NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 8/14/12

Chris

Will Mia repeat

Eric Pincus

No more Dwight Howard trade questions? Wonder if we’ll have anything to talk about? Let’s chat and find out:

Chris – I would say the HEAT have a real chance to repeat. They’re better than they were last year so unless the Lakers can prove better – or OK City, etc. – then we could see another Miami ring.

Luka

Why does morris,gould,ebanks stay with lakers?That ruins their carrer and they recive less then a million for that.They could easily find club in europe for same salary and actually play ball and improve as lakers.Lakers arent place for rookies.

Eric Pincus

If the dream is to play in the NBA, it may not be about the money. Learning from the Lakers and building a resume, even if it’s mostly as a practice player – isn’t such a bad way to go.

WIZARD

What season do you predict for wizards and wall?What numbers he needs to have for all star?

Eric Pincus

I’m not really sure yet where to place the Wizards. They are, in my mind – a bubble team in the East. I have Miami/Boston/Indiana/Brooklyn/New York/Philadelphia as the top-6 teams (that’s not in order) – so two spots for Bulls, Hawks, Wizards any some of the upstarts (Bucks, Pistons, etc.). I would say Washington has a real chance this year and if they’re well in the playoff mix – around 5-6 by All-Star, I could see Wall get some consideration.

Ronny

Do you see pistons making some moves to trim logjam on sf.?Of prince,jerebko,maggete,singler and middeleton who has most chances to be traded?Can you imagine some playoff team trading at deadline for prince an expiring contract?

Eric Pincus

The question on moving Maggette – can the Pistons get something worth giving up potential cap room next summer? Or with Prince, can they additionally trim to get further under the cap. At this point Tayshaun may scare off some teams with the number of years on his salary (three years) but I wouldn’t be surprised if they find a taker around the deadline. It’s a little early to project such things. Teams tend to fall in love with their rosters during the summer and it isn’t until 10-20 games into the season they realize – ain’t so pretty.

Jazzaholic

Your thoughts on the new GM Dennis Lindsey, and keeping keeping KOC as his boss?
Mo and Marvin Williams and Randy Foye?
Derrick Favors?

Eric Pincus

The Jazz are a well-run organization and this is just another strong move. Lindsey is a strong presence without being pushy, etc. He knows the game. O’Conner is still a factor – another long-time, strong executive. The Jazz are well-built for a team preparing for cap room next summer. Normally it’s not so pretty. It won’t be easy to stay a playoff team but there’s enough talent there – the Jazz should be in the mix.

Winston

What’s your opinion on the Mavs’ ceiling/basement performance-wise this upcoming season?

Also, amongst the Hawks, Lakers, Nets, Mavs, rate them according to likelihood Dwight joins on a long-term deal.

Thanks!

Eric Pincus

The Mavs are good – they’ll still be a playoff team. I don’t think they’re a true contender as built but they’re talented and did a great job rebuilding without extending real money beyond this season. I don’t anticipate Dwight walking to the Mavs but it has to be mentioned as a possibility. The Nets don’t have the means to get Howard next offseason. The Hawks are a dark horse but I really think he just stays with the Lakers.

Chris

Hi Eric. Is Jerry Buss the best in the biz at swindling other teams and buying championships? Having teams/owners around like the Lakers/Jerry Buss sure make following your own team frustratingly pointless.

Eric Pincus

I don’t really agree there with some of the negatives. Lakers have five titles since 2000 but that’s less than half. LA is also one of the primary drivers of league revenue sharing, etc.

Rico

Now that the Howard deal is complete and the Lakers have signed Jodie Meeks, who do you expect to fill the Lakers last two roster spots? I think G.Lock is unlikely to be retained with Jodie Meeks likely to take all the minutes at the back up 2 spot. Do you think Lakers sign Robert Sacre and Johnson-Odom to fill the last two spots or do they keep a roster spot open in case some veteran gets waived mid-season?

