Lakers trade Butler, Atkins for Kwame Brown

[ialsohaveadream]

I can't believe none of my fellow Laker-haters posted this yet! This is awesome! I haven't been this excited since the Knicks hired Isiah as GM. I can only hope that Kwame signs a ridiculous contract before they complete the sign and trade.
story (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2107572)

[Freelance Superhero]

oh... my... god...

[zenbooty]

Like that kid needs this. First, he's gotta get beaten up by Jordan, and now Kobe.

This can't end well. He's goinig to end up in a church tower with a rifle.

[MikeD]

After years of Wiz fans having to deal with Unseld's idiotic moves, they're finally getting some retribution with Grunfield.

Can't believe :ptlaugh: Kupchak took this one. The Wiz absolutely fleeced the Lakers here.

Don't forget that both Butler and Atkins are free agents after this year. If they don't pan out in D.C., Washington still has major cap room next year. All L.A. gets is a bust for Kobe to blame when things go south...

[bachviet]

Now the Lakers not only have the current draft-bust Kwame but also the future one (Bynum). :P

[CornMonkey]

http://img318.imageshack.us/img318/3552/mitch4bf.gif
...a shirt from the fans in washington.

at the end of this upcoming season, kupchak will be seen as either a complete moron or a complete moron who got lucky with kwame. i can't believe this deal went through... but i'm not completely ready to count out the lakers.

one thing to note is that the lakers still have one or two potential trades/F.A. signs coming up. definitely looking to build a defensive team. no one's talking championship this year...but within two, we'll be in striking distance.

[mcs328]

The Wizards have a history of making crazy trades or letting good players mature and blossom elsewhere instead of keeping them. Besides Kwame I think we lost Hughes and I hear the hometown local favorite Dixon.

[A Day]

man my brother is right, mitch dickwad is an idiot

[verve247]

The lakers have always been known for risky trades. In 96 they traded Vlade for some highschool kid. It's a gamble, but has potential to pay off. If not, they are no worse than before. Atkins? Butler? That's no lose for the Lakers.

[MikeD]

The lakers have always been known for risky trades. In 96 they traded Vlade for some highschool kid. It's a gamble, but has potential to pay off. If not, they are no worse than before. Atkins? Butler? That's no lose for the Lakers.

Whoa now, big difference between those two.

Trade Vlade for Kobe: yes, this turned out better than probably anyone imagined. But this had much less risk than the current trade; Vlade wasn't exactly tearing things up, and Kobe had HUGE upside.

Trade Butler, Atkins for Kwame: trade two expiring contracts (can't forget that point in this environment) for Kwame, while he gets an extension. Yes, he has upside; but at this point in his career (4 years) he has shown no reason to think he'll produce (Kobe was a rookie). Also, he quit on his own team during the playoffs this year. Need to know any more about him than that?

If Butler and Atkins don't pan out, the Wiz can let them walk and end up with $10 million+ in next summer's free agency period. Now that is worth something...

[ialsohaveadream]

Yes, but the Lakers are holding out for money in the 07 free agent class, which includes Yao and Stoudemire, neither of whom will play for them.

[SecretIkon]

Yes, but the Lakers are holding out for money in the 07 free agent class, which includes Yao and Stoudemire, neither of whom will play for them.
:stupid: they will both stay in the respective teams hopefully for that season. unless they make a BIG BIG trade.

[verve247]

Players can change when they move teams. Look at Jermaine O'Neal going to Indiana or Rasheed to Detroit. It's a gamble, but i dont think Butler and Atkins will be missed. Kwame needs a fresh start, the Lakers need some more size up front, and only time will tell on this one. Worse comes to worse, they let Kwame go after the 2 guaranteed years and guess what, it's 2007 free agent time.

Oh and back to the '96 trade. Vlade was only 28 at the time. He's at the top of his career. The Lakers didn't even get Shaq yet when they traded away their starting center for a guard who has never proven himself outside of the highschool gymnasium. Now that risky.


Whoa now, big difference between those two.

Trade Vlade for Kobe: yes, this turned out better than probably anyone imagined. But this had much less risk than the current trade; Vlade wasn't exactly tearing things up, and Kobe had HUGE upside.

