Lakers preview: Seven big questions (and a couple bonus ones)
Given this summer's weirdness, the Lakers didn't really have much of an offseason. Purple and gold news has simmered some days, boiled others, but has basically run hot since the conclusion of last season's exit interviews. Is J.O. coming? Is K.G. coming? Is Ron-Ron coming? And, most significantly, is Kobe going? Enough rumors and unsubstantiated reports to fill months worth of Us Weeklys.
That's a lot of rumors and unsubstantiated reports.
Of course, now that it's all said and done, after a tumultuous few months followed by an unsteady preseason, the bunch that finished the '06-07 season in disappointing fashion is back, more or less intact (though improved with the exchange of Smush Parker for Derek Fisher). The regular games are about to start, which means questions need to be answered. Seven of them. Why? Because that's the number of good ones I could think of before I started repeating myself.
So without further ado ...
1. How will the "Kobe situation" affect the season?
Might as well get the big one out of the way off the top. While I'm inclined to believe that Kobe isn't going to be moved anytime soon, the reports from ESPN's Chris Sheridan (a guy I find both credible and not particularly hyperbolic) that talks between the Bulls and Lakers have been ongoing and intensive could change that. So maybe he is on his way out faster than I thought. Or maybe not. Which is sort of the point. There's no way this won't be a front-burner issue until some sort of resolution is found, at which point the resolution (likely in the form of a trade) will become a front-burner issue.
At least I know if I get fired, it won't be for a lack of things to write about.
Unfortunately, there's no way for a 24/7 KobeWatch! to be a positive thing for the Lakers. Every game, every question, every everything seen in the context of one guy. Three-game winning streak -- is it enough to keep Kobe happy? Three-game losing streak -- is Kobe going to start pouting? Maybe they should bring in Ron Artest just for the potential to distract. All of this is necessary because the Trade of Kobe Bryant is so monumental that it deserves a) capitalization, b) every opportunity to get the best possible deal because it'll shape the franchise for years to come. But in the short run, it can't be anything but a distraction.
2. Something of a black hole last year (aside from Kobe, of course), how will the Lakers' guard play be this season?
Improved, but not to the point where they'll be the envy of the league. Losing Smush Parker was addition by subtraction. Not only was his play erratic, but his antisocial disposition makes him about as well-suited to be a high-level, team-leading NBA point guard as I am, despite my lack of hops, shot and ability to go left (or right, really). Derek Fisher will provide steady minutes, no doubt, and is a freakin' rock as far as leadership and character go. But for the Lakers' backcourt to show real progress, the kind that translates into multiple wins, it'll take a leap from Jordan Farmar in the backup PG spot, improvement from Sasha Vujacic, and contributions from No. 1 pick Javaris Crittendon. All three look possible, but it's important to temper expectations with the reality that no real games have been played, and we're talking about young players with either little to no experience (J.F. and the Critter), or who haven't shown the ability to succeed at the NBA level (that would be Sasha).
3. What are the Lakers going to do with all those centers? Is anyone going to step up and demand minutes?
OK, that's really two questions. Whatever.
In elementary school, my friend Jason used to make these drawings where he'd morph characteristics of superheroes, monsters and comic book characters into these uber-badass creations that were pretty much unbeatable. That's what the Lakers need to do with their three-headed monster at center. Take Kwame's post D, combine it with Bynum's hands and growing two-way game, with a little of Chris Mihm's offensive smoothosity as seasoning.
Or, failing that, if the Lakers are going to get the best out of their multitude of bigs (toss Ronny Turiaf into the conversation, too) and matchup combinations, they'll need one or two of those centers to play a little PF. It cold be Mihm, who has the ability to hit the mid-range jumper but lacks the foot speed to guard anyone away from the hoop. It could (probably should) be Kwame, who has the physical tools and the experience as an NBA four but seems to lack the will to actually make the move. However it's done, if the Lakers can figure out how to get more minutes for the three-headed monster, it'll serve them well.
In terms of guys stepping up, obviously Bynum has the most potential to make a big jump in production. He's shown flashes of putting together a consistent game on both ends. It's not there yet, by any stretch. Generally one side suffers or the other. In some ways, the question isn't just who will step up, but who is willing?
4. Once he's healthy, is Lamar Odom a three or a four?
Ideally, a three, but to a large degree how you answer this question relates to the answer to the previous questions. If the Lakers can find solid play at the four, enhanced by some of that center depth bolstering the position, it'll give L.O. more time to play the three. There, he should all at once take less physical abuse on the defensive end and be able to better exploit mismatch opportunities on offense. The only downside would be an increased tendency to hang out around the perimeter, instead of moving down to the post where he can be incredibly effective.
This would effectively put Luke Walton in a sixth-man role, one for which he's probably better suited. It would allow him to push the second unit and likely play important minutes down the stretch, but still have his shortcomings on the defensive end protected as much as possible by not requiring the Lakers to expose him for 30-35 minutes a night.
Obviously, strong play from Turiaf could change the equation, but as much as I love Ronny -- what kind of awful human being doesn't love Ronny? -- to expect him to make the jump to starting-caliber power forward is a tall order.
