Question of the day: Olympic hoops
The Olympic basketball tournament is about to start (word is that Kobe guy is playing). I'll admit, in terms of attention paid and depth of emotional investment, I've been pretty lax regarding both the hoops contest and the Games in general. Now that things are rolling (I'm currently watching men's rowing), I'll probably pay closer attention ... but generally prefer watching sports I otherwise wouldn't see (men's rowing, for example). I'd by lying if I said I was wrapped up in whether the U.S. wins a hardwood gold. Not that I'm rooting against them, I've just become accustomed to the notion that it's an international game now, and the rest of the world is pretty good. Add in the different rules (and often questionable whistles) of FIBA ball, and the days of an American team -- no matter who is on it -- being guaranteed victory are over. That said, it should be some entertaining ball, worth watching.
Which brings me to the QOTD: Very simple. On a scale of 1-10, how much do you care about the "Redeem Team" and the Olympic basketball tourney? Are you watching as a Kobe fan? Hoops fan? Should the U.S. not win gold, how will you react?
BK
BK,
You're continual supportive writing in regards to Luke Walton and Chris Mihm over the years is what has brought a suspicous eye to anything you have to say.
No one in their right mind would have supported these two guys the way you and your brother did unless it was more than just basketball.
After 2 years there's nothing you can say to justify your past views on these two players. And to try to do so is practically insultive.
These 2 guys aren't even on the radar anymore so that conversation has come and gone. But the way you tried to justify their importance to the team has left some, including me, very suspicous concerning your true motive.
In the end: I guess it's not really important but it just makes some people think about the structure of your mind concerning things like race.
That's my opinion.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 09, 2008 at 04:36 PM
BK, givin' it to people.
I'd rather watch that than the olympics. ;-)
Posted by: Caliphilosopher | August 09, 2008 at 04:40 PM
10.
I am an American. I am patriotic, and I am teaching my children to be patriotic, because we live in the greatest country on the planet. A free society where as long as you do not hurt anyone, you can do whatever you want. I root for the Red White and Blue to win in every single event that we are competing in, anything less is unpatriotic.
BLF3408
Posted by: biglakerfan3408 | August 09, 2008 at 04:53 PM
I want the USA team to win, but it is not a foregone conclusion in these international tournaments. The biggest factor is that when you get to the final rounds, it is one and done - like the NCAA tournament. Couple that with a fairly easy 3 pt shot, and anything can happen on a given night. In a best of seven series, I wouldn't even be worried - the US would win hands down.
And, I have to add, that while this is a very good team (USA), it is still not the absolute best that could be fielded.
Roger
Posted by: Roger B. | August 09, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Mike T-
Not that pfunk's post or my response to him really has anything to do with your spin on it (I believe his lecture was about the presumed narrowness of my world view, rather than my opinions of other races), but that said....
There's no point in rehashing the same conversations that were had two seasons ago. If you'd like to think of me as a racist, there's nothing I can do to stop you. I'm confident those on the blog who actually pay attention to the content of what I write, as they did the last time this was a discussion, will disagree.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 09, 2008 at 05:36 PM
"I believe his lecture was about the presumed narrowness of my world view"
Kind of like a racist point of view would be considered a narrow point of view concerning the rest of the world? Gee BK, I can't believe you can't put those two things together.
'nuff said!
I think the subject of race, for this blog, is pretty much played out. In this: I agree with you.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 09, 2008 at 05:40 PM
BK,
On a scale of 1 - 10, call it 11. The most important events to
me are Track & Field sprints and basketball. I would feel
this way regardless of if Kobe was playing.
Michael H,
Per your response from last thread:
I don't think the design of the team is pertinent to the
question of soft/hard defense. However, this may be a
terminology issue. You can play half court or you can
run like a fiend. I don't care. When you lose a 24 pt.
lead you're not playing defense. Do you disagree?
It has been said/written that we knocked 5% off of the
offense of Boston. Does that *really* sound like we
significantly bothered their offense? For comparison
please relate it to the Celtics knocking 15% off of the
Lakers offense.
re: Andrew shoring up a lot of my points. With respect,
I disagree. They only way Andrew shores up Vlade's
defense is if Vlade is not on the court. If you move Kobe
to the 3 then who plays the 2? I like Sasha, but I'm not
convinced that he's the starting 2 for the Lakers. Feel
free to convince me. Don't you dare put Lamar at the
2. If he plays the 2 the Lakers lose in the second round
to Utah or Houston. Lamar isn't good enough to guard
Pierce's jock strap when it's in the washing machine.
