Pre-season question of the day: How much will Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol benefit from missing this year's FIBA World Championship?
As soon as the basket went in, Pau Gasol stared dumbfounded. Milos Teodosic's game-winning three-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining just propelled Serbia past Spain in the FIBA World Championships quarterfinals, and Gasol somehow needed to keep his composure during a live telecast in Istanbul, Turkey.
Aside from Gasol's immediate reaction making for a good photo caption contest, his facial expression suggested many things: Obvious disappointment that his native country couldn't defend its title; reminding himself to keep his composure on air; and curiosity on what would've happened had he played.
Though Team USA reached a much better outcome -- securing its first World Championship since 1994 -- it's not that speculative to say Kobe Bryant pondered many things while watching the games on T.V. There's no photo evidence to show his game-time reactions, but even the most casual observer knows Bryant felt an itching to get out there.
Those feelings are inevitable considering the innate competitiveness of Bryant and Gasol. But leading up to the tournament, neither expressed much regret that they were going to take it easy this summer. After all, they deserved the rest after compiling heavy basketball mileage and absorbing various injuries.
"I understand it's a tough decision to make, but it's best for my body, myself, and, consequently, the teams that I'm a part of," Gasol said during his exit interview. "My body is asking me to relax and recover to be able to continue to play at the level that I'm playing. Otherwise my body is going to break down quicker and I'm going to become a worse player."
Although Bryant hadn't officially decided his plan with Team USA during his exit interview, the Black Mamba himself spoke about the same thing, a concept that usually seems so foreign.
"I've been playing a great deal of basketball," Bryant said. "This summer for me is about getting healthy. I think that will give us the best opportunity to defend our title again. Same thing for Pau. Pau has been going nonstop."
For Gasol, that includes six championship appearances in the last four seasons, including three consecutive NBA Finals, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2009 and 2007 EuroBasket title games and the 2006 FIBA World Championships. For Bryant, that includes three consecutive NBA Finals and the 2008 Beijing Olympics. And for both, the rest will ensure a good run for the 2010-11 season, which is a good sign considering they're the Lakers' two top players and have a respectful relationship with each other.
Bryant recently underwent arthroscopic in his right knee, so even if there are still uncertainties regarding his right index finger, I foresee Bryant having the same explosiveness he displayed in the playoffs after draining the swelling in his knee. Before that happened, fans painfully witnessed Bryant with all his might overcome his physical ailments, but with limited success. After the draining, Bryant dropped at least 30 points in 11 of the next 12 games.
Gasol is also a season removed from nursing injuries, sitting out 17 games because of strained left and right hamstrings. Perhaps because of a sign of Gasol's consistency, his only down performances came in a sprinkle of games in February. After missing the first 11 games because of a right hamstring injury, he scored at least 20 points in three of the next five games. When he returned in January from a six-game absence because of a left hamstring injury, Gasol scored at least 20 points in five of the next seven.
Fans likely won't see as many tangible differences in Gasol's play as they will in Bryant's play this season, but the benefits will involve what we all won't see happen. Gasol mentioned to me during the exit interview that his hamstring injuries served as the triggering point for what led him to decide to sit out of this year's FIBA tournament. It's conceivable that, had Gasol kept grinding through, his body could have broken down this upcoming season, which would make it harder for him to bounce back.
And even though Gasol and Bryant had a not-so-physical summer, they still kept their basketball minds sharp. Bryant hosted his basketball camp, traveled to the World Basketball Festival and even attended a pickup game hosted by President Obama. Gasol traveled to India as an NBA ambassador, worked out with a trainer twice a day, hosted his own basketball camp in Spain and watched the FIBA World Championship in Turkey.
So even if Bryant and Gasol didn't go through grueling workouts or played in Turkey, they still remained students of the game. And soon enough, everyone will realize this season that rest was all they needed to pass the test.
