Phil Jackson: Maybe Kobe needs to sit
Phil Jackson has watched Kobe Bryant navigate through almost too many injuries to count.
Now it might be time for Bryant to sit a game or two, a thought that crossed the mind of the Lakers' coach.
"It occurred to me yesterday during the course of that game," Jackson said Thursday, a day after Bryant had five points on two-for-12 shooting while fighting though a sprained left ankle against the Charlotte Bobcats.
Bryant did not practice Thursday and wasn't available for comment, but it would be surprising only if he didn't play Friday against Denver.
Bryant initially hurt his ankle last Friday after colliding with Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand. He aggravated the injury Wednesday after Lamar Odom stepped on his foot in the final minute of the second quarter.
The Lakers barely beat the undermanned Bobcats, 99-97, with Bryant a non-factor scoring-wise. He had six assists without a turnover in 37 minutes.
-- Mike Bresnahan
Photo: Phil Jackson, right, talks to Kobe Bryant during a playoff game against the Denver Nuggets on May 25. Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Rest him, he's beat up. As exhelo, posted somewhere else, It'd nice if he could sit out the All Star game. What are the NBA rules? Does he have to miss the 2 games before the All Star game in order to sit out?
Posted by: Mark G | February 04, 2010 at 01:47 PM
the dreaded repost:
@exhelodrvr I think that's pretty much right. I think playing inside out is always smart basketball. Kobe should be the number #1 option, he is the GUY, but Pau should be a very close #2. Stats aren't everything but the usage and PER stats clearly show that Pau is underutilized. (and yeah, I know Pau has had some crap games lately, that changes nothing)
PJ said it and it's true, it's a fine line when it comes to great scorers of how much is too much. In reality, most of the time it doesn't matter in Kobe's case because the Lakers/Kobe are good enough to beat most of the teams in the NBA playing either style. However, problems arise when the Lakes are playing top teams, or when Kobe has health issues.
I'm not sure about the Nugs in the playoffs, and Friday's game probably means little because of health issues for both teams, however, if we play the Cavs in the finals, I don't see us winning unless the Bigs get their touches.
Posted by: Mark G | February 04, 2010 at 01:51 PM
Some mentioned that it looked liked Kobe was just going thru the motions last night and not really hustling when running the Triangle.
Seems to me that's what most of his teammates do when Kobe is the main focus of the offense.
His teammates should be ashamed of themselves, they subtly knock him yet they fail to hustle, work on their game, do the little things necessary in a game to alleviate the pressure on him.
It's like the workplace where you have an exceptional executive but his/her subordinates barely meet their job description because the exceptional executive makes them look good regardless.
Lamar- Disappears unless the Lamar Anthem is played
Pau- Hasn't done much of anything lately but whine.. Put-up or shut-up
Bynum- showing signs of life lately, still inconsistent
Dead Fish- Here's a guy who's done very little and probably the most over-rated Laker ever. What he has is a lot of nerve, considering he is, and has always been, the weakest link of this team. If the Lakers don't win the title this year, he will be the one responsible.
PJ- A lot of rings, but still a horrible X's and O's coach. He consistently fails to adjust to in-game situations, fails to exploit mismatches (except for Kobe) and fails to recognize that Fisher should not be starting. It's not about loyalty, it's about what's best for the team, and at this point, Jordan Farmar is the better player.
I'm positive there is a lot of coaches out there who could actually draw up 1 or 2 plays exclusively for the big guys.
Posted by: Troll man | February 04, 2010 at 01:53 PM
Agree with Phil 100%. Like I prayed yesterday, Lord, grant Kobe the freedom to surrender. Teach him to save his strength on these little battles...THE REAL WAR IS COMING!
Posted by: utzworld - THE BANNER HOLDER | February 04, 2010 at 02:05 PM
If Kobe sits ...
Farmar plays more minutes.
Farmar finished the bobcats game and the result?
WIN
D. Fish is a liability the Lakers can't afford on the floor major minutes.
Do Lakers win if D. Fish closes the game out?
Maybe not.
Every time D. Fish entered the game the Bobcats took the lead back.
+/- doesn't always tell the case, but in this game it did.
Lakers trailed with Fisher on the floor and lead with Farmar playing.
D. Fish would have been feeding Kobe
for clanking jumpers AND Raymond Felton would have
penetrated with ease.
