NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 7/17/12

Welcome to NBA Chat with HOOPSWORLD Senior Writer Eric Pincus.  I’ve got a long, long list of questions to get to.  Thanks for the fantastic turn-out!

Eric covers the L.A. Lakers, Clippers and NBA at large.

  1. Howard

    Is this after a trade between rockets and magic. Or 3 way?

    • Eric Pincus

      Free agency full steam – today we chat:

      Howard, I think you’re saying will Dwight go to Houston or Lakers?

      I would say I don’t think anyone knows the answer to that question yet but it remains a possible outcome.

  2. Michael

    Howard To Lakers, Bynum To Houston, And Draft Picks To Orlando? Sounds Like A Better Deal Then What Brooklyn Been Offering, What’s The Chances Of This Happening? And Could You Really See Howard Walking Away From Nash Kobe n Gasol In LA To Brooklyn Next Season If This Goes Threw?

    • Eric Pincus

      Now that Brooklyn has spent their money, the only way they can attain Howard is through trade and even if Dwight wants that to happen, he’s lost significant leverage here if Brooklyn was his end game.

  3. Jimmy Crack Corn

    Is it fair enough to say that all roads that lead to the NBA finales in the WC has to travel through OKC and that crowd in the next half dozen years?

    • Eric Pincus

      They’re going to be a force. Other teams are getting better so it’s not a given, but the Thunder are a very potent team right now.

  4. piston

    Are there are intrest in tyshaun prince or austin daye?Do you see them moved considering pistons logjam on sf position?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Pistons have to decide if they want to go for cap room next summer or try and trade out some of the pieces they have for long-term fits. It may be best to wait for cap – which would suggest Prince would be available since Daye is in his final season before restricted free agency.

  5. WIZARD

    Wizards start to like big boys with couple of last moves.Is it time for them to make playoff?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Wizards making the playoffs is a real possibility but it’s going to take help from other teams dropping off and I’m not sure Washington gets there. Without really looking at it I’d say they fall short but I’ll put more thought into it as we see teams fully form. I certainly expect the Orlando spot to open up.

  6. Chris

    Hi Eric. Why aren’t the Bulls doing everything in their power to acquire another superstar? Playing it safe and overpaying for role players gets you the best regular season record. Superstars win titles. Chicago wants/deserves more superstar led title teams NOT teams of overachieving good citizens.

    • Eric Pincus

      I would say it’s very, very difficult to attain another superstar. The opportunities really haven’t been there yet for Chicago.

  7. Christian Frank

    After the latest injury to Blake Griffin’s knee, people are finally starting to realize that Blake isn’t going to have a long and effective career soley depending on his freakish athleticism. I’ve never heard anything about Blake working with someone the way Bynum’s worked with Kareem and various players working with Olajuwan. What are the Clippers doing to try to get Blake to improve his all around game? How involved are they in his off-season development/workouts? Do you trust the Clipper organization with the task of developing a player with the potential of a Blake Griffin? With his physical tools and work ethic, why haven’t we seen much improvement in Blake’s game?

    • Eric Pincus

      Griffin is a gym-rat and a very good learner. He just needs more experience and unfortunately this knee injury sets him back. I still expect Griffin to have a tremendous career. He’s come a long way from where he started in a very short time. The big dunks get a lot of press but he does a lot more than that.

  8. Christian Frank

    Should NBA superstars play in the Olympics? Why or why not?

    • Eric Pincus

      I am pro Olympics. Players practice all summer and get hurt regardless. I would argue it may help keep players in shape and thus their bodies stronger.

  9. Azzar Nadvi

    People dream about meeting NBA superstars like Kobe, James, Paul…. you do that for a living. Do you still get the butterflies like “regular” fans do?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t think I get butterflies but I will say I enjoy what I do!

  10. David Hull

    I’m a Lakers fan and all I have been hearing is Dwight Howard to the LAKERS can you please tell me what’s really going on, and any other free agents that might be signing with the LAKERS

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers have a real shot but issues remain in that both Dwight and Bynum, key pieces in any deal, can both try to push away from a deal if they indicate they won’t extend wherever they land.

