Lakers in the News 1/6/14: Bulls trade Deng to Cavs for Bynum, draft picks -- Lakers vs Mav's Preview
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 3:04 am    Post subject: Lakers in the News 1/6/14: Bulls trade Deng to Cavs for Bynum, draft picks -- Lakers vs Mav's Preview

Quote:
Gasol-Bynum trade talks update: Talks reportedly on hold as Lakers, Cavaliers can’t make deal work
Kurt Helin Jan 6, 2014, 12:10 AM EST

Don’t be shocked if word comes down Monday at that Andrew Bynum is on his way to the Utah Jazz. Or maybe the Cavaliers just decide to hold on to Bynum for a day then waive him themselves on Tuesday.

That’s because the much-discussed Bynum to the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol talks have stalled out on the same issues that have hung them up for days. The two sides will keep talking but with a real deadline here of Monday (if you are going to waive Bynum by Tuesday) a deal seems unlikely. Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN have the details.

Though the discussions have been varied and both sides considered numerous possibilities, the central issue never wavered, sources said.

The Lakers wanted more than just salary savings that trading for Bynum and waiving him would bring, primarily a young player or valuable draft pick. Trading for and cutting Bynum had the potential to save the Lakers more than $20 million in salary and luxury taxes. The Cavs, who stood to add millions to their own payroll with the deal, have resisted meeting the price because Gasol will be a free agent at the end of the season.


http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/06/gasol-bynum-trade-talks-update-talks-reportedly-on-hold-as-lakers-cavaliers-cant-make-deal-work/


Last edited by Cha*n on Tue Jan 07, 2014 12:37 pm; edited 15 times in total
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 3:07 am    Post subject:

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Kobe hopes fans don't choose him for All-Star Game
AP 11:12 p.m. EST January 5, 2014

(Photo: Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports)
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Kobe Bryant has only played six games this season and wants fans to vote for more deserving players
Bryant singled out Blazers' Damian Lillard as a young player deserving of votes
Bryant also voiced support for teammate Pau Gasol, who is once again subject of trade specualtion

LOS ANGELES (AP) — While Kobe Bryant heals from his latest injury, he has an unusual message for the fans who select the NBA All-Star Game's starters: Don't vote for me.

After playing just six games in an injury-plagued season, the Los Angeles Lakers' 15-time All-Star guard is hoping fans elect younger, more deserving players to start next month's showcase in New Orleans.

"Even though there's so much respect that comes from me to be able to play for the fans, I'd much rather see the young guys go out there and play in the game," Bryant said before the Lakers faced Denver on Sunday night. "They've obviously put the work in to be there that weekend, so I'd much rather see them go in there and participate."

Bryant also gave a small update on his recovery from a broken bone near his left knee. He is riding a stationary bike to stay in shape while the bone heals, but must exercise patience with several weeks likely to go.

"I'm pretty restricted in terms of what I can do," Bryant said. "So I'm just staying on the bike, keeping it moving and going, keeping the legs strong."


http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2014/01/05/kobe-bryant-all-star-game-hopes-fans-dont-vote-for-him/4334155/
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 3:09 am    Post subject:

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Has classy Gasol played final act in L.A.?
January, 5, 2014
JAN 5
11:33
PM PT
By Ramona Shelburne
ESPNLosAngeles.com

LOS ANGELES -- As Pau Gasol walked into Staples Center on Sunday night, the thought crossed his mind that it might be the final time he does so as a Los Angeles Laker.

"Yeah, it could’ve," Gasol admitted after the Lakers' 137-115 loss to the Denver Nuggets. "Any game could be your last game. It’s not something you think about very often. It could be due [to] an injury or a trade, anything like that, but I’m happy with the way that I’m playing. In the last few games I’m giving it everything I have, and that’s all I can do."

[+] Enlarge
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Perhaps emboldened by swirling trade rumors, Gasol has averaged 24.3 points and 11.0 rebounds in the past three games.
He’s right. It is all he can do. Just play hard, give effort and deal with whatever is out of his control when it comes.

The problem is, he’s just about the only Laker who has been able to do that lately.

The rest of the team seems discouraged and overwhelmed by the run of injuries, bad luck and incessant losing that has hit the Lakers the past few weeks.

Sunday’s loss to the Nuggets was L.A.’s seventh in eight games, and it’s not just the Lakers' 14-20 record that’s getting discouraging, it’s the lack of fight the team has shown in some of these losses.

