LakerTom

You played on the Pauley court. Geez I attended UCLA 9 yrs in total and never knew you could do that. I did go to watch practices occasionally though.

I played in the Men's Gym which I think was preferable anyway. The pickup games played there were unbelievable. I once came within about 4 inches of walking straight into Magic as he was leaving the gym and I was entering (this was the yr Vlade Divac joined the team. Man, was Magic constantly on his butt).

The Blitz sez:

"There was tons of pressure last year for Bynum as well to prove that he wasn't worth to ship his butt out for Jason Kidd and well he proved it. This year he will again prove he can work well, he has proved it."

TKBB, the difference between this year and last year - and listen to me because AMARE went out for a year when the SUNS, as the lakers are now doing, were amassing their new found powers - is that byenumb not only has to work hard with kareem on those post moves, but adjust his game to injury. The fear of a 2nd knee failure will affect his mentality. It doesn't mean less effective, not necessarily.

The lakers saved byenumb for the future by getting pau. Now the lakers must - by the will of the fans and the need to determine whether this workhorse is worth a big contract - send that knee onto the court to bang and pound and bear another, larger man's full attack...

Oden. Yao. SHACK. Kwame. Perkins. Nash.

The knee, it's all about that $111 million knee.

*SHACK plucks a reptile from a nearby glass bowl, yanks on the chain connected to his slave woman in a hot space bikini. Laughs. Crumples up a Getty Images photo of bynumb, laughs harder.*

"Suns fans need to prepare for a possible dismal season due largely to Shaq's Mr. Hyde behavior! I have always considered him a big clown but this last fiasco takes the cake. I suspect a possible jail sentence could follow? But for sure Shaq will find it very difficult to play and remain focused at the same time. Kobe was able too during the Colorado hearings as well as during games while being booed by opposing fans. Shaq will definately crumble and retire!"

Frankly, the SUNS needed a little "Mr. Hyde" in a large body. Their ability to defend the paint prior to SHACK cost them numerous times. SHACK gives the SUNS a beastly character, bestial and powerful.

What do I care what SHACK does in his off time? But since you asked, in Phoenix SHACK has reunited with his beautiful wife and children. He gives time and money to local Indian tribes that are dirt poor.

So SHACK is nasty, yes. We need him to be nasty.

But he's not nasty in an Artest type of way. SHACK feeds his dogs.

I have to say, that hip hop chick of his has some legs. SHACK, he's not unhappy.

Blog admin: If FakerTom is allowed to call some of us names (in fun of course), I should be allowed to give back some playful banter back. Please allow my post.

LadyTom said: Time to change your diaper, buddy. Don't you remember Bynum dominating Amare? Can't see through all the crap? Better call mom for help.

Andrew Olowokandi dominating Amare? You're as dumb as you look "buddy".

Kandiman #2 hasn't done jack poop since joining the league and you Fakers are annointing him as the next best thing.

How dumb are you?

ahaahahahaaaaah

Not to mention that Olowokandi is a center and Amare is a forward.

Have you ever played basketball in your life "buddy"?

Doubt it; otherwise you wouldn't spend all day, everyday, spewing your "hot air" bull poop.

Celtic rule the basketball world.

"Top of the world" KG

"
LadyTom said: Time to change your diaper, buddy. Don't you remember Bynum dominating Amare? Can't see through all the crap? Better call mom for help.

Andrew Olowokandi dominating Amare? You're as dumb as you look "buddy".
"

BUTLER = LGC... lakertom addressed the diaper changing to butler but lgc responded. haha

case closed

BUTLER,

Your reply was rather "interesting" to say the least. Your tone seems to indicate that SHAQ is the only GODSEND the NBA has ever had and, therefore, should be IMMUNE to any criticism as a result.

Believe me my friend, I'm at peace with the Lakers PAST and have accepted it with an open mind and heart as well as through OBSERVATION over the years. Do not confuse my passion as a Laker fan with sesitivity. Without PASSION, why be a fan of anything or anyone?

Speaking of accepting the past, let's take a closer look at your annointed "savio"r named Shaquille O'Neal: For many years after his time in LA, Shaq has made many inferences about the PAST, especially by way of taking cheap UNNECESSARY shots at Kobe, a player who HELPED him win 3 RINGS in the PAST.

Listen, Kobe was at fault for a lot of things that happened between them as well. Trust me, he's been dealing with his own negative PAST for quite some time and has dealt with it rather well considering the overwhelming obstacles by focusing on HIMSELF and OTHERS in a positive and different light. As a result of his willingness to become a better TEAMMATE and PERSON, he won the 2008 Season MVP award and Olympic Gold Medal this year. It's called MATURITY! Shaq NEEDS to rediscover the importance of MATURITY!

I'm just extremely DISAPPOINTED with his actions as a person when discussing ANOTHER player OPENLY. However, as a player, I have no such disappointment. If anything, I will be forever grateful for his 3-title run with LA as a PASSIONATE fan. Unfortunately, he has opened up too many "cans of worms" on too many occasions. That is UNACCEPTABLE personally and professionally as far as I'm concerned. It is what it is! He is an AMBASSADOR for all on and off the court (through his desire to lead and caring for children, supposedly). He put himself in that position LONG AGO!

