Know thy enemy: Houston Rockets
Houston Rockets: 55-27 (3rd in the Southwest Division, 5th in the Western Conference)
Key Additions: Ron Ron, Brent Barry, Von Wafer (woot!), Joey Dorsey, DJ Strawberry
Key Losses: Bobby Jackson, Steve Novak, Dikembe Mutombo
How good were the Rockets defensively last season? You can make a very compelling argument that the primary benefit to adding noted defensive stopper (and crazy person) Ron Artest to this year's squad will come on the offensive side, as a third scorer to compliment Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. The Rockets were the W.C.'s best team in terms of opponents field goal percentage, rebound differential, and finished atop the league in points allowed per shot. In short, finding any breathing room against the Rockets last season was a colossal pain in the ass.
Of course, adding Artest will only make Houston stronger
defending their net. Just as the Lakers can field a great deal of different lineup combinations, so to will Houston have plenty of ways to align stalwart defenders
like Artest and Shane Battier, supported by bruisers like Luis Scola,
Carl Landry, and Chuck Hayes. If rookie strongman Joey Dorsey can play
meaningful minutes for the Rockets, they'll have yet another muscle-laden body to
throw at teams. Rafer Alston can defend at the point, and as a group,
they have an intense, lunch bucket dedication to challenge every shot
and snare every rebound. 
Artest not only enhances Houston's already intimidating defensive persona, but will be huge for them on the other end. While on any given day, depending perhaps on what he has for breakfast or the direction of the wind, Artest is liable to fire up the Goofy Machine and grab unwanted headlines, it's easy to forget how talented Ron Ron is. He handles the ball well, can put it on the floor, shoot from outside (though he's best to avoid falling in love with the three) and get to the line. Where his tendency to get shot happy made Artest a questionable fit with the Lakers, it works just fine with Houston, who need another scorer outside the post to take pressure off McGrady.
On paper, this is a great team, one capable of pushing LA for the
top spot in out west. The problem, of
course, is health. Yao hasn't
played more than 57 games in a season since '04-'05, and is coming of
foot surgery and a tough Olympic schedule. T-Mac has missed 64 games in the
last three years, and his back problems are starting to pile up.
Artest suited up for a mere 57 a year ago in Sacto, though weirdness/lack of
interest may have played a role. There's a very real chance injuries
could scuttle Houston's championship designs, though if the Rockets are whole
come playoff time, nobody will want to play them.
Other weaknesses include frontcourt depth. The Rockets have a lot of bangers and scads of tough, disciplined players between 6'6" and 6'9", but after of Yao don't have another seven footer. Or even another six tenner. They will be forced to go small for long stretches, even if Yao stays healthy, leaving them vulnerable to squads with length. It's also reasonable to question the PGs. I like Alston- during Houston's monster 22 game win streak last year he played very well, and when he missed time against Utah in the playoffs the Rockets suffered for it- but he's not exactly elite in a traditional sense, and behind him Houston has Aaron Brooks, Luther Head, and Stevie Franchise.
(Line of the day on Francis goes to Kelly Dwyer at Ball Don't Lie: "If you need a guard to haul in the rebound and go coast-to-coast and think about throwing an alley-oop pass before chickening out and pulling the ball out and slowing down the offense long enough to call for a screen and shoot a 20-footer after dribbling for 22 seconds, Steve’s your man!")
Whatever. No team is perfect, and Houston's team D will make up for a lot of shortcomings. Meanwhile, the addition of Artest and the reliable Barry should add more flair to a sludgy offense.
PROJECTION: If healthy, they're a top three seed in the W.C. If not, they could fall a little. Either way, assuming the Rockets are whole come playoff time, they'll be a team to avoid. A definite title contender if they can avoid the (intentional pun coming) bad breaks.
BK
Eric M,
You're definitely going to cause an angry mob to come after you. LOL
I, too have the same reservations about paying a 36-year-old Kobe $25 million, but I don't think we'll have a choice. Kobe is going to opt-out next summer and there's a good chance we'll be coming off of a title. If we want to keep Kobe for the next few years we're going to have to deal with whatever comes when he's 35 or 36.
I'm hopeful Kobe will be like MJ and Reggie Miller, who were both outstanding players in their mid-to-late 30's. But he's got more mileage on him than those guys did at 30. I'd like to see him bulk up a bit more so he can go to his post game more. He's got the best post moves of any non-big man in the league (and better than several big men, really) if he bulked up it would be harder for defenders to push him out of the post as often as they do now.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 03:14 PM
The Houston Rockets are the NBA's version of the movie "Groundhog Day."