Would take Farmar any day over Raymond Felton, Mike Conley, Kirk Heinrich, Earl Watson, JJ Barea, Randy Foye and many more ...
We need a new site:
www.philletjordanplaymoreminutes.com
Posted by: Todd | February 04, 2010 at 02:11 PM
There's a point where "being tough"/"playing with injuries" becomes counter-productive. I think that Kobe reached that point several weeks ago.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 04, 2010 at 02:12 PM
Yes, Kobe needs to be rested for the final swing then the playoffs. I also wish that he will only play 1 minute during All Stars Game like Byron did before. What's the use of appearing in the All Stars with tattered injuries all over, he does not put up a quality all star game. Is there anything to prove that has not been proven.
I wish you guys will not take the words of wisdom of Jon K personally and his opinions as words of daggers. He drives a point just like adding condiments on your food for more vinegar and salt to the wounds. It is just his flavor and nothing to discuss furthermore.
PJ should not put a line up there that will include Sasha and Ammo. Give them a double screen in the triangle to execute their markmanship. These guys can shoot and contribute to the total pts. Don't left them there solely with the 2nd unit composed of Farmar, Luke and Brown, the boat will sink fast but mixed them with Drew, Artest, Gasol, then u have inside and outside attack.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 04, 2010 at 02:14 PM
At this point, I would rest Kobe. Injuries lead to other injuries. Especially when you add fatigue inclusive to a long road trip. We need to take care of the long haul goal. If/when we make it to the finals, that will be 3 years in a row for the Lakers. Not to mention Gasol and Kobe playing for their national teams.
Posted by: Charles | February 04, 2010 at 02:23 PM
Just because Kobe CAN play through injuries doesn't mean he SHOULD.
Posted by: puddle | February 04, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Ex, Marg G,
I agree that inside-out basketball is good way to go, but there are also times when the offense should go outside-in. It all depends on the matchups, how the defenses are playing us, and the situation of the game (i.e. crunch time). It's up to Kobe to read the defense/situation and find that balance between playmaker and shotmaker, and correct me if I'm wrong, but he's been more than successful the past few years in finding that balance. Yet fans still question him on a daily basis. There are bigger concerns with this team, but the media and some fans make it out like Kobe's shooting is the biggest issue with this team.
Regarding FG%, it's more accurate to look at true FG%-points per shots taken, since FG% does not take into account FTs. The discrepancy in true FG% between Kobe and our bigs is much less than actual FG%. I was also not implying that Dampier or Ibaka are in Pau or Bynum's class by any means, but the same logic applies when it comes to FG%. I was simply making the point that the more our bigs shoot, the lower their FG% will be because the ratio of shots that are offensive putbacks and lobs underneath the basket compared to the offense that the bigs create for themselves will go down. (not to mention the added defensive attention that will result from more shot attempts). This whole usage/PER stat is also misleading. Kobe was having the most efficient season of his career before the injuries, and these stats do not take into account Kobe's drastic dip in efficiency that are directly correlated to his injuries. It's just another stat to discredit Kobe's contributions. This stat assumes that the PER would remain a constant as the usage rate increases, which cannot be further from the truth.
Anyways, sorry for the long post. Go Lakers!
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 04, 2010 at 02:35 PM
Wow, this Blog has been busy today.
First, I agree with Hobbitimage: My observation, sketchy as it may be, is that when players are *trying* to do the right thing ... Kobe is supportive. When they play hard/aggressive he works with them. When they don't he doesn't.
I also agree with LTLF on how Farmar closed out the game. It was fine. This Blog tends to nitpick everything Jordan does in ways no other player is scrutinized. For the first time in memory, Farmar had more time on the floor than Fish. Farmar has earned every minute he got last night. The ability to contribute on a consistent level throughout the road trip has finally earned him the confidence of the coach. I expect we'll see more of this as the season progresses.
Back to Kobe. His injuries are really starting to have an effect. I'd be really shocked if he sits any game out right now. But I do look for his minutes to be sharply reduced. As long as the dynamic duo of Farmar and Brown can play effectively for long spurts, it should reduce the wear and tear on the Mamba.
As for the All-Star Game, let him play, but keep his minutes to about ten or less.
