marcus:

Care to share your TotalAccess username and password for the HoopsWorld link to info on Lakers and Bonzi - or cut and paste in blog? i'm very interested as it is the first I have heard anywhere that we even talked to Bonzi. For $3M, we should sign him for a year. Thanks.

Tom

bonzi in denver? that's instant contender status.

Laker Tom -

you said "Farmar will give Kwame passes that he can catch"?

Isn't that an oxymoron?

JayJay

(just kiddin - -mostly)

Amazing
McKie and Christie, what a pair. A couple of guys along with Vlade Divac and Brian Grant that I would love to forget about and never see get a dime of Laker money. No one will touch Christie and with good reason, he had chronic feet, unfixable and now he wants another paycheck to keep the witch happy or help her campaign for the new product line of whatever they are trying to make a buck at.
He was a good defender and a pretty good point guard but would his skills be there? Too old to take a chance on, same as McKie. Youth is the movement, Smush, Farmar, Shammond, Evans and Sasha - none of which make me feel comfortable this season but collectively perhaps a little polish makes on of them stand out this year. JJackson may be one good piece no one has mentioned and if he is given a small role and hasn’t slowed down too much, then play him and watch him get 10-15 here and there. Maybe Pinnook is the better choice, is Von Wafer going to be heathy?
A lot of IF’S on this team and that will be the tale of the season. If LO can learn to use all that talent and go medieval like BRussell and dominate guys with his quickness and shoot a good percentage- heck just shoot! That is what we are looking at IF Kwame has been training with Magic throwing no look passes like a rifle at those stone hands we might be happy to see him dunk with authority. IF the mix of Mihm and Kwame and Bynum can act as a sturdy defense against the bigs and driving small guards we might have found the intimidation that Big Men are supposed to have when they dominate in the paint. IF Luke has finally found his range, hit the weights, and can gain some confidence along with some consistency on a game to game basis, then we might have a jewel of a back-up for the 2-3 position. He truly can be the difference in our team having a cohesive offense. IF the team begins to believe that defense wins games and puts the focus on shutting people down and helping out, then we may have a huge upside and begin a trip towards the finals.
The way these guys evolve and overachieve will predict how well we do as a team. I hope Kobe can remain healthy and if someone (VRadmonivic) else can be a good 2nd option then we may have found the way to get off those last second desperation shots and know they can go in! MEvans may be another sleeping giant that has to grow up and become a threat. I see more in him than McKie and Christie both.
The way this season unravels with the talent we have reminds me of the '75 Golden State Warriors. They had a lot of pieces and a lot of potential but the key was the coach, Al Attles who played the whole bench all season and when the playoffs came they were all ready. We can do some damage if everyone buys into everyone needing time on the floor.
I seriously doubt Phil will adapt, change or play to the strength of each of his players outstanding attributes like Attles did but I can dream, just like Doug Christie can dream of playing in the NBA again after his wife stole his balls from him, damn she must have spent the rest of what he had left on Fashion PR and stoking up on 200 dollar wool scarfs! Now she's ordering him to go out and bring home some mo'money. Poor bastard was a great talent. So was McKie -operative word being WAS and I don’t care to see IF either of them have another good season in them.
It is time to get the long haul rolling, and making these young cats believe they can do it. Maybe with the complexity of this offense and youth of this team Mitch is just holding tight looking for the big change in the way the composure of this team reacts. Once again it looks like Mitch loses out on Bonzi, and he ends up in Denver??? Man, that is sad, he would really help that team. I really thought this offseason was going to be a big shake up- say good-bye to McKie, Cook, Mihm? And some one of our way too many point guards for one or two good players- Monta Ellis, Mikael Pietrus, Cabarkaba all are hanging out getting stale on Golden States bench. That team needs Mihm bad too! Mihm may end up the keeper and Kwame the dog, can’t wait to see how much LO and Kwame have improved from busting it hard all off-season. Haven’t heard a word about either guys tough training, maybe they are on Divacs summer camp schedule.
Well,….A lot more hope than reality but it is all we have right now. God I hope the season starts soon! While I am hoping, can someone tell KGarnett he is getting old and is not going to win in Minnesota-time to pull a Shaq and go somewhere he can win.