Eric Pincus

I don’t think LA needs to try and convert Goudelock to a point guard anymore. The question is – can he help the team as a shooter and where can they put him on the floor defensively? A Nash/G-Lock backcourt will have its deficiencies defensively. He has a non-guaranteed contract so he’ll have to earn his spot. LA has 13 guaranteed players and will add more for camp – probably Sacre and DJO, but they too will have to make it past camp. I’m not sure LA adds another vet. There’s been some rumor about Kenyon Martin but nothing I’ve heard on that front out of Los Angeles. Martin does have his children in LA, so maybe that plays into things but I’m skeptical.

jesse

First of all…WOW…lakers are truly the best organization on all of sports…WOW…ok so do u know who was the driving force in negotiations for the lakers, jim or mitch or by committee? i mean orlando got peanuts…they should’ve gone for gasol to flip him to houston for more assets, who is now left without a dancing partner right…Thanks bud

Eric Pincus

The Magic had a goal and they achieved that goal. They got under the tax. They got a young player they’re really excited about in Harkless. They received draft considerations, other youth and dumped Jason Richardson/Chris Duhon. Should they have gotten more? Perhaps but the Lakers didn’t want to deal Gasol and the Magic didn’t want to pay him. Is there a promise from the Rockets that they’d take Pau off Orlando’s hands? It’s easy to speculate but in actual negotiations? Different story.

Mutangclan

Hey Eric, since once again, ONE team is going to spend what, 30-40million more than anyone else now and just pile up all the best players, I’ll just ask Laker fan questions from now on, since this is the kind of league the NBA wants. My typical Laker fan question: Now that WE have Dwight, do you think we can just trade MWP and Luke Walton for Carmelo and Paul Pierce to back him up and shore up that SF position? Thanks Eric, go Lakers.

Eric Pincus

Actually the new rules get increasingly restrictive under the new CBA. The Lakers took advantage of the limited chance they had to strike. I don’t view things as that one sided but the Lakers clearly benefited from this individual situation. Certainly the Suns didn’t have to S&T Nash – which won’t be legal moving forward after this season to a tax team like the Lakers.

Larry B

If you had to guess right now, Who will win ROY? Id go with Damian Lillard. He had a great summer league and I think he’ll have a easier transition, and he’s also playing with a top 3 pf so that doesn’t hurt.

Eric Pincus

It would not surprise me – he looked fantastic in Vegas.

Kevin

I have a lot of respect for the Buss family for always putting a great team on the court by spending the money and running top notch organization. And Kupchak is a gangster! Their ability to get Howard was outstanding!
Now, I don’t want to be the one to start this trend or look for a problem, but, Mike Brown said “We’re still going to do a lot of the stuff we did last year. We’re just incorporating some of the Princeton stuff!” So why did you hire Eddie Jordon. With all these big personalities and talented individuals, I would just like to have a coaching staff that had it all planned out, with the wrinkles worked out. Not necessarily “The Triangle”, but I don’t want you to be working it out at this point! Yeah, yeah I know you probably have a lot of respect for Coach Brown and his staff, but tell us what you really think?
p.s. I love the Meeks pick-up also!

Eric Pincus

This is a team I’d love to see Phil Jackson coach – with some point-guard tweaks in the triangle. Mike Brown will have to prove quickly that he’s the right guy. Of course talent alone may mean a breeze through the regular season so the test may not come until postseason. Mike may be up to the task – may not be.

ken

eric luv your work on hoopsworld…

who are the top 8 west and the top 8 east teams// are there any suprise teams..

Eric Pincus

Thanks Ken – I touched on the East already. The West – and not in a specific order – are topped by the Thunder/Lakers/Spurs/Clippers/Grizzlies with some Nuggets/Mavericks – leaving one spot for the Jazz/Wolves/Warriors – and to a lesser extent Suns. I have Rockets, Blazers, Kings and Hornets on the outside looking in.

kenny

what do you see the back up roster looking like for the lakers?? really liked darius game durring the summer, do you see him getting most of the backup pg minutes??

do you see any players getting bought out or traded for future draft picks??

Eric Pincus

Both Gasol and Hill will back up Howard. Jamison, Hill and Clark will back up Gasol. Backing up World Peace will be Ebanks, Bryant and Jamison. Meek, Ebanks, Blake, Goudelock, Johnson-Odom behind Bryant (depending on who makes the roster). At the point I’d see the minutes behind Nash divided primarily between Duhon and Blake with spot minutes for Morris. I’m curious to see what exactly Clark is capable of because he may, in theory, be able to play three positions although he’s certainly not a center.

Aristotle

Heya Eric,
I think it’s time Sacramento got out of Cali and headed to Seattle or something, because s**t’s bout to get serious with the battle of LA between the Lakers and the Clippers. Something tells me CP3 isn’t intimidated by Dwightmare and Nashty and this series is gonna get extremely physical. Bet you can’t wait for their first game vs each other.

