Break out the bubble wrap
15. Just a number for some, but a magic one for the Lakers, who have over the last couple seasons been beat up like a '73 Chevelle at the demo derby. But Sunday, LAL were less purple and more golden, as all 15 players suited up for practice. Nobody sitting on the sidelines, nobody skipping scrimmage for treatment. Lamar Odom? Still feeling good after Friday night. Kwame Brown? Mo Evans? Both back and feeling better, though Kwame isn't exactly pain free. Still, there are indications he could slide back into the starting lineup Tuesday night against Tim Duncan and the Spurs. That the Lakers now have more options not only in the post but up and down the lineup can only be a good thing.
Does anyone else harbor the dream of letting Kobe walk and bringing in LeBron? Would that improve their status in these power rankings?
Not really Laker related, but are we the only people who want to hang at this guy's house?
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MONDAY 12, 2007 VETERANS DAY
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55 WIN BANDWAGON MEMBERS:
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1) LAKERTOM………………………..…(21) TALIQ………………………………………..(41) PURPLE & GOLD
(2) MAMBA24…………………………....(22) SLO GAL …………………………………...(42) THIRTY2
(3) LONG_TIME_LAKER_FAN……..…(23) DEREK……………………………………...(43) BLACKMAMBA24
(4) JUNO………………………………..(24) NIK KANAN………………………………….(44) JUSTIN
(5) GENERIC_ONE……………………(25 BOB…………………………………………...(45) OutsiderGua
(6) HOBBITMAGE………………….…..(26) FAITH…………………………………………(46) Violater
(7) MARTY……………………………....(27) LAKERLOVER………………………………(47) SHAQFAN
((8) DAVID WHANG…………………...(28) COMPLEX_BROTHA………………………..(48) Houston Laker
(9) ROKY…..……………………….…..(29) ISSANG……………………………………….(49) JEFF
(10) KEIFO……………………………..(30) WHITE MAMBA24 …………………………...(50) JANAYA
(11) VIOLATER…………………...……(31) LAKALOVA…………………………………...(51) AB
(12) DICE8UP………………………....(32) EASTCOASTJESSIE………………………..(52) TSPHERE
(13) HUBBIT…………………………...(33) Q WUOR
(14) BD…………………………………(34) LAKERAHOLIC –> GUNNING FOR 60
(15) JONNIN IN JAPAN………………(35) TSIRY
(16) ALEXINHO17…………………….(36) DREW
(17) TWOODY…………………………(37) Nestro’s Bistro
(18) KIWI……………………………….(38) BLAZE1BX
(19) FEARLESS WHACK JOB………(39) BZAR
(20) DAN DAN THE LAKER FAN…...(40) CHRIS H.
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READY TO JUMP ON THE BANDWAGON BUT:
(53) RICK FRIEDMAN - NEEDS APOLOGIES FROM KOBE, FO AND ALL CONCERNED
(54) utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER - WAITING FOR JIM BUSS TO OUT HIMSELF
AS THE LAKER INSIDER THAT CAUSED KOBEGATE 2007 & OUT OF SHAME OF SAID
REVELATION, RESIGNS FROM HIS POST IN THE LAKER FRONT OFFICE.
(55) CBUCK - When we reach 55 cbuck will be number 55 so climb aboard folks
(56) RICO TICO – THINKS A 50 WIN BANDWAGON MORE REASONABLE
(57) XODUS THINS A 50 WIN BANDWAGON MORE REASONABLE
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* 60 WIN BANDWAGON
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(1) LAKERAHOLIC………………………..(6) JEFFGROTKE
(2) BOB…………………………………….(7)
(3) MAMBA24
(4) WHITE MAMBA24
(5) JOE
(6) JANAYA
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* KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON
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(1) NIK KANNAN………………………..(11) TSPHERE
(2) MAMBA24……………………………(12) LARRY
(3) VIOLATER…………………………...(13) JEFFGROTKE
(4) OUTSIDERGUA
(5) LAKERTRUTH
(6) ALEXINH017
(7) DREREK
(8) SHAQFAN
(9) BLACKMAMBA24
(10) JANAYA
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*VLAD RAD BREAKOUT BANDWAGON/ I REMEMBER WHY WE CREATED IT!
