Laker Nation

Two weeks ago we posted an article where Bynum said he just wants to be Laker, money isn’t any factor him, and he just wants to take care of his family. So what happened in those two weeks? Who knows. Sound off… *sigh* Press Enterprise: While the Lakers were making an announcement about their intentions to keep restricted free agents [...]

Now that we can put Ron Artest behind us, let’s start putting all our thoughts in having Baron Davis in Purple & Gold. Whose with me?! Sound-off… ESPN: Golden State point guard Baron Davis elected to become a free agent Monday night, opting out of the final year of his contract with the Warriors in a surprise move. Davis had [...]

If some of you don’t know me, I really want to see Yue in a Lakers uniform next season. Why? ‘Cause most analyst are comparing him to Magic Johnson, thats why! Well, the asian Magic Johnson, to be exact. So whose with me?! Sound-off… Do it, Mitch! L.A. Times: They are also keeping tabs on 6-foot-8 Chinese guard Sun Yue, [...]

I was ready to post a Odom/Walton for Marion article ’til I updated my Inbox, received an e-mail, and saw that Marion has decided not to opt out. Freakin’ rumors! Now, we can put all this talk to rest… *cough*Elton Brand*cough*! Miami Herald: Agent Dan Fegan said he has reached an impasse with Heat president Pat Riley after a month [...]

The Voice of the Nation Podcast with Andrew Rafner (varsityoptimism) and David Brickley (DBricks) will guide you through the capillaries and ventricles of the Lakers Nation. Andrew and D discuss the exit interviews and Shaq’s rapping prowess. Playlist - Another Sunny Day – Anorak City The Field Mice – Emma’s House Martha & the Vandellas – Jimmy Mack Subscribe: MP3 [...]

What are your thoughts on Kobe’s decision on delaying the surgery? Sound-off. O.C. Register: Despite a seriously injured hand, which doctors confirmed needs surgery, Bryant will play on the Olympic team, which was named today. The NBA’s reigning MVP will put off surgery until after the Games, threatening his participation in the Lakers training camp prior to next season.

Well, this was inevitable… L.A. Times: This just in: Kobe Bryant makes U.S. Olympic team! In a foregone conclusion announced today, Bryant was officially named to the U.S. men’s basketball team along with fellow foregone conclusions LeBron James, Jason Kidd, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Michael Redd and Dwight Howard. Also named to the team, but not locks beforehand, [...]

Maybe for the Matrix? Sound-off in the comments and tell us what you think! N.Y. Daily News: Lamar Odom had a rocky Finals and could be on his way out. Odom’s old team, Miami, is seen as one potential destination. Pat Riley has always loved Odom and had him for a season before using him as a piece to get [...]

HOOPSWORLD: The Lakers are among the teams with some key free agents to either lock up or let walk. Sasha Vujacic has been vocal about his desire to stay in LA, and the improvements he showed over the 2007-08 season should make him very attractive – both to the Lakers and to possible suitors. On the other hand, the Lakers [...]

Well, that was fun while it lasted… O.C. Register: Managing the future payroll is another reason the Lakers might be more inclined to let Lamar Odom play out the remaining $14.3 million on his expiring contract in a prove-yourself season rather than trade him for another high-salary player with a longer contract such as New Jersey small forward Richard Jefferson. [...]

Inside the Lakers: It’s one of the oddest, least expected pairings you could think of, but Kobe Bryant is actually pretty tight with young shooting guard Sasha Vujacic. In years past, he’s invited him to train with him during the summers, and seems to respect Vujacic’s passion for the game. Now that Vujacic is a restricted free agent, here’s the [...]

Coach Phil Jackson and General Manager Mitch Kupchak anticipate a different lineup with many of the same players. L.A. Times: New season, new Lakers? The Lakers could feature a completely different makeup next season, Coach Phil Jackson said today. “If and when [Andrew Bynum] is back, which we anticipate, it will be a different team entirely,” Jackson said. The shifting [...]

NJ.com: It was about a year ago that Rod Thorn dialed Mitch Kupchak and floated Richard Jefferson-for-Lamar Odom. The conversation, we’re told, didn’t last long. Not interested, Mitch said. Besides, I’m a little busy right now, trying to dodge the molotov cocktails Kobe keeps tossing through my office window. Care to bet the Nets try again? And want to bet [...]

Unlike a year ago, the Lakers star makes no public calls for a change in the team’s personnel. He also says the NBA Finals loss to the Celtics still stings, but ‘I bounce back quickly.’ L.A. Times: Kobe Bryant left Lakers headquarters today in a much better mood than a year ago, when he was obviously unhappy with the team’s [...]