Like Stella, Andrew Bynum seeks to get his groove back
Before the season kicked off, most "pundits" labeled Andrew Bynum's return to action as the potential difference between the Lakers hoisting an O'Brien and retaining Bridesmaid status (or lower). With two months and change now in the books, Socks' presence has definitely been a positive, but perhaps not to the dominant degree that everyone had hoped. Certainly not enough to make either the player or his coach entirely satisfied. Mustering a consistent level of energy has been a challenge for the young big, whom Phil Jackson acknowledges is still learning a lot about the game.
Among the lessons still in need of schoolin' is the notion of bouncing back when the going gets tough. For now, Drew isn't above hanging his head when things don't go his way. Similar to his recent hesitation before bringing the ball up to the rack, it's a habit PJ would like to see broken.
The good news? Bynum has an immediate opportunity to get on the right track this evening against the Portland Trailblazers while squaring off against Greg Oden. The eldery faced, majestically bearded rook has steadily improved since an unimpressive debut against the Lakers, lowlighted by an ankle injury suffered minutes into the contest. In particular, he's done well on the road, so Bynum will have both his hands full and the chance to help his squad in a big way.
A FEW ADDITIONAL QUICK THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BLAZERS
- No Brandon Roy (sprained hammy) probably means Rudy Fernandez in the starting lineup. And while the Spanish rook ain't no Roy, he ain't no joke, either. In two games as a starter, he's averaging 13.5/4/2 and is coming off a 19 point effort against the Hornets where he went 6-11 from the field and canned a trio of treys. And like we saw this summer during the Olympics, he's not easily rattled, meaning a match up with Kobe isn't likely to scurr him.
- Like a lot of players and fans, LaMarcus Alridge has grown tired of Kevin Garnett's intimidation antics. Unlike many, during
Portland's recent win against the Celtics, the Portland PF shoved back
in the final minutes, matching KG's elbow with a slap to The Big Ticket's dome. I've always loved this kid's game (and BK is practically on the verge of naming his first child "LaMarcus," male or female), but like many, I may have underestimated his toughness in the
past. - The Blazers average about twenty trey attempts per game, thirteen between Fernandez, Steve Blake and the absurdly long-armed Travis Outlaw alone. Unfortunately for the Lakers, they tend to drill 'em. Guard that far line, kids.
- The Lakers destroyed Portland on national TV to kick off the season. Wouldn't be shocked if that provided motivation of sorts during the rematch.
- Steve Blake kinda has the look of a dude that, if he didn't have pro athlete caliber skills, would divvy his time between cooking meth in Bakersfield and selling it in Fresno. Nothing of relevance to take away from that observation. I'm just saying.
AK
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The Lakers shouldn't take the Blazers lightly even without Brandon Roy. They have always given the Lakers fits over the years. I predict the Lakers to lose. The Lakers should stick to their game plan. As for Andrew Bynum, I don't know if that bone spur is affecting him right now. Before that bone spur, Bynum was playing pretty well.
In other news, I was watching old highlights of Caron Butler in a Laker uniform. The dude has game and I always wonder what could have been had we kept him. I know everyone says we would never get Pau but if you think about it there's a possibility that we could have still had in our starting lineup: Fisher, Bryant, Butler, Odom, Bynum. Oh well, I still think we can get back Caron.
Posted by: never | January 04, 2009 at 10:58 AM
From what have you done for me lately section?
Portland lost at home to NOH on Friday 92-77
They shot 39.7 and were 4-17 from the 3 line.
Notables:
Lamarcus Aldridge was 5-18 against West.
Blake was 2-8
Fernandez 6-11
Outlaw 7-13
They had 16 assists to 13 TO's, plus were out rebounded by NOH.
They play off on the road as most young teams do, where they are 8 & 9.
They will really miss ROY tonight.
Like the Times said, should be fun watching Oden an AB going at it.
What I would like to see?
Pau getting his loyalties right.
Pau hugging Fernadez before the game then knocking him on his butt the first time he comes into the lane.
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Looks like KGs getting quite a new rep:
http://tinyurl.com/9tq4ok
Charlie Rosen says KGs new resolution should be:
"KEVIN GARNETT — While I understand that Larry Bird established trash-talking as an accepted mode of expression for any Celtic player who's won both an MVP award and a championship, I acknowledge that my in-game taunting of opponents is way over the top. In addition to keeping my mouth shut, I promise to avoid throwing gratuitous elbows (especially during timeouts). And I resolve to stop acting like a jackass."
