For those seeking a Bynum update...
Here's one, straight from the proverbial horse's mouth. Or, to be more specific, the proverbial horse's blog. Andrew Bynum posted an update on his health today at his personal website, and assuming the kid isn't lying to us (and there's no reason to believe he is, given the solid reports that have been issued all summer on his health) the news is good:
...For the past six weeks I’ve been here in Atlanta preparing for the upcoming season. The first couple of weeks were really to get my wind back and strengthen my leg. Wow was I out of shape, but fortunately it came back pretty fast. I have my mile run back down in the low sixes, I’m playing way above the rim, dunking the ball like crazy, and my leg is 100% pain free with no swelling. My trainer, Dr. Sean Zarzana, has me doing all types of workouts from track, strength, balance, basketball, stretching and yoga. All of the routines are extremely challenging, but I can feel my body returning to the form. We will be returning to LA in the next few days to continue these workouts, and I am really looking forward to practicing with the coaching staff and all of my teammates as well. This week Mitch Kupchak and Jim Buss stopped in for a visit. They watched me go through an upper body/track workout. After we had lunch at a local restaurant....
For those of you who value his opinion on popular culture, Bynum also reveals how much he enjoyed "The Dark Knight" and "Pineapple Express." Thanks to Lakers sth for the tip.
I don't think it's any secret how much the Lakers need a healthy Bynum this year if they want to return to the NBA Finals... and perhaps leave with a better result. While there are reasons to wonder how well and how fast the massive front court of Andrew Bynum, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom will come together -- personally, I'm optimistic and excited at the prospect of watching the process -- there's no doubting the impact Bynum can have in the middle. Given how much the team changed with Gasol, a sound Andrew is essentially the team's big off-season acquisition.
BK
bynum and gasol will be a good pairing next season assuming kobe remains a "good" teammate.
Posted by: KL | September 03, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Bynum + Kobe = Championship
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | September 03, 2008 at 06:43 PM
Bynum and Pau will rule the Baseline next season.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qls5ydibAb4
Posted by: The Lonely Warrior | September 03, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Bynum would've easily been the 1st pick in this years' draft, which would've been his eligible year if he didn't sneak in before the age rule change.
So essentially the Lakers went to the NBA Finals and then added the #1 draft pick, who also happens to have 40+ games of NBA experience under his belt. The rest of the league is crying while everything's coming up Lakers!
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe-Town | September 03, 2008 at 07:23 PM
Lonely Warrior,
Can you put the link in Tiny URL form? It's the standard we're trying to enforce on the blog. Go to tinyurl.com, if you have any questions.
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 03, 2008 at 07:29 PM
"bynum and gasol will be a good pairing next season assuming kobe remains a "good" teammate.
Posted by: KL"
I'M STILL WONDERING IF KOBE IS GOING TO GET THAT SURGERY. IT WOULD BE A SELFISH MOVE ON THIS PART IF HE WAITS A COUPLE OF WEEK BEFORE THE PRESEASON AND DO A SHAQ AND GET SURGERY.
Posted by: Gunner | September 03, 2008 at 07:31 PM
More than anything, Bynum brings a bad ass attitude in the middle. Kid knows how to scowl.
Posted by: p ang | September 03, 2008 at 07:34 PM
BK,
Once again I want to say that your video blogs are a really good idea to carry into the regular season.
I also want to ask you your opinion of how Bynum and Gasol would mesh together as far as spacing. It seems that since Gasol does well in the high post, because of his passing and his solid mid-range shot. But do you know if Pao can live in the high post, because he'd be shooting mostly jumpers. And if he did go down low, wouldn't it be too crowded with Drew and Pao?
Posted by: greek dude | September 03, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Thanks Greek Dude. We're actually going to shoot a couple more tomorrow. Perhaps we'll address that topic!
Thanks for the idea. We need 'em during these slow summer months (haha... but seriously if anyone has any other topics they'd like to see addressed, let us know).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 03, 2008 at 07:42 PM
From AB blog
"Congratulations to the entire United States Olympic Basketball Team especially Kobe, way to bring that gold medal back to the States. Pau Gasol also deserves to be congratulated on his silver medal performance.
