NBA general managers predict the Lakers will three-peat and that Kevin Durant will take league MVP over Kobe Bryant
This news may be met in this corner of the blogosphere with a collective "tell me something I didn't know" attitude, but I'll tell you anyway: According to a preseason survey, the majority of NBA general managers predict that the Lakers will three-peat.
Granted, the fine print makes it clear that not all 30 general managers voted. The percentages are based on a pool of respondents to each question. But it's not as if the results come from Mitch Kupchak voting repeatedly, like Yao Ming's fan base relentlessly votes for him to be in the All-Star game. General managers were not permitted to vote for their own team or personnel.
There are plenty of the GMs that like Miami's chances (33.3% say the Heat will win the title), and there are serious doubts about Boston's chances to offset their 2010 NBA Finals loss (3.7% say they believe the Celtics will return to the Finals and win).
Among the other findings (below the jump):
--This nugget won't sit well with Lakers fans, but it's actually something I also predicted would happen: Oklahoma City forward Kevin Durant is favored to win the league MVP over Kobe Bryant. Although I'm sure Bryant will use this as motivation, I don't think his abilities have anything to do with why he won't win the honor.
In 2009-10, he lost to LeBron James for the NBA's top honor after going through an injury-riddled season. Obviously, Bryant still has a rehab process to go through with his knee, but I don't see injuries negatively affecting his game, as they did last year.
No, Durant will get the MVP for other reasons: Bryant won't need to carry a heavy load. He has tremendous talent around him, and I presume he and other starters will get more rest this season because the Lakers upgraded their bench. Also, even the most passionate Lakers fan respects how Durant dominated the show during the 2010 FIBA World Championships. Last season, he became the youngest player ever to lead the league in scoring. His Team USA experience will certainly bolster his upside.
--While we're on the topic of Durant and Bryant, it's interesting to see how the GMs hold a big-picture view on both players. When asked which player they would choose to start a franchise, 55.6% selected Durant and only 7.4% selected Bryant. But 35.7% say Bryant causes opposing coaches to make the most adjustments, while only 10.7% say Durant does that. This survey recognizes a clear reality: Bryant is on the tail end of his career, while Durant is at the beginning of his. But at this moment in time, the GMs still recognize and appreciate Bryant's skill set. Case in point, 85.7% tabbed him as the league's best shooting guard (89.7% voted him as such last year), while Dwyane Wade (10.7%) and Durant (3.6%) were way behind. Additionally, league GMS tabbed Bryant as the best player at getting his own shot (70.4%) and the player you'd want to attempt the game-winner.
--The contention from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban that his team has the depth and talent to beat the Lakers was met with a collective eye-roll. Only 3.6% say Dallas will win the Western Conference, while 96.4% say the Lakers will take that honor. Consider that in last season's survey 75.6% of voters predicted that the Lakers would win the West, meaning that being a two-time defending champion really does make you more dangerous and that the Lakers made some good moves this offseason. Nonetheless, it should be fun to watch the Lakers and Mavericks match up, particularly because Pau Gasol and Dirk Nowitzki are tied for first when the GMs were asked who is the league's best power forward, with each of them getting 28.6% of the vote.
--Don't call the Lakers "soft." OK, so that label has been overblown for quite some time now. But it's safe to describe the Lakers as "tough." Bryant and Ron Artest garnered plenty of pre-season defensive accolades. They were tied for second as the league's best defensive player (7.4%). Bryant (35.7%) and Artest (21.4%) finished first and second, respectively, as the NBA's top perimeter players. And Bryant (17.9%) and Artest (14.3%) were considered second and third, respectively, for best on-ball defenders. Add all those ingredients up and you have the Lakers as the second best defensive team (10.7%), trailing only the Boston Celtics (75%).
----Very few doubt Jackson's coaching credentials. But there always seems to be a contention that Jackson won 11 titles mostly because he had good players. The league's general managers rightfully don't think that way, though.
Jackson was considered the NBA's best coach (39.4%) and best at managing players and motivating them (46.4%). Jackson doesn't give himself much credit for in-game adjustments and drawing up plays, but the results from the league survey gives him kudos for those areas as well. He was voted third behind San Antonio's Gregg Poppovich and Charlotte's Larry Brown both for in-game adjustments (10.7%) and in managing the last two minutes of a game (17.9%). Clearly, Jackson's decision to stay for at least another year bolsters the Lakers' chance of three-peating, as league general managers tabbed Jackson second for boasting the best run offense (17.9%).