  11. Kevin

    Did the new CBA change the annual raise amount for players? Saw that the offer from Houston for Lin was $5 million the first year, $5.225 million in the second and $14.8 million in the third!!

    • Eric Pincus

      The raise percentage went down to 4.5% and 7.5% depending on if the player is being signed as a free agent by a new team – or re-signed by the old. The case of Lin has to do with the Gilbert Arenas provision and is kind of an oddity.

  12. Rico

    With Martell Webster having cleared waivers and now becoming an unrestricted free agent, do the Lakers give him a look. Do you think the Lakers make a play for him and would he be interested in coming to the Lakers for the $$ we have to offer?

    • Eric Pincus

      I worry about Webster’s health. He hasn’t been able to stay sound in recent years but he’s a strong defender and decent shooter when at full strength. Naturally it depends on other options.

  13. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Is OLANDO GM waiting for another NBA team coming in D12 trade,because players or team he like no coming yet?or he enjoys his 5 minute of fame.

    • Eric Pincus

      He’s doing what the Nuggets did, take their time and find the best deal. I liked how Denver resolved the Carmelo Anthony situation and Rob Hennigan may also be doing right by the Magic.

  14. Gustavo A.Thomas

    Two possible trades.CH. Bulls get D.HOWARD. ORLANdo get L DENG,J NOAH and TWO #1 round picks.Another one S&T Houston get O ASIK CH. Get JEREMY LAMB what you think?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t believe the Magic have any interest in players with those kinds of salaries.

  15. holly is in the woods

    I know that the laker summer league team aint pretty to watch, its clear the dmorris should have stayed in school qnd goudelock needs time in the dleague or in the weight room, dj odom is uhmmmm and eyenga cant dribble and spot a shot. Sacre can be our next mbenga. Do u see something that is positive about our youth laker group?

    • Eric Pincus

      When a team is really bad and filled with role players and simply there’s not enough talent to go around – it doesn’t exactly bring out the best in over-matched players. The Lakers have second-round talent getting beaten by first-round talent in almost every game. Fortunately the core of the Lakers is among the best in the league, so I don’t view this as a true judge of where these young Lakers are. No, they certainly haven’t stood out.

  16. quiapo jeep ride

    What does aaron brooks means to sactown? Jimmer and isiah t. Will be fighting for 6th man minutes? Who will pick deonte green and twill? And thomas robinson in my opinion can scare cousins to stop his kid like tantrums and be the rookie team captain of this team that this young core babdly needs. Your take?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m not sure what this means with Jimmer. I’m not sure he’s panned out quite yet for the Kings and I wonder if he doesn’t become a trade asset – but it’s too early I think to tell. I’m even more curious what happens with Tyreke Evans. I like the path the Kings are on but they’ve still got some years of work to do.

  17. Rico

    Read that Jamison is meeting with the Lakers on Tuesday. What are the odds the Lakers and him come to terms on a contract? Would the Lakers look to offer him the mini-MLE or just the vet min?

    • Eric Pincus

      Sounds like Lakers right now are just offering the min.

  18. thunderC

    When a team sends cash considerations in a trade does that count against the salary cap?

  19. thunderC

    Whats the latest on Kmart? Any chance he heads back to the clips?

    • Eric Pincus

      Clippers aren’t looking to bring back Martin was the last word I heard.

  20. Jason W

    with antawn jamison signing with the lakers that makes the roster at 15 including DJO and Scare. Are the lakers going to be involved in a trade to remove some players or is the jamison signing the only addition?

    • Eric Pincus

      I think we need to see how the Howard situation settles – that’s a major consideration naturally.

  21. Jason W

    If antawn jamison signs with the lakers, I have to disagree with the direction that the lakers are going. Steve nash and jamison both help offensively but I don’t see how that’s a positive if they’re defensive liabilities.

