Lakers out; Magic Johnson argues Jerry Buss needs to "blow this team up" and make drastic changes to roster during offseason

by lovinglosangeles on May 8, 2011 7:25 PM PDT

So the Lakers are out of the play-offs, swept by the Dallas Mavericks. What's next for them? Th Magic Johnson's interview is kind of intriguing and interesting:

Even with the odds stacked against them, the Lakers are publicly expressing optimism about coming back from an 0-3 deficit in their Western Conference semifinal series against the Dallas Mavericks.

But don't count Magic Johnsonas one of them. The Lakers great argued as an ESPN NBA analyst Saturday that the Lakers, and owner Jerry Buss, will need to make serious changes to their veteran-heavy roster during the off-season. Johnson's most pointed suggestion involved the Lakers' trading for Dwight Howard, even if it means giving up Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol or Lamar Odom.

"Dr. Buss has a lot of work to do," said Johnson. "He's probably going to have to blow this team up after the season if the Lakers lose this series because you have to come back with some fresh faces. You have to pick between the two big men with which one you keep and then you trade the other one."

Johnson didn't aim his criticism solely at the Lakers' front line, arguing that everybody outside ofKobe Bryant should be considered trade bait in what will be an uncertain off-season. In addition to the strong possibility Dallas will eliminate the Lakers, the 2010-11 season will be the last for CoachPhil Jackson. Reserves Matt Barnes and Shannon Brown can exercise player options to stay next season, with Barnes telling The Times' Mike Bresnahan in March he planned to do that and Brown conceding he's open to opting out. And of course, the cloud surrounding the league's expiring collective bargaining agreement on June 30 weighs heavily on all NBA teams.

Presuming the Lakers are eliminated, Johnson anticipates a very busy off-season.

"The Lakers have two problems," said Johnson, who sold his 4.5% ownership stake in the Lakers to billionaire season ticket-holder Patrick Soon-Shiong in October but has kept his title as vice president. "They're too slow and they have no athletes. This is an athletic league now. When you think about all the teams that are in the playoffs right now, they all can run fast and jump high.

"Sometimes you can be together too long," he continued. "This group has been probably together too long.

Now if you visit the LA Time from which this article comes, people (the ones commenting) are still talking about getting one Blake Griffin for next season. Do they even know how the whole free agency business works? Or do they believe that because it is Lakers, the Clippers would just say, "sure take Blake"?

Any thoughts?

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The Lakers need Gomes next year

to compete again for the championship.

"I gotta have more cowbell and a small forward for The Clippers" Bruce Dickinson

by PV Mike on May 8, 2011 8:04 PM PDT reply actions

I wouldn't even trade Gomes to them

What tradeable assets do they have? Only Bynum, who is a dick and is redundant when we already have DJ and Kaman

theclippership.tumblr.com

by losbolts on May 8, 2011 8:25 PM PDT up reply actions

What Andrew and Odom did today was just despicable,e specially Andrew’s foul.

by lovinglosangeles on May 8, 2011 8:29 PM PDT up reply actions

A.Bynum's trade value went down like a rocket after that Flagrant 2

He’ll definitely be suspended to start next year, and after this being his 3rd incident like this, I would most definitely like to see him suspended an extended period of time. Screw 1-2 games, go 5-10.

by UC.Clipper on May 8, 2011 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions

I think the league should go with 10 to set a stern example (no pun intended)

I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s no more than 5. Odom owned up to being salty about getting outplayed and outhustled. Bynum gave some stupid answer and is showing that he doesn’t think his actions now and in the past were that serious. Wallace had a collapsed lung, Beasley had a sore hip/tailbone, and who knows with Barea (ribs?)? He’ll feel it tomorrow.

You don’t make fouls like that when players are airborne. This isn’t hockey, football (not soccer), rugby, wrestling, mma or whatever. This is basketball and those moves are not allowed.