"It’s tough," Lakers coach Mike D’Antoni said. "There’s not sugarcoating it. We’re in a hole, and we put ourselves in this hole. … What’s that Winston Churchill saying? 'If you’re going through hell, just keep on going.' That’s what we have to do."


http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/38441/has-classy-gasol-played-final-act-in-l-a
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 6:45 am    Post subject:

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Nuggets pile up 137 points to trounce slumping Lakers
AP 1:26 a.m. EST January 6, 2014

Ty Lawson had 20 points and 12 assists as Nuggets won their second straight after eight-game losing streak
Nate Robinson had 21 points, Timofey Mozgov had 20, and Kenneth Faried had 17 points and 13 rebounds
Pau Gasol had 25 points and 10 rebounds for Lakers, who have lost seven

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nate Robinson knew he would get a technical foul for hanging on the rim long after his dunk. He stayed up there to underline a point.

After a miserable month, the Denver Nuggets are having fun again — this time at the expense of the struggling Los Angeles Lakers.

Ty Lawson had 20 points and 12 assists, Timofey Mozgov added 20 points and seven rebounds, and the Nuggets beat Los Angeles 137-115 Sunday night for their second straight win after an eight-game skid.


http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2014/01/06/balanced-nuggets-trounce-slumping-lakers/4335183/
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:45 am    Post subject:

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Cavaliers, Lakers reach stalemate regarding Andrew Bynum-Pau Gasol trade


POSTED: Monday, January 6, 2014, 10:22 AM


The Cavs and Lakers can't find common ground on a Bynum-for-Gasol deal as the date for the rest of Bynum's contract to be guaranteed has arrived.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly had recent talks about swapping big men Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, according to ESPN.com's Brian Windhorst and Ramona Shelburne. The Cavaliers tried to acquire Gasol last summer and have also explored the possibility of a trade with the Chicago Bulls for Luol Deng, via ESPN.com:

The Cavs have been after Gasol since this past summer, when they had extensive discussions with the Lakers, sources said. Those talks ended when Dwight Howard signed with the Houston Rockets. The Cavs, who have been struggling, are looking to upgrade their roster as they attempt to end a three-year playoff drought.

The Cavs also have had separate discussions with the Chicago Bulls on a Bynum trade for Luol Deng, according to sources. The Bulls are in a similar position as the Lakers, about $8 million into the luxury tax and dealing with an injury-marred season.


Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sbnation/SBNation_20140106_Cavaliers__Lakers_reach_stalemate_regarding_Andrew_Bynum-Pau_Gasol_trade.html#RrCOy72DRKpqVycR.99
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:51 am    Post subject:

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Lakers' Week 10 in review

Point guard Kendall Marshall handles the basketball against the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center. (Andrew D. Bernstein / NBAE / Getty Images / December 31, 2013)
By Eric Pincus
January 6, 2014, 6:00 a.m.

The Lakers continued to struggle through Week 10, falling to 14-20 with two losses in three tries.

Pau Gasol was able to return from a sinus infection and bronchitis as the Lakers hosted the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday.

Playing without Xavier Henry, out at least seven days with a knee injury, the Lakers fell to Milwaukee, 94-79.

Jordan Farmar couldn't get all the way through the loss to the Bucks; an ultrasound later revealed a second torn hamstring, knocking him out for a month.

Did Farmar come back too quickly from a similar injury? The veteran point guard didn't want to second-guess anything.

With no Farmar (and the rest of the Lakers' point guards out with injury), the Lakers turned to the recently signed Kendall Marshall to start Friday against the Utah Jazz.

Marshall put up big numbers, helping the Lakers end a six-game losing streak with a 110-99 win over the Jazz.

The team may have landed a gem in Marshall, who is signed to a non-guaranteed two-year contract.

Marshall was recently in the NBA Development League; now he's enjoying time in the Lakers' spotlight.

The Denver Nuggets visited the Lakers on Sunday, but Andre Miller stayed behind after a suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. Though the suspension was ultimately lifted, Miller was excused over the weekend.



http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-week-10-in-review-20140106,0,1079505.story#ixzz2pdWumRZp
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:55 am    Post subject:

Quote:
Balanced Nuggets beat slumping Lakers 137-115

By GREG BEACHAM / AP Sports Writer / January 6, 2014

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ty Lawson had 20 points and 12 assists, Timofey Mozgov added 20 points and seven rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the slumping Los Angeles Lakers 137-115 Sunday night for their second straight win after an eight-game skid.

