Lakers Still Far Apart with Free Agents Odom and Ariza

Forwards Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom might have been pivotal in helping the Lakers win the NBA championship this season, but now the team’s two main free-agents are far from negotiations. Ariza and his agents weren’t pleased with the Lakers’ annual offer of $5.6 million over an unspecified number of years, as the 24-year-old was hoping for $7-8 million a year. As for Odom, 29, rumor has it that he is seeking $10 million a year, although no one knows what the Lakers offered him. David Lee, Ariza’s agent, negotiated down the wire for another client, Andrew Bynum, last October and is likely to do the same for Ariza. On Wednesday (July 1) Lee said, “All we’re looking for is a little appreciation for what Trevor has done. I don’t think they believe Trevor is serious about leaving, and that’s too bad. I didn’t think we’d be in this situation. I am disappointed and surprised by what I thought would be some feelings for the people who have given you everything you’ve got.”

Portland, Houston, Cleveland, Toronto and the Clippers have all expressed an interest in Ariza but only Portland and Toronto have enough salary-cap room to offer more than the Lakers’ current offer. “It’s business. I understand what they are trying to do and I understand that I have to do what is best for me. I’m really not worried. It will work itself out.”

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Permalink - Posted in General on July 2, 2009 - Post a comment

Kobe Stays Put!!!

Kobe Bryant officially decided not to opt out of his contract and will reportedly sign a three-year extension on top of his two remaining years. Bryant would make a guaranteed $47.8 million over the next two years and with the extension could stand to make another $86 million to $91 million (dependig on the NBA salary-cap figures which will be decided in 2011). The earliest Kobe could opt out of his contract again would most likely be June 2012 but if he were to do so he would leave over $60 million on the table over the past two years. Bryant, who turns 31 in August, has spent his entire 13-year career with the Lakers and may retire when this contract is up.

According to an source unauthorized to speak publicly, Kobe said he didn’t become an unrestricted free agent because he wanted to “let Lamar [Odom] and Trevor [Ariza] have their day.” Odom will take a substantial pay cut (he made $14.1 million last season) while Ariza (who turned 24 yesterday) will get a pay raise from the $3.1 million he made last season. No verbal agreements have yet been made and negotiations will continue throughout the week, although both San Antonio and Phoenix have expressed an interest in Odom. Detroit, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Toronto, Portland, Atlanta and possibly Sacramento are among the short-list of teams who have enough salary cap to sign Odom or Ariza. They Lakers may pursue Houston forward Ron Artest if unable to sign Ariza or Odom.

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Permalink - Posted in General on July 1, 2009 - Post a comment


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