Easily the Best D-Fenders Head Coach in Franchise History
Marquette Assistant Coach Dan Panaggio was hired to lead the Lakers D-League team into their inaugural season. He's worked recently with the Blazers (presumably not as an "off the court" mentor) and racked a boatload of CBA wins (and not that various commonalities always guarantee similar larger scale success, but so did this character, who you may have heard of). The three-time CBA coach of the year won it all in '94 and '98, so expect to see him flashing those championship rings throughout games in an effort to intimidate the D-League opposition. "That's right! Those Quad City Thunder squads, baby! How you like me now, bee-yach!"
And for those sensitive types who can read anything as some kind of Kobe-Wade comparison, relax. Panaggio was never at Marquette during Dwyane's glory years. No connection to be had. Take it back down to orange.
—AK
I guess it would have been a major step down for a B. Shaw or Rambis, but I wonder if they are going to make this dude teach the Triangle. If so, you'd of thought they would have hired someone with some experience with it.
Anyway, at a time we're starved for Laker news, it's good to know I can sleep a bit easier tonight with the D-Fenders in good hands.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 17, 2006 at 09:40 AM
Since we have time K-bros, perhaps you could post some links where people like me, (who are a bit out of the loop not being resident in the continental US) could learn a little more about the D League.
It seems at first glance to be an incipient farm system, and if that's the case, you would want some one who has had extensive experience and success working with next-level players. If that is the case, that Mr. Panaggio's credentials are impeccable.
Again, if the Lakers are going to keep the triangle offense post PJ, then ALL your coaches better learn and know how to teach and employ it.
Posted by: Glenn | August 17, 2006 at 10:15 AM
thats good i guess
ive always wanted to be the first commenter haha. . .they get the space that makes it almost look like their opinnion is a part of the artical as well
but not matter
AK/BK are you going to 'know thy enemy' the eastern conference as well??
Posted by: joninjapan | August 17, 2006 at 10:16 AM
Isn't 3-time CBA Coach of the Year kinda like being the Valedictorian of your Summer School?
Posted by: wiZo | August 17, 2006 at 10:24 AM
I don't take anything away from the D-league or the CBA, so congrats to the new coach. I used to think that anything below the NBA wasn't worth talking about, but after working on the stat crew for a Division-II college basketball team the last five seasons, I've seen first hand how hard the coaches work, how hard the players work and how serious and competetive everyone is. These are all guys who would love a chance to play in the D-league.
But, seriously, isn't time for the NBA season to start?!
Posted by: Martin | August 17, 2006 at 10:42 AM
Are they going to still teach the triangle? It doesn't make sense to teach the coach the triangle at the same time as the players. Maybe they think that Panaggio was too good to pass up.
Posted by: greek dude | August 17, 2006 at 11:41 AM
"Isn't 3-time CBA Coach of the Year kinda like being the Valedictorian of your Summer School?"
Hilarious wiZo.
Posted by: greek dude | August 17, 2006 at 11:43 AM
lol wizo
Posted by: Xodus | August 17, 2006 at 12:31 PM
NOOOOOOO....what happened to Coop?!?!
I don't think it would have been that much of a let down...cause he did coach another D-League team to the d-league CHAMPIONSHIP. We needed defensive mentality to be taught to our players from the ground up...and I don't know enough about this "guy" to claim that...but I do know that Coop is a Coop a Loop with Defense! Come on, being a former Laker, and obvious Laker fan (ever seen him after games with Rob Fugazaki? he's entertaining and a die hard Laker fan still) he couldn't be "convinced" to coach our D-League team? I mean he coached our Sparks team to 2 wnba championships! AHHHHH!
Posted by: Faith | August 17, 2006 at 12:33 PM
Any ideas on who might be on the Lakers' D-league team?
With all the depth the Lakers have this year, I wonder if they have room on their 15 man roster for D-league eligibles like Von Wafer, Devin Green and J.R. Pinnock?
Posted by: rdlee | August 17, 2006 at 12:44 PM
Pretty darn good news. I like the idea of using a D-League team to really develop our projects. They'll get much more confidence and experience playing there than riding our bench all year long.
Posted by: Jimbo | August 17, 2006 at 01:29 PM
If I'm not mistaken, Maurice Cheeks was Panaggio's assistant in the CBA, which was Cheeks' sole pre-NBA coaching experience--and the reason Panaggio got his first whiff of the show.
Also, as an aside, please try, just once, to mention the Blazers without some kind of snarky crack about their off-court woes. That ship has sailed. Their act has been cleaned up.
You want to compare Blazers vs. Lakers criminal, attitude, and off-court records, roster for roster? Bring it on...
Posted by: Henry Abbott | August 17, 2006 at 01:38 PM
Read this~~>http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18441.shtml
Posted by: Steven V. | August 17, 2006 at 01:46 PM
Jeez wdf is running the show up there. I thought the reason were owning a d-league team is because the triangle is a complex offense to learn and we'd like to be able to have a competitive envinroment where we can send down our young players to gain experience playing the triangle. How's that going to work when the coach doesn't know the triangle?
Posted by: Taliq | August 17, 2006 at 01:56 PM
When I think of the triangle as an offensive strategy, I'm reminded of a commercial on television; "Do they give scholarships for playing the triangle?"
Against those teams who seem to merely go through the motions and realistically, are not going to greatly improve or be top tier, Brokeback maneuvers this offseason may well be the fixes required to dominate. But how about those teams of potential championship caliber, which will be there in the end?
San Antonio is champion grade, no doubt about it, but they are at the top of their hill looking down. The Kings, who always play the Spurs tough, have their number.
The Mavs, are a very talented team, but will not get over the dismantling they experienced at the hands of the Heat. By mid season, they will be down and out; competing for a long seed by seasons end.
I would say, don't overlook Houston, but they always seem to look so good on paper -and only on occasion- consistent on the court, and never when it counts.
With or without Amare, if Nash's motor is tuned up, Phoenix will be right there. He is the deserving MVP for good reason.