LakerTom, I doubt Farmer is starting anytime soon. Phil doesn't like rookies, he's never liked true point guards for the Triangle... I'm not sure what you're looking at here. And he's small.

I think he's got some game, from what I've been able to piece together, but he's not ready for a starring role. Training camp? End of the year is far more likely, and that's only if Smush playes like he did during the playoffs for long stretches.

Mike T., LakerTom, AZ and others:

This is in response to your post yesterday that Pinnock may not be invited. AK was saying to Faith in another post that he thinks there is no room for Pinnock in the roster under the present situation (I hope I got his statements correct or else he might come back dashing that I grossly misinterpreted him lol!) Frankly, he did not elaborate why he there is no room for him from the present roster? So therefore I asked you Mike, why do think Pinnock is not going to be invited? Secondly, If there will be a crowd of guards in the roster (Smush, Sasha, VonWafer, Mckie, Farmar, Evans, Shammond) and probably has been forecasted at the draft time, why did the Lakers still pick Pinnock?; Thirdly, What is the rule on players taken on the 2nd rd., if they are not signed can they go to another team; or can Pinnock go back to GWU and finish his college? Fourthly, If he goes to Europe and comes back after one year, can he move to another team or the Lakers still retain the rights on him for two more years? I involved here googleTom since he's well versed on the CBA rules, he might help in educating the blog or AZ who posted also on Pinnock. Thanks to all in advance, I'll go to a funeral and will be able to read it after lunch.

Edwin,

I'm not an expert on the rules. I read about the Lakers retaining Pinnock's rights if he goes over seas. It makes sense because if he's invited to camp and he doesn't make the team the Lakers have to "cut" him. If the Lakers cut him they lose his rights. It's that simple.

If he doesn't go to camp then the Lakers retain his draft rights because he "didn't show up". Almost like a draft choice "holding out." If he were a 1st round draft choice we would be hearing about it if he held out for money. We would be saying: Well, the Lakers have his draft rights for 2 years.

Since he a 2nd rounder (and presumingly not ready for the big time) it's just a way to manipulate the situation to get the kid ready for a real work out. In other words: the Lakers aren't ready to give up on the kid. They drafted him with the intention of sending him overseas. That way the Lakers get to see him a couple more times over the next two seasons. What does that mean? Well, they get to see him when his body matures a bit and with some professional experience under his belt.

Pinnock declared for the draft and if the Lakers didn't draft him he probably wouldn't have been drafted. This is a good thing for Pinnock. No way do the Lakers invite him to camp when he has no chance of making it. They forfeit his rights if they did that. Why did the Lakers draft the guy? They must have saw something in him and considered him draftable in the next year or two so they spend one of their 2nd rounders on him. It was a cheap gamble, why not! If in the next couple of years he turns out to be something then it's a gamble that worked out. If he doesn't then it's no big lose since most 2nd rounds are long shots anyways.

Finally, Pinnock is Lakers property for 2 years. His college options are gone. He can't go to another team unless the Lakers trade or release him.

mike

RAYRAY's scouting report on 06-07 LAKERS(alphabetical order)

