Drew, Kwame and that nutty Buss fam
I finally have a second to address the recent Hoopshype.com article written by LakersBlog favorite and longtime hoops scribe Roland Lazenby. In it, he talks about both the possibility of bringing back Kwame Brown to provide both some muscle and frontcourt depth, along with a description of the Buss family dynamic that's made Andrew Bynum as pawn and beneficiary. I'll drop a few thoughts on the latter subject first. The specifics Lazenby cites (Jim Buss encouraging Bynum to use his own doctors or pursue coaching outside of Phil Jackson) may be new items to some. But the article's general theme of a schism between Jeannie and Jim Buss (the former widely viewed as the more rational one and the latter widely viewed as an unqualified ne'er do well who happened to pick a winner in Drew) is nothing if not worn territory.
Lazenby simply revisited the topic as background for Bynum's health and contract, which is obviously topical as we speak. It's also a platform for discussing Kwame, which I'll get to in a bit.
In terms of Bynum's knee, I'm not a doctor, so I won't claim to know if he was better off following the Laker medical staff's advice or his own physicians. It's impossible to know for sure whether he'd have recovered quicker keeping things in house, so to speak. But it's definitely not unheard of for athletes to work outside a team's medical staff with injuries. If you recall, when Kobe was in Colorado back in '03, the team didn't even know he'd left Cali, much less jetted out to go under the knife. I'm not saying this to "back" Bynum. I'm just saying that, while deeper elements could certainly be lingering under the surface, the act in and of itself doesn't necessarily raise my eyebrows.
I was also a little surprised to hear Lazenby describe Drew's decision not to play in the 2007 Summer Pro League as a "bombshell." It could be a purely semantical issue (as in, "he just sort of informed them") but I specifically remember telling readers last summer that I not only wasn't surprised Bynum skipped SPL ball, but that after playing 20-ish minutes for 82 games and often going up against the likes of Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard and Amare Stoudemire, it would be a waste of his time and that workouts, whether in Atlanta or the team, would serve him better. I don't pretend that I saw his third season coming, but it's still hard to argue the results of Bynum's decision.
In a lot of ways, I think these examples serve more to demonstrate what goes on within the Buss family than present Bynum as a problem waiting to happen. The idea that this kid is favored and protected by Jim Buss shouldn't surprise anyone who has paid even the slightest bit of attention
to the team since Drew was drafted. I imagine this will remain the
case for Bynum's entire career as a Laker or until Buss puts a few
more feathers in his cap, whichever comes first. Is that relationship
problematic? I don't know, but I'm inclined to think if Bynum wasn't around, these factions would still find reason to squabble and sometimes act unprofessionally. After all, it was often that way when Drew was still a high school student.
I don't blame Laker fans if that relationship makes them nervous, but keep in mind, Dr. Buss has enjoyed an almost unprecedented degree of success as a sports owner, and that dude is a straight up odd duck. Maybe there's something in the family genes that allows for a mix of strange behavior and O'Brien trophies. Time will tell.
As for a potential "Kwame Part II," like I said when this topic came up about a week ago, I wouldn't rule it out as impossible, especially since big man options are slowly thinning out. When it comes to players capable of pushing in the post, the pickings are basically Brian Skinner, David Harrison (a head case as a Pacer), Adonal Foyle, Jamaal Magloire (meh), Lorenzen Wright (meh again), Theo Ratliff (more meh), Zo/Deke/P.J. (assuming any of the three keep playing), Didier, Michael Ruffin, Randolph Morris (never seen him play, but he's big), maybe Jake Voskuhl... and Kwame. Not exactly a mouth watering crew, making Kwame a reasonable option on paper.
But I still won't believe it until I see it. Or at least hear of meetings.
Putting aside Kwame's deficiencies on the court (basically anything other than bodying a guy) and inability to stay healthy, It would be very ballsy to bring back a player, albeit one that could theoretically fill a specific need, so universally disliked by Laker fans. Particularly on the heels of letting Ronny Turiaf- young, improving and quite beloved- go to Golden State. Unless Brown was signed on the serious cheap, it would be difficult for fans to see his return as anything but an exercise in saving a few bucks at the cost of quality.
