Lamar's Final Conference
Next on the exit press conference list, Lamar Odom. Dickens had A Tale of Two Cities, L.O. had A Tale of Two Seasons- the first and second halves. His splits show increased scoring and assists after the All Star Break, but there is no stat to measure the increased confidence and assertiveness he showed on the court. Here's what L.O. had to say on his way out, with a very busy summer in front of him.
BK
On his meeting with PJ-
"It was cool. Just talked about some of the things I've got coming up this summer, as far as auditioning to go play in the World Games, what I plan to do to keep in shape. Talked about the season I had, my position, where I like to play, where I'm most comfortable at- a question you (the media) often ask me."
You guys are still talking about that?
"This is the time to talk about it. I'm most comfortable playing towards my mismatches. Big guy on me, take him outside. Small guy on me, take him inside. In the triangle, I was comfortable in learning how to control the tempo from that position, playing the guard spot. So next year I figure most likely it'll be the same role. Now that I know the offense, of course I feel a lot more comfortable in it. I guess I'm just looking forward to staying in shape this summer, coming back here, and getting back at it again. It was an emotional ride, especially towards the end of the season for us, as far as fighting for a playoff position, making it to the playoffs, being up three on Kobe's shot, and now we're on the outside looking in. Phoenix played great ball to come back from 3-1. I take my hat off to them because they beat us." *
*L.O., a sensitive guy as it is, was clearly still taking the playoff loss hard... which is a good thing. You wouldn't want guys to blow it off.
On satisfaction they can take from what they did accomplish this season-
"When we look back at it, we look back at the beginning of last year, and of course not picked to make the playoffs, not playing in the postseason. So to be able to fight and coming together late in the year and taking the 7th spot, (and) be six seconds away from advancing. We had a great year, but you know, of course it hurts."
On finding stability this summer-
"I hope so. I understand the business of basketball. But I hope and I pray that this is my home, and this is where I'll end my career. It's a great franchise, and they have great people here. This has got to be one of the coolest places to play basketball. You have Denzel Washington at the games, Jack's at the games, (Lakers P.R. chief) John Black's at the games, Brad Turner (of the Press Enterprise) is at the games (at this point, L.O. is having a little fun...). This is a good place to play basketball. Last year we didn't make the playoffs and this year, we were playing in the first round. Playing in Staples Center was amazing and the energy that was in that building was incredible. You know, I'd love to see that for the rest of my career."
So would you classify this as a successful season?
"Of course right now I've got mixed emotions from a competitive standpoint. I wish I could keep playing. I went from watching every playoff game while we were playing, to (now) I don't even want to watch TV, I don't want to watch Sportscenter right now. It hurts a little bit to watch these other teams keep playing, but a couple of weeks I guess I'll get over it and be able to watch the Western Conference Finals. This second round is most likely definitely skipped."
On what he'd like to improve on over the summer-
"Oh, man, there are a lot of things. Coming back as a better basketball player just in general. When it comes to free throw shooting, stand still shooting, going left, going right, add a hook shot, turnaround jumpers, to become stronger, become quicker. Just to better my all-around game. On free throws, I think about the good six games I had in the series I shot horrible from the free throw line. Just those four or five points could have been difference makers, especially in that Game Six."
On what the team needs to improve-
"Time together. Maturity. Time together as far as playing in this system. We were the youngest team in the league by age. Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm, Andrew Bynum. Of course we need everyone to take their games to another level, and myself of course. This year was big also for Smush. This was really his rookie year as far as the NBA is concerned, starting 82 games. Just player development, really, on the court. Time together. Chris Mihm was playing great basketball, it was unfortunate for him and for us that he hurt his ankle. If we can get Chris Mihm and Kwame Brown to play the way they were playing at the end of the year together, with Andrew Bynum and his development working with Kareem- inside our triangle, Luke played great- if we can get those guys to play like they were playing towards the end of the year, throw Andrew in there to protect that basket for us, we'll become a much better defensive team. We'll be able to pressure up a lot more, and get those guys to protect our basket at all times like they did towards the end of the year this team will be tough."
