Interesting Reader Debate Topic of the Day
From Andrew Z, who posted this question at the end of last week:
"I have a question for everyone, and try to be as honest as possible. Do you consider this season a success if the Lakers just make the playoffs? Do they have to win a series? Does the late season progress of Luke, LO, and Kwame make this year a success? If you would have told me at the beginning of the year we would have this amount of wins, be in the playoffs, and those three guys would be playing at their current level, I would have asked "where do I sign up?" Just wondering if you all feel the same."
While some of you have already answered, AK and I thought it was a good question and didn't want it to get lost in the comments. Now that the Lakers have clinched a berth (and with a couple days before their next game), now is as good a time as any for a little reflection.
Phil has said a few times that the first time he saw this bunch play, he wondered if the could win 30 games. He's revised that estimate upwards as the season has gone along. Me? I've done the opposite. Before the season, I said they'd win 46, then and get bounced in the first round. At midseason, when they were on a nice lil' winnin' streak, I bumped up those estimates to around 47 or 48. Then the Lakers went into the tank and I wondered if they'd even finish .500, forcing me to go back and delete the earlier predictions from the site. Now 45 wins is a strong possibility, and the playoff spot is locked up. Considering the roster has less experience than a roomful of computer geeks at freshman orientation, it's hard to complain about those results. Now the younger guys will get a taste of the postseason, which will be valuable for those who are still around when the rebuilding is complete.
Even better, it looks like Kwame Brown has the potential to be a consistent, solid NBA center, L.O. may have seen the triangle light bulb go off in his head, and best of all, Kobe and Phil haven't spent the year keying each other's car. There may just be a workable nucleus in LA after all, a nice change from January when many felt the best plan was keep Kobe and ship out everyone not named Bynum ASAP.
So what do you think? Success or not? Is it championships or bust (the George Steinbrenner approach to fandom)? Will you take what you can get?
Obviously, fans want the whole enchilada. But putting aside the chest puffing, "NOTHING BUT A CHAMPIONSHIP IS ACCEPTABLE!" rhetoric for a moment, I would have to say that even if they're bounced in the first round, this was a successful season for the purple and gold. Not enough to rest on their laurels, but successful nonetheless.
As always, justify your answer.
BK
anyone who says this season has not made them happy after all is either lying or delusional...we now have a legit chance to make the second round...the future for this team is bright I believe even without any major changes.
Posted by: jp | April 17, 2006 at 12:50 PM
I'll be posting my answers shortly...
BK...is it Berth or birth? lol
Posted by: Faith | April 17, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Great question. I think no matter what happens in the playoffs, the Lakers have given us hope for what they can be in the future. There's flashes of the old 'Showtime', and flashes of lockdown defense. When those flashes become a consistent presence for the Lakers they will be contending with the elite again. Andrew Bynum could be a great center one day, and I'm excited for the growth of Kwame, and Lamar. I don't think Smush is the starting PG of the future, but he had a decent enough season and could be a viable backup, if he's willing to take a step back like that. Luke Walton shows signs of brilliance at times, but at other times he looks lost. If he quits hittin' his dad's stash he could be a consistent 3rd option for the Lakers.
With all that said, I don't think the Lakers will be meeting Dallas in the Western finals this year or next, but soon...Like I said, I'm excited.
Posted by: Joe | April 17, 2006 at 12:53 PM
Nice catch, Faith. Missed that one in the editing process (one of those toughies that spell check won't get for you!).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 17, 2006 at 01:05 PM
Do not adhere, if you don't win the ring youve done something wrong. Lakers need to take large steps in achieveing the goal. Still far away from the prize it is important to remember this is professional. I care not for these men, i love great basketball. Ive seen very little great team basketball from the Lakers this year, nor do i feel like improvment is a victory. Victory is the only improvment i consider a progression, and until Kobe takes his will out on the rest of the league, and destroy those in path, i do not adhere. Wining cures all the ailments.
