Report Card- Derek Fisher
When the Lakers brought Derek Fisher back to LA, it was with the expectation that he would not only improve them at the point guard position from a talent standpoint- not exactly the tallest of orders, given he was replacing Smush Parker- but help add to and balance the leadership of (a then unhappy) Kobe Bryant in the locker room and on the floor. Fisher wasn't a player still needing to earn Kobe's respect and trust. He already had it.
Mitch Kupchak and Phil Jackson knew they weren't getting the Fisher who could run 30 or 35 minutes a night, as he often did during the Threepeat era, but hoped he could give them good minutes, and that between Jordan Farmar and Javaris Crittenton, the Lakers would be covered.
It's fair to say they got what they were looking for.
During training camp, Fisher told me that he saw his job, in part, as one of teaching the Lakers how to play with Kobe. It can be tough, he said, to run with a star of his drive and high expectations. "Kobe's a dominant basketball player, he's a dominant personality. You have to understand those things and still feel good about who you are as a player, and feel comfortable about going out there and doing the things you need to do," he said. "You still have your space. And that's what he expects from you as a teammate. He doesn't expect you to bend to his pressure. He needs you." Easier said than done, but Fish could lead by example.
Certainly having him around during the three ring media circus that was training camp and the early weeks of the season, with the constant trade talk and endless rumors, was invaluable. As the season went on, Fisher continued to provide leadership on and off the floor, a role that continued into the playoffs.
That Fisher could deliver the intangibles was a given. A larger question heading into the year was how much his play- his actual on-court production- would benefit the team. Remember, Fisher wasn't a top shelf starting point guard during his first stint in LA. Solid, but no superstar. Now three years later and into his 30s, some wondered how much impact have, and whether it would be enough. Again, Fish delivered. While he was no Chris Paul, Fish did what was expected of him, and (depending on your POV) perhaps more, registering career or near career highs in field goal percentage (43.6%), three point shooting (40.6%), free throws (88.3%), and scoring (11.7 ppg).
Defensively, while Fish would sometimes have trouble sticking quicker guards, he certainly constituted an improvement over Parker.
Like many supporting players, night to night Fisher's production would vary. He'd occasionally go cold from the floor (not surprising, since he's never been known as a true knock-down gunner), and suffered through a miserable February shooting slump. But breaking down his splits, it's clear that he was able to provide solid and steady production over all 82 games of the regular season. In the playoffs, Fish shot 45% from the floor, including 44% from downtown, while averaging just over 10 points a game. He struggled against Tony Parker and the Spurs, and like everyone else on the Lakers, wasn't able to exert his will against the Celtics, but overall played reasonably well in the postseason, especially when considering he was playing through a painful injury to his foot.
In the end, what Derek Fisher gave the Lakers this season isn't easily calculated simply by examining the stat sheet. But had his contributions stopped merely with leadership, it's easy to question if the Lakers would have made the run that they did. Relative to the rest of his career, especially, Fisher played well. Whether he's able to sustain it over the rest of his deal remains to be seen, but the Lakers certainly got their money's worth this year.
Grade: B+
BK
Mamba 24,
I'm so confused about RonBill Artest, that I need you to put me on both of those bandwagons...
Posted by: Long Live Chick | July 17, 2008 at 03:15 PM
what about the hours of entertainment Kwame brought us? Firing simple layups off the backboard so hard it lead to fast breaks for the other teams, the cake incident...
“Smush Parker and Kwame Brown are to defense what Dikembe Mutombo is to clear and understandable diction.”
And, yes, you heard right: Phil Jackson did indeed tell reporters earlier this week that he has been regularly calling Kwame Brown a sissy. Except the crude word Phil has been using makes sissy sound like a compliment.
Phil Jackson has acknowledged walking past Brown and purring “Meooooooooow” into the ear of his 7-foot, 275-pound center. You can figure out on your own what Jackson is saying to and about his big kitty-cat with that one editorial comment.”
Kwame Brown’s inability to catch passes continues to irk coach Phil Jackson, who provided yet another humorous quote about Brown’s hands this season.” I just tell these guys to put it on his nose,” Jackson said. “Put the ball on his nose. Either that, or put it in the [groin]. He’s going to catch them either spot.”