Eric Pincus

I look forward to seeing it all this year. Seattle needs to get their arena together – dealing with the politics of that situation now. It’d be nice to see a return to Seattle – be it Kings or other.

LA in LA

Hey Eric, great job on the reporting and salary pages.

Do you think Lakers waive (or buy out if necessary) Goudelock contract to make room for DJO? As far as I can tell DJO is more athletic, a better defender, seems to make more little plays (i.e setting screens) than Glock while only being a slightly worse shooter.
Also, if you had to would YOU cut Goudelock for DJO (assuming Glock doesn’t look better in training camp)

Eric Pincus

Thanks – I’ve put a lot of time into the salary pages. The Lakers spent $500k to get Johnson-Odom’s rights so that suggests to me he may have the edge over Goudelock (whose skills are duplicated by the more-seasoned Meeks). We’ll have to wait and see.

Azzar Nadvi

I was going over your team salary pages. Nice work man and interesting stuff. Kobe says he will play 2-3 more years. I don’t buy that because he has two more years under contract and I don’t think that will be the end of him. Aafter that, I doubt he will sign a one year contract. Atleast 2 year maybe 3. Assuming Dwight resigns 5 year 105 mil, lakers will have 30 million on 2 guys 2014. Nash and Dwight. Do you think Kobe will sign for 10 mil a year and Pau sign for 7 million a year to stay in LA? Is 47 mil for those 4 too much under new cba?
Do you see this happening or do you think Pau will be traded before summer of 2014. I hope he stays unless incredible talent comes back. And also, how will they fill the rest of the roster? Will they have enough money to sign high profile FA? Thanks

Eric Pincus

I don’t see either playing at a major discount. We’ll talk down the road, down the road a bit.

Azzar Nadvi

Dude… your wife bumped into Dwight Howard… what are the chances of that?! why dont i EVER run into famous people jeeze some people are just so lucky. (i do live in SOCAL)

Eric Pincus

If you spend some time in the Marina, you’ll likely bump into some NBA players.

octagon bawwwLer

Fun question,on a ufc match who wins? Bynum vs cousins, wade vs pierce? Kg vs b.griffin? Light weights cp3 vs rondo?

Eric Pincus

Cousins, Pierce, Garnett and a never-ending draw in the light-weight division.

fish burrito for lunch

Hot california day today! Do u see duhon as a poorman’s andre miller? Will he get minutes against blake? And will earl clark be the next shannon b or ariza, a trade throw in turned energy guy?

Eric Pincus

Duhon was generally disliked by Orlando fans – at least the ones I’ve been in contact with. I’m curious to see if he can still defend and spot up. We’ll see on Clark – he’s yet to prove he can play at this level but that may have been situational.

Alex in Burbank

The Lakers are incorporating some of the Princeton offense into their game this season thanks to Eddie Jordan. Can you please explain to us how this offense works? Thanks!

Eric Pincus

Just think triangle offense but different – players always in motion, reading and reacting to what the defense is doing – instead of set play calls, iso/two-man games that have others cleared out and standing in one spot. There will still be some of that mind you – but they’ll have some level of Princeton/motion in play.

pacquiao punch

Any word on bynum’s opinion of the trade? Do u feel he can average 27 points,14 reb, and 2.9 blks? Allstar starter beast of the east? Thanks EP, i wish all the hw chats are longer, all of u guys are cool!

Eric Pincus

I’ve heard Bynum is happy with the move. Thanks for the comments. I think Andrew could be the All-Star starter.

Beau

I did the research on Earl Clark, and I see he is a 6’10 combo forward and a great defender. Any chance of him seeing some time guarding Durant?

Eric Pincus

If Clark can realize the potential he had coming in – sure. In reality? No telling yet.

Tony

Hey Eric,

Lakers have had a busy off season. However, I feel they can still do more. If they already are on a spending spree, over the luxury tax, why not spend a little bit more. I am still not 100% sold on the roster. Are the Lakers done with this roster?

Kobe, Meeks, Goudelock, Johnson Odom
Nash, Duhon, Morris, Blake
Dwight, Jordan Hill
Gasol, Jamison, Earl Clark
World Peace, Ebanks

Looks like there are too many guards, not enough depth at forward/center. I feel Duhon can play both SG and PG. I think he is better option than Morris. I think Goudelock is what he has shown so far, and wont be any better, and I do not think Earl Clark has any potential.
What will happen if one of their 2 SF (MWP / Ebanks) gets injured?

