One down, three to go

D Fish gets a technical!

Film at 11.

I think it's pretty safe to say the Lakers WIN when Bynum plays. There is more than one way to skin a cat Mike.

Kareem won championships with his style. So can Bynum.

I think we can finally put the argument to rest. Kwame is going to have to work hard when he comes back to prove himself.

The difference between shots going in and not is the difference between love and hate. Crazy way to make a living.

Sasha, the practice shooter, may have crossed over in his contract year.
His quick release and length, makes him a serious threat.

Inside to out, the more attention he and Andrew demand, the freer Kobe roams.

I want to give props to Mitch (cupcake) Kupchak

All the horrible things that were said. All the bad trades people want him to make and he stood firm. He stayed calm when the media and some fans were being impatient saying we need to bring in some magical veteran. The problem was, none of the magical veterans really gave a damn about anything other max deals. He never is too specific when he answers questions about the team, and that is also commendable. And when Kobe went around on all the talk shows embarrassing himself and degrading the Laker organization, Mitch handled things perfectly. I dont think that we could have a better G.M. than Mitch. We have an exciting team now, we're not salary cap strapped, and we have a team that will continue to grow for many years to come.

For all the Kobe haters, that say that all Kobe does is jack up shots . . .

Kobe leads all Shooting Guards in the following categories;

Rebounds
Assists
Steals
Blocks
and points per game . . .

I guess you really make it, once people start hating on you . . .

Kobe is far and away the best all-around player in the NBA, the best scorer and one of the best perimeter defenders. His work ethic is second to none. And his ability to be clutch is unquestioned . . .

where he doesnt excel, is his:
talent evaluation (but playing with jason kidd over some rookie who up until then had shown no passion)
propensity to shoot outside the offense (every player in the L does it, doesnt make it right but understandable esp when ur the absolute best)
off court decision making (enough said)

where he is getting better:
on court decsion making and leadership
--- this season he makes a conscious decision to get baby B involved, also he does his best to hit the open cutter. His leadership is in his drive to succeed, with the right mix of players around him, it is infectious. With certifiable cancers, (ie smush, kwame). Some players thrive under pressure (ie. farmar, fish)

~SA

Also I want to point out that this is the happiest I've seen Kobe and the Lakers in a long time. IF we stay healthy, watch out!

I'm glad Kobe stayed. I doubted Bynum and Sasha. I feel Luke plays in better rhythm if he starts. (Though I still feel his defense is a problem).

AK/BK,

Sorry I won't be able to call at 11 pm, I'm still in the office then.

Can anybody confirm that Kwame has a trade kicker in his contract?

Hate to start this early but since we don't use Kwame and Mihm, any conjured trade scenarios for that PF weed need?

Bynum is now #9 in blocks..

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/statistics?stat=nbablocks&league=nba&sort=blks&season=2008

Cleveland and Philly are not teams we can sleep on. Knicks are struggling, but teams look to beat up on the Lakers all the time - even when we are not necessarily the cream of the crop. Each of the teams we are going to play is desperate to start building momentum, so we have to be prepared to match their intensity.

Again, Mike T makes our case about Bynum:

>>"I saw the game and watched Wallace and Gray deny Bynum position all game long. Most of Bynum's points were off of put backs and lobs when Wallace and Gray left him to cover for their teammates."

All of which is already far more than we could ever hope from Kwame "The Walking Injury" Brown. There's simply no way Kwame ever pulls off any of that -- and definitely not on a consistent basis.

>>"Actually, I watched that, too. Gray did an excellent job on Bynum in the first half. The gamble was reasonable. Bynum got the majority of his numbers, points, in the 4th quarter."

Someone want to explain to me why it matters WHEN he got his numbers? Point is, he got them. Not only that, but it would seem to pose a problem for the Mike T Theory on Bynum's Lacking Strength and Endurance that Bynum was able to be effective so late in the game, and after so many minutes.

In fact, I was extremely pleased with it, because it showed another step in Bynum's progression, in two ways. First, it's the first time (in my recollection, anyways) that I saw Bynum being so effective so late in the game, and after playing so many minutes (usually he's effective early on, and then less so later in the game -- don't know if that's because of him, or because his teammates forget to keep going to him). And second, he had missed his first 4 shots, and then didn't take a shot for quite a while, but he brought it back and hit all of the rest of his shots -- 5 in a row. That's a situation where a young, inexperienced player could easily get discouraged, down on himself, etc., and never manage to get out of that funk. At the very least, he might find himself reluctant to shoot. Instead, Andrew regained his confidence, showed some mental toughness, and got back on track by hitting all 5 of the rest of his shots. Very impressed.

>>"I saw Wallace and Gray focus on Bynum and deny him position. They did a pretty good job. But in the end the Bulls aren't physical enough to maintain it for 4 quarters."

You're making the case for Bynum again, Mike. What you're saying is that these guys played him well, but he wore them down and eventually got the better of them. That's basically saying he won the matchup. So on the one side, you go on and on about how he's not strong enough to get position, but on the other, you say that the Bulls weren't physical enough to handle him for 4 quarters (and if Ben Wallace isn't strong, I'm not sure who is). So you're saying that in 40 minutes of play, Bynum actually won the physical battle against a tag team of Wallace AND Gray -- 2 on 1 -- and wore them down to the point that he got the better of them in the 4th quarter. Well, gee... sure sounds to me like he got the better of them, and not only with his length, since, as you say, they weren't physical enough to play him well for 4 quarters.

Also, that pokes another hole (once again) in your Strength & Stamina rhetoric. If Bynum is so weak, and so lacking in stamina, endurance, etc., then how was he able to win the physical battle against BOTH Wallace AND Gray? Seems to me like he might not be as weak, or easily tired, as you seem to think. Thanks for pointing that out for us.

I'm going to say this again: I'm not saying Bynum has reached a status of "Greatness" yet. I am saying he is very good. I am saying greatness is just inches away. And I am saying that he is way, WAY better than Kwame "Duh... what?" Brown. In fact, I'm saying that he has single handedly transformed Kwame Brown into nothing more than near future cap space.

And (wait for it!)... Doo-doo doo doo dooooo... I'm loving it!

How can Kwame go to practice every day, see Andrew and Kareem working together, and not at least go and see what's up?

What's going on here? I doubt Kareem is pushing Kwame away.

Kareem is the greatest center of all time. What the hell is up with that? How can Kwame be such a bozo?

I'd like to hear what Kwame has to say about that.

OK, here's my thing with Bynum.

Remember over the last 2 years that I said the Phoenix Suns would never win the Championship because they play gimmic basketball? I said that because:

1. They don't play strong enough defense.
2. Teams don't play defense against them in the regular season.

That's what is happening to Bynum.

1. On defense he doesn't deny position. I say that when teams adjust to his shot blocking ability they will start slashing to the basket and the lay-up parade will resume. The short-handed Clippers didn't take advantage of it. And the short Chicago Bulls had Ben Wallace as their offense center.

2. On offense. Teams aren't really focusing on him. What that means is that we're not going to get a true read until teams focus on him. When teams focus on him then we'll see the truth of the matter.

What I'd like to see is teams play defense against the Lakers because it's the only way we'll see where the Lakers really are. When we can beat teams that are actually playing defense against us then we know that we're really good.

Until then, I say it's false gold that we watching. I say that because people are calling for Bynum to get more touches in the post. I say that's a mistake because he's not that good at creating his own shot. Most of Bynum's points come from cleaning up misses and alley oop lobs to the basket. That's not a bad thing but it's a far cry from receiving an entry pass, making a move to the basket, and finishing.

Give Bynum the entry pass on a consistent bases and you'll be crying for his head.

But for the last two games on the defensive side of the game Bynum has been getting a lot of blocked shots. So I do give credit where credit is due. Now if it lasts for the rest of the season then we have something really special on our hands.

