Cutting Drew
May 18, 2008 | 4:14
pm
Not from the team, or even with big knives or scalpels. Though Andrew Bynum will indeed get his knee scoped on Wednesday to clean up some rough spots under his kneecap. We'll know more about it later in the week, but at this point, it's certainly no surprise to see he needs more work.
BK
Uh oh!!
Right guys!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Posted by: Grady | May 18, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I suppose the 'scope is what he really needed all along, but this exerpt from the link is disconcerting:
"The team will release a report of the surgery and estimated timeline of return on Wednesday."
At least it will keep the proverbial roller coaster ride going all summer on this blog.
Bring on the next round !
(One more thing......no way those effin GreenieWeenies deserved to win their series. What a pathetic excuse for a top ranked team.)
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 18, 2008 at 04:25 PM
They should have done this procedure four months ago.
Urgh.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 18, 2008 at 04:28 PM
he will come back, he won't, he may, he may not. I'm tired of this, get it over already. He shouldnt wait till now to have surgery.
Posted by: | May 18, 2008 at 04:40 PM
A couple of people have asked for links to previous games:
http://bt.davka.info/index.php
is a torrent site that appears to host all of this years' playoff games and many of the regular season games. I have never used this site and therefore cannot recommend it, but at least you have a possible link to check out any games you may have missed.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 18, 2008 at 04:41 PM
No faith in the team doctor. If this outside doctor (?) successfully treats Andrew I doubt he will see a team doctor again.
Posted by: Ricky | May 18, 2008 at 04:43 PM
link didn't work for me guys
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | May 18, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Not a surprise, I was just thinking there should've been some news on this by now..Hopefully, he is well enough to make it to the Finals to watch us hoist the Larry O'Brien!
Go Lakers
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 18, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Get Well Soon Socks! I hope that you get nothing but good news (and some relief) from the operation.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | May 18, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Even Michael Cooper, the former Laker, expressed wonder at how the Bynum situation has progressed this long, this unsatisfactorily.
The contributors who site the extended inaction of not just Bynum, but Ariza and Mihm as reason enough to question the Lakers medical staff are totally justified. No organization wants to risk needless long-term damage to a player, but that's not the point. The medical science of treating and rehabbing injuries has come a long way, but it appears the Lakers medical staff is still in the Dark Ages.
A thorough review of the Lakers medical staff is in order during the off-season. No one has to get fired, but perhaps the team should recruit a higher level sports injury specialist.
Those of this who participate on this blog shouldn't be told to "shut up" because we're not doctors. Neither is Mitch Kupchak. You don't have to be a doctor to see there is something lacking in the team's medical staff.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | May 18, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Well, I guess this officially shelves even the most remote hopes of AB seeing any play-off action this year. I was envisioning us beating the Celtics in 5, up by 20 with 2 minutes to go in the final game, and Drew getting to play out the end of the game, with a huge standing O from the Laker fans. Oh well, next year will be all the sweeter as we continue and intensify our dominance over the rest of the league.
Get well soon AB! We're all pulling for you!
Laker Kev
Posted by: Laker Kev | May 18, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Hmm... told you the Lakers should have shipped him out ...
kidding.
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | May 18, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Good luck Drew!!!
Posted by: Charles | May 18, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Edwin,
“There is only one Lakers Blog.”
Right you are, Edwin. Most of the “other” blogs out there are really just comments tagged onto articles published online. And the Lakers.com blog is weak. There is no “life” as we experience it on the LA Times Lakers Blog, the only real Lakers blog.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 18, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Amazing,
PT is truly going to be an issue with some of our bench players, especially if we win the championship and they perform well. Imagine Sasha’s value if he comes up big in the Western Conference and NBA Finals. Proving yourself in a championship environment will bring big rewards. The Lakers would do well to remember their decision to let Derek Fisher go to free agency. I think in retrospect that was a mistake we can’t make again with Sasha or Ronny, who are our two free agents.
The current CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) between the NBA and the players expires after the 2010/11 season. League revenues have grown so much and so many teams have elected to go over the luxury tax that there will probably be moves by both sides to drastically raise the salary cap and luxury tax threshold and other moves to make it easier for teams to sign free agents since most teams are always over the cap.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 18, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Vman,
“Your only remuneration is the boost from having fans from around the world respond to your thoughts about your favorite subject. Probably not something you expected would ever be the case as your were watching Wilt and West.”
