He's Coming... (do you want him to stay?)
The Lakers haven't exactly thrived in the second half of back to backs. The good news is that tonight's opponent, the Minnesota Timberwolves, haven't exactly set the world on fire in any scheduling situation. Since February 1, they've been positively craptacular on the road (1-9), and seem to play with the single minded purpose of making Kevin Garnett's head explode. Lose tonight, and the Lakers' one game cushion over New Orleans gets sliced in half, with the Hornets having played three fewer games. Win and they're tied again with Sacto (though, like NO/OKC, the Kings will have games in hand on the Lakers). Not to sound like a broken record, but this is a big one.
Still, for many in LA, KG will be the attraction. Fans hope this is the last time the Lakers have to welcome Garnett onto their home court in another uniform. Hard to argue he could help. But let's say a genie pops out of a bottle and grants you one Lakers wish. Not three. One. Yes, he's a cheap genie. You get one player in the league, the rest of the roster stays the same. Do you take Garnett? What superstar would you add? Why? Someone to mesh with Kobe? A bridge between Bryant and Lamar? A solid, Bruce Bowen type role player?
Want to know the first name that popped into my head? Not Lebron or Wade. Give me Dwight Howard. In two years, he could be the best big man in basketball (he's pretty damn good now), giving the Lakers the inside/outside combination that could be brutal on opponents. Plus, Howard is a great kid, is a team player, works hard, is super articulate and a great public face for any team, and could be a bridge to the era when Kobe slows down and the Lakers need a new star (did I not mention that my genie says the Lakers can resign and keep whoever you choose?). Yeah, I'm a product of the instant gratification, MTV Generation, but I'm still a long term thinker, people.
Something to think about until 7:30.
BK
(Incidentally, no live blog tonight. AK is on a plane, and I'm in Florida doing some spring training work for ESPN. We'll definitely have one at next week's Sacto game, and it's possible we could sneak one in while they're on the road, but shouldn't all of you be watching the NCAA Tournament?)
Sure. Dwight Howard for the future (hopefully we have one of those now, though...) or Tim Duncan for immediate gratification. These things aren't actually hard to figure out. KG is only tempting because there is a sliver of hope he might leave MN. TD is never considered because he's not leaving SA, period. But everybody'd take him in a second, just as 5 years ago everybody's take shaq.
Posted by: mannie | March 15, 2006 at 05:02 PM
P.S. QUIT HATING ON US ROBOTS. OUR OPINIONS ARE VALID TOO!
Posted by: mannie | March 15, 2006 at 05:03 PM
Mannie-
Are you talking to me? I think everyone's opinions are valid. Debate is part of the fun of a blog.
As for T.D., he gives more than instant gratification. It will actually last a little while. I always project Duncan as older than he is, b/c he's been around a while and is so freakin' polished in his game. I should have given him more consideration. Like I said, it was the first name that popped into my head... but I think I might still take Howard.
Way to make me waffle on a post that's about 15 minutes old.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 15, 2006 at 05:10 PM
Not to be a copy cat, but I think D. Howard would be my wish (well him or Chris Bosh). Like BK said, he is good now, and can be our franchise player for the future. Anyone that says LeBron, or Wade is not thinking clearly!!! There will be lots of athletic guards to pick up, but a REAL center is much much harder to come by. Think about it, there's probably only a few REAL centers in college. I want someone to name 5 real centers in the league. If anyone can name at least 3 i'd like to see them post it on the blog.
PS: I love March madness, but I love the Lake Show much more
Posted by: Asaad Weaver | March 15, 2006 at 05:12 PM
Just get Kobe someone who can take some heat off of him on offense, and maybe play some decent D.
If he's this good already when defenses are locked in on him, imagine how good he'll be if other teams are worried about someone else scoring points on them.
Posted by: PETEY | March 15, 2006 at 05:18 PM
There's a chat with Lamar Odom on the ESPN Insider and I really want to read it. Could somebody with insider copy and paste the question/answer session onto the blog please? It's time to share with your laker blog family. Thanks.
Posted by: GOLAKERS | March 15, 2006 at 05:28 PM
one superstar: jermaine o'neal
he's not even 28 yet but he's been an selected an all-star five times. he's a power forward that can do it all, but i just think he'll come cheaper than a garnett
he's a leader and we all know he's got his teammates' back ... i respect how he turned his career around when given the opportunity, he's the best recent example of a 'comeback kid.'
but if i can change this wish, instead of one superstar...get two up and coming cats... i'd love a healthy emeka okafur and chris bosh
the trend here: we need a bigger man to offset kobe's guard play
p.s. and what does "articulate" have to do with anything, BK? the young man Dwight doesn't drop his syllables, that's great. but i'm curious why that popped in your head as a special attribute.