Nate Robinson scored 21 points, while Wilson Chandler and Kenneth Faried added 17 apiece as the Nuggets dropped 77 points on the Lakers in the second half.

Denver emphatically earned a win for coach Brian Shaw in his first game back at Staples Center to face the Lakers as a head coach. The longtime Lakers guard and assistant coach was passed over for the top job in Los Angeles after Phil Jackson’s departure.

Pau Gasol had 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists amid another round of trade rumors with the injury-battered Lakers, who have lost seven of eight.

Seven Nuggets scored in double figures in their fifth consecutive win over Los Angeles, scoring the most points by any Lakers opponent this season.

Fourth-string point guard Kendall Marshall had nine points and a career-high 17 assists in his second straight start for the Lakers, who are without Steve Nash, Steve Blake and Jordan Farmar due to injury. Los Angeles has lost seven of its last nine games at Staples Center, but will play just one home game in the next 22 days


http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/2014/01/06/balanced-nuggets-beat-slumping-lakers/1pojInLmsVCzrtgheMZnbN/story.html
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:57 am    Post subject:

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Kobe Bryant would rather fans vote Damian Lillard into All-Star Game
By Matt Moore | NBA writer
January 6, 2014 11:01 am ET


Kobe Bryant could miss the All-Star Game. (USATSI)
Kobe Bryant continues to rehab his fractured leg, with a possible late January return for the Lakers star. But Bryant told reporters Sunday night that he hopes the fans don't vote him in as a starter for the All-Star game, since he won't be back to his old self yet and may not be able to play at all. And he has a name for someone he hopes the fans look to vote for.

"Even though there's so much respect that comes from me to be able to play for the fans, I'd much rather see the young guys go out there and play in the game," Bryant said before the Lakers faced Denver on Sunday night. "They've obviously put the work in to be there that weekend, so I'd much rather see them go in there and participate."

"That's obviously a sensitive topic for me personally, because you want to feel like you deserve to be in the game and play," Bryant said. "But then there's the other side of the argument where you've put in a lot of work over the years, and (if) fans vote you in, you want to go out there and show your appreciation and respect to them. I think it's always a delicate balance, but from where I come from, I really enjoy watching what the young guys are doing and how they're performing."


http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24400247/kobe-bryant-would-rather-fans-vote-damian-lillard-into-allstar-game
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:01 am    Post subject:

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Report: Lakers, Cavs struggle to find Bynum-Gasol deal without leverage
By Matt Moore | NBA writer
January 6, 2014 10:46 am ET


Pau Gasol is involved in trade talks for Andrew Bynum. (USATSI)
The deadline for the Cleveland Cavaliers to waive Andrew Bynum, thereby saving themselves from being on the hook for his full salary of $12 million instead of $6 million guaranteed is Tuesday. Since his suspension from the team for conduct detrimental over a week ago, the team has been looking for a trade partner who might value the savings that go along with a trade-and-waive for the often-injured big man.

The Lakers have been the source of the most rumors with a proposed swap of Bynum for Pau Gasol. Talks stalled out over the weekend, then were resurrected Sunday. But Gasol played for the Lakers Sunday night in a loss to Denver, and multiple reports indicate the two sides have reached an impasse.

Though the discussions have been varied and both sides considered numerous possibilities, the central issue never wavered, sources said.

The Lakers wanted more than just salary savings that trading for Bynum and waiving him would bring, primarily a young player or valuable draft pick. Trading for and cutting Bynum had the potential to save the Lakers more than $20 million in salary and luxury taxes. The Cavs, who stood to add millions to their own payroll with the deal, have resisted meeting the price because Gasol will be a free agent at the end of the season.

The Cavs are considering two other possible deals, sources said. One is to trade Bynum to the Utah Jazz for veteran forward Richard Jefferson.


http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/24400240/report-lakers-cavs-struggle-to-find-bynum-gasol-deal-without-leverage
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:07 am    Post subject:

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NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz on Potential Trades and Free-Agency Moves Around League
BY TYLER CONWAY (FEATURED COLUMNIST) ON JANUARY 6, 2014
1,271 reads 0
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Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
Finally entering the point in the season where patience is running thinner than filament, the NBA is on the precipice of embarking on the best ramping up to the trade deadline in recent memory.

