Caught in the Web: Andrew Bynum trade reactions and other Lakers links
Even if Lakers center Andrew Bynum expressed indifference about the team's supposed interest in shipping him to Toronto for Chris Bosh, readers of the Lakers blog certainly didn't have the same reaction.
It became the most discussed topic on the comments thread throughout Sunday's post, and the speculation continued during the Lakers-Bucks Live Chat.
Regardless of whether you think the deal is a good idea or not, much of the follow-up analysis expressed skepticism over its feasibility. Aside from considering that reported trade rumors aren't always definitively accurate, The Times' Mike Bresnahan notes that Bynum is one of the Buss family's favorites. But, you may say, the NBA is a bottom-line business. Well, Brez also adds the money variable complicates the likelihood that such a trade would happen:
The Raptors would assume $29 million of guaranteed money for Bynum over the next two seasons and a possible $16-million team option for 2012-13 while the Lakers would have their own headaches with Bosh, who can opt out of his contract after this season and become a free agent. They would re-sign him, presumably, but would have to shell out more money for the 25-year-old power forward than Bynum was scheduled to make, pushing them further into high-end luxury-tax territory, which already was making them squeamish."
ESPN Los Angeles' John Ireland and Dave McMenamin second the notion that the numbers don't add up. Even if this deal doesn't make dollars and $ense, feel free to continue the discussion in the comments section below.
More Lakers links:
---Lakers forward Ron Artest has played in four games since his infamous Christmas night concussion that sidelined him for five contests. Yet, The Times' Broderick Turner notices Artest hasn't been the same since then. That includes Artest and Lakers Coach Phil Jackson with differing explanations on why he was taken out of last night's game. Artest finally relented: "The Zen master is never wrong."
--The O.C. Register's Kevin Ding says there's another reason -- a simple thing called injuries. Ding reports that Artest is playing with plantar fasciitis in his right foot and with a sore left foot.
--The Times' Mark Heisler explores what exactly the Lakers miss with Pau Gasol's absence because of a sore left hamstring. The main answer is that he keeps Mamba in check. Lakers fans should hope that happens soon. Gasol plans on traveling with the team for its two-game road trip against San Antonio on Tuesday and Dallas on Wednesday, but he told reporters he felt pain after running on a treadmill Saturday, making his recovery timetable still unclear.
--Basketball fans, including myself, are learning more things about the medical field as Kobe Bryant's right index finger worsens. Forum Blue & Gold's Kurt Helin tries "putting the finger on Kobe's shooting woes." What a difference there is between tape and a splint.
Tweet of the Day: "Looked like Kobe was talking to the ball after that last floater clanged off the back rim. You'll try anything when you're 2-for-18" -- mcten (ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin).
-- Mark Medina
Follow the LA Times Lakers blog on Twitter.
Ditto on the medical acknowledgment by us all.
LakerLand: where Doctor House would like to wander and see what happens.
Posted by: ZairaAmaterasu | January 11, 2010 at 11:28 AM
- I can't understand those who continually criticize and doubt our Finals MVP. He's played hurt and has adjusted throughout his entire career like no other player in the history of the game. He's won championships when doctors recommended surgery. He gives every ounce of his soul into the game. Seriously, what more do you nit pickers want? If you somehow had a loyal, intelligent, and loving super model girlfriend with a degree in culinary arts and the Kamasutra, who also loved the Lakers and drinking beers, would you be complaining every day about her slightly elongated left toe? It's time to appreciate what you have.
- Bynum actually hustled for rebounds and played some solid defense last night. I'm not sure if I'm happy he played well, or if I'm upset that last night's game showed how lazy and unmotivated he has been all year.
- What more does Shannon have to do to earn more playing time?
- I want to get excited about Farmar's improved play, but I've been fooled before with Luke and Sasha's elevated play during their contract years, and I'm not going to buy that fool's gold for the third time.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | January 11, 2010 at 11:42 AM
Under those dire circumstances on the extent of their injuries, we should applaud Kobe and Artest for trying it out there in vain, playing in pain and trying to help the Lakers. They don't have in their vocabulary to surrender to pain and be a captive patient of injury. I'm just speculating if this type of injuries happened to Shaq, Drew and/or Walton, they would try to get a rest based on their doctor's prescription. Those people who have low tolerance with pain should not don the purple and gold, they are not true spartan but a bunch of bounty hunters where the money is. lol!
Indeed, the numbers don't add up until Bosh signifies his amount of contract together with the Lakers superstars in the long run. However, the quality of brand is not found in Bosh or in Bynum. Lakers will always find good players besides these two stars perhaps not in the immediate future but always, NBA best players want to be identified with the Lakers during their career. With modesty aside, sometimes it is the highlight of their career once they play with the Lakers. They are always asked or always talk about their time about the Lakers.
