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
Kleander,
I haven't seen Harrington play very many times, but from what I know I think LO is the more versatile player. I think LO is a better ball handler, and a better inside scorer (once again I haven't seen Harrington play very many times so I could be wrong). I think Harrington has more of a natural scorers mentality so that's why I think he would be our #2 option.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 19, 2006 at 02:42 PM
Roland:
Great article. Stained glass "Triangle" windows, who would have thought? It was good to hear that Tex Winter and his wife are doing well. Is Tex going to be back as a assistant or consultant with the Lakers this year?
Pleased to hear the clarification on Tex's criticism of Andrew and to hear that he still believes in Bynum and Farmar. They will be starting well before Kobe's career is over, which will be a return to glory for the Lakers.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 19, 2006 at 03:22 PM
Weave-Man,
" 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 don't see how you can possibly say that. No way is Bynum yet at the level of a mediocre NBA center, let alone better than that. I don't see how you can say otherwise.
As far as Kwame vs Mihm, my assumption right now is that Mihm will be the starting center, if his ankle heals. Pretty rare for someone to lose their starting spot due to an injury. Kwame did not play all that well the last part of the season. He just played well relative to his own prior performance. That is a huge difference that most of the people on this blog don't seem to realize. And I, for one, don't want someone with that fragile an ego. YOu mention that yourself; how exactly do you think Kwame is going to fare when Bynum is being groomed to take over the center position, when he couldn't handle competing with Mihm? Your proposed scenario is going to send Kwame into a tailspin, if his psyche is as fragile as you say it is.
You are still
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 19, 2006 at 03:55 PM
Wow Al Harrington talk is dominating the blog once again. All I've got to say is this: I love the fact that the Indiana deal has fallen through. The longer this goes on the more I like our chances of landing him. Then again I could just be setting myself up for disappointment lol.
Posted by: Xodus | August 19, 2006 at 04:17 PM
Yeah!!!
Greece is 1-0 so far in the World CHampionships. You guys can't sleep on us, we're the Eurobasket champions(champions of europe in last tournament, 2004) Beat Quatar 84-64 after being down 28-12 in the first quarter. Although it is Quatar...
Go USA!
GO Greece!!
Most of all, Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: greek dude | August 19, 2006 at 04:53 PM
I repeat:.... WE DO NOT WANT AL HARRINGTON.......LISTEN:
WE DO NOT WANT HIM AT THE FOUR
WITH LO AND KWAME WE DON"T NEED MORE
WE DO NOT WANT HIM AT THE THREE
IT BREAKS UP OUR TEAM CHEMISTRY
WE DO NOT WANT HIM ON OUR SQUAD
WE NEED THE SPACE FOR LUKE AND VLAD
WE DO WANT VLAD TO TAKE THOSE 3's
A POINT GUARD IS A BIGGER NEED
With apologies to Dr Suess...
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 19, 2006 at 05:05 PM
One thing I have to say about the lakers getting AH: We would be able to use so many combinations. And if any of the big three (Kobe, Lamar, and AH) was to get hurt we will still have a team intact. Kobe wont even have to score close to 30 points anymore, 22-24 will be enough from Kobe and the lakers will win majority of their games. And the faster Kobe gets some help, the more we can prolong Kobe's career. Kobe cannot be playing minutes in the 40s anymore , 35-38 minute will do because a team that has AH and LO and so many options to go will help Kobe's longevity in the league, which tranlates into more championship and another lakers dynasty.
Go Mitch, do your job!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sola | August 19, 2006 at 05:38 PM
ZAKEE
you MEAN, you, have no IDEA what I am talking about? cause I KNOW waht I'm talking about. I compare a THIN FRONT in HOOPS to a THIN OFFENSIVE LINE in FOOTBALL. the SEASON is a MARATHON and NBA teams will CRACK you if you have a SOFT FRONT. don't you REMEMBER what we were DOING to the MIGHTY SUNS last year casue they were THIN in the FRONT? now you KNOW what I'm TALKING about? Please try to remeber when KWAME missed the games last year, and BYNUM was running 3 feet an hour, MELVIN ELY was pulling SHAQIDAZIAC on our AAAAA.
