sonnybelfast-

im just wondering. upon reading this blog, it probably seems to you that the laker fans here are a bit too optimistic about the season. i know you arent the biggest kb24 fan but having that guy on our team, we feel that we always have a chance. a chance at what...dont know. my question is, do kings fans feel that they have a good enough squad to make some noise in the playoffs this year?

AK,

It is not really your fault, but the LA TIMES has no credibilty on the Kobe issue. The paper has sold him down the river too many times to claim fair or balance reporting. I remember that for two years straight the only reader letters published were the ones that had something negative to say about Kobe. Negativity sells and the LA TIMES rode that horse into the groung. Charles Rosen made his name on the back of a Phil Jackson sponsored smear campaign. So AK, yes you try to be fair but "that woman has been working the nightshift for too long now".... if you understand what i mean.

Jay Jay, you couldn't be more right about Lamar at point.

Glenn,

Thanks for that post. Is it me, or does that seem like a really dumb trade? I can see why Dunleavy would want to coach his son, but It doesn't really make sense for the Clips since Jr. hasn't really panned out. The only teams really benefitting would be Denver, and Golden State. Denver gets a nice player in Maggette, but from everything I've read they want Harrington so why would they help Golden State get him? And Obviously Golden State ends up with the best player on the market so they win.

We not only want our superstars to be "superhuman" athletes, we also want them to be "superhuman" as human beings too.

Everything is relative from where I sit. Some of the criticism of Kobe Bryant's demeanour and personality are warranted, and some of it does seem to be too much. I wonder how much of a factor it is that Kobe spent so much time growing up in Italy, how much that shaped his personality, and how much if affects the way he deals with his American teammates?

Kobe came into the L really, really young, and by any standards had great success in terms of fortune and fame at an early age. I think he should be guarded, and I think he has made his share of mistakes.

I think that he is maturing rapidly, and I like what I see of him off the court. He's not Magic, that's for sure, but he's not Kareem either, personality-wise, so it stands to reason he's somewhere in between.

Incidentally, this was very much Shaq's and PJ's team. Kobe wasn't even second fiddle but third banana. Today, like it or not, it's his (and then PJ's) team and I think that having tested the mantle, he is beginning to wear it well.

Today is Wilt Chamberlain's birthday. NBA.com sent me it's tribute to the Big Dipper.

http://www.nba.com/gallery/wiltchamberlain/060820_1.html

It's a slide show of 70 photos of Chamberlain. In it you'll see Chamberlain's body from a high school kid to a older gentleman. It's amazing how it fills out. The same thing is going to happen to Andrew Bynum.

One other thing I liked is the photo of Wilt and Dr. J. Dr. J looks so proud to be in a photo with Wilt.

Wilt was special.

mike

Glenn,

"Incidentally, this was very much Shaq's and PJ's team. Kobe wasn't even second fiddle but third banana. Today, like it or not, it's his (and then PJ's) team and I think that having tested the mantle, he is beginning to wear it well."

I think you're right!

mike

Say it ain't so. You'll hear it on CNN and see it in the International Herald Tribune. Even the Onion and Hustler Magazine ran pieces: Polish Americans alone are responsible for the demise of the Los Angeles Times.

Sam Amico wrote: "I just know I would feel better about this team if Kobe Bryant were playing...(if)Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, and Carmelo Anthony had Bryant in uniform...they could pick up that attitude"

Hey Sam, no thanks. Just in case you haven't noticed, Team USA is doing just fine without him, or his attitude. Is this not true?

Bird, Bonds, Tiger, Kareem, Jordan, Babe, Boggs, McEnroe. Let's see now, which little squealer was brought up on rape charges?
I say the Poles did it! Get a rope!

JJ,

I really like your idea. I wouldn't count on us resigning Sasha off waivers, but other than that it's a pretty solid Idea. My only other problem would be letting Pinnock go for Profit. Like I said in an early post, I don't really understand the point of bringing Profit back. From what I understand we brought Evans in to be Kobe's backup so what would be Profits purpose? All he would do is take up roster space that could be used to keep Green, and Pinnock.

I think Pinnock can be a good player in this league, and I think it would be in our best interest to let Kobe groom this kid into something great. Green has shown the capability to be a good defensive player, and if he keeps working on his jumpshot he could be a really good role player.

AK,

Thank you for bringing in the Sean Rooks reference. That made my day.