--NBA GMs see what Laker fans see in Derek Fisher: He will become a coach someday. Fisher earned the top spot (29.6%) as the active player that will make the best head coach someday
-- Mark Medina
Twitter.com/latmedina
E-mail the Lakers blog at mgmedin@gmail.com
Photo: Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant react to the crowd along the route of the Lakers victory parade. Credit: Mark Boster/Los Angeles Times
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant is swarmed by reporters during media day at the Toyota Sports. Credit: Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times
Photo: Lakers Coach Phil Jackson is unhappy that the Lakers couldn't hold camp solely at their training facility in El Segundo. Credit: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times>
Alright I've waited all morning to vent my frustration, but can't hold it any longer. I just dropped Brett Favre from my fantasy football league for Sam Bradford. Now Favre gets the best deep threat receiver in the game.....Arghhhh! Sorry folks, not the place, but couldn't help it.
About the thread, I'm surprised that the survey shows that KD wins MVP over Kobe, and not over LeBron, the defending MVP. Interesting.
Posted by: Laker J | October 06, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Two things I love about the survey other than the Lakers being picked to 3peat...
1. Only 3.7% of GM's like Boston chances of winning the title....haha.
2. Pau getting his props...tied with Dirk as best PF.
Posted by: LRob | October 06, 2010 at 11:34 AM
Ron Ron strikes again...
After I’m done with my basketball career, I want to box and I wanna play football –probably tight end position.
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/sierra/2010/10/06/ron-artest-ill-probably-quit-basketball-at-the-end-of-this-contract/
Posted by: LRob | October 06, 2010 at 11:37 AM
I can see KD getting the MVP. He is the linchpin of a very young team and he will be the one to drag them back to the playoffs and give the old guys a run for their money. I would say that he is an exceptionally impressive young player.
Kobe is Kobe. He should win the Most Forceful Player because he forces his team to play to a championship level. They just have no choice.
So, like LBJ, KD's team wants to play with him in the playoffs, but Kobe's team is forced to win championships...I'll think I want to play along side the MFP.
JR
Posted by: Jolly Rancher | October 06, 2010 at 11:40 AM
The only doctors available to comment on Bynum's injury were Doctor J and Doc Rivers, and I don't care what neither of them have to say.
Seriously, HIPPA regulations prvent doctors from disclosing medical files and history. A player (patient) can waive confidentiality laes and make records available to other medical proffesionals for the purpose of consulting and second opinions. They can also make the records available to their employers, in this case, I believe the Lakers have access to the Bynum's medical records, but they can not make them completely public. Thus, the secrecy, and discrepancy in the news about Bynum.
I also believe that the issue at hand is not the procedure itself, but the recovery and rehabilitation process. That in itself can be different from person to person. Issues, such as healing, pain tolerance, work ethic and willingness come in to play. Let's not forget that Bynum will be playing professional basketball as a center, not returning to an office job. :-)
Posted by: Laker J | October 06, 2010 at 11:44 AM
You know who likes being forced to win championships? Samaki Walker.
[dbdh]
Posted by: Don't Blame Del Harris! | October 06, 2010 at 11:46 AM
I never liked MJ. I think his game was unique and it came at a time that the league didn't have enough strong "Teams". And please don't bring that Pistons stuff being bad boys and defensive bruts.
Posted by: JohnnyV | October 06, 2010 at 07:31 AM
--------------------
Johnny V,
If you don't think the Pistons from 87-91 was a great team then that diminishes what Magic, Worthy & company accomplished in the 88 finals.
I depised the "Bad Boy" tactics as much as anybody, but I certainly can appreciate their greatness. You don't win back to back titles without being a "strong" team.
Posted by: LRob | October 06, 2010 at 11:47 AM
I too predict the Lakers will 3-PEAT!!!!!!!!!!
But I make far less money than the GMs...
Posted by: Magic Phil | October 06, 2010 at 11:58 AM
I depised the "Bad Boy" tactics as much as anybody, but I certainly can appreciate their greatness. You don't win back to back titles without being a "strong" team. Posted by: LRob | October 06, 2010 at 11:47 AM
*
Say it again! And being from Chicago and watching them destroy MJ and the Bulls again and again I can attest to that. The Pistons were a great team and Isiah Thomas was a great, guard!.. Neither get the respect they should. Props. to you LRob.
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 06, 2010 at 11:58 AM
I too predict the Lakers will 3-PEAT!!!!!!!!!! But I make far less money than the GMs...Posted by: Magic Phil | October 06, 2010 at 11:58 AM
*
But I'd take your prediction over their's anyday Magic Phil!
