A note to those watching tonight's preseason opener

BREATHE!!!

Look, I know everyone's excited for the first bit of 2008-2009 Laker season action (even if the season comes attached with the phrase "pre"), the first glimpse of the effort to come in a quest to bridge that gap between "powerhouse bridesmaids" and "dudes rocking the jewelry." And I don't blame a soul for being geeked. I haven't looked forward to a Laker season this much in quite sometime myself.

But having said that, it's also worth noting how, on some occasions, the blogosphere adopts a group mind that's not necessarily above hyperbole when evaluating on-court action. When a possession is good, you're looking at a done deal title in the works. When a possession goes bad, you're looking at a squad with no hopes of going anywhere without drastic changes (I still laugh when I think about a few readers calling for Mitch to literally "blow up" this current squad after succumbing to Boston, because it goes without saying that a young, notably shorthanded squad that lasted six games in the Finals has absolutely zero future).

Why do I bring this up? Because I'm already anticipating the hysterical "they can't play together!!!" reactions to come during the first possession where the newly-introduced-to-each-other Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol bump heads. Or people looking to abandon the Drew-Pau-LO "serious length" lineup after a run of cockeyed spacing. Or "I thought we were concentrating on D!" sighs after a D.Will-Booz pick and roll leaves a Laker defender badly burned. Mind you, if that's how you wanna roll, knock yourself out. I think it's been well established by now that BK and I don't ostracize falling sky visionaries. I just think it's ultimately an exercise in energy unnecessarily expended. Forget that the Lakers have barely practiced as a team for a week. The coaching staff is looking to both implement a complicated "best case scenario" lineup (three near seven footers on the floor at the same time) and generally experiment with the team's unique versatility. Even if both goals are reached with flying colors (and I don't think we'll truly know about the Bynum-Gasol-Odom feasibility until late November or early December, minimum), any eventual slam dunks will be accompanied by a fair share of clanged rims. And now is the practical time to witness the majority of those bricks. Remember, Rome wasn't fine tuned in a day. Be patient, and ride out what's hopefully not too choppy a storm.

What I am looking for while watching tonight's action? Besides how successful the kick off of Phil's plan to make DJ Mbenga the team's go-to scorer? (Kidding, lest anyone even remotely take me seriously) I'm mostly curious to see how Bynum, Trevor Ariza and Chris Mihm look. Not even so much how they play, really, since rust is expected at this time of year. But do they look like guys truly at "100%," as opposed to still on the edges of a full recovery? I'm mildly curious to see if there's any visible effect of basically no offseason for Gasol and Kobe, but I'm thinking it's not going to be an issue. I'm also pretty sure I wouldn't be able to tell even if there were one, since Phil said both will likely play about a half or so at most. And I'll probably keep mental tabs on Coby Karl, since I think he's the most realistic guy to nab that 15th spot, assuming it's even immediately used. But when it comes to any "evaluations," that's about as far as mine go, because preseason action is often indicative of nothing substantive when it comes to games that actually count towards a record.

That's my two cents. How are you treating tonight's contest?

AK

Bookmark it:

October 07, 2008 | Permalink

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Comments

AK,

Please don't ask us for calm perspective. That takes all the fun out of it. (JK)

For one, I'm less interested in how the starting five perform than a chance to see the Bench Mob and the scrubs.

As a franchise that has been so injury prone in the past has taught us, depth at as many positions as possible is critical to success.

We're all hoping that the key players on the roster stay healthy. If they can, it's going to be a great season. Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 07, 2008 at 05:59 PM

Life and Death, Andy. JK. Excellent advice. We have all been waiting and anticipating this moment forever. It cannot do anything but disappoint considering all the hulabaloo. So here's hoping the reverse psychology works and everything clicks right from the start. They are, of course, the Lakers. Nothing is impossible as we saw last year.

Tom

Posted by: LakerTom | October 07, 2008 at 06:03 PM

Just activated my NBA TV again ... what more can I say ... Lets Go Lakers!!!

Posted by: kene_slow | October 07, 2008 at 06:04 PM

Yeah!! Game Day!!

Who cares if it´s preseason or spiderpig! The guys are back to action! And you know what? they won´t stop till we´ve got The 2009 NBA Champions Thropy!! A hell of months away!

For those seeking a path of gold and purple I bring you this... http://www.rojadirecta.org/ Hope it works (scroll down and seek for 04:00 GT

MAMBA24 There is no rollcall for me?? Maybe I should became a stalker to make me notice.

Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 06:17 PM

Watching the Suns practice on NBA TV. Amare got hit in the eye and tore a retna. Nothing too serious they say, but he will be wearing the goggles.

Fat-Daddy was "Hamming" for the camera and called Amara the new Kareem because of the goggles.

Posted by: Eric M. | October 07, 2008 at 06:17 PM

By the title of your thread, are you encouraging us to smell that cartoon's feet?

GO LAKERS!

Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:24 PM

"Because I'm already anticipating the hysterical "they can't play together!!!" reactions to come during the first possession where the newly-introduced-to-each-other Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol bump heads."

Why are you anticipating the hysteria?

Because you know Laker Nation.

Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:26 PM

Jon K.,

"By the title of your thread, are you encouraging us to smell that cartoon's feet?"

I hadn't thought of it that way, but you raise a valid observation. To clarify, that was neither my intention nor my message. The lad just seemed like somebody with a calm pulse to provide a good example. haha

Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 07, 2008 at 06:28 PM

I just re-read your thread intro.

YOU ARE GREAT!