As for the trade for Harrington, it's a win-win either way is how I see it. If you get him for what we're offerring, smashing. We get a versatile, young forward who greatly increases the talent level of the team. If you don't, we have a few decent role guys who know the offense with expiring contracts, and we keep some semblence of cap flexibility for the future if the current group of guys doesn't work out.

When everyone starts discussing who to keep between Sasha, Green, Pinnock, or Profit, it really won't make or break us either way. You could almost fill in the blank on the roster with any average ability 6'5"-ish guy and the impact would be the same.

What we should all worry about it the precipitous drop off in talent and ability after LO. That's what we need to spend time thinking about.

Marcus,

You're right, it is funny. LOL!

mike

Happy birthday Wilt!

Just for FYI purposes, if we do retain Pinnock (who I like) and don't guarantee his contract, we lose a chance of retaining him, or having his rights for the future. So most likely, he'll go to Europe for that purpose.
"Players in camp sign contracts with the team and if Pinnock does - and they cut him - the Lakers lose his rights. So I would say that there's a chance Pinnock goes overseas instead of joining up with the team, but that's just a hunch." (Eric Pincus, http://www.hoopsworld.com/article_18441.shtml)

By the way, check out that link...it's a very informative article by Mr. Pincus.

S. Tan,

Yes. I am as enthusiastic a Kings fan as many of you are Brokeback fans. It is also true that I get along with Kings fans and Forty Whiners about as well as I get along with ya'll.

Last year, many pundits and fans had the Kings near the top of the Pacific. Not me. I had hoped that they would pull it together by seasons end, which they did.

When handicapping games, power rankings and other stats are often times misleading. Many writers and fans will consider the Sacramento Kings a low end playoff team at the seasons beginning, based on those rankings.

I, on the other hand, incorporating pieces of the whole picture, have a gut instinct that the Kings will make some serious noise from day one, even without Bonzi (or perhaps especially without him) although to this day, the jury is still out as to where he may land.

If the Brokebacks were my number one team, I'd be excited about the teams chances this coming season. You've got a shot to make the playoffs and even advance.

By mid season however, the Kings should dominate most teams, including yours. Then again, that's why they play the games.

I wish I was around when Wilt played. I remember my dad telling me about Wilt, and how good he was the day that he died when I was around 12 years old.

pfunk36,
Thank you and I am a girl.

--------------------------------------------------------

Marcus,

You said it; before it wasn’t Kobe’s team and Shaq did not allow Kobe to be a leader, so Kobe just got isolated and was afraid to open up to his teammates. Also you have to remember that he was only 17 and that makes a big difference. He himself has said it, that he was just about the game and he had nothing in common with his teammates.

I read an article in Newsweek or Life magazine about Kobe, it was an extensive article and they mentioned how his mother and sisters over protected him, that when he first began his NBA career his mother used to pack his bags and Kobe was not allow to watch violent films (scarface, the godfather, etc.) And recently I read an article where Kobe said that when he was in Italy his mother didn’t allow him to go watch soccer games in stadiums. I think all of that and growing up in another country contributed to the way he was and now he’s trying to change.

I have never said that Kobe is perfect, and about his personal life, well that’s personal not my problem. That doesn’t have an effect on his game, so it’s no concern of mine.

I think now Kobe is coming into his own person and he’s starting to mature. After all he’s only 27 going on 28. I think many of us were different when we were younger; we tend to mature, and acknowledge our mistakes and faults.

AK,

About team dynamic, I don’t think it was just Kobe’s fault when all the drama was going on, but oh well lets move on. Kobe is now becoming a great leader in my opinion; he now understands that is not just showing them by working out but also by talking to them, by being friendlier. It’s human nature to like certain individuals and to dislike others and unfortunately for Kobe he doesn’t have that choice, but he should.

I understand that Kobe and his teammates have had problems and it’s normal, they spend a lot of time together. Kobe is not perfect and his teammates are not perfect. That his teammates sometimes understand each other better because they are more alike is not Kobe’s fault.

We all may have misconceptions about others (remember your radio appearance a couple of months ago, and they said you were in your basement wearing a rope and just working on your blog; I noticed in your voice as if you didn’t like that comment) and that the media has the power of the paper and pen, the radio and television helps them vent about what they don’t like. Unfortunately the masses follow that instead of making their own judgment, just to be in sync with what it’s perceived as to be the general view of a certain person or topic.