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 06, 2010 at 12:00 PM
What? LBJ won't be the MVP this season? No doubt due to racism... err... to some extent anyway. LBJ = LOSER!! I hate to admit it though - I watched their game against the Pistons - can't and don't want to help myself. i just dig the nba. He seemed pretty emotional out there and I wish nothing but the worse for the remainder of his career. i was sorry to see wade limp off the court but lets face it: he ain't no bynum that's "fo sho!" oh - one exception about LeRacist: if PJ happens to float over there next season, then I'll be rootin' for PJ & Riles as long as they're not going up against our beloved Lakers!
GO LAKERS!!
Posted by: frmkt | October 06, 2010 at 12:17 PM
I guess the most surprising thing is the Lakers - Miami Finals matchup prediction. Not too much support for Boston surprises me.
Regardless - I'm with Kobe on this one. The Lakers will take on aliens from Mars if need be. As long as they're in the Finals they don't care who it's against.
The 2nd most surprising thing is not so much that the Lakers were voted 2nd best defensive team, but that the discrepancy was so huge. 10.7% for us and 75% for the Weeners???? Did these people even WATCH the Finals?
LRob - thanks for that link to the Ron Artest interview. OMG - everything that comes out of that guy's mouth is pure comic GOLD!! LOL!! Forget football and boxing - Ron should do stand-up in Vegas, or star in his own reality show. He needs to take his talents to the entertainment industry.
MM - sorry if I was grumpy - I've got a massive migraine and the only news I really want to hear about is that everyone on the team is fully healed (or should I say healthy?) and ready to go! LOL! Call me unrealistic, but it's the only thing that will really make me feel better today....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 06, 2010 at 12:26 PM
LeRacist?? Oh no you didn't!! That is so wrong. ROTFLMAO!!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 06, 2010 at 12:28 PM
I really want to hear about is that everyone on the team is fully healed (or should I say healthy?) and ready to go! LOL! Call me unrealistic, but it's the only thing that will really make me feel better today....Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 06, 2010 at 12:26 PM
*
Everyone on the team is fully healed and ready to go. Feel better? Good! Now don't look...I lied!
Mamba24
Posted by: Mamba24 | October 06, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Justa - sorry to hear about your migraine. I get those too, and it's the worst. Feel better!
Love that the GM's finally woke up and realized the truth. This team is primed, prepped, and hungry. The new guys are doing well, and LO is looking great. Yeah, training camp is a bust. But the new players who will play bigger minutes seem to be picking it up, and our vets have all returned which is a big help. I think it'll be OK overall.
In terms of LBJ not getting the MVP, can we get a big resounding "DUH!" to go with that? All his off season antics have gotten old, and he's looking bad. It's all about popularity, which is why Kobe is seldom voted for as the main candidate. But whatever. Does he really care about it all that much? I mean, would you rather have a Finals MVP or a league trophy? No brainer.
Let's hope our team gets home from Europe with no more injuries, and they're ready for the opener. It's gonna be a good season, and I'm looking forward to hearing the Black Eyed Peas belt out that they've got a feeling!
GO LAKERS!!!
Posted by: longtimelakerlover | October 06, 2010 at 12:37 PM
So do the comments by Phil Jackson make him a Bynum basher?
Just curious.
Posted by: hobbitmage | October 06, 2010 at 12:39 PM
justa - Well perhaps the GM survey results cheered you up? I think what's most important is that YOU get healthy. Migraines are the worst and I hope you feel better
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 06, 2010 at 12:45 PM
Call me crazy, but I think Durant's fraile frame will finally catch up to him and he'll have some extended downtime this year. Also take into account that OKC isn't going to catch anyone by surprise this year and I can see them landing right about where they were last year give or take a few games.
A little too early to be crowning anyone just yet in any case.
And on a light note, Adrian Wojnarowski officially became Justa's least favorite blogger: http://yhoo.it/dg4VMe
Posted by: htj | October 06, 2010 at 12:49 PM
Hola, Laker Amigos! Back for the season and ready to rain verbal 3s on any trolls that dare venture into our hallowed halls!
First, major props for our own Rick Friedman for bird-dogging this story in the previous thread. Nice find, Rick. Nice putback, MM. Teamwork, babeee.
As for the GM survey, I think they got it mostly right. The only two that I think they missed badly would be Miami as they overwhelming choice (over the Celts) to get beaten by us in the Finals, and Durant over Kobe for starting a franchise. The Celts may be getting ancient, but they still know how to play team ball and great defense. They have consistently smothered and frustrated LBJ, not necessarily by limiting his scoring, but by completely stopping the rest of his team. They've still got the toughness and enough tight coverage to do it again. I predict we'll be seeing the Celts again in the finals.
