The Lakers, Hollinger style
There are folks who dig the numbers-centric take on NBA roundball by ESPN's John Hollinger. There are others who think the stats monger can stick his PER where the sun don't shine. And then there's me, who takes his results with a grain of salt but typically finds them interesting, even when I disagree with the oft-numbers-based conclusions. In particular, I enjoy his annual PER projections opus before each season starts, in large part because of the breakdowns for every player in the L. Which, by definition, includes every Laker.
Unfortunately, the individual player profiles are accessible only to ESPN Insider account holders. While I'm not big on the "pay for certain material on an otherwise free website" concept, I'm also not down with the Internet version of shoplifting. I also understand what hits and clicks mean for a web scribe. Thus, I can't in a good conscience just cut and paste Hollinger's breakdowns wholesale. However, his across-the-NBA positional rankings are gratis to all. Thus, I'm laying out where each Laker ranked for PER at the 1,2,3,4 or 5 (the average PER is a 15.00), along with a snippet of Hollinger's analysis. If Hollinger projected a PER of "not available," it's because the Laker in question is either a rookie or played so little last season that an educated guess couldn't be formulated.
Point guards
Jordan Farmar (projected 2008-2009 PER of 16.55, 14th-PG): "Defensively, Farmar is a work in progress. He cut his tendency to pick up silly fouls in the backcourt and did a decent job pressuring the ball, but in the half court he had trouble staying in front of his man and wasn't much of a factor in help situations. His quickness did help him to the 10th best rate of steals among point guards, and he should eventually be quite good as he gains experience."
Derek Fisher (projected PER of 11.91, 44th-PG): "Fisher cashed in 40.6 percent of his 3-pointers and hit 50 percent of his long 2-pointers for good measure. Overall he had his best shooting percentage in six years and very nearly set a career high. However, there's a reason his name is "Fisher" and not "finisher." He shot only 41.6 percent on shots in the immediate basket area, the second-worst mark in the NBA, and that continues a pattern he's shown in recent years."
Sun Yue (Projected PER N/A): "The 2007 second-round pick from China signed with the Lakers, but should expect to see nearly all his action at the D-League level this year. The 6-9 lefty is a good ball handler and passer for his size and has a passable outside stroke, but his defense and general athleticism are major question marks and he's quite thin."
Shooting guards
Kobe Bryant (projected PER of 23.83, 1st-SG, 6th-NBA overall, 1st-European jersey sales): "Bryant was named first-team All-Defense, the basketball equivalent of a
player winning a Gold Glove with his bat. He's great one-on-one down
the stretch of games, no argument there, but he'll also coast for
three-and-a-half quarters to save his energy for offense. Even while on
cruise control he's not bad because of his smarts and physical skills,
and he was a much more aggressive help defender last season than in
previous campaigns."
Sasha Vujacic (projected PER of 14.09, 25th-SG): "Vujacic also did a solid job defensively. Though his lateral movement isn't fantastic, he's tough and hustles, and at his size he's an obstacle for opposing guards to shoot over. He's also a good enough dribbler to play the point in a pinch, although he hardly ever gets into the paint and isn't much of a distributor."
Coby Karl (Projected PER N/A): "Karl only played 69 minutes as an undrafted rookie, but actually played them quite well. His 17 games in the D-League told a less encouraging story, as he showed a solid 3-point stroke (41.1 percent) but had a very high turnover rate and didn't create a high rate of shots."
Small Forwards
Trevor Ariza (Projected PER of 16.90, 12th-SF): "Offensively, Ariza isn't a shooter but is a terror in transition, where he can fly up the wings to get dunks. He's also an active player off the ball who can find buckets off of other players' penetration or take it to the bucket himself on occasion. The only problem with the latter scenario is that his defender is usually playing 10 feet off of him."
Luke Walton (Projected PER of 11.91, 44th-SF): "Walton's passing ability is truly remarkable. Although he rarely penetrates off the dribble he posted the second best assist ratio among small forwards and ranked third in pure point rating. He's only average as a scorer, however, as he's a borderline 3-point shooter (33.9 percent career) and doesn't get to the line often. Additionally, he's never created a high rate of shots, and even in his career year in 2006-07 only averaged a point every three minutes."