5. What's the best-case scenario for '07-08?
Kobe gets happy, Bynum makes "The Leap," while Kwame transitions smoothly to the four, providing quality minutes there with Ronny while adding depth at center. L.O. comes back strong in mid-November and stays in the lineup for the rest of the year. Luke Walton plays like a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Farmar becomes a quality backup. Everyone stays healthy. There's taco night at least every other home game in the media dining room, and we either a) finally get that swanky yearly parking pass from The Times or b) find our secret spots around Staples open every night. Lakers rise to near the top half of the W.C., win the first round and push for a surprise spot in the Western Conference Finals.
6. What's the worst-case scenario for '07-08?
The injuries that are currently looming over the Lakers don't cooperate. Odom is more out than in. The respective ankles of Kwame and Mihm don't cooperate, leaving the Lakers thin up front. Walton can't stay in the lineup. Fish disappoints, the defense remains a swinging gate, Kobe's frustration goes up with every loss. The Lakers are unable to move him, but unable to continue forward. Somebody says something that ticks off someone else, and the Lakers find themselves playing without Kobe -- though he remains on the roster. The quality deals the Lakers already find tough to form become even tougher as teams pull back to see if they can get him on the cheap. He sits, the Lakers run out a glorified D-League team and punch a lottery ticket.*
And taco night is totally axed from the menu. Lord help us all if that happens.
7. How many games will the Lakers win this season, and where will they finish?
Again, that's two questions. Oh, well.
Given all the obstacles in front of them, the rosiest scenarios spit out by the wheel-running hamsters in the BK mental computer have the Lakers pushing 50 wins. I'm talking visit the florist for your wife on Valentine's Day rosey. But for all the drama surrounding Kobe, the biggest problems facing the Lakers are much more mundane. Health problems, talent problems. They're simply not that good. They're not that bad, but they're not that good.
The Lakers are a team that needs everyone on board to make a run, and all signs point to that not happening. That Odom will start the season injured isn't a good sign. And we're not talking about a little tweak here. Dude's recovering from surgery. Kwame is only now reentering games he's exited once, and questions regarding how much of the proverbial "warrior" mentality he has should more injuries pop up are legitimately raised. Mihm? He's already said he'll be playing in some pain this year.
We all saw what happens when the available talent on this team thins out. They're deeper than they were last year, but make no mistake -- relative to the better teams in the NBA, the Lakers aren't deep. They don't have a lot of players who would be big rotation players on contenders. They have only two players that would start for most good teams (that would be Odom and that Kobe fella, for those keeping score). They have Bryant, but for how long, and with how much investment into the success or failure of the team? I don't think he'll tank games, but will he have the willingness to do what needs to be done to win (I'm not talking about scoring, but leadership, ball distribution, etc.)?
All told, I see the Lakers to be slightly improved. The good news is that because Ray Allen and K.G. were exported eastward, and the injuries to Elton Brand, Greg Oden and Mike Bibby, the W.C. isn't quite the monster it's been in years past. Their backcourt, a serious problem last season, will be better, but still far from elite. The natural improvement curve from Bynum and Farmar should help, but how much? In my Best-Case Realistic Scenario, I see 48 wins. In my worst, lots of doctor's visits and 37 (why not 36? 39? Who's to say?). I'll settle in right at 45, a seven seed in the West, and gone after the first round.
Sound familiar?
-- BK
* This "walkout" scenario might actually have positive results ... maybe. In theory, if Kobe becomes frustrated enough to stop playing -- a long shot, I think, since Kobe's too competitive to do something like this -- it could in theory cause him to loosen the strings on his tight trade demands. Open the sweepstakes up to a few more teams, or be willing to approve a deal that's more advantageous to the Lakers. I'm just spitballing here, but it could be possible. Essentially, Kobe gets so angry that he'll compromise.
LAKER FANS ATTEN SHUN GAMMMMMMMMMMMME DAYYYYYYY!
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BALLAD OF THE LAKERS
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The doubters sat waiting for them to fail
Training camp came and they began to jell
L.O. looked like an allstar to be
Kobe appeared to be the new MVP
The newspapers said Kobe would be gone
But its the start of the season he has purple and gold on
One llook in Kobes eyes and it was easy to say
Paybacks a mother and Kobe would be the rockets daddy today
Bynum came out like the second coming of Shaq
Can I believe my eyes Sahsa is on the attack
The Lakers appeared strong and stood tall
And Kwame, yes Kwame caught every damn ball
Dfish kept all of the crew in line
Not one Laker was heard to whine.
In the game the Mamba did not miss
He had 55 points and 55 assists
The triangle my friend was a thing of beauty
Even Scootie and Michael had to come to see
The season started and wouldnt you know
In November The Lakers beat every damn foe.
December and January went the same way
The Lakers became the Team, teams were afraid to play
They held to under seventy the high flying Suns
That was the same game Kobe scored 101
The regular season ended and they were so great
They broke the Bulls record they were 74 and 8
Then came the Playoffs and Im sure that you know
They ended up winning 16 in a row.
Mitch cried for joy and Jim gave up the crack
Jerry retook his Office the Lakers were Back
9Rings became 10 which made Phil the Best
For three years in a row The Lakers ruled the West
For each of those years Kobe won the MVP
Then Kobe retired and handed Bynum the Keys
But Bynum said NO! Kobe we both can drive
So when Kobe retired instead of 3 they won 5.
