Media Day Quotes: Kwame Brown
Kwame Brown's inaugural season in purple and gold began as something of a mixed bag, but he finished on a very optimistic note after taking over at center for an injured Chris Mihm. His already strong post defense began to feature more flashes of offensive prowess, often creating a strong presence down low. So which half illustrates the "real Kwame Brown?" 2006-2007 will likely answer that question, but for what it's worth, the dude doesn't seem to be lacking for confidence at the moment. Here's what Kwame had to say while addressing some media members for a few minutes.
-AK
On what the staff had told the team going into this season
They just told everybody we're real deep at every position and everybody's basically at ground zero and you're gonna have to earn your spot.
On what he needed to work on during the offseason to continue his end of season momentum
Free throws. (laughs) My legs. I tried to beef up my legs to get them stronger, so they can handle the wear and tear throughout the season. Just keep working on your jump shot and the parts of the game that you don't do well.
I gotta sink my free throws. I don't know what was going on in the first part of the year. Probably more mental than anything. I just gotta get those free throws down, because you don't want to be a liability. When guys are fouling you, you don't want to get nothing out of it.
On why 2007's team could do better than last year's
Well, with the addition of (Vlad) Radmanovic. I watched him make probably 200 shots the other day. He's a great shooter. I think, just the experience of one more year. We lost Chris (Mihm), who was our original starter. Whether I'm starting or he's starting at center, we're both gonna be comfortable at the position, so we'll have a great 1-2 punch. We'll have matchup problems with Lamar at his size, and them not being able to double because we have such good shooter in Radmanovic.
On the returning players feeling confident both in the system and playing with Kobe, knowing "where he is at all times."
He's gonna be where the ball is. (laughs) Once you understand that and once you know when he's gonna take his shots, just go hard at the rebounds. And there'll be times when he passes the ball and you can kind of use their aggressiveness (in guarding) Kobe to your advantage and get offensive rebounds and get open. So it's kind of a give and take.
He makes the game a lot easier once he gets going, so my job was to come into the game and get him open. Once I was set, I would try to hit the guy as hard as I can on a screen and get him open and get him going. Once he gets going, it's easier for everyone else, because they're gonna key on him. You kind of sneak your little points in here and there. I learned that it was very important to get him going and get him some jump shots. Get him that rhythm and everything else falls into place.
On his confidence being high, especially coming off the end of the last season
I was very fortunate to be ready for that opportunity that Chris opened up by his unfortunate injury. It could have went either way. I could have not been ready and that would have opened some bad times for me. So I was happy that I stayed focused and I stayed quiet and kept working down low on my game. When he went down, I was ready to go.
On whether they're ready to go into camp with Phil Jackson out for hip replacement surgery
I don't know. He's our captain. He's our leader, but he told us in the locker room that he has some health issues with his hip that he put off and he has to go take care of them. What are you gonna do? Gotta let them go take care of his health, first and foremost. Hopefully, he comes back when we need him the most. The later part of the season.
Given most of the team's experience in the triangle, are they far enough along that Phil could be absent for a little while without it being a concern?
Yes and no, because we still have a lot of work to do on the defensive end. I'm not concerned about the triangle as much as our screen and roll defense. They ran screen and roll at us a lot and we didn't defend it well, so that's what we're gonna have to work on.
On not having a "target" win total in mind
We just want to not have a letdown. Now that we went to the playoffs, I think it would be a letdown in the season if we don't get to the second round.
AK: How important is it for the team to carry last season's good momentum into a good start at this season's beginning?
KB: It's very important. We still don't have the respect of anybody. Nobody expected us to do well. When Kobe's out, Lamar is gonna what he's gonna do. I'm still a little worried about the season. Hopefully, we'll get everybody back, everybody healthy and we'll see what we got. We're definitely gonna miss our captain in Kobe, so hopefully Von Wafer can step it up. (laughs)
(Note: Von Wafer had just passed by within earshot of us.)
We're gonna definitely have to band together more, because we don't have a guy that's gonna come out and drop 40 points.
AK: And along those lines, what do you specifically want to be doing to help step everything up?
KB: Well, I want to be the one that's vocal and talking on defense. We have enough offense. I just want to see us band together as a unit more while Kobe's not there, so when he comes back, we're that much better. Like I said, we're not gonna have a guy we can just drop the ball to and isolate.
AK: And what do you specifically want to improve defensively on your end?
KB: I want to improve screen and roll defense. And it's both people. It's not just the point guard and it's not just the big man. It's about the lines of communication and it starts with the back line, which is the big man. So it starts with me, but everybody has to follow suit.
AK: You're arguably coming off the strongest finish of your career...