Power Forwards
Pau Gasol (Projected PER of 20.89, 4th-PF, 18th-NBA): "Gasol didn't seem terribly interested in defense during the Memphis
portion of his season but dialed up the effort a bit once he got to
L.A. He's notoriously shy about contact around the rim and works best
with an enforcer playing next to him, but he's also a long shot blocker
who can contest drives. He's not a strong rebounder, especially from
the center spot, and bigger centers can easily muscle him out of the
way on post-ups or the offensive glass. However, his quickness makes
him a strong pick-and-roll defender."
Lamar Odom (Projected PER of 15.93, 24th-PF): "For his size, Odom is one of the best ball handlers in basketball. The
left-hander excels at taking opposing power forwards off the dribble,
especially going to his left, and if help defense comes he's an
excellent passer. Odom is below average as an outside shooter, however,
with a line-drive release, and he's not an explosive athlete, either,
so he sometimes has trouble finishing at the rim."
Vlad Radmanovic (Projected PER of 12.25, 43rd-PF): "It seems an accident of history that this guy started every playoff
game for an NBA conference champion. Radmanovic's other numbers were
below average across the board and his defense was mediocre at best.
The Lakers seemed fascinated by his combination of size and shooting
ability, much as the Sonics and Clippers were before, but Luke Walton
and Trevor Ariza both were better."
(Note: Hollinger cited Vlad's "other numbers" in comparison to his three-point shooting, which improved. His true shooting percentage was 58.3, eighth best among small forwards.)
Radmanovic had surprisingly good assist and turnover numbers for such a
weak dribbler, as he found the open man when he was covered on the
perimeter and didn't try to force the action. Although he's a truly
awful ball handler in the open court, he's learned this and rarely
pushes the ball himself anymore.
Josh Powell (Projected PER of 10.09, 54-PF): "Pressed into service as the Clippers' backup center, you wouldn't
exactly call Powell's season impressive. But despite giving up inches
and pounds at 6-9, 225, he banged bodies, held his own on the boards,
and made enough shots to keep defenses somewhat honest. In doing so,
Powell showed he can be a useful fifth big man at the NBA level."
Centers
Andrew Bynum (Projected PER of 20.71, 6th-C, 20th- NBA): "As a defender, Bynum is great around the basket because of his size --
he can block shots, controls the defensive glass and is difficult to
post up against, though one would like to see him throw his weight
around a bit more. However, he struggles to defend the screen-and-roll
and opponents typically seek to attack him that way."
DJ Mbenga (Projected PER N/A): "Mbenga's job is mainly to defend, as he's mobile for his size and has
the bulk to battle against big centers on the blocks. He can fill that
role fairly effectively in short stints off the pine, but his lack of
skill is a major impediment to his moving up the big man food chain.
Mbenga has trouble converting anything longer than a dunk and is mostly
asked to stay out of the way."
Chris Mihm (Projected PER N/A): "Mihm has the size of a true center and rebounds well, but isn't a
physical presence in post defense and struggles to defend the
screen-and-roll. He does have nice timing on shot blocks, but he may
not have the explosion to get up for them in the wake of his ankle
problems."
AK
Posted by: Xodus | October 10, 2008 at 08:40 AM
So does this mean no championship again this year?
Posted by: Magia32 | October 10, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Ex,
"That would be a good lienup, but personally, I would replace one of the Spanish twins with Bynum."
haha, oops. I forgot we shipped Marc to Memphis for his big bro. Yeah, obviously Bynum would be at the 5.
Posted by: Xodus | October 10, 2008 at 09:12 AM
JoeSixPack,
I'm not rooting FOR the team's 27 point loss, I'm saying it means absolutely nothing. Did we look horrendous? Yes, but it doesn't matter because our guys looked like they were coasting for long stretches (to me) while the Clips brought a lot of energy. Also, there are positives to take from the first two games like Pau finding his touch from the perimeter, Bynum's improvement, Ariza's hustle, Farmar's improvement.
The game was too disjointed with guys like Mbenga and Karl that can't play NBA basketball playing big minutes to be taken seriously.