Let's put this into perspective: If I recall, SHAQ was the one who approached Kobe during pre-game warmups and extended his hand as an act of truce a couple of years ago (that game was nationally televised by the way). That very moment, I thought, was critical in allowing both Shaq and Kobe to bury the past filled with a lot of SUCCESS along with a few FAILURES along the way. As a result of his actions done in good faith, Shaq eventually won the title that year (2006) with Miami and we pretty much know the rest of the story... However, history REPEATED itself once again by way of Shaq's uncontrollable body part affectionately called the MOUTH. He's BETTER than that! Let it go baby!

With the recent comments made by Shaq concerning Kobe, he CONTRADICTED everything about who he is as a PLAYER and PERSON. It's no secret that Shaq promotes himself by the expense of others publicly. That's why a lot of his faithful fans then and now are turned off by his continued antics. Wouldn't you? He put a negative cloud over himself by making UNWISE decisions when making comments. He has made it PERSONAL not only with Kobe, but also the fans who supported him for many years like myself. Rather than TALKING nonsense, he needs to focus on leading Phoenix to the promiseland instead. Obviously, he is not at PEACE with his PAST!

In the end, Shaq has to understand that it's not about getting EVEN with ANYBODY at this point in time. Rather, it's about getting the Suns to reach a high level of play with an aging Steve Nash.

As long he continues to allow thoughts of Kobe CONSUME him (which is very OBVIOUS), he will not help the Suns win SQUAT! It's crystal clear that Kobe consumes SHAQ's very thoughts on and OFF the court. I find this amusing coming from a man that claims he is better than some NBA legends such as Kareem and Ewing. Unreal! He REALLY needs to stop TALKING and start DOING both ON and OFF the court. It's about appreciating life then and now, being good to others DESPITE differences and ridding yourself of demons that ultimately stud your growth as a person and professional.

SHAQ is NO DOUBT a great player in his own right and will be a sure fire Hall of Famer. I will always consider him a Laker no matter what contrary to the fact.

Despite knowing that he will someday be regarded as one of the best that ever played the game, Shaq CONTINUES to use the PAST through the media and truly believes it's FUNNY to bring others down (of course WE know who OTHERS is) without the thought of negative consequences. Character and leadership should not only be found on the court of play, but also outside as well (as I've stated before with EMPHASIS). SHAQ should know, he was ONCE a sheriff's deputy in both Florida and Arizona. Don't kid yourself with that REALITY.

Once he learns how to shape up in terms of his using the media PROPERLY without using OTHERS as cheap bait for his amusement (as I said earlier with EMPHASIS), maybe people would find him GENUINE again. Unfortunately, he chose to make his PERSONAL beds in both LA and Miami without the chance of MAKING them IMPORTANT AGAIN. It is safe to say that both "beds" are not suitable for him to "rest" on any time soon. Get my drift dear friend? Trust me, what makes you think it won't happen in Phoenix! It's called a pattern of HISTORY, or the PAST!

The Suns will be their own WORST enemy unless Shaq changes his attitude about life and PEOPLE. He too is not getting any younger. Like you said, it's going to be one heck of a season coming up with MUCH IMPROVED teams all around via acquisition and internal growth. For that reason, Boston will not repeat. Agree? As much as our Lakers were exposed, so will Boston. Letting James Posey walk will haunt them without a doubt!

Despite our opposite views, I am also excited to see what lies ahead as both a Lakers and basketball fan. If I recall correctly, Kobe and co. played WELL against the Suns this past season and won the season series 3-1. Could it be a sign of things to come? The season can't arrive soon enough...

If there is one thing for SURE, we will both be watching SHAQ and Kobe do their thing with their respective teams. Hopefully, both will play at a high level consistently for the purpose of making their teammates better for all the RIGHT reasons. For whatever RIGHT reasons it may be, we shall see...we shall see...

In the end, it's all about winning CHAMPIONSHIPS! Our Lakers DEFINITELY know a thing or two about in their glorious history (of course with Shaq in mind). On the other hand, with the Suns, it remains to be seen...Good Luck! They're going to NEED IT! Their window is closing fast. It's now up to a MATURE Shaq to reopen it with a rekindled SPIRIT he once had for the FUTURE and an APPRECIATION for the PAST! Unfortunately, the Lakers just might get in his way...

Laker pride through ADVERSITY baby! Peace!

thekobebryantblitz & Laker Tom-

Thanks for your replies. You guys brought up more good points. I didn't even think about Jordan's mental toughness. However, something can be said for Yue playing in the Olympics.

Anyways, all this PG talk brings me to another question. How many more years do you think Fish has left as the Lakers starting PG? I give him this year and next year, thats it. I don't know his contract situation though, I'm sure that will play in to it.