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(1) VIOLATER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) SIXONEZERO
(4) RICO TICO
(5) KEIFO
(6) JANAYA
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BYNUM BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
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(1) LakerFaze_________________ (6) LAKER TOM……………………….(11) WHITEMAMBA24
(2) RDLEE____________________(7) JON KAVULIC ……………………(12) JANAYA
(3) Violater____________________(8) DEREK
(4) RICO TICO_________________(9) BENNY BLANCE
(5) MAMBA24__________________(10) BD
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JORDAN FARMER BREAKOUT SEASON BANDWAGON
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(1) RICO TICO
(2) MAMBA24
(3) RICK FRIEDMAN
(4) JANAYA
(5) JEFFGROTKE
_____________________________________________________________________________
START RONNY TURIAF/ RONNY
FOR 6TH MAN BANDWAGON
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(1) LONG TIME LAKER FAN………………(5) MAMBA24
(2) JON KAVULIC…………………………..(6) SHAQ FAN
(3) MICHAEL H……………………………..(7) KIKOS DAD
(4) MRBARNEYDANGLE…………………(8) JANAYA
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KWAME HAS BURSISTIS IN HIS BRAIN
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(1) DRIVER AND PRESIDENT - FEARLESS WHACKJOB
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AND NOW ROLL CALL:
(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, Wolf, Q WUOR, CLEON, EastCoastJessie
Mamba24Fan4Life, Fan of Mamba, WhiteMamba24, BlackMamba24, LAKERTRUTH, CBuck,
KIWI, Wow, Peace, J_CooL, DAVID WHANG, AdamKiley, LakersryDeordie, AngryLaker
TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOOD, The_D, SBPIMP, DAXMDD
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, CaliKing, Rick Friedman,Thirty2, ExheloDrVr, ) JANAYA
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, Ajax, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, LAKERFAN, Charles,
JOREMA, VMAN, Korey, Xtro, MCGarnagle, Gugy, GDChild, Laker4Life, Blkthght06
KL BEAST, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN, TSIRY
TexasLaker, BOB, TreacherousBalloons, EagleBoy, JR., Zakee, KOBE’S T., ZEN
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, 244Life, SamII, FKILLAH,
Swettual, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, Brandon C., Kinglakernidas, HUBBIT, GREEK DUDE,
CYRUS(Ventrilquist), RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, Laker Sth, KobeFromManilas
SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, MAN, KSANDHER
TUKLAW, CDUB0512, MRBARNEYDANGLES,BENJAMIN,MJCMAN32, PFUNK36,
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Greekdude, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., ALEXINH017
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, LEELO
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Caesar
BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, B4HOOPS, RYAN
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitisNik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack,
RICO TICO, BZAR, DREW, NESTROSSBISTRO, LAKERAHOLIC, LAKOBER
PURPLE AND GOLD, DREW , Q WUOR, GiantSquid, DEREK, Ray Ray, THI
Jay Jay, TaosHum, HOBBITIMAGE, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER,
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky,
Juno, LakerLifer, C.S. Jova, BLAZE1BX, Tripgame3, TSPHERE, SIXONEZERO,
Mfeige, Reggie, Reality Check Time, SLO Gal, East Nyboer, Houston Laker
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), VIOLATER, LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor,
JEFF, ANDY B., SwanWorld, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, Benny Blanca, CS in Virgina
EMMA, TIM IN SYDNEY RISING STAR, LakerBake, JuanMan888, Man,
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg,
,Ghost of Spiderman, Steve in Denver Guy Owanlele, Lincoln Laker,
MITCH KUPCHAK, JERRY BUSS, PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, Jennifer
Marc Gasol, Sun Yue, Shamond, Williams, Ronny Turiaf, V. Radmanovic,
Maurice Evans, Lamar Odom, Derek Fisher, Luke Walton, Brian Cook,
Kwame Brown, Andrew Bynum, Coby Karl, Chris H., 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 WILL EVER CONQUER OR DIVIDE US
LAKERS TODAY LAKERS TOMORROW LAKERS FOREVER
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 12, 2007 at 08:57 AM
Wow, steven jackson does have a cool home. What's really creepy about the replica Staples Center though is the mannequin of Jack Nicholson sitting courtside.
