Built Ford Tough Posted November 1, 2011 Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 Most likely amnesty cut: Luke Walton How likely to use amnesty this season? Slam dunk Other amnesty candidates: Metta World Peace, Steve Blake Analysis: Despite some undeniable exasperation within the organization after the former Ron Artest's erratic play in 2010-11 -- followed up by his all-too-real name change to Metta World Peace -- sources say L.A. is targeting Walton (owed $11.5 million this season and next season) as its amnesty player. The only apparent disclaimer is the possibility that the Lakers could double dip in terms of savings in the form of injury relief should Walton elect to retire, which would then make a subsequent amnesty divorce from the mercurial Metta hard to resist financially. One team insider said that Walton, though just 31, has indeed begun to contemplate retirement because of a debilitating back condition, with Walton himself telling ESPN.com's Andy Katz earlier this summer that he's seen multiple doctors who have advised him to stop playing. So stay tuned. http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7147880/nba-most-likely-amnesty-candidates Obviously Walton would be the number one choice of the Lakers to use their amnesty clause on. If he does end up retiring because of his back issues, it does bring up an interesting dilemma with their resident idiot formerly known as Ron Artest. Assuming the harsher luxury tax penalties are enforced, would that be enough for Buss to let him go to save some money? He can still be an effective player, but he clearly isn't the same force that he once was and last season was a fairly large disappointment. Would you be in favor of the Lakers letting go Mr. Peace or do you believe he is still a key cog in their championship aspirations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
?QuestionMark? Posted November 1, 2011 Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 I personally wouldn't waive Artest, but I can see Buss going for it. A healthy Matt Barnes was pretty effective offensively with the starters last year. Plus Devin Ebanks showed enough last year to give him a shot to crack the rotation. At the same time, I would think that Buss would want to see what the team does with Brown as its head coach. There's going to be a lot of stress put on the defensive end and Artest was LA's best perimeter defender last year and still one of the better defenders in the league, even if he is losing a step. Artest struggled in the triangle, but Brown is pretty much kicking the tri out the door so Artest could find himself being more effective in a more traditional offense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NomarFachix Posted November 1, 2011 Report Share Posted November 1, 2011 Other amnesty candidates: Metta World Peace, Steve BlakeFirst time I've actually read it like that.. hilarious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sħãlïq™ Posted December 8, 2011 Report Share Posted December 8, 2011 ^ Can't wait to see him in a 'WORLD PEACE' jersey: http://i41.tinypic.com/9px281.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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