Why The L.A. Lakers Won’t Sign Gilbert Arenas

The Los Angeles Times follows up on The Basketball News’ report claiming Gilbert Arenas could sign with the Lakers as a free agent this summer:

Basketball News reported that both local teams will pursue Washington free agent Gilbert Arenas, which came as news to the Lakers, who have all the stars, not to mention salary, they need.

The AM Take: Two words: not happening. I can’t see the Lakers changing their current best-in-the-west nucleus for Gilbert Arenas.

I know. The Hibachi hails from the left coast, specifically the City of Angeles. Even though his game and personality is Hollywood, its unlikely Arenas sports purple-and-gold next season.

Why fix what isn’t broken? The new-look Lakers are flying. They’re talented. They’re deep. And most importantly, they’re playing together. Adding a high-maintenance, shot-first star like Arenas would compromise chemistry and set back progress.

No money is available for Arenas. The Lakers have 75 million dollars in committed salary for 2008-09. In 2009-10, Lamar Odom’s deal expires, but the club has to worry about Kobe Bryant opting-out and signing Andrew Bynum to an extension.

Some scorers have trouble with the triple-post. Before shifting to the one-spot, Ron Harper struggled in Chicago. Out west, Mitch Richmond and Gary Payton went MIA. True, the current Lakers don’t exclusively run Coach Jackson’s offensive sets, but Arenas’ amazing skills could get lost.

History has shown L.A. (the Lakers) isn’t big enough for three mega stars. Bryant and Jackson recently recommitted to the organization; there’s little chance they’ll want larger-than-life ‘Gilbertology’ in the mix.

L.A. is about happy endings. But remodelling the Lakers for Arenas would be a tragedy.

Should the Lakers chase Arenas as a free agent this summer? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts. Click here for more of Oly Sandor’s NBA Blog and to get his AM Take.

(Image courtesy of photographer Scott Abelman’s portfolio at flickr.com).