If any opponent is capable of breaking the Laker funk...

DEAR MIKE T., WHITE MAMBA, YOU EVER NOTICE, AND EGGHEAD (all probably the same person),

It is pretty obvious you ignore SHAQFAN because you have no answers for his cogent arguments. Your respond to others to be sure, but you ignore the arguments that destroy your theories. Because you don’t respond to his excellent points and he retired from the me v. A.B. debate, I will carry the torch in his honor.

Your say the Lakers do better when I am starting and playing more minutes because of my defensive prowess. If that is true, then I should have a better season + - stat than A.B. (or it should at least be close).

So, I beg each of you to please explain the following statistic for the blog:

SEASON TOTAL (+ -)

ME………….. -9

ANDREW…………. +99

Do you realize how one-sided that is?

Clearly my defense is not as influential as you like to think, or if it is then my dearth of other skills is hurting the team. And clearly Andrew’s production (35th best in the league at 20 years old) is helping our team immensely. That stat COMPLETELY CONTRADICTS your position and you refuse to acknowledge it. Even I, Kwame Brown, think you are crazy.

You began the season by posting my + - stats. Why have you stopped? Is it because I am getting destroyed by Bynum?

Also, I noticed how you have switched your argument to the “we should play Kwame at the 4 spot.” That is smart, because arguing that I should start and play more than Bynum was making you look like an irrational, biased buffoon. Unfortunately for the Lakers, I do not posses the intelligence, work ethic, or skills to play power forward in the NBA--indeed, that ship sailed long ago. I know it, why don’t you?

I mean, I appreciate your support, but man, have you lost your marbles? Have you not watched Bynum dominate this season? He is, at 20, way better than I’ll ever be, and I can live with that because I make $9 million per and it takes the pressure off me to catch the ball, get a rebound, block a shot, make a free throw, make an offensive move, or stay healthy—all things I hate doing.

Listen Mike and others, I like being injured, not playing, not working hard, and not really doing anything to earn my paycheck. So please, I’m begging you, stop supporting me. That way, our team will have a better chance of winning and I can be lazy. Then everyone is happy.

I remember early in the Shaq/Kobe run the Lakers would go the entire season without loosing 3 straight.

How about that time the Lakers and Trailblazers both had huge winning streaks (like 15 games), both were tied for 1st in th Western conference and maybe even undefeted and we played them in Portland--and beat them?

Those were the good old days...

Sad story that Shawn Taylor. Best wishes to the kids.

Wes

If the Lakers loses tonight, dump Mitch Kupchak!!!!! Bring back Jerry West!!! i will never forgive Kupchak for trading Caron Butler for Kwame Brown..LAKERS FANS, SEE CARON BUTLER, THE PLAYER KUPCAKE TRADED? HE IS AVERAGING 23.3PPG, 7.2RPG, 3.2AST, 2.2STL,52%2-PT FG , 46.7%3-PT FG, 90% FT.

ITS ALMOST THE SAME AS KOBE, IF NOT BETTER

Bynum is not getting the credit he deserves.

Trading him for Kidd or Artest or Krstic?? would set this franchise back 10 years. For what? To appease Kobe? There's no guarantee that trading Bynum would equal a championship. Then you have to think about the short window of opportunity if we do trade Bynum, maybe 2 years. Then you have to think about throwing the Kwame/Mihm combo out there at Center, not very reliable. It would be a HUGE gamble to trade Bynum for any of those guys. It's not worth the risk.

We want to compete for a championship year in and year out. Trading Bynum for guys who are old, injured, or headcases will not get it done. Who cares about whether Kobe is going to leave or stay. If Kobe is smart, he'll stay with Bynum. If not, peace.

Bynum's improvement cannot be underestimated. He's only 20, so of course these grown men are going to push him around. He's going to grow into a man, like everyone else. The thing that Bynum has that is going to be his and the Lakers bread and butter is the most unstoppable shot in the history of the game; the hook shot. Bynum has brought back the hook, thanks to Kareem. As Bynum keeps improving, he'll be shooting the hook with both hands, he'll be unstoppable in the post.

The kid is already averaging a double double and some blocks. Yes, stats aren't everything, but they are something. You figure if he's averaging 10/10 at 20 coming off the bench, at 25, he'll probably average at least 15/12 and be a strong anchor to the defense. You don't trade that.

This is the salary cap era, we can compete every single year if we do it right. Trading away the future of the franchise for a 2 year window of opportunity that's not even close to being a guarantee for a championship is just stupid.

Kobe is a great player, but he just needs to be patient.

YOU EVER NOTICE,

I'm entitled to my opinion about Bynum as you are. I'm not comparing Bynum yet to any of our greats, just stating that Bynum is the next Center in line to be great for the Lakers. You say that he'll be serviceable down the road, but IF he averages 20/10 and wins a couple of rings down the road in purple and gold, I'll put him with the other Laker greats at Center. You joke of Bynum jumping six inches off the ground, but Kareem was no different in that department. Bynum can get up when he wants to and does on some of his dunks. When you're that tall, you don't have to jump out of the building to throw down an UNCONTESTED DUNK!!! Look at Yao who's 7'6 tip toe when he dunks. As for the skyhook, I said it would be great if Bynum developed that shot since no one else uses it. You need to read my post more carefully bub. Anyway thanks for your opinion. Go Lakers!!!

Interesting article on Varejao. I think Ferry really dropped the ball in this one. Varejao's offer to play for a modest one year deal was a fair one. Ferry is not only alienating a good piece like Varejao, but also LeBron.

So speaking of Kwame, there is still no time table for his return? I haven't even heard a declaration of injury, is he out with the ankle, knee, or both? Just curious to see if anyone had heard an injury report. As much as the argument between Drew vs. K. Brown can be dissected, it is definitely nice to have both of them at our disposal. It just does not look like Mihm is up to NBA tempo, nor does it look like he will regain his timing soon. I hope Ariza gets more time tonight, especially guarding Durant.

BK,

I forgot to thank you last night on your reply to my query to EX on the Ariza trade in the previous threads. I got your explanation on the side of Orlando that they got reprieve from injury of Battie, however in the case of the Lakers we sent Evans also and what is the exchange? Did the Lakers just absorbed Trevor's contract that's it, and gave away Evans?

I think Kwame could be really good. The problem was he was born without a brain or hands. This makes it tough. Since Bynum does have a brain and has good hands , I say Lakers go with Bynum and find a back up for him not named Brown or Mihm.

Phil Jackson, lose tonight to this team and I hope Buss pulls the offer off the table. Why can't he make a decision?? Thinking of taking off to NY or Chicago with Kobe?? What?? And don't tell me its the hip, that is BS..now that I think about I am sick of the triangle, the odd timeouts, the odd rotations.
I think Phil maybe it's time to retire, you can't even get off the bench anymore.
Did you see the NJ coach run out to the middle of the floor to help up a player knocked down to the floor during the game. Phil just wished he could get up off the bench. To many question marks on this team, from Phil can't make a decision about coaching to Kobe still wanting out, then trading players who like each other, this is not good for a young team. If Kobe really is planning on leaving, it is best to get a young up and coming coach to team this very young team.

BD

The Cavaliers are aggressively shopping for Verajao on a sign and trade

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19060333&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46370&rfi=6

However, DAnny Ferry will not just get any players, he wants to get the cream of crop in every team. Sounds familiar huh! he wants the cake and eat it too.

KWAME BROWN SAID: "Listen Mike and others, I like being injured, not playing, not working hard, and not really doing anything to earn my paycheck. So please, I’m begging you, stop supporting me. That way, our team will have a better chance of winning and I can be lazy. Then everyone can be happy"

Kwame stop that foolishness. I'm not happy. boy you know you not to big for me to put you over my knee and wear your hide out. Now
you listen to that coach what's his name 9Rings? and maybe you can get 1 ring. And listen to Mike T. that man should be your manager.
Kwame, KWAME! Boy you listening to me? Get your malingering behind out there and don't let no boy named Socks beat my baby
Kwame out of a job. NOW GET YOUR LAZY BEHIND OUT THERE AND PLAY.

BD SAID: "think Kwame could be really good. The problem was he was born without a brain or hands. This makes it tough. Since Bynum does have a brain and has good hands , I say Lakers go with Bynum and find a back up for him not named Brown or Mihm."