Posted by: ajax | November 12, 2007 at 09:15 AM
Mamba24,
"KWAME HAS BURSITIS IN HIS BRAIN."
Mamba, that's funny man.....he heard you, he immediately took his uniform and will play. That's a straight shot like a sling arrow from William Tell, "you have bursitis in the brain and let me remove it.", not even Zen could think of that. Great remark Mamba, after a tumultous weekend with his agent.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 12, 2007 at 09:25 AM
Here's an article on Tex Winter complimenting Kobe.
Have a great week!
http://www.hoopshype.com/articles/kobe_lazenby3.htm
Posted by: Charles | November 12, 2007 at 09:26 AM
Re: KB for LBJ.
LeBron's a gifted player with great poise and maturity, but he would be eaten alive in the West over the course of a few seasons. He's not going to be the perennial great that Kobe has been for ten years.
Too many quality bigs to thwart his assaults on the basket. Too many quick swingmen to hound his handle at the perimeter, and to attack his average D on the other end. He won't be able to rely on his giant running-back style and will have to do more damage with his improved-but-middling J.
His amazing court vision and passing ability will continue to serve him well, but I don't see him continuing to be an MVP candidate. Similarly, I can't see him having the same impact, even in the East, once all that muscle bulk starts slowing him down. He doesn't have enough Paul Pierce in him for that.
The thing about Kobe: he's been doing this for years, displacing questions with answers. He's adjusted, conformed, rebelled, come back. Yes, he has his personal and interpersonal demons, but don't kid yourselves about how great he is or how rare a commodity he is. This is not the sort of person you trade for the next big thing.
The only guy you'd have a good argument for seeking in exchange for Kobe, and it pains me grievously to say it, is Tim Duncan. Of course, they'd both be worse off it this happened under current circumstances.
Posted by: The D | November 12, 2007 at 09:41 AM
IM NOT A BIG FAN OF
LUKE
KWAME
COOK.
you play luke you take away min from VLAD....... to me 10 times the player luke is.........
you play kwame you take away min from CHRIS an DREW.............
cook should'nt be allowed to lace up sneakers..........
get rid of these players an we have a chances to do something in this league.............
If PJ walk away I could care less,bring a coach in that will play the best players..........an not play the ones you show (FAV) to..........an this team will go a long way.
COMPTON
Posted by: COMPTON'S FINEST | November 12, 2007 at 09:44 AM
The Le Bron plan is more of a dream than a plan.
Waiting for Kobe to opt out is a plan. Compelx trade scenarios that bring back a roster of possibles are fine but the chance at the next Laker legend would be worth the gamble. If not, having half a roster full of cash in the cofffers isn't the worst fate.
The option also supports the "do nothing now" plan which seems to be working.
Go Lakers
Posted by: Vman | November 12, 2007 at 09:58 AM
Charles
Thanks for posting that article. It's great. I'm glad Tex is seeing progress in Drew.
Posted by: Wagoneer | November 12, 2007 at 10:00 AM
Lebron in 2010 sounds good to me.
Posted by: Larry | November 12, 2007 at 10:02 AM
Edwin Gueco
"KWAME HAS BURSITIS IN HIS BRAIN."
Mamba, that's funny man.....he heard you, he immediately took his uniform and will play. That's a straight shot like a sling arrow from William Tell, "you have bursitis in the brain and let me remove it.", not even Zen could think of that. Great remark Mamba, after a tumultous weekend with his agent.,"
Thanks for the credit Edwin but either Fearless Whackjob or Wondahbab came up
with the Bandwagon.
Posted by: Mamva24 | November 12, 2007 at 10:04 AM
The D,
"but I don't see him continuing to be an MVP candidate. Similarly, I can't see him having the same impact, even in the East, once all that muscle bulk starts slowing him down."
Great comments, but there was one guy in the West that muscle bulk didn't seem to
bother, Karl Malone. Yeah I know he wasn't no Kobe but he was a MVP and one of
the 50 greatest players of all time.