Posted by: Xodus | October 10, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Jon K,
Don't worry even when the stock market is in global meltdown, Dodgers lost a win game, and Lakers losing two games consecutively to other team's rookies - the sky never fell in Los Angeles. We always have a bright smoggy day unlike your gloomy place there in Cleveland. You will notice the blog has lots of GM's, Coaches, Prophets, Prognosticators, Snake-oil salesmen with the usual complacency attuned with the laid back Lakers. According to Lamar, Kobe and Gasol preseason means working vacation.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 10, 2008 at 09:22 AM
mrbarneydangles
I tried man, I really did. Your posts over the last couple of days gave me a change of heart about Lamar. I went into lastnighs game rooting for Lamar to succeed. But I can't do it anymore.
He just isn't there. And when he is, it's just long enough to turn the ball over!
I root for the name on the front of the jersey. And I only root for the name on the back if the name on the back can help the name on the front win. In this case, I feel the name on the back is contributing largley to losses.
It is totally clear now that Ariza is our best option now.
Lamar=Coming off the bench at PF=Unhappy Lamar=Cancer=Team Destruction.=We need to trade Lamar NOW!!!!!!!!
Posted by: banner year | October 10, 2008 at 09:26 AM
>>>The SUNS put the defensive screws to the jazz in Salt
>>>Lake, then rained down some threes to soundly thrash
>>>them in their house.
Wow. You must be so proud of their pre-season record. And
all those divisional banners. Gosh, must be great to cheer
for your team like that.
It's how you play in June that matters.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 10, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Xodus,
"but it doesn't matter because our guys looked like they were coasting for long stretches (to me) while the Clips brought a lot of energy"
What I don't get is how you don't understand that this IS the problem! The Lakers COASTED, that is the concern. Heart and determination are things that cannot be taught. RosettaStone has yet to crack that market.
And I know you wrn't rooting for a 27 point loss. My point was that the Lakers didn't fight back, and that made the loss a thousand times worst.
If Kimbo Slice woulda fought back, that fight woulda been better too! LOL Same thing.
Posted by: Joe SixPack | October 10, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Good morning Lakers friends!
Its hard for us fans to distinguish a loss in the regular season to a loss in the preseason, but we need to train ourselves to watch the game through the eyes of Phil.
He could care less about the win or playing at a Championship level in game two. Its about individual player development.
PJ views it as almost a waste of time to do these games and his attitude shows in the way the players on the court play their game.
The Clips on the other hand were energized, picking fights, getting technicals and acting like this game in Fresno REALLY mattered. Are you worried about the Clippers? I'm not. They won't even make the playoffs.
I tried to ignore the poor team play and concentrate on players like AB, Ariza, Jordie, and Mihm. While also looking at the rooks and guessing who might make the squad.
I like what I'm seeing so far and am encouraged. I do feel though that the Twin Tower idea will take longer to develop than I hoped for. It might be gradually worked into as the season goes on.
Was that Rambis you could hear barking out orders during the 2nd half? I couldn't tell for sure.
Posted by: Fatty | October 10, 2008 at 09:46 AM
banner year sez:
"I went into lastnighs game rooting for Lamar to succeed. But I can't do it anymore."
Don't tell ThekobeyBryantBlitz that. He's been trying to convince us all summer that Lam-Od is a great all around playa with tons of potential.
Without Turiaf, the lakers will be at a loss for backups in the frontcourt. The way Mihm got posterized last night isn't terribly encouraging.
Posted by: BUTLER | October 10, 2008 at 09:47 AM
banner year-
I too root for the name on the front of the jersey, but its also to have some favorites on the team. I don't want anyone confusing me. I am a Laker fan before any player. I was ready to hate Kobe last year when he wanted to get traded, and will root for anyone that wears the purple and gold (even if it was Steve Nash). Don't get me confused with a Mike T like person, that aint me. But I will root for the Lakers as a whole and LO as an individual on the team. The win is the only thing that matters but I wouldn't mind LO being a big part of that win.
