Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:31 PM)

Hey everyone. Thanks for coming by. Let's get rolling.

gary youngstown, ohio [via mobile]

Who do u think the lakers might draft with the 60th pick?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:32 PM)

Gary from Youngstown. :) Honestly, I have absolutely no idea.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:32 PM)

By the way, I'm not proud of starting the chat with an emoticon.

Adam (Toronto)

Would Mitch entertain any offers involving Gasol for picks? Say HOU offers Scola and 14th and 16th for Pau. Or is LA def looking for players to win now with Bryant on the decline?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:34 PM)

Hey Adam-This is the big issue regarding the draft. It would obviously be nice for the Lakers to get themselves back into the first round (or even pick up a high second rounder), but doing so while improving themselves for next year is tough. It's hard to believe that deal you describe would do that. Scola had a mediocre year and could be declining. Two mid-first round picks aren't likely to elevate the Lakers next year. Maybe it helps them down the road, but not immediately.I think they're in win now mode. Very much so.

Jon (Cali) [via mobile]

Hey kamenetzky bros, who do you guys think lakers are looking at for the point guard position since sessions is testing free agentcy?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:34 PM)

Sessions. They'll do what they can to get him back. If he goes, the options for replacing him without a major trade are very, very limited.

Devin (Maryland)

What are chances Lakers get Dwight or Deron Williams who will we have to trade for them

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:36 PM)

Either would likely require Andrew Bynum. Everything I've heard and read suggests Howard simply isn't coming. I'm certainly not counting on it. D-Will seems more a possibility, but without moving Bynum for him I don't see it happening.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:36 PM)

And even then, it's a low odds type thing.

mark (LA)

what is the probability of the lakers getting kyle lowry without trading gasol by possibly trading steve blake christian eyenga and next years first?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:36 PM)

Zero.

Anie (LA)

In your opinion whats the magic number for Ramon? What's the "fair market value" Mitch doesn't want to surpass?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:38 PM)

I think something like 3/15 makes some sense, with some wiggle room in there. He's not going to make nine or 10, and he's not a 3 million player, either. But a) I've never been very good at these sorts of estimations. B), this is the first real offseason following the new CBA, so I do think the market will correct itself a little. Old parameters don't really apply anymore. To me, Sessions is a great test case of how the new market will react. He's good, not great. Easy to overpay, but also a pretty helpful chip at the right price.

Adam (Toronto)

What about the idea of trading Bynum for an elite PG? Rondo, Dwill (sign/trade) It feels like the days of needing size and an elite C are out the window. Look at OKC and MIA. Speed is key.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:38 PM)

I think something like that would need to be explored by the Lakers. Honestly, I don't think anything shouldn't be on the table.

Mike (Ladera Ranch)

Hey Guys- Jim Buss also said in his interview with Simers that the Lakers were looking to trade into the first round. Any idea who they might be looking to move up to get?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:39 PM)

Yeah, I don't know how that's really possible, especially because he also says he doesn't plan on moving any big stars. Those two things could very well be mutually exclusive. I'm sure they'd love to get into the first round (who they'd take, I don't know), but I'd also like an all expenses paid trip to Tuscany. I don't see either happening.

anthony (riverside) [via mobile]

Let's be honest, session isn't that good. Are the lakers trying to keep him because they gave up a first round pick for him? From what I seen on the season he's worse on defense than Fisher was.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:41 PM)

Hey Anthony-He's a much better offensive player, and in some ways I agree with you that he's worse on the other end. But he's much better than anything they have on the roster, and better than anything they can afford on the market. And the cost of what they gave up -- essentially two first rounders and Fisher, because the second trade was made to facilitate the first -- there's more motivation to bring him back.

Will (Denver, CO)

Crazy scenario. Tell me if it would even work and make sense. Trade Pau to Washington for Rashard Lewis and their 1st pick. Buy Lewis out of his contract which I think is only guaranteed for $5M. Use the pick to trade down and get a guy like Harrison Barnes and maybe a backup center like Zeller.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:42 PM)

I suppose something like that is possible, but here's the question: Does that make the Lakers better next season? From my end, clearly not. That's a pure rebuilding/cost cutting move, the type fans won't like and that frankly over which Kobe would be apoplectic.