On his game taking off after the trade deadline-
"I just think that was the system, and getting comfortable with the system. It just happened to be towards the end of the year. (If the deadline) was from November to December, I don't think my game would have picked up right at the end of December or January. I think it was just the time. It was towards the end of the year, I was feeling a lot more comfortable in the offense. Like I told you, I understand the business. You can be here one day and be traded the next. I don't really think it was me being comfortable with I wasn't being traded. I just think it was the time it took to really understand the offense. To understand how to manipulate the offense. For me to be able to catch the ball in the post, staying aggressive in the offense, and really learning it inside out. And once that happened, I just felt a lot more comfortable offensively as far as shooting the ball, where I'm shooting from, finding my sweet spots on the court. And it just so too that I hit a rhythm, too. It felt like every three was going to go in, I just felt really comfortable. Shot the ball better from the free throw line."
On the Lakers encouraging him to become an All Star player-
"They don't really have to say that to me. I kind of know it's expected because what I bring to any team I've been on, I feel like I have that potential. It's going to take some balance as far as learning the system, which I felt like I've learned, and hopefully I can put it together- hopefully offensively I hope I can put together, the spurt that I had at the end of the season I hope I can bring that type of offensive balance to my game so my name can be out there as far as being an All Star. I was only I think two or three baskets away from making that team, so hopefully I can average 20 points and 9 rebounds and 6 assists so I can be talked about in that light, as far as being one of the best players in the league. At least for a year. That's what the All Star team makes you, one of the best players in the league for that year. So I feel like I got that potential inside me, that I should be an All Star, become an All Star."
Kobe said the way you ended the season established you as one of the best players in the game-
"As far as showing everybody, right? For six games or whatever, I averaged 20 points. 20 points is usually what it takes (for) you to be considered a good player in this league. 20 points, and got some rebounds, five or six assists. I felt like I was. In that series, I definitely felt like I was one of the best players in the game. I think I have that in me. I think I can still get to that level of play where people acknowledge me as being one of the best players in the NBA. Top 25, top 20 players in the league. There are a lot of talented players out there, but I feel like what I bring to the table could definitely get that acknowledgment. And coming from a player like Kobe, of course that's a compliment. He's a tough critic."
Did Phil talk about you finishing with your right hand?
"Yeah, he was upstairs and he had a couple of right handed jokes. But I guess I'm a creature of habit. But that's definitely part of my game that I'm going to work on a lot this year. Being a great standstill shooter. I haven't mastered that part of the game yet. Being more consistent from the free throw line. I think I have a good enough touch and range on my jumper where I should be shooting in the high seventies to low eighties rather than low seventies, high sixties. I know I'm better than that. And that will definitely help my average, my points per game, things like that, being more consistent, I think I can hurt teams a lot. I think I can get to the free throw line a lot."
On this summer and USA Basketball, what he hopes to get out of it-
"I hope we can win. The relationships that you make with coaches that never coached you before, players you never have been around. And I feel like I have some making up to do because I was on a team of course that lost. Well, we won a bronze medal, but I guess to USA Basketball, to our standards, to the guys that were on the court, we felt like we lost. So to go back over there to the World Championships and win and kind of reclaim our spot as having the best basketball in the world. To let people know, again, that I'm one of the best young players- I don't know if they'll consider me young in the NBA next season at 27- but to consider myself as one of the best players in the NBA. Last time I went I had a great time. Even in games we lost I felt like I played hard, and I was able to make a name for myself. So I guess to go over there and do that again. And to be on the court with Dwayne Wade and LeBron, and Elton Brand will be on that team. Hopefully I can get a spot.
Okay okay. I'm starting to like Lamar. As long as he works on that right hand.
Posted by: Blind Worshipper | May 10, 2006 at 01:59 PM
Thank you ... If Lamar gets a standstill jumper and a right hand that does anything he will be so much better.
Just the threat he will go right will open up his left hand more.
I am glad he knows he needs to improve and he needs 20 and 9 and 6. Get that and you are a Laker for life my man.
But to get that, you need a jumper and a right hand finish.
Roll with Kobe during the Olympics and you'll come back improved.