FISH GUY
It just makes scense to me, KG in LA. and also MAKES scense to me that you preffere LO/AH COMBO, to KG. my DAD rathers DRIVE his 84 TOYOTA SUV than his BRAND NEW S500. But, just to let you know, KOBE and KG complete each other like...like REAL GOOOOOD. It'll be ssaddest day of EVERYBODIES life if KG asks the WOLVES to trade him to LALs. and thats ALL it takes. CMON your comparing AL HARRINGTON, who by the way will prove to be OVER-HYPED and PAID-next season, and LO with GARNETT? take you MEDICINE man. JUSS KIDDIN. But seriousely, put KOBE, KG, ME, YOU, and BELFAST and we'll GET a RING.
Posted by: rayray | August 19, 2006 at 05:43 PM
Did anyone hear the news about AH's deal falling through? Does anyone know if this didn't wake Mitch up? It's like the hand of God swept down to give us another chance.
Lets get AH! Plus, I heard the deal was for Mihm, McKie, 1st round pick and cash. WE GET TO KEEP BYNUM!!!
If that rumor is right, we gotta make that deal!
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | August 19, 2006 at 06:23 PM
Exhelodrvr,
Do you honestly think Bynum is that bad compared to the other NBA centers out there? Do you think he would get schooled by Olowakandi a dude who is a bum, but was a #1 pick, and has started for 2 teams? Listen, I'm not saying he is the greatest, or is even ready to play now, but I think if we threw him into a game he could be decent. Now, is decent what we expect of him? No, but for an 18 year old in the league I don't think he is that bad. He has a lot of improving to do, but I think if he had the right conditioning, and had a go to shot he could play in the league right now.
As far as Kwame goes, it doesn't really matter how he reacts to us grooming Bynum, because if he hasn't learned how to play the 4 spot effectively by then he won't be here. I'm not totally heartless though. I want Kwame to succeed and to become a good 4, but until Bynum is ready he will be our starting center. Honestly I like Mihm better than Kwame, but he's in the last year of his contract and I don't see us giving him the amount of money he is going to want (and he will get a decent/good contract in free agency) to eventually be Bynum's backup.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 19, 2006 at 07:31 PM
hey everyone check this out about AH. And please discusse about it. Deam I love this blog men
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kiqMxBBwnEo&NR
Posted by: Andrew783 | August 19, 2006 at 07:32 PM
Exhelodrvr,
I actually saw Bynum play in the Summer League. The kid is for real. He has the ability to be great. It is there. Will he be great? No one knows because he has such a late start and people are wondering if not being around a b-ball since age 5, like most great NBA'ers hasn't permanently stunted his basketball growth. Who knows.
But, mediocre he IS NOT. He simply controls the floor on defense when he's in the game (which we've already seen in real NBA games -- so we know that to be true), and he's developing some offense.
We know that if he's been riled up, he plays well. The real issue, is whether or not he can be consistently good. No one knows that either.
When you see him in person, you understand why not only is OUR GM so high on him, but nearly EVERY GM in the league. Standing next (under) him makes a believer out of anyone.
Plus, he is really quick. Really. He jumps quick, moves quick, is quick. He just looks "unsure" from time to time. Just like he was young, or immature or something. Wait, oh yeah, he IS young! Go figure!
Bynum's problem isn't skill or ability, its time. He's too young to fit into Kobe's window.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | August 19, 2006 at 07:39 PM
rayray
"I think LO's agressiveness is the SINGLE most important KEY to the 2006 LALAKERS success."
PART I
Thats the whole problem with LO he is not agressive on the offensive side. Thats the reason the guy hasnt been an All-Star because he always sits back and take the passenger seat whether its to Wade or to Kobe. By forcing him to be more agressive he makes to many mistakes and letting him be the 3rd go to guy would ease up the pressure on him producing. This would also apply to Kwame and all Kwame would have to do is concentrate on his help defense since Al would make up his production on the offensive side.
PART II
I actually live in Vegas. The reason I put Bynum as the 2nd center is only for him to get minutes. Im not counting on the same as Mihm(26mpg)/Kwame(27mpg) combo but more like Kwame(35+mgp)/Bynum(10-13mgp) type of combo so to advance Bynum. In case of injury we could move up Turiaf or like I said use Edward (part of the deal with ATL) as our center. By the way if you dont take on 18 that just means your not a gamblign type and your the type of guy who wouldnt have taken the gamble back when we signed Kobe and Shaq in the same season. You take on 18 if the other guy has a higher hand. Even if you dont take you still lose. Think about that. Its a gamble but you have to decide if its worth it. Like worth losig Mihm next season and gettign nothing in return.