On December 26, 2005, he played his first game at the Washington Wizards' MCI Center (now known as Verizon Center) as a Laker. The sold-out crowd of 20,173 fans loudly booed him upon entering the game and whenever he touched the ball. In the 2nd quarter, Brown was looking the other way when teammate Sasha Vujačić threw a pass his way. The ball bounced off his head and landed out of bounds, which was met with loud cheers from the crowd.[3] Brown called the reception "weak" and stated that "they should be cheering that I'm gone."[3] The Wizards won the game 94-91.
“We’re going to feed him Butterfingers on the flight home just so he can feel the effects of it. There was certainly some disappointment in the ability, or non-ability, of Kwame to complete plays that we thought were big plays for us. His teammates are disappointed. He just has to accept the fact that the next time he gets that chance, he doesn’t [fumble].”
On January 13, 2007 the 'cake incident' occurred. Kwame was accused of throwing a cake at a man.
All of this led comedian Phil Jackson to quip, "Well it's natural that the cake would slip from Kwame's hands."
So, it seems, does coach Phil Jackson. Asked about Brown's status, Jackson — referencing the recent, bizarre cake-throwing incident in the South Bay — joked, "Well, he's still out of jail. He's not under indictment."
Posted by: Kwaminus I can teach you, but I have to charge Brownicus | July 17, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Wes,
The description of that trade was confusing to me, as to who's
going where. I worked it up in the trade machine as I understand
it. Here it is:
http://tinyurl.com/5b2ts7
So I guess the theory they're going for is that Sacramento would
give up on the idea of forcing Kenny Thomas' contract into
a deal if they get back both Tyrus Thomas and Jordan Farmar.
And that Chicago would gladly give up Hinrich and Thomas
to get Odom.
I'm not sure I like the deal for the Lakers, though. I like both
Hinrich and Artest, but it would leave the team awwwwfully
thin in the front court. Bynum, Gasol, Radmanovic. That's
it. And it would also increase the Lakers' salary by 3 million,
which would be doubled to 6 million.
Are Hinrich and Artest worth 6 million more than Odom and
Farmar, who were both strong contributors to the best team
in the Western Conference last season? I don't think so.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Charles,
Here's the link:
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9507
I wouldn't say it's so much a rumor as something suggested
by the writer.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Faith,
I didn't think about it that way, I guess. lol
Posted by: Xodus | July 17, 2008 at 03:23 PM
Kwamimus,
>>>Marcus Camby hits the jackpot! Not only was he
>>>"insulted" by the trade... he was "disrespected"!!!
>>>
>>>Yes! INSULTED and DISRESPECTED!!! The common
>>>man can relate, of course...
Pau Gasol gets traded to the Lakers for a bunch of nothing
and rejoices.
Marcus Camby gets traded to the Clippers for a bunch of nothing
and is insulted and disrespected.
It's all a matter of context.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 03:24 PM
.33 percent could mean the difference between honor roll and honor society! LOL.
What'd he get on his SATs lol?
Posted by: Faith | July 17, 2008 at 03:31 PM
can we speak to the dean? lol.
Posted by: Faith | July 17, 2008 at 03:33 PM
The 2008 award for MR.AROUGANT goes to JonK. the dude that loves to bully and flame other bloggers on this site.I hope u love this honour Jon k. b/c u really deserve this special award for a special person MR.AROUNGANT JON K.
Posted by: MR.AROUGANT | July 17, 2008 at 03:42 PM
LTLF,
How does the Lakers salaries increase by 3 million in the Chicago deal?
They give up 17,728,596 and take on 17,400,000
They actually decrease their salary by 328,596
Posted by: Long Live Chick | July 17, 2008 at 03:44 PM
A good article about Jorge Garbajosa and his release from Toronto last month.
http://tinyurl.com/5waqlk
Posted by: Fatty | July 17, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Another thought on the Sasha front...
Another 3-point shooting free agent has signed. Boobie Gibson
re-signed with Cleveland for 20.8 million for 5 years.