Posted by: CBuck | March 15, 2006 at 05:35 PM
I like Howard but I think any of us is pretty pliable right now when it comes to accepting a real contributing player, anybody, please.
The fun starts when you have to give something up. KG got 13 and 14 in a loss to the Clips the other night and didn't score in the final 22 minutes. A move for him is a franchise maker or breaker for a while. LO would have to be on the table and that's tough considering where KG's team is at present. He'll probably play lights out tonight just as an audition.
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2006 at 05:43 PM
CBuck-
I was thinking of it in terms of him being a guy who is smart, well spoken, and would represent the franchise proudly. Not that you can't do those things if you're not articulate, but it never hurts. Maybe I was just thinking of it in selfish terms, because for a young kid he's a pretty good interview.
But mostly I like Howard because he's a bad ass frontcourt force that should only get better (and badder).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 15, 2006 at 05:46 PM
This blog is fkn Biased, yea don't post my comments, thanks a lot.
Posted by: The World's Sexiest Man | March 15, 2006 at 06:09 PM
I like Bosh and Howard - solid players. But with them, we're still looking into the future. We've done that with this entire team. However, if we want to slow down the Ls, we need to close teams out. We need another veteran that can help Kobe calm the team and finish games. The Lakers already have a solid foundation with Turiaf, Bynum, Kwame, LO, Smush, Sasha, etc. We need a guy that can bring veteran leadership and proven skills to this Laker team. Shaq needed a new start to become a champion. The Lakers need a PF with Horry & Fox skills. KG can play on both ends. If there is one guy that can walk in and play the position we need most - power forward - it's KG. Not saying it will happen, but that's my one wish. Let's tip it off and give KG a warm welcome before he comes back donning the purple and gold.
Posted by: Maleke | March 15, 2006 at 06:17 PM
I agree with Asaad, D.Howard or C.Bosh are my top 2 choices. Both are great now, and have the time and potential to get into the 'amazing' area in a few years. If either of them were on this team, we'd be a championship contender.
Posted by: Kevin McK | March 15, 2006 at 06:24 PM
Here's a player who could help us right away: Kenyon Martin. From what I understand he's in George Karl's doghouse in Denver and was the subject of many trade rumors before the deadline. He's just the kind of nasty inside presence that we need to shore up the defense plus he can score and rebound. He was part of the New Jersey squad that ran the Princeton offense into the Finals two years in a row so he's no dummy either.
Posted by: Mike | March 15, 2006 at 06:26 PM
You asked for the chat wrap? Here it is.
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Ready to go!
Adam (Orange, CA): With the Clippers it seems theres never an expectation of making the playoffs, but with the Lakers it's a different story, do you feel a difference in pressure since you've become a Laker?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Two different organizations and two ways of doing things. Of course there's a difference, and this year there's not much. Both are playoff bound and both expect to win, but of course the traditions are different.
Nguyen (Los Angeles, CA): Lamar, I've been a fan of yours ever since you came to Los Angeles in '99. What do you think is the reason for the Lakers' inconsistancy--beating Detroit & San Antonio one week and then dropping to Seattle & Sacramento?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: The biggest reason is obviously our team defense. It has to get better for us to be a realistic playoff threat. When a team is not playing to its potential on defense there is going to be some inconsistency, expecially on bad shooting nights.
Dave (New York): Kobe's scoring explosion seemed to fire you guys up, but the real sucess has come lately when he doesn't score as much. Any comment?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Kobe is the best offensive player in the league and there will be nights he goes off, but there are still little things to be done. He can carry us at times, but everyone has to contribute in some way for us to win basketball games. And of course when we get everyone involved in the offense it helps our chances a lot.
Fresno, CA: What are your thoughts on Andrew Bynum and his progression thus far? With Mhim out for awhile do you think Bynum will be able put up some quality numbers?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Andrew is getting better every day. I don't think we need big-time numbers from him, just big minutes. He's a legit guy and he gets to work with Kareem every day. He will keep improving and I look forward to him really helping us protect the basket on defense.
T (Columbus, OH): Lamar - any comments on J Jackson since joining the team? Are you guys excited to possibly have a consistent bench scorer?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: More than his scoring what's important is to have veteran leadership. We missed Aaron McKie when he got hurt, not just on the floor but in the lockerroom, and at this time of year it's important to have guys who have been here before and knowing what it takes to win games. His scoring is nice, but he's a leader, too.