-- Mark Medina
Follow the L.A. Times Lakers blog on Twitter: twitter.com/latmedina. E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photos, from top: Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol abstained from the 2010 FIBA World Championships so they could rest from their assorted injuries. A healthy Bryant and Gasol will make the Lakers a dangerous team in the 2010-11 season. Credit: Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times; Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
Nice write up, Mark.
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 14, 2010 at 02:23 PM
Kobe has so many NBA basketball years on him that having taken the time off will benefit him greatly, although I still won't be surprised if he goes down with an extended injury midway in the season, or sooner, especially when it becomes clear that the Lakers aren't going to be playing Miami in the big game later.
Insomuch as he's very unlikely to win another ring in the NBA, I think Pau is already regretting that he didn't play for Spain this summer. At least at the FIBA World Championships, he had a slim shot at a trophy.
Go Kings!
Go Niners!
Go Giants!
Go Manny, go!
Sonnybelfast
Posted by: Sonny Belfast | September 14, 2010 at 02:25 PM
LAKERS BENCH GOAL SHOULD BE TO REDUCE STARTERS MINUTES !!!
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With Kobe, Pau, Ron, and Derek all getting older and Drew looking to stay healthy, the biggest goal for the Lakers bench this coming season is going to be to perform well enough that Phil can reduce the minutes for all of the starters in order to keep them healthy and fresh for what is going to be a playoffs for the ages.
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Last season, Kobe and Pau both averaged 40 minutes per game; I would like to see their minutes reduced down to around 36 mpg this year. Last season, you could see fatigue set in for both players in the early rounds of the playoffs. Pau especially appeared to be very tired in some of the early playoff games. I was happy to see both players recognize that they needed more rest offseason. Hopefully, the bench will give them the opportunity to rest more during the season. They are our #1 and #2 options for the playoffs.
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Same with Ron, who averaged 37 mpg and Derek, who averaged 33 minutes per game. I would like to see Ron’s minutes held steady around 36 mpg. With the addition of Blake, I think it would be smart to reduce Fish down to around 24 mpg with Steve also posting around 24 mpg. It would leave both players fresh and ready to go when the playoffs arrive. Point guard is one of the positions where we will need strong play.
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As for Drew, because of concern over the injury issue, I would like to see his minutes held to no more than last year, which was around 24 mpg, in order to make sure that he finishes the season healthy so that we can go into the playoffs with he and Pau at full strength. It seems pretty obvious that to defeat the Heat, Magic, or Celtics in the Finals, we will need our front court starters as well as Odom to be at full strength. Unless Drew or Pau get injured, I would expect Lamar’s minutes this year to drop from the 30 he played last year to a more reasonable 24 mpg this year. Hopefully, Lamar’s play during the summer won’t affect him.
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In order to do this, the Lakers bench is going to have to come in and actually increase rather than just hold leads. It means that players like Ratliff and Caracter may get opportunities to play more than just blowout minutes if we are going to rest Pau more and limit Andrew to keep him healthy. Another benefit of having Theo is that he might be able to come in and replace Drew if he gets injured preventing the negative domino effect that having to start Pau at center and Lamar at power forward, which then decimates our bench.
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TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2010 at 02:27 PM
LakerTom - Wow great stuff. Please please don't accuse me of plagiarizing but the issue I brought up was something I was going to write about in another pre-season question of the day. I'll share more in detail in this post, but I would argue the point you brought up is a huge reason why I believe the first two months of the season will be critical to the team's success. The NBA regular season can be so long and it's easy, after opening night, to sort of just go on auto pilot. But I think that will determine how successful the bench is. The Lakers should try to put away opponents as early as they can, pull the starters out and then see how much the bench can hold its own. Some have criticized Phil for not giving the bench opportunities before. I strongly disagree. They gave them opportunities and even held them in when they blew leads, but only when he knew the games weren't of consequence. I imagine Phil will have much more tolerance for mistakes/lapses in the early season so the team can solidify the rotations etc. I think when the stakes are higher later on in the season in terms of standings, establishing momentum, Phil will go with what will help win the Lakers win the game.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 14, 2010 at 02:32 PM
Selfishly, I hope neither of them ever plays international ball again. Both have their gold medals (Kobe's Olympic gold, Pau's FIBA and Eurobasket golds), both have represented their countries well. For the Lakers' sake, I hope it's their NBA legacies I hope they focus on.