Put that together with Posey's 25 million over 4 years and
James Jones' 22 million over 5 years and you have a good
picture of the sort of deal to expect for Sasha.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Long Time Laker Fan
Thanks for the link.
Posted by: Charles | July 17, 2008 at 03:50 PM
JustaLakerFan and Dr. John Smith
Response to a post I missed.
Actually Peginterferon, which as its name indicates is a modified form of interferon, is only more effective than interferon for the treatment of 2 of the 5 Hep C genotypes (HVC 1 and 4). Otherwise, its efficacy is basically the same as interferon's. Ribavirin is a nucleotide analog that is very effective in combination with peginterferon and interferon (for types 2, 3, and 5). But nucleotide analogs tend to make people feel very ill. It has no significant impact on its own. I'm betting, but don't know, that peginterferon is much more expensive than interferon, so a patient might want to check with their doctor to find out which genotype of the virus they have.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Mark Stein's take on the whole Artest situation:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?
columnist=stein_marc&page=VegasChatter-080717
He seems to think that it's a three way race between Dallas, Miami, and the Lakers. And now
all sources seem to be agreeing that the Lakers NEVER offered Lamar for Artest and don't want
to offer Lamar for Artest.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Fatty: that vid was AWESOME!!!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | July 17, 2008 at 04:00 PM
Ya'll got me throwed(Texas)! I wouldn't give him much, but the bi-annual I would give to Kwame all day. As a back up with no real expectation. You find another me big man, a 7 footer, who can clog the lane, defend you big man get some boards. I mean picture him in the Mbenga role and I'll chose the Kwam all day. Now, if Kurt Thomas is available, you go after him, but if not, Kwame might be the best big man for us left available. Like one of th Brothers said earlier. He knows the system and team. He seems to play better for Phil than anyone and we just want some more size and some D. Like right now Mihm is penciled as the back up 5, makes me wanna cry and I like the guy, but he's hurt line Penny Hardaway these past few years. Kwam could serve the purpose and for cheap without starting completely anew with a guy in our system that takes everybody but Pau Gasol 1 year+ to learn and internalize.
Posted by: Najja aka Bonus | July 17, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Long Live Chick,
You're right, my bad. No 3 million difference in salary.
But still, I'd be a little leery of trading two players who really fit
the rotation well and contributed a lot to the Lakers' success for
two players who are both very talented, but who we don't know
how they'd fit chemistry wise with the team.
I was actually more comfortable with the Odom for Artest and Thomas
proposition, where the Lakers would only be giving up one impact
player and getting back a psycho but immensely talented player.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | July 17, 2008 at 04:27 PM
I knew it... you guys are so busy playing grab-ass on this blog that you let Posey slip by and sign with the Hornets. You folks really need to learn that just because it is the off-season does not mean you can afford to take any kind of a break for even the shortest period of time. Please get back to work and do your jobs right.
Posted by: guity | July 17, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Faith -
LOL True, true. I suppose any difference, no matter how small, is still a difference. Fisher definitely made the Dean's List. He'll just need to have a huge Finals next season to make Phi Beta Kappa. :)
So, the FA pool is getting thinner by the day. Today, Azubuike signed with the Clips for $3 mil per. I like that signing for them. He's a decent scorer off the bench and they needed scoring.
My main man Craig Smith just resigned with the Timberwolves. I would have loved to seen him in a Lakers uni.
What does everyone think about what's left? Here's my list of guys I'd like to see the Lakers think about. Of course, I'd only expect to see ONE of the following signed.
Kurt Thomas
Brian Skinner
Dikembe Mutumbo
Theo Ratliff
Ryan Gomes
Chris Andersen
Thoughts?
Posted by: puddle | July 17, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Artest
Yes that was a good article by Stein. It explains exactly where the Artest deal is. Sac is making it tough on anyone who wants him.
But if we did give up LO for Artest and Thomas, here is what we could put on the court in 2008-2009:
PG Fisher, Farmar, Sun Yi
SG Kobe, Sasha,Karl
SF Artest, Ariza, Luke
PF Gasol, Radman, Thomas
C Bynum, Mihm, Kwaminus
Not a bad group. The starting 4 out of 5 would be all-star quality players. Instead of 3 stars, like Boston, we have 4. The best starting lineup in the NBA.