Lastly, I'm troubled by the personal nature of some of the disagreements posted. We're all Lakers fans. All of us, including me, have personal quirks that can occassional rub another blogger the wrong way. But the quality and value of the dialog is reduced, every time it gets personal.
Posted by: Rick Friedman | February 04, 2010 at 02:42 PM
LAKER TRUTH
- - - - - - - - - - -
>>> It's all about finding that balance between shooter and playmaker. Kobe has found that
>>> balance the past two years (i.e. the Denver series when Kobe shot when single teamed,
>>> and passed when double/triple teamed). I find it odd that fans seem to have forgotten
>>> and continue to question his ability to find that balance.
-
That was an excellent summary. I didn’t necessarily agree with your shot attempts argument but understand that the decision is more than just shot attempts. But as for the above quote, I agree 100%. Kobe is too smart to NOT take advantage of the other weapons on this team, including a healthy Andrew Bynum. To claim otherwise not only ignores Kobe’s performance the last two years but also insults his intelligence, team orientation, and desire to win. Just look at how he started last night’s game. It’s all much ado about nothing. Kobe knows how to win and will prove it again.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Tom
Posted by: LakerTom | February 04, 2010 at 02:45 PM
"PJ- A lot of rings, but still a horrible X's and O's coach. He consistently fails to adjust to in-game situations, fails to exploit mismatches (except for Kobe) "
Wow, you're right. Phil is so bad that he's just fallen into dumb luck by becoming the most successful basketabll coach ever and maybe even the best coach in any sport at any level ever.
Posted by: mclyne | February 04, 2010 at 02:46 PM
Newbie, if you wish to debate w/Jon K be ready with evidence and proofs because he will come to you like his round house kicks from everywhere. Ask Kblitz he learned the technique with the Clippers. Seriously I can attest that deep inside, Jon K is a caring person once you. Don't interpret or define his lingo or phrases or u get all those curses that may upset a thin skin. Ask him direct and he will explain where he's coming from.
PJ will try to tweak his line ups and try mixing 2nd unit with the 1st unit. He might rest Kobe. Supposing it doesn't work and Lakers fall behind double digit, what happens? Back to what works, go back to Kobe.
The philosophy behind it, if Kobe is not that important to the Lakers as others have posted with quality Western teams coming up like Nuggets, Spurs and Blazers, do you think JB will fork 24M on one player if the phenom is not indispensable? After that criminal case and Shaq squabbles, JB stuck with Kobe, add here the rants in 2007 and almost half of this blog is negative to Kobe, still nobody have the guts to move him out. Therefore, as a part of Triangle symbolism, Kobe should be there in order to inject fear to opponents, Kobe will play just play like the way he did it last night.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 04, 2010 at 02:46 PM
did somebody call my name? I'm well rested, I took off a few games, then pulled down TWO rebounds in a game, rested a couple of more games, pulled down A rebound, rested and then pulled down ONE rebound in my last game. I'm available and ready to go! Well... not exactly ready, my calves are tight... and as matter of fact... my hands have been kinda tight... for my entire life... but at least I'm better than Dampier...
Posted by: Kwaminus I can teach you, but I have to charge Brownicus | February 04, 2010 at 03:01 PM
Listen to the Zen master people! Kobe might the best player in the world ... when he is healthy, with a broken finger AND a sprained ankle and the Lakers being 1st in their division Kobe should rest and heal no matter what he thinks about it.
Posted by: Ted | February 04, 2010 at 03:02 PM
Jon K,
you wrote: I read your post and though I don't agree with much of it, I do agree with one key point:
"My observation, sketchy as it may be, is that when players are *trying* to
do the right thing ... Kobe is supportive."
People have been attacking me today as if I'm throwing Kobe under the bus, but in no way is that my intention.
It's a two way streak: Kobe needs to facillitate more and our starters (particularly Pau and Andrew) need to be more aggressive in particular because logically and emotionally it makes it easier for Kobe to be a better (and more aggressive) facillitator.
So, on that point that our players need to try "to do the right thing" by being more aggressive and consistent, yes, I agree with you.
my response: Sorry. I don't mean to attack you.
re: facilitate more. This is not a chicken/egg problem. This is a geometry
problem. Against the grizzlies, Pau's first shot was from 20 feet out. Do you
think that's where he's at his most effective?
