The more things don't change, the more they stay the same
Such would be the sentiment expressed by Mitch Kupchak when it comes to his vision of next season's roster compared to the one that just wrapped up 2008. They're likely to look rather similar, with cosmetic changes at best. In part, that comes from the acknowledgment that this season's FA crop (Ronny Turiaf and Sasha Vujacic aside, whom the Lakers want to retain) is pretty weak, so game changers available if they had the cap space are few and far between. Which works out great, since they don't have cap space, anyway. But mostly, things are likely to remain intact because the Lakers see a season with a healthy Trevor Ariza and, especially, Andrew Bynum as the equivalent of one with a couple of impact players added.
Once the gun is fully loaded, it'll be about finding the best way to handle a versatile roster. For example, will Drew's return mean Lamar Odom will slide to the 3, play in the backcourt, or maybe even come off the bench? Phil Jackson stressed that everyone will need to makes sacrifices, but given the optimism on the horizon, it's safe to say that wouldn't be enough to create a stressful summer. Except for the fans dwelling on the Finals loss, that is.
Good. Very small changes (*cough* SIGN QUINTON ROSS! *cough*). That's it.
Next year one year older, wiser, better.
Championship.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 21, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Adios Lamar.
Posted by: Absolute Truth | June 21, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Starting front court:
Center: Andrew must return fully healthy.
Power Forward: Pau must add 10 pounds of muscles.
Small Forward: Trevor must add 10 pound of muscles.
Back-up front court:
Center: Chris Mihms must return fully healthy.
Power Forward: Ronny must become an enforcer.
Small Forward: Ira Newble must become James Posey.
Very Important to the mental aspect of the team:
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir must go.
We will never win the championship with the above 3.
We owe $60 mil to the above 3 players.
Pathetic.
Posted by: Passionate Lakers fan | June 21, 2008 at 11:14 AM
KEEP LAMAR?
After the game 6 loss, I too was on the "get rid of LAMAR bandwagon".. I thought the Lakers needed to get tough (and till do).. But then I got to thinking, why give up Lamar this year just to throw away the 1 year remaining on his contract? Why not see what he can do with Bynum and Gasol together.. Let's bring in atough free agent such as artest or posey or even bozi wells? That way, if Lamar doesnt play well this year, instead of trading the $13 Mill that he is getting paid for another player with a longer contract, we could have that cap space available for the 2009 free agency period.. Anyways, my thoughts.. Definitely nice to hear Kobes upbeat outlook for the next year.
dpk
Posted by: dpk | June 21, 2008 at 11:18 AM
The blog is great fun and trade scenarios are a mainstay of sports fans everywhere but at this point in Laker Land, the FO deserves the benefit of the doubt.
They've made mistakes, fate has played a hand, but whatever they do or don't do is what should or shouldn't be done.
As epically unbearable as game 6 was, if you don't trust an organization that's kept the team considerably and consistently above the norm since the 80's, and just took a giant leap beyond expectations, then you're perspective is warped.
Parity just took the next 5 years off.
Posted by: Vman | June 21, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Absolute Truth,
Mellow out. Don't be THAT guy.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 21, 2008 at 11:31 AM
I feel sorry for those who continue to stay in denial in regards to Lamar/Luke/Vladimir.
The first time Lamar looks, "confused" at the small forward position, everyone will cringe.
The first time Luke: travels while having his flat-footed lay-up blocked underneath the basket; turns the ball over; shows fear taking a jump shot; or gets beat off the dribble, everyone will cringe.
The first time Vladimir shots that stupid-looking rainbow 3 point shoot that bricks off the backboard or makes every small forward look like James Worthy, everyone will cringe.
People: Lamar/Luke/Vladimir do not have what it takes
offensively, defensively, and most important, the 3 do not have it mentally or emotionally.
The Cs will return to the NBA finals to defend their crown.
