Big questions for the second half
Sure, there were games here and there the Lakers would like to have back, but overall they won't do a lot of complaining about their first half performance or where they sit in the Western Conference coming
out of the All Star break. 35-17, 1.5 games back of Phoenix in the Pacific, and an equal distance away from the top of the W.C. A brief downturn after the injury to Andrew Bynum has given way to the intense optimism of the recent 7-2 roadie and the Pau Gasol deal.
In short, the Lakers are unquestionably big time players in the developing postseason story. That doesn't mean there aren't some outstanding questions to examine over the final 30 games of the regular season, the answers to which will go a long way towards determining exactly how big of players they'll be. So without further ado, the issues, big and small, Laker-related and across the W.C.:
- Pinkies and knees and feet, oh my! (And ankles, too. Oh my, again.) Will they derail championship hopes? If the Lakers are healthy, on paper they're probably the best team in the conference. Unfortunately, that's one Titanic-sized "if." As I am a few science classes short of a medical degree, I'll avoid making declarations about the health of Andrew Bynum's knee. The docs said when he went down it would be a minimum of eight weeks. That could mean eight, it could mean ten. Honestly, I have no idea, and I think most of the doctor's couldn't accurately stick a pin on the calendar to mark his exact return, either. It's a wait and see.
Then there's Kobe's pinkie. In any other year, surgery would have been a no brainer. This
season, however, one where LA is the aforementioned 1.5 games out of the top spot, but only three away from the ninth? Not to much. I think he should have the procedure, but as AK pointed out last week, I get 24's side of the argument, too. There's really no good answer, here. But as long as he plays, I'll worry that either a) he'll have stretches where his performance is diminished- the man may be a supernatural healer, but my understanding is he'll use that right hand periodically during his time on the court, so the likelihood of sustained abuse is high, and b) at some point something bad will happen, and he'll have no choice but to shut it down.
Those are the two biggies, but even with the questions, there's still reason to be optimistic. Bynum should return, Kobe is still Kobe. Assuming he can play, there's a good chance he'll play well. Meanwhile, in the supporting cast things aren't as rosy. Chris Mihm is once again down for a while. Trevor Ariza's healing isn't speeding along, and he's still expected to miss another eight weeks with a broken right foot. Luke Walton's ankle has been an issue all season, and will likely remain so. That still leaves plenty of troops in Phil Jackson's battalion, but given how depth has been a team strength all year, to see it being chipped away will give fans the willies.
- Along those lines, will Sasha Vujacic and/or Jordan Farmar sustain their elevated performance?
The Lakers have received a major boost in the backcourt this season, in
part
because both of these guys have become much more productive
players. But it's worth remembering that Farmar is still a second year
player, and it's not ridiculous to think that there could be some
inconsistencies in his play. We've seen some of that already. As for
Sasha, he's never been in a position to sustain elevated play
throughout a season, because he's never really elevated it to begin
with. I believe the kid has finally arrived, in terms of being a useful
member of the NBA fraternity, but he still has a lot to prove. - Can Walton bounce back? As Farmar and Sasha have gone up, Luke's game has gone down. While I think he's getting pounded a little too vociferously by some fans, there's no question that overall, he hasn't played very well, and there's been no consistency to his game. He'll no longer be asked to play starter's minutes (that's good), but with Ariza out for the foreseeable future, in the minutes Walton does get, he needs to play better.
- Given the potential for injury-induced turnover in the lineup, how fast can the gang get integrated at playoff time? The parts are there, but once the postseason rolls around, when teams get a chance to scout and hammer at them for seven games, throwing different looks and making adjustments, will the Lakers have enough continuity to respond in kind? As I've written before, while I think the Lakers have a good shot this year, I'm more inclined to call them a clear favorite next season, after the crew has had a full season to play together.
- How do you break down the Western Conference? It's almost
impossible to predict how the playoffs are going to pan out, in part
because it's almost impossible to predict where each team is going to
finish. Hell, at this point, it's almost impossible to predict what players
will be part of the W.C. race. Pau to L.A., Shaq to Phoenix, Kidd to Dallas. Rumors of Denver improving with Ron Artest. At this point, if
the Hornets acquired Dwight Howard for Rasual Butler, Hilton Armstrong,
some really cool Mardi Gras beads and a couple hurricanes. Nine teams
separated by 4.5 games, and it's still a work in progress.