Will (Denver, CO)

If ATL offers Josh Smith and Zaza for Pau, we should jump all over it right? I think it could help both teams as ATL has been wanting to move Horford to the 4 for as long as I can remember

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:43 PM)

Assuming they'd be committed to signing Smith after next season, I'd do it.

skoolpsyk (Juniper Hills, CA)

D-Fish had a triple-zero in 22 minutes last night. Think he's played his last NBA game?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:43 PM)

No, he'll be back next season, I think. Likely in OKC.

LAhome48 (Arcadia)

How likely is Andrew Bynum to ask for a sign and trade or test free agency because he is concerned about the Lakers rebuilding even if offered a max contract?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:45 PM)

Zero. If he's offered a max contract this summer by the Lakers, he'll take it. If he's offered an opportunity to get it in another city, he'll take it. Bynum has made it pretty clear that while he'd like to stay in LA, ultimately he's not all that concerned about where he plays. He certainly isn't going to turn down a lucrative extension from the Lakers because he's concerned about a rebuilding process.

Jamines Sweetimus (Long beach, CA)

Jim Buss spoke to TJ Simers of the LA Times (your old stomping grounds) and seemed to indicate almost nothing major would happen to the team outside of the now annual "plug the holes on a sinking ship with silly putty" routine, is management going to stick it's head in the ssand and hope this works out?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:47 PM)

No. What is he supposed to say? We're going to blow it up? If he does, he's undercutting his own trade leverage, and at the same time creating a huge problem should the Lakers be unable to actually move either big. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. The Lakers will try to make substantial changes this offseason.

west coast ram (Las vegas)

Do you believe that the Lakers would be better off by trading Drew and solid depth which would allow most of the big money contract to expire close to each other and then the true reloading can begin. If they keep Drew it will be with a new long term contract and if he doesn't live up to expectations it will be difficult to rebuild even after Kobe's contract is over.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:49 PM)

West coast ram-I think that's one of the strong arguments for flipping Bynum instead of Gasol. If they can acquire a few guys who can help or one star w/ the right contract, they can basically keep everyone on the same schedule, with contracts expiring after 2014. Easier said than done, but big picture the idea of having a date where everything comes off the books -- and I do mean pretty much everything -- has merit.

G (LA)

I like that Jim Buss said it's very likely Gasol will return to the Lakers next season. I think Laker fans are taking him for granted now. If the Gasol-Bynum-Bryant nucleus does stay the same, what moves should/could the Lakers realistically make this off season? Being tight on money will make this very difficult, I imagine. Hopefully Odom can work something out to come back?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:53 PM)

G-First, don't believe him. They'll shop Gasol. But if that nucleus returns, there's almost no way the Lakers can improve themselves in a meaningful way without convincing players like Steve Nash or KG to come here for well below market value. I don't consider those to be realistic possibilities. The only avenue they have available for significant change/improvement is through a trade... and even then I don't think they can be good enough to win the West next season. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Dominic (Montana) [via mobile]

Lakers clearly need a young/athletic scorer...if they were to trade into the first, how do you think a guy like austin rivers might fit in?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:54 PM)

I'm not a CBB expert by any stretch, but obviously any young scoring talent would help. The question is, how do they get into the first round without sacrificing top shelf talent? And if they do that, there's nobody they get back improving them in the short term.

Oscar (Culver City, CA)

Jim Buss quoted saying that changes for next year involve "moving Pau lower to the basket." Can he really not see Pau's decline along with all the holes on the roster or is he just talking up Gasol for a potential trade?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:56 PM)

He's certainly trying not to undercut Pau's value, but I don't agree with the premise of Pau's decline being that significant. If you look at his numbers, he was more efficient scoring than any other player on the team in the post. More points per play than Kobe or Bynum. If you get him down there more often, his percentages will go up. Moreover, no member of the Big Three had better on/off splits than Gasol. So the idea he was somehow garbage last year doesn't hold.