I would rather waive Morris, Goudelock (non guaranteed contract), and Earl Clark, and keep Johnson Odom and Duhon.
We are short at the SF and PF position.
I would then sign a guy like Martell Webster, Al Thornton, or even Josh Howard for an extra SF position. And no matter what everyone says about him, I would sign Blatche for cheap too.If he or his attitude is a problem, then simply waive him (just like they did with Rodman years ago). That would make this roster set up nicely.

Your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers just re-signed Morris – they’re not going to waive him. Blatche? Nah, I wouldn’t go there.

Aaron Golden

What are the chances that CP3 signs the extension? Darko, Yi, Blatche, Anderson and Diop are all still on the amnesty line… any good fits for the Clippers and teams around the NBA?

Eric Pincus

CP3 won’t sign an extension but I do think there’s a decent chance he re-signs this summer. I’m not sure what the amnesty line is – and especially how that relates to Yi and Anderson? I don’t anticipate much left from the Clippers in free agency other than camp invites.

Harry From Philly

Now that the Lakers finally got D12 do you think they would be better off keeping Pau Gasol or moving him for Josh Smith and parts to make the numbers match up since Pau Gasol makes a little more money then Josh Smith. Sure Pau Gasol is a better passer and will work good with Steve Nash and he will work good with D12, but his numbers and Josh Smith numbers are almost identical. Plus Josh Smith is younger and more athletic and it would also help that he’s one of D12′s best friends and that and a championship will keep them both in LA since there both free agents come the summer of 2013.This trade would make the Lakers younger and better overall in my opinion as long as Josh Smith play within the game and not force to many jump shots. I think the combo of D12 and Josh Smith can be two building blocks for life after Kobe for the Lakers. What’s your thoughts.

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe the Lakers look to move Gasol right now – and I don’t believe the Hawks look to move Smith right now.

marc pal

Hello Eric,

I just checked out your breakdown of the Lakers salary after the 2012-2013 season. Seems like the Lakers will have $62 million in guaranteed contracts with Chris Duhon as a non-guaranteed, Jodie Meeks as a team option, and Andrew Goudelock as a Team qualifier. If the Lakers manage to trade Gasol for an expiring contract (Josh Smith) and then amnesty Metta or Steve Blake, they can be under the salary cap in the $6 million to $13 million range.

If that happens, do you see them going after Chris Paul? John Wall? James Harden?

Will they be able to sign one of those marquee guys and then sign Howard long term, since they have his Bird rights?

Eric Pincus

I think this season will determine Gasol’s fate. If the team wins a title, I could see the Lakers keep him beyond this year. If they don’t, he would probably be the piece they move to fill out the roster to be built around Howard moving forward.

Alex in Burbank

Eric, who is/was more explosive? Blake Griffin or Shawn Kemp in his prime? And better PG dunker? Westbrook, Webb or Steve Francis?

Eric Pincus

In game – Westbrook. Webb because of his size was a blast. I’d argue that Griffin is more explosive but then we’re talking grains of sand difference here – Kemp was a beast.

Jazzaholic

Will Hack-a-Howard be the order of the day?

Eric Pincus

Yes.

jits

Any report on Lakers signing Matt Barnes?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe he’ll return to Lakers.

alex

Hello Eric,
Lets see if I understand this correctly – we Laker fans wish for a player – snap our fingers or click our heels and that players appears on the Lakers roster. After the summer we had should I even bother to do that?

Eric Pincus

Hmm – not my experience covering the Lakers the last decade – although certainly this summer is the exception (and certainly the Pau summer). Can we say last year things didn’t go so well for LA with CP3?

Alex

So Nash and howard (providing he inks with lakers next year) are the only ones on the Lakers roster in summer of 2014 when Durant LBJ and others are free agents. So the Lakers will have room for 2 max deal contracts or one max and lets say bring back Kobe at around 10-13 mil/per. Interesting scenario Buss and Kupchak has created to look forward to…Oh and do anybody else think that the Lakers and their fans overvalue their players?

Eric Pincus

It really depends on how the Lakers build to then. I could even see a Nash trade towards the end to Toronto – a two-year run with Kobe and then out. It depends of course if Bryant wants back for another year, because he’s kind of a cap taker.

jalapeno dawg

The clippz have some good free agent signings that all of us like but i feel like they are step behind from their 2011-12 roster, yes they are got better offense wise.but defensively they lost some toughness on reggie evans and kenyon martin. My prediction is they will be an 6- 9 seed in the west. Your take?

