Report Card - Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum arrived at training camp in the awkward position of being at the center of a storm he did nothing to create. An unhappy Kobe Bryant was caught on tape in a parking lot expressing an opinion that Drew's rear would be best served shipped to New Jersey for Jason Kidd. The front office reacted by making it fairly clear that unless the exchanged player was named "Kevin" or "Garnett," no trade would go down involving their third-year center, especially not in a blatant effort to appease their disgruntled star. For his part, Bynum simply showed up at Media Day thick in body, from his serious summer workouts, and in skin, claiming not to be hurt by The Mamba's rant (even if he found the situation kind of "messed up").
But then a funny thing happened amid the uncertainty. Bynum began the year off the pine and found an immediate groove with Jordan Farmar, overmatching most second-string big men while anchoring an instantly prolific "Bench Mob." And despite regularly clocking equal or better minutes than starter Kwame Brown, Phil Jackson was content to keep playing him as a sub, both to strengthen the bench and keep him hungry. But then an ankle and knee injury to the former #54 thrust Bynum into the starting five, a development that saw the youngster's production truly skyrocket.
Drew's starter averages rounded out to nearly 15/11/two swats. Very nice in and of themselves, but that's was only part of the story. Check out his monthly splits and you'll see numbers mostly trending upward, and while that came in part from upped PT, the stats were also accrued against better competition. Anyway sliced, the kid played like an elite big in the making. His incredibly soft hands made him both a catch/dunk and put-back machine, while court awareness beyond his years equaled great efficiency whether passing out of the low post or slipping toward the rack. He's also a legit glass-eater with a rebounder's mentality. On the other side of the ball, the shots he didn't block were often bothered greatly by his length, and his pick-and-roll coverage, while still a work in progress, was showing marked improvement. Most important, he got a serious seal of approval from the dude who hadn't been willing to wait on him. Kobe began referring to his center as "the player I prayed about having on my team for years" and the same Lakers he previously wanted to bolt as a championship contender. The optimism was justified. After a 10-4 January, 2008 kicked off with a six-game winning streak, and the Lakers were on the verge of overtaking Phoenix as the West's first-place team.
Then all of Los Angeles learned what the medical term "sublaxation" means.
In layman's speak, it's a dislocation, and in this particular case, of Bynum's knee during a game against Memphis. A minimum 8-10 week absence was the prognosis, and the Lakers tried to remain cautiously optimistic of a late-season return. As we all know, that didn't quite happen. #17 eventually required some scoping, but the surgery itself wasn't major and hopes for a full recovery seem realistic.
And in the meantime, Los Angeles also learned the Spanish term for "bright side" ("mire el lado positivo", according to my fluent girlfriend), as Bynum's injury prompted the decision to trade for Pau Gasol, a decision the front office has claimed may not have been deemed necessary otherwise. Granted, I would like to think that even with Bynum in the pink, a phone call from Chris Wallace offering El Spaniard for Kwame's expiring deal wouldn't have been met with Mitch yelling, "I'm hanging up immediately and I'll thank you to not call me again, sir!!!" Still, you never know, and in any case, the Lakers are now looking at next season with arguably the league's most talented frontcourt.
How can Bynum do his part to remove "arguably" from the above sentence? Develop a few more post moves to fall back on as bread and butter. Keep working on his range from 8-10 feet out. Become a little better at recognizing defensive situations as they develop further from the basket. And while he's no softy inside, the Lakers could use a real banger, and if they don't bring in one, Bynum may to play a little more that way at times. But the areas in need of growth aren't nearly as crucial as the leaps and bounds he took this season. And more important, seemingly overnight. Even as someone who felt early on this kid would turn out good, I won't even pretend to have figured the breakthrough would come before season four or five. But what may be the most remarkable aspect of Bynum's season was how he managed to confirm the front-office's faith (and competence) while playing a large (maybe even the biggest) role in turning rather quickly Kobe's thoughts on staying in L.A. Not bad for a 20-year-old.
