It'll be a fairly Dodger-centric (that whole "playoffs" thing), but I'll be sure to get into some Lakers with Beto Duran of 710 ESPN. If you have a free moment, swing on by.
Anybody have any thoughts as to why Gasol only played 5 min?
Posted by: Tej | October 08, 2008 at 10:
How you doing Tej? Because he played in the Olympics he as well as Kobe are
suppose to see limited action in the pre-season but Kobe wanted to play more minutes.
Well the new season is finally upon us....HUZAH !!!
I took the summer off from contributing to the blog, though I still read it --there was sure some "interesting" threads--sometimes running the full gamet of insanity as it were....but some great debates as well....
I spent the summer watching some games on my DVR--especially the last one with the Spurs---what a classic indeed! It still seems strange to me that we didn't play any where near our usual game during the Finals--but I feel we learned a lot and will ultimately use that lesson to great advantage this year.....
Anyway last night's game was extremely gratifying to me--this team is going to be everything we are hoping and believing they will be and more---Bynum' s play was way better than I expected and he is not even close to the level he is going to achieve this year...I thought everybody looked good for a pre season showing...
IF WE CAN ONLY STAY HEALTHY--KNOCK ON SOME SERIOUS WOOD INDEED !!!
I thought Josh Powell looked like an outstanding pick up and replacement for Ronny...
It's also a shame we have to cut four guys--hopefully they pick the right one for that final 15 spot...
Can we still retain rights for any of these guys if they play in Europe or the D league---How does that work?
Hopefully the Lamar point guard experiment implodes sooner than later, we tried this before as I remember---I like the idea of getting Lamar involved earlier but ultimately he lacks the mentality for that position... plus I want to see how the triple towers thing would work--I realize this team has a plethora of potential combinations of players and positions they can play, which will be one of our biggest assests this year--and maybe Lamar at point in limited times during a game could be a good thing as well etc., and as much as I like Lamar he is just not ever going to be a Scotty Pippin for us..
This is going to be one of the most memorable seasons in Laker history---HUZAH !!
Destiny---Dynasty---DeChampionship.....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
Overall, I thought the squad looked pretty good last night. How well does on expect Crawford and Heath to do? Or CJ Giles for that matter. The defense had holes because there were times when Farmar was the vet on the floor directing 2nd and 1st year guys.
Pros: Bynum looks good, not great, but good, which is all we need for the beginning of the year. He got stripped on the double a few times and wasn't expecting some of the double and triple teams he saw, but that's where his court vision will improve with some more action. Mihm looked active, made a nice turnaround jump hook, wasn't a presence on the glass or on defense, but did enough to make me feel that he is physically 100%, but he's giong to have to use some rust-away to get some serious PT, he looks uncomfortable in the 4 slot. Ariza looked really good and I wouldn't be surprised to see that starting line up be one of the units Phil uses early in games, not as a starting line up, but as an overall balanced unit (good defence, good offence) and it allows the 2nd unit to have a verifiable post presence if we split up Gasol and Bynum for extended minutes.
Cons: Mbenga seems like he's still playing in the Finals, the dude was trying way too hard. Shooting for 15' out? He's got hustle, but we alrready tried the Mad Dog Madsen experiement. Lamar looked very uncomfortable in general, although I loved his turn around jumper that dropped like silk. This was to be expected, however, due to the fact that he is absorbing a lot of n ew info and trying to work his way back into game shape at the same time. Overall defense was not encouraging, some of this must be attributed to our training camp invitees getting some serious 2nd half PT, but that should improve with more serious players getting more serious minutes as we get serious near the end of camp. Seriously.
I know it's only exhibition, but based on that game against Utah, we got nothing to be excited about. I hope it will improve as they play along towards the real regular season. Kinda disappointed with that game after a long wait.
Just got my computer back as it crashed so I have been away for a while.
First I want to say I was impressed by Josh Powell and he was playing hard last night. I liked what I saw from Giles but want to see more. The game was obviosly played from Lakers perspective to see what the new players could bring.
So I see Laker ball getting fined tuned towards end of preseason for start of season.
Secondly when my computer crashed it started when Hugo Blitz replied to a post post of mine. I replied but LATIMES site was having problems and reply never posted. I did however copy the post to word so I could write what I had to say and post it.
Of course when my computer crashed before fixing it I had my files backed up and I still have the word file. After I load my other applications and scans I will reply to Hugo Blitz.
vets getting timing back? check.
new guys trying to make the team? check
coach's experiments? check
iced knees at halftime? check
i'm praying for the team's health.
the starters looked pretty powerful as the game began.
i thought that Andrew looked good.
i thought that Mihm looked good.
i liked Powell and CJ Giles.
all the likes are of course informed by the fact that this was the first PREseason game. i'll be looking for steady improvement.