But if it doesn't last for the rest of the season then what we have on our hands is a Marcus Camby or Tyson Chandler type player on defense. What that mean is this: He'll get his blocks and rebounds but in time he'll give up plenty of points in the paint. And that will lead to being a bubble team or 2nd teir team at best.

I base that opinion of the fact that Bynum gives up position too easily.

mike

That reminds me of the most rediculous news promo I ever saw: "Why Americans get less sleep. Tonight at 11!"

How the hell Kwame prove himself when he doesn't even try hard to get back in to the game.

Mike T,

It doesn't matter. Kareem won championships and he was skinnier than Bynum is. They have a different style of playing defense and it still is effective. When Bynum struggles this year it will be because of his lack of experience/

Got to see "The Show" in person last night and here are a few observations that wouldn't have been able seen on television.

The Good: Bench play. We've seen it all year, but what impressed me most was their play off defense. The bench created so many turnovers last night with all hustle plays. second chance points were also a factor since as LO and Bynum ruled the boards.
It was also good to see Kobe's demeanor with his teammates on the bench. I saw a couple of times where he got up and cheered Bynum and Ariza on after good hustle plays and put-backs. It's good to see KB24 smiling again.
These guys are better than expected. I was listening to ESPN radio and the praise for the team (title contenders!) and for Bynum(all-star for the next 15 years) coming from Chicago fans iis unheard of. Baiscially if your first name isn't Michael, and your last name isn't Jordan Bulls fans don't give up any complliments.
The Bad: LO. I know he had a double double, but it's these glimmers of what he can be that frustrate Laker fans. If this guy played like this every game, we would truly be the 4th best team in the West. DFish couldn't shoot a ball into Lake Michigan, and Bynum has to learn to play through the calls. Too much complaining like Kobe does after every foul. that doesn't bode well for a long careeer if he's considered a whiner as a 20 year old.
Overall: It was good to see the guys live here. The triangle offense was moving to perfection and the bench is shooting with confidence. Are we a top 4 seed? Not sure yet. If we can go 4-0 on this trip, and manage to beat Phoenix on Tuesday, I''ll be a believer. We need to stay healthy first and most importantly. If we could also drop Kwame's expiring contract for a proven vet wothout giving up LO, Bynum, or Kobe, that would put us into the top tier teams. Overall I say to be patient with this team, and we're one key move away right now. Better than I thought.

That picture is great of Sasha. It looks like he just took out that Bull with a huge bash to the head - while in mid-flight!

Tucker -

That was an excellent post...

I will save you some frustration though. There is no use in trying to argue your valid points with someone who uses quotes and speculation to make their points seem credible. A certain someone on this blog, is a spin doctor and gets way too much attention for it. Just ignore his/her posts unless you want to have a laugh.

Tucker,

I agree with your Bynum analysis. Mike T's arguments make no sense. I know, he knows it, everyone knows it. The only reason we read his posts is for "entertainment" value not "educational" value. Mike is my only fan in this world, the poor guy.

Bynum is an amazing player and his hard work is paying enormous dividends. If he keeps it up there will be no stopping him. In sum, Bynum is everything I am not.

Rocky,

I don't work out with Kareem and Bynum for two reasons. First, I have no interest in becoming a better basketball player. Second, even if I did, I simply don't enjoy working hard or doing things that are difficult.

I would much prefer to be a bench/injured player rooting on the guys. That way I can hit the clubs and do my thing without pissing off Kobe--I get really upset when Kobe glares at me for being a sissy or puts panties in my locker at Staples. I even cry sometimes when he does that.

I like being this rich without having to do anything to earn that money, why is that so confusing to everyone? I mean, earning millions without doing anything is like winning the lottery just because I am seven feet talk and have big calves. I even got to skip learning stuff and studying at college, even though I still hit the local campuses to work my female game.

Injury Report:

Even though I didn't travel with the team on this road trip, I've been able to get out of working with the trainer because I hurt my head when I hit it on my door frame at home. I can be so clumsy sometimes. I really don't expect to play until after the trade deadline so don't get your hopes up for a speedy return, and no, my hands haven't gotten any bigger.

Go Lakers!

"Marcus Camby or Tyson Chandler type player on defense."

A Marcus Camby type player on defense? Oh, the horror!!

Couple moments nice to notice and I like about this game

Odom.. I was one of harshest critics of LO and looks like he is rounding unto game shape. Granted, he is not going to be reliable 20-10 guy (I believe this is a Garnet stats) But I take 16-10 everygame without jacking up like a crazy 3pt shots.

Sasha.. A lot of laughs I hope thing of the past. I would like to see more consistency, like more 10+ pts game, but with him, Vlade, and Farmar we're becoming a very dangerous team, bearing in mind Kobe commanding double team esp in 4th quarter.

Drew.. Did not like his game at the beginning but he sure pick it up toward the end and got his numbers. As more team recognize how gifted and dangerous he is in the paint, they will start to collapse on him and it sure will open up things for our shootters, assuming some extra pass should be made.

Weren't we supposed to go on a long losing streak when Kwame got injured?
I could have sworn that I read that somewhere on this blog!?!?!?

False gold or fools gold is believing that Kwame Brown is a "warrior and future champion".
If Kwame Brown EVER wins a championship, he will have NOTHING to do with it happening.
He will never play a full season, never lead the league in any statistical category, never make the all defensive team, and never make the all-star team Not bad for a NUMBER ONE pick though. I don't care about his "BIG BODY".

Kevin Duckworth, Oliver Miller, Tractor Taylor, Mark Eaton, Charles Barkley, Charles Oakley, Rik Smits, Xavier McDaniel, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing,(just to name a few) all had Big Body's and forced their opponents off the block and didn't ever win a championship.

MikeT,

I understand where you are coming from on the Bynum/Kwame thing.

When you talk about giving up position, are you referring to the fact that whoever Bynum is guarding is able to push him around so that their slashers can take it to the rack?
If so, isn't that something that we should be able to overcome with better team defense?
After all, there aren't that many teams that have solid centers, right? Even Tim Duncan is more lean than muscular.

Also, do you think that Kwame can ever become an effective contributor on offense?

Weren't we supposed to go on a long losing streak when Kwame got injured?
I could have sworn that I read that somewhere on this blog!?!?!?

False gold or fools gold is believing that Kwame Brown is a "warrior and future champion".
If Kwame Brown EVER wins a championship, he will have NOTHING to do with it happening.
He will never play a full season, never lead the league in any statistical category, never make the all defensive team, and never make the all-star team Not bad for a NUMBER ONE pick though. I don't care about his "BIG BODY".

Kevin Duckworth, Oliver Miller, Tractor Taylor, Mark Eaton, Charles Barkley, Charles Oakley, Rik Smits, Xavier McDaniel, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing,(just to name a few) all had Big Body's and forced their opponents off the block and didn't ever win a championship.

KWAME BROWN,

Thanks for the response. I guess that explains it. haha

great win by the Lakers..Bynum dominated and he is improving in every game he plays! i hope the refs don't blow foul calls against the Lakers when Lebronze gets tapped.

Mike T,

I enjoy reading your posts, but you have to stop with the Bynum skepticism. Your going to lose your credibility. If Bynum had gone to college, he would still be a junior.

This team is playing together for the first time, and it is exciting to watch. It seems that they get along and it shows on the court.

I'm glad to see the youngsters starting to contribute.

Take this for what it is worth. The Hollinger Power ranking has us 3rd in the NBA (1st in the West):
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/powerranking

The Hollinger Power odds have us as the best in the west and a 27.9% chance to make the NBA Finals.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/playoffodds

I don't put much into these, but they are still fun to look at.

Go Lakers!!!

great win by the Lakers..Bynum dominated and he is improving in every game he plays! i hope the refs don't blow foul calls against the Lakers when Lebronze gets tapped.

zen,

"It doesn't matter. Kareem won championships and he was skinnier than Bynum is..."