    • Eric Pincus

      You can’t fill every role with one player but the Lakers had serious gaps offensively. They need to improve defensively as well but it’s not black and white. They need both.

  22. Mark P.

    Hey Eric, I love all the updates that you’ve been giving.

    I was just wondering if there was any news on the Lakers acquiring some young talent particularly wing players to help us with out outside shooting and athleticism. Have you heard any news on the Lakers getting either Brandon Rush or Courtney Lee.

    Also, is Metta going to be our starting SF next season? or will he be moved/amnestied?

    • Eric Pincus

      Lee could become a possibility if the Lakers make a three-team trade with the Magic and Rockets, otherwise I’m not sure how they get him. Rush is in a tricky situation in that the Warriors would like to have him back – but they’re chasing Carl Landry and are nearing the tax. Given he’s restricted, I would think they match if LA offered their Mini MLE. I don’t think there’s an answer here yet, but both situations to monitor. For now, yes, Metta is the starting three.

  23. mike

    Why isn’t davis getting more minutes on the olympic team? With their lack of size, you would think that he would get used more.

    • Eric Pincus

      He’s the rookie. They’ll try to win without him but it could change if the team really struggles without size.

  24. Jay

    Hey Eric, do the recent transactions by the Kings mean Tyreke is really not wanted? They traded a second rounder for JJ, now they got Brooks at pg. Do you know exactly how much trade value Tyreke has around the league?

    • Eric Pincus

      He has value but it’s difficult to quantify. I think because he’s due for a new contract, teams want to see how all this free agency mess sorts out. Up next will be players like Evans who need a new home.

  25. Fern

    What do you think of Darius Morris so far in summer league best player in the summer roster by far?

    • Eric Pincus

      I actually think Morris can still be a player in the NBA. He has good size and is a smart kid. Ultimately he’s a pick and roll point guard and that’s the direction the Lakers are headed. He’s just not quite ready yet and should be the team’s third point.

  26. Sam The Man

    Good afternoon, Mr. Pincus! Great work on the chats!

    What is the higher level of competition, the D-League or NBA Summer League? Thanks!

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m going to say it’s a very spotty answer. In some cases certainly the D-League but then some of these teams with top picks? The Warriors for instance? They’re really solid.

  27. James

    Eric keep up the good work. In your opinion how do you think Andy and Gary have done handling all the offseason moves for the Clips? Also I was listening to Romona Shelburn on ESPN radio and she said the feeling is it would be a surprise if Gary Sacks isn’t moved up GM. Is that your feeling as well? Thanks.

    • Eric Pincus

      I agree to a point with Ramona. Sacks is someone the team trusts. He’s been in the organization a long time. The question is the media/PR side of the job and if they feel he’s ready to be front and center. I could see that just remain Vinny Del Negro with Sacks doing the personnel work, etc. In other words, same as it is now.

  28. kenny

    Latest on the trade rumors do you feel the lakers will make a big trade either trade gasol or bynum?

    Do you think the lakers will resign matt barnes?

    • Eric Pincus

      It appears the Lakers have gone 180 for now on Gasol and if they move Bynum it’s for Howard. I don’t see Matt returning.

  29. WarriorsFan

    With the addition of Barnes and improvement of Klay, does GS have the best perimeter shooting in the NBA? Curry, Klay and Barnes, all those guys have heaters from deep!

    • Eric Pincus

      Warriors – if healthy – may be one of the most exciting teams to watch this year.

  30. Alex in Burbank

    Hi Eric, James Worthy was quoted saying Bynum is better than Howard now. I don’t completely agree with him but what happens after Howard’s athleticism disappears? At least Bynum has a post up game. Lakers already have Nash, possibly Antawn Jamison too. Why not look to solidify their bench with one more shooter and forget about Howard? Surely we can compete for the title next season without Howard right? Thoughts?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’d do Bynum for Howard, although in areas Andrew is better.

  31. Alex in Burbank

    So Kobe says, he will retire in two years. Do we believe him?

