Right now, if I were a fan of the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns or San Antonio Spurs, I’d be praying we could face the Lakers in the first round.
The other three teams at the bottom of the West — the Clippers, Golden State and the Nuggets — are starting to put things together, playing some of their best ball of the season. They have talent and pose a threat — not a huge threat to the three powerhouses, but a threat nonetheless.
The Lakers need to guard someone before they can be considered a threat. Laker fans can and have tended to blame individuals here, and while blame may not be equally divided the Lakers failings on defense are a team effort.
On the season, the Lakers have a rather sad defensive rating of 106 (points per 100 opponent possessions), which is 24th in the league. But in the last 10 games they are at 110.8. And slipping.
Phil got desperate enough to go to the zone defense last night — and he abhors the zone defense. Ironically it worked, the Nuggets shot under 50% for the second half and the Lakers had a late chance to win. But you can’t play a seven-game series in a zone, over the course of a series it will be about adjustments and smart rotations. And I’ve seen little evidence of those things lately, at least on any consistent basis.
That’s why the idle speculation of the Lakers losing some games to get a favorable playoff matchup makes no sense — if this team had an on/off switch it could throw then maybe this theory holds water. Does anyone think this team can just “flip the switch†on again?
And sadly, that’s what I’m left rooting for. That and a lot more zone defense.
—————————————–
I think the team’s defensive woes have impacted the offense. My guess is this is why were are seeing people breaking out of the triangle offense more and more — with few defensive stops, there is a desperate feeling the Lakers need to score on every trip down the court.
Kobe is particularly suited to be sucked into this trap. In part because he believes he can carry the team to wins, and in part because he has carried this team to wins. When things get tight he wants the ball, and right now things are always tight.
The Lakers need to get back to running the offense more consistently, moving without the ball every time down. They do it, but not consistently. Still, they are scoring plenty of points and execution of the triangle is not the answers to the problems with this team, it is defense.
———————————————
Interesting words from the Laker coach that knows Bynum best, Kareem, in today’s LA Times.
I think Andrew wants everything to work and unless it works, he’s not going to try, so he’s become very tentative….
“I don’t sense frustration, but Andrew’s pretty stoic. .He’s not giving me all of it. He wants people to see him as a man and he wants to go out there and do a good job.
“He has the physical ability to do it. Learning how to apply those gifts in a competitive environment is a very difficult thing. It just doesn’t happen. I was glad this year that he got a chance to play a lot. That’s really served him well. I guess that’s part of the problem [too]. It’s made him maybe more reticent. It can’t always work out the way you want it. He’s seeing the other side of that now.”
——————————————————–
There has been a little speculation in Lakerland and elsewhere about the Lakers falling out of the playoff race. It’s not impossible, but it’s not likely.
The Lakers magic number is two, meaning a combination of Laker wins and Warrior losses (for Clippers it is three). I’d like to say that with the Clippers, Suns, Sonics and Kings on the schedule for the Lakers should win three, but that seems unlikely. Two seems reasonable, one a possibility. By the way, go 1-3 the rest of the way and the Lakers finish 41-41.
The Lakers have the tiebreaker with Golden State, having swept the season series. But for fun, let’s say the Lakers go 1-3 in their last four — then the Warriors would have to go undefeated the rest of the way. They play Dallas, so that seems unlikely. They also would have to beat Minnesota, Sacramento and Portland. Doable, but a heck of a mountain to climb.
The Lakers play the Clippers Thursday and can pretty much guarantee a playoff spot with a win — they would then have the tiebreaker against the Clips, and the Laker magic number would be one. Which would mean the Lakers would have to lose their last three while the Clippers won their last four, including one against the Suns and two back-to-backs.
So yes, it could happen, but basically the Lakers would have to lose out while Golden State went 3-1 and the Clippers 5-1. Not likely, but you know it’s going to be all over talk radio.
