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
To battle the better teams in the WC, you need experience. This new lakers team could take a couple years to really develop.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 08, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Everyone needs to chill on Lamar. He's a vet playing in another preseason game. It would have been nice for him to give 100% but that would be pretty unrealistic. He did have some nice assists last night.
With that being said, he didn't impress. But again, its only preseason. It will take time (probably in to Dec) to see if Lamar is going to have a "breakout" season or not. Lamar will be fine this year.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 08, 2008 at 07:58 AM
WOW it sure felt good watching a Laker Game
I look forward to Summer for the weather but go thru laker withdrawls. Bynum looked go considering his timing was way off, I think he will regain it quickly, you could see it on the few lobs they tried.
Gasol, Fisher and Kobe were in Mid-season form and Ariza looked great
I see a Bynum, Gasol, Ariza, Kobe, Fisher starting 5 and it will be awsome
Odom, Sasha, Farmar and Powell will anchor the bench mob
Posted by: tomK | October 08, 2008 at 08:05 AM
Even though I think it was probably time for Elgin Baylor to move on, Donald Sterling really showed a complete like of class through the WAY Elgin Baylor was let go.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 08:17 AM
Wow. That photo of Luke's stalker is almost as scary as the fact that Luke was getting stalked by this lunatic for as long as he was.
Luke, I'm glad its over. No one should have to go through that. Especially if you're a tiny, single mother aspiring rapper from Atlanta.
{The Big Homicidal is no different than Luke's stalker! Think about it.}
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 08:20 AM
Remember this is just pre season. We could lose all our pre season games and win the title or win all the pre season games and lose the title.
Once the regular season starts thats when it COUNTS!
-blitz
(Like more the last preseason games, at least the experimentation will end)
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | October 08, 2008 at 08:37 AM
dice8up,
"end of story... all the others just lack the pride of playing for the lakers... LO was the worst..."
Wow. I didn't know that yesterday's preseason opener doubled as the NBA Finals. It's good to know that all is lost and I don't have to waste my time watching this season.
Posted by: Xodus | October 08, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Please tell me I have nothing to worry about.
Andrew looked great on offense. But my concern was the movement of Andrew. He seemed slow or not very quick on defense, his rebounding looked very weak due to the knee I think. I know he had stated he can jump a inch higher this year but I don't believe it. He almost looked like he was dragging the leg a little bit during the game.
Did anybody else think the same way or do you think it is just rust from not playing? Didn't see a Beast down low but sure did love his offensive game. It is clear he has put a lot of work into his offensive game.
BD
Posted by: BD | October 08, 2008 at 08:38 AM
BUTLER,
"To battle the better teams in the WC, you need experience. This new lakers team could take a couple years to really develop."
You've consistently made contradicting yourself an art form and your last few posts are no exception. In one post you say that a PRESEASON victory over the Kings is signaling the Trailblazers ascent. Then a few posts later you say the Lakers lack the experience to make it through the West when we just made it to the Finals and brought everyone but Ronny back, while the Blazers have a team full of guys who have either never played in the playoffs or the NBA level.
Posted by: Xodus | October 08, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Kudos to the K's
Big write up on their Manny take on ESPN
http://tinyurl.com/4prrzx
Posted by: Fatty | October 08, 2008 at 08:46 AM
To those who are in complete shock and worry about losing pre season game to the Jazz (LOL!) Here's some positives:
1) Rebounding has improved. Last year in the playoffs the Jazz out rebounded the Lakers 45.2rpg to 37.2rpg. Most rebounds came from Bynum, Odom, Powell, Ariza, Bryant, and Mihm 5 of whom will be in the regular rotation and Mihm could possibly see playing time as well.
2) Defense in the 1st Half. Held the Jazz to 39% shooting before just letting them rip in the 2nd Half.
3) Passing the Ball, 24 Assists is not bad.
Why the lost?
Turnovers! 23 of them! Have to improve offensive efficiency! Even though as Stu Lantz said it is common in pre season, still gotta cut down the turn overs!
as Pat Riley said "We can't do anything with these turnovers (referring to 20 assists to 23 turnovers). We are not going to be the sisters of mercy".