I do get the feeling; however, that you are faced with the feeling of "Holy crap. Is another season really about to start? Will I survive another year of mania? I hope so."

Good luck, pal. It's going to be off the hook this year.

Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:31 PM

LAKERS BLOGGERS,

It’s game day at last. Mamba is shining. AK and BK have taken their game to the next level. We have been waiting all summer to see our boys play hoops. Let’s root for every player on the team to get a chance to play and show what they can do. Let’s take the blog to a new level.

Go, Lakers. The Era of the Beast Begins. 20/12/3!

Posted by: LakerTom | October 07, 2008 at 06:36 PM

So what's this I'm hearing about Phil not being there tonight and Rambis taking over the head coaching duties? Anyone know anything about it?

GO LAKERS!!!

Posted by: gokobego | October 07, 2008 at 06:40 PM

LakerTom is going to have a heart attack. Bynum's not starting.

Those who hate Phil Jackson will begin conspiracy theories. Phil's not going to be at the game.

It's going to be a bumpy ride! I can't wait!

Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:43 PM

Man, am I glad I missed the "we need to blow the team up" guys because I avoided all things NBA right after the Finals. Was it anyone other than Mike T or BUTLER? In other words, someone that operates within reality and with rationality.

Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 06:45 PM

Is this going to be on TV. Any links?

Posted by: Long Live Chick | October 07, 2008 at 06:53 PM

Anyone have a link to watch the game online?

I don't have League Pass this year. :(

Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 06:54 PM

Any links for the game tonight?

Posted by: BIGDAWG | October 07, 2008 at 06:54 PM

Faith is at the game tonight and she asked my if I could post this song and that it is dedicated to Luke???

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnejNGprm3I

Posted by: Fatty | October 07, 2008 at 06:54 PM

Is the game coming on the net? I just moved and Directv has not showed at my house yet.

Posted by: Zakee | October 07, 2008 at 06:58 PM

I love the way Laker management is starting the season by getting tough on the players. Bynum off the bench because he's not been working hard enough. Warning LO he might come off the bench.

No more sense of entitlement by these players. Deliver and deliver now. A great message. Go Lakers!

Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 07, 2008 at 06:58 PM

CLIPPERS FIRE BAYLOR!!!!!!!!!!

DUMBASSES!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: banner year | October 07, 2008 at 06:59 PM

Phil does make pre season entertaining.

His sick humor is on full display during this time of year he loathes.

Hard to be beastly from the bench but Andrew will find a way.

Posted by: Vman | October 07, 2008 at 07:03 PM

Phil's ok. He's at home watching game on TV, he had an allergic reaction to one of the meds he's on for his hip pain. Rambis will be head coach tonight.

Posted by: ajax | October 07, 2008 at 07:09 PM

any links to tonights game?

Posted by: BIGDAWG | October 07, 2008 at 07:10 PM

I LOVE (love's too weak a word) that face up shot that Pau's makin'.

Posted by: Vman | October 07, 2008 at 07:17 PM

Three smooth shots from gasol

link www.rojadirecta.org You´ll need sopcast

Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 07:22 PM

Lakers feed info courtesy of HugoSpain

Posted by: | October 07, 2008 at 07:24 PM

Xodus,

Doesn't NBA League Pass come before food?

Posted by: Eric M. | October 07, 2008 at 07:25 PM

And bynum tastes blood!! god move in the post

Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 07:26 PM

Bynum goes another one+ a foul! Sweet

Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 07:27 PM

Derek lying on the ground to Bynum for the dunk!! What a play!

Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 07:31 PM

THE BEAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HE LOOKS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!

GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: 1978 | October 07, 2008 at 07:32 PM

BLOG CRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We're back. Bynum looks great. Kobe has yet to score. Welcome back brothers and sisters.

Colorado loves the Lakers (and DODGERS)!

Posted by: Hugo Boss | October 07, 2008 at 07:32 PM

Hugo,

Man, I've got sopcast and it's not working.

How are the guys looking?

Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 07:35 PM

Looks like we're going great. Bynum with 9 and 6. Kobe with 4 assists, Pau is 3-3.

Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 07:36 PM

We are deep as hell this year!

Posted by: 15th Coming | October 07, 2008 at 07:37 PM

Eric M,

Ahh..I knew I shouldn't have gone shopping this week.

Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 07:37 PM

I Know it suddenly breakdown. I´m looking for more channels. If I find I´ll let you know.

Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 07:38 PM

Bynum looks real good. You can tell his conditioning needs a little work, but he's got a nice mid range shot now. If he gets that hook down, he's going to be a go-to scorer as well. 9 points, 4 rebounds already in 7 minutes.

Gasol had some nice mid range jumpers. It's still early, but I think he'll fit in fine at the 4.

Defensive timing for the Lakers is still suspect. They're still doing the late help, collapse and crowd into the paint thing, but Gasol is currently out with a cut so we don't what the Bynum + Gasol defensive presence is on court at the same time yet. Bynum did adjust a shot or two though.

You can also see that the LO point guard thing is still being worked out. Already 10 turnovers for the team so far.

Posted by: AndrewT | October 07, 2008 at 07:38 PM

What a game. Lakers shoot 75 % in the 1st.

Posted by: Joe SixPack | October 07, 2008 at 07:39 PM

Mihm the PF

Posted by: sqwiggy | October 07, 2008 at 07:40 PM

It is back again same channel as before: 48608

Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 07:40 PM

I am using the nbatv - Veetle link and its crystal clear...u have to download the veetle software though

Posted by: BocaLakerGurl | October 07, 2008 at 07:41 PM

Can I have some links, please?

Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 07:42 PM