Los Angeles Lakers Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Kupchak On Sessions, Offseason

By Ryan Raroque | at June 19, 2012 6:02 pm

Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak held a conference call with team beat writers this evening to offer his thoughts on Ramon Sessions' decision to opt-out of the final year of his contract and other offseason topics. Among those present was Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, who tweeted that Kupchack's preference would have been for Sessions to pick up his player option for next year. As we mentioned earlier, the team still owns Ramon's bird rights and will not have to use their mid-level exception if they choose to re-sign him. Trudell released the full transcript of Kupchak's comments, and here are some highlights..

On Sessions' declining his option:

"The fact that he would not extend (his option) clearly puts him in the position where he’s an unrestricted free agent on July 1. With all situations like that, both sides have to absorb some risk. I’m not quite sure if he’s completely aware of what the future holds for him beginning on July 1. Beginning today, we have to plan for the contingency that he won’t be available as a free agent at a later date in July. We have to make sure we have back up plans in place."

On the team's point guard situation:

"I suppose we could look to fill that position between now and July 1 via a trade, or we can wait until July 1 and pursue Ramon, or perhaps another free agent, although we’re limited with the exceptions available to us. He did indicate that he was happy here in Los Angeles and that he would look to return. But once again, once the market comes into play, there’s no telling what will happen."

On Ramon's performance since becoming a Laker:

"I thought when he first got here he was very effective and I thought as we approached the playoffs and particularly the second round of the playoffs, he wasn’t as comfortable as he was at the beginning. Having gone through that many, many years ago, the playoffs are a completely different experience. The intensity level, the scrutiny, the awareness by the public. Typically you don’t see (young players succeed as much) under those conditions. I think he’d admit it wasn’t his best basketball. I look at our team, and not many of our players (played their best)."

On Sessions' market value:

"You could have 8-10 teams that value him at a certain number, but maybe there’s another team that values him at a much higher number. We’ve been involved in situations like that in the past. We knew what his number was if he did extend. But it can work the other way too: the market might not be as good as he thinks it might be. But he’s a young, developing player who I think is going to get better."

On free agency:

"There is always value. In terms of high profile names, I wouldn’t categorize this free agent class as one of the best ever, but there is always value out there depending upon how you define it. Whether it’s at the minimum, the mid-level or the mini-mid (level), there’s somebody out there every year that can play and help your club."

On last year's draft picks, Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris:

"(Goudelock) is on a 2-year deal, so we have no decision to make there. (Morris)– we have until June 30 to tender him a 1-year contract. If we do that, we retain his rights and we retain the right to negotiate with him beginning July 1."

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Ramon Sessions To Opt Out Of Contract

By Luke Adams | at June 19, 2012 11:12 am

Ramon Sessions will opt out of his contract with the Lakers and will hit unrestricted free agency this offseason, according to Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times (via Twitter). Sessions had one year remaining on his four-year deal, a player option worth about $4.55MM, but will be seeking a new contract this summer rather than picking up the option.

4 comments Los Angeles Lakers Ramon Sessions

Lawrence On Grizzlies Sale, Pau Gasol, Clippers

By Daniel Seco | at June 17, 2012 11:09 am

Jeremy Lin will have the opportunity to appeal his arbitration case to a three-person board if he loses, writes Mitch Lawrence of the New York Daily News. The same is true for the NBA if it doesn't win against Lin, Steve Novak, J.J. Hickson and Chauncey Billups as the players fight to retain their Bird Rights after being waived at various points just prior to and during the 2011/2012 season. Let's catch up on the latest rumors and headlines as reported by Lawrence in his latest offering…

0 comments Los Angeles Clippers Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies Kiki Vandeweghe Pau Gasol

Draft Updates: Saturday

By Chuck Myron | at June 16, 2012 8:15 pm

Harrison Barnes and Bradley Beal go head-to-head in a workout today for the Cavs that could determine who the team takes with the fourth overall pick. We'll be keeping an eye on that, as well as all other draft-related news with a dozen days to go until teams make their selections. Already today we've heard some news regarding teams shopping their picks from Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times, and there's plenty more to share here. We'll update this post throughout the day, with the latest news on top.