By the way, I wonder what Kobe has planned for in terms of game improvement this year? How about passing in traffic or post up game?
Posted by: Korey | May 10, 2006 at 02:10 PM
Great post!!!
Lamar is one of those players that you just want to root for. He's got the talent, the skill, and the desire. I don't question that the kid has heart, too. Although, he does make some bone-headed plays that makes us question his basketball IQ, at times.
Still, I find myself rooting for him. I know he'll keep his words and make the necessary adjustments to his game (RIGHT HAND! RIGHT HAND!).
I, too, would like to see Lamar's career flourish to more than just perennial All-Star, but one of the greatest to don a purple and gold uniform.
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: befuddled | May 10, 2006 at 02:11 PM
Get some players around Kobe, and then people will shut up about this guy.
Posted by: Dedicated | May 10, 2006 at 02:14 PM
I liked the constructive feedback given to Lamar. Now here's what I'd tell Kobe
LOW post game, not the high 15 foot post up.
CUTTING without the ball, Lamar and Luke will find you!
LATERAL movement, to get back to top 5 defender status
Posted by: Blind Worshipper | May 10, 2006 at 02:20 PM
Easy children, Queens is in the building!!!
- LL Cool J
BK!!! You the man!!! LO is the least of our troubles. I'm a big fan since I heard about him growing up in NY! I also like how he's still feeling the loss!! of the series! To me, it shows he cares & I hope it puts a fire inside him to be the All Star he can be!!!
My only concern, is how he seemed to be almost begging not to be traded. I say that in responce to his answer to the question of "finding stability in the off season". I swear I'm not trying to start any blog rumors but it just gave me a feeling like something may be up in Lakerland!!!
The way he spoke so glowingly of playing at Staples as if he didn't play there w/ the Clippers to start his career. (Although playing for the Clippers during our Three Peat years had to be depressing)!!!
Overall, I think LO is a good dude & I hope the USA Basketball experience will give him the understanding that he BELONGS amomgst the top tier players in the league!!!
Good Luck LO!!!
Posted by: Mitch | May 10, 2006 at 02:24 PM
AK, BK, and everyone that wants to answer ;-)
Question: The knock on LO has always been incosistency (which technically is what I see the difference between (all)stars and good players...consistency), but how exactly can he be consistent. What exactly brings about consistency? Is it repetition? Is it working hard during the offseason? Is it really just staying healthy? What is it?
P.S. I loooveee that LO is looking to improve (and practice his off moves) you go LO!
Posted by: Faith | May 10, 2006 at 02:37 PM
Faith,
I think consistency comes from being able to identify your weaknesses and work hard at limiting them. I think we all know that LO would have been a 20 point scorer if he would have been more assertive offensively, if he could finish with his right hand, if he had that pull up jumper instead of a lot of charging calls, and if he could increase his free throw percentage. It's encouraging to hear him repeatedly talk about those things, we know he's aware of what he needs to work on. Now all we have to hope is that he puts in the time.
People always say that the difference between the guys who win on the PGA Tour and the guys playing at your local course aren't the quality of their best shots, but the quality of their bad ones. We all know that LO's good games are Top 10 in the league, its the bad ones that need to improve.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Faith,
Repetition has always worked for me. If you take enough shots, box out enough guys, make enough bounce passes, your body remembers what it's supposed to feel like and do (i.e. muscle memory). That's why Kobe takes as many shots as he does during the off-season/in practice.
Of course, staying healthy is always a bonus!!
- Brad
PS - Perfect example is Voshon Leonard (Nuggets). When he tore that ligament he couldn't play, but continued taking set shots as part of rehab. He came back last year to try to defend his 3-pt title during the All-Star games. Granted, he didn't win it, but still shot alright.
Posted by: Brad | May 10, 2006 at 03:07 PM
More than anything else Lamar and the Lakers need to work on their basketball IQ's. They lost game 6 and a host of other games simply by not understanding what's going on at crunch time.