KB: It's either this one or my third year in Washington. I had a pretty good run there and then I broke my foot. I'm just hoping I'm healthy for the whole season. I'm always having injuries or some little problem here and there. Hopefully, I can just play all 82 games with no injuries, no mistakes.
AK: Does it feel different for you, though, coming into this season having finished both strong and healthy?
KB: Yeah. It feels good. That was my second time in the playoffs. I had a brief stint in Washington and the playoffs, there's nothing like it. That's the best feeling ever. That's what you play for. That's what you go to training camp for. You play for the chance to win a championship.
Sounds like a different person, to me. Controlling the flow of the defense? What more can I ask for? Lead the D, Kwame! Lead the D!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 03, 2006 at 12:01 AM
sweet stuff
do you think he's re-using the 200vlad shots comment?? or does he watch vlad make 200 every day??
hmm
Posted by: JoninJapan(inCanada) | October 03, 2006 at 12:07 AM
14-9 from Kwame this year i'm confident it will happen.
Posted by: LakeMan | October 03, 2006 at 12:08 AM
I just saw a picture of Kobe, Phil, and Lamar; Kobe wearing his new number 24 and Lamar wearing his number 7 and it hit me, their one two combo jus got a nickname, 24/7. Cheesy? I dont know, I actually like it. What do you guys think??
As far as Kwame, I'm loving the talk of defense. Very proud of him, glad his confidence is high. He's going to step up this year, you gotta remember he's still so young, the sky's the limit and he's definetly on his way up.
Posted by: 24TuShort08 | October 03, 2006 at 12:19 AM
AK
when kwame says "when we get kobe back..." kobe SHOULD be ready to play on opening night. right>?
as for kwame. i like the attitude. make it happen big man. all the defense talk is great. i hope kwame gets better with his timing in going up to block or atleast contest those shots. i felt like last year he was a bit apprehensive doing so with fears of getting in to foul trouble. in any case...good stuff from the big man and i hope he has himself a great start to this season.
Posted by: sixonezero | October 03, 2006 at 01:00 AM
24/7 foe sho.....
Posted by: nik tanah | October 03, 2006 at 01:16 AM
Wow never thought I would hear that come out of Kwame's mouth! Very confident, so much swagger, I see a continuation of when he took over 4 Chris. After reading this, I think hes basically telling all the critics that are writing him and the Lakers off to kiss his behind. Go Kwame, Go Lakers, The hell with those critics because they can kiss MY behind
Posted by: aldo | October 03, 2006 at 01:56 AM
natural ability + no confidence = 5 points and 3 rebounds a game...
+ phil jackson multiply by 2 seasons = 5 points and 3 rebounds squared...
great attitude he got momentum...hes healthy...he's gonna get it done just watch
Posted by: Geek | October 03, 2006 at 02:25 AM
Even more than the Saint, the Laker I fear most this coming season, in terms of being a nemesis who will score just enough while defensively knocking the wind out of the opposing team's sails, has got to be a new and improved Kwame.
Fortunately, the Sacramento Kings have it covered. January 4th will mark one of two events: On that day, either the Lakers begin a long losing streak, or a short winning streak comes to an abrupt and punctuated end.
Posted by: sonnybelfast | October 03, 2006 at 02:54 AM
I like Kwame's attitude. He is not making any excuses for himself. He is stepping up as initiating the D against P&R that Phoenix ran on us like a bulldzer over molasses!
AK/BK
I thought that Kobe would be about ready by the start of the season. Is there something new?
Also, I don't understand why Phil would miss more than a couple of Months. I have friends that had hip-replacement surgery and where low-key operative by then. He doesn't have to run around, just motivate the team.
Go Lakers
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | October 03, 2006 at 06:14 AM
How do we get news about our Training Camp! Does it start Today? NBATV is just doing a rehash of old games and the Hornets 2005 training camp.
We need AK/BK to go in deep on this one.
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | October 03, 2006 at 06:19 AM
Good News. I got some of my concerns about Phil answered.
From the LAT
"Jackson, who has never hidden his disdain for the exhibition season, might return for an exhibition game or two after undergoing hip replacement surgery today at Centinela Freeman Regional Medical Center. At the very least, he's expected back by Oct. 31.
"Dr. [Lawrence] Dorr, who's doing the procedure, tells me I'll be walking with pride at the opening night against Phoenix," Jackson said.
---------------------
During his lowest of low points, Lamar Odom briefly considered skipping this season. He lost his 7-month-old son, Jayden, to sudden infant death syndrome in June and was robbed at gunpoint in July. Said Bryant, a sounding board for Odom during the off-season: "When I last spoke to him, I said, 'Bro, don't even think about basketball. That's beside the point. Just think about you and your family.' "
--------------------------
Bryant has maintained his upper-body strength despite not being able to run. He is listed at 220 pounds, same as last season. "BALCO," he said, smiling. …"
Baywood
Posted by: Baywood | October 03, 2006 at 06:29 AM
>>>>>Responding to an earlier post from "rayray",
What are you talking about? The only you are hurting is yourself by how you respond. My post was not simply the standings or rankings from last season. I never even looked at those when making my assessment. If it happened to resemble those in any way it was not by choice.
