A pair of previews
We're entering that time of year when NBA scribes churn out the What Lies Ahead articles. Two such pieces recently hit the ol' Internet, so I opted to direct them your way.
The first comes from Forum Blue and Gold's Kurt, who examines a notion bandied about at great length this off-season: Could Lamar Odom take on the role of "Budding Sixth Man of the Year"? Kurt thinks -- and I concur -- that the likeliest replacement would be Trevor Ariza, assuming his shot and ballhandling become a little more reliable. Kurt also thinks the coaching staff is considerably more inclined to see how LO, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum mesh as a starting trio before seeking out any "Plan B," a prediction BK and I have both made many times this summer. Whether you're talking about Odom's specific role or the merits of dealing him and his expiring 14 mil for a theoretical better fit, the wise approach is to discover what you have before deciding what you don't. I can't emphasize how much "patience" played a key role in last season's success. This particular team is in very strong shape, which affords them the luxury of extra time for a careful evaluation of their situation. I can't imagine they wouldn't take it.
Kurt also provides a breakdown of the candidates (thus far) in line for the unclaimed 14th roster spot, with Coby Karl in a somewhat secure catbird seat for a second campaign with the Lakers. Kurt figures the 15th spot will remain vacant to kick off the year, an assessment I'm guessing holds true.
The other piece is a Hoopsworld season preview written primarily by Eric Pincus, a local scribe and Lakersblog pal who spends a lot of time around the squad. Five other Hoopsworld members polled predicted first place Pacific Division finishes for the Purple and Gold, a finale not disputed by Pincus. Are there any issues he's sweating? Well, considering Kobe's working with an unfixed pinkie, Ariza, Bynum, Chris Mihm and Luke Walton haven't proven yet that they're fully recovered from injury and Lamar Odom is typically reliable for an ow-ie of sorts, health is obviously a concern. Should Josh Powell not prove up to snuff (particularly if the frontcourt gets dinged up), Ronny Turiaf's absence may be felt. And the Laker D wrapped up the playoffs at something of a "good but not necessarily lockdown" status, which is why Pincus sees room for improvement. Then again, Pincus feels- as do I- that a healthy Ariza and Bynum automatically make the Lakers a considerably different defensively. And by "different," I mean "better."
Thoughts on their thoughts?
AK
Butler I don't know if you watch the NCAA Tournament but I wouldn't consider Goran to be the 2nd best PG in the draft. If he were he would have been drafted sooner and I would have a bet that even the Suns would have drafted him in the 1st Round over Lopez (Amare can player center at times just like Pau) had he proved to be the "2nd best player in the draft". This may be an LA thing (I didn't attend UCLA) but Russell Westbrook is the real defender in the draft and had he been available had the Suns been looking for a point guard for real defensive purposes then Westbrook would have been drafted by then. I was there at the Bruin-Davidson Game and watched with my own eyes Westbrook shut down Stephen Curry the guy whom impressed Lebron James enough to actually watch a Davidson Game. Sun Yue has went up against NBA talent (Kidd, D-Will, and CP3) and impressed not only Kobe but also CP3. He also performed in Summer League back in 2007 and went up against the Orlando Magic when the Magic played in China for the NBA China games and came up with 8 Points, 4 assists and 1 block in 24 minutes.
I'm not saying Sun will get more playing time than Goran this season. Just saying there are tons more better point guards even at defending than Goran, maybe had success against TP but D-Will, CP3 is a whole different matter.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 22, 2008 at 12:51 PM
BD sez:
"World Championships
Celtics.... 17
Lakers,,., 14"
Actually, it's NBA titles, not "world championship." Spain currently holds the world title.
And shouldn't you at least mention how many of those Celtic titles have been earned at the lakers' expense? What is it, like 9 banners in Boston?
Posted by: BUTLER | September 22, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Blitz -
"I'm not saying Sun will get more playing time than Goran this season. Just saying there are tons more better point guards even at defending than Goran, maybe had success against TP but D-Will, CP3 is a whole different matter."
If there are "tons more better PGs at defending" then, would you mind listing them? It's tough to call because we haven't seen what this guy can do yet.
