Location: Los Angeles, CA | Arena: STAPLES Center (18,997) | Main Owner: Jerry Buss | GM: Mitch Kupchak | Head Coach: Phil Jackson Titles: 14 (1949-50, 1952-54 - Minneapolis; 1972, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987-88, 2000-02)
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Last summer, the Lakers were worried that they didn't have enough talent. This summer, they have the luxury of being able to let some go.
Power forward Ronny Turiaf could've been retained by the Lakers via restricted free agency, but they opted to let Turiaf go to Pacific Division rival Golden State on a four-year, $17 million contract.
The Lakers have some top-quality big men already with Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom. They also expect center Chris Mihm, already under contract for next season, to re-establish himself as a useful player after a series of foot ailments.
So Turiaf, even though he can play some center and was one of the most popular players on the team, was let go by the Lakers to save some luxury-tax dollars.
"There are emotional ties with Ronny that go beyond basketball," Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak said. "I think that makes it difficult. I think organizations that draft players who turn out to be good players... it's hard for them to let go of those players. And if you know Ronny, you know he's a special kid."
Turiaf, drafted 37th overall in the 2005 draft, overcame a heart problem to be a steady reserve for the Lakers. A solid shot-blocker with decent shooting touch, he was expected going into last season perhaps to break through -- but he averaged just 6.6 points in the regular season and disappeared in the NBA Finals versus Boston.
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Breathe a sigh of relief Lakers fans, the Machine resigned according to hoopsworld.com. A 3 year $15 Mil deal, while I was opposed to give Sasha that much money, we do absolutely need him and if the Warriors can over-pay for Ronny who is a class act, we can show Sasha the s
According to hoopshype.com the Lakers are "toying with the thought of bring back Kwame Brown" who is a free agent. Because of the departure of Ronny Turiaf to the
Please don't tell me you forgot about how many layups and dunks he missed . There is nothing good that he does to make me want to see him in a Laker uniform again. You would be crying to get rid of him for the second time. NO on Kwame.
According to the OC Register, he has drawn some attention out there. Maybe this is why talks between the Lakers and him have been stagnant. If Sasha gets a ridiculous offer from Europe, I think we should cut ties with him. I love his tenacity, his range, his development and his heart but I think our 1offer at $2.6
What the Lakers need is a backup big man who can defend and rebound. That's all! Not score or pass. Just rebound and defend. Wait let me be more specific. A healthy big man who actually plays, HINT HINT Chris Mihm. What a waste of a roster spot for the last 3 years. I'm
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