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
Violator: K-buddies (my shamless attempt at butt kissing), gave me a parol hearing and i passed (barely). No more schtick, just b-ball talk.
lakergurl: big mac? kidding.
Posted by: KL | September 04, 2008 at 01:20 PM
KL,
Welcome back!
But stop acting like once the season started, the Lakers didn't have a great season. They did. Kobe and the guys jelled and it took them to the finals.
Don't keep making the same claims when the game has changed. If Andrew Bynum becomes an all-star it'll be his play that dictates that. Kobe was great at getting the ball to Shaq and others as recent replays of the Laker dynasty films have shown, he'll do the same for Andrew and the other guys. If you watched last season, Andrew received most of his touches from Kobe. Passing for Kobe is not a problem KL so move on to other things. Including faking or rather should I say the injury not being as serious as the media portrayed. Kobe never used it as an excuse, end of story KL.
Posted by: Fan of the Mamba | September 04, 2008 at 01:22 PM
KL,
I wasn't trying to offend you by calling you the neutered KLBeast. Just messin around.
Regarding Kobe, the best player in the game shouldn't take a backseat to anyone. It would not be beneficial to the team if Kobe took a backseat (at least not while he is still in his prime, and not until Bynum reaches his prime). Before Bynum got hurt, Kobe was making teams pay for over-fucusing on him by feeding Bynum for easy dunks and layins, and he will do the same this upcoming season. Even if Kobe takes 2 shots for the entire game and Bynum takes 20, it's not about taking a backseat, it's about taking advantage of how defenses play the Lakers. This isn't the old Lakers when Kobe had the likes of Kwame, Smush, Cook and Luke to pass to. Back than, if he wanted to win (make the playoffs) he had no choice but to "ballhog". He finally has REAL options now, and just like last season, he will take advantage of those options.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | September 04, 2008 at 01:38 PM
Edwin Gueco,
I agree with you on Coby Karl. I've read that he really stood out during Summer League.
JJ,
Great to have you back and posting. Don't be a stranger.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 01:51 PM
JJ,
Nice break down. However, Lakers have to be very careful about who they bring (in trade) for LO expiring contract. In other word, Lakers should not bring back a starting SF with more than double digit (in mil) salary who has 3 or 4 years left on their contract. Because
LO expiring (15.xx mil) salary = Andrew Bynum's new contract
Lakers must also include either garbage Luke (5 mil) or Radmanovic (6 mil ) contracts in LO trade in return for not more than 10 mil for a starting SF and 10 mil expiring contract.
The trade should target for
1. A starting Small Forward (wish list: Luol, Deng, Tayshaun Prince, Andres Nocioni, Stephen Jackson, Caron Butler, Shane Battier and etc.)
2. Reserve Power Forward/Center (Chris Wilcox, Drew Gooden, Nick Collison, Tony Battie, Dan Gadzuric and etc.)
3. A veteren defensive Point Guard
Posted by: Phil | September 04, 2008 at 02:39 PM
"my insury was "severe" becuase I couldn't walk. now if kobe's injury was that "severe", how in the world could the guy play 1/2 a season, playoffs all the way to the finals AND the olympics?"
because, dammit, it's a friggin pinky finger. ligaments in your leg are far larger and cause for greater immobility. a pinky finger won't stop you from playing, but it's not to say that the tear isn't sever and in need of surgical repair.
he chose to work through it..why is that so hard to believe?As for the severity and need for surgery, played up by the media more than anyone on the team, including Kobe
i tore a ligament in my left pinky in the past. i never played bball then, but i could have. i still played rugby. every time i looked down it felt and looked uncomfortable, but beyond that I doubt that Kobe had any trouble dealing with it.
Posted by: S.Tan | September 04, 2008 at 02:41 PM
Who's calling Kobe selfish if he waits a couple of weeks to have his pinkie surgery?
If anything the guy deserves a little break.
Best for all concerned for Kobe to bide his time and make sure his pinkie is fully healed before coming back.
I'm pretty sure the Lakers can hold down the fort until a healed and refreshed Kobe returns.
Selfish my arse (at least not in this circumstance)
Posted by: Mr. Perfidy | September 04, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Drew is back in LA.