TC says
Yeah….we about deserve the playoff spot we have….7….I don’t think we’re any better than that. The season usually establishes pretty well whether you’re as good as you think you are. And really, I’m glad we’re not gonna be #8 (coz we’re not gonna collapse that bad (knock on wood)) coz we would be humiliated by the disciplined, very well-prepared Dallas machine.
warren (philippines) says
I think #7 is a blessing in disguise for the Lakers.
However, any way you may put it, a tough team to face would bring out more of LA than Phoenix would.
Phoenix would humiliate the already sub par defense they are showing and they are vulnerable in the Steve Nash attack.
Thanks to Smush, it’s not going to be a 7-game series.
The possible absence of Kwame Brown isn’t going to be easy.
Amare Stoudemire would have a field day yielding 25-10 against Andrew Bynum.
I must concur to the growing sentiment that Jordan Farmar and Ronny Turiaf should be playing more than usual.
Mo Evans can play the point too – in the tri. He can defend better vs. Nash and is much taller. Post him up down low, switch Sasha to be ur SG and Kobe as SF. Kobe vs. Marion will be an interesting match-up too. Create as much mismatches as possible in order to throw Phoenix off track.
matt says
Warren, last year in the playoffs against the Suns, Odom guarded Marion and totally took him out of his game. So I think Phil would probably use the same strategy again.
Mo doesn’t have the ball-handling skills to play the point, even in the triangle. And he definitely doesn’t have the quickness to keep up with Nash defensively. I honestly think Farmar would be our best defender against Nash.
Kwame was a huge part of our success last year too. Without him at full strength, our playoff stint will be very short this year, whether we play the Spurs, Suns or Mavs.
The more I think about it, the more I think missing the playoffs might not be such a bad thing. It would give us a shot at a high lottery pick (a long shot, but still a shot), it would motivate management to address the shortcomings of the roster, and it would cause the players to come back a lot hungrier next year.
warren (philippines) says
However, however, Dallas might be in sight. In this scenario, play as much zone as possible to throw off the Dallas D.
JT and Devin harris are good defensively and they are decent shooters.
I say play Kobe in the point. Evans in the 2, Cook as 3, Turiaf as 4, Lamar Odom as 5.
This way, Walton can come off the bench.
offense:
Kobe vs. Harris
Evans vs. Terry
Cook vs. Howard
Turiaf vs. Dirk
Odom vs. Dampier
defense:
Evans vs. Harris
Kobe vs. Terry
Cook vs. Howard
Odom vs. Dirk
Turiaf vs. Dampier
Craig W. says
Making major changes to the lineup for a particular playoff team is just not Phil’s style. He may ‘suprise’ us with a single change, but he doesn’t do wholesale, without trying it out first – and we have precious little time to experiment. Perhaps he is desperate enough to try, but I think his confidence in himself is too great.
Team defense over a year is something I lay on the coaching staff. A team may not be a great defensive team based on the individuals on the team, but any NBA team is capable of being average – and that is all we are asking of the Lakers. Sure, injuries hurt, but when we get to the end of the season and the team defense is getting worse, while people are returning from injury, then I lay it at the coaches door.
Phil has been relatively rigid in his substitution patterns all year. There were good confidence and role reasons earlier in the year, but over the last month it was necessary to see what worked and Phil has NOT done this.
I am not one of those who want Phil’s head, but I do feel he deserves some real heat for the way the team was managed. Right now he is getting the Shaq treatment from the media. How do we give him a pass this year? And don’t tell me injuries completely lets him off the hook.
Exick says
On magic numbers…
Against the Clippers, it’s actually only 2. The Lakers already have the tie breaker since the best the Clips can do is 2-2 head-to-head and can’t catch the Lakers conference record. A win against the Clippers tomorrow night means they can’t catch the Lakers. That leaves New Orleans and Golden State 1 loss or 1 Laker win away from not being able to catch the Lakers.