Trade Butler, Atkins for Kwame: trade two expiring contracts (can't forget that point in this environment) for Kwame, while he gets an extension. Yes, he has upside; but at this point in his career (4 years) he has shown no reason to think he'll produce (Kobe was a rookie). Also, he quit on his own team during the playoffs this year. Need to know any more about him than that?

If Butler and Atkins don't pan out, the Wiz can let them walk and end up with $10 million+ in next summer's free agency period. Now that is worth something...

[SecretIkon]

Players can change when they move teams. Look at Jermaine O'Neal going to Indiana or Rasheed to Detroit. It's a gamble, but i dont think Butler and Atkins will be missed. Kwame needs a fresh start, the Lakers need some more size up front, and only time will tell on this one. Worse comes to worse, they let Kwame go after the 2 guaranteed years and guess what, it's 2007 free agent time.

Oh and back to the '96 trade. Vlade was only 28 at the time. He's at the top of his career. The Lakers didn't even get Shaq yet when they traded away their starting center for a guard who has never proven himself outside of the highschool gymnasium. Now that risky.
:stupid:

[MikeD]

Players can change when they move teams. Look at Jermaine O'Neal going to Indiana or Rasheed to Detroit.

I don't disagree with that, just saying that after watching Kwame here for the past 4 years, I don't think L.A. is getting much. Could he blow up? Sure. Will he? Let's just say that I, and a whole rack of other folks, would be blown away by that.


It's a gamble, but i dont think Butler and Atkins will be missed. Kwame needs a fresh start, the Lakers need some more size up front, and only time will tell on this one. Worse comes to worse, they let Kwame go after the 2 guaranteed years and guess what, it's 2007 free agent time.

You can't just let people walk and write off their contracts. This isn't the NFL...



Oh and back to the '96 trade. Vlade was only 28 at the time. He's at the top of his career. The Lakers didn't even get Shaq yet when they traded away their starting center for a guard who has never proven himself outside of the highschool gymnasium. Now that risky.

I'm not saying that taking Kobe didn't have risk. I'm saying taking the new model with zero miles could either be good or bad. Let's say 50-50 risk. Taking the 4 year old model with mileage on it, though, one that hasn't panned out yet? Now that has more risk than upside.

I think the Lakers probably are eyeing some future free agents, and guys will always want to come to L.A. because of the bright lights / big city effect. I just wonder how many guys will want to come play with Kobe, after the Phil/Shaq disaster and the mindset that he's really the one running the show.

[verve247]

Ah, a Wiz fan. Now i see. You had to watch him bring your team down for the past several years. Did the public ever findout why Kwame didnt play that playoff game? Admitted Kwame is not a sure thing. Hopefully with Phil coaching and a new location things will turn out alright.



You can't just let people walk and write off their contracts. This isn't the NFL...

No one is walking. The agreed upon contract is 2 yrs and an option for a third. They are no worse if Kwame goes bust than if they kept butler and atkins. The Lakers are waiting till 2007 for something big anyways.




I'm not saying that taking Kobe didn't have risk. I'm saying taking the new model with zero miles could either be good or bad. Let's say 50-50 risk. Taking the 4 year old model with mileage on it, though, one that hasn't panned out yet? Now that has more risk than upside.


I'm saying getting rid of your startingg center for someone that can't possibly replace that position is a huge risk. And for another car analogy. When i got my new car, I was getting 22mpg. It was lower than expected and I was pissed. Well after the 15,000 mile service, all of a sudden I'm getting 25-27. Sometimes it takes awhile to break-in.



I think the Lakers probably are eyeing some future free agents, and guys will always want to come to L.A. because of the bright lights / big city effect. I just wonder how many guys will want to come play with Kobe, after the Phil/Shaq disaster and the mindset that he's really the one running the show.

The Lakers have a long tradition that goes beyong bright lights/big city and what-not. The Clippers are in the same city but ask any player if they wanted to win, what team would they choose. It's always the Lakers.

[SecretIkon]

they want to play for the lakers because they want to be the next showtime. :confused:, lately i think the clippers are going to be great next year with mobley coming to the clippers.

