Eggnog hangover? Bad. Win hangover? Good.

Mike T,

Lets compare per game stats for Andrew and Kwame:

..........................Andrew...................Kwame
Points...................12.5..........................4.3
Rebounds............10.1..........................5.0
Assists.................1.6...........................1.1
Blocks...................2.1...........................0.9
FG%....................62.5%.......................51.9%
FT%.....................67%.........................20%
Minutes...............29.0..........................21.0
Floor +/-...............+139......................... -9

Andrew has Kwame beat in every statistic that is relevant for a center, including point differential when on the floor. That is a difference of 148 points!

Do you think Kwame would make up the difference in all the stats in just 8 additional minutes per game? Thats a rhetorical question!

Face the facts, if you think Kwame is better, then you don't know basketball!!

There's one good article from Fox Sports

http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Kahn_Games/2007/12/26/Global_cooling_the_Heat_and_Suns

Most notably; this fact remains about the Suns "#1 division record":
"although the Suns (19-10) still hold a one-game lead over the Lakers (18-11) for the top spot in the Pacific Division, the Suns built that record playing teams in the East. They are a surprising 7-7 against the West this season, and that’s got to be a huge red flag for coach Mike D’Antoni and new general manager Steve Kerr. They are asking more of Nash, who turns 34 the first week of February, than ever before. And teams like the Lakers, Blazers and Golden State Warriors now are showing the ability to run with them … or even outrun them."

Lakers record has been based mostly upon wins on good teams while Phoenix has been padding stats against week teams.

1) Lakers have one of the best division records.
2) Lakers and Dallas have the best vs West conference records

And no matter what anybody says, the East is still the least. You have 3 good teams and a bunch of Really Bad teams as Sir Charles would say.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 26, 2007 5 DAYS TILL YEAR OF THE LAKERS BEGIN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THERES A NEW SHERIFF IN THE WEST AND ITS
THE FREAKIN LA. LAKERS BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MARK JACKSON
(2) JEFF VAN GUNDY
(3) BILL WALTON
(4) MAMBA24
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MITCH KUPCHAK EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BANDWAGON
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MAMBA24 DRIVER AND OWNER
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MITCH KUPCHAK I DEEPLY APOLOGIZE TO YOU BANDWAGON
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MAMBA24 DRIVER AND OWNER
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHIL JACKSON COACH OF THE YEAR BANDWAGON
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MAMBA24
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHIL JACKSON IS PEE WEE HERMANS LONE LOST BROTHER
BANDWAGON
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MAMBA24 DRIVER AND OWNER
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE
MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) NIK KANNAN OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) VIOLATER
(4) OUTSIDERGUA
(5) LAKERTRUTH
(6) ALEXINH017
(7) DREREK
(8) SHAQFAN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANDREW BYNUM MOST IMPROVED PLAYER IN THE NBA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) LAKER FAZE OWNER AND DRIVER………………(8) DEREK
(2) RDLEE RIDING SHOTGUN………………………....(9) BENNY BLANCO
(3) VIOLATER……………………………………………..(10) BD
(4) RICO TICO
(5) MAMBA24
(6) LAKER TOM
(7) JON KAVULIC

I'm beginning to think that the aggression on this blog towards Kwame Brown is actually simply misplaced frustration with Michael T.'s obsession with Kwame the Swami.

Well, maybe not.

Personally, I can't wait until Kwame Brown gets back. He's a solid defender and it's always better to have more healthy players available than less healthy players available.

However, I'm pretty damned confident that Andrew Bynum will be an All-Star by the time he is Kwame's age.

And, well, Kwame just... isn't.

GO LAKERS!

No matter what anybody says, I was the one that told everybody that Smush is a cancer and now I am telling you guys that

"We need Kwame in order to win the Championship"

He only makes us deeper at the center position. He is the only won who can contain people like Varejo and Duncan and Tyson Chandler and Boozer and all those bangers.

Bynum is the man, but he can't bang yet with the tough guys. He can out play them, but he can't banger with them yet. Kwame is a presence and we need that.

I don't know what Phil is going to do, but if I was him I would start Bynum and play Kwame 20 mins a game.

Turaif is to small to play backup center and Mihms is to slow and just flat out sucks.

SMUSH PARKER WAS ALWAYS THE LAKERS ONLY PROBLEM NOW THAT HE IS GONE WE WILL WIN THE 2008 NBA CHAMPIONSHIP

Kupchak's greatest move was letting go Smush Parker.

Derek Fisher is the MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Shows what a person with a brain can do with a bunch of studs and 2 superstars around him.

The Lakers have the second best record against teams from the Western Conference?

That's HUGE!

God, I hope this manic ebullient optimism I'm experiencing is justified!

GO LAKERS!

MAMB24,

Please put me on the:

1) THERES A NEW SHERIFF IN THE WEST AND ITS
THE FREAKIN LA. LAKERS BANDWAGON

2) MITCH KUPCHAK EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BANDWAGON

3) DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE
MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON

GO LAKERS!

In case you missed it on the earlier thread...

Now that the Christmas Day euphoria is starting to wear off, an honest assessment of the Lakers suggests that the team may not be as good as its record, right now.

On the plus side:
1. Kobe is pretty good at sharing the ball most of the time. This needs to continue.
2. Bynum truly is coming into his own as the legitimate center the Lakers have been missing.
3. When Bynum is dominating as he has been, Lamar is more effective within his comfort zone.
4. The Fisher/Farmar combo at PG is really working. This becomes clear when you watch the struggles of other teams without any legitimate point guard.
5. Ariza may actually be the answer at a position where the team was weakest.

Concerns:
1. Whether the team wins or loses, most games go down to the final buzzer. I can only remember 2 games where the Lakers were able to be so dominant that Phil could pull the starters at the end, creating legitimate garbage time for projects like J-Crit to get any real playing time. To be a playoff contender, the Lakers have to be truly able to put away their opponent. The team is not there, yet.
2. Ronny Turiaf is getting torched on both offense and defense. He’s clearly hobbled and lacks the explosiveness we’re used to seeing. Ronny needs to get healthy if he’s going to play valuable minutes.
3. VladRad and Sasha are still streaky. The team needs consistent shooting from both of them to be a true threat to teams like the Spurs.

Question Marks:
1. Kwame – how long will it take to find his game once he comes back, and in what role will be most effective?
2. Walton – he really belongs in the second unit but only seems to play well when he starts. Can he make the adjustment to play well in a diminished role?
3. Mihm – he seems to be relegated to the seat at the end of the bench once assigned to Brian Cook. Now that December 15th has come and gone, can we find a team to take him off our hands?
4. J-Crit and Coby2 – Both guys need playing time to mature into the NBA game. Until the Lakers find a way to start dominating games, where will the needed PT come from?

When the Lakers win right now, it seems to be because they’re playing over their heads. At this point in the season a Win is just a win. The team has made great progress since the season started, but an honest assessment says their record is still Fool’s Gold. An even higher level of play is needed to rate the team as a serious contender. It’s way too early for players, coaches, and fans to become complacent.

basketball is so much funner to watch w/o kwame fumbling the ball, missing assignments, and oh yah...being a fragile player thats always hurting...

he's dead weight....get over it Mike T....he can't even stay healthy...and we're a worse team when he plays...

It's been a looooonnnggg time since I've posted but I had to let my opinion of the season so far be heard....WE ARE THE EFFING TRUTH!!!! I've stayed calm for most of this season, trying to keep everything in perspective, but if we continue to get better we have a real shot at the 4th seed, and a run to the WCF. Could we do more? Hell yeah, but I'm trying to stay calm.

For the last 3 years we have pined for a TRUE #2 option and he's been sitting on our bench all along. Bynum has taken Kobe's criticism and used it as motivation to become one of the best young centers in the league. As long as the kid doesn't get happy with himself, continues to work hard, and grow, him and Dwight Howard will be battling for the best center in the league title in a couple years.

For the last 3 years we have pined for a defensive stopper at the 3, and we have finally found him in Trevor Ariza. This guy could be the key to how far we go this year. I know that's a big statment to make, but if he can really learn the offense, and can contribute on both ends of the floor there's no team we can't beat in a 7 game series.

