Gettin' Smushed
Before you get all angry about how Smush Parker ended the season, remember that the guy didn't perform like a starting point guard in the last leg of the playoffs because he really shouldn't have been a starting point guard in the last leg of the playoffs. Necessity being the mother of invention, Parker was forced to start 82 games. All in all, his play was fairly admirable. That said, the Lakers desperately need some backcourt help, and a perfect world (or even a reasonable one) Smush would be a backup. He'll have to compete hard over the summer and going into next year if he wants to hold on to the gig.
Okay. On to the exit interview...
The season didn't end in the way you wanted to. But have you had a chance to look at the whole season and see what you've accomplished?
"It was a disappointing end to the season, but for myself looking back at the season it couldn't get any better-- actually, it could be better, but looking back to where I came from, being in the NBDL two seasons ago and now I was the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Who would have thought? Not in a million years I would have woke up one morning and said I was going to be the starting point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and I'm playing for the Florida Flame right now."
(Interesting note- Smush started to say "I am the starting point guard," and caught himself, instead stating "I was the starting point guard." It's an important distinction that shows he doesn't feel a sense of entitlement regarding the job leading into next year. It also prompted the next question.)
You say "was," in the sense that you have to go back and get it again next year?
"Oh yeah, definitely. Nothing's guaranteed for me, here. My name isn't Kobe Bryant. (Not a dig at Kobe. It's fair to say 8/24 has a roster spot locked up next year) Nothing is guaranteed. I still have to come back and fight and earn the respect of the players, the coaching staff, the fans, the media. I still just have to get better and grow as a player."
Phil has said he wants to add speed and defense, and those are your things. Things you can bring, too. Are there things you haven't shown this team yet?
"There's a lot of things I haven't shown myself yet. I know what I'm capable of doing, and I believe this year (was) just a learning expereince. And hopefully I can learn from things that I've experienced this year and grow as a player. You haven't seen the most of Smush Parker yet, and neither have I."
What will you take from Games 4, 5, and 6? 7? And the series in general?
"Well, 4, 5, and 6 were a lot different than Games 1, 2, and 3 because I put pressure on myself. Game 3, I scored 18 points, led the team in scoring. And I just put too much pressure on myself to try to play to that level again. And I just started overthinking instead of just playing like I did in Games 1,2, and 3. It wasn't the pressure of being in the playoffs, it was just myself thinking too much about what it is I need to be doing, or what I shouldn't be doing, instead of just playing basketball."
It probably has something with chasing Steve Nash around for seven games, too.
"Yeah. You know, Steve Nash is a good point guard. Great guy. MVP of the league two years in a row. There's a reason for that. Chasing him around screens and up and down the court, it just looked like he did whatever he wanted to do at any time in the game, and that definitely took a toll on me mentally as well as physically. But it was a learning experience with me. Something that I'm not going to let bother me in the future, and learn from it."
How good can this team be if you stay together?
"We have unlimited potential as far as what we can do as a team if the core of this team stays together."
What did Phil and Mitch tell you specifically that they want you to improve?
"My in-between game. Phil Jackson said I'm either shooting a three or going to the basket, but it's the in-between- being able to pump fake a three point shot, take one or two dribbles and being able to knock down a mid-range jump shot is something I need to work on. Basketball wise, as far as being a better teammate, a better point guard, being able to communicate better with my teammates on and off the court is something I also have to work on. Because I'm a quiet and to myself kind of guy. Building relationships off the court will help for a better team on the court. So that's another place I need to work on."
What do you plan on doing this summer in terms of improving your game?
"I have to physically work on some things that will help me on the court. I talked to Gary Vitti and his staff, and they informed me about certain things that I can tweak up on my body. That I have to get stronger, that I have to even out, that I need to adjust so that when I'm playing out on the court it'll make me faster on defense or it'll make me stronger in what I want to do as far as when I'm taking my jump shot. So there's going to be a lot of off the court work to me bettering myself as a player."
And other aspects specifically? Whether shooting, or on the ball defense, or whatever? Things that you really want to work on?
"Of course I want to get better on my on the ball defense, but Coach Jackson brought to my attention that it's my off the ball defense that I need to work on. They say that I play defense off the ball upright, and that's costing me a fraction of a second to react to certain situations and certain things, so that's a place on my game on defense that I want to work on. Being able to be more alert and be quicker in my decisions in my off the ball defense."
Are you planning on playing summer league ball?
"I don't plan on it. It'll be my first summer that I actually have a decision whether to play or not play. Summers before this I've had no choice but to play. But if I feel the need to or if the team wants me to, I'll play. I'll definitely play."
Nice to have the choice, though?
"Yeah. It's definitely nice to have the option not to."
BK
Heh
Smush is a funny name.
Hehe
Posted by: Grady | May 15, 2006 at 05:57 PM
I wanna reiterate a point BK raised, because I think people often lose sight of it. In an ideal world, Smush wouldn't be your starter. While he proved this season that he belongs in the league, he's (at least currently) better suited as a back up. He'd actually be a pretty good one, especially after the experience gained this season. But that wasn't his situation. He spent the entire season covering the top PG's, all better than him, which culiminated in 7 straight games guarding the NBA's absolute best. That is a very taxing assignment. Nash blows past many a starting PG, much less a starting PG's sub. Defensive aces sometimes look silly guarding Nash. And everyone on the Lakers who tried covering him looked silly, too.