Derek (Marietta, PA): Lamar, what is the best part about playing with Kobe?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: I learn a lot playing with Kobe. He's helped my competitiveness and focus, and watching him will himself to do things has helped me. And when people come to see Kobe play they get to see everyone elese out there, and there have been times I've been able to feed off him and see my own popularity grow a little bit. It's been a good experience.
Young(Memphis, TN): Watching Ronnie Turiaf, from his energy and passion and skill level, I believe he has the potential to be a really good starting 4, do you see that in his game?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Definitely. He has tremendous energy, a great personality and a great teammate. We could have used him earlier this year and he definitley has a long career ahead of him.
Steve, Brooklyn,New York: have you been able to adapt to the triangle offense eventhough it really dosent fit your style of game
SportsNation Lamar Odom: I think it fits my game, it just takes some time to get used to. It's an intricate offense and it takes at least a full season to know it inside and out. I've had times where I've flourished and others when it's hard to find my way around. But I feel comfortable now and I feel I can do anything in it, but I still feel I haven't reached my potential in this system. Another year or two with Kobe in this offense we're going to be competing for a championship.
Lamar Jr.: Lamar, I know you take pride in your versatility and inside out game. But would you say you're most comfortable facing up and in the open floor than you are posting up with your back to the basket? Or the other way around?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Part of being versatile is taking what they give you. It's not about preference. I'll post up a small, quick guy or I'll face the basket against a bigger guy with slower feet. And I like to push the ball when I rebound. But it's all about taking what you're given.
Jack (Redmond, WA): What has it been like for you to play for Phil Jackson?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: It's been a pleasure. I've learned a lot in just a few months. My basketball IQ has gone up and I've become a better competitor. It's been incredible playing for a guy like that.
Arman Fresno, CA: You have had the opportunity to play with and against a lot of players. Who would you say is your favorite player to play with and who is your fav to play against?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: My favorite guy to play with? I had a great time with Brand, Wade, Haslem, Caron Butler, Kobe. Hard to pick just one. I love playing against Kevin Garnett and Ron Artest, guys who do everything to win. And the guy I mentioned playing with were also great to go against every day in practice.
Jorge (Chicago, IL): Lamar Huge Laker fan here. you've had some recent comments that your team plays up, or down to the level of competition. How do you stay focused as a team. And is Kobe hitting the wall b/c of the load he's had to carry this year?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Winning is the one thing that keeps players focused. The push to make the playoff should be all the focus we need. And I don't think Kobe will hit the wall. He is so mentally tough and so physically strong and he can shake off bad games and bad shooting nights. And he can pass and defend, too. I worry most about our team defense. If that doesn't get fixed we'll have a short season ahead of us.
Derek (Raleigh, NC): What was your Olympic experience like?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: Right now it has to be the highlight of my career. I always wanted to wear that USA uniform, and being coached by that staff and playing with those players was tremendous. I'll always cherish that.
Don (Long Beach, CA): Hey Lamar...I'm heading to Staples in a few hours to watch you guys take on Garnett and the Wolves. What can we expect from you guys tonight that just didn't happen the last two games?
SportsNation Lamar Odom: We're definitely gonna have to play hungry. We put ourselves in a bit of a bind losing the last two and we just have to come out and protect our home court. I look for a lot of tenacity and intensity tonight.
SportsNation Lamar Odom: I have to get prepared for the game, but thanks to the fans for all the support this year and throughout my career. Talk to you again soon!
Posted by: murph | March 15, 2006 at 06:39 PM
chris bosh anyone?...3 years from now chris bosh at foward bynum at center kobe and lamar circuling around the wings...sounds like a beutiful dream that will never come true dont it...
Go Lakers...
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | March 15, 2006 at 06:39 PM
i'll go with kg or bosh, since that seems somewhat possible.
as for tonight's games:
utah got smoked.
houston's getting beat.
clipps are getting destroyed.
lakedog salute looms.
Posted by: buce sanchez | March 15, 2006 at 07:19 PM
Getting dizzy with the Lakers roller coaster. Can't think of any creative opinion that will move them. Perhaps, we're really a bunch of robots......yacking & yacking with .500 results - Angry when they lose and endless optimism when they win as tough we're dealing with Magic Johnson Lakers. These are not Lakers but bunch of "achers". Will just blog again if and when they reach the playoffs.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 15, 2006 at 07:38 PM
Here's a question before tipoff - could we AFFORD KG? I wouldn't be involved in the discussion, but how could we pay for him? He would demand big money to come here but who would we keep/lose to make room? Would we have to give up Bynum, Kwame? Who can figure this financial situation out to allow my genie work a deal?