Lamar = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS

Let's go L's sez:

"I will be forever grateful for his 3-title run with LA as a PASSIONATE fan. "

SHACK was indeed a member of the great laker center club.

"With the recent comments made by Shaq concerning Kobe, he CONTRADICTED everything about who he is as a PLAYER and PERSON. That's why a lot of his faithful fans then and now are turned off by his continued antics. He put a negative cloud over himself by making UNWISE decisions when making comments. He has made it PERSONAL not only with Kobe, but also the fans who supported him for many years like myself."

Look, if you and other laker fans are so peeved because a superstar made disparaging comments about an ex-teammate, where were you when kobee insulted and criticized byenumb last summer? I think this is about jealousy of SHACK, not an insult to your morals.

Blitz - your rotation sounds pretty spot on... until the latter stages. With Ariza, the rotation is already at 11 players. Add Sun, Powell and Karl and you're at 14. I'm also not sure there would be quite as much shifting around - still, generally speaking, it sounds good.

As I mentioned before, I see Vlad with reduced minutes and more of a freelance shooters role this season - given license to go in and jack them up when needed. The real question marks for me are Luke and Ariza - it's hard to see how they'll both get substantial minutes - see 10-man rotation below:

Bynum, (Pau)
Pau, (Odom), Vlad
Odom, (Kobe) Luke, Ariza
Kobe, Sasha
Fisher, Farmar

Rounding out the active roster and getting limited minutes - Mihm and Powell. I figure Karl, Sun and whoever makes the 15th slot will be inactive most of the time, barring injuries.

Thank God, Hurricane Gustav has mellowed and did not damage the city of the Hornets and Saints as of this time. Hopefully those thin and newly constructed levees will hold on to the mighty force of the river-ocean and strong winds.

Lakers' defense should learn something from the hurricane force and the City of the Hornets is purely dependent on those low wall levees. Just by observation, this is a tactless job by the Army Engineers to be given a meager budget to prevent the ocean waters from occupying low level areas. Our high science class taught us the principle that water will always seeks its own level. The same analogy with the Lakers. Sasha, Farmar, Lamar and Pau were good at the Western Conference but could not prevent the overflow of strenght of the leprechauns. It doesn't mean that they are weak, only they lacked the supporting cast to support a formidable defense.

At the beginning of 20th Century, USA faced the same challenges in controlling the forces of water and make it beneficial to mankind. They contructed locks and ladders in so many low lying areas for navigation, dams and elevated banks anticipating the overflow. They throttled the force of Colorado river which formed the Grand Canyon for centuries by constructing the Hoover Dam. From that time on, the Colorado river became a beneficial riverflow in the Western states. I believe that is what New Orleans need, the bolders of stones found here in the Western mountains, elevated banks to support those levees, trees whose roots will support the land and pumps to recycle rain water to store it for the need of drought areas. The same analogy with the Lakers. While we have the great offensive players in Kobe/Pau/Bynum, we seemingly lack blue collar defense from Farmar, Sasha, Lamar, Pau to prevent the surging athleticism of other teams. There has to be a good supporting cast that will supplement those thin bodies, however we have put all our chips on Walton, VladRad and Mihm, I don't think they are the formidable dams, boulders and elevated banks that I'm referring at. I hope I am wrong. LOL!

Well, the super analysts in this blog will teach us that we have added Sun, Powell, Dwayne, Ariza, Karl and Crawford. Oh yeah, instead of boulders, we added pellets of limestones who have limited experience, rough in edges but have the potentials of becoming boulders if they're expose and utilize effectively. The same story with those levees in N/O, the hurricane often visit this place why not prepare for Katrina, Fay, Gustav and Hanna and more are coming. Why do we have to pour all the budget in Baghdad or in Kuwait and nothing left for our hapless states? On the Lakers, all we have is Faith on our front men and power forward levees.

Let's Go L's sez:

"Despite our opposite views, I am also excited to see what lies ahead as both a Lakers and basketball fan. If I recall correctly, Kobe and co. played WELL against the Suns this past season and won the season series 3-1. Could it be a sign of things to come? The season can't arrive soon enough..."

When the lakers played vs. PHX in those first 3 games, the SUNS suffered from a lack of post D. No Kurt Thomas meant trouble. Hence the SHACK acquisition. That lone game when SHACK played - his very 1st game with the SUNS - was quite close. This season both teams will have more experience together to allow us a more accurate judgment.

"If there is one thing for SURE, we will both be watching SHAQ and Kobe do their thing with their respective teams. Hopefully, both will play at a high level consistently for the purpose of making their teammates better for all the RIGHT reasons. For whatever RIGHT reasons it may be, we shall see...we shall see... "

Agreed. I would like to see the SUNS and lakers playing great ball. Like I've said, SHACK has exceeded expectations so far. Miami fans and lala fans warned us of how lazy and fat SHACK would be - yet he ran in D'ANTONI'S system, he played more minutes than anyone guessed, he averaged a double-double and vastly improved the SUNS' rebounding.