Then again, as this front office proved by not bending to outside (and inside) pressure to make "big name" swaps (Jason Kidd, Jermaine O'Neal), they're not afraid to do the unpopular thing if it's believed to be best for the team. I just have trouble picturing them signing up for another go around with Kwame's lack of focus and drive. Great guy, but hardly the poster child for pushing to get the most of his ability.
Save an unforeseen trade, the Lakers may very well find themselves without a better option than Kwame, but I'm expecting every viable course to be explored before offering him a deal.
AK
Mike T,
You're missing my point. Hoopsworld's Bill Ingram is saying that Tex is "is quoted today as saying that they always liked what Brown brings on the defensive end, and would welcome the chance to bring him back into the fold" is misleading. That's not actually what Tex is quoted by Lazenby as saying. Winter says that Phil always liked Kwame (which we knew anyway) and that Winter personally thought it would make sense. That's it. And in saying that, Tex also notes that he's been completely out of the loop when it comes to the personnel decisions and that he has no clue if Kwame's been discussed at all, which the Hoopsworld writer glosses over entirely. That's very pertinent info that Ingram should have also noted, since he was leaning so much on Tex's opinion in writing his story.
Again, I'm not faulting you for going off the Hoopsworld article. I also noted in this original post that I don't think bringing back Kwame is out of the question (although I'm not buying it just quite yet). I'm simply saying that, in my opinion, Ingram did a pretty poor job presenting what Tex actually said and, more importantly, knows.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 24, 2008 at 07:36 PM
what cracks me up is all the "Kwame Brown sucks" people can't come up with a good alternative, plus you guys keep mixing the arguments. Nobody is saying Kwame would be the main starter nor would he be depended on to provide ANY offense so his previous experience as STARTER is moot. We're talking about him backing up Bynum and giving us some muscle down low.
Alternatives?
Brian Skinner? Ahahaha??? You guys blast Kwame and then pine for Skinner??? are you for real? You guys would be "skinning" this guy alive one month into the season. Brian Skinner doesn't hold Kwame's jockstrap.
Who else?
There ain't nobody else, that's what we're saying. You guys have outrageous standards for a backup, especially for a position as thin as the Center position, there just ain't nobody available unless Sabonis is coming out of retirement? LOL!
I say YES on Kwame coming back. Just think of all the fun we'll have!
Posted by: Kwaminus Brownicas, Princess of the Stone Hands, Dutchess of the Sublime Calves | July 24, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Rocky,
Keeping a team 4 points under their scoring average and 2% under their FG% IS good defense, no how you want to slice it.
If you think Kwame is a fundamentally sound defender I don't know why I'm even bothering. There are many aspects to defense and he's only good at one thing. There's no way for you to prove that Kwame is a fundamentally sound defender. Unless you're telling me that Kwame is the only fundamentally sound center that is a weak rebounder and shot-blocker. I'd like you to show me a list of players that Kwame shut-down, since this guy is so good on D. Enough empty rhetoric, SHOW ME when he shut someone down.
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Another string of Mike T. posting long winded diatribes for his own good. He's not talking to anyone but himself.
Awesome.
I can't wait until the season starts.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 24, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Kwaminicus,
No one ever asked us who the Lakers SHOULD take instead. If you asked me, I'd say P.J. Brown, who I wanted us to sign last year, or Mutombo. Two guys who actually--God forbid--play good all-around defense, instead of being good in one area.
Now let's stop making silly claims about what people have and haven't said and why don't you show us some FACTS of who Kwame has shut down that makes him such a dominant defender.
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 07:51 PM
OMG, I'm laughing so hard at some of this stuff... about 90% of you guys are my heroes right now.
Posted by: dave m | July 24, 2008 at 07:51 PM
AK,
What I don't understand about your logic is that idea you think that Ingram has to get his information from Lazenby. Where did you get the idea he was referring to Lazenby?