If you believe a re-juvenated Lamar/Luke/Vladimir will do better against an even more hungry Big Ticket, The Truth, Ray-Ray and defensive-minded players like Kendrick Perkins/James Posey/Rajon Rondo (and I'm sure a tough player or 2 to strengthen their already tough defense), you are sick in the head.
Andrew/Kobe/D-Fish/Sasha will not be enough.
Lamar/Luke/Vladimir: these girlie men must go or else Cs in 5 next year.
If Lamar/Luke/Vladimir return, I will not watch the Lakers.
What's the definition of insanity?
Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
If we bring back Lamar/Luke/Vladimir, the results will be the same.
To expect different results from the above 3 is insane.
And I plan on protecting my sanity until trades are made.
Posted by: Passionate Lakers fan | June 21, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Don't know why when I read that I think of Joey Macintire's "Don't you ever wish you were someone else...you were meant to be the way you are exactly hum...humm...."
haha.
I'm excited about what the changes will bring but apprehensive that it may mean a departure of 2 fan favorites, or one. At the end of the day, I have to put my faith on the management...the same one that brought us Smush Parker and Pau Gasol lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I still think PJ has to go and B Scott brought in.
Here is an article which I agree with which shows how PJ failed and as outcoached by Doc.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/8261474/Zen-mastered
Keep LO dump PJ.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | June 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Bonzi Wells? Really?
There's NO way he should play for the lake show - that dude is a head case. Most importantly, his D is suspect.
Passionate Lakers Fan -
Who do you suggest that we bring in that A) is available; B) has the skill set of the three above, and C) isn't a head case? We've got plenty of talent on this team; what we are lacking can be addressed as a TEAM. I contend that everyone will come back more determined to lock teams down than they did the past year.
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 21, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I like the idea of Odom coming off the bench although I'm fine with him trying the 3 first. The worst case scenario is that he can't play the 3 and that the Lakers will have to play him at the 4 still. If each player averaged 30-35 minutes a game, two of the three, Gasol, Bynum, and Odom could be on the floor at all time. What team in the league has that type of flexability? I think that as well as the Lakers bench played at times during the regular season, and they did give a significant boost during many games, I never liked having the entire bench out on the floor at the same time, especially against elite teams like the Celtics. If you watched the Celtics, there was never any minute where Allen, Pierce, and Garnett were all off the floor at the same time not counting garbage time in game 6.
Posted by: sclakerfan | June 21, 2008 at 11:58 AM
There are only two who i would consider as the weak link in an otherwise strong lineup of the Laker's team and thats rad and walton if they could find any taker they ought to ship them out asap. Lakers really need someone like James Posey. If they trade odom it should be for shawn marion. He can fit nicely can defend rebound and shoot from outside. Then Lakers would be awesome.
Posted by: just10 | June 21, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I think the smartest thing the Lakers could do with LO is to let him play out this final year of his contract.
If the Lakers win the Championship, and LO has anything short of an all-star season, then they have all the leverage. LO will have a choice - leave a championship situation to collect a bigger paycheck or take a paycut to stay with the team and continue the run. Nobody wants to leave tens of millions on the table but the guy has already made around $60M in his career. What will be more important to him?
If the Lakers fall short again, they'll be looking to make changes anyway, and LO's salary coming off the books will be a good thing.
Either way, trading away salary cap relief for any player who isn't comfortable in the Triangle, unless that player is All-NBA Defensive First Team-level, isn't worth it.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 21, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Wow! Today is the first day I've been able to let go of what happened in the Finals and attempt to look clearly at the Lakers' future.
I think I'm willing to let happen whatever's going to happen -- not that I have a choice. I think Jordan Farmar put it best on tape when he talked about the benefits of keeping the core group together as with the Spurs and the Pistons. Perhaps the Lakers as a group just need to age like a fine wine.