Kareem also had the most devestating shot in the history of the NBA, too.

Kareem could create his own shot to the tune of at least 25 points a game. And Kareem couldn't win a thing without Oscar Robinson and Magic Johnson.

This is different because what we have here is a Kobe Bryant orientated team. Our main source of scoring isn't the 5 spot. It's the 2 spot. The day we focus on Bynum for scoring off enty passes...we're done!

I followed Kareem's career from his last season at UCLA throughout his professional career. Kareem was a great scorer. Kareem was the offensive focus most of his career. Kareem was money in the bank with an entry pass when we needed a score. But until he was surrounded by excellent players Kareem couldn't win anything but MVP awards.

Michael Jordan on the other hand made Scottie Pippen. The rest of the players weren't really scorers. They were defenders and rebounders. They had Kukos for outside shooting like we have Rad and Sasha.

You can't compare Bynum with Kareem because:

1. Bynum can't do what Kareem did and if he could he would be the focus of the team.

2. This team is more like the Bulls than like showtime Lakers.

It's Kobe's team.

mike

AK/BK,

I guess you won't get sued for characterizing Cleveland as a "struggling" team due to their record, but a lot of the poor record comes as a result of Lebron missing a number of games. I saw Cleveland dismantle Boston on November 27 and I will be very surprised if the Lakers have an easy time of it in Cleveland. Not that I think the Lakers can't win, just that Cleveland doesn't really match my idea of being part of an "easy" road trip....

Isn't Marcus Camby the reigning defensive player of the year? I wouldn't mind if Andrew Bynum starts winning that award.

This says it all about the "WARRIOR":

Christmas isn't coming early for Kwame Brown.

He was supposed to travel on the Lakers' upcoming four-game trip, but Coach Phil Jackson decided against it because Brown "couldn't get on the floor and practice with us yet."

He has been trying to recover from injuries and boredom since Chicago center Ben Wallace tumbled into his left knee and ankle on Nov. 18. He has missed 14 games with moderate sprains and was acerbic when told he would apparently be skipping another trip -- which also meant more one-on-one workout time with athletic performance director Chip Schaefer.

"Usually Chip stays back and works out the guys . . . but you don't want to stay back with Chip. It's no fun," Brown said. "Whatever part of your body that's not hurting, you will work it."

This coming from not only a professional, but a number one pick...
Kobe should want to ship Kwame's a$$ out. I mean Kobe gets hurt and what des he do? He gets round the clock treatment, doesn't sleep and continues to work on his game(shooting jumpers at 9am last Sunday before the Lakers played the Clips), and PLAYS hurt.
What does Kwame do? He practically begs PJ to go on the road trip so he can have a week off and party in Chicago, Philly and the Big Apple.
How can anyone root for this guy???

KWAME BROWN IS A JOKE AND A DISGRACE TO THE LAKER UNIFORM!!!

I hope he is gone soon. The team has improved immensely without Smush and Cook, guys with bad energy, that hinder other peoples progress.
Kwame was just standing in Bynum's way!

Neerav,

"I enjoy reading your posts, but you have to stop with the Bynum skepticism. Your going to lose your credibility."

Actually my credibility comes from "calling it" before it happens. I would lose my credibilty if I didn't point these things out.

What I'm pointing out is this: Teams will start with the lay-up parades, again, because Bynum can't deny position. He'll still get his blocks but teams will adjust.

On offense teams will start to focus on Bynum and he'll become less effective and at that point it will be all about Bynum's defense.

I'll lose my credibility if that doesn't happen.

mike

Does anybody realize that without Sasha the Lakers probably lose to the Bulls and the Clippers? I've always rooted for Sasha, but I never thought he would be our savior. Go Sasha!!!!! Maybe Sasha can play small forward in place of Luke?

Roger

"But we also know that in the course of only ONE summer, he has beefed up and increased in strength and stamina in a MAJOR way. This isn't about tonight's game. It's not that urgent. What it's about is the fact that, while it is true that he still has developing to do, the big surprise is that it actually looks like it will happen on Kobe's timetable. That doesn't have to be tonight. It just needs to be soon. And clearly, it will be. Soon enough, anyway.

So, talk all you want about how Bynum still lacks leg strength, how he's not getting position, blah blah blah. The rest of us will talk about the vast leap he's made over last year (which, itself, was a huge leap over the previous year), and the huge and quick progress he's likely to make in the very near future."

Excellent Post from you.

My onlu point is that it IS possible to win a championship when guys are bigger and stronger than you down low..You are making it sound like Bynum has no chance.

Bynum needs the ball more in the post. They try to find him with lobs too much. He can score with his jump hook off anyone in there.

I had said in the beginning of the year that Sasha looked like the most improved because he is fighting for his life in a contract year.He will average 10-15 points a game this year...Sasha reminds me of a poor man's Ginoboli. If he can just get a little tougher and penetrate more, he will be good.

With so many ridiculous statements in Mike T's last comment I don't know where to begin. Lets try this one for fun:

"But until he was surrounded by excellent players Kareem couldn't win anything but MVP awards."

That statement applies to anyone that has ever won a title. Teams don't win titles unless they have great players. To try and bring down Kareem b/c he didn't win titles by himself is just ignorant.

How about this one:

"Michael Jordan on the other hand made Scottie Pippen."

Wow, another classic line used by people that don't know much about basketball or that never actually watched Scottie Pippen play. Scottie was one the best all around talents the NBA has ever seen and he would have been a great player with or without Michael.

Or how about this wonderful statement:

"Bynum can't do what Kareem did and if he could he would be the focus of the team."

Way to compare a 20 year old to argubly the greatest center ever. Bynum is just as good as Kareem was at 20 and if you really watched Kareem like you say you did and/or you didn't have a man crush on Kwame and be biased against Bynum then you would know that.

And this beauty:

"It's Kobe's team."

Thanks for clearing that up for us Sherlock. Doesn't change the fact that Bynum is the 12th most PRODUCTIVE PLAYER IN THE ENTIRE NBA PER 48 MINUTES.

Fact is, Mike, Bynum does thing on the basketball court that Kwame can only do in his wet dreams. But go ahead, keep coming up with these crazy ideas about how much Bynum hurts our team because his rebounds and block shots are the result of his bad defense. You have no idea what you are talking about and everyone on this blog knows that.

We are laughing AT you, not WITH you.

I love the way lakers are playing know and Im hoping we could get something for Kwame's Expiring Contract.... Im kinda weary cuz I wouldnt want to mess with their chemistry...But I was playing with ESPN trade machine and I came up with a couple of trades that would work, But not sure if they would ever happen, just kinda ones that make the most sense because all lakers should offers is expiring contracts of Kwame, Mihm, or maybe ARiza

#1. Kwame, Mihm for Pau Gasol
This would give Lakers a Legit PF to battle inside along with Bynum, extra scoring threat. BUT, his contract (14 mil/ 3 years remain after this year) would keep us strapped for 2 more years until odom comes off books. This would give memphis about 12 mil of salary coming off books

#2 Kwame, Mihm, for Artest
This would allow Artest to cover up best player, or rotate with kobe, Would make us much better defensively, Another scoring threat in post... But we'd be getting a knucklehead who could blow up anyday... Sac gets expiring contracts...

I don't think those Hollinger rankings account for the injuries San Antonio has had to sustain. Right now, I'd put their odds somewhere around 60% to make it to the finals. I'd put Phoenix somewhere around 20% (maybe I'm being too generous to them, and too stingy to the Hornets).

What I liked about the Machine's interview last night is that he mentioned their focus this year is defense.

In other interviews, Sasha has said "the important thing is that the fans got tacos"... at the time I thought he was just being silly and playing to the fans. Well, after his interview last night, it dawned on me that he was dead serious. He wants taco games. You get taco games by playing defense.