- How healthy is Tony Parker? He practiced on Monday, but isn't ready for game action quite yet. With him in the backcourt, the Spurs are a totally different team. You know, the kind that wins championships. While I think rumors of their demise are a little premature (I'll believe it when I see it), it's hard to picture them winning a title unless Parker is fully fit.
- How will Kidd and Shaq change the dynamics of the conference? The reconstructed Kidd deal, assuming it goes down, is actually a better deal for Dallas, though there are those who wonder how much he'll actually improve them (personally, I think the biggest boost he'll provide is in the postseason cajones department). Shaq? I don't like that one for Phoenix, but we'll just have to wait and see.
- The Lakers play 19 more games at Staples before the playoffs. How many of those will be taco nights for media dining? Okay, the answer doesn't really affect the Lakers per se, but that doesn't mean it's not a very, very important question. Especially now that they've been including asada in the pregame feast.
Am I forgetting some? Add 'em to the discussion. But one thing's for certain- the last 30 games and into the playoffs? It's gonna be a whole lot of fun.
BK
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If we stay focused on the PRIZE, I think we can DEF win 20 something of the final few games. Whenever Andrew and Ariza come back, their conditioning and timing will be tested. But hell as a team, they have grind out wins, I don't care if it's ONE point! This team has been together for a few years now so its time we start MATURING, but just plain doing what we done all year YET taking it to another level. The littlest of things will matter from here on out, like starting with making MORE of our throws and of course, taking care of the rock! Enough about being one of the youngest teams, it's put up or shut up! If we do this, the Lakers will REIGN supreme!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | February 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM
BK,
Nice write up, but you forgot to mention liquid sea minerals.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Jon K,
Just ignore him.
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 12:02 PM
The only QUESTION is this:
Which teams will the Lakers beat on their way to winning the NBA Finals 2008?
Posted by: DEREK | February 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
what do you do when you have this five coming at u ... while kidd may not be as dangerous offensively as harriss he makes the others around him that much more dangerous ... if not for the kobe factor, i'd be scared of dallas ... in a conference filled with budding superstar point guards, jason kidd is going to remind us all why he's one of the greatest at his position
kidd
stackhouse
terry
howard
nowitzki
Posted by: Taliq | February 19, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Yep, these are the questions... the crucial part of the season starts tonight.
The real season begins 30 games from now.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 12:11 PM
http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Kahn_Games/2008/02/19/Lakers_made_the_best_deal
Very good article on the trades that have been made recently.
We really do need to take back some of the things we've said about Mitch Kupchack. He's been doing a heck of a job.
Posted by: DavyJonze | February 19, 2008 at 12:12 PM
Question of the day:
Lets assume Kobe plays the rest of the seaon injured and plays well but not great and the Lakers finish with the 3rd best record in the West and 4th best overall.
Lets postulate he averages something like 25-4-4 and shoots a sub par 43% from the field.
Does the fact that he is playing injured hurt or help his MPV chances?
DOOO BEEEE DOOOO BEEEE DOOOOO
P.S. bench/trade walton......this team is playing fantastic basketball and he has nothing to do with it.
Posted by: Stranger in the Night | February 19, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I think Kobe has already proven that he can play exceptional with his injury (he was killing minny in the 3rd after he re-injured his finger)
I think what we saw in Jersey & Atlanta games are pretty much gone for the most part. He may have to miss a game or two along the way, but I don't see his averages dropping off THAT much.
Gasol or no Gasol... Lakers finish as the top team with Kobe having a TORN ligament in his shooting hand, and he's a top vote getter for MVP. If he does not win it, he'd get second... but I think he'd take it, finally.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 12:27 PM
"what do you do when you have this five coming at u ..."
Taliq
You have these 21feet standing in the way:
Bynum
Gasol
Odom
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 19, 2008 at 12:28 PM
AK,
There appears to be some confusion over Ariza. 1 article
has Ariza on schedule. Another has him not on schedule. [ I think the former is from the ocregister or press-enterprise ] Can you get word from the organization on this?
re: should Kobe play. If he doesn't play right now, you're writing off the season. [ Yes, I acknowledge the
outside chance, but seriously ... ] Kobe & the Lakers
haven't *SNIFFED* a championship in the last 4 years.
How could you claim to be competitive and not go for
it?
The only concern I have is if the ligament will become
permanently shorter. I would think the doctors have
addressed that issue and it is resolvable. So. I think
he & the Lakers *MUST* go for it if they are going to
be consistent with image, legacy & character.