We might all also want to keep an eye on Commissioner David Stern. The headline in Advertising Age (of all places) is very revealing: "NBA Commish: 'We Have an Issue' - David Stern Says League Has Much to Do to Clear Up Fan Perception of Rigged Games"
You can read the entire, very worthwhile, article here:
http://adage.com/article?article_id=127879
While everything Lakers and NBA is gestating, I'm looking at redirecting my obsessive-compulsive disorder to spending more time with friends, longer workouts, practicing my bass guitar and improving my golf swing.
That doesn't mean disappearing from the blog, just trying to find more balance (if that's possible).
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 21, 2008 at 12:25 PM
The biggest improvement will not be bringing in anyone...or getting rid of anyone with one exception cough Luke cough haha, jk...
but hiring a better defensive coach. COOP! One that will motivate these players to play team D the way they're capable of it.
Defense wins championships...ours is too inconsistent to have done so. That has got to change.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 21, 2008 at 12:34 PM
LO7 is gonna be a laker4 life, to all that say he should be traded, thats why you are at home on your couch and tho FO gets the big bucks, look its not like we lost in the first round, WE WENT TO THE NBA FINALS!!!!! So Huck the Faters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: RIZZO | June 21, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Rick Friedman -
Got any tips for beginners to learn guitar? I've got an electric, but not too sure how to start...
Hope your summer activities are as fun as you want them to be!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 21, 2008 at 01:04 PM
RIZZO-
Thats what I've been saying. Lamar = Laker for Life. He's a great player just a little inconsistent. But Kobe wasn't mr. consistent or mr clutch in the Finals either.
If the people on this blog where GM we would either have an old Jkidd or a sucky Jermaine Oneal. Now we have one of the best lineups, if not the best, top to bottom, coming in to this next season. I wasn't the biggets Mitch fan earlier but I still never thought we should have gotten rid of Bynum and I'm happy we didn't. In Mitch we trust. Why mess with a good thing?
P.S. Is it October yet? This has been a long week with out Laker bball. I'm going through withdrawls.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | June 21, 2008 at 01:42 PM
Caliphilopher,
There's an excellent CD rom simply titled "Learn to Play Guitar." It's very interactive. I'm pretty sure you can find them at Frye's. Let me know when you're ready to jam!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | June 21, 2008 at 01:55 PM
Caliphilosopher,
Do you know scales and keys yet?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 21, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Since Lakers will be well over the cap next few years and paying dollar for dollar in Luxury Tax, I am seriously considering starting a website to collect signatures from Lakers season ticket holders to call on Lakers to waive Luke Walton, so each season ticket subscriber can save at least $300 dollars from ever increasing season ticket cost. Having Luke on the team is waste of money for Lakers and, ultimately, we the patrons.
Posted by: nicksi | June 21, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Rick F,
Good for you! :-) Better than me. I'm still hurtin.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | June 21, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Rick Friedman -
Thanks for the tip! I'll have to get an amp, but that shouldn't be a problem. Seeing as there are NO Frye's Electronics stores out here in Lubbock, I'll order one online.
And give me about a year to get some chords down without me staring at the fingerboard. :-)
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 21, 2008 at 03:20 PM
"If Lamar/Luke/Vladimir return, I will not watch the Lakers.
What's the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. If we bring back Lamar/Luke/Vladimir, the results will be the same. To expect different results from the above 3 is insane. And I plan on protecting my sanity until trades are made."
Passionate Lakers Fan -
You're assuming quite a bit (as far as inductive arguments and the like) with regards to the aforementioned players. Will the results actually be the same if we bring them back? If so, apparently you have some sort of special epistemic standing as to what the future holds (but in your case, the future is deterministic - otherwise, it would be hard to reconcile special knowledge with a completely indeterministic future).
Bringing them back is not "repeating" things like a scientific experiment (dropping a rock from a certain height over and over again). Human action and rationality are much different than introductory physics; how do you think that they got to be players in the NBA if they didn't keep repeating the same things (dribbling a basketball, or shooting a jumper, for example)?
