Wigging out or not? (Scale of 1-10)
Been a bit of a ride lately for the Laker Nation. In the course of ten days, the Lakers have beaten Detroit and San Antonio, come up huge on the road against New Orleans, found themselves within spitting distance of the coveted 6th seed, signed Jim Jackson, saw Devean George and Chris Mihm go down with injuries, gritted their teeth during Kobe's current shooting slump and have fallen back to the eight spot, a mere game ahead of the Hornets.
Say that five times fast.
Information and emotion overload for the average Lakers fan, to say the least. And given how the blogging community's confidence is often as inconsistent as the team itself, I'm just curious: At 33-32, with 17 games left, has panic mode kicked in yet? You hyperventilating? Losing sleep? Putting in enough phone calls that your shrink needs a shrink? Or simply shrugging your shoulders and saying, "They'll make it happen. No worries." On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your panic level? 1 equals low blood pressure. 10 means you're this close to entering a bell tower with a rifle.
Me? I'm putting it at 2. I predicted the 8 spot from the get go and never expected them to get any higher. Therefore, my world hasn't been rocked. Plus, Houston's toast with T-Mac gimpy, the Hornets are on life support, the Jazz are DOA, and KG shouldn't be around any sharp objects with a teammate in his vicinity. As long as the Lakers maintain a .500 pace or slightly above, there's nobody scary in their rear view mirror. The only reason things merit a "2" in my mind is Mihm's injury. This team's too thin to lose anybody capable of consistent contributions, much less one of their bets players. And he may be out a long while. I don't see that costing L.A. the postseason, but it doesn't allow me to assess the situation as a lowly 1.
So there you have it. I'm giving things a "2." But that's just me. I'm a cool cat, after all. What number best fits your mindset?
AK
I want the lakers in the 8th spot. They aren't going to take over the grizz for the 6th, but 7th plays pheonix and 8th plays dallas or maybe san antonio. The lakers have the best chance against dallas who've they've beaten twice, mainly because they have no one that can guard Kobe. Viva Los Lakers and lets stay away from pheonix! We haven't even played them close
Posted by: mike | March 15, 2006 at 12:32 PM
A (1) or (-1) if we are talking about the 8th spot, the prospects of losing in the first round just don't get me going.
I would be more excited (8) about the long odds of getting a top 10 lottery pick (not making playoffs and keeping 1st round pick) than playing in the 8th or 7th spot.
I am personally still holding out hope that we can get the 6th spot (so I am an (8) for the wig-o-meter regarding the 6th spot).
I agree with the Vman's first post. I too like looking at this as a "building" year and would rather see the team do things that will make them more competitive in the future.
Micheal T: People don't root for players because of the slope of their stats ove the years. We love heart and passion (i.e. Mark Madson and now Ronny). Although Kwame does admitttedly gets overly bashed by big jerks like me, I contend that this is because of the PERCEPTION (valid or not) that he is not playing all out, with what some call heart. I agree with your assessment of Chris, but perhaps his non-stellar play gets a pass by folks because he APPEARS to be playing all out. That being said, I agree that it is entirely unfair to blame all of the season's "woes" on Kwame. He is what he is...
Posted by: Coopers socks | March 15, 2006 at 12:38 PM
yeah man Kobe shots have been bad lately, hehehe.
I'm at 5 cuz like others, i dont know wtf is going to happen. its been inconsistent this whole season.
get ready for tonight's game becuase we will lose unfortunately.
Posted by: griOt | March 15, 2006 at 12:39 PM
I'm at 1. Surprised? I've been pretty consistent in my belief that this team will pull through. Plus I've pretty much decided in the beginning of the season that our team is currently not, as in hasn't developed into a defensive team, and we're not that talented. I've also pretty much been sold on the "this is a process" mantra...so I'm not stressin. (Course you can't tell that whenever I go through my Smush periods hehe). Our guys need time (especially the rookies) and this season has at least given them some of that whether they've played at all this season, that's still time under their belt. (Geez it makes me seem like a half full glass type of person---I'm usually a pessimist in person ;-)
The lakers will be okay...8th is our best position. 17 games to go we can still improve. If nothing else, I'd rather be insconsistent (as in incosistently good and bad) rather than consistently bad.