You know why Byum has a brain and good hands. Cause he stole them from my Baby. Yes, Yes he did! My baby was
sleep and Socks that little devil - you can't help but love him even though he stole my babies brain and hands. Look at
Bynums hand. Just look at them Now you know doggone well those hands don't belong to no baby called socks. And
remember Kwame was so traumatized by that 9rings calling him P#ssy that he fell down and hit his head and that little tyke
Socks ran over and stole my baby's brains, yes he did.

Luke & Lamar, have been negatives, Kobe hasn't been Kobe on offense and Kwame's knee has shortened the rotation but still they've been in all but 2 games. That wouldn't have been the case the last 3 years.

Reason for guarded optimism... unless we lose tonight.

I sure hope Lakers are in play for Varejao. Cavs need outside shooting and ball handling. See if they'd be interested in Vlad+Sasha. It would be good for both teams. Varejao is a good piece to have for us. And we are still have SF's and PG's to spare. I bet Varejao would settle for about 7-8 Mil per to play for us. Maybe a little overpriced, but he will make good impact.

The article on HiDiHo.com is funny....change the name of the Lakers. In the thread yesterday, many were asking for PJ's head, Kobe, Lamar, Bynum etc. What is left? Nothing, we just watch Cupcake and Jimbo do their acts at the circus.

>>>I think Kwame could be really good. The problem was he was born without a brain or hands.

Man, that's a rough double whammy. When it's windy out, he can't even cover his ears to stop those aggravating whistling sounds.

Continue on path of discussion for trading LO. Why a team, like SAC even wants him? Hey they are not stupid, they know, it's failed experiment, why in world they would like to bring a guy who so far never been and ALL-Star but making ALL-Star kind of salary? His stats down across the board, he can not play PF fulltime because he can not guard guys like Duncan, he is mediocre defender even when he play SF. He is like promise, glimpse of greatness that never came to fruition. Will he ever? Well, Lakers been pretty patient with him all those years but how long they willing to wait?

Edwin,
Yea the Cleveland thing is interesting. I posted it yesterday. The salary he wants is around what Kwame is making. I would trade Kwame's expiring contract for him now,

NEWS FLASH!

No time to panic. Kwame Brown will be back in a few weeks to restore inside defensive order (only because he has more experience than Bynum). Vlade, The Geico caveman, will be back for the bench mob and order will be restored in L.A

We don't need to trade the whole team. (Yet)

I get it... Kwame's defense is the best thing since sliced bread.

Cat you guys stop beating me now?

charlie villanueva and bobby simmons for lamar odom
it works on trade machine

we already have ariza at SF
villanueva at PF
and simmons to back up kobe off the bench

Not to butt in...but for those that are saying Kobe can afford to wait (he probably can, no one really knows)...don't forget that Kobe has more years on those knees than MJ did at that age as well.

Kobe's an old man in NBA standards, and not in age.

Rick Friedman,

In reference to your post yesterday about Phil...

Who would you like to see replace Phil if he were to retire. I think I'd like to see Kurt Rambis take the job. He wasn't very experienced and was in a bad situation the last time he held the job in 1999, but I liked his demeanor and his decison making when he coached at the start of last season. I've been a big Phil Jackson fan for years now and read a couple of his books but I think it's time for a new younger voice. Though, I don't agree with Mike T. that Phil is manipulating the lineups to show up Jim Buss his decision making is often perplexing and frustrating.

Ariza's lack of playing time was one of the more frustrating occurences on Sunday. You don't think we could have used his defense and athleticism when Carter and Jefferson were going off in the second half? And why the hell was Vlad playing so much when his shot was completely off? Get Ariza or Turiaf in there instead of bogging down the offense on a night when Kobe's shot was already way off.

I think Rambis might be the voice we need. And I'd like to see Phil receive a role in personnel decisions, but I doubt that willhappen with Jim Buss and Kupchak already in charge.

Edwin-

Essentially, the injury exception allowed Orlando to trade for more salary than they were giving away in return. The Lakers don't "get" anything additional out of it, beyond a little payroll relief and an empty roster spot they can use for someone else.

BK

Why did the lakers trade B.Cook,and Mo Evans at this point in the season
when the team was doing so well? They should have been trading for a starting center so Andrew can stay with the second team.

Words of encourgement for Odom

I have read from this blog few years ago, someone said that Odom has only 2 offensive plays - left-handed layup and 3-pointer. So, I am not claiming that I am the one that first noticing this. The 3-pointers are not that great either. Every time, when Odom coming out of injuries, he was reluctant to shoot the treys. So, he was left with one option. However great he is with his layups, it is not going to create 20+ points a game consistently.
Odom has a reasonable height-advantage and his arms are long, he can easily shoot above his opponents. In fact, in the last 2 games, I saw him in 2 occasions bailing himself out with mid-range jumpshots. He was successful in both attempts. What Odom should do is to develop his mid-range jumpshots. With two options, he will be unstoppable – one will not know how to defend him.

I am against trading Odom because he really has potential. He is just poorly coached. If he is in another team, the first thing another coach will ask is to see his mid-range jumpshots. We will see a very different Odom and will regret and wonder why he was under-used as a Lakers.

It is not Kobe’s jobs to make his teammates better. It is job of the coach and the assistant coaches. The way I see it, Phil Jackson hasn’t be a good coach, at least in the last few years.

as funny as it is (especially hab's "whistling sound" comments), i don't think it's accurate to call kwame brainless. have you ever heard the guy talk? he actually strikes me as fairly bright. he's just not a great basketball player, that's all.

in my opinion, kwame's somewhere between mike t's exalted assessments and whoever it is on espn that says he's the worst player in the league (who was that, stephen a.?). the problem has always been the high expectations. the guy should never have been the number 1 pick. it doomed him. kwame's a decent low-post defensive presence who gets injured a lot. he's good at keeping other big bodies away from the basket. that's his game. too bad he can't stay healthy. his earning curve will go way down after this year but i figure he'll still hang around the league for a couple more contracts. he's gpt size and strength.

"It is not Kobe’s jobs to make his teammates better. It is job of the coach and the assistant coaches. The way I see it, Phil Jackson hasn’t be a good coach, at least in the last few years." From PJ doubter

Friggin 'eh!!!!

I'll be we win tonight, but barely. How sad is that??????????????

hope its a blowout so we win and jcrit gets some run.

GO LAKERS

THIS IS A NICE TRADE SCENARIO...

LAMAR ODOM AND KWAME BROWN FOR PAU GASOL, STROMILE SWIFT AND THE GRIZZLIES 2008 FIRST ROUND PICK..

PG- FISHER
SG-BRYANT
SF-WALTON/ARIZA
PF-GASOL
C-BYNUM

Here are Andrews# after 13 games.

Ranks #2 in the NBA in Rebounds Per 48 Minutes(19.0)
Ranks #6 in the NBA in Efficiency Ranking Per 48 Minutes(35.7)
Ranks #6 in the NBA in Field-Goal Percentage(0.576)

Or we could go with the guy without the brains or hands. If you owned the Lakers who would build around? The player who never plays due to injury or a 20 year who improves everyday.

Kwame Brown and Smush Parker are 1 in the same. WORTHLESS!!!

BD

PJ Doubter,

You don't think everyone on the Laker coaching staff has told Odom to get a mid range game? Every year he's told this. He simply can't do it! Basically he was injured last summer and his son died the previous summer so he has not worked on his game. He can only try and work on his game during the season.

get ron-ron and JO

Xodus,

"Ariza's lack of playing time was one of the more frustrating occurences on Sunday. You don't think we could have used his defense and athleticism when Carter and Jefferson were going off in the second half?"

I guess I didn't make myself clear. Sorry. I was trying to say that Ariza deserved much more than the three minutes or so he got on the floor. Every time I looked at Walton, he looked like a deer in the headlights. Both Ariza and J-Crit should have been playing serious backup minutes.