Lastly, never underestimate failure as a motivational tool. It definitely helped to push MJ to making his high school varsity team!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | June 21, 2008 at 03:30 PM
WOW I CANT BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING CRAZY WANTING LAMAR ODOM TO BE TRADED. I UNDERSTAND IF LAKERS LOST IN THE 1ST ROUND, THEN YOU COULD MAKE THAT ARGUMENT. LAMAR ODOM NEEDS TO STAY, HE IS A GREAT PLAYER WHO WILL PLAY EVEN BETTER WITH BYNUM BACK. MOST BANDWAGON LAKER FANS ARE THE ONES WHO WANT LO TO GO, THEY NEED TO REALIZE THAT THE LAKERS MADE IT TO THE FINALS WITHOUT BYNUM. SO THE TEAM THAT WENT TO THE FINALS SHOULD STAY INTACT. IF IT WASN'T FOR LO, LAKERS WOULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN TO THE FINALS.
Posted by: TJ | June 21, 2008 at 03:35 PM
after seeing that press conference with Lamar Odom, it looked like the wind had been knocked out of him. I think Phil put his hands on Lamar's shoulders and said, "Lamar, I want you to be my point guard next year and... I want you to spend more time with the second unit".
Lamar probably thought Phil was joking but then he realized he wasn't and then, the next thing you know, Lamar has to go out and do his press conference with his head still spinning from the meeting... LOL!
You tell me??? Something doesn't add up here. We've got all these people for SF:
1. Luke Walton
2. Radmanovic
3. Lamar
4. Ariza
5. Kobe can slide up to SF, especially when Sasha is in
Lamar could slide up to PF when Gasol is out but... when is Turiaf going to play then?
Did anyone get the feeling that Sasha might try to play some PG next year? Something like:
Sasha
Kobe
Radmanovic
Gasol
Bynum
???
and then we're going to try and add ANOTHER SF in someone like Posey?
Bring back Kwame Clown! I mean Brown! We need the bulk, inside...
Posted by: TaosHum | June 21, 2008 at 03:38 PM
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3455530
DUI for LO straight up. Denver gets cap relief. LA gets an all-star SF. Salaries match almost exactly. Denver could end up with $36M in expiring contracts (including AI) that would allow them to blow it up and start over.
Posted by: lakers_sth | June 21, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Hey Rick,
If you're in Lubbock isn't there a Buddy Holly memorial guitar school?
Posted by: Bear75233 | June 21, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Lamar is a jack-of-all trades,
The notion of him playing point guard is stupid,he cannot handle the rock. The only time he he can is when he goes coast to coast with no one in front of him.
Lamar does not post up, well he does, but can't finish at the rim.
He can't shoot
and finally, he only rebounds when he feels like it
He is a tweener at every position on the court
He is the real "FOOLS GOLD"
Everyone thinks he'll be a force as the fourth option.
How sad is that? This guy will only keep disappointing, you don't change after 10 years.
He will be gone at the trading deadline .
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 21, 2008 at 04:23 PM
Next year we can pay $14mil for Lamar, or trade it to a team that wants cap relief for probably 2 good players, a draft pick and some cash.
It's not Lamar's fault that he's overpaid, but it his fault that he doesn't perform up to those contract's numbers. The phone will be ringing off the hook for that expiring $14mil, I don't see how the Lakers pass up the chance to turn that money into a couple of productive players, some more youth and some cap relief of their own.
i.e. Trade Lamar to Orlando for Hedo, JJ Redick and a draft pick/cash. Orlando gets to be in the LeBron/DWade sweepstakes in '09 plus get rid of their SF glut, Lakers get a good small forward, another shooter and youth/cash.