Peter Maguire
"AH is a mediocre player that has some skills but he isn't really a take over the game guy,"
Thats why we have Kobe........... Al is there to HELP ease the load off Kobe on the offense but not to take over.
Mike T.
WELCOME BACK
The starting C is still a tossup so throwing Mihm to the end of the bench isnt official yet. As far as the Darius Miles goes I think Al just beats him out on the offense but it can also be said the same about Miles on the defense. The big difference is no baggage for Al.
Posted by: Shady | August 19, 2006 at 08:14 PM
I agree with Faith, I think alot of teams could offer so much more than we could but thats not necessarily what the Hawks want, in that case we do have the best deal for the Hawks, because we could give them the least, you know what I mean. and Chris Mihm isnt a bad player either, he'll play center for a team that doesnt have any.
Posted by: Jay El. | August 19, 2006 at 09:18 PM
Does anyone have a good opinion on Harrington? I've seen him play here and there, but I don't know a lot about his game. Can he D up? Is he a slasher or a shooter? Can he tone down his game for the good of the team?
If Harrington needs a lot of shots and isn't interested in playing both ends of the court, this could be a disaster. If he can be happy with fewer shots and fill our needs offensively, he could elevate us to the next level in this conference, maybe a step shy of SA (Which could be closed further with the continued development of Bynum, Turiaf and Farmar).
Posted by: Jman449 | August 19, 2006 at 09:24 PM
I don't believe the Lakers are offering Harrington as many years as he wants - otherwise I think LA is the favorite.
The Warriors are working on a multi-team deal to get something done - and will pay more than LA it appears - but mult-team deals are a lot harder to complete.
The Lakers I believe have the second best two-team trade - with Indy being tops.
If Harrington can find another team willing to pay him the years he's asking - a team that can also meet Atlanta's requirements - and a third team if necessary to get a deal done - then he goes elsewhere.
If it's equal money - or close enough - my guess is he goes back to the Indy option - especially if LA and Indy are offering the same.
I would say LA is top 3 - but there's always some other team lurking under the radar that may not be obvious.
Hopefully we'll all get some resolution next week.
Harrington in my mind would take the role that Luke Walton had briefly against the Phoenix Suns when he was quite the dependable low post option. Eventually that dried up because - well it's Luke Walton. You're not going to pound a team in the post with Walton - but that's the role I envision for Harrington.
Posted by: Eric Pincus | August 19, 2006 at 09:42 PM
Shady,
you got to be kidding yourself if you think the center position isn't already settled, it's Kwame Brown's job. Mihm can't play defense. It's that simple.
I say all this Al Harrington talk is going to die out. We will not be getting Harrington. I think it's more realistic to get Miles. For those who say Miles has too much attitude, well, I don't think you're giving Kobe Bryant enough credit as the leader of this team. No way in the world does Miles make waves with the Lakers. Bryant won't allow it.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 19, 2006 at 11:53 PM
SHADY
I DOONO. me and you, we're thinking DIFFERENT. I'm thinking lets KEEP MIHM to take us THROUGH till the GRANT SALARY problem is over then we can sign somebody with the 10 million that'll OPEN UP. you're saying lets GET HARRINGTON for MIHM right now. I tell ya INDIANA is gettign AL because they already have JERMAIN ONEAL in a big man.
can you imagine how easy we could get GARNETT for LO and MIHM next year, if LO, like you say, F's up again? I think trading MIHM is POINTLESS as of right now. like taking on an 18, even if the dealer has a FACE card.
Posted by: rayray | August 20, 2006 at 12:27 AM
Eric Pincus
Thx for the update. Any update if any team has tried getting the Bobcats in a 3 way trade since their still below salary cap minimum or if the Lakers have tried getting a 3 team trade deal offer? Even though we have some problems at the PG(obviously) and defense I think Al would definetly take some load off Kobe, LO, and Kwame on the offense and hopefully make it harder on the other team to defend. Other than Kobe/LO we dont have too many offensive threats other than the newly acquired Vlad whose never averaged more than 12ppg (season high in 03-04).
Mike T.