    • Eric Pincus

      No.

      (By the way, I’m posting my article for the NBA PM, so the pace here has been slower than usual. I’ll extend the chat a bit. Usually I write the Tuesday NBA@2 to avoid this crunch!)

  32. martay

    Is there any legs to dwight heading to lakers. And what other free agent are lakers looking for. I hope they can get Shannon brown back

  33. Mn-Nelly

    With Portland likely matching Batums offer and Mayo going to.Dallas who do you see the Wolves pursuing. Lee, Iggy trade, S.Brown, Rush, Meeks, Redd, or anyone else out there? Also, if.Rubio returns to form and Love continues his dominance, and we are able to land someone such as Lee or Iggy. Along with the additions of Roy, Schved, Cunningham, and Hill/Stiemsma. Where do you see the twolves being at?

    • Eric Pincus

      If they don’t get Batum, Lee may be next on their list.

  34. David (Archdale NC)

    Mr Pincus, Let’s say the Lakers do sign Jamison, how do you see him fitting into the Lakers rotation? Starting at SF or coming off the bench at PF as a stretch 4?

  35. David (Archdale NC)

    Who will the Lakers target for SG and to back up the Mamba?

    • Eric Pincus

      If the monster deal goes through for Dwight Howard, it could be Jason Richardson.

  36. jon

    Eric, Jordan Hill tweeted last week that he’s made up his mind. That can’t mean he’s decided on the lakers. With the cheaper Jamieson on board, are the lakers not willing to offer all they can to keep him?

    • Eric Pincus

      I could see either Minnesota, Golden State or Lakers.

  37. David (Archdale NC)

    Do the Lakers get Hill or Oneal?

    • Eric Pincus

      Looks like Jermaine O’Neal a strong possibility at the minimium.

  38. Iron

    Eric, with the Lakers saying that they will not use the amnesty clause, which appears likely at this point, is that what will ultimately prevent them using the MMLE?

    If they were to use the MMLE, would they then turn around and amnesty a MWP or Steve Blake, of course depending on the acquisition?

    Thanks.

    • Eric Pincus

      There’s no real reason to use amnesty right now. It’s not the right basketball play.

  39. Joel

    What up Pinky?! hahhaha (quickest way NOT to get my question answered) Anyway, What do you think of the Blazers moves this off season? What are some names you think might pop up to fill out our roster? You think we match Batum & do you think this is kinda a dumb move to keep him at that $$$? Thanks, I’ll quit calling you Pinky. Psych!!! <—Yeah, I went there.

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m really curious to see what happens with Batum. We’ll talk again after that decision. Don’t have a problem with Pinky really, was called that as a kid by some.

  40. Steve

    Eric,
    I understand Portland likes Lillard but, would not Sessions or Brooks have been good to show him the ropes for a couple years? Without a veteran PG the Blazers aren’t going anywhere for 3-4years while Lillard develops.

    • Eric Pincus

      If the Blazers want to really let Lillard develop, give him the ball. I’m cool with that.

  41. Steve

    Eric,
    Interesting how the top free agents were over-paid while so many second or third tier guys are going dirt cheap. A team could have built a quality second unit this year for about $10 mill.??
    And Portland ended up empty-handed except possibly over-paying Batum….

    • Eric Pincus

      I would say this is why a team like the Lakers are waiting on the Mini-MLE instead of rushing to give it to a Josh McRoberts-type.

  42. bobby joe

    With jamison and possibly o’neal coming to town what are the chances we trade pau for iggy and lavoy allen? Then we could amnesty metta and aggressively go after rush to back iggy… what are your thoughts on that?

    • Eric Pincus

      Allen re-signed, he won’t be going anywhere else this summer.

  43. pjm1234

    shouldn’t the lakers rather try to get grant hill over jameison? Both are old but at least hill plays better defense and already has chemistry with nash.

    • Eric Pincus

      Need both, or at least both skill sets filled.

