Dwight Howard is a Laker

[Shane]

After what has happened to the Suns and the NBA as a whole I cannot tell you how happy I am that I quit watching BB 12 years ago.

 

[Russ Smith]

If they get the #1 pick I guess Noel Nerlens would be the closest thing to a Dwight Howard. They should have done this trade last year and had a chance for Anthony Davis. ORL is taking a huge gamble and LAL is reaping the benefits. The NBA is a joke, so much for a level playing field.

Noel was apparently massively disappointing at Adidas Nations last week. Noel is one of the camp counselors and as is customary after the HS games the counselors all play, often with pros who are there too. Multiple reports said Noel looked totally lost, he blocks shots, he dunks, he does nothing else. Said Davis was MUCH better, had a much better feel for the game, Noel is athletic but doesn't have the same feel.

 

[Brian in Mesa]

Now Kobe has a chance to match Pippen's 6 rings.

That would still be one shy of Robert Horry though...

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2.

 

[desertdawg]

That would still be one shy of Robert Horry though...

Sent from my Samsung Galaxy S2.

Dirty, dirty, and dirty!!!

 

[Chaplin]

The only saving grace for me is that Dwight Howard over Andrew Bynum is only a very small upgrade. Factor in Dwight's possible back problems vs. Bynum's injury history, it's almost a wash. The difference here is that Bynum's ego was simply a buzzing fly, Dwight's will be bigger than the moon and that certainly could affect Kobe and/or Nash.

One thing though is that Suns fans who think our organization is inept need to take a long hard look at Orlando and Washington.

 

[D-Dogg]

Shocking, the Lakers nab another championship center.
Giving up who?

Uhm, their already all-star, championship winning center widely regarded as the second best center in the league and now undeniably the best center in the east.

It's not like we traded Kwame Brown, here fellas. Knock Orlando for taking all the dregs from the deal, which is really stupid, but the Lakers gave to get in this scenario. And the only guy they'd ever give Bynum to get in the first place.

Orlando didn't want a better deal where Bynum landed there, because they want to suck. That's on Orlando. Houston likely backed down because Dwight said he'd bolt from there, and it would have basically been Orlando West. It took a four team deal to get the kind of garbage Orlando wanted in this deal, for God only knows why...but the Lakers gave plenty.

 

[D-Dogg]

The only saving grace for me is that Dwight Howard over Andrew Bynum is only a very small upgrade. Factor in Dwight's possible back problems vs. Bynum's injury history, it's almost a wash. The difference here is that Bynum's ego was simply a buzzing fly, Dwight's will be bigger than the moon and that certainly could affect Kobe and/or Nash.

One thing though is that Suns fans who think our organization is inept need to take a long hard look at Orlando and Washington.

The difference is level of effort. When Bynum was trying hard, working hard, I wouldn't trade him for Dwight at all. But Bynum was just as wont to half-ass up and down the court, grab 4 rebounds and play lazy defense. That is something that Dwight simply won't do. He always works hard. He always rebounds. He might not have the touch and the footwork that Drew has, but he has the want-to. And that's more than a small upgrade.

 

[Covert Rain]

The only saving grace for me is that Dwight Howard over Andrew Bynum is only a very small upgrade. Factor in Dwight's possible back problems vs. Bynum's injury history, it's almost a wash. The difference here is that Bynum's ego was simply a buzzing fly, Dwight's will be bigger than the moon and that certainly could affect Kobe and/or Nash.

One thing though is that Suns fans who think our organization is inept need to take a long hard look at Orlando and Washington.

That is an exaggeration. Nobody worries about Andrew Bynum taking over games. I have seen guys over power Bynum plenty of times. Nobody overpowers Dwight night in and night out. Dwight Howard can be down right dominate. Dominate and Bynum don't go together and that is assuming that Bynum does get hurt again.

Kobe wanted Bynum off the team for a reason. Comparing them is laughable no matter how good of a year Bynum has had. DW is a franchise player Bynum is not.

Let's not be ridiculous.

 

[Chaplin]

That is an exaggeration. Nobody worries about Andrew Bynum taking over games. I have seen guys over power Bynum plenty of times. Nobody overpowers Dwight night in and night out.

Dwight Howard can be down right dominate. Dominate and Bynum don't coincide and that is assuming that Bynum does get hurt again.