Posted by: puddle | September 14, 2010 at 02:37 PM
puddle - I understand that hope, but it's wishful thinking. Kobe still has enough left for 2012 and Pau will surely want to rectify Spain's loss to USA in the Finals. I'm curious where Lamar will end up. He looked really impressive to me in the FIBA games but there's a lot of writers that covered that and more knowledgable with what's going on that don't think he'll get in.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 14, 2010 at 02:48 PM
"How much will Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol benefit from missing this year's FIBA World Championship?"
Three words:
Bring. It. On!
--FEARless
Posted by: FEARless | September 14, 2010 at 02:58 PM
Sonny; You're right about the Lakers not playing the Heat in the big game - probably the Celtics.
And here I thought that you were just an antagonist with nothing real to say . . . .
Posted by: Otis | September 14, 2010 at 03:00 PM
LT & MM
According to Eric Pincus of Hoopsworld, his sources are saying that Bynum may not be ready until early November, which is fine. However, I disagree with the number of minutes LT would like to see from Bynum during the 82 game practice season (app. 24 mpg). He will be 23 in October, while Pau and LO will be 30 and 31, respectively, with lots of wear and tear. The player who needs more minutes to improve every aspect of his game is young Andrew, not the other two. While I believe that he should be worked back into game shape slowly, because he's so young it shouldn't take that long. He's the one who needs to start playing 36 mpg for his sake and for the sake of the team. There's no need to "protect" him. Either he's going to sustain injuries or he's not. The more minutes he plays, the more effective all 3 of our bigs will be come playoff time. They better be strong and fresh come mid-May when the Thunder await them in the WCF. That young team is deep and frighteningly good! If any team stands in our way of a three-peat, I think it's them.
With respect to putting teams away early, there are benefits and detriments to this. The benefit of resting our veterans is obvious. But remember, Phil Jackson treats the 82 games before the playoffs as practice games. Executing down the stretch in close games is critical to ultimate success in the playoffs. Like anything else, it is learned behavior. Look at all the close games and buzzer beaters we had last practice season. Then fast forward to Pau's tip with .04 left in Game 6 of the Thunder series and Artest's Rodman-like put back at the buzzer in Game 5 vs. the Suns. And what about the team's play down the stretch in game 7? Then take a look at what happened to the Magic last season after sweeping through the first two rounds of the playoffs and the same thing with the Cavs the year before. Believe it or not, PJ .. just like Gregg Popovich .. are masters at allocating minutes even when it doesn't seem that way. So yes, I would love to see some more blowouts, but the team needs to keep its championship mettle sharp as well.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 14, 2010 at 03:02 PM
Based on this summer, LO at least deserves a shot at making the 2012 roster. Whether or not he makes it, I think, depends on who he is competing with for a roster spot. From what I've seen he should certainly make it over guys like Tyson Chandler.
Posted by: Troy B | September 14, 2010 at 03:05 PM
I know Kobe will want to repeat as Olympic Champion if for nothing else then that only the elite all-time atheletes ever even get the opportunity to do that. Not just elite ball players, elite atheletes.
Pau still want Olympic gold. Period.
So, more than likely, they'll be back.
--FEARless
Posted by: FEARless | September 14, 2010 at 03:09 PM
LakerTom - agree on everything but Lamar. I think his summer play will springboard him into the regular season.
Lamar has come into camp the last few season looking like he spent the summer with serious munchies and not a whole lot of motivation. I think staying competitive year round is the best thing for LO.
Besides, if anyone needs sparing for the playoffs, I think it's Drew. It's probably going to be a slow start for Drew after his surgery and it'll be Lamar manning those minutes.
Posted by: htj | September 14, 2010 at 03:10 PM
MM - Yes, I do realize it's wishful thinking. Both will most likely play in 2012, unfortunately.