Posted by: Mayor of Kobe-Town | October 26, 2008 at 03:26 PM
BK,
I think you showed a hell of a lot of restraint by not automatically predicting the Rockets as winners of the Western Conference, considering that they now have Von Wafer and all.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 26, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Gabe,
I can't see Kobe in another uniform either. I've been a huge Kobe fan since I was 9 or 10 and I feel like I've grown up with him in a sense. I'd definitely like to see him as a 36-year-old wily veteran we bring off the bench while Bynum, Farmar and Ariza are continuing the standard he set years ago.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 04:08 PM
JustaLakerfan,
Re: Bynum:
You continue to miss the point we're all making in saying Bynum doesn't deserve the max. It's not proving that he's recovered from his injury. We know he has. It's proving he can sustain a high-level of play over a whole season while staying healthy.
None of us are against signing him, just against signing him to a $17 million contract. Only 15 or so players in the entire league make that much and you're saying he deserves that when his best season was one in which he played less than half the season and missed all of the playoffs and has never made an all-star team.
We've all said that we agree with the Lakers offer that 5-years, 50 million in guaranteed money with a ton of incentives is a fair deal, but Bynum's agent is crazy
Posted by: Xodus | October 25, 2008 at 06:52 AM
===========================
I didn't say $50 million was fair. So don't say all of us. I said both sides hopefully find that amount that both sides feel happy with. I have not said what that price is. I argue that as a debate point that his agent ,AB and other GM's will likely disagree with you and fellow bloggers who advocate that. You really think AB should sign a contract that Rony Turiaff got at $17 million? Now that is insulting. Rony as good as AB. Only 15 players? So what, this is now in todays market which will more than likely be less that the market price a year or two from now.
Funny that you say he has to prove he can sustain a full year without injury. This is his what 4th year so didn't he go injury free 3 years?
Can you guarantee and prove that you will be injury free for a year? But lets put that in non basketball terms for you, unless of course you play for a NBA team. Can you prove you won't have an auto accident? Can you prove you won't get the flu and miss some work? Can you PROVE anything that is out of your control?
I don't think so so why say AB has to prove what no one can guarantee. For that matter what any player, star or up and coming star can prove.
That is the point!
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 26, 2008 at 04:22 PM
If they can stay healthy, I think the Rockets are the biggest threat to the Lakers in the west. They already had Battier last year giving Kobe a hard time. With Artest now, this team might defend Kobe the best in the league, perhaps next to the Celtics.
By adding Artest, they also now have a second perimeter scorer to take some of the scoring load off of T-Mac. They have the winning formula of two perimeter stars and one star big man, as shown by the Celtics and the Spurs.
I hoped during the offseason that the Lakers would be able to pry away Carl Landry from the Rockets. The guy is a beast on the defensive end. He would have been the perfect replacement for Ronny. Although annoying at times, Scola has shown that he can flat out play.
With all that said, their success depends entirely on the health of T-Mac and Yao, which are two big question marks given their history. Then again, our success depends on Kobe's pinky. Hopefully Kobe was right in his decision to forego surgery and just play with it.
Posted by: EJK | October 26, 2008 at 04:32 PM
Edwin,
>>>>>Like when you entering in a bank nowadays, you see a security man
>>>>>watching the front door and customers, even though there is no more
>>>>>enough money to guard lol!
LMAO, Edwin. But I do think you are right about DJ being the enforcer. He definitely has a nasty and mean streak. The only question is how long will he last. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 25, 2008 at 11:06 AM
==============================
LakerTom/Edwin
I say it would not matter much if he elbowed KG, PP or the rest to piss them off enough to throw a punch. In that event say KJ threw punch at Mbenga both players would get tossed. Who then gains the advantage? Celtics lose KJ in this case, and Lakers lose Mbenga.
I'd take that trade off in a heartbeat.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 26, 2008 at 04:35 PM
JLF,
Xodus meant 17 million per season. That's the neighborhood of
what a max contract would be. And if he plays hard and continues
to improve all season, then he'll probably be worth that much.
But if he kinda stalls in the 13 points 10 rebounds 2 blocks plateau,
then maybe he isn't worth 17 million per.
Whatever.
We'll know by Friday one way or another. I hope Bynum tells
his agent to cool his jets and accepts a less-than-max contract
so that we'll know we have him for several years to come.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 26, 2008 at 04:44 PM
REPOST FROM OLDER THREAD TO NEW THREAD
JustaLkaerFan,
Mbenga has been unable to play foul-free throughout his career. It was his problem in Dallas, it was his problem in Golden State and it's been his problem here. He fouled out of a game in three quarters once against Memphis.
If you don't know that about Mbenga, I question how much you've seen him play.
Posted by: Xodus | October 25, 2008 at 06:45 AM
=============================
Xodus
Question all you want, that is your prerogative. But I have seen him play prior and post KAJ.
It is irrelevant his ability in the past. It is rellevant in how much he has improved since then. Improved enough IMHO to warrant his ability now and in last finals.
