Au Revoir Ronny!

One of the Lakers’ fan favorites is now gone. The Lakers and their fans say bye bye to Ronny Turiaf after the team refused to match the offer by the Golden State Warriors of 4 years and over 17 million. The price was just too steep even for a guy like Ronny. His playing time was decreased dramatically in the playoffs and was pretty ineffective in the time he was given. Also with the return of Andrew Bynum , limits for Ronny will be even less. This gives him an opportunity to get up and down the floor in a fast paced , helter skelter game with Don Nelsons system in the Bay Area. A style that could help Ronny flourish although, Nellie is not too fond of big men.

 

Laker fans fell in love with Ronny’s energy and enthusiasm and that was just when he was on the bench. He was different than any other Laker on the team in terms of his physical play and shot blocking ability which was a criticism of this years squad.

 

Both parties were obviously emotional , both Ronny and Laker Management had a tough time with the decision although both felt it was for the best. The Lakers couldve matched the offer by Golden State but in reality it wouldve cost them more than the four million plus on the contract per year. In essence, because the Lakers were over the cap it wouldve cost them about 8 million per year because of luxury tax issues. A deal that was just not feasible for the Lakers front office brass.

 

So we say thank you Ronny for your hustle and childlike exhuberance . If half the players in the league would give your effort and joy to the game, the league would be a  far better product.