The Brokebacks have a tremendous upside. They are the Lakers. Nuff said. If everyone is playing up to snuff, you will compete. I'm expecting (rather hoping for) some collosal wars with the Kings. As you know though, with Kobe at the helm, I don't believe you'll ever win a championship. He's too much of a distraction and doesn't (or is incapable) of providing the right mentoring and leadership, not to mention, he is long overdue for serious injury or some stoppage. Also, as a father myself, I can't imagine Lamar being crisp and clear for sometime to come. Losing a child far transcends any -Rah Rah let's win a title for him- mentality. Bynum, Farmer and perhaps Mo are the future of your team; distant future, although you could make some noise soon.
Memphis, Denver, Utah, NO/OK all could be pesky at crucial times, but won't be attending the dance, or taking the lead if they do.
And yes, the Kings. With or without Bonzi, Sacramento will be more cohesive and a whole lot tougher. It was sports writers (and not knowledgeable Kings fans) who thought the Kings would contend in the west last year. We only hoped they would. Different story this year. We can win it all and know it.
75 days and a wake-up. Gettin' short. Let the games begin!
Go Kings! Go Niners!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 17, 2006 at 02:04 PM
Rdlee
Good question. Can anybody give us a link where we can the players on the new D-Legue team.
Posted by: Shady | August 17, 2006 at 02:10 PM
AK, the Kobe-hating scale starts at red and goes up from there. This is easily a hot-magenta.
Posted by: McGarnagle | August 17, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Henry,
"Also, as an aside, please try, just once, to mention the Blazers without some kind of snarky crack about their off-court woes. That ship has sailed. Their act has been cleaned up. "
Considering Zach Randolph was recently in trouble for drag racing with loaded guns in his car, Darius Miles candidly admitted to showing up buzzed to practices and there's a cloud of dissatisfaction still visibly lurking in Portland (within the locker room and with the fans), I'm not sure the "ship" is quite out of the dock yet. Throw in the fact that Panaggio was actually there during the period when all the ish was truly hitting it, and I hardly think the joke was innappropriate. And again, it was just a joke.
As far as matching up Trailblazer and Lakers transgressions and going mano y' mano, outside of what Kobe and Kwame have recently gone through (and given how little actually came of Kwame's case, it hardly seems like the most damning of indictments), I'm not sure where your ammo will come from. LO's pot issues 4 or 5 seasons ago (when he wasn't even with the team)? Seems kinda weak. You can't tell me with a straight face that the Blazers don't have considerably more image issues (and recent ones, at that) than the Lakers.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 17, 2006 at 02:53 PM
One thing is for certain. They grow it better up in Portland.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 17, 2006 at 03:00 PM
like an above post, he's probably too good to pass up. "FAITH" I don't Cooper wouldn't take a d-league assignment at this point. The guy deserves a head coaching shot in the NBA, he's a proven winner as a player and WNBA coach. Not pushing out PJ, but who do you feel is next in line for the post Phil-era. Rambis? B. Shaw? or even better will team USA's success give coach K. the incentive to go NBA?
Posted by: LakerFaze | August 17, 2006 at 03:02 PM
sonnybelfast,
They always say it's a "green" city.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 17, 2006 at 03:35 PM
I have been to Giants vs. Dodger games at both home stadiums. I have never been impressed with the treatment given to ball cap, jersey wearing fans of opposing teams. They are as likely to have a pitcher of low end beer poured on them as they are to recieve any kind of friendly hospitality or respect.
I've never been to Arco when the Kings are playing the Brokebacks. So tell me, what kind of reception do Brokeback fans recieve at Arco, or Kings fans recieve at Staples Center?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 17, 2006 at 03:39 PM
Here is a link to the D League. You can also get there from nba.com ( listed on the top of the opening page ).
http://www.nba.com/dleague/
Posted by: Roger B | August 17, 2006 at 04:22 PM
Checked the Lakers web site and they have this link - http://www.d-fenders.com, but I don't think that there is anything to look at yet
Posted by: Roger B | August 17, 2006 at 04:27 PM
GREAT POST STEVEN V...
ERIC PINCUS HAS GREAT INSIGHT ON THE SITUATIONS WITH THE LAKERS...AND I THINK HE HIT EVERY MAJOR POINT ON THE NOSE...WITH SO MANY VERSATILE PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER, I SEE COOK, MCKIE, SASHA AND LUKE AS BEING "THE ODD MEN OUT"
LO IS THE LAKERS BEST POWER FORWARD AND KWAME HAS NO BUSINESS PLAYING ANYTHING BUT A CENTER IN THE ASSOCIATION...I'D RATHER SEE RONI BACK UP LO BECAUSE THE AQUISITION OF VLAD MAKES COOKIE EXPENDABLE.
Posted by: wilcox2020 | August 17, 2006 at 06:00 PM
Thanks for the article, Steven V.
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 17, 2006 at 11:24 PM
AK,
Darius Miles has been showing up drunk/high to practice? What the hell?
Okay, my desire to see him in the purprle and gold just radically diminished.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | August 18, 2006 at 05:26 AM
Amusing item on KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR at a streetball championship on http://www.insidehoops.com/streetball.shtml
Posted by: steve | August 18, 2006 at 07:58 AM
The Los Angeles Lakers is the only NBA franchise that "owns" a D-League team, and I wonder what was the primary factor or factors that precipitated this decision. Has ownership/management made a decision to stick with the "Triangle" offense for the short to medium term future, and recognizing that it takes time because it is a difficult system to learn, and so forth?
This is a strategic decision and its implementation means that a serious investment of resources have been made. My fellow fans, bloggers and even you Sonny, what's your opinions, analyses, of what will be the D-fenders impact on the Lakers fortunes, and do you believe it was the right decision?
Posted by: Glenn | August 18, 2006 at 08:17 AM
Wilcox,
'WITH SO MANY VERSATILE PLAYERS ON THE ROSTER"
Who do the Lakers have, other than Kobe and Lamar, who is "versatile"? I think you are confusing versatile with "doesn't really play either position all that well, so we'll shuffle him between the two spots."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 18, 2006 at 11:23 AM
This has nothing to do with the A-mazing D-fenders and probably belongs under the Big Al heading, but I figured this would get the most attention.
http://www.hawksquawk.net/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=165496&page=0&view=expanded&sb=5&o=&fpart=1#165496
On the Atlanta Hawks forum the discussion is about a recent interview with Bickerstaff (I assume that's who Bernie B. is) and he basically states that Al to Indy deal is dead.
