Why are people just brushing off the Lakers? They don't have a bad team in my opinion. They still have a very good shot at the playoffs. Sure they aren't the same but now they have a versatile team. PG: Payton/Fisher SG: Bryant/Rush SF: Butler/George/Walton PF: Odom/Malone C: Grant/Medvedenko Odom can play both SF and PF. Grant can play both C and PF. They have Devean George and Luke Walton as back-up SF. Trade either George or Walton for another center. And if they pick-up Fisher again, they'll have solid players surrounding ONE superstar. What do yall think?
I would trade Butler and some scrubs to GS for Dampier in a sign and trade. Then it would be Payton Kobe Odom Grant Dampier
They'll be fine if they trade some of their SF's for some big guys that can rebound and play defense, or if they just sign one or two of them. They won't contend for a championship or anything, but they'll be top 4-7 in the West for sure...
Because, in a conference dominated by post play or has some kind of post presence, their best post guy is a broken down, aging PF. Grant can't play center, now in the West, especially with his health. Who will they beat out for a playoff spot? Even Dallas has a good big man or two. Here are the teams battling for a playoff spot: Minnesota Dallas Sacramento San Antonio Houston Denver Memphis Portland Utah Phoenix LA Lakers Guess which team doesn't have a strong post presence or good big guy?
The Fakers are in TROUBLE if they have to begin the season with Lamar Odom as their 4 and Brian Grant as their 5. This team looks to have no inside game whatsoever, but that is probably what Jerry Buss, er Mitch Kupchak, er Rudy T, er the real coach, Kobe, wants.
Man you are so under-estimating them. So you're telling me that Boozer or Voshkul are considered established post players in the west? Also let me remind you that Rudy is a big man's coach and he can develope players.
Odom is a stud, but if you are counting on him to be your starting PF in the West, you are in trouble.
Also don't expect K-Mart to do wonderous things. The only reason he appeared to be a good player was bacause of Kidd.
No, I'm telling you that Boozer and Kirilenko are good post guys. As for Rudy being a good big man coach, don't you actually have to HAVE a good big man? Seriously, take that Lakers team and compare them to teams in the West. Their frontline is going to get butchered.
Please, that's ridiculous. First of all, Andre Miller isn't a bad PG in his own right. Second, Kidd didn't make Martin a good rebounder and defender. I mean, I can use your logic, the only reason Odom and Butler looked like good players and Odom didn't get hurt was because they played in the East right? That doesn't make sense.
Unless Kupchak is completely clueless that won't happen, they don't need scorers down there, defense and rebounding will do fine.
My point was that don't consider Matin a post presence. He's a good rebounder and defensive player. But 17 ppg....no way he could have gotten that without Kidd. Dre is a good point gaurd but he is no Kidd.
That post was dripping in sarcasm but don't be so sure that Kupchak has a clue. What has he done since taking over for Jerry West? Signing the Mitten and the b*stard Malone doesn't really count. Don't kid yourself - Kobe Bryant runs that team and I dare say, that organization.
PF: Odom/Malone C: Grant/Medvedenko ODom is not a 4. Malone may retire and heas certainly opted out. Grant can no longer play, leaving Medvedenko as the Lakers' one and only low post threat. The league shudders.
