Ronny the Warrior
And we mean that literally. ESPN.com is reporting that the Lakers will not match the four-year, $17-million offer sheet Ronny Turiaf signed with Golden State, meaning he will officially become a Warrior. No official confirmation from El Segundo, but since the report essentially confirms what most have said would happen over the course of the week, I have no reason to question the accuracy. It's a disappointment, for sure, as Turiaf was about as well loved (deservedly so) as a Laker can be, but it's hardly a surprise, either. Given where he's projected to fit in the current rotation, that's a lot of scratch for the Lakers to pony up, especially with the Sasha Vujacic situation yet to play out.
As for Turiaf, he'll almost assuredly get more playing time up in the great north than he would have in L.A., though obviously it's a step down in terms of postseason hopes. I certainly can't begrudge him for accepting the offer. Best of luck from Lakers Blog.
BK
If I have a choice of getting rid of either Walton or Rad it would be Walton because Rad can shoot the ball. Plus we can't afford to get rid of both Sasha and Rad. One has to stay. Out of the three: Walton, Rad and Sasha...two have to go and the one that stays has to be able to shoot. And that's either Rad or Sasha.
But here's the thing. No one will take Walton or Mihm. In the right situation Rad can provide shooting. Sasha can provide shooting. But Walton and Mihm? Nothing!
The Lakers are stuck!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 18, 2008 at 10:36 PM
ex, are you really taking the position that the Lakers were close to the Celtics in the finals (or in 2 regular season games)? If so, then I guess we are talking past each other. To me (and everybody I know) the Celtics were FAR superior. Just writing that sentence is hard for me, especially about the Celtics, but facts are facts.
I don't disagree with MH that offense was the main problem. In fact, this is precisely why I think Artest is the perfect fit. He immediately makes the Lakers tougher--something they would benefit from greatly. However, his value is on both ends of the court.
I completely disagree with the idea that Andrew's return opens up the floor for Kobe and Lamar. In fact, I think the exact opposite is the case. With two seven footers, you can guarantee that every team in the leage will drop off Lamar and essentially play zone. Lamar will be incredibly easy to defend. He can't dribble right, and he can't shoot the jumper with any consistency (please, don't cite his FG percentage, something that is hardly impressive when you consider the percentage of his shots that came from point blank range).
The Lakers need a guy who can shoot from the outside at the SF position. A three point specialist is not necessary, but someone who will take (and make) 17 foot jumpers is critical. WIthout this, defenses will sag off Lamar and pack the paint.
So, Artest makes them tougher, makes them better defensively and helps them spread the floor offensively thereby making them better on that end. Tell me how any of this is wrong. You would have a starting lineup with 4 potential allstars plus Fisher. If Odom can't be an allstar when he is the #1 option (most of his career), a #2 option (most of his Laker career) or a #3 option (this year), I don't see him breaking that drought as the #4 option.....
Posted by: Leo | July 18, 2008 at 10:38 PM
ex,
I hear you. I think Perkins is really a non-factor unless he gets to play Gasol on defense. If he has to stick to Bynum, that leaves Garnett on Gasol 1 on 1. I don't think Garnett has the type of defensive game to stop Gasol on a consistent basis like Perkins does.
Pierce was the problem for us. Boston did not have a revolutionary frontline. Bynum and Gasol could be a revolutionary frontline in my opinion.
But Bynum is still a question mark. Turiaf is gone. I'm just saying, Kwame should be on the radar since he started over Turiaf.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | July 18, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Guys, seriously why do we even listen to Mike T.? Am I the only one that notices that he’s off his meds? And does anyone know the technical term for someone that has an unnatural fascination with giant claves?
Posted by: Elle | July 18, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Ex and AK are exactly right. The Laker team coming into camp this year will include one player who is the equivalent to the biggest free agent signing of the off-season and another who would rank in the top 10 at the very least. The fewer changes to the Laker roster the better.
I was sort of hoping that Kwame could come back at around 2 mil per year or so and give us about 10 min per game, but if Mike T is going to be beating his drum incessantly, I believe I would prefer to pass.
I'll miss Ronny and root for him when I can. I hope he gets the minutes he deserves.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 18, 2008 at 10:42 PM
John, you are a wise man....
Posted by: Leo | July 18, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Mike T - this blog's a great place for opinions, predictions, etc... and there's plenty of room for all of them. You mention possible micro-facture surgery and that's your right. I on the other hand choose to look at things differently, and of course, that's my right as well.