You and others seem to think I am advocating Mbenga as a super star savior. Clearly he is not but he is a valuable role player that should of and should now be used in spots and I don't mean garbage time.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 26, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 26, 2008 at 04:49 PM
JustaLakerFan,
"I didn't say $50 million was fair. So don't say all of us."
Obviously by "all of us" I mean those of us who feel he hasn't earned a maximum deal yet. We already know you would have thrown the max deal at him 2 weeks ago if it were in your power.
"You really think AB should sign a contract that Rony Turiaff got at $17 million? Now that is insulting. Rony as good as AB."
You need to get your facts straight. This is the second time you've said Ronny signed a deal for 17-million per season. Ronny DID NOT sign a 17-million per year contract, he signed for 17-million over FOUR seasons. Meaning he's getting paid about 4-million per season. It's no wonder you want to throw the full max at Bynum if you think someone actually gave Ronny 17-million per year.
"Can you prove you won't have an auto accident? Can you prove you won't get the flu and miss some work? Can you PROVE anything that is out of your control?"
Of course you can't be certain of anything, but that doesn't mean you throw a maximum deal at a guy who hasn't even started 82 games in his CAREER. He has 78 career starts over the past two seasons, missed more than half of last season and the playoffs how is this the resume of a maximum salary player? Seriously. Your whole argument is based on well ANYONE could get hurt so we might as well throw the maximum salary at Bynum.
The fact is Bynum has had two serious knee injuries and hasn't put together one complete season as a starter. It's clear that the Lakers see this and this is why David Lee is complaining about not getting a maximum offer yet. The fact is the Lakers are saying the same thing people like me, Blitz, Eric M, AK and BK, etc are saying. If you want a maximum deal with guaranteed money wait until next summer. Right now they've offered him a 5-year, 55-million dollar deal with incentives that bump it up to 78-million. If Bynum wants his big deal right now he's going to have to take the deal with incentives. That much has been made clear.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 04:50 PM
Justa,
"Funny that you say he has to prove he can sustain a full year without injury. This is his what 4th year so didn't he go injury free 3 years?"
Well....No. The first 2 years he didn't play. It's pretty easy to stay injury free when you don't play. When he did play, he lasted 1/2 season.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 26, 2008 at 05:58 PM
Xodus,
I don’t really believe that the Lakers front office are seriously concerned about Andrew’s knee or whether he is going to be a dominant player. That is not why there has been an impasse in negotiations for a contract extension for Andrew in my opinion. I think the Lakers are confident that his knee will be fine and know that he is the key to the Lakers now and in the future.
I believe the real reason an extension has not yet been agreed upon is that the Lakers are pursuing a roster-wide financial game plan designed to keep the current Lakers team together. The plan probably sprouted when they agreed to take on Pau Gasol’s contract in last year’s trade, which assured that the Lakers would be paying luxury taxes this year, and continued with the team’s decisions regarding free agents Ronny Turiaf and Sasha Vujacic.
For this strategy to work, the Lakers need to convince Andrew, Kobe, and Lamar to accept less money in order to leave enough on the table to pay everyone and keep the team together. What is really smart about this strategy is that it moves the onus and responsibility onto the player and off of the franchise. It allows the team to negotiate from a position of strength without risking alienating or innocently insulting the player. It is a strategy that the players know is true and that I think Drew, Kobe, and Lamar would be willing to embrace.
As to the amount that would be fair, I am thinking around the same as Bogut’s deal, which I think was around $65M over 5 years. This would save the Lakers over $20M from a max deal and would pay Drew about the same as Pau makes, I don’t think the Lakers would blink at all at this as the final deal but I think $10M per year for Drew would be perceived as an insult.
At any rate, I have been really surprised at your emotion and vehemence over this subject, Karl. I hope the new wife and dog haven’t caused a major personality shift. You used to be such a stabilizing, consistent, and positive force in the past. Now it’s like your some frustrated frantic politician on TV angry at the world for not turning out his way. What happened to the always unbiased, objective, and friendly young journalist we used to love and trust? JK!
Anyway, that’s my current, revised, and reevaluated take on the contract extension issue. I think that it’s all about team economics and not Drew’s health or value. For the record, I agree with the team on this tack and am confident that the Lakers and Drew will agree to a fair deal before the dreaded October 31 deadline. Otherwise, I may jump off the GG Bridge. LOL.
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | October 26, 2008 at 06:01 PM
LakerTom,
"I hope the new wife and dog haven’t caused a major personality shift."
Little personal don't you think? Stupid comments like that are why I and others have gone off on you for being a pompous jerk.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 26, 2008 at 06:22 PM
Justa,
"Funny that you say he has to prove he can sustain a full year without injury. This is his what 4th year so didn't he go injury free 3 years?"
