NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 7/3/12

Paul

I don’t like Lebron as much as the next guy but here is my question. Everyone criticized MJ for being too selfish and not trusting his teammates for the first 7 years and than when he started trusting them he won championship after championship. Why is it that Lebron was criticized for the exactly opposite thing which is trusting his teammates too much and not being selfish enough? Is it that the media always has to point a finger at something? Im a little bit confused.

Eric Pincus

NBA free agency is here – I expect a LOT of questions today. I’ll get through as many as I can. Let’s chat:

Paul, the story of LeBron hasn’t been written yet. He’s on a new level now that he has a title. The question becomes – is he a one-timer or a repeat champion – but the initial criticisms that he can’t get it done ever – were all true until he got it done and are now forever false.

BRETT

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THESE DEALS FOR LA?? I THINK HELPS ALL 3 TEAMS. PAU TO HOUSTON, IGGY AND LOWRY TO LA AND K MARTIN AND ONE OF HOUSTONS 1ST RD PICKS TO PHILLIE. AND THEN LA USES TRADE X FOR BEASLEY AND POSSIBLY SIGNING PIETRUS WITH MINI MID LEVEL AT 3 MILL PER, THEY WOULD THEN FIND A BIG FOR VET MINIMUM FOR BENCH.

Eric Pincus

I feel yelled at – not enough sleep to answer this one. Sorry Brett. I’ll just say the Lakers are looking at a lot of options now and I know we’ll touch on this throughout the chat without the caps.

Vito Villegas

Good day Eric! I appreciate your insights regarding the Lakers. I dont know if it has been suggested yet, but, is it possible to amnesty Pau Gasol and use the money to sign Deron Williams? I mean, there has been talks of using the amnesty on World Peace and some even suggested Kobe (ABSURD!!!), why not Pau?

Eric Pincus

Amnesty of Gasol would have kinda/sorta made sense if they also didn’t take Bynum’s option and traded away a piece or two for expiring contracts. That didn’t happen – even without Gasol, the Lakers won’t have enough cap room.

Shawn

What do you think of the Clippers hiring Chad Buchanan as gm? He held down the fort in Blazer land for a while and dealt with crazy owner Paul Allen..it would be ultimate revenge for stealing Olshey

Eric Pincus

The Clippers won’t look at GM until free agency is over for them – and if they feel happy with how they’ve done, they may just promote Gary Sacks and keep things as they are.

Nery

Do you the Lakers making a move at Goran Dragic this summer? doing a sign and trade to put Pau Gasol there for him and extra pieces like kevin martin?

Eric Pincus

Dragic is asking for $10 million a year and I think that’s too rich for LA’s blood.

Tim

Going forward, do you see VDN staying as the Clippers coach for any more than this season?

Eric Pincus

Might.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric. Thanks for answering my previous questions!If the Raptors amnesty Jose Calderon, what are the chances of the Lakers acquiring him? Should he be on their wish list? How about Rashard Lewis?

Eric Pincus

If Calderon is amnestied, I would anticipate a cap team picks him up off waivers for about $2 million.

Deven

Hi Eric. Is Chris Paul pulling a Deron Williams by waiting to become a free agent and get that max deal?

Eric Pincus

If Paul takes an extension, he can add on three years to his deal so 3 + 1 = 4 years total. He he completes the current year and then re-signs with the Clippers for five years, it’s 1 + 5 = 6 years total. That’s the reason why Paul (and Dwight Howard) want to finish their contracts before extending.

Preson

Pau Gasol
Whats the buzz and latest on him??
If the lakers do trade him can lakers
Trade to wolves for williams and johnson?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are looking at how the Howard situation resolves – and really, teams are looking at the bigger fish first – the choice free agents. Then it will Pau’s time – if LA can find the right return.

Dboy

Give the latest of the lakers man? What do you think of this? Gasol for Josh Smith; and a package uncluding bynum for howard, resigning sessions and claiming calderon from amnesty

Eric Pincus

I’m curious to see what direction the Hawks take. They may keep Smith now but that’s unclear.

Rico

1. Do you still believe that Nash re-signs with the Suns? I think he goes to the Raptors with some sort of post-retirement plan agenda.