Kobe wanted Bynum off the team for a reason.

Comparing them is laughable.

It absolutely is not laughable. Bynum, when healthy, is the 2nd best center in the league. And in the eastern conference, you better believe he'll dominate against the cream puffs there. Yep, just like Howard did.

In Philly he will be the man. In L.A., he was the 3rd option and the first is a ball-hogging black hole.

Of course, that doesn't mean anything because you and the LA faithful completely discount the back issues he has, which for a big man, can be extremely serious.

 

[Covert Rain]

I absolutely is not. Bynum, when healthy is the 2nd best center in the league. And in the eastern conference, you better believe he'll dominate against the cream puffs there.

In Philly he will be the man. In L.A., he was the 3rd option and the first is a ball-hogging black hole.

Of course, that doesn't mean anything because you and the LA faithful completely discount the back issues he has, which for a big man, can be extremely serious.

So you are going to sit here and try and make the case that Bynum is a franchise player as much as Howard?

Really? Come on. Total B.S. Chap. Name me a single GM that thinks Bynum is a franchise player. Not even the Lakers thought that or this trade doesn't go down. Obviously, the Lakers think there is a big difference too.

This guys is often injured and has had only 2 seasons with 15+ Points average in a season and 2 seasons with 10+ rebounding average in a season. Look at Howard's numbers. Like I said...laughable to compare him to Howard.

By the way what is this "LA Faithful" crap? Who says I am LA Faithful? I hate the Lakers.

 

[SunsTzu]

Noel was apparently massively disappointing at Adidas Nations last week. Noel is one of the camp counselors and as is customary after the HS games the counselors all play, often with pros who are there too. Multiple reports said Noel looked totally lost, he blocks shots, he dunks, he does nothing else. Said Davis was MUCH better, had a much better feel for the game, Noel is athletic but doesn't have the same feel.

The times I've watched Noel play he reminds me a lot like Dalembert, I really don't see why he's ranked so high in his class.

 

[Chaplin]

So you are going to site here and try and make the case that Bynum is a franchise player as much as Howard?

Really? Come on. Total B.S. Chap. Name me a single GM that thinks Bynum is a franchise player? Not even the Lakers thought that or this trade doesn't go down. Obviously, the Lakers think there is a big difference too.

By the way what is this "LA Faithful" crap? Who says I am LA Faithful? I hate the Lakers.

I never said you were LA Faithful--I said that to show that you are agreeing with the LA Faithful. I know you are absolutely a Laker hater, like the rest of us.

Hmm, well obviously Philly thinks he could be a franchise player. Fans on this very board thought he could be a franchise player for us!

This trade for the Lakers was as much for marketability as it was for basketball reasons. Do you know how much revenue Dwight will bring in for the Lakers? I'd say a lot.

When healthy, DHoward is a better player than Bynum. But it's not like the comparison between Lebron James and Michael Beasley here. They are much closer than you portray. Kobe wanted Bynum off the team because he didn't like his attitude, which was that he wanted to be more of "the man" but couldn't because of the presence of Kobe Bryant. There was no way the front office of the Lakers were going to go against their star player, whether they thought Bynum was franchise quality or not.

And don't forget, acquiring Dwight means a HUGE difference for Pau Gasol. Simply by the way Dwight plays. It opens Gasol up to be a better and happier player. That speaks volumes. This trade wasn't about Dwight vs. Bynum.

 

[sunsfan88]

Bynum's a rental and Igoudala is an overpaid overage for a team that already has decent players at his position.

I think Doug Collins can be the HC to finally get through to Bynum and fulfill his potential. Plus his hometown is close by and I doubt he's gonna leave $$ on the table to go elsewhere.

And Igoudala is just the player the Nuggets needed. A great defender and good playmaker. They needed an All Star player and that's just what they got. Plus they dumped Harrington in the process. Win-Win.

 

[Covert Rain]

I never said you were LA Faithful--I said that to show that you are agreeing with the LA Faithful. I know you are absolutely a Laker hater, like the rest of us.

Hmm, well obviously Philly thinks he could be a franchise player. Fans on this very board thought he could be a franchise player for us!