Mike,
I agree with you about the Kwame bashing...but I disagree with you about the letting the young man be a first option (without dominant guard thing). I think through all the years, we've (and the management) expected too much of him too fast. In here with Kobe, he doesn't have as much pressure (Phil just wants him to rebound basically---be Ben Wallace)and really if we do that (lay off the pressure) he'll be great. Check out how he does when he's off the bench, he plays great...why? less pressure. I think that when we put too much pressure on him, and he misses one shot, it's like he feels all those "damn Kwame" comments, and slumps. So he doesn't need it. Support the man, he's already contributed well this season (check out the defensive pressence in the middle that was lacking last year---not a knock on Chris per se, and the effective guarding of power bigs).
Posted by: Faith | March 15, 2006 at 12:43 PM
where are my comments?
Posted by: emman | March 15, 2006 at 12:47 PM
There's no nice way of putting it. Kwame sucks. Potential potential potential. He's not a rookie anymore, you know. I think Kwame has the POTENTIAL to be about as good as Chris Mihm (if he's lucky), which isn't much, but Chrism Mihm is ALREADY Chris Mihm, so why bother? Those little pinball flippers he has for hands are never going to cut it. I just wish he wasn't worthless in trade value.
Posted by: azmo | March 15, 2006 at 12:49 PM
I am at 100. about to go postal.
Posted by: khan | March 15, 2006 at 12:52 PM
DEFENSE IS THE PROBLEM FOR THE LAKERS, AND NOTHING ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
lakers shot: 38-82=46.2% vs kings:39-72=54.6%
lakers 3p fga: 11-21=52.4% vs kings: 10-19=52.6%
lakers could have one the game based on that alone, but.....
include the free throws(bad defense/ and may be some bad officiating), whole new story!
lakers free throws;11-15 vs kings: 26-28
lakers lost the game by 16 points, check the free throw discrepancies, + 15 made for the kings.
it is funny that bibby and artest took more free throws than the whole lakers' squad. a laker team that has kobe, who by the way leads the nba in made free throws. just thinking aloud. tighten the defense and we would be alright. major issue, work on the screen and roll/screen and pop defense (reason we can't beat phoenix), we figure that out, we are in great shape, lakers have individual defenders, but no team defense.
Posted by: emman | March 15, 2006 at 01:02 PM
"P.S. Actually, Im not really posting these things for most of the bloggers on here. I do it more for just one or two of you who have responded to me through email with positive things to say.
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 15, 2006 at 08:02 AM "
michael,
per your word you are posting for one or two guys who like your post. pleeeeeeease do us a favor and just send them an email with your garbage information. I am freaking tired of scrolling down for 5 minutes for each of your blog. go lakers!
Posted by: khan | March 15, 2006 at 01:14 PM
vman,
i was reading all the news on the Artest trade. Indian did ask for Bynum, along with george and mihm. but Jimmy Buss (i dont think it was jerry buss) refused even though Phil and Mitch strongly recommended. Jimmy thinks Bynum is our future and didnt allow the trade to go through. Then Indian asked for Odom for artest and croshere and lakers said no again.
I really like Bynum but we're wasting Kobe's prime!! with artest, we would be contenders. that what i think.
Posted by: the Lamar Show | March 15, 2006 at 01:25 PM
Jordan is greater than Kobe why?
Because Jordan was much more disciplined on offense and defense, his FieldGoal percentage was 50+ in his career, that's insane. He didn't take random threes or jumpshots like Kobe. He ran his offense ALONG WITH THe Bull's TeAM COncept! And He didn't get Blocked 4-5 times by Ron Artest last night.
Why didn't Jordan take a lot of threes? Because he took it wisely, He only shot threes, when they meant something. Kobe goes up and launches 10-12 threes a game on random occasion.
