You tell me: Good omen or bad omen for the Lakers?
As I walked towards my Salt Lake City hotel to check in, I saw Jerry Sloan sitting in the driver's seat of a black Escalade parked out right in front. I'm not sure how long he'd been there, but he took off after a few minutes. It may not really mean anything in the way of true "omens," considering the arena is literally across the street from my hotel. (And I mean, literally. The building is visible through my window. I'm staring at Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer as we speak. In wall-size banner form, of course. They don't just loiter outside EnergySolutions like shiftless layabouts.) But still, kinda random.
So as you debate amongst yourselves whether crossing paths with Sloan is "black cat" bad, "four leaf clover" good, or "Switzerland" neutral-coincidence as it pertains to the Purple and Gold, I'll share a few other thoughts/observations that have come to me since leaving (free at last!!!) Dallas.
1) In perusing last night's box score, I noticed an interesting little nugget. It goes without saying that the seventeen rebounds collected by Lamar Odom represents a huge night on the boards. But six of them grabs were of the offensive variety, only two shy of the Mavs' entire total. More importantly, four either helped set up an ensuing Laker bucket or led to a Laker at the stripe. One of those trips was for LO himself, where he knocked down those huge freebies with just under thirty ticks left. Given how close this game turned out, those second chance points (which simultaneously represented denying Dallas an actual chance to score) may arguably be the most crucial stat of the night.
2) Save an opportunity to hit the reportedly killer slopes, I've never felt a pressing desire to visit Utah. Nothing personal against the state. There's just nothing about, say, Provo that makes me think, "I just gotta hit that spot before turning 40!" But now that I'm here, gotta admit, Salt Lake City ain't bad. Kinda quaint, with some fantastic landscapes. Snow covered mountains surrounding a city on all sides make for a very appealing skyline. Granted, a little bit of my admiration could very well be rooted in a desperate desire to leave Big D. The last 24 hours had me ready to hop a plane to Scranton. But all kidding aside, while I need to see more before awarding SLC an official thumbs up or down, I found my excursion to the hotel rather scenic.
3) The big reason I wanted to go inside the Mavs locker room last night, outside of the plainly obvious fact that I have every right to be there? I was hoping to get Josh Howard's thoughts on the job Shane Battier did guarding Kobe during Sunday's loss against Houston, since he'd likely spend some time on Bryant. More specifically, the very unusual technique of looking purely to keep a hand in Kobe's grill, as opposed to contesting the shot itself. Unfortunately, as I already knew but learned first hand, the Mavs locker room is a "No-Blog Zone" (which makes him come off as ridiculous as Bill O'Reilly, but I digress). Thankfully, my lovely Times colleague Helene Elliott was kind enough to venture inside Mark Cuban's Shangri-La and ask Howard for me. She only had a few minutes with him, but managed to yield copy that can only be described as fairly sensitive and potentially inflammatory (which is to be expected, considering the inappropriate nature of the questions, typical of what gets asked by your garden-variety unsupervised blogger). I can totally see why Cuban would be dead set on preventing me from mining the following info.
Josh Howard, On what he learned (if anything) about guarding Bryant
"Try to keep a hand in his face, I guess. Coach stressed that today. I didn't really watch the game. That's something Battier's been doing his whole career and it's been effective against Kobe. I'll try to do it and if not, we have great team defense as an option."
On what makes Kobe such a difficult assignment
"He's always shooting the ball. It's hard to guard somebody that's shooting the ball all the time. It's gonna take great team defense. We'll need great team defense."
Like I said, explosive material stemming from inquiries that pushed the envelope of taste and responsibility. Kudos to Cuban for being the one man tough enough to battle this madness.