John
Posted by: john_in_houston | July 17, 2008 at 04:54 PM
Puddle,
Lamar already smokes the ganja. Chris Andersen and him would be Cheech and Chong.
Posted by: Charles | July 17, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Guity -
WTH are you talking about? If you mean BK and AK, they reported on it yesterday. If you mean the Lakers front office, good on them for not overpaying. If you mean us bloggers, that's just weird. If you didn't mean any of those things, you sir, are deranged.
Posted by: puddle | July 17, 2008 at 05:00 PM
LAKERTOM'S GAME PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR…
(Just so you know what's coming. LOL)
CE: Bynum Mihm Mbenga
PF: Gasol Odom Garbajosa
SF: Ariza Radmanovic Walton
SG: Bryant Vujacic Karl
PG: Fisher Farmar Yue
This is the roster and depth chart I would like to see the Lakers go with next season, with Sun Yue and Jorge Garbajosa replacing Ira Newbie and Ronnie Turiaf, Trevor Ariza starting at small forward, and Lamar Odom coming off the bench as 6th man and backup power forward. I think most of us have rebounded from the disappointment of the Finals and are back to believing that all the Lakers really need to win the championship next year is a healthy Andrew Bynum and a couple of tweaks of the roster.
And make no mistake, the key to the Lakers becoming a more physical and tough team that can handle the Celtics is Andrew Bynum. I will a prediction right now that Andrew Bynum shows up in camp ripped and fully recovered and plays like a beast hungry for an extension and eager to become the premiere center in the NBA. While the worriers worry and dawdlers dawdle, Andrew will sign his extension and take off right where he left off last year and emerge as the best center in the NBA by the end of the season and one of the leaders in shooting percentage, rebounds, blocked shots, and dunks.
With Andrew protecting the rim, the Lakers perimeter players will unleash an aggressive, tight pressure defense designed to force steals and turnovers and ignite fast breaks and easy transition points. To help that defense be more effective, Trevor Ariza will become the starter at small forward, adding great length, quickness, and athleticism to the starting lineup. No way we want to play a version of the Celtics collapsing seal-the-lane defense. Pressing and trapping with Drew protecting the rim as our goalie is a much better fit for our speed, length, quickness, and athleticism.
Offensively, fueled by their pressing aggressive defense, the Lakers will look to run even more than last year, which is another reason why Lamar Odom remains a much better fit than the other players considered. Lamar going coast to coast is a weapon unlike any other power forward in the game today. It is also the way to beat half court teams like the Celtics, playoffs or no playoffs. Showtime at its best proved those Lakers could run in the playoffs and these Lakers will do the same. We may also see less of the Triangle when we play half court offense and more pick and rolls with anybody and Drew. We may find lobs to Drew to be one of our top offensive weapons next year.
To control the boards and eliminate the glut at small forward, Lamar Odom will move to 6th man and backup power forward. With Andrew and Lamar, the Lakers have 2 of the top 10 rebounders in the entire NBA. We would rotate Bynum, Gasol, and Odom so that we always had either Drew or Lamar in the game to control the boards, with each of the 3 playing 32 minutes a game to cover the 96 minutes of time at center and power forward. The Lakers would then always have a fresh starting-quality center and power forward on the floor for the entire 48-minute game. We would have a huge edge whenever opposing teams rested their starting front court and substituted.
The other exciting development is the possibility of signing Jorge Garbajosa. If he is really fully recovered and healthy, the Lakers should use part of the MLE to make sure we have the best bid. A hard nosed backup power forward who plays great defense and can shoot the 3 would be a huge upgrade over Ronny Turiaf. Throw in a rejuvenated Chris Mihm and DJ Mbenga for insurance and we will have a much bigger and tougher front court next time we face the Celtics.
