Gilbert Arenas

Berger On Howard, Williams, Chandler, Nash, GMs

Ken Berger of CBSSports weighed in on the Dwight Howard situation, Deron Williams and several other hot NBA topics.  Here is a quick summary of his updates:

  • Dwight Howard would already be on his way out of Orlando if he was able to make a decision on a destination, according to a person close to the situation.  Rival executives believe that after the All-Star game in Orlando, the Magic will be forced to move him.  
  • Berger says that despite reports to the contrary, the Lakers are indeed one of Howard's finalists, along with the Mavericks and Nets.  The Lakers would prefer to move Pau Gasol in a deal over newly named All-Star starter Andrew Bynum
  • While the Nets are encouraged by Deron Williams' outlook on the team, the team knows that it must complete a Dwight Howard-sized deal to resign the point guard. 
  • Despite league-wide concern over how the Kenyon Martin situation shook out in China, the Nuggets remain committed to signing Wilson Chandler.
  • Steve Nash has not requested a trade, but if he should, the Suns would do all they can to accommodate his request. 
  • On top of the Lakers interest in Ramon Sessions, the team has also discussed the possibility of adding Gilbert Arenas.  
  • Berger suggests the following front office members have uncertain futures:  Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld, Pistons team president Joe Dumars, Kings team president Geoff Petrie, Raptors team president Bryan Colangelo

Lakers Inquired On Gilbert Arenas

Lakers coach Mike Brown says the team has inquired about free agent guard Gilbert Arenas, writes Brian Kamenetzky of ESPNLosAngeles.com.  While the club has yet to make plans to bring Arenas in for a workout, Brown admits that the club has checked in on the veteran.

Brown also cautioned that the club has talked about "a ton of players out there" and has yet to watch film on Arenas.  The 30-year-old has averaged 21.7 PPG but struggled last year with the Wizards before a mid-season trade to the Magic.  Thanks to injuries and league discipline, Agent Zero has played in just 117 games since the start of the 2007/08 season.

Arenas could provide the Lakers with a solid backup for Derek Fisher as Steve Blake is set to be sidelined for the next few weeks with a rib injury.  Recently, the Lakers have been using rookie Andrew Goudelock in support of the 37-year-old.

Pacific Links: Petrie, Smart, Biedrins

Here are a few happenings from the West Coast: