Talking with Vlad Radmanovic
I don't think it's going out on a proverbial limb to say nobody -- from Laker management to the dudes hawking bootleg tees outside Staples -- was thrilled with Vlad Radmanovic's first season in purple and gold. Nor should they have been, considering what a mess everything from a preseason hand injury to Snowboardgate made of it. No surprise that Vlad's trying to forget the season ever happened and start from scratch. So far, the results have been promising: 13 ppg, 67% from behind the arc and a serious spike in general activity -- hopeful hints he'll be an important part of this year's rotation.
"He's a little more comfortable with what's going on out there," said Phil Jackson of the player he famously dubbed a "space cadet" last season. "Obviously, last season he had a terrible start and a terrible end, so he didn't really have an opportunity to perform the way he wanted to."
Jackson has also praised Vlad's size and athleticism, assets he thinks can serve the Serbian sharpshooter in a versatile fashion. The jury's still out on whether Radmanovic will seize this second chance, but he's moving in the right direction. I talked with him after Monday's practice about his increased triangular confidence, appeasing the Laker fans and "Crossing Oceans With Children," tonight's dinner-auction being held in conjunction with the Vladimir Radmanovic Children's Foundation to benefit orphaned kids in Serbia and Montenegro. Here's what he had to say.
Andrew Kamenetzky: How important was it for you, given everything that happened last season, to start out with some productive regular season games right off the bat?
Vlad Radmanovic: I'm really trying not to think about last year, in a way of "I have to come out and do this and this and this." I'm just trying to play the game in the right way. The last couple games, things have been working out -- not only for me. I think the team is playing really good basketball and that's the most important thing. It's a lot easier to play that way than when things are not working out, trying to figure out something new and how to help. If we keep playing like this, I think everybody's going to benefit from it.
AK: Do you feel more comfortable now in terms of both what's expected of you and how to make it happen?
VR: I do. It's a lot easier now than when I got into the offense, figuring out things I needed to [know] last year. It's just a simple reaction sometimes, but if you're in the wrong spot, everything's sort of screwed up. Now it's a lot easier in that way.
AK: Is it more about knowing where you're supposed to be or reading your teammates' reactions and anticipating where they're going to be?
VR: I think it's more reading your teammates, because in a game situation, it's not going to be perfect. Every once in a while, we're gonna get out of our offense, and in that situation you have to be able to read and find the best position for you and your teammates. If you don't do it, everything is out of control. You're gonna get beat on a fast break or something like that. I feel a lot more comfortable. When you really don't think about it, it's a lot easier to play the game.
AK: Have you reached that comfort level where you're not thinking as much?
VR: Yeah, definitely. I'm coming out and having fun out here.
AK: When Phil made comments about you freelancing a lot in the offense last season, was that often the result of just being confused and trying to figure it out as you go?
VR: Definitely. In a situation where you don't know what you're going to do ... [laughs]
AK: You're sort of making it up as you go?
VR: That's right. To make something happen, you make a good guess. [laughs] If it's not a good guess, you're freelancing.
AK: How frustrating is it to feel like you're constantly making the wrong guess?
VR: It's frustrating, but it's a process that you have to go through. This offense is different than anything else ever in my career. Once you get comfortable with it, you pick up the options and everything makes a lot of sense. At first when you're trying to run it, you're like, "Why are we doing this?" But it's a very good offense.
AK: Do you feel like your role is more defined right now?
VR: I think everybody knows what is expected of me and I just try to bring it out. I come out and don't think about anything else but making good plays and bringing energy into the game.
AK: From the outside looking in, you look more focused these last couple games than you did a lot of last season. Does knowing the offense and system help make you more centered?
VR: [Pause] You know, I had a "year off" last year, with all the injuries I had in the beginning of the season with a sprained finger and the snowboarding accident. Everything I went through last season, it was a nightmare. This year, like I told you, I'm just trying to come out and have fun. When you don't play for three months, watch the playoffs from the bench and then you have another four months of a break, it's really hard to just forget about it. But at the same time, you can't put too much thinking into it. You just have to come out and do your job.