If the SUNS did not have SHACK, I would be fearful of this coming season with Oden, byenumb, Yao, Chandler, the Jazz all trying to kill the SUNS in the paint. As it stands, the SUNS have as big a frontcourt as anyone now, and have spent the summer bringing in needed depth.

The Celtics will be tough again, Posey or no Posey.

Here's what's good about the SUNS - Steve Kerr is in charge. That dude is crazy smart. DId you ever listen to him as an analyst? He was as sharp as a tack. I've great confidence in him to make the SUNS better.

But we'll see. Til then, September can't pass quickly enough!

Rick Friedman,

In my post I'm quoting and commenting on Giantsquid's post, thus the quotation marks, but, yeah, I do agree with what Giantsquid said.

Hey, I really like Jordan Farmar and think most people have underestimated his potential, but I think he needs a year or two to mature. I think his maturity is his critical weakness at this time.

GO LAKERS!

Hobbitimage,

You conveniently ignore the stats that you asked me to provide that prove that the Celtics were just as, if not more dominant against the West than they were against the East. In case you missed it, in 52 games against the East the Celtics averaged 99.5 ppg on 47% shooting. For the season they averaged 100.5 ppg on 47 percent shooting. Their was virtually no change in their defense. And since they averaged 100.5 points per game over all that means in their 30 games against the West they averaged about 101 or 102 ppg, meaning they PLAYED BETTER AGAINST THE WEST, no matter how you look at it..

It doesn't matter if the Lakers got used to what the Celtics were doing (which I don't buy much since the last time they played was in Janurary, 6 months before the Finals). If that's the case it means that the Lakers saw what the Celtics did the first two times and adjusted to it and thus improved their defense against them. That's how you win in sports, you scout them based on your own experiences and tape from other games.

If you can't see how knocking 5% off a team's average than I don't know what to tell you, because you're choosing not to believe it. The Celtics for the season gave up about 41% FG and the Lakers allowed 42% through 5 games of the Finals. Is that difference between 41% and 42% the difference between great defense and bad defense? That makes no sense and there's no way to prove it other than continuing to rail that the Lakers played poor defense with no evidence outside of Game 6.

It's only human nature to relax a bit after winning a championship. That's why it's so hard to repeat. People constantly say it's harder to repeat than it is to win the first because it takes an incredible level of focus. And when you played at as high a level as the Celtics did on defense last season it's hard to duplicate. Even if they win the championship again next season they're not likely to be as dominant as they were last season. Like I wrote earlier, they were the 3rd best defensive team (in terms of efficiency) since 1970 and were the only non-Bulls team to have a point differential over 10 points.

We'll be better defensively next season with Bynum and Ariza healthy. There was a stretch in December and January where we were playing magnificent defense and we were in the top-5 in the league in defensive FG% and rebounding. Those numbers went down after Bynum got hurt, but with guys like Bynum, Pau and LO in the frontcourt and Kobe in the backcourt we should be one of the top rebounding teams in the league and play excellent defense.

Jon K:

I heard that Kobe has seen Dr. 90210 (Dr Rey) and the prognosis is Starlet will need a face lift.

"Pinky" my butt!

Ain't no insury, just a hoax to get sympathy votes. It's so obvious except to Fakers to are enamored with the self-proclaimed "Dobermamba".

ahahahahah

Xodus,

You're one of the decent fakers who's not a complete faker.

Tell me somehting. Yoos said something very important as follows: "It's only human nature to relax a bit after winning a championship. That's why it's so hard to repeat."

Please tell me why this blog of supposed "Laker fans" do the people constantly bag of Shack? Wasn't he the last guy that brought yoos repeat championships?

Why does the "Laker" fan talk smack about is former stars and why does the former star talk smack about your current starlet? I'm perplexed that the behavior of the "Laker" fan.

Celtic fans don't do this kind of crap. Why does the Laker fan do this?

Can anybody give me a reasonable explanation?

I jus don't gets it.

hey green weenie from beanie...LGChick,

we dont have to explain nothing to you..because you're too slow to figure it out...thats why--duh...

haveanother weenie day out there in beanie....

lgchick...

hahahahahahahahahhahaahahhahahahaah

Xodus,

"We were only two games ahead of the Suns, but that was after suffering two poor stretches when Bynum went down and when Pau went down. The Suns on the other hand, were healthy the entire season."

The lakers had their injury issues, but so did the SUNS. Grant Hill was hurt for about 15 games if I recall, with an appendectomy and a groin injury that ultimately kept him from being a factor in the postseason.

And let's not forget, the lakers got the huge boost of acquiring Pau without giving up a thing in return. The SUNS had to completely change their style with SHACK while giving up the Matricks.

This season will be even more competitive in the West than last...I think the Hornets are going to be really good. And HOU could be great. SA will probably be right there in the playoffs.

BUTLER,

But the Suns didn't really miss a beat when Grant went down. I'm not saying it's not a loss but didn't you guys just plug in Diaw, who's been in your system for years now?

And it's the Suns fault for trying to integrate a player whose style of play is completely different from their philosophy.

