Lets talk money. Lets discuss hypothetical trade scenarios along the way and lets see the "other" side of basketball.
The Lakers have 68m in the payroll for 2007-08. Thats roughly 1m above the tax threshold. Thanks to the Ariza trade, we now have 14 players and a little closer to not paying the dreaded tax this year.
Lets make this a constant to every proposed roster moves/signings/extensions - that the Lakers will not spend more than the threshold yet keep a competitive team (or a contending one).
Looking ahead at next year, we have Sasha, Ronny and Kwame seeking the re-ups. For purposes of discussion, assuming that no roster changes are made, here is what a decent offer to retain the 3 are:
Kwame - 15m (3yrs) - 5m in 08
Turiaf - 15m (3yrs) - 5m in 08
Sasha - 10m (3yrs) - 3m in 08
If this were the case, since we already have 61m in guaranteed contracts for next season, that would put us to 74m which is 5m above the projected threshold for next year. That being the case, can we afford to cut Kwame then? Take into account the draft ick we will get, thats another million in guaranteed contracts.
To those of you interested in knowing what it will look like in 09, here are a few facts:
We have 39m in guaranteed salary / then add the salaries we add in 2008
The extension for Bynum kicks in at an estimated amount of 10m per.
Lamar Odom needs a new contract around 10m per (if he accepts).
Trevor Ariza needs a new contract around 3m per (if he accepts).
So, how does all this fit in?
We need to take it a year at a time, but for some reason, we cannot keep this squad till 2009. We need to make the most out of what we have before Farmar gets his own extension in 2010. But of course, a lot can happen in 2 years.
If anything, Lamar Odom may be our best shot to keep 3 stars on this team - Kobe, Drew and Lamar.