The starting 5 from yesterday is our best chance to make a deep run in the playoffs. Everyone in that lineup is versatile, can defend at least 2 positions, and can score the ball. If we're gonna REALLY challenge for the WCF that starting 5 is gonna have to lead us.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER 26, 2007 5 DAYS TILL YEAR OF THE LAKERS BEGIN
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THERES A NEW SHERIFF IN THE WEST AND ITS
THE FREAKIN LA. LAKERS BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MARK JACKSON
(2) JEFF VAN GUNDY
(3) BILL WALTON
(4) MAMBA24
(5) JON KAVULIC
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MITCH KUPCHAK EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BANDWAGON
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MAMBA24 DRIVER AND OWNER
(2) JON KAVULIC RIDING SHOTGUN
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE
MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) NIK KANNAN OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) VIOLATER
(4) OUTSIDERGUA
(5) LAKERTRUTH
(6) ALEXINH017
(7) DREREK
(8) SHAQFAN
(9) JON KAVULIC
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANDREW BYNUM MOST IMPROVED PLAYER IN THE NBA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) LAKER FAZE OWNER AND DRIVER(8) DEREK
(2) RDLEE RIDING SHOTGUN....(9) BENNY BLANCO
(3) VIOLATER..(10) BD
(4) RICO TICO
(5) MAMBA24
(6) LAKER TOM
(7) JON KAVULIC

Mamba24,
Nice to see you back and posting. Merry Christmas.

I'm not the biggest Kwame fan, but I gotta agree with Zakee on this one. Kwame is able to bang with those big guys that we will need to get past to make a deep run in the playoffs. If we bring him off the bench, or use him for defensive match up purposes, I think that will make us a much better deeper team.

LOL! Wheeeee! I was just checking up on the other thread to see if anything interesting was on there and... THERE WAS! This is the attitude Hobbit has in his posts with me, it's all about WINNING THE ARGUMENT! LOL! It has nothing to do with enjoying Laker games or actually saying something interesting no... it's about winning a message board argument... wow...

Mike T is now posting:

"Bynum going down for a season ending injury is going to change all of your view of everything. Things happen."

One way or the other...I'm going to win this argument!

I'll admit...it's about winning this argument now.

Posted by: Michael Teniente | December 26, 2007 at 09:53 AM
**********
which is the same name that was posting that Phil Jackson was studying Mike T's posts and learning from them at 8:52 PM, so... it's not a spoof....
********
"Seems PJ might have been reading this blog"

Posted by: Michael Teniente | December 25, 2007 at 08:52 PM

Oh man, I just got the best birthday present ever.

1 Ticket to the Celtics game on Sunday. All I want as I turn 24 is for the Lakers to give freaking Boston a beatdown.

Anyone else going to be there? The atmosphere is goign to be nuts, I'm predicting.

When Kwame comes back:

I think that there are several factors at play here:
1) PJ does not want to keep playing Bynum 40 minutes per game (probably average in the 32-35 range?)
2) Kwame’s complete lack of offense will not mesh well with the second unit; with Kobe on the first unit that can be masked somewhat
3) Mihm and Turiaf have not been contributing lately; I assume it is injuries
4) As well as he has been playing, it would be considered a “slap in the face” for Bynum to be taken out of the starting lineup now, no matter what the logic behind the move might be

If Turiaf or Mihm was healthy, I think that they would get the majority of the backup minutes at center, because they have decent offensive games, and their defensive weaknesses would be masked since they would be playing against the other team’s backup. Kwame would be used in certain situations where his post-up defense is effective.

If Turiaf and Mihm are not available, and Kwame is, then I think that Bynum starts, but is substituted for earlier than the rest of the starters, and comes back in sooner. That way most of Kwame’s 12-15 minutes would come with the starters, so that his offense isn’t as much of an issue.

Who the starting SF and PF are also factor in; if Turiaf is the starting PF, then he would not be as available for playing backup C.

Rick Friedman,
"Mamba24, Nice to see you back and posting. Merry Christmas."

Rick thanks. Took a little vacation time before the end of the year to visit family and what
happens? I come back and find out that the Lakers are indeed the new power in the
west. This team reminds me of Phil Jcksons 1991 Bulls just as they began to realize just
how special they really were.

Hey I have a question, is that D'antonis real hair? I was waiting for it to get up and walk away.

Jeff happy birthday! I might be there is I can get two tickets, Have fun~

zakee?! are you serious dude? arent you the same guy who spent months antagonizing everybody with your moronic rants about shaq and how you're a heat fan and all that...wow bro..its cool, the bandwagon is still filling, so come on back..but just know that im seeing through your b.s.

Jeff Happy Birthday and Enjoy!!!!!!!!!

-----------------------------------------------------
JEFF BIRTHDAY BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------
(1) ELLE - DRIVER AND OWNER
(2) MAMBA24 - RIDING SHOTGUN

I absolutly agree that Kwame is vital to this team being better, but the fact remains that it just might be through NOT being here. His expiring contract is going to be more and more enticing to teams as the trade deadline approaches, especially teams who are doing badly and facing the music that they're not going to make the playoffs, anyway (teams like Chicago, Sacramento, and Houston, for instance). If they can't arrange anything, I have no problem with Kwame being on this team - the team has shown that they can win without him playing, so him sticking around isn't going to hurt anything. If he can contribute some minutes at the 5 defending some heavier dudes and saving Andrew for a deeper run into the playoffs, all the better

But let's not kid ourselves about Kwame playing the 4 - he's already shown that he's incapable of playing that position. For the triangle to work properly, you need a power forward who can consistently hit the 18-footer. That's why Ronny was having success earlier in the season at that spot, and that' exactly why Kwame can't play that spot. Kwame was brought in originally to be a 4, and quickly showed that he doesn't care enough to learn that part of the offense (both he and Phil acknowledged that) and that he doesn't have the skill set to pull it off, anyway.

Let's also please stop talking about trading for Kidd. This team is rolling, and we've got a quality starting PG, a quality backup, and a quality prospect - there is just no room for Kidd on this team right now. I understand the argument that he's a triple-double waiting to happen, we should make room for him, yadda yadda yadda... but the truth is that Jason Kidd is a high-assist PG. He runs the game by distributing the ball. The PG in th triangle doesn't do that. We put Kidd in this lineup, and his assist numbers will go down, or the offense will stagnate... we'll end up with a better rebounding DFish who might defend a little better, but with a less reliable jumpshot for almost 20 million a year more... ?? Why would we ever want that?

It seems like a lot of folks just enjoy throwing around trade ideas, working the ESPN trade machine... folks who play a lot of fantasy hoops and see dudes as just collections of stats. It doesn't work that way. This team has chemistry right now, and is winning games. Look at what happened to our play when we traded Cook and Mo - and these were two dudes towards the end of the bench! Are we really willing to risk the overall chemistry of this team for a player who makes half our payroll, whose impact could be marginal? I'm not.

As for Mike T, you just get weirder and weirder, creepier and creepier. Tell us about some more of your dreams - my friends enjoyed my forwards with the subject heading "CRAZY MAN AND HIS MYSTICAL BASKETBALL PROGNOSTICATIONS". You forgot to tell us about the dream where you're licking whipped cream off Kwame's calves... or the one where your cell mate played you close to the rim and got a double-double off you, if you know what I mean... or the one where you were a random dude who no one ever heard of, who had no idea about basketball and just loved spouting garbage on the net in order to make himself feel like someone gave a rat's a$$ about what he thought.... wait, that's not a dream, that's your REALITY.

We're not laughing with you, dude.

-----------------------------------------------------
JEFF BIRTHDAY BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------
(1) ELLE DRIVER AND OWNER
(2) MAMBA24 RIDING SHOTGUN
(3) CHARLES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
CALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

