The Lakers get in the Josh Powell business
I heard some chatter, but wanted to wait until getting official word from the Lakers before posting anything. Said e-mail has since arrived, so it's now a part of the blogosphere. Not sure what the contract terms are, but if I had to guess, we're talking league minimum, one year, guaranteed. Of course, this is just me spitballing, so take this with a grain of salt until confirmed.
The biggest winner in all of this may be Powell who, aside from getting a job, played in 2008 with the Clippers, meaning if he hasn't vacated his L.A. residence, no moving day! In terms of what the Lakers get, keep hope alive for a pleasant surprise, but also retain modest expectations. Powell's stint at Staples constituted his fourth team in three seasons (making his Lakers duty the fifth team in four years, for you mathematicians in the crowd). Going by the limited glimpses I've seen of his limited career minutes, I picture Powell being a decent enough replacement for Ronny Turiaf, although possibly not as effective and definitely not as big. Powell is young, plays with energy and in the biggest minutes of his career last season, pulled down more than a respectable share of boards. On the flip side, Turiaf scored more points in fewer minutes and is a much better shot blocker. I'll also go out on a limb and bet Turiaf is more entertaining while on the bench.
Either way, decent signing, although in terms of filling a true "body" need, I'm not sure how much (if at all) it helps. If Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm encounter any health setbacks, I don't see Powell, unless he's gained a lot of weight, fitting that bill. Fingers crossed, they won't have to find out.
AK
What a nice pick up for the Lakers. Josh Powell is just as serviceable as Turiaf. He can hit the 15 footer, he can bang a little bit, he's young. I think he had a few 20/10 games when Elton was injured...
With this, losing Turiaf doesn't hurt nearly as bad. I actually think Powell is a better matchup than Turiaf is against a guy like Leon Powe.
Great deal for the Lakers.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rocky | August 15, 2008 at 05:43 PM
As Rocky put it - Powell is a 'serviceable" aquisition. Not great, not bad - but will plug a hole on the bench. I can live with it.
Posted by: Lincoln Laker | August 15, 2008 at 06:46 PM
"They drafted a PG, signed Yue who they drafted last year a PG, signed Karl last year another PG so why five PG's?"
Posted by: Edwin Gueco
5 PG's??
1) Derek Fisher
2) Jordan Farmar
3) Sun Yue
Coby Karl is a shooting guard, during trash time they put Sasha on point guard. And Mitchell? He's another combo guard along with Joe Crawford. Dunno where you got 5 point guards.
If they can get only trade piece I would like to trade away is Mihm since I never really liked him playing center since 2004-2005 season. Too much foul prone. Lakers get a center who can be a good backup to Andrew so be it. I would think a C/PF since they would need a Power Forward in the future. Perhaps next year we can get a quality Power Forward in the 1st Round to develop.
Laker Tom,
Only Kwame I know of is Kwame Kilpatrick the Mayor of Detroit. And I did heard that the other Kwame from the 49ers was another failure too.
Here's what defines Kwa-MAY Brown: "A bonafide (soft) scrub, he can't play, no disrespect whatsoever but I'm sorry to tell everyone the truth the man cannot play the game of basketball. He has small hands, he can't catch the ball, he's got bad feet he can't really move, even though he's mobile he doesn't really know what's he doing, doesn't have a post move he puts in memory that he can't do 2 times in row, he has no game whatsoever, plays NO DEFENSE, doesn't have the heart, passion or anything that comes along with it, and you are asking me that if they gave up too much? Please!"
LOL! For once Stephen A. Smith was correct on ESPN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5-A8Ao47nU&feature=related
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 15, 2008 at 07:09 PM
blitz,
Come on. Tell us how you really feel about Kwame. LOL. Can’t say I disagree with you on any point about Kwame. You are absolutely correct that he is really not a basketball player. He is a physically talented guy who can play excellent one-on-one post defense and move his feet quick enough to keep his man out of the paint. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end. Kwame is a just another tall guy who ended up playing basketball because he was too big to do anything else. He understands the game but lacks self-confidence and cracks under pressure, which is really what I think the problem is with catching the ball. I have never been able to palm a basketball because I also have small hands but I have always been able to catch almost anything I could touch, whether it be a basketball, football, or baseball. It’s just a matter of hand eye coordination, which Kwame doesn’t really have as we can tell when he even screws up his post-screw-up clap as if he were physically handicapped. So it’s a very bad combination – poor hand eye coordination and inability to perform under pressure. He doesn’t need Detroit. He needs the D-League. And maybe glasses. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 15, 2008 at 07:51 PM
Derek Fisher=JOHN Paxson
Posted by:KL | August 15, 2008 at 05:22 PM
/fixed
hhahahahahahaha
Posted by: Jman449 | August 15, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I like Powell. He had some decent games and will be a fine backup PF on both ends.
Posted by: Benjamin | August 15, 2008 at 09:32 PM
Let's go C's!,
BTW, I thought the Mike & Mike Show early this morning with PP was quite INTERESTING! Mike Greenberg REALLY placed the TRUTH on the spot, especially with questions regarding KB24.
