Sam Cassell Rejects Clippers' Offer

by user Wtt02005

While watching ESPN, I saw that Vladimir Radmanovich and Tim Thomas agreed to deals with the Lakers and Clippers respectively. Following this, ESPN reported that Sam Cassell rejected an offer by the Clippers. It did not go on to say if Sam took his one-year option to become a free agent.

I believe that negotiations are still in progress and Cassell will continue to work things out with the club. He already stated during the playoffs that he wanted to end his career with the Clippers.

This got me thinking. If Cassell leaves the Clippers, then he will have to find a team looking for a veteran point guard. Do I hear Lakers? Along with a man in the frontcourt, the Lakers are looking for a veteran point guard who can teach Smush Parker. Parker played well in the playoffs but when push comes to shove, he plays timid and is still too young for prime time.

However, adding Cassell to the roster means the Lakers are looking for a short term fix to their problems. Cassell will eventually retire, and if Parker (or whoever they have playing point guard) isn't ready, then they're back to square one.

But, I do think the Lakers are looking at the short term. Phil Jackson's plan is to have the team ready for a championship in two more years. In the third year, the Lakers are supposed to have a solid team built around an experienced Andrew Bynum, completely consistent Lamar Odom, and of course, Kobe Bryant. By throwing Cassell in the mix, the team can give the Lakers that one glory run in this three year project. Afterwards, the team can rely on Bynum, Odom, and Bryant to carry them to consistent playoff seasons. I envision the talent of these three would be like Dirk Nowitzski, Steve Nash, and Michael Finley back in the day.

If Sam goes to the Lakers, his knowledge of the game will be so invaluable to Smush Parker. In addition, he is the only guy the Lakers can afford right now.