This blog and this Lakers team have made this my favorite season ever as a Lakers fan and we still haven’t even really won anything – other than a brilliantly bright future.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 18, 2008 at 05:23 PM
I'm on a different side of the fence on this topic. Make no mistake, I'm disappointed and somewhat sad knowing I wont be able to see Drew play again THIS season but I feel by placing BLAME, be it on Doctors or Vitti or whoever.. just isnt fair. It sounds as if scar tissue maybe interferring with the Kneecaps fluid movement and causing pain and discomfort? If that is the case, it is what it is... Nobody heals exactly the same so there was probably no way of telling how Drew would respond to the injury, until it was healed. Once healed, complications were discovered and the decision to cut was more so made from a long term investment, business standpoint then a cruel joke played by Laker brass to make fans miserable the last 5 months.
Look at the bright side, next season, who in this league will be able to handle or compete against a squad that has Fish - PG KB - SG L.O- SF Pau - PF and Drew in the middle? I'll tell ya.. NO DAMN BODY !!!!! Thats WHO!!! ZILCH !!! So yea.. when I go out of town and the Lakers come up.. I proudly announce them as PACIFIC DIVISION CHAMPIONS.. even though I know we only brag about titles here.. I'm very proud of what THIS team has accomplished, THIS Season despite of how powerful the West was. Every Win from the first round on has been like Christmas to me so when we win the WCF.. I'll proudly add that to the list PDC, MVP, WCF and eventually 2008 NBA Champions!!!!!! Woo Hoo !!!!!
Get Well Drew !!!
Welcome Back Trevor !!
Focus and stop feeling sorry for yourself Jordan !!
No More Bud til AFTER the season Vlad, give Phil your waterbong please.
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: complex brotha | May 18, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Rick,
“Is it because the trade-off might be fewer fast-break points?”
It’s funny but all season long I was under the general impression that we usually won the battle of the boards. Maybe it was Drew dominating the glass early or looking too much at games against teams weak inside like the Suns, but I just didn’t see us getting killed by Utah on the boards – or by Denver for that matter.
One factor that I think may actually be contributing to our rebounding problems could be leaking out for fast breaks. Another factor that I think could be involved is our defense and contesting and blocking of shots. I swear there are times in the game when the Jazz got long rebound after long rebound because we were forcing them to take bad shots. And I never saw a luckier team in having tipped passes and bobbled balls turning into fortuitous points. Anyway, that’s my take on our rebounding problem, which will totally disappear next year when Drew is back and Chris Mihm returns to full health.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 18, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Tim,
I actually looking and could not find any power rankings for the NBA teams based on the playoffs. So here are LakerTom’s 2008 NBA Playoff Power Rankings:
01 Lakers – Best record overall and on the road – only team to sweep first round series
02 Hornets – Will take out the Spurs tonight but will fall to the Lakers in 6 in WCF.
03 Spurs – Age and loss of home court advantage spell the end of Spurs as an elite team.
04 Pistons – Best team in the East but will fall to the Lakers in 6 in the NBA Finals.
05 Celtics – Overhyped team with no real leader or closer that fizzled in the playoffs.
06 Jazz – Williams and Boozer are destined to be title-less just like Stockton and Malone.
07 Suns – Get ready for an older Nash, a disgruntled Shaq, and a return to mediocrity.
08 Rockets – Will be dangerous next year with a healthy Yao and improved lineup.
09 Mavs – Teaming a half court defensive coach with a full court offensive star? Huh?
10 Nuggets – This will surely be George Karl’s last year coaching the Nuggets, right?
11 Cavs – Even with LeBron, this team would not make playoffs in the West.
12 Magic – Dwight Howard not ready yet to dominate and team not ready for prime time.
13 Raptors – Another run-and-gun Xerox of the Suns that cannot win in the playoffs.
14 Wizards – With or without Agent Zero another no-defense team from the East.
15 76ers – A playoff team only in their own minds and in the NBA Eastern Conference.
16 Hawks – Let’s see, we didn’t take Chris Paul, we didn’t take Deron Williams. Oops.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | May 18, 2008 at 05:40 PM
Finished watching the Cavs vs. Celts and found out that it is still impossible for both teams to lose no matter how hard you wish for it!!
Seriously, that was a pretty good game. Lebron and Paul Pierce staged a battle reminiscent of the one that Larry Bird and Dominique Wilkins had in a game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals in 1988. LBJ stood tall and played his azz off. So did Pierce. And surprisingly, P.J. Brown played a big role in the Boston victory.
The timing of the announcement of Andrew's surgery and the fact that he has not even been seen sitting on the Laker bench at Staples during the playoffs makes me wonder if he hasn't suffered some sort of setback in his recovery. I certainly hope that this is not a case where he has aggravated the original injury. The good news is that the Lakers have adapted to his absence and are well prepared to move on without him.
