Observations from Las Vegas
Stray thoughts as the Bobcats deal with summer league and free-agency: * You’re probably as surprised as I am that Emeka Okafor turned down that $12 million-plus-per-year offer last summer. The way I hear it, Okafor was so close to...
July 09, 2008, 11:15 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
The Clippers stand alone
In the course of a week (from the agreement with Baron Davis through the loss of Elton Brand and Corey Maggette), the Clippers went from resurgence and hope to doom and despair. If there is a more snake-bit, inept, bad luck (searching for the right word here) organization in the history of sports,…
July 09, 2008, 11:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
NBA will return to Seattle?
This, for me, was a classic case of deja vu. I just read the statement NBA Commissioner David Stern issued, concerning the settlement between the Sonics and the city of Seattle. The sides came to a practical and overdue settlement,...
July 09, 2008, 11:00 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Lakers’ trade is finalized (It’s not what you think)
From the Associated Press: The Memphis Grizzlies signed Spanish center Marc Gasol on Wednesday, finishing off the last piece of a trade that sent his older brother, All-Star Pau, to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Grizzlies obtained the draft rights to…
July 09, 2008, 11:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Bobcats interested in Diop?
I've heard from several sources the Bobcats are more active than in the past, exploring free-agent opportunities. One possibility: Former Nets center DeSagana Diop. Don't know how serious their interest is in Diop, but certainly another big man "at an...
July 09, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
More Sun Yue
If you haven’t seen this one, check out Sun Yue from last year’s NBA summer league. Dude can ball.
July 09, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
The James Posey sweepstakes
Now that Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have landed at their respective new teams, the remaining best free agent out there looks to be Boston’s James Posey. But winning the Posey sweepstakes just got tougher for the Lakers, who could lose Ronny Turiaf to Golden State. The Cleveland Cavaliers…
July 09, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Exit interview: Luke Walton
Good morning, Luke. Step into my office. I know that you’ve probably heard rumors that the Lakers are looking to package you in a trade. We’re not in a position to discuss any specifics with you at this time but as you know, this is a business, and we’re always looking for ways…
July 09, 2008, 10:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Bobcats veterans to practice in Las Vegas
Several Bobcats veterans are being pro-active in absorbing what their new coach wants. Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson all plan to be in Las Vegas next week, participating in some or all of the practices leading up to...
July 09, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Blank jerseys
It was much easier to differentiate the Clipper players during the early portion of Wednesday’s scrimmage. The Clipper players all had their names and numbers afixed on their practice jerseys. That included recognizable holdovers from last season’s team like Al Thornton, Nick Fazekas,…
July 09, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Starting five
The Lakers’ summer league team took the court for their scrimmage against the Clippers with a starting lineup that featured Coby Karl and Joe Crawford in the backcourt, James White and Taj Gray at forward, and Lorenzo Mata-Real at center. The Clippers countered with NBA all-rookie first-team…
July 09, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Sneak peek at the summer Lakers
It’s only a scrimmage. It’s only at the practice facility. But ocregister.com will be out in force to get the first glimpse of the Lakers summer league team today beginning at 4:15 p.m. We’ll have two reporters, and we’ll get photos and video of the day. Lakers draft…
July 09, 2008, 10:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Okafor's value going up after Bogut deal?
If Andrew Bogut is worth $14.5 million to the Milwaukee Bucks, then what’s Emeka Okafor’s value to the Charlotte Bobcats? When the Bobcats offered Okafor more than $12 million a season last summer (plus an additional $5 million in potential...
July 09, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Meet Joe Crawford, the newest Laker
Newly drafted Joe Crawford said his dad has been a longtime Lakers fan, namely a Magic Johnson fan, but the University of Kentucky guard likes Kobe Bryant better. “I’m a Kobe Bryant fan. I grew up watching Kobe,” said Crawford, 22. Wonder if Kobe feels old? For more on Crawford,…
July 09, 2008, 10:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Lakers still sifting through prospects
Minutes before the Lakers’ summer league team was scheduled to scrimmage their counterparts from the Clippers, there remained some paring down that still needed to be done on the Lakers’ roster. Twenty players participated in the morning practice but that list was expected to be cut…
July 09, 2008, 10:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Report: Turiaf signs offer sheet with Warriors
According to two published reports, Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf has agreed to a four-year, $17 million offer from the Golden State Warriors. Since Turiaf is a restricted free agent, the Lakers have seven days to match the Warriors’ offer.
