Welcome, DJ Mbenga!!!
As many suspected would happen, the Lakers inked free agent DJ Mbenga to a 10-Day contract. For those unfamiliar with Didier Ilunga-Mbenga, whose career stats don't bear a ton of run since entering the league, a few tidbits. He's from the Congo. He's probably best known for shot blocking. Well, shot blocking and the ability to raise Stu Jackson's dander. While playing for Dallas, he got suspended one game for a flagrant to Lebron (which I'm sure will tickle more than a few of you). As a Mav, Mbenga also got punished six games for entering the stands. In its own right, that's a pretty impressive clip for a dude who's only played 95 games as an NBA pro (I would have played the "in the Congo, we're allowed to do that" card in a transparently lame attempt to escape disciplinary action).
Oh, and I'm pretty sure the "M" is silent.
Also got a couple scouting reports on the big man. The Hoopshype take, then one from ESPN's John Hollinger (apologies to those without insider access).
The official press release from the Lakers is below the jump.
AK
LAKERS SIGN DJ MBENGA
EL SEGUNDO - The Los Angeles Lakers have signed free agent center Didier “DJ” Ilunga-Mbenga to a 10-day contract, it was announced today by General Manager Mitch Kupchak.
Mbenga, a 7-foot, 220 pound native of the Congo, signed with the Golden State Warriors November 17 after spending three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks prior to their request for waivers on him October 30. In 16 games with the Warriors prior to his release January 6, Mbenga averaged 1.2 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.63 blocked shots in 8.1 minutes.
After signing with Dallas as a rookie free agent in 2004, Mbenga, 27, played 79 games over three seasons with the Mavericks, totaling 106 points, 75 rebounds and 35 blocked shots in 374 minutes. In his rookie year of 2004-05, he averaged 4.10 blocks per 48 minutes played while improving to 5.00 blocks per 48 minutes in 2005-06. In 2006-07 he was limited to just 21 games after missing the first 16 games of the year with a left foot tendon strain and suffering a torn right ACL 2/7/07 vs. Memphis.
In 95 career games including two starts, Mbenga is averaging 1.3 points, 1.1 rebounds and 0.47 blocked shots in 5.3 minutes.
The Lakers roster now stands at 15.
Good pick up of DJ but I'm f"in bummed that Ariza just broke his foot. Are we friggin' cursed man? We're on a roll. We can't afford to lose these guys to injuries now.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | January 21, 2008 at 10:30 AM
well at least its another six fouls to give, and maybe a shot block or two....
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | January 21, 2008 at 10:34 AM
AK/BK
since it is only a 10 day contract, can we expect to se DJ out there tonight????
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | January 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM
Glad to see the Lakers make some kind of move to add frontcourt depth. Standing still would have meant too many players playing out of position. Having another big man restores some sort of balance to the lineup. I hope he can contribute something positive immediately.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I'm happy with this signing, much more than if we had signed Webber. DJ is a fairly natural shotblocker as a help defender. When Golden State played us at Staples earlier this season, Andrew dominated Biedrins, but DJ played him tougher. All we need for him to do on offense is catch a few passes and not miss open dunks.
Posted by: The Dude Abides | January 21, 2008 at 10:38 AM
True Laker Fan,
I can't guarantee PJ will give Mbenga any run, but I don't see any reason he won't be available to play. Considering Bynum, Ariza, Vlad and Mihm are out definitely out, they basically have no choice but to make him active, if nothing else.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 21, 2008 at 10:39 AM
i cant believe ariza broke his foot. same effing thing as last year.
Posted by: greek dude | January 21, 2008 at 10:43 AM
The Dude,
Amen. Defend, rebound, block some shots and don't miss the fricken open dunks.
I am of the opinion that if the kid works out OK the Lakers may hang on to him and try to groom him to be Drews back up. If the kid works with Kareem - unlike Kwame - maybe he can improve. He would be in an ideal situation - not much pressure to produce in a high-speed offense like at Golden State. He could very well turn out to be a cheaper, much better version of Kwame even if he can't hold his position as well as Kwame.