Sorry, Jordan is the best player ever in the history of the NBA, Kobe shouldn't even be compared to Jordan in the first place.
Posted by: The World's Sexiest Man | March 15, 2006 at 01:29 PM
I think "Jonny Kavluc" and "Khan" are the biggest idiots here, Props to them.
Posted by: The World's Sexiest Man | March 15, 2006 at 01:31 PM
0...no worries at all..
Go Lakers...
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | March 15, 2006 at 01:48 PM
Let's face fellas...This year Lakers team has a long ways to a championship. They' can't beat anybody in a consistent basis. More so on a 7 game playoff against the top teams. #8 is who the Lakers are. that is #8 in the playoff and #8 Kobe is all they got to win games. If he continues to shoot below 40%, then they will only win 40% of their games against the top teams. Let's wait for KG to come in to town.
Posted by: willn2win | March 15, 2006 at 01:53 PM
Even though we missed our chance to get Artest, I think our chance of getting Boozer during the off season is very good. Boozer might not be a lockdown defender or a bargen money wise, but he'll allow Odom to stay at SF and also provide a consistant low post scorer. He was avging I think 19 and 11 when he played for the Cavs? If he can provide that number with the lakers, we'll be a totally different team. Boozer's agent was really pushing hard to get him too the Lakers before the deadline was up, but Utah wanted Golden States to be involved. Hope the Lakers can seal the deal during the off season.
If lakers can sign Boozer and Bobby Jackson (free agent) to come off the bench, we'll be a contender.
Posted by: the Lamar Show | March 15, 2006 at 01:56 PM
My panic level is at about 1 because I didn't have high expectations from this current make-up of the team -- even as a Laker fan. The only reason Lakers will make the playoffs because there are alot of crappy teams in the league. And nobody should be proud to make the playoffs with a close-to-.500 record.
Posted by: Dennis | March 15, 2006 at 02:41 PM
Ha ha hhaaa haa! A 2 because of Mihm's injury? The Lakers problems lie deeper than Chris Mihm. I'm predicting they will make it though without Chris.
Posted by: Zen | March 15, 2006 at 02:45 PM
I'm at about 5... not concerned about making the playoffs so much as where we will finish. I would rather see us 8th than 7th as I believe there is a (however slight) chance of beating Dallas or San Antonio.Phoenix runs too much and we don't get back on D so I don't want them. Obviously the 6th seed is what I'm hoping for, but I'm not sure it's doable..
Stressin? Yeah, but not too much. We just gotta get there, then anything can happen.
Posted by: Gerry B | March 15, 2006 at 02:52 PM
what up lakerville... great post Micheal T... when i was looking at it, i was like... man a long one.. but when i started reading it... it made sene and good to see someone stick up for our KWAME... thats true.. a lot of these bloggers don't see his upside... well written... GO LAKERS!!! is there going to be a live blog tonight?.... help me out laker fans! GO TEAM!!
Posted by: bUCKY | March 15, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Making the playoffs would be huge for the Lakers even if they were to get bounced out in the 1st round. Their 1st round pick won't be a lottery selection (Miami's). And I'm from the Bay Area I've witnessed a team struggle just to make the playoffs, a shot at that experience shouldn't be overlooked. Lakers fans are just spoiled.
I also still think that passing up on Artest was a solid move (in not trading Odom for him- whoever cited a trade w/o Odom I'd like to see the source). Artest is a ticking time bomb in Sacramento. Like TO its only a matter of time before he blows up and forces a trade. And I just don't think him and Kobe would have meshed. The Lakers need to focus on picking up a low post offensive threat and defender. My prediction is Chris Bosh.
Mike T- You have to face the facts, even if Kwame was playing with Steve Nash he wouldn't be a great player. He has no hands and no nerves. Watch him shoot free throws, he almost shakes as he does so. I honestly think that he can develop into a servicable power forward 10-10 a night, which would be solid, but all the potential talk of all star appearances is fantasy.
And of course his play is going to get bashed, name one regular player on the Lakers who isn't bashed by the sportswriters and of course the blogs. That's what people do.
