Lakers Have Plan To Nab Kidd?

According to Peter Vecsey of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Lakers have a plan to try to acquire Nets star Jason Kidd for a couple draft picks, Kwame Brown's expiring contract ($9M), Jordan Farmar ($1M) and Vladimir Radmanovic ($5.6M with an additional $19.2M over the next three seasons). Not unexpectedly, the Nets aren't interested in assuming Radmanovic's long-term guarantee. There's nothing not to love about Farmar, yet New Jersey already has a promising, young caretaker in Marcus Williams.

According to Vecsey, another source believes the Cavaliers (Drew Gooden) and Mavericks (Erick Dampier) are in better position to provide the Nets with frontcourt help, but neither team nor the Lakers can offer more than the Nuggets - an almost-rehabbed Nene or Marcus Camby vs. Kenyon Martin. Coach George Karl urgently wants Kidd to free Allen Iverson to concentrate exclusively on scoring. Aside from one of the two aforementioned big men, Denver is prepared to kick in Linas Kleiza and JR Smith.

Via New York Post

Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks

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Johnson's Jersey Retired By Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs retired the No. 6 worn by former Spurs' guard Avery Johnson on Saturday night.

The 5-foot-11 Johnson, now the coach of the Dallas Mavericks, spent parts of 10 seasons with the Spurs during his 16-year career and was part of the 1999 championship team. His 18-foot jumper with 47 seconds to play in Game 5 against the New York Knicks was the final basket of the game and led to a 78-77 Spurs' win and their first title.

"I've accomplished a lot during my 16-year career, and I think this is really going to cap it off," Johnson said before the ceremony.

Following a big-screen tribute to Johnson featuring his crucial jumper in the 1999 finals, a gigantic No. 6 jersey was unveiled from behind a black cloth in the rafters of the AT&T Center.

Johnson compared his NBA experience to an apple and thanked all of San Antonio for "allowing me to taste it."

"Thank you for allowing me to do it," Johnson said. "And no matter where I go or what I do, No. 6, I'll still be hanging right there."

Via ESPN

San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks

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Rival GM Still Hearing Kidd To Dallas Trade Talk

Though both teams continue to deny it vehemently, a rival general manager said last week he's still hearing talk of a Nets-Mavs' deal involving Jason Kidd.

Kidd is said to be upset that Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson have better contracts than he does.

Dallas remains Kidd's most likely destination, but the Lakers are frequently mentioned. The Lakers' refusal to give up Bynum for Kidd last winter now looks awfully smart. The Lakers have Kwame Brown's $9 million expiring contract and some young pieces and draft picks that might make sense for the Nets. And, the Mavs have plenty in reserve to make a deal as well.

Via Chicago Tribune

Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets

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