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 12, 2007 at 10:07 AM
Andrew Z,
We understand where you're coming and will definitely take it into consideration. It's nothing we haven't discussed before.
Thanks
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 12, 2007 at 10:08 AM
Wagoneer,
No problem and have a good one!
Posted by: Charles | November 12, 2007 at 10:10 AM
If Lebron wants to be a true global icon, everyone knows that he has to win championships. When he becomes a free agent , there is no way in hell Lebron is going to invest his future in basketball and place his basketball legacy in the hands of JIM BUSS. It ain't gonna happen folks. The kid is not stupid. In a couple years, Lebron might be the hottest free agent in the history of the league.
He's going to remember that the Laker FO did not hold on to Jerry West. He's going remember Shaq's statements that this FO is "disloyal" and "untrustworthy". He's going to remember that the FO did not trade for Jason Kidd (who Lebron would give his left nut to play with) and give Kobe the help he needed AS PROMISED, to invest in the future. He's going to remember that the insider-Jim Buss badmouthed the team's superstar through the media. He's going to remember that two of his fellow superstars LOST ALL TRUST in this front office.
The front office must do something to fix their "dysfunctional, disloyal and untrustworthy" reputation amongst the players to attract elite free agents like Lebron down the road. The first step would be to keep their word and get Kobe some real help to contend before the trade deadline.
Peace.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 12, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Mamba24
Put me on your Kobe mvp bandwagon.
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | November 12, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Andrew Z,
While reading your response, I accidentally deleted it. Sorry about that.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | November 12, 2007 at 10:25 AM
Every Laker practising is great but they have a tough game tomorrow in San Antonio and we will see how they do.
George
Posted by: George Osano | November 12, 2007 at 10:29 AM
Kwame is going to have to endure some pain while he's on the floor? I'm glad that makes two of us.
Letting Kobe walk and taking the cap space is something I've advocated numerous times. If a trade comes along where the Lakers can get a great player and not have to take on some bad contracts, that would be fine too. But, in the absence of that happening, clearing up cap space to build the team only with players that the team wants is a good plan.
However, there are two things I understand about the front-office. First, their ability to spend the cap space wisely is really in question. Second, they underestimate the Lakers fan's ability to endure an "actual" rebuilding year.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 12, 2007 at 10:29 AM
HEY LAKER TRUTH. DON'T BE SO PESSIMISTIC.
Posted by: xtro | November 12, 2007 at 10:31 AM
I know it's old news, but I'm still kind of ticked about Stern's ultimatum to Seattle. That was just classless and wrong, the guy needs to go.
The guy has a court inside the house? Man, sometimes the discrepency of wealth drives me nuts, that's just crazy.
I'm glad we're mostly healthy. Now we get to see how the playing time works out, although I doubt we're going to have anything like a set rotation for a month or so.
Posted by: Michael A | November 12, 2007 at 10:36 AM
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* KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) NIK KANNAN………………………..(11) TSPHERE
(2) MAMBA24……………………………(12) LARRY
(3) VIOLATER…………………………...(13) JEFFGROTKE
(4) OUTSIDERGUA…………………….(14) WHITEMAMBA24
(5) LAKERTRUTH
(6) ALEXINH017
(7) DREREK
(8) SHAQFAN
(9) BLACKMAMBA24
(10) JANAYA
Posted by: MAMB24 | November 12, 2007 at 10:37 AM
"He's going to remember that the FO did not trade for Jason Kidd (who Lebron would give his left nut to play with) and give Kobe the help he needed AS PROMISED, to invest in the future."
Is he going to remember that the only way the Jason Kidd trade would realistically have worked under cap rules would have required the Lakers to trade their big men, leaving the team weaker overall?
Posted by: akrasian | November 12, 2007 at 10:46 AM
********It's all about Bynum. He will determine the Lakers Destiny this year. ***********
Two things are clear, all Bynum needs is strength and conditioning. His Skills are not the issue. He has it all, hands, footwork, wingspan, BBIQ. I agree w/Pete Newell, Bynum will be special.
Here is KG #s who will most likely be the MVP this year and below that is Andrew's ranking. A stronger Bynum equals a BEAST!!!!! At 22 , NBA watch out.