Having said that, let them play at any contracts and let the chips fall in its place. Money is reward for playing good not vice versa. Lakers is the brand and the standard and its fans have made indelible relationship tested by time. Drew and Chris are not indispensable but the reputation of our team, Lakers is somewhat irreplaceable. Roll the dice and see what happens.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | January 11, 2010 at 11:48 AM
I think a Bosh trade is unlikely, and wouldn't address the Lakers' two primary needs - perimeter defense and perimeter shooting. Anyone know the Bucks' Redd's injury status? The Bucks may want salary relief on that - shipping Morrison's expiring contract for Redd, and he's be a great shooter off the bench. One problem solved.
Posted by: East Coast Dodger | January 11, 2010 at 11:50 AM
I hope this kid knows how good he has it here and accepts that his time will eventually come cause if he can just flip a switch and get 18 rbs than he should be able to do it almost every night and if the effort keeps lacking than his days are numbered and more and more fans (and rightfully so) will start turning on him... and then lakertom will one day be the last man standing and even he will have no choice but to jump ship. LOL!
Posted by: yellofever | January 11, 2010 at 11:10 AM
It is a shame some Laker Fans don't know how fortunate they are that have an Andrew Bynum at 22 yrs old. In America everyone wants instant gratification but I am sure the Buss family see the same thing I, Pete Newell and LakerTom see. The potential to be great. In reviewing his short career with 2 major knee injuries I would have to say if you take those injuries away he truly would be a BEAST TODAY. Being a KID who is very smart this Laker Fan is not worried about his attitude. At this time in his career Laker Fans should only wish for 1 thing from Bynum this year...Get through the season w/o an injury. THAT IS IT! If he does that we just might have something special in this KID.
BD
Posted by: BD | January 11, 2010 at 12:14 PM
Why not accept Bynum his role? In Twins worlds, Pierce = Bryant, Rondo=DFish, Allen = Odom, KG = Pau and Perckins = Bynum. I think that is the real World. Drew, that is your role. Period.
Posted by: ricky | January 11, 2010 at 12:24 PM
LakerTom,
tsk. tsk. tsk. The one thing that I have continually talked about on this blog is
the character of our players.
Nowhere did you see me say anything negative about Bynum's play last night.
I thought he did a GREAT job!
I called him out for his *character* in that he lied about his motivation.
What would you like me to say about a 5 yr. multi-millionaire veteran who:
1. On two separate occasions this season has displayed more effort when
Pau was out than when Pau was in.
2. Confessed to a lack of focus while Pau was in.
3. Does not vehemently reject the idea of not wanting to be traded. He said:
"I'll play anywhere. ... I’m always mentioned. I think it’s a good thing."
How would you like me to respond/feel?
FYI, Lamar's response was that he did not want to be traded. That he thought
he had done a good enough job to stay.
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 11, 2010 at 12:24 PM
hobbitimage....
about Bynum...
he's young, he's been pampered, he's been mentored, he's rich, he barely played in high school, he's on a team that has probably more drama than NBC,ABC, etc...... .....there's too much going on in his life to "hit it" He needs to just grow up.....he may act mature in interviews, but by his play, he definitely has a different agenda....
Posted by: humanomaly (aka "The Anti-Crust") | January 11, 2010 at 01:08 PM
the numbers add up if it was bosh and marcus banks for bynum, sasha and morrison.
wouldn't the lakers be better trying to get al jefferson and ricky rubio from minnesota? bynum and rambis worked together extensively, they want to trade jefferson and there's no way they are signing rubio. lakers get their point guard of the future as well. works for both teams.
Posted by: JEF | January 11, 2010 at 01:21 PM
I have a hard time seeing this deal actually coming to fruition. Peter Vescey is a notorius rumor monger and the NY Post is about as reliable as Fox News' take on current events.
More likely, Vescey is stirring the pot to sell papers. Glad i don't have to take part in a blog/newspaper that feels the same.
Not only does the money not add up, but it's silly for the Lakers to take on Bosh without more years guaranteed in purple and gold. I don't see the Buss' throwing that much money at the team, because the money spent over the cap is doubled as a penalty. But I'm pretty sure we're all of us savvy on that point.
Mainly, I think Bynum functions better with Gasol than Bosh would. Bosh is a face up, agile, quick power forward who can hit from 20' in. Gasol is a face up, amidextrous, agile, quick power forward who can hit from 20' in. Having Bynum operate around the rim gives Gasol the option of taking his man further out from the hoop. You don't want you two 7 footers hanging out around the free throw line all the time (OK, maybe Don nelson would), waiting to start their offense, so having one operate at the mid post and one in the true post gives you a better chance to get the ball in good scoring position or to rebound.