Final Grade: A-/Inc.
AK
Dont feed Troll Man or Lets Go C's (AKA Buttler)
I have many a battle with real trolls namely KLBeast & Steven. I saw them off. I would give these guys a Troll rating of a 'Shrek' These other guys are more like 'Baby Shreks'. They are not worth debating with. You should just leave them to have 'Mass Debates' with themselves!!! LOL We have seen the body of their work and I can safely say 'Troll Man' & Lets Go C's' are the greatest 'Mass Debaters' on this board. They win hands down!!!
The Boston Celtics deserved to win the title and I congratulate the true Celtic fans on their teams achievements.
I am still going to support the Lakers till I die. Please let us move on and look forward. Laker for life, period
Peace!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | June 27, 2008 at 06:05 PM
This place is AWESOME.
You ladies are so, so funny. I officially submit my request to stay for the entire summer to remind you how real fans behave.
Bah-ston is the place to be. Pats, Sox and now Celts winning championships.
When was the last time LA won a championship?
Don't count the Los Angeles Angles of Anehaim or the LA Sparks.
Where the hell is Anehaim anyway? Near San Diego?
Let's go C's! I'm going to grab a few pints. I'll check in with you Ladies in the morning.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 27, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Jon K,
>>>Where did you find that information on Coby Karl?
A couple of places -
http://www.storytellerscontracts.info/resources/08-09salaries.htm
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9168
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 27, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Laker Tom,
Honestly, I don't know the complete history of the Lakers well enough to give a qualified answer to the question. Nobody that pops into my head, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | June 27, 2008 at 06:16 PM
DID YOU SEE HOW SMALL KOBE GOT AS THE FINALS WENT ON.
HE WENT OUT WITH A WIMPER.
RAY ALLEN PUNKS HIM, HOW SAD.
HE WAS SO SMALL BY THE 6TH GAME, YOU COULDN'T EVEN TELL HE WAS THERE.
KOBE WHERE ARE YOU, KOOOOBEEEE.
I'M SHRINKING
I'M SHRINKING
I'M SHRINKING
THE INCREDIBLY SHRINKING KOBE
GETIING SMALLER
getting smaller
Posted by: Troll Man | June 27, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Troll Man:
Remember in Game 6, 4th Quarter when the crowd was chanting:
"Where is Kobe?"
"You're not Jordan"
I couldn't see Kobe on the jumbotron, only a whinny looking b*tch who's a massive pretender.
ahhaahhaahahahh
Now I'm going to get my pint.
C's wiin, C's win!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 27, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Troll Man( Baby Shrek Jnr) please stop blogging on Medical grounds
Troll Man if keep 'Mass Debating' online I am afraid you might be blinded by your own stupidity. Nobody really reads your dribble. Please speak to your girlfriends, Palma Left or Palma Right and tell them you need to take a break from all this 'Mass Debating' online.
Peace!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | June 27, 2008 at 06:29 PM
mrbarneydangles
Link to all the summer league stuff in Las Vegas
http://www.nba.com/summerleague2008/
I went last year and I had a blast. For one price you get the whole day, 4 games.
Players 3 years or less in the NBA are eligible.
All the draft picks will be playing for somebody, plus DL league.
Mitch is putting together the team right now. Should include our draft pik, Karl, and any Free Agent prospects, people he wants to invite to camp. This is way better than Long Beach. 19 NBA teams will play?
Last year Chinese National team played.
Rambis and Shaw will take turns coaching the guys.
But I had to admit, the crowd was a lot of fun as well.
All the scouts, GM's, coaches, some owners, (Jim Buss) will be there.
It was easy to go up to Tex Winters and say hi, Joel Meyers, Mitch, Rambis, etc...
The stadium (Cox Pavillion) is small so everyone is accessible, even the players, who you can actually get into conversations with.
Sat next to two Suns scouts and had brief conversations with them.
In the lobby, are players with their agents talking with GM's.
Funny, only one bathroom on floor, so you never know who you meet in the bathroom. lol
The place is a total happening of anything to do NBA.