As far as who should replace Phil, my first choice would be Larry Brown, but I don't think he'd leave his cushy situation in Philly. I understand that sentiment favors Showtime Lakers like Rambis, but I think an outsider would be more effective. This is a team that needs tough love right now.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
GET KWAME BROWN A BRAIN AND SOME HANDS BANDWAGON!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) DRIVER AND PRESIDENT - THE TIN MAN
(2) THE COWARDLY LION
(3) THE SCARECROW
(4) THE PUSSY CAT

not sure if you guys have seen these stats but it's some interesting and telling data. +/- info while in the game which has Bynum and Farmar at the top and Mihm and Turiaf at the bottom. It may change your opinion of who is actually effective while in the game. You can also see player combinations.

http://www.nba.com/statistics/lenovo/lenovo_sort.jsp?pcomb=1&season=22007&split=9&team=Lakers

-Booty

You know it always amazes me when people speak poorly of Phil Jackson, over the last few weeks I've heard people that want him to be replaced, others have called him an idiot and I really have to wonder if some of you have ADD or really really short memory spans. This man has helped us win three champioships, he also has nine rings and you dare question the way he coaches HIS players like you know better?

He is doing the best he can with what he has, which sadly is not much. We have Kwame who should be kiilling on the floor, but does he? Nope. We can never really count on him to score but you can always count on him to either drop the ball or have a stupid TO or miss a free throw.

We have Lamar who sometimes plays great and other times just plays like $***.

We have Kobe who during some games looks totally happy and at peace and during others he looks like his puppy died and his wife just left him, I don't like him but I do understand that at least he tries, no so much for the sake of the team but for his own ego (but heck I'll take it, I mean it could be worse he could be Kwame).

There are only a few players that are making watching the games less painfull.
Bynum, give him a few more years and he will be a great player and unlike Shaq he can make free throws! Farmar, we are lucky to have him, he brings so much energy to the game and he is a scrappy. Fisher sooooooo glad he is home, he's not Smush and that's why we love him.

Kwame Brown,

Maybe you should have MikeT explain why -9 is better than +99..

I am sure he will come back with something to do with all the great defense Kwame plays and this would effect the #s. MikeT will then come back with it doesn't really matter because they never lose when Kwame is starting.

I just wish 1 time I heard of a team who wanted Kwame other than for his expiring contract. Now that I think about it, even with an expiring contract of 9 million nobody still wants him. How sick is that. Let me guess, he is still hurt when Dec 15 rolls around and making difficult for Lakers to trade the 9 million dollar worthless bag of garbage.

Go Lakers and make a trade to help Bynum. It is clear Kwame and Mihm are not the answers.

BD

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
GET KWAME BROWN A BRAIN AND SOME HANDS BANDWAGON!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
(1) DRIVER AND PRESIDENT - THE TIN MAN
(2) THE COWARDLY LION
(3) THE SCARECROW
(4) THE PUSSY CAT
(5) STEPHAN MARBURY
(6) ISIAH THOMAS
(7) THE MIAMI DOLPHINS

Lol @t Wizard,

Nice timing. I was just thinking the same thing. When Kwame visits you, I hope you're having a 3 for 1 sale.. He needs all three - brain, heart and courage. Well, alright, heart and courage are kinda the same in this case.

WHERE IS THAT DAMN HORSE? I think I just saw it move...

Kobe and Artest can be this generation's Michael and Scottie, maybe even better. Kobe, Artest and Lamar is a potential dynasty folks. This trio can easily compete with the Big Three of San Antonio, Phoenix and Boston. This team will be a nasty, versatile and destructive force on both sides of the court.

Artest is only 27, and despite the Maloof's reluctance to deal with the Lakers, they WILL accept a trade if we offer them Bynum and Walton. Throw in a #1 pick if necessary. Once the Kings are out of the playoff hunt, there is no way they will refuse this trade, especially after Bynum's potential on full display this season coupled with Artest's expiring contract. This trade is ideal and benefits both teams, and the numbers work.

Bynum has shown great potential this year, but he is still a project and cannot realistically be a number two option on a contending team for at least another few years (if ever). Desperate times call for deperate measures. When your team is about to lose one of the greatest players of all time, only a few years after losing Jerry West and Shaq, than this qualifies as desperate times. This trade will ensure Kobe will be a Laker for life. The alternative to having BOTH Kobe AND Artest, is having only Bynum and losing Kobe. It should be a simple decision folks. It's Artest and Kobe versus Bynum and Luke. If you care about winning, it's a no brainer.

If worse comes to worse, we can always sign Bynum (assuming he fullfills his potential) as a free agent when his contract ends in Sacramento, but this is our last chance to hold onto the best player on the planet, and finally be able to see what he can do on a contending team. Actually, we've seen that about three times before, haven't we? And despite Jimbo's attempts to convince the gullible fans that this team is a contender, I will not be fooled. The Lakers NEEEED Artest. With Artest, the Lakers will have the added luxury of contending AND developing its yougnsters (Farmar, Critt and Turiaf) at the same time.

New lineup:

Fish / Farmar
Kobe / Critt
Artest / Vlad
Lamar / Turiaf
Kwame / Mihm

A POTENTIAL DYNASTY

peace

Nice post, Elle!

We as fans want to win every game. That has never been Phil's approach to coaching. Fans and most NBA coaches would throw all resources available to them to win each and every game. Phil's goal is to mature players over seasons and careers. He gladly takes a loss here and there if it gets him closer to HIS goal.

Hello Laker Fans,
Have anybody noticed. However you put it, With Bynam starting and Kwame out we have a lossing record. No matter how you put it, we have scorers in Kobe in company. To win in the West you need your Big's to play D-fence. Bynam can score and rebond but he is missing the 1 thing a True big has to have and that is Post Defence. Let's trade Kwame and then the Lakers will be like they were before we got him. Below .500 Sometimes I question are yall just spoiled ass fans or True Laker fans. ??? We win with Kwame case close. Bynam can score but he can stop true big men.

Rick,

I agreed with you on the Ariza thing. I was asking that question rhetorically, but I think it's one of those things that doesn't come across well online.

I don't know about Larry Brown, he's a great coach but he's too quirky and fickle and we'd only have him for a year or two before he decided to go elsewhere.

Man oh man. People who keep throwing Bynum trade scenarios out there just aren't Laker fans. They just aren't.

Rick -

I usually agree with a lot of what you write but I wouldn't want to bring Larry Brown in. He's a great coach, no doubt at all, but he always has to micro manage everything. PJ delegates to his assistants and in particular, he's allowed Bynum to have his own personal coach in Kareem. I'd be worried that Larry Brown would be all over Bynum and try to get into his head too much. We have a nice core of young players... and to be honest, I would not be all surprised to see B. Shaw get the nod if Jackson doesn't return. The players really respond to Shaw and his time is now to make a big move.

If Phil goes, we should offer B Scott the keys to the kingdom.

If Kobe stays on the Lakers, the future is Kobe and Bynum.
The family has made it clear that Bynum isn't going anywhere, especially now with the "warrior" being out and Bynum's evident improvement.

Its is slowly becoming a 1-2 punch...If the Lakers can get som CONSISTENCY out of Vlad and Lamar, this can be a good team.

As I have said before the season started , its time to move LO...This experiment has failed and he is not suited well to play with Kobe...

YOU EVER NOTICE... A CHRISTMAS SONG FOR

Michael H. a.k.a. Stat Boy

Song Title - Michael H is Stat Boy for Life

Everyone join in and sing along to the music of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"

OH,
HE'S MAKING A LIST
CHECKING IT TWICE
GONNA FIND OUT THOSE STATISTICS TONIGHT

Michael H is Stat Boy for Life

HE'S SURFING THE WEB
NBA DOT COM
GONNA MAKE SURE HE'S RIGHT AND YOUR WRONG

Michael H is Stat Boy for Life

HE'S FOUND THE STAT HE NEEDED
HE'S NOW LOADED FOR BEAR
HE'S GONNA MAKE YOU FEELS SO BAD....
CAUSE YOU MISSED BY ONE POINT THERE.

OH,
YOU BETTER NOT POUT
YOU BETTER NOT CRY
YOU BETTER NOT CHALLENGE HIS DATA TONIGHT

Michael H is Stat Boy for Life

THANK YOU
Thank you very much

You kids who grew up on Bulls dynasty and Big Macs need to wise up. Fist of all, partially hydrogenated shortening clogs up your brains. Second of all, Kobe Bryant is not Michael Jordan. Third of all, teams don't win titles by building around a shooting guard. Teams win titles by building around dominant Big Men.

You Ever Notice how basketball players are taller than the average population? Ever wondered why that is?

