (Kyle Lowry, etc.).

BTW – I just wrote Morris is restricted. That’s premature – he’s only restricted if the Lakers make him a qualifying offer.

WIZARD

Do you see lakers trading for rashard lewis and then bought him out.With that they would save 20 mil because lux tax.If not what do you see happening with lewis?Are there any team intrested in him just to save money?

Eric Pincus

I could see Lewis in a deal to the Lakers as major filler for Gasol’s contract. Equally I could see Shard on the Lakers if bought out by Wizards.

Luka

Nick young is worth how much and do you see him staying with clippers?

Eric Pincus

It’s a tough call – what is Young’s market value? Unclear.

Luka

Do you think that giving kobe 30mil a year when he is 33 stupid move.I think that he would sign for 21-22 if that was offered to him because he would’t want to play for nobody besides lakers?

Eric Pincus

Because no one else will be able to pay Bryant even close, I’m curious to see if the Lakers and Kobe have a pleasant negotiation or does Bryant feel slighted, despite the obvious.

Jim in CyberSpace

Stern want’s to implement some sort of post mortem “flopping” penalty. I agree fully with his sentiment…no one likes an actor.

Baller’s are “taught” to do that sort thing at almost every level.

The NBA “should” have the best Ref’s in the world, and I think they do. It’s subjective and on the fly.

It’s looks like the ratings are pretty good in this strike shortened year.

Eric Pincus

I hear you re: flopping.

JFK

what are the odds
HOUSTON:HOWARD,TURKOGLU
ORLANDO:LOWRY,#14,#16,BUDINGER,MORRIS,DALAMBERT.would then dwill join dwight in houston

Eric Pincus

I’d be surprised if Lowry is traded before the Rockets sign Dragic. Those picks are in June – Dragic can’t sign til July.

LUKA

Realisticlly,what can lakers get for ths gasol that would make them better this moment?I don’t see much.

Eric Pincus

It doesn’t matter what we see right now. It’s what the Lakers see when the time comes – and that’s unclear. I wouldn’t be surprised if they find something good but not great.

Dan

Heard that Brandon Roy and Greg Oden intends to play again once healthy. Can the Lakers sign them up to the vet minimum just to test them out? They maybe just like Bynum, hard luck in the beginning but set for prime time later on. Low risk high reward, right?

Eric Pincus

I’m not thinking Oden but Roy may be a possibility for the Lakers. If healthy – a game-changer.

123Eric

Your comment is awaiting moderation.
First off, I just wanna say that I’ll be missing j. fleming. A good writer..

On to my question: Whats your take on the flack s.brooks has been getting from some journalists?

Eric Pincus

Agreed on Jason – a good friend. I like Brooks. He’s making good and bad moves. I don’t have anything negative to say just yet.

rap-rap

HI Eric! given that davis, robinson, mkg and barnes would be gone that leaves between beal or drummond for the kings to select.. most analyst are saying that beal would be their choice at #5.. given that scenario kings are stacked with guards.. do you think the kings will trade beal to get some nice pieces or do they trade evans? personally i prefer trading jimmer, T-will and whiteside and maybe the kings future 2nd round pick.. is this enough to be able to get the #2 pick of charlotte? or will other teams trade their first round picks with what the kings would offer? your thoughts

Eric Pincus

Teams want to trade into the top five to get Beal. I’m not sure he’s on the board when the Kings draft but if he is, they probably get some offers.

Steve

Hi Eric, thanks for the time.
With Portland’s position having Aldridge in his prime, Matthews, likely Batum…..should they be drafting young, cheap guys to add through the draft plus free-agents, but look toward the future?
Or trade their two picks for one more quality vet and try to compete right now?

Eric Pincus

If the Blazers could trade for quality vets and move off those picks, they’d do it yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Steve

Eric,
I suppose the Thunder must win tonight or it’s all but over.
Can they beat Miami and how?

Eric Pincus

Yes, and how? By scoring more points.

alan

Do you see the Lakers making a run at Elton Brand, if he is amnestied? Are there any other (potential) amnestied players that you envision the Lakers having some level of interest in?

Eric Pincus

LA wouldn’t be able to put in a claim if Brand was amnestied. He could help though, just depends on money, his interest and what the other options are. The Lakers want to get younger and more athletic, so I’m not sure Brand is the guy for LAL.

Steve

Eric,
Laker question. I am intrigued by the Laker situation with Kobe, Pau and Bynum. Is this the perfect time to unload Pau while he still has value and get some fresh legs on that team? What is Laker assessment of Sessions’ performance this year?

