The number of points is not the only issue when it comes to what is needed from an offense. You can’t afford to go extended lengths of time without scoring, which has been a Laker problem in recent years. And turnovers and missed shots make it much easier for the opponent’s offense, and much harder for the Lakers defense to get set up. So having a consistent offense factors into much more than just the number of points that a team scores.

90. The Lakers don’t need a consistent #2 guy to be an elite team b/c they already score plenty of points. Also, if it’s a game winning shot that we need, then either Kobe or Fish can deliver. What the Lakers need right now is to play better and more consistent defense. Who was the Spurs #2 scorer in 2002-2003? Who was the Pistons’ #2 scorer in 2003-2004?

I’d never say never on trades, but we need to focus on the opportunity he provides as a player right now.

If Lamar is used at the right position at the right time, he is a mismatch headache for the opposition.

Here’s my way of expressing what we all know:

He can bring the ball up court, drive to the basket, and/or draw up and shoot the short jumper. He can drive the baseline and/or post up. He can rebound and immediately lead a break in the other direction. He is great as a trapping, pressing defender.

He is not a very good defender or offensive player in a set offense/defense at any position. He is not an effective or consistent 3 point shooter. His passing is most effective when he improvises.

Lamar needs a challenge–and a belief that he makes a difference in answering that challenge. He recognizes the challenge he has been given, but doesn’t have the tools to meet the current challenge as a 3. He may or may not develop them as the season progresses. I don’t thin we can afford to wait.

I believe that he must be spotted to very specific scenarios to rebuild his confidence. I don’t believe that he will thrive either as a starter or with the 2nd unit (or be an attractive trade candidate) until he has a chance to prove his worth.

I’d treat Lamar as a slowly recovering injured player rather than a recovered starter–needing spot assignments.

I’m guilty of being crazy. I see all that “potential” and want him to all of a sudden be that #2 scorer with a killer instinct and do it every night. But it’s just NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

I’ve lumped Lamar in with Luke, Vlad, Rony….the guys that will get you some points on any given night.

The Lakers would be better off devising plays for Farmar and Bynum. Either of them has a better chance to be that #2 guy.

I understand the need to get frustrated with somebody, anybody, when the Lakers are not playing at an elite level. Last year the whipping boy was Smush Parker. Earlier this year the whipping boy was Brian Cook. Now that those two are gone, the new whipping boy is Lamar Odom.

Look, Lamar needs to improve his level of play. No doubt. But he’s not going to be traded and he’s not a bad player. So all this talk about who we should trade him for is just plain silly. Odom is not going to be traded and he’s not a bad player, so get over it!

Now, if people want to talk about whether he is a more natural PF or SF or how he should be utilized, that’s an intelligent conversation. But pretending that this guy is garbage and should be traded is wrong and pointless.

But what makes you think the Wiz would trade Jamison for Odom? Jamison’s having quite the season, Odom is injured, and he’s not going to ask for as much money as Odom…

It’s a good idea, but I don’t think the Wizards would budge for anything less than Odom and one of our point guards (and not Sasha…)