Listen to yourselves for a minute...the Clippers better than the Lakers? We own them, we'll always own them...and forever and ever and ever...well maybe not...but it's nice to dream! lol.

Rosters or not though, there's a reason why teams still play...let's not forget that by and large the 04 Lakers were so much better than the Pistons (I don't much recall their bench, but I'm under the impression it wasn't that great either) and yet we lost. We had experience (we were an OLD team), a battle-tested bench (of rookies lol)...and 4 future hall-of-famers...and we still lost. Now I know there were extenuating circumstances (like the feud)...but bottomline we lost, and we were the better team in my opinion. So if it's a battle of Lakers and Clippers, I'll put my money on the Lakers (and not only cause I'm a fan).

AK - Glad to make you laugh. Seriously, George Carl will be willing to give K-Mart away for a 2nd round pick and a thick plate of calamari by mid-season.

Vman - I hear the optimism, but consider; Duncan and Ginobli were both at less than 100% last year, and they still were #1 record in the west. They got better at the 5 spot, and Tony Parker, curse his frog blood, is a stud. They won't be as deep, but they're still tops in the conference. Dallas has improved as well, Harris will be one more year wiser, and Anthony Johnson is money off the bench, D-George gives them energy (if nothing else) and eases the loss of Griffin as well. The Suns did what they did last year with NO Amare. So why suspect that they would drop? Yes, we are "one more solid vet" from competing, but who is that? Unless Mitch K gets on the ball, we'll be lucky to get back to the 6 spot.

Edwin-
I hear you on Memphis, but I think giving up Battier for Gay shows they are moving to youth. They let Bobby Jax go, Eddie Jones is getting long in the tooth, and Swift would rather be in Greenland watching the glaciers melt than back in Tenn. They're still in the mix, but maybe not that much better last year. Do you really think Mike James is enough to pull KG out of his funk? With "Mr. Self-made tripple double" Ricky Davis as his sidekick? Knucklehead. KG needs a new start, and Marco jaric aint it. Don't sleep on Utah. They lost Ak and Boozer for huge stretches last year, and Jerry Sloan is among the best coaches in the league. I would have loved to have landed D-fish, but he will thrive in Utah.

I tell you what - I'd trade Mihm and Cook for Wilcox or Harrington in a heartbeat. If the Lakers don't get 1) quicker on D, and 2) better scoring options to take pressure off of Kobe, we really haven't done that much to help our cause this off season. Maybe I underestimate what Vlade will bring. If he's good for 12 and 6, LO can do 18 - 10 - 6, and Kwame "these aren't hands, they're rocks!!" Brown can get 10 -10, we'll be in great shape. But #24 can't do it all anymore if we want to get out of the first round, that much is clear.

I'm out.

Ok, new idea for a topic: The all knucklehead team! Only guys who underachieve, disrupt team chemistry, and couldn't think their way out of a paper bag.

My nominations:

1 - Stephon Marbury. You left KG for this? Knucklehead.
2 - Ricky Davis. You throw up a ball off your own backboard to create a tripple double, you are a knucklehead.
3 - Latrell Spreewell. Do I have to explain?
4 - Chris Webber. Say whatever you want, hit as many 15 ft juppers as you like, he will always be Mr. Time Out.
5 - Two words: Michael Olawakandi.

6th men: Kenyon Martin, and Reggie "Deez Nutz" Evans

Just think, historical knuckleheads (Bill Walton), former Laker knuckleheads (JR Rider), this could be endless!!

Xodus & Faith

Based on your observation of the Lakers in '04 when Lakers have the magnificent four and still lost to Pistons, that's one example why it is premature and too subjective to compare teams during pre season? It's a good exercise but biases comes into play when one makes assumptions and include it in his subjective analysis in reference to a historical pattern of games as the benchmark in making further multiple assumptions. It becomes "ass-u-me". Let the games begin and let the players play but don't pre-empt what players will do or capable of doing. I would rather deal with what strategies and tactics to be employed to a particular team and why? To do comparisons and determine the winners in the end, don't you find it a childish argument as though we're in grade school?

I would go with Faith's favorite subject matter that's defense, Michael Cooper Defense. In fact I would add defense and rebound are the most determinants if this team will go deep & far during the playoffs. With Kobe, LO & Vlad, the offense will always be there but the contribution of the bench and role players would be the total strenght of the Lakers in 82 games and during the playoffs. Without defense and rebound, we'll be be roving within the .500 mark.

Andrew Z:

Good question. Here is how I would define success for the Lakers this coming season:

(1) Successful: 50 wins and 2nd Round.

(2) Very Successful: 55 wins and West Finals.

(3) Extremely Successful: 55 wins and NBA Finals.

(4) Unbelievably Successful: NBA Championship

The wins are important in that this is a young team that still needs to win at least 55 games to build trust and confidence in themselves. If we can reach the 55-win plateau, I think we would have a good chance to reach the West Finals, a very good chance to reach the NBA Finals, and an excellent chance to win an NBA Championship.

Bottom line, I would be satisfied with a successful season, expect at least a very successful season, would be happy with an extremely successful season, and would be thrilled with an unbelievably successful season.