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | October 08, 2008 at 08:49 AM
START MIHM!
START MIHM!
Andrews sucks on defense!
START MIHM!
Posted by: sqwiggy | October 08, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Concerns: None.
Reasons:
IT WAS A FRICKING PRE-SEASON GAME!
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 08, 2008 at 08:53 AM
Nobody should not be surprised by Lamar, he always takes the first half the season off.
Ariza looked great. Powell was also promising.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 08, 2008 at 08:54 AM
BUTLER,
I caught the Suns training camp on NBATV, You guys' are sorry!!!!!!
Posted by: banner year | October 08, 2008 at 08:57 AM
So now Mike Dunleavy is the GM for the Clippers. I think this is pretty dumb on the Clippers part. Mike Dunleavy's claim to fame is losing in the finals with a Laker team that had Magic and Worthy in their primes. Everything else in his post-playing career has been mediocre at best.
He couldn't get it done in Milwaukee, he couldn't get it done in Portland, and he hasn't got it done for the Clippers. So why in the world are the Clippers now naming him GM on top of coaching?
The Clippers and Donald Sterling must want to lose. The track record proves it. Although, I do think this years Clipper team will be an exciting squad if they stay healthy. A big 'if'.
I really don't blame Elton Brand for leaving that situation.
Donald Sterling needs to sell that team.
Go Lakers!
Aahhh, NBA basketball is back! It's been a long summer.
Posted by: Rocky | October 08, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Said it before, we'll be sayin' it all season, Portland is extremely formidable.
Hope experience makes a difference in that debate 'cause Portland's got size, speed and athleticism covered.
Posted by: Vman | October 08, 2008 at 09:06 AM
Was at the game yesterday. None of the stars or starters took the game very seriously. In fact, it was alot of "glad to see ya, how was your summer" hugs and hi fives between the teams before the game started. It was the first game back, and it was a glorified tryout.
I liked bynum being out there, but it looks like his timing is off in some situations. His recognition of double teams definitely has to get better, but that'll come with experience and memory. Teams definitely know not to leave him alone now.
Even though it looked like he had a sweet stroke, I hope he doesn't get enamored with that shot. Great centers are about correctly utilizing your pivot given what the defense gives you, positioning without the ball, and utilzing that reach to put up hooks, layups, and dunks. Its not jumpshots from 15 feet. Let the guards and forwards take care of that space.
Before anyone gets too riled up by my observation, its the first game, and I know its going to get much better.
Posted by: #4 | October 08, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Good Morning Guys,
Here's my first preseason game take.
Chris Mihm: Looks serviceable and can move way better than I expected.
Josh Powell: Calm and rebounds like Michael Cage. Or enthusiastically at least. I hope he works out for us. He will make the loss of Turiaf way easier. He can be the AC Green Horace Grant at the 4.
Vlad: Still looks lost on D on occasion, but attempts to recover upon letting his man open. But is trying...
Coby: looks to stay disciplined in the offense and shot needs to fall. Sasha 3 year syndrome?
Farmar: Looks like he runs the offense to his style and I like it. If he ever starts, the pace wil be way faster.
Gasol: His perimeter shooting looks more polished and I like his confidence in his face up game.
MBenga: one jumper cable short of connecting better Defense. I feel he worries too much about his offense and stiffens up his game. I like his goal tending efforts though.
Kobe: I hope he gets enough rest.
Fisher: last year looked like he is a step slower, this year looks like he maintained from last year. If that makes sense.
Ariza: love the movement without the ball. He and lamar have good on court spacing. His recovery time on getting burned on D is amazing.
Lamar: needs to get into game shape. Also he a bad sequence with he and fisher not knowing where to be at pass half court. PG days are for off the defensive rebound run and gun. But hey keep trying, this is the pre season.
Bynum: looks like caps footwork with some Olaiuwon face up. This monster is always adding something new to his offense. Conditioning looks fine.
Not enough PT for the training campers for me to assess. I like CJ and Brandon from what I saw.