My daughter volunteered to go with me and she loved it, because you are so close to all the players. She wants to bring her girlfriends with her this year. She couldn't believe all the cute guys. lol
Wife will go to the Hotels while i go to the games.
Look forward to seeing any of you guys their. i plan on seeing 3 Lakers games over 4 days.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 27, 2008 at 06:30 PM
ALWAYS HURT BABY BYNUM
I don't want to play my knee still hurts
i don't want to, it hurts
I'll get my own doctor to say I don't have to play
I'll get my own doctor to do arthroscoptic surgery to make it look like I was really hurt and that I'm not a crybaby
Give me my money and next year I promise to play 40 games
ALWAYS HURT BABY BYNUM
Posted by: Troll Man | June 27, 2008 at 06:31 PM
I agree with Faith.
A player's availability is part of the grade, or should be at least.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 27, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Now I'm going to get my pint.
C's wiin, C's win!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 27, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Of sperm?
Posted by: Jman449 | June 27, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Let's go C's!
YOU GAVE HIM TOO MUCH CREDIT
HE SHOULD BE COMPARED TO....
RAY ALLEN
MICHAEL REDD
LEBRON
T MAC
AGENT ZERO
BARON DAVIS
D WADE
ETC.
EXCLUDING LEBRON
IF THE OTHER PLAYERS PUT UP AS MANY SHOTS AS KOBE, THEY WOULD HAVE NUMBERS JUST LIKE HIM.
KOBE = BALL HOG= LOSER
THE INCREDIBLY SHRINKING KOBE
so small when it really counts
Posted by: Troll Man | June 27, 2008 at 06:39 PM
Starve 'em, y'all. Just feed off their energy and remember their words. Soak it all in...and don't be discouraged. We will have our day of vengeance.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 27, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Troll Man & Let Go C's please seek help!!!
It must be hard going through life with tattooed on your heads. I suppose as forewarned by 'The Book Revelations’', “Let those who have understanding, know that mark of the 'Baby Shrek' can be found the head of the said sad individual. The mark is as follows "1 Richard". If you two go the 'Staples Centre' and recite 17 'Hail Birds', you might be saved from your life as being known as '1 Richard Heads'
Peace!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | June 27, 2008 at 06:45 PM
AK/BK can you ban "Lets go C's"?
Posted by: Drew | June 27, 2008 at 06:47 PM
LA fans talk about the Kid Bynum like the 2nd coming of Kareem..The kid was playin gggreat when he went down and Kobe didnt let the Laker wheels fall off ..BUT,Clearly the way to play D is not to FLOP 1st ..Gasol suffers from Flopitis HE WENT DOWN FROM CONTACT LIKE HE WAS SHOT BY A CANNON..--THE REST--Sasha you kiddin me, Fisher come on, Lamar whats up with that guy..The Bench played awful,, Luke is a joke ,,Turiff was a bust ..LA needs to reload and stop layin all the weight on a kid and this talk about moving Gasol to his right spot, Well after that series id move him back to France
Posted by: George Duffney | June 27, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Hey move gasol back to france ..sign posey wave y by to turiff ..go get a guard who can guard with out the flopping ...Get some usa guys for gods sake the Euro ball you play is weak ..you gotta stop talkin about bynim like he is jabba He is 21 and never played a full season yet.
Posted by: Duffdaddy | June 27, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Lakertom,
He's shown capability of playing some wonderful D. But he's still mostly a shot blocker rather than a position D player.
I would actually be interested to know how he'll play against consistent pick and roll. Something we didn't really play all that much against (at least not the kind that creates adjustments).
That said, I said B coz of the availability lol.
Sasha love is all around. Mitch is feelin it lol. Actually I don't know how I feel about 30/5 years. While I'm for keeping Sasha (love the dude), I also have an eye out for the salary cap/luxury tax implications. When it comes down to it, someone's got to go. We can't be carrying 90 million in one position lol (well Sasha's more of a 2 really, than 3, but essentially 90 mil lol).