4) In the wake of Phil Jackson announcing that Andrew Bynum's timetable is now the first round of the playoffs, a thought occurred to me. Unless the Lakers make it to at least the Western Conference finals or beyond (fingers crossed), I'm thinking Bynum will definitely play the rest of these season's game from the pine (which Jackson had earlier acknowledged was already possible). Beyond just the notion of Bynum needing to work himself into game shape, PJ's task of working him into a lineup with fellow tall dudes Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom is likely too complicated to make seamless after a few playoff games, maybe even a series or two. You've got Drew and Pau learning to play with each other. LO switching positions yet again. Unless things are going poorly enough with the current starting lineup that a change feels necessary (like when Jordan Farmar took over for Smush right before the playoffs), I see the current Fisher-Kobe-Vlad-Odom-Gasol unit taking the court for every opening tip.
Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. It may not be as exciting and it certainly could be more anti-climactic, but again, not the same thing as "bad." While the notion of the Purple and Gold unleashing their twin towers thrilled Laker fans and unnerved the rest of the league, there is something to be said for Bynum bolstering the bench while regaining strength. Even at 60-70%, I imagine Bynum's better than most backup centers he'll face in the postseason. Remember how big an asset he was earlier this season as a member of "The Mob?" You could do worse than reliving those days, especially considering how the pine crew's come down to Earth a bit after consistently beating the snot out of every opponent's second unit. Farmar and Bynum had a nice two-man game going. Plus, Bynum at the five allows Ronny Turiaf to finally get significant minutes at the four, which plays considerably better to his strengths. I'm pretty sure Martinique's Favorite Son is pretty geeked at the chance to get more run at his natural position. The coaching staff wouldn't exactly mind, either.
Plus, there's the intrigue this development allows Laker fans. While I'm sure the postseason will inevitably offer scattered minutes of a Bynum-Gasol duo, we won't likely get a true idea of what these two are capable of until '08-'09. Which will make the summer kinda like 3-4 months of being a six-year old waiting by the Christmas tree for Santa to drop off the goodies. Assuming you don't also have the patience of an actual six-year old, it could be fun having something this potentially awesome to visualize. If nothing else, it'll help kill an offseason.
5) I was obviously aware of it at the time, but even a day later, Jason Kidd only taking three shots on the night still seems strange. Seriously? Three? Dude launched the same amount as Erick Dampier (with fewer makes). I realize Kidd may have been concentrating on setting folks up, but there's a difference between being a "facilitator" and appearing to have taken over the departed DeSagana Diop's offensive duties. The next time LO bends fans out of shape by only taking 8 shots, they can look back on this night and find a little solace.
6) All kidding aside, I am SO happy to be out of Dallas. My mojo ran bone dry within roughly 30 minutes of arriving. Things can only be looking up here, right?
Right?
AK
It was a black Cad, not a black cat.
Are you sure it wasn't the Smushcalade? Maybe there is some collusion going on for a major Jazz free agent pick up this summer.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 19, 2008 at 06:33 PM
OK, next time in Dallas you need to borrow Ms. Elliott's press ID, and flash it at the "goon" guarding the locker room door, while holding your finger over the picture. (Like they always do on TV.) That'll get you in.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 19, 2008 at 06:35 PM
3 man rotation between C and PF
Gasol - start at C, 24 minutes, 12 minutes of PF while Bynum is at C
Odom - Start at PF - 36 minutes
Bynum, back-up C, 24 minutes.
That pretty much leaves Turiaf and Mihm out, unless there is foul trouble, but I think that Bynum, Gasol, and Odom are all better than both of Turiaf and Mihm.
That also assumes that they don't want to use Odom at SF. I think that they would rather have the outside shooting of Vlad and Sasha (Sasha being part of a "three guard" line-up), since Odom is much better at PF than SF. But they could play Odom at SF, with Gasol/Turiaf at PF and Bynum/Gasol at C.
PJ certainly has a lot of flexibility when everyone is healthy.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 19, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Hey AK didn't realize you were in Salt Lake now, I actually live here. I'm a huge Lakers fan, and devoted reader of this very blog. :) Anyways, my bro and I will be attending the game tomorrow night (as we have attended every Jazz V Lakers games here for over 15 years), and If you wanna grab a drink afterwards, or want to know some hot spots to hit, get back to me. We'll be hitting up Ruths Chris Steakhouse before the game...and you can't miss me as I'll be rocking my Kurt Rambis Jersey (hoping to get it signed tomorrow night)...
