Thoughts on Utah (at halftime of the USC game...)

Final score-L.A. Lakers 114 - Utah Jazz 111........My prediction for the game.

GETTING HEALTHY FOR THE PLAYOFFS…

The news that Andrew Bynum will likely return in 2 weeks will give the Lakers the shot of energy that they need to pull off another big upset and take down the Utah Jazz tonight in Salt Lake City. And we may also get Pau Gasol AND even Chris Mihm back next week. Who said you can’t have too many 7-footers? In 2 weeks, the Lakers will have 3 more.

As for how quickly Drew can be integrated into the starting lineup, it will undoubtedly depend upon his conditioning and readiness to play. Once Drew is ready to go, I don’t think there will any problem whatsoever integrating him into the starting lineup. I think Phil is just trying to lower expectations for the kid since he is returning from injury.

As for coming off the bench, it’s fun to think of Andrew playing with the Bench Mob but that will only happen for the few games that it takes Andrew to get his feet wet and get ready to take over the starting center position. You don’t take one of the top 5 centers in the league and play him against the other team’s second string.

I think the Triple Towers of Andrew, Pau, and Lamar will have absolutely no problem playing together on the court. You have to remember that not only are these guys all very tall and long, but all three are smart excellent passers who also have great hands. There may be a couple of games to adjust, but I look for the transition to be easy.

A key point to remember is the a big part of Andrew’s game is above the rim. Because of his great height, jumping ability, long reach, and soft hands, Laker players basically can just throw the ball up there anywhere near the rim and Andrew will go get it. Expect to see a lot of great dunks off lobs by Andrew and Pau and Lamar as Lakers starters.

Again, for every Lakers fan that does not remember how great and important Andrew was to the Lakers on both ends of the court, please take a few minutes out and watch the YouTube replay of Andrew Bynum earlier this year. It will bring back those feelings of shock and awe that you felt watching Drew dominate against other top centers.

http://www.faniq.com/video.php?video_id=5456&vs=sport_recent&sport_id=

Finally, don’t disregard the return of Chris Mihm. If he is really back and healthy this time, he can be a big factor for us in the playoffs, giving us another 7-footer who knows the offense, has a good offensive game, and can help rebound and defend the post. We would have beaten the Suns 2 years ago if Chris Mihm had not been injured.

Tom

Anyone worried about Phoenix? I in no shape or form want to Come in Second to them. They made up 3 games in the last week. not good.

CrzyFan

sorry BK, trojans are no more. it seems like their inconsistent play in the PAC 10 was a harbinger of, yup, inconsistent play in the tourney. i caught the second of the game, and they just couldn't buy a shot. too bad, it doesn't help the pac 10's rep much.

oh well. i get to watch the lakers and the college game tonight, thanks to the wonder of the internet. life is good.

TP-

Wow, Final Four? That might have been a little aggressive for the Trojans. I gave them the hometown discount to the 16... but no more than that.

BK

Have any of you heard about the DeShawn Stevenson/LeBron James drama that's going on?

"Remember, after DeShawn Stevenson called LeBron James "overrated" folllowing a game between the teams last Thursday, James responded by saying he is above such mess because that would be like his hero, Jay-Z, lowering himself to respond to the rapper, Soulja Boy. So, in one neat quote, James dissed Stevenson and Soulja Boy. Well, Stevenson is embracing the Soulja Boy role. "I hope we play Cleveland," Stevenson said. "I'm going to get Soulja Boy courtside seats and have him wear a DeShawn Stevenson jersey. Maybe (James) can have Jay-Z there since LeBron's all on his (shorts) anyway." Stevenson wasn't done. "And tell LeBron to cut that beard off and stop copying me.""

haha and I've always like the Wizards (unless they're playing the Lakers of course)

Utah Jazz is so fundamentally sound and strong on its own homecourt that the Lakers may need to play a perfect in order to get a victory tonight. Lakers need to get physical with their PG Williams. The Lakers should not allow any uncontested layups by the Jazz. Got lay the woods on those guys and take them out of their pick and roll and screen and roll.

Five and a half still left in the Mavs-Celtic game, when’s the Laker game going to start? 9:30??

Have I acknowledged the idiotic Clippers recently for giving Cassell away for nothing?

I say this very carefully, as I am in fact a dedicated preparer and consumer of pork based food items, but you all are getting a bit tiresome. troll man, i've been reading your posts, and while you are in fact not the brightest and best of the bunch, you're not really a troll, as trolls generally have no redeeming qualities, and you are occasionally interesting, if misguided. everyone else, its a bit old.

also. john K, you are one of the most likeable posters on this page, and I mean no disrespect. but as I don't think its a good idea for us to start political discourse on this site. I actually support both Clinton and Obama, but I don't think people come here to read what we say about them, they come here to cheer for the lakers, which is a good thing.

also, as to an issue that is often brought up by *cough* some people in here, I do not consider the clippers serious rivals, but I do cheer for them sometimes. I also occasionally cheer for all pac 10 teams when they play non pac 10 teams, even though I am an Oregon fan and proud alum. And I am very happy that the Celtics are finally a worthy oppenant, although i still kind of wonder what would have happened if we had gotten kg. and to posit a question, if I did hate the celtics but insist that they were crap, how would I handle it if they beat us? would we be crap? nah, I think that we are both good, but we will be better, and I look forward to the next game.

jeez, i do jabber on. probably a whole new thread been started while I jabber. my apologies.

GO LAKERS

KOBE FOR MVP

MARK CUBAN IS A WHINY BIOTCH

phred,

I see your point about the political thing. I'll try to keep my comments to a minimum.

GO LAKERS!

DEFINITELY DON'T KNOW THE GAME OF BASKETBALL.

Laker Tom
"We would have beaten the Suns 2 years ago if Chris Mihm had not been injured."

MIHM? WOULDA, COULDA, SHOULDA. LET JUST FOCUS ON THE GAME RIGHT NOW.

Chris Mihm has done nothing and won't do nothing but be out of the NBA in the next 24 months.