(1) FAITH, MIKE T. TALIQ, Edwin Gueco,, KEIFO, WOLF, Q WUOR, CLEON, EASTCOASTJESSIE
MAMBA24Fan4Life, Fan of MAMBA, WhiteMAMBA24, BlackMAMBA24, AFRO_JOE, LAKERTRUTH,
KIWI, Wow, Peace, J_CooL, DAVID WHANG, AdamKiley, LakersryDeordie, ANGRYLAKER, TSIRY
TIM-4-SHOW, THA_ SHOW, TheLakeShow, WESJOENIXON, BAYWOOD, The_D, SBPIMP, DAXMDD
utzworld THE BANNER HOLDER, CaliKing, Rick Friedman,Thirty2, ExheloDrVr, ) JANAYA,CBUCK
GENERIC_ONE, TWOODY, JJ, Ajax, MITCHELL., LAKERTOM, Charles, BZAR, JUNO, NEVER,
JOREMA, VMAN, Korey, Xtro, MCGarnagle, Gugy, GDChild, Laker4Life, BLKTHGHT06, WONDAHBAB
KL BEAST, FearlessWhackJob, MARTY, JANDRO, LAKERFAZE, PhxLkrFAN, PRINCE, AKRASIAN
TexasLaker, BOB, EagleBoy, JR., Zakee, KOBES T., ZEN, Purple & Gold, TSPHERE, t_sensei
Tully Moxness, KobeRocks, David Peterson, centralk, FKILLAH, CYRUS(Ventrilquist), BOYSOY
Swettual, Andrew Z, LAL Fan, Brandon C., Kinglakernidas, HUBBIT, GREEK DUDE, BRONXLAKERFAN
RespectMyAuthorith, Hariyahu, LAKER_STH, KobeFromManilas, RAY RAY, HOBBITMAGE, BONEZ
SARCOCOP,Staples24, Bobby, COMPTONS FINEST, MIGUELINHO, MAN, KSANDHER, HYP117
TUKLAW, CDUB0512, MRBARNEYDANGLES, BENJAMIN, MJCMAN32, PFUNK36, Christopher Lewis
SOCALIFE, HAL9000, Michael J, Michael H, Michael A., ALEXINH017, VIOLATER, KIKOS_DAD
Gunner24, GINO, FATTY, LAKERGURL, CRITICAL BEATDOWN, LEELO, BLAZE1BX, SIMONE
PAUL LEE, Jay EL, SocalSpider , WEAVE MAN, JON KAVULIC, Tajluck, Nemaia Faletogo
Caesar, BERKLEYLAKER, Dice8Up DION, KARL, CRAIG, MITCHELL, B4HOOPS, RYAN
JR, Dascilla, tellitlikeitis, Nik Kannan, GABE, SEAN P., HanSoulFood, HollywoodJack, HAROLD
RICO TICO, DREW, NESTROSSBISTRO, LAKERAHOLIC, LAKOBER, SLO GAL, Linda Pineda
Jay Jay, TaosHum, DEREK, Caeser, Obel, CHITOWNLAKER, RealityCheckTime, CORNER J.
wiZo, MagicShaq, HugoBoss, OSCAR, RDLEE, RealityBites, LakerLarry, Bucky, Guy
LakerLifer, C.S. Jova, Tripgame3, SIXONEZERO, HOUSTON LAKER, Todd BATTLES
JONINJAPAN(INCANADA), LT Laker Fan, , KATE, TROY, Mainor, East Nyboer
JEFF, ANDY B., SwanWorld, PUPLE&GOLD_4EVA, Benny Blanca, CS in Virgina
TIM IN SYDNEY LakerBake, JMan, Mfeige, Jennifer, Chris H. Lincoln Laker, Reggie
Any_One_mouse, 10milliondollarZen, Shiva, Laker_Hopeful, LakerDawg, RDANEEL,
PHIL JACKSON, KOBE BRYANT, MARC GASOL, SUN YUE, JORDAN FARMER
RONNY TURIAF, V. RADMANOVIC, LAMAR ODOM, DEREK FISHER, TREVOR ARIZA
LUKE WALTON, KWAME BROWN, ANDREW BYNUM, COBY KARL, CHRIS MIHM,
JARVIS CRITTERTON, LARRY FULCHER, SASHA VUJACIC, TEX WINTER, JERRY BUSS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL TOGETHER NOW:
WE ARE THE FREAKIN LA LAKERS THE WINNERS OF 14 NBA TITLES
THE TEAM WITH THE BEST WINNING PERCENTAGE IN NBA HISTORY
THE HOME OF WILT, KAREEM, GEORGE MIKAN, SHAQ, MAGIC, KOBE,
ELGIN BAYLOR, JERRY WEST, PAT RILEY, JAMES WORTHY, SILK
COACHED BY THE 9 TIME TITLE WINNER PHIL (9RINGS) JACKSON
AND NO ONE WILL EVER CONQUER OR DIVIDE US

I really am waitin the return of Kwame...I kinda miss the bullet passes of the glass to the other team lol. No but seriously i remember him coming of the bench last year when Bynum was starting and he did an OUTSTANDING job. He played really inspired ball...really aggressive defensively and it samed like the game slowed down for him offensively as well. I remember him saying in an interview something along the lines of being able to watch game and see what he needs to bring to the floor.

Ex,

I could be wrong and haven't specifically asked Phil, but I don't think Ronny's limited minutes are due to injury. He's kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment. With Mihm firmly out of the rotation, he's the only guy Phil is using for backup minutes at center. However, with Bynum playing so well right now, Phil justifiably is looking to keep him on the floor as much as possible, which means slim pickings for Ronny.

But when Kwame comes back and gives the team two center options, it allows Phil to play Ronny at the 4, where he's much better suited and the competition is less heated. I could see Ronny actually going from limited minutes to starting at the 4. Or at the very least, eating up a lot of Vlad's minutes off the bench.

I suppose Phil could also work with Kwame as the starting 4 (which would leave Ronny at status quo), but he hasn't given any indication that's the impending plan.

I'll try to remember to ask Phil about this tomorrow at practice, because it's an interesting dynamic.

AK

My Fave Starting 5

Kwame, Ronny, Lamar, Kobe, Fisher

Bench Mob
Bynum, Luke, Ariza, Machine, Farmar

That's a great team....Great Defense and Offense in both units. Starting unit has better defense, 2nd unit has more offense.

Kwame will never be a 4 because he can't shoot the jumper...it's sad but true. Oddly enough, Bynum is more suited to be a power forward.

How about a starting lineup of
Kwame C, Bynum PF, Lamar SF, Kobe SG, Fisher PG

THAT would be interesting.

As delicate as Kwame and Mihm are, they both have to be kept on the team at the very least until a robust back-up big can be acquired. If either one leaves the Lakers before that, the Lakers will always be on the verge of a collapse at the Center position.

Any season can go down the tubes with the right injuries, but the odds are better for the Lakers this season because there are fewer flakes on the team. As a bit of a flake myself, I think flakes can make important contributions to a championship team -- you just never want to place flakes in a position where they are expected to carry everyone else on their shoulders.

Lamar is the poster child for that assertion. He will do all sorts of nice things for the team as long as nobody weighs him down with too many expectations. Sasha and Vlad can also contribute to a lesser degree, turning close games into laughers with a barrage of 3-pointers when they are on their home court or otherwise experience some temporary bout of confidence.

But there is a threshold number of flakes that you cannot have on a team, and last year there were more flakes than stable, determined players. Every game last year was a flake-festival waiting to happen, and just about any kind of individual injury or suspension would set it off. With Fish replacing Smush and Ariza replacing Cook, and the maturing of Bynum and Farmar, this really should be a vastly improved season over last year.

SUCK THE FUNS!!!

How sweet it was to watch Phx. get the pants beat off them in the Lakers' house. The only reason that the game was close was because of the Funs' 3 pt. shooting. LA took a page from the Spurs' book and transformed Nash into a scorer. Although his assist numbers (14) were impressive, when Stevie is his team's leading scorer, their opponent has a much better chance of winning.

I truly hope that Kwame Brown is getting a fire lit under his tail by the continued improvement of Andy B. Kwame is in a contract year. He need look no further than his old friend Smush to see what happens when you don't produce. The Lakers can afford to wait until the end of the year when his contract expires to make a decision on his future. If Kwame doesn't work out, then they have his expiring contract to play with. Personally, I would let him walk and make a run at Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks. Smith will be a restricted free agent in the summer with Atlanta holding an option of a little more than 2.2 million. If the Lakers could get him for Kwame's $9M, I think they would have all the necessary ingredients for a serious run at the C'ship. Smith is a banger and serious interior presence. Plus the man can really run the floor and finish at the hoop. He's second in the league in blocked shots. He's one of the main reasons for Atlanta's improvement along with Joe and Anthony Johnson. I'm no expert in the business aspect of free agency, but I think if this transaction came to fruition, the Lakers would be good to go.

Comments, anyone?

Awww, I got a bandwagon for my birthday?

Mamba24, you're the best.

18 DOWN, 37 MORE TO GO!

The good/bad team rides again and just maybe...is making me believe and forcing me to drop the "bad" from its moniker.

beautiful game, enjoyed all the thrills, let's keep up the positivity.

LET'S GO LAKE SHOW!

Chucky

You must not know me, so I will just keep it at that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Let's Go Lake Show!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rick Friedman,

Excellent post! The team is always having health issues with Kwame, Mihm and Luke. (Maybe add Lamar to the mix but he really tries to play through his injuries. (I still feel he should be a SF but he is way to acclimated on the PF.)

Right now Vlad has two injured wrist's which is why he has been on that shooting funk.

I would love to get PT for JC. Karl will show promise but I would prioritize JC.

I am still waiting a semi significant trade for another PF/C. I'll take a Jamaal Macgloire, Darius Songaila, Ethan Thomas, Brain Skinner type example. Some one who can clean up with Ronny... Trade that for Kwame's or Chris Mihm's contract. (Though I feel Mihm will be better next year. This is the shake the rust out season)

Jeff.
" Awww, I got a bandwagon for my birthday Mamba24, you're the best."