Grabbing dinner at Mr Chow:
http://tinyurl.com/5hw4u6
A poster at lakersground had this to say:
"Bynum is in great shape. I coach football at El Segundo High and he was out on our track today running with what looked like a conditioning coach. He looks ripped and toned, hes actually very fast for a 7-footer.
The trainer worked him hard, having him do combinations of 1/4 and 1/2 mile runs and sprint intervals. We should all be excited about his return this year, Mitch was right...its obvious he worked hard while out with injury because the guy has almost no body fat and is looking fast."
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 04, 2008 at 02:56 PM
"my response: Is the "hobbit" being mean to you? Oh, you
poor thing."
Nah, if I were to be serious, I would be kicking hobbits as field goals at Mission Viejo. Haha!
http://tinyurl.com/6yhk7b
Yes you were horribly wrong. Fisher at the beginning of the 2006-2007 Utah Season was a backup but by November he was a full time starter at the SG position which is not his position really. In fact, he's stats actually were worst off playing with the Jazz as SG with Deron Williams compared to playing PG with Kobe Bryant. Kind of an ironic twist to KL about Kobe not making his teammates better.
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."
Wow, I just been honest about Sasha and his past performance and you accuse me on hating on the poor fella. LOL! Plain and simple: Sasha, good shooter if a bit streaky at times and a decent but not great defender. Already made comparisons to Brent Barry which is a good and fair comparison (even Laker Tom had to shoot down that comparison since it was too good compared with Brent Barry's IQ and athleticism). What you want me to say he's an all star next year? That he's the next Glen Rice? How about this:
Sasha averages 20 ppg on 47% shooting and at least 44% on 3 pointers, combined with a 1st defensive all team selection, then I will eat crow deal? (Yes 1st defensive all team, since you praise how "great" Sasha's defense is, he has to get 1st team all defense and beat out Kobe!). Has to be both or else I won't eat and instead tomahawk dunk all the hobbits in the Shire hehe.
"You have skimmed over the
attributes that don't support your view "
Show me the "attributes" that I skimmed and please make it relevant, i mean being athletic is much less relevant than "can guard both forward positions" when it comes to "Defense".
"I am calm. I did use evidence. I gave stats,
just like you"
Haven't seen *one* statistic website that can clearly show that Trevor is the lock down future defender of the Lakers. Oh that's right you quoted Mitch who while getting Pau Gasol and traded away the future Big Mistake, has blown money to Radman and Walton not to mention to untradable contracts atm? I give Mitch props for trading an all time bust for one of the better big men in the NBA atm but I see it more as a redemption for trading away Caron Butler for Kwa-may Brown in the first place. That's right "Mitch" is always right! Hehe, future defender? We *hope* he can develp into a future defender, like he *hoped* Kwa-may Brown was the inside presence of the future along and Chris Mihm as well. Only good deal beyond Pau Gasol and trading away Shaq was maybe getting two out of prime veterans called Gary Payton and Karl Malone. I like Mitch as our GM but I'm not blind to every of his faults and hold his word as always *facts*. Really, try to provide more than Mitch's little article alright, maybe you would be more credible instead of trying to accuse me of posting urls that support Lamar is a solid defender (which you admitted to) and the better all around player than Mr. Unproven. I'm actually hoping he can turn into a good defender since Kobe will be old one day and Sasha will not provide that same defense. (yes I said it but I don't go around and saying his defense is already great :P)
"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"."
Seems like I'm getting underneath your skin to the point where you want to put money on our rivals just to show me that Lamar is a garbage player (hint what a way to show you are a Laker fan :P, reminds me of Mike T.). Really Hobbit, I don't intend this to be a rivalry thing but heck just fire away as you please, I already said I don't think what either of us said to each other, we won't be convinced of each other's position but unlike me you don't want to end lol. Alright then, it's your choice.
Ediwn, I would love to talk about other subjects than the Lamar vs Trevor debate. I really like both players (though Hobbit probably thinks I hate which is completely not true, and should you decide to use this quote in your rebuttal Hobbit, here's something for you: I don't think you are a Lamar hater either). But I guess Hobbit will not rest until I admit I am wrong I suppose, a shame though, he's beginning to act more like Mike T. which I don't want him to be like.
Any Edwin, I have a question do you think a Odom-Ariza-Walton trade with Detroit could work for Prince-McDyess-Afflalo combo? Jon K and Laker Tom I would also like to know how you guys feel about a potential trade like that. Thanks.
-Blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 04, 2008 at 03:20 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.
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.
I agree with Long Time Laker Fan though the McHale comparison is too low for Andrew who I think David Robinson is a better ceiling. Besides comparing Odom to Larry Legend? If Odom is nowhere near Scottie Pippen then why compare to Larry "Legend" Bird?
Edwin, Coby Karl played point guard in summer league which was is not his position really plus Crawford was to Go to guy in the Summer League so Coby's stats are a bit misleading. I agree that Coby has the better edge over all for the Lakers than Crawford does.
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 04, 2008 at 03:27 PM
KL, JJ, S.Tan, and Marty
More senior bloggers posting. Restore the order guys!
Posted by: Charles | September 04, 2008 at 03:50 PM
Since there's so much chatter complaining about various personalities on this blog, I figured this would be an interesting read:
http://tinyurl.com/6a3aan
Which personality are you?
Posted by: lakers_sth | September 04, 2008 at 03:51 PM
KB blitz,
To answer your question, I hope it will not result to train of replies...you're scarry KBB with ad infinitum posts on the same subject matter, just j/k!
If lakers cannot afford Lamar, I don't think they can afford Prince and McDyess. The only reason why they have to cut Lamar is luxury taxes, however if he pans out a great season, the Buss Family will swallow the taxes (and will vote for Democrats. lol).
Another aspect of Karl and Mbenga, the reason I liked these players, they have an extended life not only in NBA but also in real life. Karl is a poster boy for cancer survivors and he's not a mere player but a good one, if given enough exposure he'll compete with Sasha. Mbenga was about to be executed in Congo when his relatives bailed him out by corrupting his guards. If Kareem and Kurt could train him, he could help the Lakers for few minutes just by rebounds and screens for few minutes. With regards to trading Walton, no way he is the face and voice of the Lakers. How many teams can we sucker in absorbing the rubbish contract of Luke, the brick? Nada!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 04, 2008 at 04:00 PM
One more thing though Hobbit, if it was the same team last year that faced the Celtics, then I would understand you putting your money on the C's if Lamar was starting SF (he would have been PF really in that case.) I hope you remember two people, one of whom you really know well hehe.
Andrew Bynum and Trevor Ariza.
Bynum to be the big man of now and the future and Ariza to reinforce the defense and keep the bench from letting the other teams score on them like last year.
This is our team, our time, and our MVP.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 04, 2008 at 04:04 PM
bynumite-
Thanks for the info. I know I hadn't thought of that. We'll kick it around and try to come up with a solution. As someone who lives in the blog world, I agree, I don't want to deprive people of hits, etc.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | September 04, 2008 at 04:07 PM
« Demonstrating why rookies need this Transition >>>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.
Wow... I know I'm torn here because both my teams are on this list, but I gotta go with the Celts on this hands down!!! First off, LO vs Bird as everyone knows is a no-brainer, so I won't start that.
2) Parish vs. Bynum. I'm optimistic on AB's career, especially after last season, but, Parish was a monster for the C's. He was a roll player in the scheme of things, but also an all-star center for miultiple years and don't forget 3 time Champion (I don't count his Bulls ring). He held his own against some of the greatest centers of all time, Cap, Ewing, Dream, Moses. Bynum has only shown some great potential, but we'll see this season what steps he takes towards greatness. When it's all said and done, I HOPE Bynum surpasses him many fold, but until then, you gotta go with the Chief.
3) McHale vs. Pau... I can't stand to look at McHale since he GAVE Garnett away. Pau was a steal, but KG was grand larceny!!! Anyway, even still, the basketball junkie in me has to go with Frankenstein without any hesitation. The only PFs I would pick over him are Duncan and Malone. Mchale had more post moves than any PF in the game. Pau is good, but if he was even close to Mchale, we would not have lost in the Finals. In all honesty, your comparing the best frontline to a frontline that doesn't even crack the top 10 all time!! Please becareful with comparissons!!!
Posted by: JSNV | September 04, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Charles,
Thanks for the recognition.
The trolls seem to be exercising enough sense lately in not pulling this blog into the gutter. We'd actually probably have to thank the K bros' (damn that Wade loving BK) benevolence for that.