AK: Do you feel a more increased confidence in yourself or more confidence from the coaching staff in you?
VR: I think it's a little bit of both. You have to feel your own confidence, but at the same time, you have to have coaches confident in you. And also your teammates. That's a big part too. It's not like you're gonna come out and OK, "Let's give this guy the ball for no reason." Things are happening when you're on the floor and everybody has faith and confidence in you. When you get an open shot, people expect that shot to go in. I know I'm not going to make 100% of my shots, but I want to be a good shooter.
AK: Phil mentioned your increased activity and liking what he saw -- you going after more rebounds, going after them with two hands and just a general effort in trying to make something happen while you're out there. Has that been something you're consciously aware of as well?
VR: I don't think too much, you know? Whether it's one hand or two hands. I'm just trying to get the ball. If I cannot get a ball, I'm trying to get the ball to one of my teammates. I'm not a "number guy." I'm not going to count my rebounds and assists and shots. I never play that way, and to be honest with you, the first time I got here is when I figured out there were "stats" in basketball. Some people play for it. I'm not one of those guys. All I really care about is playing a good game. Sometimes, things that you do on the floor, you can't see them on a piece of paper.
AK: How much does it mean to you personally to show Laker fans what you're capable of doing?
VR: It means a lot. I was the first guy that was signed [when last season's free agency period officially began]. Like I said, a lot of faith was put in me and a lot of people expected me to play well, and unfortunately, last year, things didn't happen that way. I understand the fans' point of view that if you don't perform one year, they'll forget about everything you did before that. They don't care. It's not like you have credit or anything. As a basketball player, you have to come out each and every year and show those fans you can do something you're capable of, the things that they expect you to do. This year, I'm just trying to do my best the best I can.
AK: Did you feel any extra pressure with it being your first long-term contract?
VR: Not really. I'm not playing for contracts. I'm playing basketball because I like it. I love it. Money is something that comes with it, obviously, but I'm just trying to put it on the side. Money is money, but to me, the game is something that happens every night. I'm not thinking, "Shoot! I have to do this or that because I signed this much." I'm just trying to be as good as I can and hopefully, it's going to be better and better.
AK: And your event [tonight]?
VR: I'm having a dinner-auction benefiting orphaned kids in Serbia and Montenegro. It's kind of a little program that we're going to try to run over there for those kids once they come out of orphanages. At the age of 18, they're basically on their own. Most of those kids, they never had anybody to teach them things in life and show them the right way. We're trying to put something together where they're going to be able to have a job once they come out and start a new life. This dinner and auction is going to be a good source of income for that program, and hopefully if that works out back home, we're going to start doing it out here too.
AK: Is it hard to keep tabs of what's going on back home while you're here, or do you have a pretty good pipeline for information?
VR: It's hard. I'll be honest. I don't know most of the basketball players over there now. It's not because I don't want to. It's just because I have such a busy schedule, you don't have time to pull off everything. You kind of lose track of things that are happening over there, because you live in a different country so far away. At the same time, I'm trying not to forget where I'm coming from. That's my home and that's my country. I'm trying to help it. But as much as my country needs help for kids that don't have parents, there are so many kids here also. I don't want to make any [distinction] between the kids over there and the kids here, so I'm trying to help all of them.
AK: Being here long-term could also help you make an impact in the Los Angeles community too.
VR: Definitely. And it's not only in Los Angeles.... I don't care if I'm the guy who's going to finance it or collect the money for it, but the program we're trying to do is something that I'd like to see all over the country. These kids need help, and if they don't get it, they're going to be lost in the world once they get out. Hopefully, we're going to have everything we need for this year. Serbia has 10 million people in the country. There's not as many people over there as here. It's gonna be a perfect model for future projects here. And like I said, if it works out over there, we're gonna plan it here. And if it doesn't work, we're gonna try something else.
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* KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON
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(1) NIK KANNAN
(2) MAMBA24
(3) ALEXINH017
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Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Next time ask Vlad about his defensive responsibilities and objectives. The biggest contribution he can make beyond consistent shooting is defensive presence.