When Kobe scored 61 at MSG, who had 31? Pau. Why? Because he was
engaged in the game, and he was in a place for Kobe to give him the ball with
a high percentage look.
re: comparing Kobe to Magic/CP3.
1. Why are you comparing a SG to a PG? They're actually different positions.
The 3 best SG's to ever play the game are MJ, Jerry West & Kobe Bryant.
MJ *NEVER* had assists like Magic or CP3.
2. Magic played with 1 of the 3 best C's to ever play the game. Kobe isn't.
Magic played with one of the most fundamentally sound C's to ever play
the game. Kobe isn't. Go thru every Laker that Magic played with and
compare his emotional make-up & his basketball character with the
current Lakers squad. Do you see *ANY* equality other than for Kobe
himself?
My logic goes like this, and feel free to point out any weakness you see:
The desired outcome is to win a game/championship. Two things are
necessary for that.
1. score pts.
2. get stops
Given that the opposing team is playing defense, higher percentage shots
are better than lower percentage shots. By definition, higher percentage
shots are closer to the basket.
[ note: right now, I think we're both in agreement and you're saying push the
ball inside first. ]
If Pau is being pushed off the block, because he's spindly ... If Bynum can't
maintain position, because he doesn't know how to be physical. i.e. he keeps
getting stupid fouls. We have a problem. The problem is that our bigs aren't
in position to make a high percentage shot. Why should Kobe pass them the
ball if they aren't in position and they aren't being aggressive?
[ note: end of my logic. ]
FYI, while you're repeating PJ and the inside-out mantra ... Don't forget that
he also blamed the bigs for not being aggressive enough.
The Memphis game was telling because Bynum & Gasol were in foul trouble
at the beginning of the game. So was Lamar. In order for them to stay in the
game, they stopped being aggressive if they ever were. Pau's first shot was
from 20-ft and the assist was from Kobe.
So far, one of the best ways I've found to look at position/aggressiveness of
our bigs is to look at offensive rebounds. We're not getting very many by
our bigs. The *ONLY* way that can happen is if they aren't in place to get
the rebounds or we're making all of our shots.
Last night, if we were playing good defense and getting good position, why
did Nazr Mohammed look like an all-star?
Posted by: hobbitmage | February 04, 2010 at 03:03 PM
I have a feeling Kobe will not sit any games out but get very limited minutes. Perhaps he can only play in the 4th quarter, it's better than not playing at all. That way he will still be able to contribute and not get rusty.
Posted by: Nezsem | February 04, 2010 at 03:15 PM
Kobe should definitely sit out the next 4 games to get the ankle rested and also that will or should get him excluded from the All-Star game. I don't think anyone cares about watching an injured Kobe playing in a meaningless game. On the bright side, maybe the rest of the guys will finally start to step it up in his absence and by the time Kobe comes back, they will be that much better. Even without Kobe in the lineup, the Lakers have enough talent to beat anyone.
Posted by: ROB | February 04, 2010 at 03:16 PM
Kobe should learn how to trust his teammates. He should sit 3-5 games to rest his numerous injuries. By playing injured he's not helping the Lakers at all. How can you explain the 2 for 11 shooting? He's becoming a liability to the team instead of being a hero. Any player from this squad can shoot better than what he did against the Bobcats (18% on 2 for 11 shooting) I love Kobe as a player and his dedication is beyond compare but please don't be stubborn and rest your injuries. You're becoming a goat to the team instead of a saviour because of "playing injured"
Posted by: rafanico | February 04, 2010 at 03:16 PM
Here's a question, that's got nothing to do with the Kobe scorer v. Kobe distributor debate.
Kobe is obviously banged up this year so why are his minutes up over last year. I think he's up about 2 minutes over last year. 38.6 last year v. 36.1 this year. Does this make any sense to anyone? I don't buy it's Pau's missed games because last year Drew missed a lot more. Any ideas MM? Anybody else think this is strange?
Posted by: Mark G | February 04, 2010 at 03:21 PM
My bad it's 38.6 THIS year, v. 36.1 last year, duh.
Posted by: Mark G | February 04, 2010 at 03:22 PM
here's a wild thought, could the Dunleavy firing be related to a possible bid for Lebron by the Clippers this summer? They've got talent and a high draft pick coming... King James in LA would be a circus...
