Report Cards: DJ Mbenga, Chris Mihm
Both were seldom used big men: Might as well group them together and conserve the Internet's version of paper, right?
We'll start with Chris Mihm, for whom I debated simply linking last season's report card and calling it a day. He may have stepped on the court this year, but the end result was basically 2007's story. A nasty 2006 ankle/foot injury preventing headway into regaining his old form. Mihm began the season active (if not always effective) and notched a few decent starts while Kwame Brown was hurt and Andrew Bynum was still a bench mobber. Then came yet another surgery required (this time to remove a screw from his heel), and he was never in rhythm during subsequent rare court appearances (most recently demonstrated in three disastrous minutes against the Celts).
The good news, however, is that Mihm is confident that after all the trial, error and frustration, he's feeling like his pre-injury self again. How that optimism will play out remains to be seen. For that matter, Mihm's 2009 could go a lot of ways. He could rebound with a solid season as Bynum's backup. He could remain glued to the bench. He could end up on another team, as his expiring, inexpensive deal makes him easily movable. Whatever the future holds, I hope it includes good enough health that Mihm can dictate whatever fate may bring. He's been dealt a very crappy hand along those lines the last two seasons, to say the least.
DJ Mbenga, the cat who put the "taco" in "tacos," found sporadic PT after signing with the Lakers on Jan. 21, along with sporadic effectiveness. There were nights (such as Game 2 against Denver, when Ronny Turiaf's tonsillitis thrust him into action) where he blocked a few shots, pulled down some
boards, even canned a turnaround jumper (followed by the immediate heat check). But there were just as many where he wasn't particularly active on the glass, drew hella whistles and displayed what BK jokingly referred to as the "feathery touch" putting up anything outside point-blank range.
Mbenga is, to say the least, a limited player, which fans often forgot when other Laker bigs were ineffective, prompting curses that PJ wasn't playing a "defensive stopper who brings some offense." Dude's averaged 1.6 ppg on a career. He's also never averaged 10 mpg, meaning he couldn't shore up a D that much. Similar to how Mom now remembers our long deceased family pet as "just the sweetest dog" (as opposed to when Chip was alive and she threatened to get rid of him every other day because this ultra-loving canine was also dumb as a post, more neurotic than Woody Allen and required intestinal surgery to disentangle about three dozen socks he'd eaten, a procedure that failed to curb his taste for footwear), absence often creates positive revisionist history. Mbenga had his moments, but like most raw players, returns tend to diminish as court time increases. I doubt Mbenga will be back next season, but I hope he finds a spot on another team. His journey to the NBA is an unbelievable story, one I'd love to see continue.
Final Grade. Mihm: D/Inc. Mbenga: C-
You weren't supposed to take her literally when she said "Put a sock in it, boys!"
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 24, 2008 at 07:11 PM
keep mbenga!
Posted by: | June 24, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I'm still an Mbenga fan. I think the Lakers need a big man of his size, although I'm ready to acknowledge that more productivity and effectiveness is required. The man seems like a beautiful human being. I think he can offer more if given more of a chance.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 24, 2008 at 07:48 PM
You guys have been pretty tough, so far, all things considered with your report cards.
I mean, come on.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 24, 2008 at 07:57 PM
I think DJ would have done better if used. Yes his carreer numbers are low but under the tutalidge of KAJ his numbers went up. He can't improve those numbers if he is not on the court playing. So it is useless to use stats to grade him. I think he was very effective when used and could have gotten better if allowed to play.
But that is a stubborn PJ thing which does not allow players to develop.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 24, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I think the Lakers will keep Chris Mihm. People forget he was a solid player before the injuries. If he can get healthy again, he would be an excellent backup. KEEP MIHM!
Posted by: hectorartm | June 24, 2008 at 08:15 PM
I would rather keep Mbenga over Mihm. Mihm is a good player but outside of Drew we have little power or undersized power in RT.