Is it at all possible that he has Lakers connections, too, and maybe he's talking to someone else who know Tex, too? Maybe he read Lazenby and got on the phone with his connections to see he can get conformation. Maybe after he spoke with his connections he was better able to expound on what Lazenby wrote. You seem to think that his only source for the Kwame idea is Lazenby.
Why do you think that way? Are your Lakers connection so great that you're in position to say...that's not real and this is real?
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Dang, if more than 2 fans want Kwame that bad and if the Lakers can get him dirt cheap (lower than Didier, doesn't the NBA subsidies a minimum salaried veteran?), why not get the magnificent calves back into the fold as a roster filler? In a team as talented as this one Kwame will be as much a comic relief as Chuck Nevitt use to be. I doubt he'll be taking playing time from Bynum, Gasol or LO.
The Jackson Journal will be back! The blog will add 1000 hits per JJ column just on comments. Imagine the TV broadcast - "Kwame to Luke, Score! Two points for the other team!". Hollywood couldn't write this script. Drama and Humor in one team.
Posted by: p ang | July 24, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Looks like Sasha has his eyes on Euro ball, too.
mike
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 07:57 PM
SASHA TO EUROPE THREATS TURN REAL…
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-crowe25-2008jul25,
1,38954.column
Just sounds like guy created his own rumor to me.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 07:58 PM
times reporting Sasha V. may be leaving for Europe
Posted by: 10milliondollarzen | July 24, 2008 at 08:03 PM
Let me make something clear. I won't curse the skies if the Lakers sign Kwame because he'll basically never play. As long as he's warming our bench the way he was warming Memphis' bench. If you're talking about him playing 10-15 minutes (though, I think PJ would have to REALLY go out of his way to make this happen, which would make me shudder), I want no part of him.
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 08:03 PM
From Mitch concerning Sasha:
"Kupchak agrees that the situation should be resolved in the next few days.
"When the free agency period rolled around," he said, "Sasha needed to get a feel of what the market would be like. After 20-something days, he's had enough time to get a feel. It's time this came to a conclusion."
That means the Lakers aren't going up on there offer. The Lakers are letting the market dictate what they're willing to pay. That's a smart move and what they should have done with Walton. I think the Walton situation has taught the Lakers how to go about dealing with the likes of Turaif and Sasha. Plus paying a luxuary tax for Sasha at 4 or 5 million is pretty crazy.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 24, 2008 at 08:05 PM
LA Times article about Sasha quotes Mitch that negotiations are coming to a head. And it might not be good.
Sasha's camp is revealing they want a 6 year deal, about 5 mil per year. Similar to Luke's deal and the Lakers won't pay that much.
Sasha must be feeling he's worth as much as Luke and Vlad. Shame on him. lol
So, what's this Euro deal? Not sure, but I heard a rumor a Slovenian team has offered him $298.00 per game, free room and board at the firehouse, a Judge spot at Miss Slovenia contest (don't laugh, that job has lots of perks) and a flock of chickens with free breeding rights with the mayor's rooster.
Posted by: Fatty | July 24, 2008 at 08:12 PM
"Keeping a team 4 points under their scoring average and 2% under their FG% IS good defense, no how you want to slice it."-Xodus
It's not good enough. It'll be good enough when we win it. Most championship teams are able to consistently keeps their opponents under 90 ppg w/ 40% shooting.
"Enough empty rhetoric, SHOW ME when he shut someone down."-Xodus
I'll bust out the quote if you make me.
I'm not gonna spend time looking for obscure box scores. And I never said Kwame is a shut-down defender. I do know that he played guys like Tim Duncan, Yao Ming, Shaq, and Kevin Garnett better than a lot of guys in this league could dream about doing. He made them work for position, he stayed in front of them without reaching, and he made those guys change their shots.