If Kobe wants to win a title:

a) he should have called Kevin Garnett and invited him to join his team, like Ray Allen did, when Garnett was leading towards joining the Lakers.

b) he should play out the reaminder of his 07/08 and 08/09 contract with the Lakers, then opt out and resign with the Lakers for MLE. By then the young core of this team built around Bynum and Farmer will be coming into it's prime, the current powers (Spurs, Suns, Celts) will be too old, and Kobe will have a chance to contribute to a couple of titles with some minutes of veteran play.

Those are Kobe's best chances of winning titles.

IMPORTANT REMINDER.. ONLY 54 DAYS LEFT TO VOTE
VOTE NOW AND VOTE DAILY!!

VOTING STARTED ON NOVEMBER 15 AND YOU CAN VOTE EVERY DAY!
MAKE SURE TO VOTE FOR LAMAR, LUKE AND KOBE FOR THE ALLSTAR @ LAKERS.COM AND MAKE SURE TO VOTE DAILY!!
EVERY BLOGGER GO VOTE NOW IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY AT NBA.COM OR LAKERS.COM (DAILY!!)
REMIND EVERYBODY YOU KNOW TO VOTE DAILY EVERYDAY FOR THE NEXT 54 DAYS!
LET THE VOTES STACK TO THE CEILING PEOPLE!!!

**ALSO**
SIDE NOTE FROM "TIM-4-SHOW":
"You should add that no one should vote for anyone EXCEPT a Laker. With the All-Star voting, competing players who get votes too would essentially take away the votes we cast for Lamar. In other words, Lakers only + Eastern conference where the votes don't compete against our guys"

VERY GOOD POINT BY TM-4-SHOW.... NOT NECESSARY TO VOTE FOR ALL 5 POSITIONS, JUST SELECT KOBE, LAMAR, AND LUKE AND CLICK TO FINISH UNLESS YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOTE FOR SHAQ ON THE EAST LIKE I DO, HAVE A GOOD ONE PEOPLE

**ALSO**
SIDE NOTE BY "LONG TIME LAKER FAN":
"you're leaving out a CRUCIAL part of the voting process. There's a box at the bottom of the voting page where you can WRITE IN one vote.

Don't just vote for Kobe, Lamar, and Luke. Write in Bynum or Farmar as well. I don't think they'll win, but it would be good to at least see their names in the list of top 10 vote getters."

OK EVERYBODY YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO

YOU TOO AK AND BK, GO VOTE

If Phil rejects his offer now, how the heck is he expecting to coach the rest of the season as a lame duck? That's just nuts. He should just say he'll decide after the season. Otherwise FO would be better off buying him out and bringing in an "interim".

FWIW, as much I loved Rambis as a player, he is not even remotely qualified to coach. He is straight and narrow type of guy, and winning NBA coaches have to be used-car-salesmen manipulators. Looks at who's been winning. And as any GREAT used car salesman, Great coaches don't appear like used car salesmen. (Popovich)

B. Shaw is a much better choice than Kurt.

Pick Pocket, I think like you. And when Farmer, Bynum, Walton, come into the game, the Bench Mob will just kill teams. But we need to stay healthy, somehow.

">"

I suspect that Phil is not going to sign the contract unless he has a good feeling about the future of the team. That will require more improvement from the roster, and probably a trade (depending on how much the current roster improves.) I don't think he is interested in coaching a team that is perennially first round (maybe second round if the stars are lined up properly) and out.

dave m and Xodus,

I'm aware of all the negatives surrounding Larry Brown. But his positives are just what the Lakers need right now. B Shaw and Rambis, whatever their strengths -- and they are many -- are part of a system that just isn't working.

The Larry Brown part, as I said, is all academic, as there is little likelihood he would leave his hometown of Philadelphia right now.

The Lakers need a coach who is strong on fundamentals and strong on Defense. The team has players who have demonstrated they can win. What they haven't demonstrated is the ability to win consistently. That's about coaching.

Some might ask if Ben Howland can transfer his skills that are so effective as a college coach to the NBA. I don't know. But he is also the kind of coach that the Lakers need right now. I'd prefer not to wait until March Madness is over and Howland will not walk away from UCLA in mid-season.

Bottom line, though, is that Phil Jackson's style of coaching is hurting the team and it is time to make a change.

I think there's 10 million and one reasons why PJ would re-sign Ex.

It's just that he's holding the team hostage right now.

I understand Phil's reluctance to sign an extension; he does not know what he can expect from this team on daily basis. How in the world he as head coach can gauge this team if LO going 3 games 10, 8, 4 before bringing 16, Vlade going 18 and after that 1 and etc. It’s rollercoaster season because rollercoaster performance of the players. Another thing is, maybe some famous Phil’s mind games in play, like trying to force FO for some trades or something. Obviously this team needs help, and I’m talking not about recent Ariza trade.

If sasha can't pick it up lakers should move toward a rotation of
fisher, kobe, odom, ronny, mihm
farmer, critter, trevor, vlad, bynum

to restore some punch to the second unit and to give kobe and odom more rest.
the lakers, especially in the regular season, needs to have outstanding bench production.
we already saw they function well as a mob, why break it up or dilute it with kobe and odom.

And mihm in the starting line up, sounds crazy right, however, with Odom, Kobe and fisher taking the bulk of the shots anyway, why would we put in the best offensive center, Bynum gets to play against 2nd center or more tired opponents, second unit runs and benefits from Bynum's mobility more then the first unit. Farmer needs offensive weapons to run with, our players that you'd normally say, wow, if that guy was playing with the suns or warriors he'd be good, thats one way of looking at Vlad's play. Walton was out played by Nets williams, very sad to be out played by a rookie.

Hey Hot Shot Funny, you came up with that all by yourself?

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED that people that can not support their arguments resort to lame poems and jokes? Totally eight grade. Have anything to support your point of view yet? One thing? One article? Something, anything? Or is it your right and EVERYONE else is wrong?

Now I know I pointed out that Andrew was one of the top rebounders in the league and your BRILLIANT response was because "he hangs around the rim". What an INSIGHTFULL retort!! I never realized the big men in the NBA were not suppose to play around the rim. I guess he is suppose to be out at the 3 point line. I never realized that until now. Thanks I will have to look for that.

So anytime you want to bring something that actually supports your unique insight into the game I would love to hear it. But if all you got is your poetry, well at least try to elevate your grade school rhymes to at least your eight grade level. Honestly Dude I was sort of embarrassed for you.

Aloha

MH

At least Kwame is consistent, he missed half the games last year and has missed half the games this year. 9 million to play part time , at least as MikeT says, he has big calves so it's money well spent.

well we all know one of the reason why phil hasn't sign the contract is he wants assurance that the team will be a contender for as long as he stays to have a chance to win!

another reason is bcoz he is not stupid!
he wants his players to play for him! the players know that if they dont play hard basketball, phil will be out of the picture...

Phil is a smart guy! no wonder he won 9 rings!!!

Faith,
I don't think he will continue coaching if he doesn't see the team as being a contender. Phil doesn't need the money (I don't think.)

Phil Jackson will not make a decision until the front office decides whether they want to rebuild or contend. If the team does not trade Bynum for an impact veteran (i.e. Artest) before the trade deadline, than Kobe and as a result, Phil are outta here. Stubbornly holding onto Bynum will potentially cost this once proud franchise Jason Kidd, Kobe and Phil, arguably the best PG SG and coach of our era. That's alot to give up for a project, however promising he may be. In order to justify the refusal to trade the Big Project, Bynum better turn out to be better than Shaq and Kareem combined. Once Bynum gets past the Kendrick Perkins and Chris Kaymans of the league, he just......uh..... might get there one day. Is he worth it?

peace

HAB,

>>>Interesting article on Varejao. I think Ferry really dropped the ball in this one.
>>>Varejao's offer to play for a modest one year deal was a fair one. Ferry is not only
>>> alienating a good piece like Varejao, but also LeBron.

I think Varejao has a higher opinion of his value than any other team in the leauge.
Ferry has offered him about mid-level money for him, which is is true market value,
and Varejao turned it down.

Also, Ferry did make a qualifying offer of 1.5 million (the qualifying offer is based
on your rookie contract) for one year, which Varejao turned down. If he really wants
to be unrestricted, he could have taken the 1.5 and been unrestricted next year.
I totally side with Danny Ferry on this one. If they paid Varejao what his agent is
asking, it's Kwame Brown all over again -- all star money for an average player.