I choose to believe that Drew's getting better and stronger every day, that he's had his knee scoped and now he's rehabbing and he'll be ready to go full strength by training camp. I believe he'll come back totally hungry and dedicated... that he missed playing, missed the fun and REALLY missed the oportunity to play in the finals.
I can't wait to see Drew and Pau playing side-by-side. It's going to be awesome. I'm going to hope and trust that Mitch brings in a defensive banger to give us solid bench minutes and shore up things up physically because we all know that the power game isn't Pau's thing and that's okay - he brings plenty of other good stuff to the table.
I hope you're having a great summer. I'm glad you're back on the blog.
Posted by: dave m | July 18, 2008 at 10:44 PM
You know what we are all assuming that it will be a repeat performance of Lakers vs. Celtics next year. Reality check - these two teams might not even represent their conference. "Don't count the chicks before they are hatched" Don't talk of guarding Pierce when lakers will only face them twice in the 82 games, it has to be our opponents in Pacific Division, then Western Conference before thinking of the Eastern Conference.
With regards to why we lost the Championship, it's only in this blog that we gave credit that we're just two wins away, a mere justification referred as "Consuelo de Bobo". (A graceful exit) If you ask another friend of yours who is not necessarily a die hard Laker but cheered for this team during the finals, he will speak the truth without any qualms of fandom or glass half full. Ask them. They may reside in other states or in Northern California, they will tell you the reason why we lost to the Celtics? I will not provide any clue but it is up to you, guys & gals to be more balance with your fandom by making a survey around you.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 18, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Bummers! Ronny played with passion and what a great attitude. We get stuck with losers like Walton and RadMan. I hope another good trade is coming our way Mitch. We need to toughen up or we're going to get wiped off the floor. Best to Ronny and hope he's back with us in the future!!
Posted by: DK | July 18, 2008 at 10:46 PM
KB...
is he gonna start?
nope.
get over it.
are you hurt by him coming to LA the first time for CB?
oh, sure, but, again....get over it.
but, let's be rational, ladies....
he's a 6'11", 270(ish) pounder that actually plays some D in the middle against the big guys.
did you get your hopes up on him the first time around?
um....yeah...duh.
i did, too.
but, get over it.
he's MORE than a servicable center for us.
he knows the triangle.
he WILL know his role.
he will probably have to start sporadically.
the "guys" know him.
he's pretty young.
he knows that PJ will give him shit, but in a reduced role, he (PJ) might really like him.
and you ladies need to stop.
you girls act as if you were expecting brad pitt, and you got tobey maguire.
jesus.
he's a good center, and he will fit our needs.
will he start?
yeah, prolly 20 games in place of PG or AB....
will he be a good backup?
total.
he knows the TRI and the guys like him.
if he starts, what can we expect?
given 20 games.....he might explode for 5 where he gets 20/10.
another 10 where he gets 8/8.
another 5 where de disappears.
i'd rather have that for the ME than Chris Mihm (no offense, dude).
but, he's huge, and gives us TRUE Laker fans a defensive presence off the bench.
if we get the C's again in the finals, he will give K-Perk FITS, let alone the big body he will be on KG.
and he's actually got good help D.
give the guy some cred, girls.
he'd be a great pick up.
Posted by: The Detective | July 18, 2008 at 10:47 PM
Squid, are you for real? Kwame Brown? A mentally weak perennial underachiever with the worst hands of any player in league history? For god's sake, $2 million for THAT?
If you think Kwame is worth $2 million you must be devastated that the Lakers didn't pay Turiaf $4 mil.
I just sort of assumed all the these pro-Kwame posts were sarcastic, but you scare me.
Posted by: Leo | July 18, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Kwame for 2 million is a bargain.
Posted by: Rocky | July 18, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Phil Jackson and Mitch have already admitted that the Lakers are too soft. Jerry West said Gasol and Bynum wouldn't work. Almost everyone who saw the Boston series acknowleges that the Lakers are soft. But what makes it so bad is that the Lakers 4 million into the luxuary tax with only 10 players. How do you sign Turiaf and Sasha? You have 5 player of those 10 with this situation. Walton, Rad and Mihm who can't play defense. You have two, Bynum and Ariza who have bone structure problems with their knee and ankle.
Now we're, in theory, down to 5 players taking up 75 million. But like I said...the Lakers are stuck.