Anyways, peace out man, and keep up the great work you guys are doing.
Sam
Posted by: SamBSLC | March 19, 2008 at 06:57 PM
Ex,
Are you saying that should be the rotation for the playoffs or for next season as well. I see what you're saying but I like the shot blocking, rebounding and mid range shooting Turiaf brings.
Posted by: Xodus | March 19, 2008 at 07:16 PM
http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,5143,695262735,00.html
Just a vile article by a Utah sports reporter about why DFish was booed last time in Utah. The guy says that Fish lied to Jazz ownership and the public by using his daughter's retinoblastoma to get out of Utah. Some of the comments are pretty bad, too, although many of the Jazz fans criticized the article. I think it also should be noted that the Warriors received a steady stream of racial slurs in Utah during last season's playoffs, so IMO there is definitely that sort of element also involved in the criticism of Fish. I don't believe that Harpring or Korver would receive the same sort of treatment if they were to leave the Jazz under similar circumstances.
Posted by: The Dude Abides | March 19, 2008 at 07:16 PM
Maybe you caught Sloan meeting a friend from the "Emperors Club"
I kid, I kid.
Good omen for the Lakers.
Posted by: Lakers Legacy | March 19, 2008 at 07:21 PM
bynum - c / mihm
gasol - f / turiaf
odom - sf / radman
kobe - sg / sasha
derek - pg / farmar
depending on foul troubles...
they can go bynum, gasol, odom, radman, kobe...
Posted by: | March 19, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Please explain someone, cuz this post was long-ass, gave me a headache ,and I'm opting not to re-read it.
Bynum riding pine during the regular season or the playoffs? I thought he'll be back for the playoffs, but did I infer from the that Bynum coming back in the regular season is a possibilty?
How many minutes would Bynum have to play to be effective off the bench (assuming his knee allows him to)?
Posted by: mel | March 19, 2008 at 07:24 PM
from other thread......
Kobe was on The S. Mason show today and all he would say about his contract situation is that he is happy....He still wont say that he WILL stay......
Posted by: neil | March 19, 2008 at 03:55 PM
I would say that the sum of Kobe's last 5 or 6 comments regarding leaving or staying almost guarantee that he is planning on staying. His last comment was the best if you really think about it "Nah, he's hoping I opt out," Bryant joked. "He's got bigger things in mind."
When you start joking about opting out like Kobe has been doing lately, you can almost bank on the fact that he is staying. (even if he technically opts out)
Posted by: pslakerlover | March 19, 2008 at 07:25 PM
I think it would be great for Andrew to come off the bench when he returns. I'm sure there will be times when we see both he and Gasol in there at the same time depending on the matchups in the playoffs. I'm excited about the different lineups we can throw at the opponents once we get everyone back healthy. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 19, 2008 at 07:29 PM
AK,
I think Sloan has been trying to find that elusive black cat for the past 20+ years as coach of the Utah Jazz. Sloan may go down as one of the greatest coaches never to win a title. The black cat seems to follow them quite a bit on the road and hopefully it'll show up at Energy Solutions Arena tomorrow night. Lakers will be ready tomorrow night in Utah. Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | March 19, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Xodus,
I was thinking of the playoffs, working under the assumption that Bynum will be coming off the bench.
Turiaf is a decent player, but if it comes to a choice between him, Gasol, and Odom at PF, I would go with Odom and Gasol. (In another year, I could see Turiaf game meshing better with the triangle than Odom's.)
I don't especially like the idea of Odom at SF; I think they need a decent three-point shooter and a decent perimeter defender out there. Odom doesn't give them either of those capabilities. Admittedly, none of the other SFs give them both of those, but they all give one of them.