Most importantly, neither of them features as powerful a game as Bynum has. Bosh is probably a bit more athletic than Gasol, but he doesn't get up like we've seen 'Drew get up. Although I haven't seen too many Raptor games over the last few seasons, so he may have more hops than he's shown against the Lakers.
I think this trade would add a redundant piece to an already deadly Laker team, give up on one of the younger players with a bright future in the league, and weaken the team chemistry mid-season by having to integrate a player not familiar with the fundamentals of the triangle offense. People may well point to Gasol and say, he fit like a glove. But Gasol has always been regarded as one of the more cerebral players in the league and he's a fantastic passer which helps a lot in our system. I can't really say the same about Bosh.
Keep the Beast.
Posted by: Jamie Sweet | January 11, 2010 at 01:26 PM
"Nowhere did you see me say anything negative about Bynum's play last night. I thought he did a GREAT job!"
I thought so too Hobbitmage I personally that is his best game the entire season. Yes you heard me say it the ENTIRE SEASON.
Not in November when he was a stat filler dude and didn't care about defense so he could have his precious 20+points. He played at BOTH ENDS of the floor which he should have done the ENTIRE season not just 1 GAME/MONTH.
I'll take it with a grain of salt still considering 1) Milwaukee isn't a high caliber opponent team and 2) It is a home game.
I dare Bynum to put up consistent production against the Celtics ESPECIALLY in Boston. I'll be happy when/if he does.
I knew the Bynum STANS would just piss their pants off at last night's game. LOL. Put it against an ELITE team aka the Cavaliers in Cleveland this time.
As was shown in Christmas:
37 year old Shaq OUTPLAYING a 22 year old Bynum LOL!
Posted by: KB Blitz | January 11, 2010 at 01:36 PM
If Bynum would get as angry at his opponents as he does at the referees then maybe he could be more consistent each night. I saw him screaming at the refs the other night during the portland debacle and thought if he could just direct that emotion and energy at beating his opponents then he would be all right.
Posted by: Mike G-Man | January 11, 2010 at 01:54 PM
East Coast Dodger, Michael Redd has reportedly suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament and torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee last night, ending his season. He suffered the same injury nearly one year ago to the day (Jan. 24)...his career may well be over.
Posted by: jefe101 | January 11, 2010 at 01:57 PM
Jamie,
- - - - - - - -
>>> Keep the Beast
-
That was a classic “sweet” post, Jamie. Could not agree more with you. No way Buss is going to ante up over $10M more per year in salary and taxes for a player who doesn’t fit as well or have as much potential as Drew.
- - - - - - - -
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | January 11, 2010 at 02:18 PM
humanonly,
you wrote: he's young, he's been pampered, he's been mentored, he's rich, he barely played in high school, he's on a team that has probably more drama than NBC,ABC, etc...... .....there's too much going on in his life to "hit it" He needs to just grow up.....he may act mature in interviews, but by his play, he definitely has a different agenda....
my response: haven't we been using "youth" as an excuse for 5 years?
re: too much going on in his life. Are you *really* going to accept that as an
excuse? If Sasha or J-Farmar or S-Brown had said that, for "5 YEARS", would
you still accept that? If Kobe had said that 10 years ago, would you have
accepted that?
you wrote: He needs to just grow up.....he may act mature in interviews, but by his play, he definitely has a different agenda....
my response: I agree. The question is, how long will it take for him to grow up?
If any of our other players exhibited this type of behavior/attitude wouldn't
we all blow a gasket? When Kobe asked for a trade, didn't everyone flip out?
Shouldn't we hold Bynum to the same standard that we hold the rest of the
team to?
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 11, 2010 at 02:20 PM
yeah, i'm having a hard time getting excited about this topic. LAKERTRUTH- so do you have this girls phone number? Cause some of us guys have a thing for slightly elongated toes.
and the thing i keep saying about trade conversation- IF we trade a player has a lot less to do with how we feel about the player than it does with WHO WE CAN GET for a player, and for how much.
Bynum for lebron? Sure. Bynum for Pete Newell? No. it's easy, and there is very little potential for many, many long and repititious comments....oh, right.
alright, well, i'll check back in in a few days if there is a game or something happens.
Posted by: phred | January 11, 2010 at 02:33 PM
I'm guessing I'll be in the minority, but it's my feeling that Kobe, Gasol and Artest should sit out until they are as close to 100% as reasonably possible. If that means losing 75% of the games from now until February, so be it. Who cares if the Lakers drop to 10th in the ESPN Power Rankings? What seed the Lakers end up with is largely irrelevant. Sure, home court is nice. But one fewer home game per series isn't a big deal to a battle tested championship team. They've shown they can win on the road when necessary.
What IS relevant and what WILL make a big difference is whether or not these three key pieces are healthy and juiced up enough for the playoffs and the end-of-the-season push that comes before it. It's a secondary benefit, but it would also give the bench the time to play, to gel and to gain the confidence that could prove helpful come playoff time.