Well....No. The first 2 years he didn't play. It's pretty easy to stay injury free when you don't play. When he did play, he lasted 1/2 season.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 26, 2008 at 05:58 PM
===============================
Yes it is a fairly good measure to stay injury free but injuries happen in practice. Same injury could have happened in practice with Lamars foot. But it didn't.
Also the same thing can be said about AB breaking out sooner and playing injury free if he was not used by PJ. CD-DNP. We will never know so why debate over something no one will ever know. Unless of course you have a time machine and can go back and change history and see what would have happened.
I doubt you can so debate is just about opinions.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 26, 2008 at 06:32 PM
"Can you prove you won't have an auto accident? Can you prove you won't get the flu and miss some work? Can you PROVE anything that is out of your control?"
Of course you can't be certain of anything, but that doesn't mean you throw a maximum deal at a guy who hasn't even started 82 games in his CAREER. He has 78 career starts over the past two seasons, missed more than half of last season and the playoffs how is this the resume of a maximum salary player? Seriously. Your whole argument is based on well ANYONE could get hurt so we might as well throw the maximum salary at Bynum.
The fact is Bynum has had two serious knee injuries and hasn't put together one complete season as a starter. It's clear that the Lakers see this and this is why David Lee is complaining about not getting a maximum offer yet. The fact is the Lakers are saying the same thing people like me, Blitz, Eric M, AK and BK, etc are saying. If you want a maximum deal with guaranteed money wait until next summer. Right now they've offered him a 5-year, 55-million dollar deal with incentives that bump it up to 78-million. If Bynum wants his big deal right now he's going to have to take the deal with incentives. That much has been made clear.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 04:50 PM
============================
Xodus,
To put the debate in perspective as I assume my perspective you are not a NBA player, say now your pay depends on having to prove you won't get sick to get a max contract.
Now in non NBA world a huge pay raise for promotion hinged on you proving you can prove you won't get sick etc. Would you think that would be a fair stance for your employer to take?
Now assume your co-workers agreed with your management does that make it fair too? (That is analogy to bloggers in cased you missed that.)
So what would you expect in regards to being dealt with fairly? Be honest.
Would you want to be paid for your merits and ability or not? Assume you feel extremely confident you are capable and able to do so. What would you do?
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 26, 2008 at 06:46 PM
LakerTom,
"Now it’s like your some frustrated frantic politician on TV angry at the world for not turning out his way. What happened to the always unbiased, objective, and friendly young journalist we used to love and trust? JK!"
LOL! I'm still unbiased, objective and friendly. I think we're just interpreting the same information very differently.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 06:52 PM
You need to get your facts straight. This is the second time you've said Ronny signed a deal for 17-million per season. Ronny DID NOT sign a 17-million per year contract, he signed for 17-million over FOUR seasons. Meaning he's getting paid about 4-million per season. It's no wonder you want to throw the full max at Bynum if you think someone actually gave Ronny 17-million per year.
"Can you prove you won't have an auto accident? Can you prove you won't get the flu and miss some work? Can you PROVE anything that is out of your control?"
=======================
Yes RT's contract was for 4 years but so what?
Obviously I don't have the power to sign AB but depends on what side of the team I was on.
If I was on ABs side as an agent, I would definitely demand max contract as his and my payday would be better.
If I was on Lakers side of team I would try to sign him to a deal we all can agree to pay him so we are all happy. That way if we can convince him to take less than max and lock him up and selling him on more money to keep players together I would definetely take that approach.
But I would do all I can to sign him and lock him up.
I debate AB's side as bloggers like you debate for Lakers side and ignore the fact there is a chance to lose him to another team. Think again it can happen.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 26, 2008 at 06:55 PM
JustaLakerFan,
"It is rellevant in how much he has improved since then. Improved enough IMHO to warrant his ability now and in last finals."
Exactly what have we seen to make us believe that he's improved? Mbenga was fouling at the same rates with us that he fouled with every other team he was with.
His last season in Dallas he played 3.8 minutes, averaged 0.8 fouls and 0.2 blocks.
In Golden State he played 8.1 minutes, averaged 2.0 fouls per game. With us he averaged 7.5 minutes and averaged 1.5 fouls.
In the playoffs with us he averaged 4.3 minutes and averaged 1.3 fouls.
Nothing about Mbenga's game has changed except that he likes taking jumpers that he can't make now.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 06:58 PM
LakerTom,
And it's not that I have something against Bynum and don't want him to get signed. I do. But David Lee is approaching this the exact wrong way with his hard-line stance that Bynum should get a maximum offer right now.
I mean he's saying that he's acting insulted when the offer the Lakers put on the table was 5-years, $55-million with incentives bringing it up to 78 million. That's a VERY good deal considering the state of the team and considering what Bynum has done and the injury he's coming off of.
