NBA Chat With Eric Pincus 3/20/12

DeAndre Thompson

If Dallas does in fact buy out Lamar Odom’s contract what are the chances the Lakers sign him back?

Eric Pincus

Time to chat once again, let’s go!

DeAndre – there’s no chance. The Lakers can’t legally sign him this season. It’s a new rule in the CBA.

robsa

Eric, what are odds Lakers sign Turiaf? any chance for Kaman if bought out? what about Clips getting Odom?

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard about any Laker interest in Turiaf. They seem pretty well stocked up on bigs. Doesn’t sound like Kaman will be bought out but nothing official yet. I can’t imagine the Clippers paying Odom another dollar – still some bad feelings there.

guy

do u see the lakers coming out the west

Eric Pincus

The Lakers have a real chance although I wouldn’t peg them as the favorite.

Marcus

What strengths do you think Sessions brings to the Lakers on both offense and defense?

Eric Pincus

Quickness. He can get to the line. Sessions has excellent court vision. Defensively he isn’t nearly as strong as Fisher but he’s able to keep up with the offensive player a bit more. A nice get for LA although he’s not a perfect fit necessarily with the starting lineup – probably better suited right now than anyone else they have.

Marcus

Is Jordan Hill a possible SF option or what plan is in place for him and the SF position in general?

Eric Pincus

Jordan Hill is more center than small forward. He can’t play three at all by my estimation.

alan

There was a report that the Lakers turned down a Gasol-Rondo trade with the Celtics. If true, what happended?

Eric Pincus

Different people have different accounts. I think the truth will leak out over time. I know the Celtics had a lot of interest in Gasol but the Boston side of the equation argues they never made that offer.

a

Is there any possibility that the Lakers could deal for a star player like Carmello using a combination of Gasol and parts?

Eric Pincus

Around the draft, perhaps. I’m not sure Melo makes a lot of sense for LA at this point but it’s certainly one of many topics I’m sure we’ll hit depending on how the season goes.

andrew

I have to know, does playing for the lakers, or maybe phil jackson, spoil a player? With odom i assumed it was a mental thing. The way he left the court after losing in the finals, injuries, i just figured it was linked to that. But know fisher has voluntarily ended his consecutive game streak?!
Whats going on? Is it really just them feeling hurt by their team? And if so, in a leauge thats done everything in its power to hammer home the idea that this is a business first and foremost, dont their recent actions prove they are not as elite as everyone had thought? If ur entire game falls apart because u get traded n it effects u mentaly, does that not lower your value???

Thanks a lot, love the chats!
PS
Congrats on sessions. He may not have been the game changer we needed here in cle, but then again we didnt have kobe either!!!

Eric Pincus

Thanks Andrew – I don’t see the tie to Phil Jackson. We see players go through this across the league – trades, buy-outs, etc. Nothing different here as far as I can tell.

Jag from Manila

Hi eric,

Love you chats. I always look forward on reading those. I like the lakers’ trade and but it seems that they are not so high in beasley not willing to take his contract. Any chance we could land him in free agency?

Another question, may you explain the effect of waiving a player on the salary cap perspective? Thanks man. This would be my first time to send a question in hoopshype but i have been a reader for 3 years.

Eric Pincus

The Lakers could have had Beasley had they used their trade exception but I understand the hesitance given he would have cost the Lakers in the $8+ million range for a couple of months. I don’t see Beasley as worth that. LA will only have their $3 million Mini-MLE but during the offseason they can use their Odom trade exception in a S&T. I’m not sure that goes to Beasley but we’ll see.

If a player is waived with guaranteed salary, that money is still owed and still on the cap. If there’s a buy-out there money is still on the books but at a lower figure. Thanks and by the way, you’re at HOOPSWORLD!

Javier

Lakers have one more roster spot. Who do you like that has been waived or is still available? Gilbert Arenas or Terrence Williams?

Eric Pincus

Arenas just got picked up by the Grizzlies. I’ve yet to find a “basketball guy” working for a team who likes Williams. The Lakers have some more time to see if someone valuable comes up but this may be it for the year.

lb

I see D-Fish was bought out by Houston on Sunday, I know he can’t be resigned to play for the Lakers for a while, which they would’nt do. My question is can he be hired as an assitant or in some management or othe position in the Lakers organization
Thanks

Eric Pincus

That’s just not the path Fisher will take. He wants to play still.