I'm not making excuses for Smush, because bottom line, he played badly in games 4-7. He let the defensive lapses affect his offensive output and he eventually became useless on both ends. But he was obviously in over his head and I just don't think people were often realistic when it came to this match up.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 15, 2006 at 06:23 PM
I feel for Smush, on one hand he's had probably the greatest year of his life. He was the starting point guard for the LA Lakers not many people can say that. But, on the other hand it may very well be over.
It'd be nice to see Smush back next year, I think he has the potential to be a solid NBA pg. But I definitely don't think he's ready just yet. It'd be nice if we can get a vet.
BK,
I know you said that Smush and Mitch were the last two exit interviews you were transcribing, but do you have any idea of what was said to Baby Bynum? And what his offseason plans are as far as improving his game?
Posted by: Xodus | May 15, 2006 at 06:25 PM
If Smush wants to stay in LA and earn the starting spot he has to do the following:
Defense- Love the steals, can't handle the other basics. Sasha does it a bti better than Smush does. If he can make his defender work and be a better defender against Nash and most people (maybe the exception of Shaq or Ben Wallace), then he can re-earn his spot
Consistency- there are games where he scores more than 20 points and ones where he doesn't make any at all. Hit the three when open, mostly drive to the basket and hit the points when unopposed, if getting jammed to the basket, throw it to the wide open man. Assists is what a point guard must be able to do and Smush must increase that. And also score consistent and score at least 13 points while defending.
Strength- He said it, he needs to seriously work out. Him and especially Sasha. With the exception of Kobe, almost all of our Guards, both point and shooting, look weak physically, which might attain why many guards blow throw them. Work out big time, mainly upper body and his arms. Thats what all guards need to work out with.
That's what he needs to do. He hit the rookie wall this season. He already has a full NBA season under his belt with playoff experience. Now it is time for him to get working and step up to the next level.
Posted by: arthas (Tom Brady) | May 15, 2006 at 06:35 PM
In my recollection, since he joined the Pistons, every single "guarantee" that 'Sheed had made had come true.
Posted by: Jon | May 15, 2006 at 06:46 PM
Another great interview, BK.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 15, 2006 at 06:57 PM
I am a big Smush fan, but Games 5, 6 and 7 showed that he needs to toughen up his on-court mental attitude.
As the wheels began to fall off on Smush's game in the latter part of the Phoenix series, it was obvious every time Smush came off the floor he was sulking and feeling sorry for himself.
That ain't going to cut it. That kind of attitude can be a cancer to a team - especially when that team is down in the middle of a competitive and tightly contested playoff series.
Posted by: penner217 | May 15, 2006 at 07:11 PM
The Lakers definitely need a starting Point Guard in the short term. I really feel that Sasha Vujacic can develop into a solid starter; remember, the triangle offense doesn't have a conventional point guard. So tell me what you Laker fans think of this offseason move: The Lakers package Chris Mihm(affordable contract), Brian Cook(1 year left in contract), & Aaron McKie(1 year left in contract) to Golden State, who are looking for a starting center and to free up salary to sign their soon-to-be free agents, for Derek Fisher and their lottery pick in 2006 draft.
Posted by: Oscar | May 15, 2006 at 07:18 PM
Hey Oscar is that is possible i would do it in a heart beat!
Posted by: Bonez | May 15, 2006 at 07:30 PM
Mike T.,
Haven't seen you post on the last two days, but to answer your question, I'm happy to pose any question you have to Tex. Your passion as a Laker fan is something I respect much.
AS far as the Lakers making adjustments to the screen and roll, historically Phil's teams have been terrible against the main play in the NBA, the screen and roll. As great a Laker as D. Fish was, as much of a ball pressure guard as he was for the championship teams, he didn't play the screen and roll well. No Laker guard, no Jackson guard, has dealt with it all that well, especially the Lakers. It killed them in 2003 and 2004.
The main adjustment to the screen and roll would be to play zone, which would have been suicide against a sweet shooting team like the Suns.
Smush is a young guard learning to play the scr & roll, but everybody runs it differently. And Nash is an absolute killer with the scr & roll.
I've written a lot about the low blows Phil sent Kobe's way in seasons past. The excerpts from my book last summer fueled a lot of debate on the internet.
I think Phil and Kobe have made a pact to get along. Is there conflict still? Yes, of course. There's always conflict when you have a system like the triangle and special athletes like an MJ or a Kobe.
But would Phil sabotage the team? I thought he tried certain questionable things in years past to try to rein in Kobe. But no way he would lose intentionally. The whole coaching staff was alive when that team went up 3-1.
Besides, Phil has done things to undermine MJ as well.
Phil is a great coach; he has his flaws. Already a raging egomaniac in Chicago, he flew off the charts once he arrived in LA and began absorbing all the hero worship there.
The members of his staff who came with him from Chicago to LA say that Phil is now a very different person. He used to have personal regard for them. No longer. Phil's got his head way up his butt as a human being.
But as a coach, no way he tanks the series. He feels no allegiance to MJ. He's all about Phil. If there's any legacy he wants to preserve, it's his own. Winning that series would have been a huge star in his crown; losing that series really pissed him and Tex Winter off.
Now, maybe PHIL made a mistake or two from the bench in that series.
But he almost pulled off a huge upset with a very green roster.
He and Kobe worked to make that happen.