With Lamar playing power forward (not to say he can’t play other positions when it is to our advantage), all of a sudden we are much stronger at the 4 and no longer overcrowded at the 3. One of the biggest problems I had with the Artest trade was getting back 2 more small forwards, even though Artest can guard some 4’s. I like the idea of Ariza starting and think he will help defensively and offensively. Of course, the threesome of small forwards – Trevor, Vlade, and Luke – could very well end up losing playing time to Kobe or Lamar, but hopefully each will bring the best of what they each do well.
As to the guards, I am looking for Kobe to carry over his defensive intensity from the Olympics and lead the Lakers pressing defense and running attack. I am sure we keep Sasha and think we will re-sign (or exercise an option, although I think we would have had to that long ago if it really existed) on Coby. He has potential and is cheap and everybody likes him. Hopefully, he will show he can shoot. At point, Farmar will pressure Fish to start but Phil will split their time evenly. Farmar will have a great year, much like Deron Williams break-out third year running the Lakers turbo-charged fast break and showing he could be the future at point.
Finally, I am really hoping we Sun Yue signs and joins the team after the Olympics. I love his potential as a point guard in the Triangle at 6-9. He is a like a slimmed down quicker and faster and better-shooting version of Lamar Odom. He could be very tough defender for little guys to beat with his height, length, and jumping and shot blocking ability. He will take some time to adjust to NBA level but he could be our point guard of the future due to his unique package of size, length, and athleticism. Not your father’s (or mine’s) boring, slow, stiff Chinese player. Sun has a little hot dog in him.
Anyway, that’s my Lakers Game Plan for Next Year. Love to hear what anybody thinks, pro or con. Thanks for reading.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 17, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Darius Miles is cleared by doctors to make a come back to NBA play, and say's he will play for the minimum for a title contender since the blazers will have to pay him 9 million if he plays at least 10 games this year. I say sign him for the minimum since we are losing Rony anyway. he was a lottery pick and the Mavericks just worked him out and he was impressive.
Then we can resign Sasha for 20 million for 4 years and were good.
I don't want Artest anywhere near our locker room
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ian_thomsen/07/17/miles/index.html?eref=T1
Posted by: tomK | July 17, 2008 at 05:11 PM
PG Fisher, Farmar, Sun Yi or Crawford
SG Kobe, Sasha,Karl
SF Odom, Ariza, Luke
PF Gasol, Radman, Miles
C Bynum, Mihm, Mbenga
Posted by: tomK | July 17, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Yes Puddle, I am talking about you lazy bloggers. And that includes you individually. Quit day-dreaming and find somebody to toughen up the Lakers front line who isn't some kind of crazy fruitcake.
Posted by: guity | July 17, 2008 at 05:26 PM
Fatty,
THANKS FOR THE GREAT VIDEO. AWESOME!
Bynum the Incredible! I love it!!
How does something like that get past AK and BK??
Thanks Fatty!
BD
Posted by: BD | July 17, 2008 at 05:26 PM
LakerTom,
I like the plan.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 17, 2008 at 05:34 PM
LakerTom,
I only have one thing to say to you.
I really enjoy all your post. Keep'em coming. Thx!
BD
Posted by: BD | July 17, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Long Time,
>>>>> So what do you say Drew? Are you part of the team?
Drew and his agent would have only one response: You’re only offering $50M?
Listen, Long Time, I really love blogging with you and truly respect your mind and writing ability, but there is a long established negotiating process where incentives are discussed after the contract guaranteed amount has been agreed upon. You see, the incentives are designed to be topping or desert, not the main course. From a business standpoint, trying to sell your next franchise player on a ground breaking type of contract would be foolish at best and disastrous at worst, which is why it will never happen. Drew is willing to sign an extension for security. I tell you what, Long Time. I will bet you work for a salary and are not on commission. How would you react to being given a totally different and risky pay structure than any other worker in your company?
What bothers me most about your entire approach, though, is that you cannot see that the very nature of your presentation terribly demeans and disrespects Drew. It’s tone is very condescending. Re-read it.And f it weren’t for Magic, it could almost seem to be racist. It’s the kind of approach that snake oil salesmen (and yes, I’ve sold a little snake oil in my time) use with uneducated homemakers to sell vacuum cleaners. Drew is a very bright and intelligent young man and I truthfully think that not only would he and his agent be very insulted by your approach but they would also have to wonder about the future stability of the franchise with thinking like that. You know as well as I do exactly what Drew’s agent is going to tell him the minute they leave the room.
