Chris Paul to the Lakers : David Stern Saves L.A. from a Bad Trade
The Chris Paul trade to the Lakers has been quashed. Apparently the Hornets would be taking on too much salary, as they plan for cap-clearing space for a potential new owner.
If that’s the case, why are NBA owners Dan Gilbert and Mark Cuban in an uproar? Is the real motive for nixing the trade is that it is unfair? If that is the real issue, they’ve made a mistake. If the league is trying to protect the small market teams from themselves, they have over thought this one.
The Lakers are the team that was protected by David Stern. They would have acquired Paul, who had slightly better stats than Jrue Holiday of the Philadelphia Sixers. Holiday’s 14 points and six assists came at a tenth of the price of Paul’s 15.9 and 9.8.
LA was willing to give up two very productive big men in Gasol and Odom, who combined for 33 points, 18 rebounds, and six assists per game. In a time where big men who can shoot are at a premium, either one of those players can be the primary scorer on another team.
Dan Gilbert and Mark Cuban should rethink their gripe to the commissioner. I understand that the Lakers will free up cap space in order to attempt to acquire Dwight Howard, but the Orlando Magic are not giving up that easy.
Otis Smith is known for his poor decisions and may well have run Dwight Howard out of town, but he is not going to take Bynum for the most dependable and dominant center in the game. Bynum has missed 124 games in the last six seasons and is clearly not worth the risk.
The Magic have a history of foolish moves—Rashard Lewis in a max deal, the Hedo Turkoglu trade, overpaying for backup players…Otis Smith’s scorned love affair with Gilbert Arenas and six years of Grant Hill cheering from the sidelines, have hopefully rid the Magic of taking on damaged goods. The Magic giving the Lakers Howard for another oft injured player and potential is a long shot.
Dan Gilbert is still playing the jilted lover role and wants to be the savior of all the smaller market teams. Mark Cuban’s “interest” in the move seems to be more along the lines of self-interest. Both Cuban and Gilbert need to step back and look at what the Lakers are actually giving up for Mr. Paul.