I'm not saying that the Lakers are worried about his knee either. The thing is he hasn't proven enough to warrant 88 million guaranteed. He only has 78 career starts to his name, no all-star berths or All-NBA teams.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 07:06 PM
Eric M,
"Well....No. The first 2 years he didn't play. It's pretty easy to stay injury free when you don't play. When he did play, he lasted 1/2 season."
Drew did play in every game in his second season, though. Staying healthy is only half the issue, though. His resume is not that of a maximum-salaried player.
He hasn't even made 82 career starts. He's made 78 to this point in his career. Has anyone ever gotten a max contract without starting at least one full season much less not even starting one full season's worth of games over three seasons?
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 07:13 PM
Tom - I think another thing to consider (sorry if you've already touched on it) is the state of the economy - we're in a national and global crisis - owners aren't going to be looking at salaries in the same way they did before. Owners are businessmen first, fans second. 65m over five sounds about right but also wouldn't be surprised to see Lakers push hard for a team option for year 4 or a 3-year deal altogether. I also imagine they'll try to load the deal with incentives. Lastly, expect boiler plate langauage to be changing on contracts across the board, sports and otherwise. We're heading into uncharted waters and owners are going to be seeking more protection.
As for Bynum himself, I don't really buy into the "proof" or "injury" arguments that some are making - management's had a long, close look at him over preseason... if everything's checked out then they'll probably want to lock him up and if that's the case then it's really just a question of numbers.
Posted by: dave m | October 26, 2008 at 07:20 PM
LT,
Don't jump off the bridge. I think you're right about the whole
"talking everybody into signing for less" thing. I don't know if
they'll convince everyone, but I hope they do.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 26, 2008 at 07:31 PM
JustaLakerFan,
"Would you want to be paid for your merits and ability or not? Assume you feel extremely confident you are capable and able to do so. What would you do?"
It's not only about his injury and I have stressed that point over and over again. His merits are very little at this point because he has done nothing worthy of being given a maximum contract.
He hasn't made an all-star team, he hasn't made an all-NBA team, he hasn't won defensive player of the year, he has nothing but glimpses of greatness.
He hasn't even started 82 games yet in his career much less an entire season for us. You're creating different rules for Bynum because you like him. Every other player who has ever received a maximum contract has proven himself. Why should the Lakers give him a maximum contract now when they can wait for him to prove himself this season? If Bynum were to be given a max contract he'd be the least deserving player to ever receive one.
It's like a smart kid but lazy kid getting accepted at Harvard because he got a 1600 on his SATs but had a 2.5 GPA. The kid probably has potential but his track record is not that of someone deserving to go to Harvard.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 08:33 PM
With Portland coming up on Tuesday, I thought this film clip has some relevance.
The Portland announcers, which I got to hear last year, define 'Homerism' and actually got some bad mention from the Commish over this game.
Homerism is not the point here. It has to do with when I feel a replay would be in order. A wrong decision by a ref can bring a wrong outcome in a game. In this case, the replay would help the refs in making a proper decision.
They take the time to gather and discuss potential Flagrant Fouls, then why not review the tape and get the call right?
http://tinyurl.com/6j93ua
PS. Has anyone heard that the Lakers feel they can 'bully' the Trailblazers? These announcers feel its true.
Posted by: Fatty | October 26, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Eric M-
While I appreciate the idea of not making things personal on the site, very much so, actually, Xodus seems to have taken things as a joke, so hopefully we can leave it there.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 26, 2008 at 08:46 PM
well... I dunno why I even post here anymore... the ninnies complain they don't want me to post anymore nickname posts because... why?... I'm not exactly sure, I thought this was a board for Laker fans. My posts don't appear for hours anyway and by the time they do, another new subject has been created so everybody has jumped to the new board so... chalk up another wasted attempt at talking about the Lakers... I guess this post will be a waste of time as well...
http://tinyurl.com/664ajw
Jordan Farmar's a good guy... too bad nobody will see it... don't know why I bothered...
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | October 26, 2008 at 08:49 PM
Xodus and LakerTom,
I haven't read every last post on the Bynum extension issue (there are only 24 hours in a day) but something I haven't seen, and let me know if I missed it, is that Bynum doesn't need a max deal right now. For one, he doesn't deserve it. Period. Second, he's not yet 21 and even if he signed a max length deal he's going to be up for his next deal when he's entering his prime (26-27) and will have absolutely no questions as to the level of his ability.
In all honesty I could see him taking a deal similar to Lebron where he takes a certain amount on a shorter deal to put himself in a better position to get a max deal with some leverage.
The Lakers will not give Bynum anything even remotely close to the max by October 31st for the simple reason that they have no reason to. It's a business and the thought of goodwill on either parties part shouldn't even be mentioned.
The front office has some very big roster/payroll decisions coming next offseason and the last thing they want to do is throw a wrench in that by giving Bynum a max extension right now (how many "that signals LO is done as a Laker" articles do you think would come from that signing?).
