1. Kobe showed up, saying words like “soldier” and “not for me to question…” and “they did what they could”
- GOOD

2. Odom still not 100%, won’t be able to play the pre-season vs the Warriors.
- BAD

3. Walton and Fisher sustaining minor injuries.
- NOT GOOD.

4. Ronny Turiaf is starting for us, Odom at 3, Mihm at 5.
- VERY GOOD, I love Ronny’s energy.

5. Bynum having improved physique, projected better than last year.
- NOT BAD. He should improve as expected.

I would also like to showcase some motivational and conspiracy theories I have:

1. Luke Walton has already signed in long term (6 yrs 30M) meaning he is not going anywhere anytime soon, regardless of his role on this team this year. Bench him now when he has settled rather than last year when he can choose to bolt in the off-season. I smell a rat here. Nice strategy Phil.

2. Start Ronny, so that you can convince the guy to re-sign with the team next year for cheap. He will appreciate the PT and he will give the Lakers a home team discount. Other than the fact that he won’t be starting anywhere for any other team in the league right now that has the ability to contend. It works both ways, we know Ronny will still re-sign BUT there is a chance he will be offered BIG BUCKS by the Euroleague. See what I mean?

3. Start Mihm, give him PT. Why? So he will exercise that player option for 2.5M next year, when his ankle has well recovered. If not, his services will still be worth 5M for a year, and we are getting his services for half the price already fully this year. I still think he will have a hard time finding a team that will “gamble” on his situation. An efficient big man like Mihm earning ONLY 2.5M? Bargain folks.

4. Fisher will reportedly start, but Farmar will take most of the time doing PG chores. This will also give Fisher a chance to co-manage the team. I think he will be one of the assistants as soon as he hangs those sneakers up for good. The front office is where he will land his 1st non-player job. Mark my word…

5. Have Kobe say all the right things on Media, secretly convince him to stay and that they are continuing to pursue players to keep him happy. When the other teams “feel” like the Lakers are no longer desperate to deal, deals might be a lot easier to do.

Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I believe these things are legit ulterior motives. From a team’s perspective, I think Phil is planning to accept that extension anyway… Its just the Zen Master messing with your head.

One reason I want him starting is BECAUSE of his past foul problems. If the refs see him in the game, at the 4, at the start of every game, they will probably unconsciously start to give him some space because they get used to his game. That’s how Bowen evolved. I’m not saying Turiaf will evolve to a defensive specialist, but working the refs is a process, not an event.

25. I think this team is a threat to get to the second round IF they play defense and stay healthy. But we are seven months and 90 games away from that point right now, and that’s a lot of time to see how those ifs play out.

26. Only way I’d give Ben Gordon $70 million is over about 12 years. But I’m guessing that’s not what he wants. Thing is, even if he doesn’t sign an extension he’s a restricted free agent, the Bulls can and likely will match anything put out for him, so his value in testing the open market is limited.

Honestly guys I feel like this new dynamic to the team, ie: putting LO where he is comfortable, Drew pushing himself to the max, Luke coming off the bench for some smart passes, and Radman being useful … could make this team a strong contender to get past the first series.

thoughts?

More bball-related note, stoked about Tuesday’s exhibition game.

Rony will be OK on defense–especially if he has support from the 5–probably Mihm.