Sorry I missed the morning CRUE today, but shout out to Laker Nation!!!
So - we lost game 1 of the preseason....Time to throw away our Laker gear, sell off those worthless tickets, quit the blog and kill ourselves....
Or at least that's what so many people from the previous thread seem like they're going to do.
Personally, I thought there were so many upsides to what I saw last night, any rust is quickly forgiven & forgotten, cuz I know it will disappear soon enough.
DREW and ARIZA - they are back & I think our opponents (at least the smart ones) are going to be quaking in their size 15's. Add in the Mamba, the Gazelle, the Machine, the Swiss Army Knife, etc etc and we are the team to beat. You know it, I know it, and the NBA knows it.
Sit back and enjoy the ride people - the bandwagons are humming along quite nicely - even if early!
Josh Powell will never be able to fully replace Ronny Turiaf in our hearts. Ronny Turiaf was and will be a beloved Laker for eternity.
However, I agree that we will grow to also love Josh Powell and begrudgingly admit that Powell brings more to the court than Turiaf would for what we need RIGHT NOW.
The ONLY thing I'm concerned about? The fact that we didn't go to Hawai'i for training camp.
Why? Last year, being away from home for a couple weeks, with Jedi Master Lamar Odom bringing the whole team together to eat meals cooked by his personal chef, made all the difference in terms of this team bonding.
They didn't get that this year. They had to deal with normal home destractions. Luke had to deal with a stalker. Andrew Bynum didn't get the same isolated ability to bond with the team. All of it.
This team as SO much flexibility. It's amazing. However, that can also be a problem. Unless this team has or develops an predictive intuitive understanding of each other as individuals, personalities, players, and playing tendencies, then everything could devolve into chaos.
Is it likely? No. Because these players have (for the most part) played together for a decent amount of time. However, the flexibility could create on court dysfunctions where a player may know how another player may react playing one position, but may not know how they'll react playing another position.
The result? Turnovers. Poor defense. Bad shots.
So, it is very important for this team to bond properly. I STRONGLY suggest that they return to their earlier tradition of sharing a meal at least once a week.
Meals and discussions over meals is a fundamental human bonding experience. Nothing like good food, a glass of wine, and a good joke to bring people together.
And, by the way, the coaching staff should do the same thing amongst themselves.
Coaching is going to be critical this year. It will make the difference between chaos and absolutely beautifully stunning basketball.
"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."
If you actually watched the game, read articles or just, you know, generally paid attention to what's going on you would know that Pau got hit and gashed in the mouth and they decided to sit him out the rest of the contest since he wasn't going to play much anyway.
I commend you though. You never allow facts to get in the way of your "arguments."
And for each of them, this is their last best year.
But the future remains bright for the Western Conference. As Jim Morrison once said amid some kind of mescaline and monkey tranquilizer haze, "The West is the best."
I read your cons. As AK said today in his online show, we all need to be patient. There is tremendous flexibility on this team. So many combinations of players are possible and not all will be equally effective nor will they be equally effective (or ineffective) against different opponents.
If anything, this year is Phil Jackson's greatest opportunity to prove that he is the Greatest coach of all time. Not because he can do the most with the least, but because he can show the world how basketball can potentially be played.
We are presently looking at the most talented team Phil Jackson has EVER coached. Period.
Like a chef given the highest quality ingredients, it is upon his shoulders to produce a masterpiece.
Make no mistake. This season is not about Kobe Bryant nor Andrew Bynum nor Pau Gasol nor Lamar Odom....
This season is about Phil Jackson and our coaching staff.
It's their Championship to lose and their special place in history to win.
Last night was a beautiful, beautiful thing. Gasol and Bynum looking like allstars. Farmar looking like he's ready to be a starter. And Josh Powell as the new Ronnie, I luv it.
Really the only downside was LO, Luke, and Sasha not playing. What? Oh, Lamar did play? Really I didn't see him out there.
What is the deal with LO? I mean, first the guy says Phil is crazy cuz he's thinking about whether or not LO will be effective in that line up. Then what does he do, he shows he's not effective in that line up.
Let me say something now, and I said it when halfway through the first season, when the Lakers got Lamar Odom. Lamar is a great player, BUT he will never be a great player alongide Kobe. Why, I don't know. But this experiment has gone on far too long and before this season is up, I'm POSITIVE that Mitch and Buss will agree that they got to trade him.