Earlier updates:

Syracuse center Fab Melo tells HoopsWorld's Stephen Litel that he is emulating Tim Duncan in his style of play.
Morley Quatroche of WEEI.com looks at Miles Plumlee as a potential draft target for the Celtics.
Paul Coro of AZCentral.com says that the Suns are looking to improve their offense in the draft.
Charles F. Gardner of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel looks at a handful of guards who have worked out for the Bucks recently.
Stephen Brotherston of HoopsWorld.com talks to Iona's Scott Machado, who is attempting to raise his profile ahead of the draft.

Ben Golliver of Blazer's Edge provides a transcript of Andre Drummond's comments after his workout with the Blazers today.
Agent Mark MacGillivray says big man Reeves Nelson, who was dismissed from the UCLA basketball team this past season, worked out Thursday for the Lakers, HoopsHype reports.
WEEI.com continues its series on prospects and how they'd fit with the Celtics, with Morley Quatroche profiling Tyler Zeller and Jashvina Shah looking at Kim English.
Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld shares a number of draft rumors in his chat, including his thoughts on several sleepers, with shooting guard Orlando Johnson chief among them.
Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel has a list of the half dozen players who worked out for the Magic today. That group didn't include injured power forward Kevin Jones, who interviewed with the team instead.
Jeff Goodman of CBSSports.com says Bradley Beal emerged with a slight edge over Harrison Barnes after today's one-on-one workout for the Cavs, but cautions that it doesn't mean the team has made up its mind about the fourth pick (Twitter links).
Small forward Quincy Miller has added 17 pounds to his 6'10" frame since the end of his season at Baylor, bringing his weight up to 220 pounds, tweets Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Noah Hartsock has only an outside shot to get drafted, and he's still recovering from ankle surgery in late March, as Steve Luhm of The Salt Lake Tribune writes. The 6'8" forward has a deal lined up with a team in Belgium, but he a handful of other players took part in a workout for the Jazz today, Luhm says, and Hartsock will participate in a group workout for the Warriors tomorrow, according to Matt Steinmetz of CSN Bay Area.
Chad Ford of ESPN.com tweets the latest workout schedules for players near the top of the draft board. Damian Lillard will audition Sunday for the Warriors. The Bobcats will look at Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Bradley Beal on Monday, and Harrison Barnes will work out Tuesday for the Wizards.
Andre Drummond, one of a group of players working out today for the Blazers, goes in front of the Wizards on Monday and the Bobcats and Cavs after that, Joe Freeman of The Oregonian reports. (Twitter links)
During his workout for the Hornets, Arnett Moultrie connected with coach Monty Williams, and now the Mississippi State big man is "openly rooting" for New Orleans to take him with the No. 10 pick, writes Scott Howard-Cooper on NBA.com.
In the same piece, Howard-Cooper profiles Perry Jones III, explains why 7'4" Turkish center Dusan Cantekin could be passed over on draft night, and notes that John Henson is slowed by an ankle injury.
Alex Kennedy of HoopsWorld identifies 10 teams trying to trade either up or down in the draft.
Joe Kotoch of SheridanHoops.com unveils the latest version of his mock draft, which encompasses both the first and second rounds.
Yannis Koutroupis of HoopsWorld ranks the draft's small forwards, beginning with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
In Sacramento for a workout with the Kings, Terrence Jones invoked comparisons to Lamar Odom and Marvin Williams in describing his versatility as an asset, writes Matt Kawahara of the Sacramento Bee.
In his mailbag, Doug Smith of the Toronto Star says there's "very little chance" the Raptors will find a starter with the eighth pick, which leads Smith to speculate that the team will use the selection to fill its need for a backup guard.
David Mayo of MLive compares three North Carolina prospects with whom the Pistons have had contact: Harrison Barnes, John Henson and Tyler Zeller.
John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer looks at Moe Harkless and Hollis Thompson, two players who worked out Friday for the Sixers, and how they'd fit in with the team.
In a pair of Celtics-themed features for WEEI.com, Morley Quatroche breaks down point guard Damian Lillard and Jashvina Shah looks at small forward Kris Joseph.
Second-round longshot Larry Anderson, a shooting guard from Long Beach State, will participate in a workout for the Bucks today, according to the team's website.