I am most worried about Trevor going down now. Not so much for his "real production" or even his potential production but for the impact on the psyche of the team. I would have for the Lakers to get down and have the attitude of here we go again and accept injuries and bad luck as inevitable. I sure hope all the guys get back and get healthy soon. If we can have the full squad a month or so before the playoffs it will give the Lakers time to regroup and relearn to play together again. This team when it was healthy I think was a team to be taken seriously as a potential contender. A team that could well compete with the Spurs etc, for the title.
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | January 21, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Cassandra Johnson sounds like a real witch.
I can't imagine a Packers or a Browns fan getting pissed off at another fan for "cheering too much." Ridiculous.
K Brothers, may I suggest a thread?
What defines a "good" or "true" fan of a professional sports franchise?
We talk about fans as being good or bad, such as "the Red Soxs have really good fans."
What does that mean?
What is it to be a good fan?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM
read this and especially the second comment
http://my.nba.com/thread.jspa?threadID=400025879
Posted by: i_dont_want_to_be_like_Mike | January 21, 2008 at 10:51 AM
At least it sounds like DJ Mbenga plays with some passion, which is good.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 21, 2008 at 10:53 AM
The signing of Mbenga is an ok move if he can block shots, rebound, and be a defensive presence, then he could help. Maybe Kareem can give him some pointers to help him out on the offensive end. Hope to get a look at him in tonights game. If he doesn't work out during the next 10 or 20 days (with a second 10 day contract) we find someone else. Right now it's just nice to have another healthy body on the roster.
Posted by: MOLaker | January 21, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Personally, I would have rather picked up Fesenko whenever the Jazz drop him to the D-League but DJ is good for ten days I guess...
C'mon Lakers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Injuries suck!
Posted by: David Whang | January 21, 2008 at 10:54 AM
So DJ weighs 220, huh? That's 5 pounds more than Coby Karl haha. I've watched him play - he can block but he doesn't have the strength to keep other bigs away from the basket. It's all good though - I'd be happy with spot minutes. We're entering a crucial stretch - let's all be fans right now... that means supporting Kwame, Luke, L.O., everyone. I'm serious.
Posted by: dave m | January 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Guys, Mbenga is a stiff. Here's the scouting report:
Though considered a project, Mbenga is 26, so this is probably all we're getting from him. His offensive limitations are fairly immense, with a propensity for turnovers being as problematic as his inability to score. However, he's big and athletic and does a nice job gumming up the middle at the defensive end. That makes him a serviceable No. 3 center, if nothing else.
Posted by: Lawrence Ross | January 21, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Way to go LA Cheapos ...I mean Lakers. I suppose Mbenga with his one point and one rebound per game is gonna save the team from the much anticipated mid season collapse. Yeah why sign Webber with his twelve points eight rebounds last season for the remainder of the year if you can sign Mbenga for ten fre aking days??????/
Posted by: David | January 21, 2008 at 10:59 AM
I expect that he will play particurlary since Ariza going down may mean that L.O. has to play some 3 moving ronny back to 4. Hopefully he could just take up some room in the middle and help on the defensive end.
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | January 21, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Regarding Ariza, AK/BK - wasn't there a report or article that you guys posted up around the time he was traded to the Lakers about growing concern of Ariza's foot issues? I could've sworn I read something about Ariza playing on borrowed time with regards to a pending foot injury that he was bound to get eventually. I think it was something someone wrote from Orlando... or something like that.
At any rate - I'm not too concerned about Ariza's injury. He's a great athlete but not an impact player like Bynum. Hopefully Vlade gets back soon. He can fill that 3 spot perfectly. If they get Vlade and Sasha back, we'll be fine. Sasha was an integral part in leading the charge in that fourth quarter against the Suns. Vlade and Sasha help make the bench mob what it was during the beginning of the season. I think the Sasha showed Kobe and the rest of the Lakers that they are not as bad as they were last year. They have a bench... and they'll need to depend on that bench if they're ever going to get through this rough patch of the season.
ahlayn
Posted by: ahlayn | January 21, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Charles,
I see your point, but what do you think regular contributors like us can do to help improve the quality of this blog?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 21, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Hmmmmmmmmmm, how about respecting the other bloggers, not calling them names, not calling them bad fans, not telling them to root for other teams if they want to boo, etc.... Just a thought.
