A very interest NBA off-season

[Ryne08]

Why does NBA teams trade for old superstars when the future will be like the former Laker Ariza now Rocket player?

I understand that there are two (2) NBA seasons in a year. The reqular and the real season the "NBA Playoff Season". Most NBA teams wants that season NBA veteran player for the Playoff.

[rikkis_playpen]

Anybody have a crystal ball about Brandon Bass? Magic paid $18 million over 4 years so paid a reasonable rate for a young guy- but he's a player I've never seen- and his stats are mediocre at best (around 8pts/4rebounds the last two years).

Otis has been great at evaluating young talent- but from all indications this guy is now slated to be in the starting lineup.. I hope he lives up to at least half the publicity he received... Has it been a playing time issue, or is this just an example of an agent creating empty buzz about a player- and teams getting caught up in the hype?

I am excited about Ryan Anderson though.. He looks to be a quality big off the bench with a nice outside touch, not at all the trade throw-in I'd expected when I first heard his name.. Now if the Magic resign Gortat- (and can pick up another somewhat servicable point guard for the bench) I'll feel pretty confident coming into next season.

[JWC]

I have been a Laker fanatic for 40 years. Losing Ariza and getting Artest may or may not work out. It depends more on Artest keeping his head screwed on. Kobe and Phil Jackson should be able to help a lot in this regard. The Lakers have been missing a physically strong big man up front and hopefully Artest will fill that role. I thought that Andrew Bynum would fill that role before he was injured however, since coming back he has not played very well. He is very young so he still may turn into a great player. Pau Gazol is exceptionally talented but lacks the physical strength to dominate the middle. Odom is one of my favorite players and I think he earned a starting position after filling in when Bynum was out. I am very sorry to see Ariza go as he is very talented and young.

I strongly believe that the Lakers will repeat again next season.

[rikkis_playpen]

I agree that Artest is one of the most physical perimeter defenders in the league, but he's only 6'7".. Not really a towering presence on the interior..

He'll match up with any shooting guard or small forward in the league (similar in my thoughts to Kobe on the defensive end)- but you are still going to be depending on Gasol, Bynum, and Odom (if he resigns) to try to match up with any legitimate bigs.

I think Artest's real value to you is that he'll free up Kobe on the defensive end and let him get a much easier match up on that side of the court.