2. Where do you think Dwight ends up when all is said and done?

3. Are the Lakers still interested in M. Beasley?

Eric Pincus

Feeling like the Suns are turning the page on Nash. I would not be shocked if it’s the Raptors. Howard? Hard to handicap right now. Lakers still have an interest in Beasley but Michael is getting a market set now (Suns like him) so he may be too expensive.

rap-rap

do you think the kings are finished with their rebuilding mode? I hope they could land a solid SF through free agency and they are set to make a big splash.. and who do you think they could get this summer?? jeff green? batum? or any other candidates? your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think the Kings are there yet – but they’re inching closer. The roster is starting to take form. After the dust settles, the Kings will be there with some spending power and a growing roster.

Anthony

With d12 confirming that he only wants 2 play 4 the Nets only,how do the magic gets a good deal?Do Nets have enough 2 make a deal 4 d12,he is making it clear where he want 2 play.

Eric Pincus

The Nets still have some assets to make a play for Howard but a lot of that lies on Orlando and what they want back. Right now they’re looking around elsewhere first but I would argue New Jersey is a fall-back position.

Jeremy

Any Bobcats news? I believe JJ hickson would be a good look, or taking on Calderon to get Davis helps tor have money for nash throw in Reggie Williams to give tor some shooting

Eric Pincus

I’ve written before they’re looking at Antawn Jamison who wants to go home to play in Charlotte.

Alex in Burbank

Hi Eric, why are the Lakers still in discussions with Orlando regarding Howard? He has already said he will only resign with Brooklyn. Why would the Lakers even think about trading the next best center if Howard is just going to walk afterwards? Please help me understand the Lakers logic in this.

Eric Pincus

Sometimes what people say has no bearing on decisions. This is a poker game, it’s not a simple math problem like 1+1=2. Bluffing, bulling, manipulating, posturing, etc. That’s the NBA on the business end. And I mean that as a compliment.

Sean

Wolves get Gasol
Kings get Beasley (sign &trade)
Lakers get Tyreke Evans and Derrick Williams and non-garaunteed contract of Brad Miller.

Kings probably not getting enough in return?

Eric Pincus

Beasley for Tyreke? I’m going to say no there.

Alex in Burbank

Can Minnesota sign and trade Beasly? Or is this not allowed anymore? I was thinking they can do Derek Williams, Michael Beasly and JJ as the core players for Gasol. Would Minnesota do this or better yet, would the Lakers accept a trade like this? Williams is only 21. I would do it, but then again I’m not a GM.

Eric Pincus

Wolves can sign and trade Beasley.

Zeeshan

So, out of the 5 finalists that Brandon Roy chose as his potential destinations, who are the front runners? I say Chicago.

Eric Pincus

Don’t sleep on Minnesota.

Nick

Are the Rockers high? giving asik 8.3 million a year???!! damn. anyways, do the bulls match that?

Eric Pincus

In the previous CBA that might have been a much bigger deal spread out over five years.

James

Hibbert to Blazers?? if that happens, the pacers really need eric gordon for that scoring right?

Eric Pincus

Pacers have to decide if they build around this core with an aging David West and less-effective Danny Granger. How does Hibbert fit long-term. How would Gordon. It’s a puzzle with no clear answer – and what Indiana has to get through to reach their destination.

LAKERS

i like hinrich in a lakers uniform. thoughnts?

Eric Pincus

Hinrich 3-4 years ago agree. Now, not so much.

DC

OK, why would LAL even consider D12 if he publicly states only resign/extend with one team (unless it’s LAL)? Perhaps they’re confident that he’ll sign with them. If Bynum is the chip, they’ll still have Gasol
outside not to his liking.D12 is headcase like Bynum almost. Comments? Thanks for the great work as always.

Eric Pincus

Lakers are pretty confident once in LA, they’d be able to keep Howard – but it’s not a slam-dunk yet – obviously no trade to speak of.

muffinalt

Hey Eric! Good luck for your daughter’s future basketball career!

Being a Cavs fan, I heard numerous interviews and sources raving about Tristan Thompson’s offseason improvements. Have you heard any news? Something big or just solid improvements?

And what do you think about the pairing of Kyrie and Waiters? Great potential or some major concerns?

Thanks, appreciate the chats!

Eric Pincus

I like where the Cavs are going though I suggest having some patience. It won’t be an immediate success – but good starting points.

Jesse

Hello Mr. Pincus and thanks for your weekly chat…love your objectivity…so these Howard rumors with the clips…is it even possible with blake, paul, and howard all making around 20 mil? i mean, they’re gonna want clips to take Turk too right?…would notoriously stingy DTS pay luxury like that? I would absolutely love it but it doesn’t seem feasible…inject some common sense please…thanx

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard the Clippers aren’t seriously in the Howard chase right now. Do they have an eye on it? Of course – but they’re proceeding without Howard and that’s not being cheap, that’s being realistic. They have Blake Griffin singing an extension as soon as it’s legal. DeAndre Jordan can block any trade until December. Just not the right situation for Howard to LAC.