I do credit the Mavs players for not retaliating. I cannot stand the Lakers nor Phil, but I feel that Odom and Bynum repped the organization in a terrible manner and disrespected Phil in what is probably his last game as a Laker coach. Take your losses like men.

Proud member of Club FTR

by Lawler 4ever on May 9, 2011 1:12 AM PDT up reply actions

I think he'll get 20 games off

Repeat offender, no remorse. I think about what the league did when the Pacers and Pistons had their brawl many years ago. Now, it’s time for the league to send a message about flagrant fouls to every player and coach in the league. Bynum will be Exhibit A, what happens when you cross over the line. 20 games.

by Mike Wr on May 10, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions

funny how Magic thinks the Lakers can just obtain these pieces like its no big deal because they are the Lakers!

give me a break! These guys are all signed for 3 more years on bloated contracts. Good luck dumping them. The Fakers wont be able to sign Howard outright because they are over the cap. Fakers are going to have to try and win it with a new coach.

by big0lbad on May 8, 2011 8:49 PM PDT reply actions

+1

Your right, it’s going to be difficult to make any big moves with these bloated contracts. In the last two years, they moves they made were not big splashes. They just got three ring chasers in Barnes, Artest and (Steve) Blake. Which I’m sure took salary cuts to be there.

They will struggle for a few years to come, unless the NBA devise another Pau Gasol for scrubs type of trade!

by Chaderack on May 8, 2011 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions

What could the lakers possibly offer for Blake?!

Are there any Lakers that could make us better? Maybe Artest or Shannon Brown? I suppose Barnes could be had, and his contract isn’t bad.

I think Artest could be really good if given a bigger role like he user to have. Great D and championship experience, can shoot the open 3.

by AtotheZ on May 8, 2011 9:24 PM PDT via mobile reply actions

No Matt Barnes.

by yaggiefresh on May 8, 2011 9:35 PM PDT up reply actions

Im not a big fan either

but I’m pretty sure his PER is higher than freaking 8

by AtotheZ on May 8, 2011 9:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Some people that are higher than Gomes

Al Thornton, Cartier Martin, Gordon Hayward, Linas Kleiza, Jamario Moon, and AFA.

Going on PER, there are 54 better SF’s out there. Yikes. But if there’s any consolation Travis Outlaw actually ranked worse. And his contract sucks.

by yaggiefresh on May 8, 2011 11:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Artest is already washed up. He's on a very fast decline.

by tenkaistar on May 9, 2011 1:37 AM PDT up reply actions

hey

he almost made that break away dunk, only left it like 5 inches short.

hahah

that being said, I think even Luke would be an upgrade at the 3, but his contract is somehow even worse than Gomes

by osamu on May 9, 2011 3:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Whatever let them talk

I don’t seem them pulling off another lopsided trade.

by dulciusXasperis on May 8, 2011 9:36 PM PDT reply actions

Myopic Laker fans

In basketball there’s little that’s more annoying than the attitude that every team will willingly give up their players to the Lakers.

by yaggiefresh on May 8, 2011 9:38 PM PDT reply actions

+1,000,000

Michael Cooper and L Leslie were mainlining the myopic koolaid today on sportscenter, saying they should get CP3 and Howard. Yeah, good luck with that one . . .just like these Laker fans who think Griffin has already signed a max contract with them. Typical Laker arrogance.

by cassellmania on May 8, 2011 11:49 PM PDT reply actions

Lisa has pissed me off with some of the things that she has said over the years. SMH

Proud member of Club FTR

by Lawler 4ever on May 9, 2011 1:13 AM PDT up reply actions

I still don't see Otis Smith trading Howard to the Lakers. It would be a disaster for the Magic franchise in many ways.

However, I do see Gasol being moved or at least shopped. Plaschke basically confirmed the rumors that Gasol and Bryant have beef. They’re not trading Kobe, so Gasol is on his way out if they can’t squash it.