HAB,

>>>I sure hope Lakers are in play for Varejao. Cavs need outside shooting and ball
>>>handling. See if they'd be interested in Vlad+Sasha. It would be good for both
>>>teams.

That would be a terrible trade for the Lakers. It's pure offense for defense. Vlad and
Sasha are the two most consistent outside shooters on the Lakers this season (other
than Vlad's horrible game on Sunday). You need to have some outside shooters to
keep opposing teams from packing in on defense. Kobe and Lamar will never get
those slashes to the hoop if there isn't someone out on the three point line keeping
the other team honest.

Oh, and by the way, the most recent contract that Varejao's agent proposed to the
Cavs was 6 years for 52 million. That's almost 9 million a year. For someone who
gets 6 points and 6 rebounds a game. He might be worth MLE money, if that.

Faith,

>>>Not to butt in...but for those that are saying Kobe can afford to wait (he probably can,
>>>no one really knows)...don't forget that Kobe has more years on those knees than MJ
>>>did at that age as well.
>>>
>>>Kobe's an old man in NBA standards, and not in age.

See, I don't buy that argument at all.

So Michael entered the NBA a few years older than Kobe. Was he just sitting on a
sofa playing Xbox those years? Heck no! He was playing basketball. Probably
constantly. Playing college games and practices. Playing pickup games. Whatever.

I think Kobe is in pretty much equal conditioning to Jordan when Jordan was Kobe's
age. And I think Kobe can play as long as Jordan did, if he wants to.

i wouldn't even try to guess what's going on in phil's head but i'm quite sure it's a way bigger deal with the media and with bloggers than it is in the locker room. and rick f and others, i wouldn't be too hasty to blame a few losses on pj., there's um, been a little problem with certain players putting it in the bucket??? that's on THEM not the coaches.

at any rate, the spurs lost last night, phoenix lost, dallas lost and utah lost. hopefully fans aren't throwing guys like pop and avery and sloan under the bus. they can throw d'antoni under the bus if they want, i could care less about that guy haha.

Haha,

I actually don't think starting Mihm sounds crazy at all. Unless they can plug in a substitute 4 and play Ronny at the 5, I'd seriously consider doing it.

As you correctly point out, Bynum's not getting the touches/looks he should with Kobe, LO and even Fish, which dilutes his presence. Beyond that, Bynum was a key part of a second unit giving the Lakers a major boost and luxury. In particular, he played well with Farmar, which made Jordan an even better player. Since Drew's been moved to the starting lineup, he hasn't been utilized as effectively and the second unit's become less dominant, so neither group is truly "benefitting."

Plus, even playing limited minutes, Mihm is currently a bad fit off the bench. He simply doesn't move well enough for that style of play. So why not play him with the slower paced starters? He won't play starter's minutes no matter how he's used, but it makes more sense (in my opinion) to create a rotation where the bench can help the starters as much as possible.

People often make too big a thing out of "starting," which is very often little more than a meaningless title. Minutes and who's on the floor down the stretch are typically much more indicative of how a guy is playing than being there for the opening tip. Starting units are often created for purely pragmatic reasons, as opposed to "earning it." If you can create two superior fivesomes, it's often worth playing a better guy off the bench and starting the weaker one.

For example, when Ronny went down and Cookie took his place in the starting unit, I saw this as somewhere between "no harm, no foul" and "the right call." He was only playing about 15 minutes as a de facto "starter," but starting him allowed Phil to keep Vlad Rad and/or Walton in the "bench mob," who've created a nice chemistry. Cook may not have been "helping" the starting unit, but he wasn't really hurting it, either, which is worth keeping the greater asset (that sharp bench) intact when possible. Who knows if the bench can regain that spark if Bynum moves back, but considering how well the Lakers played with him there, I think it's worth investigating.

Obviously, the three straight losses aren't entirely the result of a shifted bench. Kwame's defensive presence is missed. And despite how certain people will debate "Kwame vs. Bynum" to death, the current center issue really isn't about who's better between those two. It's about the drop off caused by needing to play Mihm more, since he clearly hasn't regained his pre-injury form. Plus, Trevor Ariza hasn't been integrated much, meaning they're not only without everything Mo brought to the table, but are forced to play Sasha more minutes than preferred (roughly along the lines of "none"). And LO has played pretty poorly. So there are plenty of issues at hand.

But that being said, all you need to is look at the difference between last season's undependable bench and this year's "bench mob" to realize how much better the Lakers are with the latter.

AK

Can I say it now? Maybe Jimmy Buss and Kupcake ARE morons after all!!! hahaha just kidding.
People, please, get a grip! Enough with all the trade scenarios...
Prepare yourselves because we will win by 20 points tonight...
Go Lakers

YOU EVER NOTICE... ONE MORE CHRISTMAS SONG

FIVE DAYS OF MICHAEL H (a.k.a. Stat Boy)

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A TICKET TO THE B BALL HALL OF FAME

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me
TWO LAME STATS
AND A TICKET TO THE B BALL HALL OF FAME

On the third day of Christmas my true love sent to me
THREE BORING BLOGS
TWO LAME STATS
AND A TICKET TO THE B BALL HALL OF FAME

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
FOUR USELESS QUOTES
THREE BORING BLOGS
TWO LAME STATS
AND A TICKET TO THE B BALL HALL OF FAME

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me
NBA DOT COMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM

FOUR USELESS QUOTES
THREE BORING BLOGS
TWO LAME STATS
AND A TICKET TO THE B BALL HALL OF FAME

THANK YOU
Thank You Very Much

Like I said Stat Boy, you amuse me

So you think Centers should just hang around the rim do you?
Ignorance IS bliss

Keep coming Stat Boy
You a wealth of material

wesjoenixon,

"How about that time the Lakers and Trailblazers both had huge winning streaks (like 15 games), both were tied for 1st in th Western conference and maybe even undefeted and we played them in Portland--and beat them?"

That Lakers team was the best and will remain the best in the history of the game. Even though that particular team only pulled off 3 chips (in a row btw) they were by far the best team the NBA has seen or will ever see again, that is for certain. I know the Bulls had the 70 win season but they were playing with scrubs in the league at the time and wouldn't stand a snowballs chance in hell with Shaq, KB and Co. Even now the best team in the last few years will never come close to what the Lakers did during their most recent reign. Thats why i laugh when those fans claim greatness by their respective teams of recent.. Dallas, Phoenix, San Antonio...Please. 14 and 15 consecutive wins was all the Lakers did with a loss maybe or 2 in between throughout every season during their dominance. I hope the Lakers compete for championships again real soon.. BUT DON'T GET IT WRONG!! NO MATTER HOW GOOD WE BECOME WE WILL NEVER BE AS GOOD NOR AS DOMINANT AS THAT LAKER DYNASTY WAS WITH SHAQ, KB, AND CO.

Long time-

If they paid Varejao what his agent is
asking, it's Kwame Brown all over again -- all star money for an average player

Hey I thought Kwame was going to get 10 million? So says his agent Mike T haha

Seriously Varejao is twice the player Kwame is, and I like Vlad but Sasha just flat out sucks,

I would love to ask Booster boy what he sees in these lakers who play significant minutes

Sasha
Kwame
Walton

The downside of the Evans/Cook trade as I suspected was Sasha getting minutes. A 5 year old can see Criterron is 10 times the player Sasha is.
I can only guess these guys have naked pictures of jeannie or something.

How do the people who keep posting season +/- stats to bash Kwame interpret the fact that Kobe trails both Luke and Vald in the same category? +/- stats can be very deceptive, especially when a coach substitutes as a unit, like Phil often does.

Whatever you think of Kwame--and I agree that Bynum is probably already better--having him makes Bynum better, too. If Kwame battles Yao for the first six minutes of a quarter, when substitution time rolls around Bynum is being guarded by Chuck Hayes or Mutombo.

Kwame never lived up to his potential and is overpaid, but he's a huge, strong guy that can alter shots and keep opposing centers in check. It's not like teams are lining up to trade for him ... but any way you look at it, Kwame-Bynum is better than Bynum-Mihm. Just look at the record since he's been out.

CLEON,

Who cares if it is against the Sonics???