In front of ESPN2 viewers and radio listeners NATIONWIDE, he said that Kobe (the one player you love the most and dream about OFTEN) is, in his book, one of the top 25 players to ever play in the NBA. Now, coming from the TRUTH, that is a heck of a complement and sure very well may be a BIATCH slap to anti-Kobe people like you (wait a minute..KB24 fanatic!). Darn, that must have been HARD for him to say and for you to hear! In the face of media pressure, he had no choice. Which brings me to this very question: Should one question his comments as being sincere based on the notion that he is a man of great CHARACTER? I'm sure that he was well aware of the risks of exposing himself outside the court of public opinion. He sure got my attention and I'm sure everyone else's. If you ask me, I think he was quite honest. PP talked about how he loves Team USA's overall play and their commitment to defense, especially KB24's. Man LGC's, isn't that SO ironic! A great day for sunshine, a great day indeed......your arguments are quickly fading into the sunset thanks to the TRUTH!
For the sake of being lighthearted, let's look at this scenario for a moment. If the TRUTH did in fact LIE, he will find himself in more trouble than anyone can think. I think he is smart enough not to SCREW up anything at this point as a recent Finals Champion and MVP. What goes around, comes around baby! I sure hope for his sake, he does not get his hand "caught in the cookie jar" so to speak. Remember, he spoke to many viewers and listeners NATIONWIDE. Blatant LIES will kill his reputation on and off the court. As a new father, he should know better! I guarantee that Kobe has learned from his mistakes as well because he too is a father now. The are getting too old for BS!
In review, if he chose to lie thinking that the public is naive as a whole (which I HIGHLY doubt), there goes his PRETTY Celtic boy image! I thought that the part about meeting Beyonce at a very YOUNG age was hilarious! TMI sir!
Just to let you know I've always been a GOOD SPORT, PP played lights out this past year, especially throughout the playoffs and the Finals. Like I've told you many times in many ways, Boston won the Title outright. Not a problem! However, your pessimistic nature in posting has gotten you into trouble with fans on this blog. Remember, you are posting on a Lakers fan site, not a Celtics one. Therefore, be expected to be nailed continuously by FACTS or get "STARVED" homey. Either way, I'm sure you don't mind. Like you've said before, take what you dish out baby!
Furthermore, he was asked by Greenie about who he considered to be the hardest player to guard in the league. He said King James which I DEFINITELYagreed with because of his size, strength, athleticism and youth. This is the TRUTH.
When it came to the question of guarding Kobe, he kind of hesitated, which I found interesting. I guess he watched his backside on that one. Honestly, I saw no reason why he should have. After all, they beat the Lakers. That's right, he lives in LA! Ooops...Watch what you say PP. The hood is watching and listening carefully. You may be a homeboy, but KB24 is loved in LA baby!
Getting back to the HEART of the matter, Kobe has played in so many MEANINGFUL games in his star filled career that TRUE injuries have plagued him in the past 6 years ranging from knee sprains, knee tendonitis, ankle sprains, strained back, TORN pinkie ligament on his SHOOTING hand and MANY others. No excuses for him, just the reality of the situation. KB24 is a 29 year old guy who has 35 year old legs based on hid total body of work in the NBA. OF COURSE you can guard a guy of that many injuries successfully. OF COURSE!!
If KB24 is anywhere around 100% healthy (which will never happen most likely based on the aging process) and continues to make adjustments to his play as he gets older in playing years (which he has done quite well this past year as the league MVP), the Lakers will be even more dangerous. A HEALTHY Kobe will not be good for any NBA team wanting to win a championship. Not good at ALL!
PP should not take his health for granted if wants to continue to win at a high level. Because of less MEANINGFUL games, PP should be fairly healthy at his stage of his playing career. However, I'm still skeptical about the knee he hurt in the Finals. Hmmm...Get my drift homey? You as a Celtic fan should be grateful for that. Pray for the TRUTH on that one!
Just to make this interesting for all fans, KB24 should be invited to speak on the show and tell his side as well. I'm SURE ratings will skyrocket. KB24 has nothing to hide at this point of his life. His resume speaks for itself!
Finally I give PP major props for his demeanor and willingness to answer TOUGH questions on the show. As long as this lifelong Celtic didn't LIE, he is cool in my book. BTW, don't worry, the infamous WHEELCHAIR didn't cross my mind at all, for NOW that is! Life is great in Lala land dear lad! Life is great....
Laker pride through adversity baby! Peace!
P.S.- Ray Allen should be careful not to call or insinuate that the owner of the Celtics ("Wyc" Grousbeck) is a "liar" on national TV and radio. According to the Celtics owner during the show, he beat RayRay in a game of golf the other day. Ray Ray, however, had a different take on what happened later on and said HE won straight up. What the heck! It figures. RayRay for the selfish fool he is.....True to form! The owner should have no reason to lie. Hell, he's paying that man! I'm curious to find out about the TRUTH on this one as Greenie said would like to investigate himself. You never bite the "hand that feeds you!" NEVER!!!
Posted by: Let's go L's! | August 15, 2008 at 11:05 PM
KBblitz,
I think you're right on those PG's, my bad. So there are four SG including Kobe. Yue is a forward. Whoaa, they are not trading Farmar and they will play Fisher for life. They must be preparing for Kobe to the Euro League by the next season. lol!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/teams/roster?team=lal
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 15, 2008 at 11:48 PM
Powell will be a rebounder and a descent scorer off the bench. I loved Ronny's energy and hustle yet kinda think he got beat up way too much playing center and relied too much of jumpers. And Ronny's post defense skill was only slightly better than Kwa-may's. Ronny at the very least got the blocks.