As far as next season, if Ariza comes back healthy, Odom is very expendable, especially if the Lakers re-sign Turiaf. I would think that they will be quietly shopping him around. (Maybe for a over-priced, short-term contract and a first round draft pick or two?)
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 19, 2008 at 07:43 PM
Warning.......Really off Topic.........
Andre Miller is a stud....The more i see the more convinced i am that Denver got rolled in that deal...As good as AI is Andre Miller is really Hot 28points...No 3 pointers....He runs the team so well....12 dimes...Denver has a good front line but Philly just kept finding ways to score.....
Houston....we have a problem...They got smacked...really hard....
Posted by: Thirty2 | March 19, 2008 at 07:45 PM
The Dude Abides,
Thanks for the link!
Posted by: Charles | March 19, 2008 at 07:49 PM
AK - If you stroll down the the outdoor "mall" just down the street from the arena there's a good thai-asian place. Think it's called Thyphoon or Thaifoon or something like that. I always love some spicy food when it's cold out. SLC ain't all bad, but it can be hard to find the good. Dig those liquor laws! Go Lakes!
Posted by: rock drummer | March 19, 2008 at 07:51 PM
AK,
"While the notion of the Purple and Gold unleashing their twin towers thrilled Laker fans and unnerved the rest of the league, there is something to be said for Bynum bolstering the bench while regaining strength. "
Dude that's IF he comes back during the playoffs. His return has been pushed back so much I'm beginning to think we wont see him at all this season. Also what about Ariza, no one's talking about him lately.
Our guys are worn out, it's evident in their play. It'd be great to get either one of them back and I'd be tickled silly if Bynum is included in that package.
Anywho it is what it is ... so long as we got kobe we will show up to fight.
Posted by: Taliq | March 19, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Is there any possibility that, if Kobe leaves, Lakers could get Lebron with the Andrew and Pau on the team?
Posted by: nick | March 19, 2008 at 08:01 PM
The Sloan sighting seems completely irrelevant to me.
That said, I'm very worried about this game against the team with the best home record in the conference without our big men. Not a recipe for success. We just don't seem like the better team on paper here. I hope something happens to make that "paper" meaningless.
I do agree with most of what was said about the advantages of Bynum coming off the bench in limited minutes. Obviously a healthy Socks and Gasol comfortably together would be ideal, but obviously that ain't happening.
I would reiterate what some others have pointed out before, which is that when rotations tighten up in the playoffs, there will be much less, if any, "our bench vs. your bench" time. That said, there will certainly be times when another teams best big is out and Phil is not someone who has ever had a problem with playoff substitution patterns. Despite all the criticism he has received for his, um, unorthadox player usage over the course of his carreer, he may be the best post-season machup manipulator in the history of basketball. So that's pretty nice.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Cameron | March 19, 2008 at 08:05 PM
EX,
AK does not only see Black Cat, he sees people. He is now in Twilight Zone, after having a nightmare in Dallas. AK, don't ever miss to watch the performance of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, they might be performing this holy week.
Nemaia,
Sloan found the elusive Black Cat not on the streets but on the golf links, it says Lynx Black Cat. It means his time has come to retire for Coach Sloan. He's overstaying in Utah Jazz, he should move to the Clippers, no need to worry about the playoffs, they're only active during draft day. lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 19, 2008 at 08:11 PM
Houston Lost tonight to NOH... big loss...
a start of a new streak? perhaps...a losing streak...
I still say that spurs, SUns, Lakers, and Jazz, are the elite team in the West...
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 08:13 PM
THE BEAST being out has been trying for the young Lakers, but his return for the playoffs provides the bench mob with some great play from the 5 spot. I agree with AK on that one for sure. He'll bring a whole different look for the bench.
Watching the Funs play at Seattle tonight. They are not really as good as people want them to be. I get the feeling they are going to get pasted when they go East and the Lakers fairly easy list of opponents over the same stretch bodes well for the Lakers creating a little space in the standings. Was that a run-on sentence? Anyway . . . What was I saying?