Which gave Kobe 8 NBA Titles and 5 MVPs
And Kobe not MJ became greatest in NBA history
And one final thing that the haters should be told
When Kobe retired he proudly wore Purple and Gold
The moral of this story, don't get me started
Purple and Gold and Kobe will never be parted
AND NOW LETS GET READY TO RUMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEE
AND NOW ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, Wolf,
KIWI, WOW, PEACE, J_COOL, DAVID WHANG, ADAM KILEY, LAKERSRYDEORDIE, CLEON
FISH_GUY,TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOO, THE_D, SBPIMP,
CHARLES, Precious, NEVER, CALI KING, RICK FRIEDMAN,THIRTY2, EXHELODRVR,
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, AJAX, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, CHARLES,
KHANG VMAN, KOREY, XTRO, MCGARNAGLE, GUGY, GDChild,Laker4Life, Laker Seth
KL BEAST, Jorema, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN,
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., EASTCOASTJESSIE, Zakee,
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, 244Life, SamII, vi lakerfan
Swettual, Utzworld, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, BRANDON C., Kinglakernidas, BlackMamba24,
FKILLAH, CYRUS(VENTRILIQUIST), RespectMyAuthorith, Waterboy, Hariyahu, HUBBIT
ZEN, SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, Greek Dude,
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., Rick Friedman,
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, CBUCK,LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, PFUNK36,
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Alexinho17
BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, Lakers4Life, Ryan
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
Jay Jay, TaosHum, HOBBITIMAGE, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, ANGRYLAKER
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, LEELO,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. JOVA, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO,
Mfeige, Reggie, Hollywood Jack, Reality Check Time, Jack In Hollywood, SLO Gal
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, Caesar
JEFF, ANDY B., SWANWORLD, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, BENNY BLANCA,CS in Virg
EMMA, TIM IN SYDNEY RISING STAR, LakerBake, JuanMan888,Blkthght06, Man
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg, East Nyboer
,Ghost of Spiderman, Steve in Denver Guy Owanlele, Lincoln Laker, Houston Laker
MITCH KUPCHAK, JERRY BUSS, PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, CLEON
Marc Gasol, Sun Yue, Shamond, Williams, Ronny Turiaf, V. Radmanovic, Jennifer
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook, KOBE FROM MANILAS
Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris Mihm, Sasha Vujacic
Jordan Farmar, Jarvis Critterton, JERMAINE ONEAL???, Larry Fulcher
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON AND
NO ONE AND NOTHING WILL EVER DIVIDE OR CONQUER
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: Mamba224 | October 30, 2007 at 10:50 AM
AK/BK I'm nervous about tonights game. I know it's season opener and the mood should be exciting down at Staples..but I have to ask..do the Lakers have any chance in beating the Rockets? Remember the Warriors Preseason game? I know it isn't Pre-season anymore but the Rockets are not going to be easy by any means. What do you think the score will be tonight? Do you think the Lakers will be down by 20 in the first quarter? Lets just hope the team comes ready to play tonight and get serious while they're at it.
Posted by: drew | October 30, 2007 at 11:01 AM
Great breakdown.
Thanks BK!!!
Posted by: frank1rizzo | October 30, 2007 at 11:02 AM
Simers sure is a piece of work. The guy just wants to stir the hornet's nest...
Simers "Do you want to finish the season with the Lakers?" (asks about three times)
Kobe "I wanted to finish my entire career with the Lakers."
It's simple, get rid of Jim Buss and this whole dynamic changes.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | October 30, 2007 at 11:07 AM
BK,
You failed to include some of the most important questions related to the success of this team:
- Will the front office get Kobe help as promised?
-What are the options to improve this current roster?
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 30, 2007 at 11:08 AM
anybody know what the starting 5 is gonna look like?
Posted by: Violator | October 30, 2007 at 11:13 AM
IT IS AMAZING!!!!
I've stated emphatically from the beginning of this marvelous blog back during the 2004-5 season to the present. The WRONG Laker was traded!!! Laker management in not resigning Phil Jackson and the trading of Shaq is the blame for the downfall of the once fabled Laker organization.
The unprecedented coddling of Kobe Bryant by Coaches and SoCal sports fans trying to ressurected a Southland version of his Heirness Michael Jordan have been left with a brooding player whos interest lies not with the team concept but for the padding of his own stats. With Phil Jackson coming back to the Lakers after his book in which he blasted the play of Kobe Bryant and his selfishness, PJ was left with no other alternative except to let Kobe shoot away outside of the offense to just put 'butts-in-the-seats'. The Championship banners came through Shaq.
Maybe Kobe does not like sharing the spotlight with Centers, since he has had past disagreements with Shaq and now Andrew Bynum. Maybe guys bigger than Kobe represent a threat to him possibly relating to his relationship with his Father.
Whatever the reason, the Laker organization will be better off without Kobe Bryant and possibly Kobe will be exposed for what he really is with another organization, a selfish individual who places blame on everyone except himself.
OUT!!!
The truth
Posted by: Steven | October 30, 2007 at 11:19 AM
Excited about tonight but bummed out when I read Kobe is blocking the trade to the Bulls if Lakers insist on Deng. This is a joke, right??
I still don't think Kobe plays tonight. Just something isn't right when your star player plays GM for another team against the team he plays for. Has that ever happend before??
