Comments on: Game Preview & Chat: The Boston Celtics

By: Bryan

Bryan — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 16:47:24 +0000

Agree with Craig W’s assessment of recent front office moves. Injuries have been our albatross, not bad deals lately.

By: Craig W.

Craig W. — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 12:52:32 +0000

Renato,
While the FO has made mistakes, they have done a pretty good job over the last 3 yrs or so. Most of the issues we have with them really are either other team’s preferences (read Minni) or other internal ‘shots in foot’ (read Kobe).

I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and live with their decisions. Of course, we will all be here to advise them.

By: Renato Afonso

Renato Afonso — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 11:43:31 +0000

Guys, to be fair to Phil, I must also praise one thing that he SEEMS to be doing (or maybe it’s just a coincidence).

Having a second unit consisting of Farmar, Walton, Radmanovic and Bynum + 1 (it was Evans, now maybe it’s Ariza) will develop their chemistry for years to come. It’s a really young second unit, that will come into his own in a year or so.

We will then be built more like a championship team, as the Spurs, Suns and Mavs get older…

Lamar will eventually be out of LA, or maybe even Kobe, but nevertheless, the future is bright (unless the FO messes it all up).

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 07:32:54 +0000

Ouch! Watching NBATV’s fantasy show and host just recommended Rashard Lewis this week because the 3 teams Magic play are in bottom 10 in D-Seattle,Sacremento…and Lakers. Didn’t realize the Lakers’ D had fallen so far.
Just had one of the old Red bits on.This one w/Pete Maravich showing some dexterity drills. Pete was amazing. Brought back alot of old memories as we all tried to imitate Maravich’s moves and wore the floppy socks.

By: Karl

Karl — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 05:47:38 +0000

Ironic how we want the starters to play as good as the bench.

By: fifth_rune

fifth_rune — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 05:04:21 +0000

how ironic is it all that our team rises and falls with Kwame Brown?

By: Stephen

Stephen — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:51:44 +0000

Craig,
There are enough teams that have struggled early that Lamar could be traded. The catch is he cannot be traded for an elite player,and while he could be moved for a good player,the Lakers would have to take back an ugly contract in return.
That said,like you I don’t expect him to be traded. Unless Kwame’s injury is more serious than has been reported.

By: Craig W.

Craig W. — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 04:05:12 +0000

Warren Wee Lim,
I am not saying we shouldn’t trade Lamar, I am saying we cannot trade Lamar. Two different situations. At his salary Lamar is not going to be traded. That I why I say he is ours for the next yr and a half and we should plan accordingly. Kwame’s contributions are now becoming evident and that means we are less likely to trade him and to try to sign him at a lower salary this summer. This is our team and we must try to think of things that will help them develop faster. Talking about trades that will not happen is not very helpful.

By: drrayeye

drrayeye — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 03:45:34 +0000

The Lakers are still feeling their way this season–and Boston should not have come as such a surprise.

The problem became noticeable against Indiana when the Lakers gave up 117. It caught up to them in Milwaukee when they gave up 110, and has continued against Boston with 107. In the previous 5 games, they gave up an average of 90.

It’s not only Twinkletoes Brown-but he’s a big part of it. He played when our defense gave up the average of 90–and didn’t play when our defense gave up the average of 111.

Twinkletoes Brown plays against (and wears down) the #1 Bigfoot Bynum plays (and scores) against the #2. It seems that Andrew gets the glory, but Kwame does the work.

Until we get Twinkletoes back, we might consider a series of adjustments. For all the reasons presented by The Dude Abides, it makes a great deal of sense to start Chris Mihm and bring in Andrew with the second unit. Walton plays much better as a starter, but VladRad may be a better choice at the 3. In either case, VladRad should be considered our #2 offensive threat. Odom should be treated as an injured player and be an “energy” guy at either the 3 or 4.

We might want to play Trevor for 5 or 6 minutes with Jordan on the second unit. If we had been further along, Trevor might have been the perfect defender when Pierce was playing with the Celtics second unit.

If our defensive unit gives up 90, we win almost every game. If we give up 110, we lose almost every game.

It’s that simple.

By: Warren Wee Lim

Warren Wee Lim — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 03:27:03 +0000

Craig, the outcry for Lamar’s head does not come as a surprise since he is paid so much. For instance, suggesting Vlade Radman becoming our second option is ok. However, suggesting we keep a very expensive 3rd (or 4th now that Bynum is coming to his own) option is a rather illogical one when you can actually find a legitimate 2nd option at that cost.

Take this, if Lamar keeps on playing this way, he will be an impediment to a Laker group that has started to play above expectations. If only you could find 2 players who are willing to guide these youngsters or are youngsters themselves, it would fit more on the “team” concept rather than an oft-injured semi-all-star that never seems to finish everything. He had a very valiant effort last year but its time we end the sentimental value of players thing.

Just like in any ballclub, your minutes and your privileges are largely based on your production and contribution. I am not blasting Lamar to Mars on his output in the Boston game, I am blasting him for everything.

Just consider the options… If we could have Lamar and Kwame’s salary come off the books next year, with Kobe and the new bench mob, plenty of players will be interested in signing here. Better yet, take away the gamble and risk part by trading Lamar and you have yourself a legit 2nd option or 2 3rd options at a lower cost.