While you are reading this over the weekend I will be at a bachelor party in Palm Springs, drinking some single-malt scotch, trying to count cards through a drunken haze at an Indian casino and, um, whatever else one might do at a bachelor party.
But, here are a few things worth reading this weekend, one a serious thought about the Lakers future and one and hysterical look at the Laker past.
• Remember the Showtime ’80s Lakers did a “Just Say No†rap video. Well, what is the funniest NBA blog out there (and a smart too), The Basketball Jones, has dug it up. You need to see this, for the neon shorts if nothing else.
• Over at the LA Times Laker blog they have an interview with Andrew Bynum where you get the sense the kid is starting to figure out what it takes to be a professional. Some kids who came straight to the league out of high school got that, some didn’t. Bynum seems to be getting it, which is a good sign.
But Henry over at True Hoop has taken that talk to the next level — just how good can Bynum really be? What is his upside? It’s a good question, and frankly no one (not even Kareem) knows the answer. What I think: At the bottom end of the “how good will Bynum be†scale is a very good defensive center with a little offense. And that is something you can build around.
Xavier says
give the kid some time! he has shown flashes, has done nothing but still just 18.
he has the best teachers, best tutors.
he is raw in the ofensive end, but is getting better and better playing D.
I just have a feeling with this guy
Craig W says
Kobe wasn’t real great his first year either – and he was much more ready than Andrew. Of course he had Del for a coach (who also didn’t believe in rookies) so AB has much better coaches around him.
We need both Kwame and Mihm this year. 2007-8 is when we should see some real productivity from AB. This year I expect to see better defense and a bit more sophistication. Also, maybe harder banging. I expect fouls will still be a problem this year, because he is adding so much to his game.
Rob says
Great interview with Bynum. The guy sounds like he gets it. In time, he may surprise some folks.
On a side note, I’m not a fan of the Baby Bynum nickname. Hope it doesn’t stick.
Tony B. says
Hey guys heres a little Q&A with Kwame Brown
http://www.insidesocal.com/lakers/