Frankly, they're more concerned about these young guys learning and stepping up.
The game got out of hand, Kobe was furious, furious with his teammates, and he was gonna make them play the right way.
He and Phil saw eye to eye.
It wasn't pretty. But it was about the future, not Kobe's shot-drunk past.
So the future is what we all face with the Lakers. It's better than it was, yet not what we wanted, once we allowed hope with that 3-1 lead (you may recall that I picked the Lakers to win 4-2 and was spinning with delight at the developments).
Things are going to be fun next fall when the Lakers open camp and get started again. The team will be much better, but so will a lot of teams in the West.
Actually, my main concern is off the court. I want to make sure the LA Times realizes what it has going with AK and BK. Give those gents a great big raise and let them have at it for next season. This has been way too much fun.
I'm only sorry that I have to work and can't mix it up as often as I'd like.
Michael, people fussed because you pulled in some 3,000 year old philosophy to discuss Phil Jackson. That's only natural. I don't know the entire history of zen buddhism, but I think it's at least as old.
Peace to all.
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: roland Lazenby | May 15, 2006 at 07:31 PM
A problem I feel Smush has to resolve, but probably won't be able to is his unconventional release point in his shot, its the reason he's a much better shooter in a catch-and-shoot than off the dribble. Smush's release point is set so much to the right of his head, that it forces his right elbow(his shooting elbow) to stick out. It can make taking a smooth jumpshot while dribbling to the left very difficult. For a right-hander, it should be easier shooting while going to your left than your right, because your shoulders are already set. I don't think I ever saw Smush make a shot off the dribble.
Posted by: Oscar | May 15, 2006 at 07:34 PM
K Bros,
Since the last one for exit interviews is Mitch, is it possible to get a post with a synopsis on what was said to the other players. However, I will give my one sentence advice for all of them
Mitch - Get off the logo's legacy and get some better players.
Phil - Learn to coach against the pick and roll since you have never been able to stop it since you became a coach.
Kobe - Be yourself and stop listening to the media.
Odom - Show up to every game and work on your right handed game.
Kwame - Quit messing with those chickenheads and stay in the gym all summer learning how to hold on to the ball.
Mihm - Get healthy and work on your power game.
Walton - Work out with the Santa Monica Track Club and get faster.
Smush - Spend a few days on the And1 Mix Tape Tour guarding Hot Sauce to fix your on the ball defense (if you can stay in front of him, you can stay in front of Parker and Nash).
Cook - Work out with Kobe (in other words, get to work or get traded).
Turiaf - Stay hungry and listen to Kobe this summer when he takes you under his wing (on the court that is).
Vujacic - Weight room, have you heard of it?
Bynum - Spend some time on the Super Cat so you can improve your jumping ability to get better shots and be more of a factor next year (oh yeah, and handle your business in Long Beach this summer)
George - HOLLA!!!! Thanks for the memories.
Wafer - See George
McKie - See Wafer
Jackson - See McKie
Green - Keep improving and handle your business in Long Beach (gotta rep for the HBCU's)
If I forgot someone, let me know.
Posted by: Rich Owens | May 15, 2006 at 07:38 PM
Give him some credit - Zen is only 1,500 years old.
Posted by: Jon | May 15, 2006 at 07:47 PM
Rich,
"George - HOLLA!!!! Thanks for the memories.
Wafer - See George
McKie - See Wafer
Jackson - See McKie"
That's very funny. And what's HBCU, with Devin Green? Does it have something to do with Hampton?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 15, 2006 at 07:50 PM
Again, all the right questions, BK.
I'm not sure I like Smush as a backup point guard either even though he has obvious skills. His game seems more all around and we need specialists. A great defender / hit the open shot kind of player blends well with Kobe and the gang. A steal here and there and no confidence in mid range game didn't work this year and won't next.
Players make money in this league being able to do something nite in and out. Smush can put on a show around the rim but it sure would help his cause and ours if he never missed an open look...at least 1/2 the time anyway.
Posted by: Vman | May 15, 2006 at 08:05 PM
Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Hampton's a sweet school and a beautiful campus. I didn't know that Green had gone there.
Posted by: Jon | May 15, 2006 at 08:07 PM
I don't know any guards that play the pick and roll effectively. The thing that Parker and Nash and Chris Paul and Bibby and others do is come back at you on offense with the same medicine. Smush has to fight through the pick and then let his man rest while Kobe takes over.
Posted by: Vman | May 15, 2006 at 08:08 PM
Does anyone have any info on Dallas and Jason Terry? He's a free agent this summer, and with Devin Green showing up more, could be expendable if the Mavs are cap strapped. Does anyone know if they are? It sucks the Lakers aren't able to offer much of a long term contract, but if its possible, he would seem to be the perfect fit.
ML
Posted by: Michael Lynch | May 15, 2006 at 08:14 PM
Q. Who or what is to be blamed for the Lakers fiasco the past two seasons?
A. Kobe Bryant
B. Lamar Odom
C. The Front Office
A. Young / Inexperienced team
A. The Front Office
I'm going to make this precise and clear without writing an essay about it like most of the people here would.
You got the best player in modern basketball in Kobe Bryant and alongside him, you have 12 scrubs in the team that belong nowhere but the NBDL. Even Michael Jordan couldn't do it alone. Kobe needs help. He needs help fast. Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak, get your ass up and do something.