Let's be honest. Lamar hasn't smelled an all-star
appearance yet. He's had 9+ years in the league to
become known as a defensive minded player. He's not.
He's not going to be. [ I'll be happy to eat these words,
but the sun will burn out before it happens. :) ] Yes,
Lamar is better than Vlade or Luke, but that's really not
saying much. Seriously. When have you seen Vlade or
Luke shut down an all-star caliber player?
Health is certainly a factor. However, health isn't the only
factor. The team, as a whole, needs to step up on
defense. Why?
1. The Hornets. CP3 will be better. Tyson Chandler will be
better. David West will be better.
2. The Jazz.
3. The Rockets. Artest gives them *TWO* great defense
players in Battier and Artest.
4. The Trailblazers. It is my suspicion that Greg Oden will
be amazing next year. He will play Bynum straight up.
The Trailblazers are a well coached team and they are
without fear. They are young, skilled & athletic. Correct
me if I'm wrong, but don't Maurice Cheeks and Doc Rivers
have similar thoughts about how to play basketball?
I am against the complacency I see on this blog regarding
the Lakers. There is a heavy emphasis on offense here.
History shows that defense wins championships. I'm not
saying that we need to be the best. I'm saying that we
need to play better. Hungrier. With more passion. Phil
Jackson said, if we play our game we'll be fine. The
Celtics said: We are committed to *TEAM* defense. Given
that we went from avg. ~ 109 pts per game to not
breaking 100, I'm going to go out on a limb and say that
the Celtic philosophy is better. Oddly enough, the Spurs
have the same philosophy and when they weren't old
as the mountains they were winning championships.
If it was all about offense, the Suns would have a
championship by now.
Defense wins championships and I'd like to see the
Lakers commit to defense.
Regards,
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 09, 2008 at 05:41 PM
Mike, a person can have a narrow world view, concerned only with what's going on inside US borders, and not be a racist (i.e. being very open minded and accepting about different cultures and peoples that make up our country). Conversely, one have a very broad world view, engaged deeply in world affairs, speak 14 different languages, and still be bigoted towards other races. The two aren't the same.
Perhaps there wasn't 'nuff said for you to quite get it.
Like I said, you can think of me what you want. I don't really care. I'm very comfortable in my belief that based on the body of my work, the overwhelming majority of our readers would disagree with you.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 09, 2008 at 05:54 PM
latopia,
Damn! That was brilliant.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 09, 2008 at 05:54 PM
"In the end: I guess it's not really important but it just makes some people think about the structure of your mind concerning things like race."-Mike T
hmmm....There is a point there for BK. I think AK has done a good job of quelling those thoughts, in my mind at least.
As far as Kobe leaving to go to Europe, I am concerned. And that makes this year that much more important. This must be a good Laker year. If not, how could Kobe not consider taking $40 million at least from a Euro country, tax free?
Personally, I'd take an extra $20-$30 million in a heartbeat, no matter where it was in the world. Really, it's an easy decision, which makes the decision that much easier for David Stern.
Raise the salary cap by $15-20 million.
If it means keeping Lebron and Kobe in the NBA, how could the owners disagree?
Posted by: Rocky | August 09, 2008 at 06:01 PM
hobbitmage,
Nice breakdown.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 09, 2008 at 06:08 PM
http://tinyurl.com/5uu5u2 for an example of why Farmar's attempts unfortunately won't matter.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 09, 2008 at 06:19 PM
latopia-
You make some interesting points, for sure (with some really colorful language, too!), and I agree that as the game gets more international, eventually the non-US leagues have the potential to play a bigger role. It wouldn't surprise me to see more players bounce back that way, but there's a difference between Josh Childress leaving the Hawks and Kobe leaving the Lakers with what iwill undoubtedly be a max deal on the table, next summer.
It's just too fast, in my mind. Too mnay other issues to consider.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 09, 2008 at 06:20 PM
i remember when jordan and shaq has 30 to 40 M a year salary, i believe with the growing market, kb24 and the likes should earn equal if not more....
nba will respond to this....
for the benefit of the NBA
Posted by: edodgreat | August 09, 2008 at 06:22 PM
hobbit,
Having a good shot blocker and help defender behind someone allows them to play tighter defense, because if their man gets past them, someone like Bynum will rotate over and help. Something that was non-existent with Kwame; Gasol was decent with it, but he is not as good a shot-blocker as Bynum. A player like Bynum makes everyone else better defensively. It's safer for Kobe to go for steals, the guards can play tighter, etc.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 09, 2008 at 06:23 PM
another thing, if kobe and the likes will go to europe for 40 to 50 m a year for two years and come for 10 to 16 m, wow that's a great advantage considering their appeal and ability....