Go Lakers, lets see how Bynum the Beast does against Yao. What a shame Phil didn't start him. But thats Phil thinking its the only way to get Bynum to exert some energy on the D side. But Bynum will be the starting by year end. That will be a fact.
I love Phils game plan tonight, start the first team w/Kobe and Kwame, get behind by 20 and then bring in the 2nd team which really is the 1st team to make it a game. That Phil is one crafty dude.
Go Lakers!!!!
bd
Posted by: bd | October 30, 2007 at 11:23 AM
BK
I like that #5 scenario. Mighty thin line between 5 & 6.
It could be added that if both Chicago and LA start out winning, #5 comes into focus and Kobe realizes he's got about as much chance of winning here as he does there after a trade.
When things go bad, words sting a bit more, but given alternatives, what Jerry told Kobe is true: stay where your loved, where your legacy has been written. Like most breakups, you don't trade up, just different.
Posted by: Vman | October 30, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Perhaps it's the eternal optimist in me, but I'm a little more hopeful than you BK (although you make good arguments).....or at least I was until the recent spate of Kobe-centric drama hit.
The two reasons I had for optimism were the improvements I saw in both Bynum and Farmar during the preseason. I saw a Bynum who wasn't just a little better than last year, but significantly better. When he was on the floor, he was gobbling up rebounds and scoring surprisingly easily. His help defense wasn't all that outstanding, but it may be too much to ask someone who just turned 20 to become that much better in every single facet of the game. With that said, I did see hints of some good D in the last preseason game, so who knows? But given his obvious improvements in conditioning and strength, I believe we have a legitimate low-post threat and rebounder. That alone changes things a lot from last year.
Farmar looks like he's worked very hard on his game and looked wonderful in the preseason. He generally hit his shots, penetrated, and set guys up for easy scores. With him backing up D-Fish, the difference at that position from last year to this is night and day.
I agree with you regarding our health issues; they can negate everything.
The Kobe-drama, which is getting worse by the day rather than better, is what worries me the most. You know if Phil says Kobe's heart isn't in it, there's a very serious problem.
So barring serious injuries like last year, I thought this team could actually put up ~55 wins and get to the second round. I think we're definitely much better than last year.
Unfortunately, the drama that is Kobe Bryant looks like it's going to derail the whole thing. Rather than pour his heart and soul into this team and help the younger guys develop into legitimate NBA stars (you know, what true leaders do), Kobe seems to be only concerned with himself. It looks to me like Kobe may be engaging in a bit of self-fulfilling prophecy.
Posted by: Jason F. | October 30, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Good analysis BK. I think the worst case scenario could be worse than that though, given the injuries we're starting the year off with, and the tougher schedule at the start. It makes the prospect of Kobe being frustrated much greater, I think. They could potentially be down to about 30 games. I agree, I think the upper limit is about 48.
Posted by: Michael A | October 30, 2007 at 11:44 AM
I think if the Lakers take this game seriously, and actually commit themselves to playing proper team defense, we have a chance of winning this game by a slim margin. If the defensive end of the floor is not shored up accordingly, look out for a long night and Kobe being ticked off. We might need to elevate the Kobe meter after that. *sigh* Lets hope its a well played, well executed, good ol' season opener, albeit with a GHE tone.
Posted by: Chris H. | October 30, 2007 at 11:45 AM
Bk,
How do you expect us to blog if you broke it down to a T? Damn brotha, lay of the "Keep it real" Juice!!!!
Charles
Posted by: Charles | October 30, 2007 at 11:54 AM
BK:
I think your #5 and #6 pretty well sum up the extremes, and both are viable. As you know by now, I side with #5, and I hope I'm right. It's not all just rose-colored wishful thinking. I'm basing it on injury recovery, and the fact that all the players are professionals...except maybe Kwame. When the rubber hits the road, they're not going to be running up and down the court thinking, "Will Kobe be here tomorrow?" They'll be doing what they've been conditioned to do their whole lives: Play basketball to the best of their ability. I singled Kwame out because it's funny. I don't know him any better than anybody, but he sort of strikes me as the kid in school who looked for any disruption as a chance to slough off or screw around.
So, barring the Big Departure, I have high hopes. Those hopes might not hit second gear until Odom gets back, but you never know. I think the team has something to prove, and will play with focus tonight.
The Drive for 55 is Alive!
Posted by: Marty | October 30, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Warrior mentality?
Kwame and Mihm both had reconstructive ankle surgery.
Mihm sat out for a year and a half and now says he'll be playing with pain all year?
Kwame played the end of last season and the playoffs when he should have been going to the table. When the season ended he had to wait for the swelling to go down before he had surgery.
Now 4 months later Kwame will be the starting center and Mihm will be playing in pain after a year and half? They had the same surgery. Now tell me who is the Warrior?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 30, 2007 at 11:54 AM
4 months to get back on the court after reconstructive ankle surgery.
A year and a half to get back on the court after reconstructive ankle surgery. And says he'll be playing in pain alll year? After a year and a half?
Which one of these is the Warrior?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 30, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Why isn't Roland Lazenby writing for the LA Times????
Finally, a writer that understands the real situation with the Lakers. PLEASE READ:
"Posted by Roland at October 30th, 2007
The one thing to come out of the Kobe Bryant turmoil this fall? Coach Phil Jackson’s power within the Los Angeles Lakers organization is increasing.