Bugsy

A contending team with a great culture signs a young guard to a two year deal and there is not a ripple. Why is no one talking about Patty Mills to the Spurs? Great for Patty and the Spurs aren’t fools, great for them too, right?

Eric Pincus

It hasn’t happened yet and Mills is still somewhat of an unknown on a national level in the NBA. He may help the Spurs . . .

TyLaker

Hi Eric, whats with Mike Browns stubborn stance on starting Blake over Sessions? Sessions overall numbers even coming off the bench dwarfs Blakes. Is Mike going to make the mistake of keeping Ramon on the bench?

Eric Pincus

If the team (and Blake) struggles, I anticipate Brown will make that change.

Louis

Would the Lakers have any interest in Terrence Williams after the aborted Beasley trade? Terrence williams does fill a need for scoring off the bench

Eric Pincus

Haven’t heard anything to think that on Williams re: Lakers but nothing against either.

Alex in Burbank

How long before Kobe himself passes the torch to Bynum? Seriously, I think that’s the only thing holding him back from averaging 25+ a game. If Kobe wants that 5th ring shouldn’t he see this? Kobe is still a beast but I think he should see the bigger picture and start telling coach Brown to run the offense through HIM and BYNUM for an inside out type offense. With Sessions starting at the point(he will soon) We have a DejaVu of the Shaq/Kobe era in our hands for at least a couple years. Lets get one ship at the very least.

Eric Pincus

Kobe’s still Kobe. Sometimes his aggressiveness is a detriment. Obviously on ring count, the Lakers have gotten it to work flaws and all.

Anthony Pascua

Just read that JJ Hickson got bought out. I’ve always like his game, is it possible for the Lakers to pick him up somehow?

Eric Pincus

The buzz has Hickson to Golden State if he clears waivers.

ANTHONY PASCUA

Champioship or not this year, will the Lakers still try to utilize Pau as trade bait during the offseason? Who do you think the Lakers will try to acquire during the summer?

Eric Pincus

Still a consideration but right now they want to see how far they can get as is. If the Lakers win the title? Perhaps they don’t go in that direction. I would say some of it depends on how much Sessions has to offer.

Deven

Hi Eric. Why have the Clippers been getting off to poor starts to games lately and all of suddenly come back to make it close, regardless of the outcome?

Eric Pincus

That’s the Chris Paul impact. He doesn’t quit and he’ll make any game a close one. The Clippers are struggling a bit in general but perhaps the Nick Young get will give more balance to the team.

Jazzaholic

We Jazz fans have been quietly spending our 2 lotto picks.
However, the last 2 overtime wins, and the HATED Laker road victory, throw considerable doubt on the Jazz playing poor enough to stay out of the playoffs.

If they make the playoffs, they lose their pick to MIN, and if the Warriors dive to #7, they go pickless.

So, have the Jazz “kids” (Hayward, Favors, Kanter and Burks) turned the corner?

From a very biased view, they are playing really well and getting better every game.

Are the Jazz playoff bound or do we get our lotto pick?

Eric Pincus

I’m thinking the Jazz don’t quite make it. They’ just not strong enough on the road but I like the makings of this roster, especially inside with all the bigs. Utah needs a few more pieces and the draft may be where they get them . . .

third3ye

Clips absolutely stole Nick Young. Equal replacement for Billups’ contribution or an even better addition to a roster that needs something to get it going? And how do you see Young fitting into the Clipper offense and was Olshey high when he said Young is a good individual defender?

Eric Pincus

Not close to Billups. Young isn’t in the same ballpark. He has much better size and naturally is younger, but Billups knows how to win and Nick is still learning.

Vito Villegas

Hi Eric! How would you rate the Lakers’ trade moves? Are they going to be serious contenders for another Championship run or still just a play-offs second rounder?

Eric Pincus

It’s unclear if the Lakers have enough to get past the second round. Will they miss Derek Fisher’s clutch shooting? Will Sessions fill that void and add youth, athleticism, speed, etc. – enough to get LA further than they did a year ago? Let’s just wait and see on it, there’s no clear answer. The opportunity is there in the West.

adobo nation

Hi eric, are the lakers n clippz done with their roster. I heard clippz might unload evans? Thats crazy,he very good in that team roatation. I hope not.

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard anything on Evans like that . . .

blue beetle

In your opinion can mike brown discipline kobe?-most time he shoot the ball even though it is not the best shot. He let the ball stay long in his hands. I guess its ok in the forth qtr but not the whole game. Bynum is turning to a shaq type. They need more ball rotation. I hope brown does it.