We in PHX were surprised to hear about Goran, but we simply have to put faith a this point in the SUNS braintrust of Kerr and Porter and Griffin. They evidently saw something special in Goran and since the SUNS haven't had a true backup PG in the Nash II era, it's exciting to think help has finally arrived. But I think Goran will need time - maybe 3 seasons, maybe two months - to adapt to the NBA game.
Back to the point though, Sun Yue is coming from China and that will require a much greater adjustment than someone coming from Europe, generally speaking. One olympics does not a PG make.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 22, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Ah, how the road to the title runs "through" Phoenix. It has, in fact, run through Phoenix FOUR times.
The Suns have played the role of championship stepping stone to the Lakers these four beautiful times: 1980, 1982, 1985, and 2000. Thanks, Phoenix, for allowing us to walk all over you en route to the championship banner. Have fun staring up at your Pacific Division banners. Those are really pretty, aren't they?
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | September 22, 2008 at 01:09 PM
Teams that put up division banners are lame. Anything short of a Conference Championship Banner is just plain stupid.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 22, 2008 at 01:25 PM
For some crazy reason people are putting the Lakers success on the health of Luke Walton! My solemn advice would be to put this guy in the back of your minds and deal with fact that Luke won't be back in the starting line up or play again. The type of injury that has crippled him is one that run's deep in the family. Bad feet, bad back, slow foot speed, slow healer's, lack of mobility against athletic players and last but not least a horrible slow shot that get's blocked more times than any player in the YMCA!
Posted by: chuck23 | September 22, 2008 at 01:29 PM
The Outlaw,
And how many times did the road run through Phoenix when San Antonio won its championships as well?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 22, 2008 at 01:34 PM
The Outlaw,
"how the road to the title runs "through" Phoenix"
Actually, I think the road to the title runs "over" Phoenix.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 22, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Blitz -
That would be a valid point if it weren't for the fact that his stats from the full season before with the Magic were even BETTER than they were in this season.
Posted by: puddle | September 22, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Butler,
From 2008 NBA Draft
Derrick Rose
Russell Westbrook
DJ Augustin
Jerryd Bayless
George Hill
Mario Chalmers (Great Defensive guy from Kansas)
Kyle Weaver
Those Point Guard/Combo Guards I would rate much better defensively than Goran based on experience from the NCAA level (which is arguably much better to look at talent than Europe). I'm just saying about the so called faith in Goran as a stopper may be out of place in his 1st year in the NBA. IF he became a stopper than I would think 3 years is more reasonable (not saying he can do it within 3 months) considering the different style of the NBA and Europe.
I agree too that 1 Olympics does not make a PG in the NBA, I can also say the same thing about Europe even though Europe is more known than Asia is and isn't as much of an adjustment as it would take a Chinese player (heck both of us doesn't know, Sun may be actually quite ready and may surprise all of us). And remember it wasn't just one Olympics, Sun has played in the summer league back in 2007 and has played in the NBA China Games against the Orlando Magic and did quite well.
Just saying, Goran may be the long term point guard but I would rate better point guards at defending from the 2008 NBA Draft.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 22, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Blitz -
"Goran may be the long term point guard but I would rate better point guards at defending from the 2008 NBA Draft."
That's fine, but I don't see how any of us can rate him since we haven't seen him play yet. I'm looking forward to it though - can we get this season underway now??!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 22, 2008 at 01:57 PM
BUTLER -
The more Goran Tragic, ahem, Drajic plays, the less Steve Nash plays. Trust me - Goran is going to play very little this season. It's worthless debating the value of a guy who might play 3 minutes a game.
Posted by: puddle | September 22, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Lamar as a 6th man will perform as he always has. Just like the 2nd option, 3rd option, or 4th option. He will come up woefully shy of expectations and be prone to disappear at the most critical times.
SHIP HIS A$$ OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LAMAR=LAKER UNTIL WE FIND A TAKER!
Posted by: htj | September 22, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Puddle I think you missed my point.
The fact is that that Trevor's Lakers stats that you put up aren't really statistically proven. Was his Full season with the Magic better than the Lakers? Yup 8.9ppg 4.4rpg isn't too bad for a rotation player. The point though that all those "better than Posey" or "just a thing behind Lebron" isn't really that solid because like was stated before only too few games. Once he completes a full season with the Lakers then can the comparisons be more valid.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 22, 2008 at 02:06 PM
I"'m looking forward to it though - can we get this season underway now??!"
My thoughts exactly (and Andrew Bynum's).
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 22, 2008 at 02:08 PM
puddle sez:
"The more Goran Tragic, ahem, Drajic plays, the less Steve Nash plays."
Now that's a thought. Really, you think? I can't imagine that being the case for a backup PG who was brought in to relieve the best PG in NBA history.
Dragic will get minutes if he shows he can be better than leandro barbosa at point, and I love LB but he's no PG. Goran is a pure PG.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 22, 2008 at 02:09 PM
All this talk about Banners must signal my cue to end my Laker Blog siesta and to return to my demon-rebuking ways.
Butler, stop playing yourself. No matter how you spin it, it all boils down to one truth.
PHOENIX HAS NO NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS!
And when you come back and come up with stats about Robin Lopez's Summer League PER and what not,
PHOENIX HAS NO NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS!
And when you foam at the mouth with stalker-esque words of praise for The Big Sellout and how many rings he has in comparison to Kobe's, tell yourself again...
PHOENIX HAS NO NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS!
You have never tasted victory.
All you know is defeat.
You are not a troll.
You are a groupie.
A closeted Purple and Gold lover.
You envy our legacy.
You hate us cause you ain't us.
You have 2 Western Conference Champion Banners, 2 MVP Banners and a troth of Pacific Division Banners
That is your "legacy"
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
If you add up our WC Banners
Our MVP Banners
Our Pacific Division Banners
And...
Our 14 NBA Championship Banners
We will cover your entire stadium.
Every nook.
Every crack.
Every cranny.
Every restroom stall.
The very life blood of your "mighty" Orange will be choked lifeless in a sea of Purple & Golden Glory.
And while you struggle for a witty comeback, chew on this.
PHOENIX
HAS
NO
NBA
CHAMPIONSHIPS!
NONE
ZERO
NADA
ZIPPO!
Now go back to yoru room and finish your book report on "The Cat In The Hat!"
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 22, 2008 at 02:10 PM
You're right, Ex. My bad.
On another note, I'm excited to see what Ariza can do this year. I expect him to be healthy and extremely motivated. This kid has a huge upside. His dunk on Grant Hill last year was the stuff of which dreams are made. Or nightmares, depending upon which side you're on.
Go Lake Show!
Posted by: The Outlaw | September 22, 2008 at 02:19 PM
people have been screaming at Odom to shoot for his entire career, he will never change. You can't have a SF who refuses to shoot an open shot, it just won't work.
I've been saying all summer Ariza would probably be the starter. I'd assume the Lakers told him that was a possibility if he developed his outside shot. Odom as a 6th man makes our 2nd unit as good as some starting lineups in the league. He can play PF with Bynum or Gasol at Center. Basically, we can almost have a "starting unit" on the floor at all times throughout a whole game. Look at this for a 2nd unit starting the 2nd quarter:
Farmar
Sasha
Walton
Odom
Bynum - replacing Gasol who took the Center spot so Bynum could rest with a few minutes to go in the 1st quarter.
Crazy. If Farmar improves another step this season, that unit might even outscore the starters! LOL!
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 22, 2008 at 02:43 PM
utzworld -
Well now, I stand corrected!
Guess what -gasol, odum, byenumb have no championships. And neither does Fischer or kobey, if you take away SHACK.
And the SUNS have sent kobey and PJ packing every time in the playoffs with GNASH...oh yes.
Come to think of it, the PHOENIX SUNS own a better record against Boston Celtics in the Finals than the LA "Our role is to supply Boston with championship banners" lakers do!
Posted by: BUTLER | September 22, 2008 at 02:44 PM
Butler,
eres un loco y pendejo como el big 'day.