Mihm packaged with Luke to help get us point guard.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 24, 2008 at 08:18 PM
I really hope that Mihm returns to his first year laker form (without all the fouling). If so, he should diminish any need for DJ to be around. Not that I don't like the guy; we could use another roster spot for Sun Yue or our only draft pick.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 24, 2008 at 08:49 PM
I liked Mbenga. He came in when asked and played with effectiveness and seemed to have a good attitude even when Ronny would rail him about his position on the floor. I think he is an effective emergency body and filler for ends of halfs. Plus he adds to the El Lakers international flair.
Posted by: richard | June 24, 2008 at 08:56 PM
OH, NO!
NOW THEY'RE SAYING POOR CHRIS MIHM IS UNDERPAID AND MAY LEAVE!
SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!
Posted by: Luigi999 | June 24, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Come on now, when it comes to Mihm, many of the bloggers are guilty of the same "revisionist history" that has been pinned on Mbenga fans. Let's face it, Mihm never could play defense - something we are desperately lacking in the middle. I would prefer that neither come back, and we go after Kurt Thomas, who is an unrestricted free agent. The other unrestricted free agent I like is Brent Barry. He would give us a better spot up shooter than any we had last year. He also sees the court and passes well, a great combination for the triangle. Both Thomas and Barry come from a team (the Spurs) that have a winning mentality .
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | June 24, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I want MbengDiddy to stay a Laker. The dude is inspiration personified.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 24, 2008 at 09:17 PM
I would love to hear about how Mihm progresses over the summer. If he comes back and can play the way he did pre-injury, we need to keep him. Consider him a draft pick who knows the triangle!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | June 24, 2008 at 09:19 PM
I for one don't think that Lakers will get in a hurry to trade LO. I think that when Bynum comes back playing with Pau, Phil will move LO to small forward in disguise, but actually use him either as a guard or a power forward on the offense. He will be a big headache in defense match-ups for all other teams in NBA, since he is much taller and stronger than, and as quick as, every small forward in the league, including Lebron James and Paul Pirce.
When LO is used as a guard, he will mostly bring the ball up and looking for opportunity to cut to the basket when other players (Kobe, Bynum, Pau) are double teamed, or trying to catch long rebounds on the perimeter, all with a much shorter guy guarding him. That's hard to stop.
When LO is used as a power forward, he will go down low post with Bynum, while Pau playing high post, causing teams (Celtics) having to decide if they want to use their small forward to guard LO or Pau. If they put small forward on LO and put power forward on Pau at outside, LO and Bynum would muscle the board, make a lot of dunks and get most rebounds. If teams try to guard LO at the post with a big body like Perkings or Garnett and use a small forward to guard Pau on the high post, Pau, who has a good but slow mid-range jumper, will have such a height advantage over his man that his jumpers would be essentially un-obstructed.
In addition, LO will be much stronger than, and as quick as, Kobe when guarding likes of Pual Pierce and Lebron James. LO also would allow Lakers to switch at pick'n'roll defense with impunity when he is guarding a small forward.
All these advantages described above will be becuase of LO's size, which neither Shawn Marion nor Artest will have, that it actually contribute contribute more to Lakers success than a small forward that have good shooting ability.
Posted by: nicksi | June 24, 2008 at 09:20 PM
Prior to his injury, Mihm would have started for half the teams in the league. His defense and rebounding were mediocre, his offense was a little above average. If healthy, he would be better than probably 90% of the backup centers in the league.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 24, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Seeing as Mihm has a guaranteed salary of 2.5 and no team will take him in trade, we kinda have to keep him.
With AB to start. And Pau and Ronny able to back up him up if necessary. Mihm may be all we need at that spot.
I like DJ, especially his Karate ability. But I don't know if we have room for him to start the season in camp. We will soon find out if he's in Mitch's plans.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 24, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Quote: "But that is a stubborn PJ thing which does not allow players to develop."