Posted by: Todd | November 07, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Vlad! You shoulda stuck like glue to Peja. Jeez, watching Peja yesterday gave me nightmares of the 2002 playoffs. We really need to tighten the screws on the defensive end.
Posted by: Chris H. | November 07, 2007 at 11:44 AM
Vlad Rad, I like this guy. I think HE not Bynum or anybody else will
determine how far we go. Now that he is use to the triangle this is going
to be a dangerous guy. The Bulls had Toni Kukuc with MJ we have Vlad Rad
with Kobe and I think he will be even better. I haven't felt so good after an
interview in a while. Hold on tight folks I have a funny feeling we are
about to go on the ride of our life!
Posted by: Mamba24 | November 07, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Todd and Chris H,
I agree, this kat needs to play defense!!!! 3 3's for the 3 rd quarter.... Whoa!
Way too much.....
Peace
Charles
Posted by: Charles | November 07, 2007 at 12:06 PM
KobeSucks!
How to break it to you politely – THEY DISAPEAR FROM THE FACE OF THIS BLOG… I don’t mind to objective critique of Kobe, and you find a plenty of bloggers here including myself who will point out without problem if he was done something wrong or stupid. What majority here does not like just blatant disregard of objectivity, for example, like ‘Kobe sucks no matter what and we should trade him or bench him’ and getting on everyone nerve with it.
Posted by: LAL_Fan | November 07, 2007 at 12:19 PM
Mamba24,
"Sir, I just drive the bus that's all. Please deposit your fare and step to the rear LOL!"
LOL
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* KOBE FOR MVP BANDWAGON
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(1) NIK KANNAN
(2) MAMBA24
(3) ALEXINH017
(4) VIOLATOR
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Posted by: Violator | November 07, 2007 at 12:21 PM
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* I REMEMBER WHY WE SIGNED VLAD (BREAKOUT) BANDWAGON
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(1) VIOLATOR
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Posted by: Violator | November 07, 2007 at 12:26 PM
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VLAD RAD BREAKOUT WAGON
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(1) VIOLATER
(2) MAMBA24
Posted by: MAMBA24 | November 07, 2007 at 12:35 PM
kobesucks-
excellent post.
as for vlad rad, i couldn't help but think that this guy is well capable of lighting up the 3 point line like peja did last night on a consistent basis.
add me on that "i remember why we signed vlad" bandwagon
Posted by: sixonezero | November 07, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Kobe's defense was pretty bad yesterday. I was at the game, and yeah he made some sick blocks and good defensive plays, a lot of the reason we got burned for 3's was because he was over-playing his guy, while the rest of the Lakers were playing a different kind of defense. It kind of hurt us, but yeah, not nearly as much as Vlad when he kept helping on the penetrators.
-Ant
Posted by: EpicMess | November 07, 2007 at 12:47 PM
Good interview, but not nearly as entertaining as an interview with Medvedenko.
Posted by: Marty | November 07, 2007 at 12:49 PM
If Kobe still wants out of town I still believe the best deal will be deng, thomas, hinrich plus picks. I just don't think 24 wants to be a Laker anymore, period.
I wish he did because the Lakers are a very young and talented team and to see the best player in the nba in a different uni is just a sickening thought. I don't want kobe traded but with the bulls struggling and the lakers playing better than most expected the time to trade him would be now ( as buss has stated at the end of the day this is a business) I think even Magic is sick of this Kobe pissed at the laker brass thing.
I always felt that we will now what the lakers and bulls teams are by games 10-15. Trust that bulls roster is ripe for the picking right now.
Posted by: richtown | November 07, 2007 at 12:56 PM
Mamba24,
Put me on the list Kobe for MVP.
And add to it Kobe for MVM, Most Valuable Motivator.
If the season is successful, it will because of Kobe's shock tactics that have already had a visible effect on Andrew and Jordan. And I think most of the others. As I said, Kobe's been smokin' out the gophers, but there are still holes to fill. And that's the front office's job. Still, I think everybody (including Kobe) can accept that we need to see how the team functions as soon as Lamar gets into the rhythm.