Posted by: Mob Wagoneer | January 04, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Bynum's still young...the hot-blooded stallion needs to cool it and play like a center.
But I can't wait until this game. :) We're going to win, but the Blazers will probably expose some weaknesses defensively. Too bad about Brandon Roy, but as you said, Rudy's nothing to scoff at.
As for BK naming his kid LaMarcus--I've got my fingers crossed the mother doesn't kill you, but you never know.
Posted by: Cactus Berry | January 04, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Lakers v. Blazers...Gee, I wonder if the refs will allow Portland to play six men on the floor against LA`s five?
No?
Oh, that`s right, I "lost" my head! The league only allows outrageous cheating to take place against Boston!
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | January 04, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Never,
You are absolutely correct when you say that Portland can potentially be a dangerous team for the Lakers.......ESPECIALLY NOW THAT LUKE WALTON IS STARTING!
If ever there was a need to spread the floor against an opponent......Tonight is it!
Portland's bigs matchup perfectly with ours which means Gasol nor Bynum will have a clear advantage on either end of the floor against Odom and Aldridge.
Portland starts Batum but Outlaw off the bench is extremely long and athletic........
Phil Jackson needs to establish Kobe Bryant often and early against this team and Fernandez........Kobe should be ultra aggressive early tonight not just to shoot the ball but to cause the Blazers to adjust their defense to either double or triple Kobe on the floor. This adjustment should enable more opportunities for Gasol, Bynum and Fisher. Gasol receiving the ball on the move and Fisher spotting up.
Usually you hear the adage "move the ball" something that AK/BK love to say..........but they miss an integral part to that equation
In order to effectively "move the ball" you must establish a point of attack on offense or a mismatch to cause a double team...........THEN....move the ball to an open man.
This is normally done by being able to penetrate and break down the defense off the dribble or establish post position. The ONLY player the Lakers have in the starting lineup to do this is Kobe........thus his aggressiveness is key.
The more minutes and time Luke Walton gets early will make any attempt to carry this plan out that much more difficult.......at least on the offensive end. Why do I say this?
Kobe needs shooters on the flloor with him in order to spread the floor for driving and passing lanes to keep the defense honest. Otherwise with Walton out there I see a lot of sagging and stagnation in the offense early which may get the Lakers off to a slow start and give Portland momentum that could last for the whole game.
Unless Walton who is 14 months shy of 30 years old can somehow become......a 48% 3-point threat..........We could see problems early............and that's just on offense.
On the defensive end Walton's liabilities amazingly loom even larger because Portland is the No. 1 team in the NBA in offensive rebounding.
This Portland team is very athletic and quick to the boards with Oden, Aldridge, Batum, Outlaw, and even Fernandez all very active.
Would you trust Walton to be effective with keeping these guys off the boards?
Phil Jackons's rotations and substitution patterns will be key to this game tonight. Will Phil call timeouts if Portland gets it going early? Will Phil continue his strange obsession with Walton?
Will Phil focus on establishing Kobe early and encourage Kobe's aggressiveness........even if he miss shots early?
Phil will have to have a very short leash with Walton tonight especially with the Cobra lurking.
Let's Go Lakers!
Posted by: pfunk36 | January 04, 2009 at 12:17 PM
The sign of a quality team?
Bad calls are part of the game, and I admit, that was one strange call up in Portland.
But one bad call in the 1st half no less, that gave the Blazers 1 pt. that's all, 1 itzy, bitzy little point should not have made any real difference in the game.
As we now know as Doc said, the Celtics let that call get into their heads and 'bothered them' ALL game, so they couldn't perform in a 'quality way'.
I'm sure if we reviewed game tape (I have it on good authority the C's have tried to destroy all tapes; they played THAT BAD) you would find bad calls both ways, I'm sure, that lead to Free Throws for both teams.
The REAL reason the Celtics can't admit to themselves they lost was because they played so bad in a game they should have won with the scrubs.
Do the math. If the Celtics could have held onto at least a few boards, they would have won the game. That should be the fair analysis as to why they lost, lack of effort and hustle on the boards.
Quality teams admit it when they lose and correct the problem, not cry like babies. (see Phx Suns after every play off loss)
Celtics - Living in the past, losing in the future
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 12:33 PM
Yoo Hoo!