I will agree with everyone that Lamar has sucked during the preseason, but its the preseason...LT doesn't even touch the ball during the Chargers preseason. I bet Lamar is bored out of his mind for the preseason, even Bynum said he is getting bored of preseason now that he's in his 4th year.
I don't care when or where Lamar plays as long as he isn't a cancer and he stays a Laker. He may not be an all-star or a all time Laker great but he will help the team out more then he hurts them in the long run. Lamar won't lose any games for the Lakers by himself.
I'm going to wait until a month or two in to the season before I say that Lamar is either a failure or a success (he will most likely be somewhere in the middle). Lamar is the swiss army knife of the Lakers and will no doubt help the Lakers reach their ultimate goal, a championship.
Lamar = Laker for Life
GO LAKERS
Posted by: mrbarneydangles | October 10, 2008 at 09:48 AM
Paul Lee,
>>>I SAY WE SHOULD MOVE LAMAR ODOM/CHRIS MIHM
>>>FOR KIRK HINRICH AND DREW GOODEN
While that may seem attractive on paper, don't forget that
that increases the Lakers salaries by about 4 million and
thus increases their luxury tax by another 4 million.
And besides, if Lamar and Mihm are so bad and Hinrich
and Gooden are so good, then why in heck would Chicago
want to do that deal?
Farmar will be fine when he's on the floor with guys like
Sasha and Luke and (hopefully) Lamar instead of the
not-ready-for-prime-time Lakers (Coby, Heath, Giles,
MBenga, Crawford).
Watch the last 2 or 3 games of the pre-season. By then,
the Lakers will have cut most of the guys they're going to
cut, and the rotation will be shortened a lot and the number
of turnovers will drop and the defense will pick up and the
Lakers will be just fine.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | October 10, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Considering my comments the past couple of days, I'm obviously glad we finally got to see Pau and Bynum play together. From what I saw, the success of having that tandem on the court really has to do with what all the other players do. As cliche as it sounds, what I think the team has to improve on the most (offensively) with both bigs on the floor is their spacing and, more specifically, where the other players are at when the ball goes into either post. Too often, the bigs have no passing options, primarily because the first thing that happens when they get the ball is the teammates on their side usually clear out to the weak side. And after making their first set of cuts, the motion stops. So, the big is forced to create a shot, whether or not they should. It harkens back to the Shaq days. The triangle runs a very specific way when the ball goes through the low post like that.
Defensively, Bynum did a good job of protecting the rim and making it very difficult for Kaman or any penetrators to score. Where he and Gasol have trouble is the dreaded pick-n-roll defense where they get caught out on the perimeter and are forced to rely on their teammates rotating over to help. Those rotations last night were already better than they were the first game but their communication with each other and knowing who to rotate to is a far cry from where the team left off last year.
What also screws things up is mixing in garbage-time players with those that know the offense and defense well. The unfortunate thing about the triangle is all 5 players have to be on the same page for it to work.
The connundrum they're facing at SF is that, even though the Lakers have a number of servicable SFs, none of them are consistent. If they give you production, it's gravy but you're also going to have some poor shooting and decision-making to go along with it.
Posted by: lakers_sth | October 10, 2008 at 10:10 AM
Concerned Laker Fan,
Thanks a lot for the rundown on the game. I mean that.
You synopsis was better than anything else I could find online about the game.
Well, I'm glad the Clippers looked good, but I'm going to side with the Kamenetsky Brothers admonishment not to panic.
I'm not panicking.
We're the Lakers, not the stock market, after all.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 10, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Boy, you'd think it was midway through the season around here.
Two words, well, one word and a prefix:
PRESEASON
Look, 1st off, there is no rythym to the rotation. You got guys auditioning for the waiver wire, you've got a 7 footer to pair up with another 7 footer to complete a trio of 7 foorters. You have Kobe and Pau still getting some R and R, even if it's on the court. I would imagine that there is some confusion in the locker room as to what should be done by whom at what time.
No Vujacic, no Walton, to some it may not seem like much, but you have to remember that Luke's a glue man, who holds guys together on the court and keeps the ball moving. Most of the line ups Phil used had 3 or more slashers without a play maker in the bunch. As good as Farmar is, he isn't a play maker. He's a scoring pg, as is Fish. That's why Luke and Lamar are so valuable to this squad, they are the unselfish contributors that the team needs.