Pay attention and you may learn something. By the way, if it "hurt me" so much, why are you the only one saying something negative about my posts?<<<<<
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 06:32 AM
24TuShort08,
You better patent that "24/7" nickname. That's a winner!
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | October 03, 2006 at 07:01 AM
does Kobe have to earn his spot? hahaha
Posted by: adam | October 03, 2006 at 07:20 AM
I'm lovin the idea of D. Especially screen a roll D, considering the fact that we've never been good at that. I think we can do it. Like he said...it's just a matter of us putting it out there...it becoming our priority.
The Kwam has his head on straight. He knows that we've got enough offense, that Defense will really be what takes us far (farther?). Now if only they each make it their priority to be the vocal leader, or vocal defenders for that matter. Defense isn't as much playing together as it is talking to each other. (well that and Smush bending his knees lol). In any case, I look for them to play adequate D for 80 out of 82 games this year as oppossed to last year's hit and miss...it all comes down to desire and effort. If they do that, it will surely be a step forward in this "walk to the yellow brick road" we've got going here LOL.
Dude, was that a knock on the former Snaq O'Meal? Freethrows? Liability ouch lol. And that Von Wafer comment was hilarious!
P.S. I know they're looking for competition during the training camp considering the fact that they're signing everyone and anyone right about now...but wouldn't it be a better training camp going into it with set people and letting those people improve using the training camp instead? Then again there's the competition aspect. GO Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | October 03, 2006 at 07:43 AM
"24TuShort08", where did you see that picture? Do you have a link to it?=)
Posted by: Marco | October 03, 2006 at 08:59 AM
LAKERVILLE 2006: PART II
Is it that time of the year already? Great, and as Al Bundy would say…lets rock!
In the coming season there’s only one thing that concerns me. It seems, to me, that there’s a trend being set, which is a desire by a number of teams and players expressing the wish to play small ball. With the success of the Phoenix Suns last year, it seems that it’s become the “it” thing for the NBA. That’s fine…as long as the Los Angeles Lakers don’t fall into that trap.
It worked for the Suns because of Steve Nash. But even with Steve Nash the Suns will have a hell of a time pulling that off this year. Why? Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas! With Amare there is still a question of his health. They say they’re shooting for 100% health by opening day. But if they’re still shooting for it, does that mean he’s not there yet? He didn’t make team USA this summer, which, to me, says a lot. Simply put: I don’t think he’ll be 100% by opening day. By 100% I mean Amare Stoudemire of 2 seasons ago. I don’t think we’ll ever see that player, again. Well, at least, not this year. But even if he is 100%, doesn’t that take away from the Phoenix Suns’ game of a year ago? They were the epitome of small ball/run and gun basketball. It worked but not enough for an NBA championship. With Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas in the game there’s no way they can run and gun like they did last year. Like it or not, a lot of their success in the playoffs came from Tim Thomas, and he’s gone. Players like Diaw, Marion, and Bell were perfect for the small ball tactic, especially Diaw. As a matter of fact, I would say that Diaw was the reason they were able to play small ball with success. The guy is good but is he better than Stoudemire? If Stoudemire plays, where does that leave Diaw? And without Diaw there is not a run and gun offense for the Phoenix Suns like last season. Then there’s Kurt Thomas. What do the Phoenix Suns do with Stoudemire and Thomas? Are they both starters? LOL! Now that would definitely be a slower team. The question is: will the Suns be as good a team without the run and gun approach?
The small ball/run and gun philosophy is just a fad, in my opinion. I’m thinking a few teams will try to apply it, and have success because of the lack of quality big men in the league. I also think it would be a mistake for the Los Angeles Lakers to get drawn into it. Why? Because the Lakers have capable big men to counter the small ball/run and gun philosophy! But more than that, we have Lamar Odom. With Kwame Brown in the middle and Vlad Rad at the 3 spot the question is who’ll play the 4 spot against teams that use small ball? We have Turiaf, Bynum, or Mihm to hold that position down. But the key is moving Odom to the 1 spot against those teams. Can you imagine Steve Nash guarding Lamar Odom? The Lakers could attack Nash from the outset of the game to get him into foul trouble and the Suns would have to abandon their philosophy. Then things can go back to normal basketball. The key to defeating the Phoenix Suns is making Steve Nash play defense.
