NBA Daily Dribbles: Raptors Looking to Deal, Lakers Staying Put

Countdown to NBA Trading Deadline: 2 Weeks

What I’m Reading

• The Lakers have realized that they are, in fact, a very good team and have announced that they don’t plan on making any “big trades” before the deadline.

• The Raptors, however, do plan on making some changes before the deadline. But somewhat unexpectedly, they’re going to be buyers—not sellers.

• Well, well, well, Cuban. Just last week you said the Mavs wouldn’t be making any trades. Also last week I said you were going to change your mind. Go figure.

What I Think About It

• "There is no compelling reason to dramatically change this team, in particular its core," Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak said.

Exactly.

They essentially made their “big trade” over the summer when they acquired Ron Artest. Kudos to a team that builds itself for a successful 82 and doesn’t have to scramble mid-February to piece together a group of guys that will bring a playoff spot and hope for more.

This all but guarantees that we won’t be seeing Chris Bosh in purple and gold. (Until next season, at least.)

No Kirk Hinrich, either, even though I see him as a productive, flexible fit in LA that will make things easier on Derek Fisher.

As close as the deadline seems, remember that two weeks is indeed a long time and things could change at the drop of a hat. But don’t expect them to, especially given that the Lakers historically haven’t been partakers in deadline deals.

• It’s really great to see Bryan Colangelo hang in there and fight till the end. The Raptors have actually been one of the league’s hottest teams in the past two months.

Toronto has mustered up a 15-6 record since Dec. 16 to climb up to fifth in the East. Pretty impressive considering the miserable start that this team got off to.

Colangelo is making a concerted effort to make Toronto as attractive of a returning destination for Chris Bosh. If the team continues to improve and he makes significant positive developments at the deadline, the Raptors are going to be a tough out in the playoffs.

Toronto is putting all the pieces together at the very best time. If everything continues to head in this direction and looks like a franchise that will be competing for a title in the very near future, I’d fully expect Bosh to stay.

I don’t think they’re at that point yet. A major contributing piece is still missing. But they’re getting there.

• Player morale 101:

Don’t say this: "We suck right now.”

Someone should have mentioned this to Mark Cuban.

The ever-eccentric owner didn’t exactly do his part to fire up his crew as they tried to break a three-game slump against the Warriors last night (they did, by the way).

Anyway, relating that semi-useless info to what you came here for, Cuban is now going to start listening to trades. "Whereas before, we might not have listened, at least now we listen," he said. "Nothing dramatic has changed, except our performance."

It’ll be interesting to see just how invested Cuban will be getting in trade talks, seeing as this just seems to be coming because of the recent struggles the team has come across. But if the Mavs start streaking and win out until the deadline, I wouldn’t think Cuban would still be interested in shaking things up if the team is looking at its strongest.

The team is still in third place in the West and maintains a healthy record and a solid road game showing. But right now I don’t see how Dallas could possibly keep up with the Lakers in a seven game series. Maybe not even against Denver. Decisions will need to be made soon, however, as time is running out.

‘Til Friday…

PD

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