Laker Tom,
I agree with much of your analysis. Kwa-may though in the 07-08 season got bullied around by Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire, and Tim Duncan which a few times Kobe had to help out on defense with amazing blocks (2 on Duncan and 1 awesome one on Yao). Kwa-may's defense is overrated, you are correct in saying he is physically talented but once the big men spun around him or got close enough to the basket, they usually scored over him.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 12:25 AM
Edwin Gueco,
The Lakers are at the moment signing guys to see how they fare in training camp. For the two guard spots here are the people known to be locked
G: Derek Fisher/Jordan Farmar
G: Kobe Bryant*/Sasha Vujacic
*It is reported that Kobe will switch with Lamar and play Small Forward will Lamar plays guard for defensive purposes and mismatches on offense.
Guards who will compete for spot on the roster:
Sun Yue, Dwyane Mitchell, Joe Crawford, Coby Karl.
Reason they put Sun Yue as F on ESPN site was because his height really, I mean how many point guards are as tall as Sun Yue? Magic was only 2 inches taller than Sun!
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 01:22 AM
Edwin,
Here's my take on the young guards.
Sun Yue's statistics from Olympics so far:
vs USA: 8 points, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 blk, 1 turn, 37.5% FG
vs Spain: 2 points, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 blk, 3 turn, 25% FG
vs Angola, 11 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, 2 turn 100% FG (4-4 shooting)
So far Sun Yue has averaged 7.0 ppg on 54.2% FG, 2.3 apg, 1.3 stls, 2.0 turn on 27 min per game. This is a solid numbers so far though turnovers should be cut down. And these are the Olympics which while isn't the NBA which is more tougher than any other league in the world (save playground ones where the old style of knocking guys on the ground is still being played) still is a tough place to play, heck Team USA back in 2004 could only win the bronze and they had professional stars like Duncan and Allen Iverson. My feeling is that Sun Yue will probably have a great shot at getting a roster space for the Lakers.
Coby Karl has been in the Lakers for a year and has the experience in the system that Sun, Mitchell, nor Crawford doesn't know too much about. He is a good spot up shooter and with more time can develop into a very good shooter, Phil did say he was a very good shooter in practice. Had a mediocre summer league but he was playing out of position as a point guard and wasn't the go to guy in there.
Joe Crawford had a solid summer league but I would say he probably won't get a spot on the roster but have a chance to develop in D-League, the guy has some potential indeed but he was primarily the scorer in summer league and might have made Coby look a little bad.
Dwyane Mitchell I'm intrigued by. On one hand he has great statistics in the D-League, on the other hand he is more slashing penetrating point guard. He had 16.0ppg on 52.2% FG as a guard which is really good but his free throw shooting was horrible at 59%. His 3 point shooting (which is important for a guard) is bad at 25.0% He is a good player.
Conclusion: I would say Sun Yue at point guard and Coby Karl at shooting guard makes the roster. If Luke Walton gets switched to the power forward slot with Radman then maybe put Sun Yue as small forward and add Dwyane Mitchell on point. Joe Crawford will probably be cut and be placed at D-League.
Remember that the Lakers sign guys and see how they fare in training camp. They will usually cut guys so I'm not surprised they are signing people. Coby has a team option (which they will decide after training camp), Joe Crawford hasn't been offered a contract really while Sun Yue and Mitchell has offers. Once training camps starts we will see how this all works out.
This is my analysis on how the guard/small forward situation works out.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 01:57 AM
"Tim Duncan which a few times Kobe had to help out on defense with amazing blocks (2 on Duncan and 1 awesome one on Yao)."
That was actually EXCELLENT defense by Kwame. Kwame is so strong that he held Duncan and Yao so far from the basket that Kobe had enough room to come from behind and make those blocks. That's how far Kwame held them from the basket. I remember those blocks. Kobe came flying in front of the rim to swat those shots. But he never would have had space to swat those shots if Kwame had not pushed Duncan and Yao so far away from the basket. And after Kwame was traded. Kobe didn't get another block like that for the rest of the season, now did he?
That's because Gasol and Bynum could never keep those type of players so far away from the basket. Those type of players played Bynum and Gasol close to the rim and Kobe didn't have enough room to come between the action and the rim to swat anything away.
Look at those blocks. It's common sense.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Can you imagine holding players like Yao and Duncan so far away from the basket that one of you teammates HAS ENOUGH ROOM TO COME FLYING BETWEEN THE ACTION AND THE RIM TO SWAT A SHOT AWAY? That's how strong Kwame is. That's what Perkins did to Gasol and Bynum when the Lakers played the Celtics this year. Perkins is strong enough to push Bynum and Gasol away from the basket so they didn't get all their easy baskets and the Celtics killed the Lakers.
Easy baskets? Yeah, EASY BASKETS because in the regular season 97 percent of the teams don't play defense, including the Lakers. Against Boston where were all those EASY BASKETS? The Celtics pulled the mask off of the Lakers offense and showed the rest of the NBA how to beat the Lakers.