That's a myth. Farmar, Bynum and Vujacic have all blossomed while playing for PJ. Turiaf got plenty of run this season.
Posted by: Dalton | June 24, 2008 at 09:33 PM
I think LO will come off the bench next year. He can't play the three as his range is limited so he can't extend the defense. He will make a tremendous 6th man. We will need to get a three who is more dependable than Vlad Rad. The biggest drama will be what happens to Sasha - if he leaves, then our decisions become much more complex. Our best three point threats were Kobe, D-Fish and Sasha, losing one would be a big hit. Our immediate needs are a rebounder-shot blocker (in addition to Bynum) and a small forward who can shoot the three. Point guard comes in third. I'm just not convinced Farmar is the answer.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | June 24, 2008 at 09:35 PM
DJ grade
For the man who saved tacos with a block that reverberated around the blog for days, I'd go a little higher on the grade.
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 24, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Im sorry to bring up old subjects, but what happened to this blog since that Shaq rap came out. I mean Mike T is back with is usually self. Gunner making a comeback. I had no idea that the Shaq thing was going to bring so much attention. Outside of the west coast, Kobe really gets no love from the media. Kobe has alot of fans around the US and alot of haters. But outside of the US you will find more Kobe supporters than haters compared to the US. If ESPN don't support you, half the country will not support you already. ESPN is the key to be a likeable athlete or an athlete to hate.
Number one problem in this country is the media. Its made people in this country dumb. Overseas, people actually rate who they like on their work ethic not their personality. Shaq would not getting the freedom he has from the media and fans making 25 million a year and deciding to take a break when he wants else where
Im a basketball fan. Most of the guys I like in the league are the ones that work hard. The only thing you can do for bball is respect the game. The only way you respect the game is by working hard everytime. I've mostly disliked Shaq because he disrespects the game. How can you play this wonderful game, make so much money and not be dedicated to it? The fact that the media never questioned this makes me believe that media is just like the E! channel. Talk about irrelevant news.
All I know is that people might not like Kobe's personality but you have to love his work ethic. You know when you see him play he will not cheat the game. That is all I ask from a bball player, don't cheat the game. Your life and your personality is on you, because I don't deal with you on a daily basis, and I don't think ESPN will help with that decision.
Posted by: wow | June 24, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Ex,
Ditto on Mihm. If the guy is healthy and can come close to the level he was at before the injuries I say keep him. The guy would be better than the vast majority of back up centers and better than some guys that are starting in the league. Plus, despite the crappy hand he was dealt - he has worked hard and been positive - good attitude can make up for some of the skills he might lack. Would I love to get a better defender and more physical presence to back up Drew? Of course, but the reality is there aren't that many guys that fit that bill, and they certainly aren't going to play for chump change just because its the Lakers.
So let Mihm have a crack if he is healthy if not they can cut or try to trade him if he can't play. I just say give Mihm a legit shot to be the back up. Pau can still play some center and if Mihm is in good shape he can play center or slide to the PF spot as well. So can Lamar. Versatility will be good for the Lakers and give them potential to create matchup problems.
I am in no way saying Mihm is THE ANSWER to all the problems the Lakers have but he may be better than a lot of options that are available or realistic.
Eagleboy
Posted by: Eagleboy | June 24, 2008 at 10:00 PM
nicksi - that's a great post.
Posted by: dave m | June 24, 2008 at 10:01 PM
My vote would be for Mihm to learn two positions next year as well - center and power forward. He can gain some toughness against AB in practice and slack off a little with Pau. Ronny the same. Make them interchangeable and we have an offense that will confuse the heck out of any defense out there - starters and our bench. That would be awesome.
