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
Hugo,
Thanks. It's working now.
Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 07:56 PM
I hope Bynum comes back in. I never got a look at him. Judging by the stats he played well.
Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Thanks for the Veetle link..it's perfect.
Posted by: EastCoastJessie | October 07, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Your welcome xodus! Enjoy the game!
Mbenga looks like kinda lost. And like this powell guy. As backup of course
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Attn KBros:
Excellent article by Wages of Wins on the Lakers.
http://tinyurl.com/4a7yjs
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 07, 2008 at 08:03 PM
From the little I saw of Powell it looks like he might be better than we think. It remains to be seen if he's as good as Ronny, but we don't need him to be.
Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 08:12 PM
Reactions to Bynum-on-the-bench-gate. It could be extremely disappointing for a number of reasons...
For the coaches, taking the approach that the team played well last season and "why mess with it" gives me shivers thinking back to all the "this team was one rebound away from eliminating the Suns" after 06 which led to the 07 embarassment and all the Kobe trade demands. Dallas was two games away from the Championship in 06 - look how well that worked out for them in 07 and 08. If you have an opportunity to improve the team then you do. Period.
For Andrew, if he's not earning a starting gig with his effort in practice then it's his own fault. If he's not meshing well with Pau then it's both their faults. Either way, there is not entitlement on the time. Everything is earned.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 07, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I must be a moron, but I can't get the Vettle thing to work.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 08:15 PM
The game is ugly for sure. The one big thing negative I'm seeing immediately about Drew is he's setting horrible picks. He's rushing and barely making contant which basically throws the ball-handler into a double-team and then rushes down to the block looking for an entry pass.
He's not doing much defensively either, but there's a lot of garbage-ball going on out there. It's only the first game. Everyone in the building is out of rhythm. I still have high hopes. But, unlike the coaches, I don't believe the team we ended with last year is good enough.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 07, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Man, Bynum's added a nice little faceup jumper. If he keeps it to about 10-12 feet and not try to stretch that further then he's a go-to type of guy this season.
Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 08:24 PM
Hello Bloggers,
I am starting the season DEPRESSED AS HELL, because my Angels lost to the Red Sox, ALA Lakers against Celtics (Much the same fashion). So I feel as though I got the NBA Finals in mind, and I'm still bitter.
But there is no great feeling such as opening of the Lakers preseason. And you get that feeling that the Lakers are happy again. They are back to being the cool team of basketball after having such a questionable offseason last year.
So basically, go Lakers, I've already got tickets to four games..I've dropped too much money that I dont have in these hard economic times amid raised ticket prices...so theres something I gotta love about these guys.
And besides I gotta get back on this blog.
Posted by: The Lake Show | October 07, 2008 at 08:24 PM
you have to install the veetle plugin and then refresh the page if it still doesnt work try using Internet explorer.
Posted by: LAFTW | October 07, 2008 at 08:25 PM
Someone please give me a radio link. I'm desperate. My Ridgecrest station isn't playing it.
URGH!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 08:26 PM
Pau is out for the rest of the game. he got hitted in his mouth and has some kind of bound in the inner part of his mouth.
Derek and kobe will play in third but there it end for them.
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 08:27 PM
I love Trevor Ariza. I missed him.
Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Hey before everyone jumps on Drew, he's gotten bigger (more muscle mass) and thats going to naturally make him heavier and slower. Drew may not be completely used to his body. His strength is huge though, have you seen him back Okur out of bounds in the post? He's going to have to figure that one out. Doing more playing and less lifting is going to cause him to naturally lose weight anyways, so his stamina will increase.
Posted by: The Lake Show | October 07, 2008 at 08:29 PM
gotta love Bynum's silly reactions though. Obviously he spent time watching Penny Hardaway and Barkley haha. god to see him trust his knee a bit more. Hes wearing a brace typical for his injury P.S.
Posted by: The Lake Show | October 07, 2008 at 08:32 PM
Great foray to the basket by Bynum.
Posted by: Xodus | October 07, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Oh my god !! Bynum is truly The Beast! 17 points and growing
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 08:33 PM
Why is Kobe playing so many minutes?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 08:42 PM
LO realy took it easy this summer
Posted by: LAL_Fan | October 07, 2008 at 08:47 PM
Powell is a rebounding machine!
He's a Laker!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 08:54 PM
blitz,
I am looking forward to your thoughts on Ariza.
Posted by: hobbitmage | October 07, 2008 at 08:54 PM
I know this is pre-season game but I don't like Lamar's body language.
Posted by: Lakergurl | October 07, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Laker game here...almost over...:(
http://www.justin.tv/corpsehead
Wes
Posted by: | October 07, 2008 at 09:07 PM
I really wish I could have watched this game.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 09:10 PM
Better link
http://www.justin.tv/rudyslv
Wes
Posted by: | October 07, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I agree with you Lakergurl. I do not like anything about Lamar's game right now. His defense is awful. He is giving about two feet of space and not contesting shots. The one shot he did contest he let his momentum carry him in to Korver. He also has almost as many turnovers as he does assists and points. This is not a way to earn his starting job.