Take away the EASY BASKETS and Bynum doesn't get all those alley-oops. Those are EASY BASKETS based on poor to terrible defense. Boston doesn't have that problem and that's why they beat the Lakers.
Gasol didn't have a chance against the Celtics defense. Gasol and Bynum were getting EASY BASKETS against terrible defensive teams. That translates to nothing when the Lakers play good defensive teams. What that means is this: People actually picked the Lakers to win in 5 or 6 based on the Lakers SCORING EASY BASKETS on 97 percent of the NBA teams who play no defense?
It's like playing basketball with a bunch of college teams and you beat them and you beat them then in the finals you get a real NBA team and you get killed.
You get killed because the real NBA team played like men and no fancy entertainers.
Everyone who picked the Lakers to win it all failed to acknowledge this: Yet, they know basketball? I think not!
To get excited over your team scoring a bunch of points against defensive weak teams is like having your head in the sand. Oh yeah, oh yeah but the Lakers in 5 or 6...NOT!
Boston in 6 and it would have been 5 had Perkins played in game 5. And Boston had injured player afte injured player. An INJURED Boston team took the mighty Lakers offensive team out in 6 games. And did it in a way that shocked the EXPERTS.
I mean: How ignorant can people really be?
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 07:41 AM
Michael C. Teniente,
I in no way revere Kwame Brown the way you do, but I agree that people rip on Kwame's defense in a pretty ignorant way. Let's face it. Kwame's defense against other bigs was pretty damned good and people don't give him respect for that.
On one level Kwame should excel in Detroit's defensive-minded system; however, I think Kwame's one of those guys who REALLY needs a lot of positive reinforcement and let's face it, sooner or later Kwame's going to make some offensive mistakes and those brutal Detroit fans are going to let him have it. Soon therafter Kwame will begin making mental mistakes and it's all downhill from there.
Too bad.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 08:49 AM
MAMBA24,
I actually don't find Shaq's reconciliation with his wife to be something to ridicule. As I understand it, Shaq really does love his kids and whenever kids are involved, you want the best for them, and a reconciled marriage is usually a lot better for the kids than it is a divorce.
Anyhow, we should celebrate Shaq! He's busy destroying the Suns from the inside right now. Thank you Shaq!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Current Medal Count:
United States: 54
Canada: 0
Mexico: 1 (bronze)
Australia: 25
Canada, population--34,000,000
Mexico, population--108,000,000
Australia, population--21,000,000
Conclusion: Mexico and Canada SUCK!
GO USA!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 09:07 AM
All the experts who picked the Lakers to win in 5 or 6 games should really be quiet until they pick it right in the finals. Until then they should say: I don't know what's going to happen because in the regular season 97 percent of the teams don't play defense. So it's hard to say who'll come out on top in the finals unless there's a absolute dominate defensive team playing against a offensive philosophical team like this years Celtics/Lakers finals. Then it's a no-brainer. CELTICS ALL THE WAY!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 09:07 AM
AK,
Yeah, it is nice to know that J Powell seems like a nice guy. I'd definitely rather root for a nice guy who plays hard than I would a thug.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 09:09 AM
AK,
A request. Which Lakers seem like the nicest guys? (I'd also like to know which Lakers seem like the worst thugs, but I'm fine with keeping it positive.)
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Mike,
>>>>>I mean: How ignorant can people really be?
You answer that question every time you post. LOL!
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2008 at 09:15 AM
WITH 3S FINALLY FALLING, US DROPS SPAIN IN ROUT
BEIJING (AP) — The U.S. men's Olympic basketball team has clinched first place in its group and remained unbeaten in the Beijing Games with a 119-82 victory against Spain.
LeBron James scored 18 points Saturday for the United States (4-0), which will be the No. 1 seed from Group B in the medal round and face the fourth-place team from Group A in Wednesday's quarterfinals. Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony each scored 16 points.
The Americans made 48 percent of their 3-pointers (12-of-25) after hitting only 29 percent in their first three games, turning the game against the reigning world champions into a rout.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | August 16, 2008 at 09:19 AM
Sounds like we got the guy we needed...
http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/
080815gettingtoknowpowell.html
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 09:33 AM
Thoughts of Dwayne Mitchell...
http://www.nba.com/lakers/news/
080815gettingtoknowpowell.html
Sounds pretty good. I particularly like his work ethic and positive attitude. I'm not sure we need MORE offensive firepower, but the guy likes the Triangle, and that's a good thing.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 09:37 AM
"As for his run in with the Las Vegas police, Pierce said he was pulled over for failing to use his directional at a traffic stop before being handcuffed and eventually passing sobriety tests. He joked that he was targeted by a Los Angeles Lakers fan for a "DWC: Driving With Championship."
LOL! You've got to admit: That is witty and funny.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 09:39 AM
You go Mike, tell the unbelievers to repent and believe in the Kwame. When he posts his career best of 6/6 in 28 mins, they'll see the truth.
Posted by: p ang | August 16, 2008 at 09:59 AM
USA ROUTS SPAIN!
"James and his teammates were ready to go.
He opened the game with a steal and layup and added seven more points in the first period. After needing 11/2 quarters to start pulling away from their first three opponents, the Americans needed barely 8 minutes to take a double-digit lead in this one.