Unfortunately, I think both Ira and DJ will be gone....bummer because I like both their spirit - but they were insurance policies all along.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 24, 2008 at 10:02 PM
If Mihm can return to form he is a real asset. He plays extremely hard. The year he went down he was averaging over 10 points a game, 6 boards and a little over a block a game. And that was in only 26 minute a game. Those a very good numbers. He did have foul issues but he was getting better in that area as well. Since he will be coming off the bench fouls will not be a big issue. And if he does have his mobility back he can slide into the 4 spot, since he has a little mid range J. A healthy Mihm would make him one of the top 2 or 3 back up centers in the league. Heck a healthy Mihm would be better then a lot of starting centers.
MH
Posted by: michael h | June 24, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Lincoln Laker -
I like your ideas greatly - especially Kurt Thomas. I'm not too sure if we have the type of money to sign him, however. It is intriguing to think that we could add someone with toughness and a decent 15ft jumper.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 24, 2008 at 10:29 PM
Dear PsychedLakerGirl (aka Ms. Secretary),
The Siberian experiment has been cancelled - just got off the phone with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin; he says that, and I quote, "Siberia is never to be vast enough for that overly excremental heap of flies-buzzing whale blubber. The winds carry for to the western cities of my people, and the smell shall be as if many thousands of Chernobyl-era toilets should overflow into the Pripet Marshes. We afford not to have this disaster unto our Republic. And 'dude' cannot 'rap' to save his family's herds from famine or tick bites..."
At least, that's the gist of what my Babel.org translator came back with.
I have a MUCH better idea...okay, I mean no disrespect, Ms. Secretary...what I meant to say is that I may have a slightly different approach, presented for your approval:
What if we had Jon K over at the CIA pull some strings, and get the Big Err-istotle traded to the Boston Celtics?
What could be better? That would be like putting Castro in charge of North Korea! Roll all of our hatreds into one neat little package. Take 'em out with a single strike (the ordinance ain't gettin' any cheaper!)
And for the people of Boston, well, considering the smell coming off the harbor already, they would never even notice another 400lbs of toxic waste in their neighborhood. It's genious...I think?
Tell me what you think...
"Bloggin' ain't easy, but it sure is fun..."
Big-Daddy-Karyanr
Posted by: karyanr | June 24, 2008 at 11:00 PM
At this point I just don't see us lading Artest. First off, there is no way that Artest excepts MLE ( though I hope I'm wrong on this) 2nd Sac. will not deal him to us...
This would bring up the Marion deal, now I completly agree with Benjamin on this....Marion never felt appreciated in Phoenix, afterall he was doing most of the dirty work for that team.... He would cover Nash's as well as Stoudemier's man multiple times when that team needed a defensive presents for that particular position ( will all know how bad Stoudemire as well as Nash are on defense)...
Here is my trade proposal with Miami which I think will set us for the next 5 years....
Lamar & Vrad for Marion and Udanis Haslem( he was one of the biggest pieces for Miami in that championship run he can also knock down the mid rage jumper and play tough physical defesnse which the Lakers despretly need)...
We solve both of our main problems with this trade our 3 spot and interior toughness...
Posted by: Gino | June 24, 2008 at 11:24 PM
Hey Ladies,
Did Chris play for Boston?
One man's trash is another's treasure.
Hahaahaaahah
How does Shaq O'neal "Big" azz taste?
hahahhahhaahah
Keep fighting with each other, I love the drama.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 24, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Both Mihm and Mbenga have had limited PT and really have yet to prove themselves as successful NBA players. But both have exuded courage and heart and as MEN they have earned my respect.
I would be honored if I ever got a chance to meet either one.
Posted by: OT | June 24, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Looks like I made last call Ladies.
You all have a great day wallowing in your sorrows.
"Anything's Possible!"
New ad line for Adidas "Bs" (sounds like witches)
Posted by: Let's go C's! | June 25, 2008 at 12:22 AM
I think DJ deserves a better grade. Just cause he didn't play in the playoffs doesn't mean he wasn't ready / couldn't contribute. I honestly think that not playing him in the finals was a mistake on PJ's part (he likely would have preformed better than Ronny).
