Post by Los Angeles Lakers on Mar 5, 2007 21:42:04 GMT -5
Blockbuster Trades Bring Shaq and Banks to the Lakers
Los Angeles - Los Angeles pulled the trigger on two deals that brought them two new starters yesterday. Late last evening the Lakers were part of a four team blockbuster that saw more than a dozen players see an address change following the first 10 days of the season. Marcus Banks, who was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason, was traded first to the Celtics who then routed him in a deal with the Hawks. The Hawks and Lakers then proceeded on a trade that saw young guard Marco Belinelli and veteran power forward Antonio McDyess go to the Hawks in exchange for Marcus Banks, Antonio Daniels, and a first round pick.
"We are extremely happy to have a player of Marcus' caliber," said GM Hibachi. "He fits the hard-nosed defensive style of basketball that we're trying to incorporate here in L.A."
Banks is expected to slide right into starting lineup for the Lakers - something he was unable to do after getting beat out for the starting job in Cleveland by Leandro Barbosa. Marbury will continue to assume the role of the two while Ron Artest will move to his natural position of small forward.
"It's great to pick up a guy like Marcus who's had success running teams with a ton of talent," said Lakers' star Chris Bosh. "I think the talent we got here this year will be very similar to the talent that Marcus had to work with in Utah last season."
Banks was a huge addition to the team but not as huge (no pun intended) of an addition as the player they added earlier that day. The Lakers acquired perhaps one of the most dominant scoring big men in Retro ABCA History in Shaquille O'Neal.
"I've always wanted to play in Los Angeles. I feel like this is a place that I should've been playing all my career," said Shaq.
Shaquille O'Neal was close to playing in L.A. nearly 8 years ago but the trade was nixed by GM Hibachi, who took over the team that year. This trade reunites Shaquille O'Neal and Ron Artest who were teammates on the Magic five seasons ago. The last time these two players played together, they along with Kevin Garnett formed a fearsome frontline that came just short of a championship as they lost in the finals to the Phoenix Suns. Now in Los Angeles, they form a similar frontline except Ron Artest has more experience under his belt while Chris Bosh is perhaps equally if not more talented than Garnett.
"The difference is gonna be the backcourt," said Shaq when asked how things would be different in Los Angeles compared to Orlando. "We didn't have a backcourt when I was with the Magic. It was all me, KG, and Ron. With Banks and Steph, we got talent back there and it's going to make things a lot easier for us big guys."
With a starting lineup of Banks, Marbury, Artest, Bosh, and Shaq, the Lakers have their most talented team since 2003. With Andrei Kirilenko assuming a 6th man role, the Lakers probably have one of the deepest benches in the league now following these two trades. The Lakers perhaps should be poised to make a push for the Pacific Division Title and maybe even a championship if they play their cards right.
Los Angeles - Los Angeles pulled the trigger on two deals that brought them two new starters yesterday. Late last evening the Lakers were part of a four team blockbuster that saw more than a dozen players see an address change following the first 10 days of the season. Marcus Banks, who was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason, was traded first to the Celtics who then routed him in a deal with the Hawks. The Hawks and Lakers then proceeded on a trade that saw young guard Marco Belinelli and veteran power forward Antonio McDyess go to the Hawks in exchange for Marcus Banks, Antonio Daniels, and a first round pick.
"We are extremely happy to have a player of Marcus' caliber," said GM Hibachi. "He fits the hard-nosed defensive style of basketball that we're trying to incorporate here in L.A."
Banks is expected to slide right into starting lineup for the Lakers - something he was unable to do after getting beat out for the starting job in Cleveland by Leandro Barbosa. Marbury will continue to assume the role of the two while Ron Artest will move to his natural position of small forward.
"It's great to pick up a guy like Marcus who's had success running teams with a ton of talent," said Lakers' star Chris Bosh. "I think the talent we got here this year will be very similar to the talent that Marcus had to work with in Utah last season."
Banks was a huge addition to the team but not as huge (no pun intended) of an addition as the player they added earlier that day. The Lakers acquired perhaps one of the most dominant scoring big men in Retro ABCA History in Shaquille O'Neal.
"I've always wanted to play in Los Angeles. I feel like this is a place that I should've been playing all my career," said Shaq.
Shaquille O'Neal was close to playing in L.A. nearly 8 years ago but the trade was nixed by GM Hibachi, who took over the team that year. This trade reunites Shaquille O'Neal and Ron Artest who were teammates on the Magic five seasons ago. The last time these two players played together, they along with Kevin Garnett formed a fearsome frontline that came just short of a championship as they lost in the finals to the Phoenix Suns. Now in Los Angeles, they form a similar frontline except Ron Artest has more experience under his belt while Chris Bosh is perhaps equally if not more talented than Garnett.
"The difference is gonna be the backcourt," said Shaq when asked how things would be different in Los Angeles compared to Orlando. "We didn't have a backcourt when I was with the Magic. It was all me, KG, and Ron. With Banks and Steph, we got talent back there and it's going to make things a lot easier for us big guys."
With a starting lineup of Banks, Marbury, Artest, Bosh, and Shaq, the Lakers have their most talented team since 2003. With Andrei Kirilenko assuming a 6th man role, the Lakers probably have one of the deepest benches in the league now following these two trades. The Lakers perhaps should be poised to make a push for the Pacific Division Title and maybe even a championship if they play their cards right.