The team is in the process of sweetening its new contract offer to Jackson, who is in the last year of a three-year, $30 million deal.
Saying he would wait to determine if he wanted to keep coaching the team, Jackson had held off on accepting a new deal. But in recent days the coach has begun sounding like he will stick around.
The team is preparing to up the ante by as much as $1 million or more per season.
It makes sense too.
Lakers owner Jerry Buss has long known that he needs at least one superstar on the roster to sell his high-priced tickets to Hollywood’s high rollers.
With Shaquille O’Neal long gone, and Bryant himself kicking to be traded, that leaves only Jackson with enough star quality to sell tickets.
One thing is sure, Lakers fans do love the Zen Master.
This is not to imply that Jackson is seeking to shore up his own importance by driving away Bryant. Far from it, the coach has done virtually everything possible this fall to keep Bryant in the fold.
Bryant has maintained privately that he has no trust left in Jerry Buss. That trust, in Bryant’s mind, hung by a thread through the off-season. Then Jerry Buss chose during an October training camp interview to make public his private conversations with Bryant. That left absolutely no trust, an infuriated Bryant revealed to those around him.
Jackson and other coaches talked repeatedly to Bryant, telling him the team would not trade him because there was no way the Lakers could receive comparable value in return.
The Lakers had already dealt away one superstar in a terrible deal. They couldn’t do that twice, at least not and recover.
Bryant, though, has steadfastly held on to the belief that somehow a deal will be worked out with either Dallas or Chicago.
The Lakers acknowledge that they have continued to talk trade possibilities, but working out a deal is very difficult.
Some analysts, such as TNT’s Charles Barkley, have projected that Jackson’s recent criticism that Bryant doesn’t have his heart in the season will serve to sever the relationship between the player and the coach. But that’s not true.
Bryant and Jackson understand each other. Where once they had virtually no relationship in Jackson’s first tenure with the team, they now know each other well.
The situation, however, has once again meant that Bryant has taken a horrific beating in the press for his actions this fall, sitting out three days of training camp and playing poorly in exhibition games.
The recent incidents have caused many of the team’s fans to forget that Bryant has given an exemplary effort to the team for more than a decade.
Fans will perhaps soon enough realize that Bryant’s anger and disgust is similar to that of longtime team executive Jerry West, who understood the true, unrevealed nature of Jerry Buss.
Buss in recent years has turned over the full responsibility of running the team’s basketball operations to his son, Jim Buss.
Dating back to when West ran the team, the Lakers basketball staff has long considered Jim Buss a loose cannon within team operations.
In the years since he has had full power, Jim Buss has made some wild moves, including the hiring of Rudy Tomjanovich in 2004, a unilateral decision that cost the team millions of dollars.
The L.A. Times’ Mark Heisler recently took me to task for reporting that it was Jim Buss, not Jerry Buss, who hired Tomjanovich. But Jerry Buss has been busy in recent years covering Jim’s mistakes and taking public responsibility for them. Surely Heisler realizes that.
There are those around the team who maintain that Jim Buss is behind the 2004 firing of Jackson and the disastrous trading of O’Neal. Certainly Jackson believes Jim Buss was behind his firing.
Through the process, however, it has become perfectly clear to those in the team’s employ that JIM BUSS IS GOING NOWHERE. His father is determined that his son will remain in charge of the team’s basketball operations.
THAT'S A BIG PART OF WHY BRYANT WANTS OUT. IT'S ONE OF THE REASONS WEST LEFT.
Jerry Buss’ insistence that his son run the team confirms his UTTER LACK OF UNDERSTANDING THAT USED TO DRIVE WEST CRAZY. Think about it. Even those extremely close to the Buss family acknowledge that Jerry Buss has been unbelievably lucky during his tenure with the team.
He bought the Lakers in 1979 after they already had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and had already drafted Magic Johnson. They won five championships in the ‘80s when West stopped Jerry Buss from angrily trading James Worthy.
They won three championships from 2000-03 after West labored mightily in the ‘90s to get O’Neal and Bryant.
Jerry Buss never won anything that Jerry West didn’t giftwrap for him.
The current joke around the team is that Jim Buss has put his friend/former bartender on the scouting payroll.
Of course it was Jerry Buss who hired a former NFL cheerleader as a scout.
Like father, like son.
Jerry Buss isn’t totally whack, though.
He turned the business operations of the team over to his daughter Jeanie Buss, Jackson’s girlfriend for the past seven years.
Jeanie has long shown her competence as a sports executive. One of her recent moves is to chase away the team’s ancient penchant for secrecy. The team’s website now offers revealing interviews with Jackson. And watchdog PR man John Black has been reined in, pulled from Jim Buss’ supervision over to Jeanie Buss’ business side.
The two sides of the organization have even agreed to regular meetings, so that one side of the organization can keep track of the other (translation: the loose cannon can be tied a bit).
Jeanie Buss is even contemplating a reality TV show that reveals many aspects of her unusual life.
Perhaps the new openness will reveal to fans what the once super dedicated Bryant has come to realize—Jerry Buss has virtually ensured that this franchise’s glory days are all behind it.
Then again, perhaps it would be a failing to count out that Buss luck.