Where in previous seasons (*cough* last year *cough*) the swaps would mostly prove disappointing, 2013-14 has already been met with a surprising amount of moves. Rudy Gay, the biggest piece of last season, already has a new team. And while Omer Asik wound up staying put in Houston, the speculation surrounding his name took on a trade deadline-level of intrigue.

With the Cleveland Cavaliers' desperate pursuit of a feasible Andrew Bynum trade currently ongoing, it seems every week there's a new rumor or piece of speculation to go with every morning cup of coffee. Hell, ESPN The Magazine's Chris Broussard even floated the possibility of a Carmelo Anthony-Blake Griffin swap—though that sent both the Knicks and Clippers howling into the night.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1911852-nba-rumors-latest-buzz-on-potential-trades-and-free-agency-moves-around-league
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:21 am    Post subject:

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Lakers: Week 11 predictions

By Eric Pincus
January 6, 2014, 8:00 a.m.

The Lakers will play three games during Week 11, all on the road (although one is at Staples Center against the Clippers).

The team has lost seven of eight games, heading into the difficult part of their schedule while short-handed. It could get ugly for the Lakers.

Through 34 games, the Lakers have 14 wins, two behind cumulative expectations.

Tuesday at Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have struggled recently, dropping two straight and five of their last 10. At 19-15, Dallas is in eighth place in the Western Conference.

If the Lakers were at full strength, it might be a good time to steal a win on the road.

The Lakers are not at full strength, or even near full strength.

Dirk Nowitzki is having a strong season for the Mavericks, averaging 21 points a game while shooting 48.8% from the field, 40.8% from three-point range and 92% from the line.

Monta Ellis has been a nice addition, at an average of 20.2 points and 5.9 assists a game.

The Mavericks score an average of 102.9 points per game, which could be a problem for the Lakers, who in their present state are defensively challenged.

Prediction: Mavericks

Wednesday at Houston Rockets




http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-week-11-predictions-20140106,0,2577676.story#ixzz2pdePbOz5
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:53 am    Post subject:

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NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers’ Pau Gasol trade talks not limited to Cavaliers

BY BRYAN ROSE - JAN 6TH, 2014 AT 11:16 AM

For the past few days, the Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly engaged in trade discussions centered around a potential Pau Gasol for Andrew Bynum swap.

But according to Yahoo Sports’ Marc J. Spears, the Lakers trade talks involving Gasol aren’t just limited to one team:

The Lakers’ trade talks involving Pau Gasol aren’t limited to the Cavaliers.
Spears slipped the interesting nugget of news into his weekly power rankings on Sunday evening, but unfortunately didn’t elaborate much.

With Gasol being a free agent at season end, Los Angeles is in the driver seat regarding any potential Gasol deal considering he’s relatively valuable to them as an expiring contract at season end – allowing them to gain further cap flexibility.

Certainly they’d like to get some type of youth/draft picks in exchange for Gasol, but they not going to mortgage their immediate cap space future if they’re unable to find a deal.


http://fansided.com/2014/01/06/nba-trade-rumors-lakers-pau-gasol-trade-talks-limited-cavaliers/
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:58 am    Post subject:

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Lakers Trade Rumors: Kyle Lowry, Jameer Nelson, Brandon Rush Options After Cavaliers Balk At Trading Dion Waiters For Pau Gasol?

Jan 06, 2014 09:13 AM EST
Kyle Lowry, Jameer Nelson, Brandon Rush, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Lakers Rumors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dion Waiters, Dion Waiters Trade Rumors

Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) is fouled by Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) while going up for a shot during the third period at Staples Center. The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 137-115. (Photo : Reuters) "
The Los Angeles Lakers have been hit by the injury bug big time at the point guard position this season and after dealing with injuries to Steve Nash and Steve Blake, the team now will be without Jordan Farmar for up to a month after tearing his hamstring and that could compel the team to pull off a trade for someone like Kyle Lowry, Jameer Nelson or Brandon Rush, after the team did not want to add Dion Waiters in the deal with Pau Gasol for Andrew Bynum.



http://www.sportsworldreport.com/articles/26187/20140106/lakers-trade-rumors-kyle-lowry-jameer-nelson-brandon-rush-options.htm
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 9:10 am    Post subject:

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NBA Trade Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Likely To Target Andrew Bynum-For-Richard Jefferson Swap
Onchie EbriegaJan 06, 2014 10:13 AM EST
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(Photo : Reuters/USA Today)