The worst rotation that did not favor any of the bigs was:
Bynum
Mihm
Vlad
Bynum often looked to eager and took on 2-3 guys at once. Mihm on AK47 was a joke, and Vlad was rendered and observer.
But Ariza and Powell brought a smile to my face. If Ariza stays injury free and Powell improves as he learns, sky's the limit for this team.
We have just about every type of player on this team except for a SF Bruiser.
Here's to the 08-09 season for us to enjoy.
Posted by: Charles | October 08, 2008 at 09:22 AM
10 Thoughts on the game.
1. First game of preseason, so it means very little.
2. Bynum was awesome in the first, but seemed to slack off
after that. He needs to get his timing back, but he seems to
have improved his shooting touch. nice.
3. Ariza also had flashes of good and bad.
4. The surprise recovering injured guy coming back was Mihm.
He's not playing at the level before his injury, but he looks
like he's playing without pain, so it encourages me that he
may get back to that level. If he could, then Bynum would
have a VERY good backup at C.
5. Farmar was out for blood. I thought he played really well.
6. Phil is right, Lamar is out of shape. I think he'll get it
together before the start of the regular season, but he looked
more absent than usual last night.
7. Early in the game I was encouraged by the play of
Coby Karl, but less so as the game went on.
8. I liked what I saw from Josh Powell
9. Congolian Beef is the same old dish. He's got size and
strength and not much else.
10. WAY. TOO. MANY. TURNOVERS.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 08, 2008 at 09:30 AM
Nobody should not be surprised by Lamar, he always takes the first half the
season off. Posted by: Eric M. | October 08, 2008 at 08:54 AM
Posted by: Second Half Of The Season | October 08, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Wow. I didn't know that yesterday's preseason opener doubled as the NBA Finals.
It's good to know that all is lost and I don't have to waste my time watching this
season. Posted by: Xodus | October 08, 2008 at 08:38 AM
LOL You are in mid season form Xodus!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 08, 2008 at 09:37 AM
BD,
Bynum's only problem last night was his timing and not being up to game speed...which are two problems that are related to one another. Once he gets some more games under his belt after not playing NBA basketball since mid-January he'll be fine.
He ALREADY looked light-years ahead of where he was last preseason and the early part of last season. He has more confidence in his post moves, he's added short jumpers and looks stronger. Those are things you can work on and improve in the offseason. His timing on defense, game condiioning and recognizing double teams are things that will work themselves out with getting more game time and should be OK by the opener.
This team will be impossible to defend once the season starts. It looks like we'll have 3 guys that can command double teams and with shooters like Fish, Farmar, Sasha and Vlad we'll be deadly.
Lamar needs to step his game up quickly if he really wants to start. He looked out of shape and uninterested when I saw him. Ariza looked very strong playing the 3 for us and with LO already having success at the 4 for us the last few seasons he has to pick it up if he doesn't want to back up both Pau and Bynum.
Posted by: Xodus | October 08, 2008 at 09:38 AM
What's up Lakerville!
It was great to see the Lakeshow once again. It's the first game so rust was definitely evident everywhere. The fact that they lost will help them work harder on the things they need to improve upon especially defense on back cuts, etc. Hope they'll be more fluid in the next game.
It's very early but it looks like Hollinger has something there when he forecasted the Jazz to top the West. From what I've seen, Milsap and Brewer looked like they have improved from last season. D-Will and AK47 continue to show their strong performance. We have now seen one of our top rivals for the Western Crown. Reports out of Portland also pegs the Blazers to be a strong contender. This pre-season will indeed be interesting and not just some glorified workouts. Can't wait for the next game.
Go Lakers!
Posted by: SamLL | October 08, 2008 at 09:44 AM
Watched the game second time around thru our DVR, what a nice invention just bypassed Joel Myers diatribe and the commercials at 4-speed. Well, Socks improved a lot but he was very eager to prove himself that makes him an easy target of Jazz defense. He should space himself and pick some shots or moves. Mbenga was atrocious and lost our lead when he came in. The new guys are still adjusting with the triangle so they are tentative as if asking cues from Farmar and Ariza to give them hints when to shoot and when to pass and back to the triangle. They lost in the triangle and forgot also their basketball bearing.