Posted by: Jeff E | May 10, 2006 at 03:08 PM
I'm really glad to see LO knows he has things to work on in his game, and wants to take on the challege of making himself better. I really really like LO's game, and I think he will be an all-star next year. My only fear is that it won't be for us. LO is the perfect player to be Kobe's right hand man (I don't want to say sidekick) but I'm scared they might offer LO to get KG. KG is a great player but I think LO could actually do everything KG does, but he has more range, and is more versatile.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 10, 2006 at 03:13 PM
I like Odom as a player, i did not want to trade Odom for Ron Artest, when Lakers lost Phoenix, I don't blame him, he scores, rebounds better than we thought, he follows the game plane, but the game plane only good for 3 first games, after that when Phoenix double team Odom, Phil did not have the answer or any adjustments. I hope Odom will get better with free throw shooting and mid range jumper. Phil wants Odom play like Pippens, the rest of us like Odom as power forward, let's see who is right. If Odom can't get to All-Star level, Phil proves to us again that he can't not developpe any young player.
Posted by: Kevin | May 10, 2006 at 03:16 PM
I've noticed a couple of people talking about the draft, and I wanted to hear some of y'all opinions on who we should draft. I've heard a couple names but I think Jerry McNamara would be a good pick up for us. I don't know if he's a great defender, but the kid can shoot lights out, and as you all know we desperately need some outside shooting. Maybe we can get a better player, but from the position we'll be drafting from he is a realistic option. Thoughts?
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 10, 2006 at 03:17 PM
You know what Lamar Odom needs to work on more than anything this off-season? He needs to adopt Kobe Bryant's cockiness. He needs to thing "I'm a bad man" rather than this "If I can score 20 points a game I think I could be an All-Star at least one year". If the dude could find a swagger, a confidence, a cockiness, no one, NO ONE would even consider talking about KG. How he comes to that, I don't know. I think LO should be a Top 10 player in the league and the only thing holding him back is between the ears.
Weave-man,
McNamara is terrible at defense. He can definitely shoot, is clutch, and a winner, but the Suns exposed our weakness and that is fast, defensive-minded players. Unfortunately our draft pick is so low that we'll miss on some of the better guards who can play defense. I don't expect us to get anyone who can help much next year (unless we trade up).
You know who needs a big man and can spare a young, athletic wing? Atlanta. Why don't we ship Chris Mihm for Josh Childress? He runs neck and neck with Shawn Marion for the ugliest jump shot in basketball, but he can get up and down the court, play defense, and give us some defensive speed. Plus, we'll need to fill that back-up 3 spot with Devean leaving. Just a thought.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 03:33 PM
Andrew Z,
I don't know. Trading Childress for Mihm would only leave Atlanta with 4 swingmen who play the same position. Is that a chance they can really afford to take?
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 10, 2006 at 03:37 PM
Andrew Z,
Like I said, I don't think we'll get a great player from our draft position, but if we can get anything to help our team we should jump at it. McNamara is a great shooter (which we need) and like you said, he is a winner, and is clutch. I'm not saying he should start for us, but he could come off the bench and spread the floor, and make it easier for all our other guys to score. I would love it if we could get a player who could play defense, and shoot, but from our position I just don't think it's going to happen.
Posted by: Weave-Man | May 10, 2006 at 03:42 PM
I think we should draft Jordan Farmar and play him in our developmental league team until he gets a little stronger. He has a huge upside but he's young.
Posted by: rdlee | May 10, 2006 at 03:43 PM
Faith...good question!
I believe that consistency is what seperates great players from merely good ones. I also think that it's about a mental approach to the game. Consistent players rarely fall below a certain level, but have the ability to go up a notch in the biggest of games. I guess one definition could be being able to play your normal game under any circumstances.
Anyway...thanks for all of your great posts to the blog. And, yes, I too worry about about the summer schedule for KB and Lamar. Look at Ginobli of the Spurs. His participation in Argentinian basketball seems to be taking its toll on him. Yao Ming is another guy who comes to mind. My hope is that Kobe and Lamar will use the time together constructively and come back better and even more united to lead our Lakers next year.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 10, 2006 at 03:46 PM
we need a defensive specialist to guard the other team's best player!