Posted by: Kwaminus I can teach you, but I have to charge Brownicus | February 04, 2010 at 03:28 PM
Who else would we go to for outside shots? Gasol is the next best outside shooter other than Kobe..... in other words without 24 we are a joke
Posted by: Aaron | February 04, 2010 at 03:35 PM
- Kobe's made how many game winners while playing hurt? I would take Kobe as a 35 minute decoy over Fish playing 35 minutes a game any day of the week. But yeah, this recent ankle injury seems pretty bad. A rest MIGHT do him good, but he knows his own body better than anyone.
- Kobe's minutes are up probably because Gasol has missed a bunch of games, Artest was being assimilated into the offense, Artest was struggling with his foot issues forcing Kobe to play SF minutes, Fish has been struggling, Phil does not trust Sasha, and the bench was struggling at the start of the season. His increased minutes would suggest that Phil really wants home court advantage for the entire playoffs. It's time for Phil to start lowering Kobe's minutes as the playoffs near.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | February 04, 2010 at 03:37 PM
Eeek, If the Clips get LBJ, Jon K. will def be able to talk some smack next year. They have some talent, can they fire Donald Sterling too?
Posted by: Mark G | February 04, 2010 at 03:37 PM
This is where I started today. Kobe's warrior wanna play all 82 badge of honor is admirable but counterproductive after 30.
The goal is a fifth ring. Get healthy.
Might mean 4 quick losses, might not. Might be fun to find out.
Posted by: VMan | February 04, 2010 at 03:43 PM
Kobe needs to sit. I'd rather the Lakers even be a lower seed in the playoffs with a healthy Kobe than be the #1 seed with injured Kobe.
Posted by: Jackie | February 04, 2010 at 03:44 PM
i am sick of hearing about the Laker bigs. They only show up when we play small teams. Gasol is acting like he needs to get more touches. Agaist cleveland all he did was throw the baal back out. Shack had such an easy time that the analyst (Reggie Miller) suggested tghat Pau go lift some weights.The problem with our bigs is defense not touches.
Posted by: s Andrus | February 04, 2010 at 03:50 PM
I'm grateful for what Pau Gasol brings to the table for the Lakers. He played great last year and the Lakers never hoist the O'Brien last June without him.
But...last night, when Kobe was obviously hobbled and aggravated his ankle injury, Pau needed to shut up and step up. So what happened? Pau grabs a grand ONE defensive rebound in 32 minutes and change, in a game where the Lakers are outrebounded by a 45-38 margin. I think what I hated most about his outing last night is that he only had ONE personal foul. HIT SOMEBODY, PAU!! I don't think in 2 years I've seen Pau deliver a HARD foul! I'm not advocating Celtic-like thug tactics, but there is a place and a need for physical play in the NBA.
Kobe is the linchpin of this team and he always has been since he has emerged as a dominant player many years ago. Even during the Shaq years, Kobe would facilitate for 3 quarters at Phil's direction. If the Lakers faltered, Phil would unleash Kobe-time in the 4th Q to save the day. Kobe came through more times than not. That's not easy.
Pau and Drew need to step up and play better on the defensive end of the court and finish the other team's possessions with strong rebounding. They are a major advantage against most teams. But they need to put up or shut up! Consistently! Last year is in the past!
When a career journeyman like Nazr Mohammed puts up All Star numbers against your team, Pau, it's time to check the man in the mirror.
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 04, 2010 at 03:55 PM
the Clippers could be real players in the Lebron sweepstakes, NY is terrible and years away from being good, NJ is a disaster, then... you start to get to "lesser" markets like Miami or whatever... LA is a big time market, the Clips have Baron Davis and Eric Gordon at the guard slots, Kaman at Center and Blake Griffin coming in next year for some PF time, plus they have a high first round pick plus possibly whatever they can get for Camby. Lebron would draw a big time coach... the press would have a field day, Kobe vs Lebron IN THE SAME CITY! I smell David Stern making this happen...
Posted by: Kwaminus I can teach you, but I have to charge Brownicus | February 04, 2010 at 04:00 PM
BREAKING NEWS:
Mike Dunleavy has been "relieved" of his duties of his duties as head coach of the LA Clippers but will retain his post as general manager. HUH? How does that happen? Dunleavy has a Svengali-like type of control over Donald Sterling. Only in Clipperland!