GET WELL BABY B!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | May 18, 2008 at 05:58 PM
MY PREDICTION A LONG TIME AGO WAS THAT KWAME BROWN WOULD NEVER BE OUT AS LONG AS YOUR ANDREW BYNUM HAS NOW. IF HE WOULD HAVE HAD SURGERY A LONG TIME AGO, YOU WOULDN'T BE SPECULATING THIS LONG ON WHEN HE'LL BE BACK.
YOUR TWENTY YEAR OLD FOOL'S GOLD HAS PUT YOU IN A BIND THAT BRINGS UNCERTAINTY TO YOUR TEAM. YES KWAME MAY HAVE BEEN OUT FOR A MONTH OR TWO, BUT HE NEVER LET YOU DOWN. I WOULDN'T PAY BYNONE A BIG CONTRACT UNTIL YOU KNEW FOR SURE THAT HE WAS WORTH A BIG CONTRACT AND NOW THE UNCERTAINTY WILL CONTINUE.
IF IT WASN'T FOR KWAME BROWN, YOU WOULDN'T EVEN BE PLAYING THIS LATE IN THE YEAR. KWAME TOOK ONE FOR THE TEAM AND DID SO LIKE A MAN, NOT LIKE A BOY WHO GOT HURT AND NEVER CAME BACK.
NOW YOU KNOW WHAT I'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT FOR A LONG TIME. NEVER SAY THAT I DIDN'T TELL YOU AND NOW YOU'RE SEEING WHAT YOUR FRUIT IS WORTH.
Posted by: Stranger In The Night | May 18, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Nice power rankings LakerTom.
Well, I'm disappointed about Socks, but really this should have been done about 3 weeks ago. That's 3 weeks that Socks can't train in the off season.
I FULLY expect Socks to make the All-Star team next year. That was his goal, and I think he'd be on pace for that this year had he not landed on Lamar's foot.
On the bright side, we have Trevor back and he has time to get back into shape... he will come in handy against the Chris Pauls and Pejas...
Paul Pierce had that monster game. Ray Allen & KG disappeared again. Can Pierce carry his team past the Pistons?
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | May 18, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Go Lakers!
Get well Drew.
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 18, 2008 at 06:13 PM
==== DEREK FISHER OR RAY ALLEN??? ====
Whose career would you rather have?
Hit many clutch shots, when multiple championships , play on lots of great teams...
Many All-Star games, greatest 3pt shooter (stat-wise) in history, no titles...
Whichever one you rather have probably shows something about your personality!
Posted by: Korey | May 18, 2008 at 06:14 PM
cmon lakertom, you at least gotta give the hawks some credit for taking the celts to 7 games. theres no way you thought that could happen...
Posted by: greek dude | May 18, 2008 at 06:32 PM
LakerTom,
"Anyway, that’s my take on our rebounding problem, which will totally disappear next year when Drew is back and Chris Mihm returns to full health."
True. Chris Mihm said he's returning next year. I don't care what anyone says, Chris Mihm is a starter for the majority of teams in the NBA. Mihm and Bynum is a perfect combination.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | May 18, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Again, I feel compelled to respond to the "worst case scenario" types:
There is no reason to think that there is anything "seriously" wrong with the knee based on the only symptom Bynum is still showing - pain when pushing off to move laterally. The removal of or repair of torn or inflamed cartilage is generally what will improve this symptom, and that is exactly what arthroscopic surgery
will allow doctors to do.
Also, since arthroscopic surgery is a multifaceted procedure with a variety of surgical options that can treat a many problems that are often diagnosed on the spot, there is no set time frame for recovery. Thus the statement that they will outline a time frame on Wed. is not a red flag, just a preference for not saying something ludicrously vague like "four weeks to six months." But a couple of months to full strength is fairly realistic.
Now, since MRI's aren't perfect, it is possible that the scope will find seriously damaged connective tissue that did not show up on multiple MRI's which could lead to microfracture surgery. Here the bone is damaged slightly to release marrow which contains cells that promote new cartilage to growth. This is the worst case scenario with him going the way of Amare and Oden, blah, blah.
But this is unlikely, based on the clean MRI's, the nature of the injuries and the continued symptoms. There is something in there literally rubbing him the wrong way when he pushes off. It seems logical that removing it will alleviate the symptoms.
Anyway, here's hopping for the continued efficacy of positive thinking, the fruition of the best case scenario and a speedy recovery...
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Cameron | May 18, 2008 at 06:46 PM
Bynum get's the knife! Ouch!!