Posted by: edodgreat | August 09, 2008 at 06:24 PM
in the nba, you can hoan your skills and when ready, go to europe for more... just like what sasha did...
Posted by: edodgreat | August 09, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Jon K,
"Who the heck thinks he's going to get more sponsorship playing for some team in Italy than playing for THE LAKERS?"
I do - him playing for the Lakers doesn't add a huge amount to his commercial deals. If that was the main factor, then he would be way above everyone else. Playing in Italy would open up a whole new market, and he would still be able to get contracts with the Nikes and McDOnalds.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 09, 2008 at 06:27 PM
There are a 100 million reasons why Kobe and company will stay in the US of A. And only one among it...is named "Nike."
Read up on some of it (though not 100 mil lol)...in hoopsworld.
Posted by: Faith | August 09, 2008 at 06:41 PM
mike t
really? are you really calling BK out for "supporting" Mihm and Walton when you backed Kwame as having the best calves in the NBA?
doesn't that seem a little. . ah whats the use
it's okay to support an underachieving Kwame, but injured white players?? they should be playing in Europe!!
does that line up with your expanded world view?
Posted by: joninjapan(incanada) | August 09, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Schlieren,
'...There is only so much I am willing to tolerate in this world; the Olympics being held in Beijing is beyond that tolerance. It's such a shame".
That it is a shame, I agree. Too bad for you.
Some basic reality:
The Chinese will NEVER allow ANYBODY to FORCE them to do anything, even when it is in their best interest. The more overtly they are tugged, the more they are likely to tug back. This is historically based fact and projection. And the Chinese, behold, can tug very hard. To exclude the Chinese from anything; political, economic, or especially environmental, would be to commit global suicide. Please do that on your own dime, and in your own world.
Much in the same way I do not dwell on carnage in the slaughterhouse when I'm munching down on my rib-eye, I will take delight in the Olympics, not because I am unaware that China is still among the worst of the worst, on the contrary. The Olympics, singularly, may offer our greatest potential for many positives. In our world, the fact that the OLYMPICS ARE HELD, MUST TRUMP WHERE they are held. Even though so much of it is a facade (by everyone), the Olympics give all of us a glimpse of one another, and always, remind us that we share the same planet. China must be treated with respect as a major player, because they are a major player, even if "we" do not like the way they go about their business.
When I watch the Olympics, and I hate to miss a minute of it, I admire the athletes; their dedication, skill and prowess, and I am in awe of this spectacle of events. I wish not to crawl into the same dehumanized space with others who no longer seem able to marvel at the cultural, athletic, and yes, political lavishness which is the Olympics, no matter the chips one chooses to shoulder, justified or not. Because it is truly a global event, and whether we wish to admit it or not, all of us (including and more importantly, hundreds of millions of Chinese and their leaders) are being schooled about each other and many other things, good and bad. The value is immeasurable. They are not competing with guns, so let the Games continue.
As for your moral dilemma, I strongly suggest that you get used to doing business with the Chinese (their terms in equal part). Either that, or get out of business.
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: Sonnybelfast | August 09, 2008 at 07:30 PM
Here is the problem when you make fanaticism as your ingredient in pursuit of happiness. You treat Kobe and Lebron as Basketball Gods, you can't live without them. Think smart, it should be the other way around, they may have the money but Kobe and Lebron cannot lived overseas without NBA. Hey this is American sport, if they want to follow the money, let it be. We have our own pride and entertainment, there will always be young athletes who will replace the old. I have followed so many Olympic games and there is always a change of sceneries as well as players holding the torch of achievement. Someone will swim faster, jump higher and run faster. My point here is that nobody in this world not even Kobe and Lebron can take American Basketball their hostage to their wants and greed to acquire more prestige more money, that's the "Lucifer" philosophy. It has to be the American fans who should stay supreme and be wise in spending your money within your means. Learn from Los Angeles. In 1994, the Raiders and the Rams left Southern California and the sportsworld were aghast how would we survive w/o NFL football (which is still considered the most popular sport in America). Well 15 years later, we don't miss a bit of these teams, some people follow them but generally, the population move on with other things to do for so little time. I'm more worried of the effects of severe Global Warming that could wash away homes near the shore or the Great Quake that will be a great mess in our lives. Kobe, Lebron are just people who aged quickly and in a matter of 7 years (that's equivalent of two Olympics down the road,) their fame recedes. I hope you guys in this blog should be more matured in rolling with the punches as you manage your fanaticism w/ Superstars big talks coupled with a giant bluff. Principles stay while superstars surely fade away.