Posted by: S.Tan | September 04, 2008 at 04:33 PM
tkbb,
I like the AB ceiling at the Admiral, but how about a little higher, Moses Malone? The Admiral's game seems a little more agile than Andrew's (last season). I think Moses had that inside physical game that's similar to AB has. I don't know if AB will get the MVPs that Moses got, but since we're looking at ceilings, why not a little higher? Your thoughts?
Posted by: JSNV | September 04, 2008 at 04:35 PM
bobie,
Good Odom update - my favorite line was the closer...
"Odom is expected to be at full strength when the Lakers open training camp in four weeks."
IN FOUR WEEKS!!!
Lets GO!!!
janaya
Posted by: janaya | September 04, 2008 at 04:39 PM
S.Tan,
All good man. Respect.
JSNV,
Howdy compare? I agree that Bynum's skill set is closer to Moses Malone. Till the face up perimeter game comes to AB, then I firmly believe it's the 4-4-4 comparison. Though I will say Cap's teachings show way more sophisticated back to the basket footwork.
Posted by: Charles | September 04, 2008 at 04:48 PM
BUTLER,
Please... Bynum went down last year and we still made it to the Finals!! We just move Lamar to the 4 and off we go!! I think you're also making Turiaf to be bigger than he was. He came through for us when we were struggling, but he didn't even play the last two series!! Our bigs on the pine may not be THAT good, but there will be an acquisition to fill in for 10 minutes a game!!
Diaw had one good season when Stoudewhiner was out and that's it. He didn't do jack for the last two seasons, even with SHACK there!!! I can assure you if Robin Lopez is in your starting line up, kiss your playoffs good bye!!
Posted by: JSNV | September 04, 2008 at 04:50 PM
thekobebryantblitz,
I would think that trade would be madness. Madness, I say!
Here's why people Hate on Lamar:
1. He was in the trade for Shaq
2. They expected an All-Star player and they got Lamar Odom.
3. He sometimes makes boneheaded plays and made quite a few of them during the first two years he was being introduced to LakerNation. First impressions are hard to break.
4. He's got no outside shot.
5. He doesn't have icewater in his veins.
Here's why I love Lamar Odom (in a purely platonic sense, of course):
1. Great ballhandler
2. Great teammate
3. Great rebounder
4. Goes to the rim
5. Plays hard
6. Really wants to win a Championship
7. Is responsible for rebuilding team unity after last summer's horrible offseason by bringing his chef in to cook for all the meals in training camp, thus getting the team to always eat together and really get to know each other as PEOPLE.
8. He has incredible Magic Johnson-like versatility as a player and can play nearly every position.
9. He does all the little things that people aren't as quick to notice.
10. He leads quietly, letting other people be the "stars" while he aggressively fills in the gaps.
11. He's gone through a lot in his life and I think he's a great story. I really want him to win.
12. With all the talent we have on our team (three legitimit STARS), Lamar Odom is the perfect complimentary player.
Lamar Odom = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 05:01 PM
Four weeks.
UCLA Bruins football will get me through.
GO BRUINS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 05:04 PM
JSNV,
nah I wouldn't think as high as Moses Malone's. Moses's scoring is sorta similar to Drew's in a way though. I don't know if Drew's game will fully develop into either Moses's or David's but with the way he is training these past offseasons its certainly possible for him to be on the stage with these two. I feel he's more David Robinson since Drew is also taking more of a defense skill to him and learning under Kareem will help him more develop into a great defender. Shaq for all his MDE things wasn't a true defender in neither his time as a Magic, as a Laker, not as a Heat, and certainly not with the Suns. He won 2nd defense all team only twice when I felt he could have gotten more 1st team all defense. Moses was similar but he was a much better inside scorer plus he played defense better than Shaq did so far in his career.
Young Andrew I know is looking forward to scoring/rebounding/blocking and especially defending again, that's why I have him more with the Admiral than Moses Malone.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 04, 2008 at 05:04 PM
Predictions:
Kobe 25.5 ppg 1st team All-NBA, 1st team All-Defense. Carries defensive intensity from Olympics to Lakers after awful team defense performance in Finals against Celtics and the fact he has some serious offensive weapons and doesn't need to score 35-40 a game focuses on D and sets intensity for team.
Fish starts first half of year, gets supplanted by Farmer for second half, plays good soldier role and starts to head towards the twilight of his career.
