Lakers Free Agency: Shannon Brown Accepts Two Year Offer for $4.2 Million

It looks like the Los Angeles Lakers are making all the right decisions this offseason. They may have missed out on the Trevor Ariza sweepstakes, but adding Ron Artest and keeping guard Shannon Brown it without a doubt a step in the right direction.

Now Shannon Brown isn't a huge piece to the puzzle in LA, but he can definitely be key next season as he continues to develop and become more familiar with the Lakers triangle offense.

The terms of Brown's new deal with the Lakers will have the young guard making $4.2 million over the next two seasons.

If the Lakers have any position in doubt over the next few years it will be at the point guard position. Derek Fisher isn't getting any younger, Jordan Farmar seems to have fallen out of favor with Phil Jackson and Shannon Brown seems more like a two guard instead of a true point guard.

When the draft came along I thought the Lakers would have addressed this problem by drafting another UCLA guard in Darren Collison, but in somewhat of a smart move the Lakers sold their first round pick to the New York Knicks to save some money to sign players like Lamar Odom, Ron Artest and now Shannon Brown not to mention have enough money to keep Kobe Bryant.

So even though this isn't a huge signing for the Lakers, keeping Brown in LA was definitely a smart move and could pay off over the next two seasons.

Lakers Free Agency: Lakers to Offer Lamar Odom 3 Years $25 Million

It has been a huge week for the Los Angeles Lakers as they have made one major change and tied up some loose ends by making sure Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson were going to stay.

The two biggest questions this offseason for the Los Angeles Lakers, besides Phil and Kobe, was were they going to sign both Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom. Well, we know now that Ariza is out of the picture after signing with the Houston Rockets, but Odom's future with the Lakers is still up in the air.

Personally, I think Lamar Odom is a pivitol piece of the puzzle and is a must sign, but after the Lakers added Ron Artest into the mix who is as versitale as they come and a great defender Lamar's value may gone down a bit.

One problem the Lakers will face next season if they do end up signing Lamar Odom is how will the change up the roster. Both Artest and Odom are legitimate starters for any other team in the NBA, but who starts and who starts will be the big questions to start next season.

Regardless of their possible roster problems, the Lakers are still very determined to sign Odom for at least three years. The offer that is reportedly on the table right now for the forward is three years and $24-25 million. It is a considerable pay cut for Odom, but in long run two or three more championships is well worth the cut in pay.

One good thing to come out of this recent development in Lakerland is that they are doing what they can to keep Odom in LA.

Will Odom accept the Lakers' offer? I think he will, but with you never know.

Phil Jackson Return to Lakers: 99.9% Assured

I think we all know that Phil Jackson will be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers coaching staff next season regardless of what he has said and the fact that no decision has officially been made, but as of today, the same day that Ron Artest is officially a Laker, Phil Jackson is said to be 99.9% assured to return next season as the Los Angeles Lakers head coach.

It is no secret that Phil Jackson's body is starting to breakdown, it is painful just to watch him walk and to think he travels with the team throughout their 82 game season and into the playoffs where the Lakers have gone the distance the past two seasons, that has to wear on him.

Yes, all Phil has to do throughout the game is sit on his ass. Yes, Kobe seems to be taking over most of the coaching duties on the bench lately, but Phil Jackson's job is no easy task and can be extremely draining for an ex-athlete who's body just doesn't agree with him anymore.

Is it time to take it easy? Probably, but I can't blame the guy for wanting to stick around with the Lakers team his has right now. The Lakers will be competing for a title for at least the next five years until Kobe starts to show signs of age.

One thing we might see as the result of a Phil Jackson's return to the bench is the hall of fame coach only coaching home games and leaving the away game duties to Kurt Rambis and Brian Shaw as a way to limit travel and usher in a successor to arguably the best NBA coach all-time.

Whatever the case may be I am sure we will see big Phil coaching the Lakers for at least one more season.

Lakers Free Agency: Ron Artest to the Los Angeles Lakers!

It's official! Ron Artest is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers after agreeing to a three year deal for about $18.7 million which could stretch out to a five year deal for about $33.5 million.

A lot of people will say that signing Trevor Ariza who is still very young at 24 years old might have been the smarter decision between the two, but I disagree as Artest brings a much needed physical presence and toughness that the Lakers have been lacking ever since they were dominated by the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

Trevor Ariza may be a young up and coming player in this league, but you know exactly what you are getting with Ron Artest as he comes to play night in and night out. Not saying that Ariza doesn't give it his all, but I believe Artest is the missing piece of the puzzle for an already great Lakers team.

All the Lakers have to do now is sign Lamar Odom before teams start offering him deals that he can't refuse. With this team intact the way it is right now, the Lakers should repeat next season pending any other moves other title contending teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics might make before next season.