The Cleveland Cavaliers could trade Andrew Bynum for Utah Jazz veteran swingman Richard Jefferson, if their negotiations with the Los Angeles Lakers for Pau Gasol eventually collapse, a source close to situation reported on Sunday.
With the Cavaliers and the Lakers struggling to be on the same page regarding the Gasol-Bynum swap, Cavs general manager Chris Grant could shift his focus to his backup plan, and that's to bring Jefferson in exchange for Bynum's team salary-friendly contract.
Yahoo! Sports NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski and Marc Spears reported that the Cavs are indeed in talks with the Jazz in the potential Bynum-Jefferson swap.
"Cleveland has talked to the Utah Jazz on trading Bynum for forward Richard Jefferson, but has yet to re-engage on those talks over the weekend, league sources told Yahoo Sports. The Cavaliers are willing to part with a second-round pick in a Bynum-for-Jefferson deal, which Cleveland officials believe is likely enough return to make the transaction worth the Jazz's trouble," via Yahoo! Sports.

According to the insiders, the Jazz would be very happy to have at least compensation for trading a player who's set to become an unrestricted free-agent this summer after acquiring him from the Golden State Warriors in the offseason.
"Utah will lose Jefferson without compensation to free agency at season's end, and a pick gives them some value for a player they acquired in a Golden State Warriors salary dump last February," the article added.


http://www.latinopost.com/articles/2809/20140106/nba-nba-trade-rumors-nba-trade-rumors-2014-andrew-bynum-andrew-bynum-trade-cleveland-cavaliers-los-angeles-lakers-lakers-news-pau-gasol-pau-gasol-trade-richard-jefferson-utah-jazz.htm
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 9:26 am    Post subject:

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NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers asked Cavaliers about Anderson Varejao trade

BY JOSH HILL - JAN 6TH, 2014 AT 12:23 AM


The Los Angeles Lakers and the Cleveland Cavaliers failed to reach a resolution on an Andrew Bynum trade by Sunday night but talks are expected to continue for the next 48 hours. But while the trade talks haven’t really gone anywhere over the course of a week, it’s not for a lack of trying on either part.

According to FOXSports reporter Sam Amico, the Lakers tried to find middle ground on their demands for Pau Gasol by inquiring about Cavaliers big man Anderson Varejao. Needless to say, the Cavaliers told the Lakers where they could stick that inquiry based on what they were sending back.


The trade talks between the Cavaliers and Lakers are truly at a crossroads as the Cavaliers want Pau Gasol but don’t want to send much more than Bynum in return while the Lakers want a considerable return for Gasol that extends beyond mere cap relief. That’s the real sticking point in the talks as neither side wants to budge and when someone tries to get creative or crafty, the offer is rebuffed.


http://fansided.com/2014/01/06/nba-trade-rumors-los-angeles-lakers-cavaliers-anderson-varejao-trade/
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 1:04 pm    Post subject:

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Pau Gasol Trade Talks Hurting Lakers
The Lakers lost on Sunday, but Pau Gasol's trade talks had created a different atmosphere in the locker room.
By Shahan Ahmed | Monday, Jan 6, 2014 | Updated 10:27 AM PSTView

Kobe Bryant had a rather strange quote when asked whether he would support Pau Gasol staying with the Los Angeles Lakers

Surrounded by swirling rumors of a trade that could happen at any moment, Pau Gasol turned focused and ready to play through the uncertainty at Staples Center on Sunday.

Gasol was a man on a mission early in the game and had a basket, a rebound, an assist and a block within the first couple minutes. By the time the first quarter ended, Gasol had 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal.

Despite an inspired opening quarter, the Lakers only led by three points.

Gasol would taper off, and the Lakers would lose 137-115 to the Denver Nuggets, but the mood in the locker room was a bit different than other losses. As much as the players were talking about the loss, being shorthanded, turnovers, failing to make 3-pointers and everything else related to basketball, they were also talking about trades.

In particular, they were talking about Gasol’s potential trade for Andrew Bynum to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gasol was asked if the rumors had an effect.

“It’s not easy,” Gasol admitted after the game. “I try not to let it affect me.”