That picture of Kobe's finger from the last thread was just nasty, and that's not even the finger that's bothering him. If Kobe's finger situation gets any worse he'll have to pull a Strongbad ( http://homestarrunner.com/sbemail63.html if you have no idea what I'm talking about). Seriously. Scouts present at the Laker-Blazer game saw the finger bothering Kobe so much he was shooting by just flicking it off his middle and ring finger, which is a damn near impossible way to shoot.
As for Artest, concussions are serious things and take time to recover from. And plantar faciitis may be the most underratedly painful injury in sports. It's awful. I've had it.
And as far as Pau is concerned, hamstrings are finicky injuries that linger and linger and are prone to reoccurance unless you're careful with them. Though people may see Pau as some pansy compared to the uber-hero Kobe, I prefer Pau's way. Let it heal and come back when you can give your normal contributions.
As much as I respect Kobe's legendary ability to play through pain, Kobe isn't doing himself or the team any favors by playing with his finger in that much pain. If he insists on playing with it (which of course he would), I'd like to see him at least look to distribute more and have some confidence in his guys that they'll pick up the slack.
Posted by: puddle | January 11, 2010 at 02:53 PM
did somebody just invoke the name Marcus Banks??? Are we allowed to give IQ tests to players before completing trades? You think Nate Robinson is dumb... well... say hello to Marcus Banks, the man who aspires to one day be as wise as Nate Robinson... uh, Marcus Banks in the triangle? I think... not... you see, I'm doing the thinking for Marcus on that one too...
Posted by: Dallas Raines' Hair | January 11, 2010 at 02:55 PM
"Shouldn't we hold Bynum to the same standard that we hold the rest of the team to?"
According to the Bynum STANS Hobbitmage we shouldn't because Bynum is the next Wilt Chamberlain/Kareem because he learned from Kareem. It is also believed that he is the MVP of the league already...All-Star MVP even though the All-Star Game hasn't happened yet...is the DPOY...and is already better than Kobe/Lebron/Wade. To keep it up like Janis Carr did that he is already comparable to Bill Russell and he is ranked ahead of Shaq of all time NBA players because as an 18 year old he dunked on Shaq.
The difference between those who overrate vs those fans who know the two players on this time who never take a game off (KB and PG).
Anyways he's young so he can talk all he wants! He's 22 years old! When at 25 years old lets keep on blaming the knee injuries and he hasn't played high school ball that much.
Doesn't that excuse get OLD Hobbitmage?
Posted by: KB Blitz | January 11, 2010 at 02:55 PM
WHen evaluating Bynum's potential for reaching his potential, consider what percentage of the players who show the same signs at his age/time in the league actually change their attitude/focus, and how many continue along the same general path they have established.
Which do you think is more likely to occur?
Management's answer to that, combined with their level of confidence in his knees, will determine whether or not they try to trade him.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 11, 2010 at 03:00 PM
Bynum/Gasol vs Gasol/Bosh
I have to take Bynum/Gasol. We need Bynum's presence on D. We need Bynum's length on O.
Bosh is a great player, but it wouldn't fit right. If we were to get Bosh, trading Gasol for him would make much more sense.
Go Lakers!
Go Chargers!
Keep the Beast!
Posted by: Rocky | January 11, 2010 at 03:03 PM
KB Blitz,
exhelodrvr, I agree.
Is it too much to ask that our players give it their best every night?
If Landry can lose a few teeth & Kobe plays with bad fingers, can't we get
the Wunderkind to show some enthusiasm for playing for the Lakers?
Posted by: hobbitmage | January 11, 2010 at 03:11 PM
Bucks' Redd out for season after injury to left knee.
Terrible news for him, he always comes to play and competes hard for a low-talent franchise. Much love to him, hopefully this won't spell the end of his NBA career. I really wish the Lakers had found a way to bring him in, a dead-eye shooter of his caliber would have helped spread the floor. Grant Hill is going strong at 37 after looking like his career was cut short, let's only hope the classy Michael Redd can do the same...
