No new signings in Laker land, as we still wait for Jordan Farmar's buyout from Turkish team Anadolu Efes to go through. For today, it's only rumors and speculation. Off we go!
The Lakers have been in contact with power forward Josh Powell: Another player from the championship winning squad, as it seems Mitch and co. are doing the best they can with the limit payroll they have. The Lakers are 4th in total NBA payroll at 77 million (they are about 20 million over the cap limit). That, of course, will change at the end of the season, but for now, the only thing the Lakers can offer is the league minimum and veteran minimum. As you might recall, the team has also made contact with Sasha Vujacic and Lamar Odom, though Kevin Ding of Orange County Register doesn't believer any of them will follow Farmar's steps back with the team for less money (via Twitter).
Chris Copeland signs offer sheet with Indiana: The Lakers had apparent interest in the 29 year old small forward, though it looked highly unlikely the team could have signed him on the minimum as he ended up signing a two year deal worth 6.2 million with the Indiana Pacers. The market for swingmen that can stretch the floor is dwindling as the days go past, leaving players like Vujacic, Odom, Bobby Brown and Raja Bell as the best options on what the Lakers can offer. Copeland averaged 8.7 points per game in 15 minutes per game, shooting 42% from three point range this past season with the New York Knicks; they cannot match the offer sheet due to cap restrictions.
Kobe Bryant says he will not take a pay cut: This came out as news last night as reporters asked him about that and various other topics (including his rehab). This is something I believe to be false. Depending on the market, I'm sure Bryant would gladly take a pay cut to be able to bring in someone like Carmelo Anthony. And when I say pay cut, I don't mean the veteran minimum (which isn't allowed under the CBA to begin with), I mean something similar to what LeBron James signed with Miami (about 16 million a year). The good news for the Lakers: Bryant (and Pau Gasol, for that matter) has Bird Rights, which will let the Lakers go over the cap limit to retain him. At the very least, Bryant has stated that he wishes to retire a Laker, which could be enough for him to take a pay cut.
In positive Bryant news: In an interview with the LA Times' Melissa Rohlin, Bryant says he is ahead of schedule on his rehabilitation. He is still eyeing a return during opening day in late October/early November. Bryant talks about Dwight Howard, the Lakers upcoming season and more; read the full interview here.
UPDATE: Nick Young signs with the Lakers: shooting guard Nick Young has signed with the Lakers for the minimum (the years have yet to be disclosed). Young has averaged 11 points per game, shooting 37% from deep for his career. The 28 year old shooting guard has played for Washington, Philadelphia and the Clippers. It's safe to assume the Lakers will no longer pursue a swingman/three point shooter. Nice pick up by Mitch.