Bynum's injury has a high occurrence of happening again. That was reported right after Bynum got injured. I mean Bynum could come to camp ready but his knee is, in theory, made of glass. In other words: It can go out again at any moment at the same level. That's when the Lakers wouldn't mess around and make Bynum have microfacture surgery. The Lakers need insurance.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 18, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Mike T,
Bringing Kwame back would make me puke. Let it go.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | July 18, 2008 at 10:57 PM
Good News on Bynum!!!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba
/news/story?id=3496084
Posted by: scorpiomike | July 18, 2008 at 10:57 PM
I'll take Kwame back instead of Kurt Thomas, depending on the price. It's funny we or the organization thinks the luxury tax is bad now what happens when Kobe opts out next season and seeks a new deal, LO has a all-star year and we have ro re-sign him, & Andrew gets his extension ( not to mention Pau's contract) ????
Just a thought
Posted by: LALAKERLOVER | July 18, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Leo
Pau has a solid 17 foot jump shot. Thats why KG and other PF will have to stay at home. Andrew and Pau will not be standing next to each other in the paint.
MH
Posted by: michael h | July 18, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Kwame is strong enough to hang with the big boys. We know that, we're Laker fans.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | July 18, 2008 at 11:03 PM
Kwame is way better than Mbenga talent wise, not heart wise.
Posted by: Rocky | July 18, 2008 at 11:08 PM
"To me (and everybody I know) the Celtics were FAR superior"
No, they weren't. You are blinded by Game 6.
Next season, if the same two teams meet in the Finals:
Gasol has a solid 15-18 foot shot, a decent short hook shot, and can drive if his defender plays off him. He is also an excellent passer. So he doesn't have to clog the lane. He gets the ball 15-20 feet from the basket. His defender plays him tight, he passes the ball into Bynum. His defender plays off him, he shoots or drives. In the meantime, you have Ariza or Odom cutting to the basket. And Fisher sitting at the three point line. And the best player in basketball, who could be anywhere.
I like Bynum's chances getting the ball in close. Perkins will foul out in the first 10 minutes of the game. And Bynum is a good passer - if he gets doubled, Gasol, Kobe, Fisher, and Odom/Ariza are open.
Or Kobe has the ball and is penetrating. Who comes in to help? They try and single-cover him, force him away from his favorite spots. So he passes the ball into Bynum. Because now Bynum is on the inside instead of Odom. So next time they sag off Kobe just enough to keep him from passing the ball into Bynum, and suddenly he has room to take that mid-range jump shot.
You are assuming that Lamar will be playing SF. I guarantee that if he isn't making his outside shots, he will be coming off the bench. And that might be what happens anyway. This roster (when healthy) is the most flexible in the league - they are not going to go with a lineup that isn't working.
And this Lakers roster had significant changes from training camp to the Finals. (That wasn't anywhere near as much an issue with the Celtics.)Both the starting center and the backup center gone. New center, really a PF, only had 30 games with the team, plus having to make a mid-season corss-country move. Team just getting used to a new, good perimeter defender, and he's out for (effectively) the rest of the season.
The Celtics had home court advantage, which they deserved. But give that to the Lakers - you don't think the outcome of any of those games would be different?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 18, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Read this:
"Against the dominating frontcourt of the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals, Turiaf totaled 11 points and four rebounds, none on the offensive boards, in the six games while averaging 10.3 minutes."
Sports writer after sports writer knows what the deal is with the Boston Celtics. THE DOMINATING FRONTCOURT!
Remember how many alley-oops Bynum was getting during the regular season? All of that was based on teams playing bad defense. THE DOMINATING FRONTCOURT of the Celtics won't allow any of that.
What that means is that the Lakers need to match the Celtics defensively.
Everyone knows the Lakers are soft and that's why they let Ronny walk. And Bynum is nothing more than a question mark. Against a good defensive team Bynum was shut down in the regular season.
Bynum would start out getting a lot of points but then even the Warriors would put a body on him and then the points were harder to get. When you put a team that plays defense from start to finish...then Bynum is a question mark that Boston has already answered.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | July 18, 2008 at 11:15 PM
For those of you wanting Kwame back - I'm curious.
Why do you think that Memphis apparently hasn't made him any offers at all?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 18, 2008 at 11:18 PM
ex,
You are right.
Without Posey, the Celtics will be exposed. The Pistons are salivating trying to get at the C's.