I know they have a lot of room to improve defensively, and that's the GOOD news... this means our team can and most likely WILL get better as the season progresses.

Sasha having two solid games in a row. I like this.
More evidence that the Cook/Evans trade was successful on numerous levels. It meant more minutes for Sasha & Critter (who wasn't even dressing for games before the trade), and of course Ariza.

Whether we keep Sasha or not, his effort has been noted. He's trying hard, and he continues to play like this, great... and if he doesn't, great too because he's raising his value with every solid performance.

All this chatter about Bynum vs. Kwame.

Let me tell you something, Kwame makes as much money as Kobe on a per game basis. If you made as much money as Kobe on a per game basis, would you change anything? In fact, I haven't tallied out the numbers from the last two seasons, but Kwame might actually have a higher pay rate than Kobe.

I think that ends the Bynum vs. Kwame debate.

Lamar is more of a garbage man type of player. If he can clean up the boards and have a lot of put backs and coast to coast plays, great. His problem has always been consistency. We all KNOW Lamar can do it. The question has always been, will he do it?

I'm hoping so.

What's this talk about Kobe, his lack of leadership, his hoisting up bad shots, and such? YES, Kobe has been taking some horrible shots lately. Not all his shots, maybe 5-8% of his shots have been horrible. I've noticed more of them since that quadricep pull. Kobe needs to plug the leaks, and the team needs to plug the leaks in their offense too. He brings effort, intensity, desire, and still the most potent perimeter game in the league. It doesn't make him immune to constructive criticism, but most of the criticism hasn't been very constructive.

Right now, our play *should* have us at a 7 game win streak. I'm not too upset about the GSW game (I am as a fan, but objectively, we win that game 8 out of 10 times)... poor coaching, Kobe injury, poor clock management... fix the leaks and we win that game easy.

I've already noticed they're making an effort to plug those leaks. They managed the clock last night with deliberate thought.

Defense, defense, defense... this is why I'm hopeful for our team... their mind is finally in the right place, DEFENSE.

Still, Kwame does have the highest pay rate of anyone on our team. Anyone want to argue about that one?

Laker Los,

Thanks for putting in the time for a trade. I'd take either... Right now I feel the most benifical is the Gasol Trade.

"Isn't Marcus Camby the reigning defensive player of the year?"

Yes he is, as a matter of fact. Voted on by the media. But when it comes down to it he can't guard Tim Duncan. And Denver is in the top 6 in giving up points. If you heard the Denver announcers, last season, you would know that the Nuggets were giving up points in the paint like crazy. Even now they aren't considered a defensive team.

A lot of what I say about Bynum is based on what I just wrote, too. I've studied it! Marcus Camby gets blocked shots and rebounds because of his length.

But right now the Nuggets aren't better off with Camby as the defensive player of the year. You would think that with Anthony and Iverson they would be unbeatable with the Defensive Player of the Year. But they are beatable. In fact they're one of the worst defensive teams in the league.

I have studied Marcus Camby and Andrew Bynum. Mark my words...Bynum is false defensive gold just like Camby is false defensive gold, too.

mike

The ESPN trade machine says this will work and also said it could be the greatest trade scenario ever inserted into the machine's nano sized hole that leads to its brain.

Kupchak wouldn't make the trade last year, Bynum for Kidd.

But, I have to say now is the time to pull the trigger and trade Bynum straight up for a sleeper, unknown guard named Smush Parker.

He's available for the taking from Miami and could be the final ingredient necessary to push the Lakers over the top.

That trade would make me finally forget the Kwame/Butler fiasco.

Mike T, you're saying you followed Kareem's career from his last season at UCLA throughout his professional career? and yet, didn't you also say you were recently in prison or ??? was that a joke? Jabbar was at UCLA in 1969, which would put you at 60 years old or damn close??? With the prison thing, I just assumed you were a kid but... I'm trying to get a handle on where you're coming from. Nobody can figure out this love affair you have with Kwame. Yes, everybody appreciates the power game he can bring but the dude... is a stiff, a functional stiff, more useful than most stiffs because we can use him defensively and for setting picks but still... a stiff...

If you saw Jabbar play, how can you possibly say Kwame couldn't learn anything from him? Jabbar played against ALL of the great Centers for a couple of decades including Wilt Chamberlain. Jabbar certainly studied them and knows the game probably better than anyone else alive... and yet... he can't teach Kwame a thing because Kwame is a power Center? You do realize how ludicrous that sounds?

It seems clear with Bynum's minutes being pushed up that the Lakers are seeing if Bynum can carry more of a full time load, if so, that frees them up to trade Kwame for something interesting. I'm thinking Kwame gets inserted in the starting lineup when he comes back and the Lakers showcase him a little, feed him the ball a few extra times/game to possibly get him some double-doubles, you'll be going crazy and then POOF! you'll wake up one morning and... no more Kwame... what will you do? LOL!

Dude who cares about Lebron?!

Mike T,
Your forgetting a couple things..Isn't the best defense a good offense? Bynum is light years ahead of Camby on the offensive side too.

Mike T.

Giving up position is a matter of strength, and skill. Kwame is like a brick wall. Bynum has a difficult time holding his position and keeping players out of the paint b/c he isn't that strong right now, and still lacks the skill. However, if the past is any indicator, his strength will continue to improve, as well as his skill, as you have seen his overall defense improve - #9 in blocks, changing shots, etc. Remember Rodman, he could keep Shaq from getting position sometimes, partly b/c of strength, but also a great deal of skill.

As far as feeding Bynum in the post. I think when we he can be effective at this is when we become a top tier team, along with the defense we've discussed. But looking at the season, feeding Bynum in the post has been benificial. He has very good court vision, good instincts and makes very good passes that lead to assists, or a subsequent assist. Also, his post game seems to improve from week to week. Do you remember that post-feed against GS, where he baby hooked from about 5 feet. He also has developed a good drop step, and now it looks like an up and under.

Buy you know what's really funny? When I point these defensive things out about Bynum you people start with the Kwame bashing.

I have to laugh at that because I know it's not really Kwame that you dislike.

It's me that you dislike and you think that by bashing Kwame I'll get upset or something. LOL!

You people are really funny! LOL!

But I count on you to say dumb things otherwise I couldn't be mike t.

That's what separated me from the rest of you. You worship false gold. And I break the game down to its finest details.

mike

Jabbar got abused by Moses Malone. Kareem couldn't handle the Malone body type. Kareem can't teach the Malone body type. That's why I said Kareem couldn't teach Kwame too much. Because of the body type.

mike

Mr. Teniente-

Do you allow guests at your Laker study sessions?

Mike T,
Your comments about position defense are not as relevant as you believe. I'll take a shot blocker over a position defender every day of the week.

How does Bynum's position defense correlate to a "layup parade?" If you are saying that Bynum allows his man to establish position too close to the basket, then I would argue that his height and length to alter shots more than make up for any "position" deficiency. You make the arguement that opposing players will somehow adjust to his shot blocking ability and somehow make layups around and over him... how? How can you adjust to a shot blocker? I'll take a shot blocker who can alter every drive into the lane versus a guy who plays good one on one position defense. How do you adjust to a position defender? Ball movement. If you catch a position defender out of position, he gets dunked on. If you catch a shot blocker out of position, he can still alter the shot.
I haven't seen Bynum get abused defensively by anyone this year. My biggest complaint about him is his pick and roll defense. Last night he was huffing and puffing at the end of the first quarter and didn't even attempt to contest a jumper by Heinrich.
PJ needs to rotate him in and out more to keep him fresh.
On offense, Bynum still needs work. But so did Dwight Howard last year.