KG
Ranks #1 in the NBA in Efficiency Ranking Per 48 Minutes(45.02)
Ranks #1 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(16.4)
Bynum
Ranks #2 in the NBA in Efficiency Ranking Per 48 Minutes(39.2)
Ranks #2 in the NBA in Defensive Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(16.3)
We are not trading Bynum for JO, we all agree on that don't we?
Kobe would be a fool to leave this team, he must know in 2 years this would be his best chance at the CHIP.
It dosnt matter, Kobe or Lebron but in 2 years Lakers are contending with a Bynum in the middle.
BD
Posted by: BD | November 12, 2007 at 10:49 AM
"Letting Kobe walk and taking the cap space is something I've advocated numerous times. If a trade comes along where the Lakers can get a great player and not have to take on some bad contracts, that would be fine too. But, in the absence of that happening, clearing up cap space to build the team only with players that the team wants is a good plan. "
The problem is, the Lakers would need to clear out more than Kobe to have room - a lot of players would have to be non-tendered or traded to clear space enough to offer a max contract - and there'd be no guarantee that somebody worthwhile would want to take the Laker contract then. And if they didn't, the Lakers would be worse than rebuilding.
If Kobe still wants out, they would be best served by trading him for the young players they want, with as little riff-raff as possible. Deng plus from the Bulls, maybe with a first or two a few years from now.
Posted by: akrasian | November 12, 2007 at 11:02 AM
akrasian - I didn't say anything about offering someone a max contract, but if that was part of the plan, then clearing space would need to happen - that's how the team got Shaq. I'm just sick of bad contracts and trades that keep teams in the middle of the pack. If the team is going to lose Kobe then I'd rather see the team stripped down and built back up wisely with a real plan in place, rather than trades whose positives and negatives cancel each other out just enough to keep the team as a 5-8 seed year after year.
In terms of keeping players on - the big questions for the front office looms on the horizon. Retaining Luke, Cook, Mihm were all moves that had little to no impact cap-wise. Kwame Brown's contract ends this year at the $9M level. LO's contract ends next year at the $14M level. As far as I'm concerned, those are both bad contracts. LO should be making what Kwame is and Kwame shouldn't even be on the team.
Consider the source though - I'm a guy who believes the single biggest problem the NBA product faces is bad contracts. It cripples a lot of teams in this league, including the Lakers.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 12, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Steven Jackson is the guy who sits on the court near the visitor's bench with all the leather and various reptile skin outifts correct? Part of the basketball court on his property has a piece of the Forum court on it right?
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 12, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Tully Moxness,
"Please let this be the last time I agree with a certain pariah of this blog, although with the exposure the LA Times has given him, I doubt he even bothers to read the opinions of basketball dunces like myself."
I want to make something clear to all of you. I've said this a thousand times but I'll saying a thousand and one times. I really don't care what most of you think about basketball.
My post are intended to get through to Jimmy Buss and Mitch Kupchak. All I care about is point out to them what the Lakers weaknesses are and how PJ is manipulating the events to serves his purposes. Al I care about is what I see on the court.
If you want to respond to my post...that's fine. If I think you have a legitimate point I'll go out of my way to answer it with a detailed post, which I have done many many times. But when you respond to me with a smartass tone...you're fair game to me. I've been a smartass talking kind of guy since I was in the 3rd grade. You want to talk crazy to me and I'll talk crazy to you.
The problem is that BK has mercy on you guys. He doesn't let a lot of my responses to you get through even though you're being smartasses with me.
But in the end, when it comes to basketball! I really don't care what most of you think. You've been promising to ignore me for over a year now. When are you going to keep your promises?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | November 12, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Lebron is less athletic than Kobe? this guy messed up his article by saying this because its obvious now he doesnt watch basketball at all.
Posted by: mike | November 12, 2007 at 11:57 AM
Mamba 24,
Please put me on the Kwame has cerebral panzee-i-tis please. Also, go ahead a throw me on the Bynum breakout wagon (I hope he starts getting 30 min./game real soon).
Finally, I'd like to start the "Hope Cook Finds a Short Pier and Takes a Long Walk" bandwagon.