My point is that we should get Kwame as an insurance policy in case Bynum goes down again.
Kwame is a good locker room guy and he has the ability to do what we need him to do.
Whether he actually does it or not is another story.
But there's no denying that Kwame can do what we need/want him to do.
We paid him 9 million, let's get him for 2 million or less.
Posted by: Rocky | July 18, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Memphis is building for the future.
The future is now for the Lakers.
Kwame would definitely help the Lakers right now. We know he could guard the likes of Duncan, Garnett, Boozer; no problem. 1 on 1.
Posted by: Rocky | July 18, 2008 at 11:32 PM
John in Houston
"Artest would push us over the edge"
I whole heartily agree with that assessment. He won't be able to help the Lakers when he has been suspended by the NBA for whatever.
It would be foolish to bring him in especially giving away LO for him. That's why I was so glad to hear that the Lakers never offered LO for the nutcase. It was all some media stuff to get some hits like Eric Pincus alluded to.
Thankfully the Lakers FO didn't go crazy on us and do something silly like blowing up a contending team just because a few fans have become hysterical. They need to calm down, take a deep breath, and patiently wait till next year.
Posted by: AN 1 | July 18, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Mike T -
The Lakers aren't "stuck". They just has a great season. Best record in the west. WON the west. Went to the finals. Not stuck.
Drew's coming back - this will make the Lakers BETTER. Still not stuck.
Thye lost Turief, they'll find somebody else to fill the slot. Pretty much sure that doesn't equate to stuck.
Is Luke Walton overpaid? Probably, like a whole lot of other players. Kwame was so overpaid it was riidiculous. We were "stuck" with him but then we got unstuck and swaped him for Pau. Other coaches, GM's and players were amazed at this feat.
We're going to have a deep team this coming year. We're going to win a ton of games. It will be good. Watch and see.
Posted by: dave m | July 18, 2008 at 11:33 PM
For those of you wanting Kwame back - I'm curious.
Why do you think that Memphis apparently hasn't made him any offers at all?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 18, 2008 at 11:18 PM
Cause they've seen him "play"?
Posted by: Elle | July 18, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Aren't we lucky to have Phil Jackson as our coach?
He tested Kwame unlike the Memphis coach. We know what Kwame can do, they don't. They thought he was some loser who got boo'd by the home crowd.
Us Laker fans are basketball fans. We know what a basketball player can do. Kwame can guard the post and put his body in the paint. Kwame knows what he can do for a basketball team. Don't expect him to be a force on offense, he's not. He'll solidify a defense. He did it for a team that had Smush Parker as it's point guard.
He'll be perfect as a cheap insurance policy for Bynum.
Good night Lakerblog.
Posted by: Rocky | July 18, 2008 at 11:50 PM
This is how much I love Turiaf. When he would get up and start doing his crazy dances during timeouts, I would join him too and do the dances with him (I made sure my door was closed that's the only way I can watch my lakers). The man has the heart of gold and I would miss him crazy. His enthusiasm for the game brought many joy to me while I watched lakers play. It will be sad to see him cheering for another team.
The one guy I did not want to go was Turiaf. I hate money.
Posted by: wow | July 19, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Kwame Brown is your Fakers' savior?
haahahhahahaha
You LOSERS are desperate.
Keep yapping abouts how your Loser for fair next year.
"Top of the World!" KG
haahhahaahh
foos
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 19, 2008 at 12:28 AM
You Fakers are soft.
SOFT.
What happend to your "best player on the planet" who can "get off at any time" whinny, whinny fool?
Disappeared in Game 4 and Game 6.
So much for being the next Jordan.
ahhahaahahahahha
"I can get off at any time" Kobe Bryant before getting blown out by 40 points in a closeout gmae.
PATHETIC.
PATHETIC.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | July 19, 2008 at 12:31 AM
why be modest...we lost on both offense and defense.
Defense most specifically in the game changing plays (e.g. Posey big shots, PP big 3s). Offense...Pau, Kobe, LO, Fish, Vlad, etc.
But it is remarkably obvious that out of the things we most need improvement on it's on the defensive end...which is why Kobe and the Lakers called for such in the upcoming season.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | July 19, 2008 at 12:47 AM
I have a bad feeling Mitch is going to make us an even bigger bunch of weenies than we've been.
You better do something cool, esp to improve our D and toughness.