And Kwame, no matter what you think of him, is fundamentally sound on the defensive end. Otherwise, he'd have no success at all against the guys I just mentioned. I don't need to repeat the fundamentals that Kwame provides for a team anymore.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | July 24, 2008 at 08:15 PM
The Lakers better not try to call Sasha's bluff. He was big for us this year.
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 08:19 PM
BLOG CRUE
Any real news on if we'll get DJ Mbenga or Coby Karl back? I think Sasha earned himself a good three year contract. Overall he played great in the year and lets remember that we had "team" chemistry this past season. I know in the end it's business. Unfortunately we lost a great roll player in Ronny Tufiaf. How about bringing in a veteran or two like we did during the 3 peat? We had Harper, Rice, Fox, etc. We're close for next year.
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | July 24, 2008 at 08:24 PM
"Those who do not learn from the past are condemned to repeat it." That quote is by George Santayana. And YES he was talking about Kwame Brown. GEEEEeeZ.
GooooooooOOOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | July 24, 2008 at 08:30 PM
AK
The other thought that just crossed my mind is maybe the Lakers front office leaked out the rumor that they might be interested in signing Kwame as a backup at the vet minimum in order to see what fan reaction might be, which means they might be watching what the Pro-Kwame idiots are saying, which means you just can’t laugh it off and not post your displeasure about Kwame coming back. Otherwise, you may get exactly what you wished you wouldn’t. Ask Mike T. They’re listening. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Insane?!?!? Bring Kwame back!!! Whyy!! Lakers have enough muscle with Odom, Bynum, and Pau.
Kwame was soft
Posted by: mahmoud | July 24, 2008 at 08:39 PM
http://tinyurl.com/56j7ne
Kobe has the same agent as Sasha:
"Kobe Bryant said he wouldn’t be surprised if Vujacic takes the money and runs to Europe (if the rumors are true) considering the Lakers aren’t offering him more than a qualifying one-year deal worth $2.6 million.
“It depends on how much money they’re throwing at him,” Bryant said. “You got rules (NBA’s salary cap), so you’re playing with an uneven playing field. So if they want to throw a boatload of money at him.”
Posted by: giantsquid | July 24, 2008 at 08:42 PM
This conversation of Kwame Brown being back on the Lakers is a JOKE laker bloggers. Let me give you 4 reasons why Kwame won't be on the Lakers next year. And if I'm wrong on any of these points- I'll sport the Kwame dreds next year, plus I'll throw a cake.
1. Whoever is boastin about Kwame this, Kwame that, is a member of Kwame Brown's posse. His agent, cousin, momma for all we know, but it certainly aint no laker fan!
This is fake buzz being created just like the Ron Ron 4 Odom scenario. Just because a Laker management person says someone is a nice guy doesn't mean jack! Like Public Enemy said, "DOn't believe the hype!"
2. He's the worst no. 1 pick ever! His 07'-08' stats were 4.8 ppg with 4.9 rpg. Think his career stats are much better? Try- 7.5 ppg with 5.7rpg. This from a No. 1 pick that Jordan did a verbal bruce lee on. I think we can agree he's not getting better, so with that said he's no ideal candidate for the Lakers.
3. If we were going to pay 4 million for somebody we woulda kept RONNIE. Turiaf gets 4.5 million this season coming up and that's right around the price we'd have to pay for Kwame. Kwame is bigger, longer, and certainly has the calves for the position down low. But no one would take Kwame over Ronnie. Hell, they both gone ride the bench so at least Ronnie can cheerlead.
4. And finally, the future is what the Lakers are all about. Kobe is in his prime. Gasol and Odom will soon be, and Bynum, Farmar, Sasha, and Ariza will be down the road. Point is, Kwame doesn't fit into that equation. Either your approaching your prime or your in it now. Otherwise your old or you suck, and folks kwame aint old.
Don't worry about the chatter because that's all it is. There will be 0 big changes in the line up. The will resign sasha. They will pick up a couple scrubs. Ultimately they will keep their fingers crossed that Odom will produce and Bynum will stay healthy. If those things happen we get a ring next year.