The media darling was not Shaq, but it applies to him also, it’s another media darling, but hey of all the media darlings put the name you wish and it’s him. I will not say his name.

About the hating issue, you should know by now that I don’t use hate or think you hate Kobe or are hating on Kobe, is only the perception you get when I disagree with you. What I say is not to defend Kobe specifically it may seem that way but it’s not, it’s just annoying to read how a person’s personality affects how it’s written about him or her. It would be nice to put a line between athlete and person. For the athlete to do his job, to be nice to fans, to answer questions reporters ask and leave it there.

BTW: I didn't answer you before because last night I went to sleep,I was not going to lose sleep because of this, haha, so sorry and today I hadn't had a chance.

stand corrected, going on 18.

Unload him and be a real TEAM (to take a page out of RayRAYS book) again. Rebuild your dynasty around Bynum.

"I think now Kobe is coming into his own person and is starting to mature. After all, he's only 27 going on 28" or something like that.

I heard he is starting to shave and likes girls too.

Actually, to my ear, Brokebacks has a nice ring to it. Kind of like the "Queens".

Although Glenn,

that Kobe "is on his way to being one of the most transcendent athletes and competitor in any sport" is enough for you, may be a stroke of luck for many of you.

You can be especially satisfied that you have no need for Kobe to be anything else, because an effective leader of a storied franchise he is not.

opps AK it was robe not rope, sorry but I was in a hurry.

Weave-Man,

I understand your feeling towards Pinnock. He may turn out to be a decent player in this league. I wasn't saying that the Lakers should definitely get rid of him. What I said was that Profit is expected to be fully recovered by the mid point of the season. I would still sign Profit and let Pinnock go at that point. However, by the midpoint the Lakers will know what Pinnock can offer to them. They can decide whether to keep him then. Besides, I had him going to the D-League so it isn't like he'd be away from the organzation. As for Profit, the way he played before his injury showed a smoothness and ease to the game that the Lakers need off of the bench. He doesn't have to play much during the season, but I see him as a new version of Brian Shaw that could be utilized greatly in the post season. IF guys like Smush, Shammond or Farmar get fazed in the playoffs, Profit is the kind of guy that ca come in a play a settled game.

You guys are missing the point that the Lakers need to be thinking in terms of filling holes for specific situations. That is what gets a team over the top. If they were simply trying to make the playoffs, that would be one thing, but that's not the goal for next season. Winning a championship is.

As for Sasha, I figured that Atlanta most likely wouldn't want him because they don't really need him. The Lakers don't necessarily need him either, but his hustle and experience from last year makes him more valuable than Green or Pinnock. They haven't been in the playoff environment. Guys that have faced the fire are the guys that you want on the floor next season.

That is why Harrington is a great pickup. He faced the fire with the Pacers. He has been in this league long enough to gain valauble experience. Plus, you can't teach guys how to step up their games, they just have to do it. Harrington has shown at times that he can. He's not a main star, but the Lakers don't need that anyway.

I still say that the Lakers should get Harrington. It just makes sense.

Harrington:

This is just a thought to throw out for discussion. Harrington, having played for the hawks, didn't really get any national air time. I personally have not really seen him play since he left the pacers. I personally have not really been on the "Sign Al" bandwagon. I always thought of him as a 3. I agree he's a good player, but he would be another player at an already overmanned position. The Lakers have bigger needs. However, I recently read about him on hoopshype.com that he played BOTH forward positions in atlanta, and apparently he was pretty effective at the 4. That being said, since he could hypothetically start and play the 4, you could still start RadMan at the 3. With this, the starting lineup would hypothetically be this:

PG - LO
SG - Kobe
SF - RadMan
PF - Al
C - Kwame

Any thoughts?

B.

Glenn,

I never said Kobe was not at fault, but the media only blames Kobe and not the other parties, it is always Kobe's fault and well that is not the case.

To tell you the truth I know Kobe is arrogant and he was worse when he was younger, but all athletes are the same way.

The only problem is that even if Kobe changes in the sense that he is more mature, the media will never give him a break, they will always make sure the past will be the present and the future.

Time will tell Sonny ...

At this point Kobe and the Lakers are more likely to win a championship than Bibby/Miller/Artest and the Kings. I know you wish to believe differently, but the weight of history is overwhelmingly against you.

You no doubt deliberately miss my point: Kobe will lead this most storied of basketball franchises to championships and in doing so become one of the most transcendent athletes and competitors. I know, I know, I'm wasting bytes and time because deep down you know it too. You're on this blog because truth be told, you're a member of the congregation.

