I been seeing rumors all around the internet linking Jason Kidd to the Los Angeles Lakers before the deadline this season. I usually dismiss most of these rumors because the Lakers never seem to make any trades before the deadline. The last trade I can remember is the Lakers aquiring Glenn Rice for Eddie Jones. What a idiot move.
Anyway, during the recent All Star Weekend, it seems that Kidd and Bryant have been spending quite a lot of time hanging out and talking to each other. Could the Lakers actually be making a move? I’m sure Buss would have to pay a luxury tax, but we do have a grip of expiring contracts that might be enough to entice the Nets who seem to be on the verge of rebuilding.
Personally, I’d do it. Kobe is in his prime years and has a small window of opportunity to play with one of the best point guards ever to grace the hardwood. A Kidd and Kobe duo would definately make the Lakers backcourt the best in the NBA for the next couple seasons. If we manage to keep Odom, we will still have that versatility in the front line alongside our future center Andrew Bynum.
Age a factor? Definately. Kidd is aging, but at 34, but he can still D up, shoot, pass, and rebound better than most 1′s in the NBA right now. Tell me I’m wrong! I say he has about three or four good years left before its time to call it quits. By that time, Kobe will be hitting his thirties, and if we haven’t made it to the finals with Kobe by the time, I doubt he’ll be winning another title in LA. This might be our ticket home. Its time to gamble Kupchak. Lets roll the dice in Las Vegas!
Trade Deadline
According to the rumors surrounding All-Star Weekend, the Lakers appear poised to land Jason Kidd from the New Jersey Nets. Circumstantial evidence, conventional media and even inside sources who claim to know the future (though they seem to be more wrong than not) portrays two teams close to a deal that would give New Jersey financial freedom and the Lakers a major upgrade at the point (albeit an expensive and aging one).The rumor in detail is that LA will take the contract of Jason Collins along with Kidd in exchange for Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm, Aaron McKie, Brian Cook, Shammond Williams and Smush Parker. The argument is that LA has accepted taking Collins with the inclusion of Parker instead of Farmar. The Nets demanding Cook to offset the talent discrepancy as best possible.
Wow, this is something to look forward to! I’ll definitely be a Laker fan if Kidd goes to the Lakers. :D
I believe that Kidd still has what it takes as a premier NBA point guard as long as he’s healthy. Injury problems is what can keep him out of it. He’s had several triple doubles this season. You’re right, as long as they keep Odom they can be a good team. :)
The only thing you’re wrong in is that Kidd is not a consistent shooter. Other than that, you’re absolutely right. He’s still a premier playmaker with great court vision and passing ability. He’s one of, if not the best, defender at the position. And no other point guard rebounds as well as he does. He would bring showtime back to L.A. by rejuvenating their fast break. If they do bring him in, then the Lakers are definitely trying to win now. And if they’re trying to win now, they should also get a veteran big man. Maybe someone like a Kurt Thomas. He’ll help clog the lanes, rebound the basketball, and can hit that mid range shot.
The trade is still not sure coz Rod Thorn of the Nets wants Andrew Bynum to be part of the trade and which of course the Lakers aren’t gonna do.
Other sources have mentioned a new trade scenario for Kidd to LA w/o Odom/Kobe/Bynum involved. We’ll find out shortly. The deadline is near!
Trade deadline is over. We’ll have to wait til next season. :D
Heard the Nets would not budge w/o Bynum. It was a go if Bynum was included. I would not go with that trade though. Bynum has been tutored by Kareem himself for 2 seasons and has nothing but upside at just 19 years of age. I expect him to be the face of the Lakers when Kobe’s prime ends.
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