Posted by: Blind Worshipper | May 10, 2006 at 03:46 PM
AK,
I'm assuming they take Rudy Gay with their first round pick to fit that hole.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 03:47 PM
Weave-Man,
I agree. I was just looking at ESPN Insider and Chad Ford went through this whole deal about all the underclassman and Euros who have declared and said McNamara has a good possibility to not get drafted period. If that happens we could invite him to camp as a free agent. I like his toughness. Another guy that has a very slim chance of falling to us is Rajon Rondo from Kentucky. he's a super quick, great defender at the point but his downside is he can't shoot. And by can't shoot, I mean horrible. At least he could stop people better than Smush could.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 03:50 PM
Andrew Z,
That's not a bad idea. Or they could pull a "reverse Joe Johnson," where they bring in a PG via sign and trade for 70 mil so he can learn how to play as a G/F. Assuming they get to give up next year's Most Improved Player as part of the deal, don't rule that scenario out with the Atlanta brain trust.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 10, 2006 at 03:52 PM
Why's Odom so very harping on how good it's to play in L.A and all that? Any trade proposals going on like some1 asked? Or is it the normal emotional Odom talking!
I think Kobe needs to work with ppl like Ron, Bowen etc this summer and get his D up. He needs to set an example for the other dudes to play some defense.
Andrew Z,
Josh Childress is a freaky athletic guy but I dont think we can afford to take inexperienced guys anymore since we already have Smush/Sasha. Some1 with some play-off experience atleast would be helpful.
Posted by: ravi | May 10, 2006 at 03:57 PM
Hey everybody...
I read a rumor in Slam magazine that says the Lakers are looking trade LO, Bynum, Mihm, and a couple of draft picks for Kevin Garnett.
At the start of the year, I would have probably said yes, but I don't know. I am in tune w/ LO when he says that all this team needs is "more time together." The Lakers are on the upswing and to make a major move like that...I just don't know. I mean, I love KG, but what if he gets hurt or just doesn't click w/ the Lakers. I think a "5 headed monster" of Kwame, Mihm, Bynum, Turiaf, and LO next year can be dominant.
In my estimation, all we need is a solid, consistent point guard and a defensive stopper. Then again, maybe we don't. Think about it...this was really Smush and Sasha's rookie year. Maybe our defensive stopper will be Sasha, Kwame, Turiaf, or Bynum.
All in all, I have mixed emotions on the Lakers making some major moves. I like this team. They made some noise this year and next year we realistically could be looking at the championship round.
If anything, pick up a shooter like Peja, Damon Jones, etc. Someone who can unclog the middle w/ outside shooting and free up Kobe.
Honestly, I think Minnesota wants too much.
What's your take?
Posted by: MAGIC=GOAT | May 10, 2006 at 03:58 PM
I think what's important for this team is to learn from their experience in the playoffs. That's why it is also important for the roster to remain relatively intact. If you ship out the players who have gained from their experience, they will not be able to contribute to the team's growth in maturity and consistency.
I have to agree with Phil that the core of this team is good and established. So Kobe, Lamar, Kwame should be the focal points for this team. Even though Kwame literally dissappeared after game 5, it was largely because of his personal problems off court. Even for the whole team, the alleged charges on Kwame had a greatly negative impact.
I feel Lamar is one of the top 10 players in the league. His talent is often masked by his inconsistency and mental lapses, but when he learns to assert himself within the context of the offense, he plays very well. Both he and Kobe should improve on playing better together on the court, they are not complementing each other to the fullest potential.
Kobe giving up in game 7 is exaggerated and exploited as an opportunity for cynics to vent their hatred towards a player who does not conform to their expectations shaped in the Jordan mold. Yes, I agree with them, the comparisons should stop, because these two individuals are not comparable in terms of personality. Jordan is formidable because he is careful about his image and does his best to fulfill expectations. Kobe, on the other hand, is formidable because he is the most talented player, and he relishes in proving people wrong, sometimes falling in love more with the artistry of scoring rather than scoring itself.