I feel sorry for Kobe Bryant, he is so talented but despite this, he's going nowhere in his career.
Posted by: Let The Truth Be Heard | May 15, 2006 at 08:15 PM
Tomorrow Kobe will be on tnt's pregame or the entire show, not sure.
But right now Ernie mentioned Kobe will be in studio tomorrow. And Charles said,"I'm going to ask him why he only shot 3 times." Lets see what happens.
On another thing I was watching Lebron's press conference and he said, that they never never never listen to what charles has to say. It was cool of Lebron to say that. Then Charles said that if the team didn't have anything better to do than to listen to him. So I guess Lebron doesn't like charles either.
Lets see what happens tomorrow with Kobe in the studio talking to them personally. I just hope that the media doesn't take what Kobe says in a bad game. But who am I quitting? of course they will.
Watching the Cavs/Pistons game Lebron was out of bounds when he made the 3 point shot and they let it go. When the ball when out of bonds almost at the end it when out of Lebron and the refs said it was cavs ball. I guess the NBA wants Lebron to play longer. It's just amazing how obvious they make it. It's obvious if people are willing to acknowledge the obvious.
Posted by: lakofan | May 15, 2006 at 08:47 PM
Jon,
Okay, I gotcha. Interesting. I knew Green went to Hampton, but didn't know it was a historically black college. I guess we both learned something. haha.
Well, wherever he ends up, I wish Devin Green a lot of luck. He's a very nice kid who seems like a hard worker. But like most undrafted free agents, he's gonna have a hard road ahead of him when it comes to staying in the NBA. He is a tall guard, however, which always helps when trying to stick on a Phil Jackson roster. And I heard from someone in "the know" that they like him, so he's at least got a shot, if nothing else.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 15, 2006 at 08:48 PM
Hey, Roland.
Always look forward to your posts on this blog. I've been trying to find your column/blog so I can follow your articles more regularly. I'm guessing it's HoopsHype?
I agree, the K Brothers should get a raise for their tremendous work here. I live in Asia, so most of the time, the only way I can 'watch' Laker games is via the Yahoo Sports pages. It's much more fun to follow the live format here and see the Kommentary as well. So, thanks AK & BK! You two deserve a LOT of credit for making this THE Laker place to hang out in.
As for Smush Parker, well... if we could keep him as a backup point guard, that'd be great. I think he had a fantastic season with the Lakers, but the meltdown in the last few games in the playoffs... sigh. Someone like Derek Fisher coming over would be neat.
Posted by: Robert Chen | May 15, 2006 at 08:52 PM
I wonder what Kobe might say to Fat Albert.
Posted by: Let The Truth Be Heard | May 15, 2006 at 09:25 PM
"I ain't worried about these cats," he said. "There's no way in hell they beat us in a series. They played well. I give them credit. We lost. We shot 30 percent and they had to play their best to beat us."
Haha, you gotta love Rasheed.
Actually, that game was the Pistons until the refs turned into the three blind mice.
Posted by: nyla | May 15, 2006 at 09:31 PM
Nyla,
Nobody in the NBA makes better use of the phrase "cat" than Sheed. He's the king.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 15, 2006 at 09:43 PM
I hate to say it but me and Smush are destined to be intertwined. The same day I comment on his "actions" during the playoffs...the same day the exit interview gets posted. LOL (Just kidding you guys!)
AK, BK, you're right. It is important to remember that he was never supposed to start to begin with. And as someone who has questioned Smush's mentality and attitude all season long, it's refreshing to hear that he doesn't think the position is automatically his (though seriously it isn't). Like many of the people on this team, I look forward to their growth. The problem is, outside of maybe 4 or 5, I'd rather they grow somewhere else (lol). Seriously though, I hope the conditioning (cause he did hit the wall this season) and the adjustments on his game can make him a better player. Bend you knees man, and put your hand up (defensive pose) ;-)
Roland Lazenby,
Thank you for the "insight" to our beloved team/(not sure beloved) coach lol. I think it's interesting that the ego of PJ is often overlooked, while Kobe's becomes overblown (not saying he doesn't have one, just that it's overblown). If you can, please answer why is it that historically PJ coached team has always suffered from pick and roll (and small teams in general)?
P.S. was it me or when you were reiterating AK...you were talking to me lol
Posted by: Faith | May 15, 2006 at 10:13 PM
Uppss sorry Kobe's presentation is on WED, not tomorrow, sorry.
I think it would of been better for him just to stay clear of that show. Right now Barkley was saying I don't even know who's that kid, wasn't Kobe supposed to be in the octagon, lets call Raja Bell, oh no he has bigger fish to fry. The hate, the hate.
Posted by: lakofan | May 15, 2006 at 10:15 PM
Well, this summer Smush will be competing for a slot as 1). A back-up PG against Sasha or 2). Willing to stay again in NBDL and wait for Lakers' call or 3). Be included in the trade package for a veteran PG with the wisdom of Sam Cassel (but if possible more agile than Sam). That is one area Mitch has to solve. I like the theory expounded by "Let The Truth Be Heard". Please don't give Kobe, PJ & Lamar a bunch of SCRUBS as teammates. We are aware that you're in salary caps but it is really a struggle for your fans to watch another mediocre season. Every night during the playoffs we prayed and dreamt of Kwame's turn around. We fervently prayed and dreamt of Smush learning the fundamentals of being PG, avoid turnovers and be a consistent producers with those exciting tomahawk dunks. To our anguish in the end, we too, agree that they are bunch of REJECTS and SHRUBS thrown to the Lakers because of salary caps. IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF DAM* SALARY CAPS BUT THIS FRONT OFFICE KEEPS ON INCREASING THE PRICE OF SEASON TICKETS ANNUALY. We are equally dam* to buy those excuses that they are saving money for 2008.