Posted by: Absolute Truth | June 21, 2008 at 04:24 PM
Aloha
Get rid of Luke? I wonder if fans of other teams are this concerned about who the 10th man is. And with a healthy roster, and a little growth from the young guys, thats about where Luke will come in. Ya, he costs us 5 mil, not big bucks in the NBA universe. But because he has 5 years left, he really isnt tradeable for another couple of years. So you are kind of waisting your time, demanding that he be traded. Beside, how many 10th men in the NBA are better then Luke? Really, how many 10th men can you even name? Luke had been on the up swing until his ankle injury. Then he was put with the 2nd unit this year, had trouble adjusting, and then played hurt again for most of the year. He lost his confidence. If he can get back to where he was 2 years ago befor the ankle, he will be very valuable. If not, 10th, 11th? It just really doesnt matter that much.
MH
Posted by: michael h | June 21, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Caliphilosopher,
Just start playing around with E Major, A Major and B Major together and G Major, C Major, and D Major together. Play around with those two three chord patterns for a couple months and that should get you started.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 21, 2008 at 04:37 PM
BK,
When do we see the Coby Karl exit interview?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | June 21, 2008 at 04:39 PM
Jon K and Caliphilospoher,
Not only do those chords get you started, they make you Green Day.
If this exact same team (with Bynum and Ariza healthy) came back for training camp, I'd be stoked. However, I feel because of that we are in a good position as far as trading is concerned to not only make us better in the short term but in the long term.
We're in a great position thanks to the hard work of Mitch Kupchak (and Chris Wallace showing up to work drunk about a week and half before the deadline....note to self, don't drink and GM). As a fan, I'm grateful.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Andrew Z | June 21, 2008 at 04:47 PM
dpk,
The Lakers are tens of millions over the salary cap. Dropping Lamar's salary just saves the team money. It does nothing to help us score premiere free agents because we can't use the money for his salary unless we trade him.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 21, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I think the only change the Lakers need to make is to trade Vladimir Rodmonovic for some kind of enforcer in the middle. Coach Jackson has repeatedly referred to him as a "space cadet" and "someone in need of therapy". It seems pretty obvious to me that a guy with that kind of mental make-up doesn't belong in a Phil Jackson coached "triangle" offense. I would trade him right now while his value is high. He's a big man who can shoot the 3. There's got to be someone we can pick up for him who's going to play defense and be a monster on the boards. His offense won't be missed. We've got plenty of that. And I'm not ready to give up on Lamar Odom just yet. We've seen what he can do at times, which is to dominate when he wants to. Once Andrew Bynum comes back he'll be even more free to roam next season in the same way that Pau Gasol liberated him this season. Luke Walton had a bad year, but he belongs on this team as a facilitator, and he's the kind of guy who can be the backbone in the triangle and the lockeroom. He's inexpensive, has a high basketball IQ, and is willing to be completely unselfish for the betterment of the team. Besides, his old man is gonna' ride him until he straightens his game out! Take heart Laker fans. I guarantee that things will be different next year with a healthier squad. And don't forget that Phil Jackson has said in his books that it takes about a year and half to really learn the triangle. Most of these players had just crossed that threshold when Pau and Trevor Ariza showed up. Let's give the team a full training camp to put it all together.
Posted by: John Gloria | June 21, 2008 at 05:06 PM
mrbarneydangles,
It's intellectually dishonest to compare Odom's inconsistency with Kobe's inconsistency and you know it.
1. Kobe only struggled in one playoff series. Odom struggled in the last 3, particularly in road games.
2. Kobe still put out a strong effort in the finals. His main issue was finding good shots and being able to get his teammates good shots. That's what a defense completely organized to make life difficult for Kobe can do.
3. Kobe wasn't even inconsistent in anything except his offense. His defense was still generally strong. Kobe got every rebound near him and any loose ball near him he snagged. You cannot say the same for Odom.
4. When the pressure was on and good basketball decisions needed to be made, Odom makes frequent mistakes, Kobe only makes occasional mistakes.
5. Odom can be taken out of the game by a few factors
A. Himself
B. Physical defenses
C. Shooting lapses
Kobe never gets taken out of the game unless it's over and he gets a double technical.
I see weaknesses in Kobe's game in shot selection and in defensive lapses. I'm not some Kobe apologist or frothing at the mouth Kobe lover.
