Lakers to target Steve Blake, Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour this summer

[All Net]

Teams can begin negotiating with free agents July 1, but the moratorium before a player can sign lasts until July 7. "We'll convene with ownership, [assistant general manager] Ronnie Lester and myself in the next couple of weeks and plot a course," Kupchak said.

Fisher, who'll be 36 in August, had another good showing in the playoffs, capped by a late-game three-pointer in Game 7. He probably will have to take a pay cut from the $5.04 million he earned this season and may be offered only a one-year deal.

"If it's up to me, I'll be back," Fisher said while still clinging to the championship trophy. "I want to be back here."

Farmar, 23, who earned $1.9 million last season, will be a restricted free agent, meaning the Lakers can match any offer he receives.

But the Lakers probably will let him walk, according to an NBA executive who was not authorized to speak publicly.

And it sounds as if Famar is ready to depart after winning two titles. "I want to take a step forward in my career," said Farmar, who wants to be a starting point guard. "We'll see how it works out."

Brown just finished the first season of a two-year, "bi-annual exception" worth $4.1 million. If he opts out, the Lakers could sign him for up to five years and as high as the mid-level exception; the current mid-level exception pays $5.8 million in the first year.

"It all depends on what my options are," Brown said. "But it won't be a tough decision at all. I want to be back here."

The Lakers probably won't bring back Mbenga, Morrison and Powell, the NBA executive said.

The Lakers will look at free-agent point guards Steve Blake, Earl Watson and Luke Ridnour, the executive added.

But whoever signs with the Lakers will have to take a pay cut because they don't plan on using the mid-level exception to sign a player. They will be looking to sign an experienced big man for the veteran's minimum, which will be as much as $1.325 million for a player with 10 years or more of experience.

Not sure if it will happen without using the MLE honestly. I think Blake would be the best choice when you factor in shooting, defense and running the point. Ridnour I think might be the best PLAYER but his defense is poor.

[Gifted Mind]

Yes Ridnour would probably not be a good fit. Watson is probably the best defender out of the 3, but his shooting is a question mark. Blake can shoot and play decent defense, thus he should be the one the Lakers are after the most.

[Kobe4life]

is this the best they can do?

[Gifted Mind]

is this the best they can do?
Sometimes more brings less

[All Net]

is this the best they can do?

What other point guards are an option in free-agency? it's possible Mitch might make a move for Kirk again via trade.

[Batz]

is this the best they can do?
What do you want like Chris Paul or something?

[chazzy]

What do you want like Chris Paul or something?

:oldlol: I know, they just won the title. There won't be any huge signings/trades this summer. I'll miss Dacos though :(

[RoseCity07]

Don't do it Blake, don't join the dark side.

[Quizno]

why don't the lakers go after raymond felton? he's a good defender, can pass, he's very fast and his shooting has improved a lot this season.

i really hope he re-signs with the 'cats but i don't think he will...:( so having him on the lakers would be the next best thing for me

[Batz]

why don't the lakers go after raymond felton? he's a good defender, can pass, he's very fast and his shooting has improved a lot this season.

i really hope he re-signs with the 'cats but i don't think he will...:( so having him on the lakers would be the next best thing for me
They're trying to save money. But it would a bad move not to go after Felton if he willing to take the MLE.

[d.bball.guy]

why don't the lakers go after raymond felton? he's a good defender, can pass, he's very fast and his shooting has improved a lot this season.

i really hope he re-signs with the 'cats but i don't think he will...:( so having him on the lakers would be the next best thing for me
thats right felton is the best PG LA can/should get because good defence-fast-goodshooter = perfect for LA. if they dont get felton i want steve blake to be with LA.

[konex]

Enough with this crap. Lakers need a perimeter player besides Kobe who can penetrate and get his own shot. I don't like any of these guys in that regard...

[imdaman99]

They need more shooters. Someone that can consistently shoot 1-3 or 2-6 or 3-7 everyday on 3s. Fish and Artest are streaky and the Machine has needed to be fine-tuned for years now. Someone that the other team is afraid to leave to help out in doubling or triping Kobe, that was a huge problem in these Finals. The championship Lakers of past had a bunch of 3 pt shooters, not just 1-2.

[All Net]

Enough with this crap. Lakers need a perimeter player besides Kobe who can penetrate and get his own shot. I don't like any of these guys in that regard...

Luke Ridnour is pretty good at attack and getting into the lane. However I doubt he settles for less than MLE.