1. Phil Jackson is smart not to sign the extension. Mgmt needs to continue to look for creative ways to improve the team.

2. Kobe might be better off in the attack position that he's played in sense Phil returned. Move Lamar Odom to the 2nd team in that position. He's not doing much anyway. Ronny can hold down the PF position but Phil needs to yell at him and get him re-energized.

3. Bynum can go back to the 2nd team if that works for him and Mihm can play on first team.

4. Here is the sad state of the Lakers supposed dynamic duo of Kobe and Odom. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison look like a better duo. They both carry their weight. Odom does not carry his weight.
As I said in the summer, the Lakers are short on dominant personalities and short on warriors. They added 1 warrior in Derek Fisher and 2 guys have improved SO FAR (Bynum and Farmar). See them POST MARCH MADNESS to confirm!!!

Long time,

Good point. I agree that Kobe does know how to take care of himself and stuff. But remember that the grueling NBA season is a whole lot more games than college or high school. It is also more intense than pick up games.

Also, Kobe's been in the postseason for every season in his career aside from 2005 (I believe). You add those mileage, you got yourself a dude that knows he's gotta contend now.

Lakers need to go after ANderson V... I've said this before on my posts... They have a legit chance of getting him... Trade Kwame with his expiring contract plus Vucic and Mimm... Take back one of their bad contracts in Damon Jones and get this guys... This guys is a better defender than Kwame in all aspects of the game... He was arguably the 2nd best player on that Cav's team... He really does the dirty work which I personally think this team lacks a lot of... With him Ariza and Turiaf I think apponents will be some what entimadated.. Plus we wont have to deal with a player that plays about 1/4 of season (kwame).... Kupchake make it hapen.....If we get this guy, we should have no reason not to go all the way.....

Kobe//Critt/Jones
Fish/Farmar
Lamar/Ariza/Luke
Turiaf/Vrad
Verragio or Bynum

This is a team that really can go to next level

Aloha AK

I absolutely agree with you. With Kwame out, we are getting killed when Cris is on the floor. I know he will never say it but I am really wondering if he can regain the mobility he had before the reconstructive surgery. This leads me to wonder if he will ever see any minutes at the 4 either, you need even more mobility there.

At this point I don't know what the answer is. C Webb cant run anymore, PJ Brown can play for a true contender if he wants to. Do you have any ideas? Any players you would take a look at for that 15 spot?

MH

Apprender - how exactly is Kwame altering shots? He doesnt block many, he plays position defense and tries to take charges instead of blocking shots.

I dont want my 7 foot center taking charges- block a dang shot

Lakerbake- Fisher is a nice story but as we have seen this year already, he has trouble staying with the quick guards, and when he is in the game the tempo slows way down, making it hard to score. He has had some good shooting games but he isnt taking the Lakers anywhere in the playoffs as a starter.

Zakee,
Who cares?? hahaha I’m hoping my prediction is a safe bet!
Just out of curiosity... have you visited a Heat’s blog this season and wrote a post about Smush? hahaha you really hated that cat

YOU EVER NOTICE

Posted by: Apprender | November 27, 2007 at 01:16 PM
Now your talking, excellent examples.

Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | November 27, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Noted

Posted by: HAB | November 27, 2007 at 11:18 AM
Totally agree

Hey Shakspere

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED that you regressed? That one was even worst then the 1st one!! Come on now, you can do better, I know itstough being witty when your a few bricks short of a load. But even the humor challanged can come up with something if they work at it. Practice makes perfect after. So open your little desk and pull out your big pencil and your wide lined paper with the little chunks of wood in it and try again. Just don't let the teacher catch you, its not worth detention.

MH

Trade Bynum and Walton (and maybe even a #1 pick) for Artest??? Oh brother....I think some Sac-Town fans have infiltrated the blog! ;-)

Why? So he can run into the stands and punch out Dyan Canon? So he can spend more time at recording studios instead of practice? The dude's a cancer and basket case, and people want to give away the farm to get him? LOL! There's a reason why you're commenting on a blog rather than running a team.

AK,

Very astute observations on the chemistry issues with Kwame going down and the Cook/Mo trade. Clearly it was an enormous advantage for us to bring Bynum and Vlad off the bench (rather than play with the starters), especially given how they meshed together with their style of play.

Hopefully Ariza's had a bit more practice time and will start to see more minutes. I saw where Orlando wasn't all that happy to give him up and considered him one of their top prospects, so we may have gotten something good. A "stopper" and hustle guy at the 3 would help this team out considerably.

BTW, what's the deal with Turiaf? Is he just not fully recovered yet? I thought he benefited a lot by playing with the starters, so I'm anxious to see him return to that role.

Some of you keep on mentioning Kwame as the primary component for a Varejao sign and trade? Are you on acid? Danny Ferry wouldn't do that deal in a million years.

YOU EVER NOTICE,
KL, is that you? haha

Michael h....lol............................im not to sure who mentioned it the other day but someone said that the front office could have picked alot of better players before Bynum......mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........Yeah.....maybe we could have wasted a number 2 pick on Darko......Or an egg just like him

YOU EVER NOTICE

Stat Boy

This is true, but I dont need much edumacation to keep up with you.

By the way you've just been sent to detention for butchering William Shakespeare's name.

We'll talk when and if you pass your spelling test.

That's Entertainment, you are not.

Dave M.,

"Some of you keep on mentioning Kwame as the primary component for a Varejao sign and trade? Are you on acid? Danny Ferry wouldn't do that deal in a million years. "

That's what this blog is all about!! Absurd trade scenarios are the soup d'jour at LakersBlog.

AK- Playing Mihl is a drop off based on how hes playing as you indicated, my question is why does Mihm have to play? Go small , there are just a handful of teams that even have centers worth much of anything offensively so there is no mandate to play Mihm any minutes.

Are there any coaches out there who can explain to me why 9 rings insists on playing Mihm and Sasha and Walton? When I see these guys playing important minutes it tells me 9 rings isnt trying to win.

Rocky,

You wrote this:

Bynum is not getting the credit he deserves.

Trading him for Kidd or Artest or Krstic?? would set this franchise back 10 years. For what? To appease Kobe? There's no guarantee that trading Bynum would equal a championship. Then you have to think about the short window of opportunity if we do trade Bynum, maybe 2 years. Then you have to think about throwing the Kwame/Mihm combo out there at Center, not very reliable. It would be a HUGE gamble to trade Bynum for any of those guys. It's not worth the risk.

We want to compete for a championship year in and year out. Trading Bynum for guys who are old, injured, or headcases will not get it done. Who cares about whether Kobe is going to leave or stay. If Kobe is smart, he'll stay with Bynum. If not, peace.

Bynum's improvement cannot be underestimated. He's only 20, so of course these grown men are going to push him around. He's going to grow into a man, like everyone else. The thing that Bynum has that is going to be his and the Lakers bread and butter is the most unstoppable shot in the history of the game; the hook shot. Bynum has brought back the hook, thanks to Kareem. As Bynum keeps improving, he'll be shooting the hook with both hands, he'll be unstoppable in the post.

The kid is already averaging a double double and some blocks. Yes, stats aren't everything, but they are something. You figure if he's averaging 10/10 at 20 coming off the bench, at 25, he'll probably average at least 15/12 and be a strong anchor to the defense. You don't trade that.

This is the salary cap era, we can compete every single year if we do it right. Trading away the future of the franchise for a 2 year window of opportunity that's not even close to being a guarantee for a championship is just stupid.

Kobe is a great player, but he just needs to be patient.

My response:

1. Bynum is getting the credit he deserves.
2. There are no guarantees period.
3. It's obvious you're pro-Bynum. Ok.
4. The *real* question is this: Are you trying to build a team around Kobe or Bynum?
It doesn't matter which. You can't do both because they have different time frames.
Kobe will be looking at retirement in 5 years. Bynum *may* be in the process of
becoming great. or may not be. As weak as he is, if he has to undergo micro-fracture
surgery he's screwed. He's too soft and squishy in mind and body as compared to ...
Stoudemire.
5. How do you see Kidd breaking us for 10 years? If anything, I think this experiment has
taught us a lot.

