Los Angeles Lakers Rumors

2006:

7/13: The Lakers signed Radmanovic to a 5-year, $31.7 million contract... wich means... Lakers strategy of staying under the salary cap to sign a star in 2008 has been left behind in L.A...

The Lakers don't expect other big movements on their roster for the 2006-2007 season and with Lebron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Antony signing extensions to their contracts, the Lakers plans for the future may have to wait a little longer or aim to other direction. James and Wade could opt out in 2010 and Antony in 2011...

New Kobe Bryant Jersey

7/9: Kobe changed 8 for 24... Kobe Bryant won't be wearing his jersey number 8 in the 2006-2007 season. They say he didn't like Adidas decision to send to the stores a shoe called Crazy 8, similar to one of Kobe's first shoes with them. Of course you know, Adidas doesn't have a contract with Kobe anymore and he is a Nike player. Kobe will be wearing number 24 on his jersey . Why that number? Kobe says it has sentimental value for him because he wore No. 24 early in his high school career. Something to do with Jordan's 23? He says no...

7/3: With their biannual exception, which allows for a two-year contract totaling about $3.5 million, the Lakers now expected to pursue a ballhandling guard to help Smush Parker. Name include Marcus Banks, Mike James, Speedy Claxton and Bobby Jackson... Former Lakers guard Kareem Rush, released by Charlotte, is another possibility...

2005:

10/5: The Lakers were only offering short term deals because they wanted to be under the salary cap for the free-agency period in the summer of 2007 when big free agents like Amare Stoudemire, Yao Ming or Dirk Nowitzki were going to be available, but the first two have signed maximum contracts with their teams in the past weeks, so some say the Lakers could still gamble with the possibility of waiting another year and land Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony or Dwyane Wade in 2008.

9/7: The limited list of guards available include former Laker Jannero Pargo and free agent from Minnesota Latrell Sprewell. Although Sprewell wouldn't be very happy with that money, he's running out of options and is known that Jackson loves experience... There's another rumor about a trade with the Bobcats involving guard/forward Jason Kapono... Some say the Lakers are gambling with the possibility that Lebron James won't be happy in Cleveland by 2007 and he would demand a trade that would put Kobe and Lebron together in the same floor, or that the Lakers can wait until 2008 when Lebron becomes a free agent...

8/22: the Lakers still have $2.5 million left to spend and would like to add a quick guard or a big man. The limited list of guards available include former UCLA Bruin Earl Watson and former Laker Jannero Pargo. With an even shorter list of big men to choose from, the return of Vlade Divac sounds as a good possibility...

8/18: The Lakers are in negotiations with point guards Derek Anderson and Aaron McKie. Both were released by their teams (Blazers and 76ers) with the amnesty clause. McKie seems to be Jackson's favorite...

8/9: The NBA released its 2005-06 schedule. The Lakers 1st game is on Nov 2 in Denver, and on Dec 25 they will face Shaq's Heat in Miami.

8/5: The Lakers need a point guard and are interested in Derek Anderson who was waived by the Trail Blazers.

7/20: Now without Chucky Atkins the Lakers need a point guard. Antonio Daniels was discarded because he wants a long term deal but the Lakers want to be under the salary cap for the free-agency period in the summer of 2007 when big free agents like Amare Stoudemire and Yao Ming will be available. Other free-agent point guards include Dan Dickau, Brevin Knight, Tyronn Lue, Jeff McInnis and Earl Watson...

7/15: Rumors say Vlade Divac retired after 16 seasons.

7/14: In a trade that leaves fans with their mouths open, the Lakers would bring forward-center Kwame Brown from the Wizards and would send Caron Butler and likely Chucky Atkins to Washington. The Lakers need help in the frontcourt , that's why the former no.1 pick, 6-11 Brown is coming to LA. Butler was one of the most consistent players at the end of last season, but he will be a free agent next year.

7/13: Everybody is talking about a trade with the Wizards involving Caron Butler and former No 1 overall pick Kwame Brown. The Lakers need help in the frontcourt and the 6-11 Brown looks good in Jackson's plans.

7/6: Phil Jackson's coaching staff will include Frank Hamblen and Kurt Rambis. Candidates for the other 2 spots are Brian Shaw and Scottie Pippen. Tex Winter will be a consultant.

7/4: The Lakers and Vlade Divac have agreed to postpone a decision on Divac's future until the training camp. Divac has said he will retire if he doesn't return to the Lakers...

6/30: Who's coming? Rumors include free agents Donyell Marshall and Antonio Daniels. Theo Ratliff, Allan Houston and Doug Christie are also being considered.

- 6/28: Although the Lakers have 3 picks in today's draft (10th in the 1st round, 7th and 9th in the 2nd) GM Kupchak doesn't expect a player that makes an immediate impact. The Lakers will try to fill holes in the post and at point guard.

- 6/1: Phil Jackson is about to decide if he wants to return to coach the Lakers.

- 5/23: There's no new coach yet but Phil Jackson continues at the top of the list.

- 2/2: Tomjanovich resigned because of health issues and the new coach could be the old coach: Phil Jackson . Meanwhile assistant Frank Hamblen will be leading the Lakers.