Early prediction: KG is front runner for MVP through January, then Kobe over takes him after the all-star break.
Thanks.
Posted by: SHAQFAN | November 12, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Akraisian
"Is he going to remember that the only way the Jason Kidd trade would realistically have worked under cap rules would have required the Lakers to trade their big men, leaving the team weaker overall?"
The trade would've been for Kwame, Bynum and possibly Cook (or maybe Evans). Going from Smush to Jason Kidd would've made the team weaker overall? Are you serious? We're not talking about trading away Shaq to get Kidd. We're talking about Kwame and a 19 year old project. If you seriously think replacing Smush with Mr. Triple Double in last year's playoffs - Kidd would've made this team weaker, I seriously don't know what to say to you bro. Aside from forming the best backcourt of our generation, and possibly of all time, OF ALL TIME (that is NO exxageration), the Kidd trade would also have had other benefits as well - i.e. keeping Kobe happy and ensuring Kobe will be a Laker, attracting solid free agents on the cheap (i.e. James Posey), and adding a respected leader to this young team. Kidd would've also improved everyone's play and would've turned Lamar into an all-star. I also have a feeling that KG would've lobbied to be a Laker. Playing with Kidd and Kobe and scrubs sounds much better than Allen and Peirce and scrubs.
The upgrade from Smush to Kidd is MUCH MUCH bigger than the downgrade from Kwame/Bunum to someone like Jamaal McGlore (MLE).
Just look at how much improvement there is from Smush to Fish (a backup PG for most teams). Now imagine arguably the best PG in the league playing alongside Kobe. There is a reason why guys like Lebron, Carmelo and Kobe were drooling at the thought of playing with Kidd this past summer. That reason is not because he makes the team weaker.
peace
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 12, 2007 at 12:05 PM
AK/BK
(Does anyone else harbor the dream of letting Kobe walk and bringing in LeBron?� �Would that improve their status in these power rankings?�)
Nope! Sorry Lebrick is the last thing im thinkin about. Mr Media Darlin who apparently been dubbed the man to resurrect the NBA from.....(gawd know what) will be handed MVP...like he was handed Rookie of the year..like he was handed a trip to the Final..like he was handed more (And 1's) than any other player in the NBA a few seasons ago. He will not stay in Cleveland..He won't come to the Western Conference though..unless the team is stacked. He have a better chance just staying in the East were a barely above .500 team can not only make the playoffs..but could possibly earn a division title. (pathetic) Lebron will stay in the East..he has a chance there.
Posted by: Lakeraholic | November 12, 2007 at 12:06 PM
Mamba 24,
True enough re: Malone, who is the one former player who remains both underrated and overrated at the exact same time. I'm not sure how this is possible either, but then I never understood what made Karl tick. I'm pretty sure it was something horrifying from the bottom of a Louisiana swamp.
The thing is, LeBron will never have a repeatable move that he can just destroy you with repeatedly even when he's slowing down like Malone (or Kareem, if you want the ultimate example of this). Also, LeBron is built like a power forward but presently moves like a wing player. No one knows what happens when his reduced mobility forces him to spend more time in the trenches. Conversely, we don't know what happens if he sheds bulk to maintain quickness. He is what he is, which is an amazing combination of things not normally found in one athlete; the best of youth and age in one package. What happens when one attribute must be sacrificed for another?
Kobe's been an explosive young dunker, a jump shooter, a bulked up rim rocker, and now, a classic trim shooting guard in his prime. Can you imagine being in the amazing condition Kobe was last year and then making the decision to drop 15 pounds of muscle? As a fan, I'm amazed, but I suspect that only elite fighters fully appreciate what that takes.
Can LeBron make these kind of sacrifices and maintain a high level for a career? Will he stay focused? I don't know. Will he peak at his present T-Mac/Penny Hardaway (prime)level? Or will he improve on the old-fashioned measures the way Kobe (and Garnett and the young Shaq) did? I'm just wary long-term about the fact despite his improved J, his fundamentals are not demonstrably improved from his rookie season. His growth has been almost entirely in intangibles, which seems backward given his age.