As for Durant/Kobe, even though Kobe is approaching the twilight of his career, and his physical skills have indeed diminished, there is still nobody in the game today who has such a huge psychological impact in WILLING his team to take on his warrior mentality in the playoffs. Nobody. As skilled a player as Durant is, he doesn't have the same effect on his entire team. And that translates into...lesser chance of winning a ring. THAT is what makes Kobe more valuable and better for starting a franchise, even now.
Posted by: CornerJ | October 06, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Other interesting GM votes:
Which head coach is the best manager/motivator of people?
1. Phil Jackson, L.A. Lakers 46.4%
2. Doc Rivers, Boston 26.8%
3. Gregg Popovich, San Antonio 17.0%
Which active player will make the best head coach someday?
1. Derek Fisher, L.A. Lakers 29.6%
2. Chauncey Billups, Denver 14.8%
2. Steve Nash, Phoenix 14.8%
4. Shane Battier, Houston 11.1%
5. Jason Kidd, Dallas 7.4%
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | October 06, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Kobe's #1 goal is the championship. Period.
Speaking of General Managers....any comment about how we got basically nothing from Adam Morrison. Should have dealt him at the trade deadline, but he wasn't healthy enough. He's looking better now. Yes, we did get out from a few years of VladRad's contract, and did get Shannon, but got nothing essentially for Ammo.
I can remember the last time the Lakers were in Europe...it was pretty much all bad news from then on for a while...so I just hope they return healthy.
Caracter looks like he has some game.
Posted by: humanomaly | October 06, 2010 at 12:53 PM
Sup guys. Sorry, gotta go right into rant mode:
Love these polls, the GM's are pretty right-on with them for the most part.
Defensively though, they missed their mark. It's pretty clear, when all the chips are on the table, and a title on the line, the Lakers surpass the C's defensive effort - and with Barnes and a scrappy Blake, their defensive ability has gone up since then.
I'll give you that the Lakers don't always show up and play lock-down defense (outside Artest), they are pretty lazy about that. But when they need to, the're 2nd to none.
This is why the 75% to 10% disparity really is the one place the GM's messed up on. Yes, the Celtics regularly play good defense, it's their staple since they aren't the most gifted scoring team in the league, but the Lakers have showed that when they put their minds to it, they are scary-good defensively and a notch higher than the C's.
Look how many times the Lakers are down 4,5,6 in the closing minutes, finally get into a 'lock-down' mode defensively, and Kobe bails them out with a game winning shot.
So, I'll give you the C's are better defensively most of the time, but I'll take the Lakers selected defensive stands when it counts, they've shown they are outstanding when they need to be - and a notch above everyone else.
I'd rather be the best defensive team 1% of the time, at end of game situations and when a title is on the line.
=== END OF RANT === lol...
Watching the Knicks play the T'Wolves in Paris right now, they gotta make a Euro division, these games are all sell-outs. They even brought over the annoying Knick organ player, so not only are the French fans seeing treated to watching two of the worst franchises in the NBA, they can pretend they are watching them in the dank & rat-infested Madison Square Garden.
I'm surprised they didn't bring some guy in to imitate Spike Lee and sit him in the front row.
All the Knicks gotta do now is lose, and it's just like the average Knick game in NYC...
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 12:56 PM
Justanothermambafan,
I hope your migrane clears up.
Posted by: hobbitmage | October 06, 2010 at 12:59 PM
GMs all voted Lakers...
Were those General Managers or Great Minds...
Lakers Dynasty - The Next Generation...
#17 Coming Up!!!
Posted by: LEWSTRS | October 06, 2010 at 01:04 PM
LIMITED MINUTES FOR BYNUM THIS YEAR?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Once Drew is fully recovered from his latest knee surgery, I don’t expect the Lakers to limit his minutes to reduce the odds of injury in the same way that the Houston Rockets have decided to limit Yao Ming’s minutes. The circumstances are completely different, with Drew’s injuries resulting from freak incidents to different body parts whereas Yao’s recent injuries have been focused on his left foot and raise career ending concerns. To me, Phil’s comments were more of a motivational dig to Drew to get healthy and ready to play.
~
Having said that, this season has special meaning for the Lakers in that it really may be Phil Jackson’s Last Stand, not to mention the franchise’s opportunity to tie the Celtics with 17 NBA championships and Kobe Bryant’s opportunity to tie Michael Jordan with 6 NBA championship rings. And while I would like to see Drew make the All-Star team and start to prove that he is going to become the next great Lakers center, the goal of winning their 3rd straight NBA championship and 2nd 3-peat in this decade are all that count.