Eric Pincus

It doesn’t sound like Brown is trying to really discipline Kobe. That wouldn’t be the right word.

ultimate warrior

Is eyenga a future in laker land? He got nice clipz kinda like a ariza shannon brown type. Or he still needs time in the dleague? I heard.he was drafted by mike brown

Eric Pincus

He’s a project as far as I can tell.

defense all dayh

Have u seen how the bulls defended the magics? How good is coach thibz! And dwith dont wana play for him. I guess its his lost?

Eric Pincus

Thibodeau is one of the best, especially defensively.

manila kingpin

hey eric what are your thoughts about the lakers made at the deadline?? from my perspective the lakers made a bad moves sending fisher away from los angeles..agree?? any player the lakers can sign to fill up the the roster?? what is your news about ron-ron injury?? thank you ^_^

Eric Pincus

The Lakers needed to move on from Fisher, as difficult as that is to hear for a lot of long-time fans. His message of leadership was going in one direction – management/coaching another.

Maor

Eric,

First of all I wanna say you are my favorite writer at hoopsworld. That being said here is my question.

As far as Mike Brown saying that Steve Blake was his starter for the “forseeable future” what does that mean in media talk, does sessions not have a chance to start this year? Mitch brought him in to start, not to back up blake, in my opinion he should be starting by the end of the month.

Eric Pincus

Thanks Maor, Brown has changed his lineup time and time again. He sticks with what’s working and given the Lakers just lost to Utah in LA and Steve Blake struggled – I could see Mike reversing himself on that (at some point).

jazzfan

Thanks for the chat you guys are awesome for doing these, givin the way the Jazz young guys have played these last few games do you think coach Corbin should start increasing their minutes more even when Bell and Jefferson return?

Eric Pincus

It’s a tricky thing. Should the Jazz try to make the playoffs and get valuable experience for the team – or is the individual on-court time the younger players get (while missing the playoffs) plus the lottery pick more important? I’m not sure but typically a coach and the players on the court try to win each and every game.

Stantonia

Life time Laker fan here but bhought it was suppose to be illegal to do what D. Fisher did with Houston by refusing to report. It’s obvious what he was doing (pouting). NBA needs to suspend pay and make player ineligible to play with any team for duration of contract. How unprofessional! I really expected more out of D. Fish.

Eric Pincus

The Rockets and Fisher reached an agreement so it never go to anything like that – although that’s where it was headed.

@johncarloyu

For me, the Lakers are 1 player away to be a championship team. A wing player. Who is available to sign?

Eric Pincus

Right now? Not sure that wing player is available.

@johncarloyu

What’s the latest on Aaron Brooks? Will he be able to comeback this season?

Eric Pincus

He’s probably better off sitting out. He’s a restricted free agent right now and the only team that can sign him would be the Phoenix Suns (legal technicalities). They probably aren’t offering much.

Alex in Burbank

How do you pronounce Ramon Sessions first name? I thought it was “Ra-moan”. But during Laker games Bill McDonald calls him Raman which rhymes with Lamar. Which is it?

Eric Pincus

“Ra-mahn” is closest I can approximate in writing.

James

Why isn’t Devin Ebanks getting more playing time? I think they could even try him as a backup at the 2 guard; he could not possibly be worse than Kapano. Coach Brown seems to be panicking and desperate for wins by playing his starters so many minutes. Any insight as to why? It would seem prudent to work in the younger guys and give the starters more opportunities for rest as Popovich is doing in S.A.. I am afraid that come the playoffs the starters will be burned out without much left in the tank. Do you agree or not?

Eric Pincus

This is Brown’s first year with the team. Pop has a steady core of veterans who know exactly what to do. It’s a lot easier to change out a part here and there. The Lakers haven’t gotten much practice in at all this season and everyone in general is still trying to figure it out – including the coach.

Dante

Hi Eric,

Any word on Terrence Williams? Any chance the lakers pick him up? I have heard they have significant interest in him, is that true?

Thank you

Eric Pincus

I haven’t heard the “significant interest” part anywhere regarding Wiliams and the Lakers. I’d like to see a link of some kind to that so I can try and identify where that’s coming from.

Scott

Love your chats Eric! How likely is it that there will be no Peace in Staples Center next year? Will he be amnestied?

Eric Pincus

I wrote recently that Metta and his agent are preparing for amnesty, investigating the necessary steps for Ron to retire if he needs to use that as leverage.

