Hoopsworld
is reporting that the Lakers are among a few teams working for a
potential sing-and-trade involving Bulls’ small forward, Luol Deng.
Reports yesterday suggested that Chicago Bulls’ forward Luol
Deng and his agent were ready to issue an “ultimatum” to the Bulls,
basically saying if Luol did not have a deal done by September 1st,
that he would back away from negotiations and not negotiate again with
the Bulls. The reports suggested if Luol did not get a deal he’s
comfortable with, he’d sign the Bulls’ $4.4 million qualifying offer
sheet and become an unrestricted free agent next year and walk.
League sources suggested that the Lakers, Pistons, Heat and Jazz have all had discussions with Luol Deng’s camp about the framework of a sign-and-trade. [Hoopsworld]
The Lakers, fresh off of a big win over the ailing Clippers on Sunday, took to the skies today, en route to game one of their four-game road trip through the frigid central and northeast. A road trip that should go off without a hitch... that is, of course, If the Lake Show can maintain the level of play seen in the past few weeks. I know, I know, The Lakers are not playing great basketball. I would call it 'par' as of right now, but frankly, I feel as if 'par' will get them out of the road trip relatively unscathed. Still though, last season's record through 23 games haunts us all.
I was going to write a game-by-game preview on the road trip, but Jeff Skibiski over at Lakers.com beat me to the punch here. I started writing my version, until I stumbled upon Jeff's and came to the conclusion that, basically, the only additional analysis I offered that was worthy of stepping to the source was my new nickname for Zydrunas Ilgauskas; The Drune Dogg. I know.
Anyway, here is the gist of what you need to know:
It was a rather slow sports day in Los Angeles. No Lakers game, no Clippers game, and though nobody truly cares here, no Ducks game and no Kings game either.
Here's run through the rumor mill, news stand, and garbage pail:
A-Rod, who is seeking the biggest contract in the history of the league, is now ready to venture out into the free agent market. His agent, Scott Boras, a.k.a the dude that "ruined" game four of the World Series, reportedly used this week's GM meetings to pimp A-Rod to anyone who would listen. Among those listening closely, the Red Sox, Dodgers, Mets, and Angels. The Angels, however, stepped things up and appear to be the front runner, with this statement from GM Tony Reagins:"We're interested. We're going to speak to his people and see where they are," Reagins said. "They'll know where we stand and we'll go from there. You look to try to improve your club. If that's a piece that improves your club, you go for it."
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the mother of Clippers G/F Corey
Maggette has said "Corey would love to be a Bull.'' This is obviously a
case of "what were you thinking," but with Corey being the highlight of
the team while Brand is out, combined with the Clipps' 4-0 record,
countered by Chicago's 1-4 record (they finally won a game), I think
he's staying put.
Lamar Odom is expected to return to the Lakers starting line-up for Friday's game against the T-Wolves. Odom, who was sidelined in May after undergoing shoulder surgery will likely replace Luke Walton in the line-up in lieu of Ronny Turiaf's stellar play in the first four games of the season.
Good old Phil Jackson is already talking about next season... four games into this season. When asked about the status of his standing contract with the Lakers, he said "It will probably be before Thanksgiving, or around Thanksgiving time. That's a good time period." Jackson, who is still recovering from his second hip replacement surgery has mentioned that his heath, as well as the team's propensity to win a championship play a strong role in his decision.
Much to the chagrin of change-seeking Lakers fans, Jerry West has been said to be very much enjoying his retirement down time.
Ex-Euro soccer star Ruud Gullit will be announced as the new coach of the L.A. Galaxy in a press conference friday morning. ...Yet another expenditure that will likely get the Galaxy nowhere. Here's to hoping Gullit doesn't go down with a knee injury.
The Lakers, fresh off of two convincing victories, fan's hearts hand, returned to style of play that strikes resemblance to a time when things weren't so great in la la land. That time happened to be the first three quarters of opening night, and just about the majority of the last two seasons.
The Lakers home loss tonight against New Orleans brought fans back down to earth from that two-day acid trip that the midday radio hosts had them strung up on. "The Lakers are BACK." "This team is for real." "Kobe is happy."
Sounds a lot like me the other day, eh?
Anyhow, The Lakers still posted four in double figures: Kobe, Ronny Turiaf, Jordan Farmar, and Vladdy, but nothing really out of the ordinary jumped out at me this game.
The real story was on the other side of the ball.
Chris Paul broke a team record with assists, dishing out 21... yeah, 21 FREAKING ASSISTS.
Peja Stojakovic also broke a team record; three-pointers netted in a game, with 10.
Regardless of what really went on in this game, the hardcore Laker fans are going to say that the Hornets played unusually well. Considering the win brings their record to 4-0, we may have to eradicate the "unusual"; the Hornets look hot.
Around the league:
Speaking of hot, the team that ESPN the Magazine projected to finish 14 out of 15 in the west is undefeated. That's right, in case you missed it, the Clippers embarrassed the Bulls by a score of 97-91 tonight. An embarrassment by only 6 points? YEAH. We're talking about the Elton Brand-less Shawn Livingston-less Clippers going up against an Eastern Conference top five team at home.
Tally?
Clippers 3-0
Bulls 0-4
As cute as it is to see the Clippers on top of the Pacific Division standings, you just have to think that this can't last much longer.
I'm a realistic observer of the vast world that surrounds the Los Angeles Lakers. You can thank Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Elden Campbell, Cedric Ceballos, and Vlade Divac for making that possible. The greatest person of all time is Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn. There's no getting around that. Me? I'm eighteen years old and working my way to a journalism degree.
Bulls’ small forward, Luol Deng.
The Lakers home loss tonight against New Orleans brought fans back down to earth from that two-day acid trip that the midday radio hosts had them strung up on. "The Lakers are BACK." "This team is for real." "Kobe is happy."