"Mitch if you cannot stand the challenge, move aside, there are many Laker professionals who can do the job."
Sorry guys & gals for losing my cool!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 15, 2006 at 10:41 PM
aight i came in late on this one, but i was just wondering, or actually im concered, with all this talk about needing a PG, whats going to happen with sasha? is it going to come down to picking sasha or smush as our back up? honestly i wouldnt want to pick, i would rather let go of mckie which most likely will happen, but on the flipside we might end up with 3 point guards, will the lakers move sasha to the 2 spot? just wondering what you guys think about this, cuz i would really hate to see sasha go, and i do believe smush can be a good PG, i think both proved themselves this season and are worthy of remaining on this team...
Go Lakers...
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | May 15, 2006 at 10:57 PM
AK
Can Smush just admit he sucks as a player? no knock on the guy but he sometimes does not see reality.
Posted by: LakeMan | May 15, 2006 at 11:17 PM
Just to clear up any potential confusion, these are full transcripts of the full media sessions- I wasn't the only one there. I asked some questions, but not all of them were asked specifically by me. I think I explained that before. I just don't want to take credit, as if it was a one-on-one. Wouldn't be right.
And TrueLakerFan- I think it's becoming clear that Sasha has a lot of work to do before he can be a PG, and must become a far more consistent shooter b/f he can be a SG. Honestly, I'm not a big fan of his. I think he's a marginal NBA player on his better days. Could he prove me wrong? Sure. But while I expect he'll be back next year (but not extended as Cook was), if I were him, I'd be renting, not buying.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 15, 2006 at 11:43 PM
Xodus-
No interview on Bynum, but we're hoping to catch up with him this summer. There is some info in the Mitch interview, which will be posted in the next day or two.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | May 15, 2006 at 11:44 PM
BK i agree with you on sasha being a marginal player (during the season) but he really stepped up his game during the playoffs and he is barely 21, he has so much potential as far as being a great shooter and phil has said on many occasions that he is in fact the purest shooter on the team, hopefully we can give sasha one last chance to prove himself next season...
Go Lakers...
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | May 15, 2006 at 11:49 PM
TrueLakerfan,
I'd hesitate before describing Smush as having a truly huge upside. But I absolutely think it's bigger than Sasha's. By a long shot. I don't want to evaluate Sasha too much now, because I'll be eventually getting into all this with the upcoming "report cards," but there isn't much he does that particularly well, and doesn't do any of it consistently. He'll really have to work in the offseason to ensure playing time in 2007, much less a future in the league.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 15, 2006 at 11:59 PM
The Smush-meister! I swear this guy has all the potential that any one can ask for and if he works hard he could become a truly huge pick-up for the Lakers.
The biggest ordeal with all this potential is that it takes time and patience and being apart of a winning organization -we all want to win now! The Lakers need to make a little noise and go after some of the 2nd and 3rd year players around the league, the ones whose contracts won't kill us. I can see just about everyone but Kobe being expendable after this seasons performance, but I do like the unit as a whole.
The talent pool that I see the most and have to point out again and again are the Warriors. Man the kid Monte Ellis has is going on, Ike Diogu same feeling he just gets it done and plays smart hustling basketball. Mickael Pietrus might be a little expensive but I would love to see him coming off the bench, instant offense and a fairly good defender. The Kings have Kevin Martin a decent shooter, playmaker and plays tough D - reminds me of Doug Christie, and the Mavs have a guy going ballistic as we speak named Devin Harris. I would love to see some kind of work done for any one of these players. Leonardo Barbosa is another budding talent that could be a huge piece and then there are a few others out there who not only look promising but have already stepped their games up to be noticed. Bobby Jackson seems to keep coming up but the guy gets injured way too much.
The Draft is OK this year and we might find a jewel but I like to see how the players react and play when given time. All the young players I have mentioned are in my opinion stronger than what we have. We need a versatile running back-up Forward who can score and get back on D like Andre Iguodala from the Sixers, he's more like a trade guy but it sure would be music to my ears to know we are talking about this kind of player.
I agree with some of the hard-core bloggers here in that Phil still has not truly learned how to better his team by playing good players to their strengths. The Pick and Roll and pick and pop you have to run it, it works to well not too. If you run it enough in practice then in games it doesn't make you look so stupid when you can cheat through weak picks or have team defense that saves you from being left out of the picture. It has been a great journey with Kobe and his persistence of wanting to win so badly but he truly embarrassed himself by not trying to step up somewhat in the second half of the last game. If Phil had this plan then shame on him for not having plan B and C ready one of which should have Kobe running through 2x picks and just shooting his tail off in order to give us a little credibility. We Stunk and gave up in game 7, that was not even a feasible game plan if you are continuing to dive into oblivion with no Kobe and he is giving up the ball to these guys who are in over their heads - then you have to use the ultimate weapon and at least go down with honor of letting the fiercest competitor in the NBA with his teammates backing him shooting the lights out. I would have much rather seen Kobe shoot 40-50% than what we did. Anyway its history and I hate to lose, I just cannot believe Phil had no back-up plan and wanted to embarrass the team so horribly.