Posted by: Nik Kannan | April 17, 2006 at 01:07 PM
I really like the development of our players. It is a lot more that anyone (especially me) expected from even the middle of the season.
It's been said many times so here's once more, if the Lakers play great defense, the playoffs are wide open. They will go as far as their D takes them.
Posted by: Andy B | April 17, 2006 at 01:15 PM
Well, darnit it Faith, too fast, you beat me to that one. I was hoping to flaunt it at the K brothers for a change.
At the beginning of the season, I would have been happy to see a playoff spot. But as the team progressed and particularly Lamar and kwame, my expectations have increased.
I think anything less than a conference final would be a disappointment.
I make this judgment based on a few things:
1. Lakers are playing like they belong. Gone are the days of losing to teams they should beat.
2. They have the best seed in the West. #7 ensures they avoid both San Antonio and Dallas until the Conf Finals.
3. Phoenix is a shadow of its former self without some D aka Kurt Thomas. Since Thomas went out, they've been a .500 team. That hasn't changed and Kurt's not back until the 2nd Round...1 series too late.
4. Kobe will consider it a failed season if they don't win the Championship this year.
Posted by: Brandon | April 17, 2006 at 01:21 PM
Actually, berth is correct (it means position or spot). They didn't clinch a baby.
To the question. In the NBA, teams don't go from out of the playoffs to the finals, it is a process. It's not bad just to make the playoffs and win a couple of games with a young team. As long as they make it a 6 or 7 game series, then it will be a success. They have the talent to win a series, but I'm not sure they defend well enough.
Posted by: trey | April 17, 2006 at 01:23 PM
This season has been a success. A 45-37 record (NOK goes down tomorrow) is nothing to be ashamed of considering our roster's inherent weaknesses.
That being said, I will still be disappointed if (and probably will) we're eliminated in the first round because we could win the series if we had a little more depth. Only about half of our roster has any playoff experience, and only Kobe and Devean (Aaron McKie doesn't count) have played into May and June. This is a huge factor. Psychological toughness and ice through the veins is a prerequisite for a championiship squad, and we've got too many bright-eyed kids who don't have it. Thus, Kobe's going to take it upon himself to win the series, and that's just not enough. Even the greatest player on the planet can't will his way against a top team. I see the only way we can win against Phoenix is to turn the series into a defensive grinder, forcing Phoneix into as many half-court sets as possible. If we play their game, we're out in four.
As much as I have come to expect excellence from the Lakers, I have to be realistic. Championiship or bust is wishful thinking. That doesn't mean I don't perform idiotic rituals before a game in order to ensure a win, or that I don't keep a little pilot light of hope burning deep down that we can win it all (anything's possible). But once the rational side of my brain assesses the playoff picture this year(fierce fierce fierce competition), I don't see a championship for the purple and gold. Beating Phoenix would be a great accomplishment, but then beat the Spurs? And then Pistons? It would take a miracle.
I'm looking forward to next year, though. A championship run will start looking a lot more plausible if the Lakers can improve upon what they've accomplished during the second half of this season.
Posted by: Sasquatch | April 17, 2006 at 01:24 PM
Aww, what the heck, I'd be disappointed if they don't win the Championship. I wouldn't consider it a failure though if they make it to the Finals.
Some Upsets in the East (mainly Pistons early exit) and I think the Champs can be anybody.
This is the Year of the Upsets.
Posted by: Brandon | April 17, 2006 at 01:25 PM
for me; if I've been entertained and we beat a couple of GREAT teams, its been a successful season. KOBE BRYANT's performance made the season REALLY ajoy to watch and being ABLE to see the first POST SHAQ PLAYOFFS series would just make it GREAT. this TEAM was upNdown all year. BUT, from the START they showed they are for REALZZZ. that 6-1 road TRPI, beating the MAVS 2ice in a ROW, keeping alomost EVERY GAME close, it was just a COOL season to watch. and, WELL, MrBRYANT has emeged as the BEST ball player in the PLANET earth. we COULD have the 06MVP wearin P&G. and from the HISTORY of the PEOPLE we have in our TEAM, we SHOULD be pretty hard to GET RID OF in the PLAYOFF. for this last ONE we'll jusss GOTTA WAIT N SEE.