I hope I get a chance to continue the U.S dominance in London, 2012."
How do guys like that?
Does that mean that he will interview for the next World Championship?
No doubt with AB in the US team. We will be back to punishing the international front courts.
Posted by: Outsidergua | September 03, 2008 at 07:58 PM
Mr. JSNV,
um first of all that struck my mind, Jordan Farmar is NOT a spot up shooter. He is the classic drive and dish point guard. At UCLA, he averaged about 5 assists per game which at the College Level, is really good. His assists are low atm due to a variety of factors such as being in the triangle offense (which is tons of passing), being on the bench and too much flashy passes. When he is a starter in the future, Jordan's assists should go up as well. That will go against Lamar being a point forward. In an ironic switch to some people, I'd rather having Jordan develop his game and his passing skills rather than let Lamar be a Point Forward unless it is in the starting lineup.
That's the problem with Ariza's offensive game, like you and i agree he doesn't have a very good jumper even compared to Lamar. Ariza is great at fast break with the dunk on Grant Hill with the best example of that. Ariza may also drive a bit better than Lamar but he has no post moves and by denying the paint to Trevor, he will almost be non existent on offense.
Defensive wise, Trevor has some advantages over Lamar while having disadvantages. Trevor is faster in running, a bit more quicker, and is like Sasha a pest and while being like Sasha in intensity, he has a good wingspan and a better lateral quickness than Sasha. Lamar's advantages include a bigger body to go against the really well built Small Forwards (Josh Smith and Lebron James are notable examples), plus has a really long arm which helps a ton, not to mention height advantage over most Small Forwards. Neither Lamar nor Trevor can really "stop" Lebron and Josh Smith, at best at the moment Lamar has a small edge over Trevor due to experience against Lebron and Josh Smith as a Laker in the past (he played Small Forward in 05-06 and had to guard these guys with OK results).
I know the point of him bringing him off the bench Mr. JNLV, in my debate with Hobbitmage and even Laker Tom in the past that's the argument they have made. If Sasha were to be a *GOOD* defender, I wouldn't argue at all with Trevor starting and Lamar on the bench. However, too many of us Laker fans think Sasha's defense is actually *GREAT*. Pesky/intense is one thing, results is another. The finals exposed this and he was consistently shot in his face by Ray Ray Allen and was easily negated by the pick and rolls (his arm length isn't really long and suffers from bad lateral quickness). He wouldn't have been successful in my opinion, against Manu "do the voodoo" GINOBILI! in the Western Conference Finals had GINOBILI! not been hobbled by an ankle injury. I'll say it and please forgive me Faith but:
Sasha's defense=over rated.
I'm not saying Sasha's defense "sucks", it's certainly much better than in years past plus going against shooting guards rather than Point Guards helps so much as he was consistently beaten by point guards when guarding them. The point is that Sasha's defense isn't the type of defense to be considered lock down that Laker fans think it is. And therefore, that leaves a HUGE opening on defense for the bench. Mihm can block some shots and Pau is better but neither one are really true post defenders (Pau is a better one on one defender and is so under rated). Who can guard the real good perimeter guys? Lamar Odom at SF and/or Trevor Ariza at SF. Had this been it, then Lamar at SF as 6th man would have been fine, yet there is one last thing going in Lamar's favor and ironically, Trevor is the one who is responsible.
Trevor brings energy in games. During Game 4, when he was inserted into the 2nd quarter, despite missing many games and not being 100% himself, Trevor brought his energy out and his hustle helped the bench stay afloat in the 2nd Quarter before the Celtic rally. Lamar doesn't have it and being on the bench will not energize the bench to do their best. Having Trevor on the bench will certainly bring energy more than Jordan and Sasha can and his hustle will make the bench play far much better than Lamar could (the bench would feed from his hustle and energy).
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 03, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Hobbit don't even dare,
What I pulled out was the most relevant thing that talked about Lamar's defense at Small Forward. Talking about "athletic" and saying how it works against him playing Small Forward in terms of defense isn't relevant to what the topic we are arguing about. Plain and simple "can guard both forward positions" is the most relevant part of the URL in talking about his defense at Small Forward. Don't try to smear me with that "he only looks at the parts that support his line of reasoning
and ignores everything else."