Posted by: Jtrincad | March 15, 2006 at 03:15 PM
Why is this blog even here? Why do you even bother to talk about the Lakers? Who cares? This team is a non-factor, and doesn't matter. The day Shaq left this team became irrelevant.
The Lakers are has beens. This blog should be talking about LA's new team..... The Clippers.
Now that is a fun team to watch.
Go Clippers!
Posted by: Anthony Ponce | March 15, 2006 at 03:33 PM
Some people are so high on Artest but of course that's what he does. He's a good boy for a couple of seasons (remember Indiana?) then suddenly he goes off with some wild thing like asking for a month off to promote his CD and getting suspended for going into the stands. Nope, no crazy player for me. I'd rather look elsewhere. Hope we can pry Bosh from the Raptors.
Posted by: SamII | March 15, 2006 at 03:39 PM
I'm giving it a 4. Anything can happen. But if we can avoid anymore injuries, the playoffs should be a lock.
Hopefully, D George will be able to come back and raise the defensive intensity. Giving up 115 pts a game is not going to cut it. Devean can take a lot of pressure off Kobe on the defensive end too.
Hopefully, Kwame can hold it down the rest of the year. This is his chance. He can shut everyone up.
Basically, there are a lot of if's concerning these Lakers. But I think they'll make the playoffs. They are one of the better teams in the league when they come to play. Knowing this team, they'll come to play at least 50% of the time. Good enough for an 8 seed.
Posted by: Rocky | March 15, 2006 at 03:47 PM
this is MARCH MADNESS time babyyyyyyyy!!! who got their office pool goin???
screw the Lakers..go UCLA!!!!!!
Posted by: jimmy vo | March 15, 2006 at 03:55 PM
Okay, Mike, I'll bite, since you decided to take some rather personal shots.
First of all, your assumptions about why Kwame has appeared in subject lines on this blog are absolutely absurd. You make it sound like AK and I sit back stroking our pointy beards and laughing with glee every time someone says something negative about Kwame. The first topic, the booing of Kwame, was in direct response to a topic that had been kicked around the blog that day (a couple, if I remember): mainly, should fans boo Kwame? I didn't bring it up, the readers did.
I posted the most recent one because it was newsworthy. Kwame Brown is replacing Mihm as the starting center on a team fighting to stay in the playoffs. How will it effect the team? How he plays will influence where the team finishes the season. If you don't believe that, you're being foolish. If he plays well won't that help? If he plays poorly, won't that hurt?
More than that, both of us have acknowledged repeatedly that Mihm isn't perfect. I've never said he was an all star, or even a near all star. He's in the upper half of starting centers in this league. That's about all. Not the upper third, just the upper half. Overall he's played well. Not superstar well, just well. He's provided steady contributions, and is neither the problem nor the solution. On most teams, losing Chris Mihm isn't that big a deal. On this one it is, because there is so little talent on the roster. Kwame Brown, at least right now, is not in that upper half of NBA centers.
Is it Kwame's fault they're a .500 team? No. But he hasn't exactly helped elevate them higher. Has Kwame been hindered by playing with Jordan, Arenas, and Kobe? Probably, though I'd disagree with you as to the degree. But none of that explains why he has trouble literally making a layup. That happens because he lacks hands and feel for the game. I think people get frustrated as well by Kwame because he is neither a dominating rebounder nor shot blocker, and doesn't show any signs of becoming one. Take last night (when the Kings scored 114 points, including solid games from their frontcourt). Kwame finishes with 10/8. Not terrible (not great, either), but 6 of his boards came in the first quarter. In 26 more minutes he managed to haul in 2 rebounds? That's unacceptable.
I think Kwame Brown is a nice kid. I think it's great that he hosts Kwame's Korner. I have no vested interest in him playing poorly. Quite the opposite, really. If he turns it around and plays well, if he finally reaches the potential so many people said he could never reach, THAT is a great story. I'd love to see it happen. I am not one of those writers who wishes for athletes to play poorly (unless they are Barry Bonds, Stephon Marbury, or a few other guys like that). I don't need Kwame to play poorly to report stories or post my opinion. I'm also not going to pretend he's playing well when he's not.