Eric Pincus

Lakers need a team to be willing to invest in Gasol. I think they’ll find that but maybe for less in name and more in value. Sessions played well – got some good experience. They want him back – obviously playoffs he struggled.

Grandad 434

Hello there Eric!
Thanks for hearing me out.
I’m an avid green blooded C’s fan. I think Boston would be smart to bring back KG at the 4 with JuJuan Johnson spelling him and then grabbing Kaman at as the starting 5 with Steimboat halfing his time like he did this season with KG. Does this sound like a winning plan and what are the chances of Kaman coming to Beantown?

Eric Pincus

I’m not 100% sold that Garnett wants to return. If he does, adding a center like Kaman or Asik would help a ton.

Kyle

After a very dissapointing season last year with my Blazers, where do you see Raymond Felton ending up? Also, do you think Elliot Williams will finally get some playing time and turn out to be the player a lot of us Portland fans think he can be?

Eric Pincus

I’m really not sure where Felton lands, a tough call. Who will be coaching the Blazers next year? Hard to debate rotation/minutes without an idea.

LongTimeLakerFan

If the Lakers decide to keep all of their big 3, who do you think would be the best role players they could bring in for what they’re allowed to spend?

Eric Pincus

If the Lakers hold with Gasol, Bynum and Bryant – I’d try to sign someone like Michael Beasley, Rashard Lewis (once waived), Jordan Hill, Ramon Sessions and the like. Now if they can also get Brandon Roy? I’m just not sure everyone can fit re: budget – and then also can the Lakers go forward with this much payroll and their big three?

LongTimeLakerFan

Latest rumor is regarding Pau being traded back to Memphis… some possibility or total malarkey?

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard there’s nothing to that but then I’ve been surprised before.

t_sensei

Questions about the Sessions Opt-out . . . How do you evaluate the Sessions trade now from the Lakers’ perspective? A win, lose or draw? (they gave up a 1st, rid themselves of Walton/Kapono Ks, got a decent rental during the end of regular seasons; have a crack at keeping him). But wasn’t plan A always to have him as the back-up next year? Now they have Blake and Morris. Do they try to resign Sessions; keep Blake? Go after someone like Barea as part of T-Wolves 3-way (as a back-up to complement either a Lowry or Deron)? How do you see the FO going on this?

Eric Pincus

Sessions as a short-term starter while the team reloads? That’s a worthwhile investment as long as someone else doesn’t offer him something insane.

LongTimeLakerFan

If the Lakers managed to trade for a quality starting PG like Lowry or Dragic or Rondo, do they re-sign Sessions or let him walk?

Eric Pincus

It depends on budget and if they find a taker for Blake.

alan

Can understand Sessions wanting to test F/Agency, but doesn’t that make it less likely he will return to the Lakers? There is an abundance of FA PG’s this year, and some of Sessions weaknesses were exposed in his short time with the Lakers. Do you see his return as a certainty?

Eric Pincus

There’s a solid chance Sessions is back. Both sides need to explore their options first.

LongTimeLakerFan

If the Lakers do a big Pau for depth trade, and if the C’s decide to rebuild, do you think KG would be interested in signing with the Lakers to make one more run at a ring? (might be able to use the Odom TPE to pay him more if the Lakers have something the Celtics want)

Eric Pincus

I would say it’s in the realm that Garnett joins an LA team – be it Lakers or Clippers.

TheArmoTrader

Let’s say Sessiosn get’s a big offer that Lakers chose not to match (as in they won’t offer similar level contract that Sessions feels/knows he can get somewhere else).

What are the Lakers options at PG given there is no Gasol trade to bring one in (Ala Deron/Lowry)?

Eric Pincus

Tough situation.

kenny

hello eric. do you feel that the wolves and the rockets are the only team that can land gasol or do you feel that there could be other teams?

Do you feel that the lakers would end up trading j hill for beasley in a sign and trade?

Eric Pincus

Other teams will surface. LA just needs one to trigger a deal.

charlie

Who would be the ideal but realistic point guard for the Lakers, taking into consideration Kobe’s style of play and the Laker’s cap situation? Thank you Eric

Eric Pincus

Realistic is Sessions/Blake I’m afraid. A bonus would be Roy. If LA can make a bigger deal then it opens up many doors.

Jed

Appreciate your work!
Are the Lakers looking to get involved in the draft? Who have they worked out? Are they looking at Sessions as their pg of the future or as a potential combo guard off the bench?
Thanks for answering!

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard any buzz to date re: Lakers moving up in draft.

Adam Barnes

Now that sessions is no longer on the lakers, how much $ do the lakers have to spend on free agents in total?