As of right now the only deal I see making a huge difference is Rasheed Wallace landing in either Boston, San Antonio or maybe even Cleveland.

It should be interesting to see what these teams do in response to Artest going to the Lakers and making them an even better team than last season.

Ron Artest Will Be Signing with the Lakers

Wow! Things seem to change very quickly in the NBA these days as at the beginning of the day we heard that Ron Artest was meeting with LeBron James in LA to talk about coming to Cleveland, but now it appears Ron Ron might have been in LA to talk to the Lakers about signing with them and LeBron James came there to talk him out of it.

Most Los Angeles Lakers fans will probably be pissed off about Ron Artest signing with the Lakers, but those were the same fans that hate Artest after his dust up with Kobe in the second round series with the Houston Rockets.

I'll admit, I thought Artest was a punk for getting in Kobe's face, but he threw no blows and just let Kobe he wasn't going to take his elbows in the paint and I can't say I blame the guy. The Lakers need an enforcer like Artest, that is the one thing this team has been missing for quite some time.

Granted, Artest does bring some baggage, but he also brings a tireless work ethic and the total package in terms of a great defender and a player that can be a force on offense as well.

If Ron Artest does sign with the Los Angeles Lakers like he has said he will do, that will most likely, if not definitely mean that Trevor Ariza will be going elsewhere.

When I heard that the Lakers were not going to offer Ariza anything more than the mid-level exception of $5.6 million I thought they were making a huge mistake, but after learning that Artest intends to signing with the Lakers it is starting to make perfect sense.

Although some people may disagree, signing Artest over Ariza is the right move. Ariza is a great young defender with a bright future, but Artest can great lockdown defense at multiple positions and is without a doubt a much better offensive player.

So even though it will be tough to see the hometown boy Ariza go to Cleveland or Houston, it is all for the best in order to make another run at a title for the Lakers next season.

Nothing is set in stone, and God knows Artest changes his mind like the wind blows, so this could just be rumor, but I am telling you that signing Artest is move in the right direction!

Trevor Ariza Might Be Headed for Cleveland

After the Los Angeles Lakers won their 15th NBA title against the Orlando Magic there were a few players on the team that had to come back next season for the Lakers to remain the most dominant team in the West if not the entire NBA.

The most important player was Kobe Bryant of course, but there were two other free agents that were a MUST sign for the Lakers, at least in Kobe's opinion. The first is Lamar Odom who really stepped it up in the playoffs for the Lakers. Odom is really a freak of nature, he can play both the inside and outside game and has the ball handling skills to bring the ball up the floor. The other key free agent is Trevor Ariza who showed that he can be a major factor on any team in the league after the impressive performances all season long and most especially in the postseason.

Ariza's defense and new found confidence shooting from beyond the arch has made Trevor a key ingredient in the Lakers gameplan. Not only is he as athletic as they come, but he is only 24 and has a very bright future ahead of him.

Even though Ariza showed how valuable he can be to the Lakers, enough to where Kobe thinks it is extremely important they resign him, Mitch Kupchak and company have not offered Ariza anything more than the mid-level exception which is about $5.6 million a year.

As of right now, Ariza is not a happy with the way the Lakers are handling his situation and is actively fielding other offers from other teams.

Here are some of the other teams that have their eyes on Trevor Ariza:

Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors and the Portland Trailblazers

The Cavs seem to be the most interested in Ariza, but I won't be surprised to see the Clippers or the Blazers pull the youngster away from the Lakers.

I hope the Lakers can find out a way to make Ariza a better offer because I believe losing him to contender could be devastating, but if they do lose him there is an outside chance the Lakers could go after Ron Artest who they wanted to deal for last season.

Derek Fisher Hits Clutch Threes to Win Game Four of the Finals

He has done it again! Derek Fisher has hit another big shot to win another big game in a big time clutch situation!

Robert Horry may be the one Lakers legend with the most clutch shots in the big time playoff game situations, but Derek Fisher is catching up especially hitting two extremely clutch three both in regulation and overtime in the Los Angeles Lakers game four victory in Orlando. These shots weren't as crazy as 0.4 back in the day against San Antonio, but they great shots that had me jumping out of my seat!

In beginning of game four, both teams were playing sloppy and the Lakers got in foul trouble very early in the first quarter, so much so that both Josh Powell and DJ Mbenga saw playing time in the first quarter.

As the game pressed on the Orlando Magic began to take complete control and went into halftime with a commanding 12 point lead over Kobe Bryant and company.