I have high expectations for this team next season. They should be at least a 50-win team because they have more confidence in closing out games, especially against the horrible teams. If the Lakers can improve their backcourt, I think the next time they face the Suns in the playoff, they will hold on to their 3-1 lead.
I believe in this team and I hope all this talk about potential can be actually realized.
Posted by: JJ | May 10, 2006 at 04:05 PM
AK,
Hey, that's not cool, it takes a lot of courage to give up on a triple-double guy after two years in the league. Not everyone has that kind of gumption. Most people hang on to that guy and see if he pans out, but not Atlanta. Oh no, they know a potential All-Star when they see him and make sure to get rid of him before he could help them win and jeopardize future trips to the lottery.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 04:06 PM
Andrew Z,
Again, I stand corrected. If you wanna make sure your team never gets better, sometimes you have to see the bigger picture and react before it comes back to bite you with actual wins. It's similar to how they dodged that "improvement" bullet by not drafting Chris Paul, the obvious pick that filled a huge hole. The way he's looking like a HOF player in the making, that could really upset the applecart.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | May 10, 2006 at 04:09 PM
You know who would make a great back-up to Kobe and who could potentially become a star and starting guard for us is UCLA's own Aaron Affalo. This kid can ball and just think what kobe could teach him. Plus AA is one heck of a defender too. He is fast, strong, and has great competivness. He brings a lot to the table and I wonder if he will still be around by the time the Lakers pick, granted that he comes out early. I think he would be a great fit for the Lakers. Mitch dont pass on AA if you got a chance at him
Posted by: casey | May 10, 2006 at 04:11 PM
i'm gonna miss flea's blogs
Posted by: Blind Worshipper | May 10, 2006 at 04:15 PM
AK,
I bet the champagne was popping in the ATL when Paul took home that award.
Seriously, it must suck to be an Atlanta fan, I feel for those guys.
casey,
I definitely think Afflalo will be around at 26, but the Lakers might want to see if he's still around in the second round. He isn't projected to be a first rounder and I like his toughness too. I like him a lot more than I like Farmar. Farmar reminds me off a lot of the guys you see at the local gym and think "he must have played varsity ball in high school". I just don't want to say that about my first round pick. That being said, look for the Raptors to take him with their top pick.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 04:15 PM
I was still down in Miami when Odom spent his lone year there so I'm definitely high on him. He's definitely one of my favorite guys in the league. Odom frustrates me more than anyone else in the league because he's got such a great skill set but hasn't been able to put it all together just yet. Hopefully his work this summer gets him to the next level.
AK,
Haha AK that's hilarious.The moves the Hawks make are nearly as horrendous as the deals Isaiah manages to get James Dolan to sign off on. There's no doubt in my mind that if the Hawks were in NY they'd be ripped just as bad as the Knicks are. It's amazing to me how guys who have such an eye for talent are so inept at piecing together a TEAM.
Posted by: Xodus | May 10, 2006 at 04:21 PM
I like that LO takes the loss seriously, but I think he takes these things too seriously and that's why he misses at the free throw line or makes mistakes at the end of the game- he becomes so focused on not messing up that he overthinks it.
My only dream for the draft is for the Sonics to take Allen Ray. I work with the son of the Sonics team doctor and want to imagine the team waiting room when the nurse calls for "Allen, Ray..."
Posted by: mannie | May 10, 2006 at 04:25 PM
MAGIC=GOAT,
I kind of wouldn't want to be part of that deal either. I think we would be hurting with that many of our top guys gone and no money to spend on free agents (Kobe and KG would pretty much be the cap). Also, I think Minnesota will get better offers. I could see Chicago getting in the mix with a package like Tyson Chandler, Ben Gordon, and their No.1 pick this year (from the KNicks) which might be the top overall. Hell, they might throw in Luol Deng to sweeten the deal even more.
ravi,
You remembered that Childress has one of the coolest afros in the league right? that has to be worth something.
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 04:31 PM
This will sadly contradict my earlier post of a few moments ago, and I apologize for diminishing the integrity of the blogosphere comments sections everywhere, but I just saw the link to the story about Powe trying out for the lakers.