[AJ2k8]

The 3 amigos aren't coming back:cry:

[ZeN]

Blake would be a great move. He is a solid defender and makes great decisions. He also has a great basketball I.Q. Plus, he is an underated shooter, even more so when compared to Fish. I would think that he would be too costly for the Lakers.. but if they could pick him up, it would be a stellar addition. Lakers dont need a prolific or star player at the point, they merely need one who can be a compliment at that position.

Raymond Felton is a curious possibility. I dont think he does well when the pressure is on to score and be the main man. However he is a decent defender and a capable passer. With the spotlight being on many other guys with the Lakers, he could possibly thrive as a role player.

[Qwertyazerty]

Sad to hear Mbenga wont go back to LA :(

[I am that I am]

We should go hard after Darren Collison who the Hornets are apparently and stupidly shopping

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Nate Robinson? Would cost the MLE or more though.

[Mgamer20o0]

The Lakers probably won't bring back Mbenga and Powell, the NBA executive said.

i wounder why.... vets min... know the system... i know they are not used much but nice to have as back ups.

[All Net]

Nate Robinson? Would cost the MLE or more though.

Nate? the MLE? :wtf:

[LA KB24]

What do you want like Chris Paul or something?
No, D-Will.

:D

[BlackWhiteGreen]

Nate? the MLE? :wtf:

He got $4m this year, and is easily a better player than Blake, Watson and Ridnour. :confusedshrug:

[I am that I am]

Nate Robinson? Would cost the MLE or more though.
We don't need Boston scum rejects, we need players who can win titles

[BlackWhiteGreen]

We don't need Boston scum rejects, we need players who can win titles

combined Finals appearances of those mentioned in the articles? Never mind combined championships

[All Net]

He got $4m this year, and is easily a better player than Blake, Watson and Ridnour. :confusedshrug:

Is he really? yes he can score better than them but what else can he do? he can't control an offense, plays terrible defense and is VERY small. I certainly wouldn't want a chucker like Nate over Blake, Ridnour or even Watson.

[kobesabi]

Nate Robinson? Would cost the MLE or more though.
He already bonded with Shrek and pizzed off Lamar.

Between Steve Blake and Darron Collison, who's better for the Lakers?

[I am that I am]

combined Finals appearances of those mentioned in the articles? Never mind combined championships
Combined finals losses of the guys mentioned in the article? 0.

Like I said, we don't want scummy Celtic rejects coming near our team

[0000000]

Steve Blake and Ridnour would both be a phenomenal addition. Oh man, yeah! WTG!!!

But Mitch better bring Morrison back. :mad:
Or karma will bite him in the ass. Morrison is our human victory cigar. Lakers haven't won a ring before they acquired Morrison and it's for a good reason. It's not a coincidence!! Keep Morrison, Mitch!!!

[d.bball.guy]

Steve Blake and Ridnour would both be a phenomenal addition. Oh man, yeah! WTG!!!

But Mitch better bring Morrison back. :mad:
Or karma will bite him in the ass. Morrison is our human victory cigar. Lakers haven't won a ring before they acquired Morrison and it's for a good reason. It's not a coincidence!! Keep Morrison, Mitch!!!
hahaha AMMO the #@%^ing LUCKY CHARM!!

[konex]

i wounder why.... vets min... know the system... i know they are not used much but nice to have as back ups.

They are taking up 2 roster spots and Phil REFUSES to play them. Dude worked Pau like a rented mule and let Andrew hop around on one leg instead of even giving those guys an opportunity. They have no use on this team if Phil returns...

[Bigsmoke]

Enough with this crap. Lakers need a perimeter player besides Kobe who can penetrate and get his own shot. I don't like any of these guys in that regard...

yall Lakers fans are so f*cking greedy man. :no:

[Bigsmoke]

Steve Blake and Ridnour would both be a phenomenal addition. Oh man, yeah! WTG!!!

But Mitch better bring Morrison back. :mad:
Or karma will bite him in the ass. Morrison is our human victory cigar. Lakers haven't won a ring before they acquired Morrison and it's for a good reason. It's not a coincidence!! Keep Morrison, Mitch!!!

why? Morrison is f*cking horrible.

[Rocker09]

Steve Blake will be perfect for the triangle because of his shooting.......I'd love to see fisher return to the lakers(this time, as a backup PG)......

IMO, shannon brown is a "must sign" for the team..

[d.bball.guy]

Steve Blake will be perfect for the triangle because of his shooting.......I'd love to see fisher return to the lakers(this time, as a backup PG)......