Scott

Does Scola have bad knees? Is this the reason why the Lakers didn’t want to touch the deal if Lowry wasn’t included?

Eric Pincus

The Lakers would have taken Scola with Lowry but I never heard anything but “Rockets won’t move Scola” all year.

Pau G.

Will I be mentally into the games now that I know I’ll be a Laker for the rest of the season?

Eric Pincus

You would think.

Meir Graff

If the Clippers don’t bring back Bobby Simmons, who do you see them filling the last roster spot with?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers should wait to see if someone valuable hits free agency. The odds aren’t high that someone special becomes available and if not – then Simmons may be back.

Vern

Hi Eric,

Always appreciate your NBA insight, especially about the Lakers (I have been a fan for nearly 50 years now). Is it possible (and probable) that the Lakers get Beasley this summer with the $8.9M TPE? If not, who might they target this summer to improve their team? Thanks.

Eric Pincus

I touched on this earlier but naturally the Lakers would only need to use up part of their trade exception. Say they were able to do a trade with the Wolves with Beasley starting at $5 million, LA would still have $3.9 million of their trade exception remaining. I don’t know if that’s where they go this offseason. We will have to wait and see.

Alan Siegel

hi eric. there was a lot of he said she said regarding the beasley to los angeles trade. do you know what really happened? it seems like beasley (possibly anyway) could have been the final piece to the puzzle of “how can the lakers win it all this year” but we’ll never know now.

Eric Pincus

Same as the Rondo situation, we’ll learn a little bit more over time. The buzz out of Los Angeles is that the Wolves pulled out last minute. Other sources on the other side suggest LA was somewhat unreasonable in their demands.

gus26

if the lakers add one more player what kind of player are they looking for? a big? a guard? scorring? passing? another sf? defensive specialist?
i’m thinking they might do very well bringing in a combo gaurd who can fill it up off the bench… even if it means lack of defense..

Eric Pincus

If you look at Beasley as the guy LA wanted, perhaps a scoring 3/4? If the Cavaliers let go of Antawn Jamison, which I do not anticipate, perhaps he’s the best example?

R. Sessions

Am I the Laker point guard of the future or will they try to trade Pau again in the summer for another quarterback?

Eric Pincus

Let’s see what you can do on the floor and if you can fit in with two low-post players and a ball-dominant scorer like Kobe. That’s not an easy fit for any guard.

Ricky Flores

Any chance the clippers waive Ryan Gomes or Bobby Simmons and sign Terrence Williams? He is young and has the potential to be really good. I know CP3 would put him on check as far as attitude

Eric Pincus

Gomes has another year on his deal. Simmons is a already gone (for now). No buzz on Williams that I’ve heard.

Mahesh

If Ramon Sessions starts and does a phenomenal job, his contract demands and interest from other teams will rise. So do you think the Lakers are not starting him so they will be able to resign him for less?

Eric Pincus

That’s not the motivation in not starting him.

Patrick

So, what happens if the nets make it into the top 3 of the lottery? Does Portland get another pick or do they get nothing?

Eric Pincus

I didn’t see the language of that trade just yet but likely the pick wouldn’t be conveyed until 2013.

MexFound

I mean…if the CP3 trade would have gone though…wouldn’t Fisher have been dealt back in December?

And why couldn’t the Lakers put him on the bench and started Blake instead? I highly doubt Fisher would’ve had an issue with that…seeing that he would be cheering the team on during times when he wasnt playing during crunch time.

Eric Pincus

It’s a leadership thing. Remember that push some of veterans made to go back to the triangle? That’s not where neither Brown nor Jim Buss want to go.

Chris Collins

Do the New Orleans Hornets plan on buying out Chris Kaman contract and ifso, what teams you think have the best shot in signing him?Lakers?

Eric Pincus

I checked with Chris and the last he had heard was no buyout but then – things are fluid so we wait. Lakers? Nah.

Chris Collins

My prediction for Pau Gasol is that he will be traded to a team for atop 5 lottery pick? Whats the chance of that? High or Low?

Eric Pincus

I would be very surprised if a team gave up a top-five pick in this draft for an over-30 player making $19 million a year.

JJ

Hey Eric,
I believe Ramon Sessions has an option for next year, correct? If so, is it a team option or a player option.

