By Joel Meyers
FOX Sports West & PRIME TICKET
ASK JOEL ARCHIVE
January 26, 2011
Joel Meyers returns to answer more questions from Laker fans. Joel speculates on whether or not CP3 will ever wear the Purple and Gold, analyzes Lamar Odom's free throw stroke and looks for replacements for the injured Matt Barnes on the Lakers bench.
Realistically, what are the chances Chris Paul will come to the Lakers? Could David Stern really stand the heat he would get in the press? And who would sit or go, Derek Fisher, Steve Blake? Would Jerry Buss really fork out the cash even with the expected taxes? Thanks in advance for your kind attention.
Take care, and Happy New Year!
Frank L., Chatsworth
Frank,
Chris Paul
is not a free agent until after next season. I would like to see him
stay in New Orleans, but I'm a little old fashioned and hope there
is some loyalty on both sides in a working relationship. Recently at Carmelo Anthony's wedding in New York, it was reported that Paul, Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire
discussed joining forces down the road to play for the Knicks. The
Lakers would be an option for any player with the skills of a Paul. You
also have to take into consideration what is going to develop
with the new collective bargaining agreement and how that impacts player
movement. Starting next season, the league could still be working with a
soft cap and a luxury tax. Or will the league may go more towards what
the National Hockey League has done which is closer to a hard cap. There
will be free agents out there, but there options may be limited by a
new system. The Lakers have been incredible when it comes to putting
profits back into the product, which they've done with the acquisition
of Pau Gasol
and the re-signing of Odom. Under current conditions, I would say the
Lakers could be a team that Paul would look at. The key is what type of
system is going to be in place when he's on the market.
Last year, Odom had a much better free throw percentage. If he would look at film of his stroke, he would see that he took a short step back with his right foot prior to taking the shot. Is it foolish to suppose anyone would listen to an old woman?
Mary, Redlands
Mary,
I'm listening and I know most players are open minded enough to listen to suggestions like yours as well. One of Odom's biggest problems when it comes to free throws is simply getting there often enough to develop some type of rhythm through the course of the game. Last year Odom hit 69 percent of his free throws and he had only 202 attempts in 82 games. This season it's a similar situation, although a little better with 160 attempts in the first 45 games. When you play as many minutes as Odom and you're as involved as much he is, it's hard to believe he doesn't get there as often as he should. Last year it was less than three tries a game at the stripe and this season it's just under four a game. Odom is among the league's leading rebounders, so he's definitely in the middle of things downstairs. He also attacks the basket without getting much respect from the officials when there is contact along the way. Stu Lantz and I are amazed at how often he gets hit and doesn't get rewarded. But back to your original thought regarding his low percentage. Odom should go back and look at tape of his form, his setup and what has worked for him in the past. One thing that could help him as well as some others, is simply taking some time once they get the ball from the official. Too often, they get to the line out of breath after a play and rush the first attempt. I was watching the Oklahoma City and Knicks game over the weekend and Serge Ibaka took at least 10 seconds, if not more before taking his first free throw in a close game. He slowed things down for himself and he hit both after an end-to-end play that he was fouled on. Good idea though, Mary, and it's appreciated.
Hey Joel, Do you think the Lakers will keep the rookies all season or do you think there might possibly be a trade down the line since Barnes is hurt?
Thanks.
Anthony, La Puente
Anthony,
The trading deadline is just about four weeks away, on Feb. 24 and it would be surprising to see the Lakers make a move. The only way I see the Lakers considering something is if someone else goes down. I also believe that both Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter are safe as far as being with the team for the entire season. Both have plenty of potential and Ebanks could be a perfect fit down the road at the small forward spot. There is good news on the horizon with Theo Ratliff's return just around the corner and don't be surprised if Matt Barnes is back sooner than expected. Barnes is already back on the court taking some shots. He's in great shape to begin with and it's just a hunch of mine that he might return sooner than the eight-week projected timetable.
Thank you for all of your questions and comments. Joel would like to answer as many questions from Los Angeles Lakers fans as possible. Click here for possible inclusion in a future Ask Joel column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. Please include your name and location along with your question.
