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
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.
Posted by: Glenn | August 21, 2006 at 02:43 PM
Sonny
If Shaq was thinking he would have called them the disco queens, taking their colors into account. Purple and silver, come on. How many championships do the disco queens have? You would label us the Brokebacks because of a gay movie that came out in Hollywood. Where does a disco queen come from, gay bashing? Doesn't make much sense to me. You bash on Kobe's skills all day, but his talent offensively and defensively puts him in a league of his own. More head coaches would rather have him take the last shot of a ball game than any other player for a real reason. Not a single player on your disco team can compete with Kobe one on one or otherwise. What happened last year when Artest said he was gonna bring Kobe's scoring avg down? Didn't work out that way, huh? According to the current Lakers team (and Phil, who wouldn't be there if he didn't believe that he could get another championship out of Kobe) 24 is the leader, and I remember Vlad saying that Kobe was callin him up this summer, playing an influential role in bringing him on board. Seems like Kobe's learning from past mistakes and putting his best foot forward. This, combined whith his unparalleled skills, will make the Lakers champions again before he retires.
Posted by: Marcus | August 21, 2006 at 02:57 PM
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
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 03:00 PM
Under: Wilt Chamberlain Highlights
You'll see The Dipper block KAJ's skyhook.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 03:06 PM
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.
Posted by: TheeCaliKing | August 21, 2006 at 03:22 PM
Kwame Brown should read this about Wilt Chamberlain:
From Gail Goodrich:
"Of all the players on that '72 team, Wilt really sacrificed his individual performance for the betterment of the team. He had averaged 50 points per game previously and offensively, he was the fourth option for us. And we didn't run a whole lot of plays for Wilt. He got his points by being around the basket, getting boards and being active. He accepted that role. He focused on defense, passing the basketball and controlling the boards. He led the league in rebounds that year. His role was probably much different that it had been in previous years.
We got off to a very good start. We were 6-3 and then we were 39-3. He realized very early on that we could be an outstanding basketball team and maybe win the title by playing this way. A lot of times, he would get the rebound, get the ball out and he wouldn't need to cross halfcourt. By his presence though, we were able to get a lot of uncontested shots, because you had to look to double-team anytime he got the ball.
When he retired, I really realized once again how much space he took up and how much he controlled the paint. In that era, if you controlled the paint, you had a terrific advantage. That was his game."
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 03:33 PM
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.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 21, 2006 at 03:37 PM
New LO video. pretty tight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7PXE0K4Rtk&NR
Posted by: The Lamar Show | August 21, 2006 at 03:46 PM
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.
Posted by: S.Tan | August 21, 2006 at 04:04 PM
Mike T,
If Kwame read that and it helped him be more active on the boards and around the hoop, I would be a happy man. Unfortunately that is the biggest weakness that I see in Kwame's game (more so than his "hands"). I've always said that if someone lights a fire under Kwame and he picks up the energy, the guy could average 15 points and 12 boards a game and never have a play ran for him. Couple that with his solid post defense and we could do some damage in the league.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 21, 2006 at 04:26 PM
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.
Posted by: TheeCaliKing | August 21, 2006 at 04:30 PM
Andrew Z,
"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". "
I think that they are probably three players away, two starters and 1 off the bench. That could be achieved by significant improvements by players in their current roster, by bringing in outsiders, or by some combination of the two. I think that you can probably get by with one weak starter, if the other four are strong enough.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 21, 2006 at 04:45 PM
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?!?
Posted by: Fish Guy | August 21, 2006 at 04:49 PM
ThreeCaliKing,
I am glad you are seeing the light. That big line-up can be something to get excited about. L.O. can run the point, and I don't think he'll be a liabilty quickness wise or defensively. I'm starting to think its going to happen. As long as we don't have to give up Bynum, I'm all for this.
Posted by: Ken | August 21, 2006 at 04:57 PM
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
Posted by: Michael Teniente | August 21, 2006 at 04:58 PM
Sonnybelfast,
I usually agree with "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but I think as a couple people have said in past threads team USA could be better. Even if Kobe doesn't go over there and help out offensively, he will definitely be one of, if not the best defender on the squad. We all know Wade, LeBron, and Melo play minimal D at best, so adding Kobe could light a fire under them, or let them concentrate more on the offensive end (cuz they don't already haha).
JJ,
I see what you're saying about Profit, but I don't think it's necessary to have 4 shooting guards on the roster, especially if we expect them all to contribute. At least if we keep Pinnock, and/or Green (who they want to play SF) we can send one or both down to the D-league to work on things we don't have time for them to work on here. Your post has made me change my mind a little since Profit would be a good veteran presence in the playoffs. But for us to keep him I think we would have to let Sasha go.
Greek Dude,
I agree that Sasha is still young and has shown potential to grow, but I just think in the long run Pinnock, and/or Green will be better all around players, and can contribute in more ways. I actually like Sasha and I hope he can step his game up and become the shooter we saw in the playoffs on a consistent basis.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 05:02 PM
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.
Posted by: The Lamar Show | August 21, 2006 at 05:03 PM
Sonnybelfast,
I usually agree with "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but I think as a couple people have said in past threads team USA could be better. Even if Kobe doesn't go over there and help out offensively, he will definitely be one of, if not the best defender on the squad. We all know Wade, LeBron, and Melo play minimal D at best, so adding Kobe could light a fire under them, or let them concentrate more on the offensive end (cuz they don't already haha).