Yes, the expectations are high for him. That comes with being a #1 pick. It comes with making $9 million a year in a man's game and a man's world. I supported the logic of the trade that brought him here. I still do, because as talented as Caron Butler is, he plays the most replaceable position in basketball. If he pans out for the Lakers? Great. If not, no harm no foul.
Let me just ask you this- is it not possible that Kwame Brown, like so many high draft picks before him, will not reach the heights you think he'll reach? Isn't it possible that in his fifth year in the league, we're starting to see what kind of player he can be? A role player? A relative disappointment? Not a terrible player. Not a disaster. Just not that good?
This is watching games and reporting what I see. Show me somewhere I've taken a cheap shot at Kwame the person and I'll apologize on the blog. And while I've been critical of Kwame's game, I don't think any of it hasn't been warrented. You talk about blind loyalty, but always point to Chris Mihm's shortcomings as a player as a defense of Kwame. You think Mihm sucks. Fine. So how does saying Kwame is better than Mihm prove your point?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 15, 2006 at 04:06 PM
What im worried about is that it seems like Phil Jax has always been outcoached by Adelman and Popovich.
This is true even during the three title run.
Posted by: GLAD | March 15, 2006 at 04:18 PM
Jordan - Disciplined = Boring = More wins than losses
Kobe - Undisciplined = Entertaining = Wins equal Losses
Kobe Disciplined = Jordan Disciplined
Jordan Undisciplined = Kobe Undisciplined.
This math lesson has been brought to you be the World's Most Sexist Woman. I hate men.
Posted by: The World's Sexiest Man | March 15, 2006 at 04:44 PM
Anthony Ponce,
Sorry but nobody has any interest in setting up a Clippers blog.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamII | March 15, 2006 at 04:44 PM
Vman,
here's just part of the news i found... NY post. there's more to it but forgot where.
Word from the wise in La-La Land: Phil Jackson strongly encouraged Jim Buss to include Andrew Bynum in a package proposal for Ron Artest, but the owner's son fervently negated the notion. Though everyone in the front office maintained shared aims last June, people in the know maintain Buss and assistant GM Ronnie Lester were instrumental in the drafting of 7-foot Bynum, whereas Jackson and GM Mitch Kupchak preferred Sean May and Danny Granger.
How the Lakers could hire Jackson for three years and select an undeveloped high-school project when the team clearly needed immediate help has never been explained logically or otherwise.
I used to think Jackson was overpaid at $10M per. Now I'm convinced he's underpaid.
Still, at least one cockeyed optimist within the organization remains convinced the Lakers somehow will bag Artest.
"I'm looking forward to the peace and quiet Ron would bring to our locker room," he dryly declares.
Posted by: the Lamar Show | March 15, 2006 at 04:45 PM
Give Kobe the rock and convert the dang basket when he gives it back! Get a three point play for gawd's sake!
Posted by: PETEY | March 15, 2006 at 04:47 PM
I think every Laker has taken their fair share of abuse from the local or national media and this blog. However, stating that Kwame needs to be on a team without a player like JOrdan, Kobe, or even Arenas to grow and flourish is absolutely ridiculous. If you can't find motivation in the examples of desire, hard work, and dedication from those three, then I'd have to say there is something missing.
I'm not giving up on Kwame just yet, mostly because I can't, he's all we have right now. But I will say that if you look at Kwame and his physical attributes you have to question his desire and determination in becoming better. When Chris Mihm is on the court I have never questioned the effort he gives. Other than that, its a coin flip who is better.
