Lakers struggles have Kupchak ready to make moves

[j804]

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- The Lakers officially entered crisis mode Monday, when general manager Mitch Kupchak told NBA.com that the recent poor play by the two-time defending champions may drive him to make a trade to shake up an underachieving roster.

"Regarding a trade, I may have to," Kupchak said at the team's practice facility a day after the convincing loss to their heated rivals, the Celtics. "I'm not saying that I've made calls today or I'll make them tomorrow. But I just don't think that we're playing as well as our talent level should allow us."
Even speaking in his usual measured tones, Kupchak's disappointment and frustration were obvious. More importantly, while saying he had not talked to owner Jerry Buss since being controlled by the Celtics in the fourth quarter at Staples Center, Kupchak said, "I'd be surprised if he feels any different."

The Lakers are 33-15, good for second place in the Western Conference, 7 1/2 games behind the Spurs and a game ahead of the Mavericks heading into Dallas' meeting with the Wizards on Monday night. But Los Angeles mostly built that with a good start against a soft schedule. Even the recent showing of 10 wins in 12 games did little to erase internal concerns, especially since that has been followed by home losses to the Kings and Celtics.

Most glaring of all, the Lakers have struggled to play with consistency against the best teams in the league, the clubs that will become the obstacles between a third consecutive title and a disappointing end to what Phil Jackson says is his final season as coach. Since Christmas alone, they have lost to the Heat by 16, the Spurs by 15, the Mavericks by nine and, now, the Celtics by 13, while beating the Thunder by seven.

"I try to be as objective as possible, but I'm concerned that our performance is not living up to our talent level," Kupchak said. "Our record is certainly OK. But we've lost a bunch of home games. We've lost a couple of big games at home. And to me, those are red flags.

http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/01/31/lakers.kupchak/index.html

[rondohondo]

they should go after stephen jackson. They need another wing scorer/shooter . Artest can't stick with PP when he uses screens off the ball, Jackson would do a much better job .

They really don't have any expiring contracts to trade though  so it will be tough for them to find trade partners unless they are willing to give up a major piece like odom,gasol or bynum.

[Roy H.]

Blow it up!  Gasol for BBD, JO, and Nate.

[Mike-Dub]

Blow it up!  Gasol for BBD, JO, and Nate.

Ugh please.  I know you're joking Roy, but even if they were to do that trade I woudln't want that slob on our team.

Not that I don't mind him as a person (pretty good story on him helping a girl with back surgery), but he is a Laker.

[Roy H.]

Blow it up!  Gasol for BBD, JO, and Nate.

Ugh please.  I know you're joking Roy, but even if they were to do that trade I woudln't want that slob on our team.

Not that I don't mind him as a person (pretty good story on him helping a girl with back surgery), but he is a Laker.

My Gasol love (from pre-2008) is in hibernation until he sheds the uniform of evil incarnate.  However, I'd gladly have the guy on my team (sort of like Shaq.)

[hwangjini_1]

Blow it up!  Gasol for BBD, JO, and Nate.

Ugh please.  I know you're joking Roy, but even if they were to do that trade I woudln't want that slob on our team.

Not that I don't mind him as a person (pretty good story on him helping a girl with back surgery), but he is a Laker.

i agree. ainge should only give up JO, one for one...of course that assumes LA throws in 2 or 3 first rounders. 

[wvuceltics]

I know it might be a little bit too pricey but what if the Lakers target Andre Iguodala. Hes a great defender and wouldn't need to be the #1 option in LA (obviously). When he was a #2 or #3 option in Philly he excelled. It might take him a while to learn the triangle offense but if they gave up Artest and maybe somebody else and a pick?

www.wildandrondoful.wordpress.com
smajaria@mix.wvu.edu

[BballTim]

Blow it up!  Gasol for BBD, JO, and Nate.

  Ok, just be sure and keep Bradley out of the deal.

[barefacedmonk]

Khloe, Lamar, and Gasol for Harangody, Nate and Bradley.

[angryguy77]

We had a thousand threads about fixing the heat. Anyone have an over/under for the amount LA threads we'll see?

[barefacedmonk]

We had a thousand threads about fixing the heat. Anyone have an over/under for the amount LA threads we'll see?

I saw one this afternoon...so, the wheels are in motion already.

[barefacedmonk]

A little off topic..but Bynum missed the practice today because his knee was bothering him again.

I wonder if they'll trade him and have Lamar at the center position.

[aporel#18]

Blow it up!  Gasol for BBD, JO, and Nate.

Ugh please.  I know you're joking Roy, but even if they were to do that trade I woudln't want that slob on our team.

Not that I don't mind him as a person (pretty good story on him helping a girl with back surgery), but he is a Laker.

My Gasol love (from pre-2008) is in hibernation until he sheds the uniform of evil incarnate.  However, I'd gladly have the guy on my team (sort of like Shaq.)

Gasol was THE reason for the Lakers to contend lately. I'd give BBD, Nate, JO and even Gody or Semih  to grab him. And look at that article from his website:

http://www.paugasol.com/PauNews/Noticias/Celtics,show,they,better,than,Lakers,56677,1,2011

do you think Kobe is mad at him for that?

I don't believe they trade Gasol, but they still have good trading chips (Blake, Artest, Odom), and while trading them would weaken their team, you can always count on a "smart" GM like Wallace. I fear they go after Marc Gasol, OJ Mayo and Conley. Bynum + Ebanks would do it.

[pearljammer10]

As much as Melo wouldnt fit on the Lakers, I could see a trade revolving around Bynum for Anthony happening.

[jackson_34]

This has to be a PR stunt of Kupchak/ Lakers front office to get their players into gear.

The fear of being essentially booted off a (non)potential 3-peat team and moved away from an LA lifestyle would certainly be a wake up call for most players.

If Lamar was traded I can't imagine Khloe being too thrilled at the prospect of moving to a place like Minnesota or Memphis.