And that was with Bryant missing most of the period in foul trouble. He flattened Pau Gasol, his Los Angeles Lakers teammate, while trying to run through a pick 2 minutes into the game, then collected an offensive foul with 5:50 remaining."
You think Kobe did that on purpose? HE, A GUARD, FLATTENED GASOL!
You think Kobe had an idea of how to beat a team that has Gasol as one of their big men?
119 points? Agaisnt a weak defense like Spain (The Gasol Brothers) the Lakers would average 120 pts a game.
This All-Star line-up has struggle to break 100 points in their wins. But this All-Star line up scored 119 points against the MARSHMELLOW, SLOWFOOTED GASOL BROTHERS to kill Spain. Gee, you can't figure this stuff out?
8 minutes to get a double digit lead. Spain is WEAK IN THE MIDDLE.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 10:02 AM
You think Kobe kind of prepped his USA teammates about what to expect from the middle that has Gasol as one of thier bigs?
"James and his teammates were ready to go."
"And that was with Bryant missing most of the period in foul trouble. He flattened Pau Gasol, his Los Angeles Lakers teammate, while trying to run through a pick 2 minutes into the game, then collected an offensive foul with 5:50 remaining."
Kobe Bryant TOLD his teammates what to expect and Kobe showed them what is was all about when he FLATTENED his Lakers' teammate Gasol 2 minutes into the game. Kobe intimidated GASOL, 2 minutes into the game, in front of his USA teammates to show how to go at a team with weak big men. I wonder where he learned that. Oh yeah! The Boston Celtics taught him that one.
That Kobe...he's a smart guy.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Not sure if anyone saw, but China just beat Germany to get into the medal round. The play of note was that Sun Yue setup the game clinching play when he drove past a German defender, drew in Yi Jianlian's man, kicked it to Yi, and he buried a 19 ft jumper to seal the deal.
If he can gain more confidence and be able to make plays like that at the NBA level, then he has a promising future. I also think that in the China national team system, he's not given as much freedom as he would in a NBA system. You might be able to argue he would have more freedom (drive, shoot, etc) in the triangle.
Can someone answer me this: I've seen a lot of commercials on NBA TV about the Read and React offense. I have seen Boston, Detroit run variations of it in recent years (specifically against LA in the Finals). It got me to thinking if it's possible that when they allowed zone defenses in 2002 (mainly to slow down Shaq), it allowed for teams to implement defensive schemes to contain both Shaq AND Kobe. Granted Shaq isn't the same Shaq he was in the championship days (clearly), but if you have noticed the last 2 trips the Lakers have made to the Finals, both Detroit and Boston implemented a box-and-one defense against Kobe, which reduced Kobe's FG % in both series. Prior to 02-03, that defensive scheme was illegal, and the triangle, when ran properly, would eat alive any man-to-man defense with the right personnel, hence why Phil was undefeated in the finals.
Hopefully this upcoming year, Phil will have the lack of arrogance in the triangle to make the proper offensive adjustments to combat the box-and-one that has stopped the Lakers from winning. Expect to see it at least 4 times this year (from Boston and Charlotte). It's clear that the triangle as-is doesn't work anymore against a good defensive team (we've had to learn that the hard way). This, along with improving their defense overall, is what I hope Phil's working on as I write this comment.
By the way, a great smackdown by Team USA against Spain today. You can tell that Kobe is not taking his offensive game seriously in this tourney, but lucky for him he doesn't have to. However, have you noticed how Lebron and Wade have both gotten better in these Olympics, playing at a defensive level they've never played at? Coincidence that Kobe's on the team this year and how he's set the tone? I'm just sayin'.
Posted by: ATL Laker Fan | August 16, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Laker Nation,
First things first, keep on posting guys especially the Magnificent T and the Optimistic Tom, well the K-Bros are again in danger, there is a new Sheriff at LA Times, he might bring in his DirectV blog people and replace our haterade brothers. Censors could be more and Mike T. could be expelled for life. We don't want that to happen.
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-publisher16-2008aug16,0,6915781.story
KB Blitz,
Are you sure you are not the younger brother of LTLF? you're up to date with stats even in the Olympics. I think you make sense on your analysis on guards and Yue as a forward. Although, I would experiment both positions and see where he is effective. A tall guard in the high post could lessen the headaches of the power forwards and Center in the low post, I mean with his long frame he could distract those small guards from shooting on the perimeter, that's the advantage of being a tall guard. On offense, he could see who is free compared to Farmar and Fisher where they have to lob the ball just to execute a succesful pass to Drew or Vladdy on the corner. If there are no openings, Yue could apply his long range shooting. The disadvantage of him being a forward 1). he is not used to that position and he needs some time to learn the intricacies of the triangle 2). His tall frame is small compared , needs to consume more American burgers to bang with power forwards like Boozer, Posey and Perkins. He might get discourage and would not play for the second year. 3) LO as guard is not that effective, he gets into foul trouble of forcing through. LO should learn to work in the shaded area, catch and shoot, rebound and follow-up and work along with Bynum and Gasol. When LO is a guard, he has a tendency to try his perimeter shooting which normally brick and/or result to high rebounds, he is not a shooter but more of a slasher. By this time, he should also be aware the team expect him to be a defensive minded player.
