The Los Angeles Times is reporting that, while still talking with Chris Webber's people, The Lakers may be closer to a deal with the recently waived, DJ Mbenga.
Mbenga, who attended last night's game, averaged 1.6 points and 1.9 rebounds in a 16-game stint with Golden State. The 7-0, 255 undrafted center has a career average of 1.3 PPG and 1.1 RPG.
Phil Jackson has alluded to the use of 10-day contracts, and I cant help but believe that Mbenga would be tested with one before any season deal were to go down. Mbenga definitely isn't the fix that the Lakers need, but I think his presence might make a difference.
This also comes with the news that Vlad Rad isn't close to coming back. Vlad said
"Nothing good, man," when asked how he was doing last night. Radmanovic underwent an MRI on Wednesday that confirmed tendinitis and a sprain in his right ankle. Bynum doesn't like waiting game [LA Times]
I think its a great move if he can catch a ball like any average backup center you would be amazed at how bad Kwame is. All he has to do is be able to play a little D, board and FINISH not DROP.
I am hoping this is in addition to and not instead of Webber, but this kid is at least going to be in shape you would think.
I'm glad the fans booed him. Why? Because it's a test on Kwame's resolve. Will he respond? Or is he taking the money and running with it? Kwame needs to man up, have some PRIDE, and play like he's got a pair of you-know-what.
We Lakers fans have standards to uphold. We expect smart basketball and players who work hard who come ready to play. Kwame doesn't bring any of that.
Now to see how he responds on Monday against Marcus Camby and the Nugs.
Last edited by J-DIZZLE on January 18th at 7:27 PM.
Wow! This move will shake things up throughout the league. Congratulations by the way. This could possibly the first ever blog about DJ Mbenga. So "Snaps."
Dizzle, think back to two years ago. Back when he was arguably playing the best ball of his career towards the end of the season and into the first round.
Remember the chants of Kwame? After the game Brown had said he thought the chants were for "Kobe".
A guy like Kwame needs people to cheer him on, not boo him. He's weak mentally and that's a fact, so all booing him does is screw him up even more.
Sometimes I have to wonder, why is Luke Walton a starter. I understand that Phil love his triangle but we need someone better at the three spot. Last game against Phoenix, he again was scared to take the first shot given to him ( fear of failure ) and all his others were blocked. I have seen this from Luke time and time again...
Having watched 'Beng in Dallas, I'll say this, the guy is good for 1.6 points and 1.6 rebounds and that's it. There's a reason two teams have let him go and it has nothing to do with his being a good guy. He hasn't delivered.
Shouldn't any NBA player be able to luck into 1 and 1? I like to think if I stepped on the court, at 6'2" and more pounds than I care to mention, that I could just happen to be in the right place one time a game and get a rebound throw in a lucky shot every two games. Anyone could. Hell, at 7' tall, I might even get 3 and 3!
Luke's shots weren't blocked, they were reeeeJECTED!
I think it's fair to see what Kwame does vs. the Nugs, give the boy a chance to gather his game, after the 21 pt win vs. the SUNS at the start of the year, many of you Laker faithful were extolling his virtues.
This Mbenga guy is a stiff. Get Webber!! Mbenga has been with Dallas and Golden State and they both gave up on him. You know what that tells me? Dallas has Dampier and Diop at center bot are terrible and this guy couldn't beat 1 of them out for some playiing time. Golde State needs a big man like I need a date with Pam Anderson and he got cut there too!!! Don't waiste your time Mitch, If you want a real dissapointment for a center look no farther than your current starter. Lord knows we don't need 2 of them
I'm a realistic observer of the vast world that surrounds the Los Angeles Lakers. You can thank Nick Van Exel, Eddie Jones, Elden Campbell, Cedric Ceballos, and Vlade Divac for making that possible. The greatest person of all time is Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn. There's no getting around that. Me? I'm eighteen years old and working my way to a journalism degree.
The Los Angeles Times is reporting that, while still talking with Chris Webber's people, The Lakers may be closer to a deal with the recently waived, DJ Mbenga.