The second half had a similar feel to it, but once Trevor Ariza and Kobe Bryant started to get going the lead disappeared and the Lakers were back on track. Kobe wasn't as impressive as he has been in other games only hitting 11 for 31 shots from the floor, but he still put up a game high 32 points, dished out eight assists and ripped down seven boards.

Trevor Ariza on the other hand was absolutely on fire from beyond the arc hitting 3 for 4 from deep and getting the Lakers back in the game. Ariza finished the game with 16 points, nine boards and two steals.

Pau Gasol also had a decent game by his standards with 16 points of his own and 10 rebounds. Lamar Odom wasn't so fortunate as he struggled all night long with nine points off the bench on 4 of 10 from the floor.

It was Hedo Turkoglu who lead the way for the Orlando Magic scoring a team high 25 points on 8 of 13 shots. This guy continues to become more of a go-to guy for the Magic as he seems to be able to hit shots in clutch situations with great consistency.

As for Dwight Howard, he continues to struggle putting up big numbers in the scoring column, but he is a beast we it comes to rebounding the basketball as he ripped down 21 boards against the Lakers in game four. Besides Howard and Turkoglu it was Mickael Pietrus that stepped up his game to shoulder the scoring load with 15 points.

Not only did Pietrus pick up the scoring in place of Rashard Lewis, who had a miserable night with only six points on 2 of 10 shooting, but he was at the cause of some physicality at the end of game four when Pau Gasol went for a break away layup.

The game was virtually over when Pau went up for dunk to basically end the game and Pietrus comes over and crashes into Gasol. As a result of the obviously dirty play by Pietrus he was given a Flagrant one. I am sure it was just some frustration coming out of Pietrus, can't blame the guy really having to guard both LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in consecutive series, but it was a dirty, uncalled for play when the game was pretty much over and done with.

Will it turn out to be a Luis Scola and Ron Artest type of hatred? I doubt it, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Mickael Pietrus on the floor a few times in game five.

Regardless of the little schuffle between Pietrus and Gasol at the end of the game the Los Angeles Lakers have taken full control of this NBA Finals after their game four victory 99-91. Personally, I think this series is over, but the Magic might have enough left to send this series back to LA for a game six.

NBA FINALS GAME 4 HIGHLIGHTS



NBA FINALS GAME 5: Los Angeles Lakers @ Orlando Magic Sunday, June 14th 5pm PST

Lakers Go Up 2-0 in the NBA Finals Before Heading to Orlando

Game one may have been a 25 point blowout, but game two was another story altogether as the Orlando Magic kept up with Kobe Bryant and company and were one missed layup away from heading back to Orlando with the series tied up at one win a piece.

Neither the Los Angeles Lakers or the Orlando Magic played well in game two. Both Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant had off games and to be honest, game two was as sloppy a game I have seen in the playoffs. It was just turnover after turnover for both teams, obviously the Lakers forced a bit more turnovers then the Magic did, but both of the teams superstars turned the ball over seven times. Kobe shot wasn't falling and Dwight Howard was still unable to get his game going in the paint.

The one positive that the Lakers can take to Orlando for game three is that they are up 2-0 and the role players like Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom are still on their game. Kobe may have had a forgettable performance in game two, even though he scored 29 points and dished out eight more assists, but the supporting cast stepped up yet again to keep the Lakers ahead in the series before heading to the Magic's home floor for the next three games.

The Magic on the other hand also have some positives from game two as Rashard Lewis (34 points) and Hedo Turkoglu (22 points) were able to get going shooting the basketball. They still have serious problems, especially at point guard, but at least the Magic shooters started to get going.

The one thing that impressed the most about the Magic in game two was Stan Van Gundy's inbounds play to Courtney Lee which could have potentially won the game and changed to outcome of the series. It was the perfect play, but just a couple of inches off the mark for Lee.

Ultimately though, I think this series will be over in one of the three games in Orlando with the Lakers winning it all, but I don't . If the Magic have a shot at winning one of these three games it will be game three in their first game at home.

I still believe the Lakers could pull off the sweep, but if the Magic shooters and Dwight Howard get going early in game three the Lakers will be in trouble. Game three, in my opinion, could be the most entertaining game of the series.

NBA Finals Game 3: Los Angeles Lakers @ Orlando Magic Tuesday, June 8th 7pm PST

Lakers Win Second Straight Western Conference Title

Everyone knew the Los Angeles Lakers were more than capable of reaching the NBA Finals at the beginning of the playoffs, but once they ran into a tough defensive minded Houston Rockets team the future didn't look so bright.

Even though the Lakers struggled against both the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets after convincingly beating down the Utah Jazz in the first round, every single time they have been tested in the postseason thus far they lived up to the hype and proved they are still the best team in the NBA.