Bynum 16ppg 11rpg 2.5 bpg. Most Improved Player, candidate for All-Star but will not make it, showdowns with Oden biggest thing since early Shaq-Yao battles, or Olajuwon-Ewing.
Gasol 17ppg 9 rpg plays better with Bynum's presence since he is a finesse player and would rather play on the high post and against power forwards instead of centers. All-Star.
Odom may not even make it through the whole season if the right trade package comes along, but if he does same Odom same numbers 14ppg 10rpg 4 apg.
Bench
Farmer replaces Fisher in second half averages 11ppg 5 apg.
Vujacic shows last year was no fluke, hopefully gets better on D. Top Assassin after Kobe.
Walton PJ get some sense and bench dude!
Vlad Rad ditto above sentence!
Ariza top defensive guy off bench, brings athleticism and solid play.
Sun Yue no burn, watch rookie, maybe next year.
Mihm solid big guy who we throw in to grab 4 or 5 boards, set some picks, get some fouls.
Powell not sure yet. Will have to see him play first.
Coby Karl D-League baby!
PJ and coaching crew - best in the league but at times a little arrogant and too much pride. Seriously outcoached by Doc Rivers in NBA finals and 3-8 in last 2 NBA finals. Time to go for #10 and make it happen.
Record - 65-17
NBA champs 4-3 over hated Celtics with game 7 in L.A.
Posted by: lakers85 | September 04, 2008 at 05:08 PM
What up Charles!! It's been a while bro!! Is a Sam's night in order or does it have to rain?? I'm so feenin for some roundball that I've just about neglected work to post here!! Thanks again for showing me this blog, it's like crack for basketball fans!! Plus the posts have been pretty orderly lately!!
tkbb,
Neither of the two are bad role models for young AB, but we'll see how he develops. I just remembered how before last season, I was hoping he was more of a Bill Cartwright, which isn't too shabby, but if his progression stays on course, he'll pass that in a couple seasons!!!
Shaq was a FREAK in his prime though. If he was as professional and dedicated to the game throughout his career, he may have lived up to be MDE, but we've seen his best already unfold.
Posted by: JSNV | September 04, 2008 at 05:25 PM
KL,
Welcome back. You're not a troll in my book, because you always (most of the time) brought something to the table. Hear that Lets go C's?
The least a person can do is bring something to the table when they leave a post. Some perspective or insight or argument or something. To post nothingness is a bit weak.
Whatever. Welcome back KL.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | September 04, 2008 at 05:45 PM
JSNV, blitz, Long Time,
Guys, its a 5 line post which included this 4th line:
"Ya, Ya, LGC, C's arguably better but Lakers have Kobe."
No way is LO=Bird, but no way Ainge is even close to Kobe.
Posted by: p ang | September 04, 2008 at 05:53 PM
i still can't understand why this blog has so many shaq haters? the dude brought 3 titles to LA and this blog continually craps all over a laker great.
have you no shame?
you all drool over kobe, but kobe hasn't even delivered a championship to LA as the "man". we all know kobe tried to be the man in 2004 to no avail.
show some respect. Shaq will always be a Laker.
Posted by: KL | September 04, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Funny LGC is no longer posting?
uh oh, shouldn't have said that lol.
Posted by: Faith | September 04, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Wes, thanks. BTW, weren't you the Ventrioquist at one time? if yes, i remember a fun exchange back in the day. admittedly, the insults got out of control. seems like the k-patrol is enforcing the non-personal attack policy.
Posted by: KL | September 04, 2008 at 06:05 PM
anybody rember the "F-U to Kobe" series?
i still believe that kobe's reputation turns off free agents from joining LA.
KG last summer. Baron Davis this summer.
why doesn't big time free agents break down the laker's door to play with kob? i don't see the Malones and Payton's of today joining LA.
Jamal Magloire would rather play in Miami than LA.
Wuz up with dat?
Posted by: KL | September 04, 2008 at 06:08 PM
why do laker fans dislike Shaq?
Let me count the ways...
Posted by: Faith | September 04, 2008 at 06:20 PM
KL,
The Lakers couldn't have brought in Baron Davis- assuming they even wanted to- because they didn't have the cap space. The Clippers had a boatload of it after Brand and Maggette left. Unless Davis was willing to take an MLE (and judging by his new salary, he's not), or a sign and trade (which are often complicated and involve three parties agreeing) could be worked out, going to the Lakers was impossible.