Posted by: CyberCosmiX (aka the ORIGINAL LakerMike) | January 11, 2010 at 03:30 PM
Some questions regarding Bynum versus Bosh:
- Who will give us the best chance at winning the title this year? - BOSH
- Who will give us the best chance at winning the next 3-4 titles? - BOSH
- Who is better now? - BOSH
- Who will be better in 5 years? - TOSS UP
- Who will be better in 10 years? BYNUM
- Who will better maximize Kobe/Artest/Pau/Lamar's window of opportunity?-BOSH
- Who will create better spacing in the post? - BOSH
- Who will help offset our team's lack of speed? - BOSH
- Who will have better chemistry with Pau? - BOSH
- Who once said that Pau and Bynum cannot play together because the combo is too slow - JERRY WEST
- Who will defend, rebound and hustle regardless of who's on the floor - BOSH
- Who will help more in our pick and roll defense? - BOSH
- Who does Phil Jackson like more? BOSH
- Who does Jim Buss like more? BYNUM
- Who has more potential? BYNUM
- Who is the bigger injury risk aka the bigger gamble? - BYNUM
- Can we win a championship withour Bynum? - ..duh..YES
- Can we win a championship with Pau at center? - YES
Peter Vescey is a tool, but if this trade is somehow out there, than it is an absolute no brainer.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | January 11, 2010 at 03:57 PM
"If you somehow had a loyal, intelligent, and loving super model girlfriend with a degree in culinary arts and the Kamasutra, who also loved the Lakers and drinking beers, would you be complaining every day about her slightly elongated left toe?"
- LAKER TRUTH
Dude, Laker Nation loves Zaira in spite of her left toe thingy.
Also, for all you wearisome, non-stop, anti-Bynum yappers, I am reminded of an appropriate Arab saying: "the dogs bark, and the caravan moves on."
On to Texas...Go Lakers!
Posted by: CornerJ | January 11, 2010 at 04:04 PM
Bynum for Bosh: Bynum is on his way to becoming the best center in the NBA (sorry Dwight Howard) however Bosh is already one of the best PF/C.
Why the Lakers SHOULD do it: There is no guarantees that Bynum and Pau can thrive together, at least Bynum. Bosh is PRETTY DAMN GOOD, he just became the leading scorer for Toronto history (OK, they don't exactly have the Celtics history) and is also their rebounds & blocks all-time leader.
Why the Lakers SHOULDN'T do it: Bynum the softest hands for a 7-footer in the NBA, he is already a top-3 center even at 21, he will improve for the forseeable future, the Lakers already have Pau, the Lakers main need is probably at point guard.
As for Ron Artest, a concussion is pretty serious thing, just look at all the attention the NFL has been placing on concussions this season. One can take weeks/months to get back to normal after one, you can experience not only dizzyness like Artest has, but slowed reactions and disorientation.
Seems that Ron's concussion was pretty serious, he was literally out cold, knocked-out. I think he'll gradually start coming around, but it may take some time. There is no doubt in my mind that is what has been affecting his game since he's come back, I think he'll slowly start coming around and his game should improve as he does...
Posted by: CyberCosmiX (aka the ORIGINAL LakerMike) | January 11, 2010 at 04:07 PM
BTW I remember getting knocked cold before, suffering a concussion after a fall off a 2nd story that cracked my head open & needing stitches similar to Artest. It took me a few weeks to start thinking 'right', it just felt like my mind was cloudy for a time afterwards. Reactions were slowed too, not so much dizzyness but kind of off kilter. I could tell that my mind wasn't thinking right, thats the weird and annoying part of it, it so different than other types of injuries.
Again, I really have no doubt that Artest is still suffering from his concussion, that is why we've seen his game lack since he's come back. He needs some more time to start coming around...
Posted by: CyberCosmiX (aka the ORIGINAL LakerMike) | January 11, 2010 at 04:19 PM
Kobe's hurting the team. At 18% shooting and 17 missed shots, he needs to be slapped upside his head and told, Yes, you're the best player in history but stop shooting unless you're wide open and within 10 feet of the rim. You are hurt so either rest your finger or don't shoot, be a decoy, passer, facilitator, etc.
Posted by: Riding Pine | January 11, 2010 at 04:46 PM
{Lakers Secret Agent Jon K. Reporting From DEEP Behind Enemy Lines In The Frozen Gray Wastes Of Northeast Ohio Beneath A Frozen Rusted Out Hulk Of A Big Rig Truck Surrounded On All Sides By Wild-Eyed LeBroniacs, Their Beards And Hair Encrusted With Frost While Wearing "Witness" Sweatshirts And Gutterally Murmuring "Trade! Trade!"}
Hey all.
So, word is on the street that the Cavs are interested in making some trades. One is for Antwan Jamison for Z Ilguskas, that one's being talked about in the press; the other potential trade is more startling:
Shaquille O'Neal for Chris Paul.
This trade makes no sense to me, but here's the internal logic as communicated to my mislead LeBroniac brother-in-law:
More important than winning a Championship this year (which it is believed that Shaq is necessary for to get past Orlando and Boston) for the Cavs is keeping LeBron James for the healthy future of the Cavs.
To do that, the Cavs need to communicate to LeBron that the Cavs are a team worth sticking with in the future. The carrot that the Cavs' managment want to dangle before LeBron is Chris Paul, the reason being that LeBron and Chris Paul are very tight. I guess in the offseason Chris Paul flies up to Akron and just hangs out with LeBron at his house.