Posted by: xtro | September 22, 2008 at 02:49 PM
Butler,
Steve Nash is nowhere near being the best point guard in history: http://tinyurl.com/ndhne . I think ESPN is being very generous in their analysis though. Steve Nash should have never won those MVP's. He's the product of a system put in place by Mike D'Antoni. He is a horrible defender, lacks athleticism, a great shooter and an above average passer. How did he do in Dallas? He was an above average player, but not elite. He goes to Phoenix and the system makes him seem a lot better than he is. He has NEVER won. The farthest he's ever gotten is the conference finals. So please stop embarrasing yourself. I am happily awaiting the NBA season, because I know you won't be posting by then.
Posted by: laker hopeful | September 22, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Blitz -
Let me start out by saying I don't think that stats are the end all be all of player measurement. However, it's the best objective method we have, and Hollinger's PER (flawed as it may be) is the best I've seen at estimating an individual's offensive production. It takes into account playing time, frequency that the ball is in a player's hands and factors that are frequently overlooked when looking simply at the classic PPG, RPG, APG, etc...
You continue to say that the reason these stats aren't saying much is that Ariza only played in a handful of games (basically, that the sample size is too small). However, If I posted the data from the season before, I'd be posting nearly the exact same thing (his PER was actually slightly HIGHER the year before).
Continuing along your logic, we could say that we shouldn't get too excited about Bynum because he only posted a half a season's worth of data.
Does Ariza have things left to prove? Undoubtedly. As I said, his jump shot needs work, as does his FT shooting. He needs to rely more on his head and less on his athleticism on defense and he needs to be working on his ballhandling, particularly on the dribble drive (especially going left).
My point in all this is that instead of wishing for a SF that we can't get or can't afford (Artest, Posey), we should realize we've got a pretty good one right here. As AK, BK and others have said, getting Ariza and Bynum back is like adding two very talented Free Agents, with the added bonus that we didn't add any payroll. The Lakers will be very tough to deal with next season, if healthy, and Ariza will play a big part, I believe. He may not be flying under the radar too much longer.
Thanks for the dialogue. I know we're both excited to see what will happen this year.
Posted by: puddle | September 22, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I think Lamar could be a good fit as the 6th man but I just don't think Ariza has what it takes to be a starter for a championship team. If he hasn't improved a lot this offseason then he will never start. The ONLY way that Ariza cracks the starting lineup is if he can prove to PJ that he is a premier defensive stopper in this league. Ariza has all this "potential" but hasn't proven anything (not his fault, due to injury). I like Ariza but I want him to prove he belongs in the staring lineup before he hes the starting SF and Sun Yue is the next Magic.
Someone else said Luke should start over Ariza and I agree with that. There is already enough firepower and speed in the starting lineup without Ariza. Luke would be a nice fit. Who ever plays that position won't be called on to score much but to "do the little things". And who does the little things better than our man Luke? Luke had a bad season last year but his passing skills and IQ can still be a huge plus to the starting lineup where there will be close to zero pressure for him to perform.
With all that being said, Lamar is by far and away the most talented of the 3. We all know how much Lamar hates pressure but he won't have any next year with Kobe, Bynum, and Gasol leading the way. His points won't be spectacular next year and his rebounds may dip a little with Bynum in the lineup but I'm looking for Lamar to have a career high in assists and to really "do all the little things".
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 22, 2008 at 03:33 PM
The most dangerous man on the Lakers is Odums foot. It got both Bynum and Ariza. I'm also worried about Jordan's size. He got pushed around by D Williams, Baron and other big point guards. Hope he spent time in the weight room.
Posted by: Laker North | September 22, 2008 at 03:52 PM
mrbarney,
"premier defensive stopper "
He doesn't have to be a "premier defensive stopper"; being a solid defender at SF, with a mediocre outside shot (which is all that Lamar has) would be good enough for this team, when combined with the rest of the starters. Anything above that is gravy.
And the real benefit of Ariza starting is that Lamar comes off the bench.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | September 22, 2008 at 03:59 PM
"Continuing along your logic, we could say that we shouldn't get too excited about Bynum because he only posted a half a season's worth of data."
Exactly big difference though was that Andrew reached phenomenal numbers (13ppg, 10 rpg). Had Trevor been doing it all season long for the Lakers and not the Magic then it's a different story.