Maybe there’s another fairytale left in the pot. You know, they manage to hold onto Bryant. Lamar Odom gets healthy and stays that way, as do all the other casualties from last season. Chris Mihm, Kwame Brown, etc.
And Phil Jackson works a bit of coaching magic for another title.
All those who believe that raise your hands. We’ll get you a ride to games on the California Dreamin’ Buss lines.
Roland Lazenby is the author of The Show, The Inside Story Of The Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers In The Words Of Those Who Lived It. He also serves as senior editor for Lindy’s Pro Basketball Annual."
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 30, 2007 at 12:08 PM
I am just amazed at seeing and hearing Lakers fans side with management on the whole Kobe issue. The fact that they are quick to judge on a person's character rather than his job performance and record.
The reason I say this is because I think WE as Lakers fans should demand a better product from the Lakers organization. They should bring talent here and not expect to get them for a bargain because this is Los Angeles. The Lakers are supposed to be the YANKEES of basketball. Not the Florida Marlins.
The San Antonio are putting out a great product out there and they have won 5 championships. The Lakers have no excuse whatsoever on not being able to acquire talent. They have the most watched franchise in basketball. The most talented player in the world in Kobe. The most loyal fans, willing to pay top dollar for anything Lakers.
I am really disgusted by the fact that the organization is being dragged down by incompetent people leading right at the top. Kobe I realize does not want to play for the "Florida Marlins" of basketball. He wants to contend. He doesn't want to be used to keep fans hoping and expecting for results that would never materialize.
Jerry Buss has been a great owner, but do you expect him to keep Kobe around when he is no longer the best player in the planet. Dr. Buss is a businessman, and a good one to boot. He will do what is in the best interest of his company and that is to make the most money. If he can keep making money without spending so much, he will do that.
Lakers fans, Kobe fans, I call on all of you to wake up. See how things really are. The Lakers are not going to get better unless we demand it from the organization. We as fans and consumers should make it known to the Lakers organization that we are not going to accept anymore mediocre, substandard and underachieving product from them. We demand that they put out a great product. A product worthy of the Laker standard. A product that will not bring anything less than a championship.
Posted by: Ed Gana | October 30, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Nice Michael Buffer-type announcement, Mamba24.
Posted by: Thi | October 30, 2007 at 12:23 PM
oh boy, Laker Truth is going to be in a frenzy today. Alias after alias responding and agreeing with his posts... only... how many of those aliases are real? LOL!
For all the people bagging on TJ Simmers, did you really want to know what costume Kobe was going to wear for Halloween this year? I saw the video of that and it was STUNNING the level of stupidity exhibited by that reporter... LOL! Simmers was the only one asking legitimate questions or should I say, questions that you would actually have an interest in hearing the answer for...
Posted by: TaosHum | October 30, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Tim-4-Show: "Simers sure is a piece of work. The guy just wants to stir the hornet's nest...
Simers "Do you want to finish the season with the Lakers?" (asks about three times)
Kobe "I wanted to finish my entire career with the Lakers."
You should watch the practice video from yesterday to see the entire conversation. As much as I think Simers columns suck, he asked good hard questions. The only reason why the questions were difficult for Kobe to answer was because he still wants to be traded and therefore, can't say publically that he doesn't.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 30, 2007 at 12:34 PM
Laker Truth: "BK,
You failed to include some of the most important questions related to the success of this team:
- Will the front office get Kobe help as promised?
-What are the options to improve this current roster?"
The front office getting Kobe help was 2 promises ago. The current promise is to give Kobe his wish of being traded. Phil and Buss both said that's the agreement with him that they are trying to honor.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 30, 2007 at 12:36 PM
Phil Jackson is the most unprofessional player in this drama. The day he took up Jeanie Buss on going out a date, that was the most unprofessional thing he could have done.
You know it was Jeanie who asked Phil for the first date. It would have been completely unprofessional for Phil to ask the owners daughter out on a date. But for Phil to accept a date and then develop a relationship? Total unprofessional on Phil's part and part of the reason why Jerry West left.
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | October 30, 2007 at 12:38 PM
Thi,
"Nice Michael Buffer-type announcement"
Thanks Thi. I have added you to the roll call and welcome aboard.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 30, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Nice breakdown-
Here's to hoping for better luck in the health department this year. The importance of maintaining the physical integrity of the roster can't be overstated. The big question mark is can the Lakers stay healthy enough to build momentum as a team and a winning philosphy.
If Mihm is saying he will be playing with "a little pain" I guess that means he will be at 80% all season. I don't think Chris can lose 20% from his game and remain consistently impactful on the court. It seems like Mike T will have plenty to complain about on the defensive end when it comes to Chris Mihm this year.
Posted by: C.S. | October 30, 2007 at 12:40 PM
Perimeter defense is what can get you through the first round in the West. Can Walton, Farmar and Crittendon provide the increased talent and/or experience to improve that aspect of the squad? That's what will make the difference between a 35 win Laker team and a 45 win Laker team. Phil Jackson should get Coach of the Year if he can get this team to 50 wins or more. But I doubt that happens.
Injuries keep LO sidelined or limited.
Unhappy Kobe poisons team chemistry.
The Zen Master's motivational techniques backfire.
The Lakers win 39 games.
Please don't let this be so.