Last season we saw what happened during the regular season when the Lakers tried to “match-up” with the running Suns. We got blown out every time. Have things changed so much since then? Will we play into their hands, again, and expect change our fortunes against the Suns? My thinking is: if we can beat the Suns then we can beat any small ball/run and gun team. Why? Because there is only one Steve Nash! Stop Steve Nash and you stop all small ball/run and gun teams. Steve Nash is the mold. Break the mold and it’s gone; what we’re left with are imitations.
I think the Lakers will match against everyone else very well. I think the Lakers would be making a mistake by trying to adjust their personal to meet the Phoenix Suns type teams.
With Lamar Odom the Lakers can go against the trend and play big ball with great success.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 03, 2006 at 09:00 AM
I am loving what I am hearing from Kwame he is going to bring it this year.(I am pissed I didn't draft him in the lakerblog fantasy league, waited one round too long)...Kobe and Lamar coming at you 24/7, it is a little cheesy but I like it.
Zach Z
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 03, 2006 at 09:16 AM
AK/BK
Who else are you giving us media day quotes from, cause I would like to hear from alot of players and see how their offseason went and what they are looking to do fro this upcoming season.
Zach Z.
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 03, 2006 at 09:19 AM
24TuShort08
You are on it with the 24/7. Call Stu Lance and sell it to him.
I like what Kwame is saying and the confidence level of his game. Just curious about his take on returning team mates and coaches. Is this pessimism or premonition? lol
T-Woody
Posted by: T-Woody | October 03, 2006 at 09:46 AM
Mike T,
I understand your point but your information is a little inaccurate.
First, the Lakers were only blown out by the Suns twice last season and that was Game 5 & 7 of the playoffs. The other losses were between 10-13 points....and that was with playing a faster type of game. The Lakers have not had a problem of being blown out of many games since the short stint at the end of 2 seasons ago (Kobe and Lamar had injuries during that time). Since Phil arrived, the Lakers have had mostly close games, including most of the ones that they lost.
As it relates to the league going to small ball, this is a normal cycle. The league always has a shift after so many years one way or the other. The Lakers benefitted during the last shift, because they had Shaq. If you think back to the Mavs w/ Nash, they were actually more deadly of a team than the Suns are now, however, they were going against teams that were big, like the Lakers and Spurs. Their style of play couldn't compete. If they had the same team from then, right now.....they would be doing the same things that the Suns are now.
I'm not worried about the Lakers going to that style. The Lakers franchise has always been known for being the Pacesetter in the league in every category. During Showtime, the Lakers caused the rest of the League to play their style or suffer the consequences. Even now as some appear to be shifting to this run and gun style, the structured half-court offense that the Lakers will implore, is going to eventual cause those same teams to change in order to compete.
I said during the playoffs that the Lakers never fully benefitted from the size advantage which Smush had over Nash. They could have taken Nash out of the series because of foul trouble. They don't have to use Odom on Nash. Odom should be matched against forwards who aren't as quick as him. At 6-10, he has the height/length to give most smaller small forwards fits, and his quickness gives the taller ones fits as well.
The Lakers have the matchup advantage at almost every position if they use it. Even at point guard with Smush, they can have an advantage is they learn to strike first and hard. Think about this....the quickest young point gaurds in the league, are all smaller than Smush. Instead of Smush trying to keep up with them on defense....pound them inside on offense. They will be so wore down from having to defend him, that they will be slower or in foul trouble, therefore cutting their minutes and production. The plan is not very complicated. It's all about matchups and game plans. The right game plan can cause a lesser team to appear to be invincible.
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 10:03 AM
AZ,
In case you don't go back to the other thread I want to respond to your Vlade comment you made in response to mine. I'm not even going to bring in a whole long argument. I only want to reason with your thinking. Do think Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant, Jerry Buss, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson all want to win? If all of them not only agreed with Mitch but offered support by personally signing off and even calling Vlade in some cases, don't you think that he is the right one for them to have?
If everything Vlade offers Cook already provides if not more, why would they have worked so hard to persuade Vlade to come to the Lakers?
Just think about that.
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 10:06 AM
Lakers fans (and “haters”) should not underestimate the impact Jim Cleamons will have on the team’s emphasis on defence. Arguably, the team is fine offensively once the players understand which offense the coaches wish to run, and when.
This is a team that has tremendous offensive versatility. The additions of Vlad, Evans, and Farmar give the Lakers a choice of offensive styles that many others should envy. I’m looking forward to the games where we play some of those one-dimensional teams and they have to prepare for either the hammer (pounding it inside against a smaller front line); the sword (Vlad, Cookie cutting you up from outside); the whip (the patented Lakers fast-break); the left hook (LO breaking you down); or Hemlock (large doses of KB24).
