Certainly so, but let’s pause for a second … How has the economic letdown specifically affected the Lakers?
Well, with the Feb. 19 trade deadline passing, L.A. made two separate moves, first sending Vladimir Radmanovic to Charlotte for Shannon Brown and Adam Morrison and subsequently exchanging Chris Mihm with Memphis for a future draft pick.
“We did a couple of deals that we think solidifies our roster a little bit and gives us some flexibility down the road,” Kupchak said. “For obvious reasons, we’re very comfortable with our team and we didn’t look to tinker with the core.”
Economics, basketball or both?
At first glance, one might suppose that these deals were made for financial reasons, simply to save money both in the present and future. While that thought process may have some truth to it, L.A.’s goal has not been to chop salary in order to save money, but rather, to chop the salary of guys that weren’t contributing in a major way.
That’s a significant difference.
“Dr. Buss and Jimmy Buss have never indicated to me to make a move other than a basketball move,” Kupchak explained. “Players that play will continue to be paid, and paid accordingly to how they’re valued in the league. (But) if you have players that aren’t playing and you feel comfortable with your depth situation, then you may look to make a move with those players.”
Let’s rephrase: In essence, if a player’s not burning up the hardwood with major minutes – as had been dictated to Mihm and Radmanovic by Phil Jackson’s rotation – it makes little sense for an organization to pay that player a major paycheck. As such, Kupchak’s goal is to turn such players into assets that either free up money for contributors or bring in prospects or draft picks. In fact, we saw exactly the same sentiment when L.A. declined to match Golden State’s offer sheet on Ronny Turiaf, as the cost and Turiaf’s expected playing time – production aside – didn’t balance out.
On the other hand, let’s take the Pau Gasol deal with Memphis last February, where a player demanding a very high salary was expected to earn it with minutes on the floor. That philosophy fits into L.A.’s plan quite nicely, particularly with the strong support of a loyal, paying fan base.
“Dr. Buss has always fielded the best possible teams within reason,” Kupchak concluded. “He wants to win. I think his record as the owner of the Lakers speaks for itself.”
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