Go ahead and buy that Mbenga jersey you've been eyeing
Good info from Eric Pincus at Hoopsworld regarding the contract of DJ Mbenga. Turns out it's a two-year deal, with the first being guaranteed.
"... He'll make $880,658 this season, fully guaranteed. He's also under contract for next season, although his $959,111 is either partially or non-guaranteed.
At a little over $880 [thousand], Mbenga is getting more than the league minimum, which means the Lakers lose out on a league payment that goes to teams for players signed with the veteran's minimum (a sliding scale based on the number of years). The team used their non-Bird exception to retain Mbenga, leaving the Lakers with their unused mid-level and biannual exceptions.
With both Sun and Mbenga locked in for the year -- and with forward Josh Powell guaranteed $200,000 of his deal -- the Lakers have 14 players who are all but set in stone for opening night...."
That leaves one open roster spot, should the Lakers decide to carry 15 to open the year. I'd figure Coby Karl has the best shot to grab it (they like him, he knows the offense, he's named Coby, and C/K aside, you can never have too many of those, right?), but should any of the other dudes (Joe Crawford, CJ Giles, Brandon Heath, Dwayne Mitchell) blow the doors off during camp, that could theoretically change.
BK
Nooooooooooooooooooo
ooooooooooooooo, not Coby Karl
Posted by: Elle | September 25, 2008 at 05:03 PM
I like that they signed MBenga to a two-year contract with a
team option for the second year. Maybe he can sit in with
Bynum on Kareem school this year. And if he adds some
polish to his offense (even a wee bit), then you've got an
inexpensive backup center for next year. And if he totally
falls flat on his face, then they can cut him next summer
and bring someone else in.
Coby Karl's gotta be sweating a little over this one. He was
looking like a lock for that 14th bench seat, but now he's
either seat 15 or out the door.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 25, 2008 at 05:05 PM
I'm really surprised that Mbenga is guaranted. I'm not offended by it, but I am surprised by it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 25, 2008 at 05:08 PM
That Bynum interview in Slam is great reading. The kid seems dynamite smart with a good head on his shoulders. Here's some of my favorite parts:
On why the Gasol / Bynum big man tandem is going to work: "I think it’s gonna work great, because on the offensive end, if one of our men has to help the other big, whether I be five and he four I’m four and he’s five, if one of us catches the ball on the block, automatically the other big is gonna be looking over there to help, so that gives a great opportunity to offensively rebound the basketball. And also, due to the fact that we’re both seven feet and have long arms, I think we’ll be able to pass to each other. I think he’s a good passer; I’m an alright passer. So, I think it’ll work good on the offensive end. On defense, we got kind of a twin tower effect, where we can come into the lane and somebody can try to get past him they already have to alter their shot and I can be there to block it, or vice versa. I think it’ll work great."
On the need for a better defensive team: "The biggest change for the Lakers this season I think will be our defensive mentality. That’s gonna be the biggest change this season, to the fact that we got beat the way we did last year, nobody is happy about that. Second, I think the coaching staff has a whole new defensive scheme for us. Also, I think that guys know now that it requires defense to win championships. I think defense is gonna be the biggest change."
How come I never hear any other players analyzing the game and the team like this? This man has a plan.
On his plan of attack: " I think the strongest part [of his game] is probably sprinting down the court early and getting deep post position. I think if I get deep post position, there’s really nothing anybody can do. I can finish right, left, and just have a variety of different moves I make thanks to Brian Shaw, Gerald Wilkins, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, also Kurt Rambis, just teaching me every day, working out.
On Kareem's influence and teachings: "SLAM: Who on the Lakers do you feel like you look to the most for advice?
AB: Actually, Kareem, cause he’s the greatest center to play the game. He’s more of a mentor for me. He actually comes over to the house to break down notes that he has taken on me during the games—what I can do better, things I’m doing pretty well. I think that’s the biggest help for me.
He teaches me about footwork a lot of the time. I have a really bad habit of going to a side of the basket where I’m supposed to use my left hand and trying to shoot it with my right hand. So, he just constantly reminds me, “shoot it with the left, it’s wide open and an easier shot.” As far as defense goes, trying to get there before plays happen; don’t come late; get your body out of the way of an attacking guard so you don’t pick up fouls. Just little tidbits and things like that, he just constantly is there reminding me and I think that’s a big help."