Gasol finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. He shot a high percentage from the field and the free throw line. As he has done in the past, he fought through the whispers.



http://www.nbclosangeles.com/blogs/triple-threat/Lakers_Pau-Gasol-trade-hurting-238904781.html
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 2:01 pm    Post subject:

Update on Gasol's status and the Cav's - Lakers talks from Romona Shelburne on Twitter

Ramona Shelburne ‏@ramonashelburne 2h
DAntoni said Pau practiced with the team this morning, scheduled to fly w/ team at 2. Wasn't aware of what's going on upstairs


Ramona ShelburneVerified account
‏@ramonashelburne
Pau Gasol did get on the Lakers 2 pm flight to Dallas, I'm told.


Ramona Shelburne ‏@ramonashelburne 1h
No resolution yet btwn Lakers and Cavs. Talks ongoing. Old fashioned stare-down now.
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:05 pm    Post subject:

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Lakers' defensive futility reaching epic levels

The 137 points Denver scored Sunday were the most the Lakers have given up in a game since 1993. Their defensive issues are plentiful.

More often than not on Sunday evening, Evan Fournier and the Nuggets were able to get to the basket against the Lakers and, on this play, forward Wesley Johnson. (Paul Buck / EPA / January 5, 2014)
Also

It's defense optional again for Lakers in 137-115 loss to Nuggets

Kobe Bryant suggests fans vote younger players to All-Star team

All of a sudden, Kendall Marshall is the discussion

Lakers: Week 11 predictions

Lakers' Week 10 in review

By Mike Bresnahan
January 6, 2014, 5:05 p.m.

The number stood out like few others since the free-flying days of the 1980s.

The Lakers allowed the Denver Nuggets to score 137 points Sunday.

Somehow it happened. In a stop-and-see-if-you-really-saw-the-TV-ticker way.

Not since 1993 have the Lakers given up that many points in a non-overtime regular-season game. In that beauty, a 141-124 Charlotte Hornets victory on Nov. 24, 1993, Larry Johnson and Alonzo Mourning combined for 50 points.

Times were different back then. Stopping the ball was sometimes optional for a Lakers team whose featured players included such noted non-defenders as Vlade Divac, Nick Van Exel and Anthony Peeler.

The 137 points the Lakers gave up Sunday were much more notable, an outlier even in this season going nowhere.

The Nuggets' quarter-by-quarter score read almost like the "N" column in bingo: 26-34-33-44. The last quarter was particularly appalling, the Lakers mainly letting a bunch of Denver reserves shoot 70.4% and make 19 baskets, uncomfortably close to a team futility record (Boston had 23 field goals in a quarter against them in 1959).




http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-fyi-20140107,0,5161335.story#ixzz2pfmHfpLN
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:10 pm    Post subject:

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Lakers star Kobe Bryant's return is not in the 'near future'

PUBLISHED 7 hours and 50 minutes ago LAST UPDATED 7 hours and 50 minutes ago
DeAntae Prince Sporting News Follow on Twitter Archive Email RSS
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Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant has spent most of the season dealing with injury. He came back from a torn Achilles, suffered a fracture in his left knee and is now back on the mend.

After coming back as quickly as possible from the original injury, Bryant is well aware that this is not something he can rush. Based on recent comments, Bryant sounds content to allow his body to determine when he returns.


Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (AP Photo)
"I don’t have much of a choice," Bryan said, according to the team. "A fracture, either it heals or it doesn’t. I don’t have much of a choice unfortunately."

While there was the flashy video to announce his Dec. 8 return to basketball in a Lakers meeting with the Toronto Raptors, there is no timeline this time out. In fact, Bryant said he won't be back at any time in the near future.

In the meantime, he has a routine that includes plenty bike work and movement to keep his injured leg strong. On the flip side, as he remains in shape, Bryant has received more time to allow his Achilles to heal.

"I’m focusing on staying in shape," Bryant said. "That’s really the big thing. You want to keep yourself active. You don’t want to be ready to go and now you have to start from scratch in terms of your conditioning, wait and things like that."


http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2014-01-06/kobe-bryant-injury-update-lakers-news-knee-fracture-achilles-tendon-pau-gasol-steve-nash-mike-dantoni
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 5:23 pm    Post subject:

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LOS ANGELES AT DALLAS
Play CBSSports.com’s Franchise Basketball – the ultimate pro hoops simulation game.
Time: 08:30 P.M. EST
Venue: American Airlines Center

The Los Angeles Lakers are playing their worst basketball of the season. Finding a quick answer to their woes could prove difficult with a road-heavy schedule ahead.