  44. Ang

    Eric, do you think the raptors should bid for Josh Childress in amnesty waivers?
    And with amnestied player bids, if 1 team under the cap bids 1 dollar for him and no other team under the cap bids for him does that mean he goes to that team?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’d just look to sign Childress for cheaper frankly, if they wanted him.

  45. Yoichi

    Can Ebanks be the next Ariza this year? How well so you think Glock, Morrison and rookies will play for LA this year ?

    • Eric Pincus

      Ebanks has a lot of potential but I’m not sure he gets to that level of play – Ariza was something else that last year with the Lakers.

  46. Chris

    Adding Ray Allen and Lewis to that lineup is scary offensively but don’t you think those two will significantly weaken a championship quality defense.

    • Eric Pincus

      The team plays great defense. I’m not really concerned on that front for Miami.

  47. Jeremy

    Anymore bobcats rumors going around? I know we missed out on Jamison and Humphries. How about Landry?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’ve heard Landry as a possibility there as well.

  48. Kevin

    If the Lakers amnesty MWP do they get their mid level exception?

  49. chris

    Re Aaron Brooks and James Johnson good pick ups by the kings?

  50. Kobefan24

    Who is more likely to be a laker next year? Johhny flynn, nate robinson, courtney lee, and brandon rush?

    • Eric Pincus

      Yikes on all – but the team would like to have one of the last two.

  51. Rick Levitt

    Hey Eric. Love your columns. What do you think of the Kings recent moves? Do you think they are done? And lastly, do you think they have a chance to get into the 8th seed?

    • Eric Pincus

      Thanks Rick – I touched on this. I don’t see Sacramento as there yet but moving in a good direction.

  52. LongTimeLakerFan

    So Mitch denied the “Jamison signed with the Lakers” rumor. Do you think it’s still possible, but they just haven’t dotted the i’s and crossed the t’s yet?

    • Eric Pincus

      Mitch is old school – it isn’t done until it’s done – kind of guy.

  53. JimGoLAL

    Mitch Kupchak says 90-95% of the rumors we hear are false. Why are there so many inaccurate reports out there? Poor quality sources? Reporters guessing and looking for a reaction? Misinformation? No risk to reporters for being wrong?

    • Eric Pincus

      I would say that 90-95% of the talks that someone like Kupchak has with other teams doesn’t go anywhere – just the nature of the business.

  54. Bryan

    What do you think of the clipper’s bench now? Bledsoe, Crawford, Hill, Odom…
    Do they still go after Milicic or Hollins at this point or stand pat?

  55. hen1040

    Jermaine O’neal? What are you thoughts? Thanks.

    • Eric Pincus

      He’s a smart, experienced player – the question is how much does he have left?

  56. Zeeshan

    I think the Bulls front office is doing fine. Listen to this: Bulls will likely match Omer’s offer and pay the luxtary tax for this season. Next year, it is likely that the Bulls amnesty Boozer. So next offseason, the Bulls will have 18+million in cap to spend on a bigger FA class, Bobcats pick,and their own pick! They will be back in 214. What u think. correct me if im wrong or if u disagree.

    • Eric Pincus

      Perhaps. I’m not sure yet where the Bulls go but they cleared off some burden this offseason.

  57. vince

    Have the Grizz improved themselves this off-season??

  58. Trog

    Who will we see amnestied by today’s deadline? Blatche? Villanueva? Calderon? Remind us … when is the last year teams can use the amnesty provision?

  59. Trog

    Please open up your crystal ball. Will the Rockets end up with Lin and/or Asik by tonight? If the Rockets are unable to land Dwight Howard, what is their plan B?

  60. Trog

    Bizarre hypothetical … if Houston can’t land Asik and Lin, they basically have 18 guys potentially under contract (including the non-guaranteed/2nd round picks), which outside of Kevin Martin, are making next to nothing. They’d have a roster of $30-$35M, depending on how you slice it and dice it. Aren’t the Rockets required to eclipse a salary floor? Would they have to overpay a free agent for a season and trade/cut a cheap youngster just to abide by the rules?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Rockets HAVE to do something. And to the previous question, Plan B I believe is Bynum.