Posted by: Benjamin | July 18, 2008 at 08:33 PM
---------------------------
Unfortunately sad but true. But Mitch is not the culprit as JB was the final decision on this and did not want to pay. Sad sad day.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 19, 2008 at 01:26 AM
dude... if we can get kwame for like 2 million we have to do it.. i mean he still plays some defense.. 2 million dollars for a backup center is a bargain -- we might not even have to pay 2 million since no1 else in the league would sign him...
Go Lakers
Posted by: David "Sasha" Whang | July 19, 2008 at 01:28 AM
I believe it's imperative that we still sign Sasha. Continuity in players is very helpful to a team. Sasha has improved every year and provides extremely helpful outside shooting. He also seems interested in playing good defense and is willing to put in a strong effort in that regard.
The news about Sasha is going to reignite LakerTom's paranoia about low-balling Bynum.
It sounds like the Lakers are trying hard to minimize luxury tax burden in a very major way.
Given how poorly Mitch handled Kobe/Shaq, I don't have the greatest confidence he will make the best decisions here. He strikes me as a cold business-bot, not a guy that garners my loyalty and affection.
I believe it matters how you treat people in any business. Human capital is the most unique and valuable to any business. We'll see how this situation pans out, but it has me a little concerned.
"Word is talks with the Lakers and Sasha are not going anywhere fast and his camp is growing concerned that the Lakers may not be ready to pony up – Sasha has fired his agent Bill Duffy and is in the process of returning to Rob Pelinka in hopes of jump starting real discussions. Lakers sources say the change in agents basically starts everything over, and that a deal is not out of the question, it simply has to be in the right context and situation."
A deal is not out of the question? What the hell kind of rhetoric is that?
Posted by: Benjamin | July 18, 2008 at 08:40 PM
---------------------------
So many debates here but will pass up on except one!
For someone who called out Laker Tom in mentioning Bynum, it is actually you who mentioned him first on this thread!
The rest I will save for another day. Getting late.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 19, 2008 at 01:31 AM
No worries folks. Ronny will go up north and grow tremendously as a leader and mentor, just like Fish did, then come right back to us
Posted by: Vonislav Waferdenko | July 18, 2008 at 08:49 PM
----------------------------
Why does he have a daughter with eye cancer too?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | July 19, 2008 at 01:33 AM
Benjamin,
I share your thoughts as well about the stalemate involving Sasha and the FO. You can thank two words in particular: FREE AGENCY! This business concept has certainly hampered the plans and dreams of most teams in building a winning product for years. However, It is fair to say that it has also helped a few teams win consistently through time as well, like our Lakers. In general, it's a double-edged sword to say the least.
Loyalty has sadly become a second fiddle to fiscal survival of most pro teams whether considered a big or small market. Teams are so concerned about having long term success without the risk of mortgaging their futures. That's why I've grown to appreciate over the years what our Lakeshow accomplished during their 3-Peat run. In my opinion, REPEATING a championship (back to back) in today's pro sports is difficult because of the financial landscape that always seems to change with the tides.
In the human equation, losing Ronny is like losing a brother who watches your back and cares about your being. In the business side, he's going to make a whole lot of dough for himself and his family that have nothing to do with how we feel or think! No matter how you look at it, it's tough as fans to swallow.
Unfortunately, I've come to understand over the years that pro sports, in the final analysis, is nothing but a BUSINESS that's way bigger than fans like us who enjoy the game! LakerTom has certainly highlighted that aspect on many posts, especially on the topics concerning trade scenarios or possible acquisition of key players. The bottom line for any team is to WIN with minimal costs while maximizing profits (of course, considered utopian by most).
Think about this? A majority of team owners have already built luxury boxes in arenas (new ones especially), upgraded concessions equaling what amounts to a mini mall concept to attract more fans, and raised game ticket prices from time to time (especially courtside tickets) to keep up with profits. As long a their team is WINNING, fans subconsciously would not mind paying for a product like this to see. Nothing like a happy customer to please from their vantage point!
Getting back to Turiaf! If it's any consolation, I'm going to miss Ronny myself and what he brought to the table in terms of passion and energy on the court. This coming from a guy who had a serious heart problem not long ago. What's not to be loyal about that! I wish him well.
My fellow fan, we can only hope that the Lakers organization will make wise decisions concerning players in the upcoming months to keep us excited about the product we grown to love and care about. Darn, can't wait till October!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | July 19, 2008 at 03:51 AM
Sad to see you go Ronny Best of luck!!!