Jeff If you can't have a bandwagon for your birthday, then nobody should.
Happy Birthday!
---------------------------------------------------
JEFF BIRTHDAY BANDWAGON
---------------------------------------------------
(1) ELLE – DRIVER AND OWNER
(2) MAMBA24 - RIDING SHOTGUN
(3) CHARLES

Jeff,

December birthday near Christmas? bummer

................

Since Phil Jackson has stated that he wants Kwame to fill in to play D against Boozer, than whats going to be the starting line-up there? Is he going to go with Bynum and Kwame together? Put Odom at SF? It looks good because than we match up defensively, but offensively I think that makes us bump into each other. Not sure how the Bynum Kwame spacing will happen. Kwame will get in the way of those alleyoops and putbacks. I can see Kwame reaching his hands up for a lob and deflecting it away from Drew or Kwame knocking a ball away from Drew finish. Plus that puts Odom strictly at the perimter where he will never want to drive at all.

If Bynum does go to the bench I think it will show the rest of the team that no matter how much progress you make you still ride the pine. Unless Phil is just trying to hammer the final point that Kwame is rendered useless. Remember that for all the organizations love for Bynum, there is somebody who loved Kwame enough to trade for the guy three years ago also. Maybe Phil wants to finally convince everybody that he's the guy to ship out.

Also against Boston, not sure again what line up to trot out. Bynum got worked by Perkins, but he is somebody that Bynum has to learn to dominate. But Odom really cant guard KG (who can) but is that a guy that Phil wants to use Kwame on, perhaps to pound physically.

This would put us with a bench of Farmar, Sasha, Luke, Ariza, Turiaf, Vlad with one guy being the odd man out. It cant be Turiaf because hes the only one with size, it cant be Farmar either so it has to be one out of Sasha, Luke, Ariza, Vlad.

SBPIMP,

If we trade Kwame this yeah we are stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bynum can take over next year and we can add a nice free agent in the summer.

If we trade Kwame and Bynum goes down we are finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All you guys talking about trade Kwame please shut up.

If we trade and the Celtics, Detrio, Mavs, Suns, or the Spurs pick him up this year, we will be in trouble. I don't care what you guys think or say, but that is a reality. Kwame going agianst Bynum would be a banger. Kwame wouldn't score, but he would bang Bynum out with his physical play leaving LO out on a limb by himself will the 4 man dominates him like usaul.

Please we need Kwame for 20 mins a game. It is vital to winning this years championship.

We need all 14 guys. Even Coby Carl.

Smush Parker is gone and Fish and Farmer will put Kwame in postion to be successful just like Bynum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STOP HATING ON KWAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mamba, i may not post much but I read the blog every day, and let me sya that you've been missed.

Laker 32 and Bonez

If we trade Kwame this yeah we are stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bynum can take over next year and we can add a nice free agent in the summer.

If we trade Kwame and Bynum goes down we are finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All you guys talking about trade Kwame please shut up.

If we trade and the Celtics, Detrio, Mavs, Suns, or the Spurs pick him up this year, we will be in trouble. I don't care what you guys think or say, but that is a reality. Kwame going agianst Bynum would be a banger. Kwame wouldn't score, but he would bang Bynum out with his physical play leaving LO out on a limb by himself will the 4 man dominates him like usaul.

Please we need Kwame for 20 mins a game. It is vital to winning this years championship.

We need all 14 guys. Even Coby Carl.

Smush Parker is gone and Fish and Farmer will put Kwame in postion to be successful just like Bynum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STOP HATING ON KWAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bronxlakerfan and anyone else who wants to sign free agents with Kwame's salary:

The Lakers are still over the cap with Kwame's contract off the books. This has been posted over and over and over again.

If Kwame walks at the end of the year, we get nothing. We can't use his former salary to sign a FA, because we will still be over the cap. Our choices with Kwame are either:

1) trade him before the deadline to a team looking to dump salary;

2) re-sign him over the summer to a greatly reduced salary;

3) Allow another team to sign him, take his salary off the books, and remain over the cap and unable to sign FAs for more than the biannual exception, the midlevel exception and/or the vet's minimum.

NO OTHER OPTIONS.

If we don't have any injuries this year, we will win the title!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ELLE,
"Mamba, i may not post much but I read the blog every day, and let me sya that you've been missed."
Thanks Elle.

Thorpe over at ESPN says that we have a legit shot at finals, Kobe should be current front-runner for MVP, and Bynum should get consideration for both All-Star AND Most Improved Player.

Gotta love it!

---------------------------------------------------
JEFF BIRTHDAY BANDWAGON
---------------------------------------------------
(1) ELLE – DRIVER AND OWNER
(2) MAMBA24 - RIDING SHOTGUN
(3) CHARLE
(4) THE LAKE SHOW
(5) HUEY

Don't start the celebration too soon...

Zakee,

No, if we don't understand the salary rules, we are stupid.

The ONLY way we get value out of Kwame's contract is to trade him before the deadline. Otherwise we can only re-sign him or allow him to walk. Do you understand that? We will still be over the cap if he walks, so we can't sign a "nice FA" over the summer. How many languages do I need to write that in before you understand?

Look at how long this guy has been out with this injury. He should have been working every single day while the Show was out on the road, getting ready to play Christmas. Guess what? He wasn't ready. He's not willing to put in the work to be great, or even serviceable. Kobe didn't miss a game with a strained groin, and Kwame has lingered for MONTHS with a sprain?? Exactly HOW is this guy going to contribute to a championship when he's wearing a suit because of some bulls**t injury more games than he plays in??

Do you understand what irony is? If you have trouble, try reading some of your posts - all you did last season was hate on Smush, and now you're chiding other people about hating on a player?

Educate yourself a bit before you run your mouth about things you don't understand, and stop being a hypocrite, and maybe you will have some credibility on this blog. Maybe.

NEVER,
"Don't start the celebration too soon.."

Come on NEVER, it's the holiday season. Let the troops feel their oats for a little
while. Reality is a Mother, so you take your celebrations where you can.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Mamba,

Please add me to the bandwagons:

1. New sherriff
2. Micth as exec of year
3. Bryant!! MVP in my book.
4. Bynum!! He has been noticed!

Awsome game against the Suns yesterday and you guys should read the suns blogs. The sky is falling in Phoenix. Funny stuff.

janaya

Zakee,

Kwame isn't even playing? Plus intelligent bloggers been advocating for another PF/C not to fill roster spot that is well rotated (J-kidd....)

Plus this is an interactive blog. We can't shut up. The whole purpose is to chat....

We are not using Kwame and Mihm. They are both injured or recovering! If you can trade for a savvy vet PF/C, that player can pick up the offense the way Ariza is doing (And Ariza is just 22 years old), why not?

Of course if Bynum goes down, were screwed. But to have an oft injured player like Kwame be the insurance guy is case some one goes down?

"Kwame going agianst Bynum would be a banger. Kwame wouldn't score, but he would bang Bynum out with his physical play leaving LO out on a limb by himself will the 4 man dominates him like usaul."

Huh?

SBPimp,
"Educate yourself a bit before you run your mouth about things you don't understand, and stop being a hypocrite, and maybe you will have some credibility on this blog. Maybe."

YES LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. SBPIMP IS BACCCCKK! HAPPY HOLIDAYS Sir!

Actually, my birthday is ON the 30th. That makes it even better.

Zakee,

You are sooooo right! All last season you said SMUSH Parker was a cancer and the Lakers biggest problem. It makes me wonder that if Lakers would have had DFish instead of Smush last year things would have been different.

You also right about Kwame.

Do you want to trade for Jason Kidd?

I say no trades including Kwame.

Roster is fine. Its time for 9 rings to coach them up.

ts

go lakersssssssss! happy holidays all!

hmm some people are wishing for bynum to go down just to win an argument? thats sick man.. tsk tsk..

Zakee

You obviously didn't read my post!

Another lost post!

I'll revise my "Ode to Lost Post" poem for the occasion:

Ode to Lost Post

I wrote you real good
But then technology
Made you go bye bye;
You were real good, too

Wes J. Nixon

Yeah, the Curry + Randolph front court of the Knicks was a bad idea from the get-go. I'd
be willing to take Curry off their hands for Kwame Brown, since they need a big defender,
but only if they'll throw in David Lee. :-)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS JANAYA!

