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08:05 AM ET 09.19 | Nearly $130 million in payroll soon won't buy the Lakers what they already have. This season, that amount will cover the 2012-13 payroll and associated luxury taxes for a roster dripping with superstars Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, Steve Nash and Pau Gasol. A year from now, it could pay for only a portion of that same roster and maybe a pair of Bryant's high-end sneakers. Keeping the core of the Lakers together could cost nearly $200 million. Thanks, new collective bargaining agreement. ... Designed to expand the league's middle class and reduce the number of bloated contracts, the [luxury] tax may force big spenders such as the Lakers to reconsider just how much they are willing to lavish on star players.

Kobe Bryant, Getty Images

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September 19, 2012 08:18 AM ET

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The EVIL EMPIRE of the West.................

Mickey Bad Arse

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September 19, 2012 08:23 AM ET

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QUOTE(#1):

Originally posted 08:18 AM ET 09.19 by Mickey Bad Arse

The EVIL EMPIRE of the West.................

Trying to buy a championship.....................

What team would stoop that low.........

SMH

Wait a minute..............

Looks at avatar............

NEVERMIND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mickey Bad Arse

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September 19, 2012 08:28 AM ET

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Something needs to be done so that the elite players are willing to play in the small city markets

OSUBuckey

Grove City , OH

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September 19, 2012 08:39 AM ET

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Anybody that has a strong winning traditions such as the Lakers, Yankees, Celtics are all commonly referred to as an Evil Empire of the sorts from one coast or another by disgruntled fans and sorry owners of losing franchises.........get a grip, ITS CALLED EXCELLENCE!

All about the Apple

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September 19, 2012 08:48 AM ET

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QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 08:41 AM ET 09.19 by G-B

It will get there.

I don't think it will ever "get" there. I think part of the issue is that the large market teams have intangibles that are out of the control of the franchises, like marketing opportunities, weather, global exposure, etc.