More Chamberlain stuff:

http://www.nba.com/

Under Chamberlains B-day there's a bunch of stuff. Videos of people talking about the Dipper. Russell, Goodrich, KAJ...and others.

mike

The two biggest problems the Lakers had last year where inconsistent PG play, and inconsistent execution overall. Kobe and LO, if he plays to his potential, can carry the team. Everyone else doesn't have to be a superstar, they just have to be consistently effective. Glenn said the truth. Everyone, whether they wanna admit it or not, knows who the best player in the league is. If Kobe gets the cast to play their parts, it'll equal a championship. And for all the haters, it could be sooner, not later. The talent's already there.

B.

JJ,

The Lakers need to do more than fill a couple holes to win a championship this year, unless of course you consider those holes to be "All-Star caliber players". There is just too big of a drop-off in talent after Kobe and LO for this team to be a contender. Unless they bring in at least one more All-Star caliber player, they are going to be the next Grizzlies, make the playoffs and get bounced in the first round every year, whether Kobe is on the team or not.

By the way, if the Lakers don't end up as one of the elite teams in the league by the all-star break or trade deadline, you'll start hearing some grumbling coming from Kobe, either to trade his teammates or trade him. I guarantee it.

Sonny,

Good luck with your Kings. I think (hope) you will be sorely disappointed.

"Last year, many pundits and fans had the Kings near the top of the Pacific."

Last year's last year. And I told my bro not to worry about the Lakers after the 04-05 season because "Kobe is the best player in the league..I don't know what, but he will do something amazing." And like you, I was right, but what does it matter?

On the other hand...you say "even without Bonzi (or perhaps especially without him)"

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaa....

If I could post an entire reply in hahas I would. So Bonzi had a decent year and a fantastic playoff run. Now I hear every Kings fan preaching the same. Really....Bonzi Wells..he..really is not...THAT good. If you had kept him, he probably would have regressed. If you had kept him and he hadn't regressed...well I can safely say that he wouldn't be the key to obtaining your crown.

The point? Your gut instinct, as judged by my gut instinct, is WRONG! Weak argument, I know. But like I said, we can hash it out at the bar when you visit.

Every year the teams in the league is divided up into three categories: contenders, sleepers, and non-contenders. EVERY team falls into one of these categories. The Lakers are a sleeper. They have the potential to really make some noise. Some teams like say, i don't know... the queens, they would fall into the NON-CONTENDER category. What does this mean? Simply, they might as well not play their season because they're not going anywhere. They had their window, and the Lakers closed it. If they get lucky, they'll do well and get eliminated in the first round. I have to admit. There is always the chance that the other team's entire starting line-up breaks their legs, and the queens make it to the next round. But realisrically, they're not going anywhere.

B.

Hey Queens Fans:

I'd worry about rooting on your team in another city 'cause the arena issue won't pass!! Good luck, LOSERS!! How's cheering on the "Las Vegas Queens" sound to you?!?

Andrew Z,

Kwame Brown averaging 15 points and 12 boards without a play being run for him is a tall order. 12 rebounds will lead the league. Combine that with 15 points are you're talking a max contract type player if you put in his defensive presence.

The problem is that Kwame Brown said it would be hard for him to grab 10 rebounds because of Lamar Odom. In a way I agree because I don't know how many times I saw both Kwame and Lamar go for the same rebound and when it was a question of who was going to grab it, Kwame always pulled his hands back and allowed Odom to grab the ball. I guess that ok but it doesn't allow for Kwame to establish his full presence. Kwame Brown has to understand that rebounds are his to grab over his teammates. If there's a question of who should grab it...Kwame Brown has to be the one!

Kwame Brown has to realize that the more rebounds he grabs the better it is for the Lakers. For the lack of better phrasing: he has to stop being a nice guy in his own mind. He thinks he's being team orientated when he allows Odom and others to take the rebound when it's in his range to grab it. When is he going to realize that to allow others to grab rebounds that are clearly his is detrimental to the team and to his career? Simply put he needs to become a bit more animalistic in his approach to the game.

mike

Lets make a few things clear regarding a few posts....

1. kobe wont be playing point ever. thats the dumbiest idea ever having him chase around PGs all day to waste all his energy. if anything, he should play SF.

2. vlad's not cook! he does everything better than cook. and their D is not a "toss up" because cook's got no D other than taking a charge or 2 a game.