Seriously, do you not understand how the salary cap works? I don't ask that to sound sarcastic, but you always use these examples that make it sound like you have absolutely no idea what the rules are and the parameters allowing certain trades or FA signings.
Jamal Magloire? Seriously? Did you ever consider that maybe the Lakers were the ones not interested, not the other way around? He hasn't been good for years.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 04, 2008 at 06:22 PM
KL,
Your bias continues to precede you. What was Baron Davis going to sign for the mid-level exception? No the reason he left GS was because they wouldn't pay him. And KG blocked the deal to LA because he didn't trust Lakers management after talking to Kobe, who didn't trust Lakers management at the time.
Your argument holds absolutely no weight because you can't name one legit big name free agent that LA pursued and was turned down. Magloire is all you've got? Is it possible the Lakers weren't interested in signing a dude that's sucked for 3 years straight when they've got Bynum, Pau, LO and signed the much younger and more effective Josh Powell. Nope! He was actually saying F-U to Kobe.
And frankly, I don't get why you're so obsessed with Kobe. The team played in the Finals last year and Kobe won the MVP. We're the favorites to come out of the West and we've got more pressing issues like the frontline to figure out and you're still stuck on Kobe.
It's time to move past the summer of 2007 and step into 2008 where the Lakers are one of the best teams in the league. Time to let go.
Posted by: Xodus | September 04, 2008 at 06:27 PM
AK,
You and I just wrote the same exact post to KL. Great minds think alike.
Posted by: Xodus | September 04, 2008 at 06:29 PM
Laker85.
Excellent job on the predictions. More importantly, they are all very reasonable goals considering how far we went without Drew last year. In fact, once the NBA analysts and sportswriters see the Bigger and Better Bynum in pre-season, they will be crapping all over themselves with versions of your predictions. Thanks for the fine post.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 04, 2008 at 07:01 PM
Charles-
E-mail the Kbros your e-mail so we can maybe figure something out.
Anyone else want to meet thats in the LA area? We should make it a semi-regular thing for watching games.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | September 04, 2008 at 07:04 PM
AK/BK,
What are your thoughts on the Lakers resigning DJ Mbenga? I think it would be a good and inexpensive move. I don't know how good Mihm will come back. If anything, having DJ return can give Bynum some rest when needed. Have you heard if the Lakers have made an offer for a year?
Colorado loves the Lakers!
Posted by: Hugo Boss | September 04, 2008 at 07:11 PM
"Let it be...let it be.
Let it be, or let it be.
Speaking words of wisdom...Let it be."
Posted by: Faith | September 04, 2008 at 07:15 PM
KL,
Welcome back. I’ve always been a person who thought everyone should get a second chance. AK and BK obviously felt that you were serious about wanting to be able to rejoin the blog and would keep your promise not to return to your previous reincarnation.
Then came your “why this blog has so many shaq haters” and “anybody rember the "F-U to Kobe" series?” posts. It’s like you took your same old tired repetitive comments and cleaned them up a little before posting them. Or maybe it was just old bad habits reappearing.
I have a suggestion. Why don’t you take this second chance and really reinvent your blog face? Instead of trying to get under people’s skin, why don’t you try to get into their good graces? Instead of thinking how to insult other bloggers, why don’t you try and dazzle us with your insights and intelligence. Why limit yourself to being a 1 or 2-trick pony?
What is your opinion as to whether Lamar should start at small forward or come off the bench as our 6th man and backup power forward? How do you see the depth chart at point guard working out between Fisher, Farmar, and Sun Yue? Do you think the Lakers will ink Andrew Bynum to a max or near-max extension before the October 31, 2008 deadline?
Come on, man! There is always something fun and interesting to talk about if you are really a Lakers fan. We all know how to push other bloggers buttons and sometimes we lose our temper and do exactly that. But most of the time, we just want to share insights, opinions, predictions, knowledge, and camaraderie talking Lakers. So how about joining us and really dropping last year’s schtick? We could use another “real” blogger to blot out the trolls.