Posted by: Justin N | June 25, 2008 at 12:41 AM
Just got back from the Dodgers game, and wow, that was the fastest L I've ever witnessed...
But Lincoln,
seriously? You think Kurt Thomas plays better D than Chris Mihm? Seriously?
And Brent Barry? Yeah, he's a nice, quick-release shooter, a white guy that won a dunk contest, and who sounds like Aragon, but come on. You wanna talk about defense, defense is not in Barry's vocabulary.
And who is this idiot, low-life Celtics fan who's got nothing better to do than to go on to a Lakers blog and attempt to smart-ass his way into relevance? I respect the other Celtics fans, at least they celebrate on their own blog. But this guy? What the hell is he still doing on a Lakers blog? Get a life, chump. It's way past your bedtime.
Posted by: asdf | June 25, 2008 at 12:58 AM
nicksi,
Lamar Odom has impressive physical abilities, true. He's quicker than most power forwards and taller than most small forwards.
He's just not as fast as Lebronze or Pierce. He just isn't. I wish to hell he were. He's quicker than Carlos Boozer if that's any consolation. That's not a super huge knock on him. Very few players in the league are as fast as Lebronze, or can drive as well as Pierce (or defend that drive well).
Lamar is also not as quick as Kobe.
I wish to hell he were. If he were as good as you think he is, we'd probably have a title.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 25, 2008 at 01:13 AM
Mihm's a big IF for next season. I doubt they'll keep DJ. I want Ronny to be a backup PF off the bench, so the Lakers need a solid backup center for Bynum. Unless, they use Ronny as backup C and Radmon at backup PF. Mihm could come back, and I believe in him, but if not, then a backup is needed.
Posted by: ajax | June 25, 2008 at 01:16 AM
Let's go C's, I hate Celtics fans and I definitely don't like you. Celtics fans are only there when their team is winning. Laker fans have always been there. I don't care if people think the C's is the NBA's premier franchise. IT's NOT! Celtics won most of their championships when the NBA was not as competitive as today. As we all know, the Lakers won most of theirs during the tough times of the NBA. Let's go C's, get lost! Go back to your lame as* forum.
Posted by: hectorartm | June 25, 2008 at 01:33 AM
I'm pretty sure we're keeping Sasha. He's the only player that exceeded expectations at any time in the Finals. He shot well and continued to improve (albeit slowly) this season.
I like the idea of Ariza starting at the 3 if Lamar can't develop a midrange jumper (or even better, 3 point shooting). Of course, Ariza would also need to develop a midrange jumper and/or a 3. Maybe that little break he had (double entendre alert) helped him develop a 3. His percentage was good even though his volume was low.
I thought Odom did a fine job on some of the tweener forwards during the late season and the playoffs. I'm concerned he's not quick enough to deal with many of the more pain in the butt small forwards like T-mac, Pierce, Lebronze, Melo, Josh Smith, Gerald Wallace, Jason Richardson, RJ, and even Hedo Turkoglu.
In all fairness, most teams have difficulties with these guys. For us, we need to be very aware of the guys on playoff teams, most notably Pierce.
I think Ariza has a good chance of being a better defender at the 3 than Odom.
The idea of starting with a little more offensive spread by having Ariza in there as well as a superior defensive unit is very appealing to me. Ariza doesn't really post up, but he can slash for alley-oops or quick dunks. With Bynum and Gasol out there, we don't really need another guy clogging up the lane anyway.
As for Mihm, we're stuck with him. I don't think that's such a bad thing. He had trouble with individual defending and while quick on rotations to help defend, he didn't get clean blocks like Bynum, Gasol, Turiaf, and Odom did. He said he was learning to get better at that, but I don't think we ever really got a chance to see it. Prior to his injury, he was the second most consistent offensive player on the Lakers. People were ready to dump everyone but him (including Odom). I think he was good enough on defense that it worked out okay.