Posted by: rayray (back) | April 17, 2006 at 01:28 PM
My answer is that this season is a success getting where we are, but based on the growth we've had during the season it will be a failure if we don't win at least one playoff series.
Does that answer sound contradictory to you? It should.
Early in the season, being where we are now would be considered a successful season. However, based on the growth and gains by the entire Laker roster and how well we are playing right now, it would be a huge failure for us not to step up and win a playoff series against a Phoenix Suns team that I still think is tremendously vulnerable.
Posted by: Jimbo | April 17, 2006 at 01:30 PM
Brandon-
Sorry Faith stole your thunder. Feel free to flaunt anyway, if you'd like.
I think your last point about Kobe is interesting. I agree, he will think it's a failed season, at least to a large degree, because he's so driven to win. That's part of what makes him great. But even Kobe has spoken of this group's limitations and the long odds of succeeding with their youth, etc. It's an interesting question that I'll see if he'll answer before the year is out.
Another good thing about the late season turnaround is that it gives the Lakers options. They've seen what Kwame can look like at center, they've seen what the combo of LO/Kobe can look like when it's effective. Even better, other teams have seen the same thing. Both Odom and Kwame are more attractive as trade options now than they were four months ago. I'm not saying they should be moved, but options are the most important thing a team can have when rebuilding a roster. Take a look at the Knicks, who don't have many. Too many horrible contracts for unwanted players. Watching them try to squirm out of their situation, if they even can, is going to be painful.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 17, 2006 at 01:30 PM
it's BERTH not BIRTH...u had it right BK
Posted by: Mike G | April 17, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Thanks for using my question.
It's interesting because I was one who was screaming to blow the thing up around the time ARtest rumors were flying. Like most instant gratification fans I was much too impatient. Looking at the squad now, the year they've had, and the position they are in moving forward roster and salary cap-wise (after next year with Kobe, LO, Kwame, and Bynum under contract), I feel like this year (as a whole) has been a major success. However, I do feel they need to put in a good showing in the first round. They don't necessarily need to win, but show a level of competitiveness and win a couple games. If they do pull off a first round upset, the level of success for this year goes through the roof.
I think after next season, based on the progress we have seen this year, the level of expectation would have to be at a championship level. But that's a ways away.
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 17, 2006 at 01:32 PM
A success? Yes. Satisfied? No. Fans aren't supposed to be satisfied. That's for pros whose business it is to make progress and hold a fan base. We're only supposed to be satisfied when we're watching the streamers come down.
It's been great entertainment. No arguing that, with the greatest high wire act in the biz, if you didn't like this you don't deserve Tacos.
The future looks bright enough. Phil's is a keeper but will we be able to keep him in 2 years when Kobe gets a little more leg weary?
I'm excited to get rid of Brian Grant's [Pat Riley's] folly of a contract after next year. Think what this group could do if we could spend that money now and not have to give up anyone.
Here comes the Suns... doot un do do
Posted by: Vman | April 17, 2006 at 01:34 PM
BK,
"Obviously, fans want the whole enchilada. But putting aside the chest puffing, "NOTHING BUT A CHAMPIONSHIP IS ACCEPTABLE!" rhetoric for a moment, I would have to say that even if they're bounced in the first round, this was a successful season for the purple and gold. Not enough to rest on their laurels, but successful nonetheless."
Being bounced from the 1st round is not acceptable. Still fashioning your prespective according to your low expectation, which has been your perspective all season long. BK's perspective comes from one who practices a low self-esteem concept/approach. Before anyone goes crazy, let me clarify that for you. I'm not saying that BK has a low self-esteem, what I'm saying is that BK feels better about the team because they suffer from a low self-esteem, which is why he patronizes them with his "little" "...I would have to say that even if they're bounced in the first round, this was a successful season for the purple and gold. Not enough to rest on their laurels, but successful nonetheless."
