OFFICIAL: 2011-2012 Los Angeles Lakers Thread

[Ryan D]

Last year ended with a disappointment and here we are about ready for a rapid fire offseason and shortened season. So let's start with a fresh new thread!

Like every team in the league the Lakers have a lot of questions that need to be answered. The amnesty clause is going to leave a lot of talented, veteran players in the mix as well.

I just read on Lakers Nation that the Lakers have contacted Shannon Brown's representatives to discuss his position. Brown has improved a lot since the Lakers acquired him in that trade and if he isn't going to cost too much I'd love to see the Lakers bring him back.

[Ryan D]

Can't. Wait. For. Tomorrow.

[JustinCSVT]

[Ryan D]

Looks like it is all but done: Chris Paul to Los Angeles, Gasol to Houston, and Odom, Kevin Martin, Goran Dragic, and Luis Scola.

The Lakers finally have a point guard. I have mixed feelings about this deal.

[stevedeezy]

bigs win rings! i only see this paying off if they land Dwight too!

i already miss Pau & LO and it's not even finalized.

[Ryan D]

bigs win rings! i only see this paying off if they land Dwight too!

I agree with this statement 100%. And the Lakers know this so something tells me they may be onto something like in '96 when they traded Vlade for Kobe and then landed Shaq a month later. I just don't see the Lakers giving up their only two power forwards for a point guard unless they have some other trick up their sleeves.

And even if they do land Dwight they are still left with ONE power foward on their roster at this very moment: Derrick Caracter. A guy who barely cracked the rotation as a rookie and a guy who, at 6'9" is very undersized. Not to mention the fact that the Lakers would presumably have to give up more than just Bynum to acquire Howard. And probably have to take on Hedo's contract as well.

So here comes an interesting question. Can the amnesty clause be used on someone acquired via trade?