Posted by: Peace | October 30, 2007 at 12:41 PM
I doubt anything happens today but... this is when weird stuff can happen. What happens if Kobe goes out and tears a muscle today, then what happens to his trade value? What if he injures a knee? They've made the decision to part ways, it's just a matter of when, if they are even remotely close to anything, the smart move would be to sit Kobe.
Imagine if he injures an ACL or something like that and is out for the year, then what? Does that put us in limbo all through this season and next?
Posted by: TaosHum | October 30, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Taoshum,
Welcome back my Paranoid friend. Let me know who's out to get you today. Laker Truth will protect you.
Sincerely,
Bigfoot
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 30, 2007 at 12:46 PM
BK,
"What's the worst case scenario for '07-'08?"
You left out Sasha going back to his old hair style, and Vlad taking up surfing.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 30, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Laker Truth, thanks for the info. Just adding to the Lazenby column, it's crucial for the viability and future success of this organization that the Buss Boy Jim relinquish his throne to savvy basketball operations people. For years, Daddy Buss was the beneficiary of the sound basketall moves of front-office execs like Bill Sharman and Jerry West. The same must continue now that the torch has been passed from Daddy Buss to Buss Boy Jim. Memo to Buss Boy: Stop the ego trip and the power play; spend some monies and establish a bonafide front-office staff.
Posted by: Rollo Tomassi | October 30, 2007 at 12:48 PM
That's a good article from Lazenby. The dysfunction of the Buss family and Jim having too much power sounds a lot like how movie studios are run. Dysfunctional studios are run by people who believe they know better than anyone else. They're divas who are drunk on their own power. Every mistake is somebody else's fault. Every success wouldn't have been possible without them. Companies that steadily perform and remain the cream of the crop have smart leadership that knows what it takes to create a culture that consistently puts out a great product.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 30, 2007 at 12:48 PM
M T,
"They had the same surgery"
No they didn't. Different injuries.
There is more to medicine than the ankle bone connecting to the shin bone.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 30, 2007 at 12:50 PM
Mike T
I agree...the same people who buy into Kwame's image are the same people that scream bloody murder at the way the media run Kobe down unfairly.
Kwame played through injury for every minute he was on court last season and wasnt really given credit for it due to perception.
However like Kobe, Kwame is his own worst enemy in many ways.
Im not sure the whole starting centre thing is too much cause for celebration...its clearly tactical in the sense that PJ doesnt want to reward Bynum just yet while replacing Kwame (who was effectively the incumbent last season) is a sure fire way to get him out of the mix early.
This lets Kwame know he's involved and Bynum know he aint getting it easy.
Posted by: Kiwi | October 30, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Kwame and Mihm had the same surgery?
I thought Mike T was a master of space and time..
Who knew he is also an orthopedist?
Posted by: HAB | October 30, 2007 at 12:52 PM
MT? Jeannie's hot! and they're still together after all these years so it's not like they had a fling and then some awkward situation later...
Jeannie is the one who Jerry should put in control of the whole franchise. Jimmy does have a good eye for young talent, whether it's the horse training background or whatever but our draft picks have been pretty decent the last few years. The smart move, whether Kobe stays or goes is to give Phil full control of personnel as part of a new 3 year deal. Let Jimmy make a name for himself in scouting for the next few years and establish that he DESERVES to make final decisions when those few years are up and let Phil bring in the players HE WANTS for his system over these next few years and see where it goes.
Posted by: TaosHum | October 30, 2007 at 12:53 PM
I've been asleep at the wheel. The Rockets guard rotation is Alston, McGrady, James and Francis? That is going to be rough. Battier has traditionally gotten the better of Walton and I'm hoping Scola v Turiaf is a wash. Houston surely has the edge with Yao and Mutombo against Kwame, Bynum and Mihm. With Adelman coaching, there is sure to be a lot of passing and free flowing offense versus the old grind-it-out style of Van Gundy. Of course, last year's season opener was supposed to be a blow-out on paper also and look what happened then? That's why they play the games. I'm hoping for the best tonight. Every win pushes everyone's perspective more to the positive side.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 30, 2007 at 12:53 PM
Lakers can score points in their sleep; success this year depends on...
health, cohesion & DE-FENSE!!! DE-FENSE!!! DE-FENSE!!!
Phil Jackson is gonna have to earn his 10 mill this year, fer real.
Kobe venting to the press at the end of last season was a dumb move, but Jerry Buss opening his mouth at the start of training camp was an even dumber move... why pour gasoline on a fire? right up there with letting the Logo leave, not retaining Shaq & annointing his son successor. dumb. please, bring in somebody who can run the team somewhere other than into the ground & just stick to bangin' those hot models, buddy... aight.
if Kobe plays tonite... its just about guaranteed he dunks over Yao Ming's big head.
i agree, Luke should be the 6th man... i think he would flourish in that role.
Turiaf's looking good, but he needs to come off the pine with Luke.
Bynum needs to start already. Kwame & Mihm are not warriors, they both have 'Fragile/Handle with Care" stamped on their foreheads. opposing palyers can see that. only way either one of those guys should start is if they can step up & play PF or (God forbid) Bynum gets hurt.
hopefully Odom come's back sooner rarther than later w/that Fiyaaa!
GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!
-Fowl Out
Posted by: Flagrant Fowl | October 30, 2007 at 12:54 PM
http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/071030_gameday_rockets.html
Kobe says he totally ready to go tonight.