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0 comments 2012 NBA Draft Boston Celtics Charlotte Hornets Cleveland Cavaliers Detroit Pistons Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Lakers Milwaukee Bucks New Orleans Pelicans Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers Phoenix Suns Portland Trail Blazers Toronto Raptors Utah Jazz Washington Wizards Andre Drummond Arnett Moultrie Bradley Beal Damian Lillard Dusan Cantekin Fab Melo Harrison Barnes John Henson Kevin Jones Kim English Larry Anderson Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Miles Plumlee Noah Hartsock Orlando Johnson Perry Jones III Quincy Miller Reeves Nelson Scott Machado Terrence Jones Tyler Zeller

Kennedy On Roy, Celtics, Sixers, Gasol

By Chuck Myron | at June 16, 2012 4:18 pm

HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy has the day's major story so far, about the return of Brandon Roy. While Roy suffers from a degenerative condition in his knees, Kennedy is confident that Roy can not only come back to play in the NBA, but do so at a high level. Kennedy recalls a conversation with Jamal Crawford, who said Roy looked dominant in pickup games against NBA players right before he retired. There will be plenty of suitors for Roy, Kennedy opines, believing he'd fit in as a sixth man with the Heat or the Lakers. There are several rumors on other topics around the league in Kennedy's latest chat transcript, and we'll hit the highlights here.

0 comments Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers Miami Heat Philadelphia 76ers Andre Iguodala Kevin Garnett Pau Gasol Paul Pierce Ray Allen

Odds & Ends: Lakers, Blazers, Thorn, Magic

By Zachary Links | at June 12, 2012 10:20 pm

Accomplished Italian coach Ettore Messina told Dave McMenamin of ESPNLosAngeles.com that he'll be leaving his job as a consultant for the Lakers to once again take the helm for CSKA Moscow. Messina's contract will include an out clause if he is presented with an NBA head coaching opportunity, however. The 52-year-old has been linked to a handful of NBA teams in recent years and could be an interesting addition to ongoing searches in Orlando, Charlotte, and possibly Portland. More from around the league after the jump..

0 comments 2012 NBA Draft Boston Celtics Los Angeles Lakers Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers Portland Trail Blazers Royce White

Money Time: Upcoming Free Agents In The Playoffs

By Chuck Myron | at June 9, 2012 2:50 pm

Throughout the playoffs, we've been tracking soon-to-be free agents week by week as they make their final impressions heading into the offseason. With 12 members of the Finals-bound Thunder possessing guaranteed contracts for next season, most of the cases have been closed. So, here's a look at the three impending free agents who made the most significant leaps throughout the entire postseason, and the three who took the greatest steps back.

Winners

Kevin Garnett, Celtics: Garnett and Tim Duncan were both carrying the banner for 36-year-old former power forwards getting it done at center in the playoffs, but in the conference finals Garnett has set himself apart. In the series, he's averaged 20.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks, helping Boston to the cusp of the NBA Finals. For the playoffs as a whole, he's ninth in points per game (19.5), fourth in rebounds per game (10.5), and second in Basketball-Reference.com's defensive rating (93.5).

Roy Hibbert, Pacers (restricted): The most significant question surrounding Hibbert's postseason performance is why his 9.5 shot attempts per game were down from the 10.3 he saw in the regular season. That reflects much more poorly on his Pacers teammates than it does upon Hibbert, who shot 50% and controlled the boards to the tune of 11.2 RPG, the second highest rebounding average in the postseason. Though his team was eliminated in the conference semifinals, Hibbert is still second in total offensive rebounds for the postseason, with 45, and third in total blocks, with 34, in 11 games. His defensive rating of 94.8 slots fourth, right behind Garnett and the next man on this list.

Lavoy Allen, Sixers (restricted): One of Garnett's playoff combatants was almost equally as impressive in the playoffs, particularly considering he's less than a year removed from being the 50th pick in the draft. Allen logged just 19.7 minutes per game, but played them efficiently, posting a 17.2 PER. His defensive rating of 94.5 was the third best in the playoffs, between Garnett and Hibbert, and his 55.7 field goal percentage was fifth among qualifiers.

