True, the younger players do not have Championship experience, but that’s where Kobe and Fisher come in (6 rings between them). Then there is the All-Star coaching staff (Phil, kurt, Jim, Brian, Craig, and Kareem) with a ton of rings. So baring injuries, (while keeping focus on the next game approch, one game at a time) I’m chilling my champagne early.

But. as the point of the post said, I’m not letting that damper the enjoyment.

We have beaten all the projected contenders (except Boston) at least once already this year, and all seem to agree that the team is still developing and will only get better by season’s end if they keep their focus and do not get distracted.

If Mavericks and Suns can be contenders, why can’t we? What do they have on us? I think Lakers is a more complete team from A to Z. Spurs seams to be sputtering. Our young legs and deep bench should be able to take them out. Besides, Odom (like Horry) seems to play his best ball in the playoffs. Phil just has to stay the course and keep playing the bench. (We should be #1 in the Western Conference by All Star break).

I do not know who was responsible for keeping Bynum, but I was ALWAYS in support of keeping him. In fact, I thought it would have been crazy to do otherwise. Now that Dr. Buss has made his point, I hope Kobe keeps playing at MVP level; after all, he got what he wanted, i.e. a competitive team and likely CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM that works hard.

Trevor Ariza was a very good trade and Mitch must be commended for that. Personally, I won’t tamper with the team any more. This might just fracture the ” All for Each, and Each for All” spirit on the team and we may just end up with Humpty Dumpty.

We will DEAL with Boston’s tired legs when we meet them in the Finals. This is the start of something BIG. 6 rings in a row anyone?

I want to replace Joel Myers with Spiro Dedes.

Depends on the trade. The team was doing pretty well when the Ariza – Cook – Evans move was made; most people would say that that was a positive move.

Unfortunately, even with Kwames’ contract coming off the books the Lakers will still be over the cap and will only have thier mid-level to spend. I think it more prudent to use that money to extend some guys if we can.

In some ways I feel like we are too stacked. For instance, what do we do with RadMan once he comes back? Whose minutes does he get and do we really need him?

I agree….making a trade while the team is gelling like it is right now would hurt us.

Most people want to unload Kwame, but what can we get for him that would actually improve our team right now? There’s nothing out there.

I think we should hold on to Kwame and use that money in the off-season to make an aqcuisition! $9 million coming off the payroll will be very valuable.

I’m with Kurt. Let’s enjoy the uncertainty, keep our expectations low, and enjoy the success much more when it comes–and let’s not “bust up the team” when we lose a few; or try to reserve tickets and buy memorabilia for the suposed LA/Celtics championship playoff (as suggested by a cartoon in today’s LA Times) when we win four “backies.”

Craig (71), For business and team reasons, I don’t think the Lakers would trade Kwame this season–unless it was part of a bigger multiplayer deal that would appear to be extremely risky and extremely unlikely. We can’t count on Mihm to be a reliable backup (for health reasons) yet–and Kwame’s toes are begiining to twinkle again on defense (and even some offense). Even though Lamar will contribute significantly in his own way as long as he remains a Laker, both for business and team reasons, Lamar remains the one player that could be traded-or not.

Watch Pau Gasol carefully when the Grizz come to town.