What's in a name?

Video every day from training camp. How fun is this???!!!!

I think the train has left the station.

GOOOooOOOO LAKERS!!!!

My apologies for posting something that's not lakers' related.

I HATE BOSTON!

First thing I thought when I heard Pau got traded to the Lakers was what kind of roster this was going to bring when 'Drew was back. The most logical decision I thought was to move him to the 6th man role (to shore up the second team).

This is why I have to disagree with Phil a bit (or maybe it's one of his mind games?) that Bynum will not average a lot of points. Many people are implying that with so many scorers on the team, Bynum will average less. I think this is incorrect logic, I believe he will still average 15-18 ppg.

The person who will lose shots/points is LO. Bottom line is, is that LO does not have a strong offensive perimeter game. If he was moved to small forward, he would get less boards AND less points because of the required spacing of the triangle AND the fact the LO does not have a consistent outside shot.

If you moved LO to a 6th man role, he would get less points just by the fact that he would have less PT. But at least he would still get a good amount of boards and there wouldn't be as much concern about keeping the ball distributed to other people (he would be the best rebounder on the second team, probably the best scorer too).

Now with the proposed moved to point forward, LO will still get less boards and less points. At point, of course he will get less boards because he'll be further from the basket, and I already talked about less points because his lack of an offensive perimeter game. But at least he will get more assists. Once one of the big men get a d-rebound, the first person they will look to to lead the fast break will be Odom. And he will already be in position, even in better position than he was before, to lead it.

I expect Odom to average 10-12 ppg, 4-5 rpg, 6-7 apg at point forward. If he played 6th man, he'd probably be getting 11-13 ppg, 6-8 rpg, 3-4 apg.

Regardless, his stats will drop. The only way it will NOT drop is if the Twin Towers project doesn't work, and that is highly unlikely. Bynum is a lock to play at center over Pau or anyone else. And Pau is too basketball savvy to not understand how to make the switch to PF. The biggest concern here is for Pau to develop more mid-range moves, which are already not bad (but not as good as his post moves).

I think they need to try the Triple Towers thing for Odom's feelings, and I also think it will fail from a lack of outside shooting. I just have a hunch that the optimal lineup will work out to be Fish/Kobe/Ariza/Pau/Bynum. I think Ariza can knock down more wide-open looks than Odom, and there will be a ton of wide-open looks when Kobe, Pau & Bynum are on the floor.

O.J.Simpson found guilty, yee haw I love it. Nevada is not L.A. . But the land of justice and cowboys, true Americana. Yes sir amen. I hope they hang that bloody murderer.But a life sentence is fine with me !!!!

I agree with dave m. The media is putting WAY too much emphasis on this Jackson/Odom spat. Why? Because its the Lakers and the media loves drama... especially drama surrounding the Lakers.

I'm going to have to do some Bio-Chrono readings again, but there are some players that Phil Jackson should NOT be doing mindgames with. Playing mindgames with these players will NOT be helpful. Trust me on this.

1. Vladimir Radmonovich
1. {Tied for first, but SLIGHTLY less than Rad Vlad} Andrew Bynum
2. Lamar Odom

I don't care how much a Zen master psychologist Phillip Jackson thinks he is. With these three players (but PARTICULARLY Vladimir and Andrew--both are trust-orientated) insidious mindgames will be very destructive. I am dead serious about this.

With Rad Vlad and Andrew Bynum, Phil Jackson simply needs to be trustworthy and exhibit faith in these players. In Biblical terms, Phil's "yes" should mean "yes" and his "no" mean "no". It need go no deeper than that.

Period.

GO LAKERS!

Boston - beautiful and very provincial. One of the truly great college towns in the world, and the hoagys are superior to NYC, Philly, or any northeastern city that boasts the best slimy subs. Boston's main problems are two-fold: First, Boston is a city that is on the way to nowhere in particular - you don't go through Boston to get anywhere, and so it is a dead-end backwater of thought and action (sort of like a religion). Secondly, with the greatest city on Earth just 212 miles away, Boston has developed an extreme inferiority complex towards NY that has resulted in a caustic mind set of readily offered opinions that are unchanging in the face of truth or logic. "Masshole" is new to me, but "taxichusetts" is the term that is mostly used to describe what has been said to be the most hands-in-the-coffer state in the union. Boston is united against everyone and everything - could be why Boston is the holder of the latest NBA championship.