Losers

Ryan Anderson, Magic (restricted): Sure, he made 40% of his three-pointers, slightly better than the 39.3% regular season clip that helped him win the NBA's Most Improved Player award. Yet he was little more than a spot-up shooter in the postseason. He took only 2.8 shots per game from inside the arc, as opposed to 5.5 during the regular season. That explains why his 16.1 PPG for the season was cut to 9.6 in the playoffs. He also had drastic regressions in rebounding (7.7 to 4.6) and PER (21.2 to 7.2).

O.J. Mayo, Grizzlies (restricted): He had more turnovers (18) than made baskets (17) in the playoffs this year, making a strong case that he's unfit the spot duty at point guard he saw against the Clippers. Mayo made 27.4% of his field goals, 29.2% from three-point range, and compiled a PER of 7.9 — well below average. In a roundabout way, he may have created a little more bargaining power for himself this summer, as the Grizzlies may decline to tender him a qualifying offer to avoid the luxury tax, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Matt Barnes, Lakers: In the regular season, Barnes was an asset to the Lakers, rebounding and blocking shots at a higher rate than ever as he settled into the primary backup role at both wing positions. In the playoffs, he was so much of a liability that he barely saw the floor in the last four games against the Thunder. The extra rebounding and blocked shots disappeared, and Barnes shot just 27.1 percent from the field, including an atrocious 5-for-31 from three-point range.

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0 comments Boston Celtics Indiana Pacers Los Angeles Lakers Memphis Grizzlies Orlando Magic Philadelphia 76ers Kevin Garnett Lavoy Allen Matt Barnes Money Time O.J. Mayo Roy Hibbert Ryan Anderson

Odds & Ends: Spoelstra, Lakers, Krstic, Marshall

By Luke Adams | at June 8, 2012 4:32 pm

The Heat are certainly in better position to advance to the NBA Finals than they were 24 hours ago, but they aren't out of the woods yet, with a Game 7 looming. Given the high expectations in Miami, ESPN.com's Chris Broussard (Twitter link) polled 27 NBA executives on 20 clubs on whether they'd fire Erik Spoelstra if the Heat lose the series to the Celtics — 17 said no, while 10 said yes. While we await tomorrow's winner-take-all matchup and prepare for a night without NBA action, let's check in on some other updates from around the Association….

0 comments 2012 NBA Draft Dallas Mavericks Golden State Warriors Los Angeles Lakers Miami Heat Andrew Bynum Erik Spoelstra Jared Sullinger Kendall Marshall Kobe Bryant Nenad Krstic Nick Calathes

Offseason Outlook: Los Angeles Lakers

By Luke Adams | at June 8, 2012 3:00 pm

Guaranteed Contracts

Kobe Bryant ($27,849,149)
Pau Gasol ($19,000,000)
Andrew Bynum ($16,100,000)
Metta World Peace ($7,258,960)
Steve Blake ($4,000,000)
Josh McRoberts ($3,135,000)
Christian Eyenga ($1,174,080)

Options

Ramon Sessions ($4,551,626, Player)

Non-Guaranteed Contracts

Andrew Goudelock ($762,195)

Free Agents (Cap Holds)

Jordan Hill ($3,632,527)
Matt Barnes ($2,478,060)
Devin Ebanks ($1,054,389 – QO)
Darius Morris ($962,195 – QO)
Troy Murphy ($854,389)
(Ron Harper – $2,860,000)
(Shammond Williams – $2,100,000)
(Karl Malone – $1,800,000)
(Horace Grant – $854,389)
(Jim Jackson – $854,389)
(Ira Newble – $854,389)
(Theo Ratliff – $854,389)
(Mitch Richmond – $854,389)
(John Salley – $854,389)
(Brian Shaw – $854,389)
(Joe Smith – $854,389)

Draft Picks

2nd Round (60th overall)

Cap Outlook

Guaranteed Salary: $78,517,189
Non-Guaranteed Salary (including options), Cap Holds: $27,890,493
Total (not including draft picks): $106,407,682

For some NBA teams, making the second round of the playoffs would represent a hugely successful season. The Lakers' Staples Center cohabitants, for instance, probably fit that bill — the Clippers certainly weren't disappointed by a season in which they set a franchise record for winning percentage and were knocked out in the Western Conference Semis. But for the Lakers, a second-round exit just isn't going to cut it.