"The most dangerous man on the Lakers is Odums foot. It got both Bynum and Ariza. "
No Laker Hopeful it was Odom's foot on Bynum and Derek Fisher's foot on Trevor not Lamar's. Oh while at it blame Radman for doing the same for Pau's foot.
Mr. Barnydangles, I agree with you 100%. As much as Trevor does have perimeter defense he isn't exactly the ideal *starter*. I would rate Devean George in his prime to be a better starter than Trevor.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 22, 2008 at 04:06 PM
"Come to think of it, the PHOENIX SUNS own a better record against Boston Celtics in the Finals..."
Basic Math for Butler
In order to have a better winning percentage than someone else, you actually have to...
WIN!
Seeing as how you have never (here it comes...)
WON...
...then please explain how the Funs have a better winning percentage in the Finals than us?
Unless I stink at math or something, ZERO NBA CHAMPIONSHIPS would equal..
A 100% ALL TIME LOSING RECORD AGAINST THE BOSTON CELTICS IN THE NBA.
Right?
I await your answer. In fact, I already know what your answer is.
In the words of Jay-Z: Dig a hole. Go 'head [little brother] , bury yourself.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 22, 2008 at 04:09 PM
"Guess what -gasol, odum, byenumb have no championships. And neither does Fischer or kobey, if you take away SHACK."
I'll see that. And I'll raise you with this:
Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, Grant Hill, Leandro Barbosa have no championships...PERIOD - NO MATTER WHO YOU TAKE AWAY!
Dig a hole. Go 'head. Bury yourself.
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 22, 2008 at 04:11 PM
Steve Nash is an ok player but it is Shaq that will keep them from winning it all.
Ask POP why the Suns will never win it all.
What he did to Shaq in the playoffs was cruel and embarrassing. In fact I have to get league pass this year just to watch Shaq embarrass himself at the free throw line again.
3 things that made my season last year:
1. Watching the Lakers become a great team again.
2. Watch Shaq at the Free throw line
3. Read the AZ blog with everyone committing suicide over how in the hell did they end up with a over the hill Shaq and geez what the hell happened to the future of the team.
There is no better way to start your day then with a big cup of coffee and the AZ Blog. The doctors say that laughing is good for you...Trust me...after laughing for an hour or 2 on the AZ Blog you will agree it is good for you.
BD
Posted by: BD | September 22, 2008 at 04:22 PM
LakerNorth,
I am with you. Till Odom and that foot is traded we all in Laker Nation will be holding our breath. I say we don't risk it. A trade might be in order to avoid serious injury.
BD
Posted by: BD | September 22, 2008 at 04:25 PM
BUTTLUR just used the argument that not getting to the finals is better than getting to finals. HAHAHAHA!!!
wait.....hahahahaha!!
I can see it now-
FENIX "We don't like the finals because we might lose (and probably will)" FUNS.
or
Fenix "No finals=no losses (and no success)" Funs
or
Fenix "We aren't MAN enough to get to the Finals" Funs
or how about
Fenix "We would have won it if the Spurs and TiMMAY didn't beat us!" Funs
or even better
Fenix "Spurs playoff practice team" Funs
AAAAHHHHHHAHAHAHAHAHA!! No finals, yuuup, you can win that distinction every time!!! Hey, might as well not make the playoffs, then you'll have never lost!! 47 years of FENIX CHAMPIONSHIP BALL!!
Keep dreamin, hehehe
Posted by: 8. Clippers, 9. Fenix Funs | September 22, 2008 at 04:28 PM
15th spot is for the filler we get if we trade LO. I'm not saying it will happen, but it's a strong enough possibility that it makes sense to prepare for it.
Posted by: Benjamin | September 22, 2008 at 07:49 PM
Start Luke at the 3 and watch what the offense will become. He'll create it for other guys guaranteed! His style of play is playing in my head and I can't see this not working out with all those scorers on the team. Lamar and Ariza should be a formidable 2nd unit coming off the bench with Farmar, Vujacic and Center. Luke will make Bynum, Kobe, Gasol's, and Fisher's job easier. Luke was born for this job.