That blog the other day on Lamar being paid 11m instead of 14, dude isn't worth either number. Maybe 9, and I'm only saying 9 cuz that's what Kwame got. He fit with Miami, and I'm sure there are other teams he might fit with, but L.A. isn't one of them. Expectations are too high in L.A. We expect Scottie. I mean Sun Yue is the chinese Magic for cryin out loud. LO you want to smoke bud, you better go back to Miami or NY cuz in L.A. its not happening.
Get it together brother, or be OUT!!! Your performance last night shows your not taking the offseason seriously.
How you doing Tej? Because he played in the Olympics he as well as Kobe are
suppose to see limited action in the pre-season but Kobe wanted to play more minutes.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 08, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I am good Mamba, ready and pumped for the new season.
Amen to Walton doing better than the picture shown of his stalker.
Anybody get a chance to watch that Shaq interview on ESPN's website? His interpretation and thoughts of his time in LA are quite unique.
It is totally on PJ and company *crack staff* to figure out this team. It shouldn't be very hard..
Think of it like this...
We made the finals last year...
During the summer we traded for Andrew Bynum. Basically that is what happened. He had no part in our Finals team whatsoever. The coaching staff needs to integrate Bynum into the mix and voila you have a championship waiting.
Even if Pau likes playing a face-up game at the power forward position he may have to start the season at center with Lamar back at PF and Bynum spelling both of them off the bench. I really think the Lamar playing PG is a cheap gimmick that's just a waist of time so the sooner we dump it and start developing an opening night starting 5, the better.
I'd spend a lot of time rotating Pau and Bynum at center with Lamar at PF to see which one has better chemistry with Lamar. If Lamar and Gasol shine, great. That's our back up plan. Then I'd start experimenting with the Bynum/Gasol/Odom lineup that seems, to me at least, to be less of a sure thing than one of the big men at center with Lamar at PF.
Mamba24,
Ok F it ... I'm back from vacation ... what with the way the economy is going there might be no nba by the time regular season starts ... where's my badge at dude?
Jon K.
"Make no mistake. This season is not about Kobe Bryant nor Andrew Bynum nor Pau Gasol nor Lamar Odom...."
And the first order of the day is to place jon k under citizen's arrest (aint got dat badge yet) ... dude men, it's always about kobe ... yes we're a good team but dude there's brand roy, cp3, kg, king james and a whole bunch of seriously gifted ballers out there looking to lift their teams to yet another level ... the mamba is what seperates us from the pack, it's always been that way ... it's why a good shaq led team finally won 3 titles and it's why a crappy kobe led team pushed phoenix to elimination ... he's the difference in good and bad times
Josh powell........is trash compare to RONNY.
Not even close.
2 blown lay-ups.......would've been hammers with RONNY.
I wish people would just STOP IT.......please your fluccing killing me with this shiiii.
powell-chris-banga, you put them together an they could'nt match Ronny......PASSION-HEART-SOLE.
How quick you dummies must've forget.
Hey all. We (me, Charles, Simi Laker Girl, Lakerman420, hopefully Elle) are getting together for a Laker viewing party this Sunday Oct. 12th at 6:30 to watch Lakers vs. Kings. If you are interested in joining us please send a message to myself at www.myspace.com/pslakerfan or Simi Laker Girl at http://www.myspace.com/augie5581. She or I will respond with the location if you are interested. I would give out e-mail, but the K-Bros frown on that :-( It is a sports bar, not a private residence so everyone will feel comfortable.
We have been trying to get one together for a while and if you can come that would be great. It will be in the general vicinity of the SF valley.
In light of Phil's recent remark about LO, does Lamar Odom want to get traded?
If he is worried about playing time because this is his contract year, why isn't he worried about quality of that playing time too? Maybe Phil really did hurt his feeling by suggesting that LO may come off the bench.
LO is sensitive and an extremely complicated individual i think.
I want him to succeed and hope things snap into place. I don't think the team would hesitate to trade him if he stays this way in the next 2 weeks.
If they trade him, who are the possibilities? We don't need another all star caliber player (we have 3 already).
I didn't see last night's game, but I did see some highlights. If that mid-range jumper from Socks is for real, I can't see how anyone could stop him. Anyone.
Interviews with Bynum, Sasha and PJ. The one thing that jumped out was Bynum saying how he didn't get to play with Pau, that they play together in practice (it looks good in practice) but he doesn't know what's going to happen with that. Undercurrents of him possibly coming off the bench and the budding tension about it.
