Really, there aren't many other storylines of import
Which is why Lamar Odom continues to dominate purple and gold headlines. Sunday, before coming off the bench in L.A.'s exhibition win against the Kings in Vegas baby!, LO told the media that if his role is indeed that of a sixth man - and it isn't yet - he's on board:
"You only get one or two shots at this, you know what I'm saying?" Odom said. "Some guys might not be able to take it well, especially in their contract year. Whatever, I'm good. I've made enough. I'm OK. My family's good. Hopefully, I can win a championship this year, and be rewarded for it."
Odom noted his agent probably wouldn't like the move, and it's pretty clear that given a choice he'd certainly pick a starting role (who wouldn't?), but the point he was making is clear: If Phil Jackson decides to make him a reserve, LO won't cause trouble. As for his spotty play early on in the fake game season, Kobe certainly isn't worried.
Meanwhile, Andrew Bynum is coming along, feels comfortable and understands what the Lakers want from him this year.
Back to LO for a minute: I've written this before, and I'll continue to write it. Regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench, if Odom is to be a 30-35 minute player, getting starters minutes in a reserve role, than the basic issues of how he'll fit in with the two tall trees up front or with the other starters in the backcourt need to be resolved. The "supersub" role means he'll be on the floor in the fourth quarter and for important stretches with the first unit (or most of it, at least) in the opening half. It's not simply a matter of captaining the second unit. That's a 20 minute a night role, and in my estimation a waste of LO's talents.
PJ has said his lineup experimentation will continue right up until the start of the regular season, but in reality it could go beyond that. I don't think the Lakers will operate like a well oiled machine in the first few weeks of November. But while those games certainly matter, we all know that it matters less how teams play early, but what they look like heading into the playoffs. This team, from the players to the coaching staff, know they're sitting on something good. The key is to maximize it, which could take time.
There are a lot of ways to set things up, to plug in a guy like Odom, to best take advantage of each small forward's skill set. It's very positive to hear LO say publicly that he's on board with whatever Jackson decides to do. For that matter, everyone is saying the right things. PJ has a tough task ahead of him in trying to figure out how best to dole out the PT, but the active cooperation of his players will make it easier, for sure.
I'm still of the opinion that everything will be fine. Time tends to work these things out better than anything. GIve talented players pulling in the same direction enough time to build some chemistry, and good things will happen. I still believe LO can play on the same court as Bynum and Gasol, I still believe that combination can give the Lakers something incredibly unique in recent NBA history.
BK
Finally, Lakers got their 1st victory of the preseason. The game was so good that I was not able to watch the 4th Q. I flipping the remote to NCLS, 60 minutes, and falling asleep. The latter prevailed. That game was a great building block in establishing success that it is still Kobe, Bynum and Gasol are the main detrminants in the success of this team and the others are role players, LO, Ariza, Fisher, Farmar and Vlad should continue elevating their games b/c that would supplement of our big 3. The rookies should accelerate their improvement to the NBA level and make the most of those 5 minutes presence on the basketball court. Soon, Sasha and Luke will join the team to add more dimension added to the chemistry of the Lakers. Dodgers won, Lakers 1st victory, Dow @ 500+ except for that fire in Tujunga Canyon, we have good news today.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 13, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Lam-Od threatens to undermine the lakers with his endless drama. If the lakers trade him, that would mess even further with team chemistry. If they don't trade him, they aren't getting better.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 13, 2008 at 11:56 AM
here's a story for you -
http://tinyurl.com/3fkvam
Shaq complementing Kobe.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 13, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Yeah I'm not worried either. It takes time to make something special work. LO won't cause any problems.
Posted by: ajax | October 13, 2008 at 12:04 PM
I think the experimenting needs to stop when the regular season starts even though that might not be the case. Home court advantage will play a big role in the WC playoffs and ultimately in the Finals. While the Cs will breeze by in the easy East the Lakers will have to battle to keep up. I'm hoping the Lakers can put together and extraordinary season and get homecourt throughout the playoffs and the Finals.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 13, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I had a feeling coming into this season that Greg Oden might be a tad better at blocking shots than Andrew. He seems a little grittier on the defensive end, but lacked the offensive skills to even be in Drew's league.
So far, with each player playing 3 games, roughly playing the same amount of minutes(Greg has started every game though), Andrew has the lead: 4 blocks to 2.