YES YES! TAKE POWE! I'm a Cal Alum and the only two acceptible Powe results are he ends up with the Lakers or he returns to school. He needs work, but we could use another strong rebounder at the 4 and he's a good guy. GO BEARS! (actually the Bears kind of went this season, but they do every year, so what have you.)
Posted by: mannie | May 10, 2006 at 04:32 PM
Rudy Gay uniforms are going to be tough to market.
Posted by: Blind Worshipper | May 10, 2006 at 04:40 PM
Thank you BK
I don't want the Lakers to trade Lamar; I want him to be with the team for a long time. Lamar is a very good player and he'll get better in time.
Lamar is a good person he is a good-hearted man. Maybe that's his problem, he needs to be more aggressive, think highly of himself.
I want Kobe, Lamar, Kwame, maybe Luke and sasha to have more time together, I believe in them, they have the heart to make something great.
As far as people still talking about Kobe and game 7, they continue to talk about that because the media knows that it creates controversy, but I think the best thing for us as fans is just to let it go. As soon as we just stop talking about that and stop "defending" Kobe, the media will let it go. Let the haters hate, the media hate, us getting mad about it will make it bigger that's what they want. We know as fans who Kobe is and that's enough.
Posted by: lakofan | May 10, 2006 at 04:52 PM
It's a mistake to assume there will be improvement on Kwame's part. His history gives no indication of steady improvement or willingness to work hard. His play at the end of the season was roughly what he was doing two years ago in DC, meaning that he has not improved much in two years. People are jumping to conclusions because he went from being bad to being adequate, when he has been adequate in the past.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | May 10, 2006 at 04:54 PM
Seriously people - and I know a lot of you would throw things at me for saying this if you only could - but right now I would NOT trade this guy (LO) for Garnett even straight up. He is younger and much more versatile. KG would provide an amazing low-post presence but could he run the triangle? We have see the best from KG but Lamar's upside is huge! And there is no more questioning LO's heart as we have seen he would kill himself to win.
Just a thought!
Posted by: SantaMonica4Ever | May 10, 2006 at 05:06 PM
No I dont like Powe very much, he is undersized as 4 and he has injury issues. Like I Said earlier I really beliave that Affalo could be the steal of this draft. He proved himself as a defensive stopper in the tourney and plus he has good offensive skills including a decent outside shot. He was limited offensivly last year by Howlands coaching style and the play of Jordan Farmer who likes to pound the ball on the floor and jack up threes. If he decides to go back to school for another year he will be a lottery pick, lets hope he does not so Lakers will be able to get him.
Posted by: casey | May 10, 2006 at 05:08 PM
Blind Worshipper,
That's damn funny.
exhelodrvr,
I couldn't agree more, I'm not sold on the cat either. When it boils down to it, I'm more in the Mihm camp than Kwame camp. Hell, Bynum is our center of the future, why do we need two projects? Anyway, the Lakers are kind of banking on a lot of players having an epiphany and working harder than ever in the offseason when we all know the only guy who is going to do that is Kobe (maybe LO because they'll be playing together).
Posted by: Andrew Z | May 10, 2006 at 05:16 PM
exhelodrvr (btw, whats with your name?!)
1. Trading Kwame will not fetch us much in return. If we need to make a trade to get something significant in return, Kwame aint the guy.
2. Working with Phil and Kobe could make Kwame realistically better than what he was with Eddie Jordan and Arenas.
If 2 happens, well and good. If not, we could trade Kwame later. Right now, there's nothing to gain from trading Kwame coz of his low market value. Thats why I think a Mihm trade could be explored.
Posted by: ravi | May 10, 2006 at 05:20 PM
Mitch / Xodus
Dudes, thanks for the props in the last thread.
I remember the interview with LO at the end of the first half of game 3 in LA. He said he felt proud. Proud to be a Laker, proud to be playing in the playoffs for such a storied franchise. Those weren't his exact words but the sentiment was clear.
Now, I wish LO was more consistent from 18 feet. I wish he had an unstoppable go to move. I wish a tweak or two here and there, but in this "pay me" era, you HAVE to love an NBA player that is proud to play for his team. When the trade scenarios come up this summer, we should all remember that part of what Lamar O. brings to this team.