Posted by: puddle | September 14, 2010 at 03:15 PM
Hey, natives of Earth! I have always thought that Earth was located along the ocean and had many beaches. Now that I have lured you into this comment with a sort of reasonable intro, I would like to go out of my way to tell you that I think that people are Earth are too short, have life spans that only range into the low 100s, and some of the building that they have built will fall down! On my planet, we live in huts made out of those little raisin boxes they used to put in your school lunch. We get wet when it rains, but we consider it a moral victory!
Go Dodge Stratus!
Go Pterodactyls!
Go maroon!
Yay Me!
Posted by: phred | September 14, 2010 at 03:16 PM
I think there are too many NBA games (grueling regular season games and too many seriese in the playoff) for the NBA players to participate other championship games. The NBA could reduce the regular season games by 10 to 15 games AND/OR could reduce the playoff games by following MLB playoff format: 4 teams (3 division winner and one wild card team) from each conference will be in the playoff instead of 8 teams.
Posted by: LakerPeace | September 14, 2010 at 03:22 PM
KobeMVP888 -
"They better be strong and fresh come mid-May when the Thunder await them in the WCF. That young team is deep and frighteningly good! If any team stands in our way of a three-peat, I think it's them."
Partially agree. I think the Thunder are the greatest threat out West (Portland and Houston might be tough tests as well), but I think the Heat, Celtics and Magic would all be tougher outs in the Finals than the Thunder would be. Still, thinking about how good the Thunder will be over the next 5 years gives me the shudders!
Posted by: puddle | September 14, 2010 at 03:31 PM
Laker Peace - I completely agree with you but that's not going to happen. The NBA could use all the revenue they could get. And obviously cutting the schedule wouldn't help that cause. Players and coaches I think all universally agree that the season is too long and is a grind. But it's a fair question that they may not be able to command as much of the salary they all get if the season was shortened.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 14, 2010 at 03:35 PM
The Bobcats finally waived Erick Dampier: He could sign with either Thunders or Heat, two possible title contenders.. Could he still be the impact player if he signs with either team?
Posted by: LakerPeace | September 14, 2010 at 03:36 PM
Puddle - I'm with you on the selfish front. The US probably can win it all with or without Kobe in 2012. The fact that they're treating the Olympic program seriously will see to that.
And I certainly could give a *$&! what happens to Spain's International team. Pau definitely needs to rest his hammy.
Posted by: htj | September 14, 2010 at 03:36 PM
MM - excellent write up. I think both players will benefit greatly for resting this summer.
Like puddle, I'm hopeful that Kobe and Pau decide to forgo the 2012 Olympics for some must needed rest after 5 consecutive final appearances.
I can see Kobe skipping the 2012 games because he's very conscious of his NBA legacy, (playing extra games could hurt that)and the US really doesn't need him to win. However, Pau will probably play because Spain really needs him & the international competition is more important to him.
Posted by: LRob | September 14, 2010 at 03:37 PM
L Rob - Thanks for the kudos. It's much appreciated. I'm going to respectfully disagree with you on Kobe about 2012 for various reasons. One, Kobe cares about his NBA legacy but he also cares about his basketball legacy period and he loves to compete. Having a chance to get two Olympic gold medals isn't something you just
pass up. The fact that Coach K is there too helps because he loves playing for him. It appears that USA Basketball laid out a plan to ensure continuity and 2012 will serve as the last stand before handing off the torch.
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 14, 2010 at 03:41 PM
The culture that we see in the new bench bunch will greatly determine a great deal of what's being discussed here.will they expand leads or will they have to be rescued by kobe and the others.
Posted by: lance from da' bronx | September 14, 2010 at 03:45 PM
As for Drew, because of concern over the injury issue, I would like to see his minutes held to no more than last year, which was around 24 mpg, in order to make sure that he finishes the season healthy so that we can go into the playoffs with he and Pau at full strength. It seems pretty obvious that to defeat the Heat, Magic, or Celtics in the Finals, we will need our front court starters as well as Odom to be at full strength. Unless Drew or Pau get injured, I would expect Lamar’s minutes this year to drop from the 30 he played last year to a more reasonable 24 mpg this year. Hopefully, Lamar’s play during the summer won’t affect him.