There's also the fact that the Suns were a combined 1-7 against the Lakers and Hornets (and the only win was in a game when Kwame Brown singlehandedly gave you guys the game), and you guys lost most of your games against most of the other good teams in the league as well.

Hobbit,

you haven't done a good job either at trying to convince me about Ariza's so called defensive purpose. I laid it out plain and simple so if you want to disagree about facts when he started against the Suns and the Celtics that is perfectly fine. All you have brought is "according to my observations" etc, which are just as weak as someone who really twists statistics. Frankly speaking, your argument is weak and you a haven't backed it up with one solid thing except a little article that was posted by Mitch Kupchack at the beginning of the season. And you also have tried to back the argument with a little "I think if we started Jordan we could have done better against the Suns blah blah blah". Well with the way Smush was acting it was only natural that Jordan started over Smush even though Jordan had hit the rookie wall. Basically you are saying to develop our young guys over veterans just like Laker Tom suggested earlier on. Um........like I said earlier on Ariza hasn't really shown to Laker management that he will be the small forward of the future or to NBA experts that he is the future Bruce Bowen. If he had wouldn't have they at least talked about an extension like they have for Andrew? Plus you let your young guys prove that they can be effective from the bench and from there are shown to be effective in the starting lineup. In the beginning of the 07-08 season Phil started Kwa-may Brown and made Andrew from the bench despite all the "off season work outs". Andrew did a great job from the bench and when Kwa-may Brown went down Bynum took the reigns and began to nearly have an all star season. Even when Kwa-may Brown recovered from injuries Bynum still started because he proved (to PJ) he was starter material. Ariza hasn't proved to PJ that he is a starter *now* and when Walton came back from injury he took the reigns from Ariza.

Odom as a defender:
http://tinyurl.com/64kw3l

http://tinyurl.com/5bmpyu

Even AK said he was an underrated defender.
http://tinyurl.com/6h5fc7

Odom is our starting Small Forward

mrbarneydangles,

I would say Derek has 2 more years. He will definitely start next season and will probably start the next one as well. After this season we will see how Jordan improved. If he still hasn't improved that jump shot then perhaps Derek will keep the reigns till his contract expires. If Jordan has improved tremendously and most notably that jump shot then by the season after the upcoming one Jordan could really challenge Derek for the keys of the offense.

Rick,

"Putting him in a starter's role will accelerate his maturation."

Not true unless his maturation comes first off the bench. Too many people are acting like our youngings are already 27+ year old! With the exception of Andrew who took the reigns from Kwa-may Brown Jordan has NOT YET proved to be able to take the reign from Derek who is very respected. He is also not the perfect fit with Kobe unless Kobe is at the 3 and Sasha at the 2. When Kobe plays the 2, he needs to have his point guard be an outstanding shooter aka Derek Fisher just like MJ needed to have a good point guard shooter like John Paxson and Steve Kerr. Jordan got beaten up in the finals just almost as bad as Luke and Ronny! (ie Rondo dancing over him and the Boston's defense in total disrespect of his abilities.) Count me off the Jordan Farmar starting bandwagon!

"With both Kobe and Jordan focusing on getting Bynum involved, opposing defenses will be more spread out, creating opportunities that the Lakers need in the opening minutes."

Derek gets Bynum involved too plus he is a good outside shooter so teams don't simply clog the lane and close the passing lanes to Andrew and instead force Kobe to shoot contested jumpers. I don't know how Jordan starting in the opening minutes will *open* the floor up since teams don't fear his outside shot like they do to Derek. If Jordan starts then you have no choice but to start Kobe at the 3 and Sasha at the 2. Plus Jordan's defense is really poor at the time being aside from steals. Remember what happened in the playoffs? Iverson had his way with him, Deron Williams beat hiim up as just as bad as the Celtics later on did and we were lucky to have him against TP since he was a better match for Tony. If it was New Orelans that won over San Antonio then CP3 would have killed him just as bad if not worst than Deron Williams would. Jordan is solid right now but he's not at the stage where I count him as a quality starter.

Dave M,

Luke and Trevor will be splitting minutes in according to the situation. If the bench is hot, Walton's passing will help that. If the bench is cold and needs defense, then Ariza's energy and defensive skill will help instead. I do not forsee Kobe playing the 3 unless it's at the end of 2nd/4th quarters or if Lamar is in foul trouble and Trevor is incapable of hanging on to his man. Sun and Karl are rounding up the 3rd PG/SG and will see limited playing time unless certain things happen. Mihm and Powell will still see limited playing time but if they can show in preseason they can handle it then their times might increase. Basically the Preseason is a good indicator of how the reserves do.

Greg, I would make Butler number 3 or even number 4 now at least he's talking more basketball than "fan" basketball. It's Mike T. is interesting in nothing more than the Lakers failing because they gave up his boy Kwa-may Brown. GWB, well he still has the number 1 on that award I guess.