So, that's the word on the street: Shaquille O'Neal for Chris Paul.
Personally, I think that the LeBroniacs have lost their fricken minds. I mean, they already have a point guard at Mo Williams?!?!?
When EVERYTHING becomes about keeping a player at the potential expense of a Championship, then a team has really lost its way. Despite what David Stern (aka "The Sith Lord") has publicly stated, LeBron James is simply NOT the Greatest player ever. Not by a longshot.
[End Report]
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 11, 2010 at 04:50 PM
I hope Artest and Kobe get some rest when Pau & Luke return but I don't see it happening before then. Maybe Artest because he'll beg out. Kobe won't.
We need Pau and AB to learn to play with each other onthe floor. PJ should build some plays where Pau passes to AB or passed to someone who then passes to AB. Pau and AB should be on the floor with the Lakers' best passers, LO, Luke, a healthy Artest, DFish. PJ needs to tell Jordy to pass to AB when he's in their w/ Pau.
Posted by: Riding Pine | January 11, 2010 at 04:51 PM
CP3 for an over the hill Big Cactus? Dang, that's as close a deal as you can get to the Kwame for Gasol trade.
Posted by: p ang | January 11, 2010 at 05:06 PM
If we get Bosh, he's a free agent next year, and there is no guarantee that he'll stay after this season. The Lakers already have the highest payroll in the league, and Bosh won't take a paycut when he could probably get 20 mil+ on another team.
Posted by: buddy monk | January 11, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Wow you guys attack Kobe. You are seeing one of the greatest players day in and day out to ever play for the lakers. I have seen all the laker greats. Chamberlain, west, baylor,Magic, Kareem, Worthy. This guy is the best. I have never seen any player in any sport shake of injuries like kobe. He shows up with broken and chipped bones, strains, tears, after being on intervenous all day, the guy is the toughest son of a gun I have ever seen play.When all is said an done it would not suprise me if his numbers are not greater then jordans.Plus he takes no crap from the other lakers out on the floor. You better be ready to play or you will be dealing with Kobe.Last playoff season kobe was on the bench midway thru the 4th. quarter. Kobe kept wanting to get back in the game. Phil kept telling him not yet.Just seeing that type of intensity is so rare. Kobe is a winner.
Posted by: mel counts scores | January 11, 2010 at 06:10 PM
Bynum is only 22 years old. The last 10 games or so before his injury last year he was scoring 30 to 40 points a game. He has had season ending injuries the last two years. It would not be a suprise to see him take off in the second half of the season. He is learning on the job and if Pau is out an extended period of time Bynum is going to be the key in the middle. Kobes shot is affected from injuries so the lakers are going to have to pound the ball more inside to beat the better teams. When the playoffs coming, excluding any season ending injuries the lakers will step it up.
Posted by: mel counts scores | January 11, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Jamie Sweet - "Peter Vescey is a notorius rumor monger and the NY Post is about as reliable as Fox News' take on current events." - that pretty much says it all!
Jon - that Shaq/Paul rumor seems odd to me as well, but more so for NO than the Cavs... what on earth could NO gain from such a thing (apart from a couple hundred pounds)?
Posted by: dave m | January 11, 2010 at 06:38 PM
mel counts,
"The last 10 games or so before his injury last year he was scoring 30 to 40 points a game."
Not so much. Check your stats.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | January 11, 2010 at 07:11 PM
This is what I would like to see from Andrew this season. I live in portland I am a laker fan and everything and I attend another beating by the blazers on friday night. What I noticed from from andrew is this at home he is really really comfortable when it comes to the game of basketball the energy, effort, defense, the ability to play high iq. But when he goes on the road he thinks too much, he isnt aggressive enough to look for his shot or he forces the issue. I saw multiple attempts against portland where he looked like a goofy big man ruuning up and down the court and did not attack the paint. Last season we watched it as well in the playoffs and I thought this year he would improve on it but clearly he hasnt. He needs to learn how to do the amazing stuff he does at home and take it on the road and play like we know he is capable of playing. Until then Pau being out really hurts us because we depend on him to get us the down low points because Andrew still hasn't found his way yet to help out on the road. That is my thoughts on #17
Posted by: Ryan | January 11, 2010 at 07:17 PM
dave m,
Shaq likes the South; hates the North.
Something like that.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 11, 2010 at 08:14 PM
Laker Fambam,
All I'll say about Bynum is that he better and he must play the way he did last night on a consistent basis. He needs to bring it on both ends of the floor and most importantly learn how to play alongside Pau Gasol even it means just grabbing boards and playing solid defense. For now his offense will be a bonus, but we need more of what he did last night.
