Now look, don’t get me wrong. I foresee many a years of success when Kobe’s abilities starts to diminish where Drew and Gasol will be the big primary guys for the team, but for THIS SEASON – Bynum is borderline irrelevant. I can count you seven (eight) players MORE IMPORTANT to Laker championship aspirations for this year, and I will later on in my blog. First though, let me explain why while I wish Bynum all the best, I don’t care whether or not he even returns this season (In fact, if it guarantees that he’s more healthy, I’d rather he DIDN’T return this season).
First of all, a young inexperienced big man returning in game shape is a pipe dream. A Vic the Brick pipe dream. It will take Bynum not only time to get back into full playing shape, but adapt to one of two situations which are very hard to adjust to. Drew will either come off the bench (likely), or he’ll be inserted into the starting lineup (unlikely). If the latter happens, at least Bynum will only have to worry about hustling up and down the court and playing defense. I think he’ll be awful at both given how long he’s been out, but perhaps Lamar-Kobe-Gasol-Fisher can mask that. If he comes with the second unit, he’ll be completely exposed. If Sasha and Jordan don’t hit their shots, the opposing squad will just double up on Drew and completely kill him.
Those who think you can count on him for rebounds and defense have to remember that this guy isn’t even running normally yet. You expect him to keep up with Tim Duncan? With Shaq? With Tyson Chandler? No way. He’ll foul out QUICK for the simple fact that he won’t be able to guard anyone yet. And yeah his length should get him some rebounds, but who knows how his lift and timing will be as he’s working back into shape?
Sure with his length Drew can offer some shot blocking threats, but that won’t save the Lakers. They have awful perimeter defense, all that’s going to happen is that people will get around Fisher/Farmar and then get Bynum into foul trouble even quicker. Bynum is hardly the answer defensively.
And to top it all off, the Lakers don’t have time or games to work him back. You can’t leave him out there in the playoffs so that he gets his bearings because if you do you’ll lose the game.
No, Drew is NOT the crucial piece to THIS YEAR’S puzzle.
There are seven (eight), count ‘em, seven (eight), more important players to the Lakers championship hopes.
Kobe Bryant. This is an obvious one. If the Lakers have any shot at winning the title, Kobe has to be the MVP we all think he’s going to be this year. He needs to play defense, and I mean legit defense not his “All Defensive First Team” defense of seasons past, and also be the ‘clean up’ guy doing whatever the Lakers need on the other end. If the others aren’t on, he needs to score. If the others are scoring, he needs to find the open man. There can be no bad games from Kobe Bryant in these playoffs.
Pau Gasol. Pau needs to compensate for his weak defense on the offensive end. He needs to drop 20 a game and play SMART defense that somewhat covers up his issues in order to make a real difference to this Lakers unit. If Gasol comes up with dud games, the D will focus on Kobe, and if they focus on Kobe, that’s when the problems will start.
Lamar Odom. Lamar has always stepped his game up in the playoffs, and this time around can be no different. He needs to clean up on the glass and provide CONSISTANT scoring. Rebounding, rebounding, rebounding – Lamar has to come though.
Derek Fisher. All season long Fish’s calm demeanor and respectability has calmed down the Laker locker room. It’s imperative that his leadership and ability to guide the young guys not waiver, and that he get his shot falling again to compensate for his lack of quickness on defense.
Vlad Rad (outta your minds if you think I’m going to write out his name). I know I may catch flack for this, but he is the X-Factor as far as I’m concerned. We all know his defensive woes and the fact that he STILL hasn’t seemed to grasp the nuances of the offense, but if the Lakers want to go deep in the playoffs Vlad Rad need to provide a consistent 3 point shot and a few spare boards to justify his playing time.
Sasha Vujacic. Another X-factor. Sasha needs to show that the regular season is no fluke. He needs to provide consistent scoring off the bench. Some dislike his constant gunning, I’m all for it. Sasha should shoot from the second he’s put into the game, and stop when Phil pulls him. He needs to average at least 10 a game for the Lakers to make it deep into the playoffs.
Jordan Farmar/Ronny Turiaf. These two need to step up big time. Jordan needs score and score well in the playoffs to compensate for his awful defense, and Ronny needs to clean up on the glass against teams like New Orleans, Houston, Phoenix, and San Antonio all while dropping that nifty little jumper of his.
So there you have it, seven players not a little, but FAR more important than Bynum to this season’s title run. I left Luke out for a reason, and that reason is that I’ve completely given up on him. He’s disappointed me to no end this season. I don’t care if he’s a “smart” player, forget him anyway.
I’m not going to describe how I think the Lakers will fair on their title chase until the season ends and I see the matchups, but I just wanted to put a blog out there expressing my feelings on Bynum Watch 2008.
Very well written LakersFan19. Good synopsis on the Laker players that are ON the court.
Another issue in a premature return of Bynum to playoff caliber basketball would be the confidence factor.
At a tender age of 20, trying to hang with seasoned, playoff conditioned veterans might affect his psyche if he does not fare well. This could add a mental setback to the physical one he is attempting to overcome. A very real possibility.