----------------------------------------------------
JEFF BIRTHDAY BANDWAGON
---------------------------------------------------
(1) ELLE – DRIVER AND OWNER
(2) MAMBA24 - RIDING SHOTGUN
(3) CHARLES
(4) THE LAKE SHOW
(5) HUEY
(6) JANAYA
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THERES A NEW SHERIFF IN THE WEST AND ITS
THE FREAKIN LA. LAKERS BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MARK JACKSON
(2) JEFF VAN GUNDY
(3) BILL WALTON
(4) MAMBA24
(5) JANAYA
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MITCH KUPCHAK EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR BANDWAGON
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) MAMBA24 DRIVER AND OWNER
(2) JANAYA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DAVID STERN IF KOBE BRYANT DOES NOT WIN THE
MVP THIS YEAR SOMEBODY IS GOING TO JAIL BANDWAGON
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) NIK KANNAN OWNER AND DRIVER
(2) MAMBA24
(3) VIOLATER
(4) OUTSIDERGUA
(5) LAKERTRUTH
(6) ALEXINH017
(7) DREREK
(8) SHAQFAN
(9) JANAYA

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANDREW BYNUM MOST IMPROVED PLAYER IN THE NBA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) LAKER FAZE OWNER AND DRIVER………………(8) DEREK
(2) RDLEE RIDING SHOTGUN………………………....(9) BENNY BLANCO
(3) VIOLATER……………………………………………..(10) BD
(4) RICO TICO……………………………………………..(11) JANAYA
(5) MAMBA24
(6) LAKER TOM
(7) JON KAVULIC

SBPIMP

Educate myself,

You want to trade a 7'0 center for what?????????????

What do we need and what would we trade him for???

What happens if Bynum goes down???

WHO DO WE DEPEND ON??? This year??????

WHAT OTHER BACKUP CENTER IS OUT THERE???

Look at Skinner?????

See what happened to the Suns when they let there big man go.

Kwame can be resigned for less money next year. MAKING HIM bYNUM BACKUP.

Who do you suggest we bring in for Kwame???????????????????

Please tell me??????????????????/

Sorry Bones,

We need to showcase Kwame if we want to move him. That's how it works, just like they are hiding Crittenton on the bench right now.

I mean... this appears to be a very upsetting subject for some people but we're sitting on 2 powderkegs of talent in Bynum and Crittenton. I like Farmar but as the saying goes, Crittenton has another gear. The Fisher and Farmar combo is good, ok? Understand? A Kidd/Fisher combo would be GREAT. That's the "Phil"osophy on that one though it appears to be a colossal waste of time anyway because NJ apparently isn't going to trade with us unless they stick it to us somehow... I don't know how much leverage Kidd has as far as demanding which team he can go to but Kidd coming here is looking doubtful unless NJ cools some of their demands.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Kwame starts against Boston. Everybody in the league will be watching that game and what better time to showcase Kwame bodying up on Garnett? But if Kwame gets moved, then somebody or something like a draft pick is going to have to go with him... so the odds and ends are Farmar (desirable young player), Sasha, Luke/Rad - bad contracts, or the whopper, Odom for a possible big time player. We're still a player short and only the Lakers really know what they are after - which is as it should be... but I wouldn't mind at all if we kept Farmar, didn't get Kidd and got a young, banger PF... but don't get all upset just talking about things...

Bynum you're making me look good Boy! Way to go LAKERS nothing better than whipping the Suns on our court on Christmas day! Solid start for Trevor, nice to see him get the nod and contribute. GO LAKERS ! "Watch out Now". Oh yea, one more thing Shaq who?

TaosHum,
"but don't get all upset just talking about things..."

Wer'e not upset Taos. Those are some sound ideas you have their sir.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you.!

SB Pimp....thanks for clarifying that point about the salary dump for me. I guess I'm clutching at straws to find a way for Kwame to be useful to the team. Back to the drawing board! haha!

ZAkee,
If Bynum goes down now, and Kwame becomes the starting center by default, the Lakers are out in the first round again. There is no possibility of contending in the west with Kwame as the starter and Bynum unavailable.

Charles you have no idea what yuo are talking about!!!!

If would should trade anybody this year it should be MIHMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Not Kwame!!!

Mihms sucks.

If we didn't get Ariza I would have became a Luke Walton hater. Luke you are lucky there is now someone to play defense on T-MAC and the rest of the small fowards!!!

Have you guys ever won any type of championship???? Football, Baseball, Soccer.

You obviuosly haven't, becuase you would know that Kwame was never the weak link. Bynum was never this good. Bynum is the man now and now Kwame can play the roll that is needed for a team to be successful.

We need all 14 guys including Coby Carl!

Let's Go Lake Show!!!!!!!!!

If Bynum gets into foul trouble who do we send in Small 6'9 Turaif or SOFT but Mihms????

No we send in the force, KWAME BROWN BABY.
Andrew Bynum big brother. You can always be better then you big brother, but when needed he will be the one that kicks the older guys buts for!!!!!!!

Besides that Bynum is only making Kwame work harder which can only be a positive thing for the Lakers. Why are you guys hating on Kwame so much when Drew has the same winning percentage as him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kwame6-3
Bynum 12-7

We are a much stronger team with both of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Smush Parker is gone, there is no need to down anybody this year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If I catch anybody on here downing a player, I will be on you neck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, AK.

If we make anymore trades this year it will hurt us.

Cook and Evans trade woke the other Lake players up enough. We don't need anything else this year

Kwame/Bynum- They have each other backs

Rad/Walton/Radman-Pick you poison

Fisher/Farmer/hopefully a little bump of Crit will get us through the tough times

Koe-needs no sub, but Sasha has matured to be a player that will hurt teams in critical situations

LO/Turiaf- are the to guys that do whatever is needed. You can add Ariza into that mix.

Mihms and Coby Karl- Character guys. You need people like them at the end of you bench!!!

Together they are the 2007-2008 NBA WORLD CHAMPIONS!!!!!!!!!

Lets' go Lake show

Taos Hum,

I agree with your post. Even if we win against our old nemesis, it is not fully satisfactory until we get a full revenge for the two playoffs. We have to preserve Fish and Kobe legs after the Boston game. Lakers have to find ways to win w/o Kobe and Fisher. I think Javaris and Coby could supply that firepower provided the veterans can give them a support. It's time for Odom, Bynum, Farmar to shine and seize the moment. I wish I can say it for Walton and Vladrad but these two are pure role players with limited abilities to defend like the exhibited by Ariza.

Congratulations to the Lakers for a job well done. No need of celebrating, the tasks ahead are not yet finished.

On the first day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... Bynum killing Amare.

On the second day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... An Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the third day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the fourth day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the fifth day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the sixth day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... Raja disappearing, PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the seventh day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... tons of so-hot Laker Girls, Raja disappearing, PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the eighth day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... Fisher getting younger, tons of so-hot Laker Girls, Raja disappearing, PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the ninth day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... Ronny's crazy dancing, Fisher getting younger, tons of so-hot Laker Girls, Raja disappearing, PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the tenth day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... an 18-10 record, Ronny's crazy dancing, Fisher getting younger, tons of so-hot Laker Girls, Raja disappearing, PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the eleventh day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... Steve Nash's chipped tooth, an 18-10 record, Ronny's crazy dancing, Fisher getting younger, tons of so-hot Laker Girls, Raja disappearing, PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

On the twelfth day of X-Mas, my Lakers gave to me... tons of fellow Laker fans who are awesome, Steve Nash's chipped tooth, an 18-10 record, Ronny's crazy dancing, Fisher getting younger, tons of so-hot Laker Girls, Raja disappearing, PHIIILL'S BOW-OW TIIIIIIIIE (BAH-DUM-DUM-DUM), D'Antoni getting angry, Kobe scoring plenty, an Ariza dunk on G. Hill and Bynum killing Amare.

Folks, bigger picture here -- everything the team does should be focused on winning a championship NEXT year. Yes, if everything goes well, they stay healthy and any of Sasha/Vlad/Farmar get on a hot streak to complement the starters this team could go very deep in the playoffs this year. However...

I'm willing to consider trades that might make us weaker in the short run (i.e. not having Kwame to back up Drew and/or trading some of our bench depth for a key piece) if it makes us stronger for next year (and years to come). By next fall Bynum should be ready to destroy every night and, assuming 24 doesn't shoot his mouth off, the team should be able to attract a top level exemption addition. We need better starting quality at either the 3 or 4 (or both!) and better backup at either the 2 or 3 (or both!). A starter quality vet who can reliably add 15 a game looking to play a role off the bench at the 2 or 3 for a chance at a ring would be a nice addition. I'm willing to trade our depth for these additions, even if it hurts us some this year.