Now, it's just pre-season, and numbers don't mean anything, so you have to take this with a grain of salt.
But Andrew is off to a great start so far!
dan
Posted by: dan the man | October 13, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I'm thinking Lamar Odom should play a reserve role in the first half and a starter's role in the second half.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 13, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Bltiz,
I think it's possible that Farmar plays more minutes than Fish this season. Considering Fish's age I could see Phil wanting to limit his minutes and if Farmar makes the same type of jump he made last year he'd even warrant getting more playing time than Fish.
He had a higher FG%, more rebounds and nearly as many assists in less playing time. And for whatever it's worth he had a higher PER (by about two points, 15.43 to 13.82). I think it's conceivable that Farmar could be better this season. It depends on how much Farmar improves and if Fish has any drop off.
Posted by: Xodus | October 13, 2008 at 12:39 PM
"they aren't getting better."
Interesting. Why? If he comes off the bench, they have improved significantly. A player with his ability coming off of the bench is a pretty nice option.
I'm no Lamar lover, but I'm also not a Suns homer looking for BS to talk about the Lakers.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 13, 2008 at 12:59 PM
"If he comes off the bench, they have improved significantly."
Hi Pig. I want you to prove that statement.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 13, 2008 at 01:04 PM
Man, I miss Los Angeles.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 13, 2008 at 09:10 AM
__________________________
And Los Angeles misses you......
Charles & company - glad you guys had a good time last night. Sorry I couldn't make it - other stuff - you know how it is.....Still - good game and (almost) as much fun to watch at home alone - lol!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 13, 2008 at 01:09 PM
I'm thinking that L.O.'s numbers this season will look like this:
GP.............................78
GS.............................20
MIN..........................32.00
FG............................63%
PTS............................7.5
REB..........................10.5
AST............................4.5
STL..........................1.25
BLK...........................1.5
TO...............................2
SILLY MURKS.........*2,524
* = Leads the league
He will be one of the best in the league at FG% because I see him only taking about four or five shots per game. Mainly on put-backs or high % looks. Lamar's scoring is gonna be down this year, but it doesn't matter, Kobe, Pau and Andrew will shoulder the scoring load on most nights. In fact, I believe that on most nights, Lamar will usually only score about four or five points. But other nights he will go off and it will bring his average up to about 7.5.
Scoring is something that we don't need from Lamar this year. We need him to rebound the ball as effecively as he has in the past, as well as raise his defensive prowless. He should continue to average a couple of steals a game, but I would also like to see him get at least one block every game. There is no reason he can't do this.
Let's go Lamar!!
Let's go Lakers!!
dan
Posted by: dan the man | October 13, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Pig,
"I'm no Lamar lover, but I'm also not a Suns homer looking for BS to talk about the Lakers."
That was pretty good. When did the troll get put on a steady staple is my concern. I guess I should be happy that there is not a certain celtics troll here anymore.
He made BUTT-ler look like a choir boy.
Looking forward to the REAL season..
janaya
Posted by: janaya | October 13, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Lamar and Vic Jacobs:
http://www.am570radio.com/pages/podcasting/
Lamar is not/never a problem.
Posted by: mud | October 13, 2008 at 01:39 PM
Xodus,
"I think it's possible that Farmar plays more minutes than Fish this season."
I agree it's possible, but most likely not probable.
We're going to see more minutes from Farmar this season, but we'll still see Fisher in when it really counts.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 13, 2008 at 02:00 PM
"I want you to prove that statement."
It's an arbitrary observation.
You've been crowing about Terry Porter being the greatest coach of all time. Prove that.
Prove that Alando Tucker is the next Kobe stopper.
Prove that Robin Lopez is a dark horse ROY candidate.
Prove that Lamar doesn't help the Lakers bench.
"If the lakers trade him, that would mess even further with team chemistry." Prove that.
"If they don't trade him, they aren't getting better." Prove that.
C'Mon dude. You can't come around telling jokes and acting like the court jester then demand that people provide you facts for statements that represent how they feel.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 13, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Longtime thanks for the vid...gotta love Shaq he is so full of it!
Posted by: Kiwi | October 13, 2008 at 02:28 PM
Pig,
Way to challenge the Troll.