Another season done and I have to sit back and watch the rest of the league develop and show signs of life and hope we either get Kupchak up and moving or Buss moves him for Kiki. We aren’t so bad that we cannot compete but we certainly have to put some more effective players together. We might have really strengthened our big men in a big way with Kwame’s coming out party and Mihm continuing to improve. The mid-range and outside shooters just were not to be found. Somehow we found no use for the best all around game of that style in Jim Jackson, still very puzzling to me he didn’t earn minutes in front of Sasha or Smush?…whatever its over and its wait and see time and I am just running on here- thaks for aloowing us all to vent and share our hearts passion and compassion for the Lakers.
Keep up the great work AK and BK, outstanding work here!
Posted by: Pete Maguire | May 16, 2006 at 12:13 AM
I definitely think we're going places. It was a great last season and after losing the way we did in the first round I think it really showed front office that this team really needs to do something this off-season.
As far as our backcourt goes, yeah we do need help, but where do you go? I think management has a potential championship team if they can open their pocketbooks; however this is not my money. Jason Terry, with Devin Harris doing well now, could bring us over the top if we can convince him (pry away) that he could be a better version of Ron Harper (note: Ron is on the Dallas coaching staff).
The guy I see as not returning would have to be my man Devin George. I think he feels the same way. And of course his salary coming off the books is key. I see him going to Boston, he could fit nicely there, in fact, that could be a possible place to send him via sign and trade for one of there plethora of guards the Celtics have, I am thinking Dickau. But is that really the answer?
The lost experience and knowledge of the triangle lost with George can be replaced with Toni Kukoc, who should fill the role that Mckie and JJ did not do so well (they can go too). In the end I can see Smush and Sasha getting consistent and even quite a few minutes next season. Bring back Laron, hes a great bench guy too, and we might have ourselves a team almost.
VG24
Posted by: VanGuard24 | May 16, 2006 at 12:15 AM
They really "like" Devin Green. Very impressive. Actually, I should have known since they gave him a shot on a roster spot that was overloaded with SG (Kobe, Profit, and Wafer). Hey K bros (hopefully from Andrew, but since MVP race is over, Brian would suffice) I know that anything (rheotircally speaking) is possible but can Green actually take over a roster spot over Von Wafer? I think he can personally seeing as they didn't cut him and sent Wafer instead to the D-League. Seeing that "officially" we have 3 SG (Kobe, Wafer, Green), 3 PG (Parker, Vujacic, McKie), 4 SF (Odom, Walton, Jackson and George who actually might be leaving), 2 PF (Cook and Turiaf), and 3 centers (Brown, Mihm, Bynum), I think that first we should resign Profit or Rush as Kobe's backup and lose Jackson. Unless Kwame really can hit consistent jumpers and drive to the basket in a matter similar to LO, he should stay at Center. That way LO can move to PF and Luke gets a chance at SF. We resign George to a smaller contract as the primary backup to Luke and draft a SF in the 1st Round. The PG rotation stays the same except in the case where we get Derek Fisher through trade and lose Von Wafer. So we have an equal position numbers (3 each) and not be overloaded on one particular position.
That way, an actual improving Kwame stays near the post, LO creates mismatches to Power Forwards by his speed (he creates mismatches in SF by his size), Luke becomes a better defender and shooter while retainig his passing and IQ skills, Smush/Fisher improves during the summer with defense and consistent scoring, and Kobe trusting his teammates even better, which should happen with him on Team USA. Backups are good (Mihm, Cook with outside shooting, George as an all around, Sasha with defense, and Profit as good backup or Rush with another nice wave of shooting) and we should improve as a whole this summer. Nobody expected this team to make the playoffs, next year will be even deeper.
My proposal for Derek Fisher? Simple.
Los Angeles Lakers trade: Smush/Sasha, and 1 or 2 secound round picks for Derek Fisher from Golden State Warriors. It would be very possible and profitable for both sides. Golden State gets more cap space and a good young backup to Baron Davis and a couple or just one draft pick. Lakers get back "0.4" who also knows Phil's system inside and out more than anybody on the current roster other than Devean George (who might leave) and Kobe Bryant. Mitch made the Kwame Brown trade, hopefully he can get back "The Fish that saved L.A."
Posted by: arthas (Tom Brady) | May 16, 2006 at 12:18 AM
wow Edwin Gueco...lol
AK...are you going to explain that "upside" in the report card (or lack of w/regards to Sasha)...if not can you clarify? I'd like to know ;-)
Posted by: Faith | May 16, 2006 at 12:56 AM
Faith,
As far as upside goes, I wouldn't regard either's as "off the charts." But in a nutshell, Smush is more athletic, more versatile offensively, a more consistent shooter, a better playmaker and quicker. Defensively, he's not great, but Sasha mostly gets used, too. I can't think of anything he does consistently better than Smush.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 16, 2006 at 01:21 AM
The big guards on Phil teams could be part of the reason that the pick and roll is the first option for teams that can run it well. Hard for the bigger slower guards to chase over picks all night.
Utah killed us with pick and rolls on the Shaq, Kobe and Del Harris teams. I always thought the Laker weakness there was because of Shaquille's inability or unwillingness to "show". IN any case, Phil's plan was superior to Del's in dealing with it, given the result.