Posted by: Faith | June 27, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Angry_Laker
dribble or drivel
baby's always crying cuz he's hurt
kobe isn't even Ray Allen
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 27, 2008 at 07:28 PM
The post is for all the Luke lovers:
The Lakers will never win a championship with Luke.
Did you not see what Paul Pierece do to the Lakers?
Why are you idiots so stupid?
James Posey (a small forward) comes off the bench to play D against small forwards and shooting guards.
James Posey (a small forward) can hit the 3.
Luke comes off the bench and does what?
And don't bring up 06-07 (a contract year).
What pathetic idiots.
Stop drinking the Kool Aid.
I repeat: the Lakers will not win a championship with Luke.
I'm out.
PS:
Dear Luke:
Please focus on your reality show and BBQ.
Dear Kobe/Andrew/Trevor/Sasha/D-Fish
Please continue to focus what you do: becoming better players during the off-season.
Luke lovers.
No wonder the Celtic fans call us soft.
PSS: Luke would be run out of town if he played for Boston.
Stupid Luke lovers.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | June 27, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Luke lovers will invite him over for dinner after a lost to comfort him.
Laker lovers will invite him to find his meal in their trash can.
Posted by: passionate Lakers fan | June 27, 2008 at 07:34 PM
Someone needs to re-post the Bynum breakout bandwagon from early in the season. Some of us were believers (if not predictors) way back then of Bynum's coming out party in '07-'08!!!
Posted by: rdlee | June 27, 2008 at 07:35 PM
LakerTom,
You protect Bynum as if he's overgrown Farmar of '07. For choosing a wrong MD in NuYok when there are a 1001 qualified to do an ACL surgery in the Southland, I wholeheartedly agree with Faith, I would even give him a lower rating of B- for being absent in the playoffs. His absence cost the Lakers a Championship and that's a no-no, if you want your name to be remembered. We are all passing fancies in this blog but players that gave Lakers the Championship will be etched in our memories of our great grand bloggers. Until he has earned a Championship, he cannot be compared to the great Lakers Centers from Mikan,Wilt, Kareem and yes including that immature Fat Shaq. If Bynum wants respect, he has to earn it, right now he is within the level of Elden Campbell or Sean Rooks. haha! Since you are an old reliable leader of the flock, you have to put your overflowing optimism in the highest order. Lol!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | June 27, 2008 at 08:12 PM
BYNUM THE GIANT = ANDRE THE GIANT
KOBE THE THE GREAT BLACK MAMBA =
GREG NORMAN THE GREAT WHITE SHARK (choker)
Posted by: Troll Man | June 27, 2008 at 08:15 PM
'Do You See What I See ' no dribble.
The 'Trolls of the Day' are Troll Man and Let's go C's, these guys are 'Baby Shreks' hence use of the word Dribble instead of Drivel.
I hope you agree with me that they are the most un-original trolls ever to infest our board. I mean their taunts they come up with are some lame, you kind of feel sad for them.!!
I pretty sure they are the missing twin brothers of Steve Kerr. Ladies and Gentlemen ‘I can reveal that Troll Man and Let's go C's,' are really known as 'Wayne Kerr Snr' and Wayne Kerr Jnr. I think everyone on this board will vouch for you guys for really sounding like and looking like a right pair of 'Wayne Kerr's
Peace!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | June 27, 2008 at 08:16 PM
Angry_Laker
Problem is they are multiplying at an alarming rate. They are like a virus, infecting all who look upon them like a Medusa.
Look Away
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 27, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Troll Man,
Make sure you get a good night's sleep tonight. Remember that you and "Let's Go C's" have that big minesweeper tournament on your PC tomorrow!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 27, 2008 at 09:28 PM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Why are the numbers and years different between those two sites?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 27, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Troll Man,
Make sure you get a good night's sleep tonight. Remember that you and "Let's Go C's" have that big minesweeper tournament on your PC tomorrow!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 27, 2008 at 09:28 PM
I don't think so. Minesweeper is pretty complex for those minds. Maybe Duck Hunt or Bubble Bobble on their original Nintendos, which were purchased five years after the "C's" won their last title. The last time Boston won, Atari was popular and to this day, the trolls still haven't solved "E.T'".