Posted by: Andrew Z | March 15, 2006 at 04:54 PM
So...let's get this straight: Ron Artest is now the second coming of Oscar Robertson, Dennis Rodman, and Bill Russell all rolled into one? Give me a break! He's a good fit on the King's team and a decent player. But the man is a head case who disrupted two seasons for his previous team. The honeymoon period in Sacto will soon be over and Ron-Ron will revert to his true colors. Right now the Laker's lack of quality depth is their biggest problem. They hung with the Queens for 3 quarters but couldn't finish the game strong. When your two top players are playing 44 and 45 minutes such as what Kobe and Lamar have to do every night in order to keep their team competitive, it shows up down the gut of a ballgame. Their overall numbers may not suffer in an obvious way, but their effectiveness certainly will. This is not meant as an excuse, it is simply an observation.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | March 15, 2006 at 05:00 PM
The Los Angeles Lakers will not make the playoffs this year. Sorry.
Posted by: troy | March 15, 2006 at 05:07 PM
BK:
It wasn't intended to make you bite. I said what I said...I have nothing more to say.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 15, 2006 at 05:11 PM
AK/BK:
I said what I said. It's an opinion. As for this Blog, I'm thankful that it's up. I think it's great. I assume it's because AK/BK...so thanks to both of you.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 15, 2006 at 05:17 PM
KOBE OR NOT?
I am sick and tired of all this talk about TEAMWORK! Teamwork only applies for teams that have the right players to work. Detroit, Spurs , Dallas can play as a unit because they have the right pieces. These Los Angeles Lakers do not. The only plan that will work is to just give KOBE the damm ball. KOBE is having a slump because he is confused whether he should be a team player or not. Stop putting doubt into KOBES mind. Just give him the damm ball. Just because we have some games that have some resemblance of team work does not mean we should hope for it to happen again. For our LAKERS teamwork is an exception KOBE is the RULE. Go KOBE!
Posted by: jiggycerna | March 15, 2006 at 05:20 PM
Somebody posted the roster the other day and said something like "what would you expect from these players" and that's spot on. There's only one name on it that inspires confidence. Kwame's an enigma in a classic NBA frame but what he does out there is what he does. It's not any deeper than that. We dont' have a dominant frontcourt, we're a bit soft. I think the tandem of Mihm and Kwame is serviceable now and agree that the topic of what it could become or will become is interesting. I think the Mihmer is getting all he can out of his frame, the Kwam has more in that body and who wouldn't love to be surprised by a sudden breakthrough in his skill set. Smush looks like he's got skills and with experience could be something but he'll have to work and work some more on the D side of the equation. LO? Well, he's another consistency puzzle. He probably needs a cohesive team game to get to new heights.
I honestly think that if this team had all it's parts healthy this year, we would be 7 or 8 game better by now than what we are. Maybe next year, we will be.
Posted by: Vman | March 15, 2006 at 05:23 PM
Mike-
Don't think I took offense at your post. I just felt like I had to respond, since you made some very specific points. I respect your opinion and the obvious amount of thought that goes into them, even if I disagree.
Keep them coming.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | March 15, 2006 at 05:23 PM
soooo mike when are you and kwame getting married?
Posted by: flyl03 | March 15, 2006 at 05:35 PM
I AM THE KWAME BROWN OF WRITERS:
Yes, I see myself as a Kwame Brown. I know I have the goods, but I just can't seem to put it all together in one continual line of productivity. When I first started blogging, I was shocked to see all the mistakes I was making, when I read my own posts. Pure lack of discipline, not paying attention to the details. I know I have a lot things to say (I'm a poet) but that doesn't excuse the lack of proper spelling and grammar (Did you see how I spelled hussle? lol). Hey, I'm working on it.
AK and I had a little back and forth last night, which made me write this mornings post. This morning post was like me having the ball in the low post and backing your a*s down, and slamming the ball down your throat. It's practice for me. I'm just a writer trying to finding his way through an educated society as a man who lacks a formal education. I'm like Kwame Brown, I know I have the goods, so you should be careful what you say to me or I'll slam the ball down your throat. As unsophisticated as it might look, believe me, my intention is to score the BIG POINTS as a writer. This blog allows me to evaluate myself, and make the proper improvements to make me a better writer. Thank you.