Posted by: johnnyboy | July 24, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Mike T,
"What I don't understand about your logic is that idea you think that Ingram has to get his information from Lazenby. Where did you get the idea he was referring to Lazenby?
Is it at all possible that he has Lakers connections, too, and maybe he's talking to someone else who know Tex, too? Maybe he read Lazenby and got on the phone with his connections to see he can get conformation. Maybe after he spoke with his connections he was better able to expound on what Lazenby wrote. You seem to think that his only source for the Kwame idea is Lazenby."
Well, for starters, I don't think it happened the way you described it because that's not how writers go about their work. You don't call someone else to get "quotes" from Winter second hand, because that wouldn't amount to Winter being "quoted" anywhere. When someone is mentioned as being "quoted," that means in some form of publication, not "so and so told me so and so said blank." And if Ingram had done it that way, why wouldn't he have mentioned having a conversation of his own? Beyond that, the only article of note that came out today (or within the last few days or so, period) that quotes Winter on any level happens to be the one written by Lazenby, so I put two and two together. It's pretty obvious this is what Ingram is referring to.
"Why do you think that way? Are your Lakers connection so great that you're in position to say...that's not real and this is real?"
Again, you keep missing the point. You keep presenting this as me claiming Kwame coming back would never happen, which I expressly said was not the case (even if I don't think it's likely). What I said was that Ingram did a pretty fast and loose job presenting source material for his Hoopsworld piece. One has nothing to do with the other.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 24, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Rocky,
Saying it's simply "not good enough" ignores what actually happened in the Finals. Both teams played ugly on O, Boston was incredible on D, as they were the entire season, and won the rebounding battles. Kwame helps with neither of these areas.
KG averaged 2 fewer points and shot 13% worse from the field. This is with Gasol and LO guarding him, how much better would Kwame have done?
It also ignores that we'll be worse on offense, which would lead to more fastbreak opportunities for Boston. So whatever he takes away from KG, he's giving back on the other end with terrible offense. So we're essentially making D easier for Boston and giving them more fast break points.
Like I said, I don't see how a guy that does one thing well is fundamentally sound. You're saying he's fundamentally sound because he happens to be huge. Fundamentals are developed basketball skill, of which Kwame has very little. Like I wrote earlier, guys like Duncan and KG are fundamentally sound defenders, because they are skilled in all aspects. Kwame's just a bid dude.
Posted by: Xodus | July 24, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Laker Tom-
I don't think it's that complicated. It makes sense for the Lakers to be looking at Kwame, given their need for size inside, especially after Ronny left. The thought that he could return has kicked around since he left.
If they think he's the best option and the money is right, they'll sign him. The latter issue is a big one for sure, and some of the other ancillary stuff (his history here, how he'd handle returning mentally to a place where fans were hostile) matters as well.
If they were in a hurry to snatch him up, they'd have done it by now, as would some other team looking for a big. Unless, of course, he's holding out for more than anyone will pay him.
The Lakers need some size and strength inside, some of the positive attributes of Kwame Brown. That doesn't necessarily mean they need Kwame Brown himself.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | July 24, 2008 at 08:55 PM
AK/BK since I am new to blogging I sometimes lose my focus. Before the Gasol trade Kupchak was the worst then he was the best. Now the FO does not know what it is doing letting Ronny go and maybe losing Sasha. A lot of attention to what we should acquire and very little as to what we should dump, like oft injured Mimh and expensive marginal players like Walton and Radmanovic. If Buss didn't like Farmar then why didn't we keep Critt and send JF to Memphis? In a rational world there is no rationale for what the FO has done.
Posted by: LakerExile | July 24, 2008 at 08:59 PM
This is known as the Kwame thread when we try to entertain INSANITY. Bring back Smush Parker and Brian Cook to complete the Scrubs 5.