Eric Pincus

Same as before. Lakers very limited in what they can offer outright ($3.1 million Mini-MLE).

Adam

I know centers are getting overpaid in this league. What kind of money do you see Omar Asik getting.

Eric Pincus

Will a cap room throw Asik an $8-10 million offer sheet? Tough call on Asik to be honest.

Adam

Mr. Pincus give me your best guess on what mo williams is going to do. I hope he opts out that would really give the clippers some freedom.

Eric Pincus

I believe him when he says he’ll opt in.

Adam

Some of these clipper fans are talking trading bledsoe to get into the lottery. I think bledsoes ceiling is really high and he has a huge future. Your thoughts pincus.

Eric Pincus

I wouldn’t trade Bledsoe into this lottery unless you’re getting #1. Some love Harrison Barnes but I think Bledsoe is a force off the bench. Maybe that’s a problem one day with Paul – but then how many guards to the Clippers have past this season locked in? Trade away the only one?

Adam

Play GM in the situation if mo opts out. Give me the players you would sign to fill out the sg spot and two key bench roles.

Eric Pincus

How about KG in the front court?

Sid

Why can’t we amnesty Pau and use the money to pickup D-will?

Eric Pincus

Still over the cap even with Amnesty. Only hope was to Amnesty and not pick up Bynum’s option – which wasn’t considered.

david

hi eric, the lakers really missed shannon brown’s athleticism last year, he only signed for 3 million, what was the reason he or another capable back up shooting guard wasn’t signed? was it financial? or was it because of the rumors that he slept with gasol’s fiancé?

Eric Pincus

Brown had run his course with the team. He stopped improving. I was a proponent for letting him go.

david

hey eric, what about this trade the salaries do match and i think will help both teams.
gasol, blake, and mcroberts to houston for lowry, scola, and kevin martin?

Eric Pincus

Lakers taking on a ton of salary there – and then also are you just assuming the Rockets re-sign Dragic? A big detail I don’t want to assume on yet.

James

Always enjoy the chats EP. Who are the top candidates to land the Clipper’s GM job? In your mind who do you think the favorite is? Thanks and keep up the good work!

Eric Pincus

Sounds like David Griffin and Kiki. I haven’t met David to date but he’s well-respected. Denver fans don’t have a lot to say positively about Kiki.

JazzFan

Hello Mr Pincus,
today I have two questions for you,

Can a trade excepetion be used to sign a free agent? [the Jazz have the $10+Million from Okur that is set to expire this year]

Other question is, What of trade could you see the Jazz pulling off this year? They have a lot of assets/trade able pieces. Millsap or Jefferson along Raja Bell and Devin Harris should bring back a nice package from somebody….Right?

Eric Pincus

A player can be acquired via sign and trade during the offseason using a trade exception. If it were up to me, I’d look to move Millsap for a high-quality guard. Not easy to do so.

Leo

Hi Eric,

About what time can we expect major trades/signings to take place for the Lakers and other teams.

Eric Pincus

There’s usually a flurry on draft night and maybe a couple before. Then it’s usually quiet until July.

Matthew 'EL CAMPEON' Crawford

Thanks again for the awesome NBA insight. Also loved the ’7 days of sex’ episode. Glad you and Mrs. Picnus worked that out.

anyway, on to my NBA question…..I like Willie Green on a lot of teams. I think hed be very solid as a Laker. Your thoughts on that?

Also, people have talked about Scola’s knees(or ankles I dont remember which) being a huge issue and one of the Hoopsworld writers(forget who it was) said he didnt think Scola could pass the mandatory physical when a player is traded. What are your thoughts on that? Does that mean the Lakers would look more at a deal with the Wolves?

Thanks in advance.

Eric Pincus

I don’t think Lakers like Scola’s money regardless of health. We’ll see of something develops again on that front with Houston. Green is solid, but not really young anymore. I think LA wants some level of youth and athleticism.

Jazzfan

Thanks for your time, With the Jazz basically saying theyre not looking to move into the 1st round of the draft do you think they’re going to try swinging a trade for a PG? or try to sign one in FA?

Eric Pincus

Trade or free agency would be the option then if not draft.

bobby

with session opting out does this mean lakers have more to offter than the vets and min salary to offer this summer?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers can offer Sessions a solid deal but beyond that, no?

ryan

with teams like Sacramento, Portland, New Orleans ect making there draft picks available could you see the cavs actively trying to swing a deal to grab a second lottery pick. They have about 20 mill in cap space multiple draft selections over the course of the next few years, and tradable players like Andy and boobie to a lesser extent, Your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

I could see the Cavaliers looking to add on more assets if available. This is a young team and adding on prospects makes a lot of sense . . .