:)
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 15, 2006 at 05:42 PM
How I wish we got Jalen Rose last summer. He could definitely contribute on both ends.
Instead, we got these useless McKie and J. Jackson.
If we have Kareem as a special asst. coach. Can we not have Michael Cooper as a defensive coach?
Go Lakers. Beat Minny!!!!
I'm glad to hear having caused some laughter to a frustrated lake fan (LoLo)
Posted by: hurt | March 15, 2006 at 05:57 PM
fly103:
My post was actually more of a commentary on how I see our society, which, to me, has reached a very unhealthy existance.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | March 15, 2006 at 06:01 PM
yo mike...well so was mine. go marry kwame out in boston. how's that for social commentary.
Posted by: flyl03 | March 15, 2006 at 07:07 PM
ESPN just had a story on this season's MVP candidates. Kobe Bryant, rightfully, wasn't on that list.
I'm a Kobe Bryant fan, but Kobe is a player that scores alot; he's not a pure shooter, nor his he an MVP candidate. He's done nothing to make his team a better team, and he's made numerous mistakes on offense, and he's has broken down the triangle with his poor shot selection.
Kobe's the Laker's MVP, but he's not the league's MVP.
Posted by: troy | March 15, 2006 at 07:20 PM
I'm at a one ..They are young and starting to learn. They still might be able to get to that 6 seed. You never know. I'm not writting this season off..not at all. But I will say this I can'y wait till next year!!
Posted by: Rd | March 15, 2006 at 10:29 PM
Take both Kwame & Mihm at face value. Both servicable 10 & 10 or 8 & 8 centers when they are playing up to potential. Most teams who don't have a center whose name rhymes with Smack would be pretty happy with that. Lately both playing fairly consistently so be happy. Mihm down hurts because of exactly that.
As for concern level. At least a 3 only because any fan has to fret about a collapse.
Posted by: Matt | March 15, 2006 at 11:39 PM
I am a 1...the Lakes will obtain the 6th spot...What has to change: Kobe going to the rack more, Lamar being consistent...Smush playing consistent D and making free throws...Ronny getting more minutes. This is my four point plan. With this the lakers will play the Nuggets in the first round and win..Sky is the limit..
Posted by: breal | March 16, 2006 at 08:28 AM
Michael T,
Your boy played well last night, way to go Kwame!!
Also, I enjoy your posts and the thought that goes into them. They usually provide the opportunity for honest and respectable debate, which is always a blessing.
I believe Kwame has the ability to be the kind of player the Lakers need him to be. I don't think he has yet to fully understand his role or where he can excel and I think somewhere in his mind he feels he needs to score 20 points and grab 13 rebounds a night and be an All-Star before people feel he is living up to expectations. THis might be due to him coming out of high school as the #1 pick, it might not. But we have him for two more years and I think in that time with Phil Jackson we'll see him find his niche and thrive.
At least I hope so.
Posted by: Andrew Z | March 16, 2006 at 08:34 AM
I'm impressed by the number of Kwame supporters in LA. Following him here in DC for the past 5 years, I can't tell you how frustrating it was to see such raw talent wasted. The local media was relentless, and over time the fan base turned on him as well. As long as he's given a chance, and the fans are patient he'll develop. If he's lucky he'll become a Mychal Thompson type player, but I don't see him ever being an All Star. Focus on getting him to score 10 points and grab 10 rebounds, and block 2 shots a night, and you have a solid center. While Caron Butler is a replaceable player as someone mentioned below, he has been a welcome replacement for Larry Hughes. Hopefully this trade served both players and both franchises well.
Posted by: Joe | March 16, 2006 at 09:49 AM
Like last year I have the same skewed view that they will pull through no matter. But I also think Koby is good enough to carry a team by himself (so I might not be the best resource for this). I think if Koby just would stay consistent like Jordan and Duncan then we would not be talking about this.
I would like the subject to be... why the flip can't Koby stay focused.
But they will make it fo sure, no worries ;)
Posted by: DWHS Chaze | March 16, 2006 at 12:01 PM