A. DON'T DRAFT CHILDREN into a MAN'S GAME!
B. DON'T LIE TO YOUR SUPERSTAR!

YOU EVER NOTICE

Oh NO, you just didn't lob out the SPELLING CHALLENGE did you? Thats almost like throwing in the towel dude. Ask the rest of the blog

Hey Blog doesn't desperate guys with nothing to say usually play the spelling card? I mean it's text book. Come on, you can do it, try rhyming jingle bells or sleigh ride! By the way, are you Steven? Kind of the MO multiple handles and all except he bagged on KOBE instead.

MH

Regarding the Kidd Trade,

Trading big for small.
Trading aged for youth.
Trading expensive for cheap.
Trading oft injured for healthy.

Think about it guys.

LAKER TRUTH,

THIS IS THE POTENTIAL DYNASTY.TRADE KWAME BROWN AND WALTON TO THE KINGS FOR ARTEST

PG- FARMAR IS TO TONY PARKER
SG-BRYANT WELL YOU KNOW ALREADY
SF-ARTEST BETTER THAN BRUCE BOWEN
PF-ODOM MUCH BETTER THAN FINLEY OR GINOBILI
C-BYNUM HE WILL BE AT PAR WITH TIM DUNCAN

PLUS THE BENCH, TURIAF, MIHM, CRITTENTON, ARIZA, FISHER, RADMANOVIC

Jason F.,

"Trade Bynum and Walton (and maybe even a #1 pick) for Artest??? Oh brother....I think some Sac-Town fans have infiltrated the blog! ;-)
Why? So he can run into the stands and punch out Dyan Canon? So he can spend more time at recording studios instead of practice? The dude's a cancer and basket case, and people want to give away the farm to get him? LOL! There's a reason why you're commenting on a blog rather than running a team."

There's no need for insults. I am suggesting a simple solution to turn this group of pretenders into REAL CONTENDERS. I'm guessing if you were a football GM, you would've said NO to Randy Moss and TO because they are "basket cases". You might be right about these guys being "basket cases" but they are also a huge reason why the Pats and Cowboys are serious contenders this year.

If Phil can keep Rodman in check, I have no doubt that he can do the same for Artest. If you hadn't noticed, this team is not a real contender. If you think they are, than Jim Buss's brainwashing tactics are stronger than I thought. And when you say "give up the farm", you are totally confused. Bynum and Luke are not the farm, Kobe is the farm, the barn and the livestock. He is the most important Laker on this roster. Don't get that confused. If management does not make a major trade before the trade deadline, than this team will lose Kobe AND Phil. Unfortuntaly, Bynum is the ONLY player on this roster that has any real trade value. I would love to hold onto Bynum and watch him develop, while the team contends for titles every year, but guess what? With this roster, contending is not possible without an upgrade, and the ONLY WAY to make a major upgrade on this team is to TRADE our ONLY VAUABLE TRADE ASSET. Desperate times call for desperate measures and it's time to start gambling. If Artest plays like he is capable of, than the Bynum for Artest trade will turn this team into a POTENTIAL DYNASTY. The risk is worth the reward.

Think about it, search your soul, and you will see the light.

peace

Laker Lover,

"Playing Mihl is a drop off based on how hes playing as you indicated, my question is why does Mihm have to play? Go small , there are just a handful of teams that even have centers worth much of anything offensively so there is no mandate to play Mihm any minutes."

Going small is certainly an option (although I'm not positive it would be as effective). I was just talking about it in terms of how to create the best "traditional" lineup since that seems to be what Phil is leaning towards.

AK

Botsboy,

I'm with you on that trade, but there is no way in hell that the Maloofs will give up Artest for Walton and Kwame, even if we accept one of their bad contracts. If we want to go after a superstar calibur player like Artest, than we have to be willling to sacrifice Bynum and his potential. Unlike Kwame, Bynum has high trade value. Nobody wants Kwame, so he might be more useful to our roster than as trade bait.

And by the way, Lamar is NOT better than Ginobli.

Violater:
You must be under age 25 to make this statement:
"that Lakers team was the best and will remain the best in the history of the game. Even though that particular team only pulled off 3 chips (in a row btw) they were by far the best team the NBA has seen or will ever see again, that is for certain. "

How about the 33 game winning streak of the '71-'72 Lakers? Or how about the Showtime Lakers winning 5 titles and 8 trips to the NBA finals in 10 years?! The showtime Lakers played the toughest competition of anyone (Bird, McHale, Parrish's Celtics, Dr J & Moses' 76ers, The Bad Boys Pistons and Michael & Scottie's Bulls.

and to think Mihm was demanding more money making his rounds and trying out around the league, this guy is a joke should've never re-signed him. We could've however signed another more productive and potentially even cheaper big body. FACT.
ALSO:
Get Sasha the F outa here already... (OH I WONDER WHY HE'S GETTING MORE TICK..HMMM) ITS COMING

Jason F. -

"That's what this blog is all about!! Absurd trade scenarios are the soup d'jour at LakersBlog."

So true, haha. But still the idea that somebody's going to sign a HOLDOUT and trade him for an injured EXPIRING CONTRACT? Um why? Oh wait, I know why. So Dan Gilbert can go further into the luxury tax this season. Makes perfect sense. I'm sure LeBron would be ecstatic as well. Kwame Brown! Upgrade!

Dave M

LAKER TRUTH,

I MEAN ODOM WILL BE BETTER THAN GINOBILI IN 2 YRS TIME..IF ODOM WILL BE CONSISTENT. AS FOR BYNUM, THE BUSS FAMILY WILL NEVER TRADE THIS KID, EVEN IF KB24 DOES'NT LIKE HIM.

can critt please play over sasha today? i hate sasha and his trigger happy approach to missing 3 after 3(although he made one clutch one at the end of the last game) i think critt needs to get a little more playing time then hes getting. i dont mind him getting minimal minutes but a few every other game wouldnt hurt, especially when sashas not really helping, hopefully tonight.

GO LAKERS

Walton appears to be the odd man out. Ariza is going to take up time at SF, Radmanovic, despite the last game is a better choice at SF and Odom - if he isn't traded, obviously is a better option at SF as well.

PF is the hole. We need a Boozer type or two guys who could combine and provide close to the same results. Varejao doesn't want a whole lot more than Walton got and combining Varejao and Turiaf at PF would really boost that position. Mihm just isn't ready yet, will he ever be? Who knows but it looks like at least another month or two before Mihm's ankle is strong enough for him to really go up hard. Right now he simply can't and on back to back games, forget it. But Varejao and Turiaf could also provide minutes at the Center position.

Sign and trade Walton and a 2nd round pick for Varejao or something close to that, maybe we toss in some cash or 2, 2nd round picks? We have the Charlotte one...

Faith,

>>>Not to butt in...but for those that are saying Kobe can afford to wait (he probably can,
>>>no one really knows)...don't forget that Kobe has more years on those knees than MJ
>>>did at that age as well.
>>>
>>>Kobe's an old man in NBA standards, and not in age.

See, I don't buy that argument at all.

So Michael entered the NBA a few years older than Kobe. Was he just sitting on a
sofa playing Xbox those years? Heck no! He was playing basketball. Probably
constantly. Playing college games and practices. Playing pickup games. Whatever.

I think Kobe is in pretty much equal conditioning to Jordan when Jordan was Kobe's
age. And I think Kobe can play as long as Jordan did, if he wants to.

Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | November 27, 2007 at 12:50 PM

Are u kidding me???

Are u seriously thinking it's the same, competition wise playing NBA and College??

Dude... When I read this I jus laughed...

Sorry... But there is a big difference... Why do u think all these rookies struggle so much their first couple years??

BECAUSE THE NBA IS ALOT DIFFERENT THAN COLLEGE BALL...

kwame and walton for artest. stay outta grandpa's "medicine" cabinet. news flash, genius: trades are made as an attempt to make both teams better...not just your own.

Hello Kwame Brown.....in response to your post on top

My friend i will support you to the end of the earth,you are the lakers hope and dreams for a NBA championship .Come on and wake up kwame you are the man my boy.Dont give up its the big man theory that will get us through...Thanks

"So Michael entered the NBA a few years older than Kobe. Was he just sitting on a
sofa playing Xbox those years? Heck no! He was playing basketball. Probably
constantly. Playing college games and practices. Playing pickup games. Whatever.