Tom

Laker Tom,

By definition, I thought I had answered the question by saying I thought the Clips have the better team. Until the Lakers show me they can play like the last 20-ish games on a consistent basis, I'm going with the team I think is better. At least for now.

AK

Zakee,

In bringing up LO's stats that were better than Brand's, you conveniently left out the ones where Brand is better (Pts, shooting %, blocks, rebounds... basically, all the rest). And defensively, Brand is a better player (although LO has improved quite a bit and uses his length well). Again, I don't wanna make it sound like I'm down on Odom, because I think he's a unique talent who's capable of All-Star play. But Brand is an actual All-Star capable of MVP play (and if you don't believe me, talk to the voters who gave him some props).

In terms of USA hoops, I'm not sure what you're talking about. Other than the game against Brazil, they've been killing everyone.

With your other points, can Quinton Ross lockdown Kobe? Of course not. Nobody can. But he can make Kobe work. How do I know? Because I've watched him do it. And I've listened to Kobe (and Phil) say so after the games. And if you have a guy that can make a player of Kobe's caliber work, that's a big asset.

As for whether Brand can guard LO on the perimeter, probably not, but who cares? You don't want LO on the perimeter. You want him in the post, where he's WAY more effective. And he'll have to work operating against Brand. But if the Lakers look to counter that match up by playing Odom further from the basket, in my mind, that's a big time victory for the Clips. As you said, it's about matchups. And getting the best out of a matchup. Playing LO more around the perimeter is not getting the best out of that match up.

AK

exhelodrvr:

Come on. I never said that the team with the best player always won. Other than a couple of years, Wilt never had the supporting cast that Russell had. When he did, like in 1967 and with the Lakers in 1971, his team prevailed.

I said that having the best player on your team really made a difference in the confidence of the other players and when you are looking at a Lakers vs. Clippers matchup that Kobe would be the difference to overcome the slight edge that the Clippers might have in personnel.

Do you disagree that having the best player is an advantage? Or are you just trying to rain on my parade? Thanks.

Tom

AK,

I don't know if I agree with your last post. Actually I don't. Since when did LO become an ineffective perimeter player? I don't know if you forgot but the dude can handle the ball like a point guard, is strong, so he can push around smaller players trying to guard him, and he improved his 3 point shot greatly at the end of the season. Yes, he can work on his mid-range shot more, but I would consider him a good to very good perimeter player.

I don't know if you read my last post but like I said before Brand might put up the better stats (for now) but LO is much much more important to the Lake Show than Brand is to the Clippers. Once again I love Brand, and have since he was at Duke, but I think in the end LO will be the better player. As far as right now goes I think LO could match Brand offensively if he wanted to. The only person in the league stopping LO from scoring 20-25 ppg is LO.

McGarnagle,

Yeah, Kaman was very hurt during the playoffs. He could barely lift one of his arms. So I wouldn't judge his production from the playoffs. But during the regular season, I'm sorry, but he absolutely does smoke Kwame offensively. He can work the ball with either hand and has a lot of moves in the post. Kwame struggles making layups. You can't even put them in the same ballpark right now.

AK

Laker Tom,

The only matchup I remember was the last one, where Odom and Brand were matched up. Of course, Mihm was hurt, so that was as much a factor as anything. Then again, if Vlad starts, Mihm (or Kwame, I guess) is likely coming off the bench, meaning LO would probably play the 4.

It depends on the starting lineup, like most things. Which we don't know yet.

AK

Faith,

I agree, the D is very important. We were just having the X-Factor discussion in terms of a single player.

AK

Weave Man,

I hear what you're saying. Good points, too. But I'm not even talking about LO's point output necessarily. When he's working down low, not only do I think he's better, I think the offense runs better and is more balanced. They have plenty of guys who can score from 15 feet out and beyond. With the exception of Mihm, LO's the only dependable low post scoring option they have.

AK

Smushcalade

Reread the original post, then look at the final standings. There's a big clue right there.

AK

AK,

That is a very valid point. I honestly didn't consider that. Unfortunately, having LO play the perimeter is what would work best for us, so that means other guys would have to step up. Can they do it? I think they can, but it still remains to be seen. Hopefully Kwame can come in this season and give us the 15 and 10 Phil asked. If that happens then I think we will give the Clips, and everybody else fits.

PS: It's damn near 12am here so I'm going to bed. If you respond to this you can expect a response around 11:00am your time tommorrow. Later.

Jon K.

JK has spoken, a man of few words who makes commitment without dispute. What Kavaulic says we go, no more bull and belligerent arguments. Hey Jon, haven't heard anything yet about your suggestions of martial arts to be incorporated in the training of this team. You mentioned before that you have a link with the Buss family or Laker officials, can you make that suggestion? Can you imagine Baby Bynum applying Kodokan Judo (Hane Goshi - Spring Hip Throw) to the 330 lb behemoth, that will be a great Christmas bang!

Korey
"Tell me one player on the Clips that the Lakers just have no answer for? One player that we cant possibly slow down?"