Posted by: Tsphere | November 07, 2007 at 01:01 PM
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Golden State: 0-4
Memphis: 0-2
Minnesota: 0-3
Portland: 0-3
Seattle: 0-4
EASTERN CONFERENCE
Chicago: 0-4
Miami: 0-3
Washington:0-3
Posted by: Violator | November 07, 2007 at 01:26 PM
mamba!
i'm all about the Kobe for MVP bandwagon
and i want to be the 55th member of the Lakers Win 55 games bandwagon. remember that. not member #48 or member #54...i want to be the 55th bandwagoner.
graci
Posted by: CBuck | November 07, 2007 at 01:33 PM
RE: Chad Ford
My feelings on this are simple: you're playing a game and your life's at stake... do you want Kobe on your team on do you wanna play against him?
enough said.
Posted by: machiavelly | November 07, 2007 at 01:40 PM
this was a great interview. I think this shows that Vlad is a great "character" and not just some primadonna that wants to just score some points and go home. He has a conscience and wants to have a positive effect on the court and off. With great character guys on our team like Luke, Fish, Vlad, Ronny, that only helps to build chemistry. Like Wu Tang, Vlad is for the children.
Posted by: Richard | November 07, 2007 at 01:59 PM
AK/BK,
Hey I asked you guys this in the chat but I guessed you missed it. What do you guys think of Phil's propensity to take all five starters out and go to his bench? It's worked thus far, but it makes me a little nervous. When LO comes back I'd like to see either Kobe or LO on the court at all times.
It's something Phil used to do in the past with Jordan and Pippen and Shaq and Kobe.
Posted by: Xodus | November 07, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Xodus-
Generally, that's what PJ does when LO is healthy. Having them both off the court at the same time is more the exception than the rule. With this bunch as things currently stand, though, they might have enough ball handlers in Walton and Farmar, with a good ball moving center in Bynum to get away with it for short stretches, though.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | November 07, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Here are my observations on the coaching, not really second guesing but merely asking some questions.
Who are the accurate shooters of the Lakers? Vlad, Kobe, Fisher sometimes Sasha, Cook and this new kid, Karl. Why don't they devise a play for these guys like a double screen in order for them to see the rim clearly from where they are shooting? Hornets were doing it w/ Tyson blocking the path of fish or farmar so that Paul could operate his assists or a layup.
Secondly, who are the players who are athletic enough who could take it to the hoop? I say Kobe again, LO, Fisher, Farmar, Critt, Evans, why don't they devise a path or a play that will give them a place to run just like devising a play for the running back in NFL breaking the line of scrimmage. Kobe could do it but he's naturally gifted. These are all plays that are part and parcel of practices
Thirdly, who are our post players who love the attack the rim? I say Kobe again, Bynum, Turiaf sometimes Mihm, Kwame. If that is the case devise a play solely for inside play, they don't have to make the passes too difficult in crowded lane. I don't know but there are just too many T/O's it seems they are not communicating or not enough practice to perfect those passes or passing the ball without any passing lane or simply throwing the ball that is uncatchable.
Lastly, as you can see I left the name of Walton from those categories, what is his forte? Passing the ball, setting screens, touching the ball on blind spots. Don't you think Walton should be the facilitator in the front court not Fish or Farmar? Normally, these plays are perfected in january/february when the team becomes familiar with their games but PJ has to trust his players from veterans to rookies. If he thinks Fisher or Farmar are having problems with Paul, he should not be afraid in giving the ball to Javaris and also Karl, sometimes he won't know which one would click. On the Hornets side, Paul would be confused as he gets diferent guards with various styles from the veteran like Fish to an enthusiatic rookie, Javaris and Coby the fouls are also spread out. PJ has to harness the specialties of his veterans and things they love to do as players, while emphasizing on fundamentals to reach 70% FT shooting and putting a body armour on your man without any fouls (like the Bruins' way). If the Lakers will focus on their strenghts of each individual and covert into a team, they could go deeper in the playoffs.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 07, 2007 at 02:05 PM
So we're still that kind of team, the kind that beats anyone and looses to anyone.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | November 07, 2007 at 02:24 PM
Here's a description of today's practice:
http://my.lakers.com/blogs/2007/11/07/lakers-practice-wrap-up-1172007/#more-66
Kobe and Fish sat out scrimmaging. Kwame and Mo didn't practice. LO did and looked (and felt) good out there evidently.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 07, 2007 at 02:36 PM
Kobesucks
That Ford article was a good discussion but Ive never been a fan of those Hollinger like statistical ratings thingees and that article relies a stats.