Thanks.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 04, 2008 at 07:24 PM
LakerTom,
I basically wrote the same thing in my post. It's like KL was stuck in a time-warp during the time he was banned and he's stuck in July 2007. We've got so many non-Kobe things to talk about this year, there' s no reason to be talking about how scrubs like Magloire was snubbing Kobe.
Posted by: Xodus | September 04, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Per MTV news... Kobe will be presenting at this year's VMA Awards (Sun 9/7). THAT SPEAKS VOLUMESSSS.... When's the last time Kobe showed up, much less presented, at an awards show??
4 more weeks
Posted by: bobie | September 04, 2008 at 07:33 PM
I'm not sure, but I think Kobe was at the people's choice awards...or Teen Choice, one of those things lol.
By the way, not so Laker related lol...but Congrats to Patrick Ewing for making it to the HOF. And of course, Pat Riley! Showtime!
http://tinyurl.com/5oa4kv
Posted by: Faith | September 04, 2008 at 07:40 PM
Hey All,
I got a little wound up the other day responding to BUTLER and Gunner. A note from the KBros set me straight. Anyway, I'm involved in a contest at work to get the most views for a video I made. It's not the best video, but will get a little chuckle. Pass it on and help a brother out.
http://tinyurl.com/553t4g
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | September 04, 2008 at 07:49 PM
A BIGGER AND BETTER BEAST…
Andrew Bynum’s website post was more great news for the Lakers and AB17 aficionados. The question is no longer whether Drew can return to the level he was playing last year before being injured but now how much better he is going to be this year than he was last year.
So let’s dispense with some issues that are now foregone conclusions. First, the Lakers will sign Drew to a near-max extension for $70M before October 31, 2008. No way the Lakers will let Bynum even get a sniff of free agency. Drew wants to be a Laker and will be inked.
Second, you can forget all that talk that the Lakers lost the NBA championship because they were exposed as a “soft” team. Drew will bring a fierce passion and physical power to the paint and boards that will dominate the NBA. He will become the team’s enforcer. Watch out, Shaq. Your worst nightmare is about to come true. Drew asking you how his ass tastes.
Third, throw out those claims that the Lakers do not play defense. Drew will lead the league in blocked shots, win MIP, and be selected to the All-Star game and NBA All-Defensive first team. He and Kobe will lead the Lakers to becoming the best defensive team in the NBA.
Fourth, Drew will be the Lakers #2 scorer at 20 points, 13 boards, 5 assists, and 3 blocked shots per game. He will set a modern NBA record for dunks and will be the Lakers primary offensive option in the Lakers Triangle half-court offense.
Fifth, Drew will play so well and the Lakers win the NBA Championship so easily next year that the web will abound with talks about another Lakers dynasty, one that we on the blog call the Era of the Beast – the Bigger and Better Beast. The answer to Kobe’s and our prayers.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 04, 2008 at 07:57 PM
magloire's been dead weight and he barely got off the bench when he was with the nets and the mavs.
no thanks.
i'll take mbenga for a cheap minimum contract...mebbe the Lakers should up the pot with a $1 mil tender.
And just to make it clear...............
Shaq had the entire offseason to get the surgery on his big toe, but obviously chose to do it around training camp.
Kobe has been playing with Team USA and he's only had 1 week of rest thus far. He's said that he needed a week or two to figure it out after the Olympics. It's not like he was just chillin in Cabo like Shaq for 3 months AND THEN decided to get surgery. Dude hasn't had a break since now....he needs some time to consult doctors and have them all agree on the proper surgery/solution.
peace
Posted by: socalife | September 04, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Wes,
Did you get the Bio-Chrono reading? I never heard back from you. Kiwi got his.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 04, 2008 at 08:06 PM
Jon K
I second all of your "why I love Lamar" comments still #3-5 in your negative column are also valid. Personally, I couldn't care less about Shaq's trade today and I'm over LO expectations but you didn't mention the big one. Lamar's contract weighs the heaviest on the salary cap. So, while I want him to succeed more than any other Laker, I do realize what time it is.
You've written Lamar and his people will take less to remain in Lakerland. If so, great. If not, would you still want him to be a Laker for life? I'm guessing not.
Posted by: Vman | September 04, 2008 at 08:11 PM
LakerTom,
You've got to cut back on whatever it is that makes you so optimistic. I think you're about to overdose.
Posted by: Xodus | September 04, 2008 at 08:17 PM