My guess is that, if they decide that last years line-up + Ariza is good enough to start, that Bynum won't get the extension and he'll do what he can off the bench this year and be gone next year to a team he feels he should start. That'll be too bad.
i like the lineup of sasha, kobe, ariza, bynum, gasol. with this lineup you have speed, defense, and shooting on the court at the same time. josh powell looked like he could contribute down the line. coby karl looked a little lost to me. gasol and bynum will be very good. both looking good in the first preseason game. la mar and ariza are two players who haven't clicked. i think phil might just interchange them into the lineup throughout the year depending on who's hitting their shots. the other option is sasha starting.
I always thought it had something to do with the Star Wars Sith.
"Sith, warrior priests who use the dark side of the Force and serve as counterparts to the Jedi Knights."
All this time I felt there was this dark, unusual side to this 'different' Lakers Fan who had some mysterious background of a reason why he attached sth to his name.
Now that I know your 'just' a season-ticket-holder you somehow appear different to me.
Bynum off the bench?
I still think its too early to make that much out of it. From my take, Lakers know we need Bynum to excel with the starters to win it all. It may take more time to make this work than we like.
Trade LO? Some Lakers fans just amaze me sometimes. 1 preseason game and were already talking trade? Who would you trade him for? If he really wants to get paid next season then he better step it up but no way should you trade him at this point. No one would want him anyway....
Take off your zaga-goggles dim. Your not looking at this situation objectively enough. Josh Powell is more athletic than Roni, and craftier, I must say. I miss Roni too, but I know a better situation when I see one.
Giles should be the 15th man he has the most potential and is a better big man now then DJ. Nothing against DJ because i like his hustle, but I would much rather have the talented Giles. Also Giles is much better then Joe or Karl neither really have that much game for an NBA player and would be a lot better and better paid in Europe.
Andrew and Brian Kamenetzky are contributing writers to ESPN The
Magazine and ESPN.com, and co-authored Fishing on the Edge, the autobiography of 2003 Bassmaster Classic champion Mike Iaconelli, bass fishing's bad boy. While both grew up in St. Louis without NBA
basketball, Andrew became a die hard Lakers fanatic after moving to L.A. to attend USC. That he managed to find a job requiring him to obsess over his favorite team, the same activity that prompted him to waste time while working other jobs, is pretty incredible. As for Brian, his baptism into pro hoops fandom has been provided by the "All Lakers, All The Time" citizens of Los Angeles. Beats the hell out of covering the Bucks.
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On the game last night.
Know it's the 1st game of the season, but...
Points in the paint - Jazz 40 Lakers 26
Freethrows - 21 -31
OUCH!!!!!
I'm having flashbacks!!!!
Posted by: keifo | October 08, 2008 at 10:13 AM
AK,
What sports did you and Brian play growing up?
Are you guys baseball first or basketball first in your hearts?
GO DODGERS!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Anybody have any thoughts as to why Gasol only played 5 min?
Posted by: Tej | October 08, 2008 at 10:32 AM
its preseason. remember how kobe "dogged it" last preseason????????
Posted by: tp | October 08, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Tej,
I think he got a cut and they just decided to keep him out.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Kobe only had 8 points last night! What a looser ths guy is, huh?
Posted by: I don't know betta | October 08, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Anybody have any thoughts as to why Gasol only played 5 min?
Posted by: Tej | October 08, 2008 at 10:
How you doing Tej? Because he played in the Olympics he as well as Kobe are
suppose to see limited action in the pre-season but Kobe wanted to play more minutes.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 08, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Good Morning Charles----Good Morning Everyone....
Well the new season is finally upon us....HUZAH !!!
I took the summer off from contributing to the blog, though I still read it --there was sure some "interesting" threads--sometimes running the full gamet of insanity as it were....but some great debates as well....
I spent the summer watching some games on my DVR--especially the last one with the Spurs---what a classic indeed! It still seems strange to me that we didn't play any where near our usual game during the Finals--but I feel we learned a lot and will ultimately use that lesson to great advantage this year.....
Anyway last night's game was extremely gratifying to me--this team is going to be everything we are hoping and believing they will be and more---Bynum' s play was way better than I expected and he is not even close to the level he is going to achieve this year...I thought everybody looked good for a pre season showing...
IF WE CAN ONLY STAY HEALTHY--KNOCK ON SOME SERIOUS WOOD INDEED !!!
I thought Josh Powell looked like an outstanding pick up and replacement for Ronny...
It's also a shame we have to cut four guys--hopefully they pick the right one for that final 15 spot...
Can we still retain rights for any of these guys if they play in Europe or the D league---How does that work?