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2010 at 02:27 PM
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LakerTom,
Only 24 minutes per game for Bynum? I thought you wanted him to be an all-star? The Lakers shouldn't baby him like that. Hopefully his competitive spirit will demand more minutes.
Here's how I would like to see the PF/C minutes split:
Pau 32
Drew 30
LO 26
Theo/Caracter 8
Posted by: LRob | September 14, 2010 at 03:45 PM
I am more in agreement with LRob and Puddle regarding whether Kobe and Pau play in 2012. I wouldn't want them to, not that it matters.
If there is a shortened season due to a lockout resulting in fewer games played, that could be quite relevant.
However, if the Lakers go to the finals the next two years that will make five consecutive finals appearances. That's a lot of games. And they will each be two years older.
The real determining factor will be health. Kobes knees are not going to get younger and healthier over the next 2 years.
So I see a real possibility that one or both of them decline to compete in 2012.
But if the Lakers fail to make it to the finals the next two years, that may increase the chances that they both play, but again, it will depend on their health more than anything else.
As for this year, the rest this summer should help them both in the first part of the season. But as it drags on into the new year I think it's more important to see how many minutes they are playing. If they need to play heavy minutes this year for whatever reasons, by the time the playoffs roll around this past summers rest probably won't be very relevant.
Posted by: Art - FL Laker Fan | September 14, 2010 at 04:02 PM
*repost*
Good Afternoon Nation...
MM - thanks for the RCOTD...
justa - I agree...Jon K will be on the debate team to have your back...lol
Great words of wisdom on relationships...you can't argue with your 15 years of marriage..(i think you said 15, but correct me if I'm wrong)...
I love the fact, that a lot of our senior members, have had long marriages and relationships...It's a known fact..."give and take" is not that simple...
Sonny Belfast - still waiting for an answer on my challenge...lol
To add to phred's great saying "It's all about the love"...I must include..."It's all about the family"
I learned this lesson the hard way...Material things are an illusion...what matters and counts the most is FAMILY...
Do what it takes to make it work...the sacrifices pay off in gold in the long run...
Have a fantastic day all....
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 14, 2010 at 03:57 PM
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 14, 2010 at 04:13 PM
they are going to be the ying & yang, rice & beans, white on rice the nucleus of this team. THEY WILL BE READY AND FIERCE. In a word: UNSTOPPABLE!!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: frmkt | September 14, 2010 at 04:15 PM
Hey everyone - good stuff today - lots of reasoned and clear opinions.
I think the rest will do both immense benefit. Not only to come back refreshed and ready to lead but to actually perform at higher levels. Yes, there's not much more we can expect out of Kobe but I believe the old dog still has some new tricks up his sleeveless jersey.
I think both will come into camp with the energy and focus to lead the bench especially new guys by example and teaching with clear and even balanced heads.
I believe the Bench had become stagnant since there was the same crowd. They "heard it all before" and had "seen it all before" and kind of tuned out. The new crew is eager, hungry, focused on their roles and helping bring another ring. That will create a much better learning atmosphere for everyone. There shouldn't be any bench vs. starter tensions as there have been previously (Sasha are you reading this?).
If they all get up to speed and bring the coaching lessons to the games, we should have a great start. I for one am excited to see the first 20 games and how PJ performs his usual eyebrow raising substitutions and interesting matchups. It doesn't seem to be a particularly tough sched but we do play 15/20 games against WC teams. So, there is some strategic maneuvering and PJ will not want to "show his hand" too early.
December is when we really start playing against the EC so the new bench has a chance to really get situated in the Triangle. It will obviously be a season-long training session for the newbies but I think early on we will get a good chance to see how the bench performs.
