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Lakers pass on Raja Bell

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05:07 PM ET 03.05 | Mike D'Antoni reportedly tried to talk Lakers management into making a run at Jazz guard Raja Bell before March 1, the last day a waived player could sign with another team and be playoff-eligible. Bell, whose played for six teams in 12 years in the NBA, has not played in a game with Utah all season and was in talks for a buyout that would allow him to change teams. D'Antoni has a strong relationship with Bell dating back to their days in Phoenix, where his perimeter defense was a crucial ingredient to the Suns success. However, the L.A. front office did not think the 36-year old Bell had enough left to be worth the additional luxury tax penalties. As a result, with no other teams interested in Bell, he passed on the buyout offer from the Jazz. It remains to be seen whether he'll play in the NBA again.

NBA.com

Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

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March 5, 2013 06:55 PM ET

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Originally posted 06:54 PM ET 03.05 by It Wasn't Me

They should have an injury exception so why couldn't they sign him for the veteran's minimum?

Mickey Bad Arse

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March 5, 2013 09:14 PM ET

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Whose played? Nice.

NickTheContrarian

Malden , MA

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March 5, 2013 09:23 PM ET

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I have a feeling that Kobe had the final word on the decision.

FRANCHiZE

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March 5, 2013 11:55 PM ET

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Kobe, Nash and D'antoni all are fans of him, they wanted Bell on the team. Apparently management disagreed. Personally I don't believe he has much of anything left to offer either.