With regards to Team USA, I have watched all their pre-Olympics games and I don't think any nation have a chance of beating them this time. Of course it is just my opinion, Team USA will only be beaten by themselves. Why? Lebron, Melo and Dwayne are not the same players in '04. Deron, Kobe and CP3 are the clincher and the Calderons, Ginoblis and Gasol cannot handle the overwhelming power of these guys when they want to win. Their mindset as well as coaches are more focused in winning it all compared to their arrogance in the past of disrespecting other nations. You will see why, when they collide with premier teams next week.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 09, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Aloha hobbitmage,
Actually having Andrew on the court does take Vlade off. as far as Lamar not being able to guard Pierce, why not? The knock on Lamar has always been his inconsistant offense. I have watched him since he was a clipper and he has always played decent defense. Nor have I ever read anything from any publications, scout, coach or commentator that said anything less then Lamar is a good defensive player. I mean he absolutely ownns David West a very talented and Athletic player, he will be fine. His inconsistant offense has nothing to do with his D. Is he going to shut down Pierce, of course not. Will he slow him down enough? ya I think he will. I also like how you pointed out how we lost our 25 point lead in a 1 1/2 quarters so we are bad defensively. Boston lost a 25 point lead to us in 6 minutes, does that make them worse?. Lets face it, those things happen in basketball.
What makes this team special is the versatility. With so many guys able to play so many spots. For example if we are playing Boston and Pierce is killing us we can move Kobe to the 3. Sasha cant handle Allen? Insert Ariza to cover Allen Etc. Remember Pau played good on ball defense against KG. And since Perkins isnt a huge offensive threat you have Andrew for help in the lane and Pau can consentrate on KG. If you think about it, it will improve our defense quite a bit.
And on offense, with all are various combinations availabe, we are a match up problem for everyone. K.G will now have to guard Pau. The one game in the finals that K.G was on Pau looked like this. 19pts 13 boards 6 assists for Pau. And KG will no longer be able to cheat down to double Andrew like he did during the regular season. So Perkins will have to play him straight up. And will not be able to help as much either, which will open the lane up more for Kobe. So ya, I think adding Andrew does make a huge differnce. Its just hard to think of it that way because Pau and andrew never got to play together last year. I still think we will be the team to beat in the west. While other teams improved nobody improved as much as we will with Andrew and Ariza back.
MH
Posted by: michael h | August 09, 2008 at 07:40 PM
hobbitmage,
>>>I'm going to disagree. 5% is not a significant degradation
>>>in performance as opposed to the ~ 15 - 20% differential
>>>they put on us.
The Celtics did not hold the Lakers 15% below their shooting
average during the season. Even in the Lakers WORST shooting
game, Boston didn't hold them back that much.
3 1/2%. Not 15-20%. They held the Lakers 3 1/2% below their
regular season shooting percentage.
And offense vs defense is a battle of wills. In 2001 and 2002,
the Lakers faced the best defensive team in the league in the
playoffs and SWEPT THEM BOTH TIMES. They did it by imposing
their offensive will over the opponent's defensive will. The
young less experienced Lakers of 2008 were not able to do
that.
Experience in the finals, experience in the triangle, and getting
Bynum back will swing the battle of wills in the other direction.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 09, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Ronny R,
>>>First?
In terms of cluelessness? Yes
in terms of making useless posts with no real point? Yes
First post on the blog? No
Why don't you actually post some content some time?
THAT would be a first.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 09, 2008 at 10:25 PM
BUTLER,
>>>kobee is talented but has already shown in the Finals
>>>that he is not the leader to take a team to ultimate victory.
>>> Team USA needs everything that D-Wade can give them,
Maybe you didn't hear. They got everything D-Wade could
give them... and also LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony...
four years ago in Athens.
They were good enough for bronze.