What I'm *REALLY* hoping is that outside of a few
games the coaches can keep his minutes down to
15 - 30 mins per game. This would help with some
of the healing issues.
Posted by: hobbitmage | February 19, 2008 at 12:29 PM
IM SCARED!
Posted by: KOBYKARL.COM | February 19, 2008 at 12:31 PM
I like the Dallas trade. They now have no bench, no big men, no young promising players, no draft picks and they are getting older by the minute.
Go Lakers Now and in the Future. Dallas has no future.
Posted by: AW | February 19, 2008 at 12:32 PM
It all depends on Kobe, if he can pull through the season unharmed, we have a great chance for a deep run in the playoffs. Still, the actual championship is going to be tough, and like BK, I think next year looks more realistic. Especially since Bynum has not played with Gasol as of yet, and the fact that Gasol and Trevor have to still learn the intricancies of the triangle. Farmar still has more to understand as a point guard running the triangle as well. However, I would be happy with a deep run in the playoffs and no championship (of course the championship this year would be nicer) simply because of the experience the younger players will receive, and just for the experience of the whole team "almost" getting there. We have a bright future ahead of us Laker heads. And by the way, the Dodgers are looking good on paper this year too.
Posted by: stoned_raider | February 19, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I like the Dallas trade. Now they have No Bench, No Big Men, No young players, No draft picks and they are getting older by the minute.
Go Lakers Now and in the Future!!
Posted by: AW | February 19, 2008 at 12:36 PM
jon.k
Not trying to provoke you, just stating the facts.
Except for kobe, Player for player the SUNS are better your only other advantage was odom on marion, but noow thats replaced with Diaw, where I say Diaw is better b/c I'm almost sure that odom will disappear as he always does in big games.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 19, 2008 at 12:36 PM
People are being too tough on Luke Walton. I don't get it. Some bloggers just need to complain, it seems.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 12:43 PM
AW,
I KNOW! Isn't it great! The Gasol trade not only makes us better on the court, it DESTROYS the long-term potential of our greatest foes.
So very good. Mitch Kupchack is a fricken genius. So many in Laker Nation owe him an apology. Somebody should bake him a cake.
The only concern I have is for Kobe's pinkie. A torn ligament is a pretty big deal. If it gets injured badly AGAIN, we could be screwed.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 12:49 PM
hopefully ariza is back in time for the playoffs, and bynum comes back 100%. If that happens, all kobe needs to do is be steve nash till the 4th, where he can take over
Posted by: greek dude | February 19, 2008 at 12:50 PM
We're not being tough on Luke....he's just not good enough to deserve getting minutes now...thus he's no good to us making all that money....so, optimal solution is to trade him and LO for Caron and another player ....Caron deserves getting those minutes.
Posted by: PK | February 19, 2008 at 12:57 PM
This is all about Andrew Bynum. Without him, the Lakers are very good. With him, the team has the potential for greatness. As an example, look at the frontcourt matchups with PHX. Tomorrow, it will probably Pau vs. Shaq, Amare vs. L.O. and Vlad against Grant Hill. Difficult matchups for the Lakers.
Substitute Drew for Vlad and suddenly it's Drew vs. the Daddy. AB has the length and speed to offset Shaq's power. Amare vs. Pau becomes more of a push and L.O. should be able to offset Hill.
Drew makes the backcourt better as well. He provides #24 with another finisher and improves Kobe's shot selection simply because with Drew on the court, Kobe has fewer times where he's going up against the shot clock when the offense stalls. The defensive perimeter improves as well, having a shot blocking presence at the basket as well as someone that can show and recover on the pick and roll. Drew is the key. His abillities will balance the lineup and allow the FO's vision of the team to come to fruition.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 19, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I'll take my chances on D-fish, Lamar and Pau on those nights when KB24 is "off". Vlad, Sasha, Farmar and maybe Luke are bound to kick in additional surprise points to help with more W's. The defense might suffer a little during this next stretch but who cares - Lakers can run with anyone.
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | February 19, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Korey,
I think people confuse what an "option" is.
Just picture ten seconds on the shot clock. The defense has hounded us and we need to decide who to give the ball to.
What are our options?
Obviously, Kobe is the first option.
Why?
The guy can create a shot like NO ONE else in the NBA. Not even LeBron can create a shot like Kobe. It may not always be the ideal attempt, but at least we'll get an attempt and not just a turnover.
Who's the second option?
Well, assuming full health, it's going to be either Gasol or Bynum. Gasol can face up and shoot over a lot of guys. He can also pass when there's a double team or an off the ball cutter.