  61. rick Flores

    The Clippers getting alot older good?

  62. S. Nash

    After all I’ve done for Grant, why would he desert me like this?

  63. Tom

    Is it me or do the clippers front office hate the lakers? They refused to do any trades with the lakers even when thry had so many guards last year and now they keep stealing lakers’ prospects (odom, grant hill) and tried to help other team land Howard

    • Eric Pincus

      They compete – all teams compete against each other.

  64. LongTimeLakerFan

    Do you know if there’s truth to the rumor that the Lakers are meeting with Orlando today to revisit Howard trade scenarios?

    • Eric Pincus

      I wrote last week the Lakers are in talks with the Magic and Rockets in a multi-team deal. Nothing close but potential still.

  65. shoryuken hadouken

    Where would delonte west end up?

    • Eric Pincus

      Delonte was trying to recruit Deron to Dallas so it wouldn’t surprise me if he stays.

  66. Mashkareem

    Do you agree with me that the Lakers will no longer trade Pau, if Kobe really decised to retire in two years(regardless of whether we get Howard or not)? That should give them enought time to compete and in two years start rebuilding either around Howard and fresh from the start.

    • Eric Pincus

      The path isn’t fully clear but the Lakers are putting their money on the table as is and they’ll see what comes later re: luxury tax.

  67. Mashkareem

    I wasn’t sure why the Suns went after Scola. I thought the let Nash go because they wanted to rebuild with young players. I know Scola only costs them $3M a year, but in terms of building for the future, he will take the minutes from some young players who needs to develop.

  68. Mashkareem

    If the Lakers get Howard (plus either Richardson or Hedo), and Jamison, with the addition of Nash, do you see the Lakers having a better shot at winning the West than Spurs and OKC? If so, how would they match up against Heat in the finals?

    • Eric Pincus

      Let’s wait til we see rosters in place before ranking!

  69. quiapo jeep ride

    Will j oneal be able to be healthy for a whole season?

    • Eric Pincus

      I’m going to go out on a limb and so, no – he doesn’t play 82 games wherever he lands. That doesn’t mean he can’t help a team.

  70. Mashkareem

    A lot of people think Boston is serious threat in the East? I don’t see that. I think the Heat are clearly better than any other team in the East by a mile. Frankly, without Allen, I’m not even sure if they could end up as a top 4 team in the East. How do you see the Celtics?

    • Eric Pincus

      Still a threat, maybe not to title, but to compete deep into playoffs.

  71. Matthew 'EL CAMPEON' Crawford

    is Kris Humphries overpaid at 12M per? Im of the opinion thats about fair, considering he averages a double double and is an effective rebounder and offensive player.

  72. Michael

    Do the Lakers have the assets to acquire Howard? Sounds like Orlando wants cheap young players and draft picks. The Lakers already traded two first rd picks in the Nash deal.

    Who do you see the Clippers targeting for their backup center position besides Darko?

    Thanks for your time Eric.

    • Eric Pincus

      I gotta think three-way if LA is to get Howard. Think Clippers look at Ryan Hollins and Hilton Armstrong.

  73. Matt (UK)

    Hae you heard any details on what the Nuggets are planning? Are they currently in talks to trade Chandler? What would his value be?

    • Eric Pincus

      I think Chandler is stuck on that roster for now.

  74. jack

    Will Dwight Howard to L.A. get resolved today?

  75. Jared N

    Do you think the Lakers can pull off this Dwight Howard deal? And does doing so jeopardize our ability to sign bench players?

    • Eric Pincus

      Lakers may, if they get Howard, end up with some bench players from Orlando. A lot is up in the air.

  76. Aaron Golden

    If the GM of the year award went to the Clippers, who would they give the award to (assuming they don’t hire a GM): Roeser, Sacks, Del Negro, Billups, CP3, or all of them?