Yeah right! Go use that spiel on your middle school ball players you probably coach.
If the Lakers lose to the Suns in the 1st round they will have hell to pay, from me for sure!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 17, 2006 at 01:34 PM
hey what up lakerville... i'm proud of how our lakers are doing this season... regardless what happens in the playoffs, they made non-believers believers.. getting our young guys playoff experience is a plus and will make them work even harder in the offseason... i'll go out on a limb----"I predict the lakers to win the whole dam thing! year of the underdogs baby!"
Posted by: bUCKY | April 17, 2006 at 01:37 PM
BK,
That's the point I was trying to make (but failed miserably). Remember the trade deadline and the Artest Derby, everyone thought we had Kobe and that was it. The statement made on every web page, radio show, etc. was we had no assets. If Kwame has a good playoffs, do you know how many teams would be calling for a guy with that physical talent and making only $8 million a year (pretty good value for a center). And LO, after a couple 4 point games all people were thinking we could get was a Penny Hardaway expiring contract. Everything was about bailing on everything and everyone to see if we could get KG. Now, we see what we have, where we will stand after next year when the Brian Grant contract goes away and we have money to spend, and I'm thinking KG is no longer the most ideal situation.
Options, that's all I was trying to say. I guess that's why you do this for a living.
Posted by: Andrew Z | April 17, 2006 at 01:40 PM
i don't want to sound like the resident pollyanna (and after all my gloomy, suicidal postings i know i'm not) but this playoff berth is GOOD enough. in fact, it's more than good enough
you have to say somethin about the mettle of this team ... we all wanted the playoffs, but remember that god-awful road trip? losing to charlotte, losing to indiana, getting run out of oklahoma... i felt they didn't deserve the playoffs but then they bounced back... not only did they meet the playoff goal but they did so through adversity and clawed out of a dark tunnel
that is amazing. i never thought kwame would be this good. i never imagined luke playing this. i never envisioned the consistency coming from LO.
this is beautiful, and we as realists should look at this crappy lineup and thank the high heavens for a 7th seed. i applaud this team - the same one i nearly swore off 79 times this season - they gave us a great season
btw, Sasquatch...
"that I don't keep a little pilot light of hope burning deep down that we can win it all"
love that line!
Posted by: CBuck | April 17, 2006 at 01:41 PM
correction:
"what I'm saying is that BK feels better about the team because they suffer from a low self-esteem,"
What I meant to say is that it suits BK for the Lakers to suffer from a low self-esteem/expectaion, that way he can justify his condensending (arrogant) self perspective. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 17, 2006 at 01:42 PM
Kobe for MVP!!!!!!!
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5511026
Posted by: Sean | April 17, 2006 at 01:42 PM
BIRTH or BERTH
Clarification to those who think BK was right and Faith was wrong:
BK at first used the word BIRTH. When corrected by Faith, he changed it to BERTH. Now all of you are reading the word BERTH and are thinking that BK was right all along and should not change it.
Posted by: PJ2 | April 17, 2006 at 01:42 PM
Without using any hindsight…
Considering that we are playing the Suns I would not be disappointed if we lose to them. I think that most of us can find it in the bottom of our hearts to realize that the Suns are probably the worst matchup we could have possibly gotten. That being said, I EXPECT them to be competitive and I EXPECT them to edge out at least 1 game (I would like 2).
The only other team that I would accept defeat from is the Spurs. My expectations have been elevated to the point where I think we are good enough to beat any team except SA and the Suns. If by some miracle named Kobe Bryant we defeat the Suns, if the Spurs do not cross our path I EXPECT to be in the Finals.