Eric Pincus

I see the Clippers as better than they were a year ago, assuming Griffin’s knee is nothing but a minor offseason setback.

John

With the acquisitions of Howard/Clark/Duhon and more recently Meeks it’s hard to imagine that the Lakers would have any more needs to fill. But i strongly believe that there is one glaring weakness that needs to be addressed for the Lakers; that is the back up PG position. Not to take away anything from Blake or Duhon, as they should be enough to back up Nash. But I still believe the Lakers need a young athletic guard should Nash go down with an injury. And the fact that Jonny Flynn is still available is amazing in my opinion. Like Jordan Hill he’s bounced around since his rookie season, unlike Hill he had an excellent rookie year and showed potential. As we saw last year in the last couple of games and playoffs with Hill. So my question is do you see the Lakers giving Flynn a chance?, especially when I can’t imagine he would command a salary that would be anything more than the minimum.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers are stocked with volume there at point guard. That’s who and what they are this season – if quality isn’t quite up to par, I don’t see a change.

Crismo

Where would you rank the Clippers’ and Lakers’ bench compared to the rest of the league?

Eric Pincus

Both are strong.

ceasar flamingo

2 owners who hates super teams are cuban and gilbert. But dont they remember they are one of those owners who started this trend. Cuban got prime dirk,nash, prime jamison and antoine walker,mike finley and shawn bradley who basically under achieved, dan gilbert got shaq , some ben wallace, jamison, mo williams but also failed. Is’nt it ironic?

Eric Pincus

Every owner would like to have a super team.

Gustavo A Thomas

After D Howard trade,some people on the media, try to save the O Magic gm reputation,but the true is he drop the ball on the finish line,he cant get that they looking for on the trade,he no even get the best value on the market for the best NBA center right now.the Houston offert have better young players,better draft picks and better CAP relief and he goes other way,I dont know why.what you think?

Eric Pincus

Hmm – I don’t really see how much better the Houston offer might have been. Technically the Rockets could have taken back all Orlando’s junk and given them all their kids and picks – but that wasn’t the reality. I’d argue Moe Harkless is the best prospect between the two teams – although I might say Motiejunas has a bigger upside if he works out. Orlando really wanted a guard and liked Harkless more than Jeremy Lamb. I don’t think the Magic did exceptionally well but also think the opportunities weren’t as grand as people speculated.

Gustavo A Thomas

Ch Bulls starting 5 right now are, K Hinrich,R Hamilton,L Deng,C Boozer and J Noah. 5 overpay NBA players,how this team can win another championship like that,the only way to win again is rebuilding this team right now, please do that mr Reinsdorf for the fans. What you think?

Eric Pincus

I think their star got hurt so it’s a down year for the Bulls. Otherwise I’d rank Chicago as a top team in the East, behind the HEAT.

Eman

Whats up Eric? My question is how bout shifting Pau to the second unit, and having a strong bench: Duhon/Blake, Meeks, Ebanks, Jamison, and Gasol? These group of guys could be a starting 5 elsewhere. Also is Barbosa still an option?

Eric Pincus

I don’t like or understand that one re: Gasol. Also, I never really understood Barbosa to be an option the Lakers were seriously pursuing.

Allan

Eric, what do you think about Lakers signing Kenyon Martin? I think he is good for defensive assignments vs strong elite SF like Durant or Lebron. Martin is big/nasty/athletic enough to defend 3 positions (SF, PF, C). This is especially useful when Dwight is out with his back or when Dwight is in foul trouble.
What are your thoughts?

Eric Pincus

If Martin wants to come for short minutes (a stretch, but maybe with his kids in town) and short money (another stretch) – he’d add a nice versatile defender but I just don’t really see it.

John

Great stuff this offseason Eric! Anyone who follows your chats wasn’t surprised with Wojo’s tweet that Gary Sacks is the front runner for the Clipper’s GM job. When do you expect an official announcement? What do you think about the hire if that’s indeed the direction they go with? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

Thanks John – we’ll see what happens with Sacks. I know the Clippers are happy with how the team has functioned this offseason and the results were pretty solid.

Greg

Earlier in the summer, it appeared that trades had been based on salary figures for the just ended 2011/12 season. At what point did trades become based on salaries for the upcoming 2012/13 season?

Eric Pincus

The NBA’s year is July 1 to June 30 – that’s the threshold – it all flips on July 1.