~
Bottom line, I do not believe we can win the championship this year without a healthy and dominant Andrew Bynum in the playoffs. If the Phil and the Lakers decide that the best way to ensure a healthy Drew for the playoffs is to limit his minutes, then I would support that decision 100%. Drew is only 22 years old and will have plenty of seasons to prove he can become our next franchise player. Right now, our goal is to win that key 17th NBA championship. Thus, we need to do whatever is necessary to make sure that we go into the playoffs with a healthy Bynum because that is the only way we are going to win another three-peat.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | October 06, 2010 at 01:05 PM
Laker J,
Also add the insurance companies of the Lakers have the medical files on Bynum i.e. if he's covered by Lloyd's, life insurance and medical insurance. He may not be an office employee but a player, I think JB has dealt with so many players in the past for the money he has invested on Bynum, he knows the full inside information of his real status.
Now whatever the story good or bad, why hide it to the fans? If I were Bynum, I'd released what is on file to end the story of all kinds of speculations. When Wilt injured his both hands, if I'm not mistaken nobody care to write the stories about his injuries prior to the game. Everybody saw his hand were heavily bandage, and he declared, I will play.
In the case of Bynum we have incomplete reporting or based from frequent changes we do not know anything, he is not willing to share his medical files.....why do we keep on reviving the story? The story line should be "he is injured and coming back by end of Nov". Let's talk about it by that time to make news reporting more relevant and substantive too. i think too much discussion on Bynum create disharmonious relationship among fans, some bloggers are so disenchanted and no longer posting, there are no facts out there and yet fans are asked to make more speculations and comment on other people speculations. All positive and negative views clashed at all times based on a hearsay!!!
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | October 06, 2010 at 01:07 PM
Next time anyone disputes my takes regarding the following Bynum related topics, I will simply refer to Phil's comments from yesterday:
- Is Bynum injury prone? YES
- Are there valid reasons to be concerned about Bynum's future? YES
- Are there valid reasons to be concerned about Bynum's seemingly lackadaisical approach towards rehab? YES
- Should his minutes be limited to ensure a healthy Bynum for the playoffs? YES
- Is Bynum more comparable to Dwight at this point of his career or Greg Oden? GREG
- If he has another setback this year, should he be traded? TBD
Hopefully, Bynum is absorbing Phil's comments and hustling his arse off in rehab. Phil seems to be suggesting that this is the make it or break it year for Bynum. This team will have a tougher hill to climb this season without a healthy Bynum, and Phil isn't playing around in what might be the final year of his coaching career. All I can say is, THANK GOODNESS that the team re-signed Lamar.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2010 at 01:13 PM
justa: Wow, these migraines must be rampant right now, I was suffering for migraines for a couple days, got real bad yesterday but my migraine is gone today.
Hang in there, migraines really suck. What works for me is drinking lots of water, and avoiding bright light. Hope your goes away soon.
- - -
Humanomaly: Caracter does look good, he's a bruiser and a rebounding-monster. Lakers sorely needed that type of presence on the bench, and to get him #58 our of 60? Another outstanding late-draft pick by Mitch.
- - -
KobeMVP888: Those are two polls that are spot-on. Phil is the best head coach, and we all know that D-Fish has just the right combination of smarts/feistyness/grit and personality to make a GREAT coach one day.
I hope Derek becomes B-Shaw's right-hand man on the bench for a few years (after Phil retires, hopefully he's got a few more years in him!). The Lakers have always had good candidates because the franchise has always valued bringing in quality PEOPLE as well as players. Look around the league, Byron Scott, Michael Cooper (OK, he's at SC), Larry Drew, Kurt Rambis - even Kareem. Shaw will be a future head coach too, and so will Fisher.
Credit has to go out to Jerry West, and now Kupchak, the Lakers always chose the best person, not necessarily the player. That legacy - as much as dominant centers throughout the years - is as much what has made the Lakers successful as anything...
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 01:15 PM
LTLL / MM / hobbit - thanks you guys - I really appreciate the well wishes. I just seem to be getting more & more of these things lately.... Oh well - nothing a start to the season won't cure (hopefully)!!
htj - yeah - AW - he ranks right there with all the other idiot so-called journalists who have no idea what the hell they're talking about. Ugh. And now the princess says she doesn't defer? Oy vey! I bet that's news to his teammates. It didn't take long for that little tune to change, did it?
