LakersNation I always hate this time of the year…after our team has been successful. Mainly because when you have had success, it’s like “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it,” RIGHT? Now, after going to back to back NBA Finals, and bringing home the trophy this year, now we could possibly “lose” two of the most important pieces to this championship puzzle. Trevor Ariza has NOT had HIS BIG PAYDAY, and after the way he played in the playoffs we all know that he is deserving of that BIG CONTRACT, but what does that do for the rest of our team? If Detroit, Portland or Toronto offers him “ridiculous” money then I know the Lakers will have to pass on him, like they did Ronny Turiaf…and that will be a shame. But I hate the way his agent “spins” this saying, “It’s a question of how committed the Lakers are to competing again,” Lee said! How dare he QUESTION the LAKERS organization will to WIN! We all know what an asset Trevor is to this team, but he was still on a team that ALLOWED HIM TO SHINE! Having Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant on your team will always give you wide open looks, and it was your $3mil job to knock those shots down. Now if he wants to go to either of those 3 teams (Portland is the only one that will truly be able to do something next season) and his run at a championship will be over for at least 3 more years. But he will be PAID. So I’m sure that if he is offered anywhere from $9mil and up, he WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO THE LAKERS!
So who possibly could come in and do the job of Ariza for the next year or two? Well there has always been this love/hate relationship between Ron Artest and the Laker Fans, even though we all know he would LOVE to play on this team with Kobe and Lamar, especially now that Yao Ming future is uncertain. Honestly Artest is the only other player that could give the Lakers the offense of Ariza and the defensive presence as well!
Now let’s look at guys that made big money already, but will HAVE to take a pay cut, and may be willing too in order to win a RING: Shawn Marion-he certainly will not be making $18mil next year, with him on the team…Lamar goes back into the starting lineup, and Shawn comes off the bench (he is just an older version of Trevor) but not too old! Al Harrington is known for launching 3’s, so we know he can help on that end, but he would have to buy into the defensive aspect of the game…lol. DISCLAIMER: THESE ARE JUST NAMES MENTIONED FOR THE PURPOSE OF KEEPING OUR BASKETBALL MINDS TURNING..LOL! Now on to the next one: Charlie Villanueva-Milwaukee did not extend a qualifying offer to him, so he is available. This season we have seen Charlie’s ppg and rebounds go up, what is he worth on the open market…not sure? Then there is Rasheed Wallace-who I’m not sure if he would play for the Lakers, I know he is NOT interested in playing for the Celtics..so not sure? Marquis Daniels is a good young player as well! Remember I was only looking at forwards. Desmond Mason is also that type of guy(hard worker, eager to please)!
So I guess we should be happy that their are “options”, even though our FIRST ONE IS TO HAVE TREVOR BACK IN THE PURPLE AND GOLD! If he not signed, it’s NOT the organization fault, remember Dr Buss HAS MADE A COMITTMENT BY PAYING LUXURY TAXES THIS YEAR; it’s not Ariza’s fault, because the players have to strike while the iron is hot, and it’s his turn for the BIG PAYDAY.
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Blessing
GOD'S PLAN-MY SUCCESS 