Posted by: bronxlakerfan | February 04, 2010 at 04:01 PM
i agree, kobe should sit. who is the coach anyway? the fish has been dead for a while, give farmar his chance. NOW.
Posted by: ferenc | February 04, 2010 at 04:21 PM
HOLY CRAP!!!!
It just occurred to me that I haven't made a Lamar Odom trade proposal all season. It just wouldn't be a trade-deadline season without at least one ludicrous Lamar trade offer, so how about this:
Lamar Odom and Adam Morrison for Jose Calderon and Rasho Nesterovic.
It gives the Lakers a top-10 starting PG and doesn't increase salary much for the life of the contract, as it's replacing Lamar's salary with Calderon's.
Nesterovic becomes the 3rd big in the rotation (which is a big drop off, but hopefully offset by the big improvement at PG).
Toronto gets a big player with finals experience under contract in case Bosh decides to bolt, and gets Morrison's expiring contract.
Okay, I feel better now. I was worried for a minute that we'd go the whole season without a Lamar Odom trade proposal.
(btw, if you don't like Nesterovic, Amir Johnson would work just as well)
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 04, 2010 at 04:51 PM
ferenc
r u american or u immigrated?
Posted by: the newbie | February 04, 2010 at 05:01 PM
LongTimeLakerFan,
"It just occurred to me that I haven't made a Lamar Odom trade proposal all season."
As I admit to proffering LO trade proposals, of the sign-and-trade variety, last off-season, I'll chime in with a few additional thoughts...
Somehow I don't think the Knicks would seriously consider an LO for David Lee deal anymore, if they ever did. One of these two players has dramatically improved their focus this year, along with their perimeter game and outside shot. Unfortunately for us, it's not LO.
At least he is starting to shoot a bit better from the FT line lately and he doesn't seem to make as many stupid turnovers as he once did, but for cryssakes stop missing layups. Also, if you can't shoot at least 30% from 3pt land then maybe you shouldn't be shooting from there at all. He has been a monster on the boards this year but his defense still sucks.
I've been considering the Farmar/Ammo for Harris idea for a while now and while I don't think it's a good idea, I can image a scenario in which it might turn out to be a good deal for the Lakers. That scenario involves a vast improvement in the team's perimeter defense, which has in general been pretty lousy this season.
The potential downside is that Farmar is still improving his game, especially lately. I'm starting to think that he may end up being a way better player than Harris ever was, and that scenario would be a disaster for the Lakers future.
Morrison's done in my book, stick a fork in him or trade him for a bag of balls. His expiring contract is worth way more than his game right now and I don't see him ever being an effective NBA player again I'm sorry to say.
Posted by: aztronut | February 04, 2010 at 05:19 PM
hi everyone. this might be my first post this season or at least first in a very long time.
i'm looking at the schedule and it looks like the Lakers play four games before the All Star game. i believe the only rule is that a player that wants to sit out the all star game must sit out the one game prior to the all star game. i, for one, would love to see kobe play again in the all star game. if he sat out, it would really give me incentive to just miss the game and maybe just watch a movie, instead.
i didn't watch the last game, but read about it, and kobe's numbers did sound abysmal. i like how PJ is handling it. he's trusting kobe to make the right choice. i believe if kobe's not feeling at least 70% (ankle-wise), he should sit out and get some more treatment.
some of you are calling for kobe to sit out 4 or 5 games, which i think is a bit harsh. i twisted an ankle before and was back in a week, and i'm by far am no athlete, nor have i ever had my own training staff. i'm sure kobe will be fine after a game or two off. but i'd trust him. if he says he's good to go, i'd let him play. but it's def PJ's job to watch kobe's play and give him the hook if it's no good.
i agree that using him as a decoy and merely a 3% threat does have it's merits, but on the flip-side, you are also putting him harms way to make the injury worse.
as for the "inside-outside" argument, well, i agree that that is a better way to play ball, but just because kobe's a guard, let's not automatically assume that he's an "outside" player. don't forget that kobe is one of the best post-up guards...probably ever to play the game. and that was before his work-outs with Hakeem "the Dream" Olajuwan last summer. heck, a very good argument could be made that Kobe is THE best post player on this Lakers roster (against a player of similar size or smaller, that is).
and i agree with hobbitmage in regards to Pau and Drew having to be aggressive out there. at times, it seems like they just don't have that aggressive mentality, similar to LO. it's like someone has to challenge them, call them out, in order for them to step-up. (the reverse of kobe, who wakes up in the morning with a fire in his eyes like the whole world is against him and the only weapon he has in his hand is a basketball)
Posted by: leonardbast78 | February 04, 2010 at 05:35 PM
Phil finally coming to his senses. Yes, sit Kobe down, maybe for a month. Let him rest and recover, and let the other players gel and develop their skill set and confidence.