Did the URL say he has trouble guarding quick SF/SG?? I haven't seen one word of those. Why don't you show me where it "says" that.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 03, 2008 at 08:18 PM
AK/BK and everyone else.
SI.com has a break down of the Pacific Division I thought I'd pass along to the blog.
http://tinyurl.com/6yhp94
Posted by: Xodus | September 03, 2008 at 08:20 PM
AK thanks for the info for both posts.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 03, 2008 at 08:23 PM
25 mins into the "road to redemption"
Kobe says: If you can lock someone down and rebound
the ball, you'll win the game.
fascinating ...
Posted by: hobbitmage | September 03, 2008 at 08:38 PM
We are winning the Championship next year.
We are.
Thank you, God, for providence.
Lakers maniacs aside. We are going to see some BEAUTIFUL basketball next year. This team is going to be as much a pleasure to watch as Showtime was, perhaps more.
What a wonderful time to be a basketball fan.
Seriously, ignore the haters. We are about to be blessed with the basketball year of our lives. A year to remember.
Everything has worked out perfectly.
Bynum is hungry and feels he owes the Lakers something and is in a contract year.
Gasol lost the Gold and feels he has something to prove.
Kobe won the Gold and can relax a bit.
Fisher is wiser.
Farmar has someone (Sun Yue) breathing on his shoulder, which makes him play harder.
Chris Mihm is in a contract year and is pissed after not playing for so long.
Ariza was hurt last year and is hungry.
Luke screwed up last year and has something to prove.
Rad Vlad has to prove that he's the player he knows he is.
Odom can relax. When he relaxes, the fire comes out.
Seriously, build team unity and this team is going to destroy other teams. I cannot wait. This is going to be fricken amazing.
I CANNOT WAIT!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 03, 2008 at 08:48 PM
The Celtics' best front court - Bird, Parish and Mchale.
The Lakers' front court today - LO, Gasol and Bynum.
Teams with SFs who can't defend the outside win.
Ya, Ya, LGC, C's arguably better but Lakers have Kobe.
Join me Jon K - Dy-Nas-Ty!, Dy-Nas-Ty!, Dy-Nas-Ty!
Posted by: p ang | September 03, 2008 at 09:05 PM
Preach it, Revered Kavulic! haha
Posted by: Xodus | September 03, 2008 at 09:16 PM
thekobebryantblitz,
I just want you to know. Sasha is coming.
You've been disrespecting him in favor of
Mr. Inconsistent. That long haired pest
is going to make you eat crow by the end
of the season, barring injury. Mark this day
on your calendar. Sasha, the long-haired
multi-millionaire is coming & he's going to out
play #4th option. That's 9.3.2008. Sasha, the
slovenian assassin, is going to make you eat
crow. [ Trevor will peak at the end of the season. ]
I read your comment about Lamar's energy.
I find it incredible. Incroyable!
you said: Trevor brought his energy out and his hustle helped the bench stay afloat in the 2nd Quarter before the Celtic rally. Lamar doesn't have it and being on the bench will not energize the bench to do their best.
If Lamar can't bring energy & hustle off the bench, per
your own words, why on earth do you want him to
play for the lakers?
Posted by: hobbitmage | September 03, 2008 at 09:37 PM
Jon, thanks for an excellent post.
Posted by: dave m | September 03, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Hi guys,
Just a reminder to Kobe don't do a Shaq and destroy your career by being stupid get the surgery as soon as you can coz if you don't, you will prove that everyone who ever called you "SELFISH & Self-Centered " are right.
Any news if the lakers will resign DJ Mbenga or if they are looking at anyone to replace him.
Go Bynum, Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: Frankie | September 03, 2008 at 09:41 PM
BK,
Not to be pesimistic or anything but I can think of 80 million reasons why Bynum might want to lie about his condition!
You cannot sit there and say there is no reason to lie!
Posted by: zen | September 03, 2008 at 09:56 PM
zen-
I get where you're going, but honestly, I don't see that as a problem. A, he's already had a visit from Mitch, who basically reported the same thing. Second, you don't think the team would work him out thoroughly (or simply watch him play) before entering an extension? I can't believe they'll log on, read his blog post, and fax over an offer.
