Lakers Rumors: Latest Moves Prove Lakers Era over in LA

Like a brick from George Lynch or a fan forced to decide between Sedale Threatt or Nick Van Exel, it's clear that rough times are ahead for the LA Lakers. 

It's feast or famine, kill or be killed in the sports world. Nobody knows that more than Lakers fans. They have suffered a handful of awful years, enough to know what bitter tastes like. 

During those thin years, the call was rebuilding. But a new evil has come from the recesses of the Lakers front office to place a pall on what is a very good roster.

This team can contend, but not if the franchise that is more diamond encrusted ring than savings account is going to make a concerted effort to slash payroll.

In fact, I would rather take that excuse because the alternate has Mitch Kupchak tied to the decisions of a Jim Buss that currently has his head up something none too pleasing. 

So what's the latest rumor to hit the purple and gold? I mean, a day after Chris Paul promises to make the Clippers a must-see event in Hollywood, you would think that a bustling sound could be heard near Figueroa. Nope. 

This is the new Lakers. The kind that are so scared of Lamar Odom pouting that they send him off for a great amount of savings. It made sense that the Lakers would sign Josh McRoberts who is like a 2-for-1 deal as the supermarket you just can't pass up. 

Now comes the real move that will inflict fear into the hearts of the Western Conference. The Lakers are trying Troy Murphy out. I know. It's almost too bad the All-Star game isn't at Staples Center because we could have co-MVP's, Kobe and Troy. 

I kid because I fume. LA Times Mike Bresnahan reports the Lakers have plan B trying out in Troy Murphy. They can only give him $1.4 million. But that's okay because it seems that nobody in their right mind wants him anyway. 

Here we are, picking up trash instead of All-Stars. That's hardly the ethos of a franchise that has put the foot on the gas in nearly every season. Suddenly, it's all about saving money. 

At least, that's what Lakers fans cling to. The hope is that Lamar Odom's departure and the subsequent lack of big-time deals is all about money. Because if it's not, then it's about incompetence. 

The Lakers were thrown for a loop by David Stern, and are now falling far from the throne they kept in Los Angeles. This team can still contend, but it can't afford another hit to the roster. This being the NBA, a hit is one knee injury away.  

It's now time to lift your Showtime beer mugs and make a toast to one hell of a run, because it's now over. 

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