Good read...as an objective Laker fan, I never jumped on the "wait til we get Bynum back!" bandwagon. He is not going to come back firing on optimum cylinders. I am hoping that the sooner he gets back, he sooner he gets up to speed. As for coming off the bench, I really don't think that's a problem for him. Even when he was playing "insignificant" minutes off the bench, he provided defense and rebounding per minute. It was his scoring this year that helped the overall game blossom. Until he's up to speed, we are going to have to win with more D. Right now, it's more important, in my opinion to get Ira Newble acclimated. This guy is a sleeper to most. He's good. Go take a look at his numbers when he started for a horrible Hawks team about four years ago. I believe Phil is smart enough to know that he has go with what he's got. I believe a second unit with Turiaf and Newble can help Drew when he gets back. LAKERS '08 BABY. THE SWAGGER IS BACK!!!!
I would agree on the keeping him out IF indeed he's not ready, but "irrelavant"?
That statement just doesn't fit. He could still have a big impact on these playoffs, based on his defense alone. His presence in the paint would mean everything to this team, not to mention the Willis Reed type inspiration if he were to return.
As a player myself, I can atest to the fact that injuries can affect the aggressivness with which you play. But at the same time, it can help you to play with more effectiveness, in that, you play within your capabilities, rather than go all out. It has been a positive thing for me in the past. You tend not to FORCE the issue on offense, and rely more on timing and really THINK, rather than sheer effort on defense.
Hopefully Drew CAN come back this year and provide that emotional lift for us.
And Sasha should be the Machine GUN...FIRE AWAY!
Same with Borat...green light.
Lamar needs to take it to the hole more often.
Vic the Brick is a total ####!
I think him and that lame, doofus window licker, Monk look-alike with the NBA license plate at Laker home games (you know, the guy that salutes the camera over and over, behind the glass on the post game show?) are related.
They should just make it the Michael Thompson show, and have guests.
And move Spero Dedes off the radio and on to the TV telecast. Joel Meyers SUQS!
Good read..Yeah I pretty much wrote him off. Hopefully he will come back strong next year. We just have to suck it up and win with who have. Which can be done. Again, a great read.
Phil knows what he is doing. Sometimes I watch him coach, and I wonder if he really does know what he is doing but he does. Look at Bynums regular minutes in the season, highly monitored he almost never played big minutes. If Bynum is back and can help us, I expect Phil to put him in during oppurtune parts in the game where he can make an impact- as soon as he has an impact Phil will probably sit him down relatively soon. If he comes onto the court and it is obvious he isnt having an impact look for phil to sit him.
If the Doctors are correct, he is no worse coming back now than later. This wasn't a career effecting injury, nor did it require surgery. Bynum has had knee problems in the past, maybe that is why this is taking longer to heal.
Good calls Bleed...I remember the times when I came back to play after twisting an ankle. You are more deliberate and under control, and to a certain degree, conditioning notwithstanding, a bit more effective. You pick your spots better.
Lamar and Vujacic are a big key. If Vujacic can keep hitting his shots with consistancy long 2s or treys. Lamar needs to continue to attack, continue to play hard, not cry, not squint his face, not complain, not give a #### if B Roy drives in and gets his #### handed to him(that wasnt a flagrant foul, not my fault B Roy launched himself towards the net so fast when he hit Lamar he fell like a brick... B Roys momentum did that not Lamar... alot worse fouls dont get flagranted I think the refs hate us lol.)
But yeah Lamar needs to be Lamar he can do a wide variety of things like he is a point / forward with passing, rebounding, and scoring skills. Lamar needs to show up everygame, not every OTHER game and we will be fine.
Pau he looked better before the injury, hopefully he'll be 100% as the playoffs start.
I've seen so many posts/comments with the refrain "when we get Bynum back in the playoffs no one will be able to stop us", or a similar variation on that same theme plus Ariza, so it's nice to have a more realistic take for a change.
Lakers just have to pretend they are playing Utah on the road without Gasol every game, and they'll be fine!
On #3 I think you meant "can't be no different" instead of can be no different. If Odom takes it in closer for left hooks, lay ups and dunks we will tear every body up, but if he settles for long jumpers or 3s, it will be a short post season.
-who ever said Bynum is taking long to heal because he has had knee problems in the past is wrong, well he did but it was his other knee.
-As for the guy that salutes the camera every two seconds w/ the laker license plate, i remember bringing this up in the past, man he is annoying!
-Its going to take the same defensive effort we had during our 9 gm road trip, to win it all.
Lakersfan'
As Bryants goes so too'll the Lakers. And that'll be predicated on whether or not they're prepared to follow Bryant to the ends of the earth in the chase for an NBA championship and ring . If they're prepared to do that then they'll fare well.
If not then it'll be all 'bout regrouping for next season.
tophatal,
Even if it has to come down to next season ....
I really like our chances with the core of players we have. Re-sign Sasha and Ronny, draft or sign a quick, defensive minded PG to deal with the Pauls/Derons/Parkers etc...if healthy, there's not too many other problem areas. We have the makings of a championship quality team. I think we can do it THIS year, with or without Bynum...but I rooted for them when we had Pig Miller & Sedale Threatt too, but that's just me. It's in the blood.