Without going into analysis of the Hawks messages, I was wondering if any of the bloggers here have any information about this development.
Usually, with our "vast" resources we can dig up anything that's even remotely Laker-related.
Lakers
Posted by: akr_68 | August 18, 2006 at 11:31 AM
Jon K,
Read this interview and tell me if you're still rooting hard to trade for Miles. Scroll down a bit and you'll find it.
http://www.oregonlive.com/weblogs/blazersoregonian/index.ssf?/mtlogs/olive_blazersbeat/archives/2006_04.html#133300
As I've said many times before, even knowing that Miles' problems are mostly self-created, seeing what he's become in the NBA bums me out. While I don't know him well by any stretch, I was around him a decent amount when he was with the Clips and found him to be a nice fun kid. Very unassuming, almost painfully shy. It's sucked watching him turn into a complete malcontent who seems to despise life in the NBA. I think he's likely more immmature than a genuinely bad guy, but he's got a LOT of growing up to do.
In the meantime, he's regressed as a player since leaving the Clips and doesn't have a single strength as a player that would make him a good triangle fit. He's inconsistent (and often disinterested) as it is, but he's (relatively speaking) better in a running offense. Throw in the fact that he has a long term contract (plus recurring knee problems) and very little seems appealing.
"Former L.A./Clipper guy" sentiments aside, I have no idea why you've (or anybody, for that matter) been rooting so hard to bring in Miles. There's a reason the Blazers can't get anyone interested in him (Isaiah aside). I wish the best for the kid, but let another team sort out his issues (on and off the court).
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 18, 2006 at 12:18 PM
Lakerfaze, I don't think it would have been that different for Coop to go from one D-League to another (he coached last year), unless he's under contract...however I grant you that he deserves a head coaching job in the NBA...and that would probably the greatest deterrent of him coming here. As it stands I think our next coach could very well be Brian Shaw, I just have a feeling that they're shaping him for the job...and he's already more bureaucratic lol.
Glenn, I think as it stands the D-League isn't as beneficial as it could be. We're hampered by rules and by limitations (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2414330) of not getting to choose our own players, and the ones we sent down taking roster spots. But aside from that I think it could mean great things for us. It's an answer to the whole too young, too soon, too talented thing. Let's face it, a lot of our young guys need court time, and exposure to our "system" so the NBDL works in that sense.
Posted by: Faith | August 18, 2006 at 12:40 PM
Go get em' Henry Abbot!
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 12:45 PM
AK,
Read the interview and all I can say is before you posted the link I was always like yeah miles is a basket head. After reading the interview, I'm like that's one of the realest pieces I've never read. Whatever the kid maybe, honesty is not one of his deficiencies and that counts for something.
On the real, character wise he get's my stamp of approval just on the basis of reading that interview. However you dealt him a damaging blow with the whole recurring knee injury thing, after seeing what mcckie did for us last year, the last thing the lakers need is a player trying to do his best penny hardaway my knees are broken but i had potential impression. I wish Miles the best though.
In Kobe we trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 01:00 PM
Always wearing one of my faithful Kings or Niners ball caps, will I need body guards to attend a Kings game at Staples?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 01:03 PM
Taliq,
I agree that honesty can be refreshing (and on an "entertainment/couldn't stop reading this interview if you threatened me with a gun to my head" level, this Q&A is a classic), but most of what the honesty reveals is an inability (or unwillingness) to take responsibility for his actions. And for all of the "honesty" on display, it never really includes a truthful assessment of his own shortcomings. There's a limit to how "real" he'll actually be. It's easy to be "real" when you're letting yourself off the hook.
The honesty also reveals a lot of immaturity and pettiness (bobbleheads?).
Again, I wish him the best. But on many, many levels, Miles would be a terrible pickup.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 18, 2006 at 01:13 PM
If we can get Al Harrington for Mihms, Cook and Sasha then we will definateky win the championship next year. We will then have the best team in the league hands down.
Posted by: Zakee | August 18, 2006 at 01:22 PM
Bonzi and Jason Hart in a sign and trade for Chris Bosh? Chris would look good in purple, silver and black.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 01:24 PM
Zakee,
Have you been burning that Portland green again?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 18, 2006 at 01:26 PM
AK,
Lmao at your bubble doll reference. Still i wouldn't mind seeing him in a laker jersey...assuming we didn't have to give up any players and it'd be a 1 year contract ( lol ). Alright so maybe we wish him the best on another team, but honestly he sounded more like he needed a hug than he needs discipline. Someone up there needs to start showing the kid madd love.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 02:20 PM
sonnybelfast,
you would know right...lol...from all ya comments, knew you had to be on that chronic.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 02:22 PM
AK,
Good point on Miles, we don't need any low character guys on this squad. I'm looking at Atlanta's cap situation and they are well below the 53 Mil. What is the minimum that teams have to have? It seems to me that a sign and trade w/Harrington for Mihm/Cook/McKie/& #1 pick is the way to go for them.
Ken
Posted by: Ken | August 18, 2006 at 02:24 PM
Sonnybelfast
If you read the Blog from Atlanta, then you would understand why I said those things. Read akr 56 blog up top and click on the web sight that he is suggesting and then ask me that again
Posted by: Zakee | August 18, 2006 at 02:49 PM
Supposedly indy deal is dead and we're back in the hunt for Al Harrington, though we're not leading the chase.
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers.
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Ooops forgot the link
http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18458.shtml
In Kobe we Trust,
Go Lakers
Posted by: Taliq | August 18, 2006 at 03:02 PM
Sonny,
Don't worry, you won't get beat up in Staples. Ya better be able to handle a heckel, thats for sure!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 18, 2006 at 03:09 PM
cherbadslow,
If you find you need bodyguards to shield you from the indifference to a Queens' hat at Staples (who cares, honky tonk?) then may be you Should acquire muscled escort.