Kobe will make them all golden.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 09, 2008 at 10:27 PM
hobbitmage,
>>>It has been said/written that we knocked 5% off of the
>>>offense of Boston. Does that *really* sound like we
>>>significantly bothered their offense? For comparison
>>>please relate it to the Celtics knocking 15% off of the
>>>Lakers offense.
First of all, I didn't say the Lakers knocked off 5% of Boston's
"offense". What I said was that the Lakers reduced Boston's
shooting percentage by 5%. The Lakers defense on the
average made Boston take more difficult shots than most
teams made them take during the season (or during the
playoffs for that matter).
Boston held the Lakers 3.5% below their shooting percentage
of the regular season. Not 10-15%. I'm not sure where
you were getting that statistic.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 09, 2008 at 10:31 PM
I'd give it a 10. I've loved the Olympics, both summer and winter, evern since I was a kid (and that was a while ago!). Add my love of basketball to the mix and it becomes something I feel connected to. It's really not about Kobe or any other particular player... this is about as team-oriented as it gets. Regardless of how I feel about the Olympics and Team USA however, I certainly wouldn't judge anyone else's take.
Posted by: dave m | August 09, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Okay, so on the previous thread, I reviewed the 9 seasons
since 2000 and pointed out that 5 of the 9 years, the #1
defensive team in the league made it to the finals.
Now I'll point out that in those same 9 years, the team that
played a triangle offense also made it to the finals 5 times.
And 3 times the team with a triangle offense BEAT the team
with the best defense in the league. Twice, they SWEPT the
team with the best defense in the league.
Draw your own conclusions.
Oh, and to those of you who think statistics are worthless,
that numbers are meaningless and you have some deeper
understanding of what's going on. You don't.
When it all comes down to it, statistics are everything. Well,
one statistic in particular. You have to score more points
than your opponent.
In 2 of the 6 games of the NBA finals, the Lakers did score
more points than their opponent. You can call them "soft"
or say they got "pounded" or whatever subjective assessment
you want to make, but the truth is that without their starting
Center and arguably their second best defensive player,
the Lakers still were able to beat the Celtics in 1/3 of the
games played.
Compare that to the last finals where Cleveland got absolutely
dominated and swept by the Spurs.
In 2007, the Spurs DOMINATED the Cavaliers.
In 2001, the Lakers DOMINATED the Nets
In 2004, the Pistons DOMINATED the Lakers (with Karl Malone
badly injured, but they did dominate them).
In 2008, the Celtics beat the Lakers, but did not dominate them,
except in game 6.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 09, 2008 at 10:42 PM
hobbitmage,
>>>If it was all about offense, the Suns would have a
>>>championship by now.
>>>
>>>Defense wins championships and I'd like to see the
>>>Lakers commit to defense.
Excuse me, are you comparing the 2008 Lakers defense to
ANY recent Suns defense?
Suns 2004-05 defense - 17th best in the league
Suns 2005-06 defense - 16th best in the league
Suns 2006-07 defense - 13th best in the league
Suns 2007-08 defense - 16th best in the league
Lakers 2007-08 defense - 5th best in the league
And it was the 2nd best in the league at the point when
Bynum got injured. Pau at starting C was a slight drop
defensively over Bynum, having Ronny or Mihm start was
a HUGE drop off defensively over Bynum. That's how they
slipped from 2nd to 5th.
You do have to have good defense, yes. And Phoenix had
mediocre defense. The Lakers did not have mediocre defense,
they had good defense. And when Bynum was healthy, they
had very good defense.
Only 3 of the last 9 champions were also the #1 defense
in the league. Being the #1 defense is not a guarantee of
a championship. Being good on both defense AND offense
is the way to win it all.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 09, 2008 at 10:54 PM
On one final note....A very sad day ...Comedian Bernie Mac passed away.....That guy was funny...Very sad
Posted by: Thirty2 | August 09, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Ive got to say I can't believe little the posters on the blog not to mention BK seem to care about Team USA in general.Can someone explain to me why this is?
I mean its your game and you've been being embarrassed.Now you've assembled basically as good of a team as possible and you've got a great chance to win.Kobe is on the team...why are people not more excited about this? why are they not more worried about being humilated.
Is it that with all the losing American basketball fans are downplaying the significance of international basketball...secretly believing you are the best anyway ?or that the international rules are crappy?
How can you stand the idea of losing in a sport which you could win?...let alone the embarrassment factor of all these big names.I want the USA to win becasue it just makes a mockery of the whole NBA system if they dont.It might not be the NBA game but basketball is basketball.If I was American the thoguth of this team losing would terrify me? I thought you guys were patriotic?
