Hughes Leaving

[SmootSmack]

Have you guys heard the latest rumor? Kwame for Caron, the Lakers 1st pick in 2006 (from Miami), and another player (Devean George, Vlade Divac or Chucky Atkins). That's insane. When you think about the fact that the Lakers traded Shaq for Brian Grant, Lamar Odom, Butler and the pick, and now they plan on trading Butler and the pick and they're going to release Grant to make room for Kwame?! They must see something in Kwame that others don't.

Of course, that's the bigget drawback to the deal. That there isn't much upside to the players we would get (except the draft pick) but at least you know what you're getting. With Kwame he's still such a mystery and who knows if he will ever meet his potential.

Getting George would be a waste. I don't like that idea. Vlade wouldn't play here, he's already said as much. But we could buy out his contract and have some extra cap room. I would love to get Chucky Atkins. A legit point guard who can bury the 3 on a consistent basis. Then you could have Arenas at the 2, and Chucky playing the point. Granted I still start Arenas at point but at least now you have a solid backup who can hit the open jumper. I don't think Blake's jump shot is consistent enough. Speaking of Blake, if he doesn't want to stay here then I wouldn't be opposed to including him in the Kwame for Caron deal. Blake could definitely run Phil's triangle offense.

And as for Caron, I probably wouldn't start him. I'd keep Jeffries as the starter for defensive purposes and then I'd bring Caron off the bench for insant offense. Especially if Hayes is going to start at SG, Butler could be our 6th man.