Posted by: E Homp | August 18, 2006 at 03:41 PM
Poor Miles -
"A: It’s like you are telling me I’m this franchise player, but hey … once I noticed it, and I was like dang, I don’t have no bobble head? They tried to get me one at the last minute, and I was like, ‘No, I’m fine.’
But I don't want to sound like I’m whining. But this is what you all are telling me. You mean to tell me, if they have a Steve Nash, a Raja Bell, Amare Stoudemire, and a Boris Diaw bobblehead, they wouldn't have a Shawn Marion? But I don't want this whole interview to sound like I’m whining."
LOL!
Posted by: Maleke | August 18, 2006 at 04:08 PM
Hi everybody,
Today i heard on 570 a.m that the AH to Indiana deal is of & they were talking about the best deal for Atlanta is to get C Mhim,Cooki,Mackie & first round from L.A for AH and if they don't like any of the players all of them would come of the books next year I really hope this deal goes through what are your thoughts?
Posted by: kayhan | August 18, 2006 at 05:05 PM
I am pretty excited about this Harrington trade. We would be spaced OUT on offence. I think Bynum needs another year before he is ready for the kinda minutes he would get, though. Also, we would have Vlad, Lamar, and Al at forward, with all of them expecting to start. Regardless, it would be a definite step up for us. I am curious as to ideas about what our starting lineup would be.
Posted by: Marcus | August 18, 2006 at 05:30 PM
***Three alternative Harrington deals***
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution
http://www.ajc.com/hawks/content/sports/hawks/stories/0820nbainsider.html
Per the AJC, the Indiana deal is dead and here are the three deals that the Hawks are considering:
• 1. Do a sign-and-trade with the Lakers for Chris Mihm, Aaron McKie, Brian Cook and a future draft pick.
Mihm is making $4.2 million this season, McKie $2.5 million and Cook just $1.5 million. All three are in contract years, meaning the Hawks would have the option of re-signing them if they fit in well with their young talent or letting them move on at season's end. The draft pick is the cherry on top.
• 2. Do a sign-and-trade with the Nuggets for Joe Smith, a future first-round pick and $3 million in cash.
Smith is another solid veteran power forward in a contract year. He'll make $6.8 million this season. The $3 million essentially cuts his salary in half, and the Hawks still get the draft pick they covet.
• 3. Do a sign-and-trade with the Celtics for Vin Baker, Brian Grant and either Al Jefferson or Kendrick Perkins.
Whichever of the young guys the Celtics would be willing to include is the player that makes this deal for the Hawks. Both Jefferson ($1.6 million) and Perkins ($1.7 million) are the ideal young big men to add to the Hawks' frontcourt rotation, as both can play center. The contracts of Baker ($5.3 million) and Grant ($1.8 million) look like burdens until you realize that both of their deals are up at the end of the season.
I would think that the Lakers proposal, if it is true, would be the better deal for the Hawks. It will be interesting to see what happens.
Edwin, props for not giving up on your boy Al when everybody else had bailed.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 18, 2006 at 06:57 PM
KAYHAN
I am a big fan of HARRINGTON comin here and still looking for that trade to HAPPEN, but when you think about it, we'll be too SOFT on the FRONT if we give up MIHM and COOK. I can't believe myslef saying that we'll be too soft trading COOK but we will. BYNUM is as ready for an NBA season as a 4 year old for the first grade and if KWAME gets injured and we don't have MIHM, we are TOTALLY in ISHT. Also AL is a go to guy and I don't think will be too happy to TAKE the MAMBA and LOs left overs.
Posted by: rayray | August 18, 2006 at 06:58 PM
More thoughts on the Harrington Deal:
Chris Mihm, Aaron McKie, Brian Cook and a future draft pick for Al Harrington. This would be a good deal for the Lakers, assuming that they know how Harrington would fit with the existing team.
While I hate giving up Mihm, especially since Bynum is not yet ready, Cook is definitely expendable since we have Radmanovic and including McKie just saves us buying out his contract.
The big question/benefit would by Bynum. I am willing to take a risk on Andrew being able to step up and I would rather throw him into the fire than send him to the D-League as some have suggested. It is still a risk.
The deal also frees up spaces on the 15-man roster for Pinnock and Profit, although we would be better served to add another big to offset losing both Mihm and Cook and balance the roster better.
Even though I cannot seem to get a handle on what kind of game Harrington would bring, it does seem to be the opinion of everybody out there that he is high quality player who would make the Lakers a stronger team. If so, I hope we can make the deal.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 18, 2006 at 07:09 PM
Ken
Teams must have a minimum of aproximately $39mil in roster. If they dont spend the $39mil in playeers whatever is the difference is given to the current players on that teams roster as a bonus. Right now I think only the Bobcats are under (or were) at about $31mil last time I checked. The remaining $8mil would be divided among the players as a bonus.
AL TO L.A!!!!!!
I hope this is a wake up call to Mitch to call up the Bobcats and get a 3 team trade with the Hawks for Al to improve our chances. We could offer a direct trade or a 3 team trade and hopefully improve our chances at Al. Can someone please find out what Al is looking for whether its money or a chance at a ring (hopefully with the Lakers). Maybe he's just waiting for the Lakers to call him up. Get Kobe, Phil, Mitch and Dr. Buss on the phone with Al and we could have another great player by the beginning of the season. I think 50+ wins would be a gurantee and 55+ wins would be more realistic with such a great lineup.
Kobe and Al would be the 1-2 punch
LO and Kwame would be the 3-4
Kwame and _______ would round off our team.
Posted by: Shady | August 18, 2006 at 07:30 PM
rayray
"Also AL is a go to guy and I don't think will be too happy to TAKE the MAMBA and LOs left overs. "
Actually LO is a go to guy from default. He doenst have a scorers mentality and has said so many times. Al would be moved up to the 2nd go to guy while LO would be the 3rd guy. This would ease the pressure on LO to score when Kobe is off the floor and would let him play more to his style whether it is to run the offense or score. Im pretty sure that if Al does come to L.A. he has to know that there is no way he's gonna come in and be the Star of the team.