On the celtics, teemates and meats and cheeses: " I gotta say I wanna play the Celtics, because I’ve had two of my worst games playing them, so I wanna get back and get and opportunity again.
SLAM: You still go to Quiznos a lot?
AB: [Laughs] Yeah, I still do go to Quiznos a lot, but a bunch of my closest friends have actually been traded away, so now I’m gonna make myself more accessible to my new teammates."
--from Slam Online
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | September 25, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Don't we have enough guards at this point? We need a forward who can consistently find and knock down a 15 footer other than Gasol (who is hesitant too to shoot).
Posted by: JohnnyP | September 25, 2008 at 05:30 PM
LTLF,
Although if Coby Karl's got any of the moxie that Jordan Farmar had when they brought in Javaris, he'll be alright.
Its good to see these guys fight for spots.
P
Posted by: #4 | September 25, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Go Mbenga. He's the insurance for Mihm and Bynum and the reason why Ronny was let go. It has to be two years b/c there are scarcity of 7 footers in the league.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | September 25, 2008 at 05:38 PM
Jon K,
I thought you'd be interested in this. Q. Ross update.
http://tinyurl.com/4znz73
Judging by the deal, it doesn't sound like his phone was ringing off the hook.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 25, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Just like in Spore...
the laker roster will be a survival of the fittest battle lol.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: Faith | September 25, 2008 at 05:55 PM
"... He'll [Mbenga] make $880,658 this season, fully guaranteed. He's also under contract for next season, although his $959,111 is either partially or non-guaranteed."
Only $880K!? What the [bleep]? Dude's getting ripped off as i sit at my cubicle earning $8.23 per hour.
All kidding aside, every team needs a Mr. Hussle like Kurt Rambis. Perhaps Mbenga should invest in thick rimmed glasses?
P.S. BK, thanks for the chat. Appreciate it. This time around, i'm checkin in. I might be dumb, but not that dumb.
Quote of Day: "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me"
Posted by: KL | September 25, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Awww, I think The Lakers are just going for the "Most Varied International Roster Award." Once you get more than 4 players with non-US backgrounds you automatically qualify for the "Overwhelming Press Mob" mid-level exception.
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe-Town | September 25, 2008 at 05:59 PM
just downloaded the latest version of SOPCAST. AK, do you think they well show any pre-season games on it?? I live in Texas and I'm already nervous, I dont want to mis ANY games haha.
Posted by: Semper Fidelis | September 25, 2008 at 06:56 PM
Otis,
>>>>>Remember when Kobe tore through the San Antonio team during the playoffs in
>>>>>either 2001 or 2002? Incredible, and made completely possible by a Shaq who
>>>>>was terrorizing the SA interior defense. These days, Kobe is an elbow shooter.
>>>>>Bynum better be exactly what LakerTom thinks he is.
Drew is the NGLC (Next Great Lakers Center) who will surpass Shaq’s achievements before his Hall of Fame career is over. He will be an All-Star and Most Improved Player this year. Just my opinion. And that of lots of other basketball fans and experts who “believe.”
*******
Pig,
>>>>> As usual, LakerTom's cup runneth over.
Oink! Oink! The latest Pig-Alert. Someone’s having “too” much fun.
*******
Lakergurl,
>>>>>Sun is Chinese handsome. He looks better than Yao and that Bucks guy
>>>>>who is now with Jersey Nets.
>>>>>Laker Tom probably looks like Sun. jk.
LMAO, Lakergurl. You are right on, I did look a lot like Sun Yue – but that was like 40 years ago. Now I look like Sun’s ancient grandfather. LOL. Sun will be Asian-American basketball fans version of Sasha, a good looking heartthrob with an engaging personality who actually turns out to be a player. 6-9 point guards who can handle and pass the ball and play defense are rare. Sun Yue will be the Bruce Lee and Jet Li of the NBA.
*******
Shum,
>>>>>The so-called Chinese food here in America are NOT Chinese food at all.