Cleveland lost to the weak Washington and Orlando lost to the weak Toronto.
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Hey pfunk will you continue YOUR obsession with Luke Walton? (haha)
Remember it was Luke Walton that was starting against the Celtics and Paul Pierce didn't exactly eat him up like Radmanovich.
LTLF was right you probably are Luke's stalker (yikes).
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 04, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Regarding Pau...If he doesn't make the All-Star team, there really is no justice. He's only been the best player on one of the top two teams in the league.
Regarding AB...I'm still not too worried. It hasn't been 40 games yet with his knee. It might take till next year before he is back to 100%.
Also, I think that with the mind games PJ has been playing with him, it is not surprising he hasn't flourished. It is a pretty well known fact that PJ doesn't trust young players and he has little use for them. I'd bet that if the Lakers had DRose, he would be coming off the bench until PJ taught him how to "Learn the triangle", and also "Play the right way".
Posted by: Eric M. | January 04, 2009 at 01:10 PM
Two of the big 3 in the East went down today....Cleveland lost to the Wizards 80-77 and the Magic lost to Toronto 108-102.
As I type this, the Lakers have the 2nd best record in the Association.
The Wizards always play Le Brawn & co. tough. They had them beat on Christmas but blew it in the end. They held Cleveland to only 77 points and outrebounded them 52-35 today. Le Brawn was impressive, 30 points and 10 assists, but had 7 turnovers. Cav coach Mike Brown got ejected when he took umbrage with a call against his meal ticket (Le Brawn).
Toronto was able to overcome a 39 point effort by Dwight Howard as Chris Bosh made all the big plays down the stretch.
Now, if the Knicks can somehow beat the Celtics today at Madison Square Garden, The Show will have a chance to beat Portland and emerge with the best record in the league at day's end. I know that's a big if, but the Knicks play a good game every so often. I hope today's the day.
GO DREW!!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 04, 2009 at 01:12 PM
"Steve Blake kinda has the look of a dude that, if he didn't have pro athlete caliber skills, would divvy his time between cooking meth in Bakersfield and selling it in Fresno. Nothing of relevance to take away from that observation. I'm just saying."
Dude that made me laugh because I have always shared that thought. Glad I'm not alone in that observation!
Love that Aldridge smacked the back of Garnett's pate. He needs to be smacked! Curious to see if he brings that tonight and what the bigs'll do if he does. It's one thing to get fired up with your sworn enemy and quite another to get fired up about Portland.
Gameday! I'm hoping they bring energy and D when they come, 'cause they're gonna need it.
BTW Red, I'm totally loving your bitterness towards the refs for the POR game your cloverleafs lost. There's a certain amount of satisfaction in seeing how your team likes it. I hope we get you in the finals again because I seriously want to completely annihilate you and your sorry green cloverleafs who will go crying and whining into the night once they figure out their wheelchair antics ain't gonna win it this time. So quit your cryin' and basically shut up.
To quote someone else on this blog: "That is all."
GO LAKERS!!!!!!
I LOVE LA!!!!!!!!!!
ps - saw a guy in the store with a Lakers championship hat on and totally loved it. Don't see much of that here in AZ. It was great!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | January 04, 2009 at 01:19 PM
RED'S LOVE CHILD,
The Blazers got ONE point out of that. Plus the Celtics were still leading by 5 at that point. If they were such a great team they wouldn't have gotten rattled, and instead would have used a bad call to motivate them. Plus, Portland was playing without Brandon Roy, their closer and best player. And I saw the game, so don't tell me the refs didn't more than compensate the Celtics with about five very favorable calls down the stretch, in classic Paul Pierce style: drive, get to the middle of the floor, fall down, get a foul called on the player defending me. With Paul Pierce it happens most of the time at the end of close games, where they get bailed out by very nice calls from the officials. It happened in the Indy game in OT, it happened in the Atlanta game when Pierce hit the game winner, it happened all fourth quarter during a GSW game in Boston where the Warriors had led most of the game, and by double figures, but Boston was able to win.
Posted by: laker hopeful | January 04, 2009 at 01:20 PM
RED`S LOVE CHILD
So what's your excuse for losing to Golden State and Portland!!!
Aaaaarrrhhh!!!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | January 04, 2009 at 01:21 PM
I'd bet that if the Lakers had DRose, he would be coming off the bench until PJ taught him how to "Learn the triangle", and also "Play the right way".