All in all, I'd take Bynum every day of the week and twice on Sunday over Kwame (Elden Campbell reincarnated) Brown. Brown's basketball IQ is on par with a 7th grader. You can see the wheels turning on every play: "Where am I supposed to be on this play?" "I hope I don't drop the ball out of bounds because Kobe will never pass me the ball again." Kwame may have a stronger lower body than Bynum, but his help defense is horrible.

If you have any question, then take a look at Hollinger's PER. Bynum is #8 on the list of centers, though if you take out the power forwards like Tim Duncan out of that list, then he is #3, with only Dwight Howard and Yao Ming ahead of him (Boozer, Duncan, Amare, Bosh, and Al Jefferson are true 4s).

Jabbar got abused by Moses Malone. Kareem couldn't handle the Malone body type. Kareem can't teach the Malone body type. That's why I said Kareem couldn't teach Kwame too much. Because of the body type.

mike

Mike T. writes:

"But I count on you to say dumb things otherwise I couldn't be mike t."

This is just downright bizarre.

Mike T.,

Interesting point about body type. Do you really think he has the same body type as Kareem? There is definitely similarities, but it seems Bynum's body structure is a bit differen from kareem where he can still develop some lower and upper body stength b/c I was worried about this too. The reason I ask is Bynum is already able to be a more physica player than Kareem, and is throwing down some dunks when bodies that Kareem could not do.

Also, what are your thoughts about my comments feeding Bynum at the post position?

Mike T, you're comparing Kwame and Moses Malone? Are you getting into your Christmas cheer too early? No, they didn't really have the same body type, and Kwame is NOTHING like Moses Malone. That's ridiculous.

I mean, Malone could catch the ball, and he was skilled. That's a big difference right there.

Very few players could handle the Moses Malone body type. That's like saying player X can't handle Shaq's body type. NO ONE can handle that. I doubt anyone is putting Bynum in that category. But Bynum is cleary better than Kwame Brown on both the defensive and offensive side of the ball.

LOL! So... Jabbar didn't learn anything from his experiences with Malone? I mean... do you remember a few weeks ago, Kobe was showing Bynum an old move that Shaq used but... Kobe's not 7 ft tall so how could he possibly know enough to explain a move one 7 footer made to another 7 footer? I mean... this is your logic, right?

Kwame should be kowtowing towards Jabbar and calling him "Master"... carrying his bags, offering him fresh drinks and fruit...

I bet Mihm has picked up a couple of things from Jabbar but oh yeah... he's intelligent... that doesn't count! LOL! Wheee! Kwame's a bruiser, and bruisers don't need no stinking advice! especially from some Hall of Fame skinny guy!

mike,

"Giving up position is a matter of strength, and skill. Kwame is like a brick wall. Bynum has a difficult time holding his position and keeping players out of the paint b/c he isn't that strong right now, and still lacks the skill. "

That's what I'm saying for this season. You see Bynum isn't going to develop any faster this season with playing time. This is a matter of gaining strength, which in Bynum's case will take at least another year.

My concern is for next year. My concern is a Championship this year with Kobe as the offensive weapon and Kwame sealing the paint.

But right now I have to eat and then workout. I'm trying to "kick" this blogging habit...but I'm strung out bad. LOL!

Oh before I forget.

"Mike T, you're saying you followed Kareem's career from his last season at UCLA throughout his professional career? and yet, didn't you also say you were recently in prison or ??? was that a joke? Jabbar was at UCLA in 1969, which would put you at 60 years old or damn close??? "

I was a kid when Kareem was in his final year at UCLA. I was like 10 years old. I remember the Bucks getting the first pick and taking Kareem. I remember that because I'm an L.A. sports team fan.

Back then it was like this for me: L.A. Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, KIngs, and the UCLA Bruins in basketball and the USC Trojans in football.

I watched Kareem and Magic win it all from a jail block in 1980. I mean, this is America. They had TVs in jail even back then. Heck, as a matter of fact, in the "hole" in DVI, which is Tracy, Gladiator school back then, they used to give you a TV. LOL!

I have to workout now.

mike

Faith,
I'd like to join the Sasha bandwagon too. Tom T I have to agree with you on Kwame, he is and always will be second best to Bynum.

ELLL LAAYY BASKETBALL

(CLAPCLAPCLAP)

ELLL LAAYY BASKETBALL

(CLAPCLAPCLAP)

I really enjoyed the game last night. It was good to see the team put someone away.

Mike T, you're comparing Kwame and Moses Malone? Are you getting into your Christmas cheer too early? No, they didn't really have the same body type, and Kwame is NOTHING like Moses Malone. That's ridiculous.

I mean, Malone could catch the ball, and he was skilled. That's a big difference right there.

Mike

Say what u want...But Bynum is doing is making lemonade with his lemons lol. He is doing what we need him to do rite now, which is to protect the paint. He is getting rebounds and intimidating ppl when they get in the paint. PERIOD...THAT IS IT... FINISHED lol

Point is after he challenges a shot much like Camby it is up to his teammates to cover his man like he was covering their man. It comes back to what Faith preaches...ROTATIONS, ROTATIONS, ROTATIONS.

The problem with Kwame is not just his hands and lack of offense. It seems the biigest problem is Kwame and why he hasn't fullfilled his potential is b/c the game does not come naturally to him, as it does Bynum. Its almost as if taking a big fast physical outside linebacker and trying to teach him b-ball. It just doesn't come naturally with Kwame, and that is true in almost all facets of his game.

I think what Mike T is trying to say is that Kwame's strength is his lower body strength and position defense. This is something Kareem never had so how can Kareem help him with something he knows nothing about?

Well, to answer that question is simple. Kwame needs to work on his weaknesses. Which is pretty much everything else!

Roger B,

Sasha has been playing well, but I don't think he should play a small forward. He doesn't have the size to play at that position and his defense isn't that great.

I hope Crittenton gets some pt during this road trip.

Yeah, Kwame just doesn't have the b-ball instincts. That is a major problem and could explain why he hasn't shown that potential.

Mike T,

I like Kwame. I think he's a valuable part of the team. He's no Moses Malone, not even body type. Kwame's more of a Benoit Benjamin body type. Benoit was pretty good in his prime, he could hold his position down low, like Kwame. But both players are limited by their lacking work ethics. Kwame even more by his lack of hand-eye coordination.

Don't get me wrong, Kwame will be needed on this team. Just not as much as Bynum will be needed.

OK, I'm done trying to convince as everyone is entitled to an opinion.

The amazing thing to me is that Mike T says ridiculous things like this and thinks he still has credibility...or that he's had any for a long, long time.

Faith, I agree with you, that whole conversation was ridiculous.

It's not worth discussing Mike T on "valid points", or credibility, or even about how much he spams the blog with completely fabricated comments. For Mike T, no offensive statistics, no defensive statistics, no "expert commentary", no video footage, or even DAMNING evidence can remove the affectionate and loving looks towards the lean, muscular, uncoordinatedly spectacular body of Kwame Brown. He is his one, he is his only.

Cursed be the 7 foot, 6 inch wing span of a 20 year old who actually plays in the basketball games while the object of Mike T's affection tries to be healthy for the 3rd time in 2 years! It doesn't matter that you can't play "defense" or "offense" when you're too injured to sit on the bench nor dies it matter if he can't hold a basketball in his hand. It's... that body. And that body is all that matters.

SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH
(2) LONGTIME LAKER LOVER
(3) greek dude
(4) Rick Friedman
(5) Tsphere
(6) Yoda
(7) Xodus
(8) Nonzki
(9) Elle

We're few but we're proud!

I seem to remember the Phoenix Suns running layup lines on us in 2006 with Kwame playing 34 minutes a night in that series. I also remember Steve Nash killing us on screen and rolls, too.

I guess that didn't happen. Not with Kwame "sealing" the paint. If we didn't have Kwame we wouldn't currently be enjoying our 4-8 record over the last two postseasons.