I really dont see the point about bringing the whole Mihm/Brown debate back. For now if there is a trade involving Mihm then there's no argument but for now we just wait. As far as Miles vs. Al I just think Al is a better overall player. Unless PJ retires this offseason and we throw away the triangle then I dont see Miles fitting in that great into the triangle offense. We have very few fast breaks since we dont have the best PG and it usually takes a while to get the offense going. It wouldnt be too bad if Miles turns into a choirboy. I guess you would throw a trade along the lines of
Lakers: Mihm/Cook/Mckie
Blazers: Miles
Like I said it wouldnt be too bad if Miles turns into a choirboy and we also get to free up 2 spots on the roster for some of those younger guys like Pinnock. That being said I would rather see Al as a Laker before Miles.
Posted by: Shady | August 20, 2006 at 12:36 AM
rayray
Trading LO/Mihm for KG isnt a bad idea but there's a lot of "what ifs". What if KG stays in Minny? What if KG doesnt want to play in L.A.? What if LO blows up and we decide to keep him but lose Mihm and get nothing in return? By the way if we get Al and he doesnt work out well there's not much to worry about. Trust me there will be teams (maybe even Minny) that would take him off our hands if he's a bad turnout like Rider or Rice. I cant remember how KG's contract goes right now whether he's a unrestricted FA or restricted FA if he doesnt want to stay with Minny. By the way how much you think KG will cost us? Any chance of us keeping LO and trading Al if we get him and he doesnt work out? We could throw in a package deal with Al(IF he doesnt work out) with a bunch of fillers (LUKE/Vlad?). The problem is we just lose another year of Kobe's prime. I posted this before but image our core of YOUNG players together for a long time. Can you say "DYNASTY" Here's the numbers of core players
1. LO 27yrs
2. Kobe 28yrs
3. Al 26yrs
4. Kwame 24yrs
5. Bynum 19yrs
LOL and this could be our starting lineup in a couple years. With Vlad coming off the bench with Farmar, Smush, Turiaf, Walton, Evans, and whoever we get as role players we could be a real good team in about 2 yrs and be championship contenders for the next 5-8yrs since theyre all young. How many rings you think Kobe can win in 8 season with a bunch of real talent around him? 1? 3? 5? LOL maybe even 8? It nice to dream once in a while!!!
GO LAKERS
Posted by: Shady | August 20, 2006 at 12:54 AM
Uh-oh, Along with Mike Teniente's return, comes the Kwame worshiping.
Even if we get Harrington(which wont happen, you heard Eric Pincus), We wont have a shot-blocking player. Harrington isn't a shot blocker, and neither is Kwame.
Although Kwame is a great defender when he is posted up, opposing slashing players will have a field day attacking the rim with no shot blockers. They just will waltz in the paint with no one contesting the shot. You see, a successful team needs a shot blocker and a post defender to compliment eachother. We have both, in Kwame and mihm, why search somewhere else when we have it?
Posted by: greek dude | August 20, 2006 at 01:40 AM
welcome back Mike T
regarding miles, im sure the offer of a bobble head would be pretty tempting for him haha
i am about to show my lack of basketball knowledge "eptness" by asking these questions that i hope receive some consideration from the blog
I'm feeling like pinky in "The Pinky and the Brain" when asked "Pinky, are you thinking what I'm thinking??"
"I Think so Brain, but do you really think LO would win the Sixth Man of the year award??"
consider the following offensive line up
(assume that AH comes in exchange for Mihm, Cook, Mickie)
1-smushfarmawilliams (40 MPG) Odom (8 MPG)
2-Vlad (30 MPG) Odom (8 MPG)
3-Kobe (35 MPG) Odom (8 MPG)
4-AH (30 MPG) Odom (10 MPG)
5-KwameBynumTuriaf (48MPG)
that gives Odom 34 MPG with
1- 0 MPG left.
2- 10 MPG left for Evans, Sasha etc.
3- 5 MPG left For Evans, Walton etc.
4- 8 MPG left For Walton ect.
5- 0 MPG left.
(above figures are not set in stone so please dont respond by saying "how come Walton only gets X many minutes etc,)
does Odom as the Sixth man work??
i think it just might
i mean, think of all the mismatches he creates
Posted by: joninjapan | August 20, 2006 at 05:52 AM
Fearless,
Right now, at this moment, Bynum is less than mediocre. He will hopefully turn out to be more than that. But at this moment he isn't. If he was mediocre at this point, he would be the starting center, because that would put him at the same general level as Kwame and Mihm, and at the moment (until he proves otherwise) BYnum has more potential than the other two.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 20, 2006 at 07:16 AM
Weave,
"Do you honestly think Bynum is that bad compared to the other NBA centers out there?"