KBROWN (6-11 248)-
GREAT body (like Dwight and LBJ, great body) and speed, enables him to match up with the best in the NBA. He better at 5 because he can't play away from basket his shooitng persentage and rebounds diminish when playing away from basket. Small hands but his coach says thats not why he can cathc the ball, whatever it is he needs to get much better at it. betrter than average post DEFFENDER, the rest of his skills are average. FREE THROW shooting is essential for his success (in which he got better as the seaon progressed).
KBRYANT (6-7 220)-
INARGUABELY the BEST offensive player in the WORLD. and the BEST deffensive guard in the world. along with BIG PAPI and TOM BRADY, the best momentum changer in American sports. his only phisycal flaw is his hands. he cant PALM the ball (the refs won't give him calls when he penetrates inside and loses the ball in contacts casue they think he cant hold on) his flaws are mostley psychological. He puts too much pressure on himself and sometimes thats too much
ABYNUM (7-0 275)
An slower YAO MING without scoring ability. very very LONG hands and thats about it. UNBELIEVEBALY slow, inconsistant, scared of MEN, and no REAL hoops back ground. the ONLY good thing about him was that he gave a GREAT 10 MINS against a badly injured DUNCAN.
BCOOK (6-9 258)
During the regular season, when nothings on the line and up to 5 insidents a season when things are on the line he makes 3s like no other big men. difinately NURVE problems, PHIL calls him the WEAKEST player he's ever coached. Can't JUMP, Can't put the ball on the floor, can't think when playing. GOOD decoy to stratch the deffenses.
MEvans (6-5 220)
a Deaven Geaorge its just that Maurice is a MAN not a BOY. good DEFFENDER, TEAM player and an epidemy of a ROLE player. not a good SHOOTER but he's not scared of it. has got important MINUTES in big playoff games.
JFarmar (6-2 180)
a ROOKIE. he plays POINT with poise. I am hoping he becomes a Kevin Johnson. I believe he was the ONE that took UCLA deep in the MADNESS. looks to be a LEADER, and play with a CHIP on his sholder.
AMcKie (6-5 209)
OOOOOOOLD
CMihm (7-0 265)
I'll start from the bad: He fouls too much. Not as much as he gets called for, but still too much. To me the BEST back up CENTER in the league. he does every thing a CENTER should do in SMALL portions. Dependable and a good guy (helps his Psychs)
LOdom (6-10 230)
our LO. again I start with the bad: Not good shooter and/or a fast learner and thast it. A natural BORN likable guy, thus GREAT potential to be a POISED leader of a CHAMPIONSHIP group. perfect LEFT hand skills (ofcourse other than jump shooting) if right HAND skills are improved he is a SUPERSTAR in this league. "MAJICAL"(like MAJIC) skills.
SParker (6-4 180)
OK everything, GREAT nothing. gets the ball loose with his long fingures pretty well. surprised people in his 1st season so look for a little bit harder deffense on him this year.
DPinnock (6-5 207)
Dont know him but from what everybody says, he could be our this year SMUSH.
VRadmanovich (6-10 234)
LEATHAL SHOOTER. he GETS HOT and doesn't get cold untill the other team is begging for merci. Unlike Cook he makes the SHOTS when they count, long and athletic. better than average dribbler for his size. his SKILLS are better than average but to be able to show case his skills there are 2 prerequisits: 1)his team has to be WINNING 2)He has to feel his skills matter.
RTURIAF (6-10 249)
the best utility player in the squad. rebounds, scores, gets to the line, gets phisycal, and even gets on the floor and dacnes with the Laker girls. sometimes he gets even the already PUMPED KOBE, PUMPED UP. great future in the game. a eruopian who plays like NBA players.
SVujacic (6-7 195)
Yes 6-7. I was surprised first time I saw him too. Bigger than you'de imagine. can run and play with the NBAiers and can shoot but needs to grow up MENTALY. OK role player and for keeps. This is his biggets season in terms of future. His upside, he doesn't care if its preseason or playoffs.
VWafer (6-5 210)
Not an NBA player.
LWalton (6-8 232)
If he cold only shoot the ball, he'd be a star. Smart, calm and collective in any situation can do any thing but be confident with is shot. If the Lakers don't sign him Miami will steal him in a blink of an eye. GREAT post up skills and a miss match in the post for a 1,2,3 players. If he could shoot he might be a SUPERstar.
SWilliams (6-1 201)
He is a poor mans TJ FORD. can push the ball and can BUG the uposing POINTS in deffense. I hope he helps.

I am pretty sure this will be the 06 roster: Maurice Evans, Shammond Williams, Sasha, Smush, McKie, Kobe, Farmar, VladRad, Luke, Lamar Odom, Braveheart, Mihm, Kwame, Cookie, Bynum. This is barring any trades. Obviously, it looks like the Lakers might try and speed up the pace this year with all the guards. This is something Buss has been interested in doing for quite some time and it was a glaring problem against Phx.