Proud member of Club FTR

by Lawler 4ever on May 9, 2011 1:16 AM PDT reply actions

gasol for Kaman

haha.

I actually think Mo would be a decent fit with the lakers, and their PG situation is where they should be looking. Too bad they don’t have much the clips would want.

by osamu on May 9, 2011 5:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Lakers will have to go into rebuilding mode.

They will make the playoffs, but be easily get bounced out until they totally break up this current group and probably not even make the playoffs. This was their last legitimate championship run..it’s over. I don’t see Howard or any other superstars going to the lakers..and if they do..the team will have nothing to surround them with. Either way the lakers will be irrelevant for a good while.

by tenkaistar on May 9, 2011 1:42 AM PDT reply actions

I think Magic Johnson may have a short memory

as he was swept twice while playing for the Lakers. Also, I am the reason the Lakers lost. I am now dating Gasol’s ex-girlfriend. Kobe’s wife introduced us.

"I gotta have more cowbell and a small forward for The Clippers" Bruce Dickinson

by PV Mike on May 9, 2011 7:32 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

HAHAHAHAHAHA LMAO

"Every existing thing is born without reason, prolongs itself out of weakness, and dies by chance" -Jean-Paul Sarte

by Jayq on May 9, 2011 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions

I really hope

the Lakers meltdown and make some over-reaction trades this off-season.

by Michael White on May 9, 2011 7:51 AM PDT reply actions

As much as they will be eager to blow things up

The pieces they want are, as many pragmatic people have noted, stupid, ridiculous, and far-fetched.

by UC.Clipper on May 9, 2011 1:39 PM PDT up reply actions

And Rumors are Starting

So this morning on my way to work, I was listening to sports radio when one of the analysts said that the Lakers are preparing to make a big money offer to the Clippers for Blake. Apparently, this offer would also include one or two players going to the Clips.

by lovinglosangeles on May 9, 2011 11:01 AM PDT reply actions

lol

Clips aren’t moving Griffin for ANYTHING.

I also don’t see the Magic trading Howard for Bynum and Gasol like these ESPN radio personnel keep suggesting.

by dulciusXasperis on May 9, 2011 11:08 AM PDT up reply actions

I know, I know. It is just hilarious how people think that the Clippers would just bow to the Lakers and give them Blake.

by lovinglosangeles on May 9, 2011 11:12 AM PDT up reply actions

big money offer??? as in signing him?

all i can think about is when Kobe wanted to be a FA…the Clips praticlly gutted their roster to get the cap space to sign him….and then Kobe re-signs with the Lakers and the Clips are in shambles again

…it’s payback time (except the Lakers may try to gut their roster anyways thinking they can get it done…and all the while Blake just extends his contract..so its pointless on their part)

I Am Witness to the 1st BLAKE GRIFFIN Triple-Double! And the 2nd Triple-Double!

by KidJustin on May 9, 2011 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions

2 whole players!!

Well by golly, get it done Neil!

by Michael White on May 9, 2011 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions

Blake gave that a thumbs down.

by tenkaistar on May 9, 2011 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Let me guess

One of those players to be offered was Luke Walton

by UC.Clipper on May 9, 2011 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions

naw they are going to resign Adam Morrison just to add him in the trade

ex. 76ers Assistant head coach Aaron Mckie resigned by Lakers and included in a package trade the brought Pau Gasol to the Lakers

I Am Witness to the 1st BLAKE GRIFFIN Triple-Double! And the 2nd Triple-Double!

by KidJustin on May 9, 2011 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

Bynum

did anyone else think it odd that Bynum took off his jersey after he committed that flagrant 2 foul?