Right now I expect he is melting like the Wicked Witch of the West after Dorothy threw water on her.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 13, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Jon K,
Yeah, I agree that Farmar playing more minutes isn't probable.
Posted by: Xodus | October 13, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Pig Miller,
Good post. BUTLER isn't interested in conversations, facts or what is most likely. He's interested in irritation. He's kinda like a Lakers Blog rash.
Posted by: Xodus | October 13, 2008 at 02:41 PM
AK,
Was this a missprint in the lasvegassun article you posted:
"Bryant confirmed that the finger is broken, too. But, on a pain scale from 1 to 10, he said it’s about a 2."
Umm now the finger is broken?? Hopefully a typo. In general though I'm a little concerned about Kobe's play during preseason. He's shooting has been bad and under normal circumstances I'd wave it off as a preseason thing but under the circumstances I'm wondering if fingergate's got anything to do with it.
One of the downsides of having nba league pass this early is I have to constantly flip through all these celtic specials. As confident as I am in this team, they celtics are capable and very eager to eliminate us as well as all other challengers for years to come. Basically I dont see this being any easier with Andrew, we'll have to pry that trophy from their greedly green fingers and just wanna be sure kobe's finger is up to the task.
Posted by: Taliq | October 13, 2008 at 03:02 PM
"You can't come around telling jokes and acting like the court jester then demand that people provide you facts for statements that represent how they feel."
Yes I can.
Now tell me why Lamar on the bench improves the lakers, and then I'll explain why Lopez makes the SUNS better.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 13, 2008 at 03:04 PM
I think if Farmar doesn't pass DFish in ability and minutes this year, then he may not be the point guard of the future.
Fish is 35, and while we all love him and his character, he was never a top point guard even in his prime. He might of made the top 10 one or two seasons, but that is about it.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 13, 2008 at 03:04 PM
Jon K/Xodus,
"We're going to see more minutes from Farmar this season, but we'll still see Fisher in when it really counts"
I like Farmar but one of the things that struck me during the post season is how much his game slipped. As much as Gasol was the story during the regular season, I think Fisher's contribution during the post season was quite understated by fans and the press. If all we had was Farmar's erratic play during the post season I dont see us getting past utah. Again no knock on him, I like his game and expect him to continue to improve but I just think before folks start talking about having Fish play a secondary role to him that they evalauate Farmar on his post season performances as well.
Posted by: Taliq | October 13, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I think that Phil is going to switch it around until he feels that we have a good paatern with a starting unit. Right now, with VladRad, I don't like how we play defense to start the game. Vladdy has to play the screens better, he was VERY confused in the first. He scored well, but he didn't do a thing on D. I also worry about Fish losing a step, he was beat on screens a ton, too. He admitted as much and tossed it tinto the "We' have a lot of different line ups" hat. but I think he might become a liability at some point this year, at least on D. He's cold as ice shooting. Dangerous, man, dangerous.
LO will play where he's played. He's not going to not come in the game and Kobe won't let him mope around during the regular season. If sounds like he had a heart to heart with somebody that reminded him, "Hey, you'll get you're numbers and your PT one way or another, but what won't get you a good deal at the end of the year is all this moping and whining." If Lamar averages 15 ppg, 9 rpg and 5 apg, he'll win 6 man of the year, unless they have Chris Paul coming off the bench. If he wins 6th Man...well, now he's in a much better bargaining position. His agent will be happy, Lamar and Odom will be happy and Laker fans will be happy that somebody besides Manu Ginobli will win 6th man.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 13, 2008 at 03:12 PM
Mud posted it -- if you have a chance listen to the LO interview with VTB -- classic.
15 Days baby!!
Posted by: HmrHed | October 13, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Taliq,
"AK, Was this a missprint in the lasvegassun article you posted: "Bryant confirmed that the finger is broken, too. But, on a pain scale from 1 to 10, he said it’s about a 2." Umm now the finger is broken?? Hopefully a typo."
That's the first I've heard of it being broken as well. But that info sounds like it came based off what Kobe said in Vegas, and we're not there. One of us should be at practice tomorrow, so we'll try to get confirmation then, if not sooner.
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | October 13, 2008 at 03:33 PM
BUTLER,
"Yes I can."
That's convincing. I didn't see it that way.
