I enjoyed watching OKC dismantle the Lakers FAR more than I have a right to. The Lakers as you know them can not continue like this. Bryant can't do it all, and doesn't know how or seem to want to work with anyone else.
I don't care for him as a person, but it's always sad to see someone put his heart into winning and failing. Also I'm reminded that the era of basketball I grew up watching is coming to an end.
Agreed, I think he'll get some good numbers though. But he'll be fools gold. You have to show up tonight, no excuses. We've seen all the superstars show up with their backs against the wall...even while banged up (Chris Paul...Wade) I don't know...gotta show up tonight if you are Bynum. I can see Bynum being a perennial all-star but a superstar...not sure I see it after this year. He's young but he's been in the NBA a long time, I'm going with Charles that after what 7 years in the NBA? That long maturity wise he should be far ahead of where he is now.
I wouldn't be so hard on Bynum. He's an entitled, immature jerk but I think Kobe is next-to-impossible to play with right now. Combine that with playing for a coach he absolutely despises. For the record, nobody dominates Perkins in the low post when he's healthy, even Bynum. Howard gives him the most problems because of his foot speed. Perkins entire purpose in the NBA is to defend traditional Cs like Bynum. IMO, the Lakers have to keep Bynum because he is the only guy on their team they can build around. Only possible trade with him is for Howard. Even with 2 yrs/$38 million left, Pau is definitely an ex-Laker. Don't know if the Lakers can get equal talent in return.
I get sick of Miller's analysis. He's biased and favors the old stars too much. This series puts and end to the Kobe vs. Jordan "debate". Mike had less miles on his legs by 33, because he to went to college and took a break to play baseball. The thing is none of that matters when you look at a players body of work. I doubt Kobe could ever win a ring at 35. Now, I see the Lakers making a run at Dwight. They see that last year wasn't a fluke, and it's all downhill from here unless they make a serious change.
Looks like the second coming of Artis Gilmore to me. Gobbles up a ton of possessions. Has to have the ball in his hands and take up the shot clock to get his shot. And can't create good looks for his teammates. Never wins anything. But the numbers look nice. Doesn't make his teammates better. That was Artis. That's what I see in Bynum.
Seems like it was yesterday when Laker fans thought Ramon Sessions was going to help get them a title lol
At least Kobe tries his best. He never backs down from a challenge, but Perkins straight up manhandled Bynum throughout the series. I would much rather have an enforcer, defensive type in Perkins at his salary over Bynum. I don't think the Magic want anything to do with the Lakers in a trade no matter how aggressive they are.
Naw its cool. Im admittedly a Kobe hater, Its just the way he carries himself , like he's entitled because in his mind he's greater than he actually is, that puts me on the opposing side. He played as good as he possibly could. And thats what I would revel in, he aint as good as people claim he is or that he thinks he is. He gave his best but he aint so good that he can win without utilizing his teamates.
Why would Orlando want that at this point? Bynum is on an expiring deal next season. He's just as likely to walk away as Howard is. No way he stays and signs long-term if they are stuck in mediocrity, which is where they will be after moving Dwight. Honestly, it makes no sense for Orlando to do that.
Perkins should get a gold medal because of his defense on Bynum despite the hip injury. But he's so limited on offense it makes him a specialist player that can only help certain teams.