David Lee keeps running his mouth because he's negotiating from an amazingly weak position. Period. If I was him I'd be throwing as much poop as I could out into the media to try and put whatever tiny bit of squeeze I could on the Lakers.
If I'm the Lakers front office I offer something in the 5 year $50 million range and if they don't accept say that we're excited to see Drew have an awesome year and offer him his max deal the first minute of free agency next offseason.
LET'S GET THIS SEASON STARTED!! (I'm last in my fantasy football league and the only thing that can ease my pain are copious amounts of the purple and gold).
Posted by: Andrew Z | October 26, 2008 at 08:56 PM
By the way K Bros, these 'Know thy Enemy' takes are superb.
Thanks for keeping us up to date on our competitors.
It ain't going to be smooth sailing no matter how good the Lakers are.
The West is tough, but thats Ok. It will only make the Lakers a tough, mean hombre, ready to take on whoever the East sends our way.
Posted by: Fatty | October 26, 2008 at 09:04 PM
My two cents on the Bynum contract situation.
I think a contract with a base salary of about $11M and plenty of incentives would be the right way to go. Incentive-laden contracts should become the norm in the NBA so you get less teams like the Knicks. If Bynum really believes that he's worthy of a max contract right now, with such a thin resume, then he's just another example of the entitlement attitude which plagues our country at large - the type of attitude which makes people believe that everyone is entitled to own a home, regardless of their ability to afford one.
Posted by: EJK | October 26, 2008 at 09:16 PM
"And it's not that I have something against Bynum and don't want him to get signed. I do. But David Lee is approaching this the exact wrong way with his hard-line stance that Bynum should get a maximum offer right now.
I mean he's saying that he's acting insulted when the offer the Lakers put on the table was 5-years, $55-million with incentives bringing it up to 78 million. That's a VERY good deal considering the state of the team and considering what Bynum has done and the injury he's coming off of."
I'm not saying that the Lakers are worried about his knee either. The thing is he hasn't proven enough to warrant 88 million guaranteed. He only has 78 career starts to his name, no all-star berths or All-NBA teams."
I agree Xodus, I mean seriously, Bynum is most likely our future but cmon what has he done besides shown glimpses of potential to earn the MAX contract? Here's a table of Kobe's contract after his 4th year in the league as 2nd fiddle to Shaq:
99-00: $9 Million
00-01: $10 million
01-02: $11 million
02-03: $12 million
03-04: $13 million.
The Lakers are basically offering the same deal that Kobe got back in 1999 except there was a 6th year that Kobe could opt out which he did. I mean if Kobe got a similar deal and accomplished MUCH more than Drew at his time why should Drew get even more money than Kobe got back then? We aren't even sure Drew will even be the 2nd fiddle since Pau is not only in his prime but also pulled out 18ppg and 8rpg compared to Drew's 13 and 10 before the injury. Plus Pau's $15 million contract was when he was the main guy in Memphis while not the Drew is not the main guy at the time being.
I'm sure all Laker fans do not want to lose Drew. Problem is most of us disagree how much he should get.
Laker Tom,
I see how much you gives your arguments as to how we could lose Drew. I'll say this: What about the possibly of losing Kobe? I mean sure Drew is our future but Kobe is still the best in the NBA he could still possibly go to Europe for a bigger deal and really at this young age I'm not sure Drew would be even be ready to handle the leadership role if it comes to that. Many Laker fans have said Kobe won't leave because we have a championship team here. And that's what I say back, Drew won't leave because there is a championship team caliber team here and will probably be for the next few years. Plus if he performs well this year the Lakers wouldn't hesitate to give him a MAX deal the offseason. Sure there is the possibly of him being "insulted" (actually his agent is the one insulted) and bolting in 2 years but he likes it here in LA and is the center of the future unlike Ronny who wasn't going to receive few playing time here anyways due to so much PF and C. I would say the probability of Drew being "insulted" to be as just as much as Kobe leaving for Europe which most Laker fans consider very low.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 26, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Xodus,
LOL! that was a nice one about the Harvard comparisons.
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | October 26, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Fatty-
I remember watching that game in disgust because everything out of the announcers mouth was anti-Laker. It made me so mad, we lost that game right?
Hopefully we can get some payback on Tues. It should be a good one.
Lamar = 6th man of the year
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 26, 2008 at 09:35 PM
Just show Bynum and Kobe the ranks of unemployed and how fortunate they are to rake millions of $'s.