Hopefully the Lamar point guard experiment implodes sooner than later, we tried this before as I remember---I like the idea of getting Lamar involved earlier but ultimately he lacks the mentality for that position... plus I want to see how the triple towers thing would work--I realize this team has a plethora of potential combinations of players and positions they can play, which will be one of our biggest assests this year--and maybe Lamar at point in limited times during a game could be a good thing as well etc., and as much as I like Lamar he is just not ever going to be a Scotty Pippin for us..
This is going to be one of the most memorable seasons in Laker history---HUZAH !!
Destiny---Dynasty---DeChampionship.....
AS ALWAYS, AS EVER, YET ANOTHER GREAT DAY TO BE A LAKER FAN !!!
GO LAKERS !!!
Posted by: Floyd | October 08, 2008 at 11:19 AM
I would like to reiterate that the Blazers will finish ahead of the Suns this year in the WC standings.
Posted by: HmrHed | October 08, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Luke can do better than that woman... Yikes!
Posted by: Charles | October 08, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Overall, I thought the squad looked pretty good last night. How well does on expect Crawford and Heath to do? Or CJ Giles for that matter. The defense had holes because there were times when Farmar was the vet on the floor directing 2nd and 1st year guys.
Pros: Bynum looks good, not great, but good, which is all we need for the beginning of the year. He got stripped on the double a few times and wasn't expecting some of the double and triple teams he saw, but that's where his court vision will improve with some more action. Mihm looked active, made a nice turnaround jump hook, wasn't a presence on the glass or on defense, but did enough to make me feel that he is physically 100%, but he's giong to have to use some rust-away to get some serious PT, he looks uncomfortable in the 4 slot. Ariza looked really good and I wouldn't be surprised to see that starting line up be one of the units Phil uses early in games, not as a starting line up, but as an overall balanced unit (good defence, good offence) and it allows the 2nd unit to have a verifiable post presence if we split up Gasol and Bynum for extended minutes.
Cons: Mbenga seems like he's still playing in the Finals, the dude was trying way too hard. Shooting for 15' out? He's got hustle, but we alrready tried the Mad Dog Madsen experiement. Lamar looked very uncomfortable in general, although I loved his turn around jumper that dropped like silk. This was to be expected, however, due to the fact that he is absorbing a lot of n ew info and trying to work his way back into game shape at the same time. Overall defense was not encouraging, some of this must be attributed to our training camp invitees getting some serious 2nd half PT, but that should improve with more serious players getting more serious minutes as we get serious near the end of camp. Seriously.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 08, 2008 at 11:40 AM
Josh Powell is gonna be better than Turiaf.
Whose with me?
Posted by: warren with butterknives | October 08, 2008 at 12:17 PM
I know it's only exhibition, but based on that game against Utah, we got nothing to be excited about. I hope it will improve as they play along towards the real regular season. Kinda disappointed with that game after a long wait.
Posted by: dacsila | October 08, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Floyd!!! Good to see you post sir! Long time!
Posted by: Charles | October 08, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Hey all,
Just got my computer back as it crashed so I have been away for a while.
First I want to say I was impressed by Josh Powell and he was playing hard last night. I liked what I saw from Giles but want to see more. The game was obviosly played from Lakers perspective to see what the new players could bring.
So I see Laker ball getting fined tuned towards end of preseason for start of season.
Secondly when my computer crashed it started when Hugo Blitz replied to a post post of mine. I replied but LATIMES site was having problems and reply never posted. I did however copy the post to word so I could write what I had to say and post it.
Of course when my computer crashed before fixing it I had my files backed up and I still have the word file. After I load my other applications and scans I will reply to Hugo Blitz.
Go Lakers
JLF
Posted by: | October 08, 2008 at 12:41 PM
i thought everything looked right on schedule.
vets getting timing back? check.
new guys trying to make the team? check
coach's experiments? check
iced knees at halftime? check
i'm praying for the team's health.
the starters looked pretty powerful as the game began.
i thought that Andrew looked good.
i thought that Mihm looked good.
i liked Powell and CJ Giles.
all the likes are of course informed by the fact that this was the first PREseason game. i'll be looking for steady improvement.
Posted by: man | October 08, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I just saw some Greg Oden highlights from last night. He's looking real good.
It's going to be fun watching him and Bynum go at it.
Posted by: Rocky | October 08, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Sorry I missed the morning CRUE today, but shout out to Laker Nation!!!
So - we lost game 1 of the preseason....Time to throw away our Laker gear, sell off those worthless tickets, quit the blog and kill ourselves....
Or at least that's what so many people from the previous thread seem like they're going to do.
Personally, I thought there were so many upsides to what I saw last night, any rust is quickly forgiven & forgotten, cuz I know it will disappear soon enough.