IMO, shannon brown is a "must sign" for the team..
i agree

[twolvesfan]

is this the best they can do?
They only have the MLE to use (unless they trade)

[Bigsmoke]

Blake would be a great move. He is a solid defender and makes great decisions. He also has a great basketball I.Q. Plus, he is an underated shooter, even more so when compared to Fish. I would think that he would be too costly for the Lakers.. but if they could pick him up, it would be a stellar addition. Lakers dont need a prolific or star player at the point, they merely need one who can be a compliment at that position.

Raymond Felton is a curious possibility. I dont think he does well when the pressure is on to score and be the main man. However he is a decent defender and a capable passer. With the spotlight being on many other guys with the Lakers, he could possibly thrive as a role player.

am i only only person who thinks that Steve Blake's IQ is nothing spectacular?

[magnax1]

Go for Ridnour! The other two are worse then Fisher is by a long shot.

[Eldrunko247]

Nate Robinson? Would cost the MLE or more though.
Lakers don't need that midget chucker

[Showtime]

We should go hard after Darren Collison who the Hornets are apparently and stupidly shopping
You are the only one who is stupid. They aren't actively shopping him. What they are doing is being open about including him to facilitate a deal which gets rid of Okafor and Posey.

[bladefd]

Between Steve Blake and Darron Collison, who's better for the Lakers?

Steve Blake without a question. He can hit the open 3 and also plays good defense. NO isn't going to give up Collison for nothing anyways.. I believe NO was trying to trade Collison in some sort of package deal with Peja or Morris Peterson or something

[chopchop20]

Enough with this crap. Lakers need a perimeter player besides Kobe who can penetrate and get his own shot. I don't like any of these guys in that regard...

AMEN! Kobe's showing signs of slowing down a bit (don't know how much the knee has to do with that)

We need a 2nd option to him and also more athleticism at the 3... Walton just aint cutting it off the bench

[oh the horror]

yall Lakers fans are so f*cking greedy man. :no:



How is that greed? It IS a need that the Lakers should address. They arent talking about some mega star player, but someone fairly exceptional that can give Kobe rest during key points of the game without completely blowing leads. LA has an awful bench, and Kobe cannot be depended on to play extended minutes anymore. Its really that simple. Do you watch the games?

[kurple]

Blake would be perfect on that team.

[oh the horror]

Blake would be absolutely perfect. If they could land him, it would be a subtle signing that would make them even BETTER.


I think at this point in the game, if you had Blake starting, and Fish coming off the bench, it would be perfect.

[1~Gibson~1]

why? Morrison is f*cking horrible.
sarcasm :hammerhead:

he was saying that ever since Morrison came to the Lakers they havent lost so Mitch should bring him back

[blacknapalm]

of the three i go blake, ridnour and watson in that order. blake can address 3 point shooting as well which is why i like that pick. he's also shown he can play off a big guy fine (aldridge, kaman). ridnour's a good choice because he might be the best defender of the three. i'm not really a fan of watson. he can push the ball okay but he's pretty sloppy at times and he doesn't have much of a jumper.

[Batz]

No, D-Will.

:D
Touche.

[HylianNightmare]

i'm more interested in seeing where morrison will end up

[1~Gibson~1]

i'm more interested in seeing where morrison will end up
F the rest of the free agents. i believe that DJ Mbenga will be the most important FA. whichever team lands him WILL win the 2010-2011 championship. Book it!

[ZeN]

am i only only person who thinks that Steve Blake's IQ is nothing spectacular?

Well I never used the word spectacular.. and I dont think I would use it..

Steve Blake however is a real point guard. He is always looking to set up the teams shooters, knows when to lob for dunks, and pushes the ball on fast breaks. He never goes one-on-five looking to be bailed out by a foul or takes an off balanced jump shot for the sake of shooting.. He understands the correct way to pass out of double teams. His instincts are great.

Other things I forgot to mention about him is that he is a great teammate, always encouraging other players and always making sure to get back on D.

Best of all he never seems to take plays off.

[veilside23]

imo blake is the perfect fit but i think blake will be in new york next season to help LBJ :D. kidding aside. ridnour would be fine.

[brooks_thompson]

ugh earl watson.

since he left the grizzlies in 05, i make sure to never watch a game in which he's playing. absolutely hate the way he plays.

[LBJ 23]

What will happen with Vujacic?

[vert48]

He already bonded with Shrek and pizzed off Lamar.

Between Steve Blake and Darron Collison, who's better for the Lakers?Collison by a wide margin.

[Steve212]

They really need to pry Kirk Hinrich from Chicago. He's be a perfect fit. He can play both guard positions, he's gritty on defense, he's 6'4 (Phillip loves big guard, with Fish being the exception), and his basketball IQ is bananas.