Also, if somehow the Lakers win the championship with Sessions playing a role in that, how ironic would it be that the Session came from the Cavs yet the Cavs owner was one of the strongest opponents to Chris Paul joining the Lakers?

Eric Pincus

Player option.

Gary

Eric- what’s your take on Jordan Hill. Seems like he is easily their best big man off the bench. I think he can be valuable to the Lakers in the playoffs. Tough, fairly athletic.

Eric Pincus

Hill can rebound. I’m curious to see how sharp he is offensively and if he has the right motor.

Vinny Del Negro

How secure is my job at this point?

Eric Pincus

If the Clippers continue to flounder, LA may go in a different direction next year. Equally, if Vinny can get his team playing well and through a strong playoff run, he may well be back.

Mike

Hi Eric do you see the Lakers keeping Ramon Sessions beyond this season?

Eric Pincus

I do . . .

Dennis in HB

Is Vinny Del Negro as bad of a coach as many bloggers think?

Are the Players still buying what he is selling?

Would the Clippers be better off with say Nate McMillen? Or are there other issues going on?

Eric Pincus

All coaches have strengths and weaknesses. Del Negro is being tested right now and he has to show his mettle. We’ll see moving forward where LA goes. I haven’t really dug into that as there’s no real public discussion yet beyond Vinny.

mike

what was the sense in starting that false rumor that Rondo was being considered for pau….It was never ever discussed!

Eric Pincus

It was discussed. It wasn’t false. Depending on who you ask it was offered but never consummated. Most parties in non-trades like to spin that it was the other guy, etc.

Drew

Who ends up as the 7,8 seeds? Denver, Minnesota, Houston, Utah or Phx?

Eric Pincus

There’s a lot of variability there but I’ll go Denver and Houston.

Christian P

Did you see the way the warrior fans booed joe lacob last night? I feel like it makes us warrior fans look bad. I mean for one they were booing him when he was going to recognize Chris Mullen. Secondly, why are they so mad? We gave up a 6’3 shooting guard for a 7 footer! Why am I the only one who likes this deal,

Eric Pincus

It’s years-worth of frustration – maybe misdirected, maybe not.

Omar

The Jazz have a difficult task of managing their best scorer in Jefferson, while developing Favors and Kanter into the Frontcourt of the future. With that said, the last couple of games, with Jefferson out, the Jazz have played well, as an entire cohesive unit. With Jefferson coming back, how can they maximize the output of all members of the frontcourt? What would be the downside of reducing Jefferson’s minutes and placing him with the 2nd unit?

Eric Pincus

I don’t believe they bench Jefferson but you’re talking about a real issue moving forward. What are the Jazz? What’s their identity? I think younger and that Jefferson may be the piece to move this summer.

Natasha

Eric, love your reporting. Keep up the great work as reporter and dad. Why did the Cavs take on Luke’s contract for a late Lakers pick when they could have easily bought a pick for $3 million at DRAFT TIME. I understand its a deep draft, but it almost seems like they overpaid for a late pick….

Eric Pincus

Teams only have $3 million in total to spend on all trades for the year. I’m not entirely sure why they took on Walton’s year. It seemed a bit much but I guess they really valued that pick over money. That’s the sort of thing I’d expect fans to support.

Nick Rodriguez

Where do you think Derek Fisher eventually signs? I’ve heard rumors about the Heat, Thunder, Clippers and the Spurs. As a big Fish fan i want to see him go to the Spurs who are such a classy organization… (Though that does mean i would have to watch my Lakers play Fish four times this year!)

Eric Pincus

The buzz is Thunder.

mikel

Do you see the clippers being able to make it to WCF and more? Why why not?

And what can we do to improve?

Eric Pincus

I’m not sold on the Clippers yet, not WCF. Experience in the front-court and free throw shooting with Blake and DeAndre – both issues.

Jim Buss

Should lakers pick up JJ HIckson?

Eric Pincus

I don’t see it. They have Gasol, Bynum, Murphy, McRoberts and Hill. That’s just too many front-court bodies. Why would Hickson want to come to not play – or to play limited minutes?

Michael Steffes

Hey Eric,

What do you think the chances are of Nick Young staying in town to play for the Clippers beyond this year. They will only have the mid level to offer him right? Will that be enough in your estimation, and will that represent a home town discount?

Eric Pincus

The Clippers can sign him with non-Bird rights at about $4.4 million or via their Mid-Level Exception at $5 million. There’s a lot yet to be decided . . . let’s see how well he fits first.