Los Angeles will begin a stretch in which it plays 10 of 11 games on the road Tuesday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

The Lakers (14-20) have dropped seven of eight overall as they come off a 137-115 home loss to Denver on Sunday. It marked the club's most points allowed in regulation since a 141-124 loss at Charlotte on Nov. 24, 1993. Opponents are averaging 108.3 points over the last eight games.

Rebounding also continues to be a major issue with Los Angeles surrendering a 58-38 edge on the boards against the Nuggets. Coach Mike D'Antoni's team averages a minus-5.1 margin per game, worst in the NBA.

With a return date for Kobe Bryant still unknown and Steve Nash not likely to come back until next month, the Lakers will remain short-handed as they try to turn things around. Los Angeles has lost its last three road games by double digits, and its next four come against the teams comprising the bottom half of the Western Conference playoff picture - Dallas, Houston, the Clippers and Phoenix.

"It's tough. There's no sugarcoating it," D'Antoni said. "We're in a hole, and we put ourselves in this hole. We'll get guys coming back (from injury). We just have to keep playing hard, keep your head down, go through it."


http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/preview/NBA_20140107_LAL@DAL/lakersmavericks-preview
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:12 pm    Post subject:

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SN Source: With Andrew Bynum deadline looming, deal is 'highly unlikely'


Perhaps this is all for center Andrew Bynum, the wayward and idiosyncratic former All-Star center with a pair of bum knees and a bum attitude to match.

The Cavaliers have explored deals for Bynum and his waive-able contract, most seriously with the Lakers for big man Pau Gasol, but have not yet come up with a suitable offer.


Andrew Bynum (AP Photo)
Bynum’s contract becomes guaranteed at midnight, which means that Cleveland will need to waive him in the coming hours to be free of the remaining $6 million-plus that the team owes him this season. The Cavaliers had reportedly set a midnight deadline for a trade, but are still working to complete something in the 11th hour. A source told Sporting News, though, that such a scenario is, “highly unlikely at this point.”

It was just two seasons ago that Bynum posted breakout stats, averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds, playing 60 of the Lakers’ 66 games in the lockout-shortened season. Now, he can’t be given away.

After the Lakers included Bynum (sending him to Philadelphia) in the monster trade that brought Dwight Howard to Los Angeles, Bynum’s career took a disappointing turn. He did not play at all for the Sixers because of problems with both knees, then played only 23 games this year after signing a partially guaranteed deal with the Cavaliers. He averaged 8.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in those games.

The Cavaliers have been amenable to trading Bynum to the Lakers for Gasol without giving up additional considerations—after all, they can simply waive Bynum and take the payroll savings for themselves. But the Lakers have sought to get other concessions (Dion Waiters, a draft pick) from the Cavaliers, figuring that Gasol still has trade value around the league.


http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2014-01-06/andrew-bynum-cleveland-cavaliers-trade-rumors-los-angeles-lakers-pau-gasol-dion-waiters-dwight-howard
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:17 pm    Post subject:

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Pau Gasol, still a Laker, makes trip to Texas

The Lakers’ Pau Gasol, top, is the subject of trade rumors again. Mark J. Terrill — The Associated Press
By Mark Medina, Los Angeles Daily News
POSTED: 01/06/14, 6:39 PM PST |
Pau Gasol still remains a Laker.

At least enough to participate in all of the Lakers’ practice on Monday. At least enough for coach Mike D’Antoni to pencil him into the starting lineup for when the Lakers (14-20) visit the Dallas Mavericks (19-15) tonight at American Airlines Center. At least enough for Gasol to board the team’s plane for the Lakers’ two-game trip to Dallas and Houston (Wednesday).

“Off to Dallas. We’ll stay focused on playing as a team, giving everything we have,” Gasol tweeted just before boarding. “I’m always thankful for all your support.”

The Lakers have talked for the past week about a possible deal that would entail Gasol going to the Cleveland Cavaliers, while Andrew Bynum returns to the Lakers. A deal could happen today so Bynum has time to clear waivers Friday when his $12.5 million contract becomes guaranteed.