If the Lakers can get it done on the defensive end, and this is where having a deep and willing bench comes in, we can match up competitively with any, (and I mean ANY) team in the tournament this year.
I’m a little worried about Mihm’s slow recovery because I think I’m beginning to see the outline of PJ’s and Mitch’s campaign plan. If you accept that Mihm and Cookie are not going to be traded but are essential ingredients along with KB24, LO7, Kwame, Vlad, Luke, Ronny, Socks, Smush, and Vujacic, and probably Farmar, Williams, and Evans, and either Pinnock, Green, McKie or Von Wafer (Mamadou N'diaye and Marcus Douthit are training camp fodder and have the longest of shots at making the roster) ………….. well, think about it.
For the guys who are having the Vlad vs Cookie debate I say that that is the wrong discussion. You should be discussing how Vlad and Cookie complement the 3-4 positions and the versatility it offers the coaching staff. If you accept, for purposes of this argument only, that Bynum is the only “true” center among our bigs, and that Luke is more suited for “3” than “4”, you’re looking at Kwame, Mihm and Ronny being able to rotate between 5 & 4, and LO, Vlad, and Cookie being able to rotate between 3 & 4 depending on the matchup available. As a tandem, Vlad and Cook have the potential to give you 20 points and 10 boards every game from the 3, regardless of opponent.
Anyway, the point is that I love the versatility the lineup offers, and I’m predicting it will cause many an opposing head coach some sleep and brain cells. At this point we shouldn’t be in a hurry to add or subtract. The coaches need a chance to stir this particular pot and see what it will taste like.
Posted by: Glenn | October 03, 2006 at 10:21 AM
For those of you who didn't get a chance to hear these interviews:
here are a couple of interviews(while we wait for AK/BK to learn how to put audio interviews on the blog, haha) with some Lakers, Kwame, Chris, Vlad, Brian Cook and Kobe.
Kwame: http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KLAC-AM/Kwame%20Brown%20100206.mp3
Chris:
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KLAC-AM/Chris%20Mihm%20100206.mp3
Brian:
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KLAC-AM/GT%20with%20Brian%20Cook.mp3
Vlad:
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KLAC-AM/GT%20with%20Vladamir.mp3
Kobe:
http://a1135.g.akamai.net/f/1135/18227/1h/cchannel.download.akamai.com/18227/podcast/LOSANGELES-CA/KLAC-AM/GT%20with%20Kobe.mp3
All these interviews are from AM 570.
Lakofan
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Marco,
here are some links to the media day Photos, you'll find the pictures of Lamar and Kobe 24/7.
http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/FrameSet.aspx?s=ImagesSearchState%7c0%7c0%7c-1%7c28%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c1%7c%7c%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c7%7c%7clakers%7c2233391784121335%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0&p=7&tag=1
http://www.latimes.com/la-lakers-mediaday-pg,0,994337.photogallery?coll=la-home-headlines
By the way Kobe's arms are big, he has gained muscle, also a couple of other players are bigger.
Posted by: lakofan | October 03, 2006 at 10:33 AM
Mike T,
Get off my jockstrap man. It's disturbing...
Kwame
Posted by: kwame brown | October 03, 2006 at 10:33 AM
JJ,
I hear what you're saying. My problem with Parker is that he's just not...how can I say this, smart enough to be the type of player to take Nash down low. There is something to the notion that Steve Nash is MVP in metality and Parker is just a guy who made the club because we didn't have anyone else at the PG last year. Parker couldn't crack Nash while he was in Phoenix. The Suns let him go. Now he's with the Lakers. I just don't see Parker having the tools to deal with Nash. Physically Parker should be abusing Nash but I don't think it's a matter of phyicality but rather mentality.
It easy to see it from where we sit. We watch the games. We see the potential mismatch. Why don't we exploit it? Is it the coaches? Or is it Parkers shortcomings?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 03, 2006 at 10:49 AM
Mike T and JJ,
I think disrupting the entire Laker offense and having Smush post up Nash would be a big mistake. For one, having Smush work in the post would be like having Kwame play the wing, not a good idea. I agree that a good strategy would be to highlight Smush a little more on offense against the Suns or Spurs to make Nash and Tony Parker work a bit on the defensive end, but Smush would have to do it from the wing or point position because having him in the post would completely throw off everyone else.
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 03, 2006 at 11:20 AM
24TuShort08, I'm feeling that new "24/7" slogan. Good thinking!
As for Kwame, this young man is definitely growing and maturing right before our eyes! I am so excited about this upcoming season, the Lakers will show and prove again.
Posted by: Blaze1bx | October 03, 2006 at 11:28 AM
Mike T.