Posted by: Jman449 | June 27, 2008 at 09:40 PM
Ladies:
haahahaahhah
Sweet dreams.
ahahhaahha
C's win! C's win!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 27, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Charles/Angry_Laker,
Great posts about our lady friend Let's go C's!/Butler! It's quite clear to the casual observer that SHE will never relate to any GOLDEN BALL feeling since HE has NONE to begin with. He might want to invest in a microsope to confirm that! BTW, we should WANT this ATTENTION GETTING STOOL to continue to act cowardly in our blog sessions. For a lady who enjoys invading Laker fan territory, he sure can't spell! BTW, can this adversary play b-ball? For a person who talks smack about Kobe and other Laker players and their imperfections, they sure must be heaven's gift to a 1 ft. high rim known as a TOILET. Besides, KOBE has no desire to DUNK on a cheap trash talker!
Folks, she ALWAYS avoids posts (especially mine) abour her that are TRUE to character and proceeds to MASK it with her foolish pride thinking NOBODY will notice. Why do you think she hahahahas everything? Furthermore, she continues to mispell words all over the place in the process! Geez! Lack of high IQ most likely. I know she will NEVER read and react my posts simply because she simply does not have the GOLDEN BALL to do so. She will NEVER give me the satisfaction to bring her down from her false pedastal! She hates to take her own medicine. Lakers in arms, once again, we must continue to feed her false ego and give her the day in the sun! Eventually, she will wither away like a "three leaf" clover in a dry Boston hill.
BTW, kudos to LakerTom for his analysis of the whole Laker team picture. Here's my take: Overall growth in the muturity and commitment of ALL our players mentally and physically (coaches included. HIRE COOP!) as well as the execution of quality decision making and planning in the FO will NO DOUBT bring future titles in the next 5 to 6 years. We have a blueprint to get there already! Tweaking and upgrades are always inevitable both internally and externally in terms of personnel for the sake of keeping the mantra of success high. However, our Laker players greatly improved this past year from the last INTERNALLY, which gives me the confidence that they can even better their games for the upcoming season. The plan is very simple: MATURITY, COMMITMENT AND DEFENSE! This will get them through unexpected injuries and any adversity. That plan should "harden" our cause.
Posted by: Let's go L's! | June 27, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Bury the Troll.
Let's Go C's,
Which Celtic Blog do you post at? I'd love to play on your "Home Court " and go into a basketball exchange with your minions to back you. What is your user name? I’m sure you can find your user name since the dark years of your team's blog. Then again,”Housing" was never your city's strong suit.
I doubt you are a Celtic Fan. Genuine fans from honored sports lineages would not waste their time the way you do.
I will address you as a Self Troll Multi Poster. (STMP in short for the blog.) I see you are having a Denise Richards of a blast, I can accept that. Since you keep using that user name on this blog, Let's Roll Let’s Go C’s.
You definitely celebrate as if you have been dealing with BASKETBALL NOCTURNAL EMISSION. How long has it been since you've been touched? I'm in reference to the orgasmic Golden Ball feeling. Don't let your mind stray now...
Not that Fans who don't post here aren't die hard Laker followers, but you have an interesting choice of attack. It's quite amusing that you choose to call the Purple and Gold supporters Fakers, at one of the most hard core Laker communities:. The Los Angeles Times Lakers Kamenetzky blog. Think about that. (I know you have such hard time thinking, so I understand if the bulb is burnt.)
Also, if you are such a true winner, why do you keep posting at a “Loosers” blog? Your Larry “Bird’s” of a feather is flocking together with the Laker blog. Maybe you are a true whiner.