  77. Sed D Cain

    HiEric do you see the bulls ultimataley signing and trading Asik for Courtney Lee and are there any rumblings about veterans signing with the bulls like Michael Redd or TMac. And do you think veterans like Diop or jermaine o’neal could fill the Asik role of 15 mins per.

    • Eric Pincus

      It’s still technically possible given Asik hasn’t signed yet but I don’t anticipate that.

  78. JD Garza

    Do you think the Lakers should trade for Dwight considering the uncertainty with his back and whether he’d stay longterm?

    • Eric Pincus

      The Lakers were concerned about his back as I documented, but I’ve been told having done their due diligence, they’re confident he’ll fully recover.

  79. Nicholas

    Why would the Lakers consider trying to get Brandon Rush when GS will easily match their mini midlevel?

    • Eric Pincus

      Why would the Lakers consider Nash when the Suns would have to S&T him to LA? Things happen and they don’t happen if you don’t pursue them.

  80. Scotty2Hotty

    Should Lakers get DH?

  81. Nicholas

    Still think the Lakers will make a run at Iguodala? They need his defense and athleticism.

  82. D bone

    I know the actual summer league games don’t mean anything. Buy do you see any promise from anyone on the lakers squad or radar?

    • Eric Pincus

      Johnson-Odom may be able to help some. I don’t think the Goudelock as point guard experiment will work. Sacre has been solid. Morris I think can still help eventually.

  83. D bone

    What do you think of the mavericks rebuilding efforts? What’s their upside?

    • Eric Pincus

      Very impressive what the Mavs have done while maintaining their long-term flexibility. I’m not sure how they get Mayo exactly given their cap position but I look forward to finding out.

  84. yurop

    What does the future of Portland look like? Another 5 years rebuilding process?

    • Eric Pincus

      I think they have a jump start on it – don’t see it taking near 5 years to be a competitive team. Elite may take more time though.

  85. LongTimeLakerFan

    Could this being the last day to amnesty players have anything to do with the big Lakers push to trade for Howard?

  86. Jeffrey

    The Utah Jazz were active at the start of the off-season with trades for Mo and Marv Williams, but have since gone quiet. Do you think Utah will use any of its mid-level exception? If so, who are they targeting?

    • Eric Pincus

      Jazz thinking about cap room next summer so if it’s not a great reason, they save their bullets.

  87. yurop

    Is Harden really better than Rudy Gay? Why did the US team pick Harden over Rudy?

  88. 123Eric

    why do you think teams are still spending like crazy despite the new punitive tax of the CBA?

    • Eric Pincus

      Teams are not spending like crazy, a few contracts aside, the system is already working.

  89. Anthony B

    I’ll understand if you skip this question and I’m sure you’ve been asked it before but seeing as how you’re a fan of the game, who do you root for when the NBA regular season starts?

    • Eric Pincus

      I don’t active root but I will say I like it when my LA teams go deep into the playoffs because I get to cover in person, etc.

  90. Chris

    Hi Eric!
    Ur thoughts on the Knicks getting Felton? will there be no more LIN-sanity in NY?
    Should they match the offer?

    and any others news on the Heat? Thanks..

    • Eric Pincus

      If I were in charge – I’d have Lin but I’m not here – so I think he goes. Felton is solid (if in shape) and while Lin may be over-hyped, I’d go Jeremy.

  91. K083

    At this point in the summer, who will mostly join LAL to bolster its bench?

    • Eric Pincus

      Epic chat complete. Thanks for putting up with the breaks as I posted my NBA PM article, which I want to go look at and make sure it’s actually in English. I’m off to Vegas this week for Summer League. Chat again next Tuesday.

      K083 – The likelihood is Jamison and then the Lakers may go big with Dwight – or small and keep guys like Ebanks and Jordan Hill. It’s a stretch to say Courtney Lee or Brandon Rush though they’re both great fits.

      The Lakers are already better with Nash and then Jamison – and it won’t take a lot more to round out that bench – although as is, they still need depth.