I'm for any trade that will improve team chemistry and help us win titles because that's the bottom line, winning. As much as I like and support AB and I wish for him to succeed, no one player is bigger or greater than the team. I believe that the Lakers will and should do what is in the best interest of the team. Last night is what I've envisioned AB doing night in and night out, but he has to get his mind and attitude right. It's squarely on his shoulders to prove his critics wrong and help the Lakers become a stronger team.
I've always said that Drew has a lot to improve upon and that only he can answer the questions concerning his character, passion and team approach. If PJ can stick with him, so can I. But he's got to give us more than he has so far this season. Hopefully last night was a sign of things to come and not an aberration.
Go Lakers!!! Purple and Gold forever!!!
Posted by: Nemaia Faletogo | January 11, 2010 at 08:15 PM
If the Lakers have the opportunity to get Chris Bosh for AB, I believe it is a deal the Lakers need to take a hard look at. I know the Lakers may incur a higher luxury tax hit with Bosh, but the fact that winning 3 out of the next five championships is a probability, is worth the risk.
The facts are as follows:
a.) Bynum tends to only play well when Gasol is out of the line-up, and all of us plan on seeing a whole lot of Gasol.
b.) AB's inconsistent play and laziness quite often is also nerve-racking and not good for the team. Continuing the excuses that he is only 22 is irrelevant because he is in his 5th year, long enough to be consistent and reliable.
C.) Injuries are always lurking considering he has been injured for nearly 70% of his basketball career dating back to grade school.
D.) Finally, Bosh's game is far more superior than AB in all facets of the game.
Posted by: m | January 11, 2010 at 11:27 PM
Two words that best summarize Bynum: "Damaged Goods". He will never be that player we saw at the end of '07 when he was training rigorously with Kareem. Now all he does it partying with girls every night, he no longer has the hunger and desire to become superstar. His conditioning is worse than ever, half of the time he couldn't get back on defense. His knees are two "Ticking Time Bombs". The dude has no work ethics, most of all he doesn't even work hard in games, he expects everyone to pass the ball to him when he refused to fight for better low post position to get the ball. If you Lakers fan watch the games, Bynum would mostly try to set a screen by the 3 point line rather than post up to get better position for scoring.
This guy will always be a second string center. Every NBA starting center is playing better than him. Like Kobe once said, ship his a?s$s out.
Posted by: Lawrence | January 12, 2010 at 12:50 AM
Secret Agent Jon K, this rumour about LeBronze getting CP3 on Crabs serving admittingly scares me.
Although he's a total crazyhead, Paul's style of at Times irresistibly genius play pleases me and I think that combined with Espn's PrincessJimmy power and strenght would be actrue treath (I don't know if James has IQ enough to' get Paul's fast play, but still I prefer never have to' discover that...)
Crabs know they aren't fit to reach finals not even this year, giving our Green Enemies the advantage of a safe rotation, and still considering Magic and even Miami above them. Talkin about Miami, I hope this mix between James and Paul never EVER reaches Miami. That'd be really scary, at least in my eyes...
CornerJ, you cute;) though I can't really be' that girl: I am crazy but totally teetotal. No beer buddy in me, sorry. On the other side all my toes Are fabulous and for being 5'9" gotta also say my feet are pretty petite;).
Posted by: ZairaAmaterasu | January 12, 2010 at 04:32 AM
Bynum for Bosh doesn't make sense.
Bosh can't play defense. Kevin Garnett is heads and shoulders better than Bosh. Bosh is too light a player, too finesse. When he plays against Kevin Garnett, Bosh is limited to becoming a jump shooter. At 6-10, he is too small and light to play center. Imagine Bosh against the aging Shaq - Shaq will push him around easily. Dwight is to strong for Bosh. At Power Forward, Pau is better than Bosh. At Power Forward, Lamar is as good as Bosh.
At $20 million a year, Bosh breaks the bank. It doesn't make sense financially when Kobe is going to cost $20-29 million and Pau already costs $20 million. You can't afford THREE HIGH PRICED SUPERSTARS. Andrew is a bargain at $10 million a year.
What needs to happen - which hopefully it is - is for Bynum to simply play more aggressively at the offensive and defensive side of the court. Then all the critics can go away.
Posted by: james katt | January 12, 2010 at 05:49 AM
puddle,
"And plantar faciitis may be the most underratedly painful injury in sports. It's awful. I've had it"
How long did it take you to recover from it?