Oink Oink
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 19, 2008 at 08:18 PM
IT’S ALL ABOUT LAKERS BASKETBALL…
How were the Lakers, without Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol, going to beat the Mavs and end their 2-game road losing streak? The answer was play Lakers basketball: run the Triangle efficiently, play tough team defense, control both boards, and attack the rim. The result was a 102-100 road win over the Mavs that makes the Lakers best in the West.
The Lakers showed me something tonight that I believe says worlds about their character and toughness as a team. They once again adjusted to losing a key player to injury and proved they could play well enough as a team to beat an elite West competitor on the road even though short-handed. While we miss Pau, we showed we can win without him. It took us a few games to finally make the necessary mental adjustments but we did.
And this was not the first time we have seen this team adjust. Remember the great three games that we played at the start of the 9-game road trip and before Gasol was in uniform. We finally adjusted to not having Andrew and just played Laker ball. We lost to the Pistons by a point but then blew out the Raptors and Wizards, again proving that if we played Lakers basketball, we could dominate teams even though short-handed.
You have to give a lot of credit for the team’s championship character and toughness to Kobe Bryant. It’s funny how many people laughed when Kobe said the problem was the arc on his shot but he would work on it. His offensive efficiency and shooting accuracy in the first half were a professional basketball clinic as the Lakers dominated the Mavs.
The team’s defense against the Mavs in the 1st half was also very strong, especially Ronny Turiaf, who after a couple of sub par outings fiercely defended the rim. And you cannot say enough about Lamar’s warrior-like performance at both ends of the court or Vlade’s clutch trio of 3’s that may have saved the day.
Finally, it’s easy to jump on Phil for substitutions or game-ending plays but when you look at the big picture you really see what a marvelous job he and the coaching staff have done in getting these players to believe and execute. Now we just need to go to Utah and do the same thing to the jazz – just play Lakers basketball and win.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | March 19, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Our guys are worn out, it's evident in their play. It'd be great to get either one of them back and I'd be tickled silly if Bynum is included in that package.
===========================================
While I agree about getting Bynum back, the worn out argument is not a strong one, every team in the NBA at tthis juncture are worn out... players are banged up... except of course those riding the pines...
==========================================
Anywho it is what it is ... so long as we got kobe we will show up to fight.
Posted by: Taliq | March 19, 2008 at 07:58 PM
===============================================
This one, I agree with you 1000%.... this is what makes Kobe a very special player... you wont be disappointed for lack of effort when he steps on the floor...
dice8up
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Gotta say, putting the K-Brothers on the road has given this blog some great insight. AK, you and BK have done some of your very best writing on this road trip.
These are tense times for Laker fans, and the humor derived from your travels is a welcome respite, especially after that heart-stopping two game losing streak.
A lot of people are saying, a Laker win in Utah is almost impossible. I say, that's why they play the game. After all, the Lakers only used up 24 minutes of intensity in Dallas. There's gotta be some left in the tank.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | March 19, 2008 at 08:38 PM
LakerTom,
You didn't mention your boy, Farmar anymore and Luke. What can you say about the scare from 25 down to one pt. lead? How do you cure the meltdowns? Of course, a win is a win without Pau and Drew. Do you call that laker basketball?
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 19, 2008 at 08:40 PM
If PHX loses to Seattle ... wow!
Posted by: Korey | March 19, 2008 at 08:43 PM
46 DOWN, 9 (single digits!) TO GO!
...kinda late but it's really never to late to celebrate a win
what's up with jerry sloan driving an escalade? i figured him to be a Ford Truck man or something that really screams "I'mma man!" anything other than a fancy dancy SUV
Posted by: CBuck | March 19, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Lakers will win in Utah.
Mark my words.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 19, 2008 at 08:50 PM
Warning Suns fans ... look at the Heat tonight. That's your future in a couple of years.