Nobody's gettin' nothin' until the team sees he's good to go.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 03, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Just ask Chris Mihm..
Ouch!
Posted by: zen | September 03, 2008 at 10:07 PM
BK,
Yes...I won't believe anything though until he goes through a full training camp with no issues and plays at least the first 30 games with no setbacks or pain..
One thing I dont understand though is why everyone keeps saying Bynum has never played a full season. He was the only Laker to play all 82 games two years ago and he wasn't in good shape then.
Posted by: zen | September 03, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I brought this up the other day, but I guess I did not explain my perspective well enough. Maybe now, with people talking about Lamar coming off the bench, it is time to bring this up again. OUR WEAKEST LINK IS AT POINT GUARD! We have incredible starters and depth at every position except point guard. Derek Fisher and Jordan are both above average subs, but neither is as good as the rest of the talent at their respective positions.
There has been a lot of talk about Pau being soft. He is a soft 5 – but a huge 4! Playing Bynum and Gasol starter minutes, we can be assured of dominating the boards and scoring inside and from midrange. Playing Kobe and Ariza started minutes at the 2 and the 3 respectively, give us plenty of firepower from long range as well as slashing to the bucket.
I would experiment with LO running the point. We know he is at his best as a distributor and runs the floor with the best of them. I believe he has the length to back off the quick point guards and enough quickness to stay with their drives.
If in fact PJ goes with this starting lineup of Bynum, Gasol, Ariza, Kobe, and Lamar, and plays Sasha, Fisher, Farmer, and Radmanovich 8-12 minutes apiece, we will do the following according to last year’s stats - per minutes played:
1. Lead the league in scoring
2. Lead the league in rebounding
3. Lead the league in blocked shots
4. Be fourth in steals
5. Be fifth in assists
I believe with LO committed to the role of PG – we will see an increase in his assists and a drop in his rebounds, but we will still lead the league in that respect.
Regardless of the lineup we go with we are dominant 2-5 no matter who we play! It is worth experimenting to see what we can do with the point.
Posted by: BIG RICK | September 03, 2008 at 10:27 PM
LOL Hobbit, now you go on attack mode and go on to say "this will happen" similar to Mike T' style about promoting Kwa-may. I've stayed true and always backed up my argument with solid evidence and never went on saying "Lamar will prove you this and that" and I won't since I don't stoop that low. For a while you stayed true and backed your arguments with proof too despite the "one" article by Mitch.
Like I said, I don't over rate players, I give their just do. I don't go on saying Lamar Odom is the next Scottie Pippen nor do I say Pau is the best Power Forward ever and that kind of thing (Duncan is the Best Power Forward and I can back that up). I don't go saying Trevor Ariza is Raja Bell and that kind of thing, I give him his fair due as a defender and a slasher. And don't mistake it, I LIKE SASHA very much as a player. I loved how he manage to shake off people who said he couldn't help the Laker bench and suddenly became a real 3 point threat. I loved how Sasha is having more confidence and that his results paid off. If Trevor really does improve I will give him credit for that. Until then Mr. Unproven hasn't earned anything for him to be the lock down defender that you say he will be other than a little article by Mitch that was posted more than a year ago.
Since when did I say Sasha is a bad player compared to Lamar Odom? LOL!
I'm not over rating his defense. He clearly showed it in the finals and like I said, he will improve. I *didn't* say it sucked, I said it was over rated and that's a fact, don't mix *intensity* with *great defense*. Same crap was said in 05-06 and yet Steve Nash and other guards proved that otherwise! Well Ray Ray did it this Finals!
I take it the 4th option is no longer Derek Fisher since you don't think Lamar can't score? Or does that mean Sasha is the new starting shooting guard and Kobe into Small Forward? There goes any idea of starting Trevor from you. LOL!
"I read your comment about Lamar's energy.
I find it incredible. Incroyable!"
I find it more incredible you didn't notice how I don't think Lamar is the kind of guy that could brings energy off the bench into the game until NOW! LOL That my friend, IS incredible.
"If Lamar can't bring energy & hustle off the bench, per
your own words, why on earth do you want him to
play for the lakers?"