Tom,
Hoopsworld user/pass: FREE:TRIAL06

Kobe Interview with Joe MacDonnel of K-570

That was a nice interview with Joe M. at Universal Studios. Kobe's message with regards to Lakers emphasis in the next season will be focused more on DEFENSE. As this blog is anxious for basketball, Kobe said that Smush, Cookie and Chris Mihm are all waiting for the preseason games and Kobe has been talking to them everyday. They were all disappointed with the meltdown in the last playoff, but they have been practicing all summer. Kobe discussed his scholarship, his surgery on clearing scar tissues, TO & Eagles, Fiba games and so forth. Anybody who can get it from the web that would be great rather than waiting for the replay. Joe M. said that he will replay the interview on Sunday 8/20 at 4:00PM

marcus:

Thanks for the username and password. Man, I can't believe that nobody wants Bonzi. He would have been unstoppable as a Laker. I would be pushing for a sign and trade deal if it were anybody but the Kings involved.

Tom

AK,
I found your advice to Edwin to be somewhat misleading, with regard to Mr.Pinnock going back to school, although I think we know what you meant. There is really no reason why Pinnock cannot go back to college. As I recall he does have another year to graduate. He just cannot play basketball for the University. Why is it we always think first in terms of sports and conveniently forget the education value, as if it is secondary. I am not naive and realize that college sports is big in this country and in many college environments is preparatory to professional careers for those who are able. However, I feel that the educational achievement gained at these colleges and universities should always be the primary goal. Its unfortunate when some college sports programs become nothing more than the minor leagues of professional sports.

LakerAl

Michael A:

There are several reasons why Phil’s normal dislike of rookies will be different with respect to Farmar:

(1) Phil knows that he may only have two more shots to get his 10th ring so he will be looking to give both Farmar and Bynum serious playing time early to get them ready for the playoffs this year and for next year.

(2) Farmar has no competition other than Smush who is really just a 2nd year combo guard, which just means he is a shooting guard who can handle the ball. Smush was given the job last year as a rookie by default. He will have to prove that he deserves to keep it, especially after his melt-down against the Suns, where he lost confidence and crawled into his shell. Farmar, on the other hand, has unbelievable self-confidence and has proven to be a clutch player throughout his career.

(3) Farmar will run the triangle offense better than any other player on the team. He is a “true” point guard, meaning he is a pass first shoot last type of player who will make everybody else on the team better. He has already shown that he can run the triangle. Eric Pincus stated that he never saw any other player come in and know how to run the offense as smoothly as Parker.

(4) Farmar will provide the strong guard play that Phil and Tex need in order to be able to play Kobe at the 3 in the triangle offense, where he will get easier shots and be harder to double team. Kobe would then be playing the same position that MJ played in the triangle for the Bulls.

(5) The Lakers want to increase the tempo this year and run more to take advantage of Kobe’s and Lamar’s open court skills and athleticism. The obvious goal is easier hoops in transition and Farmar is the only guard who can run the fast break the way the Lakers want.

When you look at the moves the Lakers made in the free agent market, it is obvious that they know that Farmar is going to be the solution to the point guard position. That is why they signed Radmanovic rather than Marcus Banks or Mike James. It is why they haven’t traded Mihm for a point guard. While I may be wrong in the timing of when Farmar takes over, the reasons I have listed above are pretty persuasive.

We all know that Smush is a back up guard in the NBA, not a starting guard. That position on the Lakers is Jordan Farmar’s to win and as soon as he shows he is ready, he will be given the ball. I am predicting that this could happen as early as the start of the regular season. It may a little optimistic but it is not unrealistic or out of question, as so many bloggers believe.

Tom

Edwin,
McKie was a mistake LAST Year!

Mitch is hopefully trying to move him to another team. He was reportedly included in the proposed trade to Atlanta for Harrington.

I was in Hawaii on business last year and attended both preseason games against Golden State. He looked slow then. That it why I think the lakers were happy to have him on injured reserve most of the year. Saved face for Mitch.

What I am surprised about is why his second year was not at a team option considering his age and the fact that he was a cap casulty (like Grant) and is still being paid by the 76ers. That is hwy he cannot go back there even though he likes Philly.