I think it might be a statement. I think he wants out of LA.

by Cay.Clipper1 on May 9, 2011 12:38 PM PDT reply actions

People do that kind of stuff all the time after ejections. Not just in basketball either.

by Michael White on May 9, 2011 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions

he’s no Dennis Rodman..far from it. Embarrassing. Good riddance to the lakers.

by tenkaistar on May 9, 2011 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions

that was his angry Hulk impersonation

I Am Witness to the 1st BLAKE GRIFFIN Triple-Double! And the 2nd Triple-Double!

by KidJustin on May 9, 2011 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions

Well, R.Artest was walking with him

I guess he gave him advice afterwards on how to strut his stuff when leaving after doing stupid things.

by UC.Clipper on May 9, 2011 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

or he was giving him the number to his psychiatrist

I Am Witness to the 1st BLAKE GRIFFIN Triple-Double! And the 2nd Triple-Double!

by KidJustin on May 9, 2011 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions

i think this about sums it all up

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2011/5/9/2161932/new-direction-for-2011-2012-seson

Even the Clippers, those longtime losers, thought they could be a player this summer.

by highriser on May 9, 2011 12:59 PM PDT reply actions

oh barf!

I’m surprised he wasn’t able to find a way to get Blake Griffin…

by banandy on May 9, 2011 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions

wow that makes me feel smarter when we (CN) make trade proposals that are somewhat out there

makes want to post a thread/poll saying how much it makes sense for all parties to trade Ryan Gomes for LeBron James…no matter how much it makes me sad that Gomes will be gone

I Am Witness to the 1st BLAKE GRIFFIN Triple-Double! And the 2nd Triple-Double!

by KidJustin on May 9, 2011 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions

The Bynum trade wasn't even the dumbest proposal

The other trade (for Marc Gasol) was way dumber. Memphis basically trades their franchise center (who will be restricted) for a bunch of expensive crap they wouldn’t want.

by Michael White on May 9, 2011 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions

if you want to look at it completely...even the last trade was dumb

2 rookies and a dleaguer for a two legit scores? as in possible to blow up and go off for 30-40 points in a night

I Am Witness to the 1st BLAKE GRIFFIN Triple-Double! And the 2nd Triple-Double!

by KidJustin on May 9, 2011 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions

That one was the icing on the cake haahahaa

by AtotheZ on May 10, 2011 8:05 PM PDT up reply actions

at least most of the commentors

seem to think he’s been smoking something too. Sadly, when you have a franchise player, especially on a short contract, people are going to want him. I know if i were a magic or hornets fan, I’d be mad at all the speculation of Howard and CP3 leaving. it’s kinda annoying how Laker fans seem to think they’ll be able to get one of them (or entitled to get one of them), but i guess I’ve thought the same thing with the clippers.

by osamu on May 9, 2011 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

cp or howard?

Heck at this point why not just pick both

Even the Clippers, those longtime losers, thought they could be a player this summer.

by highriser on May 9, 2011 2:40 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions

I'm loving all those idiots at silverscreenandroll just coming up with these......

Fantasy trades and unrealistic scenarios which doesn’t make any sense for the other
team. The Lakers are a team with no hope or direction and specially with no leader
now. With Bynum and Odom who would want those bums and Pau Gasol i think wants
out after his girlfriend situation. All this while we will be the next big show in L.A. And
we thought we had problems.

by ENCUEROMAN on May 9, 2011 2:26 PM PDT reply actions

funny. I guess they will build a time machine and bring back MJ in his prime. These people are delusional.

by tenkaistar on May 9, 2011 2:56 PM PDT up reply actions

I figured it out

In the Trade Machine

Williams, Gomes, Foye, and Kaman for Wade and James

I hate to lose Foye, he’s really grown on me.

theclippership.tumblr.com

by losbolts on May 10, 2011 1:06 AM PDT up reply actions

lets trade for kobe

just give um brian cook (cuz they liked him) and gomes and kaman and then we’ll make kobe into our 6th man. He can re-live his nba glory (through blake), still be in LA and mentor the rooks on how to avoid some of the pitfalls of young life on the road. I say its a win win

wine um, dine um, 69 um

by flightofthegriffin on May 9, 2011 3:01 PM PDT reply actions