At the beginning of the season I expected us to be around the 5th or 6th seed. I really expected Phil to make some magic happen. Regardless, considering how bad we were playing in the first half of the season (and I don’t blame that on Phil, instead coming to the realization that we didn’t have the horses) I am fairly pleased where we ended up, and how well we are playing down the stretch.
I am proud of my team. Despite all the grey hairs, heart attacks, and the number of times I mounted a water tower with my .308, scope mounted, I am pleased to see our young team play their best basketball when it counts!
Go Lakers!!!!!
Posted by: LoLo | April 17, 2006 at 01:44 PM
Mike G-
I had it wrong, and fixed it (thanks again to my team of Blogging Editors).
Vman-
I think your point about success vs. satisfied is a good one. Like I said in the post, the Lakers can call this year a success both in making the playoffs and in the development of the rebuilding process, but they shouldn't rest on their laurels. They shouldn't be satisfied.
Mike T-
Just out of curiosity, you mention there will be hell to pay. What form will your wrath take?
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | April 17, 2006 at 01:44 PM
For me...
I am happy where this team has progressed from the start of the season...
I remember watching those first pre-season games against Golden State... hoping that Kwame could turn things around... and he is...
So has Lamar...
I would really really want to beat the Suns...
hopefully Kobe, Lamar, Kwame and Co play outta their minds for at least 4 games and we win the series 4-2... hahaha.. such wishful thinking huh... but you never know...
That is why they play the games right !!!
I really hope they keep the nucleus that we have together...
Call me crazy... but I would NOT want to trade LO / Kwame for KG...
If Vlade can convice Peja to come over... it would be nice to have a sharp-shooter !!!
But other than that... keep this team together and let then gel more...
Anyways... that's my 2 cents...
Posted by: Ray B. | April 17, 2006 at 01:50 PM
Great win despite the Suns w/o Nash & Bell...a win is a win ;)
The obvious key to entering the playoffs is to peak at the right time and the Lakers are certainly doing that. As far as the success of this season is concerned, regardless of our outcome in the playoffs, I think it's been a success. It's taken a while for players to understand their roles in this offense, so it's good to see them gelling at the right time.
If we keep this team intact, we'll have a year of the Triangle offense under our belts and all of the new players/rookies will have benefitted. As far as the playoffs are concerned, I want to win the whole thing just as much as everybody else, but I would be setting unrealistic expectations. I believe we'll get by the Suns, but after that who knows...
All I know is that I'm gonna have to stock up on Tums & Pepto for the playoffs...man I missed that feeling last year...
AC
Posted by: acjunglist | April 17, 2006 at 01:50 PM
From PJ to Kobe to Lamar to Kwame to Smush to Walton. I will analyze the game correctly and I will be brutal when it comes to blaming the one who is responsible for a 1st round ouster. It has been said, that pen is mightier than the sword, but you know that, why do you act stupid? You used it against Kwame until he made you look foolish for backing Mihm. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 17, 2006 at 01:50 PM
This isn't going to come as a surprise to many of you (lol) but frankly I think we've overachieved. MVP or not, COY or not, we are legit...I'm a big believer in the "process," and as someone who has preached patience all season long...no one is happier than I am that we are making the playoffs. Did I expect it? Yes, cause frankly I believe in "winners." There is no way in hello (are we allowed to say hel*?) that either Kobe or Phil would let us not make the playoffs this year. Phil was 14-0, Kobe was 8-1 in their careers. They are winners, and they weren't going to let us not make it this year. That being said (I say that too much huh? lol) I take nothing away from our other players, the LO, the Kwame, even the Smush (lol)...because they are as big a part of this accomplishment as anyone.