As humanomaly knows, two truths about Chinese restaurants are that the books are cooked and the real Chinese food gets prepared and served AFTER the restaurant closes. lol. My dad always said they saved all scraps and just threw them together and invented Chop Suey, sort of a gastronomical version of laughing at the dumb American customers who think they are eating real Chinese food.
*******
humanomaly,
Happy Birthday, Howard. How many candles is that now? You’re starting to catch up with me, LOL.
*******
wes,
Better be careful not to get too “gushy” about Drew. I know that is hard if not impossible to do after watching him play last year, hearing about how hard he has worked during this rehab, and then reading one intelligent comment or observation after another being made by this great 20-year old.
One of the reasons I am so sky high on Drew is his high basketball IQ and how he has opened himself up to the great teaching and coaching provided by Kareem. You are right that you do not hear other players discuss the game with the depth of knowledge that Drew displays, especially 20-year old centers. LOL. The Era of the Beast has begun.
********
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | September 25, 2008 at 07:07 PM
"Yawn!! PJ still sucks and Kobe improved inspite of PJ"
Yup PJ is so much better! just as much Byron Scott (2 years missing the playoffs and letting Sacramento in 2005-2006 snatch the 8th seed slot) and Coach K (could only win BRONZE in 2006 World Championship despite having Lebron Wade Carmelo and even Elton Brand!).
"The Lakers success deals with the players success rather than coaching success."
Yawn boring. Too easy to sink but heck I like sinking arguments hehe. That would mean Pat Riley is also overrated (having Magic Man and The Cap) and would also mean Byron Scott is overrated (only had success with Jason Kidd and Chris Paul) if going by that argument. So there goes your precious coaches. And here's another torpedo (swisshh). If Laker success deals with players success then why did we miss the playoffs in 2004-2005?? (Hint: Phil Jackson wasn't coaching!). And if that is the case then the opposite would be true in that Laker failures should also be blamed more on the players instead of just the coach. So if you want to say that premise, then Kobe is more responsible for the 06 playoffs and 07 playoff defeats and the lost in the 08 Finals more than Phil being outcoached. LOL! Breaking down poorly fixed arguments is so fun fun fun!
"Yup he sucked and got outcoached by Dcryatoni and Doc Rivers and did not make the playoffs one year."
Using that argument again Byron Scott got schooled by PJ not only with CP3 but also in the Finals when Byron had Jason Kidd. And nope you are sooooo misinformed. Not one year has Phil ever missed the playoffs during his coaching career, NOT ONE YEAR :D. And since you place defeats in equal to being schooled here's something: PJ outcoached George Karl, Jerry Sloan, Gregg Poppovich this year. (Owned Pop years back as well) and outcoached MANY other coaches. Byron Scott missed the playoffs 4 times in his career and lost against Gregg Poppovich on in turn got outcoached by yours truly Phil Jackson :). (Hint try harder).
"Without MJ, Pip, Shaq and Kobe he has zero, zip, nada championships."
Without Tim Duncan no rings for Popp. PJ schooled Riley during Benedict Riley's tenure with New York. Riley only won in LA (thanks to Magic and Kareem) and had a hall of famer and a good guard in Wade to win his other title in Miami. Take away Magic, Kareem, Shaq and Wade and Riley has ZERO championships. Take away Duncan and Pop will have ZERO championships. Take away Jason Kidd and CP3 and the "Will be in the Hall of Fame" Byron Scott is a laughable coach who can't even make the playoffs. So another argument thrown into quick sand, using your logic of course.
"Quit trying to put words in my mouth. I detest it when clueless bloggers try to make a point while creating falsehoods or misrepresentations of what other bloggers say or think. I remember you admitted to doing this when you said it was a trick you learned debatting Humanoly.
I gave credit for PJs career for having the fortune of coaching the right teams with the best players other wise he would never have won 9 rings.
Since you are trying to link me to PJ and Kobe with not giving PJ credit go to the horses mouth. Run to Mitch and demand they TRADE Kobe because he is uncoachable. A direct admission he can't and has not coached Kobe to succeed. Got it?
So stick to debatting points on what is said not what you perceive or it could get nasty. I take huge offense for anyone putting words into my mouth."