Why anyone thinks missing the playoffs would be beneficial is beyond me. Aside from the avalanche of injuries suffered this year, one of the biggest problems this team has is inexperience. Lots of young guys who haven’t played much NBA ball on this team. Missing the playoffs and playing fewer basketball games (especially games at playoff intensity) isn’t going to benefit anyone.
And if you really believe that management needs motivation to get “something” done this offseason and that the Lakers have no shot against any of the 3 teams they’ll possibly face, why would you want them to miss the playoffs? Missing the playoffs would probably piss people off, but getting your team destroyed in 4 or 5 games on a national stage is far more humiliating than missing the postseason.
Personally, I don’t see it being that bad. And I’ll never prefer losing over winning, no matter if I believe losing provides more long-term benefit.
CTDeLude says
Note: GS has had Dallas’ number this year AND Dirk is not making the trip out. I say that GS can and will win that game.
Clippers will not make the playoffs if we win tomorrow. Which, despite the terrible end of this season, would be something I’d love to see.
Kurt says
Exick, thanks for the correction on the Clippers magic number, you are right. So, all we need to do is win tomorrow. That should be easy……
CTDeLude says
Heh, this game should be as close to as we get an all LA finals game 7. “Will you be watching when?”
*Most annoying tag line for a networks NBA coverage I’ve come across.
anonymous says
Seriously, on a level of 1 to 10, what’s our level of ‘screwed’ right now? We’re injured, out-of-synch, and a few unruly folks *cough*SMUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSH*cough* are seriously disgruntled and killing any possible morale we might have. Off-season overhaul, anyone? (on the plus side, Odom does seem to be showing some of the consistency he did earlier in the season)
DR says
I dont want to be the guy that talks about next season when we are still playing THIS year, but oh well…
Call me crazy, call me stupid, whatever you want…
I think we make this trade in the offseason:
Lakers trade:
Lamar Odom
Smush Parker (sign and trade)
Sasha Vujacic
1st round pick
Boston trade:
Al Jefferson
Theo Ratliffe
Gerald Green
Delonte West
Boston is looking for a veteran player to play with Pierce. With this trade, they get rid of a chunk of wasted salary on Ratliffe, and bring in a dominant SF/PF in Odom.
Their lineup after the draft could look like this:
PG: Rajon Rondo/Smush Parker/Sebastian Telphair
SG: Paul Pierce/Tony Allen/Allan Ray
SF: Kevin Durant/Wally Szczerbiak
PF: Lamar Odom/Ryan Gomes
C: Kendrick Perkins/Mike Olawakandi
The reason the Lakers would make this move is not only for adding complimentary roles to this team, but to add another expiring contract in Theo Ratliffe (over $11mil).
Lakers lineup would look like this:
PG: Delonte West/Jordan Farmar
SG: Kobe Bryant/Maurice Evans
SF: Gerald Green/Luke Walton/Vlade Radman
PF: Al Jefferson/Ronny Turiaf
C: Kwame Brown/Andrew Bynum/Theo Ratliffe
With Kwame and Ratliffe’s contracts ending after next season, that’s over $20 mil in cap space opened up for another big time player.
It’s risky, but I love this deal. I know, I’m a stupid myopic Laker fan.
Exick says
I really don’t like that trade at all and my guess is that neither would Boston.
ian says
Kobe needs to not have another game where he shoots more than 30 times, but makes less than 10 fg. That is Iverson like an unacceptable.
Cary D says
BOS will not trade Al Jefferson. Unless it gets them KG. Even then, they might think twice. Al has been a beast the past 2 months – Hollinger has a great piece on him for most improved player.
pipe dreams my friend….
DR says
Mmmmk, why don’t you like it and why wouldn’t Boston? Their starting lineup looks pretty nasty after that trade.
It’s far fetched, yes, but I like how it mixes things up. It’s like it’s good, but scary for both teams.