Jesse

1 more quick question regarding Billups…since the clips have his full bird rights, i read somewhere that they can sign him to whatever deal without using their mle…is this true and how does this signing affect the luxury tax and other exceptions? thankz again

Eric Pincus

They could have done about the same without his Bird Rights, just with smaller raises but since they’re talking a one-year deal – not really significant.

Chris

Hi Eric. What do you think the Bulls should do re: Omer Asik? Personally, I think they should let him go – $5,$5,and $14 is too much for a offensively challenged backup center. Instead, they should put that money towards some stop gap players (Kirk Hinrich, Marcus Camby,etc…) who can hold the fort until summer 2014. The Bulls need a 2nd superstar, not another overpaid role player.

Eric Pincus

Bulls have to decide if they’re a contender given Rose’s injury. Is it work dumping salary and recycling the talent so that when Derrick is fully healthy – they can go. I’m not sure where Asik fits in that – another quandary.

Brandon

hey the kings visited with ryan anderson and theyve been supposedly have been tryin to unload tyreke what about a ryan anderson s&t for tyreke

Eric Pincus

Anderson is a nice fit with Cousins, absolutely. It’s hard to get a read on the Magic there given their Howard situation. Not sure on where a S&T would be there, but I can see it. Depends obviously on where the Magic are on Tyreke who is also eligible for an extension.

Johnny

Why aren’t the blazers rumored to be pursuing OJ Mayo? I feel like he would be a good fit for a decent price.

Eric Pincus

Probably price-tag. Hibbert and Batum, if they stay for big money with Aldridge – probably can’t over-invest too in Mayo.

Johnny

I feel like the Blazers are in a bad situation in regards to Nicolas Batum, with the recent max deal between them and Hibbert. Do you think there is anyway for them to get both? What is your take on the situation?

Eric Pincus

Blazers wonder too! Hard decisions ahead for both Portland and Indiana.

charlie lakers

Hi Eric – With latest Nets development, do you put Howard coming to LAL at more than 50% now? When do you think we hear from D WIll? Is Nash going to Toronto? And Calderon may end up with LAL? Thanks

Eric Pincus

You gotta remember the Pincus Principle (as coined by Larry Coon) that says no trade/deal is more than 49% likely, ever. To say more than 50%? Yikes. This isn’t even in that ballpark. The Odom/Mo trade neared 49% when it was all but acknowledged by the parties involved – clearly Bynum/Howard/Lakers isn’t near 50%.

ANTHONY PASCUA

There are alot of solid free agent vets out there. I understand the Lakers do not have alot of money to spend, but why do think no one really wants to go to the Lakers? If I was an aging vet and pretty much on my last leg to get a ring or another, why wouldn’t you go to a veteran team that may compete for championship next year?

Eric Pincus

Typically players, who have a very short earning potential in their careers, go for money well before a chance at a ring.

Deven

What’s the latest on Tim Duncan re-upping with San Antonio?

Eric Pincus

He will, just a matter of when.

Alex

Chances of Lewis signing with the Lakers? I think the Lakers can offer to him the most minutes off the bench maybe even a starter. It is so frustrating to watch all big free agents talking and signing with other teams and the Lakers because of their cap cannot do anything. The dagger to all of this IMO for a true Lakers fans are what Boston did in the Draft and what they might do in free agency.

Eric Pincus

I would say there’s a reasonable chance the Lakers end up with Rashard. He fits the need and if they get Howard? I would think even more-so.

Christian

Hello Mr. Pincus, greetings from germany after those devastating Euro2012 Finals. Spain truely deserves all the cheers and all-time great considerations.
Back to the way better sport.

If the Clippers are able to acquire J Crawford, which wing do you see them get rid of? I personally think Nick Young did a good job, but his game is to similar to the one of J Cross. I watched Randy since he joined the Clips and i really like him in that rosterspot. To me Foye is also the better bench guy. What´s your opinion on that one? Enjoy your Chats, keep on giving me inside action when my ILP expires.

PS: Am i able to watch Summerleague overseas?

Cheers

Chris

Eric Pincus

The Clippers would like to have CP3/Bledsoe/Billups/presumably Crawford – and then they need a three behind Caron Butler so that could end up Nick Young or a role player in free agency. It would depend on how much other teams are offering Nick.

