I recall some people seeking out a trade of L-Train for Bosh. He has really amped up his game past the all-star break and this is a regular trend for LMA. He is better and younger than Bosh. To be fair to Bosh, he is not a guy who can carry a team, let alone that Toronto team, but they should be better than what they are. I just like how LA responds as the season progresses, and he is clutch. I think the only PF's better than LA for THIS season are Duncan, Dirk, and KG. I put him on par with Amare but would take him over STAT due to his chemistry with the team and lack of drama. I say Al Jeff and Dwight are centers. In just a short span of time, he will be the premier PF in the game. We got a good thing going.
I am not sure how many people have noticed this. But in every game where the Blazer have reached a struggling point, Lamarcus comes out with energy and makes plays. Even if he doesn't have the ball. Even if he has to slap Kevin Garnett upside the head. The only times he really stops scoring now, is when he isn't in the game, or when the team forgets about him. Top it off with the fact his rebounding has gone through the roof, and he is blocking shots, and I ask Do you miss Zbo now? Do you really?
I also felt that trading Aldridge for Bosh would have been a pointless move. I still have faith that LMA will be one of the best power forwards in the west. He might not ever be a super star because of how many scorers we have on our team, but I think he could easily be an All-Star.
LaMarcus has really stepped up his game since the all-star break (concussion and its aftermath aside) but I don't know how useful it is to get into player X > player Y comparisons. I'm just happy LMA is showing he's capable of being an aggressive inside presence (at both ends) and is bringing it night and night out. Good stuff.
Aldridge has been coming on strong. I was a bit dismayed earlier this season at how little he had improved (on offense/rebounding) over last season, but he's been much better of late. I think that while this season hasn't been hugely better than last season, he might be ready to make a big leap next season. And his defense has improved over last year. Bosh is still a bit better in terms of scoring/rebounding, but Aldridge's defense might make up the gap.
I think one thing that is worth looking at there, is Bosh is relied on to carry that team from night to night. He is an excellent player, but who else do they go to? Look across the roster, and there just isn't another threat that scares you there. You double L-Train and who does he pass to? Brandon Roy. See what I am saying?
bosh is still better. but i love alridge pause you also forgot pau gasol on your list of pf's playing better this season
Pau has been playing like this since he joined the Lakers. He was great after he was traded to LA last season.
I think he's our best overall player now. His rebounding has improved, his defense, his offensive repertoire, his understanding of player movement and placement. I think he'll need bigger statistical games to become an all-star however, unless we move into the top 3 of the West. I think his season high is only 29-tonight.
you missed the point of my post. he named a list of pfs who are playing better than lma this season, and didnt include pau. i was just saying since no1 else had in the thread, that he forgot to list him.
We got jack shit in terms of value for Zach. Even the Knicks did better in getting immediately expiring contracts. Portland had to eat a massive amount of Francis's deal (without getting any on-court value) and got a worthless Channing Frye. We also got the cap exception that we used to get Rudy, but I'm not convinced that we could not have otherwise acquired the draft rights to him. Portland got negative value for Zach, and the Knicks managed to get expiring contracts. So, while I don't miss Zach, I still think the deal was a mistake for Portland. Ed O.
Cute, another poster (a producer at that!) who we all know doesn't watch the games, either. Or at least doesn't know basketball. Aldridge has added a certain level of physicality to his game this year unmatched offensively by no one on our team and on defense only by Pryzbilla.
LaMarcus just needs to learn to be able to put the ball on the floor and drive - this will help him get to the line more which will only benefit our team as a whole.