July 09, 2008, 8:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
The Clippers stand alone
In the course of a week (from the agreement with Baron Davis through the loss of Elton Brand and Corey Maggette), the Clippers went from resurgence and hope to doom and despair. If there is a more snake-bit, inept, bad luck (searching for the right word here) organization in the history of sports,…
July 09, 2008, 7:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Exit interview: Sasha Vujacic
Come on in, Sasha. Please turn off your cell phone. I know that you are being inundated with phone calls and text messages from other teams these days. So, please take a respite at this time. With you being a restricted free agent, we understand that business-wise it would not be prudent for you…
July 09, 2008, 7:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
NBA seeks to intervene in Schultz lawsuit
BY ERIC D. WILLIAMS Eric.williams@thenewstribune.com Seeking to protect the league’s interests regarding former SuperSonics team owner Howard Schultz’s bid to regain control of the team, the NBA filed a motion to intervene in Schultz’s lawsuit on Tuesday in U.S. Western District…
July 09, 2008, 7:30 PM ET from Sonics Insider by Frank Hughes
Brand’s move Lakers’ boon
The Western Conference shockingly became a bit less powerful. That is, if Clippers two-time All-Star power forward Elton Brand stays true to his reported commitment to sign a five-year contract, worth more than $80 million, with the Philadelphia 76ers. (ESPN was reporting Wednesday that the deal is…
July 09, 2008, 7:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Lakers’ trade is finalized (It’s not what you think)
From the Associated Press: The Memphis Grizzlies signed Spanish center Marc Gasol on Wednesday, finishing off the last piece of a trade that sent his older brother, All-Star Pau, to the Los Angeles Lakers in February. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Grizzlies obtained the draft rights to…
July 09, 2008, 7:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
More Sun Yue
If you haven’t seen this one, check out Sun Yue from last year’s NBA summer league. Dude can ball.
July 09, 2008, 6:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Now that Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have landed at their respective new teams, the remaining best free agent out there looks to be Boston’s James Posey. But winning the Posey sweepstakes just got tougher for the Lakers, who could lose Ronny Turiaf to Golden State. The Cleveland Cavaliers…
July 09, 2008, 6:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
2008 Summer League Game #3: Chicago @ Orlando
[From the FanPosts. Rose isn't playing today :( -ed.] The game is here: http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia-live/nba/11191/300_nba-orlandmagic_060502.asx My first EVER fanpost! Yay! :D The purpose is selfexplanatory... ;) Go Bulls! :D Ah... Apparently these things need to be 75 words…
July 09, 2008, 5:45 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Exit interview: Luke Walton
Good morning, Luke. Step into my office. I know that you’ve probably heard rumors that the Lakers are looking to package you in a trade. We’re not in a position to discuss any specifics with you at this time but as you know, this is a business, and we’re always looking for ways…
July 09, 2008, 4:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Sneak peek at the summer Lakers
It’s only a scrimmage. It’s only at the practice facility. But ocregister.com will be out in force to get the first glimpse of the Lakers summer league team today beginning at 4:15 p.m. We’ll have two reporters, and we’ll get photos and video of the day. Lakers draft…
July 09, 2008, 4:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Keeping Lakers intact should be Kupchak’s main concern
Hours before the moratorium on free-agent signings ends – officially at midnight — it’s eerily quiet at the Lakers offices. Nothing seemingly has changed regarding the status of Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf, both of whom apparently want more than the Lakers have offered. Vujacic’s…
July 09, 2008, 4:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Rumor: Lakers backup plan includes Thomas
The San Antonio Express-News is reporting that the Lakers are interested in journeyman forward Kurt Thomas if their plan to re-sign Ronny Turiaf falls through. Thomas can get more money from the San Antonio Spurs, his current team. But the Lakers could sweeten their offer if they lose…
July 09, 2008, 4:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Report: Turiaf signs offer sheet with Warriors
According to two published reports, Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf has agreed to a four-year, $17 million offer from the Golden State Warriors. Since Turiaf is a restricted free agent, the Lakers have seven days to match the Warriors’ offer.