No idea on Summer League at this time – should be on NBA TV – but do you get that in Germany?

LA in LA

Would the Lakers use their MLE on Brandon Rush? He would be a good replacement for Matt Barnes. He doesn’t rebound as well as Barnes but he is a great 3pt shooter that Lakers desperately need. Most of the other wing options like Nick Young, OJ Mayo, etc are too expensive for Lakers…

Eric Pincus

Great fit but restricted and the Warriors want to keep him.

LongTimeLakerFan

Do you think Minnesota can come up with a package including Derrick Williams that the
Lakers would accept for Pau? Think they’d include Pekovic?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe Derrick Williams is LA’s primary target although it depends on a lot of other factors, specifically where Howard lands.

Hh

News on lakers?

Eric Pincus

Only “official” news is that Darius Morris will be back for a year.

Shane

I don’t understand why Bynum is the best trade piece for Howard. Bynum is also on an expiring deal himself. Does he even want to play in Orlando? Does he want to extend there? He could leave at the end of the year and Orlando would be right back where they started from. How is that the best deal?

Eric Pincus

Bynum would be happy playing in Orlando and would be open to an extension.

LakersSD

With talk of a potential deal for Howard/J.Rich and possibly Hedo for Bynum/MWP and maybe other pieces… If this deal goes through, do Lakers still move Gasol? If so, is Josh Smith in play or is Minny the better option? Say Derek Williams, Pekovic and a S&T Beasley for Gasol

Eric Pincus

Yes, the Lakers still look to move Gasol- they’d have the same math problem in 2013/14 when the graduated tax takes hold.

Chris

Where is market interest for Nick Young at this offseason? If we land one of our target FAs at the wing (J Crawford, Ray Allen, OJ Mayo, JR) is it realistic he comes back for the $4.4M Clips can offer w/o using MLE?

Eric Pincus

The market gets set with players like Crawford, Terry, Ray Allen, OJ Mayo – before Young. We’ll have to wait and see if a team offers the full MLE.

Jason

Is it possible for the lakers to get both dwight howard and deron williams? We could send dwight howard for bynum, then either amensty pau gasol contract. Or trade him and buyout the returning assets similar to atlanta with jordan farmar.

Eric Pincus

Deron, I hear, is likely to be a Net at this point.

john

Hi Eric,
do you see a realistic chance for the Bulls to get Billups? Would make a lot sense. Can play PG while Rose is injured and when he comes back he can back up both guard spots. So He will get a lot of minutes on a contending team.

Eric Pincus

I hear Billups wants to stay with the Clippers.

Gregory

Does Andrew Bynum have the same concerns about playing with Kobe going forward that Dwight Howard reportedly does?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think much of this has to do with Kobe.

brENTERTAINMENT

Hi Eric – long time listener, 1st time caller – love the chats & articles! I was thinking now that the Hawks have freed up salary, would that possibly open up a door for a pau/j.smith trade possibility? And with a bynum/howard swap still on the table for howard, smith could swing howard LA’s way….? Just day-dreaming here….

Eric Pincus

They cleared up a lot of cap room – was that to pay Gasol $19 million a year? I can’t say that feels right.

KobeB24

Why does it seem like none of the big stars want to play for the lakers? Is it Kb, the org, or something else?

Eric Pincus

Has only to do with money. Howard is the first “star” I can recall saying he didn’t want to be a Laker.

pjax fish

Was the 60th pick a good one? They say we should have taken tu hol? Is sacre as good as turiaf?

Eric Pincus

Sacre has size and a chance to make the roster. I haven’t seen enough of him or the other players to say LA missed out. I think at 60 you just go with the gut there – best player available.

Jason

Eric, you are my LA life line. Been studing and working in NYC and I miss the sunny weather, palm trees, and my Lakers. So question. As of today what is your best guess-timation about Howard and the Lakers. You think LA can convince him to play. is the LA love (and financial benefits) enough to keep Howard in LA (if he comes). What about gasol. I was suprised that you thought LA would trade him if they got howard. I would have guessed they would have need his inside offense as Howard is still clumsy post scorer as of yet. Then in two years, no kobe or gasol. Howard is then LA’s man.

Eric Pincus

Thanks Jason – it’s more about math than it is on court product. That’s the negative of the new CBA for teams like the Lakers.

Christian Frank

Why aren’t the Laker’s going after Brandon Roy?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers had discussions with Roy but both parties left feeling it wasn’t the right fit at this time.

Richard

Hello Eric. Simple question gauging your preference of player; if you were the Lakers, would you pull the trigger on a Bynum for Howard?