Hobbit you misunderstand *energy player*. Ronny, Trevor, Andy Varejao, the wild dudes can be considered *energy players* in that while their stats may seem indifferent they have other things which bring positive energy into the game kinda like intangiables. Don't even mistake it that they are not "good players" since you obviously tie one thing with another aka fallacy. Trevor is a defender and Andy Varejao has skills as well despite his obvious flopping. Gary Payton couldn't bring great energy to the court back in according to Phil back in 2003-2004 that Fisher could, does that make him not a good player? You can bring Bruce Bowen off the bench and he wouldn't give the same energy Trevor does and does that make him any less of a player or a fantastic defender? I'll give Trevor even more credit, for intangiables, even with his limited offensive skills he at least tried plus his defense is very solid too if not Raja Bell level. And did I say Lamar doesn't hustle? That would be a BIG NO! If he didn't hustle, well he wouldn't and shouldn't be in the NBA! That honor belongs to Michael Olowokandi and Kwa-may Brown respectively. Again you took something like *hustle and effort* and tied it in with an *energy player*.
Here's some advice my friend: Calm down and try to use evidence rather than the Mike T. approach to bring into debates. I enjoy more debates where you argue in a nice way and have better ways to argue your position than "Sasha will make you eat crow". If you want to continue with those tactics okay but sorry but I don't have time for debates like that.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 03, 2008 at 10:33 PM
The Lakers will win the title! But Luke has nothing to prove in my opinion. He is a scrub and will always be one, that dude flat out can't play worth a hill of beans! and as soon as some of you weed smoking rookies realize that the sooner Luke will go into the barbque business fulltime and sell weed on the side!
P.S Luke thanks for the ribs and weed tell your dad I said
what's up!
Posted by: chuck23 | September 03, 2008 at 10:33 PM
AK/BK/Lakers Nation -
Odom Update:
http://tinyurl.com/57hg89
Apparently he had tendinitis in both knees during the final two rounds of the playoff's and considered surgery in the offseason....
Posted by: bobie | September 03, 2008 at 11:00 PM
BK, I posted this question before but never got an answer. If Lakers give Bynum an extension of 80mil for 5yrs. What effect would this be on Odom who is also due for contract renewal. Can the lakers still afford him? Will he agree to a pay cut?
Posted by: jus10 | September 04, 2008 at 12:07 AM
"Peace and let's look for some good blogging with you [Gunner] and KL." --LakerTom
my goodness. what is this world coming to? perhpas this isn't the same old blog after all? how times have changed.
as far as the lakers go, 2008 was an outstanding year. as a "long time laker fan" (pun intended for my buddy LTLF), i was happy to see the development of guys like Bynum and Farmar.
my favorite player (*sarcasm*), Kobe, showed good leadership as the "man". don't get me wrong fellas, i'm still a kobe hater, just not as much and hopefully not at all before his time is up. i would have liked it had kobe apologized for being a butthead towards bynum, kupchak and buss. recall, "ship his [butt] out" or "buss is an idiot"?
ps, gunner, between you and me, i questioned the severity of kobe's injury. i know Kobe Lovers are going to rip me a new one for saying that, but my first reaction was "how severe is this injury?". kobe lovers will say, "kobe's dedication blah blah" while kobe haters will say "kobe was pretending blah blah". me, I'll abstain from commenting, but i was leaning towards the latter. just my opinion.
Posted by: KL | September 04, 2008 at 12:45 AM
just10-
Regardless of what happens to Drew, LO isn't going to be resigned by the Lakers at his current salary, nor do I think he'll get that on the open market. He's almost assured to take a pay cut no matter where he goes. Assuming the Lakers do well this season- and Odom does well too- if they wanted to bring him back it would likely need to be at a discount not just to what he's making now, but also to what he could get on the open market.
I'm terrible at guessing what guys could get, but if Odom plays well, he could be in line for Maggette money or something like that, but then again, who knows what kind of money will be out there (in terms of cap space) once he's actually an FA? There's always a sign and trade, too, as well.