July 09, 2008, 3:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
The Tractor returns
Former Detroit high school star and U-M Wolverine Robert “Tractor” Traylor is returning to the NBA! Okay, not just yet, but he will be playing for the Cavs summer league team.
July 09, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
The Clippers stand alone
In the course of a week (from the agreement with Baron Davis through the loss of Elton Brand and Corey Maggette), the Clippers went from resurgence and hope to doom and despair. If there is a more snake-bit, inept, bad luck (searching for the right word here) organization in the history of sports,…
July 09, 2008, 3:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Exit interview: Sasha Vujacic
Come on in, Sasha. Please turn off your cell phone. I know that you are being inundated with phone calls and text messages from other teams these days. So, please take a respite at this time. With you being a restricted free agent, we understand that business-wise it would not be prudent for you…
July 09, 2008, 2:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Bucks acquire Richard Jefferson for Yi, Simmons
Just saw this out there. Trying to confirm it. [confirmed. -ed.] Looks like Skiles got himself a new guy. I doubt they still draft Joe Alexander if this is true. I also wonder if this means M Redd is going or staying. Cant wait for tonight. Has anyone else seen any reports of this trade going down?…
July 09, 2008, 2:00 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Brand’s move Lakers’ boon
The Western Conference shockingly became a bit less powerful. That is, if Clippers two-time All-Star power forward Elton Brand stays true to his reported commitment to sign a five-year contract, worth more than $80 million, with the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA’s moratorium for signing free…
July 09, 2008, 2:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
The Qualifying Offer and you
There's been a lot of comments lately regarding Deng&Gordon and the Qualifying Offer without realizing how poor an option that is for both sides. First of all, it makes the player believe he's not coming back, and the team treating the player like they're not coming back. Maybe it's a…
July 09, 2008, 1:45 PM ET from Blog a Bull
Exit interview: Jordan Farmar
Good morning, Jordan. Come right in. I know that you want to go work out now, so I won’t hold you for long. But there are some things that we need to cover. First of all, the improvement that you displayed from your rookie season to this past year was outstanding and was pleasing to the…
July 09, 2008, 1:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Pierce wants Posey to stay green
The Celtics are pulling out the heavy artillery. And the Kleenex. Boston star Paul Pierce weighed in on James Posey’s possible departure, saying the Celtics should do everything they can to retain the forward. Posey, a free agent, has said his preference is to stay in Boston, but his agent has…
July 09, 2008, 1:45 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Poll: What should the Lakers do?
As the Lakers prepare for the most fun day of the year - Free Agent Signing Day - they’ve got some decisions to make. They also have to watch what other teams offer their players. Will Ronny or Sasha take more money somewhere else? What's the most important move the Lakers should make…
July 09, 2008, 1:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Exit interview: Trevor Ariza
Hello, Trevor. It’s great to see you and we’re looking forward to you playing for the Lakers’ summer league team in Las Vegas. I know that you believe you caught a bad break this past season, with the broken right foot that caused you to miss the final 44 regular-season…
July 09, 2008, 1:30 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Exit interview: Luke Walton
Good morning, Luke. Step into my office. I know that you’ve probably heard rumors that the Lakers are looking to package you in a trade. We’re not in a position to discuss any specifics with you at this time but as you know, this is a business, and we’re always looking for ways to…
July 09, 2008, 1:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Keeping Lakers intact should be Kupchak’s main concern
Hours before the moratorium on free-agent signings ends – officially at midnight — it’s eerily quiet at the Lakers offices. Nothing seemingly has changed regarding the status of Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf, both of whom apparently want more than the Lakers have offered. Vujacic’s…
July 09, 2008, 1:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Rumor: Lakers backup plan includes Thomas
The San Antonio Express-News is reporting that the Lakers are interested in journeyman forward Kurt Thomas if their plan to re-sign Ronny Turiaf falls through. Thomas can get more money from the San Antonio Spurs, his current team. But the Lakers could sweeten their offer if they lose…
July 09, 2008, 1:15 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Report: Turiaf signs offer sheet with Warriors
According to two published reports, Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf has agreed to a four-year, $17 million offer from the Golden State Warriors. Since Turiaf is a restricted free agent, the Lakers have seven days to match the Warriors’ offer.