One thing you could always count on was his effort. I always appreciated that and I appreciated that it seemed like he cared how he performed.
As for Mbenga, I believe he is part of the spiritual backing of the team.
If Turiaf is the heart, and Fisher is the spirit, then Mbenga is the soul of the team. Ira Newble is our conscience. It just feels good to have all of these guys with us because their journeys transcend sports. I will miss them if and when they're gone, but I'm not sure if we really need Ira and DJ.
I like Ira and Mbenga, but I don't necessarily expect them to be with us next season. I think they'll have an opportunity to show something in training camp, but unless they work on their games over the summer, I expect their spots will be replaced by others, particularly Ira.
Both of these guys did represent good insurance policies, so maybe that (and more experience in our system) will make a difference.
Ira at least didn't go out gunning like this was the Funs like Jimmy Jackson did in his brief tenure with us.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 25, 2008 at 01:36 AM
Let's go C's! Butler!,
I'm sure you have enjoyed the Laker fiasco since the Finals! Here is some food for thought!
As in life, all good things must come to an end, like the Celtics championship this year. What are the signs? For one, the three AMIGOS look WAY TOO SATISFIED! Their big bright smiles say it all (darn, they are BIG). Another one is their eventual wandering agendas (future contract extensions, free agency, family needs, etc.). The big three have not yet gone through any REAL adversity on the personal level, only on the game side. Their individual sacrafices to the game ONLY made them successful. Furthermore, as they get to know one another, they will grow tired of each other. It is just human nature. The "three is a crowd" syndrome will come to fruition. Heck, families, friends and co-workers have their share of arguments and resentful moments (the tragic SHAQ and KOBE situation is a great benchmark as you know VERY WELL). It's just a matter of time. It's true! It's fate especially in team sports. Injuries happen too btw!
Go right ahead, enjoy the spoils of your Celtic championship while you can and insult Laker fans. They will be ONE AND DONE my friend! It's HARD to repeat (btw, will the Celtics ever trump our 3-peat of this decade? Hmmm.. that's what I thought!) San Antonio, Detroit and Miami come to mind.
When it happens, your cunning sarcasm and "kick them when they are down" mentality will become a VERY TINY blip in our blog radar if any at all. ENJOY! ENJOY! Misery will humble you.
Despite all, in the spirit of good sportsmanship, I congratulate your Celtics winning the prize this year. They were great! However, in doing so, they have already mortgaged their future by winning it NOW! Your team is now marked and will be challenged furiously. Disappointment and losses will soon follow. The business side will rear its ugly head between players and management (ie. salary cap). It is what it is (just ask the Heat of '06)! It happens to ALL teams. Looks like another 22 years of hahahahaha....OOPS! boohooboohoo.......
Nothing but love our dear blog adversary! Nothing but love!
Laker pride during adversity! Adversity baby! Peace!
Posted by: Let' go L's! | June 25, 2008 at 03:24 AM
Mihm is an athletic big who plays mostly with finesse. As much as I like him and root for him to make a healthy return, we don't exactly need yet another athletic big who doesn't like to bang.
We need a big guy who can knock down the 15-footer to space the triangle. He should also be able to rebound and put a body on someone without landing himself in the third row. This guy needs to protect Bynum and Gasol/Odom from foul trouble and be able to match up with the Powes and Haslems and Duncans of the world. Oh, and being able to defend the pick-and-roll would be nice. LA hasn't been able to defend that play since forever.
Posted by: Dalton | June 25, 2008 at 06:10 AM
COMPLEX BROTHA:"NOTHING comes close to The Wire.. NOTHING.. The writing
and plot lines on The Wire were 2nd to none.
I hear you man. I just brought the entire series seasons 1 - 5 for $50.
You'll probably call me sick but I think I'm in love with Snoop..
Posted by: Mamba24 | June 25, 2008 at 06:28 AM
HEY MIKE T. TELL ME HOW MY CALVES TASTE!