At this point in time, yes. For now he is purely potential energy; there is no kinetic energy in the equation yet. Bynum would not be the main backup on probably any team.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 20, 2006 at 07:19 AM
Eric Pincus,
How do you think AH would fit with our team? I think the reason a lot of people have a problem with us making this deal is because they don't know how he'll effect the rest of the roster. I see him starting at the 3, with Vlad coming in as the sixth man for him, or LO.
I don't know if you've seen him play a lot, but how is his on the ball defense? I don't want to throw 21 questions at you, but I think it will be good for the blog to know your opinion of him.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 20, 2006 at 07:57 AM
Regarding recent Al Harrington posts ...
I believe the Lakers still have a shot and want a shot at him ... for Mihm, Cook, McKie and a pick. I don't think he is exactly the type of player the Lakers envision ... a very good offensive player who can score inside and out but who might not fit obviously into their defensive scheme (or in the triangle for that matter); and I don't think they would want to give him the full 6-year contract he desires. Still, as a strong scorer, he would relieve the burden of big minutes on 3 positions (2,3,4), and there is no one else available this year that could enable that. Nevertheless, I think that Atlanta would only trade Harrington to the Lakers because all three of those contracts are expiring and if they don't otherwise get a deal where they get a good first round pick and don't have to take on players. It seems they don't want anyone with more than this year left on contract, so that at least puts the Lakers in a better theoretical position. I still think Harrington will end up with Indiana or maybe another team that has not even been mentioned yet.
Alternatively, I actually like the possibility of Darius Miles. I think he could behave on the Lakers. That fits a different need ... an athletic 3 who can guard the more athletic offensive 3s in the league. He would be a poor man's (very poor man's) Ron Artest, at least. Artest (as a player) is ideally what the Lakers need (but that is not going to happen).
Otherwise, if the roster for this season is "as is", I am satisfied with it in advance of 2007-08. We have to consider that the young Laker players will continue to improve ... we sometimes base our judgement only on what we have already seen from them. The Lakers are headed in the right direction for the medium or longer term.
Leo
Posted by: Leo | August 20, 2006 at 08:15 AM
Quote Peter Maguire
"I wish Kobe would challenge himself to get 10 assists a game. He truly has a weakness in creating with the ball for others."
I understand that you were making a greater point here but it always kills me when people make this point; it simply is not true.
First Kobe is not a point guard. Again...not a point guard. Did people accuse MJ of not getting enough assists? Second I watched Kobe all season long; pass to teamates who bricked shots' if stone hands, and others could of made a few wide open looks Kobe would have had about 10 assists a game.
In short believe me Kobe is not the propblem; lets work on the other pieces.
Oh and I vote no Al. Too expensive and not needed. I think Mihm is actually a much better fit for what we need right now
Posted by: todd | August 20, 2006 at 08:23 AM
I thought somebody would have already mentioned this, but we all got seriously dissed in this SI.com article:
There probably isn't a more versatile NBA blog out there than Clipperblog, a recent addition to the online scene that offers a tremendous read in a number of ways.
During Los Angeles' 12-game playoff run, the site wowed with its enthused and incisive Xs and Os breakdowns, using advanced statistics and an insightful tone that blew away most mainstream coverage of Los Angeles' best basketball team.
the rest at:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/kelly_dwyer/08/18/clippers.blogger/index.html
Posted by: Guity | August 20, 2006 at 08:30 AM
Don't know what to say about the AH situation. I like it and then I ain't so sure at the same time. 18 and 7 per game ain't too shabby, puts him in that second scoring option we been wishing LO would take. His season high last year was 35 twice. Career high is 40, ironically against the Hawks. The dude can score. The Youtube video that was posted at least shows the guy has some range and he can pound down low. He's also young and could get better...
But where does he fit on the team? If he's at the 4, Vlads at the 3 Kobe at 2 Kwame in the middle, where does Lamar Odom go? Point guard? If they move Kobe to 3, either he or Vlad Rad come off of the bench.
If this goes through suddenly the Lakers have an abundance of talent. Almost an over-abundance. We have the most intriguing team in the league for sure. Too bad Bynum isn't quite ready to fill that back-up center position, cause as was said we will need a vet big for insurance if this deal can be made. But the deal as described thins out some of the duplication in the roster and gives the team the option of signing Green, Profit and / or Pinnock.
