Caron Butler also has a $10 million expiring contract which can be dangled in front of

Caron Butler also has a $10 million expiring contract, which can be dangled in front of other teams as sign-and-trade possibilities. I don’t think they’re going to be able to land any of the big-time guys, but they do have room to try 8. Are the Spurs done contending for championships with their current core?GR:  The Spurs certainly do seem like they might be ready to ride off into the sunset. Tim Duncan is showing signs of aging and Parker has not been his usual self due to an array of injuries this season. The acquisition of Richard Jefferson did not put them over the top like some thought. The Spurs are missing the tough defensive play of Bruce Bowen and the crazy come-out-of-nowhere threes in the playoffs of Big Shot Robert Horry.

There is little to no chance the Spurs will be able to win another title with their current make up.TS:  It’s hard to believe, but it appears as though they are. While Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili continue to play at high levels, it appears as though their supporting cast has fallen apart. DeJuan Blair and George Hill are solid, but they’re both also very inexperienced. Roger Mason Jr.‘s production has taken a hit, Michael Finley and Antonio McDyess are shells of their former selves, and they’re getting nothing from Richard Jefferson or Matt Bonner. This season has been a major disappointment so far in San Antonio, and their goose looks cooked 9. If Phil Jackson leaves, who will the Lakers get to coach?GR:  If the Zen Master decides to call it quits after this season, the Lakers will have a difficult decision.

My best guess is that they would pursue an experienced coach with Finals experience like an Avery Johnson; however, everyone knows the coach will be subject to Kobe’s approval and he may lean more towards trying to lure Kurt Rambis back from the T-Wolves.TS:  It seemed as though Kurt Rambis was supposed to be that guy, but since he bolted, the door appears to be reopened. I do think Lakers assistant Brian Shaw is certainly a candidate, and to me would appear to be the frontrunner should the position become vacant. I’m sure they could basically lure whomever they wanted to become their next coach, but I’m not sure they won’t keep it in house 10. How (if possible) can the Golden State Warriors be fixed?GR:  Golden State can only be fixed if Don Nelson learns how to coach defense.