Question for the blog know-it-alls (and I mean that in a very, very good way!) - prior to Ron becoming a Laker, did he always talk about what's best for the team? And winning as a team? That's all you ever hear out of his mouth - every interview - and I was wondering if that's always what he's been about, or if that changed with the Mamba's influence.... Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 06, 2010 at 01:18 PM
Cyber - yeah - I'm here at work sitting in the dark LOL! It's a good thing I've got such a great boss.
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 06, 2010 at 01:20 PM
@Justa - Hope you feel better. Maybe this will help you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHybxGEcbZY
@CosmiX - Glad you're feeling better and posting strong!
Posted by: LRob | October 06, 2010 at 01:23 PM
LakerTom: "Bottom line, I do not believe we can win the championship this year without a healthy and dominant Andrew Bynum in the playoffs. If the Phil and the Lakers decide that the best way to ensure a healthy Drew for the playoffs is to limit his minutes, then I would support that decision 100%. Drew is only 22 years old and will have plenty of seasons to prove he can become our next franchise player. Right now, our goal is to win that key 17th NBA championship. Thus, we need to do whatever is necessary to make sure that we go into the playoffs with a healthy Bynum because that is the only way we are going to win another three-peat."
-
Very well said. On any given night, the Lakers really only have any of three clear mismatches on the court, at SG, PF, C. I tend to think, Bynum gives them the clearest advantage on a given night over the opposing center as often as any Gasol or Kobe have over their opposing players.
Bynum also allows Gasol to naturally play his better suited position, and frankly a lot of Gasol's success has to be attributed to the presence of Bynum on the court.
Limit his minutes in the regular season, no problem. But Bynum will need to be at full strength going into the playoffs, his value is that important for the Lakers.
Another LakerTom post I wholeheartedly agree with!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 01:23 PM
Hobbit,
"Does Phil's comments make him a Bynum Basher too?"
LOL, no it makes him a Bynum realist.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2010 at 01:28 PM
a couple of things,re: drew, it is what it is. drew will play when he's ready. but, i saw him sitting next to kobe during the work out, i did not see his arms buffed, so hopefully he can get in the weight room to get more arm strength. i think we will know the answer to the kobe/mj thing when kobe is giving his HOF speech.also why is the nba disrupting the pre-season with with these globetrotter-like events especially if there will be no prospects of any european franchises in the near future, a"bust" does fit it nicely
Posted by: lance from da' bronx | October 06, 2010 at 01:29 PM
LRob - I LOVE that song - and I've got a soft spot in my heart for that movie too! THANKS!!
Posted by: justanothermambafan | October 06, 2010 at 01:30 PM
justa: I'm sure your boss realizes that slowed by migraines and in the dark is still better than most. :) Hang in there!
- - -
LRob: Thanks bro, now we all gotta focus our 'get well healing powers' on justa.
- - -
LAKER TRUTH: Hate to say it bro, but see your post and know it's something that is going to be degrading in some form to Drew. Just the way it seems to be lately.
You say, "Is Bynum more comparable to Dwight at this point of his career or Greg Oden?" GREG
One small difference, Bynum can actually PLAY - Oden has shown he's no more than an average NBA center when he's healthy, with no where near - not even close - to the scoring touch of Bynum.
Oden too had microfracture, which is a lot more serious. It's 50/50 he comes back strong, Bynum though should be close to 100% after his rehab...
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 01:33 PM
Next time anyone disputes my takes regarding the following Bynum related topics, I will simply refer to Phil's comments from yesterday:
- Is Bynum injury prone? YES
- Are there valid reasons to be concerned about Bynum's future? YES
- Are there valid reasons to be concerned about Bynum's seemingly lackadaisical approach towards rehab? YES
- Should his minutes be limited to ensure a healthy Bynum for the playoffs? YES
- Is Bynum more comparable to Dwight at this point of his career or Greg Oden? GREG
- If he has another setback this year, should he be traded? TBD
Hopefully, Bynum is absorbing Phil's comments and hustling his arse off in rehab. Phil seems to be suggesting that this is the make it or break it year for Bynum. This team will have a tougher hill to climb this season without a healthy Bynum, and Phil isn't playing around in what might be the final year of his coaching career. All I can say is, THANK GOODNESS that the team re-signed Lamar.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2010 at 01:13 PM
====
The Lakers hold a team option for 2012-23 for 16 mil.