Big questions if the deal happens: What position will LO play?
And heres a little video of Shammond Williams getting up there for a reverse slam. Hey, at least he can do it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4erlgwjgM8&NR
Posted by: Wardmin | August 20, 2006 at 08:57 AM
You must have missed it in my above post on Harrington's role in my mind:
"Harrington in my mind would take the role that Luke Walton had briefly against the Phoenix Suns when he was quite the dependable low post option. Eventually that dried up because - well it's Luke Walton. You're not going to pound a team in the post with Walton - but that's the role I envision for Harrington."
And no word that the Bobcats are willing participate on any level.
Posted by: Eric Pincus | August 20, 2006 at 09:06 AM
Guity
i didnt like his synopsis of the clipperblog either. basically he forgot to mention that the readership maxs out around 20. in all fairness it is a rather good blog that is very realistic about its players (but they do mention 2nd seed and Pacific Division Champ)
unfourtunetly, until we go a whole season and end with a better record than the clippers (eliminating them in the playoffs would be a bonus) we will not get our title as the best team in LA back. . .the way i see it
shouldnt be too hard, the way i see it
Posted by: joninjapan | August 20, 2006 at 09:13 AM
leo
darius miles is a poor man's ron artest?
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
miles is a decent shot blocker at best. ron artest is a straight up lock down defender. that's a difference of night and day.
Posted by: sixonezero | August 20, 2006 at 09:39 AM
Shady,
It wouldnt be too bad if Miles turns into a choirboy. I guess you would throw a trade along the lines of
Lakers: Mihm/Cook/Mckie
Blazers: Miles
Now you're thinking! From what I've read the Blazers look like they're trying to get rid of Miles real cheap. I think that gives the Lakers a good chance at getting him. Heck, the Blazers would probably go for Miles for Cook but the salaries wouldn't match. With your proposal we do get to free up roster spots. That's what make this deal good for the Lakers. Wow, I just took a look at Miles contract. He has 4 years left which tops out at 9 million. If he could produce for the Lakers he would be a steal and the Lakers would be more of a fast break team.
mike
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 20, 2006 at 09:56 AM
KOBE BRYANT:
``From a leadership perspective, it's about looking at the team and how guys are doing. I talk to Lamar [Odom] every chance I get to see how he's doing. I make sure Smush [Parker] is doing OK, guys are staying up with their training. I talk to Ronny Turiaf every now and then.
``I'm just making sure everybody is keeping the loss of last season fresh in their memories and is ready to go."
Bryant added that he talks weekly with coach Phil Jackson, that the two ``have a great relationship" now.
I bet Smush Parker is feeling pretty good right about now. He has been getting killed in here on the blog. LOL!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 20, 2006 at 10:10 AM
Magic said the team is one good player and one great player away. We got good with Vlad, the only way we're going to get a great player this year would be to package BYnum and money we don't have.
Harrington isnt' that great player, Miles isn' either and we'd be locked in past next year. We can't get help by trading Cook. He at least knows the system. We're as is till 08, 5th seed. Split Miami, finish up on th Clips, Kings and making the 2nd round ... good year.
Posted by: Vman | August 20, 2006 at 10:11 AM
Man people keep on hatin'...it's cool we'll just brush it off our shoulders lol.
This blog rocks, and there ain't no one that can tell me different. It isn't just the people either (who are many and knowledgeable) but the interactions, the blog posts (from the K bros) et al.
As for Harrington, somebody said don't trade Mihm cause we might trade him later for KG? Dude, I hate to break it to you, but MInny would most likely take AL than Mihm (and that's not a knock-off on Mihm, just the truth). Acquiring AL gives us flexibilities not only in terms of the floor (players to play) but also outside of the game, in terms of trade bait (if a better thing comes along, and we absolutely can't refuse). Still, if Eric Pincus is right (and as an "insider" he probably is lol) we're in a waiting game.
P.S. Welcome back Mike T! ;-) lol
Posted by: Faith | August 20, 2006 at 11:34 AM
From some of the posts here, it sounds like Harrington might not be that great a fit. It sounds like he duplicates many of the skills already on the team without bringing anything unique that would give the Lakers another dimension. The truth is, if attitude were taken out of the equation, Miles would bring more of what we don't have to the table in terms of shot blocking and defense. Problem: You can't take attitude out of the equation.
