The question now rises.......Whom should the Lakers now keep?
Most say having Odom is more essential, on the other hand having Ariza would be much needed for his excellent defense.
According to this piece from the Los Angeles times," Kobe Bryant can terminate the last two years of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent July 1. Forwards Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza officially become unrestricted free agents that day, as does reserve guard Shannon Brown........The Lakers have already committed $74 million to eight players for next season, a figure that includes $23 million earmarked for Bryant. This season's NBA salary cap was $58.68 million; the luxury-tax threshold was $71.2 million.
Odom, who will be 30 in November, was on the Lakers' books for $14.1 million this season. He would have to take a significant pay cut.
Ariza, who turns 24 in two weeks, made $3.1 million this season and is in line for a substantial raise, probably at least doubling his salary."
This excerpt tells us the ages these players are and the payroll they are willing to have.
So what do you guys think the Franchise should do???????????
They got 3 picks in the draft coming up....but cpould they allow such a verstile play such as Odom to leaave or such a quick defender Ariza?
Comment and tell me what!
Thanks
Keywords: Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers, Shannon Brown, Trevor Ariza
Comments
Hey, Steven,
I see we were on the same wavelength. I posted a Ariza vs. Odom dilemma for the Lakers and concluded that Ariza is the higher priority. Everything I've read, and the way the Lakers gave their first-round pick to the Knicks leads me to think that they can re-sign everyone, including Shannon Brown.
My only apprehension is that while other teams (San Antonio, Cleveland, Orlando) are injecting new blood into their franchises, the Lakers are staying pat, and I'd like to see them add a veteran without championship experience to give them some added drive for next season.
By the way, best of luck with the Chargers, I'm a Rams fan (from their L.A. days) and don't have much to cheer in football, so I kinda pull for San Diego.