I don't know why Phil's teams would be more vulnerable to the play than other teams. It's a hard one to cover. Could be that Phil takes other options away with his D scheme so that's the one left.
The thing that makes the play lethal is a point guard that never misses. To me that's what makes Nash. He can flat out shoot the basketball so you can't just play him for the pass. Smush's last 3 games show the opposite.
Posted by: Vman | May 16, 2006 at 01:24 AM
Faith,
Vman is right. Shaq was a huge factor in the failure of screen and roll defense. Just didn't like stepping out, or showing, to slow down the guy off the dribble. Some relate it to not wanting to help Kobe, but I think that's not really the case. Shaq was powerful and just never bought into worrying about other team's gimmicks.
And, yes, Phil using big guards is a factor, too. They fill the passing lanes nicely, but often have trouble with the play. But so do little guards. It's about knowledge and toughness.
Payton has been an excellent screen and roll defender over the years, but even he caught the disease when he became a Laker. He would get really angry when Shaq wouldn't show.
One of the big reasons they have so much trouble with it is that the Lakers are a ball pressure team. Ball pressure is great for keeping teams flummoxed. YOu stay all over the other team's guards and make nothing easy. One major counter to good ball pressure is setting a good high screen.
So ball pressure vs. the screen and roll. It's the age-old basketball showdown.
Phil's teams have won that showdown more often than not. He's had superior personnel and he's gotten them to do superior things.
The Lakers won three titles despite weaknesses with the screen and roll.
It's the oldest play in basketball, and every great guard and forward combo runs it differently. Stockton and Malone used to kill with it.
Steve Nash and his Suns will screen and roll like crazy, setting and resetting when it doesn't work.
Mr. Chen,
I write a column once a month for hoopshype. I also edit Lindy's Pro Basketball Annual, which goes out to 200,000 readers each August (Tex Winter has signed on for another season of his All-Winter team). I also contribute to Dunkshoot in Japan. And to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Most of my writing effort goes into my book projects. I'm working on another Laker-related project. My current book is The Show, about the team.
I think it would be fun, one of these days, to write a book with a group of people, sort of like a blog. But I think AK and BK would be much better suited to do that. It would be interesting to see a book with your greatest hits from the blogs, the interviews, the comments, the crazy stuff. Highs and lows. The suffering and anguish.
All you need is a title.
Something like:
LAKERSBLOG GROUP THERAPY:
SUFFERING IN GOLD AND FORUM BLUE (subtitle).
Ha!
Or,
SLEEPLESS IN LA
NOTES FROM THE LAKERSLOG FAR SIDE
Or,
THE KAMENETZKY REVOLUTION
HOW MALEKE, JON, AND THE GANG KEEP A BEAD ON MITCH KUPCAKE
Or,
HOW PHIL JACKSON'S MIND GAMES MADE US ALL CRAZY
NOTES FROM THE LAKERSBLOG UNDERGROUND
Or
LAKERS UNDERWORLD
NOTES FROM THE BLOG
Or
LAKERS UNDERWEAR
LATE, LONELY NIGHTS OF INSANITY AND REVOLUTION ON THE KAMENETZKY LAKERSBLOG
I love that last subtitle. I think we're on to something.
GO LAKERS!!!!! (PLEASE!?!)
LATE, LONELY NIGHTS OF INSANITY AND REVOLUTION ON THE KAMENETZKY BLOG
OR
THE LAKER REVOLUTION WILL NOT BE STREAMED
NOTES FROM THE KAMENETZKY UNDERWORLD
Yes, we need to get that Dostoyevski thing going.
THE LAKER BROTHERS KAMENETZKY
LATE, LONELY NIGHTS OF GRIME AND PUNISHMENT, OF INSANITY AND REVOLUTION ON THE BLOG
Or we could go Xs and Os!
POSTING UP THE LAKERS
LATE, LONELY NIGHTS OF INSANITY AND REVOLUTION ON THE KAMENETZKY LAKERSBLOG
Just one question. Can a book have 10,000 authors?
More peace to all.
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: roland Lazenby | May 16, 2006 at 05:18 AM
One other quick note:
Phil once told me that the worst time in his coaching career came in 1990, when his team suffered a humiliating loss in Game 7 to the Pistons. He told me it was really hard to sit on the bench during that second half. Yet he credited the pain of that loss with forging his team into the kind of club that could withstand all pressure. You may remember that MJ wept on the team bus after that Game 7 humiliation.
I think Phil sees this loss as a tremendous motivating factor for the guys who really care. I'm not saying it's good or bad, not saying he allowed this to happen intentionally.
It is what it is, and Phil is what he is, a tremendous mystery of a man, a really odd duck who doesn't look at things the way the rest of us do. That and Tex Winter and the opportunity to coach the greatest players in history are why he has been so successful.
Roland Lazenby
author of The Show
Posted by: roland Lazenby | May 16, 2006 at 05:48 AM
For me, we have to blame on the young and inexperienced team.
That is what maked smush disappear, and the lakers lose after the 3-1.
I think that the Lakers need for next season a starting PG, not a true PG, but a Jalen Rose, Ron Harper type PG, veteran and with experience, and smush and Sasha at backup, gaining confidence and experience.
I also think that the lakers need a C, a good C! I cannot have faith on a team starting mihm or cook.