Wow Calm down, I thought my annoyance at Butler last night was bad you take the cake (sorry about last night btw Butler as much as I dont' want to apologize). Well here's one if you want to stick to debate points: I'm not Hugo Boss nor am I from Colorado nor did I put that trick about putting words in your mouth (show the exact quote please) and it was Hobbitmage not humanomoly that I debated. So that's already 4 incorrect facts you have there fella.
Also "would probably make this excuse" does not equal "this is what JLF said" (try look at the difference please?) . And trying to use the "uncoachable" premise? Well look at the performance of Kobe without Phil Jackson in his one year without Phil (2004-2005). Already posted the stats so I won't bother but not only did Kobe have a his highest turnover year and his worst shooting year since his 2nd season in the NBA but also missed the playoffs and got only 3rd All NBA Team despite being the most "complete" player in the NBA. Next year Phil comes back and boom All NBA First Team and First All Defensive Team for KB. Cool huh?
So no I don't get your arguments about Phil Jackson unless simply you just hate the man in general in that case I say that's your personal preference and well I can't object to that.
So please don't use arguments like "Phil got outcoached by D'Antoni" or similar crappy premise, I can easily blow them up like I just did now. And for dessert that Mbenga thing which you are so high on. That quote you quoted on me earlier was not from ME but from BUTLER so another WRONG fact you "try" on me. And speaking of Mbenga, I can't honestly say the Lakers would have done better or worst with more playing time for Mbenga (heck things can happen) in the finals. But heck here's a question who is better as a center Ronny Turiaf or Mbenga? If it was Ronny then you have your answer as to why Mbenga never played in the finals. If it's Mbenga then why did he foul out in less than 3 quarters against the Grizzlies (Ronny never fouled out in that game). The Grizzlies shouldn't be mistaken for a "good" team and yet Mbenga fouled in in 3 QUARTERS. I remember that you tried to justify this by saying "Chris Mihm also fouls alot" (yes I remember). Well Chris Mihm never fouled out in 3 quarters huh? Mbenga would have gotten owned by the Celtics. Say all you want that we would have done better with Mbenga, the fact is we would have LOST still. No but or ifs or that, A lost game is a lost game no matter how we want to sugar it up. Even putting in Newble or Mbenga the Lakers would have most likely still lost and losing is still losing!
I should end it here hehe. Good day.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 25, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Laker Tom,
I still think we should have the Lakers Championship party at your place (regardless of what Mrs. Laker Tom thinks or the fact you live in the Bay).
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 25, 2008 at 07:39 PM
Look, Joe Crawford a scorer, no doubt. He dropped 6 threes in one game! But Dwayne Mitchell is a better rebounder and defender.
Thats what we'r looking for right?
Posted by: Vote for Dwayne Mitchell for 15th man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | September 25, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Vote for DM here's his NBA Draft.net profile, it's overall score is inaccruate since they don't have the measurement of his ball handling or his passing skills
http://tinyurl.com/6s6ycy
In other words here's what he is missing:
1) A consistent outside shot. This is a very key part of a point guard skills. Even if he should make it, without a good outside shot he wouldn't really be an effective point in the triangle. If it weren't for his other skills Sun Yue or "Q" wouldn't have been a prospect as well. Seems like another scoring first point guard without an effective outside shot, kinda like a muscled version of Smush Parker with a worst outside shot (which isn't a big upgrade over Smush).
2) A point guard mentality. DM is compared more to DeShawn Stevenson which isn't promising as a point guard. Seems point guard isn't his natural position which is bad for a person whose size is more point guard then shooting guard. Not really promising.
3) Free throw shooting %. Even worst than Smush that all needs to be said.
What he has:
1) Defense
2) Rebounding.
3) Slashing
Out of them all only defense is the only good thing about Dwayne Mitchell. He is a slasher without a consistent jump shot so teams could easily clog the lane and force jumpers from Kobe, Pau and (gulp) Trevor and (gulp) Lamar.
Simply put all he really has good is defense. Otherwise he really isn't the point guard type which requires more than just defense.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 25, 2008 at 09:44 PM
Like I said, vote Dwayne Mitchell for 15th man., It's the smartest move possible. He still has to beat out Coby Karl, but I see it coming. Coby is a great kid, but I feel he not ony is not tough enough to do the kind of things we need to win it all. At times last year, I saw Coby on numerous occasions with no aggresion on the defensive boards. We've given him a chance, now it's time to move on.