Lastly, KB blitz some bloggers here were uncomfortable on the losses of the Lakers to our old nemesis, Celtics. Of all teams, this is the team that Lakers should dominate even in their dreams. Oldtimers find our team lost its steam during the Finals, maybe it was combination of Kobe's pinkie, absence of Drew, recovering from injury of Ariza and Mihm while some played with a little heart and others played with a little brain. There are no excuses when it comes to Lakers vs. Celtics, oldtimers don't accept No.2 lasted to 6th game, that's nothing baby all we got are mustard and ketchup, we need the beef, the bread and everything. Lakers can lose to the Spurs or to the lowly Clippers but not to the demogogues Celtics, there'd always be Let's Go C in every generation, smell of that filthy smokin' leprechaun raised from the grave therefore we are always uncomfortable with such losses, no ifs and buts nor silly excuses, we just plain suck to the bone in the last concluded Finals. I hope young Laker fans would understand that traditional Laker sentiment.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 16, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Calling Keifo,
Sorry guy I said 1;15pm Pacific time Spain vs USA, it is ON now at 10:15Am . Turn on your TV on NBA4.
Hope you read the post. Again I apologize for misleading information yesterday.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 16, 2008 at 10:16 AM
FLATTENED!
A freaken guard FLATTENED Gasol.
Which way did he go? Which way did he go?
LOL!
USA TEAM: Kobe, how do we go at Gasol?
Kobe: He's seriously weak. We intimidate him by pushing him around.
HOWARD: I don't want to get into foul trouble, Kobe!
Kobe: Don't worry about that. I'll just FLATTEN his butt to open the game and then just steamroll the rest of the way.
USA TEAM: How early into the game do you think you can FLATTEN Gasol?
Kobe: Within the first 2 minutes. Just be ready to steamroll right after. I say we'll be up by double digits in the first 8 minutes of the game.
USA TEAM: If it's that damn easy...heck, we'll probably score something like 120 pts.
Kobe: That's the plan. Did you see the Celtics score 131 pts on my Lakers team in game 6? They did that by pushing Gasol out of the lane. Just wait and see, I'll FLATTEN him 2 minutes into the game and we'll score something like 120 pts. I promise you that. Believe me I know first hand.
USA TEAM: YEAH!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM
From the mind of Kobe Bryant:
I'm going to FLATTEN that weak butt Gasol to open the game to show those ignorant Laker fans and those idiotic Buss' (Jerry and Jim) just what it means to be WEAK IN THE MIDDLE.
mike t.
p.s. You think I'm making this stuff up? I'm not the one who reported Kobe FLATTENED his teammate Gasol to open the game. That FLATTENING of Gasol was straight from the mind of Kobe.
You really want to know what Kobe thinks about Gasol? 2 minutes into the game he showed you.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 10:39 AM
REPORT! REPORT! REPORT!
"Ignoring early foul trouble to Kobe Bryant and Anthony, the Americans turned to top reserves Wade and Chris Paul to ignite an early 13-3 spurt that gave them a 13-point lead late in the first quarter, and Spain never made much of a dent in the deficit even while shooting 58 percent in the first half.
The Spanish tried to slow the Americans with a zone defense, but crisp ball movement set up open 3-pointers—and the U.S. players finally made them. James and Bryant hit from behind the arc on consecutive possessions after Spain trimmed the U.S. lead to eight midway through the second quarter, and Deron Williams nailed another during a 9-0 burst that made it a 20-point game late in the half."
Early foul trouble by Kobe and Anthony? Lay the physical wood on their butts early. Then let Wade and Paul come in and cut them up going to the basket against their weak and intimidated middle. Then that'll force them to go zone. By that time the momentum will be flowing on our side. We hit a couple of 3s and it's a done deal rout style, that is.
"The Spanish tried to slow the Americans with a zone defense"
That means they were getting killed in the middle so they had to go zone. (The weak Gasol brothers)
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Michael C. Teniente,
Is there a white player you admire and respect?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 11:30 AM
The key to fundamental basketball is the pic'.
Take away the pic' and you have up and down basketball, which, more often than not, is a losing brand of basketball at the Championship level.
Andrew Bynum or Gasol would never give themselves over to setting solid pic' because because they're score first type of players.
Setting solid pic's at the top of key or at the elbow throughout the season would take dedication to fundamental basketball.
Fundamental basketball ignores weak defenses and sets up their offense to perfect execution. The Lakers never practiced thier execution during the season because they were too busy taking advantage of weak defenses.
What Kobe did to Gasol agasint Spain by FLATTENING him was to disturb Spain's fundamentals. Once the fundamentals are gone, the pic's, it's open season.
After getting clobbered by Kobe I bet Gasol wasn't even thinking of setting solid pic's anymore. That's the name of the game.
119 pts for TEAM USA.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 11:32 AM
Edwin Gueco,
I'm not the younger brother of Long Time Laker Fan. LOL! Just learned from the best how to break down statistics regularly and not make excuses of blaming other people should they do bad. If Kobe does bad, Kobe does bad. Kobe does good, Kobe does good. And I'm fair to all players.
