Comments on: The Vision Thing http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/ A Lakers Blog. Thoughts, reflections, and the odd rant on the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA (even the Clippers). Thu, 09 Feb 2012 06:27:48 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: PKLakersFAN http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4957 PKLakersFAN Thu, 11 May 2006 19:28:39 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4957 Not a fan of Rudy Gay. Although filled with talent, he disappeared in UConns biggest games, and I think the Lakers would be better to avoid another project. I would love to have Ben Gordon, but I doubt the Bulls would give him up that easily. Although I wasn't his biggest fan with the Lakers, perhaps re-acquiring D-Fish wouldn't be a bad idea. There aren't that many great PG available, so why not D-Fish. Also, the Lakers should keep Mihm. He's developed a decent post-game, and can shoot a mini Jump hook with both hands. Not a fan of Rudy Gay. Although filled with talent, he disappeared in UConns biggest games, and I think the Lakers would be better to avoid another project.
I would love to have Ben Gordon, but I doubt the Bulls would give him up that easily.
Although I wasn’t his biggest fan with the Lakers, perhaps re-acquiring D-Fish wouldn’t be a bad idea. There aren’t that many great PG available, so why not D-Fish. Also, the Lakers should keep Mihm. He’s developed a decent post-game, and can shoot a mini Jump hook with both hands.

]]> By: Kurt http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4950 Kurt Thu, 11 May 2006 16:38:58 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4950 I think Bobby Jackson is an upgrade over Smush right now. Smush may, even should, get better, but I don't want to bank on it without a backup plan. Basically, bring in the vet for a few years until Smush is ready to start. I think Bobby Jackson is an upgrade over Smush right now. Smush may, even should, get better, but I don’t want to bank on it without a backup plan. Basically, bring in the vet for a few years until Smush is ready to start.

]]> By: AB http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4939 AB Thu, 11 May 2006 13:34:33 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4939 Where to begin -- first-off, I honestly felt Lakers in 7 from the get go. If Barbosa or Tim Thomas had been picked up by us instead of them, no question it goes our way. Let that be a lesson to you, Mitch--no more McKies or Jimmy Jacksons. That said, Phil has reiterated there won't be much turnover this summer. The pieces they have are solid; their ability to develop will determine if they can stay. Bynum is a prototype low-post, shotblocking prospect. Walton is a perfect triangle wingman if his range and defense continue to improve. Smush was essentially a rookie this year--a surge in consistancy makes him a viable starting triangle PG. Hone the lock-down D, keep the explosiveness but cut down the turnovers. Settle down and hit 3s. Cook and Turiaf showed me some fiery D in Round 1. If the talent develops into skill, we have something. So Option #1: Keep it together, add small pieces. Kurt has it right on Mihm--he's not the future, but keeping him until February will a) get more value in return and b) give Kwame/Bynum that much more time to develop without the pressure of holding it down on their own. In free agency, I don't see PGs I really like--Bobby Jackson's really not much better than Smush, and Claxton/Hart don't fit Phil's needs. David Wesley is a thought I would try to split the MLE on some combination of Songalia, Matt Harpring, Trevor Ariza, or even John Salmons. In the Draft, I can see LA taking Lowry, Sene, or Boone. Shotblocking was absent against Phoenix. Option #2: Make the big splash. Jermaine O'Neal may demand a trade this summer, as may KG (kncok on wood). The ideal situation involves Brian Grant's expiring $15M contract going elsewhere. A more risky scenario would be an Odom/Mihm/pick comnbination to Chicago for Ben Gordon and the Bulls two 1rst rounders. Don't hiss because I consider shopping Lamar--he has great value right now and may have reached his peak. While it's nice that he'll pass and is currently the Lakers only bigman who can get it done inside, his jumper just isn't where it needs to be for the Triangle and I'm not sure he can defend elite PFs. Rudy Gaye, while sleepy-eyed, may be the 2nd coming of Scottie Pippen, and the competitiveness of Tyrus Thomas / Adam Morrison would fit perfectly with Kobe's. A Gordon-Bryant-Gaye-Brown-Bynum lineup for 07-08 looks very sexy. Of course I'd rather have Odom than Kwame, but the Bulls might actually give up potential superstars Gordon/Thomas/Gaye for LO. Just a thought... Where to begin — first-off, I honestly felt Lakers in 7 from the get go. If Barbosa or Tim Thomas had been picked up by us instead of them, no question it goes our way. Let that be a lesson to you, Mitch–no more McKies or Jimmy Jacksons.