I wish Coby much sucess in the league, he's just the victim of a numbers game.
The score so far:
Coby vs Dwayne = D Mitch all the way!
Up next Joe Crawford...
Posted by: Vote for Dwayne Mitchell for 15th man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | September 25, 2008 at 10:17 PM
VfDM for 15th man,
defensive boards is not exactly a key attribute for point guards, that's more Centers, power forwards, Small Forwards, and if necessary shooting guards.
Dwayne Mitchell is solid on defense and can penetrate. Otherwise he doesn't have a shooter's touch like Coby has, isn't a natural point guard (Coby has played point guard with no problem despite being more shooting guard as well). And Mitchell isn't too much from the free throw line either. Plus Coby has a big advantage in that he has a full year of the triangle offense at his knowledge.
I really like Dwayne Mitchell's defense but other than that I don't see him beating out Coby Karl for the last spot unless his jumper significantly improves.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 25, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I'd vote for Coby - he's got a year's experience in the system and represents a safer bet if his number is called. I don't see this as much of a teaching season... it's going to be pretty much business and Coby's not apt to make major mistakes if they have to throw him out there for a few minutes.
Posted by: dave m | September 25, 2008 at 11:22 PM
In the unofficial poll going on right now, I vote that we just leave that 15th spot open for flexibility as the season goes on. It's not like one of these guys is going to make a difference and who knows who could fall into our lap later on down the line?
Posted by: puddle | September 26, 2008 at 12:16 AM
AK,
Thanks for the Quinton Ross update. I'm a bit surprised. Clearly he's not an elite player, but I expected more interest in him.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 07:35 AM
To quote The Beast Bynum "A bunch of my closest friends have actually been traded away, so now I’m gonna make myself more accessible to my new teammates."
Translation to Laker Nation: "Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, Trevor Ariza and Sasha Vujacic are going to have to make the effort to reach out to Andrew Bynum and form friendships with him. Kobe Bryant can convey to him that intense competitive spirit and work ethic. Derek Fisher can convey to him a level-headedness and maturity. Sasha Vujacic and Trevor Ariza can convey to him that youthful desire of young athletes who want to be their best."
The team bonding during THIS training camp is HUGELY important to this year. Andrew Bynum needs to be brought into the group. He can't keep hanging on the outside as Kareem's study and Jim Buss's project. He's got to be brought into the core of the team.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 07:41 AM
My vote is enthusiastically for Coby Karl as 15th man (especially with Sun Yue out for camp--meaning he's behind the eight ball in terms of being able to catch up over the course of the year) unless Dwayne Mitchell or Brandon Heath completely amaze us during the pre-season.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 07:47 AM
I see two main reasons why they signed MBenga. It looks like Chris Mihm isnt fully back yet AND insurance purposes.
Not a bad move, not a great one either.
When does training camp start!?
This is our year!!!
Posted by: Blaze1Bx | September 26, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Elle,
What have you got against Coby Karl? He has consistently used his highly limited minutes with the Lakers very well, he delivered the "dunk of the year" last year (a behind the back dunk), and he has an extremely nice shooters touch, and he seems to have very little narcissistic ego. He's a team player.
So, what's your problem with Coby Karl again?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Laker Tom,
What I like about Bynum is his addressing, in detail, all these areas of concern that a lot of us have for the team and himself. That's great preparation and I think it's going to pay off for the kid. Especially the running; If Bynum can regularly beat his defender to the block, watch out.
I really didn't think he'd match the intensity he had last summer, but it looks like he has. And I have to wonder, would Bynum have taken to these aggressive summer training programs if he weren't on the same team as Kobe Bryant? I don’t think so. I see Kobe's work habits all over Bynum's own preparations, and that's a grade-A great thing.
Wes
Posted by: wesjoenixon | September 26, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Coby Karl, Coby Karl, Coby Karl, Coby Karl
Coby Karl, Coby Karl, Coby Karl, Coby Karl
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 26, 2008 at 08:18 AM
AND THEN IT CAME TO PAST WITH LESS THAN A WEEK TO THE PRESEASON A MURMUR WAS
HEARD AROUND THE LEAGUE.........beast, beast beast beast.....slowly and softly it began.