3. AH is versitle but no where near LO's talent lvl. LO's got better inside scoring, better rebounding, better passing, better court vision and better handling. AH's got a stronger scorers mentality.

4. LO wont be our 6th men. how can anyone argue having our 2nd best player coming off the bench and start Vlad or AH instead? for the poster, i will never take anything you say seriously again.

5. LO cant guard Duncan or KG or Amare or JO, but it's ok because that's Kwame's job. phils not dumb enough to have LO guard Duncan/KG and have Kwame guard Horry/Kandiman.

The Lamar Show,

Good stuff I agree with your last post. What do you think about possibly playing L.O. at the point if they bring AH in? I'm really warming up to the idea.

Just got back from Ensanada and haven't had a chance to read too many posts.

Mike,

Glad to see your back.

tLs,

Thanks for that moment of clarity!

Well, I've got some blog homework to do, holla later.

>_<

Actually Weave-Man I think it can happen.

As the team was constructed last year Kobe was playing a tremendous amount of minutes, so he could not have even tried to guard any point guards. However, with the addition of AH, Kobe would not have to play nearly as many minutes per game so it is possible that Kobe could guard someone like Nash, and it would benefit the team not to have Smush trying to guard guys like that. Also playing L.O. at point would raise his stature on the team even more, and he could use his versatility and leadership abilities even more. Just imagine Chris Paul trying to guard L.O. in the post it would be ugly, on the other hand, L.o. or Kobe could stay with him although he would have a quickness edge. The point is, teams would have to match up with the Lakers, and we would have the edge against most teams.

Agent: Deal 'very close' for Harrington

http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5893954

He's going to Indiana

ponz-

thanks for the news flash. so the talks about AH on the blog is finally over. it was fun while it lasted. looks like we'll have to live with RADMAN and LUKE manning the 3 spot. we have a great shooter and someone who is arguable is the 2nd best passer in the triangle. it isnt such a bad deal people. the most important thing now for the squad is for all to come in to training camp healthy and in shape. developing chemistry through the first half of the season will be the key. so in essence...worrying about the other teams in the west is second only to fulfilling the full potential that the players need in order to thrive in the offense. have faith!

It sounds like Al Harrington is going back to the Pacers. I'm glad. No more nonsense about Lamar playing the point in a big line-up. Lamar could never guard the quick PG's like Nash, TParker, CPaul. He is too valuable a rebounder to have him out on the perimeter guarding 1's. He will facilitate on offense some but as a point foward ala Pippen. I'm good with the guys we have. I expect everyone who gets enough PT to improve. I expect us to get to the second round at least and possibly to the conference finals. I still think San Antonio is the team to beat in the West. If Amare comes back strong the Suns might win the west, but I hope not.

Guy Owanlele,

I have no idea what Mitch will do to improve the team. In my personal opinion I think it is improved, but I'll have to wait until the season begins.

I expect Kwame to play like he did the last part of the season, I expect the same from Lamar. If Lamar and Kwame are able to give that effort the team will be much better.

If Kobe continues to trust his teammates and the team continues to get more in sync with each other, I think they will find the way to win games that last season were not able to win.

exhelodrvr,

I agree. I guess when I say "All-Star caliber" players I mean guys with a higher talent level than what we currently have in our starting line-up. However, I like the point you made where you mentioned we could find those guys in our current line-up. I think the two glaringly obvious guys are LO and Kwame. Both have shown that there is the possibility of each becoming an "All-Star" at the their respective positions, but they will have to make vast improvements. I'm not exactly sure what timeline the organization is looking at for these guys or how long they'll ride Kobe waiting for them to develop, but it seems like the plan they have committed to at this point.

Mike T,

Great post. I couldn't agree more. I remember when Kwame said it would be tough for him to grab boards because of LO and I wanted to punch him in the neck. He absolutely needs to command the glass, hell, knock LO on his ass and take a couple boards away from him if that's what it takes. If you watch Ben Wallace or Dennis Rodman when he played, those guys believe every rebound belongs to them and they go after it. If Kwame can develop that attitude and act on it, he can average 12 boards a game without a problem (the points will come from that).

Weave-man,
Regardless of the after the fact po-poing, AH would have been a good pickup, especially for the price we were offering. In this case the Hawks lack of management skills and direction were what mostly contributed to AH going to Indiana. He had the versatility to really help us.