Keep in mind, he’s just had a procedure, has become a nuisance as of late, and may only be a 1-year rental.

Also, could you breakdown a possible trade that would work if the Magic were interested in dealing for Bynum? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I would say, if I believed in Howard being healthy after doing due diligence – I’d do Howard over Bynum.

Ryan Howard

With the Joe Johnson trade and the possibility of Deron Williams re-signing Do the Nets have a shot at trading for Dwight Howard and signing long-term?

Eric Pincus

Still do sure – really up to Magic though and some of the free agents the Nets would want to involve in a S&T. Not easy to say the least.

Kurt

What do you think of the moves the Jazz have made so far? do you expect more moves to come?

Eric Pincus

I don’t love the Marvin Williams acquisition but I don’t mind it either. Mo is solid. He has a lot to prove and while he can be a little me-first with the ball, I like the team’s heart, financial flexibility and imposing frontline.

Jonathan C

Would a Pau Gasol for Zach Randolph & Tony Allen make sense for the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Not really given how much Zach makes. The fact that Zach has a lot of his payments deferred would help,but don’t see it with tax burden. I won’t say absolutely no but probably no.

Pete

No offense to Lang Greene. Eric, Dwight won’t agree to extend his contract in Atlanta will he?

Eric Pincus

He might, if he gets there first.

Jonathan C

Do you think signing Chauncey Billups would be a good idea for the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Yes and no – the no is that he might not be healthy to start the season. The yes is fit – but maybe I’m thinking Billups of a handful of years ago. Regardless, Lakers can’t out-spend the Clippers here.

John L.A.

Eric, i know this is a strange question but should Kobe retire or be traded to make room for a new superstar?

Eric Pincus

I’ll say no.

Dwayne

Any chance the Lakers interested in Marco Belinelli? Would be the shooter we’ve needed since trading away the machine and I think he can be had for the mmle

Eric Pincus

Some interest.

vicsosuave

qualifying offer for darious Morris?…do the Lakers see something in this kid that everyone else doesnt?

Eric Pincus

I like Morris actually. He has some ability but like with most prospects coming into the league it takes time.

Jesus Shuttlesworth

What everyone really wants to know is have you received another massage since getting the one you received on camera?

Eric Pincus

Funny and yes . . .

Coach Greer

Would Bledsoe and Jordan present a more appealing than Drew. The reasoning is that the Magic would control the contracts of the two Clips.

Eric Pincus

Start by asking DeAndre if he wants to go to Orlando. He can block a trade until December. I would argue Bynum is a center you can build around while Jordan is the complementary big. Bledsoe is a nice piece but I’d still go Drew.

Mashkareem

If the Lakers could convince Howard to come to LA, would they balk at taking on Hedo’s contract? Would they prefer Jason Richardson? I would take Richardson…his contract is smaller and he’s the perfect backup for Kobe.

Eric Pincus

Richardson’s is shorter but longer and Hedo’s second year has a nice buy-out in it for about $6 million so we’ll see – if it comes down to that and LA ends up taking one (I’d assume with Metta World Peace and/or Steve Blake/Josh McRoberts out) then it’s a coin-flip based on what the Lakers prefer in that moment.

Mashkareem

I heard that Lakers were intersted in Jamal Crawford. Do they think they can get him for $3M a year? I doubt it so why are they even considering that?

Eric Pincus

Lakers aren’t in the Crawford market.

Hen1040

Steve Nash… Why are the raptors messing up this off season. LOL! I really want Nash in NY. I really think they can battle the heat with his addition.

Eric Pincus

Every man for themselves . . .

Tim E

No love on this chat?

Eric Pincus

Always love in my chats, wouldn’t do them otherwise.

Andy

Would the lakers agree to a deal sending Marion, Carter and Beaubois to LA in exchange for Gasol? A Dirk-Pau-combination would be awesome right?

Eric Pincus

Don’t see that going down . . .

big kev

Although Joe Johnson has a ridiculous contract, he is a good addition for the Nets. If they do trade for Howard and bring back Deron Williams, that is a solid 3 to build around. My question is this: Who do you see the Nets being able to sign to fill out their roster after making all these moves?

Eric Pincus

I like what the Nets are doing with or without Howard.

Mashkareem

Are the Lakers interested in Grant Hill? It seems like he’s interested in Miami for mini exceptions. So why aren’t the Lakers going after him? I know he’s old, but for $3M a year he can still play and contribute, can’t he?