However, these two are NOT comparable. A perennial All-Star and All-NBAer and a guy that can barely string together 5 good games (the end of this season was a big exception)...
How dare you compare the two.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 21, 2008 at 05:16 PM
Cuz,
Sounds like you're going soft on us to me. :P
Posted by: Benjamin | June 21, 2008 at 05:16 PM
I think people should really reconsider this stand pat philosophy.
Yes, I know this team has good chemistry, it takes a few years to learn the triangle, and it takes a few years to learn to play optimally as a team. Yes, we also have a lot of talent and did well this last season.
However, there are always ways to improve. Why not pursue them? We could have gotten James Posey, but we didn't. We could have gotten Shawn Marion for Odom 2 years ago, but we didn't. This statement is not intended as a diss on Odom. I have a lot of respect for Marion's game and yes I'm aware he has a selfish, "I'm underappreciated," attitude.
The best teams are always looking for ways to improve, never settling and saying "This team is good enough. MY work here is done."
Look at the best organizations in the recent NBA, Spurs and Pistons. These teams have kept a successful nucleus intact, but added pieces around these nuclei and slowly, carefully added hardworking, talented draft picks and free agents.
I liked the Celts pick-ups mid-season too. PJ Brown put in good minutes and had a super consistent 10 foot jumper. I wish I could say the same about any Laker not named Kobe. Sam Cassell (kind of jerk that he is) helped too. They looked great, but they still sought improvement.
I like our team a lot too, but I think settling is incredibly short-sighted and will bite us in the ass if we do it.
I think settling was Kupchak's philosophy until this season and look where it got us. When Kupchak actually started making some moves and getting rid of the bad attitudes on our team, things really started looking up!
I don't want a team that can beat Boston in a Finals series 55 percent of the time. I want a stacked deck team that can beat them 85 percent of the time.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 21, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Faith,
What wins championships again?
Yes. You're right that's exactly what should be our focus.
lakers_sth,
I like the idea you propose with Lamar.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 21, 2008 at 05:33 PM
We're in a great position thanks to the hard work of Mitch Kupchak (and Chris Wallace showing up to work drunk about a week and half before the deadline....note to self, don't drink and GM).
- Andrew Z
That's pretty funny.
Most of us GM's on the blog should take that same thought to heart.
We are either still drunk, or hung over to make rational decisions right now. (see 50% of comments)
Keep the team as it is. Build with what we got. You add AB and Ariza, and a healthy Mihm, and we gotz one awesome season ahead of us to enjoy.
We came into the finals inexperienced and young. Next year, we'll be older, better and hungry. Plus one more year of a 'Fully operational Death Star' in Bynum.
PJ is excited, Kobe is excited. Players are excited, Mitch is excited, even Fatty who missed much of the Finals due to illness is excited.
All of us just need to take it easy, as we ease on down that Gold Bricked Road to the Finals next year.
Fatty - Still high on meds, "and lovin it"
Posted by: Fairweather Fatty | June 21, 2008 at 05:37 PM
lakers_sth,
Anthony for Odom?
Dare to dream, baby! It's just crazy enough to work!
Posted by: Benjamin | June 21, 2008 at 05:42 PM
http://www.nba.com/kings/news/divac_hall_of_fame08.html
Vlade Divac honored as a humanitarian.
Why is this on the Kings page when the Lakers had him for the start AND finish of his career?
Oh, because the Kings only have so much good upon which they can focus. That's right.
Posted by: Benjamin | June 21, 2008 at 05:46 PM
14.5 million will bring great oppurtunities
Posted by: Do You See What I See | June 21, 2008 at 05:49 PM
It will be an interesting offseason for the Lakers to see what they do with the small forward spot. we are writing about offseason moves and evaluating them for every nba team here: dishingdimes.blogspot.com
Posted by: Izzy | June 21, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Next year?
Yeah, time to begin the speculation on the future. Certainly more fun that remembering us get creamed by the Celtics.