>>>>> Of course, if you don't feel comfortable with a contract that only
>>>>>gives you a CHANCE to be the highest paid young center in the league,
>>>>>you can play out this season to give us confidence that your knee
>>>>>is back to full
Come on. That’s the oldest sales trick in the business. “If you’re not ready for the Corvette, I can show you a Chevette.” You’re like the running shoe salesman who pulls the same trick on Albert Brooks in Modern Romance. “If you’re not really serious about running, I can show you some of our $5 shoes.”
Getting Drew to agree to a series of easy questions is not going to make him agree to your proposal in the end. Not unless he is some uneducated hayseed that needs to be led down some primrose path. Sales trickery is no substitution for honesty and trying to craft a win-win extension for the Lakers and Drew.
Now you’ve basically told Drew in so many words to take or leave it. His agent would reply fine, we’ll do that and then play out the qualifying offer and join LeBron in the 2009/10 Free Agent Sweepstakes. The one thing you were right about is that it IS all in the presentation and you just lost your franchise player.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 17, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Charles,
>>>>>Lamar already smokes the ganja.
>>>>>Chris Andersen and him would be Cheech and Chong.
Actually, Lamar and I would be a better Cheech and Chong. LOL.
By the way, you can get a doctor’s prescription for ganja now,
as long as you’re not in the NBA? If you’re in the NBA, all you can
do is drink and smoke yourself dead.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 17, 2008 at 05:52 PM
I like your post Laker Tom. I don't really think the Lakers need to make major changes.
People are soon to forget or underestimate the achievement of a young Laker squad winning the WC and losing the Finals to a veteran filled Celtics without Bynum and a not fully recovered Ariza.
The biggest changes have already been made: Bynum and Ariza coming back.
None of the FA signings or draft picks have changed the NBA landscape for next year.
Celtics s/d still be seeded first bec. they are the defending champs fair and square but there is no other team closer to them than the Lakers.
And the Lakers adding Bynum and Ariza, and the Celtics losing Posey will be enough to change next year's result.
It is fair to wonder if the Celtics would have even won this year if they didn't have Posey.
Replacing Turiaf with Garbajosa, and Newbie with Sun look like improvements. Minor improvements but not bad at all.
Taking on an Artest with his personality problems is too big a risk. A risk the Lakers simply have no rational reason to make. No poker player or stock market trader would take that risk. It is simply irrational and idle sports forum blather.
Did anyone read the statements made by Artest recently? They sound like the ravings of a totally demented man - someone who has lost it!
To me the biggest risk next year is of course injuries, but they always are. And the Lakers are no worse than other teams in this respect.
The second risk is Fisher and Kobe getting older. Will either of them or both of them lose a step, half a step by next year?
Posted by: LakerinBC | July 17, 2008 at 05:54 PM
wasn't today the last day for the lakers to match ronny's extension????
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | July 17, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Hasn't it been more than a week since Ronny got the offer sheet? Just saying.
Posted by: laker hopeful | July 17, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Laker Tom
I think on the blog sometimes we overlook what a wall of a defense we have with AB - Pau - Odom.
Sure we see weaknesses in LO not being able to spread the court with his lack of shooting. But, if we have to key in on the defense and give some of the offense away, so be it.
Those three with Kobe and Fish (or Ariza) can make it very difficult for any NBA team to score on. It gives the Lakers incredible length and quickness for rotations, but still guarantees complete domination on the boards.
All of the players you mentioned are smart chemistry guys. Each will have a specific role to learn and will play less minutes as I think PJ will go deep into the bench next year.
Less minutes will mean less in the stat dept. but less injuries as well. PJ has a host of combos to be used. Lakers intensity should never have a drop off.
