The Glove and the Mailman headed to the Lakers?

[weasel]

Reports today have suggested that both Gary Payton and Karl Malone are strong chances of signing with the Lakers. The two players both seem willing to sign dirt cheap contracts in their pursuit of winning a championship and if this does go through then I'd most likely imagine they'd get their wish. O'Neal, Bryant, Malone and Payton in the same line-up is insane. Malone's career is starting to slow down but the other three players are all quite capable of leading a team on their own. As much as I don't want Jason Kidd to go to San Antonio it seems the only team that could hope to compete with a Lakers unit of this makeup is a Spurs squad with Duncan and Kidd.

 

[CanadianSteve]

Right now it looks like Payton's signing is confirmed, and Malone may follow. I read that Malone wanted to see Payton signed before he would go to the Lakers.

It does sound like a super lineup, but those don't always work out. Malone might have to give up a lot of his scoring to play alongside Shaq. That will slow down his pursuit of the all-time scoring record. Payton is a little past his best at 32(?), but would be a great asset with the Lakers.

It's interesting that both guys would sign for "low" salaries in order to have a shot at a championship. I wonder if Shaq and Kobe would give up a bit of their salaries to pay the Glove and Mailman a bit more? That would go a long way to team harmony. Hockey stars Teemu Selane and Paul Kariya have just both signed with the Colorado Avalanche for minimum salaries in order to try to win a championship as well.

Of course Kobe has bigger problems right now with a sexual assault charge. It will be interesting how that plays out, and how it affects him and the Lakers this coming season.

 

[bucko]

Well they've both signed with the lakers now. It is official.

 

[CanadianSteve]

Yes, I hate the Lakers, but it's hard to see who can beat them next year, especially since the Spurs didn't add a great player to replace Robinson, and the Kings are going to have the same roster as last year.

 

[bucko]

The mavs could do it i reckon. Dirk will be back next year won't he??

 

[CanadianSteve]

The mavs could do it i reckon. Dirk will be back next year won't he??

Yes, Dirk will be back from his injury. But the Mavs, Spurs, and Kings, the Lakers 3 main rivals, have so far not made any big improvements to their rosters by signing free agents. Whereas the Lakers have made a huge improvement. Of course, a lot depends on what happens to Kobe Bryant in his rape trial.

 

[bucko]

How do you think the nets will go this year???

 

[CanadianSteve]

The Nets should win the East again. They have retained Jason Kidd, not lost anyone TMK, and added a veteran big man in Alonzo Mourning. If Mourning can come back from his kidney disorder and play well, he will really improve the Nets defense and be a good mentor for Kenyon Martin.

I don't know if they have the same kidney condition, but I hope Mourning's return is a sign that Jonah Lomu will be able to play again.

 

[Danish Moo Cow]

With the Spurs losing Robinson, I feel they'll take a little while to work out how teams now cover Duncan solely in the middle. I honestly feel that the Mavs signing Jamison will put them in the box seat to challenge the Lakers. Sacramento have legal troubles with Webber, and I don't think the Wolves have done enough in the off-season to progress any further than last year.

As long as the Lakers stay healthy (and out of jail), they should really be shoe-ins this year.

 

[Anonymous]

Payton is a little past his best at 32(?),

He's 35. And Malone is 40. Sounds like glory-hunting geriatrics to me.

 

[Mighty Tiger]

If Webber stays fit we will be alright don't worry about that ;-)

But the Lackers will have now not only a super line up but even better depth as well. Obviously they want big match players and highly experienced players for when they make the play offs.

 

[MEE]

Karl Malone is still playing? :shock: ... He must be about 1000 years old by now.

 

[balmainbenny]

Shane Heal has signed a contract with the San Antonio Spurs. GO HAMMER!!!

 

[Tidus_Raider]

The lakers will be sweating on the outcome of the Bryant court case. If he's convicted the lakers are.....how can I put it.....GOOOOOORRRRRRNNEE :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[CanadianSteve]

It looks like these 2 will get their first rings now.