If this is the same medical team that worked on Mitch Kupchack then Bynum is as good as history on the court and the next Lakers GM!
Posted by: chuck23 | May 18, 2008 at 06:48 PM
chuck23 posted Bynum get's the knife! sorry for not posting name!
Posted by: chuck23 | May 18, 2008 at 06:53 PM
I have to agreed with several of the readers regarding the Lakers' medical staff. Remember Karl Malone in 2004, that ended up costing us a championship.
Posted by: Michael | May 18, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Pistons in 6.
Next year is the year when the BEAST becomes the ONE.
You are the ONE Andrew. You only have to believe it.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | May 18, 2008 at 07:32 PM
I hope its not too serious.
We don't have all the details and have to trust the doctors that they are doing the right thing.
In the mean time, we have to get ready for the Spurnets.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | May 18, 2008 at 07:34 PM
http://www.dailynews.com/lakers/ci_9298551
"I love Manila," Bryant said outside a Nike store in the capital city of the Philippines last September. The crowd had been gathering since 6 a.m., nine hours before his appearance. "The energy here is off the charts."
hell yea kobster!!the Philippines loves you!We love way more than the government officials here..In fact,if you would've run for president here, you'll get 99.8% of the votes..(im bein real on this one..lol)..
Spurs/Hornets bring it on!!!
Philippines loves the Lakers and Kobe Bryant!
Brylle
Posted by: Brylle | May 18, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Justin.tv replays for both Games 5 & 6:
Game 5:
http://www.justin.tv/psn_4/111427/Lakers_vs_Jazz_game_5_
Game 6
http://www.justin.tv/jayrntv/112441/Lakers_vs_Jazz_game_6
No torrents. No downloading necessary.
Posted by: MiloRambaldi | May 18, 2008 at 07:41 PM
I know I am way behind here, but I was out all day (golf tournament). I have a few nits to pick.
"L.O and Kobe attacking the rim VS Parker and Ginobilli attacking the rim (pretty equal)
Posted by: classic | May 18, 2008 at 09:37 AM"
In what alternate reality is this even close to correct????
Second issue is the OB (original bloggers). I have no issue with celebrating the fact that you are original bloggers. I think that is great, but please don't call it loyalty. Loyalty is sticking with something through thick and then, it has nothing to do with longevity.
Some of us have been hardcore Laker fans for 20 years, but just found the blog recently. Like I said celebrate the longevity, but don't call it loyalty as if the rest of us aren't loyal.
Posted by: pslakerfan | May 18, 2008 at 07:41 PM
Blast from the past from the K bros:
"And starting at point guard... SMUUUUUUUUSSHHH PARRRRKKKKERRRRR!!! For the time being, it's looking like Smush has the inside track at manning the point this season. The key seems to be his solid D, always a plus when playing for Phil Jackson.
October 18, 2005 in Extra! Extra!"
Solid D? Hahaha.
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Dy-Nas-Ty!
Posted by: p ang | May 18, 2008 at 07:41 PM
LakerTom,
"05 Celtics – Overhyped team with no real leader or closer that fizzled in the playoffs. "
Saying that the C's don't have a closer is, well frankly, disrespectful to Lebron. James just happens to be better and just made Pierce look ordinary. Sort of like a 250watts bulb making a 100watts one look dim. Agree with you on the overhyped. Ray Allen, like Don Nelson, like is a regular season guy. Fades in the playoffs.
Keep up the good posts.
Posted by: p ang | May 18, 2008 at 07:54 PM
That's too bad that my guy Bynum is out. The team is rolling pretty well right now and none of the remaining teams have an incredible amount of depth, so there are no excuses. I know that the Lakers can win the ring this year and many years to come because of Bynum, so its all good. My only question is why not go to my old home town and see Dr. James Andrews instead of this guy in New York.
Posted by: The Original Ken | May 18, 2008 at 08:03 PM
That's too bad that my guy Bynum is out. The team is rolling pretty well right now and none of the remaining teams have an incredible amount of depth, so there are no excuses. I know that the Lakers can win the ring this year and many years to come because of Bynum, so its all good. My only question is why not go to my old home town and see Dr. James Andrews instead of this guy in New York.
Posted by: The Original Ken | May 18, 2008 at 08:04 PM
Go Lakers!
Get Well Bynum!
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | May 18, 2008 at 08:07 PM
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/smith/index.php/
2008/05/17/west-will-prevail/
Sam Smith thinks like we do. I'm kinda down on (not with) Lazenby's comment.