Like I said earlier this si going to a big year for our young guards, really after this eason we ill be down to either Smush or Sasha. Of course Farmer will be around and getting a bigger role because he is too good to ride the pine behind both, he will be waiting in the wings to take the spot from whoever falters.
Now why Smush doesn't get any spots in the post to work his size advantage I am not sure. The triangle is a fluid offense that can get anybody down there on the post especially with Vlad or Cookie playing the 4 out on the wing. But the problem is does Smush having any post moves. I have never heard the staff or Smush talk about using his size advantage by taking the smaller PG in the post but it would seem like a logical way of exploiting the matchup the same way as GP always used his size by taking smaller guards down low.
Zach Z.
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 03, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Kwame better rock that afro sometime this year!!
>_<
Posted by: dan the man >_< aka smushcalade | October 03, 2006 at 12:04 PM
24/7 Good one!!!
Posted by: keifo | October 03, 2006 at 12:09 PM
To all of us who lives the Lakers 24/7. This is it. 24/7 is so fitting for what Kobe explains as his mindset for his second coming to the league, and his number change. LO is always going to be the best compliment to Kobe. And likewise. It will be a great season. Man I am excited.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Juno
Posted by: Juno | October 03, 2006 at 12:17 PM
Zack Z,
I hear you but my point was "how come Smush doesn't" as opposed to actually wanting to be our point guard. This whole conversation started behind the thought of Odom playing the 1 spot against Phoenix and the Spurs. I just wrote about Smush because JJ seems to think, if given the chance, Smush can deal with Nash. I don't think so at all.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 03, 2006 at 12:25 PM
Mike T:
I loved your LAKERVILLE 2006: PART II post.
I agree that the Suns may well have problems adjusting to the return of Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas and may not be the same run-and-gun team that we saw last year. I do think that there will be times, however, when the Suns continue to go small and run and gun to take advantage of Steve Nash.
I also agree with your comments about small ball being a fad and hoping that the Lakers do not get sucked into it. We need to force our opponents to adjust to our style, size, and abilities on offense rather than adjusting our offense to our opponent. We got away from this strategy during the Suns’ series when we tried to pound the ball down low too much. We need to focus our offense on getting Kobe easier shots by playing him at the 3 in the Triangle much as Jordan did for the Bulls.
While this year’s team gives Phil and our coaches even more options to create favorable match-ups, we need to remember that we have Kobe Bryant, who is the greatest offensive player in the NBA. I thought the adjustments we made during the Suns’ series went too far and partly neutralized Kobe’s impact. In a way, we played right into the Suns’ hands, who definitely preferred having Lamar, Kwame, Luke, and Smush taking the shots rather than Kobe Bryant.
While I agree with JJ that punishing Nash on defense is the best way to slow him down on offense, I agree with you that Smush is not the type of player who can effectively post up Steve Nash. He is not a Bonzi Wells type of guard who has great post up moves or the confidence that he can use them. We tried to have Smush do this without success last year. I think your idea of going big with Lamar at the 1 to force Nash to try and play defense would be a better strategy.
While we will not be playing small ball, I do think we will be looking to run and get easy baskets in transition, especially when Lamar rebounds the ball or when Farmar is in the game. I also think we will be looking to refocus the offense to getting Kobe much easier shots, which may mean taking the ball out of his hands early in the shot clock and hiding him on the weak side of the offense where it will be hard to double team him. I see Kobe getting a lot of post up fade-away jumpers ala MJ by playing the 3 in the Triangle offense.
Finally, I think the big change in the Lakers this year will be a lot more pressure defense, especially with the added depth and quality on the bench. I think we may even see some trap and rotate strategies employed against the pick and roll, as suggested by Kwame in his interview with Ross Siler. This year’s team will see another quantum jump in our defense with better team work, trusting of each other, and better rotations.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 03, 2006 at 12:45 PM
Mike T.
yeah I started off a little off target. I like Smush as as a backup PG. The reason he doesn't go on the block I think is he doesn't have any post moves. But having Lamar play the 1 doesn't work that same in the triangle than in most offenses. The 1 brings it down makes the first pass to the strong side wing who then really controls where the ffense goes because from that spot he pass down to the corner, in to post, drive the lane or swing back through the 1 over to the weakside which is where Kobe is playing now and where MJ used to play in the triangle. Lamar is already in the triangles main facilitator role and postion on the floor, which was where Kobe played during the threepeet.
The play that would get Smsuh down on the block would be to swing it back over to Kobe then have smush flash down to the weakside post and post up his man for in iso on the block, that was a regular play we would run to get GP more touches to make him happy.
Zach Z.
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 03, 2006 at 12:47 PM
Mike:
"It easy to see it from where we sit. We watch the games. We see the potential mismatch. Why don't we exploit it? Is it the coaches? Or is it Parkers shortcomings?"