I just dont understand
Posted by: Kiwi | August 10, 2008 at 02:43 AM
BUTLER,
>>>kobee is talented but has already shown in the Finals
>>>that he is not the leader to take a team to ultimate victory.
>>> Team USA needs everything that D-Wade can give them,
Maybe you didn't hear. They got everything D-Wade could
give them... and also LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony...
four years ago in Athens.
They were good enough for bronze.
Kobe will make them all golden.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 09, 2008 at 10:27 PM
Not to mention two years ago in Japan...
Posted by: Benjamin | August 10, 2008 at 04:09 AM
In the preliminary game vs. Australia, I was cringing every time kobee had the ball on offense - he consistently went one-on-one trying to penetrate and pull some fancy move. Time and time again the defense would thwart him, yet kobee kept up his foolishness.
This "I'm a star" attitude will kill USA's hopes. Jellybean Jr. is not the best offensive playa on the roster in a FIBA tournament, and needs to learn this now. He should only play D unless there's a chance to score in transition with no defender on him. God help USA if kobee is given any opportunities to create on offense in the halfcourt.
D'ANTONI offers kobee His wisdom, let's hope the youngster listens to the best coach kobee's ever had.
Posted by: BUTLER | August 10, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Ok, now I'm really angry. I got up early to watch Team USA v China only to find the game is being tape-delayed on the West Coast.
Let me make this perfectly clear: THE PEOPLE WHO RUN NBC ARE ABSOLUTE MORONS. They fail the FOX network quiz show question, "Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader?"
The Olympics are not just another episode "Heroes" or "Friday Night Lights." Is this rocket science?
If you live on the East Coast, you're watching the game right now in real time. Here on the West Coast, I can only turn off my TV in disgust. NBC stands for No Brains, Clearly.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | August 10, 2008 at 07:32 AM
Thanks to all of you who responded,
My responses:
To Ex:
Andrew as a shot blocker does not help Vlade if Andrew
is not in the paint. Andrew is young. It is questionable as
to how strong he is. [ Yes, he worked on this last year. ]
A center like Glen Davis is strong enough to get position
on him and keep him out. A big who can shoot the mid-
range will pull him out of position. My contention is that
every position needs to focus more on defense. You're
trying to offset poor defense at one position with help
from another position and I'm saying increase the
defense at both positions.
Michael H,
Aloha! You wrote: Lamar not being able to guard Pierce, why not?
My response. He's slow. You are used to seeing him
play PF not Guard or SF. For that position he's
physically slow. If you're talking about a half-court
game, maybe he can play SF or SG. Against a running
team, he's too slow. It is my opinion that against the
faster SF & SG's he will get beaten on a regular. Do
you remember when MJ & the Bulls torched the Lakers
in the first of their 3-peats. The Lakers looked old & slow.
Lamar is slow for the 2 or the 3. You're over-weighting
versatility. Versatility is nice when the mis-match works
for you. Specialization is superior when you don't have
the athleticism across the board. Haven't you wondered
why there aren't more 6"9 PG's like Magic? It's because
he was unusual. most PG's are 6'5 and below. Why?
Speed kills!
You also wrote: Boston lost a 25 point lead to us in 6 minutes, does that make them worse?. Lets face it, those things happen in basketball.
My response. If they happen, then the Lakers wouldn't
have been the first to lose a 24 pt lead in the finals. It is
important to look at the "Why" it happened. You're just
shrugging it off like it's no big thing. The lack of
commitment cost the Lakers a championship this year.
Complacency on defense will cost the Lakers another
championship next year. Nobody is standing still.
Everyone is trying to get better. Do you think Byron
Scott is reviewing tapes? Do you think he hasn't noticed
mis-matches? It is *foolish* to assume that our opponents
aren't trying to get better.
LTLF,
you wrote: The Celtics did not hold the Lakers 15% below their shooting
average during the season. Even in the Lakers WORST shooting
game, Boston didn't hold them back that much.
My response. ESPN has the Lakers averaging 108.6 pts.
per game. During the finals the Lakers broke 100 twice.
One was a win and one was a lost. The Lakers have an
avg score of 93.8 [ adding all of their scores and
dividing by 6 ] . Subtracting 10.8 from 108.6 gives me 98.
