Comments on: He’s Baaaaaack!

By: Jerome Colson

Jerome Colson — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 01:19:10 +0000

Whatever the shortcomings you find in the Laker team, push them aside and live with the imperfect successes. The wins are still coming, and the Lakers are still atop the L.A. sandwich. No matter what, there will always be the hue and cry of the loquacious. Sit back, relax and enjoy one of the longest running success stories in NBA history … the Los Angeles Lakers.

By: Brummett,Chris

Brummett,Chris — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:07:18 +0000

Last name spelling.Love to drink,eat pizza and root for the Lakers.(Spokane,WA)

By: Brummet,Chris

Brummet,Chris — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 23:50:26 +0000

I love the L.A. Lakers.They are my favorite team.I drink, eat pizza and root.Right on!!! (Spokane,WA)

By: Cdog

Cdog — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:40:20 +0000

Just to let you all know, I want Bynum to achieve. That said, the boy is injury prone, and when things don’t go his way, has a horrible attitude. You can see that he sulks at some point in every game. With Pau back he is just going to sulk more – his stats are going to be worse and his biggest goal is making the all star team. I am just saying the Lakers can get a lot of value out of him (trade for a real point guard), move fisher to the backup, and not force Laker fans to watch Vujacic on the floor ever again. I don’t understand why everyone is so fascinated with this guy.

By: steven (@fantasyhoopster)

steven (@fantasyhoopster) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:22:44 +0000

Thanks for the observations, Zephid. Always useful. I agree with most everyone else (T Rogers, Burgundy, etc) that Bynum was gunning for stats (or at least shots) last night, almost as if he was trying to “establish dominance” as the go-to big man on the team. (Insecurity, anyone?) But once he gets used to Pau again (which could take a few games, as people have mentioned), I don’t expect many more sub-50% shooting and 0-assist games from Drew. (And for you fantasy guys, it’s also why I think Bynum is a nice buy-low candidate over the next week or so).

By: The Dude Abides

The Dude Abides — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:57:58 +0000

32. Darius, that post was full of win
It’s going to be a pleasure this season watching the team dominate. What team can beat our guys four games out of seven when we’re at full strength? I don’t see such a team for the forseeable future.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:55:22 +0000

New post up. Chibi (and anyone else) who wants to copy their recent comments over to the new thread please do.

By: chibi

chibi — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:53:52 +0000

This is slightly off-topic.

Just a few minutes ago, on ESPN’s Outside the Lines, there was discussion about the criteria voters used to evaluate Cy Young candidates. One voter based his verdict on advanced stats, and nominated a pitcher no one else had voted for. This voter was able to substantiate his selection with data. Two other guests, ESPN “experts” respectfully poo-pooed his choice and methodology.

When asked to substantiate their selections, they invoked traditional stats supplemented by vague methodologies.

It just reminded me of how the mainstream media fails to hold itself to academic standards and to think critically about their subject matter more often than not. It’s disrespectful to the game to approach it in that manner. What’s worse is that these so-called experts dominate the scene.

It’s a shame televised coverage of the nba isn’t very thoughtful. What passes for analysis is a picture of a shot chart and misleading statistics, and what passes for commentary is inane prattle, photoshop buffoonery, and pedestrian observations.

And to tie this rant back to last night’s game, I’m glad Collins is taking his job seriously. You can tell he’s prepared and he’s able to provide context for his observations and insight. He’s not my ideal, but at least the effort is there.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:50:43 +0000

Re: “Black Hole” Bynum

When the team passes the ball to Bynum in the low post they are giving him the ball to score. If he is doubled teamed he passes the ball out. If he is not initially doubled he makes his moves into the paint to score. When he does this that is when the other team send helps because if he passes the ball it will be called a three second violation almost every time. This is standard interior defense every team in the NBA plays. Bynum (most of the time) is making the right decisions in the post. And more so… until the last couple games where he looks like he is playing with dead legs, he is finishing very well in the paint. The guy flat out has been the best Center in the NBA so far this season. Now if you would like to talk about a real black hole we can talk about Kobe.

By: LT Mitchell

LT Mitchell — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:45:46 +0000

Darius,

Great post.