[MikeD]

Ah, a Wiz fan. Now i see. You had to watch him bring your team down for the past several years. Did the public ever findout why Kwame didnt play that playoff game? Admitted Kwame is not a sure thing. Hopefully with Phil coaching and a new location things will turn out alright.

No one is walking. The agreed upon contract is 2 yrs and an option for a third. They are no worse if Kwame goes bust than if they kept butler and atkins. The Lakers are waiting till 2007 for something big anyways.


I wouldn't say he was their downfall (poor drafts and trades have done that), but he certainly hasn't panned out...

The story in the local press was that he just wanted out, so he came up with a mystery "illness" during the playoffs. Too bad he was spotted at a local restaurant the same day. :disa:

As for the contract, my bad. I thought he had a 5 year deal...

[MikeD]

Yes, but the Lakers are holding out for money in the 07 free agent class, which includes Yao and Stoudemire, neither of whom will play for them.



I am going help those who don't understand how the Lakeshow will rebuild in the next 2 years. It might not be pretty, but it will happen.

Brian Grants huge contract will be up after next season. Pat Riley paid too much to him and we get to eat the last couple season of his contract. He is a max player. Think of it like.. bye bye Grant, Hello Yao!


Well, we see how this played out. :)



The Houston Rockets will announce Thursday that they've signed three-time All-Star center Yao Ming to a five-year extension, thereby securing his services through the 2010-11 season, a source close to the negotiations confirmed early Wednesday morning.

Surprised? Nah, Yao was just wondering what took so long.
That this comes without drama or shock value -- not even for the Lakers -- is further proof that Yao simply isn't cutting it as your standard-issue NBA superstar. Under the next collective bargaining agreement, the value of the contract, which doesn't kick in until next season, will be 25 percent of whatever the salary cap is. Estimates have the deal starting at $12.5 million. What the Rockets have to wonder is whether he'll ever start acting like someone pulling down that kind of coin.

[Maarchk]

Wow. Yeah this is kind of dumb. Who would honestly believe that yao or amare would be fore sale... They are both gonna be locked down for awhile...
Its like hoping to win the kobe lottery last year... No one had a chance.

[MikeD]

So, the Lakers and Wiz split their games this season. Let's take a look and see how the Kwame for Atkins/Butler trade panned out:

Game 1
Brown: 26 minutes, 6 points, 9 boards, 0 assists, 0 steals, 1 block
Butler: 32 minutes, 20 points, 1 board, 1 assist, 4 steals, 0 blocks
Atkins: 29 minutes, 7 points, 4 boards, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks

Wow, not too close there, though the Lakers do get the win. Butler/Atkins easily outperformed Kwame. How 'bout Game 2, Kwame's homecoming to DC?

Game 2
Brown: 20 minutes, 5 points, 7 boards, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks
Butler: 38 minutes, 16 points, 5 boards, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks
Atkins: 24 minutes, 12 points, 0 boards, 1 assist, 1 steal, 0 blocks

Wizards get the win on a late Kobe turnover; Butler/Atkins outscore Kwame to the tune of 28-5. Again, not even a contest...

After all the talking that had been done, just thought it worth be a look to see how the two sides were comparing. Looks like there is not much of a comparison at all...:hehehmm:

Game 1
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=251216013

Game 2
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=251226027

[ialsohaveadream]

But more importantly, Shaq and Wade beat Kobe again. And even though I was no fan of the GP signing, The Artist Formerly Known As The Glove was in Kobe's ear ALL day.

[bachviet]

Actually he was in Odom's ears all game long. Odom called him disrespectful 6 times during the interview. The Heat is 3-0 vs. the Lakers after Shaq's trade and this trend will continue.

[attgig]

Actually he was in Odom's ears all game long. Odom called him disrespectful 6 times during the interview.

the loser calls the other team names after the game. the winners talk smack on the court and back it up with the W

[Showtime]

Kwame is coming along and has had really good/great games. Stuff that doesn't show up in the scoreboard like altered shots/D and hustle plays have impressed me. He can be a legit 20/10/2 blocks guy. Just needs to find some heart. Atkins and Butler didnt provide the D', rebounds and size we needed. Butler is getting a good opportunity and Chucky had a game, but is past his prime.

