Lakers trade Vlad-Rad

With Lamar Odom and Trevor Ariza potentially signing new contracts this offseason and not to mention Andrew Bynum's new contract, the Lakers had to find a way to create cap space. They found their way today, swapping the $13 million due to Vladimir Radmanovic over the next two seasons for Adam Morrison and Shannon Brown. Morrison who is is due the remainder of $4,159,200 this year and then $5,257,228 for next season is overpaid, but cheaper and younger than the impaler. This trade also ends up saving the Lakers about $13 million, since they are in the luxury tax.

While this trade saves the Lakers a ton of money, I cannot say I am stoked (more of a ..meh... feeling) about what they got in return. The Lakers finally shed the soft label from being bullied in last year's finals, so they turn around and get Adam Morrison. A former prime-time performer in college basketball turned into first-round bust, known better for crying after a game than anything else.

Apart from the crying and his lame attempts at growing a mustache, we think the trade could work out for both teams. Vladimir's recent inability to hit a three had lowered his minutes drastically and the move to Charlotte should boost his playing time immediately. The boost in pt should help him get back to the guy the Lakers paid all that money too, two years ago. While the Lakers get two young players, who have yet to (and may not ever) reach their full potential. Morrison's game seems to be well suited for the triangle. He struggled to create his own shot in Charlotte but in LA that will never be asked of him. Instead they will look to him to pass the ball well and hit spot up jumpers. Shannon Brown helps add depth to the guard rotation, in case of a injury to Fish or Jordan. But I recommend that he do his best to introduce himself to DJ Mbenga and Sun Yue, as I see a lot of DNP's- coaches decision in his future with the team.