Preseason game indeed so lots of turnovers and Kobe missing a ton of shots. I strongly commented in my last post b/c we got tired of hearing in this blog of too much hype, too much pressure put on this team. It is the hooplah and expectations that I am against, it kills performance b/c players are on the spotlight. Suddenly, we all became ESPN journalists rendering too much opinions and haven't played the game, we predicted scores, we predicted moves etc. to the point it becomes moot to watch the game, Lakers were ordained before the preseason. When they win I told you so and when they lose, it just a preseason game. Excuses, just like losing in the Finals. Since the sixties, I may have watched a thousand NBA games so a preseason, a season, a playoff it doesn't make any difference. As a professional, when he gets to the court that is his livelihood. Be ready to play, to go for defense, to rebound with all his heart and all his mind until that energy and repertoire becomes his habit and a systemic identity of his game. Preseason is the most important part of development of any NBA player. Here is where they hone skills, polish strenghts and recapture or conquer weaknesses. The team can't cram and play catch-up during the season. Laker players from the West/Baylor era to Magic/Worthy/Kareem showtime to Shaq/Kobe partnership have that kind of mindset to dominate every game, that's Championship calibre.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 08, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Xodus,
"You've consistently made contradicting yourself an art form and your last few posts are no exception."
Why are you surprised? Butler/Mike T. never let facts get in the way of a stupid comment.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 08, 2008 at 10:15 AM
"TEAMWORK" is contagous with the Lakers.
Did anybody see that sweet dish Brandon Heath gave to Joe Crawford for an easy layup?
This whole "TEAM" is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: 15th Coming | October 08, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Impressions from the game live:
1. Andrew Bynum looks healthy. He's definitely been working on his offense game, and footwork. His knee looks fine. And his lateral movements doesn't seem off. If there was one thing on my wish list for Bynum (that is not defense related) it's that he learns to dunk with emphasis. He gets blocked way too often for a 7 footer.
2. Defensively we have some work to do. Not the least of which is rotations, rotations, rotations. But considering Bynum and Pau never got on the floor together...I think we haven't seen how good we are as of yet. That said, it's so nice to see Trevor Ariza on the floor. The dude is simply a gift on defense (fouls notwithstanding).
3. This is a pre-season game. Take the positives out of it, and move on. We mustn't forget the purpose of such a game is to see the development/who stays on the roster with those on the bubble. And who should get more time from the bench. Hence the crazy pairings. Thus far I have to say it looks like Coby Karl might be left looking out...coz he had the best opportunity to look good (having played mostly with those that actually are in the team, the bench at that)...but he did not. Who did look good are Giles and Heath. I have to say I thought Giles might have had an outside shot on size alone. Let's face it we're way too stacked on the SG/SF position, so essentially he's got the edge being a PF/C. Heath to me showed the best moves defensively. He was always in the defensive stance, and he knew where to shade.
4. We are going to love Josh Powell. You can already see it. Sure, he's not Ronny. For some of us, Ronny will always have a special place in our hearts...but Powell has already shown he belongs. And that's in preseason game one. He hustled out there. He has shown promise to be a rebounding beast. And most of all, he had great camaraderie with the guys (as seen before the game, and during timeouts). There was this one time where he was defending Pau one on one in the paint, he was backing down for anything! lol.
5. You can tell some of the guys aren't on game shape as of yet. Their timing seems to be off. But there are some that are always ready to go. Props to Jordan for doing his thing in the off-season. You can definitely tell he's been working on his long range shots, and his offensive moves. Unfortunately I didn't see enough on D but hopefully that will come.
6. Kobe and his hand looks all right. In shoot around/warmups? he looked like he was shooting effortlessly. I'm starting to warm to the whole no surgery thing lol.
7. Derek Fisher in a laker uniform is a gift.
Posted by: Faith | October 08, 2008 at 10:44 AM
This whole "TEAM" is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: 15th Coming | October 08, 2008 at 10:30 AM
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!!!