Kobe is overated for his game winning shots and hes missed alot of them...often with a wideopen teamate around but at the same time his mere presence on the court the moments he makes his shots in the game generally and his ability in the clutch more generally surpasses that of any player.Big shots in the final 2 or 3 minutes? there no comparison.Also Kobe has shown he can do it consistently in the playoffs...His clutchness rises under pressure.This scares people.
All Fordreally says is that theres an argument about who the best player is ..and hes right.But in reality Kobe probably IS the best player and of all the guys on that short list he is certainly the most accomplished.
Most of the media and NBA have had to admit that hes the best DESPITE the fact they dont like him.That people dont want to trade for him is completely unrelated to his ability to play basketball...The whole Kobe not on the same page thing was a bit overblown.Its less about his leadership and more about the fact that the teams are constructed in certain ways...and they are very good teams teams in the trade talks as a result of his wanting to go to a very good team.If Kobe was willing to go anywhere there would be a lot more interest by teams with less to lose than Dallas.Kobe is unlikely to actually improve that team without further moves...why bother?
good article,he's a good writer...he tries to come across as objective but hes not really but he dos it better than most of these clowns.
Posted by: Kiwi | November 07, 2007 at 03:29 PM
Mamba24,
Put me on the Kobe for MVP bandwagon.
Kobesucks,
There are so many holes in that incredibaly biased article, I don't even know where to start. Like most articles about Kobe, rhere are harldly any facts, but lots of opinions. Just know that BASKETBALL people (GM's, players, and coaches) have one opinion of Kobe, the Kobe-hating media has a completely different opinion.
When BS is repeated over and over again, people (or sheep) start accepting the BS as truth. Do not mix up repetitive BS with actual facts.
Baaaaaaaa
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | November 07, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Mamba24
Put me on your kobe mvp bandwagon....I will fight the darkness and help you bring back the light the light of a championship banner.May the good lord lead us......
Posted by: WHITE MAMBA 24 | November 07, 2007 at 03:54 PM
LAKER TRUTH,
I agree that there are some things I don't agree with in Ford's piece. Like using Hollinger's PER stats. I enjoy reading Hollinger's pieces because they're informative and provide an interesting perspective. But there's certainly several flaws to them. Bruce Bowen and Shane Battier for example are considered vital pieces on two teams that are championship contenders.
But according to Hollinger, they're far below average players since, they've got about a 6 and 11 PER, respectively. Hollinger acknowledges these flaws in his system and as a result, I take his ratings with a grain of salt. It's just one way of attempting to determine who the best player in the league is.
This is why there's the old saying, "stats don't always tell the whole story."
Posted by: Xodus | November 07, 2007 at 03:56 PM
Kobesucks
Kobe Bryant plays 2 guard. That's his job. He's not the coach, owner or team psychologist. He plays offense and defense well and tries very hard every game. He earns a living comensurate with the ticket prices his team's owner is able to charge at a rate above and beyond all the other teams in the league.
He's an arrogant narcissist that has good and bad games but he's good at his job. The rest is tabloid.
Posted by: Vman | November 07, 2007 at 04:11 PM
time and again the lakers lose because of what they always called --- DEFENSE!!!
for the last couple of years, the lakers just made it to the first round because nobody can stop people like nash and barbosa...
Posted by: jonjay | November 07, 2007 at 04:12 PM
I have to fault PJ for yesterday's loss. Why? We went away from what was working so well in the first three games. Sticking Chris Mihm into the starting lineup seemed to unnerve everybody. We lost that first quarter momentum that helped us beat Phoenix and Utah.