Kwame Brown. Where Championship Defense Happens.

Roger B,

Sasha has been playing well, but I don't think he should play a small forward. He doesn't have the size to play at that position and his defense isn't that great.

I hope Crittenton gets some pt during this road trip.

Kwame Brown at 25 = KAJ at 5 years old... nuff said!

tendencies…

Jordan has a habit of dribbling between his legs, dribbling in position waiting for things to be set up. It’s not the smartest thing, because it allows the defense to get set, and makes us have to play the clock (leading to shots at the end of the clock, one by LO driving to the layup, and one by Luke midrange).

He needs to either pass the ball, and get it back, or he needs to set people up before he gets stuck in the key dribbling between his legs.

I'd like to rant a bit about shot contesting and shot blocking. What impresses me the most about Bynum's shot blocking ability is his ability to block the shot while its in the air and after the ball has left the shooter's hand. My biggest gripe with Shaq was his infuriating penchant for trying to block shots at shoulder level, oftentimes while the ball was still in the opponents hands. It led to too many fouls for reaching. Like Bynum, if you block shots up high, then even if you don't get the ball, you oftentimes alter the shot. And you are less likely to get called with a body foul down low. Twice last night Bynum blocked the shot but made contact with the body and wasn't called.

Mike,

Kwame can not taught by Kareem because he does not care to become better in this league. Hey, as far I'm concerned he is setup for the whole life even if he is not going to play a single game. You're either blind or just don’t care about reality, In 2 years Kwame did not progress in any way. I bet there is no single soul in Lakers organization who did not regret this trade for Caron Butler. Even talking about Kwame "skill set" is laughable because he is always injured. What drive me and I'm pretty sure all fans nuts, he still collecting 9M+ salary when he is in street clothes. One of the big points at this trade was inability because salaries cap to offer market salary to extend Caron Butler. It seems like he is not looking awfully expensive now, when he is putting 2nd ALL-Star season.

Spambot update:

Hey. Here's part of the response we've had from SixApart, the folks who run TypePad, the platform upon which we operate. They're aware of the problem, which is a start...

"Support has had similar reports of over-aggressive comment filtering
from other customers, and they are working closely with the TypePad
engineering team to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. We
are considering this a P1 issue for the service, and the TypePad product
team is actively coordinating the escalation...

...At this point, I think that the support team is doing everything they
can to push the issue to resolution, and I encourage you to keep them up
to date on what you're experiencing..."

Which we are. So hopefully they can work out the kinks ASAP.

BK

Kwame is good at Defense only. He is a one dimensional player with use only in certain instances. On offense he slows the team down. Mike T. lives in a dream world. the Lakers are doing really well without him. I just love all of the "if this and this didn't happen and then this happened then we wouldn't be doing so well" arguments. If the Lakers keep it up, Kwame will be gone at the deadline.

Boy another Mike T drinking Kwame koolaid day in Laker Land.

I dont know where Mike gets off saying Moses schooled KAJ. I dont have the numbers in front of me but KAJ held his own against everyone, including the phsyical centers.

Mike reminds me of that guy who watches a no hitter but complains about the one or two walks the pitcher gave up.

mike,

I have to answer your question because they are legitimate questions.

That's interesting about Bynum's body type. Because he has the length of Kareem but he still growing and his body type is going to be something like Chamberlain.

What that means is this: If this guy really develops to the point where his skills are legit then he'll be dangerous.

I've been studing body types because I wanted to know why the Lakers are like 15-20 games over 500 when Kwame is the starter in the regular season. I wanted to know why that was happening when he wasn't getting a lot of rebounds and blocked shots. I've broken it down to position. And that is broken down to body type.

What makes this interesting is this: A lot of the guys in the NBA have the same body types. I'm talking about the centers. And from what I'm seeing they are cancelling each other out. In other words everyone is allowing penetration. And that's why people put so much emphasis on rebounding anb blocked shots. Everything is happening so close to the rim. That's the nature of the game.

What Kwame is doing is pushing the game far away from the basket. With Bynum and others with similiar body types, they get their rebounds and blocked shot withing the context of the game. What Kwame is doing with his body type is changing the context of the game.

That what I mean by pace of the game. Bynum and others aren't changing the pace of the game. Their getting their numbers but the pace of the game isn't changing. There is still a lot of penetration. But that's normal. What isn't normal is how far Kwame is pushing the game from the rim.

In the end that's what the Lakers are going to need. In the long run Bynum is going to break because he's not changing the pace of the game and sooner or later all that penetration is going to lead to the lay-up parade.

That's why I say Kwame is in the top 3 as far as defensive centers go. Nobdoy, but nobody is doing what Kwame is doing.

I'll go as far as to say this because I'm studing it: In the HISTORY of the NBA I don't think there's an a center who has pushed the game so far away from the basket. The closes thing to it is Shaq because he was massive. But Kwame is both massive and fast footed, which allows him to push the game as far as to the top of the key and still recover. And from the baseline he's pushing the game at least 4-5 rims away from the basket.

Bynum and other are playing something like 1.5 to 2 rims away from the basket. That means a close shot and they have to rely on their shot blocking abilities.

I was going to write this stuff in about a month in perfect detail but I let it out. I still have to give a full explanation to what I mean by "rims" from the basket.

I will in time.

mike

>>Hate to start this early but since we don't use Kwame and Mihm, any conjured
>>trade scenarios for that PF weed need?

I did a HUGE post of Kwame trades yesterday. Check about 2 blogs back. I think
it was "His kind of town... not so much now".

Of course, it's all just messing around, and some bloggers get all verklempt any
time someone posts a trade, but here are the best trades I was able to come
up with that didn't give up any players that are in the current rotation that's
playing so well (i.e. the only tradeable players are Kwame, Karl, Mihm, and
to a lesser extent Crittendon):

http://tinyurl.com/23m6ln (Malik Rose & Randolph Morris)

http://tinyurl.com/2xhfud (Jeff Foster & Marquis Daniels)

http://tinyurl.com/ywllao (Channing Frye & Darius Miles)

http://tinyurl.com/2wc7ss (Brian Cardinal & Hakim Warrick)

http://tinyurl.com/37r8dj (Jason Collins & Josh Boone)

[warning to the squeamish: the next few trades include Crittendon, so they're
not for the faint of heart]
- http://tinyurl.com/24lmk8 (Shelden Williams, Acie Law, and Lorenzen Wright)
- http://tinyurl.com/yv2m6f (Drew Gooden & Cedric Simmons)
- http://tinyurl.com/3bnr3a (Eduardo Najera, Steven Hunter)

Note that almost none of these trades are likely to happen right now. But if
it gets closer to the trade deadline and Indiana starts sliding or Dallas falls
out of the top 5 in the West or something like that, then those teams become
much more inclined to pull a trade, so the trades to those teams would become
more plausible.

Rocky,

Everyone is convinced. There's only one guy out there who isn't. And if we have the priveledge to hang more banners at Staples because of Bynum, he'll get on here and talk about how we made a grave error trading/not signing/misplaying Kwame and we could have won even more titles with him, because we all know, Kwame is a champion. Bynum is a mere All-Star.

Hey, what was all this LeBron talk?

Do people on this blog really get upset if someone says something good about LeBron? I've never seen someone get upset simply for saying something nice about LeBron... in fact, many of us were licking our chops hoping he'd leave the Cavs, but then he signed that extension.

I will say this, for as much hype as Wade got when he managed to draw fouls and win the NBA title, LeBron, IMO, is 5 times the player Wade is. LeBron is hyped up, but he's easily top 3 players in the league. The other two being Duncan and Bryant. Where you want to rank these guys is up to you. Each has their strengths and weaknesses.

Now when someone comes on here and says Kobe can't hold a candle to LeBron, why can't Kobe be like LeBron, etc etc... that's begging for an argument. They're two different types of players. Kobe is the best at his style. LeBron is the best at his style. Duncan is the best at his style.