Posted by: lvl8krs | January 21, 2008 at 11:12 AM
what is WRONG with mitch k??? just when you think he has half a brain? he does STUPID stuff like this? why would he sign a player that CAN NOT HELP US!!! why would he NOT go and sign CHRIS WEBBER??? who is by far a BETTER PLAYER!!! it does'nt take a brain surgen to see that!!! man he must want Kobe to start his ranting & raving again??? what mitch you like DRAMA? or what, man you just mad a serious BONEHEAD move by signing Mbenga (no disrepect) but come on! you going to tell me that this guy (Mbenga) is better equiped to help us than Chris Webber? I think NOT!!! GO AND SIGN CHRIS WEBBER!!! SIGN CHRIS WEBBER!!! SIGN CHRIS WEBBER!!!
Posted by: ken bloom sr. | January 21, 2008 at 11:12 AM
i_dont_want_to_be_like_Mike,
I completely agree with Flea. I also feel embarassed by the way so-called "fans" have acted.
What did you want me to look at regarding the second comment? Personally, all I can say is that the guy sounds like a jerk, or at least a person I wouldn't want to personally know.
As my father once told me, "Jon, one thing you're going to have to learn about life, is that one out of five people is a jerk. There's no way around it. Best thing to do is be aware of it and avoid those people as best you can."
Well, unfortunately, jerks also sometimes buy Lakers tickets, and when you watch the game, you have to share the experience with these people.
It's a shame, but I guess there's no way around it.
Best thing a good person can do is not to tolerate their behavior.
As it's been said, "Evil occurs when good people do nothing."
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 21, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Go Mbenga!
Posted by: Tsiry | January 21, 2008 at 11:15 AM
What's his number going to? 86? Or something crazy like that?
mike
Posted by: Michael Teniente | January 21, 2008 at 11:16 AM
WHY mitch WHY??? what is wrong with Chris Webber? why are we not trying to sign him??? he is the one that can help us, with all the injuries? this guy Mbenga will not be any help? man he will be lucky just to get off of the bench for warm up's??? mitch be very lucky i'm not the owner? because you would be FIRED already!!!
Posted by: ken bloom sr. | January 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
The beginning of the end?
Bynum and Ariza are probably 2 guys the Lakers could least afford to lose next to Kobe. It all come down to how well they can hold things together until Andrew comes back and make a push going into the playoffs.
The team looks completely different with out AB. Not even the same team.
Now we'll see what's really going on the next couple of games.
I read Kwame went to Kareem Friday to work on his post moves.
Anyone think he would have done that if he had not gotten Booed?
Posted by: Andy B | January 21, 2008 at 11:20 AM
I believe in you, Kwame Brown
Posted by: never | January 21, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Why not?
If he can give us 10-12 minutes, 2-3 rebounds, 1-2 blocks, 3-4 fouls, it would be good enough.
And it would allow PJ to play Ronny at PF most of the time and limit Kwame minutes on court.
Man, how great it would be if Mihm could return to his previous form soon?
Posted by: Allan | January 21, 2008 at 11:25 AM
'Oh, and I'm pretty sure the "M" is silent. '
Maybe it stands for "Manute".
Posted by: Mark | January 21, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Jon K,
"K Brothers, may I suggest a thread? What defines a "good" or "true" fan of a professional sports franchise? We talk about fans as being good or bad, such as "the Red Soxs have really good fans." What does that mean? What is it to be a good fan?"