Edwin,

I know you that this offseason may seem "dull" but even many Lakers predicted that not much will happen. Last year's offseason addition/subtraction had minimal impact except for Derek Fisher. Then boom here comes a 57-25 win record and the Pau Gasol-Kwa-may Brown deal. Our team is getting developed and the Celtics are getting older with their big 3 while our oldest is no other than Derek Fisher. With Andrew and Trevor back will it make us better than the team that made it to the finals? Yup. Is our bench guys going to be better? yup. Will we better overall than last year's team? You bet. Is our bench mob ready to supplament Kobe and the rest of the starting 5? Like many guys who wants to start our young guys (except for Bynum) over the veterans: NO! Haha!

Cheers!

Rasheed must BLEED!

Aloha Hobbit,

Maybe there was another article that you forgot to post but the article you posted by Mitch said Lamar was not a lock down defender, period. And I have never stated that he was. Perhaps for you lock down defenders are plentiful and means good defender. For me Lock down defenders are few and far between and means GREAT defender. I quess thats where our differences lay.

MH

kobebryantblitz,

Farmar is actually a solid shooter. He shot 37% from 3 last season, what I think he does need to improve on is defense and shot selection. He started settling for 3's a bit last season instead of using his quickness and agility to finish at the basket or use his floater (which he used more in college).

AK sez:

"Dude has to be the league's worst "ex-teammate," hands down.

In general, Shaq is just aging in very ungraceful fashion. He clearly can't handle the idea of not being the player he used to be or not being able to automatically garner the accolades that used to come his way. Or the attention, which he very clearly craves and now seems dead set on manufacturing."

By the same token, SHACK in PHX has been described by the SUNS as a "fantastic teammate" who livens up the locker room and leads by example on the court (as long as we're not talking FT'S).

So far, SHACK has shown a willingness to play hard. That's all I care about, not his off-court antics. We'll wait to see if he burns the PHX bridge, but Lord knows he wants to win another title badly to put him up with the greatest playa of the last 10 years, Tim Duncan.

Given the bad blood between SHACK and the lakers, it will make for great basketball drama this season. We in PHX love it that the laker fans and even the LA organization hate on SHACK so much, because it can only help fuel the competitive fire in SHACK whenever he plays LA.

"He clearly can't handle the idea of not being the player he used to be or not being able to automatically garner the accolades that used to come his way. Or the attention, which he very clearly craves and now seems dead set on manufacturing."

Didn't SHACK announce that D-Wade was Miami's main man, the best playa on that team? No way does Miami win a title if SHACK plays like a selfish dude. He did his part for the team and they succeeded.

I think SHACK is just fine being past his prime - he's accepted his role as rebounder in PHX instead of top scorer. What he does so well is a result of his huge personality - gives confidence to the team, gives them an inside beast, gives them some swagger that only a egotistical big man could.

Rick Friedman

There is such a thing as off-court leadership.

Lamar Odom: A low-key leader for the Lakers
10:21 AM Mon, May 19, 2008 | Permalink
By Kevin Ding The Orange County Register

http://tinyurl.com/6py86g

“We miss him,” forward Luke Walton said. “Lamar’s the one who picks everybody up.”

http://tinyurl.com/625no2

Beyond that, his influence as an emotional leader shouldn't go overlooked. Many a Laker has pinpointed time in Hawaii eating killer team breakfasts, lunches and dinners as the kick off for the celebrated bond this season. Guess who decided to hire a private chef specifically because he thought a Helter Skelter summer needed a little smoothing? Finding better people in the NBA than Lamar is a tough quest and I do think that character is an asset.

http://tinyurl.com/6h5fc7

Just a little OTHER team news, it looks like a picture of the new Oklahoma City Thunder has been released.

Appears they took a picture from some factory, you can see the picture after you hit Continue reading.

http://thundertalk.net

Logo looks a little boring to me.

Xodus,

Jordan did shoot 37% point land but came at a cost of 3.7 attempts. Fisher on the other hand shot similar amount of times from 3 point land and get a better percentage of 40.6%. Don't say that Jordan is a better shooter than Fish is though I do admit Jordan penetrates the paint better than Derek does. I agree that Jordan's defense is no where as good as Derek's is and that is a major factor in not starting him.

Rick F.

"By participating in the Finals, JF now has experience that Bynum doesn't have due to his injury."

Err don't know what you were trying to say with this statement. It's true neverthless but what does it relate to compared to starting over Derek Fisher??

"Taking nothing away from D-Fish, he is very streaky. Farmar's career 3 pt % is 0.358. D-Fish is 0.373. Very comparable. In the Finals, JF was 0.529 and Fish was 0.405"

Fisher is streaky at times no doubt about it. The same thing can be said of Sasha. And comparing career numbers? 2 years of 3 pointers and comparing it to Derek's career numbers is just plain wrong. Once Jordan has a career long as Derek's then compare career numbers. In the finals, most of his 75% shooting (3/4) came in Games where we had a big deficit and the Celtics put in their reserves. Game 2 when we had a big deficit and nearly rallied and Game 6 when we were blown out of the water. The other times we had the game close Jordan shot barely 30% on threes.