It's also possible that no matter how well the Lakers play, they will deem it too expensive to keep LO around because of where they'll be in the luxury tax situation. Every team has a budget, and it ends somewhere. Hope this answers your question. LO, if he wants to remain a Laker, will likely have to do so at a discount to what he could get on the open market (which I think will be less than he's getting now, by a fair amount), and even then, the team might just decide it's too expensive.
His status is one of the more interesting aspects of the upcoming season, in my opinion.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 04, 2008 at 01:38 AM
It seems to me nothing has changed.
Kobe fans baiting has always been the trademark of KL and his buddies. But when in Rome???
Getting back to the team...I find all this LO vs. Trevor talk interesting. At the end of the day, both players makes us that much stronger. Provided of course one or both of them stay healthy.
This season isn't going to be based on what little tweaks in rotation we do (give Sasha more playing time! haha, jk), but how well we play defense as a unit...and the health of the overall squad. It's all well and done to say..."if only we had Bynum"...well the Cubs are spending years saying, 'if only." We're the Lakers, we're all about winning, not if we win lol.
So stay healthy Lake-show. Let's go!
Posted by: Faith | September 04, 2008 at 02:29 AM
thekobebryatblitz,
you wrote: I find it more incredible you didn't notice how I don't think Lamar is the kind of guy that could brings energy off the bench into the game until NOW! LOL That my friend, IS incredible.
my response: actually I did notice it. However, I often
disagree with your definitions for the words/nouns that you
use. That's why I've given you back your own words, so
you can't change the definition. Of course, you did anyway..
Unless I'm horribly mistaken about this, when Fisher played
for the Jazz, he didn't start. Coming off the bench, he
played hard/well. He was a key component of their
team. If Lamar can't manage to do the same as Fisher,
to be a team player and do whatever is necessary for
the team to win, *I* am uncomfortable with him having
a place on the team.
you wrote: Calm down and try to use evidence
my response: I am calm. I did use evidence. I gave stats,
just like you. I posted links to articles, just like you. I
quoted the GM of the Lakers verbatim, unlike you.
You wrote: I enjoy more debates where you argue in a nice way and have better ways to argue your position than "Sasha will make you eat crow".
my response: Is the "hobbit" being mean to you? Oh, you
poor thing. Let me go fix a bottle of warm milk for you
and Lamar. For the record: My comments on Sasha were
not about having a debate with you. I have made a
declaration as to Sasha's performance. Based upon
your stated opinion of Sasha, you will be wrong when
the declaration becomes fact instead of hyperbole. Then,
if you're man enough, you will enjoy your plate of crow.
Just like I did with Mitch.
You've made a number of statistical arguments for why
Lamar at SF/SG works. You have skimmed over the
attributes that don't support your view and continued
with the mantra of: "Lamar must start".. [ No. you
never used the word must. Might I suggest you use
a dictionary and look up the definition? You'll find
that "must" is an appropriate word. ]
Ist. I hope that Phil sees things differently than you.
2nd. If he doesn't I hope you're both right.
3rd. If we play the C's again and Lamar is the starting
SF/SG I'm probably going to put money on the C's. Lamar
does *NOT* have a championship mentality. That is what
Lamar has shown me. That is why his 14.5 million
dollar behind would be "ridin' pine".
Posted by: hobbitmage | September 04, 2008 at 06:51 AM
BK,
You are right about Odom. Everyone (including himself) knows he's making too much money. I, personally, believe he will stay and return for "Magette money" as you termed it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 07:00 AM
bobie,
Thanks for the Odom link. Lamar is a lot tougher than people think. This guy has gone through a lot in his life. If there is justice in this life, God will bless him with a Championship. He deserves it.
Lamar Odom = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 07:03 AM
"Yo Z, I can't wait until next season."
http://tinyurl.com/5rryx2
YES! YES! YES!
When I was working in the film industry, I had a friend who was a gaffer tell me a story of a commercial he did for the NBA in which he worked separately with Magic Johnson and Shaquille O'Neal.
He didn't like Shaq and what it came down to was something as subtle as the way Shaq held the basketball. He said Magic cradled the ball like it was an infant. You could tell JUST by the way he touched and played with the ball that he loved basketball. It was something immensely special to him.
In contrast, Shaq held the ball like it was a tool. As if it was a means to an end. As if there was no actual adoration for this thing which had brought him fame and wealth.