Posted by: Eric M. | January 04, 2009 at 01:12 PM
LOL....Eric M. Although the Lakers probably wouldn't have drafted DRose because the "triangle doesn't require a true point guard".
I'm no Phil basher...I think he's a great coach. I just don't happen to think he's always right. LOL!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | January 04, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Eric M:
"It is a pretty well known fact that PJ doesn't trust young players and he has little use for them."
1) That is only half true
-and-
2) That is not always the case.
Plus there is coach who really doesn't like young guys: Larry Brown.
Bynum is simply not performing. No mind games otherwise Jackson wouldn't have started Bynum. No excuses, Kobe had knee surgeries in the past and played 100%. He had legal problems and attended court the next day yet he played at a high level the same night.
Bynum is passive. It doesn't take a whole year to recover mentally otherwise what will he think when the next injury occurs?
He isn't bothered much by the knee, he's fine. If he is he should get over it.
Kobe does so much to play through tons of things from injured shoulders to tendinitis in his knee. Why give Bynum a double standard?
-blitz
Posted by: kobeblitz | January 04, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Blitz,
Admit it...Luke sucks. I admit he has been playing OK as a place holder until PJ gets around to putting in TA. You act like he is up for 6th man of the year or something. I'll continue to repeat myself until we get rid of him, or he assumes he place as 10th man on the bench. He is slow footed, can't jump, can't shoot, can't finish, and can only guard slow players. Luke is a nice guy, gets a nice assist every so often, and is a worthy mascot but nothing more.
The only reason he plays is because of PJ's obsession. I think it goes back to a Grateful Dead concert in early 1980 when PJ and the big redhead were sharing a doobie, and a women and Luke happened. At first neither knew who he belonged to, but after Luke grew hair and dimples, it became clear. I think it is pretty clear thought that PJ still feels a "Responsibility" for Luke.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 04, 2009 at 01:30 PM
Blitz,
"1) That is only half true
-and-
2) That is not always the case."
You write what's above which implies PJ half the time will use a young player. Then you ignore it completely.
What young player has PJ EVER mentored, and played. And not BENCHED at the first rookie mistake. I can't think of a single one. Maybe when he was in the CBA...Oh yeah they were all young in the CBA, he didn't have a choice.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 04, 2009 at 01:41 PM
Wallace,
We welcome ALL the support and understanding from the base @ times of dire need... and believe me... I see your point!!!! I've had the same feeling of frustration w/ AB 'cause he's got everything needed to become a GREAT center AND has the greatest Center/Scorer mentor/instructor of ALL TIMES at his beck and call!!!!! Just how special do you need to be to have that @ your disposal????????
And YES, We all agree AB is not evolving as fast as WE would expect him to.
Having said that, WE ALL KNOW AB is a 'diamond in the rough' and it's going to take "some polishing" to get him in Grand Marquis Shape and ready for the Hall of Fame. LAKERS have invested a lot of $, time and effort on AB and HE KNOWS HE'S UNDER THE ELECTRONIC MICROSCOPE and has to step it up.
I AM CONVINCED AB is making an honest - although, for many of the TRUP, lackadaisical - effort:
Physically - he's STRONGER (no longer wearing his knee brace) and an undeniable presence around the rim.... Mentally, AB has to toughen up and STOP POUTING and FEELING SORRY FOR HIMSELF when things don't go his way!!!!!! HE'S GOT TO FOCUS AND LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES AND TAKE CHARGE, i. e. PROTECT THE RIM AGAINST AND FROM ALL ENEMIES - C's, SG's, PG's - (FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC)!!!!!! and he'll be GREAT!!!!!!!
BASED ON MY REVELATION, I KNOW FOR A FACT THAT DREW WILL FIND HIS GROOVE!!!!!! and you can quote me on this.... ALL The SUPERMEN in the NBA won't be a match for him!!!!!!!!
Just think, even the #1 Draft pick - Greg Oden is still trying to figure things out!!!!!!! TODAY should be an interesting match bet. these two BIGS!!!
KEEP THE FAITH. AB WILL NOT DISHONOR OUR COLORS. HE'LL BE ALL WE EXPECT HIM TO BE!!!!!!! LOL
GOOOOOOOLAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | January 04, 2009 at 01:45 PM
Blitz,
Regarding AB and that his knee is FINE and that has NOTHING to do with his play.