Any bob Dylan fans message me at straydan2@hotmail.com...Ive got something you might be interested in
Posted by: Kiwi | July 19, 2008 at 05:24 AM
Lord have Mercy. Y'all are killing me with this KWAME stuff. Are we talking about the same Kwame Brown who couldn't catch a cold?
Okay, we give Kwame, hmmm, $1,500 per week plus per diem.
Unless, of course, we're talking about Kwame Green, or Kwame Blue, or Kwame Purple.
But Kwame Brown???
Posted by: Larry F. | July 19, 2008 at 06:28 AM
There are so many good players among the youth, and many more among not so young experienced players who are getting recognition in the Euro League whether foreign or americans, can we move our discussion beyond the scrubs of yesteryears namely: Kwame, Luke, Smush, Cookie. Perhaps, include here Ronny Turiaf who chose not to be a Laker. The past is past and leave it to history for future analysts to decipher, there are new guys applying in the Summer League. Yes, they are not fully ready but they have the potentials, they can run, shoot and jump with decent FG% at 45% and FT% of 70%. Give them a break and let's move on to the future. The best thing is they are cheap and not salary cap headaches.
With regards to dreams, try put some realistic assessment in it. You can't dream of a great team at 90M payroll and 20M luxury taxes. Dream at 75M total and make it happen. Lakers are already paying the highest courtside seats and possibly highest basketball seat in NBA just to watch a basketball game. Lakers are already paying the highest for a Coach with extra Coach for Bynum who was recently on the bench. Our fans are already suffering from the effects of recessions whether in gasoline, food, and lost of jobs so please temper your dreams with the reality of the times. Winning comes with right chemistry and proper training. It goes with attitude that players want to win not just play for the sake of fulfilling a contract. Winning is also associated with luck that the marquee players would be healthy throughout the year and in the playoffs - that was what Chick said when Magic got hurt in the late eighties against the Pistons. It comes with game after game, leading the division and at the end of the year seizing the home court advantage in both conferences. You can't paint that picture in July through stats and debating prowess, normally, it is in February when you can make full assessments of what you have assembled. Therefore, if you guys kept on discussing who will guard Perkins, who will guard Pierce, who will guard KG? and so forth, that is immaterial and too dam premature. The TEAM will guard all those guys, not only the Celtics but the other 7 contenders here in the West. Assemble a great team, train them well in the preseason and create a culture of wanting to win during the season, then you have a team in the playoffs.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 19, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Thanks for the link scorpiomike-
It looks like doomsday scenerios for Bynum were premature. Similar to the foregone conclusion that the Celtics will make the Finals and be the same team next year. Don't forget that they lost Posey. There are a ton of young talented teams in the East who I think will be quite good this year (Orlando, Atlanta, Toronto, and Wizards with Arenas). All of these teams will be better according to my calculus, and I think the Celtics will be worse (age, loss of Posey, "new car smell" gone).
Frankly, my concern going forward is the Trail Blazers. They seriously dominated the Lakers last year. I think there were some extenuating circumstances like back-to-backs or whatever, but I recall the Lakers looking outclassed by the Oden-less Blazers. What will this year (and next) bring? Another team the Lakers must get past is the Hornets. They addressed their weaknesses at the end of last season and this offseason by aquiring Wells and Posey. They are a fun team to watch, they play defense (Scott is an underrated coach) and no one has an answer for Chris Paul (D-Fish is good against Paul's doppleganger in Utah, but probably not Paul).
My fear is that other teams will employ the Celtics "pack the lane", slough off of Lamar, defense on the Lakers. Of course, during the regular season the referees will not allow the type of defense the Celtics deployed in the finals (i.e. holding, cringe inducing illegal screens, fouls on every posession - this is not whining, the Lakers should have done this too).
Posted by: C.S. | July 19, 2008 at 07:11 AM
Atlanta, Miami, someone:
Sign Kwame. Today. Please.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 19, 2008 at 07:18 AM
Mike T
Do you think that Kwame is anything more than an offensive liability who can play decent post-defense when he's healthy, which, since you're so focused on health issues, is almost never.
I wish Kwame well. I really do. I hope he has a season in which he's completely healthy. But even then he won't be nearly what you think he is.
Posted by: giantsquid | July 19, 2008 at 07:28 AM
Try to ponder this:
'The happiest FANS don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have."