Posted by: Xodus | October 13, 2008 at 03:35 PM
BUTT-ler
"You've been crowing about Terry Porter being the greatest coach of all time. Prove that. "
Have you been listening to SHACK interviews?
As you know, SHACK said that Phil was the BEST COACH ever, and then RILES was the TBE (THE BEST COACH EVER), and then DUH-ANTONI was.
He did the same regarding TEAMS and INDIVIDUAL TEAM MATES.
KOBE WAS THE BEST TEAM MATE EVER, and then blah blah blah WADE, blah blah KNASH, STAT, blah blah blah....
and then teams, LAKERS were the BTE, and then the HEAT, blah blah, blah PHO-NIX even though you were ELIMINATED 1st round.
You know the only thing that can shut SHACK up is a PHILLY CHEESE STEAK SANDWHICH.
Come to think of it....I have an idea.
Put a cheese steak on each back board and maybe SHACK will run up and down the court faster...
janaya
Posted by: janaya | October 13, 2008 at 03:38 PM
"Now tell me why Lamar on the bench improves the lakers, and then I'll explain why Lopez makes the SUNS better."
It seems like we've reached an impasse.
Keep bringing the nonsense and I'll just keep posting my opinion.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 13, 2008 at 03:41 PM
justanothermambafan
It was really cool hanging out with them. Next time bro. What city do you live in?
Posted by: Charles | October 13, 2008 at 03:43 PM
Taliq,
I'm not diminishing Fisher's contributions at all, he was great for us in the post season and Farmar struggled mightily in 3 of our 4 playoff series (he played well against SA if memory serves).
I'm not saying Farmar outplaying Fish this season is the most likely scenario, just that it's a fairly reasonable possibility. He's a young player that should continue to improve at 21-22. He made a leap from his first season to his second season and he outplayed Fish at times last season.
Remember sometimes our end of game lineup would be a three guard set of Farmar, Sasha and Kobe and from a statistical aspect Farmar outplayed Fish last season. He shot a higher percentage, more rebounds, steals (not positive on that, though) in fewer minutes and nearly as many assists (2.9 to 2.7) in fewer minutes. Also, I know most people on this blog don't like PER (I'm not a huge proponent of it either, but it does provide interesting aspects), but Farmar's PER was nearly two points higher than Fisher's.
Obviously, stats don't take defense and leadership into account, where Fish has two big edges, but with reasonable improvement Farmar would likely be the better player.
And as for Farmar's playoff performance, I'll just say how many second-year guards are performing at a high level in the playoffs? Not many. Farmar is a far better player than Derek Fisher at the same stage (whether you're going by age or years in the league) and I don't think it's outlandish to think he could be better than a 34-year-old version of Fish.
Posted by: Xodus | October 13, 2008 at 03:47 PM
"It seems like we've reached an impasse.
Keep bringing the nonsense and I'll just keep posting my opinion."
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 13, 2008 at 03:41 PM
What a cop out answer... Butler I feel you are a clown but that was a bail out chump style. Both you guys.
Posted by: Snort Oink | October 13, 2008 at 03:58 PM
As a Laker fan - nay - as a basketball fan, I refuse to watch the preseason games. People often say that they mean nothing, but that doesn't even encompass the worthlessness of the information one gets about a team after watching them in a preseason game. It's completely misleading.
Bad teams want to give their up-and-coming stars big minutes because they're young and the coaches and fans want to see what they can do. These teams look way better than they are in the preseason. Good teams, like the Lakers, want to rest their regulars, fiddle with rotations and give the future D-Leaguers a chance to prove something. That's it. So if the Lakers played 100 preseason games and went 2-98, I wouldn't care because it means nothing. Watching preseason games only gives you opportunities to freak out about how bad they look.
Want proof?
Remember, in our first championship run in 2000, the players didn't even seem sure of who was on their team. The triangle had the players confused and the Lakers went 3-5 in the preseason, only, the team turned out to be pretty good, winning 67 games during the regular season. The next season, their repeat year, they again went 3-5 and rolled through the playoffs with a 15-1 record. Then, their three peat year, they went 4-4. Last year, a year where we went to the NBA Finals, the Lakers went 3-4. The year they missed the playoffs and only won 34 games? Yep, 5-2.
Don't freak out people. The preseason is a mirage.
