Top Story:
I’m not sure Donald Trump would turn down an opportunity to make $65 million dollars, but I guess Carmelo Anthony isn’t a money man. Reports say that Melo will not accept the Nuggets massive contract extension, and will become a free agent next season.
Anthony just recently got married and rumors say he would like to move closer to his wife, and his wife lives in New York. Yes Knicks fans, Carmelo Anthony may be headed to the Garden next off-season.
[Reports say Carmelo Anthony will not sign his extension: Yahoo Sports]
The Latest on the Lakers.
The Lakers have the highest payroll in the NBA, but Jerry Buss says the team will not cut cost. The Lakers added more depth to their bench and re-signed Fish, Phil Jackson and Shannon Brown. Despite the fact that the Lakers have a payroll of $91,906,072 for next season, Jerry Buss is still looking to add more players. Most people would not approve of Buss’ financial decision, but if you want to create a dynasty, money must be spent. [Pro Basketball Talk]
Pau Gasol is very skilled on the basketball court and helped the Lakers win back-to-back titles. However, when Pau was young he didn’t have dreams about winning titles, but dreams of working in a hospital. Pau wanted to help people through medicine and ultimately find a cure for AIDS. “When they’d ask me what I wanted to be, I’d say doctor. I wanted to be a scientist,” said Pau. ” That was my answer. I always enjoyed biology, science — math even.” Dr. Gasol… that sounds nice. [ESPN Los Angeles]
The Lakers may not have signed the marquee free agents, but the defending champions got better, much better. The Lakers have arguably the best bench in the league and the most balanced starting five in the NBA. With the signing of Shannon Brown, the Lakers are ready to defend their title. [Dime Mag]
The Lakers signed Shannon Brown to a 2-year, $4.6 million dollar deal, adding another solid player to their new and improved bench. Last season the reserves gave up many leads and sometimes lost games for the Lakers. However, I have a feeling that will not happen as much this season. [LA Times]
The Latest on the NBA.
The Knicks have added another player to their roster, this time they added sharp-shooter Roger Mason. Although the Knicks didn’t sign Wade, Bosh or Bron, they have a solid roster. After a decade of losing and losing, the Knicks are posed for a winning season. [Slam Mag]
Shaquille O’Neal officially signed with the Boston Celtics and just made the C’s a much older team. Shaq is taking a major pay cut to play for the Celtics and is looking to end his career with a title. O’Neal helped the Lakers win three titles, but has now joined their hated rivals. A Lakers-Celtics Finals re-match next season would be very, very interesting. [LA Times]
The Oklahoma City Thunder signed their rookie, Cole Aldrich. The Thunder gave the Lakers all they could handle in the first round, and with the addition of Aldrich, the Thunder improved on their biggest weak spot. With their players having one more year of experience under their belt, the Thunder are looking to make a big splash this season. [ESPN.com]
The Bulls dramatically improved their team in the 2010 off season, and their star Derrick Rose is ready to play. Carlos Boozer was their prize addition and the Bulls will challenge the Heat and Celtics for the Eastern Conference title. Don’t be surprised if the Bulls beat the Heat in a seven-game-series. [Dime Mag]
The New Jersey Nets were the big losers of this off season, as they did not land any big free agent. The Nets, like many teams, saved up money in order to sign LeBron, Bosh or Wade; well, that didn’t happen and they signed players like Jordan Farmar and Travis Outlaw instead. And now Mikhail Prokhorov just signed…. Sean May, a lottery pick turned bust. [Slam Mag]