However I believe that each season is played for a championship (I said this in the previous post of the question ;-). I believe each season is measured on how close you are to a championship, and if you won one. There is no ifs or buts about it...it's championship or nothing. I'm not saying we should/will win one this year...but like all things we must take steps toward a goal. This season we took a huge step (which I now expect us to do every year from now on) in making the playoffs...the next step is to win the larry o'brien trophy (that is what it's called right?) But until it's over, until our last game of the season (full season not just regular) I will keep on hoping, and rooting for a championship. After all I believe in dreams...lol
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | April 17, 2006 at 02:01 PM
On the whole, I consider the season a success because of the cohesive play of the last few weeks, the integration and emerging dominance of Odom, and the improvement Kwame. I also consider the season a success because of the “way” the Lakers are playing. However, I do not consider it a “raging success” because things took so long to come together. Before the season I thought the best case scenario would have the Lakers clicking (i.e. playing the way they are now) sometime February, and worst case scenario a 20 win team. So, although things could be better, they sure could have been a whole heck of a lot worse!
If I were handing out grades the team as a whole would get an A- because of the late bloom. Individually:
Kobe.....A+ (is there a higher grade I can give here?)
Lamar.....A- (crammed at the end to get the A-)
Smush.....B+ (much better than expected)
Mihm.....B (consistency was good, needs to study up on the D, probably will never an A)
Kwame.....B (failed first two midterms, but now seems to “get it” and is a solid student, has laid groundwork for an A next year)
Walton.....B- (is now performing as expected but must have been partying with Kwame and failed first two midterms)
Cook.....B (an NBA player who can shoot, great concept)
Bynum.....B (this may be the only season I would give him this grade, can’t wait to see what he does next year)
Sasha.....C (coming along, but still just "not terrible")
McKie.....D (stopped counting the absences in feb)
Phil J......A (can’t wait to read the book about this one…)
Tex W.....A+ (hey, its Tex)
I guess I am just relieved the Lakers are making the playoffs because of a “team push” rather than a “Kobe shove” into the playoffs.
Posted by: Coopers socks | April 17, 2006 at 02:13 PM
I think this was really a roller coaster ride for everyone. I wish we could win 5-6 games more that we lost due to some last minute stupidities and play Nuggets in round 1, however, on the other hand there were times in this season when 45 looked very optimistic. Again I feel the biggest problem with this squad is discipline so hoping for the first round win is probably not realistic. Even during recent stretch we have seen signs when the team looses focus and that happens when you’re not good or inexperienced, for Lakers it could be both. Best example for this team is the 4th game vs Spurs when they methodically killed Lakers in the 3rd quarter and Kobe mentioned that great teams do not make mistakes in running their executions. Lakers are very prone to make mistakes which will be exploited by opponents during playoffs. Kwame still drops the easy layups and the only reason he looks better because he gets more opportunities, Odom still makes bad turnovers and Smush has hit the rookie wall. The bench is too weak for the playoffs. In the end, it is all about Kobe who still does little more one-on-ones. If he plays like the 3rd quarter against the Houston in their last game of the season then they will win a few games but beyond that it is too optimistic. My only concern is that Mitch may get satisfied by this year’s showing and will not make any roaster improvement (based on his track record). Lakers still need the 2nd scorer, power forward, starting guard (Smush not a starter) and better bench to make something happen next year.
Posted by: ash | April 17, 2006 at 02:22 PM
Do you smell what the Lakers are cookin in the playoffs?
Posted by: My Hero, Kobe Bryant! | April 17, 2006 at 02:24 PM
It's been a successful regular season so far, but there are other areas where the jury's still out.
For example, did we make a good decision of not trading Bynum for Artest?
If Kings go deep into the playoff while Lakers fizzle and then, if three years from now Bynum become a flop, then I'd say we failed.
Posted by: PJ2 | April 17, 2006 at 02:30 PM
Can we still get Artest this offseason?
Posted by: wishful thinking | April 17, 2006 at 02:35 PM
Hey we made the playoffs, we are playing great, The light bulb clicked on in Lamar's head, Kwame was kidnapped by an alien body snatcher, Kobe had an incredible year. Everything from here on out is gravy.