Posted by: Maleke | March 15, 2006 at 07:39 PM
what a lethargic start
the fans, the lakers... an all around lazy, pathetic start
i thought mr. energy drink would give us a surge with his first start, but man this game sucks so far
Posted by: CBuck | March 15, 2006 at 07:50 PM
Yo, I missed why Brian Cook isn't playing... is he hurt? Can someone fill me in?
Posted by: Kevin McK | March 15, 2006 at 08:01 PM
I really wouldn't mind superefficient workhorses Shawn Marion or Elton Brand either...
Posted by: Benjamin | March 15, 2006 at 08:05 PM
whats going on?... end of the first quarter.. i'm having the same feeling like last nights game against the queens... NO D!!! man we better D UP!!
Posted by: bUCKY | March 15, 2006 at 08:08 PM
With Kobe as the foundation, the Lakes need a near-superstar at the four and a completely solid cast of contributors in the two/three/five spots to be a contender. Odom is one of the best gap fillers in the league - on paper, perfect for a gunner like Kobe. But for as much as I love his game, Seven doesn't add to Eight evenly. Between Kobe and Odom, the 2/3 spot is too covered. The talent is too concentrated in that overlap. What the Lakers need is balance; they need solid guys at the one and three, more power at the four, and at least a presence at the five. With less clutter the team can win reliably, not just when Kobe and Odom chance upon a fleeting rhythm.
I agree. Howard would be one of the best fits at the Lakers' four. He's good for 20-10 almost every night, has about 50 years left in the tank, and works efficiently in the flow of the game. But it would take a genie to get him here. Orlando's building around the kid and looks like a contender a few years down the road. They have two young, solid point guards in Arroyo and Nelson, a nice upside in Ariza, a bolstered frontline in Howard, Darko, and Vasquez, a solid lottery to first round pick in this year's deep draft, and enough cap space to make a huge splash in the FA market, courtesy of Grant Hill. Unless Twardzik & Smith make an effort to run the hopeful franchise into the ground again, they won't deal their superstar big man to the Lakers a second time.
Other guys, like CB4, JOneal, and yes, KG, would make the Lakers extremely dangerous. But none of those guys fits with Kobe like Howard. None of those would be able to be as effective on Kobe's team as on their own. If KG comes, I'll take him. But I'd rather spoil Orlando's magic a second time.
Posted by: SEAN | March 15, 2006 at 08:10 PM
ill go for KG.
look at that.. 12 rebs by halftime . . .
Posted by: dxter | March 15, 2006 at 08:40 PM
I'm calm, cool, collected... no problem, just another half devoid of defense.
It's like something turned Kobe off a couple weeks ago. We knew this would happen, we blogged about it from the moment Laron Profit went down and here it is.
LO looks like he could do this anytime he wanted... wish he would.
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2006 at 08:53 PM
now thats what i'm talking about... down by one and had them call a time out... good job.. whats up with the refs and not giving kobe some calls?... go lakers!!! I'll go for KG anyday!!!
Posted by: bUCKY | March 15, 2006 at 09:03 PM
This is hopeless!!!!! The lakers scored 8 straight and the fans are on their seats making NO noise.
Posted by: McGarnagle | March 15, 2006 at 09:06 PM
Anyone catch Stu's commentary about Julia Louise Dreyfus? He thinks she's strong enough to do Drama as well as comedy... just desperate for anything that begins with D
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2006 at 09:10 PM
hilarious, vman!
but wait... kobe's hot, the crowd's in it, i can hear the chants... wake up, fans! we need this one
Posted by: CBuck | March 15, 2006 at 09:32 PM
This is way too close, why don't teams that suck, suck against us? Oh yeah, Defense
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2006 at 09:33 PM
Is there another game on right now? I'm just curious what the refs are watching, 'cuz it certainly isn't the game that's happening at Staples.
Posted by: Kevin McK | March 15, 2006 at 09:36 PM
i'm with you cbuck...we need this one. wake up lakers and finish this. we should be up by ten but whatever. Kobe and Luke will finish this one. Yes, Luke.
Posted by: maleke | March 15, 2006 at 09:36 PM
man all this misses.. :(
Posted by: dxter | March 15, 2006 at 09:38 PM
KB8 only 1 FT-a
whats wrong with the world the past couple days??
Posted by: dxter | March 15, 2006 at 09:39 PM
thanks for allowing comments tonight although you guys aren't at the game...
why does lamar odom keep taking 3s? i don't get this kid. NOBODY on the floor can guard him but he does the kobe thing
this just in!!!
kwame is balling tonight, three-point play baby! he's perfect from the line tonight
Posted by: CBuck | March 15, 2006 at 09:39 PM
Maybe if the Laker girls were actual cheerleaders instead of MTV dancers... it's sad when you can hear Jackson coaching, nail files dropping, cell phone conversations, no home court advantage whatsoever...