Excuse me Exhelodrvr, I meant “Loser.” An ellipsis reference will come on another post. Respect sir… Wink
You were in danger to the 4th youngest team in the league. Your retirement group SHOULD have won with all the experience and talent. After all, you keep saying that my Team sucks. You were 2 games away from blowing. Yes, fellatio. Plus Pink Gatorade colored dress shirts for everyone.
You should know about our window of opportunity. After all you had 20 plus years of staring at that window. To quote Allen Iverson "I'm talking about practice."
Coming from the fan group that mispronounces their team name since the inception, let me help you out. Phonetically it's pronounced Kel-tick's. Tick’s as in animal parasites you have down pat. But the C-E-L part shouldn’t be pronounced like sell. You know, like Kevin McHale “Selling” it to Minnesota fans as if it was a fair trade.
Our love for our team is represented on this blog. In the face of defeat, we hold our heads high and will learn and continue to fight.
You in the face of long yearned victory; show relief from long doubt and insecure boasting during a DRAFT. How significant of you. Just like the 1986/1987 – 2006/2007 seasons.
Let's Go C's!
But you deserve 17 F's for your poor posting. Take a look, it's all archived. How embarrassing for Boston Sports bloggers that you even James “Posey” as a Celtic fan.
To the Artist formerly known as Let’s Go C’s... You will NOT be remembered. Rest and decease.
In Antonio Bandera’s accent:
ox, OX, Ox, oX
little hug little kiss, Big Hug Big Kiss, Big Hug little kiss,
little hug Big Kiss
Charles
Posted by: Charles | June 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Charles,
ust a reminder Let's go C's is really Butler. I caught his mistake. Just remember
Let's go C's=Butler.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 27, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Regarding Coby Karl,
I looked around and I'm pretty sure the Lakers do have a
guaranteed second year on his contract in the neighborhood
of 700K. So expect to see Coby suiting up for the Lakers next
season, even if the suit does involve a tie most of the time and
he sits behind the bench more often than on the bench.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | June 27, 2008 at 04:26 PM
Not necessary. During regular season all 14-15 players can suit up. If they play or not it is CD (coaches decision) Only in play off do you only suit up 12 players.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 27, 2008 at 11:25 PM
LET'S GO C'S AND THE TROLL,
THIS IS WONDERFUL, MOVE TO CALIFORNIA, AND YOU GUYS CAN GET MARRIED, IF YOU AREN'T ALREADY SECRETLY SO. Then Troll can teach LGC how to spell. This is not in response to any posts that said names may have posted....this is just a random thought that came to my head...after all "anything is possible"....even remembering your shoe companies slogan. Malibu has some great schools. KG should spend some time there. Get a real high school diploma, or GED, not the one you use. Yup, the end is near for those teabaggers, party's over. I'll buy your bus ticket to the state line (doesn't matter which state, because I'm sure every state doesn't want you).....
Posted by: humanomaly | June 27, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Troll Man:
Remember in Game 6, 4th Quarter when the crowd was chanting:
"Where is Kobe?"
"You're not Jordan"
I couldn't see Kobe on the jumbotron, only a whinny looking b*tch who's a massive pretender.
ahhaahhaahahahh
Now I'm going to get my pint.
C's wiin, C's win!
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 27, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Pathetic. This dude is having an internet conversation with himself. Troll Man Butler, Let's go C's are one and the same. He is dilusional and needs to create differnt names and personalities to sell himself and give his sorry life some meaning. Your new name Let's go Butler Troll man. Don't forget to take your meds all of you Sybil..
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 27, 2008 at 11:57 PM
Troll Man......Lay off the Shark.....Your not even one of his shoe lases.....go hug a tree
Posted by: Thirty2 | June 28, 2008 at 12:15 AM
Does anyone else here think Let's Go Cs (using an apostrophe is incorrect since it isn't in the possessive) is 15 years old? "I'm off to get a pint." Sure, dude. A pint of apple juice, maybe.
Scene from Let's Go Cs house (you know, because he's so Bah-stonian):
Let's Go Cs mother: "Do you like apples?"