LakerTom
If Kwame can come in and hopefully give us 35+ mins this would give Bynum a good 10-15 mpg which isnt bad. It would get him used to play in the NBA and hopefully he could get a boost in his development. The only problem is if Kwame goes down. This would be my starting lineup.
1. Smush/Williams/Farmar
2. Kobe/Evans/Sasha
3. Al/Vlad/Walton
4. LO/Turiaf
5. Kwame/Bynum
I think Vlad could the first off the bench taking either Al or LO's mins when theyre benched and if they are bothed benched then you move Vlad to the 3 and put in Turiaf at the 4 or do the same with Walton.
P.S. If we have no other choice we could also use John Edwards (we have to take in order to get Al) whose only been in the NBA 2 season. Either way I would rather play Bynum but we would still have Edwards as a last resort.
Posted by: Shady | August 18, 2006 at 07:46 PM
LakerTom,
I understand what you are saying about AH. It also seems to me that it will be a peculiar fit, I am not sure how it would workout. I do know that adding AH will upgrade the talent level. As far as Bynum, they tried to tear my head off for me saying that Bynum was better than Kaman. :) But, he is better than Mihm, he just needs to get out there and progress. Maybe start slowly and build up during the season to the point where he is playing 20 minutes. I think Turiaf can play center against a lot of teams as well. So to me thats the deal Mihm/Mckie/Cook/#1 - lets do it and not look back!
Posted by: Ken | August 18, 2006 at 07:46 PM
Ken:
I have always believed that it takes playing against players who are much better than you to elevate a young player's game. That is why I have been adamantly opposed to sending Andrew Bynum down to the D-League, where he would be double and triple teamed by guys probably not as good as he is. I think that would frustrate and hinder his development more than the "game time" would help.
Playing in practice against Kwame and in important minutes in actual games against Shaq, Duncan, etc. would probably speed up Andrew's development. I also think that it would help his focus and fire. I never saw him look bored or invisible when he played for the Lakers but supposedly he did during some of the summer pro league games. If the trade was made, Andrew would have to step up like he did against Shaq.
Finally, I still like Chris but his presence would probably inhibit Andrew's rate of growth. It puts a big load on Kwame's performance and on Andrew stepping up and leaves us a little thin up front. Maybe we will get lucky and be able to get Mihm back as a free agent next year. At any rate, I am willing to take the chance that Harrington may be the player to put us over the top.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 18, 2006 at 08:04 PM
Harrington Trade to Warriors?? No Way!!
Eric Pincus still believes that the Warriors are the logical target for Harrington now that the Indiana deal is dead. I disagree as I believe that the judge in charge of the team's ownership fight has ruled that the Hawks cannot take back players with contracts greater than 4 years, which leaves the Warriors' Murphy trade deal out in the cold as Murphy has 5 years to go.
It also seems that the Hawks want the financial flexibility that the Lakers' expiring contracts give them and they also have been said to like Chris Mihm. I also don't think that the Hawks would want to do the proposed Nuggets or Celtics deals. The Lakers' offer is better. I think the Lakers may actually be the front-runners at this time.
Edwin, where are you?
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 18, 2006 at 08:12 PM
Laker Tom,
I agree. If the Lakers make this deal, I'd be stunned if they didn't use at least one of the two remaining roster spots to bring in an experienced, vet big. They can't go into the season with only 3 true bigs, 2 of whom (Bynum and Turiaf) haven't proven capable of playing 20+ mpg. That would leave them dangerously thin.
Since they don't have the cap space for a true stud (or likely, the trade bait), I would expect them to try to get what BK and I always call a "Sean Rooks type." Someone who's just plain "solid," obviously not the "missing piece," but can be put on the floor and he won't hurt you.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 18, 2006 at 08:59 PM
Will the Cavaliers make more moves this offseason? "I don't think we're done," Danny Ferry said. "We'd like to get tougher and we'd like to continue to become a better shooting team." Two veterans who fit that criteria are free agent guard David Wesley and veteran big man Scot Pollard.
-- Medina County Gazette
if scott pollard is available i think he would be a great pick up if the lakers lose mihm in th a.h deal. solid energetic back up center who boards, plays defense and wouldn't care that he doesn't get any touches on offense.
Posted by: taka | August 18, 2006 at 09:20 PM
too late he's already been signed. if the lakers are to make the harrington trade thry better get a third team involved and pick up a back up big that is proven not mysteries like kwame and bynum
Posted by: taka | August 18, 2006 at 09:25 PM
I'm excited about these Al Harrington talk.
Posted by: Jay El. | August 18, 2006 at 09:49 PM
Lakerton and the rest of AH watchers,
"There are now 12 planets in the Solar System, we need this 12th player in the Laker roster."
BTW, thanks LT for sharing the news on those teams wooing for AH. At this time, I think it's no longer the Hawks' call but more on Tellem/Harrington dialoque on where they want to go and who got the best deal for their pockets? They can dictate a sign and trade or just an outright purchase of a free agent, Jerry Buss could absorb the luxury taxes. Remember when Malone and Payton came over to LA, we were over the salary cap, so their salary became doubled cuz' of luxury taxes.
Based on those three trade scenarios, I believe Lakers has the best deal with Mihm & Cook at their prime. What was laughable was the Celtics offer of Brian Grant Again? lol! that's a real garbage plus recycles. In the case of Nuggets, they have not played Joe Smith, they're already trading him w/K-mart as a dessert if there's any team willing to pay him. You see that's how demandable is Harrington and Arn Tellem knows about these, so they take their sweet time in the grinding the auction to many GM's participating. No doubt about it, he's the last quality tall player among FA at this time. Our given advantage, Harrington trade can be discussed in Beverly Hills that's where Arn Tellem lives, everything is local in this trade discussion including Harrington himself who has a house here in the Southland. don't you think he wants to live in his house during the basketball season? why would he want to go back to Indiana, done that before, a waste of time! "C'mon Mr. Jerry Buss we need your all-out support, Mitch cannot open his wallet but you can." and also Magic Johnson you are one of the power brokers here in LA, get the AEG, Eli Broad, Mr Safan on board....c'mon guys, don't tell me the other teams can beat you on Harrington. If you lack the funds, call Mr. Laker Fan, Jack Nicholson.