Wall Street - 200,000 layoffs, Yahoo, HP, Coca Cola, Whirlpool, Intl Paper, Abbots Labs, US Post Office, Viacom, NY Times,Goodrich, all US Automakers, Circuit City going out of business and also Mervyns and on and on.....Dow Jones is 50% off from last year's mark...."There is nothing to fear but fear itself." according to FDR. It would be ridiculous for Andrew to ask for $88M with all this multitude of bad news or Kobe Bryant to opt out of his contract to put the Laker organization tempt to lay off all other players just to accommodate him. When million and milions of Americans will be on the unemployment lines and reading news about thefate of these kids raking money...this is absolutely UNFAIR! Hope you will all be silent in the negotiations of your greed and work it out with the temper of times. Amen.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 26, 2008 at 10:24 PM
Andrew Z,
Excellent post.
Blitz,
Thanks. haha
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 10:26 PM
unlike a lot of people I feel it is important to lock Drew up this year because of one thing, Lebron. Lebron will become a free agent at the same time Drew could become one. There are at least ten teams clearing cap space now and only one Lebron. Don't you think Andrew would be a good consilation prize? Now I understand that New Jersey is one of the teams clearing space and isn't Andrew from Jersey? Hmmmm.
MH
Posted by: michael h | October 26, 2008 at 10:35 PM
K Brothers, Why didn't you interview a Rockets blogger?
Posted by: Gerrit | October 26, 2008 at 10:56 PM
gerrit-
Logistics. Nothing personal against the Rockets blogging community, we just ran out of time to coordinate with someone "representing" every team.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 26, 2008 at 11:19 PM
Jon-
I did give him a woot (haha).
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | October 26, 2008 at 11:20 PM
michael h,
>>>Don't you think Andrew would be a good consilation
>>>prize? Now I understand that New Jersey is one of the
>>>teams clearing space and isn't Andrew from Jersey?
>>>Hmmmm.
Actually, if I remember right, Carmelo, Chris Bosh, and DWade
all followed LeBron's lead and took the same deal. Wade seems
likely to stay in Miami, but that would make the first two
consolation prizes Carmelo and Bosh (unless Drew makes
a big jump in skill level over the next two years.
And what you still fail to recognize is that the Lakers would
STILL be able to pay Bynum more than any other team in 2010.
For all the "Bynum is going to get insulted and take only the
qualifying offer and leave" conspiracy theorists, it's a contradiction
in your theory.
Next summer AND in 2010, the Lakers can pay Bynum more
than any other team in the league. If he is insulted by a money
issue, then why would he accept LESS MONEY to play elsewhere.
A max contract from the Lakers would be 1 year longer and
SIGNIFICANTLY more money than any other team could offer.
And if Bynum is worth the money, the Lakers will likely pay it. Especially if they win a championship this year.
Buss will spend big money to win championships. But
if Bynum plateaus at Bogut/Dalembert level play and demands
a max contract, then he'll be gone. Hopefully, they'll at least
be able to pull a sign and trade to get something of quality back.
Personally, I think either Bynum will accept less than max
money now (MUCH less), or he'll play out the season and then
he'll take what the Lakers offer him next summer. If he EARNS
max money, then he'll get it. If not, he'll take somewhat less
than max money to stay with a quality team.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 27, 2008 at 08:42 AM
Aren't we all forgetting that it's Bynum's agent -- not Andrew -- who is gonna be offended if they wait until summer to sign an extension?
Posted by: stevevillakers | October 27, 2008 at 11:16 AM
JustaLakerFan,
"It is rellevant in how much he has improved since then. Improved enough IMHO to warrant his ability now and in last finals."
Exactly what have we seen to make us believe that he's improved? Mbenga was fouling at the same rates with us that he fouled with every other team he was with.
His last season in Dallas he played 3.8 minutes, averaged 0.8 fouls and 0.2 blocks.
In Golden State he played 8.1 minutes, averaged 2.0 fouls per game. With us he averaged 7.5 minutes and averaged 1.5 fouls.
In the playoffs with us he averaged 4.3 minutes and averaged 1.3 fouls.
Nothing about Mbenga's game has changed except that he likes taking jumpers that he can't make now.
Posted by: Xodus | October 26, 2008 at 06:58 PM
==================================
Obviously I now question if you really seen him play as that is my prerogative.
You did not see him make jumpers time and time again at end of last season? You ignored and continue to ignore his physical play. If you missed that I can recomend a very good optomitrist for you.
He had two quick foul games you cited and that is the basis of your argument? Please. Learn what a role player does and don't try to treat him as a super star that you like to bash. So he picks up fouls, heck so does Mihm who was a starter.
As Stu used to say "If a whistle blows, quick look to see if Chris Mihm is on the floor as it is probably on him".
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Tom - I think another thing to consider (sorry if you've already touched on it) is the state of the economy - we're in a national and global crisis - owners aren't going to be looking at salaries in the same way they did before. Owners are businessmen first, fans second. 65m over five sounds about right but also wouldn't be surprised to see Lakers push hard for a team option for year 4 or a 3-year deal altogether. I also imagine they'll try to load the deal with incentives. Lastly, expect boiler plate langauage to be changing on contracts across the board, sports and otherwise. We're heading into uncharted waters and owners are going to be seeking more protection.
