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Damn I hope they can find a away to keep both of em...

This is no brainer. Ariza is a young super athletic defensive specialist that can drive to the hoop, finish and knock down three's... plus his dunks make him Hollywood certified.

Odom will have to take a huge pay cut and a deminished role on the team if he loves LA that much...

This is not even close to the delima Utah has with Millsap and Boozer. Ariza's defense and improved offensive game make him more valuable than Odom so he should get the big bucks...

I'd be shocked if Kobe spends the money to keep both players.

Both is going to be extremely tough, but they need to find a way. Odom has already said he'd take less to remain a Laker, so that helps. I know it's a pipedream, but how awesome would it be to see Kobe opt out and sign for a bit less to free up the extra dough to make it happen?

You have to keep Ariza, Odom would be wise to take less money to stay. He has already got 2 big paydays in his career, he should be set for life financially. It would be smart of him to stay with a team that he has a chance to win a title with instead of signing with the likes of the Bobcats or Grizzlies for more money.

Ariza

"I'd be shocked if Kobe spends the money to keep both players."

Can't believe nobody picked up on that subtle humour, come on now.. that's awesome! hahaha

yup we need them both in order to be contenders! if only odom had that mentality to dominate,the lakers would be a dynasty!hes too damn inconsistent,mr willy wonka!

Well this is a big one. If Phil leaves, u may need to be cautious with this decision. Ariza gives u speed, defense and steals. Odom gives you height, versatility and and veteran leadership for the bench. All important things from both players. Either of them would be a great asset to another team if moved.

It's going to be tough. There is a good chance that the Lakers may lose both of them. Ariza has earned his dues and he will be coveted by many teams. The question is "Can the Lakers match the highest offer for Ariza?". Now if Odom cannot get better offers outside then the Lakers have a really good chance of keeping him. This is really tough and this is why teams have a hard time keeping their current team together.

I picked up on the Kobe comment and HE will decide.

Can you say lose either one and pick up Ron Artest!!!!!!!!!! That's an upgrade either way you look at it. The only thing I look at with that is the locker room chemistry. Would kobe and ron ron's ego destroy the chemistry.

Cross the bridge when you get there Lakers..You got some magic business to attend to

Lamar turns 30 in November, and is 6'10 230
Trevor turns 24 this month and is 6'8 220

on age alone Ariza looks like a beter investment

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 08:36 AM ET  06.03 by lope

yup we need them both in order to be contenders! if only odom had that mentality to dominate,the lakers would be a dynasty!hes too damn inconsistent,mr willy wonka!

LOL, I'm sorry but with the competition as tough as it is I can't help but laugh at the word, "dynasty" when it comes to any team in the NBA right now. The fact is that Cleveland fans are saying "IF" then we could have a dynasty, Boston fans... "IF"... certainly Magic fans will say, "IF" regardless of whether they win or lose in the finals. Remember that the Lakers have to actually win ONE before people need to even think to utter the dynasty word. Maybe this year will be the year that they finally win one without Shaq. Time will tell.

The problem with losing Odom is that he might end up on a competitors' squad (possibly the Spurs).

That spells trouble for everyone else.

If Odom can agree to a smaller deal the Lakers can keep them both

QUOTE(#14):

Originally posted 09:22 AM ET  06.03 by TheDude

LOL, I'm sorry but with the competition as tough as it is I can't help but laugh at the word, "dynasty" when it comes to any team in the NBA right now. The fact is that Cleveland fans are saying "IF" then we could have a dynasty, Boston fans... "IF"... certainly Magic fans will say, "IF" regardless of whether they win or lose in the finals. Remember that the Lakers have to actually win ONE before people need to even think to utter the dynasty word. Maybe this year will be the year that they finally win one without Shaq. Time will tell.

hey "IF" the lakers win that would be 4 titles in 10 years I think that qualifies with the spurs "DYNASTY" they also have 4 and seem to be done..Lakers can win a couple more

QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 07:19 AM ET  06.03 by Lostwill

Ariza's defense and improved offensive game make him more valuable than Odom so he should get the big bucks...

It's extremely funny to me how everyone poo-poo's Odom's value
- Ariza has shown to be a VERY important player for them....
but does he REALLY have that much more upside in him ?
or is he what he is ? Also on this particular team with Pau & Kobe
going to score 50+ a night - will he EVER be a 15+pt scorer ?
- are you willing to invest likely 10 mil-ish per year in him ?

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 09:05 AM ET  06.03 by topper24501

Can you say lose either one and pick up Ron Artest!!!!!!!!!! That's an upgrade either way you look at it. .

YES -
Artest is the most intriguing FA on the market

I don't see a problem here.

Offer Odom a lifetime supply of Snickers bars, M&M's, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Gummy Bears, Goobers, Raisinettes, Three Musketeers bars, Kit Kat's, Hershey bars and other teeth-rotting, artery clogging candies and he'll sign in a heartbeat.

That will leave plenty of money to sign Ariza.