What happened to this Lakers organization? They always turned NUTS every summer? We lost Turiaf to be replaced by Kwame. We are losing Sasha thru nitty gritty Clipper-liked negotiation to the last cent. Why did you give Walton a long term contract in the first place? INSANITY
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 24, 2008 at 09:11 PM
Xodus,
I disagree.
Thanks for the debate.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | July 24, 2008 at 09:12 PM
God, I love the psychic violence that is occuring at this moment surrounding Kwame Brown.
I feel as if we have been sucked into an H.P. Lovecraft novel and that Kwame Brown it Cthulu.
If that is true I AM A MEMBER OF THE CULT OF CTHULU!
Anyways, back to reality.
Everybody. Relax. Ommmmm... Ommm....
Seriously. Let's drop the emotion from the argument. We all want the Lakers to succeed and win a championship. As eternal cynic BK mentioned that Kwame Brown can bring something to the team, that is true.
We are not looking for a mucking savior here, just someone who can make us better relative to what we need RIGHT NOW.
Kwame can do that.
I've wanted that to happen and I still do.
Still... being reasonable Kwame can help us to be better.
I want us to be better.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:14 PM
BK,
I wasn’t sure which post you were responding to when you said “I don’t think it’s that complicated” but I assume it was my supposedly humorous post about this all being a rumor from the Lakers front office to gage fan response to Kwame coming back. While I think it is a stupid idea, we all know Phil loved Kwame as Mike T. LOL. Taking that into consideration plus the fact that Kwame is getting zero offers and would probably jump at a chance to earn the vet’s minimum (even if it meant returning to a place where fans booed him mercilessly and he suffered tremendous embarrassment), it’s only logical that the Lakers would consider the possibility of taking Kwame back. If it is anything more than a brain fart, though, I would be really surprised. It would also mean that Jerry Buss had decided to follow the Celtics formula of lots of money for the superstars and stars and trade or replace more expensive young role players with minimum salary vets who are on their last legs or possess serious problems or downsides.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 09:15 PM
LakerTom,
Please don't get emotional about this, brother. I know that people have been attacking you unfairly. Drop that fact.
Seriously, objectively focus on what will make the Lakiers a better team.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Jon,
We're cool. But you're still crazy to want Kwame back. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 09:26 PM
LakerTom,
There is a reason why we spent YEARS having an insanely passionate argument about whether or not Kwame Brown was worth anything.
He at times is a very good player.
He has elements of his game which are truly impressive.
It's not like some worthless idiot was picked to be the Lakers center/power forward.
Kwame has his assets. A lot of them.
We just unrealistically expected too much of him.
He is not talentless. Quite the opposite, he just is not a Shaquille O'Neal or anything near that.
He's a remarkable reserve. Nothing more.
And that's what we need.
Kwame Brown. Sixth man of the year--2009.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 09:40 PM
This is fun.
Just the thought of Kwame "Butterfinger"Brown coming back as a Laker has already triggered a deluge of comments and emotions. What more if he is already on board. no wonder the Lakers is the top "drama' team of the NBA. and this what makes the Lakers the most popular team. It is gonna be a new reality show. Anyways, what the heck can we lose, bring the clown and the joker back and let's seat back and watch what will unfold.
Posted by: Butterfinger | July 24, 2008 at 09:43 PM
Jon,
Take a deep breath. Yes, you’re still in Cleveland. No, this is not Shaker Heights. Yes, the Lakers still have Kobe and Drew and Lamar. That’s better. Just relax and it will be OK in a while. You just had a nightmare and passed out for a little bit. The nightmare? Something about Kwaq or Shwame? Here, just smoke, I mean, take two of these and go to bed. When you wake up in the morning, the Lakers will have agreed to a 5-year $30M contract with Sasha and all will be fine. Oh, and Kwame will be signing a vet minimum contract with the Clippers in a sort of return to LA.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Kwame Brown - Elden Campbell.
As much as you root or guys like this and it hurts to see the truth, eventually you must resign yourself to the fact that despite moments of brilliance, their time on the court will consist mostly of small disappointments endlessly strung together.