Posted by: troy | February 04, 2010 at 05:43 PM
Lakers are gonna stand pat, unless they can somehow unload Vujacic. i definitely see them waiting on Ammo and just letting his contract expire. this will free up some dough (not really as they're over the salary cap) to throw at resigning Farmar.
the big question is what is Sasha's future? after this season, he becomes an expiring contract. it might be a wise choice to then trade him to a team looking to cut costs for the following season. maybe after the dust settles next summer and we'll see who the losers are in the free agent market. Mitch Kupchak, keep Kiki Vendeweghe's # on speed dial! lol! (chris douglas roberts on the nets looks pretty good)
Posted by: leonardbast78 | February 04, 2010 at 05:43 PM
LakerTruth,
Going "outside-in" would work better if Kobe was as quick as he was several years ago, and if he didn't have the finger problems. He can't get the separation he used to able to get; that increases the difficulty level of his shots, thus decreasing the shooting percentage.
Will he change as the playoffs approach? Probably. But is playing one way for 75% of the season, and then changing the last 25% of the season, the optimum way to work Ron Artest into the system, help Bynum and Gasol figure out how to best complement each other, and develop Farmar and Brown as the guards of the future? No.
Posted by: exhelodrvr | February 04, 2010 at 06:34 PM
I'm hearing chants tomorrow.....
Start Farmar....start. Another group calls for: Ship Farmar....now!
Sit Fisher......sit. Another group tweets Fish with: Retire and go fishing!
Phil responds: I"m the Coach here. Since when did I ever follow or bother read this blog. Medina who? Whoaaaa!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | February 04, 2010 at 08:01 PM
hobbitmage,
"Why are you comparing a SG to a PG?"
You make a valid point there and Kobe's assist ratio as a shooting guard is pretty high for his position. I think that Kobe is often unfairly viewed as "selfish", but come on, man, we've got scorers inside.
It just drives me nuts when I see outside shooters driving down the court and making a shot WHEN THERE IS NO ONE AVAILABLE TO MAKE AN OFFENSIVE REBOUND. Sure, Kobe more than anyone else is likely to make the shot, but what if he doesn't? It's just a pure turnover to the other team because THERE IS NO ONE AVAILABLE TO GET THE OFFENSIVE REBOUND. Oh, there are three opposing players near the net to get the rebound, but no Lakers! That just doesn't make sense.
Be patient. Set up the Triangle. Move the ball inside first and if they can't get position, kick the ball out to Kobe. It just seems simply logical to me.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 04, 2010 at 08:20 PM
Mark G,
If the Clippers get LeBron, I don't know quite what I'd do.
I strongly dislike the player. I'd rather not see him be a Clipper.
Go Clippers!!!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 04, 2010 at 08:22 PM
Kobe won't sit. He's too competitive and God bless him for that.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 04, 2010 at 08:23 PM
John K. It is real simple Kobe needs to heal up. The games we may lose because of this need to happen. The rest of the guys need to find the way to play and win without him.
This is a team game, we need to find out who else can be the go to guy and win games.
Kobe healthy in June is what we need. If that is the case, the rings will follow. If he is not, well.... I do not want to think about that.
M
Posted by: M | February 04, 2010 at 08:43 PM
M,
"John K. It is real simple Kobe needs to heal up."
I agree. I just don't know if he will.
The truth is we can win without him and we SHOULD be able to win without him. He's just so competitive and I admire him for that, but I'm not sure he can let go for a while.
He's the best player in the history of the game and I imagine that might get in his way sometimes. No one is as good as him. Period. If you were that good, would it be easy for you to defer? It wouldn't for me.
What do we play for? RINGS!!!
Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | February 04, 2010 at 09:01 PM
Hey everyone
If Farmar starts and puts up typical Fish numbers, are we going to skewer him?