Its not about slowing down one player but the whole team. Of course you cant stop Kobe no one can. You can slow him down. Just like you can slow down LO and then whose next? Kwame? Thats why the Clippers are a better team. Their superstar is Elton but they have enough decent players to step up. We only have LO,Kwame and Parker? Walton? Mihm? On the other hand you slow down Elton and other guys step up. It just depends on which players are on fire that night. If Kobe has an off-night then what?

Edwin
"For the guys, who did the job like Wade and Lebron, the CBA rules was unfair to their standards."
Its unfair but its for the teams own protection. You dont want the Knicks giving a rookie $6mil their first year. I actually like how the league has a cap unlike baseball. Its also motivation for some of these players to get even better to become a Super Star and get that big max contract. Hey if a team gave me $6mil for playing one year I would probably buy a house and retire. Some ppl will never see $6mil and thats more than enough to live a decent life.

Weave-Man
"Just imagine if LO had the same type of mentality as Kobe."
Thats the whole thing. He doesnt have that mentality and is forced to play a bit uncomfortable. This is one of the reasons everyone thought he was gonna be a great fit because he wouldnt bump heads with Kobe and let Kobe do most of the scoring. I think sometimes he puts too much pressure to score when Kobe is out and ends up holding the ball to much or turning it over by running over ppl to get to the basket. I also think Brand brings more to his team since he is their "star" while LO is 2nd to Kobe. LO can do a lot more and maybe next season he will. Thats why Brand is an All-Star and LO has the potential to become one some day. Put it this way if you had a chance to start a new team who would you pick to be your franchise player Brand or Odom?

This blog seems to be a lot happier during the season. Since the season ended everyone has just been arguing about how to improve, what team is better, who should've won this or that game, etc. It gets a little testy sometimes. But during the season everyone is just talking about the last game and how great that one play that Kobe did was. I guess I've come to the conclusion that watching Kobe play makes people happy. Haha! Except for maybe Sonny Belfast.

JORDAN IS A CHEATER!!! LOL
I always knew Jordan pushed off against Russell and he gets honorable mention in an article about cheaters. This is what was said:

"Michael Jordan: The greatest player in basketball history assisted his legacy by pushing off Utah Jazz forward Bryon Russell just prior to launching the series-clinching shot in 1998 NBA Finals. Several weeks later, Jordan retired as a six-time champion with the Chicago Bulls."
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/5856272?FSO1&ATT=HCP&GT1=8485
I guess the refs had to much respect to call it a foul even though he cleared Russel and got a pretty good and open shot with no defender and ended up leading to a championship. Has anyone noticed how many traveling violations have been called on Wade during these exhibition games. He's not doing anythign different. So why werent these calls made in this years finals?? Thats NBA refering for you.

Ak...got it! I have to say, no surprise here, but we disagree again lol. I definitely think LO is better and will be better than Brand...just too much he can bring (but I'll stop there lest we start another blog battle lol). Now if he can only go opposite, on the opposite hand and improve defensively (more than he's improved already).

Thanks for the article Leo, I love how Eric Pincus has the blog's pulse (I'm assuming he reads it). But major bummer on Harrington. I have to say many here predicted they'd ask for Bynum, so we definitely have our own little insightful GMs right here. Still crossing my fingers lol.

" LA isn't willing to overpay for Gooden's services." Thank God. He's a good player, but not for the money he's asking imo. Freakin Nuggets overpaying Nene, it changes everything.

"Only the most diehard fan expects the Lakers to win the championship this season, but a more realistic goal might be 50 wins and a visit to the second round of the playoffs."---I'll take it. Second round sounds fab to me. It's all a matter of growth and process anyways...so a step towards a championship (if not a championship in an otherwise open era) is good shtuff.

And by the way, speaking of point guards.....

Does anyone know if the Glove has resigned with the Heat yet? He'd be a great pick up since all we need is basically a 25-30 minute starter who can play D, shoot the 3, and mentor Farmar. Yeah I know he and Kobe mixed like oil and water two years ago, but he has played in Phil's triangle and I think he'd jump at the chance to start and mentor a young future star like JF. He's not much older than Cassell and was a better player when both were in their prime.

Wizo,

I don't know. That's a tough bet to call. Both teams crapped up their last game 7's pretty hard. haha

AK

AK is flat out wrong; case closed.

Ken

AK/Faith and the rest of y'all

When it comes to the lakers, everyone seems to miss the elephant in the room. It's not about brand, it's not about lamar, it's not about lack of a point guard, etc. We will only go as far as Kobe carries us. In game 7 they say he quit, in reality it was more like those airballs in utah, he was still trying to win ( follow the game plan ), he just didn't know how ( next time ditch the plan and wink at your coach, tell him i got this, it's on me ). He learnt from Utah, he'll learn from last season. My man is just learning how to run his own team so it's easy for y'all to rate the lebrons and dwades of the league in his caliber right now....but when all is said and done, the g.o.a.t. will be Kobe

In Kobe we trust,
Go Lakers

AK,

I really want to chime in on this debate of the Lakers vs Clippers as well as speak on this topic of AH and now Wilcox a little. However, I saw you mention that a new blog thread was being created so I will concede to waiting until the new one is released and then cover these issues in that. Thanks guys for the discussions!