I'm woefully uninformed on this specific type of injury.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | January 12, 2010 at 07:50 AM
I hope the Bosh-Bynum trade does not happen. Gasol is already beginning to show the wear and tear of a championship run/and playing for his country this summer. We are going to need Bynum as we go through the year. If Gasol continues to have health issues as the season goes on, who plays center when he misses a game? Bosh and Odom are versatile, but as power forwards who can cause matchup problems with their ability to handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter. If we play Boston, Orlando, or Cleveland in the finals we better have some big bodies. We are not building a fantasy team, we are preparing for another run at the title! Bynum will be fine,the guys just turned 22! He could very well be playing his senior year in college right now. Everyone is freaking out because he hasnt been effective with Gasol in the lineup, chemistry takes time. The job of getting Pau, and Andrew working together falls on Phil Jackson. I personally think that we do not pound the rock inside enough and take too many contested jumpers from the perimeter. I wish Kobe would make an effort to get the bigs involved early and then assert himself as the game goes on. I compare it to running early in football games to set up the play action later. It's no secret that Bynum is more aggressive when getting early touches, Gasol is the best passser on the team so it makes sense to get the ball inside to our bigs early.GO LAKERS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: jim | January 12, 2010 at 10:59 AM
The article makes mention of Bynum being a "Buss family" favorite. Correction: Bynum is a Jim Buss favorite and Jim Buss will likely take over when Jerry decides to hang them up. (Writing the last sentence just gave me shivers.)
That said, Bynum is becoming a prima donna with his actions. He is motivated only when he gets the ball (so he can pad his stats), but plays indifferently or does not bother to contribute in other areas when he doesn't get the ball or when Gasol is in the lineup. If someone says he's still young and will develop, I'll say yes, but remember he's been in the league for 5 years and with that attitude I'd say it's not worth it, so it would not be a bad idea to consider trading him. The Lakers need to win championships now while the window is open and Bryant still at or near his peak. I'd say trade Bynum for someone who can play without the ball and who is willing to consistently grab rebounds, block shots and do some of the dirty work on offense and defense. The Lakers will likely not get a consistent effort from Bynum, who probably thinks greatness comes by playing offense only with defense mainly an afterthought.
Posted by: ecat124 | January 12, 2010 at 12:04 PM
I know that all of us are spoiled by our team and only want to WIN games and championships but common sense should dictate that things don't always turn out the way we want.
I really enjoy reading everyone's opinions regarding performance, statistics and players. However, jumping on the "WIN OR BE TRADED" Bandwagon is NO WAY to support out team, our coaches or the effort of the Buss Family to give us the best that money can buy.
PJ 'The Ring Master' knows how to bring out the best in his players and I know everyone agrees he's done an extraordinary job throughout the years. So, no reason to fear bloggers!! We WILL get there with our current roster.
We don't need to trade ANYBODY... least of all ANDREW BYNUM!! The ONLY TRADE I WOULD CONSIDER would be BYNUM FOR A KOBY CLONE!! If this trade is unfeasible... put it to rest. AB is staying put.
GOOOOOOOOLAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Carlos DeeP | January 12, 2010 at 12:41 PM
I am rooting for this
Trade: Adam Morrison + Jordan Farmer for Andre Miller
Trade: Adam Morrison + Jordan Farmer for Andre Miller
Trade: Adam Morrison + Jordan Farmer for Andre Miller
Trade: Adam Morrison + Jordan Farmer for Andre Miller
Trade: Adam Morrison + Jordan Farmer for Andre Miller
Do you guys think Portland would make this deal? This will address Lakers weakest point guard position now and the future. Agree or Disagree?
Posted by: Hipy | January 12, 2010 at 02:04 PM
Has anybody mentioned Le Bron in all this? I think, assuming this unlikely rumor is true, and Bosh goes, Bosh is more than a player -- he's an expiring contract. Bron Bron would command top dollar, and LA can offer him that if they have the space that would be cleared by shipping Bynum off and letting Bosh go. The franchise may take the hit in 10 and beyond to ensure that jt has its Next Rafter Guy after Kobe's gone. And maybe keep PJ around for another few seasons.
That's thge *only* sense I can make out of this. The Lakers already have a Better Bosh. His name is Pau Gasol. To make this work, Gasol would have to move to center, or so it seems to me. And he'll be a free agent in six months. Why trade for a player with skill sets you already have in spades, and may not resign? Maybe the strategy is to UNLOAD Bynum's big deal, then LET Bosh Walk, then PITCH Le Bron.
It's crazy, and far-fetched, I know, I know. But so is this whole trade rumor thing. I couldn't imagine trading Bynum for Bosh until someone threw it out there. I still can't. But if it happens, it's very possible LA considers Le Bron in play.
Posted by: Peace | January 12, 2010 at 03:43 PM
Shaq for CP3? I've got an old pair of gym shorts, some sticks of gum and the change from my couch, that's more value than Shaq is these days.
Talk about a steal with the Pau Gasol trade (less of one, as just I predicted, that Marc is rounding into a solid NBA center). If Cavs could pull of a Shaq-for-CP3 deal, that would top the Louisiana purchase as the biggest heist of all-time!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX (aka the ORIGINAL LakerMike) | January 12, 2010 at 05:52 PM