But even at the softest of tones when that one word was uttered a look of pure and stark terror
Would appear upon the face of the league big men. Amare Stoudemaire heard the word and complained
Of a torn meniscus. Tim Duncan heard it and ran away to pick roses by the Gnome with David Robinson.
Finally the word became a roar ……..BEAST, BEAST, BEAST, BEAST!! There remained only one man
SHAQFU FUNS. He tried to look big and strong but…………..TO BE CONTINUED
WILL YOU BE THERE? THE NBA WHERE THE YEAR OF THE BEAST HAS HAPPENED
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 26, 2008 at 08:28 AM
ON A BRIGHT FALL SUNDAY WITH FOOTBALLS FLYING THRU THE AIR A MURMUR WAS HEARD
ON THE BREEZE AND THE FOOTBALLS FROZE IN MIDAIR…….MVP, MVP, MVP, MVP…………
Like an atom bomb it shook the very bowels of the earth. Large linemen quaked with fear.
Running Backs began running back to their moma’s. For it was foretold that there would arise in the
21st century an avengerr from the snake Clan who had conquered the world of the Rising Sun and was paid tribute
In gold and now would wreak havoc on the US for being denied his due the past three years.
Thus Mamba of the Snake Clan appeared beside the Beast and they both stared at SHAQFU of FUNS
and as Shaqfu’s knee’s began to quake they asked in unison: HEY SHAQFU TELL US HOW OUR $##@@$#
TASTE……………..
WILL YOU BE THERE? THE NBA WHERE THE YEAR OF THE BEAST AND THE ERA OF THE MAMBA HAPPENS
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 26, 2008 at 08:41 AM
AND THEN A MAN CALLED OUT "WHAT MANNER OF MEN ARE THESE? A BEAST AND A MAMBA
TO CHALLENGE SHAQFU OF FUNS". And a second voice said: “BUTLER GET YOUR BEHIND TO
SCHOOL AND YOUR 3RD GRADE CLASS AND TAKE OFF THAT LAKER JERSEY……….
WILL YOU BE THERE? THE NBA WHERE EVEN TROLLS BECOMING LAKER FANS HAPPEN
Posted by: MAMBA24 | September 26, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Hmmm... I wonder if Kurt Rambis and Pau Gasol can help Chris Mihm to become more comfortable at the power forward position so we could have a "Second Forest of Tall Trees":
Mbenga - Center
Mihm - Power Forward
Vladimir Radmonovich - Small Forward
That might be an interesting back-up to the "First Forest of Tall Trees":
Andrew "Beast" Bynum - Center
Pau Gasol - Power Forward
Lamar Odom - Small Forward
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 08:55 AM
The D,
" I am sure you have noticed by now, Shaq's MO for the past few years is to tuck into a large Thanksgiving meal and then hibernate until about March. This keeps him fresh enough to energetically blame others for his lackluster play in key playoff games."
I just read this post on the previous thread and wanted to thank you for making me laugh out loud. That may be my favorite post of the year.
Posted by: Xodus | September 26, 2008 at 08:57 AM
AK,
Have you heard any word about the health of Chris Mihm? Is he fully recovered?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Jon K,
No Mihm is not quick enough to be a power forward. Just because Pau plays it doesn't mean Mihm can too lol. Radman will be the one of the backup power forwards to clear the logjam at the moment at the Small Forward position.
-blitz
The NBA:
Where Mamba24 Happens
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 26, 2008 at 09:18 AM
Jon K, I have nothing against Coby Karl, I would hate to see him go, what I meant was "Noooooooo not coby karl" as in please don't take Coby karl away.
Posted by: Elle | September 26, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Radman will be the one of the backup power forwards to clear the logjam at the moment at the Small Forward position.
-blitz
and you know this how?
Posted by: MR. KNOWITALL | September 26, 2008 at 09:52 AM
I have nothing against Coby Karl, I would hate to see him go, what I meant was
"Noooooooo not coby karl" as in please don't take Coby karl away.
Posted by: Elle | September 26, 2008 at 09:25 AM
Smooth Elle, Real Smooth. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 26, 2008 at 09:53 AM
>>>...laughing at the dumb American customers who think
>>>they are eating real Chinese food.
