Lakers

[Clinton]

I think Pip is a good possibility, but any of the mid to top range free agents could take a pay-cut. It's a risk but it can also pay off for them. Keon Clark is a good example, he could have got big money last offseason, but he decided to go to the contender and things are going well for him. He may not get the ring because of CWebb's absence but he has raised his stock. Good opportunity this offseason for the Lakers to do a bit of rebuilding and freshen up the lineup.

[Andrew]

The interesting thing is, the Lakers returned pretty much the same team that won the title last year (though they changed their starting five), give or take a couple of names on the bench who weren't key players anyway. The Lakers on paper were not really any worse this year then they were last year - their opponents just got better, and all the championship experience and the ability to boast three consecutive titles didn't do the trick. Definitely time to retool.

Despite all the rumours about the Mailman going to LA, I remain skeptical about that, due to his demands of superstar money and not wanting to be a backup or just another player on a championship team. With Mitch Richmond, his career had already declined to that point when he signed with the Lakers last season. The Mailman can still be an important player on a contender - and if he does want to break Kareem's record, I can't see him doing as the third or fourth option in the Lakers' offense.

Pip is a different story. He's a player who can score in single figures, yet still have a great night. He has a history with Phil Jackson, and seems to be willing to simply be "that third player" or a role player, whatever is required of him. Still, nothing happens until it happens.