Posted by: Vman | May 10, 2006 at 05:53 PM
Lamar is definitely solid and should not be moved barring a serious injury that criples his game. Like Kobe was saying during the Suns series, there aren't many players like Odom. To be 6'10" and handle the ball just as well as most shooting guards, with a rediculous left handed floater and formidable postgame.
George probably will not return to the team and the same goes for Jim Jackson, especially if you consider Kobe's taking his number next season. As far as filling that SF position I think Luke is decent at it and the Memphis kid Shawne Williams has good size and athleticism, he's a good ball handler with the ability to run point forward type of duties to. His 31 3P% is a little low and will get lower when he comes to the NBA, but he will be able to hit from the perimeter even if it's not 3P range. And in addition he should be around long enough for the Lakers to have him in the draft.
Now the weakest point and the position the Lakers need to work for the most in the offseason is the PG position. Don't get me wrong, I love Smush, but he isn't a consistent enough shooter from the perimeter to play on a team where Lamar and Kobe will do most of the penetrating. One interesting tidbit is that Kareem Rush was released by the Bobcats near the end of the season. I know he didn't want to be Kobe's backup, but in this situation he can start alongside Kobe as the PG. In the triangle you don't necessarily have to be a playmaker to play PG, every man on the court is a potential playmaker. Also Penny Hardaway and John Salmons will be free agents. And both of these guys are big, can shoot decent from the outside and have experience playing PG.
A big man isn't a necessity, but there are some big guys out there that are good defenders this year, most notable are Lorenzen Wright, Nazr Mohammed and Melvin Ely (Restricted). It'd be nice to see them pick one of these guys. The Lakers did exactly what I was thinking they should do by getting Lamar Odom and Kwame Brown and I thought these would be good moves before the rumors even started, as soon as they said they'd trade Shaq if he wanted to be traded. Not Shaq for Kwame... Shaq for Lamar. Anybody, but Kobe and LO for Kwame.
I'll be interested to see what moves they make over the off season. DON'T TRADE ODOM FOR OLD BAD KNEED KG!
Posted by: Rubin | May 10, 2006 at 05:59 PM
Lamar will be better this year. He was good enough this year.
Outside of the Kevin Garnett factor, the only player I would add to this team would be Vladamir Radmonivich.
We'll be a fourth or fifth seed next year.
We'll be in the Conference Finals.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | May 10, 2006 at 06:06 PM
All the "right hand" and "consistent" posts are right on when it comes to LO. A little success and he will swagger. I'd love to see him use his size more. I wish he had a post move that got the ball up high like R. Wallace or maybe a hook.
There's a coach on the team that could show him that shot. I will never understand why Magic Johnson was the only player that thought that might be a good shot to learn. It only scored more points than any shot in history. If LO had that, "I'm 6'10 and no one can block this shot" thing goin', book the parade.
Posted by: Vman | May 10, 2006 at 06:08 PM
BLIND WORSHIPPER!!!!!!!!!
that was funny about rudy gay's jersey being hard to sell.
Posted by: emman | May 10, 2006 at 06:28 PM
one positive of losing to the suns: wouldn't it have been more embarassing to lose to the clippers, who would rub it in our faces for until next year? If we werent gonna win the championship anyway, we might as well have gotten out early, have more time to prepare for next year. Its all good in lakerville.
Posted by: me | May 10, 2006 at 06:39 PM
it would be dumb for the lakers to draft a pg, they should trade or sign a veteran with outside touch. someone suggested kareem rush to play point, is he serious, he can't play d., and can't really improvise in a dicy situation.
Posted by: emman | May 10, 2006 at 06:40 PM
lamar will make the allstar team nxt year, if he produces like he did the second half of the season. and enuff with all these california players like like farmar, affalo, powe etc, are they really the pieces that we need to win a championship? no, just some favorites of some of you cali indigenes!
Posted by: emman | May 10, 2006 at 06:47 PM
lol Rudy Gay. No one wants to walk around as a homosexual
Posted by: Dedicated | May 10, 2006 at 06:50 PM