I think the two of them can eventually play together in the backcourt. Javaris is big enough to guard twos. Imagine a lineup with Javaris and Jordan in the backcourt pressuring the ball on defense and pushing the ball on offense…

Regarding Cook: I really don’t like it when people compare him to Vlad Rad, because in my eyes they are not the same player. I mean, other than the three point shot. Vlad can put the ball on the floor and get to the bucket, and is much more athletic than Cook. Vlad Rad is also a little bit more active on defense. Vlad shoots a beautiful high arching shot, while Cook has that ugly ass flat shot. I guess the reason I don’t really like Cook is that he has the ability to add other aspects to his game but doesn’t.

That being said, I do agree with Renato A’s assessment of why Phil should start him, but when Ronny returns, I look forward to some more DNP-coach’s decision.

The Bynum-Farmar-Bryant-Odom-Radmanovic lineup ended the game and Farmar and Bynum played the entire fourth quarter. Again really nice signs for the whart this team can begin to grow into as they continue gel.

Subbing in Ronny for Radmanovic in that lineup is more length and energy on the defensive end than we’ve seen from the Lakers since the Horry-Fox days.

I am trying to come up with a possible trade for Kurt Thomas from Seattle. I’m interested on what he can do for our team since he is an above-average defender who can hit the 15-ftr. This of course, without trading Kwame.

I sure would like the opinions of other members on this one…

As Kurt said: “Cook is just great on the pick and roll, which has worked, and you just can’t leave the guy open like that, he can shoot the ball. He’s done well, I’m glad to be proved wrong.”

He may get his “shot” against Nocioni–and judging by what happened agaist the Clippers, Cookie better deck the guy!

Cookie usually looks OK if he is paired with Twinkletoes Brown and Lamar on defense, and his ability to hit the three draws defenders out–or else. He does not look good with Bigfoot Bynum, since Andrew’s poor defense exposes Cook’s weakness as a one on one defender–and Cook is not the best finisher on the break.

The factor I continue to notice the most this year is the difference that Smush Parker makes by not being here.

Just as a point of reference, Miami won their second game of the year (against NJ)–and Smush didn’t play!

This year, Jordan has the Lakers clawing and scratching like UCLA–ready for a stop or a steal–followed by an up tempo response

The Lakers held their own against the Pistons even as their shooting percentage dropped like a rock. The Lakers scored about as many total points as they usually give up (103). The Lakers won it by 12 by holding Detroit to 91. When did that last happen?

The Smusher would have led the Lakers with an attempted 3, an attempted steal, and a foul. He also might have thrown the ball away. Kobe would have traded baskets at best. We would have lost by 20 and been in a very bad mood.

Instead, we’re playing some serious D and having fun.

It worked against Detroit. It will work against the Bulls the same way.

Yep. I’m with you… If you have to play Cook, then start him right away, so that defense is forced to adjust later in the game.

But this is in fact a problem… We don’t need Radmanovic AND Cook. And since the first shoots better and actually tries to play some defense, we should move Cook as soon as possible.

Regarding Farmar’s lack of height… We know PJ prefers tall point guards, but the system can work with a shorter point guard, so I don’t see a problem with Farmar being our point guard for years to come.