Yes, Bynum does appear to be prone to injury, but he's still young. There are "valid reasons" to be concerned about his future, although NOT on the same level as Greg Oden, who you compared him to. There are also "valid reasons" to be optimistic about his future. I COMPLETELY disagree with you that Bynum has a [seemingly] lackadaisical approach to rehab. He's already been through two grueling summers of rehab and he has always done what he has been instructed to do as far as we know. Furthermore, and more importantly, he has proven to be a warrior when the Lakers needed him the most. With respect to limiting his minutes, PJ was talking about the future in a completely hypothetical way, so when you say "yes" unequivocally to that question, I say that should be left to the Lakers' training staff, coaching staff, and management. As for trading him at any point for any reason, I defer to Mitch Kupchak. As of now, he's wearing two (2) rings, I THANK him for being a warrior in the playoffs this year and I'm very happy he's still a Laker.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | October 06, 2010 at 01:36 PM
Corner J: "As for Durant/Kobe, even though Kobe is approaching the twilight of his career, and his physical skills have indeed diminished, there is still nobody in the game today who has such a huge psychological impact in WILLING his team to take on his warrior mentality in the playoffs. Nobody. As skilled a player as Durant is, he doesn't have the same effect on his entire team. And that translates into...lesser chance of winning a ring. THAT is what makes Kobe more valuable and better for starting a franchise, even now."
-
If I may say, OUTSTANDING observation!
GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 01:38 PM
KobeMVP888 (& LAKER TRUTH): One only needs to see the Lakers performance versus the Celtics when he was on the floor, and without, to see the difference. Bynum dominated Perkins - he owned him.
THAT is why the C's brought in the 'O'Neal brothers'. They felt they could match up at every other position, but Bynum gives the Lakers check-mate.
Frankly, the C's are lucky they are wearing the Lakers '08 rings. A healthy Bynum (as well as Ariza and backup C Mihm too) would have meant we'd be celebrating a three-peat right now.
LAKER TRUTH, I see you like equations and such, here's a little math for you:
Lakers + Bynum = Title
Take that one to the bank!
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 01:43 PM
Kobe jumps car-kenny doesn't
Always fun to watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgGj8cBa2C0&feature=related
Posted by: Troll Man | October 06, 2010 at 01:45 PM
Cyber,
"Oden has shown he's no more than an average NBA center when he's healthy"
First of all, if I'm being negative, I'm simply repeating Phil's take on the Bynum situation. You call it negativity, I call it reality. Second of all, Oden, on the few occasions he's been healthy has proven to be a legit center. He averaged 11 pts, 8.5 boards, and 2.3 blocks in 23 minutes last season as the starting center. That's a better rebounding and blocking rate than Bynum. Sure, he's more injury prone than Bynum, and Bynum is much more polished offensively, but a healthy Oden has shown flashes of beastliness, especially on the defensive end.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2010 at 01:46 PM
I predict Lakers will lose in the NBA Finals....
...
...
in the year 2015 !!!
Posted by: brian | October 06, 2010 at 01:47 PM
MobeMVP888,
"I COMPLETELY disagree with you that Bynum has a [seemingly] lackadaisical approach to rehab. "
Phil Jackson's comments seem to suggest otherwise.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2010 at 01:48 PM
Hey guys we got a links post up
MM
Posted by: Mark Medina | October 06, 2010 at 01:49 PM
LAKER TRUTH: Oden might end up being a good center, I hope he does. He seems like a likable guy, and I really feel for him for what he's gone through. I pull for him, big-time, and it would be great if the center-clashes we all envisioned happening with him vs Bynum come to materialize in the future. I really hope so, injury-wise for both players.
So, not detracting from Oden, but since we're on a GM poll topic thread, I tend to think that if asked what healthy center they'd rather have, Bynum might win that with 100%...
GO LAKERS!!!!!
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 01:52 PM
The thing about Andrew, good or bad, is that he is ours. If he plays well (healthy) he won't be traded. If he's hurt again, he's ours, virtually not trade-able. We had a chance at Bosh and perhaps now, Melo. Soon the above scenario will be in place. Good luck (health) Andrew and to us as well.
Posted by: D(erek)J(eter) | October 06, 2010 at 01:56 PM
Cyber,
"Lakers + Bynum = Title
Take that one to the bank"
You can also take these to the bank:
Lakers + Luke = Title
Lakers + Powell = Title
Lakers + Ammo = Title
Yes I'm exaggerating, but the logic still applies. The REALITY is that an injured Bynum, although he was important to last year's title, was LESS important than Kobe, Pau, Artest, Lamar and Fish. The team expects MORE out of Bynum, and so does Phil....so do I, and so should you.
peace
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2010 at 01:57 PM
KobeMVP888,
"I COMPLETELY disagree with you that Bynum has a [seemingly] lackadaisical approach to rehab. "
Phil Jackson's comments seem to suggest otherwise.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | October 06, 2010 at 01:48 PM
====
How so? Motivation is motivation. It doesn't imply that Bynum is lackadaisical unless that is what you want to read into it. It is degrees of focus. Like I said before, Bynum has been through two grueling summers of rehab and perhaps the young man is a bit sick of it. So what's wrong with Philip holding reduced minutes over his head to get him up for it a third time? Remember, because of the repair he underwent, he can't do any weight bearing activities until the end of this month anyway. How does that translate into Phil Jackson thinking that Bynum has a lackadaisical approach to rehab? I just think that you're making an unfair and probably inaccurate assumption.