That said, Phil has reiterated there won’t be much turnover this summer. The pieces they have are solid; their ability to develop will determine if they can stay. Bynum is a prototype low-post, shotblocking prospect. Walton is a perfect triangle wingman if his range and defense continue to improve. Smush was essentially a rookie this year–a surge in consistancy makes him a viable starting triangle PG. Hone the lock-down D, keep the explosiveness but cut down the turnovers. Settle down and hit 3s. Cook and Turiaf showed me some fiery D in Round 1. If the talent develops into skill, we have something.

So Option #1: Keep it together, add small pieces. Kurt has it right on Mihm–he’s not the future, but keeping him until February will a) get more value in return and b) give Kwame/Bynum that much more time to develop without the pressure of holding it down on their own.

In free agency, I don’t see PGs I really like–Bobby Jackson’s really not much better than Smush, and Claxton/Hart don’t fit Phil’s needs. David Wesley is a thought I would try to split the MLE on some combination of Songalia, Matt Harpring, Trevor Ariza, or even John Salmons.

In the Draft, I can see LA taking Lowry, Sene, or Boone. Shotblocking was absent against Phoenix.

Option #2: Make the big splash. Jermaine O’Neal may demand a trade this summer, as may KG (kncok on wood). The ideal situation involves Brian Grant’s expiring $15M contract going elsewhere. A more risky scenario would be an Odom/Mihm/pick comnbination to Chicago for Ben Gordon and the Bulls two 1rst rounders. Don’t hiss because I consider shopping Lamar–he has great value right now and may have reached his peak. While it’s nice that he’ll pass and is currently the Lakers only bigman who can get it done inside, his jumper just isn’t where it needs to be for the Triangle and I’m not sure he can defend elite PFs. Rudy Gaye, while sleepy-eyed, may be the 2nd coming of Scottie Pippen, and the competitiveness of Tyrus Thomas / Adam Morrison would fit perfectly with Kobe’s. A Gordon-Bryant-Gaye-Brown-Bynum lineup for 07-08 looks very sexy. Of course I’d rather have Odom than Kwame, but the Bulls might actually give up potential superstars Gordon/Thomas/Gaye for LO. Just a thought…

]]> By: PKLakersFAN http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4913 PKLakersFAN Wed, 10 May 2006 20:42:36 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4913 Sorry guys, meant to say that Jacque Vaughn can shoot free throws. Sorry guys, meant to say that Jacque Vaughn can shoot free throws.

]]> By: PKLakersFAN http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4910 PKLakersFAN Wed, 10 May 2006 20:34:42 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4910 Definitely like the Bobby Jackson idea, but I doubt the Lakers could sign him. Jacque Vaughn could be another interesting choice. Granted he can't shoot, but a solid vet, plays defense, can handle the rock, can shoot veterans, has playoff experience so he is unlikely to melt under the pressure. Again, he should be looked at because of the money. I don't think the Lakers should make drastic changes. There is no way this team should have won more than 30 games, yet they won 45 and could have easily won 50+. The Lakers need a solid PG, and a SG/SF who can shoot the three would be nice. Also, I would like Phil to incorporate Bynum and Turiaf in the rotation more in '06-'07. Definitely like the Bobby Jackson idea, but I doubt the Lakers could sign him. Jacque Vaughn could be another interesting choice. Granted he can’t shoot, but a solid vet, plays defense, can handle the rock, can shoot veterans, has playoff experience so he is unlikely to melt under the pressure. Again, he should be looked at because of the money.
I don’t think the Lakers should make drastic changes. There is no way this team should have won more than 30 games, yet they won 45 and could have easily won 50+. The Lakers need a solid PG, and a SG/SF who can shoot the three would be nice. Also, I would like Phil to incorporate Bynum and Turiaf in the rotation more in ’06-’07.