THE TRUTH IS FINALLY REVEALED.
I always thought that about Japanese food as well.
"Those stupid Americans are out in our restaurant, what should
we serve them."
"Uhhh.. Let's give them uncooked fish. Yeah, we'll tell them
it's a delicacy."
"Oooooh Good idea. What should we give them to drink?
Tea?"
"no. How about rice wine . Yeah, that's
it. And serve it hot ."
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 26, 2008 at 09:54 AM
thekobebryantblitz,
I brought up the idea of Chris Mihm moving to power forward because that was an idea that Tex Winter brought up before Chris Mihm got hurt.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Long Time Laker Fan,
Other cultures can make fun of us as much as they want about the "Americanization" of their cuisine.
Here's how "Americanization" of cuisine works...
1. A new cuisine arrives.
2. The "soul" of the home country gets taken out of the food and the Americanized version is much simpler in terms of flavor, often lacking the subtlety and sophistication of the original cuisine, even if it is more "tasty."
3. The creative "soul" of America is eventually put into this foreign food by American foodies and chefs who truly love food and something new is created which is actually a lot more sublime than the original foreign food.
America rocks!
AMERICA! FRICK YEAH!
GO AMERICA!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 26, 2008 at 10:02 AM
>>>...laughing at the dumb American customers who think
>>>they are eating real Chinese food.
Long Time Laker Fan
How funny, we do the same to those Americans over there at Taco Bell. Making them think they're eating Mexican food.
Posted by: Chihuaua Del a torre Del monte Cruz | September 26, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Jon K. on Bynum, "A bunch of my closest friends have actually been traded away, so now I’m gonna make myself more accessible to my new teammates."
you would think Jordan Farmar would be draping himself all over Bynum. Bynum is clearly going to be the "meal ticket" around here for the next 5-10 years and if the Beast gets fed, the Beast will certainly want those who feed him the ball kept around...
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 26, 2008 at 10:10 AM
how many guards do the Grizzlies have now? Geez... Conley, Crittenton, Lowry, Mayo and now Q. Ross?
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | September 26, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Hey guys,
Clearly, I saved the Dodger post on the wrong side of the blog software. Accident. But I'm sure the Dodger fans appreciate your nice wishes.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | September 26, 2008 at 10:25 AM
My vote for 15th seat on the prestigious Laker bench is wait
and see.
At the start of last preseason, I would never have guessed that
Coby Karl would make the team, but he worked hard and he
played with confidence and composure when given a chance
during preseason, and he outshone any other "camp" players,
so he made it.
Maybe Coby will show growth and has worked hard on
improving this summer, in which case we'll welcome him
back to ride the pine with open arms. Or maybe one of
those other guys will go out and play defense with an
intense passion and will catch the eyes of the coaches.
btw. As for leaving the spot open, as long as Coby or
whoever has a partially guaranteed contract, you might
as well keep him on the roster. If their contract is only
partially guaranteed, then you could waive him at any
time to make room for some other player. It's not like you
have to keep every player you have signed so you're stuck.
It just means you're paying one more person some amount
of money (probably in the low 6 figures).
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | September 26, 2008 at 10:28 AM
AK
Do you happen to know if the Lakers are in talks with Luke Walton's agent on restructering his contrac hopefully for less money and years? Thanks
Posted by: chuck23 | September 26, 2008 at 10:40 AM
"How funny, we do the same to those Americans over there at Taco Bell. Making them think they're eating Mexican food."
The best "real" Mexican food I've ever had; Tijiuana tacos from a street vendor. Not sure what the meat was, too drunk to care. : )
Posted by: Badfinger | September 26, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Smooth Elle, Real Smooth. LOL!
Posted by: Mamba24 | September 26, 2008 at 09:53 AM
I try Mamba24, I try!
Posted by: Elle | September 26, 2008 at 10:50 AM
"and you know this how?"
Lemme rephrase that
"Radman could be a power forward backing up Pau".
Personally we will not know the rotations until the season starts. But Radman backing up power forward makes more sense than Luke doing it to clear up the logjam we have there
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | September 26, 2008 at 10:58 AM