And that's it offensively wise. Jordan doesn't have the defense to start at like Derek has. Sure he steals quite a bit but against Allen Iverson and Deron Williams especially he got really pushed around. That even hurt his offense and he averaged 1.7 points for the Utah series! Jordan has only average lateral quickness and average length and in UCLA he got lit up by other point guards. Jon K would agree with me as well since they had to bring Collison many times and put Farmar on Shooting guard to make up for the weak defense Jordan has. In fact, against Pick and rolls the Suns ran, it wasn't uncommon for Jordan to get picked off by Amare. You can say this and that about experience in the Finals but unless there has been a big improvement in the summer, Derek has the keys for the offense.

And that's the point of being 21 years old. He's still young. He's no Deron Williams, no CP3, not even Rajon Rondo yet. Jordan is terrific at the moment from the bench and leads the bench for sure. He's not quite ready for full time NBA starting job. One trip to the Finals doesn't equal he should get the starting job. And the bench mob is still young which goes against them as well. How else could Boston's bench, mostly filled with old crafty veteran players like PJ Brown and Sam I am Cassell (with the exception of Leon Powe and Big Baby) manage to outplay the so called bench mob? Jordan and the rest of the bench needs more experience in the NBA and there is no way he should start simply because he has one finals under his belt.

-blitz

blitz,

Excellent post as expected. Your encyclopedic knowledge of the Triangle Offense from the Bulls point of view is impressive and I agree that the Triangle Offense requires certain skills and abilities from the player combination on the floor in order to run at optimum efficiency. In reality, however, you have to factor in the strengths and weaknesses of the other team.

As I have said before, I still would bring Lamar off the bench as a sixth man backing up Pau at power forward so that he can spend half his time backing up Drew at center. My primary strategy is still to control the paint and dominate the boards. We do that, we win the game. In a way, I see Lamar starting at small forward as going small because it dilutes our power at the power forward and center positions. It sounds silly at first but not if you think about it.

But it is just as plausible that we win the game with the Triple Towers of Drew at center, Pau at power forward, and Lamar at small forward. The Lakers will probably give that lineup the first opportunity to succeed and it well could. In the end, I think it will be the players who decide who plays where, not the coaches. That is the beauty of this team, its versatility.

There are just too many factors to predict exactly what will happen. Will Drew dominate? Will Mihm and Powell be capable backups? Will we need defense, shooting, or playmaking from our small forward? Will we run more? Will we play aggressive trapping defense?

Will Kobe focus on defense? Will Fish slow down? Will Farmar take his game to the next level? Will Pau play like he did in the Olympics? Can Sun Yue compete in the NBA? Can Sasha get better? How will Lamar respond? What if Luke plays like he did 2 years ago.

The one thing I am confident about is that Phil and the Lakers coaching staff will probably try lots of combinations and may even end up rotating the small forward starter depending on who is hot, whom we are playing, and whether we need defense, shooting, or playmaking.

Tom

Xodus,
"You conveniently ignore the stats that you asked"

The only stat that matters is that the Lakers weigh less than 270 pounds. It's a simple case of physics!!

"My primary strategy is still to control the paint and dominate the boards."

Check my rotations that I posted for DM Laker Tom. That would be the answer to your concerns about rebounding. Lamar doesn't need to be a 6th man simply not to backup Pau at Power Forward.

-blitz

giantsquid,

>>>>>You played on the Pauley court. Geez I attended UCLA 9 yrs in total and
>>>>>never knew you could do that. I did go to watch practices occasionally though.

You’re right, of course, I actually didn’t play in Pauley but in the Men’s gym. Great games but never any college or pro stars, probably because I didn’t live on or near campus and was not around during the summer. I did get to shoot a few shots in Pauley when a friend who worked in the athletic department gave us a tour of Pauley and the dressing rooms, etc.

I don’t think Ariza or Farmar will start, but if either one comes into camp obviously having taken their game to the next level, it’s possible. Or if age catches up a little on Fish. Hell, knowing Phil, it’s not impossible that Luke could start if he played like he did the first half of the season before last. LOL. Wouldn’t that set the blog afire? Mike T. would be gone.

You may be right about Sun Yue but I don’t think so. Because of his height and length and ball handling and passing skills and potential on defense, Sun has a chance to become a very good player. For sure, his chances of starting down the road are much greater than Coby Karl’s, although I think Coby could become a Mike Miller type of shooter and competitor. If Sun Yue can play tough mentally and physically, he could be the perfect point guard for the Triangle Offense and the defensive stopper we have longed for. We’ll find out soon.

Tom

Rick Friedman/Giantsquid,

Remember during training camp last year when Lamar Odom flew out his personal chef to cook for the entire team during training camp? And as a result the entire team (post-Kobe "Ship his ass out!" breakdown) got a chance to eat together three meals a day during all of training camp?

THAT may have been the single greatest act of leadership of the entire season in bonding the team together after the traumatic offseason. Remember how throughout the year the players would all go out to dinner on Kobe (or someone else's) dime and bond and discuss their play and how they could improve as a unit?

Who's responsible for establishing that trend? Who?

