Lakers’ week in review
The Lakers rebounded from the loss of Dwight Howard, adding a number of free agents while losing fan-favorite Metta World Peace.
Center Chris Kaman said he took less money to join the Lakers on a one-year deal at $3.2 million.
Point guard Jordan Farmar agreed to rejoin the Lakers after playing overseas -- assuming a buyout from his Turkish club can be accomplished.
The Lakers signed guard/forward Nick Young to a one-year, minimum contract. Young called the deal a “dream come true.†The team needs him to do what he does best -- score.
Guard/forward Wesley Johnson also agreed to terms with the Lakers, another quality pickup by General Manager Mitch Kupchak -- also at a minimum salary.
The Lakers also brought back center Robert Sacre on a three-year deal after he survived a difficult rookie season.
On Thursday, the Lakers made it official, using their one-time amnesty on World Peace, choosing money over the veteran forward. He cleared waivers on Sunday, becoming a free agent.
The NBA released its new salary cap figures, setting up the Lakers to pay about $25 million in tax. By letting World Peace go, the team saved a net of about $15 million.
Kobe Bryant lamented the loss of World Peace before the team actually pulled the trigger.
Lakers fans are likely to miss World Peace and his surreal take on life. What’s next for the forward? According to his Twitter feed, he wants to play for the Los Angeles Kings and Dodgers -- although the Clippers or New York Knicks may be more realistic destinations.
The reaction to Howard’s decision was widespread and varied. Bryant tweeted backhanded words of “support†to Howard.
Steve Nash said the Lakers “didn’t have a chance†walking into their meeting to convince Howard to stay. He also thinks the Lakers and Coach Mike D’Antoni can rebound from their “disaster†season.
Houston Point guard Jeremy Lin said Howard is “huge†for his team. The Rockets were fined $150,000 for speaking publicly about landing the center during the league’s annual moratorium.
Bryant talked at length about Howard and the Lakers at his summer camp in Santa Barbara. Despite recovering from an Achilles’ injury -- or maybe because of it -- Bryant said he’s ready to play at least an additional three seasons.
In fact, he insists that he’s “far ahead†of schedule in terms of rehab. Bryant has memorabilia up for auction and on display -- until the display closes on July 19.
Bryant can help the Lakers rebuild quickly if he takes a minimum contract in 2014, then making up some of the difference with a maximum contract in 2015.
If so, the argument can be made that the Lakers should get under the luxury tax threshold for the season ahead.
The Lakers introduced draft pick Ryan Kelly (48th), although the Duke forward will miss summer league as he rehabs from April foot surgery.
Sacre and Josh Selby headline the Lakers’ Las Vegas summer league roster. The Lakers lost their first game on Friday to the Cleveland Cavaliers but won on Sunday over the Portland Trail Blazers.
Andrew Goudelock is unlikely to return to the Lakers, playing for the Chicago Bulls’ summer team.
Time Warner Cable SportsNet aired the first portion of Steve Nash’s soccer Showdown NYC -- the second was played on Sunday in Los Angeles.
The Washington Kastles, of World TeamTennis, have 34 straight wins -- earning praise from Lakers’ owner/executive Jeanie Buss for outpacing the Lakers’ all-time NBA record of 33 straight wins.
Finally, services were held Saturday for Flynn Robinson, the late former Lakers guard.
ALSO:
Lakers need Nick Young to do what he does best — score
Metta World Peace becomes free agent by clearing amnesty waivers
Wesley Johnson: Another quality signing by Lakers at minimum salary
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