As for Bynum himself, I don't really buy into the "proof" or "injury" arguments that some are making - management's had a long, close look at him over preseason... if everything's checked out then they'll probably want to lock him up and if that's the case then it's really just a question of numbers.
Posted by: dave m | October 26, 2008 at 07:20 PM
============================
Good point but remember that a signing can mean more revenue making for the team. In this economy the one industry that has not suffered is the entertainment industry.
The peoples' need to get away shows up in the millions of dollars generated by movie ticket sales. Same with sports in winning team situations the income is there with ticket and marketing money.
Also if the Lakers demand to many incentives he can demand an opt out in his contract in 2-3 years.
Bear in mind that many incentives are against what the Lakers are trying to accomplish. With all the talent they are going to spread the ball and incentives will be harder to reach that way. To get his numbers he will have to be main focus of attack and that is against the triangle when Pau, Kobe etc are expected to contribute.
What makes this team dangerous is that we can attack many ways. AB knows this as does his agent. So to put in incentives is inviting team disharmony.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 27, 2008 at 01:10 PM
I agree Xodus, I mean seriously, Bynum is most likely our future but cmon what has he done besides shown glimpses of potential to earn the MAX contract? Here's a table of Kobe's contract after his 4th year in the league as 2nd fiddle to Shaq:
99-00: $9 Million
00-01: $10 million
01-02: $11 million
02-03: $12 million
03-04: $13 million.
=============================
Now this is funny.
99-00 Last Century dollars
00-04 First 4 years of new Century.
Sure ignore inflation, cost of living etc. Yes millionaires want their money too. A lot of people say why should Lakers take risk but then why should AB take risk? All is relative.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 27, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Just show Bynum and Kobe the ranks of unemployed and how fortunate they are to rake millions of $'s.
Wall Street - 200,000 layoffs, Yahoo, HP, Coca Cola, Whirlpool, Intl Paper, Abbots Labs, US Post Office, Viacom, NY Times,Goodrich, all US Automakers, Circuit City going out of business and also Mervyns and on and on.....Dow Jones is 50% off from last year's mark...."There is nothing to fear but fear itself." according to FDR. It would be ridiculous for Andrew to ask for $88M with all this multitude of bad news or Kobe Bryant to opt out of his contract to put the Laker organization tempt to lay off all other players just to accommodate him. When million and milions of Americans will be on the unemployment lines and reading news about thefate of these kids raking money...this is absolutely UNFAIR! Hope you will all be silent in the negotiations of your greed and work it out with the temper of times. Amen.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 26, 2008 at 10:24 PM
============================
Edwin you are usually even keeled in your opinions but I think this one is too soap boxish.
Would you or any one pay the kind of money fans pay to see a teacher teach? A store clerk to sell? etc etc.
No but they do to see professional athletes play. The old free market thing is in place as charge what the market will bear.
Just my soap box. LOL
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 27, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Actually, if I remember right, Carmelo, Chris Bosh, and DWade
all followed LeBron's lead and took the same deal. Wade seems
likely to stay in Miami, but that would make the first two
consolation prizes Carmelo and Bosh (unless Drew makes
a big jump in skill level over the next two years.
And what you still fail to recognize is that the Lakers would
STILL be able to pay Bynum more than any other team in 2010.
=============================
I disagree. Would you trade straight up regardless of pay but based on talent ....Drew for Carmelo, ......Drew for Bosh? Please.
Also what you fail to realize is that yes the Lakers could match any offer but would it be cheaper to sign him now instaed of a year or two later when he is cheaper?
He can sign QO and leave unrestricted and join Mephis, or Celts etc and still have great window to win championships. Not a conspiracy but a possibility w/o ignoring it exists.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | October 27, 2008 at 02:01 PM
JustA.... re: "Good point but remember that a signing can mean more revenue making for the team. In this economy the one industry that has not suffered is the entertainment industry."
Hate to quibble here but the entertainment industry is not only suffering now, but it's been steadily losing ground for years... the verticle integration trend that started in in the early '90's has eroded much of the base... just think of all the companies, studios, networks, etc., that are either no longer around or are only shells of that they once were... just to name a few, TriStar, Orion, Hollywood Pictures, Touchstone, New Line, Castle Rock, MGM/UA, Lorimar, the WB, UPN, Carolco, DreamWorks (as a major stand alone), Mirimax/Dimension, the integration of networks into studio conglomerates... overall studio deals for writers, producers and talent are long a tiny faction of what they once were, the TV pilot business has changed/downsized forever.... the number of releases each year, way down, number of projects in development, way, way down, number of record label releases, down, artists rosters down... music videos practically extinct... and on and on and on.
Posted by: dave m | October 27, 2008 at 09:03 PM