Ok - my two cents...
Kobe, Gasol, Bynum, D-Fish - the core
Lamar - too many possibilities to let him go now. Might work at the 2 or 3 - woth an experiement. But I love him anchoring the second unit. Works with Bynum and Pau alternating resting at the 5 and LO at the 4 when the second unit enters. If Kobe stays in he's the #3 threat and when Kobe rests he can be the scorer.
Walton - Ya, he can't shoot for sh*t but he's got mucho game savvy and makes the perfect triangle facilitator. Another winner on the second unit who can help stabilize things when Kobe's resting or feed him when he's playing.
Ariza - A great candidate for starting 3. Finally someone who's athletic and not afraid to charge to the rim or play D on Pierce, LeBron, etc. I love him!
Farmar - Great talent and getting better every game. With Fish as his mentor, he'll be playing more and more minutes and may even start by year's end.
Turiaf - odd man out with Bynum coming back but worth keeping as insurance if one of our bigs (including Lamar) goes down. And gotta love his 'tude.
Sacha - Might be Ok if he didn't think he was Kobe. Or if he could defend even half as good as Kobe. He was so burned by every screen set by Boston it was pathetic. And he whines like a baby. Keep him if he'll play for cheap - makes a good 8-10 minute back up for #24, but that's about it.
Radman - Can we trade him for a taco?
I'd like to get Evans back if they'd take Rad or Sacha for him, but If Ariza and Bynum stay healthy and play to their potential we don't need anyone we don't already have to whip some Celtic ass next year!
Posted by: Jay Jay | June 21, 2008 at 06:02 PM
REPOST
OK, family...consider this my final Prayer of the 2007-08 season - unless a major off-season aquisiiton is made. Probably ain't gonna happen (The Triangle of Mediocrity will indeed live onward!), but if it does, I'll be ringing His Doorbell on our behalf once again.
So, for the final time in this unpredicitable & unforgettable season, LET US PRAY \o/
Dear Lord, we stand in awe of You. To look back on where we're sitting now as opposed to 12 months ago truly reveals to us that You are AWESOME! This season has been a lesson on faith, trust and patience. Even when our Lakers got impatient with each other on the court - and we got VERY IMPATIENT at times with our fellow Blog Bretheren - You rewarded us by allowing us to achieve the IMPOSSIBLE: #1 seed in the West, Western Conference Championship, and a trip to the NBA Finals. We don't lament how we finished in the Finals, but, instead, we CELEBRATE how far You brought us. For all that You have done for our Lakers, we truly say, from the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU LORD!
Now Lord, we ask that You guide Dr. Buss and his family, Mitch Kupchak, Phil Jackson and the rest of the Laker staff as they move and manuver this off season. Give them the insight to use their MLE money on a player who will truly be an ASSET to our cause. We love to see shots fall during games, but, as was proven to us in the Finals, DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIP. Lead them towards THE RIGHT PLAYER who will LEAD US into the path of TEAM DEFENSE. May Dr. Buss & company take the time to carefully & accurately discern if this player is the right fit for our team. Don't let them sign a player based on hype and the cries of the people - for we remember how, despite our cries last year that either Odom or Bynum must go in order to make us have a chance, You gave us INCREDIBLE FAVOR by adding on an All Star level player WITHOUT having to lose either of those key parts of our team.
Give them wisdom. Give them insight to the player's long term goals and committment. Anyone can say that they want a championship, but don't let Dr. Buss & Mitch fall for empty words and verbose promises. Let them verify that the player has the WILLPOWER, GAME, and most important, CHARACTER to back up his claims of wanting to win.
We pray for healing with Kobe's finger, Pau's back and ankle, D-Fish's and Andrew's knee. Let them rest their bodies. Let Kobe & Pau's Olympic efforts not hinder and delay our hope for the future. May their time in Bejing be relaxing and may they rediscover their love for the game and play with sportsmanship and not expending too much energy - for they have a greater task at hand come October.