Hmm wonder though why you say Sun Yue will need to bang with power forwards, true he has the height but its not his position. Small Forward will be the best position he can get, heck even Magic Johnson had limitations while playing a power forward spot. Regardless I agree he does have to buff up, playing in the NBA in the long term and playing on the National Chinese team in the offseason will help at that.
And btw, out of the forwards you list, only Carlos Boozer is a power forward. Posey is a small forward who can guard shooting gurds and Perkins is a true center lol.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Tom,
well, im not quite as old as you haha... I used to play for the alpine striders a few years ago. We had our own legendary coach in Tony Wong who has since retired from fulltime coaching recently, but yeah there were some pretty insane players that would come in and be hyper competitve.
-boba
Posted by: bobabocker | August 16, 2008 at 11:58 AM
"Let's face it. Kwame's defense against other bigs was pretty damned good and people don't give him respect for that."
Posted by Jon K.
Like I said in an earlier post, only thing Kwa-may Brown is in defense is being able to body up his man when his man had his back to the basket. Otherwise his defense SUCKED! His had bad feet and make reads very wrong. Back in 2005-2006 season when his defense was ok he still got toasted by pick and rolls, just ask Mr. Tony Parker as he got tear drop after tear drop. Kwa-may's defense today is no where near what it was 2 years ago. When he is face up Kwa-may's weaknesses is exposed on one on one defense, KG torched him that way back in December.
What can show he is a good defender: 1) If he gets 1st All-Defensive team and/or Defensive player of the year or 2) Wins the NBA Championship with Detroit averaging at least 35 min per game, 10 ppg, 12 rpg, 3 blks per game and 2 steals per game with a FG% of at least 55%. If he can do either of those then you have legitimate argument he is a good defender. Why I included ppg and fg% simple, Ben Wallace during his prime years got near 10 ppg and Kwa-may has at least shot 50% (mainly due to too little shots). Until Kwa-may Brown has averaged those, Jon K., in my opinion, all arguments are moot.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 12:08 PM
"You go Mike, tell the unbelievers to repent and believe in the Kwame. When he posts his career best of 6/6 in 28 mins, they'll see the truth."
Posted by: p ang
LOL! First realistically Kwa-may Brown can average that, because his career average is around that. 7.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg. Should he be averaging that? NO! He is a 1st overall pick he should be tearing it up like Dwight Howard, Lebron James, heck even Andrew Bogut is having by far a successful career than Kwa-may Brown.
7.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, and being a soft scrub equals bust.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Hey MT;
are you STILL talking about Kwame?? I mean seriously dude, it's been SIX FREAKING MONTHS since the dude got traded and you are STILL talking about the guy.
every freaking time i come on this blog, there you are, with another oblique reference as to how Kwame is all this and all that and IT'S GETTING FREAKING OLD BRAH.
I know you've been told this before but damn, get over it or go to the Pistons' blog and talk about him there.
JEEEEZ!!!
Posted by: machiavelly | August 16, 2008 at 12:31 PM
"But he never would have had space to swat those shots if Kwame had not pushed Duncan and Yao so far away from the basket."
Had Kwa-may Brown actually pushed with his hands literally, he would have been issued a foul because of the hand checking rule. Had it been 10 years ago he had done that, then it would have been ok defense.
And please see those shots again, if you see the tape, Yao had Kwa-may to his right side before he attempted the shot, Kwa-may in no way could have interfered with the shot, Kobe was forced to rotate over. In other words, Yao was wide open for the shot at very close range, Kobe was very skilled enough to get between to block the shot.
And the Tim Ducan block? Well poor Kwa-may had his eye on Michael Finley and Finley passed over Kwa-may to Timmy and it was not Kwa-may who rotated over it was Ronny Turiaf to interfere with Tim (luckily Ronny didn't get the foul). Same damn thing happened when we played the Suns and Amare roasted Kwa-may Brown on a campfire.
Here are the blocks.
Tim Duncan block:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxpN4oKuDy4
Yao Ming block:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdaIf_sBRYY
"Kobe didn't get another block like that for the rest of the season, now did he?"
Kobe blocked Shawn Marion, and blocked an ally oop to Shaq. Oh and he blocked Tim Thomas as well and that was without Kwa-may Brown. And he blocked Boris Diaw as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f0eOhj6oSA
Cheers!
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 12:32 PM
HOW ABOUT THIS GASOL QUOTE:
"They wanted to make a statement in this game, playing against us, and they did,” Gasol said. “They sent a message to everybody in the tournament. They didn’t do it before, and now everybody knows that they’re for real, and they’re very serious about this.”
LOL!
You think, Pau?
GASOL: (Wide-eyed looking scared) Hey, I think these guys are serious.
SPAINISH TEAM: What do we do?
GASOL: Well, unless you want to get injured...play soft!
SPAINISH TEAM: Play soft?
GASOL: Hey, you want to be a hero? YOU BE A HERO! BUT I HAVE MY CAREER TO THINK OF.
SPAINISH TEAM: He's got a point.
GASOL: YOU DAMN RIGHT I HAVE A POINT! THESE AMERICANS ARE SERIOUS! I CAN'T AFFORD TO GET INJURED.
SPAINISH TEAM: But lets not embarrass ourselves by giving up something like 120 points, OK.