Miami dodged another bullet, but wont dodge the next one. Lakers will rip Miami next time they play each other. Phil left Kobe in too long and the kid had no juice left in the 4th. Shaq looked scared and Wade had all he could handle.

Lakers were all tired going into the Washington game, but the Show could have easily won both road games. Like I said, we are 1 player away. Miami will never win with Shaq. GP running his mouth was fun to watch, but he will never get a ring and will end up like Sir Charles (big mouthed and bitter). Wait til GP has to try and guard Kobe again. I guess he didnt learn his lesson from running his mouth at MJ. Kobe will take GP and any other player in this league to school all night. One more star caliber player and Kobe gets to rest and shots will come easier. Laker defense is already completely overhauled and will get better. They don't all really know the triangle yet....

Watch how the Lakeshow rebuilds. From Finals to dismantling a dynasty to ONE horrible season, then back to the playoffs and then one more star to get back to the finals. Easy money.

[ialsohaveadream]

Miami dodged another bullet, but wont dodge the next one. Lakers will rip Miami next time they play each other. Phil left Kobe in too long and the kid had no juice left in the 4th. Shaq looked scared and Wade had all he could handle.
Actually, Shaq looked like he was still injured. I wonder if he rushed back a bit too soon.


GP running his mouth was fun to watch, but he will never get a ring and will end up like Sir Charles (big mouthed and bitter). Wait til GP has to try and guard Kobe again. I guess he didnt learn his lesson from running his mouth at MJ. Kobe will take GP and any other player in this league to school all night.
....You do realize this isn't 1993 Gary Payton, right? We're talking about the Gary Payton that could barely guard Smush Parker at this point, much less Kobe. He was "The Glove" about 10 years ago.

I'm not a fan of the Heat picking up GP, though. Before he came to the Heat, I would've agreed that he'd never end up with a title. Now I just have to hope I was wrong. ;)


Actually he was in Odom's ears all game long. Odom called him disrespectful 6 times during the interview. The Heat is 3-0 vs. the Lakers after Shaq's trade and this trend will continue.
Odom was the one who got back at him at the end of the game, but GP was in Kobe's head first. I love Odom, though. Too bad we had to give him up.

[brainsmile]

are you sure this was a good trade for the Lakers? Anyone else think not?

[MikeD]

are you sure this was a good trade for the Lakers? Anyone else think not?

Ummm, it's pretty obvious. Lakers took a flyer on Brown (though they gave up too much for him), and he's failing miserably just like he did in Washington. The guy is a bust; he's terrible, always has been and always will be.

[bachviet]

... He can be a legit 20/10/2 blocks guy.
...
This statement really cracks me up. You mean he can be as good as KG, Tim Duncan, and Elton Brand. :eek: Somehow I don't think so.

[faither]

Kwame...Just needs to find some heart.

You don't find heart -- you have it or you don't. He's a dog.

[Jihforce]

anyone following the Jalen & Artest to the Lakers' story?

[ialsohaveadream]

anyone following the Jalen & Artest to the Lakers' story?
I heard that rumor. I would LOVE that. You know Artest would end up going apesh*t and jacking Kobe in the face after a game when Kobe took 40 shots to Artest's 2.

Plus, adding Jalen to the mix is even more hilarious. At least with Jalen you get funny commentary, though. His comments about the Vince Carter trade last year were classic.

[brainsmile]

Kwame...Just needs to find some heart.

I can say the same thing about Greg Ostertag

[MikeD]

Sounds like things are going grrrreat for the Lakers! :hehehmm:

Kobe fighting with Odom, Jackson saying that all he wants out of Kwame is to "...be able to make a few layups"...

LOL. Looks like Kobe has won his last NBA title. :hihi:


Kobe Bryant may be remaking his image off the court, but the Los Angeles Lakers guard reportedly is showing more of a nasty side on the court.

And a lot of the nastiness is directed at his teammates.

The New York Post said people sitting near L.A.'s bench for the Rockets and Wizards games were flabbergasted at the things he screamed at his teammates.

The Post also reported Friday more about a major confrontation between Bryant and teammate Lamar Odom after the Lakers’ loss at Washington. The confrontation reportedly led to smashing of lights and damaging of a TV monitor belonging to the Lakers' flagship station in front of the visitors’ locker room.