Lakers - You want the title? Scrap this beach cities vibe you've got going. You want to go into Boston and win? Take off the bathing suit and Maui Jims and lay some pipe in East L.A. Quit getting facials and get in someone's face. Stop cruising in your gangsta lean and start driving the lane. God Damn, you're pretty but you're weak.

What happened to the tinyurl standard? ugh.

I'm troubled by the LO controversy.

Coach Jackson knows what he's doing in creating it. I don't get it, the controversy.

Why does PJ do these things? Communicate in public to key players 'through' reporters? With negative thoughts about Lamar?! To a player, it is the ultimate embarrassment. There are better ways to do it, to communicate.

'He might not be a starter', 'he's out of shape', 'he's never been motivated to play'?

I know PJ has his reasons. He wants LO to reach his potential and be the best he can be, which would be pretty darn good. Humiliating a player in practice to motivate him is one thing, but in public is another.

PJ wants to win, we know it. But to win without honor, by disrespecting your men who you want to perform for you is going to far.

Maybe that statement is a bit too strong. Perhaps Dr. Phil thinks he's just being the clever man he's supposed to be.

This year is going to be special. We know it, the Lakers know it, and for sure Phil knows it. So he plans on pulling out ALL the motivators, from 'PJ's Book of Tricks'.

The Lakers will win a Title this year. But Jackson's ego won't let him win just another Championship. He would not be content with that. His 10th ring must be a statement to his legacy. All the bases will be covered, this team WILL BE his greatest achievement.

And to win it, he MUST be at his cleverest best, even if it means hurting people on the way. Sometimes we can be too clever for our own good.

His method may work, but the end doesn't always justify the means.

Fatty - Who still thinks PJ is a great coach, but doesn't like some of his methods.

Fatty,

"Who still thinks PJ is a great coach, but doesn't like some of his methods."

Exactly.

GO LAKERS!

Dave,

>>>>>I've always liked Lazenby's writing but I think way too much is being made of >>>>>the Jackson/Odom stuff... it's really pretty weak and I doubt it would get any play
>>>>>at all except for the fact that this training camp has been such a lovefest that
>>>>>Jackson's decided to throw a little chum in the water just for giggles.

I too have always enjoyed Roland’s articles, especially his long time friendship with Tex Winter, whom I respect immensely. Of course, you have to love conspiracy theories and Machiavellian moves as well as be a student of basketball history to really appreciate Roland’s love-hate relationship with Phil Jackson. In a strange way, I think Roland may actually be right in his weird interpretation of what Phil was trying to accomplish with Lamar – but I doubt we will ever really know. It’s part of Phil’s mystique. And as you suggested, I think he sometimes does things just because he is bored. LOL!

I must say, however, as a long time Lamar fan, that I am really disappointed that he did not follow Kobe’s and Drew’s lead and really work on his body and his game during the offseason. Lamar should have learned from the Finals that talent and desire alone are not enough to enable you to compete when you are on the sport’s highest stage. Imagine if Lamar worked on going to his right or on his outside shooting with the energy and fervor that Kobe and Drew apply to their game. Count me in with those who are becoming a little disillusioned with Lamar. I hope we are wrong but I fear we are not.

Tom

I love this team. I mean I know you all love this team, and ain´t talking about trolls or haters, but the The Truth this year is not a player... is a team: Los Angeles Lakers. If healthy nobody is gonna stop them.

And getting into the talk, how would you see Pau numbers this year? Is it posible that he changes a loaf of his doubles for a good number of triples? because now he can handle the ball to Bynum whom as you know ain´t Mbenga or Ronny. Assist per game will raise too. But I see him scoring 2 or 3 points less a game (nothing to worry about anyway).

Fatty,

>>>>> Fatty - Who still thinks PJ is a great coach, but doesn't like some of his methods.

You can sign me up on that bandwagon, Fatty. I suspect Phil was just trying to challenge Lamar to prove he is a starter and Drew to prove he can be a 20/12/3 player. But there are better ways to do that, as you pointed out. The ends don’t always justify the means.

What we all need to remember is that Phil is NOT always right. Just remember how much wasted time and effort went into the Smush Parker and Kwame Brown failed experiments.