Posted by: thehammer | July 24, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Kwame or no Kwame. Artest or no Artest.
THE ONLY THING THAT TRULY MATTERS is ANDREW BYNUM... WIth Bynum Lakers get a ring. Without Bynum being healthy, NO PEACE!
STAPLES 17 and STAPLES 24
Posted by: Staples 24 | July 24, 2008 at 09:59 PM
LakerTom,
You are rad.
Actually, I'm in Hudson. Better than Shaker Heights.
We need Kwame Brown.
We do.
We really do.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 24, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Bring back Kwame for CHEAP and let's see if he can redeem himself..He already got us a forward..Now if he could just play well he finally would earn his money!
Posted by: zen | July 24, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Jon K.
>>>>>There is a reason why we spent YEARS having an insanely passionate argument about whether or not Kwame Brown was worth anything.
Oh, most certainly. The psychological disorder is known as obsession. The patient? Mike T.
>>>>>He at times is a very good player.
Let's not get carried away. He at times played serviceably ONLY as a starting center in the league. He was better than average at physical post-up D despite being a poor rebounder.
>>>>>He has elements of his game which are truly impressive.
He has one element, physicality.
>>>>>It's not like some worthless idiot was picked to be the Lakers center/power forward.
How about some party-focused, I'm good enough and don't need to improve, mentally weak, small-handed idiot was picked to the be the Lakers PF, but couldn't play that position so had to play center.
>>>>>Kwame has his assets. A lot of them.
Name 3. On the basketball court.
>>>>>We just unrealistically expected too much of him.
Acknowledged.
>>>>>He is not talentless. Quite the opposite, he just is not a Shaquille O'Neal or anything near that.
He's not even an Elden Campbell.
>>>>>He's a remarkable reserve. Nothing more.
Yes like 27M later. I'd say unremarkable, actually except for bodying up.
>>>>>And that's what we need.
It may be what we need. The baggage that comes with it is so negative that I think it will be subtraction by addition. No offense, horrible hands, mental weakness and a desire to just party might be too many bad things combined such that it becomes a deal breaker.
>>>>>Kwame Brown. Sixth man of the year--2009.
LOL
Posted by: Benjamin | July 24, 2008 at 10:55 PM
And the number one reason not to have Kwame return?
You guessed it, no Kwame and we don't have half of the blog posts devoted to Mike T.'s obsession with Kwame and calling everyone an idiot and telling them to shut up that feels otherwise.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 24, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Staples,
>>>>> Kwame or no Kwame. Artest or no Artest.
>>>>>THE ONLY THING THAT TRULY MATTERS is ANDREW BYNUM...
>>>>>With Bynum Lakers get a ring. Without Bynum being healthy, NO PEACE!
>>>>>STAPLES 17 and STAPLES 24
Couldn’t agree with you more, Staples. And 17 and 24 is the daily double that will bring the Lakers that ring.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 24, 2008 at 11:41 PM
For Michael T. and all other Kwame lovers
Here's a blast from the past posted earlier this year
I Pledge allegiance to Kwame Brown
of the NBA Los Angeles Lakers
and to his hands in which they span
invisible
with missed layups, Fumbles, and Jams
********************************************************************************************
Loving You
is easy cuz your calves are cool
Making love to you
is all I want to do
Loving You
is more than just a point or two
and every layup you blew
makes me more in love with you
Loving you
is easy cuz your hands make me drool
and every pass that you lose
I'm still in love with you
Loving You
make Laker fans jealous and cruel
Andrew Bynum's not you
thats why I'm in love with you
la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la
do do do do do do
aaaaahhhhhhhhhh
Posted by: YOU EVER NOTICE | July 25, 2008 at 01:14 AM
To all of y'all talking about defense,
I appreciate the thought. I think y'all are focusing on the
topic of the day and not looking at the bigger picture.
There is talk about LO being the SF next year. This is
BAD. He's going to get smoked by every athletic SF
we play. He is not a bad defensive player, but he is
not a good defensive player either. I love him coming
off the bench as a sub for Pau at the PF position.
