Lakers making moves

It didn't take long for the Lakers to start wheeling and dealing. The two-time defending NBA Champions aren't afraid to make a go for the third.

Last year, after all the team turmoil, the fights with Kobe and Shaq, the public cry of Phil Jackson, the Lakers still managed to win another.

I guess they knew, and figured, it would be hard for them to do it a third year without new help, however, and the seemingly endless search for a solid third scorer has been ended.

The new found Laker is none other then a prolific 13 year NBA vet -- Mitch Richmond, who mostly played his career with the Kings and was just recently with the Wizards.

Richmond sat out alot of last year due to injury. He knew returning to Washington again this year would dampen his career because of there obvious decision to build for the future with the draft pick of Kwame Brown. They also already have a shooting guard there in Rip Hamilton.

So Mitch decided it be best if he packed his bag and left.

So now that the Lakers have a solid third scorer, what else to they need?

Oh yes, with Horace Grant leaving for Orlando, they needed to fill the front court out. How about Samaki Walker? Walker, 25, is a five-year veteran who was originally the ninth overall pick in the 1996 NBA draft. He played his first three years with Dallas and the past two seasons with San Antonio. In 61 games last season he averaged 5.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. His career averages are 5.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.2 minutes. He might lack numbers, but makes up for it with potential.

The Lakers probably won't make anymore major changes until the season comes. They have their season schedule already, and open up with a game versus the Portland Trailblazers on October 31st. It will be broadcasted on TBS nationwide, and then, we will all begin to see if the Lakers have what it takes to three-peat and become a dynasty.