Bynum can put some post moves on most post defenders out there. He also commands serious respect in the pick and roll (as does Gasol) and can pass out of the double team well.
There's the first 3 options.
The fourth option is the PG, whoever he may be. If you give the ball to Fish, he can get it into the lane and draw some defenders, or he can flat out shoot the rock.
The same holds true for Farmar.
That means Lamar is NOT the third option. Lamar is close to the last option when he's on the floor.
Why?
Because with the clock running down, you pass Lamar the ball on the perimeter. If he rises up and shoots, he's only a 26% shooter from down town. If he drives, he's driving left and he MUST get to the rim or else he will not finish because he doesn't have a runner. If we're lucky, he'll get doubled, but he probably will not get doubled, and then if we're lucky he will not go out of control and force an offensive foul as he pases the ball to the open guy.
If you post up Lamar, he must have a weak defender on him if he's going to attempt a turn around jump shot, or if he's going to reverse pivot and drive the lane for a dunk or lay-up... the latter of which would only happen in isolation and weak defense.
Lamar is about the same "option" as Luke, Vlad, or Sasha but more of an option that a guy like Turiaf who basically NEEDS to be open to score. He's obviously better than Luke, Vlad, or Sasha, but about an equal "option" on the offense.
3rd option? Yes when our line-up stinks, but when we're firing on all cylinders, NO, Lamar is about the 5th option out there.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 01:06 PM
I don't see Walton getting his groove back.
Do see Bynum gettin his.
Order in the Western Conference:
Lake Show
Dallas
Phoenix
New Orleans
Do see LO getting his in the second half, too. Dude's ready to roll:
http://www.lamarodom.com/?q=node/256
Posted by: BigGameJames | February 19, 2008 at 01:07 PM
And I forgot about my WCC boy Ronny - who was at the game watching the Zags beat up on my Toreros last night. Ronny is a wild card for Lakers...
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | February 19, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Jon K,
Just ignore him.
Charles
Why do you got to be the way? Is it because I don't share the same views of your precious laker team? Sorry you feel that way, but your still beautiful in my eyes!
Jon.K
Yes, You guys have won twice, but don't you remember what hapened the last time the teams played, and tomorrow you will see a repeat of that.
BTW I understand why you hate the SUNS, and unlike a certain cool kid in your class. I'm glad your not to obsessed with your team, that you feel you have to ignore me just because I dont see your team the same way you do.
Oh ya, I aslo feel that KOBE is the best player in the league,
lebron not so much. Can you respect that Charles? I'm not to proud to admit that.
Posted by: Fire32 | February 19, 2008 at 01:18 PM
"Trevor Ariza's healing isn't speeding along, and he's still expected to miss another eight weeks with a broken right foot."
A recurring theme with the Lakers. What's up with the Lakers' medical staff?
Posted by: wondahbap | February 19, 2008 at 01:27 PM
UTZWORLD'S PHRASE OF THE DAY:
DENYING GRATIFICATION
The more I thnk about it, the more I think dude should just go ahead and have the surgery. My logic comes in one of my favorite fables (if you've seen the movie "Colors", you'll recognize this one).:
A lion and his cub are grazing in the grass. As they graze, they see a field of zebras sitting at the bottom of a hill. The cub says, "Hey Dad, let's run down and eat one of those zebras!" The lion replies, "No, Son. Let's WALK down and EAT THEM ALL!"
What is more important: For Kobe to run on into the playoffs, ignore the docs and grab that 1 NBA title - and risk the potental of permanent damage to that pinky (He saw first hand what a toe did to his former teammate!). Or for him to pump his brakes, take the surgery, trust his team to hold the line, and come back near playoff time with a lower seed and a 2nd round or WCF exit - and come back for the next few years with a completely healed pinky and 3 more NBA titles.
As our Banner Holder, I am willing to forgo the glory of our customary March Down Figueroa in June if it means our Dude will be fully healthy and able to lead us down that March the year after that...and the year after that...and the year after that.
DENY GRATIFICATION. GO HAVE YOUR SURGERY!
Sometimes denying gratification is the right thing to do. It's not a slap at our pride. In my life, I've found that to be the TRUE DEFINITION of MANHOOD & MATURITY.
Walk down the hill, Kobe. Take your time and let's eat all the Zebras, bro!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 19, 2008 at 01:31 PM
I'm with Charles and the other guys....ignore Fire32. He is so obvious a troll its funny.