This trade for the Lakers was as much for marketability as it was for basketball reasons. Do you know how much revenue Dwight will bring in for the Lakers? I'd say a lot.

When healthy, DHoward is a better player than Bynum. But it's not like the comparison between Lebron James and Michael Beasley here. They are much closer than you portray. Kobe wanted Bynum off the team because he didn't like his attitude, which was that he wanted to be more of "the man" but couldn't because of the presence of Kobe Bryant. There was no way the front office of the Lakers were going to go against their star player, whether they thought Bynum was franchise quality or not.

And don't forget, acquiring Dwight means a HUGE difference for Pau Gasol. Simply by the way Dwight plays. It opens Gasol up to be a better and happier player. That speaks volumes. This trade wasn't about Dwight vs. Bynum.

You have some good points and I was not arguing the overall impact of the trade. However, the gap is bigger than you think. I have never heard any GM call Bynum a franchise player including the Lakers and they see the guy day in and day out.

Nobody was offering the kitchen sink for Bynum at any point in his career so far. However, every single team in the NBA at least called about Howard. What does that tell you?

I am not saying that Bynum is a stiff by any means but I think again your examples are extremely exaggerated. Nobody in the right mind would choose Bynum over Howard. It's not like comparing Kobe to Jordan or two other greats where you could have this debate about who was better. There is ZERO doubt.

 

[Chaplin]

You have some good points and I was not arguing the overall impact of the trade. However, the gap is bigger than you think. I have never heard any GM call Bynum a franchise player including the Lakers and they see the guy day in and day out.

Nobody was offering the kitchen sink for Bynum at any point in his career so far. However, every single team in the NBA at least called about Howard. What does that tell you?

I also know for a fact that Dwight has been saying he wants out of Orlando for 3 YEARS. That's a long time for a disgruntled prima donna. Bynum is pretty much a mental midget, but I never heard of a time when he requested a trade from Los Angeles.

As far as the franchise player tag, sure you haven't heard him called that, because nobody has considered it until this summer. Again, Philly obviously thinks he is.

I am not saying that Bynum is a stiff by any means but I think again your examples are extremely exaggerated.

Which ones, the Lebron/Beasley one? Well, yes that is an exaggeration. Maybe I should have used a Kevin Durant/Lebron James comparison. Most people will say that Lebron is better, but only slightly. (For the record, I think both of them are better than Dwight Howard)

I think we'll probably end up agreeing to disagree on this point. You think the gap between Howard and Bynum is bigger, I think it's smaller.

As far as the merits of the trade, the Lakers made out like bandits in this one. Absolute bandits. Not because of the basketball impact (although that is a big part of it), but because of the extra revenue he will generate.

Bill Simmons wrote that the big losers of this trade, besides the Orlando Magic, are Celtics, Clippers and Suns fans. LOL

 

[Covert Rain]

As far as the franchise player tag, sure you haven't heard him called that, because nobody has considered it until this summer. Again, Philly obviously thinks he is.

Please show me where Philly has said that. Because from what I heard they are resting their future on Holiday and Turner and not Bynum. In fact, some of what I read today is that Philly is fully prepared to lose Bynum after his contract is up and why they didn't insist on a contract extension.

The one thing you are also forgetting is Philly has been motivated to move Igoudala and he has been part of trade rumors galore the past offseason and trade deadlines.

What about that said Philly thinks he is a franchise player? That tells me that Philly has longer terms plans as well that might not include Bynum.

As far as the merits of the trade, the Lakers made out like bandits in this one. Absolute bandits. Not because of the basketball impact (although that is a big part of it), but because of the extra revenue he will generate.

Bill Simmons wrote that the big losers of this trade, besides the Orlando Magic, are Celtics, Clippers and Suns fans. LOL

I actually thinks its NBA fans in general. Seriously....if you are fan of any team other than the Lakers or Miami.....do you seriously think you have a shot next season?

How would you like to be the Thunder next year knowing how close you have been ....only to get a great news like the Lakers getting Nash and Howard?

The NBA has big problems if this crap continues.

 

[Folster]

The only saving grace for me is that Dwight Howard over Andrew Bynum is only a very small upgrade. Factor in Dwight's possible back problems vs. Bynum's injury history, it's almost a wash. The difference here is that Bynum's ego was simply a buzzing fly, Dwight's will be bigger than the moon and that certainly could affect Kobe and/or Nash.