Don't worry about Harrington fitting in the Lakers, PJ and his coaches will find ways to blend all these players. With AH, Vlad and LO on the floor, Kobe will be free to roam around, he could get his 100 with all these players around him. Even the presence of Shaq, Alonzo and Wade could not cover the Laker talents on the floor. Of course, Kwame will restore his confidence in making his solo dunks. Try to imagine the talents of these players who are young and at their prime getting to the hoop at the minimum effort under the PJ triangle. They can mix the triangle or Showtime if they want to. The next thing to worry is the DEFENSE. The offense will win a lot of close games but the defense will yield Championship.
PS. Oh, if we have Harrington, I think even PJ's hip will no longer hurt that much. So sorry for the long post that's what happened when I get excited with the subject matter.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 18, 2006 at 09:54 PM
USA Basketball on ESPN started at 10pm PST
Posted by: Maleke | August 18, 2006 at 10:08 PM
Sorry, ESPN2
Posted by: Maleke | August 18, 2006 at 10:12 PM
Just when I was ready to move on, they bring me back in!
It sounds like we're the "safety" choice. Mitch do it!
As for Harrington, be a harda**, come on! Demand a trade to LA. Here's a conspiracy for all, how likely is it that he fired his coach cause he really wanted to go to LA...and the only deal they had definite was Indiana...lol. I know, I know, it's probably more likely that he saw more interest around the league, and was unhappy about his free-agency being more about what Atlanta wants than where he wants to go. lol.
Posted by: Faith | August 18, 2006 at 10:15 PM
correction, Agent instead of Coach lol...too excited like Jay El I guess lol.
Posted by: Faith | August 18, 2006 at 10:20 PM
Here's a video:
Meet Joe Carbone
Joe Carbone is the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Lakers
http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/nba/teams/lakers/joe_carbone.asx
he talks about Kobe's workout and the workouts of the other players, he also gives advice of how to be in better shape.
Also today Kobe was in a boys and girls club to unveil the cover of NBA Life '07. He played the game with some of the kids.
for pictures go to this website www.wireimage.com just write kobe bryant in search.
Posted by: lakofan | August 18, 2006 at 11:23 PM
I think a combo of Turiaf and Bynum can handle 18-20 minutes a game w/ Kwame doing the rest. Be assured that if we do get AH, the Lake Show would be a mighty tough team for other teams to defend.
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 18, 2006 at 11:40 PM
wouldnt picking up AH mean that RADMANOVIC would come off the bench? he wasnt happy coming off the bench in seattle or sharing big minutes with MAGGETTE with the clips. this would mean that the lakers spent the midlevel on a 6th man that wouldnt be happy being a sixth man. i understand that the AH thing came up late in the summer but now we would have a logjam in that position and still be thin on the PG spot. loading up in talent is a good thing but does it really make sense at this point? AH is a superior athlete compared to RADMANOVIC but in the triangle i think we need pure shooters to offset the load on KB24. ODOM already has the 4 spot locked up. AH is a great scorer but not necessarily a great shooter. having the chance at a great pick up like him would have been an ideal situation before we picked up RADMANOVIC. just a thought. i wish mike t was around so i can ask him if he thinks that AH has the mental fortitude that stands during the playoffs. hehe
Posted by: sixonezero | August 18, 2006 at 11:47 PM
The USA team defense has a lot of holes. They couldn't stop averaged players like: Arroyo, Ayuso or this Delmau. Some of our star players played like Smush Parker, steal, oh wait it was a missed steal so it gives the opponent to shoot three. Then, they got intimidated by this 7'3" bummer Ramos who was also matched with Andrew Bynum at the SPL games. Perhaps, it was just first game jitters, they won but not exactly the dream team margin. Go USA bring back the Gold.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 19, 2006 at 12:40 AM
sixonezero -
I was about to write a Harrington post, but you said it all. Right on! This is exactly why we DON'T want Harrington.
Now if the Hawks would part with T-Lue, that would be cool. Highest 3-point percentage among guards in the NBA and a way better defender against small quick guards than Smush. Yeah, THAT'S a Hawk we could REALLY use....
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 19, 2006 at 01:36 AM
SHADY
FIRST: I think LO's agressiveness is the SINGLE most important KEY to the 2006 LALAKERS success. Along with KWAME's consistancy LO's high level of OFFENSIVE performance is ESSENTIAL to the TEAM taking the next STEP. I feel AL HARRINGTON is a player very similar to ANTWAN WALKER currently member of the HEAT. and I think in LA, he'll be like ANTWAN was in DALLAS. not GOOD.
SECOND: Let me AKS you this; do you go the VEGAS alot? DON'T! on your PROPOSED team, you have TOURIAF and LO for the 4 SPOT roatation and KWAME and BYNUM for the 5. HARRINGTON is taking VLADS shots and WALTON is sitting at the end of the BENCH. ON PAPER your proposed team is a DISASTER waiting to HAPPEN. What if KWAME gets hurt, role an ankle or something, the 19 year old, INEXPERIENCED, SLOW, BYNUM will fill up for him? We NEED MIHM. My BROTHER, you don't take, when you have an 18. I guess, UNLESS your SHADY.
EVERYBODY,
stop the TRADE TALKS, let MITCH CUPCAKE keep on sleeping, and WAIT. KG's COMIN to town.
Till yesterday when I was informed, from a fellow BLOGEE's POST, little did I know that KG has a PLAYER OPTION on his contract for the 07-08 season. thats NEXT year. I would have SHUT it with checking the LAKER ROSTER and thinking if we could have ever possibly get somebody that could RUN with 24 if I know. there is NO doubt in my mind and I am more than CONFIDENT that the 2007-2008 or possibly 06-07 the back of the LAKERS #21 JERSEY will say GARNETT. so STOP the propositions and wait for KG and MAMBA to HOOK UP and make life misrable for the NBA, none LALAKER, PLAYERS. Well and make my SEASON TICKETS worth WAYYY more. It makes ECONOMICAL, THEATRICAL, LOGICAL and all those KINDA STUFFICAL scense that KEVIN will BLEED PURPLE AND GOLD within the NEXT 12 month or so.
