11/05/24
July 05, 2003
Can the Lakers make a comeback next year? If the rumors are true, it is a possibility. They're currently looking at Gary Payton. Additionally, Karl Malone has expressed interest if Payton joins the crew. The scenario would go like this: Malone signs for the veteran minimum of $1.5 million for next season, which would help the Lakers attract Payton. If all this plays out, you're looking at a possible starting line-up of Gary Payton, Kobe Bryant, Rick Fox, Karl Malone and Shaquille O'Neal, which would be pretty strong, to say the least.
posted by Luke to basketball at 10:45 PM - 4 comments
as a lakeshow fan, I personally hope this DOES NOT happen. I hate Malone and would prefer that the Lakers pick up someone younger, more interesting, and just plain cooler. Malone is a great, great player, but not a Laker.
posted by chaz at 01:37 AM on July 06, 2003
I wonder if jonson isn't correct in a too many chefs way...
posted by billsaysthis at 11:30 AM on July 06, 2003
Too many egos.
posted by kirkaracha at 09:17 PM on July 06, 2003
You've gotta imagine that would make them a top contender... still, so much seems to reside on Shaq's shoulders. When he's not up to the task, he sometimes responds by demanding the ball more, and when you factor in Malone's pursuit of Kareem's scoring record, and potentially Kobe's MVP jonesing, which seems to manifest itself in scoring runs rather than assist/rebound runs, that's a lot of potential forced shots, especially either out on the perimeter in Kobe's case or under double/triple teams in Shaq's case. The play of Payton will be the determining factor. He was not the equal of Ray Allen in the Bucks/Sonics trade, in my opinion, as the Sonics improved after the trade (thanks to a couple triple doubles by Allen, no less), while the Bucks faded. Honestly, next years' championship may well be decided not by this trade, but by whatever trade the Spurs make. If it's the right one, and it plays out well, the season may be over before it starts.