Posted by: HmrHed | March 19, 2008 at 08:53 PM
My prediction is that the Lakers go 2-2 until Pau returns (Wednesday 3/26 against Charlotte) and then cruise into the playoffs as the #1 seed going 9-2 in their last 11 games with Pau back and maybe Mihm playing some. The other contenders for the #1 spot in the west have killer schedules left.
Posted by: rdlee | March 19, 2008 at 08:54 PM
Laker/Clipper fan?
And true Laker fans don't have a problem with this?
That's Like saying I root for USC in football and UCLA in basketball.
Jon K. you are a psuedo fan that people generally like but you don't get a free pass..... ever
PIG MEAT SO TASTY
FEED THE TROLLS
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 08:54 PM
AK:
I hope you enjoy SLC while you're here. I'd give you a list of "must-sees" but I doubt you have much time for sight-seeing. And yeah, Provo's been the butt of many a joke, but there's few places that are as picturesque as Lavell Edwards Stadium to watch a college football game. Sports Illustrated once called it the best.
Posted by: Marty | March 19, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Phoenix is winning in Seattle...oh well I just hope the Lakers can beat the Suns if these 2 meet in the playoffs..Phoenix has been shooting lights out from beyond the arc.
Posted by: drew | March 19, 2008 at 08:58 PM
PHX will win... they are getting good...
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 09:01 PM
If I'm a Funs fan, it's time to start worrying again. Seattle has kept themselves from winning the game, not the other way around. The Funs have not looked good tonight.
Pig
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 19, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Kind of quiet tonight. I think Utah will come out running tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the games after tomorrow and hope Pau gets back. I have a feeling the Warriors will challenge us again.
My MBENGA jersey is now posted on the Lakers Scene.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | March 19, 2008 at 09:07 PM
My face is on fire with hatred for the Funs. I wish the Sonics were better. I can't wait until they go East and get pounded.
I hate them so much.
It's eating my insides.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 19, 2008 at 09:09 PM
Laker/Clipper fan?
And true Laker fans don't have a problem with this?
That's Like saying I root for USC in football and UCLA in basketball.
Jon K. you are a psuedo fan that people generally like but you don't get a free pass..... ever
PIG MEAT SO TASTY
FEED THE TROLLS
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 08:54 PM
=======================================
No problem at all.
A true basketball fan can appreciate any team... as long as they play basket ball, even if it is scrappy ones...
I am glad you are posting...
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Watching the Funs play at Seattle tonight. They are not really as good as people want them to be. I get the feeling they are going to get pasted when they go East and the Lakers fairly easy list of opponents over the same stretch bodes well for the Lakers creating a little space in the standings. Was that a run-on sentence? Anyway . . . What was I saying?
Oink Oink
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 19, 2008 at 08:18 PM
==========================================
Sorry to disagree with you Brother... the Suns is a very very good team... 3 all stars(2 MVP's) and a former all star, a defensive player, and a sixth man of the year, will always count for something... I tell ya, they are going to be very very good come playoff time... let's not overlooked that fact...
But I like our teams chances against them...
Go Lakers...
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 09:15 PM
I hate them so much.
It's eating my insides.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller
Too bad so sad, we WIN.
Posted by: Fire32 | March 19, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Posted by: dice8up
No problem at all.
A true basketball fan can appreciate any team... as long as they play basket ball, even if it is scrappy ones...
I am glad you are posting...
*****************************************
SO AM I
Getting Fuller
So as a true Laker fan I guess you can appreciate the Boston Celtics?
If you do you are not a fan
YOU ARE A TROLL
Ask any true Celtic fan if they appreciate the Lakers
GET IN MY BELLY
FEED THE TROLLS
oink oink anyone?
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 09:30 PM
My blinding hatred does not allow me praise for the Funs.
I'm not capable of being unbiased in any analysis of them. I live in Phoenix and have to listen to the Funs drivel day in and day out. I makes my head hurt to hear the locals talk about them all of the time. The hate has only gotten worse over the last two seasons with their short lived successes. I relish when they lose in the playoffs and every pundit in town blames it on something other than the fact that they LOST THE GAMES. I watch every game and root for their downfall. I can't wait until they look like Miami, after all of their draft picks getting traded away by the genius that is Mike D'amnphony.