Pau is a PF. He played out of position last year at the C.
With Bynum starting at the C, Pau plays PF and we've
got better defense in the middle. Pau can play finesse
at the PF and we're ok.
If you want a backup center with size why not have
Mbenga work with Kareem? He's big, strong, CHEAP.
I think/hope he's teachable/coachable. He's got better
hands than Kwame. [ doesn't everyone? ] His calves
are as big as Kwame's. [ That was for you Mike T. ]
And ... If you're going to get mean, there's nothing like
a judoka for putting someone on the floor. [ I wish there
were some way to ask PJ why he didn't play him more
last year. ]
Farmar is developing nicely. Yes, he's a little short.
So is Fisher & we won 3 rings with him. Almost picked
up a 4th. so ... I'd suggest leaving Farmar alone and
letting him continue to develop.
Something to ponder: If the Lakers keep letting Kobe's
friends go & keep retaining players for feel good reasons
vs. basketball reasons ... Will Kobe re-sign? [ i.e. I
appreciate LO's versatility, but he's inconsistent, doesn't
play defense & he's almost as soft as Pau. ]
If we have the lineup of Kobe, Fisher, Artest, Pau &
Bynum ... Are we winning or losing against Boston?
Posted by: hobbitmage | July 25, 2008 at 05:29 AM
I go away for a couple of days, and come back to this! It's like the gift that keeps on giving.
Jon K.
I think you are getting worked up over nothing. I seriously doubt we will ever see Kwame again. If he doesn't sign as the backup to Eddie Curry in NY, he will be forced to Europe. Mike T. is laughing at you!
Do you forget??
Kwame can't catch.
Kwame can't dribble.
Kwame can't pass.
Kwame can't finish.
Kwame can't make a free throw.
Kwame can't make a layup.
He has nice calves, and sometimes he plays OK D, but other than that what good is he?
STOP THE KWAME MADNESS!
STOP THE KWAME MADNESS!
STOP THE KWAME MADNESS!
STOP THE KWAME MADNESS!
STOP THE KWAME MADNESS!
Posted by: Eric M. | July 25, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Kwame Brown Stinks.
Period.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | July 25, 2008 at 08:26 AM
LakerExile,
>>>Before the Gasol trade Kupchak was the worst then
>>>he was the best. Now the FO does not know what it is
>>>doing letting Ronny go and maybe losing Sasha. A lot
>>>of attention to what we should acquire and very little
>>>as to what we should dump, ...
Look, there were tons of bloggers posting here last summer
that the Lakers should dump Sasha or should go ahead and
trade Kobe or that they should trade Farmar and start Javaris
Crittenton or some other malarkey.
There were a LOT of bloggers (maybe 1 in 3 or 1 in 4) that
thought they should have traded Lamar and Andrew for
Jermaine O'Neal.
You may think you know better than Mitch who the team
should keep and who they should let go, but you don't.
>>>In a rational world there is no rationale for what
>>>the FO has done.
Yeah, it was very irrational of them to build a team that took
them to the NBA Finals. They should have been rational
and gone out in the first round like you want.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 25, 2008 at 08:41 AM
Kwame, Kwame, Kwame - UGH!
It is another Elden Campbell. He can't catch the ball. He plays too deep and under the post. So, he is always out of position for the O which takes away the alley-oop that is so effective with AB, PG, etc.
This is one-time Summer thread for the trolls. I think AK/BK just wanted to throw this one up there to have a genuine belly laugh and calm the higher emotions from earlier in the week.
It's like an April Fool's day thread in the middle of a long, restless Summer of angst for true Lakers fans. I am laughing AK/BK because this one was good.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | July 25, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Psyched,
I would take someone with Elden Campbell's skills over Kwame Brown any day.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 25, 2008 at 09:40 AM
This crap didn't happen when Jerry West ran basketball
operations!
Posted by: Marc Coleman | July 25, 2008 at 10:18 AM