Posted by: JC | November 07, 2007 at 04:14 PM
FUN NEWS FROM MIAMI:
from the Palm Beach Post -
Smush Parker, the free agent signee who had designs on being the starting point guard, is further than ever from that job. Riley now is viewing him as primarily a shooting guard - the third-team shooting guard behind newcomer Ricky Davis and rookie Daequan Cook. And when Dwyane Wade returns to the team, Parker will be behind him, too.
But Parker didn't complain Tuesday.
"I had a meeting with coach this morning and he said that he doesn't like the way I'm running the point or I'm running the offense," Parker said. "So I just have to put a better effort in knowing my position out there."
Parker said that when he is a point guard he has to "run the offense, get the ball to the right player and throw all the passes. And when I'm the (shooting guard) then look to be aggressive."
Posted by: Kobe's T | November 07, 2007 at 04:31 PM
"stats don't always tell the whole story." i fairly agree with that..
but there is also one "reporters always dont write the true stories"
what i have read about their columns or stories are more opinionated that it seems like they are more on speculating...than sticking it out with facts....
Posted by: jonjay | November 07, 2007 at 04:32 PM
Check this out, if we can scout this guy to play basketball then Lakers will be half way there. He's taller than Yao Ming.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21677547/
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | November 07, 2007 at 04:58 PM
Video from today's practice is up:
http://www.nba.com/lakers/multimedia/0708video.html
A little bit of scrimmaging, then interviews with PJ and LO. Some nice insight spawned by a question about "when a player should gamble on defense, go for a steal etc" where PJ discussed various situations where the timing of that is good and that last night the team's recognition of when to gamble and who to cover wasn't that great.
Is it me or do LO and Kobe look weird while they're fielding questions? Kobe's adopted a clenched jaw demeanor this year and LO is constantly looking everywhere but at the reporters. PJ looks each reporter in the eye when he's answering their questions as does Fish.
It'll be good to have LO back in the lineup Friday - if he doesn't have any setbacks. PJ said he'd probably go ahead and start him. We'll see.
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 07, 2007 at 04:59 PM
VMAN: He's an arrogant narcissist that has good and bad games but he's good at his job.
TS Eliot: Go, go, go, said the bird: human kind Cannot bear very much reality. ...
Posted by: guity | November 07, 2007 at 05:18 PM
MAMBA24!!
Would you please put me on the 60 win bandwagon
and Kobe MVP bandwagon?
And what happened to "Sasha Breakout?"
I'd surely like to be on that one.
Dude is like poor man's Steve Nash with that hair and stuff. ha ha
Trade/Waive Cook...
Posted by: justin | November 07, 2007 at 05:37 PM
whoooahh see the pasting the celtics are putting on denver???
what was it again? Ray Garnett and Pierce with a lousy supporting cast that was going to be the problem?
I just checked the box score and that supporting cast is currently 19 of 26 from the floor.... 19 of 26!
Posted by: kiwi | November 07, 2007 at 06:15 PM
Brian cook sucks.
I was soo tired of watching Paja hit those 3s I thought the guy we pay to hit 3s would hit some but guess what he this guy is the same brian cook who sucks soo bad. GET RID OF BRIAN COOK NOW!!!
Posted by: Game | November 07, 2007 at 06:55 PM
Trade Cook and Sasha for a late second-round pick Bandwagon:
Posted by: Nathaniel | November 07, 2007 at 07:53 PM
I think having Lamar Odom at the Small Forward spot will be a fantastic move for the Lakers.
Lamar Odom will create severe matchup problems for any small forward in the league. He can guard the perimeter (e.g. no more Peja Gone Wild). He can enormously improve Laker rebounding and defense. He has offense to go with his defense (being great as a perimeter shooter), which unfortunately Luke lacked (but Luke will be perfect as a backup).
This will allow Kobe to pose severe match up problems at the shooting guard spot.