JJ,
I see what you're saying about Profit, but I don't think it's necessary to have 4 shooting guards on the roster, especially if we expect them all to contribute. At least if we keep Pinnock, and/or Green (who they want to play SF) we can send one or both down to the D-league to work on things we don't have time for them to work on here. Your post has made me change my mind a little since Profit would be a good veteran presence in the playoffs. But for us to keep him I think we would have to let Sasha go.
Greek Dude,
I agree that Sasha is still young and has shown potential to grow, but I just think in the long run Pinnock, and/or Green will be better all around players, and can contribute in more ways. I actually like Sasha and I hope he can step his game up and become the shooter we saw in the playoffs on a consistent basis.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 05:04 PM
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.
Posted by: Ken | August 21, 2006 at 05:42 PM
The LO show, excelent points. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Posted by: greek dude | August 21, 2006 at 06:09 PM
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.
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | August 21, 2006 at 06:27 PM
Ken,
Like Lamar Show said, there is no way Kobe will guard 1's. He's more than capable but it would waste way too much of his energy. Now, if we agree Kobe won't be guarding the 1 you have to realize that LO can't start at the 1. Yes, he could do it, but it wouldn't benefit our team. Now, if we had that lineup out there when it benefitted us I would be all for it, just not to start the game.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 06:50 PM
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.
Posted by: Ken | August 21, 2006 at 07:14 PM
hey you guys, check this out! Our chance of getting Harrington in our team is almost as slim as matchstick.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2556933
Posted by: ponz | August 21, 2006 at 08:08 PM
Agent: Deal 'very close' for Harrington
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5893954
He's going to Indiana
Posted by: lakofan | August 21, 2006 at 08:18 PM
Ken,
You make very valid points, but what happens if Harrington comes in and doesn't develop in the offense like we expect him to? Yes, Harrington is a good offensive player, and I expect him to take a lot of pressure off of Kobe (if we get him), but it's not a guarantee. I think Harrington will need some time to learn the offense so I don't think it would be right to expect too much from him at the beginning of the season.
Like I said in my previous post, I think it is a good idea to use the big lineup, but I just don't think we can start them. Maybe in the second half of the season, but I think using that lineup sparingly, or when it gives us a huge advantage over the other team is best.
Posted by: Weave-Man | August 21, 2006 at 08:19 PM
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!
Posted by: sixonezero | August 21, 2006 at 08:35 PM
regardign LO SHOW's POST
if you don't AGREE with the POINTS. you need to sit and WATCH some basketball. THESE are obveious STUFF.
our problems at D## have now DEMINISHED to, AT POINT. KWAME is now more than capable of serving the WEST bigmen. he's been a CONSISTANTLY good deffender in the PURPLEnGOLD and its just in HIS BLOOD to deffend big men. we WILL be good against good POWERS in the LITERALLY, WILD WILD WEST. LO will beat em OFFENSIVELY and KWAME will deffend em. our problem is when the GUARDS get in the middle and cause MAYHAM. guard penetration is were we're not guarded. for the last 2 YEARS, when we lost FISH (our best POINT deffender and one of the best in the LEAGUE for that matter), and SHAQ(the man in the middle) both at once, we've been getting RIPPED (or in better but worse words RAPED)by the leagues POINTS. and when I say POINTS, I mean all of them kick our ass. I wish it was NASH and BIBBY and PAUL and 20 more. but its more like THEM and thier BACK UPs and thier NBDL buudies. If I was a GM in the league I would have CALL UP my NBDL guards against LA so they gain some confidence. Nobody even Dr.PHIL has yet to find an answer to this pain and I'd say there is none RIGHT now. We MIGHT be able to hit em HARD when they come inside or something. But thats about it.
Posted by: rayray | August 21, 2006 at 08:40 PM
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.
Posted by: rdlee | August 21, 2006 at 08:45 PM
Mike T. - Great video and pics of Wilt! You're inspired. Keep on writing. You said about Kwame: "Simply put he needs to become a bit more animalistic in his approach to the game." Why don't you take him to a zoo. Maybe he would pick some tricks. Mike, I'm joking!!!.
You're right he must send a message in the defensive rebound: "Hey, I'm the boss here. This is my office". BTW, I just want to know what kind of subjects kwame discuss with Kareem AJ.
"Lakers - Make them obey!"
Lakofan - If Harrington goes to Indiana, what will be Kuptchap's movement to improve the team before october?
GO
Posted by: Guy Owanlele | August 21, 2006 at 11:10 PM
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.
Posted by: lakofan | August 21, 2006 at 11:37 PM
he :amar Show
you seemed to not read my entire post about lamar as 6th man. the way i saw it he was getting more mpg (35) than anyone else on the team, besides Kobe. he was simply splitting up his playing time over 4 posistion in order to take advantage of his versitality
but yeah i suppose u have no idea what im talking about and you should probably never take seriously anything i say again. . .riiiight
Posted by: Joninjapan | August 22, 2006 at 07:16 AM
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).
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 22, 2006 at 08:27 AM
happy birthday kobe! 12:14 am here in philippines.
Posted by: 81'dguy | August 22, 2006 at 09:16 AM
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.
Posted by: LakerAl | September 07, 2006 at 10:56 PM