Posted by: monche | April 17, 2006 at 02:36 PM
Wonderful season. Thanks Lakers.
1) Kobe's once in a lifetime performances
2) Kobe and PJ, et all, peace in the family
3) LO, but specially Kwame's blossoming (nice to watch). Nice Luke. Smush flashes. Sasha flailing...
4) Lakers Blog
5) Playoffs
Posted by: Baywood | April 17, 2006 at 02:38 PM
I would have to say the season has been a success. I for one did not think that they would make the playoffs. Fortunately, a few teams that were expected to do well, did not make it, mainly due to injuries such as Utah, and Houston. I also thought that Seattle would be about the same as last year, but a few personnel changes hurt them. The Andrew Bynum situation was a mixed bag. He showed that he could at times play at the NBA level, but he really needs lots of playing time which he didn't get.
Even though I didn't think they would make the playoffs, it was tremendously important that they did. Especially, when it comes to signing free agents. Most NBA players not only want a big contract but also want a chance to be on a championship team. The Lakers have at least demonstrated that with an additional player or two they could go to the next level.
Posted by: Roger B | April 17, 2006 at 02:41 PM
TO ALL LAKERS FANS:
It is reasonable to think that the Lakers should do very well in the playoffs! Why? Because, they are not playing over their heads. They are playing excellent defense and running the offense like it's suppose to be. Kobe has involved his teammates, which has enabled him to score even more points on a consistant bases because of it. Why? Because no more double and triple teams. That is excellent team ball! Hubie Brown, probably the most truthful and accurate commentor, has it right. He said it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Lakers do damage in the playoffs. Why would he say that? Because it's obvious to everyone who sees and understands the game, the Lakers are playing excellent team defense! That is not something that happens by chance. It happens because of focus! It happens because they've been instructed. They are not playing over their heads. They are playing solid ball!
With Kwame and Lamar being able to have their way inside, it give us the advantage, not to mention KOBE BRYANT! We have the advantage against anyone if we play disciplined ball, which we have, been and I anticipate we will continue to do so. That is not chance or overachieving. That is discipline!
For that to break down, someone is going to have to explain their actions!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 17, 2006 at 02:46 PM
Coopers Socks, I like your Grades...Walton and Brown are pretty good comments. I think you graded too much on a "curve" for Bynum cuz you gave him a B. He pretty much gets a D or F this year. Sasha should get a B- or B.
I like your B+ for Smush. Our boy Smush doesn't get enough credit. Sometimes he looks pretty bad but overall he has pretty good stats for his "first full year"
#35 in guard turnovers...all the big-name guards have more turnovers
#10 in steals...that's quite a statement
Sure he isn't Nash, Billups but for a rookie, he definitely holds his own. Give him some time and he's gonna be a good one along with Sasha.
Posted by: Brandon | April 17, 2006 at 02:50 PM
As we all know, I can't go a day without throwing in my dual pennies.
I am of the firm opinion that regardless of playoff results, this season is a success. And keep in mind, I've been saying all season they'd make the playoffs and haven't wavered, so it's not that they've played way above my expectations. Actually, they've more or less played how I thought they were capable of and would. There were surprises (I didn't think Kwame would turn a corner so rapidly via unexpected circumstances, I thought Devean would play better, and I thought McKie would play, period). But all in all, things progressed as I predicted (save injuries killing them).
That being said, I don't think this team is truly capable of doing huge damage in the playoffs, much less win a title. I'd LOVE to be wrong, but I don't think I am. But I also don't think it's fair to criticize a team for not playing beyond their talent, which is why I already consider things a success. Sure, the Laker fan in me obviously wants a championship and is always disappointed with less. But I'm also trying to be realistic and pragmatic. And frankly, there's a lot of reason to be very happy if you're a fan.