Bryant was angry at Odom for supposedly botching a pick-and-roll that was to set up a three-point shot for Bryant that could have tied the game, the Post said.

The newspaper said as the pair got closer to the Lakers' dressing room, Bryant was yelling at Odom. Odom yelled back and that's when Bryant reportedly went after Odom. In doing so, The Post said Bryant kicked over the lights and a chair holding the TV monitor. The newspaper said Bryant’s security force of two quickly intervened and separated the pair.

The Post said they again exchanged heated words and challenges in the locker room and that the tension was so intense one of the security guys accompanied Odom to the back of the charter bus and sat nearby on the trip to the airport while the other sat in the front with Kobe, the last member of the Lakers to board.

During Wednesday’s overtime loss to Memphis in Los Angeles, Bryant also was angry and even threw an elbow at Grizzlies guard Mike Miller.

Bryant said he thinks opponents are finding things too easy when they come to Los Angeles these days.

The victory was only the Grizzlies’ second in the 20 games they’ve played on the Lakers’ court — and was more proof for Bryant that his team isn’t tough enough at home.

“This being our home court, people come here and think it’s Hollywood and all sorts of stuff, so they think they’ll come down (the lane) and look pretty and shoot jump shots and dunk the ball and finger-roll the ball and do all sorts of cute stuff,” Bryant said. “And we’ve got to stop that.”

Bryant did his part when he elbowed Miller in the face and picked up a flagrant foul with 8:24 left in regulation. Earlier in the game, Bryant needed three stitches to close a cut over his left eye after Miller pushed him in the face with his hand while driving.

“Any player that was going to come down the lane at that point in time, I was going to let him know that he just can’t walk through there,” Bryant said. “I think we as a team have to do a better job of establishing that. And me, as a leader of the ballclub, I’ve got to take the initiative to do that — and hopefully, everybody will see that.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10651006/

[verve247]

A news article about a NY Post article?? Weird.

[MikeD]

You know Artest would end up going apesh*t and jacking Kobe in the face after a game when Kobe took 40 shots to Artest's 2.

Plus, adding Jalen to the mix is even more hilarious. At least with Jalen you get funny commentary, though. His comments about the Vince Carter trade last year were classic.

:hihi:

If the Lakers traded for Artest and Rose, I would immediately feel like selling my house, packing up the fam, moving to LA, and getting season tickets. All for the unintentional comedy it would provide.

Saw some Jalen quotes and thought of this thread. How 'bout...


"By the time we got [to Detroit], it was almost two in the morning, because ain't nothing open but hospitals, jails, and legs."
-- Jalen Rose

"You want me to take the time to count ''em? No comment."
-- Jalen Rose, when asked how many of his Raptor teammates are question marks

"Like I told the guys earlier, once he turns 21 and is able to drink, it's over."
-- Jalen Rose after LeBron James scored 56 on the Raptors

"I'm a GM in fantasy basketball and I'm a GM on Playstation, so on Playstation I probably would have got a little more, but this is real life, so I don't know."
-- Jalen Rose on the Vince Carter trade

"Was it for Richard Jefferson?"
-- Jalen Rose, after hearing that Vince Carter had been traded to New Jersey.

"I've got to stop this. My entourages are getting entourages."
-- Jalen Rose, on the trouble finding tickets for everyone when he returns to Detroit.


:hihi:

[Showtime]

Kwame is coming along and has had really good/great games.......

Miami dodged another bullet, but wont dodge the next one. Lakers will rip Miami next time they play each other. Phil left Kobe in too long and the kid had no juice left in the 4th. Shaq looked scared and Wade had all he could handle.

Miami will never win with Shaq. GP running his mouth was fun to watch, but he will never get a ring and will end up like Sir Charles (big mouthed and bitter). Wait til GP has to try and guard Kobe again. I guess he didnt learn his lesson from running his mouth at MJ. Kobe will take GP and any other player in this league to school all night.

Watch how the Lakeshow rebuilds. From Finals to dismantling a dynasty to ONE horrible season, then back to the playoffs and then one more star to get back to the finals. Easy money.