Posted by: KWAME BROWN | June 25, 2008 at 06:30 AM
POST OF THE WEEK
Perfect, Gummer is back. Here's someone who can actually tell the rest of us how Shaq's a** tastes.
Oh yeah, Mike T. = weasel. Zero credibility.Posted by: Jman449 | June 24, 2008 at 05:39 PM
Posted by: | June 25, 2008 at 07:24 AM
Dalton,
The Lakers need someone who can come off the bench 15 minutes a game and provide decent defense, rebounding, and offense, playing primarily against other bench players. Mihm can hit that 15 foot shot, he's a good passer and a decent FT shooter.
They don't need someone who can "match up with Duncan"; if that's your standard for improving the bench play you are not going to find anybody available.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | June 25, 2008 at 07:43 AM
MIKE T. YOU CALLED ME THE SMARTEST MAN IN THE WORLD. NOW COME BACK HOME
AND SHARE THIS CAKE WITH ME AND ADMIRE MY MAGNIFICENT CALVES. LATER ON
YOU CAN TELL ME HOW MY CALVES TASTW
Posted by: KWAME BROWN | June 25, 2008 at 08:08 AM
I'd give Mimh another chance, but if he gets injured again, then I wouldn't re-sign him. He's had some tough injuries to recover from so I'm not confident that he'll ever be the player he was. Even if he plays well, I wouldn't sign him for anything more than a couple of years at ~2 million a year. I don't want the Lakers to get saddled with another contract like Devean George or Luke Walton.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 25, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Mbenga may be worth keeping at the league minimum just to prevent another west coast team from picking him up, but as a player, he's probably reached his potential so don't expect him to suddenly become a 10-10 player.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 25, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Karyanr: love the idea. If you and Jon K. can make that happen - I'll get you the standard gov't kick in the a** raise: "attaboy". However, I'd much rather see him sent to Cleveland - they can pay his contract and that will keep LeBron tamed for a couple more years when his contract is up. Then he will bolt to NYC and there will be nothing left. Or perhaps arrange something with the Knicks. That will keep them in the cellar for another 10 years.....
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | June 25, 2008 at 09:51 AM
hey have you noticed - let's go C's is on the blog every day, why does a celtic fan spend every day on a Laker Blog ??? Answer; because he secretly wants to be a Laker Fan, there is no other explanation, I mean how many of us have ever even BEEN on a Celtic blog!!!
Tom k
Posted by: tomK | June 25, 2008 at 10:01 AM
tomk,
i am pretty sure 'let's go C's" is really a cavs fan..thats what his C represents .and when his team lost, he switched his allegiance to a celtics fan--pretty pathetic...
or wait--he is a clipper fan???
it all makes sense now...
Posted by: laker32 | June 25, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Hey "Let's go C's",
Just f'in go....life must be filled with important things if all you do is relish....OK, the c's won. Anything other than gloating?
Mihm and Mbenga are both valuble. Although in the finals, they would have fouled out in record time due to the officiating patterns. If you don't have a reputation you don't get the call. Hey "Let's go C's"...any comment on that video of Garnett playing offensive lineman setting illegal pick one after the other and not getting called till about the 5th one....I wonder what RAY RAY will look like when he weighs 255.....
Basketball, a beautiful game unless it's played by the Celtics.
Go relish some more, Can't wait....
Posted by: humanomaly | June 25, 2008 at 10:46 AM
Hey "let's go c's",
you hang out here so much, how does it taste????
Go home, to Bohhhhhhhhssstn, and enjoy your own blogs, where you can thump your chest and act like an animal screaming into the air. Maybe if you act fast, you can get that Scalabrine jersey, (he ran into locker room to change from streets to jersey to relish).....save the relish for your weiner's, maybe they'll taste better.
Let's ride this guy outa this blog!!!!!
Posted by: humanomaly | June 25, 2008 at 10:59 AM