Stephen (Calabasas)

I am surprised of what Jim Buss said about the Lakers not making any major moves this offseason. Just looking at Pau's salary.. Lakers will get with repeater's tax and it's not even worth paying with this kind of lineup.. Is this because Kobe keeps on saying that this current lineup is fine?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:57 PM)

Again, what do you expect him to say? Would he have been better off announcing that the Lakers wanted badly to move Pau and would shop Bynum in the right deal? What good comes of that? Remember last season, the Lakers said the same things... then blew it up with the CP3 deal. Or tried to at least.

Jeff (West Hills, CA)

Brian, play GM for a second. What trade would you try and make that is fair for both teams? I still think Pau for Lowry/Scola is the most realistic trade.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (1:59 PM)

Something like that could work, though I'm not a big Scola fan. He's a solid player, but had a very mediocre year last season. On the other hand, I'm a big Lowry guy. With the way Dragic played and Lowry's displeasure with things in Houston, there does seem to be an opening. It wouldn't shock me to see something like it happen on draft day, esp. if it helped get LA back into the first round, but on the other hand, this trade (or forms of it) have been rumored for a while, and hasn't happened.

Noriega14 (Here)

If the Lakers were smart, they'd trade Andrew Bynum for Deron Williams. Put Pau back at C where he's at his best.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:00 PM)

There are many people who agree with you. I'd flip Bynum for D-Will.

TheDano (Mankato, MN)

Wouldn't Pau have more trade value during/after next season, when he's considering an expiring deal (1 yr left)?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:01 PM)

He would, but then you're also waiting a year go try and make a move you think is necessary to improve the team. I don't think the boost in his value is significant enough to make that worth it. Remember, by trading him now, his value might be boosted in the eyes of some teams, because they get a year or two of him, and also have the chance to exploit his expiring deal himself. So it cuts both ways...

Mike (Ladera Ranch)

BK- You seem a little surly today, everything ok?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:01 PM)

Shut up, Mike.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:02 PM)

I'm just kidding! I'm ok. Maybe a little sleepy (ok, definitely a little sleepy -- have a 10 day old at home), but mostly trying to bust through as many questions as I can, because I'm flyin' solo this morning!

David (Canoga Park)

What are you thoughts regarding this four team trade scenario?Four team trade! LAL gets: Buddinger from Houston Dragic from Houston (sign and trade deal) Derozen from Toronto Ilyasova from Milwaulkee (sign and trade deal) Toronto gets: Gasol from LAL plus their 2013 1st round draft pick Houston's 2013 first round draft pick. Houston gets: Bargnani from Toronto Dunleavy from Milwaulkee Milwaulkee gets: Scola from Houston Plus for Lakers - Don't need to re-sign sessions, improves bench, lowers payroll Plus for Toronto - gives them a reliable big man and two 1st round picks for the future. Plus for Houston - Gives them a skilled big man that they were looking for. Plus for Milwaulkee - Gets reasonable value for UFA departing Ilyasova. ...Maybe some tweeks needed but a good platform to begin with.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:04 PM)

Hi David-Honestly, I'd have to spend a lot of time on this one to see if it worked -- first things, I think Ilyasova is an RFA, not a UFA -- but more importantly, when you start putting together blockbuster four team deals, the odds of anything like that actually happening are incredibly small. Even three team deals can get tricky, so adding a fourth, especially when teams are trading so many big names, is a real long shot.

John (Indianapolis)

Is Mike Brown on the hot seat or Mitch? After this past playoff stumble, in my opinion, both should be! Mike, for not making the adjustments in the games the Lakers got blown out, and Mitch for making dumb trades and deals that have the the Laker faithful wondering what's going on. What's your take?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:06 PM)

Mitch isn't in any danger. If he was let go, he'd be snapped up in a heartbeat. I'm not sure what moves you would criticize. He's guided the Lakers to incredible success over the last half decade-plus. I'm not sure what else he was supposed to do, given the constraints they're working under. Mike Brown has some wiggle room as well, because he's owed a lot of money and was Jim Buss' hire. They'll give him every shot to succeed. That said if the roster improves this year and the Lakers don't show improvement to go with it, the temperature will be turned up for sure.

ben (los angeles)

Bros K, I am baffled and need some help. the lakes pay 45% of their budget to Kobe and Gasol and Bynum eat up a good portion of the remainder so how in gods name are they going to improve.....no one is coming to the lakes because it is a good idea and when Buss says he is content with the big 3 either he is on drugs or is watching a train wreck about to happen.....so where is the improvement going to come from?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:11 PM)

Ben, I have no idea. This is something I've written for a while -- I have no idea how the Lakers truly improve this offseason, and the challenges they face going forward are substantial. They can't afford premiere FA's, the CBA restricts their flexibility, and the impending luxury tax penalties they face are significant. The Lakers are trying something very difficult -- to rebuild without tearing it down.