Other teams having much more difficulty double-teaming Kobe with reliable scorers in Lamar, Andrew, Derek, and even Ronnie as starters. The bench will be even better with Luke, Rad, Farmar, Maurice, and Kwame as very reliable players.
With Lamar as a new offensive threat and a great defensive player, this will free up the other players, including Kobe. Andrew will be more free to improve his offense and his defense.
With everyone healthy, this is a very talented and deep team - better than any other team that Kobe can be traded to (hint to Kobe). It has enough talent - I think - to contend for a champioinship. And it will only get better.
Kobe has to remember that Michael Jordan did not win his first championship until he was 28 years-old. It takes time to build a championship team. With a great team, which the Lakers can develop into, Kobe can contend for a championship into his late 30s, or longer if he wants.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: James Katt | November 07, 2007 at 07:56 PM
Kiwi,
But were they quality shots? Just because they went in doesn't mean that they were quality shots.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 07, 2007 at 07:58 PM
Good players make others around them better.
That's just basketball. When the defense constantly has to rotate and double team multiple players then it's just a matter of catching a pass and hitting an open shot or lay-up.
Are you surprised that the Celtic role players would fare well? They have THREE top tier players! The defense cannot check all three. The role players may not be stars, but being good enough to be in the NBA they should be able to catch a pass and hit an open shot. This should be a lesson for us all, you get two or especially three top tier players and the level of play for everyone elevates creating a much stronger team. PJ's Bulls always had three top players.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | November 07, 2007 at 08:04 PM
James Katt,
"With everyone healthy, this is a very talented and deep team"
The Lakers still have too many players who are not multi-dimensional to be contenders:
Only Bryant and Odom don't have significant weaknesses; you could probably put Fisher with them, but while he doesn't have glaring weaknesses, overalll he is mediocre at best. The other players can all be attacked, either offensively or defensively. Hopefully that will change for at least most of them as they gain in experience and work on their games.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | November 07, 2007 at 08:44 PM
At what point are the Clippers trolls going to start rolling in?
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 07, 2007 at 08:53 PM
In case you guys were interested, Jack Nicholson talks about, Kobe and the Lakers and other things...
http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1573487/20071105/story.jhtml
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | November 07, 2007 at 09:09 PM
At what point are the Clippers trolls going to start rolling in?
Posted by: lakers_sth | November 07, 2007 at 08:53 PM
How 'bout those Clips, haha
But just goes to show - superstar-shmuperstar..
Posted by: HAB | November 07, 2007 at 11:05 PM
I'm getting a sese the Lakers will win 10 in a row... Mark my words on this one... I'll post again after the 10th game....
Posted by: Gino | November 07, 2007 at 11:42 PM
guity
TS Eliot no less. I felt a disturbance in the force as the blog was elevated for a moment by your post and then recoiled, back to the mundane.
A poet that requires fluency in Greek, Latin and a cursory knowledge of his personal friends, is transparent compared to the complexity and nuance that is #24.
Posted by: Vman | November 08, 2007 at 12:01 AM
MTV: Let's get the important stuff out of the way. What do you make of the situation with Kobe Bryant? You are, after all, the most famous Lakers fan in the world.
Nicholson: I'm also a Yankees fan. The implosion of these organizations is what's driving me crazy. I just want to see ballgames and be entertained. Kobe is a great player. Of course I want him to stay here. But being a fan I know we have a lot of good players here. I've seen them play together well for stretches. Potentially we're a lot better than people think. However, it is about the organization. Look at the Celtics. That's nothing but good management. They got a player I wish the Lakers had drafted, Gabriel Pruitt. He shut down every point guard he played in the NCAA, and that's the player the Lakers need really. I have followed sports since World War II. And when it comes up that they can't play together because they don't like one another, it's like, what? Give us a break! They wouldn't have this problem if Jerry West was there because they respected him.
Posted by: dice8up | November 08, 2007 at 02:43 AM
this just show how many her were mistaken... the problem with the lakers is the management... not KOBE, nor shaq, nor anyone from the roster... management just couldn't get thier act together.
Posted by: dice8up | November 08, 2007 at 02:45 AM