Finally, I'm a believer in addition by subtraction. We have guys I don't trust mentally (LO, Sasha, Vlad) and physically (Kwame's hands) on the floor in crunch time. Teams work too hard to get deep in the playoffs to let stupid decisions or bad hands sink them at the wrong moment. Of these four, losing Lamar's rebounding is the only thing that concerns me. Otherwise, suitable replacements would make them a better team. (Easier said than done with Vlad and his contract -- my price for trading Farmar is they must take Vlad too...)

TaosHum, nobody is going to trade for Kwame; They're only going to trade for his contract. If the Lakers want to showcase anything perhaps they should put Kwame's contract on their website...

Merry X-Mas to all!

Does anyone know?

If we re-sign Kwame does that count as our mid level?

I don't think he will, but I'm not sure.

I'm almost at the point where I'd put the breaks on any future trades. Minor ones like the Ariza deal should always be an option, but as far as Kidd and JO go, I'd be hesitant to make any deal at this point.

If the Heat can't get any takers for Jason Williams' expiring 9 million it'll be difficult to find a taker for Kwame unless we include other important pieces like Odom or Farmar, and that's a move I'd like to avoid.

We might have to keep Kwame and hope we can re-sign the guy to something like 5 million a year. The price this guy comes at is everything for me. If we spend five or six million on him, then I can forgive his tresspasses.

Guys like Kidd and JO, we might just have to wait for them to opt out and then get 'em on the cheap.

The key is winning and harmony. If we keep playing like this other players will want to come West and join the team at a discount rate.

Wes

I have to say, it's nice to see how the overall tenor of the blog comments have changed since the summer and start of the year. So many were saying we're a .500 team at best and calling for Kupchak's head. Comments like "we're not that good", "we have no talent", and "trade Bynum...he sucks" were all over the place.

Now we're debating whether we're a title contender!

I for one am proud to point out that before the season started I expected this team to win 50+ games. I am also glad to point out that I was completely wrong about Kobe and how we needed to trade him because I was sick of his drama. The guy's playing MVP-level ball and is adeptly deflecting the media's attempts to create new drama. Props to Kobe!

In reality though, I don't think we're a title contender yet. IMO, we're still a year away. Barring a rash of injuries like last year, I expect us to loose in the WCF or maybe in a 7th game in the semis. We're just a little too inexperienced this year.

But so far, it's been fun as hell watching this team grow and improve this year. Our next big learning step is likely going to be in the playoffs, which should prep us for a title run for years to come. Woo hoo!!

What Mike D'Antoni had to say:

When asked about the difference between these Lakers and last year's team, Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni replied: "Bynum and Derek Fisher. They've got two better players than they had last time with Kwame and Smush. So that's a big difference."

Mihm, Kwame, Cook, Walton and Smush - OUT the door!!!

2008-2009 Roster
Starters: Bynum, Odom, Ariza, Kobe, Fisher
Bench: Gasol, Turiaf, SunYue, Crittenton and Farmar
Role players: Vlad, Sasha, Karl, draft SF, draft PF/C

Merry Day After Suns-Butt-Kicking Christmas!

I'm betting that Kwame's not going anywhere.Reason? Phil knows the value that a big body, solid defender brings to a team seeking a playoff run, with or wthout any offensive contribution from him. Though Bynum is already way better than Kwame in most areas, but there are some things that Kwame can do better, like guard KG, Boozer, and the like.

Some posters mentioned the obvious other major point, namely what if Bynum goes down (he is still clumsy on some of his moves, like a big Doberman puppy). But there's an even likelier situation that Phil undoubtedly wants insurance for: foul trouble, and especially in the playoffs on the opposition's court where refs tend to favor the home team. Bynum is very likely to get into foul trouble in such situations. Who's going to come in for him, say against Duncan or KG?

Overall, in fact, I think Phil loves this team for it's versatility. He loves to throw lineups at an opponent to get situational advantages and go on quick scoring runs. With this team, he can go big, and he can go small and quick, either way with very little drop off in quality. This team definitely looks like it's custom designed for a 10 Rings playoff run.

Woo!

Everyone hold on here this team is hot right now, and believe me i hope it turns to a consent happening but to say we will be champs is a bit high. I hope they can just get to the west champ round and if they pull it out the better.

In reference to MT saying a player will get hurt that is bad Karma and no fan should say that. Again to mike i am not a hater of kwame just wish he could stay heathly and contribute but thus is not the case since he became a laker nothing but a expensive Glass House.

Go Lakers who are not fakers

first off, i belong on the apologies to mitch kupchak list. make it happen mamba24.

second, i was at the bulls-lakers game (first game ever at staples for me) when kwame brown went down. and i must admit that while i wasn't celebrating the injury to kwame, i was excited about the increased playing time for bynum. i recall yelling, 'cool, let's see where bynum's game is at right now.'

bynum has always asked for more playing time. and when it was given to him, albeit due to an injury to kwame, socks took it and ran...and he hasn't looked back.

as someone else wrote earlier, bynum is our #2 option. and it's crazy to see the effect bynum's improved play has on this team.

odom seems more comfy and content being the #3 option. less pressure, maybe.

so who knows with kwame? maybe kwame will respond well as a backup...

because that is what he is...a backup.

a year ago, we had the likes of smush parker and kwame brown IN OUR STARTING LINEUP...funny how derek fisher, an improved farmar, and an improved bynum changes everything.

trevor ariza is a perfect fit. you can tell the guy just plays for the team, whatever it takes. hustles for loose balls, attacks the rim with no fear...damn it feels good to have multi-dimensional players.

c'mon lake show!!!

Zakee and SB Pimp,

If we let Kwame off the books than we will be merely at the salary cap that will be adjusted next year. But I believe that if we resign Kwame we can use Bird Rights and sign him for whatever we want and it wont count against the cap. Maybe AK/BK can explain that one. So essentially we resigning Kwame wouldnt effect incoming free agents next year.

My question for SB Pimp, is if we dont resign Kwame, can you name me another 7ft center with athletic ability with a big body bang around for a few minutes that you can sign for say the mid-level next year, which will be around 6 mil. ( I think he could take that since its close to his 8 mil a year). Now Im not saying we pursue Kwame and creating bidding on an open market, because hes not worth past the mid-level. But after Chris Mihm leaves, who is left as a big body? Remember, Brian Cook is gone now and he became Trevor Ariza. The Lakers are short on bigs. Turiaf is a true PF, but even him the Lakers have a decision on, whether to keep him and see him as a long term solution at PF. Of course Id rather see the Lakers use Bird Rights on Turiaf if they needed to.

The Lakers really need a big man for next year. Bynum wil be a starter and possibly doing great things...but with more playing time you have to expect that he might get a small injury that keeps him out a few games or other teams will go after him foul wise and so you need a real back up.

IF the Lakers do not resign Kwame, than you have to look at the draft as a replacement and possibly free agency. Kurt Thomas may be willing to come to the Lakers if he sees the Lakers possibly becoming a championship level team. Dont laugh about him, since the Sonics are like 1-10 without him playing. Maybe a Malik Rose becomes available.

In the draft, the Lakers will end up at around 20. You're not getting Kevin Love, Roy Hibbert. However somebody like Taylor Hansborough, DJ. Hardin might be available. (Start checking those guys out). But there wont be a lot of 7ft true centers coming around that time.

Take a look at the article at TrueHoop

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-430/Learning-To-Love-Andrew-Bynum.html

TaosHum,

I disagree. If we're selling Kwame as an expiring contract, there's no need to showcase him. I would argue that it's actually more important to avoid injury at this point, because as fragile as he is, if he can't pass a physical he's going to be harder to trade.

Also, how have you seen enough of Critter to know that he's a powderkeg of talent? I mean, you may be spot on, I frankly don't know, because I haven't seen him in enough meaningful minutes to have an intelligent opinion at this point. I DO know that Farmar is hitting his shots, he's penetrating, he's playing defense, he's providing that all-too-important spark off the bench.. basically he's doing everything you ask your backup point guard to do, and more. I'd be extremely reluctant to let that go because I'm trying to free space for a dude who hasn't proven himself yet. Remember, Kareem Rush looked good in spotty minutes, and ended up not working out in the league. It would be a bummer to trade away Farmar and discover that Critter doesn't have the game to cut it. Mind you, I'm not saying that's how it is, I'm saying I don't know at this point.

To be fair, I think Critter has the raw materials to be really exceptional - he seems pretty athletic, seems to have a good basketball sense about him, and most important of all, he's got about four inches of height on Farmar, and we all know how Phil feels about big guards. What I don't know are the intangibles - will he develop the confident swagger? Will he mope and pout because he's on the bench, or will he come in with the attitude that he needs to bump it up a notch? Will he penetrate fearlessly and dunk on people when the opportunity arises? Will he hit meaningful open jumpers and spread the floor for Drew and Kobe? Will he be a WINNER? Will he earn Kobe's respect and trust, the way Farmar seems to have? Will he work on his game over the summer, the way Farmar has?