Lakers say he is questionable.
You go, Jerry!! Wrestle back the control of the asylum!
Posted by: HAB | October 30, 2007 at 12:55 PM
Win or lose, I want to see team ball. I want to see the excitement on players faces. I want to see the joy of the game. No team has ever won a championship if the players weren't ENJOYING playing the game of basketball.
Bench him and make my night!
Posted by: HAB | October 30, 2007 at 01:01 PM
56-26 GO LAKERS !!!!!! I just wish TNT had a 30 minute buffer so the start of the game isn't missed due to the first game running long !
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | October 30, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Barkley's Amnesia
"That's the one thing that disappoints me: Phil said that Kobe's just going through the motions,'' Charles Barkley told reporters on the eve of the regular season. "And if your coach tells you you're just going through the motions, that's pretty much the end of the straw.''
To my misfortune, I am old enough to remember how ugly it grew in Philadelphia before the 76ers finally unloaded Barkley in 1992 to Phoenix, where he immediately rediscovered his old form to win the league MVP. Barkley wanted to win then, just like Kobe wants to win now, and I applaud them both.
Ian Thomasen, SI.Com
Posted by: jorema | October 30, 2007 at 01:13 PM
Mike T,
I agree. Phil is such an unprofessional racist. He sleeps his way to the top and then plays stiffs like Walton, Mihm, and Sasha because he's a racist and certainly is not interested in winning basketball games. The fact that he even coaches basketball when the league is 95% black is beyond me. Phil should be turning his sights on Hockey.
On that note, I will be at tonights game. I will be the one holding the sign "Walton: The genes skipped a generation.". Come on Mike T, let's protest this racially motivated coach before it's too late. He already has an "IN" with the owner's daughter so it's going to be tough.
Posted by: zen | October 30, 2007 at 01:19 PM
once again opening night AND we don't have all our starters ready to go... This is starting to get to me.. have the freakin starters ready for once ( i'm talking about the coaching staff, trainers, doctors, rehab, etc.) how many years in a row now?... lets for ONCE open up the season with our team not our bench, put the paid stars out there... always pulls some crap off like this, its not working put the stars out on opening night.. i can't stress this enough, If Lamar can play in 2 days he can play now.. somebody brought up a good point. He is not a pitcher for a baseball team, his wimpy shoulder is fine people.. Phil needs a smack upside his head, its way over due.
Posted by: Violator | October 30, 2007 at 01:20 PM
Lakers should have gone after Scola this summer. Yao and Scola might become the best frontcourt in the league this year. Kwame and Turiaf will have their hands full tonight. They need to stay out of foul trouble. 65 year old Mutumbo is going to abuse Bynum, like he consistently did last year.
My prediction is Kobe will start the game and try to fascillitate, but with no Lamar, and no real finishers, the Lakers will be in a deep hole. Second half, Phil will babble something about x's and o's and will tell Kobe to just shoot. The deficit will decrease from 20 to about 5, but other players, like Vlad, will need to make their shots in the final quarter, to finish off the comeback. If the Lakers lose, the press will than blame Kobe for not passing enough in the second half. Bynum will have a couple nice dunks over Mike James, and the press will hail Bynum as the second coming of Shaq.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 30, 2007 at 01:20 PM
I noticed RIZZO was not on the list, whats up with that ? I predict that winning will cure all that ails us!!
Posted by: RIZZO | October 30, 2007 at 01:21 PM
Mike T,
The minute you turn down a date with a former playboy bunny that's still as hot as Jeannie, even if you work with her, is the minute I question your prison term's effect on your manhood.
Get real buddy, seriously. This is far from a perfect world and Phil Jackson is no dummy.
Posted by: Benjamin | October 30, 2007 at 01:22 PM
TaosHum,
I heard Jeannie on AM 570 yesterday and putting her as the main decision maker would be a HUGE mistake. That is not who she is and Jerry Buss knows this
Posted by: zen | October 30, 2007 at 01:22 PM
Mike T,
You got the part of LOGO leaving because Phil started "dating" Jeanie. LOGO had the hots for her for years, that's what put him over the edge.
Jerry Buss claims that he is the one who fixed Phil and Jeanie. I heard him say so a couple of years ago on a radio interview. Said she just got out of a relationship and was lonely, so he approached Phil with it. Said he still supported their relationship. Also that "there are certain advantages" for younger women dating older men. (no surprise there, huh)
Is that desperate housewivish for you yet, Frank? lol
I think I better stick to the topic of an NBA megastar facing the menopause of his career;-)
Posted by: HAB | October 30, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Mike T.
"PJ dating Jeanie is part of the reason why Jerry West left?"
Is Jerry West jealous of the affair? Did Jerry West anticipate the resurrection of Jimbo?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 30, 2007 at 01:25 PM
The Bulls, could try to involve a third team, aren't meeting the Lakers' price.
Also.....
Wallace from Chicago:
While calling him (Kobe) a "great player," Wallace offered an interesting take on the rumors.
"One player can't get it done," he said. "That's been proven time and time again in this league."
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-bullsbits30oct30,1,271726.story?coll=cs-sports-print
My answer to him:
Mr Afro...that's why he ask for better teammates
Posted by: jorema | October 30, 2007 at 01:25 PM