[momo]

why? Morrison is f*cking horrible.

Lakes need someone who can bury body's.

[highwhey]

the bigger story should be regarding farmer's desire to be starting pg, lol!!!!

[Steve212]

the bigger story should be regarding farmer's desire to be starting pg, lol!!!!


It's feasible. In China.

[Kobe4life]

i think we should trade morrison for the no.1 pick from washington and get john wall. what do u guys think?

[bagelred]

How is this even news? Its clear that PG is the weak spot for Lakers going forward. So it makes sense they will target the best PGs available.

Seems obvious Blake will be a Laker unless a team with more cap space gives him more. Doubtful.

[TAZORAC]

Its going to be EARL WATSON because he is from Los Angeles

[The GM]

I don't love any of those options for us. The first three target's should be Hinrich, JJ Barea or Beaubois. The last two are real young and I love what I saw out of both of them last season playing for Dallas.. I'm sure they would considering parting with one of them as they both play PG probably more Beaubois more then JJ.

[ZeN]

Seems obvious Blake will be a Laker unless a team with more cap space gives him more. Doubtful.

Inaccurate... The Lakers never get who the papers claim their after. Signings and trades usually come out of the blue, and the additions end up being big surprises.

I would love for the Lakers to pick up Blake but seeing that there is much interest in the NBA for his services.. it is.. Doubtful.

[vert48]

Inaccurate... The Lakers never get who the papers claim their after. Signings and trades usually come out of the blue, and the additions end up being big surprises.

I would love for the Lakers to pick up Blake but seeing that there is much interest in the NBA for his services.. that its.. Doubtful.Yep. No one saw the Artest signing coming.

[ZeN]

Yep. No one saw the Artest signing coming.

Actually they didnt.. People were thinking that Artest would go somewhere for more money or a different contender. Also, no one thought that the Lakers would part with Ariza.. let alone for the same cash as they gave Artest.

[bagelred]

Inaccurate... The Lakers never get who the papers claim their after. Signings and trades usually come out of the blue, and the additions end up being big surprises.

I would love for the Lakers to pick up Blake but seeing that there is much interest in the NBA for his services.. it is.. Doubtful.

How much money do you think Blake is getting? He's not THAT good.

Many teams have their starting PG already. Go thru 30 teams. You'll see most teams have a quality starter already.

Lakers, Pacers, Heat, maybe Knicks.....only teams that might compete for him.

[Solid Snake]

Sad to hear Mbenga wont go back to LA :(


**** Mbenga. He has the worst offensive game of any player. Even Big Ben was better.

[bagelred]

Luke Ridnour is pretty good at attack and getting into the lane. However I doubt he settles for less than MLE.

There's too many PGs floating around. I doubt he gets full MLE.

[All Net]

There's too many PGs floating around. I doubt he gets full MLE.

You know what the market is like, certain teams like to overpay and may well do.Wouldn't shock me if Blake got the MLE from somebody just to make sure he didn't go to L.A.

[All Net]

They really need to pry Kirk Hinrich from Chicago. He's be a perfect fit. He can play both guard positions, he's gritty on defense, he's 6'4 (Phillip loves big guard, with Fish being the exception), and his basketball IQ is bananas.

He would be the best choice but what would Bulls accept? likely not what Lakers would offer.

[LA_Showtime]

Signing Steve Blake is the second best scenario. The first would be to trade for a point guard who can not only shoot but break down opposing defenses. When a 31-year-old Kobe Bryant is your best slasher you have problems, period.

[branslowski]

I really want Kirk...But we wont get him.


I'd take blake...Sh!t, or T-Mac.

[All Net]

Signing Steve Blake is the second best scenario. The first would be to trade for a point guard who can not only shoot but break down opposing defenses. When a 31-year-old Kobe Bryant is your best slasher you have problems, period.

Which is why maybe Ridnour could be a good option but due to his defense I'm not totally convinced.

[LA_Showtime]

Which is why maybe Ridnour could be a good option but due to his defense I'm not totally convinced.

Unfortunately, I'm beginning to think the Lakers will have to trade a core piece to improve the bench. I don't want to see Bynum or Odom go, but it might come to that.

Bynum, Vujacic, and a first rounder for Chris Bosh and Jack?

[Al Thornton]

if they get blake they will threepeat. dude is the real deal.

[KNOW1EDGE]

Steve Blake would be an immense help to the lakers bench.

Bein a blazer fan, i have watched a whole lot of Blake, and dude is probably the best and most dependable back up pg in the L