Posted by: mel | May 18, 2008 at 08:37 PM
Sad, but ow expected news about Drew. Hopefully the clean up will eliminate the pain, and allow him to focus on next year. I'm as concerned about his emotions as his knee since he is still a kid. The team has to be gentle with him because he is the future, even if this team wins the title without him, which wold sure to be a very emotionally difficult moment for a kid. As far as my fellow contributors who apparently had crystal balls that allowed them to know exactly how Drew's knee was progressing, don't let your disappointment make complete fools out of you. The team looks great, the future is bright, and complaining about the troubles of the Lakers and Laker fans right now would be pretty darned pathetic.
Posted by: Lifetime Laker | May 18, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Rick Friedman,
Perhaps, the medical staff of the Lakers belonged to HMO or Kaizer Permanente where you have to get 2nd and 3rd opinion to get it right. I smell malpractice here.
After all, Jon K and I and some of the bloggers who were called "selfish" for questioning the long term treatment of a Sock's knee injury are now vindicated.
Here are the flaws on Drew's situation. While the Lakers are a good team to compete in the playoffs all the way to the finals, the delay is unfair to the players who are playing hurt. If the surgery was done after the first week of securing 1st, 2nd, 3rd opinions, perhaps Drew could have helped the team at this time. We have the best doctors, hospitals here in the Southland or in California known worldwide, however it is the medical staff of the Lakers who decide on this situation. It is not the fault of the 20 year old because he was only following the instructions of his elders. This is just a rehearse of past mistakes. Similarly, if there were no Kobe's summer rants and blog whining on scrubs all year round, Lakers will still be sitting in that doldrum of incompetence. Argh!
Let's move on and win the Championship for Andrew.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 18, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Something fun for you guys to read:
Shaq and the Spurs get more hate than Kob...huh.
http://dimemag.com/2008/05/16/dime-mag-most-hated-nba-players/#comments
Posted by: mel | May 18, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Regarding Boston Post-Game interview that included Peirce and KG..
I dunno, but KG seemed like he was a little envious/jealous of Paul Peirce. I dunno, something in his voice, his body language, wasn't very receptive to any questions from the Press/Media &, kept diverting the focus/questions back to Peirce.
Perhaps KG was being "the consummate team player/professional everyone knows and loves" or, maybe he felt he shouldnt get any "shine" for the game he played and was embarrassed, I dunno just speculating but I got the feeling/impression he just didn't seem like the usual Mr. Swagger K.G. himself..
KG's comment about Paul Peirce's performance,
"It was just give him (Pierce) the ball, and get the hell out the way!" Just give him the ball, and get out the way! That's all it was all night long!
Hmmm. Maybe there aren't enough balls in Boston after all. Pun intended!
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | May 18, 2008 at 09:14 PM
say it aint so drew say it aint so
Posted by: Haha | May 18, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Jon k........I couldnt agree more.Let me explain why....
Living in Australia i follow AFL....Australian Rules Football..
A team that plays in the AFL the Sydney Swans recently had a player do his ACL..On the weekend that player returned to action after 86 days...Thats right 86 days...It was one of the first times an AFL player has used a synthetic graph for a ligament ..The player in question is not 7ft tall but around 6 foot 3 and the distance covered by a midfielder in a game is between 12 and 17 kilometers ...He got through the game fine ....Also last season a player from the same team had a full dislocation and returned after 9 weeks an played the remainder of the season plus finals with no problems..
So we the supporters should ask questions why it has taken so long and what the hell the Lakers medical team are up to...AFL players run these huge distances and return in half the time and the game is very ruff and rugged ........Questions need to be asked......
Posted by: Thirty2 | May 18, 2008 at 09:22 PM
Now that it is clear that Drew cannot play in the playoffs, I'm sure the Lakers have prepared Mbenga or Mihm to the eventuality that their services will be called to support Pau. Ronnie is a good Center reliever but he is SMALL to guard to Tyson Chandler or a superstar Duncan. The presence of bigs in the posts with Mbenga plus LO and Vlady, then Lakers can compete in the contol of the boards.
PS. With apologies to Korey and Troy if their names were omitted as original bloggers, you are all still actively posting that's why your names were left out in my post on the previous thread.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | May 18, 2008 at 09:34 PM
I mIss Andrew Bynum so much.
Posted by: Staples 24 | May 18, 2008 at 09:36 PM
In case you have all forgotten, our medical staff probably saved Turiaf's life by diagnosing his heart condition. They also did one hell of job on Kobe's back last week. I'm no doctor, but I thought Socks was out for the season when he went down - I had friend in college dislocate his knee, that's a 6 - 8 month deall.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | May 18, 2008 at 09:48 PM