Posted by: Yumama | September 22, 2008 at 11:26 PM
Butler,
The biggest name to ever sign in the HISTORY of your team is a washed up has-been Laker, who at the moment probably ranks 5th in our history and by the time Kobe is done, he'll be sixth best. Maybe you guys should start using him for half time entertainment. At least he'll be contributing to the team in a positive manner.
-BOG Tree in LA
Posted by: BOGtree | September 23, 2008 at 09:15 AM
BUTLER,
>>>Your assesment of Grant Hill was correct for last season -
Last season? Yep.
But also 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2007. Those were all
years where Grant Hill was on a quality team that choked in
the first round of the playoffs. And guess who sucked so bad
he made his team lose?
Eventually Detroit gave up on him. Two years later, they
made it to the second round. Four years later, they won
a championship.
Orlando paid him huge buckets of money for 6 seasons,
and he only played more than 30 games in 2 of those seasons,
and was his usual crappy self in the playoffs.
When time came to re-sign, did he show any loyalty to the
team that stood by him through all the injuries? Hell no.
He thought he could ride Nash's coattails to a championship,
but even Steve Nash can't carry a boat anchor and keep
running at full speed. So last year Orlando made it out of
the first round and Phoenix is mired in mediocrity.
I'm telling you right now... Phoenix will NEVER make it
out of the first round with Big Can't Grant on your team.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 23, 2008 at 10:22 AM
BULTER,
>>>And the SUNS have sent kobey and PJ packing every
>>>time in the playoffs with GNASH...oh yes.
Where have you been? Under a box?
In 2008, the Suns didn't send the Lakers packing, because
they couldn't even make it out of the first round to FACE the
Lakers.
So do your little happy dance that you were able to knock
Smush Parker and Kwame Brown and Brian Cook out
of the playoffs. Cuz you're going to be mighty sad if you
think it's going to happen against Pau and Bynum and
The Machine.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 23, 2008 at 10:32 AM
utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER,
Don't bother arguing with Butler, he has no credibility. Still, I want to point something out: Steve Nash, Amare Stoudamire, Leandro Barbosa, Grant Hill, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell have not only never won a championship, they have NO FINAL APPEARANCES.
Posted by: laker hopeful | September 23, 2008 at 02:37 PM
LHopeful: Who's arguing? Not me. :)
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | September 23, 2008 at 03:45 PM
In the areas where the Lakers needed to improve the most they failed to add anybody. Being more physical, better rebounding and strong perimeter defense are the Lakers weakest links and could very well come back to haunt them.............not in the regular season........but in the playoffs when the games really count.
Also, Ariza's improvements are secondary to the question...........Will Phil Jackson consistently play him???
That's the question.............because Phil Jackson will invariably find an excuse to use Luke Walton........as he did Smush Parker
With Phil Jackson's mental breakdown in last years Finals..........Coaching will be key in the Lakers success. A factor rarely discussed
Posted by: pfunk36 | September 22, 2008 at 08:15 AM
=============================
Now that is the $50,00 dollar question. I don't like PJ's history for right rotations and over use of sub par performing players. I hope things will be different this year. Time will tell.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 23, 2008 at 11:48 PM
The most dangerous man on the Lakers is Odums foot. It got both Bynum and Ariza. I'm also worried about Jordan's size. He got pushed around by D Williams, Baron and other big point guards. Hope he spent time in the weight room.
Posted by: Laker North | September 22, 2008 at 03:52 PM
=================================
Unfortunately he did not. He practice more 3 point shooting. Too bad.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 24, 2008 at 12:01 AM
Start Luke at the 3 and watch what the offense will become. He'll create it for other guys guaranteed! His style of play is playing in my head and I can't see this not working out with all those scorers on the team. Lamar and Ariza should be a formidable 2nd unit coming off the bench with Farmar, Vujacic and Center. Luke will make Bynum, Kobe, Gasol's, and Fisher's job easier. Luke was born for this job.
Posted by: Yumama | September 22, 2008 at 11:26 PM
===========================
How? He is slower, just as injury prone if not more, less of a defender and his outside shot sucks too. TA passes, dishes and drives but Luke can't. So why is Luke better? Basketball mind? Heck remember those blown passes and not calling TO.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 24, 2008 at 12:07 AM