Like I said, I don't know the answers to these questions, and I don't see how anyone could have the answers, given the amount and quality of minutes Critter has gotten so far this year. Seriously, it would be amazing if he had gotten more minutes - the only reason Farmar got any minutes as a rookie was because Smush was stinking up the joint so badly. Kobe got no minutes as a rookie, Bynum got no minutes as a rookie... seriously, if Critter had been ready to come in and contribute his first year, he wouldn't have been drafted where the Lakers could get their hands on him, he would have been taken where those caliber of dudes get taken, where Durant and Oden and Horford were. That doesn't mean he's not going to be a good player, it just means he isn't ready this season. So far he seems to be making progress and doing what's expected of him, and I don't think it's fair to anyone to expect more than that.

mike t is going to the KLBeast and Gunner ways of trolling. No right, no wrong, no arguing tactics. Predicting an injury to the team you're rooting for is completely uncalled for and a fabricated comment. Nonetheless we will all read it, comment it, and once again completely satisfy Mike T's ego. Hey, he has to compensate somehow.

Great game yesterday. Ariza's dunk is all OVER you tube. Funny that they name it a facial jam? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v6OIFNme6w

kobe's reaction reminds me of a guy who won the pissing contest at 5 am.

In response to Zakee, here is my list of dudes I would trade for Kwame's expiring contract, if their teams decide they need to dump salary:

*note* Not all these guys make enough, but none make too much and we have an additional roster spot, so I would be willing to take whoever the other team wanted to send along to balance it out. These are all teams who might end up wanting to legitimately dump salary in February.

1. RON ARTEST
2. MIKKI MOORE
3. COREY MAGGETTE
4. KURT THOMAS
5. CHRIS WILCOX
6. SHANE BATTIER
7. UDONIS HASLEM
8. NAZR MOHAMMED
9. DAN GADZURIC
10. EDDY CURRY
11. MALIK ROSE
12. JASON COLLINS
13. JAMAAL MAGLOIRE

Any of these guys would contribute more than Kwame Brown.

Most of the bloggers and fans on here have said that Kwame is needed to add more depth and strength to our team. I've said over and over again that we need Kwame and Andrew to play well in order for us to make a deep run in the post season. It's just that there are those on here who REFUSE to say the same thing about Drew no matter what he does and they're very ONE SIDED in their debate or argument which is a bunch of garbage in my opinion.

Be objective and fair in your criticism of all the players on the Lakers and don't just single one out because you favor another player for whatever reason. What burns me up is how people can constantly put down any player that is helping this team to be successful. I'm not ready to call Bynum an elite center after only 28 games, but I like what I'm seeing and I agree with Kobe when he says that all of Andrew's hard work is starting to pay dividends and both Drew and the Lakers are reaping the benefits.

At the end of the day, all that matters are results. This is true in the business world and every other aspect in life. Right now, these Lakers are producing and getting positive results. Not a finished product by any means, but a steady, good looking one in the process. This is what Kobe has been yearning for the past couple of seasons, for others on the team besides himself to put in the hard work and get results. That seems to be happening so far this year. One game at a time and the focus to never to be satisfied, but to get better every day.

AK/BK,

"I mean if you see Bynum get injured on the court wouldn't you be more interested on how old mike t. actually accomplished that? I mean, if I was able to will something like that...gee...that is powerful!"

If I were Andrew Bynum I would file a restraining order against Mike T. And its easy to find him because of his I.P. Address. They just arrested a guy at my campus for putting up an anonymous bogus shooting threat on a website discussion board.

Mike, I think you have something to offer as a passionate Laker fan, but to wish that someone would get hurt is just plain wrong dude. Say he should be traded...or even say that there is a possibilily of him getting hurt. But to almost wish it to happen cancels out your die-hard Laker ism

Yeah baby! Yeah!

Lakers win!

Go Lakers!

Can somebody please explain to me why Andrew Bynum is NOT on the Allstar Ballot?

I was looking over the hollinger individual power rankings today. here are the lakers ranks at their respective positions as of today 12/26

kobe 2
Bynum 8
fisher 13
ariza 20
farmar 31 (listed under SG?)
sasha 37
walton 50
odom 60
Turiaf 61
Radman 65
Mihm 65

#60? What's up w that. oops i mean that Odom sure is versatile, i'd hate to see the Lakers trade him along with Kwame's expiree for a top 20 PF... cough cough

rayray's HOW IT'S MADE
HOW a 08 CHAMP is made out of the 07 LALz

First let em START by saying this STARTS and FINISHES by KOBE BEAN BRYANT the best team, individual and all of the above PLAYER in the WORLD. All the following is assuming KOBE is in full force in other words he stays healthy.

1) Andrew Bynum doesn't lose an EDGE:
I LOOOVE the dunk (Boy those dunks make all of us asking for him to go or atleast MYSELF look pretty STUPID) but if Andrew keeps on REBOUNDING and CHANGING shots like he is first PREREQ is checked.

2) Trevor Ariza makes 1 of 3 on the corner 3's:
We need Luke off the bench and only if Trevor can take care of the STARTING (which he has all the requirements other than that corner 3) and Luke can come off the BENCH we will be a HELL to DEAL with for 48 minutes

3) Trade Jordan Farmar, Vlad Rad, and Kwame Brown for Jason Kidd
When the SUPER BOWL game is played and the NBA season STARTS we need somebody that can give us some thing on the D for 48 minutes this will eliminate JFARM's minutes and adds to DFISH's. Although DFISH can do 30 to 34 minutes a game but a tired DFISH in the playoffs will DIFINATELY cost the Lakers deep in the playoffs

TRANSLATION:

Bynum stays the same, Trev developes that corner 3 (30% or better) and we get JKIDD we will indeed get the RING. NOBODY's stopping KOBE and LO is playig atleast like LO of old if not the LO we expect.

Sonny Vacaro on lakers

He gives kupchek props for not trading Bynum, he is impress with portland, says suns don't play dee and will not get any place until they do.
Talking of trade to get Kidd, saying kidd has not ask for trade,and until he does there will not be a move.

Saying Ariza is a good player not an allstar but a energizer and that he attacks the rim.

I'm happy that SPAM situation is over or is it. For a SEC I thought I've said some thing I shouldn't have said! (lol)

I just read the article in the Arizona paper regarding yesterday's game and Amare was really pissed off!!! He said that there's no way that they should lose to the Lakers and went on to say that right now the Lakers are the better team. He also said that they can't afford to give the Lakers any more confidence.

I won't go as far as Amare in saying that the Lakers are better than the Suns. I'll just say that the Lakers so far this year are better than last year's Laker team.

Yes plain and simple reverse psychology. If Mike T stopped talking so much about Kwame Brown and how much more he's important for this team to become elite I think that there wouldn't be so many critics of Kwame. Real basketball fans know what the eye sees. The eyes don't lie. So Mike T's comments make us defend what our eyes see. Yes Kwame is a good defender but I don't think that he's better than Bynum any longer. I think Bynum has surpassed him so far. Bynum brings with him other intangibles like length, shot blocking, shot altering,offense, team play, level headed, calming, smart and sureness. He talks about how Bynum may not keep it up. All of these comments put the rest of us on the defensive ,and we end up talking smack about Kwame. I think that if Mike T's rant about Kwame getting more minutes and being better for the team overall keeps up Kwame might not be a Laker by January because he'll have so many critics thanks to Mike T . Hehehe.

CHRISTMAS ,grade, CARDs:

Ariza B
It's not a B+ cause he still has some deffensive efficiency and it's not an A+ becasue he can't make that corner 3. Yet?

Brown F
This is not becasue of his performance (That grade would be a solid B) but he is never there so maybe he is a real BAD role player.

Bryant A+*
Now that the ASTERICS have become part of American sports, Kobe'll get one. All I can tell ya, he has missed a total of 1minute 20 seconds becasue of injury and the Lakers lost a 5 point lead adn the whole game to the Warriors.

Bynum A+
A+ is given to players that have proven themselve and Andrew will get a chance after Super Bowl but he already has alotta XTRA CRED nacause he's been Jaw Droppin.

Crittenton B
This one is more incomplete, but he has lost alittle bit in points becasue of the handfull of missed open shot he has gotten

Farmar B
He is BORN a PG. His deffensive ineffectiveness can make him ineffective once he start losing alittle bit of that confidence. I think he is a deffensive liability that upon the STARTING line up getting more minutes and Jordan having to run that line will expose his deffensive problems. (Trade him)

Fisher A+
It feels so GREAT that whenever we need a couple of points we don't have to throw it to KOBE and get otta the way. FISH's in town.