Ian

How good do you see the warriors being next year? What will their main objective be during the off-season?

Thanks for your time.

Ian

Eric Pincus

The Warriors are rebuilding. If Bogut and Curry are healthy and stay healthy next year, they’re a better but still imperfect team.

Aaron

With Dirk back in full force, are the Mavs once again the favorites? It’s going to be hard for anyone to stop a motivated Dallas team with Dirk rolling.

Eric Pincus

The Mavericks are a real threat but I don’t see them as good as they were last year.

Charlie

Wilson Chandler recently resigned in Denver for 5 years / 30 million dollars. This was surprising as it was no secret the Raptors coveted the small forward and have cap space this summer. I can all but guarantee our splashy GM would have signed Chandler to a bigger offer sheet this season (starting at 7-8 million a year). Questions: Do you agree the Raps would have made Wilson a bigger contract offer this offseason, and if so, why do you think he and his agent left millions on the table? Is Toronto, Canada that bad? I’ll put up with the weather for half a year for a few mill extra.

Eric Pincus

Chandler had money on the table – that’s important. Who knows what would come in July. I think he got a solid deal as is.

Bolo

If the Lakers included McRoberts along with Fisher for the deal with Minnesota for Michael Beasley… and took back Milicic’s contract (5 mill .. set to expire next season)… is that not a win-win for both teams? Minnesota also gets Crawford and Portland gets Tolliver and the Dallas pick as agreed..

Eric Pincus

Obviously it didn’t happen.

Dennis

Is Vinny Del Negro the problem with the Clippers or are there other issues?

Eric Pincus

A LOT of Del Negro questions today.

Anthony

Hey Eric,

The Bull’s, with the addition of Rip Hamilton, look pretty much the same as last year but are they a better contender this year against the Heat than they were last? And where would you put the Celtics as far as coming out of the East? I feel at this point its Bulls or Miami coming out of the East. Also, is Dwight Howard committed to play ALL of next season as well?

Thanks

Eric Pincus

I have Bulls and HEAT in ECF – and my preseason prediction was Bulls but naturally they need to be healthy, especially Rose. Howard’s future is still very much unclear.

Glen

People are surprised by Peck by he was the best C in Europe for years. I think he and Gortat are the most underated players in the NBA as far as importance for the team/$ paid. Do you agree?

Eric Pincus

Both are legitimate NBA big men – both strong, tough ballers.

force23

Do you think D.Howard go to Dallas in 2013?

Eric Pincus

I’m think Deron Williams to Dallas in 2012 but we’ll see. Projecting to 2013 is far too difficult given how much changes at the draft, offseason, trade deadline, draft, etc. before 2013.

Robb

Ok so the entire world knows he can score at will. He has all kinds of personal achievments championships etc. when will he ever get the ream concept. It does no good to his teamates any good when he jacks up attrocious fg %. Ya he’s help bring a great product to lakers basketball. Ifeel his teamates enable him to ruin there flow of team basketvall.

Eric Pincus

Admittedly Kobe can shoot the Lakers out of games, I touched on that already – but the same thing has been said since he came in (five rings ago).

Laker Jam

Eric, if the Lakers win the championship THIS year, will the Lakers keep the core of Bryant/Bynum/Gasol? Success has always been the team’s guide in these matters, but with the new CBA …?

Eric Pincus

It’s going to be very, very difficult for the Lakers to build around Kobe/Drew/Pau at the $ they’re getting paid…
Eric Pincus

It’s going to be very, very difficult for the Lakers to build around Kobe/Drew/Pau at the $ they’re getting paid.

mikem

Hi Eric…do you think the spurs are going to be like last year’s version – great during the regular season and fade in the playoffs? If they’re healthy do they have a chance to get to the WCF?

Eric Pincus

I see the Spurs as better than they were a year ago. I’m not sure how much better.

Anthony Rietta

two questions, Eric: 1) Hoopsworld has reported that the Lakers have offered Fisher a front office position. Do you know if this was a reaction to some of the negative press that the organization has been getting when they shipped Fisher out? 2) Do you see Fisher just playing out for the rest of the year and then considering it?

Eric Pincus

Final question for the week! Thanks again for the turn-out.

Anthony,

The Lakers value Fisher – who he is as a person and for what he’s done for the organization. If he was done as a player, I could see the team wanting to get him in the fold but that’s not where things are headed right now. I expect we’ll see Fisher this postseason, even possibly in a series against the Lakers.