We pray for The Bench Mob that they would improve their game. As they rest - and remember the pain of losing the championship - turn that pain into an intense desire to work on their game this off-season. Surround them with mentors who will help them to elevate their games. Give them the keys they need mentally to shore up to the next level. Give them DEFENSIVE KEYS that they would develop a KILLER INSTINCT; that they would know that 25 point leads in the 3rd & 4th quarter are not safe. May they study from the masters of our Showtime era - who would not relent their assault on a team until 2 minutes left in the game. Let them pick up on that spirit and come back in October refreshed, renewed and revived.
We pray for Lamar Odom once again. Now that he has been to the Finals and knows what it takes to win, grant him the strength to fully step into the promise that every one of us has seen in him. Whether he stays a Laker or goes to another team, let him shift his mindset to a greater level. Transform his mentality to a renewed sense of focus and determination. As much as we are angry and disappointed with his play during the Finals, each of us understands his role on our team and has been rooting for LO to TAKE HIS PLACE on the court since he first suited up in the Purple and Gold. We know that all things come in Your time, but, should he stay, we ask that You designate that time for the 2008-09 season - that he would be a dominant and consistent player, the X-factor, the one intangible that the other NBA teams can't work their way around.
Lastly, we pray and thank You for the K-Bros and this LA Times Lakers Blog. There are too many of us to name and too many great things to say about our Family that I'd be praying until October. So, I will say very simply, THANK GOD FOR THIS FAMILY. We have kept the faith. We have supported our Lakers in good times and bad. We have cheered them on in Game Day Roll Calls, poems, strategic game time analysis, troll roasting and zombie hunting, and, above all else, love. Even Mike T's posts are covered with an iundying love for the Lakers and an intense desire for them to succeed. I love this family and I ask that You bless our spirit of unity and to keep us safe and protected from hurt, harm and danger till we assemble again next season. Give our hands and fingers the rest we need, for we have done a TON OF TYPING over the last few months! Bless us with favor with ESPN Zone at LA Live or another establishment, that we would be able to come together to experience our Lakers together - in person - as a FAMILY so we can put names to faces and strengthen our Brotherhood.
We thank You in advance for answered prayer and we thank You for blessing our Los Angeles Lakers during this UNFORGETTABLE season of 2007-08!
AMEN!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | June 21, 2008 at 06:03 PM
To anyone who might suggest getting rid of Phil Jackson:
He is a hall of famer. Who will replace him? I'd like to hear a coach's name that is currently alive, who isn't under contract for another team, and has at least as good a track record as Phil.
9 titles
11 Finals appearances
No one in the NBA has a better record in the playoffs. Ever. No one has more playoff wins. No one has a better winning percentage. Why would you get rid of the guy?
Phil Jackson knows basketball better then you do.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | June 21, 2008 at 06:11 PM
The Lakers won't win as long as Kobe is on the team. Too much hate from the NBA.
Posted by: Capt03 | June 21, 2008 at 06:36 PM
pig miller.........
what about LARRY BROWN........
I hav'nt post a remark since we lost.........
Every body from COMPTON-LA- WATTS ALL THE WAY TO RIVERSIDE........Is asking me what happen.
It has to be a better coach than phil...........
He makes me sick to my stomach........
He is very OVER-RATED........
We had a better squad........it just upsets me because a coaches job is simple, find the right combo of players to play together.........An phil cant even do that.
IM SORRY BUT
luke
lamar
ronny one of my fav laker on the team........should not be on the court at the same time........an no way in hell luke should be the first off the bench.........HE AVG LESS THAN 2 POINTS PER GAME IN 6 GAMES..........Flucc basketball I.Q........I dont care if he know's the fluccing triangle.......good passer.......find me some-one who is as dumb as flucc but knows how to but the ball in the hole.........JAMES POSEY comes to mind.
Posted by: COMPTON FINEST | June 21, 2008 at 07:18 PM