July 09, 2008, 1:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Return of Newble unlikely
As with every other NBA team right now, the Lakers’ focus on the free agent market either is on negotiating for the return of their own restricted free agents (Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf), giving deep thought to offering a long-term contract extension (Andrew Bynum) or trying to find a…
July 09, 2008, 1:00 PM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Exit interview: Sasha Vujacic
(more…)
July 09, 2008, 12:45 AM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
Knicks 2008 Summer League Roster
New York's 2008 summer league roster.
July 09, 2008, 12:30 AM ET from KnickerBlogger.Net
Daring to Dream
It’s a big day on the NBA calendar: the official salary cap for the 2008-2009 season was announced ($58,680,000) and it’s the first day free agents can officially sign contracts. The biggest news is Elton Brand spurning the Clippers and his friend Baron Davis, apparently agreeing to a…
July 09, 2008, 10:15 AM ET from KnickerBlogger.Net
Why Augustin instead of Lopez?
I've received a couple of emails this weekend, wondering how the Charlotte Bobcats could possibly justify drafting Texas point guard D.J. Augustin over Stanford center Brook Lopez. I appreciate the concern. Typically, you take a big guy over a small...
July 09, 2008, 04:15 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
The free agent market gets smaller
Today is the first day that free agents can officially sign contracts. Not surprisingly, there were a slew of commitments made in the last 24-48 hours, including a bunch made by players the Pistons were believed to be targeting. Let’s recap: Elton Brand goes to Philly (five years, $82…
July 09, 2008, 04:00 AM ET from Detroit Bad Boys
Bobcats' Felton appears safe - for now
Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins did his best Friday to pour water on talk out of New York that Raymond Felton would be traded to the Knicks. Higgins said there was "no truth" to a report in the New York...
July 09, 2008, 04:00 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Few exempt from trade discussions
It might be too strong to say the Bobcats' Gerald Wallace is being shopped. It sure wouldn't be too strong to say his name is in play. The Bobcats were in serious discussions with the Toronto Raptors about a deal...
July 09, 2008, 03:45 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Will Clippers loss of Brand put Okafor in play?
Elton Brand’s reported decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers rather than remain with the Los Angeles Clippers could be bad news for the Charlotte Bobcats regarding Emeka Okafor. The Clippers will have a bundle under the salary cap and...
July 09, 2008, 03:30 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Brown's influence apparent early
New Charlotte Bobcats coach Larry Brown is fond of saying players must understand the difference between coaching and criticism. Tuesday’s practices in Las Vegas demonstrated what Brown meant. Over the course of a late-afternoon session, Brown repeatedly told Adam Morrison...
July 09, 2008, 03:30 AM ET from Bobcats: Inside the NBA by Rick Bonnell
Summer League Game 2 reaction
Couldn't catch this one, though KC has a decent Rose-centric live reaction(s). Reads like Rose played much better in this game. Being aggressive, leading the break, fighting through screens on defense. And unfortunately continuing to miss his jump shots. And, of course, having to point to his…
July 09, 2008, 01:45 AM ET from Blog a Bull
Brand’s move Lakers’ boon
The Western Conference shockingly became a bit less powerful. That is, if Clippers two-time All-Star power forward Elton Brand stays true to his reported commitment to sign a five-year contract, worth more than $80 million, with the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA’s moratorium for signing free…
July 09, 2008, 01:45 AM ET from Lakers: Locker Talk by Kevin Ding
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