Once he is bought out or is traded, look for Green or Profot to be picked up. Both have triangle expeience that Pinnock lacks.

rayray was correct about Von Wafer. He is not a pro ballplayer.

LakerAl

Jay Jay:

Pretty funny. You are right; it does sound like an oxymoron, especially considering some of Kwame’s performances last year. Seriously, however, I think it is one of the stronger reasons to give Farmar the starting point guard position: he will be able to get Kwame the ball when and where and in the way that he can handle it and do damage.

I am really excited to see how Kwame and Farmar mesh on the court this year. As you well know, giving a big man passes they can handle is one of the most important jobs of the point guard position. A great point guard, like Magic Johnson, learns what kinds of passes work for each of the guys on his team. Some guys need to have the ball delivered on a plate, some guys can’t catch bounce passes. From what I heard about Farmar during the summer pro league, he really developed great rapport in getting the ball to Bynum even when double teamed, often as easy passes to dunk or lobs to slam as a result of penetration.

This is where I think Farmar can really help Kwame. I don’t remember once Kwame missing dunking any lobs during the year or frankly having rebounds bounce out of his hands. Instead, it was passes in traffic thrown waist high that he fumbled. I think Farmar will get the ball to Kwame when and where and in a manner that he can handle it. He is by far the most accomplished passer on the team and probably the best penetrator of all of the guards we have, including Kobe. He will be able to drive the lane and give Kwame easy lobs to slam when Kwame’s man is forced to switch. This should become a staple of our offense with Kwame when Jordan is in the game, just as it is with Shawn Marion and Steve Nash.

So this is something everybody should watch during the preseason games. Compare how Kwame gets his points and how many bumbles he has when the ball is being fed to him by Farmar versus what happens when it is Smush giving him the ball. There was no “rapport” developed by Smush with any of our big men last year, because Smush is basically just a shooting guard who can bring the ball up. Farmar will show us early what a difference it can make when you have a point guard who learns how to get the ball to each guy on the team where they can do the most damage.

I also wanted to comment on the fact that we don't need a "true" point guard to run the triangle offense. That is true but what is not said is how much better the triangle will run when there is a floor leader on the court with great vision and the ability to penetrate. Penetration is probably the single biggest factor in beating the defense, even more so than moving the ball. It is the catalyst that breaks down defenses and forces out-of-position switches and leads to easy baskets and lots of assists. It even comes before moving the ball. It basically sets up moving the ball but now with purpose: the easy shot. Farmar will show that he is the best penetrator on the team. That is what every offense, including the triangle, needs in order to succeed.

Tom

Laker Al,

As you suspected, I meant Pinnock couldn't ever play college ball again. Obviously, the guy can go back to college someday as a regular student to finish up his degree. Maybe not at GW, since I don't know if Pinnock's grades would qualify him without an athletic acholarship attached. They could. I just have no idea how good a student Pinnock was. But if nothing else, he can always transfer those units and get a degree somewhere else, should that be his wish.

AK

LakerTom,

Great analysis today, I've enjoyed your posts. I don't necessarily agree that Farmar will be the starter in November, but you back up your arguents well.

Laker Tom,

I like this lineup:

1. Farmar or Smush (I'll humor you)
2. Vlad
3. Kobe
4. L.O.
5. Kwame.

Kobe WILL play the three much more this year!

>_<

marcus:

Excellent points about the next two year's being critical to Kobe's reputation. It was great to hear Kobe thinking defense and thinking team all the way. I also think you are right on with your Western Division team rankings. The key is that the Lakers have the widest range of potential among those top four teams. We are in many ways a team of projects but with great upside potential. The real issue is how fast can this team grow and evolve as a championship contender.

Ironically, the next two years will also be critical to Phil's final reputation, as his health may not let him continue to coach full-time. We all know he can take a good team and turn it into a championship team but he now has a chance to prove that he can take a bad team (the 2004/5 Lakers) and turn them into a championship team (the 2006/7 or 2007/8 Lakers). This is why I think we will see Phil really force the growth issue by giving Farmar and Bynum early shots to be impact players. It is his best shot at developing the best Lakers team possible for 2007/8, the last year he may coach.