Kurt says
DR., two things about that scenario. First, you have to have the Celtics get one of the top two picks. I think they will — that is a franchise that, like the Lakers and Knicks, helps the NBA when it is good and it is amazing how often those teams do well in the lottery. But still, you never know.
Also, from what I read they are not ready to give the team to Rondo yet.
SoCalSun says
Suns fan here: a month ago (after the March 4 game) I was hoping the Lakers would stay at 6 and the Suns would get the Nuggets, I was thinking the Lakers could soften up the Spurs and didn’t really want any part of Kobe and the slow-down game that they seem to play so well agains the Suns, but now I find myself rooting for the Lakers to win enough to hold that 7 spot–I watched the Denver game the other night and was really struck by all the poor decisions that they made down the stretch–that kick ball with :09 to go was a killer.
Kurt says
14. Actually, the rumor I read is that Jefferson could be out of Boston, but only if they get Oden, not Durant.
DR says
Cary D –
I just read an article saying that Boston wants a veteran talent, and will trade anything outside of Pierce to get that. Odom is better than Jefferson, and is 1000 times better than Antoine Walker was as a complimentary player to Pierce years ago (and they were a semi-decent team). Also, Green wouldn’t fit in if they draft Durant. I think he would be a great, athletic small forward for the Lakers.
Kurt –
Of course that whole scenario assumes that Boston gets that #2 pick. That pick of Durant makes Green expendable.
Also, Rondo has come on as of late. Boston fans are crowning him their next great PG. Could be wrong here, but I don’t know where that leaves West with the crowd of PG’s over there.
Yes, this is technically a pipe dream. But if this season doesn’t work out for the Lakers (which it increasingly is starting to look like), something drastic should be done. I think this move is one example of quite a few moves the Lakers could make.
DR says
FYI. An article on Boston willing to trade Al Harrington…
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&id=2833022
DR says
My bad… Al Jefferson.
TC says
Whether we make the playoffs or not….it don’t matter…..if we make the playoffs we ain’t go’ be ’round long. If we don’t, we’re still one of the best teams not to make them. We might not be world beaters this year, but I think we’re on the right course, long run (knock on wood….I still like the KG pick-up in ’09 mentioned here a few days ago).
DrRayEye says
Kurt,
The assessment and analysis of the Lakers team and prospects you present is very compelling, but your answer to the “defense” problem is very nonspecific and toothless.
Without getting into Phil’s “triangle first ” philosophy, team makeup, and the general malaise of defense in Lakerdom all season, let’s focus on “now.”
I believe that all of the Lakers are individually focused on team defense. Contrary to what others have said in this post, I believe that they “want it”–at least at the beginning of every game. If everyone (including Chris Mihm) were healthy, and the team would have at least a week to work through planned rotations, Phil’s usual gameplan might wreak havoc in the post season–the way leadership planned last year and the way it has usually been for Phil.
That will remain an unfulfilled dream this season. Even if the spirit is strong, the flesh is weak. It’s time for Phil to focus down to the banged up reality in front of him and use plan B or plan C. It’s time for Phil and all of us to stop pretending that it’s only a matter of attitude and execution.
Kurt, you have shown rather convincingly with +/- and stats that recent fluctuations in team defense are more personnel than attitude.
Here’s my subjective breakdown.
The single biggest difference maker in a positive way remains Kwame, just as it has been all year. Even Phil has recently tied Laker forecasts to whether or not Kwame would or could play. His presence allows Lamar and Luke to do much more of their magic and forgives much more of the playground risk taking of “you know who.”
The second biggest difference maker RIGHT NOW is Ronnie Turiaff. Even though he might not have been written into Phil’s dream that way, Ronnie must be used right now–and the right away–for what he brings–as much as his stamina can provide.