DREW and ARIZA - they are back & I think our opponents (at least the smart ones) are going to be quaking in their size 15's. Add in the Mamba, the Gazelle, the Machine, the Swiss Army Knife, etc etc and we are the team to beat. You know it, I know it, and the NBA knows it.
Sit back and enjoy the ride people - the bandwagons are humming along quite nicely - even if early!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 08, 2008 at 01:19 PM
warren with butterknives,
Josh Powell will never be able to fully replace Ronny Turiaf in our hearts. Ronny Turiaf was and will be a beloved Laker for eternity.
However, I agree that we will grow to also love Josh Powell and begrudgingly admit that Powell brings more to the court than Turiaf would for what we need RIGHT NOW.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Here's my updated predictions on standings in the WC:
1. Lakers
2. Trailblazers
3. Hornets
4. Spurs
5. Utah
6. Houston
7. Mavs
8. Suns
With 20 days till the season.
Posted by: HmrHed | October 08, 2008 at 01:29 PM
The ONLY thing I'm concerned about? The fact that we didn't go to Hawai'i for training camp.
Why? Last year, being away from home for a couple weeks, with Jedi Master Lamar Odom bringing the whole team together to eat meals cooked by his personal chef, made all the difference in terms of this team bonding.
They didn't get that this year. They had to deal with normal home destractions. Luke had to deal with a stalker. Andrew Bynum didn't get the same isolated ability to bond with the team. All of it.
This team as SO much flexibility. It's amazing. However, that can also be a problem. Unless this team has or develops an predictive intuitive understanding of each other as individuals, personalities, players, and playing tendencies, then everything could devolve into chaos.
Is it likely? No. Because these players have (for the most part) played together for a decent amount of time. However, the flexibility could create on court dysfunctions where a player may know how another player may react playing one position, but may not know how they'll react playing another position.
The result? Turnovers. Poor defense. Bad shots.
So, it is very important for this team to bond properly. I STRONGLY suggest that they return to their earlier tradition of sharing a meal at least once a week.
Meals and discussions over meals is a fundamental human bonding experience. Nothing like good food, a glass of wine, and a good joke to bring people together.
And, by the way, the coaching staff should do the same thing amongst themselves.
Coaching is going to be critical this year. It will make the difference between chaos and absolutely beautifully stunning basketball.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 01:37 PM
BUTLER,
"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."
If you actually watched the game, read articles or just, you know, generally paid attention to what's going on you would know that Pau got hit and gashed in the mouth and they decided to sit him out the rest of the contest since he wasn't going to play much anyway.
I commend you though. You never allow facts to get in the way of your "arguments."
Posted by: Xodus | October 08, 2008 at 01:40 PM
Rocky/HmrHed,
Portland is our newest renewed rival.
The future of the NBA is:
Lakers
Trailblazers
Jazz
Hornets
The Eastern Conference has two very good teams:
Celtics
Pistons
And for each of them, this is their last best year.
But the future remains bright for the Western Conference. As Jim Morrison once said amid some kind of mescaline and monkey tranquilizer haze, "The West is the best."
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Jamie Sweet,
I read your cons. As AK said today in his online show, we all need to be patient. There is tremendous flexibility on this team. So many combinations of players are possible and not all will be equally effective nor will they be equally effective (or ineffective) against different opponents.
If anything, this year is Phil Jackson's greatest opportunity to prove that he is the Greatest coach of all time. Not because he can do the most with the least, but because he can show the world how basketball can potentially be played.
We are presently looking at the most talented team Phil Jackson has EVER coached. Period.
Like a chef given the highest quality ingredients, it is upon his shoulders to produce a masterpiece.
Make no mistake. This season is not about Kobe Bryant nor Andrew Bynum nor Pau Gasol nor Lamar Odom....
This season is about Phil Jackson and our coaching staff.
It's their Championship to lose and their special place in history to win.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Last night was a beautiful, beautiful thing. Gasol and Bynum looking like allstars. Farmar looking like he's ready to be a starter. And Josh Powell as the new Ronnie, I luv it.
Really the only downside was LO, Luke, and Sasha not playing. What? Oh, Lamar did play? Really I didn't see him out there.
What is the deal with LO? I mean, first the guy says Phil is crazy cuz he's thinking about whether or not LO will be effective in that line up. Then what does he do, he shows he's not effective in that line up.
Let me say something now, and I said it when halfway through the first season, when the Lakers got Lamar Odom. Lamar is a great player, BUT he will never be a great player alongide Kobe. Why, I don't know. But this experiment has gone on far too long and before this season is up, I'm POSITIVE that Mitch and Buss will agree that they got to trade him.