Tom

dan:

Thanks for the gesture. I am also hoping that Smush will be able to forget the Suns' series and come back and be a valuable contributor to the team. If Farmar does what I am hoping he will do and Smush does what you are hoping he will do, we will for sure have a better point guard situation than we had last year. That is one of the keys to the team winning a championship before Phil's current contract is up in two years.

Tom

Thanks LAKER AL

Wardmin, NIT PIC? whachoo talkin bout, playa? hehe

Ken,

I know what you're saying, these broadcasters and sportswriters are sometimes fair weather people, they always go on what's popular on the ratings game. Well, Joe McDonnel used to be super huge and nasty. After getting gastric surgery, he joined K570, he became more tempered and forgiving on people who voice opposing views.

LakerAl
The contract that KG has with the Wolves is his "paycheck" contract. Im pretty sure that he has enough money to retire and wont be looking for such a huge contract if he's serious about wanting to win whether its just winning in general or competing for a ring. He also will realize that the teams that are "winning" will already be built (Lakers=KObe, Cavs=Lebron etc.) and wont be able to offer him max contracts unless he goes to a place like ATL. Therefore he will be willing to take a paycut to go where he wants to go (Shaq $10mil paycut to play in MIA) to compete for a ring or just win. I agree that he is getting old but he would be great for 2-3yrs but no more than that. At the moment we dont know how much he will ask for (and can get almost anything since he's a ALL-STAR) and if he does want to come to L.A. he will have to understand that they cant pay him too much. How much are you willing to pay Artest and how much for Garnett? If theyre both the same price which would you take?? By the way PJ hasnt said that he will extend his contract so after this season we might be throwing away the triangle. Im a much bigger KG fan than I am an Artest fan and even though its a bias opinion I would take KG over Artest at the present moment. KG is hungry and even though he can only give 2-3yrs of prime play he will get even hungrier the older he gets to win. The perfect example is Alonzo Mourning. The guy gave everything to win and outplayed Shaq in the Finals. KG is hungry and is an unselfish player who will do everything that the Lakers ask him. The guy can score, rebound and play defense. He could be another veteran with great leadership and there is nothing bad you can say about him other than "He's old".
BRING KG TO PLAY FOR THE LAKERS!!!!

Shady,
You bring up a lot of interesting points. Let me ponder them tonight and respond to you in the morning. Thanks.
LakerAl

LakerAl
PG: Smush,Williams,Farmer
SG: Bryant, Evans, Vujacic, Mckie
SF: Radmanovich, Walton
PF: Odom, Cook, Turiaf
CE: Brown, Mihm, Bynum

Those are probably the best 15 but I would really like to buyout McKie's contracts specially if he wont be playing much time with the Lakers. This way we can start training Pinnock in the triangle so we can start rotating him at the 3 with triangle experience. I think McKie will just be a waste in roster space space specially as the 3-4th PG option. I would also like to see Bynum get more mins then Mihm (or same amount if MIhm plays the 4 with him) and have Turiaf get more mins than Cook since he will bring more on the court like reboundign and "turbo" energy. He is so much fun to watch whether he's on the court or just on the bench dancing after a good play. Ronny "The Energizer Bunny" Turiaf could be a great guy to bring off the bench and could make our bench a lot deeper in talent.

Ken
If KG opts out of his contract then I think (not 100% sure) he is an unrestricted FA and therefore can say to however much (or little) he choses to. KG has said many times that he wants to win and if he doesnt see that the front office isnt willing to spend the money to make the Wolves winners than he will have to move on. IF KG was younger then I think the contract (money) would be a big factor (kinda like Harrington) but he's not and at his age ("old") he now wants to be a contender and win. He wouldnt come as cheap as Payton or Malone but he will come cheap if he does want to win. Like I said if he is after money he will have to go from bad (wolves) to worse (Hawks,Bobcats, etc) or go to a contender team like the Lakers who can afford somethign decent (10-12mil maybe). Then again thats really a big gamble depending on what KG wants and if he will take a big paycut (not that it he needs it $20mil is a lot) and sign with L.A.
KG IN PURPLE AND GOLD!!!