The third biggest difference maker right now is Smush Parker–but in a negative way. Stripped of big guys that jump out before the high pick and roll gets going, even a Smushian hot hand at the beginning of the game just marks time, and a Smushian cold touch with the resulting frustration sinks the Lakers before the first quarter is over. If the Lakers somehow are close in the fourth quarter, bringing in Smush to close things out is a near suicidal act. He’s tired, and lock down defense sounds like a prison sentence for the “free as a bird” Smusher.
Kurt, you’ve long ago suggested ways out of the Smushian dilemma. Use Smush off the bench as a backup–not the starting point guard. His energy and point production off the bench could provide a boost, and he is less likely to face the top point guard of the opposition. His chemistry could be a sweetener rather than a spoiler.
Fourth difference maker is Jordan Farmar. Especially without a healthy Kwame, Jordan makes a big difference for the big guys with his defense by helping keep them out of foul trouble–and on offense by getting them the ball. He has learned to be especially effective with Ronnie Turiaf.
Fifth difference maker is Mo Evans. Evans has needed more minutes all season.
Sixth, Sasha and Cook must be used with care. They can either be positive or negative difference makers–depending on when/how and against whom they are used.
Seventh, the Lakers might need to go deeper than would usually happen at this time of the season.
ANY player not executing the plan must be pulled immediately–no exeptions. Without enforcement through substitution, selfless defense will sink to apathy faster than the Laker season will disappear.
I’ve seen substitution patterns all season that suggest Phil is relying more on dreams than reality on the court.
It’s time to stop anchoring on those dreams–or the Lakers will surely go down with the ship!
Craig W. says
Even if we lose in the 1st round, the playoffs are very valuable for young players – or those unaccustomed to post season play. They begin to understand the focus and work necessary to compete in a completely different atmosphere.
Now the team prepares for multiple games with the same opponent, with at least one day between each game. Therefore, strategy becomes much more important.
The kinds of things players run into in the playoffs prepares them better for the following season. They learn to work around other teams adjustments and therefore they can handle stress situations better.
Never say it doesn’t matter – or that it is better to miss the playoffs. It just shows you are supremely ‘in the moment’ and not thinking about the team, long term.
Kurt says
23. I think your “right now” assessment is pretty close to what I think.
I’ve been vauge about defense in part just not to feel too repetitive. I think the defensive problems are not simple to fix. One issue is “effort,” although that is rather a catch all for desire and a mental willingness to do the little things as well. I think basically every NBA player — even Smush — COULD be at least adequate defensively if they cared and worked at it. I think in flashes we have seen that from the Lakers this season, there have been stretches of good defense, even lately (although it has lasted a quarter or a half). I think the coaching staff has to take some of this blame, they can’t seem to get through, but I doubt they are teaching them bad habits.
To be better than average takes talent, and I’ll be the first to say that needs to be upgraded at key points. Smush is starting but not finishing, which I think is as close to Phil admitting he doesn’t trust Smush as we will see. I like that we’ve seen more Farmar lately, and everything I see and read about him has me thinking he is going to come back in the summer and next year as a much improved player.
But I think you hit the nail on the head with this year’s team — the mind is willing but the flesh is weak. Kwame and Mihm’s bodies have betrayed them. Kobe, too, is not the same on defense since the knee surgery and is now playing what Tex Winter wisely called a one-man zone a lot. Smush and Kobe both like to gamble on getting steals, and that has exposed the depleated frontcourt at times. Luke is a solid team defender but smart teams with good small forwards try to isolate him. I think you have to pick your matchups with Cook, he provides some offensive punch but if he is going to get matched up with the oppositions best offensive weapon, well, that doesn’t favor the Lakers. (In an ideal world, that Cook blueprint is how I’d want to deal with Smush.)
And you are right, I think Turaif and Farmar are the models for how this team gets better on defense. Mo Evans too. Their effort has been the bright spot lately.