Why does Fish CONSISTENTLY get 0, 1, or 2 assists per game? Can't he make anyone else better? I would love to see Farmar drive and dish to the bigs....showtime!!
Posted by: taino | February 04, 2010 at 11:05 PM
I love the phrase, "A lot of rings, but... "
Posted by: Louie Rafters | February 05, 2010 at 01:04 AM
I think it would be good for the team for Kobe to sit out for a few games,other players can get more shots and stop depending on him so much. With Kobe out, D Fish should come off the bench cause farmer can penetrate and truly is a better "true" point guard than Fisher is,Pound the ball inside to your bigs cause that would open up things for everyone else and hopefully when Kobe see's this he would let all the talent he's got start helping him for a change and stop launching so many shots for a change,don't get me wrong I love Kobe but I also love Bynum,Gasol,Artest,Farmer and down the line,they have a great team so on most nights Kobe dosen't have to impose his will on teams like he has,If that continues,they will have an early exit from the playoffs this year so hopefully he gets it and they win again and again,this is a team game so no matter who gets the fame they all win ! LA for life !
Posted by: montez1599 | February 05, 2010 at 09:09 AM
aztronut,
>>>The potential downside is that Farmar is still improving his game,
>>>especially lately. I'm starting to think that he may end up being a way better
>>>player than Harris ever was
That's the rub. Harris is actually a better defender than Farmar, but I think Farmar may have a higher ceiling as an all-around player. If Farmar were a starter, I feel he'd be a similar player to Aaron Brooks. Which is to say, not a top 10 PG in the league, but not the worst starting PG either.
And Harris is actually a poor fit for the triangle. And I don't think New Jersey will trade him off until after the draft lottery, and then only if they get the #1 pick and are sure they have John Wall coming in.
Hinrich, Calderon, and Ridnour would all be better fits for the triangle, though with their teams all in playoff contention I'm not sure any of their three teams would be willing to trade them.
The media (and I) keep talking about the idea of dumping off salary so you can make a big offer to a super star. It seriously worked for the Lakers when they picked up Shaq. But Chicago has been notoriously timid about trades in the last few years. They had an offer on the table of Kevin Garnett for Luol Deng and Tyson Chandler and turned it down. Seriously. You'd rather keep Deng than get Garnett. Just. Plain. Stooopid.
But if the Lakers could get one of those latter 3 guys, then they'd have a PG with several years of experience who's at least as good as Farmar at hitting 3 pointers.
Posted by: LongTimeLakerFan | February 05, 2010 at 09:38 AM
I agree 200% with Troll Man who wrote in here.. yes, Derek needs to sit,, PJ starts him because he likes him, We need Point G who can score. No one is consistent other than kobe.. odem is one of the worst incosistent player ,paying what $7M..even if I live 10 times, I probably wouldn't make that much in year .
Posted by: kim | February 05, 2010 at 10:55 AM
I think Jackson threw this game.There was just something that didn't ring right.Why wasn't anyone guarding billops?He was wide open all night and this team is not as good as the lakers.Why don't they show the same tenacity against cleveland and James? No. Something was very wrong and we are not happy at all with the coaching of Jackson on tonight.Makes us want to stop watching altogether.If anyone has any way of getting this message out to them,please let the Lakers and the coaches know that the viewers and supporters are not pleased about how things went tonight.Everybody is always talking about using Kobe so much.What about all of the 3 pointers that Billops(I hope I am spelling his name right)made and the team was happy about it.But everybody gets their draws all in a bunch when Kobe is used and shows his talents.I am just fed up with the whole system.Maybe start watching other sports.This really makes me angry.
Posted by: June | February 05, 2010 at 10:53 PM
I think tonight's game was thrown by coach Jackson on the Lakers.No one was even guarding Billups when he made all of those 3 pointers.Something is wrong with this picture.We talk so much about Kobe shooting all of the time,what about this fellow and his teammates welcomed his points.We are thinking about not watching basketball any more because,everything is so bias and not sportmanship anymore.It is never fun any more to watch.Someone please.Let the Lakers know we are not pleased with tonights game.we felt that it was thrown.
Jackson should be ashamed of his coaching tonight.
Posted by: June | February 05, 2010 at 10:59 PM