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2006 at 09:41 PM
Yes, Luke. That 3 was the one that closed the door...and the jello is jiggling.
Posted by: Maleke | March 15, 2006 at 09:53 PM
...and a sigh rushed over the crowd.
way to take care of business, lakes.
Posted by: CBuck | March 15, 2006 at 09:59 PM
OOOOOOK, not bad for a back to back. A win is a win and we were due against Minnesota who we've only played this year the 2nd game of a back to back.
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2006 at 10:00 PM
hey AK/BK (hopefully you'll see this),
At the end of every home game, as one Laker is preparing to do the courtside FSW TV interview, I can always see another player being led over to a courtside table where they give him headphones. I presume this is to do some sort of radio interview, but for what station? And why do they do it courtside instead of going to the press room or locker room?
Just wondering if you know, it's something that irks me everytime I see it, because I wanna know how to hear it! Thanks.
Posted by: Kevin McK | March 15, 2006 at 10:05 PM
Zen --- Dumars never stopped MJ and restrict him to 10 or 12 points. Tell me which game and which year...and I will prove it to u that it was wrong.
Someone said, MJ scored 62 against the Pistons in playoffs. Actually it is 61 in the playoffs against the Pistons in 87 and u know who was there in that team...Scottie Pippen and Horace Grant in their rookie years, they had oakley and cartwright. How many points did Kobe score when he had Shaq and others in his team against say Spurs and what was his shooting %. Kobe has never put so many points against a quality team. Even if he does, he will take 40 shots.
As far as MJ's statement about Artest goes, yes he said he is a competitor and he is good. He never said he is the best defender ever. MJ never gives props to another competitor cos he likes to have that edge over others. and by the way, when did Artest defend MJ. MJ was 38 or 39 years then. SO STOP RIGHT THERE.
LIKE I SAID MJ WOULD HAVE KILLED ANYONE WHO TRIED TO BLOCK HIS SHOT BY SCORING 50 on them.
MJ is the greatest. Kobe is very talented and good, but he is not in the same level as MJ and definitely not better than MJ as some of u were jumping around after he scored 81 against lowly Raptors. Until, he improves and does something of note against quality teams, please stop the comparison with th GREATEST, MJ.
LET HIM ACCOMPLISH SOMETHING WITH HIM BEING THE DOMINANT PLAYER AND THEN HAVE U"R COMPARISONS WITH MJ.
TILL SUCH TIME....KOBE FANS ARE LOSERS IF THEY COMPARE HIM TO MJ
Posted by: realnbafan | March 15, 2006 at 10:17 PM
what a sorry game. two young superstars on bad teams, both seemingly on the downsides of their careers at a relatively early age. poorly played game with hardly any emotion on the court or in the stands. sure seems like both teams are resigned to their fates.
Dr Buss should issue 18,000 refunds!
Posted by: JohnC | March 15, 2006 at 10:18 PM
Great game from Lamar Odom, I guess he is finally coming along
34-32 not bad.
Posted by: The World's Sexiest Man | March 15, 2006 at 10:30 PM
PHEW!!!! Can't say they don't keep it exciting!
TAKE NEW JERSEY DOWN!!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: befuddled | March 15, 2006 at 10:32 PM
Lamar is playing like Kobe right now and Kobe is playing like lamar. interesting... lol@!
Posted by: The World's Sexiest Man | March 15, 2006 at 10:37 PM
"But to express oneself honestly, not lying oneself, and to express myself honestly, that my friend, is very hard to be." -Bruce Lee
Posted by: What's your Purpose? | March 15, 2006 at 10:53 PM
finally.. we won the game..... back to 7 spot i guess..... odom playing big today, it help kob8 sooo muuuch. GO LAKERS
Posted by: k0be_fans | March 15, 2006 at 11:14 PM
I think Kobe is slumping because he's guarded like nobody else in this league. My solution is to have Odom shoot more until things balance out. Just like the Kobe/Shak era.
Posted by: johnny | March 16, 2006 at 01:11 AM
stop kissing MJs @55 man!
all due respect to MJ tho. kobe is the best, because he's the best now. the game was never played backwards.
great great W! whatever it takes...
Posted by: dxter | March 16, 2006 at 02:47 AM
murph,
thanks for the Odom chat!
Posted by: ranter | March 16, 2006 at 04:02 AM