Let's not hit the PANIC button quite yet, gang. Let's give the team a chance gel.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | October 10, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Jon,
"We're the Lakers, not the stock market, after all."
That's true, maybe I jumped the gun a little bit. Because even though it may seem tough now, the Lakers do have more upside than the Clips do for the future. (although one can never overlook Thorton or Eric Gordon) The Clippers are just more complete at this time.
Can't wait for the REAL season to start.
Go Lakers!!
Posted by: (Not so)Concerned Laker Fan(Now) | October 10, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Jamie Sweet,
"Luke's a glue man, who holds guys together on the court and keeps the ball moving"
The ball moving to direction of a sure T/O, and a glue man that freezes scoring for minutes. I don't think they need Luke to save them from the morass. What they need is a whip from PJ and a threatened suspension of daily pay just like disciplining a child with no dinner, no video games, no cell if he doesn't do his homework. Don't get upset, just my twist.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 10, 2008 at 10:40 AM
The prognosis is clear from my view in AZ. The lakers are suffering post-Finals letdown.
Not to mention the question mark of a brand new front court.
The Clips have zero expectations - if they win 40 games this season, it's a success. The crushing weight of title predictions can be a burden - from what I've seen, the lakers are not trying at all, maybe just buying into what they've been reading about how great they will be, etc.
BTW, the SUNS will play the nugs on ESPN in Palm Springs tomorrow for the first-ever outside NBA game. Trouble is, violent winds are predicted and anything less than a dunk will not likely go in the basket..
Posted by: BUTLER | October 10, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Two useless preseason games, so far. Except for Trevor and Jordan, hardly anybody on the floor seemed to care. No leadership from the coaching staff or the veterans.
Sunday the Lakers play the Kings. The Kings will play like they have something to prove, even though it is a preseason game. Will the Lakers?
I hope Mitch is talking to anybody and everybody about trading Lamar. He has become a cancer and clearly has no role on this team, based on everything PJ has said. Yes, I know PJ almost speaks in tongues, sometimes, but I'll stand by my analysis.
We pretty much know who's going to get minutes and who's going to be glued to the pine or sent to the D-League (or sent packing entirely). Let's get this team into some rhythm and work out the kinks that matter.
Let's see some Laker pride on Sunday. Go Lakers!
Posted by: Rick Friedman | October 10, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Rick Friedman,
Speaking about Jordan and Trevor, isn't that a crazy tandem. When the Lakers made that little comeback, they were the ones mostly responsible.
On defense, they were hounding the ball, creating turnover after turnover for the Clippers.
On offense, my favorite play:
Jordan jacked ap a long three, it clanks the back of the rim bounced high. Vlad secured the rebound sitting on the three-point-line. Everybody, including myself, were thinking Vlad was gonna jack one of his own threes with 24 seconds on the clock.
Just before my voice could muster up the word "NOOOOOOOOOOO", Vlad wisley passed the ball along the perimeter to Trevor, who in turn, hit a cutting Farmar that easily led to free throws.
I love this Ariza/Farmar tandem.
That's why I hope we can get Lamar ready to start. We could have a really dangerous bench!
Posted by: warren with butterknives | October 10, 2008 at 11:27 AM
I haven't checked the blog the last few days. I was curious if there has been any discussion/comments regarding Shaq's Sunday conversation interview on ESPN. He had some interesting things to say about Kobe and some revisionist-history-ish comments about his time with the Lakers (and Kobe).
Posted by: JHB | October 10, 2008 at 11:28 AM
JoeSixPack,
The thing is I don't care that the team coasted during their second preseason game because really there is no reason to exert themselves. Would it be nice if they did? Sure. Is it necessary? Nope.
We were something like 2-5 in the 1999 preseason and we went on to start the season 31-5. We were 3-4 last year and were beating the Suns for the second time by Christmas. Do you remember how poorly we played last year? We played just as bad and it meant nothing.
A few years back the Raptors went something like 7-1 in the preseason and went on to win 30 something games. Preseason games aren't an accurate indicator of anything because they're sloppy and ugly by nature.