One thing though is that Suns fans who think our organization is inept need to take a long hard look at Orlando and Washington.

I have concerns over Kobe's effectiveness as a spot up shooter. Gasol and Howard will excel with Nash, but Kobe could have trouble adjusting. I am in no way saying Kobe will be relegated to a spot-up shooter, but giving up the ball and playmaking control could take some adjustment. It will be interesting to see how they implement the Princeton offense that is supposedly in the works.

 

[crisper57]

So Nash is really going to get his ring now. I guess that is a silver-lining. Other than that, can someone explain why people keep giving the Lakers good players for next-to-nothing?

 

[Chris_Sanders]

They don't need to, when everyone else bends over backwards to give the Lakers great deals. Come to think of it, the Suns did a better job than most in managing to get four picks for Nash. The Suns got practically as much for Nash as the Magic got for Howard!

This is what I thought. The Suns got more for a free agent than the Magic got for a better player under contract. That is crazy. That GM should resign today.

 

[JCSunsfan]

Its sad, but Stern can't protect every team from having an idiot for a GM. He could step in last year with NOLA because the league owned the team at the time.

Why do teams spoon feed the Lakers? I understand what the Suns did. In the end it was in the Suns best interest. But Orlando is getting nothing. We got more for Nash!

 

[ASUCHRIS]

Stern won't block it. It's only bad for small market teams, but for the league as a whole it's better when there are four to five dominant teams in the big markets. Having the Heat, Lakers, Celtics, Nets be good is more important than worrying about fair trades or making sure every team has a legit star or something. The NBA isn't the NFL and can't be run as such, as much as we all would like it to be.

Most amusingly, the NBA stated one of their main goals in the CBA negotiations was to avoid stars clustering on a few teams. Total failure.

 

[Griffin]

Assuming Lakers re-sign Howard to a max contract while keeping Kobe, Gasol, Nash, Blake and Jordan Hill, the Lakers will owe over $34M in luxury tax in 2013/14 just for those six players. This is from RealGM.

Add to that another seven players to fill out the roster and they could be paying over $65M-$80M in luxury tax that season on top of their $100M+ payroll for a grand total of $170-180M. And that's without the 'repeater tax' penalty that they would incur the following season, doubling their luxury tax totals.

I guess if there's one team in the league that can afford to pay this much for their roster, it's the Lakers. But then you have to also factor in revenue sharing and this will turn into one costly endeavor.

 

[Covert Rain]

Assuming Lakers re-sign Howard to a max contract while keeping Kobe, Gasol, Nash, Blake and Jordan Hill, the Lakers will owe over $34M in luxury tax in 2013/14 just for those six players. This is from RealGM.

Add to that another seven players to fill out the roster and they could be paying over $65M-$80M in luxury tax that season on top of their $100M+ payroll for a grand total of $170-180M. And that's without the 'repeater tax' penalty that they would incur the following season, doubling their luxury tax totals.

I guess if there's one team in the league that can afford to pay this much for their roster, it's the Lakers. But then you have to also factor in revenue sharing and this will turn into one costly endeavor.

Could this be a one shot deal? Howard is has repeated he will be a free agent. He might not resign. With a one year older Kobe, Nash and Howard possibly not there....could the team be blown up after next season regardless?

Seems very plausible to me.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Could this be a one shot deal? Howard is has repeated he will be a free agent. He might not resign. With a one year older Kobe, Nash and Howard possibly not there....could the team be blown up after next season regardless?

Seems very plausible to me.

that would only happen in fantasy land, where the good guys win. He'll be a Laker until he's got no usefulness left to him. we all know it to be true no matter how much we want it not to be.

 

[Phrazbit]

Could this be a one shot deal? Howard is has repeated he will be a free agent. He might not resign. With a one year older Kobe, Nash and Howard possibly not there....could the team be blown up after next season regardless?

Seems very plausible to me.

Unless he and Kobe despise each other then I think him resigning is a given.

Best case scenario, Lakers get one decent run out of this and then turn into Magic West as Kobe, Nash and Gasol decline dramatically and the Lakers are too bloated with big contracts to add more talent.

Or Dwight's back never really recovers and this submarines the final years of Kobe's career.