Notice how Dr. Z notices the same thing. The way that Andrew Bynum cradled the ball like an enfant, something to be nurtured and loved.
These little things make all the difference in projecting potential. The physical is important but it's not THAT important. If it were Kwame Brown would be on his way to a Hall of Fame career. He's not.
People like Kobe, Kareem, Jerry West have that fire in them that makes Greatness. They take their physical gifts and multiply them.
People like Shaquille O'Neal preserve their gifts.
People like Kobe Bryant multiply them.
From what Dr. Z says on that link, it looks like Andrew Bynum has the potential to multiply his physical gifts, which I might add are formidable.
If we build team unity next year with a collective and competitive work ethic guided by the best coaching staff in basketball, things are going to get crazy.
70 win season.
I can hardly wait.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 07:33 AM
p ang,
>>>The Celtics' best front court - Bird, Parish and Mchale.
>>>The Lakers' front court today - LO, Gasol and Bynum.
>>>Teams with SFs who can't defend the outside win.
Not a good comparison. Bynum and Gasol may actually
match up okay with Parish and McHale, but Larry Bird was
way way way way better than Lamar Odom.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 04, 2008 at 08:03 AM
>>>One thing I dont understand though is why everyone
keeps saying Bynum has never played a full season. He
>>>was the only Laker to play all 82 games two years ago
>>>and he wasn't in good shape then.
Yes, but if you remember correctly, he would get gassed after
only about 10 minutes on the court. That's why he was only
able to average about 20 minutes a game, despite the fact
that Kwame and Mihm were out injured. You're a lot less
likely to get injured if you play limited minutes.
I'm hoping all this conditioning and yoga will help with Drew's
durability and he'll make a full 82 + however many games
it takes to get 16 wins after that.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 04, 2008 at 08:12 AM
Just10 & BK-
I think Odom will remain a Laker at a significant pay cut. Lamar has so many business ventures like his rap label that he will do whatever it takes to stay in LA. I don't think it will be too easy to run a rap label out of Milwaukee or Oklahoma City. Also, Lakers will give Odom the best chance to win, something he clearly cares about.
This next year is going to be a big one for both the Lakers and Odom. If it the frontcourt works then expect the Odom resigning to occur, if it just doesn't work, no matter how much of a pay cut there is, Odom is out. I expect Odom to play the best basketball of his career next year.
bobie-
Thanks for the Odom update. It was nice to see that Odom was fighting through the pain and not giving any excuses. I'm glad the pains gone and he will be a 100% by training camp. I hope Lamars taking it hard to PP and letting him know next years gonna be different with Bynum.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 04, 2008 at 08:12 AM
KL,
I know you're inclined to think the worst when it comes to Kobe, but doesn't the fact that Phil, Mitch and Jerry Buss told him to get the surgery during the season tell you that it's a fairly serious injury? I mean the dude has a torn ligament in his hand. I've never torn any ligaments but that has to be painful.
I'm just hoping he gets the surgery within the next few days or something so he won't miss too much of the preseason and acclimating to the new front line of Bynum, Pau and LO that Phil will likely use.
Posted by: Xodus | September 04, 2008 at 08:20 AM
bobie,
Let's hope LO's training this summer involved taking 500 corner 3's a day.
Posted by: Xodus | September 04, 2008 at 08:23 AM
Xodus,
Thanks for the link. I guess a lot of people are down on LO.
Bobie,
Thank you too. I hadn't realized that LO averaged that much against Utah. I'm glad they didn't make any press excuses during the play offs.
Posted by: Charles | September 04, 2008 at 08:28 AM
Good Morning Everybody,
This is awesome news. Kobe is rubbing off with his dedication to the game. It has been seen with Caron Butler over one stint with Kobe. Farmar and Vujacic have learned that from the Mamba also.
However, I will say that Drew seems to show the "off season Warrior Ethos" the most. Especially for a big guy to work this hard. It should have been easy for Drew Deezy to go the Amare route and just be an offensive minded, cash cow. But no, between the Cap - Kobe - Rambis and PJ have all influenced AB the right way. This kid is something else.
To his credit, he wants to be a force.