Mihm C-
Other than a couple of offensive ribies and a glips of great shooting range for a big man Chris has shown absolutely nothing of his old self.

Odom B+
If ww didn't expect SCOTTIE from LO the grade would be upgraded. 11.6 and about 18 a game in the last 5 games aint bad and worthy of an A+

Radmanovic C+
His performance is a B+, his ability to stay in the gaem and "EARN MINUTES"? F

Turiaf B+
Alotta heart and energy means Alot.

Vujacic B
Vujacic closed his first NBA game against Denver and that gets him a B. Still he is very much a practice player.

Walton B
If Luke would have stayed healthy he would for sure be a A player. That improved shooting is some thing that is still under the radar.

Zakee,

"If we trade Kwame and Bynum goes down we are finished!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!".

Not really a good argument. If Bynum goes down, we are finished anyway.

Imagine if we hadn't traded Caron Butler...???..Lamar, Kobe, Bynum, Caron, Ariza, Fisher, Farmar, etc etc.....what a team....still love what the boys are doing these days, but I worry when Kwame comes back....and worry about Luke being fragile these days too and not playing so well recently....
I just want to see us put teams away when we're up big...we haven't been able to do that yet...would love to see that..........my biggest Xmas present...LAKERS WIN ON XMAS DAY....2-0 against the Suns....now, can we beat Utah and Celtics this week too????

Jon K,

Agree with pretty much everything you've said today.

I also agree with the "we need kwame's defense" to win the western conference (trying to temper my enthusiasm), just like we need BigBoy Bynum's hands...my boy's all growns up! Hopefully he keeps improving to the point where he'll actually be able to handle a big low-poster defender...and maybe attract doubles. most of his points were "right place, right time, GREAT hands" type of plays. it'll be fun to watch him for a while.

really like the ariza pick-up. he's like a taller, longer, more tatted-out, aggressive eddie jones.

i'd like to see ronny turiaf get more minutes...the predator.

is a win over boston at home (kwame will be healthy) too much to ask for?

Ak/BK

A random Q here:

Will Oden be eligible for Rookie of the Year Award next year? What if he plays 1 game this year?

I tried to look for an answer but couldn't find a definite one.

SBPimp,

Kudos for your response to Taoshum. As long as Farmar continues to be successful in his role, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. People sell Jordan short because of his height, but ignore his 42" vertical leap. His fire and spunk alone make him a gamer.

As long as J-Crit is long on promise but short on minutes, we simply don't know what he can do. There are lots of bloggers impressed by what Critter did in Summer League, but those were games lacking in NBA intensity. His time will come when PJ thinks he's ready and not before.

As I pointed out in my long post above, the Lakers have much more pressing issues than what to do at PG. The front office and coaching staff, I am sure, are focusing on the team's bigger needs.

The Lakers strength right now is in the chemistry of the players getting the most minutes in rotation. Any move that short-circuits that chemistry can only be a negative. We need Kwame, Ronny and Walton to get healthy and for everyone not seriously hurt to stay healthy. That should be every fan's wish for the New Year.

Zakee,

Your posting is inconsistent and at have a strong tendency not to not comprehend other bloggers posting. Example:

Zakee

You obviously didn't read my post!

Posted by: Bonez | December 26, 2007 at 11:48 AM

Sorry Bones,

Posted by: Zakee | December 26, 2007 at 11:57 AM

"Charles you have no idea what yuo are talking about!!!!"
"If would should trade anybody this year it should be MIHMS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I actually have proposed to trade either Kwame or Mihm.... Please read my previous posts.

"Kwame/Bynum- They have each other backs" No Kwame is injured.....

"If we didn't get Ariza I would have became a Luke Walton hater." What's the difference. Luke can't adjust to playing bench minutes and plays better when he starts. And when he starts, he is still a defensive liability.

"Have you guys ever won any type of championship???? Football, Baseball, Soccer." Before you ask that question, what have you achieved? Give us reasons to put credence behind your word. I played organized sports in HS: Basketball, Football. I have red shirted for two local colleges. Fought in Thai Boxing matches, MMA, and fought Stick Fighting Matches in group settings 3 against 3 to be exact with minimum protection. (www.dogbrothers.com). Yes I have won 3 championships. (2 individual and one team)

"We need all 14 guys including Coby Carl!" Yeah we, especially come playoff's when can can only keep a roster of 12. You never know he may get Tracy Murray - Byron Russell - John Celestand - Jelani Mccoy - type minutes. Also, our coach PJ, hardly plays rookies. Look at our "special" JC.

"Mihms sucks." and "We need all 14 guys including Coby Carl!" All in one post.

I guess "Charles you have no idea what yuo are talking about!!!!"

On the whole Farmar being traded thing, this was mostly in reference to the Kidd rumors. NJ would most likely demand Farmar or Crittenton. If we got Kidd, then there would not be enough playing time for Farmar because Fisher isn't going anywhere. Crittenton, physically appears to be off the charts but... since this is his first season, he also falls into the "project" category so... that's why it would make sense IF we did the trade for Kidd to keep Crittenton, as he would get fill in minutes this year, then next year hopefully provide 20-25 minutes filling in at PG and SG and Kidd would then be in his 2nd season with the Lakers at $13m/season and the 3rd season is anybody's guess whether Kidd would even stay or reduce his minutes or what but at that point, Javaris could possibly be playing 30+ minutes/game for us.

I LOVE Farmar and his work ethic, I love what he has done this year but realistically, if the Lakers are going to make a move, who are the other teams going to ask for? The only other option is moving Lamar or going young, like with the Ariza trade, maybe trading Sasha with Kwame, gambling on some young big and it's true, it is very confusing what the Lakers might be looking for. If Kwame is moved, you are indeed going balls in with Bynum and Turiaf might be the main backup C for the rest of the year with Mihm playing every other game? who knows? Mihm has the player option for next year so I'm assuming he's going to stay. There's one roster slot, so the other slot if it goes to Gasol next year would mean we would have 2 big white foul machine stiffs backing up Bynum. LOL!

Actually I really don't want a trade, I'd like to keep Kwame if he would agree to be a backup Center and spot PF but, with the whole "Kobe situation" still reverberating through the front office and Phil signing up for another 2 years you just get the feeling that the front office will feel like they have to do something and the confusing part definitely involves PF and SF. Do they stick with Odom? That's probably the whole key to everything right there. If they stick with Odom, why should they carry 3 other SF's since Odom also slides down and plays some SF during games as Kobe does as well? Ugh! Long post. I stop now...

SBPIMP

As long as we got the team we have, I see no room for any of those players on our team. The guys we have are better then 85% of the list you have. Artest and Battier are the only 2. And only becuase like the other players on our team, they can both play 3 positions.

Other than that I am going with Bynum as the starter and Kwame as the backup for under 7 million or under.

Oh yeah
Nazr Mohammed Sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No bump in Detriot and none in San Antonio. He play for the Bobcats now. Anybody can start for them.

Corey Magget needs to find a position and stick with it. He is small!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As a matter of fact, none of those guys you named can play center better than Kwame.

Where would any of those players fit into our lineup?????

ZEN

If Bynum goes down we are not finished. We are only finished if KOBE BEAN BRYANT GOES DOWN or if LO goes down.

Bynum will only help Kwame progress now, just like Kwame help Bynum progress. They practice against each other.

Ask yourself a question??????

Does Bynum kill kwame in practice like he does people in the game?????

I don't think he does. I love Bynum and he made me become a fan of him this year. But I don't see him beasting Kwame like that and that is why Phil told everybody to just cool down alittle.

I think KWAME owns Bynum in practice and that is the difference. Now I am not sure, but somebody please check that one out for me and please don't come on here and lie. I think that they help ach other out and in order for us to be successful we need both of them.

You guys ever look at it like we have 2 nice venters that are completely different. I mean the why use just one.

Wow Ariza is so good. He fits well with the rest of the Lakers.
Hope we can use him more.

Well Charles,

I won 3 states, 3 TOC (And if you know what a TOC is you would know where I am from) and 1 National High School Championship and played and started D-1 basketball for all my 4 years in college. Could have played over seas, but Love coaching youngster.

Maybe you should stick to what you know best and that is kick boxing

I just love to see how Mike and a few others give the records where Bynum started and another where Kwame starts. I just have to laugh because how slow can u be where u can't realise that Kwame had drew to back him up for those 24 mins per game. Whereas Bynum has HAD a recovering Mihm and now a injured Turiaf. Can we please stop trying to take credit away from Bynum by twisting these stats?

With as good of a record as the Lakers have, I c