While I obviously won't stop folks from discussing it amongst themselves, I'm not gonna make it a formal topic, because I don't really like the nature of the question. As I've mentioned before (actually to you, I'm pretty sure), the entire notion of declaring "true fan" rules and parameters strikes me as very "holier than thou." I mean, who are you (or I, or anybody else) to say somebody isn't a "true fan" (whatever that means) simply because they don't do everything exactly the same way as you? That's pretty arrogant and offputting, if you ask me.
Take, for example, the situation with booing Kwame, since that's sparked talk along these lines. As I said before, I do believe it's a fan's "right" to do that, technically speaking. Said fan paid for a ticket, which affords certain priveleges. That being said, I also think it's an unnecessarily harsh, completely stupid and counterproductive reaction. Not only because it doesn't help Kwame, but it also distracts the other Lakers, thus taking the entire team out of the game. That doesn't do anybody much good when it comes to the objective (playing well and winning). Plus, I'm not a booer by nature. Just ain't who I am.
But even taking into account that the booers were acting in a way I'd deem totally pointless, that doesn't automatically make them less of a "true fan." It just makes them "true fans" doing the polar opposite of what I'd do. But just because you're a die hard doesn't mean you're required to be a robot, acting the same way as every other die hard. Fans are like snow flakes. They're allowed (and supposed) to be different.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 21, 2008 at 11:27 AM
ahlayn,
Man I thought the same thing about Ariza's foot as you. There was definitely concern about Ariza...which is one reason I think Orlando was ready to give him up...the concern that structurally his foot was prone to injury. I am hoping that this injury just heals (breaks dont require like actual surgery or therapy)...but I am concerned about long term prognosis. Does this take away his explosion, because thats his whole game. Also, will it continue to break. I am a bit worried about this, moreso than Bynum's injury.
As far as Mbenga..I think its pronounced m-benga....and while he's not going to rock the rim or score a bunch of points...you have seen him play before most definitely. He came in to guard Shaq a few times for the Mavs when they played the Heat in the NBA Finals. However, Mbenga and Diop basically duplicate skills, so he left. And as far as his run in Golden State....Nelson doesnt use a conventional center..he uses freakin harrington at center...so that was defintely the wrong system. Hes not going to score you a bunch of points..maybe none at all..but he can jump and block some shots...im guessing that the Lakers go with a different rotation
PG Fisher/ Farmar
SG Kobe/Sasha/Crittenton
SF Luke/Kobe/Karl
PF Odom/Turiaf
C Kwame/ M-Benga
Posted by: The Lake Show | January 21, 2008 at 11:29 AM
We were in desperate need of bodies...so sure.
Though personally I'd have liked to sign CWebb...the old decripit one. But hey that's just me.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | January 21, 2008 at 11:35 AM
I'll be riding this sinking ship..
Laker fan to the end..
p.s. I believe the Lakers should sign this guy...Sun Mingming
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VOKnw6p1qC0&feature=related
Posted by: never | January 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Faith,
C-Webb could still be in the works. At this point (to the best of my knowledge), he hasn't made up his mind. But in the meantime, the Lakers need a body. But Mbenga is only under a 10-day contract, meaning he won't complicate anything with Webber, whose salary is basically set (pro-rated vet's min) and it's a matter of him deciding where to go. If worst came to worst, they can waive DJ and eat the cost, if that was deemed necessary.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 21, 2008 at 11:39 AM
How would you guys like this trade
Lakers: Ben Wallace (2 years 28 million left after this year)
Bulls: Kwame and Vlad
Not sure what to think about this one, but heres the article
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-080120samsmith,1,7039872.column?ctrack=1&cset=true
Posted by: CeeLos | January 21, 2008 at 11:39 AM
AK,
So, I'm confused. Why do you think "an unnecessarily harsh, completely stupid and counterproductive reaction" is an inherent right of a fan?
How would making a choice of that kind ("unnecessarily harsh, completely stupid and counterproductive") leave someone open to being a "good fan"?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 21, 2008 at 11:40 AM
If nothing else, Mbenga can come off the bench, "gum up the middle" and allow Turiaf to shift his defense and offense off the opposing team's center. Turiaf is much more effective - as a defender, rebounder, scorer - when he's in the 4 spot. We won't need a lot of points out of Mbenga if Turiaf, Odom and Luke can pick up some slack.
