Making the Cut: LA Lakers
L.O.’s not going anywhere for nowWith Lamar Odom and Phil Jackson talking so bad about each other a couple of weeks ago, we wouldn’t have been surprised if the Lakers trimmed L.O. when slicing their roster from 17 to 15 men. But Odom is back in the team’s good graces, possibly because he said that he would like to continue his career in L.A., and maybe even retire there.
However, there might be another vet on this Lakers squad who is left off of the roster. Here are the 17 guys currently on L.A.’s roster:
* Kobe
* Odom
* Andrew Bynum
* Pau Gasol
* Trevor Ariza
* Derek Fisher
* Sasha Vujacic
* Vladimir Radmanovich
* DJ Mbenga
* Jordan Farmar
* Chris Mihm
* Josh Powell
* Sun Yue
* Luke Walton
* Joe Crawford
* C.J. Giles
* Brandon Heath
* Coby Karl
On first glance, someone might say that this is an easy decision, that Joe Crawford and Brandon Heath are gone. But it could just as easily end up being Coby Karl and DJ Mbenga left off of the final roster.
- Karl has shot terribly so far in the preseason, scoring only 9 points in the team’s five games despite seeing some time in each one. His biggest competition is Crawford, a former Kentucky Wildcat who hasn’t exactly wowed management either. His best performance was a 14-minute, 6-point night against the Kings.
- Though it would make sense that the Lakers would want to hold on to Mbenga because of the loss of Ronny Turiaf, he isn’t a lock to make the team right now. If DJ is waived, the 6-10 Giles would be the beneficiary.
- Unfortunately for Heath, he might be in the most difficult spot of all. As an undersized two, he doesn’t shoot or defend well enough to justify making the cut.
Who would you waive to get from 17 to 15 guys on the Lakers’ roster?
October 20th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
SayItAintSo says:
I say cut that Kobe dude…and the other spaniard guy, the one that looks like a baby eagle.
After that, the roster would be SOLID. Back to the finals, only this time they’ll walk away with the trophy.
October 20th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
JIMBO says:
Cut Phil(ly) Jackson!
October 20th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Andy says:
Why hasn’t dime mentioned that their favorite over rated New York baller got arrested?
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/brooklyn/2008/10/18/2008-10-18_lincoln_high_school_hoops_phenom_lance_s.html
October 20th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
coby who? says:
Just a heads up, there’s 18 players not 17.
Cut Crawford, Giles, and Heath. Then cut either Mbenga or Carl if the Lakers want to run with 14 instead.
October 20th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
D.Phoenix says:
Yo Dime,
Y’all catch Marky Mark on SNL the other night? Here’s a link to the video. Say hi to your mother for me.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/19/mark-wahlbergs-snl-visit_n_135906.html
October 20th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
karizmatic says:
I think that Phil Jackson likes Mbenga for some odd reason…Heath and Crawford are probably out…but I would seriously consider getting rid of Karl. He’s got a nice story though so he’ll stick around.
October 20th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
TJ says:
I would’vebeen really surprised if the Lakers ever even considered cutting LO and his $14,000,000 guaranteed salary. Stupid comment Dime.
October 20th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
D.H. says:
@karizmatic
Phil just likes watching DJ get banged on. Guess it gives him something to smile about if the game aint going his way.