The fact that we aren't even playing the Suns yet leads me to believe that Fire32 is more obsessed with us than vice versa. I wouldn't be surprised if its D'Antoni himself behind that keyboard.
Atlanta worries me more than the Suns at this point, but both teams have added a player within the last week. It can be said that Atlanta actually upgraded with their trade whereas the Suns, you'd have to take a wait and see approach. Either way both will be in less than ideal form.
Posted by: #4 | February 19, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Fire32 -
Diaw better than Odom? Surely you jest!
It's not like Diaw hasn't disappeared this season, right? Last time I checked, Odom is having a better statistical season than Diaw.
The suns are a weaker team with Shaq and without Marion. The only way raja bell can guard Kobe is if he wrestles him to the ground.
Don't hate the fact that the Lake Show is actually better than your Suns. You'll have time to find out for sure if we meet in the playoffs.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | February 19, 2008 at 01:31 PM
Jon K,
Just ignore him.
Posted by Charles
I thought you were telling Jon to ignore BK for not telling the team about the healing properties of sea salt and pepper.
Hmmm.
God I hate mid-day TV.
They don't tell about the terrible 10am-5pm television when you sign up for the graveyard shift.
Hmmm.
What ever happened to the mid-day twilight zone tradition? I made it thru the 80's because of that
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | February 19, 2008 at 01:39 PM
"jon.k
Not trying to provoke you, just stating the facts.
Except for kobe, Player for player the SUNS are better your only other advantage was odom on marion, but noow thats replaced with Diaw, where I say Diaw is better b/c I'm almost sure that odom will disappear as he always does in big games."
Statistically the Suns are only a better shooting team then the Lakers
The Lakers are a better defensive team then the Suns. The Lakers are also a better rebounding team then the Suns.
The Lakers also average more minutes played per player then the Suns. The Suns have 9 players that average double minutes for the season,.
The Lakers have 12 players averaging double minutes; meaning more contributions from the team collectively.
The Suns are barely averaging 4.4 more assist then the Lakers.
Although the Suns are a better free throw shooting team then the Lakers.
In all I cannot agree that the Suns are better "player for player" when compared to the Lakers.
The simple fact that D'Antoni only plays 7 players invalidates that.
Posted by: steven v. | February 19, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Fire32,
We shall see. I'm confident in our team's ability. And I believe Phoenix is scared. Why else would they have traded for The Big Old Creaky Hip? Shawn Marion was the only Sun I liked. Now that he's gone, it's going to be so fun hating the Suns.
wondahbap,
The Lakers staff needs to get ALL their players on liquid sea minerals and Vitamin D. Fellow blogger and scientist C.S. agrees.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 19, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Jon K.
See what I'm saying? Lol... Even coping my style...
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Guys,
Ignore the Suns Fan. The more we pay attention to him, the more we will see this guy. If you guys would like to see my exchanges with this cat, I'll be happy to post it.
Don't play into him. I don't even address his blog name. Keep the hierarchy of the blog. The gnat is even coping our blog style.
Please come into unison regarding the the Sun's Fan.
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Looking ahead just a bit....don't want to shortchange the Hawks.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0219shaqtostart.html
Looks like the Big Mouth is finally ready.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 19, 2008 at 01:57 PM
wesjoenixon,
My apologies. It was regarding the Sun's Fan.
Regards,
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 01:57 PM
has anybody mentioned the "other" guys on NJ? It would seem they would want to move Vince Carter and Mr. Jefferson Please! if they are going to rebuild, especially Carter. What's to keep Vince from phoning it in the rest of the year?
I don't understand why Kobe isn't doing the surgery right now. From what I've read, it's a ticking time bomb and what if he injures it so badly he HAS to have the surgery one week before the playoffs start? I think this team is good enough to "survive" and stay in the playoff hunt until Kobe comes back. It would just seem the logical move...
Posted by: TaosHum | February 19, 2008 at 02:01 PM
Jon K,
If we can get out in front of our headquarters on "Nash" street in El Segundo, we can get the message to the staff... or we just need to find a way to get Gary Vitti's cell phone number!
Those bloggers at the game could possibly hold up a sign behind the bench that says "Vitti, get Ariza on sea-minerals, ASAP!"
I'll be watching to see if anyone does this.
I think most of us know tomorrow's game is the tough one. Atlanta is certainly no push over (they beat us once already), but you guys underestimate how motivated PHX will be tomorrow... Shaq's debut?? Come on, that guy has been waiting for this day for TWO WEEKS, he purposely circled the calender when he heard he was going to Phoenix and he's been training hard just to take it to us tomorrow.