Everyone wants a tough defensively minded team. We have all the tools to accomplish that with AB and Trevor. I don't mind giving up a little offense from time to time, if it means we stuff the opposition. Do the math. If we hold teams to 42% and we are shooting at 46%, we win by double digits every time if we control the boards and limit TO's.
'Defense wins Championships'.
- Faith
'We aim to dominate'
- Andrew Bynum
'Man, that was some crazy acid I used on the beach'
- Phil Jackson
Posted by: Fatty | July 17, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I will go with the line up of LakerTom where Garbo is in.
Then I suggest the setting up a 2nd laker team not merely D'Fenders but some kind of a minor league with promise to bring them to the team if an opening comes up. Among these players we'll consider are as follows:
* Crawford G
* Mata-Real F
* Caner-Medley F
* Jefferson F
They will receive a rigorous training and if the present roster do not pan out, let us bring in the young players trade the veterans to future trade picks as soon as possible. Currently, there are two Lakers whose contracts are expiring at the end of the season namely: Mihm and Odom. Lakers should be looking ahead than dealing at the end of their contract. Just like any institutions as the veterans are aging and retiring, the incoming freshman are competing entry to the pipeline. This will be known as the School of the Lakers, something first in the League, we create our pool of players aside from the pool in the League itself. We will establish some extentions with the Euro League team, South American League, Asian League, where we exchanged players in the future so incomewise our minor leaguers have a destination for job stability. There will be outsourcing and insourcing scheme within the CBA guidelines but will choose players that they don't draft or don't need will be our market. The future Laker school will have an advantage because we have famous professors from Kareem, Magic, Worthy, Cooper, Green, Rambis. The Lakers Standard should be determined to avoid producing underachieving players who lacked fundamentals in basketball.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 17, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Fatty,
Thanks. That was a great treat. Every time I see highlights of Drew, it sends shivers down my spine. He is so freaking amazing that you just cannot believe your eyes. And he is only 20 years old.
Before any bloggers post about Drew not being worth the max or letting him test out free agency, they should be required to start their post by stating that they have watched the Making of a Beast or The Incredible Bynum. Anything less is gross negligence.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | July 17, 2008 at 06:10 PM
Crawford on the Fakers?
Why would Crawford want to play for the Los Angeles Losers?
Go to the C's, you'll have a better shot at a title.
hahaahahhaahaha
foos.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 17, 2008 at 06:11 PM
tomK,
I used to love Darius Miles when he was a Clipper, then he got traded to Cleveland and EVERYTHING went wrong.
I'm just not into bringing physically talented, psychologically/emotionally diseased/dysfunctional individuals on this team (aka Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, Ron Bill Ron Ron d'Artest, Isiah Rider, Darius Miles, etc.).
1. They're hard to root for.
2. They don't help the collective vibe of the team.
3. They have scandals on the side when not playing.
4. They run into the stands and choke nacho vendors.
5. They don't make the team better.
So... yeah... though I was once a big Darius Miles fan, methinks Cleveland ruined him. I can understand why.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | July 17, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Camby 'Insulted' by trade:
"After blocking 1,126 shots in six seasons with the Nuggets, center Marcus Camby took a few Wednesday.
Still trying to come to grips with his trade from Denver to the Los Angeles Clippers, Camby talked candidly about his disappointment in the hours after his abrupt departure.
"Blindsided, distraught, disrespected. All those adjectives. I definitely feel insulted," he said in a telephone interview with the Rocky Mountain News.
"When I first heard about the trade, I felt like I was the scapegoat after all our past first-round exits and failures and lack of defense. I felt it was them telling me that I was no longer wanted and I was the cause of everything that went wrong the last couple years on this team.
"I'm still in disbelief. I'm still in shock. I still can't believe this happened."
I told you he wasn't all that he's made out to be. Camby is insulted because he knows that no one, but no one trades a true defensive center. They're too hard to come by. But what Camby refuses to acknowledge is that he's not a good post defender. He doesn't stop penetration. What he does well is on help defense. That's where he gets most of his blocks. But that help is after the fact that penetration has occured.