Posted by: puddle | October 13, 2008 at 04:07 PM
I'm at 40 thousand feet coming back from DC and had to blog something to get my in flight internet dollar's worth.
The NBA season is another that's just too damn long. Kobe's disdain for the pre season is understandable considering he has to nurse a broken finger through 82 games and 16 more... though there is a chance the Lake Show could lose one in the upcoming playoffs.
After a short summer, Lamar has to feel the same way but he can't afford to. His job security isn't the same as 24s as no one's is. Kobe's "don't trip" attitude may not be the best memo a leader could send down to all the troops but he's got to support his boy... for now.
This isn't about progress it's about success. Now would be a good time to get started.
hmm serious turbulence... no problem, as Kobe says, don't trip.
Posted by: Vman | October 13, 2008 at 04:10 PM
Xodus the end game lineup (at end of games) last year was:
PG-Fisher
SG-Vujacic
SF-Bryant
PF-Odom
C-Gasol
Also Xodus, Fisher is not one who gives out assists that much since he is more the spot up shooter. His highest assist average was 4.4 back in 2000-2001 and Kobe has gotten way more assists than Derek many times. Derek is the perfect complement to point guard since Kobe is a penetrating guard and that allows him to kick the ball out to Derek. Hence a spot up shooting guard. What Derek means to Kobe besides the chemistry between them is what what John Paxson and Steve Kerr was to Michael Jordan: a point guard who can be a spot up shooter and hit the open jumper with good efficiency.
Jordan Farmar is the classic penetrating guard. In a way he reminds me of BJ Armstrong and while a good shooter he's not the spot up shooter that Derek is yet. Maybe in a couple of years but his defense needs to improve also and he must NOT wilter like he did against D-Will.
I would say Derek has 27 minutes again and Jordan has 21 minutes. That is more than enough for both Derek to rest and Jordan to try play.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | October 13, 2008 at 04:15 PM
Puddle Nice Analysis.
Don't know why there are Laker fans who fret that we will miss the playoffs just because of losing Pre Season Games.
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | October 13, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Snort Oink sez:
"What a cop out answer... Butler I feel you are a clown but that was a bail out chump style. Both you guys."
I agree, I expected Pig to throw down with the Lam-Od props. And I didn't feel like letting Pig weasel his way out of explaining his "Lam-Od on the bench improves the lakers" thing.
You can dress up a Pig but it's still a pig, is how I would describe Lam-Od.
Let me put it this way - if I had my choice between Lam-Od or a first round draft pick, I'd go with the pick.
In any event, is anyone else noticing that hardly any team will be able to beat the Celts this season? They are looking very good again. Maybe even better than last season.
It's up to the West to come up with an answer, and that answer has to start with D.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 13, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Snort Oink,
Pig Miller and Butler are quite opposites:
Butler is a Pro Suns fan constantly taking jabs at the LA Times Laker blog while hanging out at the AZ Central Sun blog.
Pig Miller is a Pro Laker Fan who does a good job against the other non Laker fans in the LA Times Laker blog while taking jabs also at the AZ Central Suns blog.
Butler is 90% delusional (hey had to do it lol) 5% actually has some facts and could be debated to nicely, and 5% in between (don't ask lol).
Pig Miller is well, haven't debated against Pig that much so can't really tell hehe though he's a smart guy. though he should read up on the charging/blocking foul rules hehe.
That what goes on between Pig and Butler.
"It's up to the West to come up with an answer, and that answer has to start with D."
Either the Lakers, Rockets, Hornets, and yes the Spurs will be the answer to that. Phoenix is still searching for "identity":
http://tinyurl.com/4xfvlu
At least under D'Antoni, the Suns had an identity. Probably the only thing that could have beaten Boston than this new "defense" philosophy whom Porter preaches yet was ranked 21st in the League in defense in points per game and 23rd in Defensive FG% in 2003-2004 and 21st in the League in defense in points per game and 27th in Defensive FG% in 2004-2005 seasons. Some defense by Porter huh?
-blitz
Posted by: thekobebryantblitz | October 13, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Blitz,
I didn't say that the Farmar, Sasha, Kobe backcourt was usually the end game lineup, just that there were multiple games where Farmar played the entire 4th quarter instead of Fish. Which is the truth. And he did outplay Fish on a statistical basis last year and I would be disappointed if he didn't do it (and hopefully by a slightly wider margin) this year.