Can't wait!
Cheers - PLG
Posted by: PsychedLakerGirl | September 14, 2010 at 04:16 PM
INTERESTED IN FANTASY BASKETBALL??
phredphredington@yahoo.com
I'll reply fairly soon with league info, or something. If you were in a league last year, check the email you were using, I will try to send out some stuff tonight.
Posted by: phred | September 14, 2010 at 04:20 PM
Hey guys. I just sent phred an email. I'm going to do the fantasy hoops with you guys and will probably get embarrassed lol
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 14, 2010 at 04:27 PM
There should also be a new post up in a few minutes
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | September 14, 2010 at 04:28 PM
@KOBEMVP… “There's no need to "protect" him. Either he's going to sustain injuries or he's not. The more minutes he plays, the more effective all 3 of our bigs will be come playoff time.”
~
As you might guess, this was a very difficult position for me to take since I do agree that more playing time would help Drew improve his game and speed up his development. In fact, as Blitz indicated, I have lobbied in the past for Phil to increase Drew’s playing time. My current theory is that Drew is sort of like a young colt that has not yet gotten his adult sea legs and at times still shows an awkwardness or clumsiness in his moves, especially when tired, that may have contributed to his injuries. That’s why I ended up opting for limiting his minutes on the floor to make sure he does not get tired. Maybe it’s just my fear of his getting injured again but I wonder if he would have been able to avoid Kobe rolling into his knee 2 years ago if he’d been fresher. At any rate, like all my theories and proposals, I will trust Phil and the Lakers to make the right decision about Drew’s mpg. All I want is for the kid to stay healthy and show the world what he can do next Finals.
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TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2010 at 04:28 PM
Oh, Calvin Murphy, you little scamp!
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/20/calvin-murphy-lebron-jame_n_583135.html
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 14, 2010 at 04:33 PM
@HTJ… Thanks for your comments. I agree with you about playing in the FIBA games being a plus for Lamar. My comments about his minutes were more based on my hopes that both Drew and Pau would not get injured, which is the only reason why Lamar ended up posting as many minutes as he did last year. I think we will see better productivity from him regardless of his minutes. He had a chance to be a leader on that team and I think it will add to his confidence to step up more often than he has in the past. At least that’s what I hope.
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TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2010 at 04:36 PM
http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/?p=33655
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LeBron James is a jerk.
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What do we play for? RINGS!!!
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Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.
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GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: Jon K. | September 14, 2010 at 04:40 PM
@LROB… I do want Drew to be an All-Star but more importantly, I want the Lakers to three-peat and I do not think they can this year unless they have a completely healthy Drew in the playoffs. If limiting his minutes during the “practice” season helps achieve that goal, then I would totally support it. It will be interesting to see how Phil handles the situation. Can’t say that I don’t like your breakdown. I just worry about Drew getting injured again carrying that 7-1 285 body up and down the court for 82 games that really don’t count. So you’re right in a way that I do want to baby him – at least until he shows he can stay healthy for all year.
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TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2010 at 04:43 PM
Jon K-
I wonder if D Wade knows to keep his distance. After the Star Jones things, I wouldn't put it past him.
Posted by: htj | September 14, 2010 at 04:48 PM
LT
Drew averaged 30.4 mpg in his 65 regular season games last season. Pau averaged 37.0 mpg in his 65 games and LO averaged 30.1 mpg over his 82 games. In my view, the Lakers will function fine by increasing Drew's minutes, decreasing Pau's and LO's minutes, and throwing in about 10-15 mpg between Ratliff and Caracter. In order for to Drew to eventually become consistently "beastly," he needs to have the confidence that he can do it day in and day out. More minutes, more touches and finishing more games will do that. I'm a big believer in PJ's practice season ... that is, refining, tweaking, adjusting and doing all the things necessary to tune up for the playoffs, ESPECIALLY with a championship team like this. If Andrew Bynum can reach that next level CONSISTENTLY, this TEAM will be a Beast and in my view he should be logging in as many minutes as Kobe and lead our bigs in minutes per game (also because of his ability to do so because he's so young). When the playoffs roll around, that will allow Pau to play 40 mpg comfortably, Drew to play with ultimate confidence and Lamar to play whatever role that is asked of him for as many minutes as PJ thinks we need him.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | September 14, 2010 at 04:55 PM
I am very happy our fantastic duo...Kobe-Pau...got the long needed rest this summer...