But Camby's response is a good indication of how a true championship level defensive center should feel about getting traded for a 2nd round pick. The guy is in shock. And if he was really a true and effective defensive center he would have every right to be insulted. But the Nuggets know that what Camby does is in the regular season is against teams that run up and down the court in their style of play. Against a set offense, Camby is too skinny to be effective.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 17, 2008 at 06:27 PM
"that no one, but no one trades a true defensive center"
The Lakers certainly don't. (Not counting Shaq, since he forced their hand.)
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 17, 2008 at 06:43 PM
"C" you girls later.
Don't forget, your Fakers' stink.
My C's showcased you wannabes especially your Starlet Jordan.
hahahahahhaah
"Top of the World" --KG after destroying the Fakers and the so-called "best player on the planet"
hahahhahahaah
"You're not Jordan" Boston Garden crowd sing to your Starlet.
Sweeeeet dreams girls.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 17, 2008 at 06:44 PM
bk
fisher is A
Posted by: dr turk | July 17, 2008 at 06:49 PM
You're silly Mike t.
Stop with your BS.
Posted by: Anthony "Pig Bill" Miller | July 17, 2008 at 07:08 PM
More on Camby:
From Yahoo.com Sports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/
blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Camby
-as-a-Clipper-one-day-later;_ylt
=AvDze9K4D4GGZEYpWxZTrjK8vLYF?urn=nba,94347
1). Ask anyone who saw a Nuggets game last year and the one prior that wasn't on national TV, and they'll tell you that Marcus Camby is overrated as a defender.
I'm not being cool, I'm not acting the contrarian, and I'm not trying to fly in the face of conventional wisdom just to keep things interesting. The guy doesn't leave the paint, he doesn't fight through screens, he won't show on a pick and roll, and he can (as it has been since 1996) be bullied in the low post.
This fine post from Pickaxe and Roll leads to a series of other fine posts that echo what the proprietor of that site and other Nugget fans have been saying: Marcus gets blocks, and defensive rebounds, but he hurts his team defensively at times. I'm not going to go as far as to say that he hurts the team "nearly" as much defensively as he helps it - defensive boards and blocked shots still count - but Defensive Player of the Year? All-NBA Defense? No way.
So here is Los Angeles' (not entirely pitiable, I submit) dilemma: Camby and Chris Kaman seem like a pair that could use the bumps in one head to fill the holes in another. The rebounds are there, the blocks are there, so the defense has to be there ... right?
Not quite. One of these guys is going to actually deign to move their feet and contest or take away a shot or 19, over the course of a game (especially with the limited Clipper depth).
Neither Camby or Chris have shown an interest in that sort of role since 2003 or so, and while that allows for the stats to pile up, it could also for a center or power forward with any sort of touch or handle or screen-settling abilities (or, Larry Graham-forbid, some combination of the three) to have a field day even as the two combine for five blocks and 25 rebounds.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 17, 2008 at 07:24 PM
Laker Tom -
I do like the plan that you have for the team. I just wonder if L.O. will go for it; if Trevor is ready; if moving Luke to that role will completely obliterate his confidence; if garbajosa's broken leg has completely healed; and if we can keep everyone healthy.
Not a long list of concerns, especially for a title-contending team. Health is my biggest worry (and fortunately, it's the only major worry that I have).
Let's see if that plan comes to fruition!
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | July 17, 2008 at 07:30 PM
AK
You are a fake! You won't post profanity of others or the select few that challenge you on your love affection for Luke! But I noticed your profane post! What happen to the La times language rule that you don't abide by.
P.S Hypocrite!!!
Posted by: chuck23 | July 17, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Let's go C's
I know, you live in the swamp under Fenway. The methane gas there is probably effecting your personality.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 17, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Chuck 23,
"AK, You are a fake! You won't post profanity of others or the select few that challenge you on your love affection for Luke! But I noticed your profane post! What happen to the La times language rule that you don't abide by. P.S Hypocrite!!!"
What are you even talking about? I don't have the slightest clue. If you're gonna insist on babbling nonsense as usual, will you at least show provide a reference point to the nonsense. Otherwise, stop making up stuff up and wasting both of our time.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | July 17, 2008 at 07:45 PM