I hate you Phoenix Funs. With a passion unlike any other team.
Oink . . . er . . . I'm going to bed.
PS. I'm not ashamed.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | March 19, 2008 at 09:35 PM
AK,
Do you think that even if we don't see Pau and Drew starting together, they will get some playing time together? Like in the fourth quarter finishing out the game?
I think even if Andrew comes off the bench, we'd still have an advantage against most teams, but if in the playoffs we were to face a team like Golden State that doesn't have a lot of big men, don't you think it would be better to have them both in the starting lineup anyway? Cause Golden State can't match up against most teams with a decent big man, let alone a team wtih 3 of them. If we do end up playing Golden State, in my opinion, that's a matchup we HAVE to exploit.
Posted by: gokobego | March 19, 2008 at 09:44 PM
What the heck happened to Luke Walton?
He's the worst shooter in the NBA, he can't pass, he doesn't rebound, and he doesn't play a lick of D.
Posted by: Tom WIllis | March 19, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Edit by committee: It goes "Without" saying that the seventeen rebounds collected by Lamar Odom ...
What was Jerry Sloan doing in front of the hotel? Is it the same one the Lakers are staying at? Is he pulling a Bill Belichik on us? SPYGATE II???
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | March 19, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Bynum was a central figure in the bench bunch to start the year, and hopefully he can return to that same roll in the playoffs. With Bynum, Turiaf, the Machine, and Farmar... even Luke coming off the bench, that squad is unmatched.
Bynum can provide some rebounding and length; which will be key for a deep playoff run.
Posted by: tom willis | March 19, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Laker/Clipper fan?
And true Laker fans don't have a problem with this?
That's Like saying I root for USC in football and UCLA in basketball.
Jon K. you are a psuedo fan that people generally like but you don't get a free pass..... ever
PIG MEAT SO TASTY
FEED THE TROLLS
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 08:54 PM
=======================================
No problem at all.
A true basketball fan can appreciate any team... as long as they play basket ball, even if it is scrappy ones...
I am glad you are posting...
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I for one am a Bruin fan but when one of our LA schools represents nationaly I support the LA team. Since USC has the last few years played championship calibur levels and Bruins out of National scene then yes I support USC. Same for basketball, Bruins playing championship level basketball plus wanting Bruins on top, you skippy right I support the Bruins.
No problem at all.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | March 19, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Who wouldn't appreciate the Celtics basketball???
Only people who doesn't know and love basketball will not appreciate Celtics basketball...!
A true basketball fan sees what an ordinary does not... he sees greatness when it happens... and right now... Boston is going in that right direction... so with my beloved Lakers ...
If you can't appreciate what the C's are doing as much as you do with what your team is doing, then you have missed a central point of being a basketball FAN.
Are you a basketball FAN? do you not see and appreciate watching C's basketball?
Magic Johnson says so... and all the great people who knows basketball... Do you know Magic? Do you know Larry? How about the great Bill russell? do you not appreciate what he has done to basketball?
How can you be a FAN and not appreciate what the players do?
Even Phil Jackson is a FAN of the Celtics... have you not read? nor heard what he said about them?
dice man
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 10:04 PM
So as a true Laker fan I guess you can appreciate the Boston Celtics?
If you do you are not a fan
YOU ARE A TROLL
Ask any true Celtic fan if they appreciate the Lakers
Posted by: Troll Man | March 19, 2008 at 09:30 PM
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THAT'S WHAT SEPARATE A TRUE LAKERS FAN FROM A CELTICS FAN...
BY THE WAY... DOES ANYONE IN HERE DOES APPRECIATE CELTICS BASKETBALL?
STAND UP AND BE COUNTED! THIS TROLL MAN WANTS TO KNOW!!!!
Posted by: dice8up | March 19, 2008 at 10:08 PM