I have no problem with Fish playing more minutes I just think it's a possibility that he won't. Fish is the right man for the starting job and Farm is the best for the second unit, but it would be a good thing if Farmar outplays and gets more minutes than Fish this year.
Too many people take that as a slight on Fish, it's not. Fish is 34, needs the rest, and for as much as we love him, he's an average at best player. If Farmar can't outplay him at 22, we'd better hope Sun Yue improves quickly because that means Farmar isn't our PG of the future.
Posted by: Xodus | October 13, 2008 at 04:42 PM
Taliq,
I agree with you that Famar's post-season play last season was not stellar.
Farmar's wound kind of tight. I think that's a detriment for a player without a lot of playoff experience. As he matures and gains playoff experience, I think that energy will actually come to beneft him and his play.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 13, 2008 at 04:42 PM
"You can dress up a Pig but it's still a pig, is how I would describe Lam-Od."
.
More funny stuff.
.
Snort Oink,
Why would I respond the jester who doesn't bring explanations for his little rants? It might be different if he was actually saying something, but he's a clown looking to get a rise out of people with his clever little misspellings and cute little jokes. I'll explain why Lamar is good off the bench when I hear about the GREATEST COACH EVER TERRY PORTER.
What a joke.
Posted by: "Pig" Miller | October 13, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Laker fans tend to overestimate Fisher's ability, because he is such a great teammate/has such a great attitude, and because of ".4". At his best, he was never better than mediocre, and has slipped slightly from that.
Farmar will be better than Fisher by the end of the season and will likely be getting more minutes than Fisher by that point.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 13, 2008 at 05:12 PM
Pig,
You know what I like about Butler? He would rather hang out and communicate with people who HATE him than spend more time with Suns fans.
I know exactly how he feels.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 13, 2008 at 05:39 PM
exhelodrvr,
"At his best, he was never better than mediocre, and has slipped slightly from that."
BLASPHEMY!
Dude, why do you have to be such a wet blanket at times? Fisher is by no means an All-Star, but has always done right for the Lakers.
Most Lakers fans in no way overestimate Farmar's abilities. We simply appreciate him for all that he has brought to the team.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 13, 2008 at 05:43 PM
Jon K,
Will u stay there in Cleveland for the rest of your life? If you are, that will be miserable. LOL!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 13, 2008 at 05:50 PM
Jon K,
Farmar was a 2nd year player last season, it's completely reasonable that he didn't perform well for long stretches of the playoffs. How many second-year players do perform well in the playoffs.
I mean look at Kobe in his second season. In the regular season Kobe averaged 15.4 points on 42% shooting in 26 minutes. In the playoffs he averaged 8.7 ppg on 40% shooting in 20 minutes.
That poor playoff performance continued a trend of subpar play for Kobe that started after the all-star break. Kobe was averaging about 17 a night entering the 1998 all-star break and his point total dipped all the way to 15.4 by the end of the season.
Posted by: Xodus | October 13, 2008 at 05:59 PM
Blitz - C'mon, League Pass! It'll allow me to evaluate the lakers on a nightly basis much more efficiently.
PIg is partially correct - I am the voice of reason around here who can help point out deficiencies in the lakers so that management might better make decisions down the road.
BTW, the SUNS play the spurs in the 1st reg season game. Finally the SUNS get some benefit out of a maimed Manu, who's injury occured late in that series...rather than just the hornets and lakers.
And the lakers get the Odens...if that game is in Portland, no way can LA win. It's a curse up there. But if it's in LA, the lakers should have a chance to win.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 13, 2008 at 06:01 PM
BK - terrific topic.
"I still believe LO can play on the same court as Bynum and Gasol, I still believe that combination can give the Lakers something incredibly unique in recent NBA history."
It's a bit of a gordian knot, isn't it? Because, if L.O. is the first man off the bench, then there's certainly a good chance that Drew would be the first to sit - he's probably not going to get huge minutes, especially early. Regardless of where L.O. slots in, the question is at what point would this threesome be on the floor at the same time. Once the substituions start flowing, everything becomes a bit more complicated logistically.
Posted by: dave m | October 13, 2008 at 06:06 PM
X, ExHelo,
It's good to see that you two have it right; As usual.
Posted by: Eric M. | October 13, 2008 at 06:11 PM