]]> By: james http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4908 james Wed, 10 May 2006 19:53:08 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4908 I like the idea of a Mihm for Duhon swap. Offensively, Duhon's a good fit fo the Lakers. He's a good defender who can hit a jumper and won't turn the ball over (his passing ability is a bonus). If I was Mitch, I'd try to get the lower of the Bulls' first round picks, and I'd send them the Lakers if need be (i.e. Duhon and the 17th for Mihm + the 26th if necessary). That's a deal that works for both teams. The only better targets are Hedo Turkoglu and Stephen Jackson, the former because he's much better and the latter because there are point guards on the free agent market, and no real 2/3s that are attainable. Stephen Jackson wants out of Indy, so that seems more likely, though perhaps Orlando would take the cap space after next year. Turkoglu's per/opponent per last year was 18/14.7 at the 3 spot, and he's a tremendous shooter, do he'd really be ideal. A Bobby Jackson, Kobe, Hedo, Lamar, Kwame would make the Lakers a real force in the West. I like the idea of a Mihm for Duhon swap. Offensively, Duhon’s a good fit fo the Lakers. He’s a good defender who can hit a jumper and won’t turn the ball over (his passing ability is a bonus).

If I was Mitch, I’d try to get the lower of the Bulls’ first round picks, and I’d send them the Lakers if need be (i.e. Duhon and the 17th for Mihm + the 26th if necessary). That’s a deal that works for both teams.

The only better targets are Hedo Turkoglu and Stephen Jackson, the former because he’s much better and the latter because there are point guards on the free agent market, and no real 2/3s that are attainable. Stephen Jackson wants out of Indy, so that seems more likely, though perhaps Orlando would take the cap space after next year. Turkoglu’s per/opponent per last year was 18/14.7 at the 3 spot, and he’s a tremendous shooter, do he’d really be ideal. A Bobby Jackson, Kobe, Hedo, Lamar, Kwame would make the Lakers a real force in the West.

]]> By: Zach http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4904 Zach Wed, 10 May 2006 17:13:15 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4904 I had a Bulls fan tell me yesterday that Duhon for Mihm is definetly going to be offered. I don't know too much about Duhon. I do know he can D, and I believe he's a step up over Smush. I don't think the loss of Mihm is going to hurt. But yes, I'd like to see who else the Lakers could get for him. Mihm for Duhon does seem a bit one-sided. But then again, as a Laker fan I might see more value in him then somebody else... I had a Bulls fan tell me yesterday that Duhon for Mihm is definetly going to be offered.

I don’t know too much about Duhon. I do know he can D, and I believe he’s a step up over Smush.

I don’t think the loss of Mihm is going to hurt. But yes, I’d like to see who else the Lakers could get for him. Mihm for Duhon does seem a bit one-sided. But then again, as a Laker fan I might see more value in him then somebody else…

]]> By: Gatinho http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4903 Gatinho Wed, 10 May 2006 17:05:03 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4903 It seems that the inclusion of Jim Buss (and Phil) into the mix makes this more a GM by committee. It seems that the inclusion of Jim Buss (and Phil) into the mix makes this more a GM by committee.

]]> By: john http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4885 john Wed, 10 May 2006 04:49:52 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4885 mitch kupchak has about as much pull as any other GM in the league, i'm willing to bet. there's no way he's just some puppet. the owner is still the boss. the big decisions are going to be theirs to make, everything has to run through them. they're going to tell you how much you can spend on things. how much they want to interfere and have a say is up to them. even jerry west couldn't stop dennis rodman from playing here, despite his vehement disapproval. mitch kupchak has about as much pull as any other GM in the league, i’m willing to bet. there’s no way he’s just some puppet.

the owner is still the boss. the big decisions are going to be theirs to make, everything has to run through them. they’re going to tell you how much you can spend on things. how much they want to interfere and have a say is up to them.

even jerry west couldn’t stop dennis rodman from playing here, despite his vehement disapproval.

]]> By: Kevin Pelton http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/comment-page-1/#comment-4884 Kevin Pelton Wed, 10 May 2006 04:40:47 +0000 http://www.forumblueandgold.com/2006/05/08/the-vision-thing/#comment-4884 Kurt, I think your assessment of the Draft is a tad on the pessimistic side. It's tough to say how it will play out with this year's thin crop, but usually there are some instant contributors with limited upside who end up available late in the first round. Those guys could help the Lakers next year. Kurt, I think your assessment of the Draft is a tad on the pessimistic side. It’s tough to say how it will play out with this year’s thin crop, but usually there are some instant contributors with limited upside who end up available late in the first round. Those guys could help the Lakers next year.

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