TC says
I said it doesn’t matter much. Don’t get it twisted. I am exactly looking out for the team. Personally, well, if they haven’t handled the season well so far, they’re not going to handle the playoffs well either. Additionally, if they have handled the season well, they probably will handle the playoffs well. I don’t place as much stock (not saying I don’t place ANY stock) in the notion that…everything’s different. Yeah, there is a bit more pressure. But anyone who’s played at any level knows that if you give it your all from the first game of the exhibition season until the end of the Finals, you’re giving it your best and you’re not going to be playing particularly differently whether it’s the playoffs or the it’s October 19.
TC says
I was also just saying that we’re going to get a medium level pick regardless of whether we do or do not make the playoffs. Whether we make the playoffs isn’t going to change MUCH the quality of the player we get to pic in the draft.
Rob L. says
I’m going to jump the gun and look ahead to Thursday. After the last meeting, I will be curious to see how Bynum adjusts on Kaman. One can only assume that Cap has gone over that tape with him. I’m not looking for him to shut Kaman down completely. But if there is improvement that will be a good sign for things to come.
As for comments that Bynum needs to show “fire” and “get angry”, I’m not convinced that’s the case. People have different personalities. If he wants to be Teddy Roosevelt, I have no problem with that.
DR says
I’m interested to see what Phil’s substitution patterns will look like against the Clippers.
– Will Kwame get most of the minutes at Center? How will Turiaf continue to get minutes?
– Will Farmar split time with Smush?
– Is Vlade going to play? If so, how long?
– How will Mo Evans fit in to the lineup now?
Phil has always been unpredictable with his subs. The majority of the time I’m baffled with his choices. It will be interesting to see if he can see where there is chemistry, and to use the mismatches to our advantage.
JONESONTHENBA says
Speaking of Turiaf, I give him some props today at the fanhouse:
http://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/04/11/the-lakers-play-well-with-turiaf-but-jackson-says-he-still-won/
Andrew says
“Lakers trade:
Lamar Odom
Smush Parker (sign and trade)
Sasha Vujacic
1st round pick
Boston trade:
Al Jefferson
Theo Ratliffe
Gerald Green
Delonte West”
If only the Celtics would be so foolish.
Al Jefferson has a higher PER this year than Odom has ever posted in his entire career, and he’s only 22. West has a higher PER than Parker or Vujacic. I’m not sure the Celtics want a mid-level draft pick more than an expiring contract. And Gerald Green is 21 and projected to be the next McGrady.
JONESONTHENBA says
Yeah, I really don’t see the Celtics making any moves other than maybe trying to dump Wally Sy-syrup on someone. If they add either Durant or Oden, that team is going to be set for a very long time. Ainge is a better GM than he gets credit for.
JONESONTHENBA says
The only thing to take note of is that West and Jefferson are going to be looking for high dollar extensions this off season. I don’t know if that changes anything:
http://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/boston.htm
AM says
JONESONTHENBA,
In other interviews, Phil has alluded to Ronny’s hip bursitis as being a limiting factor when it comes to his playing time. But, who knows? Maybe 48 minutes of Turiaf is Phil’s secret weapon for the playoffs …
What do you think?
warren (philippines) says
I don’t think a trade out of Odom should yield anything less than KG. He’s too valuable and can do multiple positions.
warren (philippines) says
I think the Lakers have plenty to offer this summer.
Sasha Vujacic EXPIRING 1,756,951.00
Maurice Evans EXPIRING 1,500,000.00
Jordan Farmar EXPIRING 1,009,560.00
all of which will probably be kept,
Brian Cook 2 YEARS 3,500,000.00
Andrew Bynum BYC 9M 4,500,000.00
Lamar Odom 2 YEARS 13,524,000.00
V. Radmanovic 4 YEARS 5,632,200.00
are my 4 baits to the KG derby,
Kobe Bryant 3 YEARS 19,490,625.00
Kwame Brown EXPIRING 9,075,000.00
Luke Walton – new contract – 5 years
Chris Mihm – new contract – 3 years
Ronny Turiaf – new contract – 3 years
these are my mainstays…
Smush Parker
Shammond Williams
Aaron Mckie
are the ones I will waive/renounce.
