it's only their initial offer so i wouldn't panic, now he will either get a ridiculous contract from someone or the Lakers will give in.

I know it is a risk but maybe he shud go for a one year deal /or two year player option, he would be risking his current value but could potentially become worth more if he can put in the hard yards and improve his game.

- if both players go elsewhere, Bynum better take a giant leap for Lakerkind.

Odom is more important than Ariza to a championship run that Lakerland is looking forward to. Ariza is a good player but let's be honest, he's in a great system where he can play a role in winning games. He's not the starter that he thinks he is.

Take less coin and get the chance for another ring, or more...

I know that there are other teams in contention, but he's got the fit right now with the Lakers.

Ariza deserves credit for developing his game, but some of his success comes from playing with Kobe, Odom, and Gasol. The mid-level exception is a fair offer for a good role player.

Ariza is a media creation. A serviceable player yes, but who wouldnt be playing around Bryant, Odom, Gasol, Fisher, etc... 7-8 mil per year? Thats the kind of money for a player who can do at least one thing great. On a lesser team that is a serious waste of cash...only the Warriors or Clippers go there IMO

The triangle brings out the best in all.........lolz

It's tough when your a championship team and then retaining the players it is difficult to work out their values because this team around it was a great team effort by 7 or so players.

5 Mil for an NBA player is garbage money..

After you finish paying those California Taxes, you buy a house and all that comes with that, help your family out, you know what you have left???? Your **** in your hand, thats what.. (Ala. Lenny Dykstra)

There are many players that bring what Ariza brings to the table...we can replace him....but with Odom, he is one of very few players that can rebound, pass, shoot, and play basically all positions. They need to try to keep Odom and make a trade of Farmar and Morrison for a starting SF.

Hah 7m for defense and hustle? I don't think so. LA may still be tipsy from all that champagne, but they're not that stupid.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 08:00 AM ET  07.02 by Denis24

There are many players that bring what Ariza brings to the table...we can replace him....but with Odom, he is one of very few players that can rebound, pass, shoot, and play basically all positions. They need to try to keep Odom and make a trade of Farmar and Morrison for a starting SF.

yup
granted Odom is older-
you don't want to lose him

QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 06:39 AM ET  07.02 by AlwaysWriteNZ

I know it is a risk but maybe he shud go for a one year deal /or two year player option, he would be risking his current value but could potentially become worth more if he can put in the hard yards and improve his game.

ain't happening -
this is a BUSINESS not a friendly game of beer pong

NO WAY he doesn't sign where he gets the most $$$

Ariza is not worth 7-8 million dollars. I hope no team offers him that and he still is frustrated with LA and decides to come to Cleveland for the same amount the Lakers offered him.

Meet in the middle and get it done... And there really aren't alot of players that do what he does... Guard the other teams best perim player and hit shots in pressure situations... He's like Posey was to the Heat and Celtics.

The guys been in the league for years and he finally has a decent year and expects to be paid like a flat out stud? Tell him to go F himself if he cant live on $5.5 Mill a year in this economy.

It's just the initial offer. I believe he's a good player, but playing around kobe will make that happen. I never remember Ariza really creating his own shots or anything like that. Believe he could be even better if he went to cleveland.

If the Lakers can pay Ariza $7 and Odom $9 that is $16 million, which is only million or less than they paid both of them last year. GIve them the cash and stop bad feelings from manifesting.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 08:22 AM ET  07.02 by zacoursa1

Ariza is not worth 7-8 million dollars.

He ABSOLUTELY is to the Lakers-
why mess with chemistry ?

I agree there are other players who have similar abilities
but why now would they take a chance and break up even a
part of what made them successful-

The lakes will pony up- that's what good franchises do

Here's how to solve their problem, offer to Odom all the candy he wants and Ariza with what $$$ they would offer Odom in addition to what they offered him and both will be happy.

Lakers offering 5.7. Ariza wants 7-8. Difference is a few million. Lakers last season made almost 100 million in profit. Mr. Buss: Are you gonna do what you cab do here? Ariza is not Vujajic. He's much better! Please show Ariza the money...

If he's not with the Lakers then his defense will severely decline. He was all but beating Turkoglu with a wiffle bat every time down the court in the Finals. When he plays for a team that isn't under Der Commisar Stern's protection he won't get away with that.