Posted by: KobeMVP888 | October 06, 2010 at 02:01 PM
"One only needs to see the Lakers performance versus the Celtics when he was on the floor, and without, to see the difference. Bynum dominated Perkins - he owned him."
Posted by: CyberCosmiX | October 06, 2010 at 01:43 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jan 31st: 19 points (7-13), 11 rebounds
Feb 18: 14 points (7-15), 9 rebounds (without Bryant)
Finals (Minimum 28 minutes).
=================
Game 1: 10 points , 6 rebounds
Game 2: 21 points, 6 rebounds
Game 3: 9 points, 10 rebounds
Game 4: Bynum plays only 12 minutes
Game 5: 6 points, 1 rebound
Game 6: Perkins injured, Bynum plays 15 minutes
Game 7: Perkins injured, Bynum plays 18 minutes
Bynum vs Perkins regular season: 16.5ppg, 10 rpg
Bynum vs Perkins Finals (minimum 28 minutes): 11.5ppg, 5.6rpg
Bynum vs Perkins 2010 Overall: 13.1ppg, 7.2rpg.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How does 13ppg and 7rpg classify as "owning"? If you want to argue that Bynum helped in the Finals that's fine but owning? Try again.
So are we going to be revisionists and claim Bynum instead put up 30 points in imaginary land? lol.
Don't take this too hard though. Last time you really threw a bad fit to the point where you thought me and Laker Truth were the same people.
Posted by: KB Blitz | October 06, 2010 at 02:03 PM
This was written: Bottom line, I do not believe we can win the championship this year without a healthy and dominant Andrew Bynum in the playoffs.
my response: It is sad that some think so little of Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant,
Pau Gasol, Ron Artest & Lamar Odom. I think that Mitch Kupchak did an
OUTSTANDING job during free agency. I will take our bench over every
other bench in the NBA.
In 2008, we did not lose because of our C. We lost because Vladamir Radmonivic got punked by Paul Pearce. We have upgraded at the SF position.
We upgraded our bench.
Barring injuries to Kobe & Paul, we are winning the championship this year.
Go Kobe!
Go Lakers!!!
Posted by: hobbitmage | October 06, 2010 at 02:20 PM
At some time during the year every owner will gaze over at their GM in disbelief after watching the 2 rookies on the floor that Kupchack picked at the backend of round 2...how many GM's will be on the hot seat because of Mitch's brilliant draft? It's just amazing that we were able to add Barnes, Blake, Ratliff to the bench and 2 role players who should fit nicely into the future. If we can just find a waterbug to chase Westbrook, etc..around the hardwood, we should be good for another crown...Looking forward to another great year!
Posted by: BRS | October 06, 2010 at 02:56 PM
@CCX & MVP… What a pleasure having you guys on this blog. Mike’s comments about why Drew should not be compared to Greg Oden who had far more serious microfracture surgery were spot on as were Kenny’s comments about Drew’s work ethic and dedication to rehabbing not being an issue.
~
While I have never had to rehab a knee injury like Drew has three times now, I live with a woman who would give Kobe Bryant a run for his money on dedication and rehab. If you recall, Mrs. LakerTom tore up her knee taking the granddaughters sledding. She tore her ACL, MCL, and meniscus. She has now been rehabbing the knee for 6 months of unbelievable pain and misery. The only thing that comes close is when my mother-in-law spent the last three years of her life living with us. I cannot imagine who tough it has been for Drew. We should be grateful for the fact that he has a great work ethic and desire to play.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TOM
Posted by: LakerTom | October 06, 2010 at 03:13 PM
Justa...........I hope your migraine gets better, believe me they are no fun....especially if you have to work at the computer!!
Laker J.... Don't know if your a Viking fan, but I am so happy Favre can throw the long ball!!
Mamba24... Things are looking up in Minnesota!!
Posted by: NewMexicoLL | October 06, 2010 at 03:15 PM