:hug: Tonight Shaq and Kobe kind of made up before the game and then the Show proceeded to open that can......
Even 18 year Bynum got a piece of Shaq and dunked on his old, overpaid ass. Mihm had the exact same stats as Shaq before he fouled out in the 4th (10 point/5 fouls). Kobe took GP to school. It was funny to see GP "deal" with the loss.
Despite poor/obviously biased calls, the Show got some payback. Ejecting Cook for 2 bs calls and not issuing T's for similar outbursts from Haslem and Mourning. No ejection on Shaqs punch/shove. Didn't matter.

I remember too many people said the trade was mistake. Too many people were mathematically challenged. Shaq wanted 35-40 million a year. Cap is at 6x a year. For 2/3's of our cap we would be getting 20 and 9 and Kobe would be taking the clippers to the playoffs. Shaq then took a paycut and lost weight and dissed the fans of L.A. It's only going to get worse for Miami.

Oh and it looks like the Show will now start gunning for that 6th seed and an easy 1st round win over the Mavs.

[ialsohaveadream]

Oh and it looks like the Show will now start gunning for that 6th seed and an easy 1st round win over the Mavs.
:heh: I want to wear your rose-colored glasses sometime. The days must seem so bright!

I'm all for the Lakers making the playoffs and getting the boot in the first round. Anything that keeps them out of the lottery is perfectly fine with me.

[bachviet]

:heh: I want to wear your rose-colored glasses sometime. The days must seem so bright!

I'm all for the Lakers making the playoffs and getting the boot in the first round. Anything that keeps them out of the lottery is perfectly fine with me.
I don't mind if they are in the lottery since they are going to draft another bust anyway. My Clippers without Corey Maggette (sp?) are still better than the Lakers.

[Showtime]

I don't mind if they are in the lottery since they are going to draft another bust anyway. My Clippers without Corey Maggette (sp?) are still better than the Lakers.

:lmfao:

I guess you havent looked at your teams record lately. Only 1 game ahead and your clippers lost the last game to the Show and will lose the next 2 games to the Show. Maggette? Ha ha! The Pacers didn't even want him for the troubled Artest.
Poor Clippers peaked 10 games into the season and now will do what the clippers always do and fade. Oh and don't think "the Sterling" has changed. He only paid out that money so that he could keep the Clippers at Staples/in Los Angeles. Staples were about to not renew the Clippers lease due the fact that staples would make more off of 4 events (concerts, etc.) than they would off of a whole month of Clipper games.

[bachviet]

:lmfao:

I guess you havent looked at your teams record lately. Only 1 game ahead and your clippers lost the last game to the Show and will lose the next 2 games to the Show. Maggette? Ha ha! The Pacers didn't even want him for the troubled Artest.
Poor Clippers peaked 10 games into the season and now will do what the clippers always do and fade. Oh and don't think "the Sterling" has changed. He only paid out that money so that he could keep the Clippers at Staples/in Los Angeles. Staples were about to not renew the Clippers lease due the fact that staples would make more off of 4 events (concerts, etc.) than they would off of a whole month of Clipper games.
Same rant and same result: my team is still better than yours. :eyebrow:

[ialsohaveadream]

Just for sh*ts and giggles, a bump here.


Poor Clippers peaked 10 games into the season and now will do what the clippers always do and fade.
Still waiting on that...

Oh and it looks like the Show will now start gunning for that 6th seed and an easy 1st round win over the Mavs.
:idea: ....no.

[Sirrich3]

Hmmm, last time I looked The Clippers were still ahead of the Lakers...

I'm still waiting too

[brainsmile]

Hmmm I'd say the Lakers wanted Artest too

[verve247]

After watching game 3 of the Lakers/Suns game, I have to bring up this old thread to say awesome trade for the Lakers. They have a beast on the frontcourt while the Wiz are lacking on the inside. Methinks the Wizards forgot to coach the guy while he was with them.

[ShawnLee]

Ah, the thread that will not die. I think with the way the Lakers were playing as an actual team in the last game, the trade definitely payed off.

Still, Clippers were more fun to watch this season.
Not that I paid much attention to basketball at all this year.