Game five in LA wasn't exactly a convincing win and the Lakers did show they still had parts of their game to polish, but in game six they came ready to play in Denver which is one of the most hostile environments in the NBA today for any opposing team of the revamped Denver Nuggets.

Not only were the Lakers up for the challenge they faced in Denver in game six, but they played better in the face of yet another game seven then I have personally seen them play in the playoffs so far. Kobe Bryant was just on his game from start to finish, Pau Gasol had a great game and Lamar Odom hadn't cooled off after his impressive game in LA. The Lakers could have beaten anyone on Friday night with the way they played. Just beautifully executed basketball!

Everyone keeps talking about how Kobe and LeBron James need their supporting cast to step up and get the job done when called upon and although LeBron still needs help in that department, Kobe's supporting cast showed why they are the best bench in basketball right now as everyone on the Lakers bench and the starters stepped it up.

It always starts with Kobe (35 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds), but everyone one had a piece of this Western Conference Finals victory with Trevor Ariza (17 points, 3-4 from deep), Lamar Odom (20 points, 8 rebounds), Pau Gasol (20 points, 12 rebounds) and even Luke Walton (10 points) getting involved in the 119-92 win against the Denver Nuggets to advance to their second straight NBA Finals.

Now that the Lakers have their rhythm back and are looking as dominant as ever they will be awaiting their next opponent as the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic battle it out in game six of their series Saturday night. If the Magic take game six then the Lakers will have home court advantage, but if the Cavs manage to pull off two more wins with one on Saturday and another on Tuesday will see the dream NBA Finals match up between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant.

Game one of the NBA Finals will be played on Thursday, June 4th regardless of the outcome, but if the Cavs win they will have home court and the first game of the series will be played in Cleveland.

2009 NBA Western Conference Finals Preview

The series against the Utah Jazz wasn't that much of a challenge, the Houston Rockets took the Lakers the distance and now Kobe Bryant and company will face perhaps their toughest challenge yet this postseason against a very young and talented Denver Nuggets team in the Western Conference finals.

There has been one trend that has continued to bother the Lakers throughout the postseason and that is containing the opposing team's point guard. In the first round Deron Williams was able to do basically anything he wanted to do, drive to the basket, shoot from outside and get his teammates involved, but the lack of a supporting cast was the Jazz downfall.

In round two the Houston Rockets up and coming point guard Aaron Brooks just blew by Lakers defenders virtually at will. None of the Lakers point guards could stay in front of Brooks and as a result he turned out to be the X-factor in the series for the Rockets. The Houston defense also was a huge part of taking the Lakers the distance, but the Lakers defensive problems at the point has turned out to be a big problem in the postseason.

The Western Conference finals will most likely be the same old story with the Lakers guards trying to contain Nuggets point guard and floor general Chauncey Billups. In my opinion, no other point guard in the postseason thus far, with the exception of Rajon Rondo, has been as dominant at the point than Billups.

Chauncey Billups is a match up nightmare for any opposing team as he is as versatile and cool as they come at the point guard position. Hitting the outside shot, no problem, making the smart play every time down the floor, no problem. Not only can Billups penetrate with the best of them, but he is also a deadly shooter who can hit from anywhere and is one of the best free throw shooters in the NBA today.

Even though the Lakers will struggle against Billups at the point and Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets will have some their work cut out for them in the paint dealing with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. Bynum hasn't really been a 100% during the playoffs, but he did start to come on strong at the end of the Rockets series. Gasol has also struggled, but just like Bynum he came through at the right time.

The defensive match ups will be interesting in this series as both teams have some very talented defenders. The Lakers have Kobe Bryant and Trevor Ariza who will probably match up with Billups and or Melo. Ariza has consistently proven he is a defensive stopper and Kobe's defense is as good as any in the league.

As for the Nuggets, they have Kenyon Martin, Chris "The Birdman" Anderson and Nene Hilario. Martin is the most versatile of the three as he can pretty much guard any position, but will probably be focused on the huge task of guarding Kobe Bryant. The Birdman has quickly turned into one of the premier shot blockers in the NBA today with an uncanny knack to get 5+ blocks on any given night. Nene is good post defender who could give Pau and Bynum some problems in the paint.

All and all, we are in for one hell of a Western Conference finals in my opinion! I think the Lakers will take it in six games, but I would not be surprised to see the Nuggets take this series the distance if they can keep playing the way they have played in the playoffs so far.

This series should be an up and down the court thrill ride as both teams thrive on fastbreak offensives. The Lakers and the Nuggets have great team defense when properly motivated, but I think we shall see some very high scoring games with two of the best offenses in the NBA battling to see who can score the last bucket!