Yao-Howard-Stoudamire-Oden-Bynum could be the big men breed of this generation. Exciting times...
Posted by: Charles | September 04, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Does anyone know the status of Kobe's pinky finger? Do we know if he will be undergoing surgery soon? Thanks!
Joe
Posted by: BerkeleyLaker | September 04, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Training Camp & Regular Season Roster Forecast (2008-2009)
Training Camp Notebook……
1 – Sign DJ Mbenga to a non-guaranteed veterans’ minimum contract in time for training camp.
2 – Waive both Dwayne Mitchell and Coby Karl; 15-man official roster to start the season.
3 – After the first 2 months of the regular season assess the lineup; if it is not working, orchestrate a trade sending out Lamar Odom and either Vladimir Radmanovic, Luke Walton, Chris Mihm, Joe Crawford or Sun Yue. The target would be a starting small forward, reserve forward/center and future draft pick.
Regular Season Playbook……
*The key to the Lakers success for the 2008-2009 season will ultimately be the flexibility of their lineup.
Regular Starters: Fisher, Bryant, Odom, Gasol, Bynum
Active Reserves: Farmar, Vujacic, Crawford, Ariza, Walton, Powell, Radmanovic, Mihm
Inactive Reserves: Yue, Crawford, Mbenga
Minutes Distribution/Regular Rotation
Starting Lineup: Fisher (24 min), Bryant (36 min), Odom (36 min), Gasol (36 min), Bynum (36 min)
Remaining Rotation: Farmar (24 min), Vujacic (24 min), Ariza (12 min), Radmanovic (9 min), Mihm (6 min)
Qtr 1 (6 min): (PG) Fisher, (SG) Bryant, (SF) Odom, (PF) Gasol, (C) Bynum
(3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Bryant, (PF) Odom, (C) Gasol
(3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Bryant, (PF) Radmanovic, (C) Mihm
Qtr 2 (3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Ariza, (PF) Radmanovic, (C) Bynum
(3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Ariza, (PF) Odom, (C) Bynum
(6 min): (PG) Fisher, (SG) Bryant, (SF) Odom, (PF) Gasol, (C) Bynum
Qtr 3 (6 min): (PG) Fisher, (SG) Bryant, (SF) Odom, (PF) Gasol, (C) Bynum
(3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Bryant, (PF) Odom, (C) Gasol
(3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Ariza, (PF) Odom, (C) Mihm
Qtr 4 (3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Ariza, (PF) Radmanovic, (C) Gasol
(3 min): (PG) Farmar, (SG) Vujacic, (SF) Bryant, (PF) Gasol, (C) Bynum
(6 min): (PG) Fisher, (SG) Bryant, (SF) Odom, (PF) Gasol, (C) Bynum
Notes……
1 – Fishers’ minutes will be monitored and limited where possible. Farmar will get those minutes unless injuries and/or game time situations dictate otherwise.
2 – One starter will be on the floor at all times, sustaining the Lakers performance throughout games.
3 – Bryant, Odom and Gasol will split time at alternate positions.
4 – Walton and Powell could see action if the regular reserves are not performing well.
5 – Bynums’ minutes will be monitored early in the season.
6 – Mbenga can replace Mihm on the active roster at any time if necessary.
7 – Yue, Crawford, and Mbenga will see some actual in game time at some point in the season.
Posted by: JJ | September 04, 2008 at 08:57 AM
Er, so when is Kobe having his surgery?
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | September 04, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Amazing_Happens,
Oprah, Uma.
Uma, Oprah...
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 04, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Jon K. sez:
"People like Shaquille O'Neal preserve their gifts.
People like Kobe Bryant multiply them.
From what Dr. Z says on that link, it looks like Andrew Bynum has the potential to multiply his physical gifts, which I might add are formidable."
Is this why SHACK has 4 rings, a spot among the top 5 players of all time (along with Steve Nash), and the respect of every coach and center in the NBA?
And if kobee is multiplying his gifts, he must have gotten into a temporary subtraction mode when facing Nash, Paul Pierce and Tayshaun Prince in the playoffs.
Posted by: BUTLER | September 04, 2008 at 09:22 AM
JJ,
Have you ever coached basketball? Just curious.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 09:26 AM