Which one is all-around better? Well, we can argue that until we're blue in the face, but maybe we should organize that pay-per-view match you guys suggested. Lakersblog could split up the millions it would bring in!

Who wins a Kwame vs. B. Wallace one on one? I'd put my money on Wallace.

BK,
"over-aggressive comment filtering"

TypePad is just protecting the rim!!

That's all that matters; it doesn't make a difference that it completely slows down all the posters from commenting!!

Mike T:

As Sir Winston may have it:

Today, Bynum may be young and lean, but tomorrow he will be stronger and wiser. Kwame, on the other hand, will always be a chump.

Xodus,

Don't you get it? Mike will explain to you, it was a Phil's error to use Kwame against fast penetrating guards like Nash/Barbossa. He will also tell you Kwame did not get any help defense on the play and etc. It would be someone else fault because Mike (aka Kwame) always right and getting Kwame is best thing ever happened to this team since getting Kobe and drafting Shaq.

Thanks BK. I was going to sound in with my spambot complaint, but no point now.

$150 to watch Kobe and LeBron play 21? That's not even real basketball, might was well pay to watch soccer players do a shoot-out.

PhxLkeFan - if any team makes a reasonable offer for Kwame at the deadline, no doubt, he's gone.

Xodus,

Don't you get it? Mike will explain to you, it was a Phil's error to use Kwame against fast penetrating guards like Nash/Barbossa. He will also tell you Kwame did not get any help defense on the play and etc. It would be someone else fault because Mike (aka Kwame) always right and getting Kwame is best thing ever happened to this team since getting Kobe and drafting Shaq.

AK/BK

I don't know what are those folks working on (I'm software developer too) but it seems it's going nowhere. I keep fighting it through spam bots. I already tried 4 different browsers, like IE6, IE7, Opera and Firefox, does not see any difference.

Faith, we have to be proud, we are the members that support the best looking Laker player. How could we not be?

On Farmar:
Only rarely do I see Farmar standing around dribbling. As the point guard, he sometimes needs to wait (while dribbling) until the players set up the offense.

I've noticed that most of the time he is the only player moving without the ball, especially when he's playing with the 1st unit.

What I see in the 2nd unit:
Pushing the tempo - old school showtime fast break with Farmar leading the charge, Vlad spotting up, Sasha slashing or spotting up, Bynum/Turiaf trailing the play.
Great on and off the ball movement, fearless shooting, generally good shot selection, great energy.

Problems with the first unit:
Kobe taking forced shots early in the shot clock. I like the idea that the Lakers are taking early shots if they have good looks outside the triangle. Kobe needs to better shots early or pass to the open man.
This is how I envision it:
24-16 seconds: early offense - layups/dunks, wide open jumpers only.
16-8 seconds: work the triangle for a good look.
8-0 seconds: let Kobe go to work.

oh lord this is getting comical

"My concern is a Championship this year with Kobe as the offensive weapon and Kwame sealing the paint."

The only paint Kwame is going to seal is from Home Depot and Mike T is sniffing the paint thinner.

I wont even go into how Kwame cant seal the paint when he is covering the pick and roll 20 feet from the basket. Arrgh.

Laker Lover - well, it did happen in a couple of major playoff series. Kareem never played badly against anybody, but Moses was very hard for him to handle. Every one forgets, despite Doc, Bird and even Magic, there was a 6-year stretch in the late '70's, early 80's where Moses was the most dominant player on the planet. He's easily the more underrated player of his caliber.

Laker Lover,

"Mike reminds me of that guy who watches a no hitter but complains about the one or two walks the pitcher gave up. "

I don't think this is accurate. If you add in that the player he loves and adores happens to have a 5.3 ERA while also griping about how coach bias led to a bogus no hitter (and it wasn't that great because he walked those two guys), now you have an accurate description.

Kwame Shwame...

With his injury-prone dispositon and lack of consistency, the dude makes Famar look like a hard-nosed veteran.

He's the first to go come next trade season...or hopefully mid-season.

Mike T,

You said, "But right now the Nuggets aren't better off with Camby as the defensive player of the year. "

Just so you know, Denver's highest lenova stat (+/-) on the floor belongs to Marcus Camby at +134. That means when he is on the floor they are better. Iverson is +123 and Anthony is at +88.

If Bynum develops into the shot blocker and rebounder that Camby has been, I will be very happy. Bynum's offensive game is already better than Camby's.

Go Lakers!!

I would rather we throw entry passes any day of the week into Bynum instead of the "other" guy, because at least he's efficient offensively regardless how he gets his shots. All that matters is what his teammates and coaches say about his play and that we're winning. If his defense is compared to Camby, that's not bad being compared to last year's DPOY. It's just great to see Andrew, Sasha and Farmar improve and contribute consistently for us now. It's exciting to root for our team because they're improving and doing well right now. I like our situation a lot better than the one in Miami where they have two hulking centers in Shaq(former league MVP)and Alonzo Mourning who are getting shredded down there in the paint. Regardless of their age, those two have been getting killed in the paint(I watched all the Heat's games on NBALP, so I know what I'm talking about). Both Shaq and Mourning get the majority of their fouls deep in the paint or under the basket. I have two questions for everyone on here.

1. If you had to choose between having Shaq or Kwame right now who would you choose and why? Mourning or Kwame who would you choose right now and why?

2. Who is the Lakers best center right now, Andrew or Kwame?

This should be good. Enjoy fellow Lakers fans.

Defending Kwame is like defending Smush. I guess if you need attention this is the type of actions that you take. Talking about a wasted life. Now I can understand if you are in prison and you have time to waste but this is really a pathectic way to get attention.

BD

Here is an idea. Why not waive Kwame Brown and see if someone bites and sign someone like PJ Brown?

I

Here is an idea. Why not waive Kwame Brown and see if someone bites and sign someone like PJ Brown?

I

Bynum, Gaosl, Turiaf, Odom, Vlad, Ariza, SunYue, Sasha, Kobe, Crittenton, Farmar, Fisher!

2008-2009 Roster
Bynum/Gasol/C draft pick
Odom/Turiaf/PF (Pecherov, Russia) (Schoulintidis, Greece)
Ariza/Vlad/SunYue
Kobe/Sasha/Karl
Crittenton/Farmar/Fisher

Out: Kwame, Mihm and Walton

Kam bros what time did your show start today i thought it was 12:00

Just read through this thread.

Hmmmm.

I think there is a troll here. Is that really Mike T posting? I would guess that is a NO!.

These comments are way too ignorant to really be him. I think it may be an impostor trying to get you guys all wound up. Just keep it in mind before you start bashing these posts.

The bottom line:

Kwame plays pretty good defense when 1-on-1 with a big. His help D is average at best. He still tries to take way too many charges. He doesn't block shots. He doesn't alter shots. And after this latest injury, I guess this will only get worse.

Bynum is behind Kwame with 1-on-1 against a big. He still needs to move his feet better on D, and get a little more bulk. He is much better at blocking/altering shots. And his help defense has become much better than Kwame's . While there are holes in his movement, and strength, it is no longer a wash because of his length. He has become a better overall defender than Kwame. His Team defense has greatly improved and moved him pass by a little bit. I suspect he will start widening that gap from here.

Rebounding:
Bynum is about 40% better, and I am sure this will grow as well.

Offense:
Lol, don't even need to comment on that one.

MIKE T>
what kind prison were you in because a friend of mine told me they only get local tv no cable or sat.?

Just read through this thread.

Hmmmm.

I think there is a troll here. Is that really Mike T posting? I would guess that is a NO!.

These comments are way too ignorant to really be him. I think it may be an impostor trying to get you guys all wound up. Just keep it in mind before you start bashing these posts.