Posted by: Jman449 | August 20, 2006 at 11:43 AM
The Lakers need defense. Harrington will not bring defense to the Lakers. And at $10 mil a year long term, it's just not worth it.
I'm cool with Radmanovic and Walton, unless we can steal Miles. Who's lanky ass provides production in the steals and blocks at a bargain price of 9 million for the next 4 years. Don't forget, Miles has a solid mid-range J, perfect for the triangle.
Also, take a look at Miles vs Harrington's FG%. Miles is a more efficient scorer too. We do not need another player to come in and jack up a bunch of shots, that's Kobe's job. We need a guy who will come in and make the most of his offensive opportunities, i.e. shoot a decent percentage. Miles fits that bill, Harrington doesn't.
Posted by: Rocky | August 20, 2006 at 12:05 PM
Joninjapan, I didn't know that about the readership of 20, that makes it a little bit less of a strike into the heart of AK and BK and their minion bloggers in Lakerville. I was wondering why they got singled out as being so great -- perhaps when you only have 20 people blogging then they are more focused on the game and less focused on insulting each other's grandmothers and such.
Still it was kind of a double whack on the face...
Posted by: Guity | August 20, 2006 at 12:14 PM
Faith,
;-)
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 20, 2006 at 12:44 PM
just for the record:
My expectation for Kwame Brown is that he becomes a dominate defensive presence.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 20, 2006 at 12:47 PM
First, I think we need to kill the Miles trade dreams. He is a bad seed we don't need. Why does everyone think just because they come to the Lakers, they will top out at their potential?
Although Kwame's attitude vastly improved, his play on the court didn't. Remember how we expected him to avg. 15-10. He didn't even average close to that in the second half of the year which he improved dramaticaly with great confidence. Again, we can't expect everyone that comes to the Lakers to be on their best behavior and play. Some people are born to not fulfill their potential, like Miles.
Secondly, although Harrington did average 18-8, he did it on a terrible Hawks team which had no center and he was the only decent power forward. He was the first option, so his numbers are inflated. Also, Kobe and Lamar are players to play well, they need the ball in their hands. Harrington is another one of those players. It's not like they wont want to, but they need the ball to play well. We only have one ball on the court. Remember GP in 2004?
Posted by: greek dude | August 20, 2006 at 01:06 PM
I disagree Mike, Kwame is ALREADY a dominant defensive presence, unless you mean blocking shots. He need much work on that. It seems like he doesn't have the timing or something, although he did average over a block one year.
Posted by: greek dude | August 20, 2006 at 01:11 PM
Yeah!!!
Greece is 2-0
Beat Lithuania by five points
Greece has no current NBA players on its roster, although there are 3 drafted players on the team that are playing overseas for now. Vassillis Spanoulis is going to play on the Rockets this year.
Go Team USA(would root more if Kobe was on the team)
Go Greece!!!
Most of all Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: greek dude | August 20, 2006 at 01:16 PM
-Well, there are a few optimists still out there and that is what every off-season brings us all- Optimism.
Kobe is definitely the best 2 guard in the League and someone mentioned I shouldn't try to challenge his capabilities in improving his assists. Sorry to offend I just know from years of watching the guy his assists lack- his ball handling too and that for the benefit of the team, if he improved his own drive and dish and or Phil could get a feel for running guys off double screens while Kobe is handling the ball then our offense would have more easy shots and everyone would become better for it. Steve Nash is a perfect example of what every player in the league needs to try and bring to the game- selflessness. We could have a great weapon in Vlade Radmonovic but only if we have the screens off the ball and someone smart enough to drive and kick the ball out to him. He is a bit of a head case if he doesn't get his touches and some of the latest looks to this offense have me thing he is coming off the bench if we acquire Harrington.
Harrington is a big man that still thinks he can be Jermaine O'Neal - he's not and he is a bit slow in learning. He is a lot better than Mihm and that is a fact. His versatility is good but not all-star good but his ego is preceding him in these contract negotiations. He really should have been happy to be the man in Atlanta and grow with Joe Johnson. The thing he wants is money and notoriety - scary. LA is the place to be if he wants to swell his image and be a star, but then again can we pay the guy? The more I look at this trade I think it is going to happen. It would be just like Mitch to bring in this guy and not know how he will fit in, get Vlade and LO all ticked off and wondering how many minutes they have coming and put Luke way back on the bench again. The triangle is what makes me think AH will struggle, he is once again not a great passer and defense has been lacking from him also- although the guy has the tools to be better than Kwame and way better hands than Kwame or Mihm on offense. The thing is will the team accept him and know they just got better. I would be happy to get rid of Cook and McKie no matter what and if we send away Sasha or Shammond then so be it. Shasha hasn't show first round pick progress, and Smush is going to be gunning hard for his minutes to be productive - much better than last year, let us hope he worked on getting through screens this off-season and off the ball defense too!