Tom

Jman449,

>>>>>Because, I think we will need something more than a Tyson Chandler or a
>>>>>Marcus Camby, we will need a 20 & 10 type performer.

Well said. The Lakers came up short on the toughness meter both on offense as well as defense against the Celtics in the Finals. We could NOT stop the Celtics from driving the lane for easy layups and we could NOT finish at the rim. We need the 20/12/3 version of Drew in order to take the championship back from the Celtics – not the 10/12/3 version. Our need to be tougher is not just limited to the defensive end. It includes our offense.

I think Pau Gasol is one of the top 10 power forwards in the league but anybody who thinks that he is a better option than Andrew Bynum, who is the #3 center in the NBA today, has forgotten the great footwork, moves, and blend of finesse and power that Drew demonstrated on offense last year. Drew is our second best offensive option right now. His game devastates and demoralizes opponents. Ask Chris Kaman or Amare Stoudemire.

What sets Drew apart from all of the centers in the league today is his strength and ability to dominate at both ends of the court. The way for the Lakers to be a dominant team is for them to control the paint and boards at both ends of the court. Drew shoots the best percentage on the entire team. Inside out power basketball is how the Lakers are going to win the NBA championship. Kobe and Drew are the Lakers Batman and Robin. Not Kobe and Pau.

The A-Train will make them obey. 20/12/3 and the All-Star and All-NBA Defensive Team!

Tom

Tom,

I agree about the Roland/Phil stuff but what never ceases to amuse me is the elevated L.A. platform for innocuous remarks... in other words it's about the messenger, not the message. Of course, Odom himself has been a lightning rod since prep days... he's always been blanketed by the expectations game.

The micro-dramas that are now playing out will fade and be replaced by others... some undoubtedly larger... and there's no way around it in such a huge media market. It's all good and entertaining for now and it gives us stuff to talk about. Pretty soon though we'll be into the season and I'm pretty sure it's gonna rock. We have a team that's fully loaded and any worries about who starts and who gets the minutes, are luxuries in my book.

Ben,

Get a late pass. Phil's code has already been broken. Roland is the first one I've heard touch bases on it since I guessed it weeks ago. Lamar was never going to ride the bench. Phil is just prepping Lamar for changes that are ahead.

Jackson wants Kobe at the three!

Jackson wants Kobe at the three!

Now say it with me:
"JACKSON WANTS KOBE AT THE THREE!!!!!!!!!!!"

If Lamar can't work around that schedule he will be gone.
And
If you see Lamar go to the bench, ebay that #7 jersey quick because a trade's a comin'!

Robyn,

>>>>>Actually, the way some people gave too much credit to PJ's wisdom remind
>>>>>me of the movie, "Being There" (1979, Peter Sellers), a satirical story about
>>>>>a gardener who rised to prominence because people misinterpreted his simple
>>>>>statements as deep thinking wisdom. Yes, Phil is good coach, but he is not a
>>>>>genius as what some people are portraying him to be.

I am not so sure that Phil is not a genius although we know he is not perfect thanks to Smush and Kwame. But “Being There” has always been my favorite Peter Sellers movie, especially the scene where he gets into an elevator for the first time in his life and as the door shuts makes the comment that: “This is a very small room.” LOL.

People interpreting statements from a simpleton as deep thinking wisdom is something we unfortunately confront every day in real life. Not just in the NBA.

Tom

Kbros

You've lost the formatting on the right side of the frame. Can't see any of the words over there.

Benjamin,

>>>>> You're missing the point with Phil's Bynum comments. The point is that Phil
>>>>>doesn't want him focused on scoring because we will not need it. They want him
>>>>>to focus on defense and rebounding and score when it comes naturally.
>>>>>Obviously, if Bynum scores 21 points a game Phil will be fine with it.

Good to see you back in the blog, Benjamin. I do disagree with your comments to 130 as I firmly believe that the Lakers DO need Drew’s low post dominance on offense. Our lack of a pure power inside game was a key factor in not being “tough” enough to beat the Celtics. We had nobody in that series that could score with authority down low. Pau and Lamar were both intimidated down low. We had as big a lack of toughness on offense as we had on defense. Drew needs to balance things out at both ends of the floor.