We need both of these guys to have a long healthy season...and most importantly...100% come playoffs...
With our new bench, and rookie signings...let's hope PJ alters his rotations and concentrate on giving the starters more rest, especially our #1 and #2...
Kobe Black Mamba Bryant...and Pau Maximus Gasol...
Posted by: LEWSTRS | September 14, 2010 at 05:09 PM
KobeMVP888 - If your script comes to fruition, there'll be lots of happy campers in Lakerland.
Posted by: htj | September 14, 2010 at 05:16 PM
My Jerry West action figure says:
Drew is injury-prone and Lakers should plan on this happening every year. Play him hard and long until he breaks, then deal with it.
Otis says:
Drew doesn't break down from wear, he gets freak injuries. I don't think you can avoid this by limiting his minutes. Work him like a hound - maybe he has a monster year.
Posted by: Otis | September 14, 2010 at 05:18 PM
@KOBEMVP… You and others have made some excellent points. I was probably being overly cautious about Drew in order not to create any controversy so soon after the last situation. I think I may also have been looking at the wrong stats if your last figures are accurate. Would I love to see Drew get the minutes to become the beast I think he can be? Does Kobe Bryant like to shoot? Anyway, I do trust Phil and the Lakers to make the right decision so let’s see what happens.
~
What is going to be interesting is seeing whether Phil takes advantage of our depth and goes with a 9 or 10 player rotation rather than the usual 7 or 8. This team has enough depth that we could actually play two complete squads, especially if the starters can rip off huge leads every time to give the bench a nice pad to protect. We might see a lot of all 5 Lakers starters resting on the bench while Lamar and the second string holds or builds the lead. That’s how we win home court.
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TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | September 14, 2010 at 06:22 PM
"Jon K-
I wonder if D Wade knows to keep his distance. After the Star Jones things, I wouldn't put it past him.
Posted by: htj | September 14, 2010 at 04:48 PM"
I must have been on Pluto, the planet, what was that about, all I see is two names of people who in reality, don't deserve any press. MSNBC than any morning show that the whale may be on still, I don't know.....
Posted by: Humanomaly | September 14, 2010 at 08:14 PM
( First of all, sorry for my english)
Pau Maximus Gasol... i really like that, im sorry to be honest but Pau should play the next Eurobasket in order of reaching the 2012 Olimpic spot, Just the champion and the secondth get that spot, and we need Pau to secure the Eurobasket, without him we can win the eurobasket or not, but with him we rolled the last eurobasket winning every game with 15 or 20 points of difference and he gets an easy mvp, we need him guys! I support lakers strongly, and i really hope lakers wins the third... Greatings from spain and thank for ur english teaching! im improving because of lakers and usa newspapers!!!
Posted by: Astarioth | September 15, 2010 at 04:37 AM
( First of all, sorry for my english)
Pau Maximus Gasol... i really like that, im sorry to be honest but Pau should play the next Eurobasket in order of reaching the 2012 Olimpic spot, Just the champion and the secondth get that spot, and we need Pau to secure the Eurobasket, without him we can win the eurobasket or not, but with him we rolled the last eurobasket winning every game with 15 or 20 points of difference and he gets an easy mvp, we need him guys! I support lakers strongly, and i really hope lakers wins the third... Greatings from spain and thank for ur english teaching! im improving because of lakers and usa newspapers!!!
Posted by: Astarioth | September 15, 2010 at 04:37 AM
I like the debate of AB geting more or less minutes. It is much better than keep or trade him.
Posted by: JustaLakerFan | September 15, 2010 at 10:55 AM