Jp Co

Hi Eric, can Meeks slide to PG wen Nash is out? I think it is critical for coach Brown to have bigger guard when they meet OKC in the playoffs. To match up against Westbrook and Harden.Thanks

Eric Pincus

Meeks isn’t a point guard and while he has some combo skills, probably not enough to really play point. If anything he might play short three over clumsy one. I’m curious to see how much more there is to Meeks’ game than we saw in Philly.

Keith

Why wouldn’t the Magic have taken Pau Gasol in the trade? I understand them not wanting to add a contract of that size, but they could have done that trade, then flipped Gasol to the Rockets for several of their assets they were offering for Dwight. Would not have gotten the same haul as they would get on a Dwight offer, but still would have gotten some young assets, and off loaded another big contract with Gasol to Houston. Sounds like bad management for Orlando.

Eric Pincus

As I mentioned – are you sure the Rockets would do that? I’m not sold they would. If the Magic got what they believed to be the best “YES” they’d gotten all season – then why not take it? The other options are theoreticals.

Madiochus

Hate the Lakers but I’m a Jamison fan…he played SF for Golden State with great results…why is it assumed that Artest will be the starter at SF and Jamison will come off the bench? Artest is widely regarded as well past being the player he once was, yet Jamison came off another great year (albeit lower shooting percentage.) Jamison’s D isn’t as lock down as Artest’s but he is the better all-around player, in my opinion. Thanks for your time!

Eric Pincus

Jamison played SF with the Warriors alongside Wilt right? In other words, it’s been a while.

Randy

Which game do you think is more interesting: Lakers vs 76ers on Jan 1 or Lakers at Magic on March 12? What kind of reception do you think Bynum gets in LA and Howard in Orlando?

Eric Pincus

Lakers/Sixers. Bynum should be appreciated in LA – I’m thinking not so much for Howard in Orlando.

Matthew 'EL CAMPEON' Crawford

Can the heat afford to keep the Big 3 together? They are well into the tax for the next three seasons (assuming the big three do not exercise their ETO’s in 2014).

Miami isnt really a big market. Can these guys keep playing together or will fear of the Super Tax drive Mickey Arison to dismantle this team?

Oh and thanks for all your hard work on the Cap info for the site. I for one, appreciate seeing tweets at 5AM saying you are ‘done’. Thank you immensely. That is all.

Eric Pincus

Thanks El CAMPEON – happy to do the work. I expect the HEAT to stay together, tax bill and all.

Aaron

Hey Eric, I love your chats!
I was confused as to why the magic traded Chris Duhon since, unless i’m missing something, he was the only pg on the magic’s roster, and the lakers have no need for him since they have steve blake. Any insight as to why the magic got rid of him?

Eric Pincus

The Magic are rebuilding and would rather have other people play point guard than Duhon.

Chris

Would you trade Pau for some younger and cheaper players now like Josh Smith or Derrick Williams and filler to save on the tax hit that’s definitely coming?

Eric Pincus

I would like to see what Gasol looks like with Nash/Howard, etc.

Joaquin

Is Darius Morris’ contract guarantee for the year.

Eric Pincus

Yes and he has an implicit no-trade clause to boot.

Erik

Would you say that the Lakers now posess the best backcourt tandem (1-2) and front court tandem (4-5) in the NBA?

Eric Pincus

You can argue that but they certainly don’t have the youngest backcourt.

Hunter

Rumors been that Derrick Williams for verejoa is that true and if not who would the wolves go after for a big man

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard that.

kenny

eric… Since the lakers will have to pay a whole lot of tax next year do you think the lakers can make a deal with howard if he resigns where they will pay him a little less next year and pay him more in the years to come something like the jermey lin deal??

Eric Pincus

No, the Lin situation was unique to restricted free agents with Early Bird Rights.

charlie lakers

Hi Eric – Will Lakers need to hire more back therapists to work on D Howard and Steve Nash? Kidding aside – I think Lakers will turn Ebanks into a defensive specialist to back up World Peace. Ebanks did a heck of a job on KD during the come back game where Lakers beat Thunder in OT…

Eric Pincus

Consistency – that’s what Ebanks hasn’t shown yet. He has an opportunity here.

Scott

Where were you and what were you doing when you heard the Howard deal was going to happen?

Eric Pincus

At my youngest daughter’s kindergarten orientation.

Scott

Good time to be a Laker reporter?

Eric Pincus

I’ve always enjoyed my job covering the NBA Lakers, Clippers, etc.