I want to say, first that I think you are a good blog member, and I enjoy your posts. I want to say that up front because my next comment is going to sound like I'm "Ripping" you and that is not the case.
I have thougt for a long time reading your posts that you never played sports in your life. You were probably in the band, or writing for the school paper. No...Little League, and Freshman Football don't count. Many of your posts lead me to believe this and now the one about "the knee doesn't matter".
If you've ever played major sports and had a knee injury, you would know that your comment is just PLAIN DUMB. Many players have taken a year or two to recover from a knee injury mentally and/or physically. Some NEVER recover. I DON"T know if that is the problem with AB, All I said was that after 30+ games, it doesn't worry me yet. If it is still happening next year at this time, I too will criticize AB with you.
Posted by: Eric M. | January 04, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Carlos Deep,
Please do not leave posts that string long series of letters or exclamation points. It stretches out the formatting of the blog and requires us to either edit the post (which we're not supposed to do) or just not push it live (which isn't ideal, either). Just a few extra letters or bits of punctuation will make the point just as clearly.
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: kambrothers | January 04, 2009 at 01:56 PM
Red's Bowel Movement wrote:
>>>Oh, that`s right, I "lost" my head! The league only
>>> allows outrageous cheating to take place against Boston!
WAH WAH WAH!!!
My team lost some games and it couldn't possibly be that the
team didn't play well, so the refs must have thrown the games
WAAHHHHHHHH!
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 04, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Carlos Deep
"HE'S GOT TO FOCUS AND LEARN FROM HIS MISTAKES AND TAKE CHARGE, i. e. PROTECT THE RIM AGAINST AND FROM ALL ENEMIES - C's, SG's, PG's - (FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC)!!!!!! and he'll be GREAT!!!!!!!"
.......(FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC)!!!!!!
That's a great line, worthy of a columnist take. Were you ever in the Marines or Army to be so inspired? lol
The sentiment I certainly share. AB needs to be a bit meaner and tougher, Army tough to be exact.
We always wondered if he had the mean streak, until we saw what he did to Shaq on that fateful day, dunking on Shaq, then viscously attacking him with a push (a little stretch) but we ALL saw the potential.
http://tinyurl.com/9sz6h2
The kid needs a push to get that desire back.
PJ as coach needs to pull out the 'Boxing Trainer' part of him, like Mickey Goldmill did for Rocky, to bring out the passion in Kid Bynum.
That's all AB needs, is some re-gained passion and desire, and everything else will fall in line.
Posted by: Fatty | January 04, 2009 at 02:36 PM
Eric M,
>>>Admit it...Luke sucks. I admit he has been playing OK
>>>blah blah blah
When they win the championship this season with Luke starting
I'm sure you'll still be bellyaching. You and pfunk. The rest of
us will all be celebrating how the Lakers TEAM won a championship
and how Luke was part of that TEAM.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | January 04, 2009 at 02:46 PM
RED`S LOVE CHILD "Theory of the year 9"
So what happened in 1949
1948-49 Minneapolis Lakers Washington Capitols 4-2
Trust a Boston fan not to check their facts!!!
Aaaaarrrhh!!
Angry_Laker
Posted by: Angry_Laker | January 04, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Eric M,
1) When Jackson has young players who can play consistently, he plays them. You can look at the Chicago years for plenty of examples.
2) You are forgetting that Jackson's teams are always competing for the playoffs, and almost always in the discussion of likely title contenders. So the young players that he gets are not going to be high draft picks, and he also doesn't have the luxury of being able to give them extended play if they are not producing, because of the playoff implications.
3) Jackson gives young players plenty of chances; when they don't play well enough he limits their playing time for awhile, and then gives them another opportunity to prove themselves. Bynum and Farmar are perfect examples.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 04, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Lakers v. Blazers...Gee, I wonder if the refs will allow Portland to play six men on the floor against LA`s five?
No?
Oh, that`s right, I "lost" my head! The league only allows outrageous cheating to take place against Boston!
Posted by: RED`S LOVE CHILD | January 04, 2009 at 12:07 PM
===========================
Welcome back Red's Love Child or aka Butler aka LGC's
Still can't find a team to support that is better than the Lakers?
Suns failed, Celtics and refs cheated in playoffs but they are getting exposed now.
Good luck trying to cause disruption of Laker love on uur blog. Go back under the bridge.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | January 04, 2009 at 09:40 PM