Posted by: The D | November 12, 2007 at 12:19 PM
I was chatting with an OHIO friend today and he said Lebron is the dumbest player on the team and is too passive on the court.
Posted by: zen | November 12, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Wow, made the roll call! LOL
Put me on the 55 win wagon and lets get this team rolling.
Since Turiaf looks to be part of the starting 5, I guess the 6th man award is out of the question.......Wonder if he is giving dance lessons? LMAO!!
I'm seriously looking forward to the upcoming Texas-2-Step dance coming up this week. I'm hoping that they at least take the first game, the second game could be a little dicey, being that it's back-2-back. This is were the "Bench Mob" will have to step up for some serious minutes and production to help rest the starting five.
I'd like to start a Bench Mob Bandwagon Club, Mamba24. You have to admit, they look pretty good, I'm looking forward to some memorable moments this year from them.
Thanks for listening!
Nestro'sBistro
Posted by: Nestro'sBistro | November 12, 2007 at 12:44 PM
without knowing the full complexities of it, if Lebron wanted to come to LA and get the biggest contract he could, he would have to do a sign and trade, right? Well, let's put 2+2 together on this one, Kobe's contract comes up at the same time assuming... he opts out... gee... I wonder if he opts out? Kobe can't get the max dollars unless he also agrees to a sign and trade.
NY gets Kobe, LA gets Lebron, Cleveland gets A LOT of stuff from NY and possibly the Lakers kick in some sweetners in some kind of 3 team deal or even another team is brought in for a bigger trade. I mean... logically... besides Chicago, where else can Kobe go to satisfy his Nike people? Where else can Lebron go?
For you guys bagging on Lebron... YOU'RE INSANE! Lebron and Bynum 2 years from now? Oh ho ho! Come on! Where do I sign up?
Posted by: TaosHum | November 12, 2007 at 12:57 PM
KWAME SUCKS!
PJ should also realize that KWAME at best can only get us to 1st rd of the playoffs. PJ can say whatever he wants about Kwame, the truth is Lakers are not going anywhere with Kwame as a starter.
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 12, 2007 at 01:02 PM
Mamba24,
Add me to Nestro's bench mob bandwagon!
Posted by: Xodus | November 12, 2007 at 01:09 PM
"The upgrade from Smush to Kidd is MUCH MUCH bigger than the downgrade from Kwame/Bunum to someone like Jamaal McGlore (MLE)."
The trade would have been during the season. Mihm was out for the year. The Lakers would not have had a center on the roster, and would have had to pull somebody from the D-League. They would have been far too small to stand a chance of competing last season in the Western Conference.
They would have Kidd for this season - but of course the Lakers upgraded from Smush significantly this offseason anyway - and kept Bynum and Kwame, who have played well overall at the center position (and Bynum is looking more and more like a future star). Would the Lakers be better this season with Kidd instead of Fisher, and with whichever center was willing to sign for the MLE instead of Kwame and Bynum? I doubt it. Certainly it's not a slam dunk, and even if they won a couple of extra games in the regular season, they would still be in poor shape for the playoffs, where teams would batter the Lakers inside.
it's not like there are good centers just waiting to sign the MLE, after all.
Posted by: akrasian | November 12, 2007 at 01:16 PM
LeBron to lalaland?
OK let's assume LeBron come to LA and Andrew Bynum has become a legit force in the game. Let's just assume that.
WHO'S GONNA BRING PLAYERS TO PLAY AROUND THEM AND WIN RINGS?
Say all you haters wanna say and put on your blog all you haters wanna do BUT the problem is not where yall THINK it is.
Posted by: rayray | November 12, 2007 at 01:25 PM
LEBRON is just a HYPED UP version of Lamar Odom. Scottie Pippen is more talented than Lebron. Cavs went to the Finals in a weak Eastern Conference. You put the Cavs in the WEST playoffs, totally different story.
Lebron can make his teammates FEEL and play better. Kobe can make his teammates EXCEL beyond their limits. The development and agrressiveness of BYNUM, Turiaf and Farmar at an early stage of their career is a credit to Kobe's thirst for talent around him to pursue a higher level of play. That's why a Kwame-Smush like teammate does not work, they simply lack the WILL.