Perfect assessment of the situation. There are actually very few guards in the league who are really effective post up players. Bonzi Wells is maybe the best. Chancey Billups is also very good. Unfortunately, Smush Parker just does not have an effective post up game to use to go after Steve Nash.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 03, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Lakofan:
Thanks for the AM570 interview links. Great to hear the confident comments from Kwame as well as his respect for Chris, and the same from Chris with respect to how well Kwame played. I think it would be great if Chris could play some time at the 4 as well as backing Kwame up at the 5. But, bottom line, both guys really seem to have a very positive team oriented attitude.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 03, 2006 at 12:53 PM
I disagree with the notion that Smush can't effectively post up Nash or Parker because of some mentality problem. HE DID IT LAST SEASON....DID YOU SEE WHAT I JUST SAID......HE DID IT LAST SEASON.
Did you not see the games in which we played the Spurs close and even beat them? Did you not see Smush using that post up on Nash at the beginning of the post season and even the last matchup during the season? It worked.....the Lakers just stopped using it.
What you fail to understand is that in the Triangle, Smush can end up in the post with Nash guarding him. That's the whole point of the offense and the size at every position. It allows versatility and allows people to exploit matchups. The key is that the ball moves around to find those mismatches and that if a team starts switching because of it....the ball has to rotate to the open spots. That's what the Triangle provides.....just wait and see.
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 01:44 PM
By the way...Bonzi is not a guard....he's a small forward.
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 01:45 PM
Mike T and LakerTom,
I have a hard time believing that having Amare Stoudamire on your team can hinder your success. Considering the Suns had ZERO inside presence last season, Stoudamire and Thomas can only help. Let's not forget that they won 54 games last season, but 61 the year before with Stoudamire. Granted, Amare more than likely won't be the same guy he was, but he'll still be damn good. Jason Kidd still gets up and down the floor, and he had the injury when he was much older.
I just don't think it's a good idea to think the Suns will struggle with the return of those two guys, it will only make them better.
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 03, 2006 at 01:47 PM
Another thing....the Triangle offense in Chicago was not about finding easier shots for MJ. You missed the whole point. He did get easier shots, but the offense was about finding easier shots for everybody.
The offense in LA with Phil was the same thing. To say that in order to get Kobe easier shots he has to be on the wing, shows a lack of understanding of the offense. He will get easier shots even if he is at the point, IF the offense is ran correctly. The key is running the offense, not putting Kobe in a specific spot.
Posted by: JJ | October 03, 2006 at 01:47 PM
There are two players that could discrupt the pick & roll of Nash/Diaw or Nash/Bell. Nash/Diaw is an inside play while Nash/Bell will be a perimeter set-up for Bell or Barbosa. Well, this year we will have tall defenders in the paint with Kwame/LO/Vlad or a Bynum/Mihm/LO. The Lakers could apply a switching defense on pick & roll and let Nash do his thing on the inside and let's see if he could outmaneuver Vlad, then he gets Bynum's long reach in process SWAT! or escape from LO but Kwame or Mihm in 5 will be there waiting for him SWAT again! This will be a floating zone as the Suns loves to confuse the Lakers, the Laker defense should also confuse the Suns with team effort of helping one another. When a defense is predictable and Lakers playing the Suns tempo then Suns control the ballgame from that aspect but when Lakers present another alternative of switching defense by tall men, Nash will be pinned down on the corner w/o any passing lane, that's where Kobe or Smush comes in to anticipate those desperate passes.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 03, 2006 at 01:54 PM
JJ,
What I saw last year was the Suns beat the Lakers in the regular season, except for the game Nash sat out towards the end of the season. Parker was not a factor. What I saw was Nash abuse Parker in the playoffs. Parker was a liability. What I see right now is the Lakers bringing in Shammond Williams and Jordan Farmar because they had a PG problem to address. What I see is that Sasha going from 193 lbs. to 205 lbs. What I see is Parker with a non-guaranteed contract until Nov-1-06. DID YOU SEE THAT? NON-GUARANTEED CONTRACT!
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 03, 2006 at 02:04 PM
JJ:
While Bonzi has played some at small forward, the position he played with the Kings and most of his career has been shooting guard.
The reason we stopped trying to use Smush to post up Nash in the Suns' series is that it was not working because Smush does not have any post up or back to the basket moves. I do remember him driving once successfully on Tony Parker but don't know where you get the idea that this was working. Posting up somebody requires back to the basket moves that Smush just does not have.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 03, 2006 at 02:28 PM
JJ:
I would refer you back to the article by Roland Lazenby where he discussed Tex Winter's goal of having Kobe play the 3 in the Triangle so that it would be tougher for other teams to double team him and where Kobe would get easier shots and shoot a higher percentage.