Posted by: Richie | October 07, 2008 at 09:10 PM
You look kinda lost. MBenga showed us a lot of heart tonight. The refs erased a perfect block and called goal-tending. He hustled and challenged some shots.
Posted by: 15 Coming | October 07, 2008 at 09:10 PM
wow. vladrad is looking more trash than he did last year!
Posted by: socalife | October 07, 2008 at 09:15 PM
why did you pull me c.j.????????????????
your loss
Posted by: ABCESS TOO THe maxx | October 07, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Hugo Spain. Many thanks for the link. Muchas Gracias.
Posted by: Lakergurl | October 07, 2008 at 09:16 PM
Not surprisingly, kind of an ugly game.
But I do like what I'm seeing from Josh Powell and Trevor Ariza. Gasol looked in top shape and played well before being forced to leave the game. Fish looked in mid-season form.
Mostly, a lot of players out of sync, trying to play their way back. Some good signs from Mihm. Nothing impressive from LO, including his continued inability to shoot FT's.
Hopefully, fewer TO's and fouling on Thursday, so we can see a game with some rhythm. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 07, 2008 at 09:21 PM
Going bed guys. see you!
Posted by: HugoSpain | October 07, 2008 at 09:26 PM
Wow,
Mihm really is healthy. This was my biggest question for the Lakers coming into this season. Are they gonna finallyget a healthy Chris Mihm? Well, we can all lay that question to rest ladies and gentlemen. His role is key to this teams success.
I liked when Pau went out with a cut lip, Rambis threw in Mihm to replace him in the lineup with Andrew. I forgot this guy is a natural 4. His 10 footer is money and I loved the way he gelled whith Andrew on the defensive end.
Also, I forgot how long and lean Trevor is. he looks like he came in in great shape. That's a whole new demention for us.
And I'll call it like this: POWELL IS GONNA BE BETTER THAN RONI.
Mad love for Roni, He's a little bigger and stronger, but Josh is way more explosive and has better handles.
Posted by: XandOPro | October 07, 2008 at 09:42 PM
GAME DAY at last!!!
Farmar and Trevor looks good!!! Bynum looks rusty... LO is the same LO.
I was a bit disappointed not seeing AB and Pau at the same time.
Posted by: TinidoR | October 07, 2008 at 09:45 PM
lol hobbit here it is:
Kobe-focused more on running the offense so not surprised
Fisher-same old Fish though could be losing an edge again D-Will though it is pre season
Gasol-N/A though face up jumpers are impressive and for a while did better than Bynum on Okur
Odom-experimentation on a variety of roles so wasn't uncommon for him to struggle
Ariza-personal defense is exception and have found some offensive groove. Nice hustling for rebounding. Was disappointed though when the Lakers when to a dry spell help defense faltered though his personal defense was still nonethless nice.
Farmar-shows much maturity and found some consistency. Long range shooting improved. Steals still the same. Still turnover prone.
Radman-erm first good then 2nd half was plain bad. Defense got worst over the game though had times where he was ok.
Karl-Reminders of Sasha Vujacic Pre-2007-2008 season though not expected because of 2nd year in league.
Powell-gives rebounding one thing Ronny did not have. Not so good? Finishing when near the basket.
Mihm-a reason why he is NOT a power forward (defensively was out quicked) though was good seeing him back.
and...
Bynum- Most Improved from the summer. Close jump shots near the basket and expanding his range (not so much to simply dunks). His post moves are beginning to truly show and becoming more than lobs and put backs. Offense is really beginning to show and one could only think how much he could have scored had he played more than 24 minutes. Defense near the basket is nothing more than impressive. Changes shots and was a true post presence that Pau wasn't last year defensively. 2 Major problems though.
1) When teams doubled him he would often lose the ball as in having it stripped. Needs to look and turn faster and beware of double teams.
2) The most glaring weakness: outside defense. May have hedge the pick and roll good but when it came to outside he really struggled. Because of the range of Okur, Bynum had to stay outside more and when Okur drove instead, he picked up fouls. Teams could have him pick and rolled though if Pau started the problem could be remedied to a degree.
Analysis complete.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | October 07, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Rick,
I noticed you brought up Lamar, until I read you post, I forgot Lamar even played in the game!
What is wrong with this guy? Where does he go mentally?