This does not mean we will foever babysit Luke-Vlad-Mihm, they don't represent the best of everything. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | July 19, 2008 at 07:35 AM
Kwame is a good defender 1-on-1. Problem is that we must play 4-on 5 on offense when he is in the game and that removes ANY advantage of having him in the game. Even a non-offensive player must be able to CATCH the ball once in a while.
Isn't listening to Mike T. funny. He just can't let go of his "Kwame woody". When Kwame heads for Europe, I wonder if he goes with him?
Posted by: Eric M. | July 19, 2008 at 08:02 AM
ok my turn:
1. good luck to ronny: was happy to see him make his comeback after open heart surgery his rookie year. now he needs to take care of his family and golden state is offering more loot and playing time.
2. we must sign another power forward. kurt thomas would be nice, but i think the lakers will go for something less pricy.
3. i love how the lakers are taking their sweet time in bringing back bynum. i was worried last season that they would rush him back and do irreparable harm to his knee. instead they shut him down for the season, which is exactly what they needed to do with a potential superstar big man.
4. continue to build around kobe and bynum. right now their supporting cast includes gasol, lamar and fisher. pretty good. too bad we currently do not have much else.
5. time to part with the chris mihm project. i realize he might be a nice guy. but he is consistently injured and even when healthy - he isn't much of a force down low. i'd rather try to turn a cheaper dj mbenga into a backup center who fouls hard and frequently.
6. the lakers think they can obtain artest without giving up lamar odom. kupchak, get real man - not every team was as desperate and stupid as the memphis grizzlies.
7. hit up the maloofs: lamar odom for artest and abdur-rahim. yeah i know abdur-rahim has knee issues, but he is cheaper than thomas and a better player when healthy. take it or leave it kings.
8. the lakers are soft. nope the celtics were the harder, stronger team in the finals. the lakers were not soft against the jazz or spurs, both of which they beat convincingly.
9. this team came up short by two wins of winning a nba title. a year ago, kobe was on his way out, bynum was a potential bust, and it looked like we would be lucky to be a bubble playoff team...
10. so let's show a little damn appreciation of how far this franchise has come in a year. and we look to be TITLE CONTENDERS for at least the next five seasons!
11. and we made all the way to the finals without our true center, andrew bynum. would bynum have made a difference in the finals? possibly.l maybe we lose in seven instead of six...or maybe we eek it out and shock the world...
12. lakers were not operating at full bore in the finals. the celtics were fully healthy.
13. you can cry and moan about this team next season should we lose in the finals with a starting lineup of bynum, gasol, lamar, kobe and fish.
14. c'mon lake show! and team usa!
Posted by: tha show | July 19, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Well, from a GHF perspective, look at it this way - we can now trade Luke for Ronny in time for the post-season.
Yes we can! YES WE CAN!!!
Posted by: hariyahu | July 19, 2008 at 08:44 AM
we lost the finals because our bench was slaughtered. our kids got whooped on hard and couldn't do anything offensively. it ruined the lakers dynamic.
where do people get the idea the roster isn't changing? 3 people are coming back from injury, 2 actual centers instead of our pf-cs of last year, and an athletic 3 to provide counter point to our sloths there. we're down one energy player, who OH MY GOD COULD NOT DO ANYTHNG IN THE FINALS. and get to test out some new guard material. nothin earth shattering but a generally positive shift. which is all you need when you BEAT THE ENTIRE WEST, STOP WHINING.
Posted by: db | July 19, 2008 at 08:45 AM
To those of You who want Kwame Brown back on the Lakers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHtZIZ3-ORE&
feature=related
Never forget.
He's a bum. No amount of "Sealing the Paint" can change that fact. Just because the guy is big and can "Seal the paint" doesn't mean he's a commodity.
Kwame Brown is not, nor will he ever be a worthwhile basketball player. Listen to yourselves.
Mike t. is ridiculous. He's just as crazy as he's ever been. Perhaps I'll pull up a line of convo that he and I had last summer and you can all see his true lunacy in action. Just read that weird crap up above about the picture that he wrote. PSYCHO!
Just say no to Kwame Brown. Always and forever.
Posted by: Anthony "Pig Bill" Miller | July 19, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Elle,
'Cause they've seen him 'play''?
Yep - and everyone else in the league has seen him play, too, except for (apparently) some of the people who post here.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | July 19, 2008 at 09:01 AM