The Lakers have only been rebuilding for two seasons since trading Shaq and busting up a championship core, and they're already back in the playoffs. I don't care what anybody says. That's HUGE. Just being there should bring a sigh of relief. It may not be "enough" for some fans, but the way sports work in real world, that's fast and relatively painless. Compare the "rebuilding" periods suffered by the Celts, Knicks, Blazers (among others) and the Lakers have embarked on a pretty smooth ride.
Say what you want about "Cupcake," as some of you like to call him, but he's managed to get the Lakers back into the playoffs while taking on only one truly bad contract (Brian Grant, unavoidable when trading with Miami) and one contract that originally seemed bad and may very well turn out quite good (Kwame) and ZERO contracts that were bad AND long term. Obviously, it's way too early to know how Kupchak's long terms plans will turn out. But so far, he's managed to gamble (Kwame, Bynum) and "take a flyer" (Smush) without potentially crippling the team. He should get a little credit for that, in my opinion.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 17, 2006 at 02:50 PM
good point Mike...the playoffs is about advantages, and defense
Posted by: Faith | April 17, 2006 at 02:53 PM
Faith,
;-)
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 17, 2006 at 02:59 PM
lol Mike
"ZERO contracts that were bad AND long term" good point also AK...sucks to be the knicks right about now hehe
Posted by: Faith | April 17, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Defintely a success! Chris Mihm, Kwame Brown and Smush Parker as your starters? They woould not even have started in other NBA teams. You think all the wise guys like Sir Charles would have bet on those three Laker starters to bring us to the playoffs? With a bench of Cook, Walton, Vujacic? This team has come a long way and they all deserved to be rewarded including the coaches and executives with a recognition of a job well done. Kobe ofcourse has to be rewarded with a special recognition...
But then ofcourse now that we have reached the playoffs... We all want more!
We have a chance! We have a hope! We like to dream! WE WANT TO WIN !!!
Posted by: Staples 8 | April 17, 2006 at 03:04 PM
AK,
Mitch does deserve a lot of credit. He has it from me. As you know, I think the Kwame and Bynum deals are excellent.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | April 17, 2006 at 03:05 PM
Faith,
I'm not sure any of y'all can even speculate how crappy it is to be a Knicks fan right now. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 17, 2006 at 03:06 PM
Mike T.
I hear ya. Again, Kupchak could very well end up a bad G.M. when the smoke all clears. It's still too early to know. But I think there were people looking to damn the Kupchak era from the moment it began, and I thought (and still think) that's a bit shortsighted. Patience ain't always easy, but it's usually necessary when evaluating things.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | April 17, 2006 at 03:09 PM
How did Charles Barkley get that NBA TNT Analyst job? I mean the guy is a complete retard. How did he get the job?
Posted by: My Hero, Kobe Bryant! | April 17, 2006 at 03:13 PM
If you compare this season with last season, then yes it has been a success. As Lakers fans we need to stop comparing all future seasons to the 1980's Lakers or the Shaq-Kobe Lakers. The current 2006 Lakers were in a rebuilding process and that rebuilding process has brought them from not being in the playoffs (year 2005) to being the 7th seed in the 2006 playoffs. Take that and compare it to some others teams that were in the playoffs past year, and did not make it this year (Minn. Sea.)
The Lakers have made very positive strides in one year. Will they win the ring this year? No, not at all. They are not one of the elite 4 teams in the NBA. Will they become an elite team in the NBA? Yes they will. Dr. Buss, as well as Kobe, will not let this team fester in mediocrity and losing. The Lakers produced a season that is worth building upon. I look forward to the 2007 season..
Oh, and Lakers in 7 against Phoenix (mark my words)
Posted by: Steven | April 17, 2006 at 03:14 PM
Good point AK.. people were bashing on Kupchak's GM abilities and mocking him all season..
I respect the man!
GO LAKERS!!! LAKERVILLE -- let me hear you make some noise!! its about that time of the year where you see these bandwagon laker fans gear up their cars with laker flags! hahahaha GO LAKERS!
Posted by: bUCKY | April 17, 2006 at 03:16 PM