I can accept Smush if he signs and plays back-up for us,
accepting his new role. If not, he can go… Goodluck finding a new home. Good Riddance anyway…
warren (philippines) says
My take on the Boston trade is this:
AL JEFFERSON
DELONTE WEST
FOR
ANDREW BYNUM
SASHA VUJACIC
sorry, this is the best we can do.
DrRayEye says
Nate (30),
You’ve made some great points about starters and energy guys. I’m with you. Phil’s logic seems to be somewhat quirky and convoluted.
Let’s talk about starters:
Bynum was thought not to have enough stamina and zero experience, so Phil didn’t play him hardly at all last year and this year had him booked for 10-15 minutes.
Injuries forced Phil to play Andrew–and Bynum had some really amazing games–but by now it is clear that the Lakers initial assessment was not too far off.
So why is Andrew starting and getting heavy minutes?
Let’s talk about energy guys.
Ronnie played for 4 years at Gonzaga and has played international ball. He was a starter who could both defend and score.
His performance has been the best of all big guys. He has been able to play starter minutes. He’s not 19 years old. Everyone in LA loves him. His teammates love him.
So why is Ronnie an “energy guy”? Is Phil saying that anyone who plays inspired defense and brings it every night becomes a sub? hmm
Then there is the Smusher . . .I’ve read your posts, Nate. I’m a smushaphobe. Do I need to say more?
There are those who post in FB&G that expect Smush to get a big contract as a free agent from another team. There are those who expect him to get a new contract with the Lakers. Somebody (11) was even talking about using Smush as a part of a sign and trade to the Celtics. There are a lot of Smushaholics out there.
If we take an objective view of his performance this year, we must all conclude that the Smusher wears down as the game goes on. If one played him for fewer than twenty minutes a game, that probably wouldn’t happen.
Phil, you’re plugging in the wrong guy off the bench:
the Smusher is your ENERGY GUY!!!
Karl says
(36) Farmar is signed on for two years, not one.
warren (philippines) says
PG – FARMAR / SMUSHER / SHAMMOND W.
SG – KOBE / VUJACIC / MCKIE
SF – WALTON / EVANS
PF – ODOM / COOK / RADMANOVIC
C – BYNUM / TURIAF
On the contrary, Bynum should start but his minutes shall be limited to around 20. Turiaf will come in for him and play 28.
McKie and Williams are merely depth contingencies, Farmar should start and Smusher should back-up. To heck with his ego.
Exick says
Hey Warren, where did Kwame go?
JONESONTHENBA says
Lakers playing the Clippers tonight, and no sign of John R. I’m still waiting for an apology for your salary cap error, John.
matt says
Warren, I don’t know where you’re getting your salary info on Bynum. His salary next year is $2,172,000. He won’t be a BYC player until 09-10 at the earliest.
James says
The Lakers need a better point guard, plain and simple. Smush Parker can score, but cant pass, rebound, control tempo or be consistent. Lamar Odom isnt what we asked for, he passes and rebounds but dissapears when Kobe needs a number 2. Maybe its time to make a bid on say…..Rashard Lewis? But we dont have the cash, so maybe trading him for Gerald Lewis after Boston gets Durant is good. The team is young, has a good big combo that can grow and the best player in the league. Plus…..Jordan Farmar is far more a PG than Smush
James says
Green* We all make mistakes Mr.Buss
matt says
James — you say we need a point guard, so we should trade for Rashard Lewis or Gerald Green? How does that help?
Rashard puts up good numbers on a bad team. Green has no clue how to play basketball. Odom is one of our best defenders. Either of those moves would be horrible for us.
If you feel a need to trade Odom, at least trade him for Chauncey Billups. That’s a move that would help.