Following back-to-back resounding second-round defeats, there are rumblings that big changes could be in store for the Lakers this offseason. Even after dumping Lamar Odom in December though, the team doesn't have the cap flexibility to be a factor in free agency. After picking up Andrew Bynum's 2012/13 option, the Lakers' salary commitments for next season total a whopping $78.5MM for just seven players, putting them not only over the cap, but well over the luxury tax line as well.

The amnesty clause is still available for the Lakers, since they didn't use it in December, but it doesn't figure to make a huge impact. The club can't create any cap space unless it amnesties Kobe Bryant, which is about as likely as the Bobcats winning the 2013 NBA Finals. Using the amnesty provision on a player like Metta World Peace would reduce the Lakers' tax penalty, but wouldn't change their cap situation — the team would still be in the tax, with only the $3MM mini mid-level exception at its disposal.

It's not out of the question that the Lakers' small MLE could bring in a solid rotation player. They could make a bid for a small forward like Gerald Green, or perhaps a point guard coming off a down year like Raymond Felton. The appeal of the Lakers' franchise and its history might mean that a player who could earn a little more money elsewhere would be willing to play in Los Angeles for $3MM annually.

Before the Lakers target Felton or any other point guard, however, they'll have to figure out what to do with their in-house option. Ramon Sessions has a player option worth about $4.55MM, and even though he didn't impress in the postseason, Sessions could likely find a solid multiyear offer on the open market. He's a good bet to opt out of the final year of his deal, in which case the Lakers will have to decide whether they want to lock him up for multiple years or go a different direction. Sessions represented a significant improvement on the early-season combination of Steve Blake and Derek Fisher, and the Lakers will have limited free agent flexibility, so I can see the two sides working out a new contract to keep the former Cav in L.A.

Of course, while the Lakers may not be able to make a splash in free agency, they do hold two big trade chips, in Bynum and Pau Gasol. Gasol was nearly traded last December in a deal for Chris Paul, and I expect the Lakers wouldn't hesitate to move the Spaniard "again" if it means landing a top point guard. The Rockets are a potential trade partner, having long coveted Gasol and with a young point guard to offer in Kyle Lowry.

Gasol's contract, which has two years and $38MM+ left, may be a tough pill to swallow for some interested suitors, however. If the Lakers want to maximize their trade impact, they'll consider offers for Bynum. Although there are questions about his makeup and his approach, he's arguably the second-best center in the NBA behind Dwight Howard, and is still just 24 years old. It sounds as if the Lakers' brass love Bynum and hope to make him the cornerstone of the franchise after Kobe is gone, so the team probably won't move him unless they can land Howard and get a long-term commitment from D12.

The Lakers head into the offseason searching for a way to surround Bryant with a team that can legitimately contend for a title in the immediate future. Los Angeles didn't hesitate to trade both of its first-round draft picks at the deadline, and won't be looking to add young talent that can't contribute right away. If the Lakers make a big trade this summer, it's likely to involve Gasol, and it's likely to bring in a player or two that can make the team better right away, rather than down the road. If the Lakers can find such a deal, this may be the time that all those blockbuster trade rumors finally turn into something concrete.

Storytellers Contracts and Sham Sports were used in the creation of this post.

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0 comments Los Angeles Lakers Offseason Preview

Southwest Notes: Mavs, Odom, Motiejunas, Spurs

By Luke Adams | at June 8, 2012 1:10 pm

The Southwest Division's only sub-.500 finisher may not have been the most buzz-worthy team on the court, but that's changed this summer now that the Hornets hold two top-ten picks in the draft. While Anthony Davis is a lock to be picked first overall, we still don't know what the Hornets plan to do with pick No. 10. Last night, we heard that GM Dell Demps and the front office will continue to explore all their options and will make a deal "if it makes sense." Here are a few more notes out of the Southwest….

0 comments Dallas Mavericks Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers San Antonio Spurs Donatas Motiejunas Lamar Odom Manu Ginobili Tim Duncan

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