Posted by: Xodus | October 10, 2008 at 11:29 AM
CLF,
Baron's not the best player on hist team? Whatever you're on, please let me know where I can score some. Who exactly would be better?
Baron is arguably the 2nd best pro ball player in LA and was the best on the court last night.
I'm more concerned about getting quality in exchange for Lamar than the meaningless preseason. He's looked absolutely worthless. All that talent. Wasted.
Lamar=Laker until we find a taker
Posted by: htj | October 10, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Magia32,
You may feel that preseason counts. But, if PJ continues to think the contrary and coach like that, then we still can't pull any meaning from those games.
It may be frustrating, but it is true.
You can holler and scream about preseason counting all you want. But, if our coach disregards those games, then we are forced to as well.
Even both Bulls three-peat teams played horribly in preseason. I believe (if memory serves me correctly) the worst preseason team PJ coached was the Bulls team that won 72 games.
Magia32, it looks like the evidence is stacked against you.
--Fearless
Posted by: Fearless | October 10, 2008 at 12:26 PM
what happened to the lamar of the spurs series last year..the one who was motivated...aggressive and wanted the ball..the rebound the basket.
i have always felt bad for his life experiences..but to me....he hasnt readied himself or his body for this season..meanwhile everyone else had been lifting working doing their preparation...
i think lamar needs to go.
Posted by: Lakers4REalz | October 10, 2008 at 12:53 PM
so... what did I miss? Did the Lakers cut Coby Karl yet? has everybody figured out that Odom needs to be traded? I saw Trevor Ariza shoot for the first time last night, eh... I thought he was working on his jumpshot this summer? Guess not... looks like Radmanovic will be the starting SF again... what else...
Which stiff are we going to keep, Mihm or Mbenga?
I saw Sun Yue in there, I thought he had mono? Are they risking him giving it to someone else? Seriously.
Trevor Ariza is NOT the most interesting man in the world anymore... but he's an awesome guy to have come off the bench.
Posted by: Stay Thirsty My Friends | October 10, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Hey Laker Nation!
I will add my voice to the "calm down people" side. It's only PREseason - c'mon now all you "chicken littles" out there. The sky - contrary to what you're saying - is NOT falling (at least not in Lakerland). Lakers will be fine.
The good news is that both Ariza and Bynum are looking great. They will - of course - round out into better game shape, but I like what I see so far.
The bad news is that Phil's smirk looks even goofier without his mustache. I think he should re-grow some facial hair to cover that thing up. He can't rightly be called the "zen master" looking like he does now.
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 10, 2008 at 01:11 PM
Xodus,
" there is no reason to exert themselves. Would it be nice if they did? Sure. Is it necessary? Nope."
Well, I can't argue with you there. I was expecting more, but do agree with you.
Posted by: Joe SixPack | October 10, 2008 at 01:12 PM
htj,
"Whatever you're on, please let me know where I can score some. Who exactly would be better?"
Baron Davis is better right now, but that team will only go as far as Al Thorton will take them. He is the face of that franchise.
No chronic in the world could cloud that judgement.
Posted by: (Not as)Concerned Laker Fan(Now) | October 10, 2008 at 01:19 PM
Stay thirsty,
"I saw Sun Yue in there, I thought he had mono? Are they risking him giving it to someone else? Seriously."
Sun Yue is not contagous any more, bu do you know what is? The Lakers terrible shooting.
Sun shot an airball so bad last night that you would have thought it was blocked by Dikembe Mutombo!
Posted by: onetime | October 10, 2008 at 01:30 PM
But, if our coach disregards those games, then we are forced to as well.>Even both Bulls three-peat teams played horribly in preseason. I believe (if memory serves me correctly) the worst preseason team PJ coached was the Bulls team that won 72 games.<<
Yeah and? Does that mean we're going 3peat now? Did those Bulls have a 2 gaurd with tired legs and a injured pinky(I still trust though) or a center coming off an injury and that looks out of timing. Did they have 3 small forwards with the same problems (cant shoot or defend very well) or how about this one, Did those Bulls have a coach that went up n down the court yellin instructions or did they have one that just sits there with blank face on while the team gets a beating, one that just sits there banking on his past.