Luke Walton has got to become a consistent contributor this year and stay healthy. His knack for running the offense has been a sight better than most of our point guards and he just needs to become more assertive and aggressive with driving or taking his shots.
D Miles is a great player but he is not going to want to back up Kobe. His head is so twisted he has to be a mess from wandering through so many teams and no one using him well yet. His Clipper days showed some promise and here and there he goes off but he obviously hasn't proven himself a team player. I would want him to do mandatory monthly drug tests- and wire his mouth shut. So that’s how much I want him. This guy is Isaiah Rider Jr. Forgetta 'bout it. Kobe handled Isaiah real well too- yep with a ticket outta the league. The head cases we have already in Kobe, Kwame and LO are enough psychotic work for Dr. Phil and the rest of the team...
I do like the positive feedback on Farmar and hope he can be a big time assist guy with some speed and instant offense when Kobe or LO are out. HIs 3 point shot will need some work though, he does penetrate and hit the runner nicely which Smush did well a few times last season. Still have a soft sopt for Smush- really would love to see this guy immerge and become a stud.
What is all this bull about the Clipperblog- send those clowns sonny and steven. This blog rocks and the knowledge is always entertaining and fun, good mix of real NBA knowledge and guys who truly know this game- LakerTom, exheleodrvr, Kavulic, Shady, AK BK and Mike T you guys are tops here. You all have made this off-season a lot more bareable. Todd, you better watch out I will be reading your stuff closely- hahahaha. Sonny – go to Belfast, Zakee and Steven go back in the womb.
Keep the Faith ;-)and pray for a horrible preseason for the Timberwolves. AH comes to Lakers to only be sent to Minny- now that would send this AH to the nut house. Too much rambling- forgive me - Sunday afternoon...and I want some NBA BASKETBALL!
Posted by: Peter Maguire | August 20, 2006 at 01:32 PM
Now its Miles??? Just as unnecessary as Harrington.
FORGET IT. We are FINE at the 3 slot. Vlad will sink the treys, Luke is a more than competant back up, and Kobe or LO may even see a few minutes there.
Mihm is not my favorite, but with Bynum still a year or so away I wouldn't part with him to crowd the 3 slot. I WOULD part with him (and Smush, Sacha, Wafer, etc) for a decent point guard who could play D and shoot treys. I've seen a couple go this offseason (most notably D-Fish) and wish Mitch had pounced on one of them.
Does anyone know if there is a viable PG candidate either as a free agent or who might be tradeable by his team? We just need a veteran for a year or so till Farmar develops. Hell, I'd even take Payton or Van Exel back at this point.
Posted by: Jay Jay | August 20, 2006 at 01:33 PM
Jay Jay,
I would take Van Exel back in a heart beat (if he was healthy). I love Nick the quick, and I think he is one of the most underrated players in the game. Unlike most of you I haven't always been a Laker fan. I was a Bulls fan who started to fall in love with the Lakers when Van Exel, and Eddie Jones were the best players. Hell, I barely even knew who Magic, and Kareem were. So for me Van Exel will always be one of my favorite players.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 20, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Eric Pincus,
I don't want to hound you, but I really want to know how well you think Harrington can defend the 3 spot. He doesn't have to be a shut down defender (but it would be nice), but I just hope he can stay in front of his man
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 20, 2006 at 02:46 PM
GP sucks; he's overrated and old. The glove doesn't fit.
Posted by: Marcus | August 20, 2006 at 02:55 PM
All this talk about moving past the Clippers (who are absolutely owned by Sacramento) and the Suns is impressive, but the Kings will move much faster this year. Brad will begin the season in shape. Bibby lost 18lbs down to college weight. Kmart, Francisco, Price are speedsters. Even Ron Ron wasn't above playing D league this summer. Remember how the Brokebacks closed out the season last year? Pretty good! We did even better and know we're going to be very tough this year. On and on. How you gonna handle that?
Posted by: sonnybelfast | August 20, 2006 at 03:58 PM