[ialsohaveadream]

After watching game 3 of the Lakers/Suns game, I have to bring up this old thread to say awesome trade for the Lakers. They have a beast on the frontcourt while the Wiz are lacking on the inside. Methinks the Wizards forgot to coach the guy while he was with them.
Uhhh, still no. Caron Butler helped keep the Wiz in the playoff race, and Kwame is still garbage. He'll shine for a few weeks and then go back to his usual p*ssy self.

[oguevarra]

I believe Butler is a free agent at the end of the year and the Lakers were not going to resign him. It was a risk getting Brown and the last month and a half of the season he's been playing very consistantly and its paying off for the Lakers. The whole Laker team is playing at a high level and the way Kobe is playing right now reminds me of the playoffs during those 3 championship seasons.

[verve247]

Kwame averaged 13 and 8 the last 17 games of the season and he is still shining in the playoffs. Did you miss his muhammad ali impersonation in game 3? That is no pussy.

[Showtime]

The trade has paid off.

[mcs328]

Just came back from the Wizards vs Cavs game at Verizon Center. It wasn't looking good at all. Lebron hitting those 3's were tough to swallow. 3rd quater and 4th were more like it...gilbert had a very good streak going and Lebron was starting to choke. My throat is sore for screaming defense. My seats were just behind the visitors entrance. Great win.

[MikeD]

The trade has paid off.

:shifty:

Kwame Brown being investigated for sexual assault


LOS ANGELES -- Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault involving Lakers center Kwame Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3511), and Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson said he would still play "if he can focus."

The alleged assault occurred early Saturday, hours after the Lakers beat the Phoenix Suns (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/clubhouse?team=pho) in Game 3 of their NBA playoff series, Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Jason Lee said Tuesday.

Police did not say when the report was filed or by whom. No charges have been filed, and Brown denied any wrongdoing in a statement issued through the team office.

"I want to assure everyone that I am completely innocent of any wrongdoing and look forward to the truth coming out when this matter is fully investigated," he said. "However, on the advice of my attorney, I cannot comment further at this time."

Team spokesman John Black said the 24-year-old Brown was with the team in Phoenix on Tuesday night, where the Lakers were set to play the Suns in Game 5 of their Western Conference playoff series.

"We are aware of the release issued earlier today by the LAPD," the Lakers said in a statement. "However, due to the fact that this is an ongoing legal matter, we cannot comment at this time."

Lee said the Los Angeles County district attorney's office had been made aware of the investigation, but declined to provide further details.

Los Angeles coach Phil Jackson said before the game that he had spoken with Brown about the matter.

"I did say something to Kwame: 'You know we have three priorities -- basketball, basketball and family. That's it.'"

Jackson said Brown would play his usual minutes in the game, "if he can focus and play through this. I'm sure it's a distraction."

"We're not even going to discuss it," Jackson said. "It's a basketball team and we've got to focus on what we need to do."

Desperately needing an inside presence, the Lakers acquired the 6-foot-11, 270-pound Brown from Washington in a four-player deal last summer, sending highly regarded perimeter player Caron Butler (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3608) to the Wizards.

Brown was a disappointment in four seasons with the Wizards after they made him the first pick in the 2001 NBA draft following his graduation from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Ga.

Brown has picked up his game considerably since replacing Chris Mihm (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/players/profile?statsId=3406) as the Lakers' starting center after Mihm sustained a severely sprained right ankle March 12. Brown had been coming off the bench before Mihm got hurt.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2006/news/story?id=2430850

[ShawnLee]

The trade has paid off.
:shifty:
Kwame Brown being investigated for sexual assault
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2006/news/story?id=2430850Dang, way to go dude... Jinxed.

[MikeD]

The Wizards have a history of making crazy trades or letting good players mature and blossom elsewhere instead of keeping them. Besides Kwame I think we lost Hughes and I hear the hometown local favorite Dixon.

Went back and re-read this thread...and mcs is right.

60% of the Piston's starting five are former Bullets/Wizards: Rasheed, Ben, and Rip Hamilton.

Also, they've managed to waste lottery picks over the years on such superstars as Calbert Cheaney, Jared Jeffries, and Kwame Brown.

:puke: