It was no secret that the Los Angeles Lakers were prepared and would most likely make a move before the NBA trade deadline on March 15. With Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and VP Jim Buss having their sights set on a point guard upgrade and or a blockbuster deal, it was just a matter of time before some new faces would be headed to Los Angeles.
Fortunately, the Lakers were able to make a trade for up-and-comer Ramon Sessions and free up a lot of money in the process. Despite improving at the point guard position, the team had to say goodbye to five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher.
Mitch Kupchak went on The Dan Patrick Show on Tues. morning to talk about quite a few things including the Dwight Howard/Andrew Bynum comparison, Pau Gasol trade rumors and the departure of Derek Fisher amongst other things:
Kupchak talked about how trading Derek Fisher to Houston. “That’s an emotional thing to get over,” Kupchack said. “I can’t tell you how grateful for what he’s done over the years.”
Kupchack said that he didn’t get to tell Fisher face to face because it was in the news before he got off the phone with the NBA offices. He said he doesn’t get to tell guys they’re traded face to face any more.
Dan asked Kupchak how close the Lakers got to trading Pau Gasol. He said not close last week, but … “about three months ago, really close.”
Dan asked Kupchak who is better — Dwight Howard or Andrew Bynum. “They’re different players,” Kupchak said. Kupchak said they both have different strengths.
There is no question that Mitch Kupchak has one of the toughest jobs in the NBA. With constant criticism and always being labeled the bad guy before and after trades, Kupchak always seems to pull the Lakers through and make them a better all-around basketball team.
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For the complete interview be sure to check out the official Dan Patrick Show website.
