Unsubstantiated Rumor

[Chaplin]

To preface, this is a rumor I got second-hand from a Laker fan who said he got it from Sportscenter this morning.

He said they were talking about the Lakers and how they would proceed. They said there were only 4 players that were locks for the roster next season: Kobe, Bynum, Pau and Sasha Vujacic.

The conversation then turned to Lamar Odom. The Lakers want to get rid of him apparently, but NOBODY wants to take on his 13million, regardless of the fact that it is an expiring contract. So the rumor was that the Lakers would agree to some sort of buyout where they'd pay him half that salary, and he would be free to sign with another team for a much smaller amount. The team mentioned on the broadcast was the Suns.

Now, please remember, I have no confirmation that this actually was said on the broadcast, but the guy I work with is pretty credible and seemed believable.

 

[The Commish]

I would think that the buyout stipulation would be that he has to sign with an Eastern Conference team.

 

[Hat]

They're not looking to keep Fisher??

wtf...

 

[D-Dogg]

Interesting. I find it incredibly hard to believe though, that the Lakers can move Kwame Brown as an expiring K and not Lamar freaking Odom. I expect Vlad to be moved, and I think Lamar will be the focus of talks. I haven't seen anything like the rumor on any of my laker news areas, fwiw.

Lamar would be really good fit on the Suns, IMO.

 

[abomb]

I havent seen anything on the Lakers boards or the Hoopshype.com rumors section (which is very, very extensive).

LO has his exit interview with the coaches and management tomorrow.

 

[Chaplin]

I havent seen anything on the Lakers boards or the Hoopshype.com rumors section (which is very, very extensive).

LO has his exit interview with the coaches and management tomorrow.

I thought the same thing--if something like that was said, it would be all over the internet. I'm wondering if it's just a misunderstanding and they were talking about something else, or that my friend just mistook them mentioning the Suns.

A front line of Shaq, Amare and Odom would be pretty killer, but I just don't see any conceivable way the Lakers would allow that to happen.

 

[Irish]

They're not looking to keep Fisher??

wtf...

He's under contract for two more years.

 

[dreamcastrocks]

Interesting. I find it incredibly hard to believe though, that the Lakers can move Kwame Brown as an expiring K and not Lamar freaking Odom. I expect Vlad to be moved, and I think Lamar will be the focus of talks. I haven't seen anything like the rumor on any of my laker news areas, fwiw.

Lamar would be really good fit on the Suns, IMO.

You and me both. If you guys can get Gasol for Kwame, then you should be able to land LeBron for Odom.

 

[elindholm]

How about Odom and Radmanovic for O'Neal?

 

[jandaman]

I have my doubts about Odom being "bought out" at $6.5 Million and free to sign to any team.

If thats the case, Lakers are asking to be beaten handily by about 4-5 teams in the west alone.....

Suns + Odom
Spurs + Odom
Hornets + Odom
Warriors + Odom
Rockets + Odom


A team owner is willing to shell out the $6.5 Million luxury tax to0 add Odom's caliber. Technically he can justify a $12~13 Million 1 year deal, he puts up 17ppg 10rpg, plays SF/PF.

 

[AfroSuns]

I have my doubts about Odom being "bought out" at $6.5 Million and free to sign to any team.

If thats the case, Lakers are asking to be beaten handily by about 4-5 teams in the west alone.....

Suns + Odom
Spurs + Odom
Hornets + Odom
Warriors + Odom
Rockets + Odom


A team owner is willing to shell out the $6.5 Million luxury tax to0 add Odom's caliber. Technically he can justify a $12~13 Million 1 year deal, he puts up 17ppg 10rpg, plays SF/PF.

'

You forgot
Portland - Odom

 

[carrrnuttt]

I'm wondering if it's just a misunderstanding and they were talking about something else, or that my friend just mistook them mentioning the Suns.

He also might've caught the tail-end of a hypothetical discussion.

 

[HooverDam]

I really can't imagine them buying out half his deal and just letting him walk. He's not worth his current contract, but he is a good player. I'd love to have him in Phoenix for the right place. He's like a better version of Diaw in a lot of ways. I can't really think of any trade though that would land him here, so we'd have to hope for the buy out thing.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Every sports analyst and radio commentator I have listened to in the last 3 days (literally) has said Lamar is going to be shipped out. While I'm skeptical that he will be bought out and that the Suns are his destination, I wouldnt be surprised if he is on the block this summer.

 

[S_Nash]

Lamar would be really good fit on the Suns, IMO.

After his disappearing act in the NBA Finals, I'll bet you do.

 

[mojorizen7]

After his disappearing act in the NBA Finals, I'll bet you do.

Who's disappearing act?.........Lamars or Gasols?

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Paumar Gasodom

 

[mojorizen7]

Paumar Gasodom

Nice.
Howbout... Lamou Odas

 

[Rekindled]

Id rather have RON RON

 

[mojorizen7]

Id rather have RON RON

Ron Artest would solidify our defensive weaknessnes in the backcourt AND frontcourt as well as take the offensive pressure off Nash to score in crunch time.
He'll never end up here. I'd absolutely love to see.....
NASH/DJ
HILL/BELL/BARBOSA
RON RON/GIRICEK
STAT/DIAW
SHAQ/SKINNER
destroy opposing teams on both ends.
He's going to end up either in L.A. or S.A. though.

 

[TheHopToad]

Well, ever since Marion left, we need a guy to put forth a lot of effort and flashes of brilliace during the regular season and disappear during the playoffs. Odom would fill that void well.

So is the Machine going to crack the starting lineup next year? If I'm his agent, that's where the negotiations start. He could start for ¾ of the teams in the league.

I also find it hard to believe that they won't keep Turiaf. Isn't he Kobe's only friend on the team?

 

[JCSunsfan]

I've been in favor of getting Artest for a long time. His defense is unquestioned, and his offense is great too. He rebounds also.

Yes he's a risk, but its a risk you have to take at this point. No other attainable player would give us a better shot at competing.

 

[SirStefan32]

I don't see how Suns can get Artest.

 

[mojorizen7]

I don't see how Suns can get Artest.

Step up and go get him....otherwise he's going to wear LAKER Yellow/Blue or S.A. Silver/Black.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Lakers dont have blue!