Mutang

Hey Eric, next to Yannis, I definitely like your chat the best. It gives me the most opportunities to see in print how clueless Lakers fans consistently are. “Hey Eric who says no: Gasol to the Hornets for the #1 pick and Eric Gordon??” Out of all the lame brain fans trade questions, Lakers fans consistently are clueless. And it’s every single week, to include Lakers fans on other chats asking the same ridiculous questions and over-rating their beloved Lakers.
Anyway, if you’d still like to answer my question, I’m curious who you think is most likely to start at PF for the Lakers next year, if it’s not Gasol. Same question at the 2 guard for the Clippers. Thanks

Eric Pincus

Funny. There’s no “most-likely” yet. We’re getting closer to that point though.

BRETT

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS SIGN AND TRADE??? PAU TO HOU, BEASLEY D WILLIAMS AND LOWRY TO LA AND K MARTIN 1ST RD PICK TO MINNIE

Eric Pincus

I’ve written about this multiple times and it’s probably the best of all worlds for the Lakers and I know the Wolves like Martin. We have to see on Dragic – and if the Rockets are still interested in Gasol.

kevin clinton

what can the lakers get for pau gasol? will the hornets be willing to give up omeka okafur and trever ariza for him.

Eric Pincus

Oh sure, they’d love to – because they don’t value those players – who aren’t as good as Pau – and don’t have particularly nice contracts. Lakers though? Nah.

Evan

Hey Eric! Love your chats! How much do you think Ramon Sessions is worth and do you think 6 million a year is too much for the Lakers to offer, especially since they are trying to get under the cap (even though they own his bird rights)

Eric Pincus

If Lakers did $18 million for three-years, that’s a solid get for Ramon.

AP

brandon roy to the lakers umm really? is there even an ounce of truth to this or is it just roy’s camp using the lakers to advertise themselves (hate it when they do that)

Eric Pincus

Some real truth. We’ll see if it manifests.

oscar

what is the only good that came out of not paying for neil oshley??

Eric Pincus

We’ll know when we see who replaces him.

Cas8

Is it possible for LAL to acquire Brandon Roy & Michael Beasley without trading away Pau or Drew? Can their salary cap accommodate the 2 players?

Eric Pincus

Yes, if the players are willing to come for the $ available. The tax level doesn’t really increase until two seasons from now, so the Lakers can be patient if they believe that’s the right play.

Billy

Congrats on your youngest’s graduation!

For LA, who do you prefer among the three: Sessions, Lowry, or Jennings?

Eric Pincus

Thx, gotta run in a second – Lowry.

SC

Any chance you think the Clippers can get Kevin Garnett?

I think he is exactly what they need. Someone who can stretch the floor for Blake and inspire our young bigs to play defense.

Eric Pincus

Yes, there’s a chance … if he leaves Boston. He’d be a great fit, absolutely.

Kevin

Lakers will win a title in the next 5 years. True or False?

Eric Pincus

Safe bet says false because in general titles are impossible to win – but history would suggest Lakers always make their way back to that level. I just think the timeline may be too short.

UnPhazeable

Hello Eric,

I just heard that Ramon Sessions has declined the option. If LA cannot come to terms with Ramon, who are some potential PG targets for LA? Any chance the Lakers can swing some kind of sign and trade for Deron Williams?

Eric Pincus

It’d have to be a multi-team deal with Deron demanding a move to the Lakers.

Sam

Eric,
What is the likelihood of Mo Williams opting in and being traded? Who would be better for the Clips OJ Mayo or Nick Young as the starting SG? Will Trey Thompkins play the stretch PF role/how do you see him contributing for the Clips next season?

Eric Pincus

If Williams opts in as expected, he’ll be shopped. Clippers like Thompkins.

David

The sixers want to trade Iguodala yes, more importantly, Doug Collins wants to trade Andre Iguodala, you know that what is said publicly is not always the truth

Eric Pincus

We have to see if they will – and what they’re looking for. Always complicated.

Mina

Hey Eric,

Any news on what the Clippers plan to do with Beldsoe?

Eric Pincus

Keep I believe.

Damien

Hey Eric,

So with all of the talk about Sessions opting out of his contract, what is the next move for the Lakers.

Eric Pincus

Gotta run, thanks for the chat. We’ll do it again next week!

Damien – Next move is draft and then likely the July free agent period – where player movement more likely. If something pops up via trade at draft? By all means but flexibility is much improved once teams have cap room in July.