Posted by: rayray | August 19, 2006 at 01:52 AM
Zakee,
Have you been burning that Portland green again?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 19, 2006 at 02:23 AM
SONNYBELFAST
If we get AL then maybe I might start feeling HI
Posted by: Zakee | August 19, 2006 at 09:26 AM
Ray Ray you have no idea what you are talking about. We need AL. Shaq is the only true center in the league so we really don't need a big tru center until the finals. Plus Turaif can fill that spot. Heck he is playing that spot for the French National team.
Posted by: Zakee | August 19, 2006 at 09:37 AM
I am trying to understand why everyone wants to get rid of Cook. Am I missing something? He is the best pure shooter on the team, period. He is a better shooter than Radmanovic - all you have to do is look at the stats. Is Radmanovic a better defender than Cook? I'd say its a toss up. Cook is coming off a career year, his first real playing time of any consequence. Yes, he needs to get better on defense, but there have been signs of his improving, so why give up on him? Last year, he was the best on the team at taking the charge - although not being a star, he often didn't get the calls he rightly deserved. It would also help if the team defensive concept was better, as our guards routinely allowed opposing players to penetrate, creating awkward mismatches for our bigs. This is not a knock on getting Radmanovic, as I see him as more of a small forward, rather than a power forward. Cook is one of the few players on the team capable of opening up the floor, by being able to hit the outside shot.
Posted by: Roger B | August 19, 2006 at 09:38 AM
Roger B,
Now that is funny stuff. Brian Cook can shot but he gives up double and triple with his lack of defense.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 19, 2006 at 09:56 AM
Game Is On For Kobe, PlayStation
“Kobe is the best player in the NBA, and we couldn’t be more excited to be partnered with him,” said Shapiro. “Consumers respond very well to marketing with Kobe.”
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/news/recent_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003019745
Posted by: lakofan | August 19, 2006 at 10:01 AM
Ken,
Bynum is not better than Mihm. Bynum's not even better than Kwame yet!! And Turiaf is absolutely not ready to play significant minutes at center at this point.
Roger B,
Cook is way too weak defensively, has no inside game, and doesn't rebound.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 19, 2006 at 10:17 AM
Golden State and Denver are willing to offer AH
$60 -65 million, which is alot of money. The lakers will have to beef up their offer to bring AH in. Plus, both team will probably tell him he would recieve significant playing time since the lakers have Vlad. We don't have much working for us but to get Kobe, Magic, Phil, Jerry Buss, Wilt, Baylor, West, Worthy, all the lakers great to get us AH for a price that won't hurt us too much because 60-65 is way too much money.
Man I want this so bad
Here is the link.
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/hawks/stories/0819harrington.html
Posted by: Sola | August 19, 2006 at 10:26 AM
Did I miss some big news? When I left Chris Mihm was our 3rd center. Is he now 1st?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 19, 2006 at 11:10 AM
exhelodrvr
The point I was trying to make was this. Everyone seems to think that Radmanovic was a good pickup, and I was comparing their games. Cooks is a better outside shooter - check the stats. Radmanovic and Cook are exactly equal when it comes to rebounding - 8.6 rebounds per 48 min played. Neither is a great defender. Cook has at least as good an inside game as Radmanovic. And yet Radmanovic is hailed as an improvement to the club while Cook is portrayed as a liability. If we were loaded with outside shooters, then I would agree that Cook would be disposable, but the fact is that we are not. As was proved all season long in the playoffs and regular season, you can't win without outside shooting. As far as his defense goes, a lot of his problems are not uncorrectable. He reaches and grabs too much, a habit which can be changed.
Posted by: Roger B | August 19, 2006 at 11:10 AM
Ray Ray:
KG is not coming to LALA Land. Even if the Wolves would do it, it would cost us LO, Bynum and probably 2 #1's. I'd much rather have the AH/LO combo now playing along w/ Mamba.
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 19, 2006 at 11:25 AM
exhelovdr,
Honestly, Mihm is not even a true center. He is more of a hybrid powerforward/center. HE can't even stay out of foul trouble against good centers. And Bynum showed the ability to hold his own against the top guys like the few minuts against Duncan. I know he did not get a lot of minutes. Mihm has a good low post game however, but honestly he is an above average backup center nothing more. So if there is a chance to upgrade the talent level, I now want them to do it.
Posted by: Ken | August 19, 2006 at 12:05 PM
sixonezreo, Jay-Jay,
I understand your point about bringing in another guy, and team chemistry is a major consideration. Bringing Al in would take this team to another level right up there with the top 3 teams in the conferance. If Vlad is as good as he thinks, come into camp knock down some shots and win a spot. I want the Lakers to win a championship I don't want to waste more time. The most important thing is to win the ring. We will sort everything else out later.
Posted by: Ken | August 19, 2006 at 12:22 PM
A Window To The Triangle
http://lakernoise.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Roland Lazenby | August 19, 2006 at 12:27 PM
It's not really about how good they are...they have to be good enough (and with career highs, they're good) to be tradeable....but cause they have expiring contracts. Mihm becomes a free-agent at the end of the season, and Cook will be as well I believe (http://www.lincolncourier.com/story.asp?SID=2661&SEC=10) and so will McKie. The point of the matter is that Atlanta doesn't want to take in contracts, and outside of Indiana's trade exception (a dead deal), I think we have the best deals...and Harrington would benefit us (and himself) immensely.
Someone asked about the Vlad thing...I actually think it's smart...we went out actively and not relied on "ifs" so in case we don't get AH, we got Vlad. Believe me it's much better on this end than in Indiana where there's a chance they don't get no one cause they put their eggs in one basket. That said, it's never a bad thing to have consistent, improving players...Having both Vlad and Harrington makes us a team to be reckoned with if for no other reason than we'd be more athletic (AH) and offensively strong...now if we could only improve our team D.