GASOL: YOU JUST DON'T "GET IT" DO YOU? I'M TELLING YOU THEY'RE SERIOUS! Just get out of their way. I don't give a damn if they score 120 pts. Damn wanna-be-heros! You just don't know what it's like to be pushed around by these big guys. I'm telling you it only leads to back trouble. I don't need that. I don't care if they say I'm soft. At least I got a big contract.
SPAINISH TEAM: You make good points. No, those are excellent points. Who gives a damn if they score 120 pts? We're not heros. As a matter of fact people are saying we're racist. This is a perfect chance for us to kind of bow out gracefully. No one will even notice. Plus if we get smoked by giving up 120 pts...maybe this team photo thing will go away.
GASOL: Now you see things clearly!
SPAINISH TEAM: YEAH!
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 16, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Mike T.,
Supposing Team Spain puts your Kwame in the middle, do you think they have a chance against Team USA. If ever, you will all Spaniards crying from Barcelona to Sevilla say "Adios patria adorada, si no puede falso jugador, Pobre Espana" LOL!
It is not Gasol's fault, Team USA is just superior when they put all their heads and game together. They lose when they become individualistic and play a lackadaisical defense but at this time, no team can beat them even a selection of Team World.
If ever there is any truth to what you are saying, mike T or what Rick Friedman had advocated and got into trouble, it is about Defense. In the Lakers '09 roster, they may have a healthy Bynum, a healthy Ariza, a healthy Kobe if the other two players do not play defense, we lose in a seven game format. Defense wins it all, I hope that becomes the No. 1 priority for next year. The story of this Olympics is good lesson about defense. When Vlad, Luke, Jordan, Lamar, Chris don't play defense, put them back to preseason retraining mode w/ Kurt Rambis until they show it in their game. Look at these players w/ Team USA melo, dwayne, james what's difference between their game in '08 vs. '04 under Brown, it's defense and doing the homework of scouting moves plus chemistry w/ teammates.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | August 16, 2008 at 12:43 PM
"This All-Star line-up has struggle to break 100 points in their wins. But this All-Star line up scored 119 points against the MARSHMELLOW, SLOWFOOTED GASOL BROTHERS to kill Spain. Gee, you can't figure this stuff out?"
Not when tons of those points came from turnovers from Spain (28 turnovers) and fast breaking PERIMETER players such as Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Paul, and Deron Williams were scoring in transition, which is harder to defend than an half court set. That is how the Phoenix Suns and especially the Golden State Warriors scored.
"HE, A GUARD, FLATTENED GASOL!"
Ever hear about taking charges or what the opposition would call a flop? Big men taking charges is really quite rare, they prefer to go for the block. One thing Kwa-may Brown was good at I admit was taking chargers. So is Pau which he did against Dwight Howard when the Lakers faced Orlando. And Kobe did get an offensive foul so that charge/flop was smart on Pau's case, even though it looked more like a flop to me.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 12:59 PM
thekobebryantblitz,
Yes. Kwame Brown's defense against guards sucked, but he was able to play admirable defense against some very good bigs.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 01:16 PM
As an add-on to what ATL Laker Fan said, Sun Yue actually
had a very good game against Germany. He played a lot better
on defense (of course, it's a lot easier to guard the German
no-name guards than Kobe and Dwyane), he had several blocked
shots, some rebounds, a made 3 on the one play they ran for
him, and a couple of assists late (one to Yao and one to Yi).
YO!
Yue passed to Yao and Yi
Yay!
Anyway, this win gets the Chinese into the elimination round.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 16, 2008 at 01:17 PM
AK/BK/LakerNation,
Who, in your opinion, are the best free agents still available DEFENSIVELY SPEAKING?
I'm not as cognisant as a I should be of who is still available or how they rank defensively.
I know Quinton Ross is still available, but are there any other super-bad defensive stoppers left?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | August 16, 2008 at 01:21 PM
"The Spanish tried to slow the Americans with a zone defense"
Of course, zone defense is the trademark of the international game, zone defense of today helps stop guys who wants to go penetrate. Of course hand checking is far superior to zone defense, along with all the rules of the 90's which would have made Kwa-may been an ok defender but all those rules are changed nowadays....
"The key to fundamental basketball is the pic'."
Screen and rolls are a good tactic but is not the key. If that was the key, the Lebron would have won the championship by now. And while Kwa-may may have been good with the pic, Bynum and Gasol and even Odom set good picks... and Bynum and Gasol actually did a good job at defending screen and roll.....can't say the same about Kwa-may who I see everytime I play NBA Live 07 and got torched like a marshmallow by Amare Stoudemire.
Haha I'd rather take the soft marshmallow Gasol than the soft marshmallow scrub Kwa-may.
And comparing Perkins to Kwa-may? I think Let's go C's! would be insulted.
LOL!
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | August 16, 2008 at 01:22 PM
mike t.,
"I mean: How ignorant can people really be?"
Well, I don't know...you are the one preaching that we need Kwame back, even though when we had him we couldn't get out of the first round and without him we got to the finals.
Pretty ignorant, I guess.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: gokobego | August 16, 2008 at 01:24 PM
LakerTom,
"You answer that question every time you post. LOL"
Actually, no. He hasn't peaked yet.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | August 16, 2008 at 01:33 PM