I don't think there's any way we can assure that we could trade for Cousins. Takes two to tango and Sacto says they aren't willing to do so. Things might change later but right now we just have to get LMA first.
It would not be a good look for the franchise to trade Russell after drafting him...pulling the carpet out from under the kid. I know it is the competitive thing to do but too crush the dreams of one kid then another... Jeannie Buss the Ruthless Princess? Keep the kids!!
I hate Cousins and thinks Dwight with a worse attitude but the tea leaves are reading like we may be trying to go for a huge summer. If it works cap wise I could definitely see it. I don't think management wants to rebuild slowly. They see our young guys as assets more than building blocks. Nuclear rebuild. We tried with Nash/Howard and it blew up. I'm sure we'd do it again if the opportunity presents.
I think it works, but the Lakers don't do it. At least not two of them. I could see them parting with one or the other of Randle and Clarkson along with Young to create enough room to sign an impact Center.
Yeah I'm not sure the Lakers go that far with Russell anymore... Not good PR to move him right after his press conference.
Marc J Spears reporting that Aldridge is meeting Spurs Tuesday. Pop, Duncan, and Parker among those involved in the meeting...
If you want Durant you take "knowns" to build quickly as he and LMA's window isn't going to stay open long. Durant, Cousins and LMA is a "big 3". Add in a Kobe tag along and that on paper is a capable team if there is a way to keep Cousins on the reservation.
What are the odds he leaves San Antonio without a contract signed? I really hope he gives us a chance to talk and present an offer.
Lakers remain interested in Cousins, but aren't in pursuit right now. They love Russell and want to keep him. Focus is on free agency now. Per Ramona
We're meeting with him apparently as soon as free agency opens, so I'd say we're going to give him an offer.
Couldn't trade Russell until 30 days after the draft anyway, so if it did happen, it would be at least a month out
Technically it's 30 days after he signs his contract and he hasn't signed it yet (it saves us a little bit of cash because he can sign for 120% of the rookie salary scale).
I know Aldridge is meeting with 7 teams, but I hope he doesn't leave us waiting long. It would be nice if we are hearing reports this weekend that he has made up his mind to be a Laker.
No way he signs before he visits SA and DAL IMO. If he want's to play PF he's got to be convinced there is a workable solution at Center most likely so the longer he waits the more pressure it will put on a team to get one. These top level FA signings are milked for everything it seems. Remember Carmelo drama?
You can trade players during the draft, but once the contract is signed you have to wait 30 days. I don't know the reasoning behind the rule.