That said, I want to ask (I'm from Europe) when the trades negotiation and signings begins in the NBA.
And one more thing: What about signing Big Ben? is it possible? Here in Europe some rumour have arrived.
Posted by: Alexinho17 | May 16, 2006 at 07:24 AM
Thank you FAITH for noticing the change of tone.
Just like the passion of M.T. on PJ, I get agitated whenever I listen or read the beaming overconfidence of Smush or Kwame during interviews. (It is like listening to your teenager of his achievements in class, when in reality, he's ditching school.) It seems that these players do not realize the RESPONSIBILITY that goes with wearing that Laker jersey.
There were players in the past like: Madsen, Peeler and include here our current radio commentator, Mykal Thompson and Asst. Coach Rambis - these guys don't have the qualitites of superstars but you can see the EFFORTS and SPIRIT in their games that they TRY HARDER NO MATTER how difficult the tasks in front of them and for this reason, they're mobbed and LOVED by Laker fans.
The Lakers of today appears to be like a bunch of journeymen representing a small town, a small city, you keep hearing this phrase..."WE WILL BE BETTER NEXT SEASON." LOL! .... In the first place, don't join the Lakers if you're not BETTER than better!... Because in every game, you're being evaluated by millions of people. They are the most sophisticated basketball afficionados in NBA who do not even know how to read or write English, (so they're not represented in this blog) but they know the game because the legendary Chick Hearns taught them the fundamentals on the radio. (they could tell when the fridge is coolin' or wide open.) They were inspired by Laker greats like: Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt, Kareem, Magic and big game James and all the way to Shaq & Kobe. In the street corners or donut stores or even in a hospital bed just how LOLO described it, you can feel their passion, they talked and breathed about their Lakers with AUTHORITY. Tempers flares up when Lakers lose a game. They could tell who is a Laker and who is just a pretender or a passerby similar to the likes of: Rice, Hunter, Rider or Richmond. These guys are superstars in other teams but not with Lakers.
So please Smush, Kwame, MITCH don't use the Laker team as a training ground.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 16, 2006 at 08:37 AM
Thanks for the Smush interview, that was one I was looking forward to more than others.
I have to say, I have given Smush his helping, and probably seconds, of crap this year for his defense, but I have to say one thing about him. I think his attitude, his appreciation for what he has, and his heart will keep him around. Unlike Kwame Brown who seems to feel that the world owes him something and is entitled to greatness, Smush seems genuinely to know that he needs to work harder than ever to stay around. he seemed much more receptive to PJ/Mitch's comments and I hope he's around next year.
Roland,
Thanks for the post. Maybe it was just me, but after reading that it seems the re-hiring of Phil Jackson was much more of a PR move than anything. You have to admit that the $10 million Buss spent this year on his salary has done wonders to season ticket sales (remember the rumored letter sent to Buss by the expensive seat holders?), the team's publicity (still talked about more than the Clippers even though the Clips are much, much better), and especially Kobe Bryant. Even with this second half of Game 7 I think Kobe's image has improved dramatically over the past year or so and Phil definitely has something to do with it.
My guess is that PJ isn't around for his entire three years and that Brian Shaw takes over this team. I remember the interview with him and when he was asked about the Triangle he said it wasn't the only thing he would use. Well, after reading Roland's post and MJ and Kobe in the Triangle you begin to see where going a different route might benefit this team. With players like LO and Kobe (saying they're both around) you would think a more free flowing, improvised offense might work better. I think this team needed the structure and the psychological lift PJ gave, but in time that might not be so necessary, especially at $10 million per.
Anyway, this has been a long post, I apologize.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 16, 2006 at 08:42 AM
Smush is a shrimp without a tail. He cant swim in NBA or in Lakerland. He sucks. On the other hand Sasha will become a very good player. His shooting style is excellent. He is very young and needs to improve. Lakers should keep him and flush the Smush
Posted by: Disgruntled, Frustated Laker Fan | May 16, 2006 at 08:49 AM
Roland,
It is always a pleasure to read your posts.
By the way, Zen Buddhism began as Ch'an Buddhism with a monk named H'ui-Neng (if I'm not mistaken) at around 800AD (again I need to check my books on this stuff, but my memory of this kind of stuff is usually pretty sharp.)
"The Buddha" himself was born as late as 600BC, so... there's no 3000 year history of Buddhism happening.
Anyhow, Roland... you know I truly am excited when I read your posts, but, honestly, I sometimes wonder if you have just a little bit of an unhealthy bias against Phil Jackson. Hey, I could be completely off base here, but whenever you discuss Phil there's always a current of resentment in your writing style. Am I missing something?
Anyhow, I can't wait until next season. We just need a new point guard. Personally, I'd rather see Sasha play a bigger role than Smush. I'm just not confident in his ability to "get it."
I've been wrong before, hopefully I'll be wrong in a positive way this time.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 16, 2006 at 09:09 AM
Oh... if you trace the beginnings of Zen to Tamo... then Zen is older than 800AD, but I wouldn't do that. Most of that stuff is legend.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 16, 2006 at 09:11 AM
GO Lakers!
Posted by: G-D | May 16, 2006 at 09:43 AM
It also should be mentioned that Smush comes on the cheap. Above all else, this is a business for Dr. Buss and if can pay Smush $800K a year as opposed to $7-8 million for Jason Terry, Smush Parker looks like an All-Star.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 16, 2006 at 09:55 AM