Trevor (Los Angeles)

What range of money is Steve Nash going to command? If he is interested in New York (who seems to have a similar salary then the Lakers), doesn't it look like R. Sessions and S. Nash would cost around the same? If so, wouldn't S. Nash be a significant upgrade if we are looking to win now?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:12 PM)

Hey Trevor-The most the Lakers can offer Nash, unless it's part of a sign and trade, is their mini-mid level. That's it. So if he's willing to play here for that (and it's possible, becuase he's made a ton of money already and doesn't seem like the type to go all Antoine Walker with his fortune) it's possible. Otherwise, though, there's not anything the Lakers can do about it.

Dave (West LA)

Now that Sessions is an unrestricted free agent, might the Lakers ignore him and try to sign Dragic instead? How do these players compare?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:13 PM)

I'd rather have Dragic, but there's no way the Lakers can sign him on the open market. It would require some sort of S and T.

Noriega14 (Here)

I don't understand the criticism of Brown. The Lakers were in position to win 2 of the 4 games they lost vs. OKC and mistakes ultimately cost them the games. That's on the players. Brown put them in a position to succeed. Also, regarding Pau playing out of position, where's he supposed to be with Bynum on the court? Can't have two bigs clogging up the middle. Brown didn't have the luxury of the Pau, Bynum, Odom frontcourt where he could play Odom at PF for 30 minutes with Gasol at C.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:15 PM)

I gave Brown a B for the season, Noriega. I think you make a lot of good points. Fundamentally, the Lakers weren't a good enough team to win this year, and the circumstances Brown coached under were almost impossible. New system, no camp, roster upheaval, limited practice, etc. How much better were they supposed to be? Certainly not better than the Thunder. They didn't lose that series because of coaching.

Jamines Sweetimus (Long beach, CA)

Can the Lakers use Ramon Sessions in a sign and trade? Since he only spent a few months with the team do they have Bird Rights on him?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:16 PM)

Yes, and yes I believe. But a sign and trade is tougher, becuase it demands a team actually want to give him the money, and that Ramon wants to go there. It would have been a lot easier for the Lakers to flip him this summer had he just picked up that option.

Anthony (los angeles)

what are the chances of the lakers bringing in rudy gay and a free agent point guard like goran dragic and how would they get rudy gay if possible?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:17 PM)

Gay would have to come in a package including Bynum or Gasol, and probably with a third team (where would Pau play in Memphis, and why do they want Bynum with Marc Gasol signed long term?). So that's a serious long shot. From there, Dragic is too expensive to sign on the open market.

CaL (New York)

Do you think a full training camp, pre-season the lakers can begin to develope the needed chemistry under a new coach?ing staff and system

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:18 PM)

Hi Cal-It'll help, but the big problem is talent. The Lakers need more of it. Cohesion and rhythm will make a difference, but then again every team will benefit from a normal offseason. The Lakers need more good players, pure and simple.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:19 PM)

Hey everyone. Time for one or two more...

Dave (Chicago)

Why do people keep saying if Lebron wins this year he will have done it before Jordan did? Yes in age, but Jordan won is first his 7th year, Lebron is in his 9th!

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:19 PM)

Hi Dave. I suppose those saying it are referring to his age.

Dave (West LA)

What are the chances that we get a Return of the Jedi in the Phil Jackson trilogy as coach of the Lakers?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:20 PM)

Better than looking into the sky tonight and seeing a half built Death Star or finding an Ewok in your backyard... but not much better.

Trevor (Los Angeles)

Is Michael Beasley still on the radar?

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:22 PM)

Sure, but it's trickier now because of his contract.

Brian Kamenetzky

  (2:23 PM)

Thanks everyone! If I didn't get to you, feel free to Tweet (@espnlandolakers) or drop us an email. Really appreciate you stopping by. See you next week!