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*sigh* lack of inside presence defensively has killed us twice now. Opposing forwards are having their way inside.
Ah well, im holding onto this lil hope right here:
By Elliott Teaford Staff Writer
Article Last Updated: 01/24/2008 04:00:28 AM PST
SAN ANTONIO - Media speculation about a trade between the Lakers and Chicago resumed this week, several months after Bulls general manager John Paxson declared a possible deal between the teams dead.
During training camp, Kobe Bryant was rumored to be headed to Chicago for a package of players before Paxson said in early November that there would be no trade.
However, the Chicago Tribune's Sam Smith suggested a new deal the other day in his NBA column, with the Lakers acquiring power forward Ben Wallace in exchange for center Kwame Brown and backup forward Vladimir Radmanovic.
Smith's reasoning was sound, although he acknowledged it was not based on anything he has heard from the Bulls, Lakers or any other league sources.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson has always coveted strong rebounders and defenders to play alongside his centers. A tag-team of Wallace and emerging standout Andrew Bynum (once he recovers from his kneecap injury) could raise the Lakers' title prospects.
The deal also helps the Bulls clear space under the salary cap.
Wallace has two seasons after this one remaining on his contract at a total of $28.5 million.
Brown has $9 million left on his expiring contract.
Radmanovic, who is making $5.6 million this season, is signed through the 2010-11 season.
Smith theorized that Radmanovic's contract might be more than the Bulls would like, but it is a good deal less than they're due to pay Wallace for the next two seasons.
The trade deadline is Feb. 21.
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