Middleton got around $13-14M, and Wes Mathews (INJURED!) is expected to fetch $11M+. $15M is right on the dot considering.
I think it was. The Lakers aren't waiting for anybody. They're running around the country literally. Took a flight to Washington right after Aldridge meeting and will fly back today to make dinner with DeAndre tonight. They're working their tails off. Their pitch might not be great right now for some reason, but they're certainly working hard.
I envision Kobe playing a lot at the '3' this year as a placeholder; we could start Russell/Clarkson if need be. Young will play backup. We need another swingman. Alan Anderson? What's his price range? Grab Tyson. Wrap it up...
Our taxes are indeed ridiculous (13% on purchased goods alone), plus the exchange rate has tanked this year. And I seriously think they should go after Pierce. They need veteran leadership... plus that way he can finally stop beating them in the playoffs.
And this is exactly why I am worried. All that work and still... Nothing. Something is missing here. Maybe we're simply too young and unproven, and nobody wants to play in that situation.
LMA was our target and he's the best option in FA this year. Melo was our target and he was the same last year. I think both use the Lakers as a way to leverage where they really want to go. I don't think Melo was ever coming to LA. He wanted to get paid the most possible. LMA seems truly interested in winning, playing in Texas and money. SA can satisfy all 3. LA only one in the short term and a lot of things have to go right to be a true contender in 4 years as well. If LMA want's to win, I love that and it's refreshing in a way. Of the teams that can afford him the best shot for that is probably SA. He could get more endorsement $$ by coming to the Lakers so this might be a test of his "winning" statements.
No, we're not waiting for Aldridge. If we get an agreement with Deandre, Monroe, Love, then we take it and run. As you can see, free agents are flying off the shelves.
Just thought of it. Taxes in CA are what 12% or more on high earners. They are zip in Texas if you reside there. What's 12% of a max 4 year contract?
And what if Orlando makes you wait three days to match or decides to sign and trade with Atlanta? Three days lost in a fast moving Free Agency.
We won't until we hear what happens with LMA, but I would much rather go this route than go after Monroe which seems like our next move. We can't get Chandler and a max Harris though, IMO. He won't sign for 7 or 8 million I don't think. More likely Davis or Biyombo which I'd be totally happy with.
I think that's a huge reason why they aren't impressing people right now. Still the thing I'm going to keep harping on: we're the Lakers. Our pitch should blow the lid off of everyone else's in terms of dollars and cents. If we didn't impress Aldridge there's something wrong with that picture.
How would we get an agreement with Monroe? Honestly, I have no idea how these meetings are going, how are we pitching to Monroe right now when we definitely would rather DeAndre.