Posted by: 1978 | October 07, 2008 at 09:48 PM
The Era of the Beast starts with the loss. Arghh! when I was reading all the posts during the Summer days I thought the Globetrotters were coming to town. All the bright pronostications, imagining the great plays, the height advantage, well Lakers lost in translation executing plays against the Utah no-name players lyde, brevin knight, ronnie price. We cannot lay the blame on Luke. I know why they lost? Lakers have too many stars, too many chiefs and few indians willing to defend their hole. They pause, they pass and stand around like a continuation of that team in June, offense was tentative and defense was weak. Who cares, it is just a preseason? Well, people at Honda Center cares, they paid to watch the much vaunted Lakers, Angels lost last night to the Bostonians, Dow Jones today down by 500 and still no good news from our great team. Championship starts with defensive mindset in the preseason that becomes a habit during the season not dudes don't know where to stand and still experimenting a T/O..
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 07, 2008 at 09:57 PM
Well, it looks good on paper.
Disappointing not seeing Pau play with Andrew but 'tis the season to explore options.
Giles and Powell are strong. Coby seemed to be pressing.
Don't know where Lamar fits in but it feels like they've tried this before.
Posted by: Vman | October 07, 2008 at 09:58 PM
I don't know. I just saw the first preseason game and Bynum look pretty decent on offense I guess. Nothing extraordinary about him. Just okay I guess. His numbers looked good but I totally think his defense which is what this Lakers team needs is lacking somewhat. In order for Phil Jackson to put him there as a starter before the end of preseason Bynum is definately going to have to improve in D (I saw it last year, its coming along I hope : ( ). I hope it was indeed just timing. Hey again this is just preseason. And yes he hasn't played for 7 months or whatever. I hope he does come around cuz this wasn't the same Bynum. I would keep him as the sixth man untill he shows some improvement on Defense. Okay this is preseason. [I'll give Killer Bynum 2 weeks from tonight to make a better assesment]. Lets go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: johnny | October 07, 2008 at 10:04 PM
we're fine. there was live broadcast here in the Philippines.
i like josh powell and c.j. giles.
hope they'd make it into the roster.
Bynum's huge; he looks great; as well as Jordan.
LO had no motivation. I like him but he's into the game tonight.
Hoping for the best year.
GO LAKERS! :p
Please anyone add me to the bandwagon, 65 wins this season>
Posted by: isang | October 07, 2008 at 10:16 PM
Hi Laker nation. Great to be back! Ready for a great season!!!
Posted by: LakerBandit | October 07, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Bynum, Gasol, Mihm, Giles and Powell truly makes Lamar Odom expendable now.
Ariza is really exciting to watch alongside Kobe in the perimeter.
I can't wait to see Sunyue add to the Ariza, Kobe, Sunyue length and quickness.
Posted by: Staples 24 | October 07, 2008 at 10:52 PM
OH MY GOD!
THE JAZZ HAVE GOTTEN BETTER THAN THE lakers!
Just kidding, just kidding. Well, interesting that pau and bynumb couldn't be paired up. Coach J is not liking what he's seeing from the two big men and let's not act surprised. Both are 7-footers but there the similarity ends.
They actually couldn't be more different as people. Meshing talent can be a tricky proposition...sometimes its effortless, sometimes it just doesn't work. It is what it is, as the saying goes, and there's no changing it.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 07, 2008 at 11:45 PM
The ONLY positive I saw in today's exhibition game were JOSH POWELL... Trevor... and KOBE...
end of story... all the others just lack the pride of playing for the lakers... LO was the worst...
Posted by: dice8up | October 07, 2008 at 11:52 PM
I don't know. I just saw the first preseason game and Bynum look pretty decent on offense I guess. Nothing extraordinary about him. Just okay I guess. His numbers looked good but I totally think his defense which is what this Lakers team needs is lacking somewhat. In order for Phil Jackson to put him there as a starter before the end of preseason Bynum is definately going to have to improve in D (I saw it last year, its coming along I hope : ( ). I hope it was indeed just timing. Hey again this is just preseason. And yes he hasn't played for 7 months or whatever. I hope he does come around cuz this wasn't the same Bynum. I would keep him as the sixth man untill he shows some improvement on Defense. Okay this is preseason. [I'll give Killer Bynum 2 weeks from tonight to make a better assesment]. Lets go Lakers!!!!
Posted by: johnny | October 07, 2008 at 10:04 PM
============================================
I agree with you 110%. It is not for offense that we need DREW for... it's for anchoring the defense. He has to embrace that role...
Posted by: dice8up | October 07, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Did you see the way Portland demolished the Kings? Oden and Fernandez are going to change laker fans and the pundits' predictions alike in 2009.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 07, 2008 at 11:55 PM
To many folks here worried about Laker defense. OMG it`s only pre-season. hehehh heeh. Lakers will be great. Give it some time, lol.
Posted by: Sir Harold | October 08, 2008 at 12:17 AM
I'd draw pretty much no conclusions from this game.AK is right...surprised Kobe played so much but I guess he wants to get a feel for whos who as well
Posted by: straydan2@hotmail.com | October 08, 2008 at 04:33 AM