I think Kobe is in pretty much equal conditioning to Jordan when Jordan was Kobe's
age. And I think Kobe can play as long as Jordan did, if he wants to."

thats probably true since kobe doesnt suffer from tendinitis on his knees...plus he hasnt gotten his jumping knees scoped these past couple seasons......

OH WAIT...YES HE DOES.......AND HE HAS......

Apprender,

The (+ -) stat has its flaws, however, it is telling when the trends are significant. One trend that is significant is the play thus far of Bynum and Farmar as both are playing extremely well. A strong case can be made that if both of those players started and played more minutes the team would be better off. Of course, if that were to happen then both of their (+ -) stats would drop because they would be going against better competition for a larger percentage of the time.

The stat is particularly pertinent when (1) comparing two players that play the same position and similar minutes, e.g, Kwame v. Drew. and (2) the results are so drastic that any fool can see what they mean.

Cheers.

Michael H,

spellliiinnngg is important, but logeec and kontent ismore impotant....

People...

Seriously... Quit with the trade this guy or that guy... Look back to ur posts before they lost 3 in a row... What were ya'll saying???

Exactly... As far as JO... U think Kwame is injured alot... Look at that guy... Give up on him...

The only one that would kinda make sense right now is Marion... and/or Garnett (WISHFUL THINKING). I don't think there's anyone else out there that would compliment the other players on this team...

We've got a pretty good team right now... Jus give them a little bit of time... They'll all play better the second half... I guarantee it...

If ya'll are true fans... Ul stick with ur team through thick and thin...

rdlee,

Yes i am in fact 24.. but i still know my basketball (history).. And i know basketball has come a long long way since the 60's 70's and 80's and even the 90's.. I hear loud and clear where your coming from and i don't want to really debate your point, but in my opinion we have complete basketball players now, fully developed skill wise in every aspect of the game.. anything imaginable has already been done.. all the knowledge we have now... talent wise, skill wise, experience wise... its really not comparable to Bob Cousy or even Bird or Bad Boy Pistons, Pippen etc (Jordan exception) ... as the game of basketball was more in a developing stage with players skills improving along with athletacism during that era and not close to any level of play now.
So yes.. The Lakers Dynasty with Shaq, Kobe and Phil running the show was by far THE BEST BASKETBALL you've seen so far buddy.

The Sacramento Kings of basketball are 5 and 2 at home and the two losses came with a 4 point margin combined. If the Kings continue to play well at home and start winning a few on the road, they are right back in the hunt. Our bench; Beno, Hawes, Salmons, Garcia, and Douby just keep getting better. How about you? Do you just keep getting better? After three consecutive losses, can you handle "the lowly" Sonics tonight?

My point? It seems a lot of Laker fans merely dismiss the Sacramento Kings of basketball as a lottery contender happy and anxious to unload one of the premier players in the league for a bag of oranges, when in fact, the Sacramento Kings of basketball are no more lottery bound than the Lakers. This is why, after the Mamba has dumped you, you can only hope you had the foresight to keep Bynum, Farmar, Lamar and a couple of others in your fold. You can wake in the morning only to discover that everything has changed.

It could be argued that the likelihood of seeing Kobe in a Laker uniform at season's end is even less than seeing Ron Artest in a Kings uniform. A big difference being that Ron likes Sacramento a lot, responds well to Reggie, loves his teamates, and for several solid reasons has developed a strong sense of loyalty to the Maloofs, Petrie and Kings fans. At both ends of the court, Ron is and extraordinary player. If or when he is traded, it will be for something of solid All-Star value. The Lakers have nothing to offer for a player like Ron, and even if they did...

I have a trade for you. We give you Kenny and Shareef for that bag of oranges. What??? You don't got no bag of oranges? You covered those beautiful groves with asphalt and detritus?

Sonnybelfast

Pick Pocket,

Perhaps you do not understand what the (+ -) statistic means. I am injured and have nothing better to do so I will explain it for you. My (+ -) stat for the season is – 9, which means that when I am on the floor our team is being out scored by our opponents. That one indicator that my presence is not helping the cause, and may even be hurting the cause. It may also mean that if we are winning games it is because of other factors (such as the strong play of our bench or other players).

Bynum’s (+ -) stat for the season is +96, which means that when he is on the floor our team is outplaying our opponents significantly (offensively and defensively). In fact, Drew’s (+ -) stat is by far the highest on our team, which is a strong indication that he is one of the most productive players we have. And that makes perfect sense given that he is the 35th most productive player in the entire NBA. You see, that is what Coach Phil calls CAUSALITY.

Conversely, my (+ -) stat is one of the lowest on the team, which may indicate I am not nearly as productive as Bynum. And that makes sense given that I am the 227th most productive player in the NBA, which isn’t very productive at all. Again, that is CAUSALITY.

You see Mr. Pocket, people can claim that I play great defense and that I win games, but the fact is our team is performing WAY BETTER when Bynum is playing compared to when I am playing. This is a statistical fact. Other factors are at play but because the evidence is so overwhelming it makes a strong case.

Also, Mr. Pocket, maybe our early wins (with me starting) has more to do with other factors besides my defense. For instance, the stellar play of Farmar, Kobe, and Bynum. Also, many of those teams were not at full strength.

Perhaps you should compare me to the Gimp (that is what we on the team call Mihm) instead—then I am not so bad. The Gimp's stats are atrocious.

Mr. Pocket, you might be confusing CORRELATION with PROBABLE CAUSALITY. It is ok--I do that all the time because I am not very bright.

And, Momma, I told you to stop posting on my blog, Mike T. is my only friend and I don’t want you ridiculing me in front of him.

For those that are curious, I will not play again until after the trade deadline because if I am not hurt then the Lakers are going to ship me to who knows where and I don’t want to leave Bynum’s shadow because his shadow allows me to be lazy.

Dave M,

Can't we just hope Kwame Brown gets traded so Mike T has nothing to talk about? According to Mike T, this would be a GREAT addition to the CAVS because he supplies what they are lacking: interior defense and they can resign him for only 5 mil next year. Sounds like to me there are positives as well!

ESPN.COM TRADE MACHINE:

Odom and Turiaf to the Kings for Artest and Abdur-Rahim

Aloha Charles

LOL

MH

Laker truth

What about a one-on-one trade? Odom for Zach Randolfh..Odom is a New Yorker or Odom, kwame for J. O'neal..

December 15th is when guys who signed contracts in the summer can be traded, right? Perhaps this is when Phil Jackson will decide to stay or go. Money is no concern, Phil could quit tomorrow and NY would sign him for $15m/year starting next year but if Phil wants to win a title, he's sitting on Kobe and an emerging Bynum. If Mike T's beloved Kwame would accept a backup role for less $ and we could get Varejao... that would be a tough, tough team. Maybe pick up a free agent over the summer? Ariza develops into our Raja Bell/Bruce Bowen? Nice!

You make an interesting argument regarding starting Mihm. But you seem to want to have your cake and eat it too. On the one had you saying starting is no big deal so lets just start Mihm (even though he sucks right now) because what really matters is the minutes they play. On the other hand you seem to think that starting does matter because you are arguing that we shouldn't start one of the most productive centers in the NBA in favor of someone that isn't even healthy. So which is it?

Also, and some point we have to ask what is more important--the quality of our bench or the quality of our starting five (which is generally the five that go against the other teams best players the most and makes the biggest impact on the game). Our starting five has struggled this year and maybe one reason for that is because two of our best players are playing on the second unit?

As a general matter, only a select few really good players come off the bench behind players that they are better than (Manu and Terry come to mind). As far as I can tell though, it only happens on championship caliber teams and the players that are starting are all-star caliber players or are otherwise cagey veterans/former all-stars. Chris Mihm is neither. I guess what I'm saying is, I don't think this team is good enough to adopt such a nuanced approach.

Amazing_Happens,

Oh yeah, that'll happen. Yeah, I hear Sacto are BIG FANS of the Lakers. Then I hear Indy is going to give us Jermaine ONeal... FOR FREE! Yes! They will pay his salary just so he can play here and and and Jason Kidd is going to sign for $1m for next year! Bank on it! Yes!

Dr. Phil bolting to N.Y.?? Wouldn't surprise me. For the life of me, I don't understand why they don't prevail much more often. The Knicks clearly possess championship talent.

2007-08 Lakers minus the Mamba and 9rings?

Sonnybelfast