Matt

Big Bobcats fan and follower of your chats. I was wondering if you’ve heard or think the Cats were going to continue looking to add to the frontcourt. I know they swung and missed with Jamison and Landry but I have a hard time thinking they’re content with Mullens and Biyombo starting, with a brittle Haywood on the bench.

Eric Pincus

The Bobcats are in that rebuilding mode so it’s going to come bit by bit. I like Biyombo btw – he’s a great kid. Hang in there, I think Kidd-Gilchrest will help start a culture change.

Kevin Nguyen

Hi Eric,
What are the Lakers’ weakness as the roster stands now?
By the way, I enjoy reading your articles and answers. Thanks

Eric Pincus

Thanks Kevin – obviously the Lakers are a little bit older – they don’t have a great backup point guard (though what they have in volume will probably suffice). Howard may or may not be totally healthy (back) and isn’t a good free throw shooter. Can the pieces blend? Will Kobe do too much at times? The usual. I’m not sure Mike Brown is the right coach for all this – we’ll have to wait and see.

BlazerFan

If Meyers Leonard gets around 20 minutes a game can we expect 7 points 6 rebounds 1 block?

Eric Pincus

I’m not much for predicting stats. Leonard is athletic but raw. I think he’ll get around that but who knows!?!?

BlazerFAN

If we haev no injuries and our rookies are producing nicely , can the blazers win 46-48 wins this season??

Eric Pincus

I don’t see it I’m afraid. I have Portland in the 35-42 range.

Mashkareem

I’m very excited about the addition of Meeks to the Lakers. I think it got lost in the middle of Dwight Howard trade and didn’t get much coverage. But I really think he can help the Lakers bench.

Eric Pincus

He can shoot.

Russell

Where does Al Harrington fit with the Magic? If they keep him, he will likely cut into the minutes of one of their rookies (Nicholson, Harkless) unless they find someone to take Hedo (unlikely).

Eric Pincus

He’s a good veteran who can space the floor a bit. He’s not a long-term stay in Orlando.

jesse

Morning EP…good job on your a.m. piece …was wondering if DJ has ever worked on his post game with the Dream? I mean he’s from Houston where Hakeem spent his career right?…if not, what would it take to make that happen? Is it a business transaction to hit up the older players for post move workshops or do they just hook em up as a solid?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sure how much upside Jordan has in his post game – I’ll ask him about Dream when I can.

BlazerFan

Why isnt Derrick Brown, Mikel Pietrus, Alonzo Gee on a team yet?? Why is the Blazers not looking at these players? Babbit, Claver, Pavolvic, Jeffries are not really good back SF…would rather have Pietrus,Gee, or Brown.

Eric Pincus

Gee is restricted and I anticipate he’ll stick with the Cavaliers – I’m guessing for one-year unless they can hammer out a long-term contract.

Mashkareem

Do you hear anything from around the league that any team owners or executives are pissed about Lakers getting Howard? When Lakers got Gasol, they were…specially Spurs coach!

Eric Pincus

I hear the Rockets are upset because they too believed they had the better assets.

retired mailman from utah

Are the jazz serius on keeping their 4 bigs for the entire season? Wouldnt it be the best time to cash in on 1 or 2 of them in a trade?

Eric Pincus

I could see Millsap shopped.

Mashkareem

Do you think the fans in LA will finally give Jim Buss a break? All the guy wanted to do was to get something substantial for Bynum and he did that. He wasn’t trying to say that he pick Bynum and he should retire as a Laker. He was rewarded for his patience. LA fans should relax and believe the team is in good hands (both Jim and Mitch).

Eric Pincus

I feel like Jim Buss has given the Laker fanbase a little more confidence in the post-Doc transition.

Mashkareem

Eric, I think one thing the Lakers should do this season is to retire Shaq’s jersey. That will give Howard a sence of what it’s like to be honored by the team and will give hime extra insentive to re-sing with the Lakers next summer. Do you agree?

Eric Pincus

I anticipate that’s coming – I’m guessing at some point this year.

michael

Covering the Lakers, you must know a lot about Bynum. Do you think his knees can stay strong and he can avoid injuries? Also, what do you think are the chances that he re-signs in Philly after the season?

Eric Pincus

Bynum’s knees are better now than they were then but they’re always a concern. He’ll always need some level of maintenance on them. I do see Andrew sticking in Philly.