Meanwhile, I'm hoping that Kareem's tutelage will help both Kwame and Mbenga maximize the abilities they have. If any former center in the history of the game can do it, Professor Abdul-Jabbar can.
Posted by: Zingaro | January 21, 2008 at 11:41 AM
WHY mitch WHY??? what is wrong with Chris Webber? why are we not trying to sign him??? he is the one that can help us, with all the injuries? this guy Mbenga will not be any help? man he will be lucky just to get off of the bench for warm up's??? mitch be very lucky i'm not the owner? because you would be FIRED already!!!
Posted by: ken bloom sr.
careful your being bad blogger
the booer
Posted by: | January 21, 2008 at 11:42 AM
Lawrence Ross....
You're probably right that Mbenga is a stiff...he's certainly a one dimensional player. However, he is a healthy body who is in some sort of shape, unlike Webber or PJ Brown, both of whom haven't seen NBA action in close to a year. Signing him to a ten day is a conservative strategy. It buys the Lakers 10 days where they can see if Vlad or Mihm can return. Ronny needn't see as many minutes at backup C and guys like Kobe and Sasha can avoid playing the 3 unless it's by design.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 21, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Does anyone know how much a 10 day contract pays?
Posted by: AN1 | January 21, 2008 at 11:48 AM
SIgning Webber would be a really stupid move.
For any of you who wanted him, did you watch him in the playoffs last season? NO defense at all. And you think he is in game shape now?
Good passer, decent mid-range shot, no inside/post game anymore.
It would take too long to integrate him into the offense to take advantage of those skills, yet during that time the team would still get the "un-benefit" of his complete lack of defense. Much easier to bring someone in short-term to rebound and play D than to bring someone in short-term for offense.
Ask yourself, if he is such a no-brainer for a team to pick up, why is he not on anyone's roster half way through January?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 21, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Jon K,
"So, I'm confused. Why do you think "an unnecessarily harsh, completely stupid and counterproductive reaction" is an inherent right of a fan? How would making a choice of that kind ("unnecessarily harsh, completely stupid and counterproductive") leave someone open to being a "good fan"?"
Because, like I said, it's what they're allowed to do, technically speaking. There's no reason they can't. Again, I personally wouldn't. I find it pointless. But mine is not the uber-opinion and to propose hard and fast "rules" acting like it is smacks of "holier than thou," in my opinion.
Look, I'm not "the fan police." Who am I to decree people "fan or not fan?" If somebody is a die hard who follows the Lakers obsessively, roots his guts out and passionately cares about them, but happens to voice frustration in a way I wouldn't, I'm not about to start casting him out as "not a good fan. I don't consider that action enough to entirely discredit everything else that guy does as a Laker fan. I wouldn't throw out the baby with the bath water, so to speak, just because he acted in a way I wouldn't. I don't make the "rules," nor do I think anybody else should.
If you feel differently, express that opinion and lay out the "guidelines," I guess. Like I said, I think it would be pretty arrogant on your part, but if you disagree, have at it.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | January 21, 2008 at 11:50 AM
cursed cursed cursed. what the hell did the Lakers ever do to anger the basketball gods?
Posted by: sixonezero | January 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Before we turn the page on the PHX game, there are a couple of things that I'd like to offer up:
First, I think that game might've turned things around for PHX. As much as a a healthy Bynum might've resulted in a devastating loss that sent them asking a lot of questions, a dominating win seems like it's gotten them back on track.
Second, I think the team being so out of rhythm and desperate looking might've really hurt their chances of signing Webber. Even though he is looking to contribute, rather than getting a free ride, the Lakers (that night) looked like a team that might not even be able to tread water. Ariza's injury is making things look even more dismal. I don't think he's looking to be a savior - just a piece that solidifies.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM
This was just a marketing deal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1rZBxn3Zx8&NR=1
Posted by: Bret | January 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers,
Whenever possible, please post those wonderful audio clips of interviews. These recordings are by far the best way for us Lakers fans to understand the players and the organization as a whole. Hearing the interviewees speak their responses allows us as listeners to judge a comments nature based on its tone and timing. Along with that we can understand the context of specific comments within an entire interview.