The bottom line:

Kwame plays pretty good defense when 1-on-1 with a big. His help D is average at best. He still tries to take way too many charges. He doesn't block shots. He doesn't alter shots. And after this latest injury, I guess this will only get worse.

Bynum is behind Kwame with 1-on-1 against a big. He still needs to move his feet better on D, and get a little more bulk. He is much better at blocking/altering shots. And his help defense has become much better than Kwame's . While there are holes in his movement, and strength, it is no longer a wash because of his length. He has become a better overall defender than Kwame. His Team defense has greatly improved and moved him pass by a little bit. I suspect he will start widening that gap from here.

Rebounding:
Bynum is about 40% better, and I am sure this will grow as well.

Offense:
Lol, don't even need to comment on that one.

Mike T-

"But right now the Nuggets aren't better off with Camby as the defensive player of the year. You would think that with Anthony and Iverson they would be unbeatable with the Defensive Player of the Year. But they are beatable. In fact they're one of the worst defensive teams in the league.

I'm not sure if you actually picked up on this little tidbit about basketball while on your "studies" but basketball is a team sport. The reason why Denver sucks right now isn't because Camby doesn't have massive calves....It's because the other players don't play defense. That's why J.R. Smith, who can score in bunches, is riding the pine.

Just because you point out certain deficiencies about Bynum's game doesn't give you credibility. You lose more credibility when you use Kwame as the anchor for your arguments. I would completely understand if Kwame was actually playing and challenging Bynum, for minutes, but the sad fact is that he is injured most of the time while Bynum's sorry ass is averaging a FAKE, FOOLS GOLD TYPE double double.

Just read through this thread.

Hmmmm.

I think there is a troll here. Is that really Mike T posting? I would guess that is a NO!.

These comments are way too ignorant to really be him. I think it may be an impostor trying to get you guys all wound up. Just keep it in mind before you start bashing these posts.

The bottom line:

Kwame plays pretty good defense when 1-on-1 with a big. His help D is average at best. He still tries to take way too many charges. He doesn't block shots. He doesn't alter shots. And after this latest injury, I guess this will only get worse.

Bynum is behind Kwame with 1-on-1 against a big. He still needs to move his feet better on D, and get a little more bulk. He is much better at blocking/altering shots. And his help defense has become much better than Kwame's . While there are holes in his movement, and strength, it is no longer a wash because of his length. He has become a better overall defender than Kwame. His Team defense has greatly improved and moved him pass by a little bit. I suspect he will start widening that gap from here.

Rebounding:
Bynum is about 40% better, and I am sure this will grow as well.

Offense:
Lol, don't even need to comment on that one.

Kwame Brown has a lot in common with Smush Parker...lots of talent and potential but something is short circuited in their makeups. They both play scared.

faith,

It's Long Time Laker Fan. Not Long Time Laker Lover. You're combining me with
another blogger. And it's proper that I'm second on the bandwagon list. At the end
of the summer, I can remember several bloggers saying the Lakers should waive
Sasha "The Electric Blanket" Vujacic so they could sign Larry Turner or Elton
Brown, and I was the main one defending Sasha.

BTW, don't get carried away. No, Sasha shouldn't play small forward or start or
anything else but what he's doing - play 10 to 20 minutes a game at shooting
guard, playing defense with frenetic energy, and taking shots when they come
to him in the offense. As long as his role is limited to that, I think he'll flourish
this year.

Michael A,

>>>...there was a 6-year stretch in the late '70's, early 80's where Moses was the
>>>most dominant player on the planet. He's easily the more underrated player
>>>of his caliber.

FO FO FO SHO

What does anyone think about the free agent market in the offseason? It looks like we'll really only have Kwame's money to spend, and perhaps some more if we can make a few moves. Any decent 4 or 5 men available?

Another Sasha note - for the second time this season, he's on the ESPN Daily
Dime page. note 7: Help for Kobe.

SMUSH PARKER

Is making me look like the smartest dude in the world.

We got rid of him and look how the ball gets disbursed.

The Lakers will win the Championship this year.

Once Kwame comes back, the 2 headed monster will be in full effect!!!!!!!!

PUT ME ON THE 55 BANGWANGON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No Smush Parker means Championship Lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wonder how Kwame and Andrew do against each other in practice? I mean, when Kwame is actually healthy enough to practice, of course. AK/BK, do you have a take on this?

Folks, let's not get it twisted...Kareem at age 20 would have eaten Baby B. for breakfast. Kareem was so good that the NCAA disallowed dunking during his college career. No disrespect to Baby, but Kareem was special. As far as Moses Malone dominating him, that happened when Kareem was on his downside...in his mid-thirties. No less a physical presence than Wilt Chamberlain said about Kareem, that "for the first time in my career, he was someone that I needed help to guard!" Kareem was a true center, arguably the best of all time. He would have fouled out Kwame Brown in less than a half.

sorry LTLF, I copied and pasted from the great bandwagon driver Mamba24, and didn't notice it.

SASHA BREAKOUT BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------
(1) FAITH
(2) LONG TIME LAKER Fan
(3) greek dude
(4) Rick Friedman
(5) Tsphere
(6) Yoda
(7) Xodus
(8) Nonzki
(9) Elle

P.S. You got me there Elle lol.

Kbros,

I made a post regarding the whole LeBron thing. Perhaps it was arrested by the spam police?

Frank,
You're giving him an opportunity to let himself off the hook when he looks up and realizes his defeat.

sixonezero,
You had me laughing with that Fools gold double-double comment. Great stuff.

Neerav,

>>>The Hollinger Power odds have us as the best in the west and a 27.9%
>>> chance to make the NBA Finals.

A side note on that. When this statistical measure first came out, it predicted that
the Lakers would win 51 games. Now it's predicting 53 wins. If the Lakers keep
playing well, Hollinger's Playoff Odds will be on the 55 win bandwagon.

Camby and Chandler are help shot blockers. They leave their own man for offensive rebounds and shovel passes in the lane. Drew is blocking his own man (rediculously hard to do) or waiting till the guards shoot to block the shot.

Let's all play the Kwame Brown Comparison Game!

Aside from Moses Malone,
Kwame Brown is like Bill Russell because they throw up before big games
(Russell with nerves, Kwame with cake.)

Next?

Sign me up for the Sasha "Plays well in his contract year" bandwagon.

MIKE T>

"what kind prison were you in because a friend of mine told me they only get local tv no cable or sat.?"

Good question. Back then I was in the local Southern California County Jails.

Riverside County, which always had the Lakers' channel. Back in '81 I was in San Quentin in the hole. I had no TV then. Most of the California State Prisons from Tehachapi (The Bakersfield area) down get KCAL 9.

When I was in Folsom from '91-'94 I was able to catch PAC 10 basketball on their local channels. That's when I watched Jason Kidd play his college ball.

This is America and Jails are like country clubs. Well, they've gotten stricter over the years to get a hold on the violence but back in the day...it was like an adult summer camp. Well, the county jails are straight out nasty. Those places are filthy.

L.A. County Jails are the most filthy jails in California. And crooked like you wouldn't believe.

mike

Laker fans should thank Mitch Cupcake and the front office for riding out the ship and not trading for JO (always hurt) and Jason Kidd (getting old and we have a younger group). This organization is setting themselves up for the future and it looks bright......

Kwame, Ariza, Mihm and Sasha's contracts are all gone next year....I would keep Sasha and use the huge numbers left over (15 Million or so) to pick up a free agent like Corey Magg. or Elton Brand.....this would be the final piece.

Or.....

They can trade Kwame's expiring contract and some draft picks to pick up Ron Artest? Or some other player who can catch a pass and make an offensive move.....

Kobe? I would like him to stay...but if he leaves in two years....we have 30 million to sign Wade or Lebron to go with all of our young talent....the lakers are the second youngest team in the league.....stay positive and let's see how this rides out...