That blog the other day on Lamar being paid 11m instead of 14, dude isn't worth either number. Maybe 9, and I'm only saying 9 cuz that's what Kwame got. He fit with Miami, and I'm sure there are other teams he might fit with, but L.A. isn't one of them. Expectations are too high in L.A. We expect Scottie. I mean Sun Yue is the chinese Magic for cryin out loud. LO you want to smoke bud, you better go back to Miami or NY cuz in L.A. its not happening.
Get it together brother, or be OUT!!! Your performance last night shows your not taking the offseason seriously.
Posted by: johnnyboy | October 08, 2008 at 01:52 PM
How you doing Tej? Because he played in the Olympics he as well as Kobe are
suppose to see limited action in the pre-season but Kobe wanted to play more minutes.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 08, 2008 at 11:00 AM
I am good Mamba, ready and pumped for the new season.
Amen to Walton doing better than the picture shown of his stalker.
Anybody get a chance to watch that Shaq interview on ESPN's website? His interpretation and thoughts of his time in LA are quite unique.
Posted by: Tej | October 08, 2008 at 01:57 PM
Xodus,
"I commend you though. You never allow facts to get in the way of your "arguments.""
Awesome.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Where the hell is Laker Tom?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 08, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Anybody know where I can catch lastnights complete game???
Posted by: The Big Fence Defense | October 08, 2008 at 02:19 PM
Its that time of the year again. Times to play in the yearly YAHOO FANTASY BASKETBALL!! Hope we have as much fun as last year. ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT!
*******************************************
*************************
ID - 38535
PW - kobe
http://basketball.fantasysports.yahoo.com/nba
Posted by: The Lamar Show | October 08, 2008 at 02:31 PM
what time?
Posted by: Faith | October 08, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Congrats Andrew.
Good to see you back in good shape and playing hard...
LET'S GO LAKESHOW
Posted by: KOREY | October 08, 2008 at 02:32 PM
The blazers announcers are the most horrible in the entire NBA. Easily the most homer of any.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 08, 2008 at 02:33 PM
JON K,
love your 'analysis'
It is totally on PJ and company *crack staff* to figure out this team. It shouldn't be very hard..
Think of it like this...
We made the finals last year...
During the summer we traded for Andrew Bynum. Basically that is what happened. He had no part in our Finals team whatsoever. The coaching staff needs to integrate Bynum into the mix and voila you have a championship waiting.
GO LAKERS
BEAT THE SNOT OF OUT THE CLIPPERS TOMORROW.
Posted by: DEREK | October 08, 2008 at 02:50 PM
Even if Pau likes playing a face-up game at the power forward position he may have to start the season at center with Lamar back at PF and Bynum spelling both of them off the bench. I really think the Lamar playing PG is a cheap gimmick that's just a waist of time so the sooner we dump it and start developing an opening night starting 5, the better.
I'd spend a lot of time rotating Pau and Bynum at center with Lamar at PF to see which one has better chemistry with Lamar. If Lamar and Gasol shine, great. That's our back up plan. Then I'd start experimenting with the Bynum/Gasol/Odom lineup that seems, to me at least, to be less of a sure thing than one of the big men at center with Lamar at PF.
But who knows.
Go Dodgers.
Wes
Posted by: | October 08, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Mamba24,
Ok F it ... I'm back from vacation ... what with the way the economy is going there might be no nba by the time regular season starts ... where's my badge at dude?
Jon K.
"Make no mistake. This season is not about Kobe Bryant nor Andrew Bynum nor Pau Gasol nor Lamar Odom...."
And the first order of the day is to place jon k under citizen's arrest (aint got dat badge yet) ... dude men, it's always about kobe ... yes we're a good team but dude there's brand roy, cp3, kg, king james and a whole bunch of seriously gifted ballers out there looking to lift their teams to yet another level ... the mamba is what seperates us from the pack, it's always been that way ... it's why a good shaq led team finally won 3 titles and it's why a crappy kobe led team pushed phoenix to elimination ... he's the difference in good and bad times
Posted by: Taliq | October 08, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Josh powell........is trash compare to RONNY.
Not even close.
2 blown lay-ups.......would've been hammers with RONNY.
I wish people would just STOP IT.......please your fluccing killing me with this shiiii.
powell-chris-banga, you put them together an they could'nt match Ronny......PASSION-HEART-SOLE.
How quick you dummies must've forget.
COMPTON
Posted by: COMPTON FINEST | October 08, 2008 at 03:08 PM
PARTY ALERT!!!!!!!!!!