John

Hi Eric, I love the Phoenix Suns offseason. Got rid of everyone I didn’t like (Childress,Warrick,Lopez) replaced the old guys Nash and Hill. Got younger more athletic and the front court I def like C Gortat, PF Scola, SF Beasley. Not to mention PG Dragic and SG johnson and a ton of draft picks from the trades they made. How do you like what they did and do you see them as a 5-8 playoff seeding. Thx

Eric Pincus

Suns did a solid job moving forward. I’m not sure they’re playoff bound but some positive steps to rebuild.

Daniel

I know they still haven’t played a game yet, but can you tell delusional Clipper fans that the Lakers are just better right now? They all point to the bench–which is admittedly better than the Lakers’–but I think the Lakers’ star power more than makes up for it. And I am a Clipper fan, but I just think comparing Grant Hill to Devin Ebanks is less useful than Howard and Jordan.

Eric Pincus

I have the Clippers a little bit behind the Lakers – but I don’t think it’s as large a gap as you perceive.

Lee

Hey Eric – always enjoy your reporting! Regarding the moves the Lakers made this off-season. I know they upgraded their PnR defense, but do you think they have closed the gap enough with the elite teams, i.e. OKC and the Heat? Thank you!

Eric Pincus

I do – if healthy.

Mike

Eric, love you one twitter and these chats! I think that the moves the lakers did beyond Howard and Nash truly show that this organization is great hand with the Buss Family. Can you talk about how he’s (Jim) transformed from 5 years ago till now?

Eric Pincus

I think Buss has gotten better as a communicator. He understands that he needs to be visible to Laker fans to keep them . . . calm.

Jose

Since Bynum is having another knee surgery can the trade be rescinded if the Sixers called it damaged goods? Is it to late for that or would the Lakers simply change Gasol for Bynum?

Eric Pincus

Bynum had the knee procedure in Germany scheduled since the end of the season – this is nothing new.

Daniel

instead of putting sponsorships on jerseys, couldn’t they put sponsorships on the court – specifically in the middle of the court (around the half-court line) where there isn’t as much action? Are you against sponsorships on jerseys?

Eric Pincus

Hmm, both?

Brett

No Love For The Celtics? They Look Pretty Deep AND Talented and also Younger.

Eric Pincus

I have the Celtics as #2 in the East.

Desmond in LA

My step dad is complaining that all of the big market teams are taking up the good players and the Small Market teams cant compete. Does he have a legit beef?

Eric Pincus

Not really – say the Oklahoma City Thunder

Egor

What 5 will the Lakers trot out during the time Dwight misses early this year?

Eric Pincus

Pau

Jeff

With the new CBA, what would Kobe’s contract look like if he signed for 2 additional years after his current deal expires?

Eric Pincus

If he hit free agency and signed for a 5% bump – you’re talking like $66 million or something for two years. I’m thinking the Lakers won’t pay that – and then the question becomes – how much less than max will Kobe play for?

gerardo

could the lakers do a sign and trade with chris paul if the lakers would send back steve nash?

Eric Pincus

Not if they’re over the tax. That’s illegal once we hit the start of the season.

Raffaele

Lakers are in a “Win this year or bust” situation. True or false? And why?
BTW, I think they are: too old, chances for Kobe, Nash, Pau get slimmer as time goes by

Eric Pincus

Yes – win now or bust.

Eric in Long Beach

Hey Eric, long time lurker, first time poster. Even though I’m pleased the long Dwightmare ended with Howard going to my hometown Lakers, the situation was definitely a bit exhausting for most of the basketball world. Do you think more of the same is in store for K Love? Have the Wolves done enough to convince him to stay? I like some of their moves (bringing in Roy in particular) but plenty of others seem entirely mystifying (Darko and what sometimes feels like 20 PGs). Not sure they are destined for more than the bottom half of the playoffs…

Eric Pincus

It’s too far down the line with Love. He has too many years on his contract for this to be an issue and we’ll have a lot more change in the NBA by then.

Juan Vidales

How will Howard adjust to Kobe’s seriousness and vice versa? Their personalities just seem to be the total oppisite. Last time this happened Kobe and Shaq never got along. Yet they won three straight rings though. Will that relationship be similar to Howard and Kobe?

Eric Pincus

This will have to do for the week. We’ll chat again next Tuesday.

Juan – I asked that very question to Howard at his presser and he said he’s not coming to change Kobe. He’s just going to be Dwight and Kobe’s going to be Kobe. I too am curious how it all fits together.