The Lakers would immediately waive Bynum, a move coupled that could save the Lakers nearly $20 million in luxury taxes. But the Lakers remain firm in wanting assets, such as young players and/or draft picks. Per NBA rules, the deal would have to include at least another player to match Gasol’s contract this season worth $19.3 million.


http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20140106/pau-gasol-still-a-laker-makes-trip-to-texas
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:25 pm    Post subject:

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Cavaliers still deciding what to do with Andrew Bynum

Cleveland Cavaliers' Andrew Bynum, right, goes against Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond in an NBA basketball game Monday, Dec. 23, 2013, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)
By Bob Finnan, The Morning Journal & The News-Herald
POSTED: 01/06/14, 6:46 PM EST | UPDATED: 42 SECS AGO
The Cavaliers have viable trade options regarding center Andrew Bynum. Whether they take one of them by Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline is anyone’s guess.
The Bynum-for-Pau Gasol deal with the Los Angeles Lakers is on the table. The holdup appears to be that the Cavs won’t include a first-round pick or one of their young assets in the deal.
One source said the Cavs might have offered to throw in a second-round pick, but the Lakers balked.
They certainly weren’t expected to include shooting guard Dion Waiters in the deal.
Another team might have offered a first-round selection for Waiters. Right now, he’s not supposedly on the trading block, but that could change by the Feb. 20 deadline.
Despite Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert’s mandate to make the playoffs, the team is in a free fall, having lost eight of their last nine games heading into Tuesday’s contest vs. Philadelphia.
It might take more than the addition of Gasol to snap this team out of its funk.
The Lakers toyed with the idea of trading for Bynum and waiving him before Tuesday’s deadline. If he’s cut before Tuesday, he would clear waivers by Friday, when his entire $12.25 million contract becomes guaranteed.


http://www.morningjournal.com/sports/20140106/cavaliers-still-deciding-what-to-do-with-andrew-bynum
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:35 pm    Post subject:

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Still no resolution to the Andrew Bynum saga for the Cleveland Cavaliers


on January 06, 2014 at 8:43 PM, updated January 06, 2014 at 9:09 PM

Still no resolution to the Andrew Bynum saga

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Andrew Bynum almost certainly is entering his final few hours with the Cavaliers, though whether he leaves by trade or waivers is still undetermined.

The Cavs have until 5 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday to make a move to avoid paying the second half of his $12.25 million salary. Contracts are fully guaranteed on Friday, but players must be released by Tuesday in order to clear waivers. The Cavs could save $6 million by releasing him by the 5 p.m. deadline, as could any team that trades for him and then releases him by that deadline.

It is still possible that if the Cavs do not find a deal to their liking they could pay the additional $6 million and continue to try to make a deal, but that seems unlikely.

Rumors have swirled for days about a possible trade to the Lakers for Pau Gasol or to the Utah Jazz for Richard Jefferson. The Lakers reportedly are seeking additional assets, which the Cavs have been reluctant to provide. Both of those teams would be acquiring the 26-year-old Bynum in order to cut him and save money. Any team interested in signing him to play -- and there are rumored to be a number of them -- will wait until Friday and then try to make a much more favorable deal.



http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2014/01/still_no_resolution_to_the_and.html
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PostPosted: Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:47 pm    Post subject:

Quote:
Cavaliers still deciding what to do with Andrew Bynum


By Bob Finnan, The Morning Journal & The News-Herald
POSTED: 01/06/14, 6:46 PM EST | UPDATED: 42 SECS AGO
The Cavaliers have viable trade options regarding center Andrew Bynum. Whether they take one of them by Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline is anyone’s guess.
The Bynum-for-Pau Gasol deal with the Los Angeles Lakers is on the table. The holdup appears to be that the Cavs won’t include a first-round pick or one of their young assets in the deal.
One source said the Cavs might have offered to throw in a second-round pick, but the Lakers balked.
They certainly weren’t expected to include shooting guard Dion Waiters in the deal.
Another team might have offered a first-round selection for Waiters. Right now, he’s not supposedly on the trading block, but that could change by the Feb. 20 deadline.
Despite Cavs majority owner Dan Gilbert’s mandate to make the playoffs, the team is in a free fall, having lost eight of their last nine games heading into Tuesday’s contest vs. Philadelphia.
It might take more than the addition of Gasol to snap this team out of its funk.
The Lakers toyed with the idea of trading for Bynum and waiving him before Tuesday’s deadline. If he’s cut before Tuesday, he would clear waivers by Friday, when his entire $12.25 million contract becomes guaranteed.



http://www.morningjournal.com/sports/20140106/cavaliers-still-deciding-what-to-do-with-andrew-bynum
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