Hey all. We (me, Charles, Simi Laker Girl, Lakerman420, hopefully Elle) are getting together for a Laker viewing party this Sunday Oct. 12th at 6:30 to watch Lakers vs. Kings. If you are interested in joining us please send a message to myself at www.myspace.com/pslakerfan or Simi Laker Girl at http://www.myspace.com/augie5581. She or I will respond with the location if you are interested. I would give out e-mail, but the K-Bros frown on that :-( It is a sports bar, not a private residence so everyone will feel comfortable.
We have been trying to get one together for a while and if you can come that would be great. It will be in the general vicinity of the SF valley.
Thanks,
pslakerfan
Posted by: pslakerfan | October 08, 2008 at 03:26 PM
In light of Phil's recent remark about LO, does Lamar Odom want to get traded?
If he is worried about playing time because this is his contract year, why isn't he worried about quality of that playing time too? Maybe Phil really did hurt his feeling by suggesting that LO may come off the bench.
LO is sensitive and an extremely complicated individual i think.
I want him to succeed and hope things snap into place. I don't think the team would hesitate to trade him if he stays this way in the next 2 weeks.
If they trade him, who are the possibilities? We don't need another all star caliber player (we have 3 already).
thoughts AK and BK and the rest of the bloggers?
thanks
Posted by: jq | October 08, 2008 at 03:42 PM
DO NOT TRADE LAMAR.
At least until I see a few games with him, Bynum, and Gasol playing at the same time. :)
Posted by: frank1rizzo | October 08, 2008 at 03:47 PM
I didn't see last night's game, but I did see some highlights. If that mid-range jumper from Socks is for real, I can't see how anyone could stop him. Anyone.
How did his hook look?
Somebody tell me, please...
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | October 08, 2008 at 03:48 PM
Dwayne Mitchell just got waived, oh well.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 08, 2008 at 04:12 PM
A Suns writer says since Shaq and Kobe departed, one has taken the high road and one the low road.
Who do you think he feels has taken the high road?
http://tinyurl.com/4d5hwu
Posted by: Fatty | October 08, 2008 at 05:08 PM
Video from today's practice is up:
http://www.nba.com/lakers/multimedia/0708video.html
Interviews with Bynum, Sasha and PJ. The one thing that jumped out was Bynum saying how he didn't get to play with Pau, that they play together in practice (it looks good in practice) but he doesn't know what's going to happen with that. Undercurrents of him possibly coming off the bench and the budding tension about it.
My guess is that, if they decide that last years line-up + Ariza is good enough to start, that Bynum won't get the extension and he'll do what he can off the bench this year and be gone next year to a team he feels he should start. That'll be too bad.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 08, 2008 at 05:45 PM
i like the lineup of sasha, kobe, ariza, bynum, gasol. with this lineup you have speed, defense, and shooting on the court at the same time. josh powell looked like he could contribute down the line. coby karl looked a little lost to me. gasol and bynum will be very good. both looking good in the first preseason game. la mar and ariza are two players who haven't clicked. i think phil might just interchange them into the lineup throughout the year depending on who's hitting their shots. the other option is sasha starting.
Posted by: emackandbolio | October 08, 2008 at 06:27 PM
Lakers_sth
I just now figured out your name.
I always thought it had something to do with the Star Wars Sith.
"Sith, warrior priests who use the dark side of the Force and serve as counterparts to the Jedi Knights."
All this time I felt there was this dark, unusual side to this 'different' Lakers Fan who had some mysterious background of a reason why he attached sth to his name.
Now that I know your 'just' a season-ticket-holder you somehow appear different to me.
Bynum off the bench?
I still think its too early to make that much out of it. From my take, Lakers know we need Bynum to excel with the starters to win it all. It may take more time to make this work than we like.
Posted by: Fatty | October 08, 2008 at 07:28 PM
Trade LO? Some Lakers fans just amaze me sometimes. 1 preseason game and were already talking trade? Who would you trade him for? If he really wants to get paid next season then he better step it up but no way should you trade him at this point. No one would want him anyway....
Posted by: Fritz 72 | October 08, 2008 at 09:22 PM
COMPTON"S BLINDNESS
Take off your zaga-goggles dim. Your not looking at this situation objectively enough. Josh Powell is more athletic than Roni, and craftier, I must say. I miss Roni too, but I know a better situation when I see one.
Posted by: warren with butterkinves | October 09, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Giles should be the 15th man he has the most potential and is a better big man now then DJ. Nothing against DJ because i like his hustle, but I would much rather have the talented Giles. Also Giles is much better then Joe or Karl neither really have that much game for an NBA player and would be a lot better and better paid in Europe.
Posted by: denny | October 12, 2008 at 10:47 PM