So my math shows me that 93.8 is ~ 15% less than 108.6
You also wrote: In 2001 and 2002,
the Lakers faced the best defensive team in the league in the
playoffs and SWEPT THEM BOTH TIMES. They did it by imposing
their offensive will over the opponent's defensive will.
My response: This is the same false argument you used
about the Showtime Lakers and I also hear it about the
bulls. from: http://www.nba.com/playerfile/shaquille_oneal/bio.html
The three-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team honoree (2000, 2001, 2003) ranks 8th all-time in blocks (2,485).
In other words, you had all-defensive players in Shaq & Kobe. Great role players in Fox, Fisher, Harper & Shaw.
It was *NOT* just about imposing the offensive will. They
played great defense.
Posted by: hobbitmage | August 10, 2008 at 07:55 AM
Michael T.,
"BK,
You're continual supportive writing in regards to Luke Walton and Chris Mihm over the years is what has brought a suspicous eye to anything you have to say."
Dude, lay off the pipe! Put that crack down!
What are you talking about?
Where do you get this stuff from except perhaps some bizarre crack induced paranoid delusion?
When does BK "continuously support" Luke Walton and Chris Mihm? You talk like he has an obsession about this. It's lunacy.
I've had my share of problems with BK because, quite frankly, our egos clash, but despite the fact that I think he his sometimes clouded by a degree of bitterness/negativity/cynicism in his analyses (those aren't the right words, but it's something like that), BK is one smart mothermucker. Even if he's not on target, he's always hitting the board and, dude, considering that I think he's too negative, he NOT THAT GUY, meaning, he is not the person to obsessively defend ANYONE (except himself).
(Unlike a certain person who's favorite player is now a Detroit Piston.)
Michael, your distrust and distain of white people is showing again. You might want to see a doctor about that. Maybe they can give you a pill or something.
Please return to the rational Michael T. that most of us enjoy reading.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 10, 2008 at 08:12 AM
For my 2 cents, I give it a 10 as well. I'm watching as a Kobe fan, an NBA basketball fan and as a person who is excited to see how this latest incarnation of the Dream aka Redeem Team stacks up against the rest of the world. I believe the USA will take the gold, but I don't think it's a foregone conclusion. As has been said, the only thing that can defeat this team will be if their own arrogance or egos show up. As long as they trust in each other, I think they'll be fine. They have all said they're excited to be playing with each other, so let's see how much they really meant that.
All that being said, the rabid fan in me will join JonK in burning something down if they don't take it all. (jk)
Also - I was blown away by the opening ceremonies, and the massive display of Chinese art, technology, beauty, unity etc etc. That was something that I don't think can or will be duplicated (much less exceeded) for a very long time. Aside from personal disagreements with policies, etc. you must admit they have not only arrived as a major player on the world stage, but they deserve to be there. I just hope they use all their power for good!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | August 10, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Sonnybelfast,
"The Chinese will NEVER allow ANYBODY to FORCE them to do anything, even when it is in their best interest. The more overtly they are tugged, the more they are likely to tug back. This is historically based fact and projection. And the Chinese, behold, can tug very hard. To exclude the Chinese from anything; political, economic, or especially environmental, would be to commit global suicide. Please do that on your own dime, and in your own world."
You're kind of right; however the Opium Wars and results of the Boxer Rebellion would suggest otherwise.
(I am not talking about Chinese-Americans here! That's a totally different animal.) The Chinese are generally a prideful, paranoid people who have developed a major inferiority complex. As a result, they don't like to be pushed to do anything.
GO USA!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 10, 2008 at 08:42 AM
USA by 31 is convincing enough to mention:
Phil Knight (Nike) and others that sit in similar positions, are not interested in paying ex patriot athletes. There's only one way to be an American basketball star and that's to play in America.
You can go play for Italy if you want but you'll be leaving your 50 million dollar endorsement deal back home. You can leave, but you'll be retiring from the big screen. The best players have to play here to prove it.
That can and will change with the value of a dollar, but as long as there are time zones, USA will be prime time basketball.
Posted by: Vman | August 10, 2008 at 09:26 AM
oh, this is rich... I KNEW them boys at NBC would screw it up.
Welcome to... TAPE DELAY! So now what? We're not supposed to see any sports scores, etc., etc. while they string out the USA/China game from 10:00 AM to what? 2:00 PM? or how about 4:00 PM? How can the network executives STILL be so dumb? Hello? The internet? Ever heard of it? I'll know the final score by accident before the game ever airs...
UN-BE-LIE-VA-BLE...