Eric Pincus

Lakers have always had interest in Grant Hill – no word if there’s any movement towards something. When the dust settles it would not surprise me but Grant would need to take the minimum.

Scott

Any idea what the Clippers get out of the Reggie Evans S/T with Brooklyn?

Eric Pincus

It’s really a favor to Reggie, the Nets and for a trade exception (and some long-away second round pick that may never come).

Mashkareem

Is OJ Mayo an option for the lakers? I heard he wants at least the mid level exception, which wouldn’t work for the lakers. But could they get him via sign and trade involving their TPE?

Eric Pincus

You have to send the Grizzlies some reason to do this. Is there one? And would LA be wiling to invest the necessary $ into Mayo? I say no.

Mashkareem

What is the update on Sessions? How much is he asking for and how much did the Lakers offered him? How about Jordan Hill? There seems to be a lot of teams interested in him. Although he’s not a big focus of the Lakers future rotation, he would be great piece to hold on to.

Eric Pincus

Neither are top tier free agents so they have to wait in line.

Jordan

Eric,

Why are the Clippers trying to sign Ryan Hollins instead trying to resign Reggie Evans?

Eric Pincus

Hollins is a real seven-footer.

tony

did toronto over pay landry fields is he a stater for them

Eric Pincus

I’m good with it. I like Fields.

Turiaf

any chance lakers use their trade exception for a guy like dorell wright? Also won’t be delfino a good pick up for mini mle incase lakers can’t sign brandon rush?

Eric Pincus

Not sure I’d make Delfino the primary acquisition. Wright can probably be had but a later consideration.

melo

why arent they lakers trying to sign rashad lewis he would be perfect 6 man

Eric Pincus

Who said they aren’t?

Iron

Eric, why does it seem that other franchises (Miami, Brooklyn, Dallas, etc.) are content with or aggressively approached the “three superstar” model in terms of building their franchise and competing for championships, while the Lakers seem to almost be trying to get out of it any way they can?

Are they that averse to the luxury tax? Is Kobe’s contract making the three star lineup too punitive for the Lakers? Your thoughts on their approach and what they can realistically do to improve the team?

Eric Pincus

It’s the make-up of the current three you’re talking about and how much they’re paid – compare that to the Miami trio. Not close.

Ryan Howard

i have read in several different reports, since Bynum came alive this year and was an all-star that him and Kobe’s relationship has gotten alot better. That they are much more closer and Kobe is mentoring him on leadership and all, with that being said do you think that this is something that the Lakers would want to break up?

Eric Pincus

Yes it is, for the right return.

jim

is there any reason why the lakers think their garbage is better than the rest of the leagues? why would orlando want bynum AND metta? they should have to give bynum and gasol and take d12 and hedo

Eric Pincus

I don’t think that’s an accurate take on it. You can argue no Metta – but then Lakers would argue no Turkoglu, etc.

Rod

Why is no one talking about Ersan Ilyasova??! Where is HE going?

Eric Pincus

Possibly Nets if things don’t pan out with Dwight.

JairoOlarte

Eric, Greetings from Cali Colombia, thanks for keeping us informed about the Lakers, Eric truly your time you exit to the stagnation that has the Lakers, I see the good free agents are the other teams are bringing to the economic constraints of the Lakers, Gasol’s real value is low for the other teams and apparently LA is no longer an attractive place for players. For you as the Lakers can go back to being title contenders. I see the other teams better and the lakers are still stagnant.

Thank you.

Eric Pincus

You’re jumping to conclusions I would say – the path is not yet clear.

vicsosuave

this is more like an opinion. I dont see the lakers winning a championship during the remainder of KB24′s career with the lakers.

Eric Pincus

Certainly within the realm of possiblity.

druski

Do the Clips get a $3m trade exemption that the Nets slide Evans into? If so, what do you see them doing with it, pairing it with Gomes’ contract? Is Courtney Lee staying with Houston? Maybe he’s a Clipper if Crawford/Allen fall through? What are the Clips doing about backup at the 5?

Eric Pincus

Long chat today – I did my best to get to everything but there just wasn’t enough time and I went way, way over. Let’s do it again next week.

Druski,

If Evans is getting $1.6 million starting to play in Brooklyn, then the Clippers get a $1.6 million trade exception that they can use to bring in a player making up to $1.7 million. Trade exceptions cannot be combined with players or other exceptions.

The Clippers have interest in Lee, absolutely, but given he’s a restricted free agent it’s tempered. Ryan Hollins looks like the backup five. We’ll see if the Clippers fully execute their plan.