I would also refer you to the videos posted by Andrew Z last month where Phil explained the Triangle Offense to season ticket holders and specifically pointed out that the Lakers liked to hide Kobe on the weak side where it was hard to double team him and where he would get easier shots.
The key to the Lakers being able to play Kobe at the 3 in the Triangle was their ability to get better guard play, which they were not getting from Smush Parker and Sasha Vujacic last year. The hope is that our guard play will improve this year to allow Kobe to play the 3 on offense. That is why we brought in Evans, Williams, and Farmar.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 03, 2006 at 02:36 PM
AZ,
The only way the Suns myight struggle with the return of Amere is that him and Diaw both play alot in the post and have not yet played together and could crowd eachother making them less effective if the other was not there.
Mike T,
Smsuh had a non-guaranteed contract, and he did get abused in the playoffs. But it is hard to question his mental toughness for someone who has worked so hard to get into the L. Also the biggest way to test his mental toughness is to see how he bounces bac this year. The reason we brough in Shammond and Farmar is because niether Smush nor Sasha proved that they deserved outright spots on the roster, right now Smush is higher on the pecking order in my book.
Zach Z.
Posted by: Zach Z. | October 03, 2006 at 02:43 PM
JJ,
For the Kings, Bonzai was a "two guard role player". Very aggressive and versatile. Sad he went to Houston. Relieved he's not a Laker.
http://www.news10.net/storyfull2.aspx?storyid=20284
Posted by: sonnybelfast | October 03, 2006 at 02:48 PM
DEFENDING THE PICK AND ROLL
We all know that defending the pick and roll has long been the Lakers’ Achilles heel on defense since the days of Shaquille. The Kings have long used the play to get open 3-point shots for Mike Bibby. In the playoffs last year, the Suns used it to force us to switch, often leaving Smush Parker trying to guard a much taller player in the post.
The pick and roll and its kissing cousin, the pick and pop, are variations of the most basic play in basketball. While you can run the play with any two offensive players on the court, the typical situation is for a forward to come up and set a pick for a guard, forcing the defensive team to decide how to defend the play. The usual question when confronted by the pick and roll is whether or not to switch. If the defenders do not switch, the offensive guard will utilize the pick to shoot an open 3-pointer. If the defenders switch, the defending guard will end up trying to stop a much taller or bigger forward down low.
Ideally, you want your guard to be able to fight through the pick to prevent his player from using the pick to shoot a wide open 3-pointer. Even then, however, if the offensive guard is a good penetrator and driver like Steve Nash, he will have a clear path to the hoop with his defender on his back. That is the beauty of the pick and roll. Properly run, it is a win-win offensive move. So short of having a defender so quick he can prevent his player from getting to the pick, how do you defend the pick and roll.
The answer is what Kwame suggested and what UCLA coach Ben Holland’s team does against pick and rolls, which is trap and rotate. Holland turns the table on the offense and uses the pick and roll as a trap opportunity by having the both the player guarding the ball handler and the player guarding the picker trap the ball handler and force him to make a difficult pass with two defenders while the rest of the team rotates to try and intercept the difficult pass that the ball handler now has to make. This results in turnovers and fast break points at best or in a series of difficult passes and time off of the clock at least. If any of you watched UCLA’s basketball team in the NCAA tournament last year, you saw how effective this strategy is against the pick and roll, especially if you have a shot blocker in the key as your last line of defense.
Kwame made another good point, which was we need to have a standard approach to playing the pick and roll and use that approach all of the time so that we get better at it instead of constantly switching what we do depending on the opposing team and players. While there are always exceptions, I really like the idea of creating a tough defensive identity that turns the offenses pick and rolls into trap opportunities. It gets all of the players involved in rotating and emphasizes the “team” in team defense. I hope that the Lakers are considering this as one of their major defensive adjustments going into this year. The additional depth and talent we added to the bench would allow us to expend more energy on defense by keeping fresh legs in the game all of the time.
Bottom line, I think that trapping and rotating on pick and rolls could be the cornerstone of a greatly improved team defense for the Lakers this year.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 03, 2006 at 03:01 PM
Marco
lakofan already put the link up but in case u didnt see it http://editorial.gettyimages.com/source/search/FrameSet.aspx?s=ImagesSearchState%7c0%7c0%7c-1%7c28%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c1%7c%7c%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c7%7c%7clakers%7c2233391784121335%7c0%7c0%7c0%7c0&p=7&tag=1.
Its picture number 72071914 thats inspired me, haha.
I'm definetly putting a patent on that nickname. Created by ME but for EVERYONE. Let the new era begin. 24/7 baby!!!
Posted by: 24TuShort08 | October 03, 2006 at 04:08 PM