Answer: Lamar Odom.

It's that team unity that brought us to the Finals and we should all thank Lamar Odom that he had foresight and initiative to bring this team together after a VERY rough offseason of doubt and discontent.

Many people underestimate Lamar's value to the team. I don't.

Lamar Odom = Laker for Life

GO LAKERS!

Butler, I missed your response earlier (guess I was reading the well-reasoned posts and skipped right over yours).

Are you for real? I mean, as humor your posts are not really up to par. If there is any chance that you are actually serious, then brother you need to start with basketball 101. Your Suns have no heart, and their best days are (far) behind them.

Shaq can't play a whole season; Nash can't play a whole season; Hill can't play a whole season; Diaw and Barbosa are softies; and you've got a totally unaccomplished head coach. I guess you think Amare can rise above all of that (notwithstanding his history of NOT rising above that sort of stuff) and lead this team to success. Pass me some of what you're smoking.

Lakers, Hornets, Spurs, Jazz, Rockets, Blazers, and Mavericks. That's 7 teams that are undeniably better than your Suns--thus my conclusion that Phx will be lucky to make the playoffs (on that note, you're off to a good start with Monta Ellis going down for G.S.) Now you've just got to find way to get past the Clips and the Nuggets and you can celebrate an 8th seed for all of 4 games until the Lakers are finished sweeping you.

LAMAR= LAKER FOR LIFE

GO LAKERS

blitz,

>>>>>Check my rotations that I posted for DM Laker Tom. That would be the answer to
>>>>>your concerns about rebounding. Lamar doesn't need to be a 6th man simply not
>>>>>to backup Pau at Power Forward.

Believe it or not, blitz, I always read all of your posts and respect your knowledge and insights. I get your point about Lamar starting and ending as small forward and subbing at power forward in between. I would counter that Lamar does not have to start in order to play starter minutes. But until I see Chris Mihm back to his old self or Josh Powell is better than I remember, I don’t want to see anybody but Drew, Pau, and Lamar man the 4 and 5 spots. I trust Ariza as a potential star defender at the 3 as a better way to go than Mihm and Powell.

Bottom line, everything hinges on the players. If Mihm and Powell show they can hold down the fort, then I could change my position. If Ariza doesn’t come in and excel right from the start, especially on defense, that could change my view. As I said, it will be the players that decide which way we go, which rotations will be used, who will play when and how much. The goal is to have the best possible team on the floor for all 48 minutes. That may vary depending upon who the opponent is.

No doubt this is going to be a very fascinating training camp and exhibition schedule. I think the coaches and players are probably as anxious as the bloggers to get going. I am looking forward to this season like no other in the past. It will be the Era of the Beast.

Tom

Laker Tom sez:

"Bottom line, everything hinges on the players. "

Now there is some deduction! You mean the players have a hand in the results?

ESPN is picking LeBrawn and CP3 and AMARE ahead of kobee for 2009 MVP. That's accurate, I'd say.

NBA World Championships:

Celtics ..17
Lakers...14
Clippers..0
Suns.......0

Why do teams like Suns and Clippers never win it all?

You would think the fan base would require some kind of a Championship from it's franchise existence but I some teams are just destined to always lose. I guess that is how the universe works. It's a mystery.

Butler, why do you think they have never won anything?

BD

Butler

The ESPN geniuses picked the Lakers for 8th or 9th in the West last year. Their preseason picks in general are nearly never an accurate reflection of reality.

Based on their expert's picks, these were their favorites for NBA champions last year:

1 Spurs
2 Suns
3 Mavericks
4 Rockets
5 Pistons

I for one have stopped visiting this blog a lot more this summer JUST BECAUSE of Let's go C's stupid childish posts, it gets exhausting trying to wade thru his post's to read the intelligent posts. It's not like he posts once or twice per topic, I have him measured at the #2 or #3 poster by volume on this blog. I think the Laker blog community should force AK and BK to remove him. With an organized boycott if necessary. If they want to run the blog and have just him talking to himself more power to them.

BUTLER Sez:

"kobee looks to be relegated to being only half the MVP that STEVE NASH is."

Posted by: BUTLER | September 01, 2008 at 03:26 PM

Who's STEVE NASH? There's a similar STEVE GNASH if that's who you're referring to....

Butler they picked Lebron for MVP last year as well.

THE LAKERS ARE GOING TO TRASH THE COMPETITION NEXT YEAR AND SHUT YOU ϨÇ˚ˆ˜© HATERS UP!!!

SHUTUP ϨÇ˚ˆ˜© HATER!

I'M SO PUMPED!

I better chill. I'm gonna run out of energy before the first preseason game.

*Terry Porter was a good player and will be a good coach, but we're talking about Phil Jackson here.

Yes, the Lakers can!

This Laker team is no gimmick.

Posted by: Rocky | August 29, 2008 at 06:49 PM

==========================
I agree with all except the PJ part.

The same thing was said in regards to Doc vs PJ.

Doc outcoached PJ.

The rest I agree about the lakers.