Even if his experiment fails in Phoenix, he will consider it a victory if the Suns whoop our asses good tomorrow...
and it will take a valiant effort on our parts to keep that whoopin in the can tomorrow night. We do that, I'll be happy. We win, I'll be ecstatically laughing.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 02:06 PM
We don't need to waste Pau on Shaq. Ronny and DJ will play him tomorrow and he'll be blocked several times and get frustrated and foul out his ass.
Go Lakers!
Comment for tonight: be careful of Bibby otherwise it should be a great debut for Pau at the Staples.
Posted by: Laker Phil | February 19, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Here's a little Soul, a little Golden Era Hip-hop Vibe for the haters who creep in the blog.
Please listen to the hook and chorus..... That what it means for you Laker haters who keep reaching. Shoo Fly don't bother me...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqPQiBaoXQY
http://tinyurl.com/ywmq64
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Interesting stuff from Sir Charles....
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/0218barkleyside.html
These next 2 games should be interesting. How's Kobe's finger? How will Shaq do? Stayed tuned!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 19, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Laker Legacy,
Is this sign stil possible to make before we head out to the game?
"Those bloggers at the game could possibly hold up a sign behind the bench that says "Vitti, get Ariza on sea-minerals, ASAP!"
Posted by: Charles | February 19, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Heck, Odom's inconsistency kills me, but he's definitely better than Diaw even with untimely fourth quarter space-outs.
Posted by: Benjamin | February 19, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Thanks for the link bronxlakerfan --
Every time I read Shaq is NOW motivated and ready to go it makes me sick. Where was his fat ass when Miami was 9-30? Not motivated or ready apparently. What some of LA always knew, what Miami now knows, and what Phoenix will find out, is that this guy is a locker room cancer, if things are not going his way.
Suns fans better pray to the heavens that they do win it this year because, if not, this guy will shorten Nash's career and implode the team.
Believe it! Later Laker Nation...
Posted by: HmrHed | February 19, 2008 at 02:22 PM
Fire32,
Nash and Amare's numbers aren't worth a damn. Nash is not better than Fisher, and Amare isn;t better than Pau. Fish can defend, AND score. Pau shoots better, rebounds better, and passes better. Amare dunks better. Neither is a great defender, but Amare plays on a team that plays no defense. Edge: Pau. Your one "defender" gets roated by Kobe. Diaw? He's scary. Lamar owns him when they play. So? Wht advantage do your Suns have. the Lakers score, run, shoot, and pass just as good as the Suns. But are bigger, play defense, and rebound. All Sun weaknesses.
Posted by: wondahbap | February 19, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Benjamin,
As much as I've said LO is not a 3rd option, the guy is a GREAT talent the league and I'm happy we have him on our team!
There's no way I take Diaw over LO.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Charles,
we can do the sign AND bring the minerals over!!
peace
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | February 19, 2008 at 02:43 PM
"I think we were stagnating some. I think the spark and excitement that JKidd will bring is more than just what his talent offers. There is a reason why Kobe and Lebron were lobbying management to bring JKidd in. We think he will recharge the batteries of not just our players, but the organization, fans, media and even merchandise and advertising sales."
-Mark Cuban today on his blogmaverick site-
Ha! You can thank Kobe and LeBron for the Mavs trade!
You didn't think Kobe or LeBron could play GM, but evidently, they do.... for other teams.
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | February 19, 2008 at 02:44 PM
I am concerned with the message Kobe is giving his temamates by not having the surgery. What is the message?
Is it-
the team cannot make the playoffs if he has the surgery
or
the lakers have a good think going and he doesnt want to miss a chance to be part of it?
Either way, I never like it when a team makes a player so critical to its regular season success, while losing site of the ultimate goal. It makes it seem like that one player is bigger than the team, which should never happen.
What many people seem to be missing is the teams in the west will all be playing each other and within the division. As such, not all 8 or 9 teams can keep winning at the same clip they are at now. Its much more likely teams will play closer to .500 than the percentages they have now and some teams will fade like Golden State and New Orleans will come back too as they start to play games in the division.
50 wins should be plenty to make the playoffs in the west after all is said and done. The Lakers with or without Kobe would need to win just 15 of 30 games to reach 50 wins.
Posted by: Laker Lover | February 19, 2008 at 02:45 PM