I do agree that Phil will be fine if Drew scores 21 points per game PROVIDED that Drew still grabs12 boards and blocks 3 shots and plays within the offense. My difference with Phil is that he did not need to insult Drew by ridiculing his goal of 20 points per game. Drew has been very clear that he understands his primary responsibilities. But he will get his touches because he is the center in the Triangle and because he will be a beast on the boards and the primary target of every penetrating Laker player. The ultimate stupidity would be to ignore Drew’s offense and play from the outside in rather than the inside out. We saw in the Finals what happens when you do that.

The A-Train will roll over the rest of the NBA. 20/12/3 is the center we need to win.

Tom

Fatty,

>>> Fatty - Who still thinks PJ is a great coach, but doesn't like some of his methods.

Sorry, but I think Phil is too reluctant to use his Zen psychology on this team. I'm glad he's trying to light a fire under LO.

Odom is one of the most talented players of his generation, but you'd never know it if you weren't a Laker fan. Not only does LO fly under the NBA radar, he's a chronic underachiever. I'm not talking about his stats. They testify that LO is a triple-double waiting to happen. It's simply that the guy isn't clutch. When the chips are on the line, he disappears.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Lamar is mentally weak. Here, he may have a chance to help his team by coming off the bench, but his brain isn't strong enough to overcome the emotional letdown.

Whether he plays PG, with Fish sliding to the 2 and Kobe to the 3, or whether he plays PF coming off the bench, Lamar needs to get his head around the need to deliver for his team, whatever his assignment. Not just every other game, but 85% of the time or better.

Phil is sending Lamar a message that LO is not capable of delivering to himself. Call it a mind game, if you will. But LO can use the mental exercise to become stronger.

thekobebryantblitz,

Bio-Chrono does not lie!

But, yes, someone like Rad Vlad will play better when he's angry AT THE OPPONENT!

I'm not saying that Rad Vlad doesn't have issues. Who doesn't, quite frankly? Still, he and Andrew are trust orientated and those qualities are clearly important to them.

GO LAKERS!

Dave,

>>>>> I'm hoping you're wrong on Odom as far as his future with the team goes...

Hey, I’m in the same spot as you are. I love Lamar and what he brings to the game when he is on and I thought he had his best year as a Laker and played far better than given credit for. And I think he is the glue player that the team needs with so many stars and scorers. I will be rooting for Lamar to get it together and have a career breakout year.

But I cannot continue to ignore the fact that Lamar just has not really worked on his game during the offseason ever. I have given him a pass on that for various reasons, including the death of his son and injuries. But this is his contract year and he knew he would be the focus of the Lakers in resolving their logjam at small forward. His future as a Laker was on the line and he didn’t make the effort to come into camp in shape. That is very disappointing.

Tom

Jon K,

Haha about the Bio Crono thing hehe. So 100% accurate, I think so far the only that things 100% is taxes.

You missed the point though. PJ made Radman angry in order to be motivated as in " I want to prove you wrong PJ!" in that Sacramento game. That was the attitude that Radman had in that game, unfortunately he never really sustained it. A motivated Radman could easily become as good if not better version of Peja. If Radman actually has fire in him he could easily take away the starting spot of SF from Lamar and Trevor.

Tom,

I won't say your numbers are wrong, heck it could happen. But to average 110 points at the same time of limiting opponents to 95 points a game? I disagree. The Bulls who won the 72-10 record had their offense at 105.2ppg and their defense held their opponents to 92.9ppg. The 1999-2000 Lakers when Shaq was motivated, in shape AND in his prime scored 100.8 ppg and their defense held teams to 92.3 ppg. I just don't see us scoring 110 points per game and at the same time holding teams to 95 points per game.

-blitz

AK and BK

Is it true that the two of you have a deal with PJ in that he'll make curious, infuriating, unhelpful statements about Laker players or management or both in exchange for you guys laying off him in the blog.

Regarding the whole question of how much weight to in statements made this early in the preseason, I'd come down on the side of taking everything with a big grain of salt. There are certain issues- LO coming off the bench!, for example, that are easy to blow out of proportion. The fitness thing with him is more interesting, but in terms of the other stuff, I'd generally let things play out before making big assumptions. They've been at it for less than a week.

BK