I frequently read news articles that either mischaracterize a players comments or flat out misquote them. It's much better to come across an audio or video clip where you can take a players comments at face value.
For example, in the "Y'all may have work off for the holiday, but the Lakers don't" thread the linked OC Register and Daily News articles contradict each other regarding whether or not Odom is looking forward to taking on a greater workload.
From the OC Register article:
"I'm not looking forward to it, to tell you the truth," said Odom, who had previously played more than 42 minutes just once this season. "(But) I'm ready for it. I'm in shape now."
From the Daily News article:
"I'm just going to have to try to pull the stat sheet up," he said of scoring and rebounding more while playing additional minutes. "I'm looking forward to it, to tell you the truth. I'm in shape now. This is the time to do it. I don't know how many games we've got before the All-Star break, but we need to finish up strong."
I personally think that the Daily News article is the correct one, for several reasons that I won't get into.
Just when I was about to say that Kevin Ding over at the OC Register usually does better work, I noticed that this article is written by Curtis Zupke. I'm not familiar with your writing Curtis but your definitely making a bad first impression. It seems that the quote is changed in order to fit with the picture that is being painted in the beginning of the article. It's more likely that the misquote happened first and the article was written around it (I don't necessarily suspect intentional misinformation). Either way, sloppy reporting.
Of course the Daily News article could be wrong, in which case my apoligoes to Curtis Zupke. I wish I had an audio clip to clear up this confusion.
Did anyone else notice this contradiction between the two articles? Andrew, Brian, can you clear things up? Does anyone else find these audio clips to be helpful? I would love to see them posted as frequently as possible and if you feel the same way, please don't hesitate to speak up.
Posted by: BynumBeliever | January 21, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I like the Mbenga signing probably b/c he's the best player available that suits the Lakers needs right now (I just posted why I think Webber isn't in the mix). As long as he's not a liability or turnover machine, I welcome him. I don't think the Lakers are going to get anybody who makes them better so I'm content in adding someone who keeps them from getting worse.
Also, if Mbenga takes to the system, then he'd be a great economical back-up for Bynum next season.
Posted by: lakers_sth | January 21, 2008 at 11:56 AM
i guess a good pick up with mbenga. hopefully he can add some defense and can make a two handed dunk.
really bummed about ariza. exactly how long is ariza set to be out?
we really need lamar and farmar to pick up the scoring load.
GO LAKERS...i hate the nuggets
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | January 21, 2008 at 11:56 AM
repost:
Jon K.,
Thanks for your reply and hope you are doing well.
I really don't know what to say about some of the other bloggers. Even though I have been blogging since 12/06, I still have mad respect for the Dave M's-Rick Friedman-Edwin Gueco- Hugo-LTLF-and the list goes on and on about you Senior bloggers. (Not to mention the KBros)
I understand your frustration, but I just feel it's the nature of a blog. If you senior bloggers don't respond to their infantile rants, you should be fine. I have used this line before from a blogger that is no longer contributing, "You sometimes can't hit someone with a 10 foot pole." (that came from a long hardly objective exchange with the person. Edwin may recall the female blogger who posed under another alias)
Also, I too have the tendency to rant and be robust. So I am easily at fault!
Take Care man!
Posted by: Charles | January 21, 2008 at 11:57 AM
I'll give this DJ a spin.
get it????
Posted by: ajax | January 21, 2008 at 11:58 AM
the Chicago tribune proposed a trade for Kwame's expiring contract and Vlade for Ben Wallace. Apparently they feel that he's a shell of his old self and Noah does his job for a fraction of his pay.
Posted by: sixonezero | January 21, 2008 at 12:01 PM