LGCs: "What?"
Mom: "Do you like apples?"
LGCs: Yes."
Mom: "Well I only got apple juice. How do you like them apples?"
LGCs: Runs off crying to room.
In the words of Ben Affleck from Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back: "Applesauce b*tches."
Posted by: Dalton | June 28, 2008 at 06:39 AM
I really don't know if the Lakers would have beaten Boston this year with Bynum in the lineup. It's a tempting hypothetical, and certainly better than reliving the nightmare that was game six.
Bynum would have altered shots at the rim, but with the Celtics consistently beating the Laker defenders off the dribble, Bynum's man would get open when Drew moved over to provide help D.
He seems more willing to put a body on someone, but he's no Moses Malone - not yet, anyway. Kareem has tutored him well, but Kareem was no banger down low. So while he develops his offensive skill set around the basket, will he emerge as a finesse post-player or will does he have some innate toughness that will make him an unstoppable force? We'll have to wait and see.
Posted by: Dalton | June 28, 2008 at 06:44 AM
Greetings REAL lakers fans...
(looking at the pathetic troll that is Lets Go C's)
i cant believe myself that idiot is still here..
anyway...just checking in.
I keep watching youtube videos of our squad..and shudder at the fact that Bynum IS our Key...period..no ifs ands or buts..the kid can play..
the kid will be ready to go come oct...watch.
I like to watch his youtube video "makings of a beast"
that one lob from kobe where he dunks it on carmelo was priceless...
keep the faith laker fans!..we shall return and rub it all over all these pathetic green celtic fans....
emphasis on pathetic.
go purple and ORO!
Posted by: Lakers4Realz | June 28, 2008 at 07:16 AM
Mr. Charles that was welll put. Thanks for putting C in his place
Posted by: Big Boss | June 28, 2008 at 07:31 AM
I love it that Drew has a fire in his belly. Watching him this past season gives me great hope for his future and the Lakers future. He will only get better.
In terms of this year, while of course I'm disappointed with our performance and the outcome, I think it gave us a great opportunity to A. understand what it's like to play in the finals and B. build a hunger to get there again WITH homecourt advantage. It definitely made a difference for the Celtics. After all, had they not had home court it's possible they would have been knocked out in the first round. It definitely made the difference for them. Cleveland and James almost had them.
So - for now, while it's still a hard loss, we definitely have a chance this next season. It's gonna be a good one!!!!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | June 28, 2008 at 07:39 AM
Okay guys, I'm comin clean. I'm really a Suns fan, and I'm just angry that our window has closed, that we're stuck with fat Shaq and his bloated contract while you have the center of the future. I'm jealous that you're a young and talented team with at least 3 championships ahead of you, so i spend my time trying to bring you down. Also, my girlfriend just broke up with me because my performance in the bedroom is lacking, since i'm so obsessed with the Lakers and talk about them even when I try to get romantic. I'm depressed, guys, so have a little sympathy--my life is meaningless. Yes, I'm a troll, but a troll with feelings, and just a little down on my luck. Please don't be angry with me.
Love,
Let's Go C's.. :(
Posted by: Let's Go C's! | June 28, 2008 at 08:05 AM
JustaLakerFan,
I'm all for experimentation in developing new and better Troll killing strategies--perhaps I could punch the screen and Butler could somehow be electrocuted, that would be great---however, I'm thinking that Starving the Troll is so far the only effective mechanism tested for detrollification.
Let's Go C's/Butler doesn't even annoy me any longer. The guy has CLEARLY shown that he's an immature moron. He's that kid with ADHD eating paste in the corner in middle school. He's THAT guy.
So, the only thing is that it's nice when we have a coherent thread and one's able to read multiple posts in succession which compliment each other. Butler breaks up that flow and it's aethetically distastedful. He clearly doesn't belong here.
So, if I must suggest once more...