I bet somebody has already posted the score on here... great...
Posted by: King Mihminus III, 4th Earl of the Secret Society of the Burning Achilles | August 10, 2008 at 09:40 AM
I'm watching the US v. China. This Sun Yue kid has some skills. He's made several outside shots (Euro 3's/Long 2's in the NBA). I like him as a back up PG with the potential upside of a poor mans Steve Nash. Averaging something like 8/4/3 across his career. For a late 2nd round pick...that's not bad at all. He's a legit 6'9" as he is standing a good 2/3 inches taller than Kobe (his main defender). He's got exceptional ball handling skills with very explosive move toward the rack. An underrated rebounder at his position (he's not an aggressive rebounder at the PG like Kidd & Paul, but with his height he doesn't have to be.).
Negatives...Defense & conditioning. Defense is lacking which is most likely a factor due to whom he is guarding (Started off on Kobe, then Wade then Redd...needless to say I would sucking wind too). We'll see if the Lakers can straighten that out.
Overall Rating (1 Being Smush Parker/10 being Paul) 6.5/10
Posted by: Josh Child | August 10, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Jon K sez:
"The Chinese are generally a prideful, paranoid people who have developed a major inferiority complex"
The boxer rebellion was precipitated by american churches forcing their ideologies upon the Chinese - so I'd have to disagree with you and say that the Chinese did indeed push back.
When I went in 2006 I found the young Chinese college students to be inquisitive, bright, worldly and fascinated with America. I think you must mean the leaders of China.
Sun Yue looked spastic. SUNS will take MATT BARNES instead.
I'm pleased that Busch's daughter looked hot in the stands.
Let's give kudos to D'ANTONI for this victory - kobee's #1 inspiration and idol shows what a great coach he is yet again!
Posted by: BUTLER | August 10, 2008 at 10:49 AM
"The Chinese are generally a prideful, paranoid people who have developed a major inferiority complex. As a result, they don't like to be pushed to do anything."
It sounds like our friend has the "inferiority complex".
hahaahahhhhahaha
Posted by: LGC | August 10, 2008 at 11:01 AM
And on and on we go. "Kobe will make Team USA go". Right, it's Team Kobe, not Team USA.
Nevermind the supposed "best player" is quite ordinary for Team USA.
ahahhahahahhh
Go C's!
Posted by: LGC | August 10, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Kiwi-
I can't speak for everyone, but from my perspective I don't consider it a national disaster for Team USA to lose in basketball. My love of country isn't wrapped up in whether or not they win a gold. Personally, I don't consider it a shock anymore. The way international basketball works, between the cohesion of the teams the US will play and the ever increasing quality of the competition, plus the differences in style for international ball, it's going to happen that they'll lose. I love that it's more competitive, and the quality of the games is better, and that basketball has become so global.
But you use words like embarrassment, humiliated, etc., and I don't look at it that way. Just my perspective.
BTW, couldn't sleep last night, and saw myself some team handball. Love that stuff.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 10, 2008 at 11:14 AM
Sun looked good in the first half. He showed he can hit the outside jumper pretty easily and he is said to be 22 years old which is much older than I thought he was. I figured he was very young.
Posted by: richard | August 10, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Didn't really get a feel for this Sun Yue prospect.....One thing I can say is he didn't look scared when Kobe was pressuring him. One thing I have noticed lately is when Kobe is overagressive on defense, he gives up easy layups. He got beat off the dribble 2-3 times in this game. I saw this happen quite a few times in exhibition play as well.
As far as the Euro League and its impact on free agency, there are several benefits to leaving. One, the american dollar has about as much value as an eight track cassette player. The euro sounds better by the day. Second, the money players negotiate is "take home" since the club pays the taxes and agent fees on top of the deal. 40mil is indeed 40mil. Finally, the global marketing opportunities are endless. I guy like Kobe will remain relevant in the US even if he's not playing here. MJ is still relevant here and he's been retired for several years. So, is the Euro League a threat to A-list free agents? Hell yes.
Posted by: groove69 | August 10, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Sun Yue Highlight block on Howard!!!
Posted by: Tom | August 10, 2008 at 11:23 AM
By the way, while I thought this before (I think CP3 and Deron Williams are both better players at this point than Kidd), but after watching, am I the only one who wishes one of those two would start? Can't start a player in international ball who won't shoot. (I realize the minutes weren't equal, but I wonder how they'll break things down in a close game...)
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 10, 2008 at 11:25 AM