Posted by: Faith | August 19, 2006 at 12:30 PM
For those of you who want to watch Ronny Turiaf play, on fox sport they're showing the FIBA game France vs. Argentina.
Posted by: lakofan | August 19, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Man- I am just about starting to believe this stuff! AH is a mediocre player that has some skills but he isn't really a take over the game guy, he's adequate and young, pretty inconsistent and could just get lost trying to figure out this triangle.
If we get him I think him LO and Radmonivic may be our starters up front with Kwame, Rad and AH alternating the sixth man role. Radmonivic would likely sit but our best team would probably be sitting Kwame and going Mo Evans and Kobe handling the ball. I wish Kobe would challenge himself to get 10 assists a game. He truly has a weakness in creating with the ball for others. Some of the playoff ball was awesome with Kobe initiating the others and giving it up- trusting the others. With Radmonivic and Harrington, he's going to have to get these guys some action. Smush may surprise us all and be much better after a true rookie year is out of the way. His nerves will be much more settled and confidant and he does want Farmar pushing him out or Shammond. Unlikely these guys are good enough to defend Nash, Parker, Bibby even Sam Cassell...The truth is everyone must improve immensely with this roster to make it happpen this year. It would have been nice to send away a few hopefuls and draft picks for KG - I mean we need that kind of help here. LO never seems to have understood his talent, he could be an all-star every year if he asserted himself, he's got all the talent any player could want, but 6 years and ??? thats probably all you get.
So... this AH hype is fun and all but I will have to say this - the dude has to be a presence if he comes in - no way can we have him watching Kobe all game. To many players are about to move up a level or start to dwell in mediocrity. The Steve Nash-type of guy who makes sure the team gets better (Kobe/Smush/Farmar?) may be the key to this whole season. The talent is on almost every team in the NBA it is a matter of confidence and whether or not guys begin to trust and know they are capable and can get it done. This may be Phil’s biggest head-case challenge of a season. Especially if AH is on board. I think we all know it has to start on Defense and major league outlet passes to players running the sidelines hard, to get us anywhere near the top of the conference then into the western conference finals.
The Lakers are a great building block but we need an impact down low and I sure hope Kwame or AH can be that guy. To me AH will have to play some center and if Andrew is showing progress that will be great. The Hawks are going to be testing the waters again with Indiana bowing out on AH. I just don't see them taking Mihm and McKie for their best big man- this guy is just playing for money and that scares me. I hate to hear the Sprewell I got to take care of my family- that happened on draft day.
Thats it for me - Niners looked OK and might have their way with Oakland. Hope we can get to hoops soon- Best game in the World.
Posted by: Peter Maguire | August 19, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Ken,
" And Bynum showed the ability to hold his own against the top guys like the few minuts against Duncan"
NO HE DIDN"T. Bynum generally looked lost when he was playing last season, and overall he was just mediocre in THE SUMMER LEAGUE. Counting on Bynum right now, and making personnel decisions on the assumption that he is going to turn out to be pretty good is playing Russian Roulette with the future of the team.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 19, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Thanks, Roland. Did Tex manage to snap of few pictures of these fabled stained glass windows? I'd like to see the triangle offense played out in glass. That would mean this offense would be, err.....breakable.
Posted by: Maleke | August 19, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Mike T.,
Welcome home!! LOL!!
How was your book? Are you ready to go to Hawaï in October because you've been chosen? I'm joking.
Lakers - "Make them obey!"
GO
Posted by: Guy Owanlele | August 19, 2006 at 01:59 PM
I was wondering if AH might be quick enough to play the 2. If we had Kobe at the 1, Ah at 2, Vlad at 3, Lamar at 4, and Kwame at 5 we would probably crush teams offensively. Defensively, I am not sure.
Posted by: Marcus | August 19, 2006 at 02:13 PM
exhelodvr,
I have games on TIVO do you? I'm not just relying on memory.
Posted by: Ken | August 19, 2006 at 02:20 PM
Who is more versatile of a player Lamar or Al Harrington?
Posted by: kleander | August 19, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Exhelodrvr,
I think you're down playing Bynum's skill a little too much. Is he as great as Ken thinks? No. Is he better than mediocre? Definitely. I think for a 18 year old he had a pretty good summer league, inconsistent but good.
As far as the Harrington deal goes, I know trading Mihm will be a BIG risk, but I think a Bynum/Turiaf combination can hold down the fort until Kwame is ready to come back into the game. Another factor I see that you guys have missed is how much Mihm leaving will affect Kwame psychologically.
Last season when Mihm went down I thought our season was done. I never thought Kwame would come in and give us the boost that he did. Now, it's easy to say that having Mihm gives us insurance, but I don't think it helps Kwame, which inturn will hurt our team. If Mihm is behind him on the bench Kwame will know that if he messes up Mihm is going to come into the game and take his minutes, and maybe his starting spot.
We all saw how much more confidence Kwame had last season once Mihm went down. He knew that he was our only option, and for the most part took the challenge, and had a drastic improvement in his game. I think with Mihm gone Kwame can maintain that level of play knowing there is no one to really challenge him for the 5 spot.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 19, 2006 at 02:36 PM
Guy Owanlele,
LOL! Thanks! My book is coming along. I was looking at the Lakers schedule and it looks like the month of November is going to be a somewhat easy part of the Lakers schedule. I looking for a fast start.
I'm still waiting for one more significant trade. As for AH...I would be pleased to pick up a guy like that. I still stand by my Darius Miles hope. I think Darius would be a great fit with the Los Angeles Lakers.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 19, 2006 at 02:40 PM
kleander,
They are both very veratile players. L.O. is better overall, but Al is more agressive offensively. Also, Al may be slightly more of a natural power forward than Odom. With Both players on the floor at the same time, The Lakers could be pretty close to being unguardable. Although, as Faith related, the defense would still need to improve.
Posted by: Ken | August 19, 2006 at 02:42 PM