Starve the Troll.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 28, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Jeez guys, get real. You're doing some California dreaming. When Bynum was in the lineup against the 17 time World Champion Celtics he scored 4 points and 8 points, got 9 rebounds and 2 rebounds and you LOST by 13 pts and 19 pts. Some beast. One thing the CELTICS and lakers have in common is that the CELTICS have WON the most (17 CHAMPIONSHIP Series) and the lakers have lost the most (15 championship series, 9-2 vs the Celtics)
We OWN you.
Posted by: Bear75233 | June 28, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Bear75233 wrote;
“Jeez guys, get real. You're doing some California dreaming. When Bynum was in the lineup against the 17 time World Champion Celtics he scored 4 points and 8 points, got 9 rebounds and 2 rebounds and you LOST by 13 pts and 19 pts. Some beast. One thing the CELTICS and lakers have in common is that the CELTICS have WON the most (17 CHAMPIONSHIP Series) and the lakers have lost the most (15 championship series, 9-2 vs the Celtics)
We OWN you.”
Yes;
However the issue here is not all about Bynum, but Boston now having to contend with all three on the frontline. So even if Boston should be able to do a defensive job of limiting Bynum to numbers like this. They would also have to do a similar job on Gasol and Odum as well, all at the same time.
It is this potential of a triple threat up front with Kobe in the backcourt (or our “big four” as opposed to Boston’s “big three”) which is what the Lakers have yet to be able to field on the court due to Bynum’s injury. And what the fans are anxiously looking foward to see next season as to how it will fair.
Posted by: LoveTheLakeShow | June 28, 2008 at 02:05 PM
First off, I'm not represented by any other name - BUTLER is a SUNS man although recently he was quite a passionate Celts fan!
Byenumb looked good b4 the injury but let's not get carried away here. He's got a serious injury to rehab and the number of big men who've come back from serious knee surgery total one, that's right, only one: AMARE STOUDEMIRE. Also known as BLACK JESUS.
Go ahead, laker fans, and shudder at the mere mention of His name.
Byenumb must look to AMARE for inspiration, lest he become another Chris Webber. AMARE showed the hard work and resolve necessary to overcome the odds and achieve greatness. AMARE is well on his way to becoming the most dominant PF in the game.
BTW, even a healthy byenumb wouldn't have won the series vs. the Celtics. Paul Pierce completely dominated kobee and Ray Allen showed why none of the other laker guards had a chance.
After all, Ray Allen's move on sasha to win Game 4 was the ESPN pick for most incredible moment of the Finals. Would byenumb have been there to block his shot? Maybe, but it still doesn't change the fact that kobee had no bizness being on the same court as Ray.
Posted by: BUTLER | June 28, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Stop drinking the Bynum Kool-Aid. Injury-prone. Missed most of his swenior year of high school due to injury. Got drafted off the basis of his HS junior year stats. Played behind Kwame until Brown's injury. Jumped in as starter, and played well. Quickly injured, and teams did not het a second chance against Bynum. Sat out the season. Bulked up and rehabbed.
Seriously though: if offered Celtic's Kendrick Perkins for Bynum, wouldn't you make that trade?
Posted by: bob | June 28, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Let's go C's/Butler!
Whatever Ms. hahahahah! I guess your purchase of a Rosetta Stone English language aid FINALLY did you some good in helping you with your "suddenly improved" writing skills. PLEASE!!!! Crapola!!!! Derranged people like you never change, including their hideous looks (a mirror NEVER lies! Try it!).
Furthermore, you enjoy what you do WAY TOO MUCH on our Lakers blog to even think of receiving any pathetic truce or sympathetic response from us. Even your troll friends for that matter! Whatever senorita!
On that note, much love adversary! Laker pride through adversity baby!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | June 29, 2008 at 12:20 AM
bob,
I'll be completely honest. I would definitely make that trade. But, only if I wanted to make the Lakers a worse team for the next decade.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 29, 2008 at 03:33 AM
SUNS rule everything always - especially whenever Steve GNASH plays kobee in a playoff series!
Posted by: BUTLER | June 29, 2008 at 07:51 AM