Posted by: Magia32 | October 10, 2008 at 01:32 PM
mrbarneydangles has become this seasons Mike T. It's unfortunate that some of us lose our minds and end up arguing with ourselves.
Posted by: Fly On The Wall | October 10, 2008 at 02:02 PM
I have refrained from commenting since it's only preseason and I didn't want to go there. However, I need to be Lamar on blast. I have to state that I am disappointed in his lackadaisical, cavalier-like, nonchalant attitude thus far and yes, I know its only preseason but your attitude to and professional approach to the game should be the same regardless. To me, that's the equivalent of Shaq saying, "I make my free throws when they count." Hell, they ALL count. Nonetheless, Lamar is one of the leaders our team and I don't feel like he is exemplifying leadership skills with his lethargic play and ho-hum commentary when speaking with regards to it..I hope he shapes the EFF up. Otherwise, I think we need to look to move him..Michelle Singletary on the Financial channel says' if its on your ass it not an asset..Lamar is ON our ass right about now! We def don't need any more liabilities going into what could essentially be a championship year..
Also, I think Bynum/Gasol with work eventually however we may have to work them into the first unit over the course of the start of the season. All things take time to work out..But I don't see those two being on the court at the same time as a disaster......
Posted by: lakersrydeordie | October 10, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Come on its the preseason!!!!!!
And trading lamar is a stupid idea...especially for Marion who we can't afford.Lamar is our fourth best player.He doesn't need to be clutch....theres no way they dont find a role for him - he's versatile.He hasnt been able to train and theres no reason why he won't be effective in the longer run.Secondly did this team not just win the western conference...if it gets that bad go with last seasons lineup plus a piece or two?
I dont really see this team being bad.
I cant see that we can get a player as good as Odom back in any trade.Who would you realistically trade him for?
Posted by: Kiwi | October 10, 2008 at 03:07 PM
So, since I missed the game, is the "Sun Yue is the next Laker Great" discussion officially come to a close?
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon K. | October 10, 2008 at 03:27 PM
Fearless,
I am laughing right now. You hit it right on the head with all these "Dooms Day People".
IT ONLY PRESEASON FOLKS and some of you have us eliminated from the playoffs already!!
Take a chill pill. We lost because Kobe is not shooting (He is trying to set people up). He knows he will get his when he wants it.
Also because we are playing all sorts of d leagers and other combos that YOU WILL NEVER SEE ONCE THE REAL SEASON STARTS.
Enjoy-
janaya
(here from the start at the Laker Blog, and every year I see the crazy predictions)
Posted by: janaya | October 10, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Kiwi,
Two questions:
Can Lamar give the Lakers what they need, taking the rest of the roster into consideration?
If the answer is no, can an Odom trade bring them what they need? It doesn't have to be "equal value", it would just need to be what the Lakers need.
Too soon to tell for sure, but I suspect the answers are "No" and "Yes."
Posted by: exhelodrvr | October 10, 2008 at 04:52 PM
Let Lamar be y'all ... this is what AK was saying when he said it's preaseason ... chill ... sure it'd be great to have ron artest here (if he's on his best behavior) but it'd also be great to have chris paul on our team ... We made it to the west finals last year, Lamar did a few things right to help get us there if I remember right ... Like wow, chill y'all, the season hasn't even started yet
NBA tv ... great highlights of last season ... they just showed kobe's 52 against dallas and guess who was 1 of d people on da clip dat had nice things 2 say about kobe .... ya very own smush parker "there's no one down the stretch that people are afraid of more than kobe" ... it's more dan skills that make a team yo ... if an ex teammate can say this imagine what da real battle tested lakers feel 4 each other ... this team will fight for one another and Lamar is a big part of that ...
He's always been eager to be a laker ... Don't get me wrong. I understand your concerns and I very much want us to win a championship this year too, I just think it'd be pretty cool for Lamar to be a part of it ... he's a laker y'all ... he's bled purple and gold
Posted by: taliq | October 11, 2008 at 02:26 AM