Posted by: MAMBA24 | October 08, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Mamba24,
I, like Kobe, like to enter seasons in tip top shape. lol
Faith,
Great post. You need to drop the nursing gig and get into scouting. haha.
Posted by: Xodus | October 08, 2008 at 11:51 AM
It's a mistake to play Vlad with Farmar, Farmar is a ball hog and if Vlad doesnt get the ball occassionally then he can't be effective. Farmar is the point, he needs to play effectively with the others.
Posted by: Ken | October 08, 2008 at 12:09 PM
"Why are you surprised? Butler/Mike T. never let facts get in the way of an honest comment. "
Thanks! Not much you can do about chemistry like I said - it's either there or it ain't. Remember karl malone and kobey...
What's up with PJ not letting bynumb and gasal play together? He's obviously displeased with their ability to mesh, from comments he made. And from the fact he wouldn't dare let them on the court together.
I think this could pose a problem if it doesn't change quick...bynum may be a bench player to replace turiaf...or was it odom who was replacing turiaf?
If the blazers beat the lakers, that would mean the lakers aren't better than either the jazz or blazers. Or is that extrapolating too much this early?
Posted by: BUTLER | October 08, 2008 at 12:37 PM
I want everyone to factor in the 99-00 season. I bring this up because in that preseason, the Lakers were 2-5 and looked like an absolute joke. But remember, they went 67-15 that year when they won the title, and on paper you can argue that this Laker team is on par (or better, talentwise) than that 1999-2000 squad, but also in a deeper league.
As most people have said, it's just the preseason, and watching last night's game I wasn't expecting a win, just wanted to see how certain lineups performed and/or how certain players performed.
Bynum made a lot of mistakes IMO due to being too excited to being back on the court. Once he gets comfortable with a few more post moves and develops a jump hook with both hands, things will get better for him. My suggestion is that Kobe take him out on the field and teach him soccer (Kobe, Olajuwon, and Nash all are soccer players, nuff said). Even though he claims his jumping has improved, his lift still looks suspect to me for some reason. I can see Yao, KG, Dwight blocking his shots because he's not getting high enough.
Posted by: CHI Laker Fan (fka ATL Laker Fan) | October 08, 2008 at 12:47 PM
Greg Oden's getting all of the love on the networks today. No word on Andrew, exept on the local front.
Andrew dominated in some instances last night. His moves are incredible. His raw talet, unmatched anywhere.
One aspect though: blocking shots, he needs to really improve in order to capitalize on his offensive strengths. The respect he needs to earn on the defensive end will help give him space when he's looking to score, just on the natural fear he will impose on his opponents alone!.
Posted by: XandOPro | October 08, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Faith,
Did you REALLY dedicate The Police's version of "Every Breath You Take" to Luke?? If so, you are SO wrong!! LOL!!!
Posted by: HoustonLaker | October 08, 2008 at 01:06 PM
Mamba24,
I, like Kobe, like to enter seasons in tip top shape. lol
Faith,
Great post. You need to drop the nursing gig and get into scouting. haha.
Posted by: Xodus | October 08, 2008 at 01:33 PM
lol Xodus. I can hope.
HoustonLaker, lol. That's just Fatty being Fatty. I actually prefer the song...How Do I by LeAnn Rhymes. haha JK.
Posted by: Faith | October 08, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Because I love the Lakers, I'm glad they lost this first preseason game. The Lakers have been told by many that this season the Western conference is theirs. AB's saying training camp is boring this year likely reflects a bit of a blase team attitude. The quicker the Lakers realize that no one is going to lay down and die in front of them, the faster they can get that serious game face dedication and attitude going. The sooner they can start competing.
GOOOooOOOOOO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: JohnnyP | October 08, 2008 at 03:25 PM
The woman who gave Sun Yue mono.
http://tinyurl.com/3vhanh
I guess it was worth it.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 04:45 PM
Xodus,
Butler probably doesn't think anyone actually reads his posts. If no one reads it, there can be no contradictions, right?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 09, 2008 at 06:48 AM