Posted by: Staples 24 | November 12, 2007 at 01:27 PM
rayray's GAURANTEE (1st of the 2007 season, overal record 6-2)
Alright if this doesn't becoem right I'll just shut it for this season
the LAKERS WILL BEAT THE SPURS
Some where between TParker, being pushed out of the lane not abel to penetrate and Timi being 3-PLED by Andrew, Kwame and Mihm and the Spurs just being plane OLD. I don't think San Antone has the EQUIPMENT to beat us. Atleast not without ROBs rebounding. As aweful as the LOSS against NO would sound and/or makes the Lakers look not so legit. CPaul has our number. They beat us here last year same situation, same way. CP3 Delivered and NO beat us. Duncan and his buddies though are playing a LAKER team on Tuesday night that MATCHES up with them PRETTTTY GOOD I'd say.
Posted by: rayray | November 12, 2007 at 01:35 PM
HEY
Isn'n d wade going to be a free agent also in 2010 that wii also be great too.
Posted by: OWEN | November 12, 2007 at 01:37 PM
Honestly, our best starting lineup out there should be:
PG: Jordan Farmar
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Lamar Odom
PF: Ronny Turiaf
C: Andrew Bynum
Note: I like Fish coming off the bench because he can really help the flow of the offense of our second team.
Second team should be:
PG: Derek Fisher
SG: Maurice Evans
SF: Luke Walton
PF: Vladimir Radmanovich
C: Kwame Brown
Third team should be:
PG: Javaris Crittenton
SG: Sasha Vujacic
SF: Cobe Karl
PF: Brian Cook
C: Chris Mihm
Posted by: AB | November 12, 2007 at 01:41 PM
I guess the Cavs in the NBA finals was a fluke accoring to some bloggers. Lebron is not all hype.
Posted by: Larry | November 12, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Lakers sth,
"I'm a guy who believes the single biggest problem the NBA product faces is bad contracts."
Especially considering that they are guaranteed, as opposed to football.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 12, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Anybody have a read on why Ginobli is palying so well to start this year? I haven't really seen a Spurs game this year.
What are people predicting for that game? I have no idea what the minutes are gonna look like, it's hard to say anything.
Posted by: Michael A | November 12, 2007 at 01:47 PM
rayray, actually that wouldn't be a problem as you would have a "Shaq" like experience where vets that hadn't won before would take a chance and a pay cut to come here. What vet PG wouldn't want to play with Lebron and a more seasoned Bynum? Of course Crittenton could be solid by then, Farmar may have evolved more, we don't know but with a base of those 2, wow!
Don't get me wrong, I still think the longer Kobe stays here and if Jerry West is indeed brought back to be a part time "friend" of Kobe for the front office, the more likely Kobe stays here. I think Kobe will opt out but realize that there isn't a better situation for him to go to and wanting max money... that would prevent him from simply leaving as a free agent so... I guess it all depends on Bynum and his development.
Posted by: TaosHum | November 12, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Personally i'd take a Texas split! How many teams do we have to play to measure were our team stands as far as competitive competition? We beat the Suns..all I heard was "Well they did just play the night before"..ok fine..we beat the Jazz (same excuse) Will we be extended the same courtesy cuz were about to play 2 powerhouses back to back? If every contributes the way I know they can and tighten up on D..we could very well take the Texas Tango!
Lakers by 6
Posted by: Lakeraholic | November 12, 2007 at 01:57 PM
By the way, I checked out the ESPN power rankings link above, and noticed this:
" But we probably should note that the schedule has been helpful early. "
The Lakers have played 4 of their 5 games so far this season against teams in the top ten of ESPN's power rankings. If that's helpful, what is a tough schedule? Yes, they've had a few home games - but they did blow out #4 Phoenix on the road. I guess they just figured that the TWolves are so bad they outweighed the strength of the rest of the Lakers' schedule thus far.
Posted by: akrasian | November 12, 2007 at 01:58 PM
yooo mamba24, add me to the Kobe for MVP bandwagon por favor. i asked a week ago but i guess you missed me
who's up for a texas two-step sweep?
Posted by: CBuck | November 12, 2007 at 02:14 PM