Will they stay or will they go?
By Jacob Rude
Chris Kaman
Apr 15, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies small forward Tayshaun Prince (21) guards Dallas Mavericks center Chris Kaman (35) during the game at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Just like his counterparts this free agency, the Lakers got Kaman on a discount. Kaman went from $8 million with the Mavericks last year to a $3.18 million salary this year. Paired with Pau Gasol, these two will make a fluid offensive combo. However, defensively, the two will be atrocious to say the least. Kaman is a quality player, but neither he nor Gasol have defensive capabilities.
Kaman’s discounted price is likely a one-year thing with the Lakers. Whether or not he outplays his contract this year, Kaman will move on from the Lakers this year. There’s no room on the Lakers for a defensively incapable center when they already have Gasol. Unless Kaman wants to come back at a discounted price AND play as a back-up, the Lakers will simply be a one-and-done destination.
VERDICT: Kaman will not be a Laker in 2014-15