Thanks Mike. I agree, we're talking about a guy who's never seen anything beyond the first round, and has never even been a serious player in those Lakers-Suns matchups. On top of the tough physical road ahead, there is a tough mental road.
yuh8, I don't know. I get the Newbie the poor man's Ariza, but I'm not buying into him yet. Phil has hardly ever played him, and I get the feeling the zenmaster doesn't have much faith in the dude.
I admit, I haven't seen him play much though.
Bleed, completely irrelevent for this season. I can almost gurantee he will not be a difference maker in the playoffs this year. Like I said above, he'll come back slow, out of shape, and not able to keep guys like Duncan, Chandler, and Shaq at bay.
If he comes off the bench, I the defense of the opposing team will completely kill him.
lakersfan, agreed. I got high hopes for Bynum for coming years. I don't believe his impact will be dramatic enough this season to warrant risking him in future seasons.
WrZit, agreed as far as the way Phil budgeted the minutes. I was kind of amazed actually when I took the time to manage his minutes.
That said, I think the problem is that there won't be a time in the playoffs where Bynum can make a difference. Every second of a playoff game is crucual, and you can't afford to waste it by attempting to get Drew acclimated to his new team.
Sure it wasn't a career ending injury, but the fact that he STILL can't run normally isn't a good sign.
Agreed on Odom and Sasha, both are key. Like I said, if Sasha doesn't put up at least 10 a game forget advancing deep in the playoffs. And the Lakers overall rebounding desperately needs for Lamar to be active on the boards.
Worst, yup. I just don't see Ariza and Drew playing as big of roles as some seem to imagine them in.
And yeah, that game was crazy. Absolutely crazy.
Billy, exactly.
David, I think that's always been Lamar's problem. He doesn't drive as much as he should and he settles too often for long jumpers that he can't hit with consistancy. He's always stepped up his play when it matters in the playoffs though, so I hope to see the same this time around.
top, Kobe is BIG. He needs to come to play in these playoffs, and I expect he will. I just hope the others come though what with the lack of real playoff experience on the Lakers aside from Fish, Lamar, and Kobe.
Bleed, completely agree. I LOVE this team for the next five years. Management has proven yet again that they're pure geniuses, and you're right all we need is a solid PG.
And yes, I think we have a shot without Bynum.
underage, great. Once I crack your Fav Five let me know so I can put it on my resume.
I agree with you in your analysis on the importance of these 7 players, but i am also of the opinion that a healthy but rusty Bynum can help the cause of the team... and as Tophatal stated, it is up to the other Lakers team to follow the lead of Kobe and should be prepared to do so with or without Bynum.
Isn't it good to let Bynum in the game even for limited time to earn at least some playoff experience? That is if he's healthy enough to play.
Last edited by nwhatdheck on April 11th at 6:06 PM.
I think Radman is very important...like you.
I have given up on Luke also.
I see kobe playing D only when he feels like it.
I also see weak D from Farmar and Fish.
Pau is not that weak on D unless he's playing center.
Lamar I'm not worried about.
But Bynum is where we disagree. He's been on the treadmill and on the court. He's 20 y/o. I'm not worried about his conditioning. He will fit in right away at center...the easist spot in the triangle. He has had some residual swelling...but I haven't heard anything about pain or instability or him saying he's not ready. I think he's busting at the chops.
Us Laker fans remember feeling the air come out of the ballon when he went down....when he comes back the lift will be like Helium put back in the ballon.
BleedPRPL'
Lakersfan'
Seeing how contentious the west has been this season. You'd really hard pressed to say that there's a real favorite whithin the conference. As each of the top teams have had their fair share of woes this season. It'll be down to who's playing the most consistent brand of high qualiy ball come the playoffs. As that'll no doubt dictate who'll make it out of th conference in the end.
As to the League MVP award no pun intended to the D-Wade , Barkley T-Mobil ads . But who's in "your 5 " ? .
tophatal ........
Last edited by tophatal on April 12th at 12:03 AM.
Excellent blog Lakerfan ... Let me add a point to how important Fish is to the Lakers; it will be a miracle if his ankle holds up through the playoffs. The Lakers are doomed because of it.
On Drew ... he still has to prove to me that this season wasn't a case of him playing over his head (which is why he got hurt), spurred on by the Kobe comments. I need to see him do it again for a whole year next year. And, he should sit out until next year.
Couldn't let the world go without my honest and reasonable look on the Lakers. I'm a true blue Laker fan, but I'm pretty realistic about it as opposed to some of the other crazies running around. Now when I first wrote this profile I wrote that I wanted to speak on all sports...forg et that. I'm here for one reason and one reason only, to talk about hoops. Insult my Lakers and you'll feel my wrath, talk outta your BLEEP about my team and I'll call you on it. Oh and I hate bandwagon fans who quit on the Lakers cuz Kobe wants to leave so if you're one of those, I don't like you. Lakers are gonna be 81-1 in 2034. Heard it here first.
